bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an improved mathematical model for the dynamic response of a sphere located at a viscoelastic medium interface
Authors: Koruk H
Published: December 2021

A comprehensive investigation on the static and dynamic responses of a sphere located at elastic and viscoelastic medium interfaces is performed in this study. First, the mathematical models commonly used for predicting the static displacement of a sphere located at an elastic medium interface are presented and their performances are compared. After that, based on the finite element analyses, an accurate mathematical model to predict the static displacement of a sphere located at an elastic medium interface valid for different Poisson’s ratios of the medium and small and large sphere displacements is proposed. Then, an improved mathematical model for the dynamic response of a sphere located at a viscoelastic medium interface is developed. In addition to the Young’s modulus of the medium and the radius of the sphere, the model takes into account the density, Poisson’s ratio and viscosity of the medium, the mass of the sphere and the radiation damping. The effects of the radiation damping, the Young’s modulus, density and viscosity of the medium and the density of the sphere on the dynamic response of the sphere located at a viscoelastic medium interface are explored. The developed model can be used to understand the dynamic responses of spherical objects located at viscoelastic medium interfaces in practical applications. Furthermore, the proposed model is a significant tool for graduate students and researchers in the fields of engineering, materials science and physics to gain insight into the dynamic responses of spheres located at viscoelastic medium interfaces.
Photonic crystal meso-cavity with double resonance for second-harmonic generation
Authors: Medina-Vázquez José A , González-Ramírez Evelyn Y , Murillo-Ramírez José G
Published: December 2021

In this work, we study a composite zinc oxide photonic crystal (PhC) that includes a meso-cavity coupled to a PhC L3 microcavity to obtain a double resonance effect and second-harmonic generation (SHG) conversion efficiency as high as 468 W−1. This exceptional conversion efficiency was attributed to the high quality-factors Q found in the fundamental and second-harmonic (SH) modes whose values were of the order of 105 and 106, respectively. Since the L3 microcavity plays a relevant role in the SHG of the composite PhC, we performed a calculation of its photonic band structure to observe the induced modes in its bandgap. Furthermore, we also found that the resonant mode adjusted to the frequency of the SH exhibits high Purcell factors of the order of 105. Hence, in a semiconductor material, it can be easily enhanced the light emission at the SH frequency using an adequate driving fundamental frequency light beam. These results can stimulate the engineering of photonic nanostructures in semiconductor materials to achieve highly efficient non-linear effects with applications in cavity quantum electrodynamics.
Zinc oxide hollow spheres decorated with cerium dioxide. The role of morphology in the photoactivity of semiconducting oxides
Authors: Cerrato Erik , Chiesa Mario , Giamello Elio , Livraghi Stefano , Salvadori Enrico , Paganini Maria Cristina
Published: December 2021

The photochemical activity of the recently proposed CeO2–ZnO photocatalytic material active under visible light has been improved by means of significant modifications of its morphology. A polymeric templating agent (Pluronic) has been used in the synthesis obtaining a particle morphology based on hollow spheres that is better defined in the case of high template concentration. The charge separation ability and the light-induced surface electron transfer under irradiation with visible polychromatic light in various ranges of wavelengths has been investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance. The reactivity of the photogenerated holes has been monitored by the spin trapping technique in the presence of DMPO. The hollow spheres morphology achieved through the synthesis here reported leads to systems with a higher photoactivity under visible irradiation than the same system displaying the classic platelets morphology. A parallel increase of the photocatalytic activity of this novel system in pollution remediation reactions is therefore predictable.
Understanding the Seebeck coefficient of LaNiO3 compound in the temperature range 300–620 K
Authors: Khatun Arzena , Sk Shamim , Pandey Sudhir K
Published: December 2021

Transition metal oxides have been attracted much attention in thermoelectric community from the last few decades. In the present work, we have synthesized LaNiO3 by a simple solution combustion process. To analyse the crystal structure and structural parameters we have used Rietveld refinement method wherein FullProf software is employed. The room temperature x-ray diffraction indicates the rhombohedral structure with space group

R

3

¯

c

(No. 167). The refined values of lattice parameters are a = b = c = 5.4071 Å. Temperature dependent Seebeck coefficient (S) of this compound has been investigated by using experimental and computational tools. The measurement of S is conducted in the temperature range 300–620 K. The measured values of S in the entire temperature range have negative sign that indicates n-type character of the compound. The value of S is found to be ∼−8 μV/K at 300 K and at 620 K this value is ∼−12 μV/K. The electronic structure calculation is carried out using DFT + U method due to having strong correlation in LaNiO3. The calculation predicts the metallic ground state of the compound. Temperature dependent S is calculated using BoltzTraP package and compared with experiment. The best matching between experimental and calculated values of S is observed when self-interaction correction is employed as double counting correction in spin-polarized DFT + U (=1 eV) calculation. Based on the computational results maximum power factors are also calculated for p-type and n-type doping of this compound.
The egg steamer paradox
Authors: Flach S , Parnovsky S , Varlamov A A
Published: December 2021

Why do we need to pour less water in an egg steamer to prepare more eggs to the same degree of ‘doneness’? We discuss the physical processes at work in the electric egg steamer and resolve this seeming paradox. We demonstrate that the main heat transfer mechanism from steam to egg is due to latent heat through condensation. This not only explains the paradox, but also allows us to estimate the amount of water reduction. Comparing the preparation time to the one for traditional boiling, we estimate the eggshell temperature during steaming. We also describe the device design and provide further theoretical estimates and experimental kitchen measurement data for this appealing kitchen experiment that can be easily accomplished at home.
Generation of dense and well-collimated positron beam via ultra-intense laser colliding with a flying plasma layer
Authors: Han Qianqian , Geng Xuesong , Shen Baifei , Ji LiangLiang , Xu Zhizhan
Published: December 2021

With the forthcoming 10–100PW laser facilities, laser-driven electron–positron-pair production has gained particular interest. Here, a scheme to enhance the generation of dense electron–positron-pairs is proposed and numerically demonstrated, employing double laser pulses at the intensity level of

10

23

W c

m

−
2

. The first laser accelerates a thin foil to a relativistic speed via the radiation-pressure-acceleration mechanism and a counter-propagating laser irradiates this flying plasma layer. The simulation results indicate that a high-yield and well-collimated positron beam (

∼
5.5
×

10

10

positrons/pulse, 8.8 nC/pulse) is generated with a large peak density

1.1
×

10

21

 c

m

−
3

by using tens-of-PW laser pulses.
The irony of the magnet system for Kibble balances—a review
Authors: Li Shisong , Schlamminger Stephan
Published: December 2021

The magnet system is an essential component of the Kibble balance, a device that is used to realize the unit of mass. It is the source of the magnetic flux, and its importance is captured in the geometric factor Bl. Ironically, the Bl factor cancels out and does not appear in the final Kibble equation. Nevertheless, care must be taken to design and build the magnet system because the cancellation is perfect only if the Bl is the same in both modes: the weighing and velocity mode. This review provides the knowledge necessary to build a magnetic circuit for the Kibble balance. In addition, this article discusses the design considerations, parameter optimizations, practical adjustments to the finished product, and an assessment of systematic uncertainties associated with the magnet system.
Work fluctuations in the active Ornstein–Uhlenbeck particle model
Authors: Semeraro Massimiliano , Suma Antonio , Petrelli Isabella , Cagnetta Francesco , Gonnella Giuseppe
Published: December 2021

We study the large deviations of the power injected by the active force for an active Ornstein–Uhlenbeck particle (AOUP), free or in a confining potential. For the free-particle case, we compute the rate function analytically in d-dimensions from a saddle-point expansion, and numerically in two dimensions by (a) direct sampling of the active work in numerical solutions of the AOUP equations and (b) Legendre–Fenchel transform of the scaled cumulant generating function obtained via a cloning algorithm. The rate function presents asymptotically linear branches on both sides and it is independent of the system’s dimensionality, apart from a multiplicative factor. For the confining potential case, we focus on two-dimensional systems and obtain the rate function numerically using both methods (a) and (b). We find a different scenario for harmonic and anharmonic potentials: in the former case, the phenomenology of fluctuations is analogous to that of a free particle, but the rate function might be non-analytic; in the latter case the rate functions are analytic, but fluctuations are realised by entirely different means, which rely strongly on the particle-potential interaction. Finally, we check the validity of a fluctuation relation for the active work distribution. In the free-particle case, the relation is satisfied with a slope proportional to the bath temperature. The same slope is found for the harmonic potential, regardless of activity, and for an anharmonic potential with low activity. In the anharmonic case with high activity, instead, we find a different slope which is equal to an effective temperature obtained from the fluctuation–dissipation theorem.
Performance verification test of coaxial centrifugal clutch for motorcycle transmission system
Authors: Dai Zih-Chun
Published: December 2021

With the popularization of motorcycles, the demand for motorcycles is getting higher and higher. Therefore, the improvement of power output, the reduction of pollutants discharged, the replacement of waste, the improvement of efficiency and the reduction of fuel use, are also relatively important. Stop-and-go on urban driving will keep the clutch in a state of being engaged and not engaged. The clutch cannot be engaged and is constantly worn. The output efficiency of the CVT belt-type continuously variable transmission system clutch used in the transmission is only about 70~80%. Transmission efficiency. Furthermore, since the traditional CVT belt-type system clutch mainly relies on the action of the centrifugal roller to change the reduction ratio, when encountering different driving conditions and need to accelerate and decelerate, this will make the working area of the internal combustion engine in an unstable state. The matching structure between the automatic clutch weight and the telescopic spring in the reciprocating separation state and the fitted state is replaced, which effectively reduces the problem of uneven contact surfaces of the plates in the past, and prevents the elastic aging from affecting the uniform transmission of power, resulting in the entire dry clutch The life span of the engine is improved and the efficiency of power transmission is maintained, thereby reducing fuel consumption and producing more complete engine power. Therefore, the “Design Performance Verification of Coaxial Contact Centrifugal Ball Clutch” is proposed mainly to verify that the coaxial contact centrifugal ball clutch has better performance than the CVT belt-type clutch.
Cobalt-doped Ti surface promotes immunomodulation
Authors: Yang Xiaoming , Zhang Chi , Zhang Tao , Xiao Jin
Published: December 2021

Here, cobalt-doped plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings with different cobalt contents were prepared on Ti implants. The cobalt ions in the PEO coating exhibited a slow and sustainable release and thus showed excellent biocompatibility and enhanced cell adhesion. In vitro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction assays demonstrated that the cobalt-loaded Ti showed immunomodulatory functions to macrophages and upregulated the expression of anti-inflammatory (M1 type) genes and downregulated expression levels of pro-inflammatory (M2 type) genes compared with that of pure Ti sample. High cobalt content induced increased macrophage polarization into the M2 type. Furthermore, the findings from the in vivo air pouch model suggested that cobalt-loaded Ti could mitigate inflammatory reactions. The present work provides a novel strategy to exploit the immunomodulatory functions of implant materials.
Unconventional relaxation of hydrodynamic modes in anharmonic chains under strong pressure fluctuations
Authors: Ke Da , Zhong Wei , Dmitriev Sergey V , Xiong Daxing
Published: December 2021

We develop an effective numerical scheme to capture hydrodynamic (HD) modes in general classical anharmonic chains. This scheme is based on the HD theory suggested by Ernst–Hauge–van Leeuwen, which takes full role of pressure fluctuations into account. With this scheme we show that the traditional pictures given by the current nonlinear fluctuating HD theory are valid only when the system’s pressure is zero and the pressure fluctuations are weak. For nonvanishing pressure, the HD modes can, however, respond to small and large pressure fluctuations and relax in some distinct manners. Our results shed new light on understanding thermal transport from the perspective of HD theory.
Indole as a new tentative marker in exhaled breath for non-invasive blood glucose monitoring of diabetic subjects
Authors: Fink Herbert , Maihöfer Tim , Bender Jeffrey , Schulat Jochen
Published: December 2021

Blood glucose monitoring (BGM) is the most important part of diabetes management. In classical BGM, glucose measurement by test strips involves invasive finger pricking. We present results of a clinical study that focused on a non-invasive approach based on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath. Main objective was the discovery of markers for prediction of blood glucose levels (BGL) in diabetic patients. Exhaled breath was measured repeatedly in 60 diabetic patients (30 type 1, 30 type 2) in fasting state and after a standardized meal. Proton Transfer Reaction Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) was used to sample breath every 15 minutes for a total of six hours. BGLs were tested in parallel via BGM test strips. VOC signals were plotted against glucose trends for each subject to identify correlations. Exhaled indole (a bacterial metabolite of tryptophan) showed significant mean correlation to BGL (with negative trend) and significant individual correlation in 36 patients. The type of diabetes did not affect this result. Additional experiments of one healthy male subject by ingestion of lactulose and 13C-labeled glucose (n=3) revealed that exhaled indole does not directly originate from food digestion by intestinal microbiota. As indole has been linked to human glucose metabolism, it might be a tentative marker in breath for non-invasive BGM. Clinical studies with greater diversity are required for confirmation of such results and further investigation of metabolic pathways.
A multimodal 3D neuro-microphysiological system with neurite-trapping microelectrodes
Authors: Molina-Martínez Beatriz , Jentsch Laura-Victoria , Ersoy Fulya , van der Moolen Matthijs , Donato Stella , Ness Torbjørn V , Heutink Peter , Jones Peter D , Cesare Paolo
Published: December 2021

Three-dimensional cell technologies as pre-clinical models are emerging tools for mimicking the structural and functional complexity of the nervous system. The accurate exploration of phenotypes in engineered 3D neuronal cultures, however, demands morphological, molecular and especially functional measurements. Particularly crucial is measurement of electrical activity of individual neurons with millisecond resolution. Current techniques rely on customized electrophysiological recording set-ups, characterized by limited throughput and poor integration with other readout modalities. Here we describe a novel approach, using multiwell glass microfluidic microelectrode arrays, allowing non-invasive electrical recording from engineered 3D neuronal cultures. We demonstrate parallelized studies with reference compounds, calcium imaging and optogenetic stimulation. Additionally, we show how microplate compatibility allows automated handling and high-content analysis of human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived neurons. This microphysiological platform opens up new avenues for high-throughput studies on the functional, morphological and molecular details of neurological diseases and their potential treatment by therapeutic compounds.
Molecular substructure tree generative model for de novo drug design
Authors: Wang Shuang , Song Tao , Zhang Shugang , Jiang Mingjian , Wei Zhiqiang , Li Zhen
Published: December 2021

Deep learning shortens the cycle of the drug discovery for its success in extracting features of molecules and proteins. Generating new molecules with deep learning methods could enlarge the molecule space and obtain molecules with specific properties. However, it is also a challenging task considering that the connections between atoms are constrained by chemical rules. Aiming at generating and optimizing new valid molecules, this article proposed Molecular Substructure Tree Generative Model, in which the molecule is generated by adding substructure gradually. The proposed model is based on the Variational Auto-Encoder architecture, which uses the encoder to map molecules to the latent vector space, and then builds an autoregressive generative model as a decoder to generate new molecules from Gaussian distribution. At the same time, for the molecular optimization task, a molecular optimization model based on CycleGAN was constructed. Experiments showed that the model could generate valid and novel molecules, and the optimized model effectively improves the molecular properties.
Outcomes of normothermic machine perfusion of liver grafts in repeat liver transplantation (NAPLES initiative)
Authors: Hann A. , Lembach H. , Nutu A. , Dassanayake B. , Tillakaratne S. , McKay S. C. , Boteon A. P. C. S. , Boteon Y. L. , Mergental H. , Murphy N. , Bangash M. N. , Neil D. A. H. , Issac J. L. , Javed N. , Faulkner T. , Bennet D. , Moore R. , Vasanth S. , Subash G. , Cuell J. , Rao R. , Cilliers H. , Russel S. , Haydon G. , Mutimer D. , Roberts K. J. , Mirza D. F. , Ferguson J. , Bartlett D. , Isaac J. R. , Rajoriya N. , Armstrong M. J. , Hartog H. , Perera M. T. P. R.
Published: December 2021

Background

Retransplantation candidates are disadvantaged owing to lack of good-quality liver grafts. Strategies that can facilitate transplantation of suboptimal grafts into retransplant candidates require investigation. The aim was to determine whether late liver retransplantation can be performed safely with suboptimal grafts, following normothermic machine perfusion.

Methods

A prospectively enrolled group of patients who required liver retransplantation received a suboptimal graft preserved via normothermic machine perfusion. This group was compared with both historical and contemporaneous cohorts of patient who received grafts preserved by cold storage. The primary outcome was 6-month graft and patient survival.

Results

The normothermic machine perfusion group comprised 26 patients. The historical (cold storage 1) and contemporaneous (cold storage 2) groups comprised 31 and 25 patients respectively. The 6-month graft survival rate did not differ between groups (cold storage 1, 27 of 31, cold storage 2, 22 of 25; normothermic machine perfusion, 22 of 26; P = 0.934). This was despite the normothermic machine perfusion group having significantly more steatotic grafts (8 of 31, 7 of 25, and 14 of 26 respectively; P = 0.006) and grafts previously declined by at least one other transplant centre (5 of 31, 9 of 25, and 21 of 26; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In liver retransplantation, normothermic machine perfusion can safely expand graft options without compromising short-term outcomes.
APOE4 derived from astrocytes leads to blood–brain barrier impairment
Authors: Jackson Rosemary J , Meltzer Jonah C , Nguyen Huong , Commins Caitlin , Bennett Rachel E , Hudry Eloise , Hyman Bradley T
Published: December 2021

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a multifaceted secreted molecule synthesized in the CNS by astrocytes and microglia, and in the periphery largely by the liver. ApoE has been shown to impact the integrity of the blood–brain barrier, and, in humans, the APOE4 allele of the gene is reported to lead to a leaky blood–brain barrier. We used allele specific knock-in mice expressing each of the common (human) ApoE alleles, and longitudinal multiphoton intravital microscopy, to directly monitor the impact of various ApoE isoforms on blood–brain barrier integrity.

We found that humanized APOE4, but not APOE2 or APOE3, mice show a leaky blood–brain barrier, increased MMP9, impaired tight junctions, and reduced astrocyte end-foot coverage of blood vessels. Removal of astrocyte-produced ApoE4 led to the amelioration of all phenotypes while the removal of astrocyte-produced ApoE3 had no effect on blood–brain barrier integrity.

This work shows a cell specific gain of function effect of ApoE4 in the dysfunction of the BBB and implicates astrocyte production of ApoE4, possibly as a function of astrocytic end foot interactions with vessels, as a key regulator of the integrity of the blood–brain barrier.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection with delayed-onset myocarditis: case report
Authors: Shen Miles , Milner Aidan , Foppiano Palacios Carlo , Ahmad Tariq
Published: December 2021

Background

During the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, reports have emerged of a multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A). Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults can affect various organ systems, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neurologic systems without significant respiratory involvement.

Case summary

A previously healthy 43-year-old man presented with fevers and abdominal pain then rapidly deteriorated into cardiogenic shock. His constellation of symptoms along with elevated inflammatory markers in the setting of a recent SARS-CoV-2 infection was consistent with the diagnosis of MIS-A. He also had a comprehensive infectious workup that was unremarkable, ruling out other potential infectious aetiologies for his presentation. He subsequently improved through supportive measures and after administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). He later demonstrated recovery of cardiac function and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed signs consistent with myocarditis.

Discussion

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be an ongoing issue, it is important to recognize MIS-A, a rare and potentially deadly clinical syndrome that can lead to profound cardiovascular complications. Non-invasive imaging modalities such as cardiac MRI can play a role in the identification of myocarditis. In addition to supportive management, adjunctive therapies such as IVIG may be efficacious in MIS-A and should be further investigated.
Shutdown corner, a large deletion mutant isolated from a haploid mutagenesis screen in zebrafish
Authors: Casey Macaulie A , Hill Jonathon T , Hoshijima Kazuyuki , Bryan Chase D , Gribble Suzanna L , Brown J Thomas , Chien Chi-Bin , Yost H Joseph , Kwan Kristen M
Published: December 2021

Morphogenesis, the formation of three-dimensional organ structures, requires precise coupling of genetic regulation and complex cell behaviors. The genetic networks governing many morphogenetic systems, including that of the embryonic eye, are poorly understood. In zebrafish, several forward genetic screens have sought to identify factors regulating eye development. These screens often look for eye defects at stages after the optic cup is formed and when retinal neurogenesis is under way. This approach can make it difficult to identify mutants specific for morphogenesis, as opposed to neurogenesis. To this end, we carried out a forward genetic, small-scale haploid mutagenesis screen in zebrafish (Danio rerio) to identify factors that govern optic cup morphogenesis. We screened ∼100 genomes and isolated shutdown corner (sco), a mutant that exhibits multiple tissue defects and harbors a ∼10-Mb deletion that encompasses 89 annotated genes. Using a combination of live imaging and antibody staining, we found cell proliferation, cell death, and tissue patterning defects in the sco optic cup. We also observed other phenotypes, including paralysis, neuromuscular defects, and ocular vasculature defects. To date, the largest deletion mutants reported in zebrafish are engineered using CRISPR-Cas9 and are less than 300 kb. Because of the number of genes within the deletion interval, shutdown corner [Df(Chr05:sco)z207] could be a useful resource to the zebrafish community, as it may be helpful for gene mapping, understanding genetic interactions, or studying many genes lost in the mutant.
Fission stories: using PomBase to understand Schizosaccharomyces pombe biology
Authors: Harris Midori A , Rutherford Kim M , Hayles Jacqueline , Lock Antonia , Bähler Jürg , Oliver Stephen G , Mata Juan , Wood Valerie
Published: December 2021

PomBase (www.pombase.org), the model organism database (MOD) for the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, supports research within and beyond the S. pombe community by integrating and presenting genetic, molecular, and cell biological knowledge into intuitive displays and comprehensive data collections. With new content, novel query capabilities, and biologist-friendly data summaries and visualization, PomBase also drives innovation in the MOD community.
JaponicusDB: rapid deployment of a model organism database for an emerging model species
Authors: Rutherford Kim M , Harris Midori A , Oliferenko Snezhana , Wood Valerie
Published: December 2021

The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces japonicus has recently emerged as a powerful system for studying the evolution of essential cellular processes, drawing on similarities as well as key differences between S. japonicus and the related, well-established model Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We have deployed the open-source, modular code and tools originally developed for PomBase, the S. pombe model organism database (MOD), to create JaponicusDB (www.japonicusdb.org), a new MOD dedicated to S. japonicus. By providing a central resource with ready access to a growing body of experimental data, ontology-based curation, seamless browsing and querying, and the ability to integrate new data with existing knowledge, JaponicusDB supports fission yeast biologists to a far greater extent than any other source of S. japonicus data. JaponicusDB thus enables S. japonicus researchers to realize the full potential of studying a newly emerging model species and illustrates the widely applicable power and utility of harnessing reusable PomBase code to build a comprehensive, community-maintainable repository of species-relevant knowledge.
Lack of Association of Elder Mistreatment With Mortality
Authors: Pillemer Karl , Burnes David , Hancock David , Eckenrode John , Rosen Tony , MacNeil Andie , Lachs Mark S
Published: December 2021

Background

Prior research is limited and inconsistent on the degree to which elder mistreatment (EM) is associated with mortality. This study uses data from a 10-year, prospective, population-based study of EM to determine the adjusted effects of EM on older adult mortality, after controlling for other health and socioeconomic covariates.

Methods

The New York State Elder Mistreatment Prevalence Study conducted a random-sample telephone survey of older adults (n = 4 156) in 2009 (Wave 1). The current study employs EM and covariate data from Wave 1 and data on mortality status through Wave 2 (2019). EM was operationalized both as experiencing EM and as severity of EM. The survey measured overall EM and separate subtypes (emotional, physical, and financial abuse, and neglect).

Results

The hypothesis was not supported that abused and neglected older people would have higher rates of death over the study. Individuals who were victims of EM were no more likely to die over the following 10 years, compared with those who were not mistreated, after controlling for covariates. Furthermore, the severity of EM, as measured by the frequency of mistreatment behaviors, also was not associated with mortality risk.

Conclusions

The finding that self-reported EM did not raise the risk of earlier death in this sample is encouraging. Future research should work to identify factors that may moderate the relationship between EM and mortality, such as social support/isolation, quality of family relationships, or involvement with formal support service systems.
Low-Income, Older African Americans’ Engagement in and Perceptions of a Smartphone-Based Ecological Momentary Assessment Study of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior
Authors: Kennedy-Malone Laurie , Hevel Derek J , Sappenfield Kourtney B , Scheer Heidi , Zecca Christine , Maher Jaclyn P
Published: December 2021

Background and Objectives

Smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methods can provide novel insights into modeling and predicting activity-related behaviors, yet many racial and ethnic minority groups report barriers to participating in mobile health research. We aim to (a) report on strategies used to successfully recruit and retain minority older adults in a smartphone-based physical activity and sedentary behavior EMA study and (b) report on participants’ perceptions of study acceptability.

Research Design and Methods

Researchers partnered with trusted individuals and community organizations serving older adults to facilitate recruitment for an 8-day EMA study of minority older adults’ physical activity and sedentary behavior. Additional strategies such as having experienced, culturally competent team members and available technical support were employed to further recruitment and retention efforts. A poststudy questionnaire assessed participants’ perceptions of study acceptability.

Results

In total, 123 minority older adults were recruited, 102 met inclusion criteria, 91 completed the study, and 89 completed the poststudy questionnaire. The sample consisted of predominantly low-income African American women with an average age of 70 years. Responses to open-ended questions revealed that the most enjoyable aspects of study participation were the ability to learn more about themselves, contribute to science and/or their community, engage in a new activity, and receive financial compensation. Participants reported the least enjoyable aspects of the study included the frequency of EMA questionnaires, apprehension of missing EMA questionnaires, carrying the smartphone, and difficulty wearing the accelerometer. Most participants (97%) expressed interest in being contacted for future studies.

Discussion and Implications

Low-income, older African Americans reported positive perceptions of a smartphone-based EMA study of physical activity and sedentary behavior. Findings suggest that applying demonstrated strategies to engage this population in technology-based health research can enhance recruitment and retention efforts; however, it is unclear which strategies are most effective in reducing participation barriers.
Energetic and financial analysis of solar landfill project: a case study in Qingyuan
Authors: Gu Guangyue , Song Ziteng , Lu Boyan , Deckard Yu , Lei Zonglin , Sun Xuan
Published: December 2021

Landfilling is the most commonly used option for waste disposal in China but occupies massive land resources and solar landfills could be a win-win solution by installing photovoltaic (PV) systems on the closed landfills. This paper theoretically studies the feasibility of solar landfills and compares two possible PV technologies, which are polycrystalline silicon (p-Si) and thin film PVs, from the aspects of energy and financial performance. Based on the research, the capacity factors of p-Si and thin film PV are 19.706% and 17.825%, while the conversion efficiency of them are 12.52% and 10.05%, respectively. The financial analysis indicates that the discounted payback period of p-Si PV is 13.42 years while that of thin film PV is 18.56 years. From another aspect, the levelized cost of electricities of p-Si and thin film PV are 0.87 and 0.92 CNY. The conclusion that can be drawn from the above research is that solar landfills are feasible for the case in Qingyuan energetic and financially. Compared with the thin film PV, the p-Si PV is the optimal choice for solar landfills no matter from the aspects of performance or financial consideration.
Genetic Diversity and Structure in a Closed Breeding System of Russian Honey Bees
Authors: Bilodeau Lelania
Published: December 2021

High levels of genetic diversity are critical to the success of breeding programs. Russian honey bees are a selected stock that undergoes breeding in a closed block-based mating system. Given its established history, Russian stock has longitudinal measures of genetic integrity (i.e., genetically based stock identity) and diversity. Assessments using genetic stock identification (GSI) have shown that genetic diversity parameters were assessed across breeding blocks for three generations, spanning 6 yr (2014, 2017, and 2020), showing levels comparable to those when the stock was initially released in 2008. Allelic richness (mean number of alleles) and gene diversity levels were consistent over time and among blocks. Blocks were generally not differentiated from one another within each year. However, the 2020 population was distinct when compared with bees sampled in both 2014 and 2017. Genetic distance relationships supported differentiation of the 2020 population by distinct clustering. The patterns observed here are consistent with historical changes made to the breeding program to increase stringency of the selection criteria.
Simultaneous Isolation of High-Quality RNA and DNA From Postmortem Human Central Nervous System Tissues for Omics Studies
Authors: Grima Natalie , Henden Lyndal , Watson Owen , Blair Ian P , Williams Kelly L
Published: December 2021

Multi-omics approaches are increasingly being adopted to understand the complex networks underlying disease. The coisolation of high-quality nucleotides from affected tissues is paramount for the parallel analysis of transcriptomic, genomic, and epigenomic data sets. Although nucleotides extracted from postmortem central nervous system (CNS) tissue are widely used in the study of neurodegenerative disease, assessment of methods for the simultaneous isolation of DNA and RNA is limited. Herein, we describe a strategy for the isolation of high-quality DNA and RNA from postmortem human tissue from 7 CNS regions. Motor cortex, frontal cortex, hippocampus, occipital cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, cerebellum, and spinal cord tissues were obtained from 22 individuals diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND) and 13 neurologically normal controls (n = 245 tissues). We demonstrated that the Qiagen AllPrep DNA/RNA kit consistently isolated DNA and RNA of high yield and quality from all 6 brain regions. Importantly, phenol-chloroform-based extraction was required to isolate high-yield RNA from spinal cord. RNA sequencing using RNA extracted from 6 CNS regions (n = 60) generated high-quality transcriptomes. Hierarchical clustering of data from motor cortex, using an MND susceptibility gene panel and marker genes of disease-associated microglia, demonstrated that MND-specific gene expression signatures could be detected in the transcriptome data.
The Dynamics of Sources of Knowledge on the Nature of Innovation in the Public Sector: Understanding Incremental and Transformative Innovations in Local Governments
Authors: Zambrano-Gutiérrez Julio C , Puppim de Oliveira Jose A
Published: December 2021

Understanding the effects of different sources of knowledge acquisition in public organizations has become widely promoted for overcoming sociotechnical challenges through innovation. This study divided the sources of knowledge into external and internal learning mechanisms to assess their divergent effects on incremental and transformative innovations in 82 local governments involved in green and blue infrastructure projects. First, the study tests whether more diverse external sources of knowledge acquisition are more effective in increasing transformative innovation than internal learning mechanisms. The second proposition tests whether internal changes in organizational routines are associated with incremental rather than transformative innovation. Results from mediation analysis using structural equation models confirm that the initial negative effect of external and internal learning mechanisms on innovation can be eliminated, on the one hand, by engaging in more diverse cross-sector collaborations to increase transformative innovations and, on the other hand, by focusing on changing administrative routines to support incremental innovation.
Comparison of neutralizing antibody response in first and second waves of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in India
Authors: Deshpande Gururaj Rao , Bhukya Prudhvi Lal , Yadav Pragya D , Salunke Asha , Patil Chetan , Tilekar Bipin N , Rakhe Aparna , Srivastava Rashi , Gurav Yogesh K , Potdar Varsha , Abraham Priya , Sapkal Gajanan N
Published: December 2021

The Delta variant leads to the resurgence of the second wave in India. A 1.51-fold increase in neutralizing antibody response was observed in the second wave compared with first wave, indicating the second wave dominated by the Delta elicited a robust immune response.
The differences between mass- and light-derived structural parameters over time for MaNGA elliptical galaxies
Authors: Ibarra-Medel H , Avila-Reese V , Lacerna I , Rodríguez-Puebla A , Vázquez-Mata J A , Hernández-Toledo H M , Sánchez S F
Published: December 2021

We apply stellar population synthesis analysis to obtain spatially resolved archaeological inferences for a large sample of ‘red and dead’ Elliptical galaxies (Classical Ellipticals, CLEs) from the MaNGA/SDSS-IV DR15 survey. From their 2D stellar light and mass maps, we explore the differences between the radial mass and light distributions in the rest-frame bands g, r, and i as functions of look-back time, tlb, or redshift, z. We characterize these differences through the ratios between the following mass- and light-derived global properties: sizes, concentrations, and effective surface densities. We find that the mass-to-light ratios of these properties change with tlb, more the more massive the galaxies are. The CLE galaxy archaeological progenitors are, on average, less compact, concentrated, and dense in light than in mass as z decreases. However, at later times, when also the evolution of the progenitors becomes passive at all radii, there is an upturn in these trends and the differences between mass and light in compactness/concentration decrease towards z ∼ 0. The trends in the ratios of mass-to-light sizes agree qualitatively with results from direct observations in galaxy surveys at different redshifts. We discuss the caveats and interpretations of our results, and speculate that the strong structural evolution found in some previous studies for early-type galaxies could be explained partially by photometric changes rather than by intrinsic structural changes.
An environmental analysis of the Type Ib SN 2019yvr and the possible presence of an inflated binary companion
Authors: Sun Ning-Chen , Maund Justyn R , Crowther Paul A , Hirai Ryosuke , Kashapov Amir , Liu Ji-Feng , Liu Liang-Duan , Zapartas Emmanouil
Published: December 2021

SN 2019yvr is the second Type Ib supernova (SN) with a possible direct detection of its progenitor (system); however, the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the pre-explosion source appears much cooler and overluminous than an expected helium-star progenitor. Using Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images and MUSE integral-field-unit (IFU) spectroscopy, we find the SN environment contains three episodes of star formation; the low ejecta mass suggests the SN progenitor is most likely from the oldest population, corresponding to an initial mass of 10.4$^{+1.5}_{-1.3}$ M⊙. The pre-explosion SED can be reproduced by two components, one for the hot and compact SN progenitor and one for a cool and inflated yellow hypergiant (YHG) companion that dominates the brightness. Thus, SN 2019yvr could possibly be the first Type Ib/c SN for which the progenitor’s binary companion is directly detected on pre-explosion images. Both the low progenitor mass and the YHG companion suggest significant binary interaction during their evolution. Similar to SN 2014C, SN 2019yvr exhibits a metamorphosis from Type Ib to Type IIn, showing signatures of interaction with hydrogen-rich circumstellar material (CSM) at >150 d; our result supports enhanced pre-SN mass-loss as an important process for hydrogen-poor stars at the lower mass end of core-collapse SN progenitors.
Harvesting random embedding for high-frequency change-point detection in temporal complex systems
Authors: Hou Jia-Wen , Ma Huan-Fei , He Dake , Sun Jie , Nie Qing , Lin Wei
Published: December 2021

Recent investigations have revealed that dynamics of complex networks and systems are crucially dependent on the temporal structures. Accurate detection of the time instant at which a system changes its internal structures has become a tremendously significant mission, beneficial to fully understanding the underlying mechanisms of evolving systems, and adequately modeling and predicting the dynamics of the systems as well. In real-world applications, due to a lack of prior knowledge on the explicit equations of evolving systems, an open challenge is how to develop a practical and model-free method to achieve the mission based merely on the time-series data recorded from real-world systems. Here, we develop such a model-free approach, named temporal change-point detection (TCD), and integrate both dynamical and statistical methods to address this important challenge in a novel way. The proposed TCD approach, basing on exploitation of spatial information of the observed time series of high dimensions, is able not only to detect the separate change points of the concerned systems without knowing, a priori, any information of the equations of the systems, but also to harvest all the change points emergent in a relatively high-frequency manner, which cannot be directly achieved by using the existing methods and techniques. Practical effectiveness is comprehensively demonstrated using the data from the representative complex dynamics and real-world systems from biology to geology and even to social science.
Evaluating the Impact of Language Concordance on Coronavirus Disease 2019 Contact Tracing Outcomes Among Spanish-Speaking Adults in San Francisco Between June and November 2020
Authors: Eliaz Amity , Blair Alden H , Chen Yea-Hung , Fernandez Alicia , Ernst Alexandra , Mirjahangir Joy , Celentano Jessica , Sachdev Darpun , Enanoria Wayne , Reid Michael J A
Published: December 2021

We evaluated the impact of language concordance—clinician or public health worker fluency in a patient’s primary language—on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) contact tracing outcomes among 2668 Spanish-speaking adults in San Francisco. Language concordance was associated with 20% greater odds of COVID-19 testing and 53% greater odds of support service referrals.
Adapting Serosurveys for the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Era
Authors: Duarte Nathan , Yanes-Lane Mercedes , Arora Rahul K , Bobrovitz Niklas , Liu Michael , Bego Mariana G , Yan Tingting , Cao Christian , Gurry Celine , Hankins Catherine A , Cheng Matthew Pellan , Gingras Anne-Claude , Mazer Bruce D , Papenburg Jesse , Langlois Marc-André
Published: December 2021

Population-level immune surveillance, which includes monitoring exposure and assessing vaccine-induced immunity, is a crucial component of public health decision-making during a pandemic. Serosurveys estimating the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in the population played a key role in characterizing SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology during the early phases of the pandemic. Existing serosurveys provide infrastructure to continue immune surveillance but must be adapted to remain relevant in the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine era. Here, we delineate how SARS-CoV-2 serosurveys should be designed to distinguish infection- and vaccine-induced humoral immune responses to efficiently monitor the evolution of the pandemic. We discuss how serosurvey results can inform vaccine distribution to improve allocation efficiency in countries with scarce vaccine supplies and help assess the need for booster doses in countries with substantial vaccine coverage.
Similarities between the biochemical composition of jellyfish body and mucus
Authors: Hubot Nathan , Giering Sarah L C , Lucas Cathy H
Published: December 2021

Recognition of the importance of jellyfish in marine ecosystems is growing. Yet, the biochemical composition of the mucus that jellyfish constantly excrete is poorly characterized. Here we analyzed the macromolecular (proteins, lipids and carbohydrates) and elemental (carbon and nitrogen) composition of the body and mucus of five scyphozoan jellyfish species (Aurelia aurita, Chrysaora fulgida, Chrysaora pacifica, Eupilema inexpectata and Rhizostoma pulmo). We found that the relative contribution of the different macromolecules and elements in the jellyfish body and mucus was similar across all species, with protein being the major component in all samples (81 ± 4% of macromolecules; 3.6 ± 3.1% of dry weight, DW) followed by lipids (13 ± 4% of macromolecules; 0.5 ± 0.4%DW) and carbohydrates (6 ± 3% of macromolecules; 0.3 ± 0.4%DW). The energy content of the jellyfish matter ranged from 0.2 to 3.1 KJ g−1 DW. Carbon and nitrogen content was 3.7 ± 3.0 and 1.0 ± 0.8%DW, respectively. The average ratios of protein:lipid:carbohydrate and carbon:nitrogen for all samples were 14.6:2.3:1 and 3.8:1, respectively. Our study highlights the biochemical similarity between the jellyfish body and mucus and provides convenient and valuable ratios to support the integration of jellyfish into trophic and biogeochemical models.