bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A single-beam dual-axis atomic spin comagnetometer for rotation sensing
Authors: Jiang Liwei , Liu Jiali , Liang Yixiang , Tian Mengnan , Quan Wei
Published: February 2022

We describe a dual-axis atomic spin comagnetometer for rotation sensing using a single laser beam. A circularly polarized laser is used to pump the co-located atomic ensembles of alkali metal and noble gas and probe their gyroscopic precession at the same time, which is different from the traditional two-beam orthogonal pump-probe configuration. Combined with magnetic field modulations perpendicular to the laser propagating direction, the comagnetometer could measure dual-axis rotation rates simultaneously. This system is demonstrated theoretically and experimentally. A rotation sensitivity of 5.1 × 10–7 rad s−1 Hz−1∕2 and a bias instability of 0.016 °/h have been achieved. The theory and method presented here shed light on the way to miniaturize the comagnetometer with high precision for practical applications.
Indirect NMR detection via proton of nuclei subject to large anisotropic interactions, such as 14N, 195Pt, and 35Cl, using the T-HMQC sequence
Authors: Bayzou Racha , Trébosc Julien , Hung Ivan , Gan Zhehong , Lafon Olivier , Amoureux Jean-Paul
Published: February 2022

Recently, the T-hetero-nuclear multiple quantum coherence (T-HMQC) sequence using the TRAPDOR (transfer of population in double resonance) recoupling has been introduced for the indirect detection via protons of quadrupolar nuclei with spin I = 1 (14N) or 3/2 (35Cl) in solids at fast magic-angle spinning (MAS). The sequence is simple as it only uses four rectangular pulses and exhibits low t1-noise because the recoupling pulses are applied to the indirectly detected isotope, I. We demonstrate that this sequence is applicable for the detection via protons of spin-1/2 nuclei subject to large chemical shift anisotropy, such as 195Pt. We also report the proton detection of double-quantum (2Q) coherences of 14N nuclei using this sequence. This 2Q version is more robust to the adjustment of the magic angle and the instabilities of the MAS frequencies than its parent single-quantum (1Q) version since the 2Q coherences are not broadened by the first-order quadrupole interaction. In practice, than its 1Q counterpart for the indirect detection of 14N nuclei, the 2Q variant benefits from a slightly higher resolution and comparable sensitivity. In this article, we derive for the first time the Hamiltonian that describes the spin dynamics during the TRAPDOR recoupling. This Hamiltonian demonstrates the importance of the adiabaticity parameter as well as the role of third-order terms in the effective Hamiltonian. The effects of offsets, radio-frequency field, and recoupling time on the efficiency of the T-HMQC sequence are analyzed numerically as well as with experimental detection via protons of 195Pt nuclei in a mixture of cis- and trans-platin and that of 14N and 35Cl isotopes in l-histidine HCl.
APS2-ACCESS-C2: the first Australian operational NWP convection-permitting model
Authors: Roff Greg , Bermous Ilia , Dietachmayer Gary , Fernon Joan , Fraser Jim , Lu Wenming , Rennie Susan , Steinle Peter , Xiao Yi
Published: February 2022

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s ‘Australian Parallel Suite’ (APS) operational numerical weather prediction regional Australian Community Climate and Earth-System Simulator (ACCESS) city-based system (APS1 ACCESS-C1) was updated in August 2017 with the commissioning of the APS2 ACCESS-C2. ACCESS-C2 runs over six regional domains. Significant upgrade changes included implementation of Unified Model 8.2 code; nesting in the 12 km resolution APS2 ACCESS-R2 regional model; and, importantly, an increased horizontal resolution from 4 to 1.5 km, enabling C2 to become the first Australian operational convection-permitting model (CPM). Traditional rainfall verification metrics and Fractions Skill Score show C2 forecast skill over ACCESS-C domains in summer and winter was generally, and in many cases, significantly better than C1. Case studies showed that C2 forecasts had better-detailed wind and precipitation fields, particularly at longer forecast ranges and higher rain rates. The improvements in C2 forecasts were principally due to its CPM ability to simulate high temporal and spatial resolution features, which continue to be of great interest to forecasters. C2 also laid the groundwork for the present day APS3 ACCESS-C forecast C3 and ensemble CE3 models and further development of higher resolution (down to 300 m) fire weather and urban models.
Reproduction technologies for the sustainable management of Caudata (salamander) and Gymnophiona (caecilian) biodiversity
Authors: Browne Robert K. , Kaurova Svetlana A. , Vasudevan Karthikeyan , McGinnity Dale , Venu Govindappa , Gonzalez Manuel , Uteshev Victor K. , Marcec-Greaves Ruth
Published: February 2022

We review the use of reproduction technologies (RTs) to support the sustainable management of threatened Caudata (salamanders) and Gymnophiona (caecilian) biodiversity in conservation breeding programs (CBPs) or through biobanking alone. The Caudata include ∼760 species with ∼55% threatened, the Gymnophiona include ∼215 species with an undetermined but substantial number threatened, with 80% of Caudata and 65% of Gymnophiona habitat unprotected. Reproduction technologies include: (1) the exogenous hormonal induction of spermatozoa, eggs, or mating, (2) in vitro fertilisation, (3) intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), (4) the refrigerated storage of spermatozoa, (5) the cryopreservation of sperm, cell or tissues, (6) cloning, and (7) gonadal tissue or cell transplantation into living amphibians to eventually produce gametes and then individuals. Exogenous hormone regimens have been applied to 11 Caudata species to stimulate mating and to 14 species to enable the collection of spermatozoa or eggs. In vitro fertilisation has been successful in eight species, spermatozoa have been cryopreserved in seven species, and in two species in vitro fertilisation with cryopreserved spermatozoa has resulted in mature reproductive adults. However, the application of RTs to Caudata needs research and development over a broader range of species. Reproduction technologies are only now being developed for Gymnophiona, with many discoveries and pioneering achievement to be made. Species with the potential for repopulation are the focus of the few currently available amphibian CBPs. As Caudata and Gymnophiona eggs or larvae cannot be cryopreserved, and the capacity of CBPs is limited, the perpetuation of the biodiversity of an increasing number of species depends on the development of RTs to recover female individuals from cryopreserved and biobanked cells or tissues.
Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress contribute to cognitive and motor impairment in FOXP1 syndrome
Authors: Wang Jing , Fröhlich Henning , Torres Felipe Bodaleo , Silva Rangel Leal , Poschet Gernot , Agarwal Amit , Rappold Gudrun A.
Published: February 2022

Significance

FOXP1
haploinsufficiency underlies cognitive and motor impairments in individuals with FOXP1 syndrome. Here, we show that mice lacking one
Foxp1
copy exhibit similar behavioral deficits, which may be caused by striatal dysfunction. Indeed,
Foxp1
+/−
striatal medium spiny neurons display reduced neurite branching, and we show altered mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics; increased mitophagy; reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, structure, and motility; and elevated oxygen species in the striatum of these animals. As
FOXP1
is highly conserved, our data strongly suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive oxidative stress contribute to the motor and cognitive impairments seen in individuals with FOXP1 syndrome. Thus, mitochondrial homeostasis is critical for normal development and can explain deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Selective memory retrieval can revive forgotten memories
Authors: Bäuml Karl-Heinz T. , Trißl Lukas
Published: February 2022

Significance

Recall of encoded information gets impaired as time passes. We show that selective retrieval can interrupt such time-dependent forgetting. Selective retrieval of some studied information can revive the nonretrieved information and bring recall levels back to the levels shortly after study. Strikingly, we found that time-dependent forgetting after selective retrieval mimics time-dependent forgetting after study, which implies that the revival of the forgotten memories is lasting and caused by a reset of the recall process. In the real world, retrieval of encoded episodes is often selective and is often time-lagged, like in educational settings or in eyewitness testimony situations. Our findings suggest that selective retrieval can improve people’s memory in such situations.
Temperature protocols to guide selective self-assembly of competing structures
Authors: Bupathy Arunkumar , Frenkel Daan , Sastry Srikanth
Published: February 2022

Significance

Designing functional materials with switchable properties is a highly sought-after goal in materials science. We investigate the computational design of a multicomponent self-assembly system that can be guided into forming one of two predefined competing structures through simple temperature protocols. Our investigation reveals design constraints that should be observed in order to avoid formation of spurious or chimeric aggregates and to maximize selectivity of the target structure. We demonstrate that temperature protocols can be designed that lead to the formation of either one of the target structures with high selectivity. We discuss the important role played by secondary aggregation products, which we term “vestigial aggregates.”
SCRELE (Shanghai Center for Research in English Language Education) biennial conference 2021
Authors: Wang Yang
Published: February 2022

The SCRELE Biennial Conference 2021 was successfully held in Shanghai, China. This is a brief report of the conference, which was a platform for researchers, teacher educators and teachers to exchange their points of view on testing and assessment of foreign languages from an early age.
The use of the intensifierbienamong bilinguals in Southern Arizona Spanish and its grammaticalization process
Authors: Flórez Carmen Fernández
Published: February 2022

This variationist study examines the contexts of appearance of the Spanish intensifiersmuy(very) andbien(very) in the bilingual community of Tucson, Arizona. Although some descriptive work has been published on these intensifiers (Serradilla Castaño, 2006), little quantitative research has been conducted with the exceptions of studies byBrown and Cortés-Torres (2013)andKanwit, Terán, and Pisabarro Sarrió (2017). Based on a formal, syntactical analysis of the intensifiers, the present study adds to this research (Pastor and Armstrong, 2016) by establishing possible new conditioning factors such as emphasis and reiteration for the selection of one variant over the other. An analysis of 1,385 tokens in 43 interviews shows an overall use ofmuyof 81%, a figure that is comparable to the results reported in most previous studies. Verb type, emphasis, and reiteration prove significant in determining which variant is used. A discussion of these results provides a more in-depth description of the characteristics of these intensifiers in the focal bilingual community and offers a position on the debate over whetherbienhas come to the end of its grammaticalization process or continues to hold a positive value from its past as a modal adverb.
From syntax to morphology
Authors: Wang Yong
Published: February 2022

Noun-incorporation is a process of word-formation in which a nominal constituent is added to a verbal root, with the resulting construction being both a verb and a single word. The incorporated element may be the object of the verbal element; it may also denote agent, instrument, location, etc. Once incorporated the nominal constituent figures less prominently. The meaning of the resulting new word is more than the sum of its two constituents. This is themost nearly syntacticof all morphological processes that has morphological, semantic, syntactic, and discourse consequences (Mithun 1984: 847). By reference to relevant typological studies, this article describes the morphological, syntactic, and semantic features of noun-incorporation in Chinese within the framework of Systemic Functional Linguistics. It is found that the new verb may be intransitive or transitive and the two elements may occur continuously or discontinuously and they may swap their positions. This process may shed light on the complementary and continuous relation between lexis and grammar and the ergative nature of Chinese.
Possessive inflection in Chichimec inalienable nouns
Authors: Herce Borja
Published: February 2022

Person and number of a possessor are expressed in Chichimec in one of two ways. Most nouns use possessive classifiers. A smaller class (typically inalienables) inflects for the possessor synthetically. This paper constitutes the first in-depth exploration of this latter class. These nouns are characterized by unparalleled levels of irregularity, with more than 100 different inflection classes and most nouns exhibiting completely unique exponence patterns. The morphology of these nouns is based on several orthogonal inflectional layers: prefixes, stem alternations, and tone, all of which exhibit only weak predictive relations to other subsystems or cells, and equally unpredictable mappings to the possessor values they instantiate. The system is also extremely challenging with respect to segmentation, as most of the segments within the word can change in inflection seemingly independently of the neighbouring ones. This paper surveys this baroque system in search of its organizational principles.
Neuralized-like protein 4 (NEURL4) mediates ADP-ribosylation of mitochondrial proteins
Authors: Cardamone Maria Dafne , Gao Yuan , Kwan Julian , Hayashi Vanessa , Sheeran Megan , Xu Junxiang , English Justin , Orofino Joseph , Emili Andrew , Perissi Valentina
Published: February 2022

ADP-ribosylation is a reversible post-translational modification where an ADP-ribose moiety is covalently attached to target proteins by ADP-ribosyltransferases (ARTs). Although best known for its nuclear roles, ADP-ribosylation is increasingly recognized as a key regulatory strategy across cellular compartments. ADP-ribosylation of mitochondrial proteins has been widely reported, but the exact nature of mitochondrial ART enzymes is debated. We have identified neuralized-like protein 4 (NEURL4) as a mitochondrial ART enzyme and show that most ART activity associated with mitochondria is lost in the absence of NEURL4. The NEURL4-dependent ADP-ribosylome in mitochondrial extracts from HeLa cells includes numerous mitochondrial proteins previously shown to be ADP-ribosylated. In particular, we show that NEURL4 is required for the regulation of mtDNA integrity via poly-ADP-ribosylation of mtLIG3, the rate-limiting enzyme for base excision repair (BER). Collectively, our studies reveal that NEURL4 acts as the main mitochondrial ART enzyme under physiological conditions and provide novel insights in the regulation of mitochondria homeostasis through ADP-ribosylation.
High Energy Density Polymeric Nitrogen Nanotubes inside Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Ding Chi , Wang Junjie , Han Yu , Yuan Jianan , Gao Hao , Sun Jian
Published: February 2022

Polymeric nitrogen as a new class of high energy density materials has promising applications. We develop a new scheme of crystal structure searching in a confined space using external confining potentials fitted from first-principles calculations. As a showcase, this method is employed to systematically explore novel polymeric nitrogen structures confined in single-walled carbon nanotubes. Several quasi-one-dimensional single-bonded polymeric nitrogen structures are realized, two of them are composed of nanotubes instead of chains. These new polymeric nitrogen phases are mechanically stable at ambient pressure and temperature according to phonon calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. It is revealed that the stabilization of zigzag and armchair chains confined in carbon nanotubes are mostly attributed to the charge transfer from carbon to nitrogen. However, for the novel nitrogen nanotube systems, electrons overlapping in the middle space provide strong Coulomb repulsive forces, which not only induce charge transfer from the middle to the sides but also stabilize the polymeric nitrogen. Our work provides a new strategy for designing novel high-energy-density polymeric nitrogen materials, as well as other new materials with the help of confined space inside porous systems, such as nanotubes, covalent organic frameworks, and zeolites.
Unitary Scattering Protected by Pseudo-Hermiticity
Authors: Jin L.
Published: February 2022

Hermitian systems possess unitary scattering. However, the Hermiticity is unnecessary for a unitary scattering although the scattering under the influence of non-Hermiticity is mostly non-unitary. Here we prove that the unitary scattering is protected by certain type of pseudo-Hermiticity and unaffected by the degree of non-Hermiticity. The energy conservation is violated in the scattering process and recovers after scattering. The subsystem of the pseudo-Hermitian scattering center including only the connection sites is Hermitian. These findings provide fundamental insights on the unitary scattering, pseudo-Hermiticity, and energy conservation, and are promising for light propagation, mesoscopic electron transport, and quantum interference in non-Hermitian systems.
The impact of radial electric fields and plasma rotation on intermittence in TJ-II
Authors: van Milligen B Ph , Carreras B A , García L , Grenfell G , Voldiner I , Hidalgo C
Published: February 2022

This work explores the impact of an imposed radial electric field on the intermittence parameter in magnetically confined plasmas. The intermittence is sensitive to both the magnetic configuration (dominant helical modes or low order rational surfaces) and to poloidal flows or radial electric fields. This behaviour was verified both in numerical turbulence calculations using a resistive magnetohydrodynamic model, and using Langmuir probe data obtained in experiments at the TJ-II stellarator. It is shown that the intermittence parameter can be used to detect when the local plasma rotation velocity, with respect to the laboratory frame of reference, is minimum.
Predicting basin stability of power grids using graph neural networks
Authors: Nauck Christian , Lindner Michael , Schürholt Konstantin , Zhang Haoming , Schultz Paul , Kurths Jürgen , Isenhardt Ingrid , Hellmann Frank
Published: February 2022

The prediction of dynamical stability of power grids becomes more important and challenging with increasing shares of renewable energy sources due to their decentralized structure, reduced inertia and volatility. We investigate the feasibility of applying graph neural networks (GNN) to predict dynamic stability of synchronisation in complex power grids using the single-node basin stability (SNBS) as a measure. To do so, we generate two synthetic datasets for grids with 20 and 100 nodes respectively and estimate SNBS using Monte-Carlo sampling. Those datasets are used to train and evaluate the performance of eight different GNN-models. All models use the full graph without simplifications as input and predict SNBS in a nodal-regression-setup. We show that SNBS can be predicted in general and the performance significantly changes using different GNN-models. Furthermore, we observe interesting transfer capabilities of our approach: GNN-models trained on smaller grids can directly be applied on larger grids without the need of retraining.
Experimentally evaluating plasmonic sensing performance of silver film over nanosphere surface (AgFON)
Authors: Venkatesh A , Srinivasulu Maddasani , Moorthy V H S
Published: February 2022

In the present work, Silver film over nanosphere surface (AgFON) structures were fabricated on a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of polystyrene spheres (200 nm) by a simple and cost effective drop-casting followed by thermal evaporation techniques. The thickness of Ag thin film was varied from 20 nm to 100 nm in a step of 20 nm. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed that the morphology of AgFON changes from nano island to nanoshells with increasing thickness. Reflection spectra of AgFON of thickness >60 nm exhibited a sharp minimum due to the excitation of cavity mode plasmon. Plasmonic sensing capabilities of AgFON have been investigated with respect its thickness. AgFON of 100 nm exhibited a bulk sensitivity of 632.54 nm/RIU while 80 nm showed a sensitivity of 365 nm/RIU towards a thin layer of volatile organic compounds such as ethanol, toluene and isopropyl alcohol. Biological molecules such as urea, creatinine, glucose, melamine and glutathione have been tested with the AgFON. The AgFON displays a good capability of detecting 1 mM creatinine in an aqueous solution. A successful attempt has been made to detect the creatinine of >1 mM in human urine.
Positive and negative triangularity in RFX-mod2: a comparative analysis
Authors: Predebon I. , Abate D. , Pigatto L.
Published: February 2022

We present a comparative analysis of practically achievable positive and negative triangularity configurations in the next RFX-mod2 tokamak campaign. The designed single-null positive triangularity plasmas—based on analogous, formerly realized scenarios in RFX-mod—are mirrored, keeping most of the other parameters fixed. In this procedure, we show how some local and global geometric properties of the plasma are modified, and how these properties reflect on changes in vertical stability, low-n ideal stability and electrostatic turbulence level.
Charge and temporal characterisation of silicon sensors using a two-photon absorption laser
Authors: Geertsema R. , Akiba K. , van Beuzekom M. , Bischoff T. , Heijhoff K. , Snoek H.
Published: February 2022

First measurements are presented from a newly commissioned
two-photon absorption (TPA) setup at Nikhef. The characterisation of
the various components of the system is discussed. Two planar
silicon sensors, one being electron collecting and one hole
collecting, are characterised with detailed measurements of the
charge collection and time resolution. The TPA spot is determined to
have a radius of 0.975(11) μm and length of 23 μm in
silicon. The trigger time resolution of the system is shown to be
maximally 30.4 ps. For both sensors, uniform charge collection is
observed over the pixels, and the pixel side metallisation is imaged
directly using the TPA technique. The best time resolution for a
single pixel is found to be 600 ps and 560 ps for the electron and
hole collecting sensors respectively, and is dominated by ASIC
contributions. Further scans at different depths in the sensor and
positions within the pixels have been performed and show a uniform
response. It is concluded that the TPA setup is a powerful tool to
investigate the charge collection and temporal properties of silicon
sensors.
Electron transport in discontinuous metal thin films
Authors: Morris James E
Published: February 2022

The structure and basic experimental electrical properties of vacuum evaporated discontinuous (island) metal thin films of discrete metal nanoparticles on insulating substrates are briefly reviewed. Then the widely accepted Neugebauer and Webb (N&W) electrostatically activated electron tunneling conduction model is covered (with enhancements) before the numerous discrepancies between this model and experimental observations are identified, e.g. minimal substrate bias effect, non-linear field distribution, anomalous AC effects, asymmetrical contact effects, and switching. A modified model, based on contact electron injection and extraction, and computer simulations are introduced which explain these discrepancies at a qualitative level. However, quantitative experimental verification of the model is not possible without stable, reproducible films of known structures. The paper concludes with a review of possible preparation techniques which could yield satisfactory samples, especially self-assembly of organically protected metal nanoparticles. One of these has already demonstrated electrostatically activated conduction.
An inductive graph neural network model for compound–protein interaction prediction based on a homogeneous graph
Authors: Wan Xiaozhe , Wu Xiaolong , Wang Dingyan , Tan Xiaoqin , Liu Xiaohong , Fu Zunyun , Jiang Hualiang , Zheng Mingyue , Li Xutong
Published: February 2022

Identifying the potential compound–protein interactions (CPIs) plays an essential role in drug development. The computational approaches for CPI prediction can reduce time and costs of experimental methods and have benefited from the continuously improved graph representation learning. However, most of the network-based methods use heterogeneous graphs, which is challenging due to their complex structures and heterogeneous attributes. Therefore, in this work, we transformed the compound–protein heterogeneous graph to a homogeneous graph by integrating the ligand-based protein representations and overall similarity associations. We then proposed an Inductive Graph AggrEgator-based framework, named CPI-IGAE, for CPI prediction. CPI-IGAE learns the low-dimensional representations of compounds and proteins from the homogeneous graph in an end-to-end manner. The results show that CPI-IGAE performs better than some state-of-the-art methods. Further ablation study and visualization of embeddings reveal the advantages of the model architecture and its role in feature extraction, and some of the top ranked CPIs by CPI-IGAE have been validated by a review of recent literature. The data and source codes are available at https://github.com/wanxiaozhe/CPI-IGAE.
Vital dataveillance: investigating data in exchange for vitality through South Korea’s COVID-19 technogovernance
Authors: Lee Jeehyun Jenny
Published: February 2022

Through a case study of South Korea's tracking infrastructure, this study critically examines new surveillance technologies deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic. I consider the ways that these technologies were widely framed as beneficial and benign, contributing to their widespread acceptance, and normalizing their pervasive and intrusive tracking capacities. By employing cluster criticism analysis of the Korean health authorities' official reports, I argue that Korean health authorities discursively construct their ICT-based tracking infrastructure as democratic technologies of control. They also position Korean citizens as data subjects entitled to the right to know about vitality and caring subjects responsible for the vitality of others through their provision of data, an exchange which this paper terms as vital dataveillance. Through the concept of vital dataveillance, this study illuminates the new types of data governance and data rights of the pandemic.
Neural dynamics driving audio-visual integration in autism
Authors: Ronconi Luca , Vitale Andrea , Federici Alessandra , Mazzoni Noemi , Battaglini Luca , Molteni Massimo , Casartelli Luca
Published: February 2022

Audio-visual (AV) integration plays a crucial role in supporting social functions and communication in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, behavioral findings remain mixed and, importantly, little is known about the underlying neurophysiological bases. Studies in neurotypical adults indicate that oscillatory brain activity in different frequencies subserves AV integration, pointing to a central role of (i) individual alpha frequency (IAF), which would determine the width of the cross-modal binding window; (ii) pre-/peri-stimulus theta oscillations, which would reflect the expectation of AV co-occurrence; (iii) post-stimulus oscillatory phase reset, which would temporally align the different unisensory signals. Here, we investigate the neural correlates of AV integration in children with ASD and typically developing (TD) peers, measuring electroencephalography during resting state and in an AV integration paradigm. As for neurotypical adults, AV integration dynamics in TD children could be predicted by the IAF measured at rest and by a modulation of anticipatory theta oscillations at single-trial level. Conversely, in ASD participants, AV integration/segregation was driven exclusively by the neural processing of the auditory stimulus and the consequent auditory-induced phase reset in visual regions, suggesting that a disproportionate elaboration of the auditory input could be the main factor characterizing atypical AV integration in autism.
Neural processes responsible for the translation of sustained nociceptive inputs into subjective pain experience
Authors: Wang Hailu , Guo Yifei , Tu Yiheng , Peng Weiwei , Lu Xuejing , Bi Yanzhi , Iannetti Gian Domenico , Hu Li
Published: February 2022

Tracking and predicting the temporal structure of nociceptive inputs is crucial to promote survival, as proper and immediate reactions are necessary to avoid actual or potential bodily injury. Neural activities elicited by nociceptive stimuli with different temporal structures have been described, but the neural processes responsible for translating nociception into pain perception are not fully elucidated. To tap into this issue, we recorded electroencephalographic signals from 48 healthy participants receiving thermo-nociceptive stimuli with 3 different durations and 2 different intensities. We observed that pain perception and several brain responses are modulated by stimulus duration and intensity. Crucially, we identified 2 sustained brain responses that were related to the emergence of painful percepts: a low-frequency component (LFC, < 1 Hz) originated from the insula and anterior cingulate cortex, and an alpha-band event-related desynchronization (α-ERD, 8–13 Hz) generated from the sensorimotor cortex. These 2 sustained brain responses were highly coupled, with the α-oscillation amplitude that fluctuated with the LFC phase. Furthermore, the translation of stimulus duration into pain perception was serially mediated by α-ERD and LFC. The present study reveals how brain responses elicited by nociceptive stimulation reflect the complex processes occurring during the translation of nociceptive information into pain perception.
A real-world study on SGLT2 inhibitors and diabetic kidney disease progression
Authors: Liu Allen Yan Lun , Low Serena , Yeoh Ester , Lim Eng Kuang , Renaud Claude Jeffrey , Teoh Selene Tse Yen , Tan Grace Feng Ling , Chai Chung Cheen , Liu Bo , Subramaniam Tavintharan , Sum Chee Fang , Lim Su Chi
Published: February 2022

Background

Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the benefits of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, real-world data on CKD progression and the development of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) remains scarce. Our aim was to study renal outcomes of people with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) using SGLT2is in a highly prevalent DKD population.

Methods

Between 2016 and 2019 we recruited T2DM patients in the renal and diabetic clinics in a regional hospital in Singapore. Patients prescribed SGLT2is were compared with those on standard anti-diabetic and renoprotective treatment. The outcome measures were CKD progression [a ≥25% decrease from baseline and worsening of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) categories according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines] and ESKD (eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2).

Results

We analysed a total of 4446 subjects; 1598 were on SGLT2is. There was a significant reduction in CKD progression {hazard ratio [HR] 0.60 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49–0.74]} with SGLT2is. The HR for eGFR ≥45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 15–44 mL/min/1.73 m2 was 0.60 (95% CI 0.47–0.76) and 0.43 (95% CI 0.23–0.66), respectively. There was also a reduction in risk for developing ESKD for the entire cohort [HR 0.33 (95% CI 0.17–0.65)] and eGFR 15–44 mL/min/1.73 m2 [HR 0.24 (95% CI 0.09–0.66)]. Compared with canagliflozin and dapagliflozin, empagliflozin showed a sustained risk reduction of renal outcomes across CKD stages 1–4.

Conclusions

This real-world study demonstrates the benefits of SGLT2is on CKD progression and ESKD. The effect is more pronounced in moderate to advanced CKD patients.
When dystrophia meets ischaemia: a case report on cardiac involvement of myotonic dystrophy type 2 and successful arrhythmia elimination after catheter ablation
Authors: Guckel Denise , Farr Martin , Sommer Philipp , Sohns Christian
Published: February 2022

Background

This case reviews the cardiac involvement of myotonic dystrophy type 2 in terms of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and individual myocardial scar formation as target for catheter ablation.

Case summary

A 62-year-old woman with myotonic dystrophy type 2 and a severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (25%) presented with recurrent episodes of VAs and consecutive implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapies. The patient already underwent two VA ablation attempts focusing on an ischaemia-related arrhythmia substrate in the left ventricle. The patient was scheduled for repeat ablation after the progression of coronary artery disease was ruled out. Interestingly bipolar voltage as well as activation mapping revealed an arrhythmia substrate along with the basal and inferior aspects of the right ventricle (RV). Catheter ablation of this scarred area in the RV resulted in specific termination of the VAs. Due to end-stage heart failure, key heart transplant criteria were met. The patient was evaluated for heart transplantation and added to the waiting list. Hitherto, no further VAs were documented during follow-up.

Discussion

As these patients present with specific dystrophia-related arrhythmia substrates, we propose pre-procedural visualization of dystrophy-associated arrhythmia substrates using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging allowing for personalized ablation approaches in these patients.
A case report of left ventricular thrombus formation following aggressive decongestion treatment
Authors: Mystakidi Vasiliki Chara , Oikonomou Evangelos , Katsianos Efstratios , Vavuranakis Manolis
Published: February 2022

Background

Intracardiac thrombi are a complication associated with cardiomyopathies. In heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, there is a hypercoagulable state that can increase the incidence of left ventricular thrombus and result in higher risk of thromboembolism, either manifested as stroke or as peripheral thromboembolic event. Haemoconcentration following decongestion treatment may enhance blood viscosity.

Case summary

A 63-year-old man with known long-standing heart failure (HF) of ischaemic aetiology and not any prothrombotic risk, admitted with congestive HF and treated with aggressive decongestion treatment with intravenous loop diuretics. During his hospital stay, and following decongestion and haemoconcentration, a left ventricular (LV) intracardiac thrombus formation was detected by echocardiography, which occurred in the absence of a recent myocardial infarction or adverse LV remodelling. The patient was treated with oral anticoagulation therapy. There was a complete resolution of the thrombus on repeat transthoracic echocardiography after 4 weeks of treatment.

Discussion

Aggressive decongestive treatment, haemoconcentration and increased blood viscosity following HF decompensation may serve as a trigger for intracardiac thrombus formation under the appropriate prothrombotic background. Appropriate primary antithrombotic prophylaxis is an issue raised concerns and vulnerable patients need closed clinical and imaging follow-up.
Human leukocyte antigen mismatch on lung transplantation outcomes
Authors: Firoz Ahad , Kashem Mohammed , Zhao Huaqing , Geier Steven , Toyoda Yoshiya
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVES

Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch is a known risk factor for renal transplantation; however, there are conflicting and limited data on its ramifications within lung transplantation (LTx). Therefore, our study evaluated the effects of total HLA, HLA-A, -B and -DR mismatches on LTx outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined the United Network for Organ Sharing database for adult patients who had undergone LTx for the first time between January 2005 and July 2021. Total HLA mismatch (0–3, 4, 5 and 6) and HLA locus mismatch (0–1 and 2) were analysed, with the end points of interest being mortality and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) development.

RESULTS

Kaplan–Meier curve analysis found a significant difference in both overall survival (n = 27 651; 11 830 events) and BOS development (n = 25 444; 8901 events) for the total number of HLA (P < 0.001, P < 0.001), HLA-A (P < 0.001, P = 0.006) and HLA-DR (P < 0.001, P < 0.001) mismatches. With reference to 0–3 total HLA mismatches, multivariable Cox regression model found that 6 mismatches had an increased risk of mortality (P = 0.002) while 4 (P = 0.010), 5 (P = 0.007) and 6 (P < 0.001) mismatches had an increased risk of BOS. HLA-B mismatch was not associated with an increased mortality (P = 0.975) or BOS risk (P = 0.512).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a significant relationship between increased HLA mismatches and BOS development, with decreased overall survival only apparent with 6 mismatches. HLA-A and -DR mismatches were associated with an increased risk of mortality and BOS development compared to groups with at least 1 locus match.
Cooperative microbial interactions mediate community biogeochemical responses to saltwater intrusion in wetland soils
Authors: Berrier David J , Neubauer Scott C , Franklin Rima B
Published: February 2022

In freshwater wetlands, competitive and cooperative interactions between respiratory, fermentative and methanogenic microbes mediate the decomposition of organic matter. These interactions may be disrupted by saltwater intrusion disturbances that enhance the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), intensifying their competition with syntrophic bacteria and methanogens for electron donors. We simulated saltwater intrusion into wetland soil microcosms and examined biogeochemical and microbial responses, employing metabolic inhibitors to isolate the activity of various microbial functional groups. Sulfate additions increased total carbon dioxide production but decreased methane production. Butyrate degradation assays showed continued (but lower) levels of syntrophic metabolism despite strong demand by SRB for this key intermediate decomposition product and a shift in the methanogen community toward acetoclastic members. One month after removing SRB competition, total methane production recovered by only ∼50%. Similarly, butyrate assays showed an altered accumulation of products (including less methane), although overall rates of syntrophic butyrate breakdown largely recovered. These effects illustrate that changes in carbon mineralization following saltwater intrusion are driven by more than the oft-cited competition between SRB and methanogens for shared electron donors. Thus, the impacts of disturbances on wetland biogeochemistry are likely to persist until cooperative and competitive microbial metabolic interactions can recover fully.
Sigma regulatory network in Rhodococcus erythropolis CCM2595
Authors: Štěpánek Václav , Dostálová Hana , Busche Tobias , Blumenstein Jan , Grulich Michal , Plašil Lukáš , Rucká Lenka , Nešvera Jan , Pátek Miroslav
Published: February 2022

The aim of this investigation was to discover the promoters that drive expression of the sig genes encoding sigma factors of RNA polymerase in Rhodococcus erythropolis CCM2595 and classify these promoters according to the sigma factors which control their activity. To analyze the regulation of major sigma factors, which control large regulons that also contain genes expressed under exponential growth and non-stressed conditions, we used the R. erythropolis CCM2595 culture, which grew rapidly in minimal medium. The transcriptional start sites (TSSs) of the genes sigA, sigB, sigD, sigE, sigG, sigH, sigJ, and sigK were detected by primary 5′-end-specific RNA sequencing. The promoters localized upstream of the detected TSSs were defined by their −35 and −10 elements, which were identical or closely similar to these sequences in the related species Corynebacterium glutamicum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Regulation of the promoter activities by different sigma factors was demonstrated by two independent techniques (in vivo and in vitro). All analyzed sig genes encoding the sigma factors with extracytoplasmic function (ECF) were found to be also driven from additional housekeeping promoters. Based on the classification of the sig gene promoters, a model of the basic sigma transcriptional regulatory network in R. erythropolis was designed.
Agent-Based Covid economics (ABC): Assessing non-pharmaceutical interventions and macro-stabilization policies
Authors: Delli Gatti Domenico , Reissl Severin
Published: February 2022

We employ a new macroeconomic–epidemiological agent-based model to evaluate the “lives vs livelihoods” trade-off brought to the fore by coronavirus disease (Covid-19). An infectious disease spreads across the network of agents’ social and economic contacts and feeds back on the economic dimension of the model through various channels such as employment and consumption demand. Under a lockdown (LD) scenario, the model is able to closely reproduce the epidemiological dynamics of the first wave of the Covid-19 epidemic in the Lombardy region of Italy. We find that, in the presence of non-pharmaceutical interventions, there is no trade-off between lives and macroeconomic losses as a stricter LD eventually leads to superior outcomes along both dimensions. We also evaluate the efficacy of various macroeconomic stabilization policies designed to counteract the downturn generated by the epidemic and LD measures. In an agent-based setting we gain additional insights on the way in which such policies impact not only on gross domestic product but also, for instance, on firms’ defaults and relative prices. Liquidity support for firms, a short-time working scheme with compensation for workers, and direct transfer to households stand out as the most effective policy tools.
Combining Cellular Immunology With RNAseq to Identify Novel Chlamydia T-Cell Subset Signatures
Authors: Johnson Raymond M , Asashima Hiromitsu , Mohanty Subhasis , Shaw Albert C
Published: February 2022

Chlamydia trachomatis serovars A–L cause important diseases of the eyes and reproductive tract by infecting epithelium lining those organs. A major hurdle for vaccine trials is finding a surrogate biomarker for protective immunity. Investigational data argues for T-cell biomarker(s) reflecting mucosal adaption, cytokine polarization, B-cell help, antibacterial effector mechanisms, or some combination thereof. A human investigation and 2 mouse studies link IL-13 to protection from infection/immunopathology. We performed RNAseq on T cells resident in spleens and genital tracts of naturally immune mice. CD4 signatures were consistent with helper function that differed by site including a genital tract-specific Fgl2 signal. The genital tract CD8 signature featured IL-10 and promotion of healing/scarring with a unique transcription of granzyme A. The RNAseq data was used to refine previously published CD4γ13 and CD8γ13 transcriptomes derived from protective T-cell clones, potentially identifying practicable T-cell subset signatures for assessing Chlamydia vaccine candidates.
Influence of context availability and soundness in predicting soil moisture using the Context-Aware Data Mining approach
Authors: Avram Anca , Matei Oliviu , Pintea Camelia-M , Pop Petrica C
Published: February 2022

Knowing the level of quality from which the context is no longer valuable in a Context-Aware Data Mining (CADM) system is an important information. The main goal of this research is to study the variations of the predictions in case of different levels of noise and missing context data in practical scenarios for predicting soil moisture. The research has been performed on two locations from the Transylvanian Plain, Romania and two locations from Canada. The values predicted for the soil moisture were compared in mixed scenarios that vary the quantity of noise and missing context data. The studied behavior was performed using Deep Learning, Decision Tree and Gradient Boosted Tree machine learning algorithms. It has been shown that when using the air temperature as context for predicting soil moisture, variations of noise and missing data do not influence the results proportionally with the levels of noise and missing data applied. Also, Gradient Boosted Tree algorithm proves to be the best algorithm from the ones studied, to be considered when predicting soil moisture with the CADM approach.
A summary of the statistical aspects of the procedures for resolving potential employment discrimination recently issued by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance along with a commentary
Authors: Gastwirth Joseph L
Published: February 2022

On 5 November 2020, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance in the Department of Labor issued new rules codifying the procedures it will use to resolve equal employment issues. First, this article summarizes the new rules focusing on how the agency will use and evaluate statistical evidence in its monitoring of government contractors’ compliance with equal employment laws. After noting the diminished role of statistical evidence in the new rules, the likely effect of them on the use of statistical data and analyses in equal employment proceedings are explored. The logical and statistical reasoning underlying several aspects of the new rules is also questioned. Because the new rules refer to a report of the Chamber of Commerce that, in part, criticized the agency from bringing a case against a firm, data from the case are re-analyzed. The statistical analysis provides support for the position of OFCCP.
A multi-wavelength view of distinct accretion regimes in the pulsating ultraluminous X-ray source NGC 1313 X-2
Authors: Sathyaprakash R , Roberts T P , Grisé F , Kaaret P , Ambrosi E , Done C , Gladstone J C , Kajava J J E , Soria R , Zampieri L
Published: February 2022

NGC 1313 X-2 is one of the few known pulsating ultraluminous X-ray sources (PULXs), and so is thought to contain a neutron star that accretes at highly super-Eddington rates. However, the physics of this accretion remains to be determined. Here, we report the results of two simultaneous XMM–Newton and HST observations of this PULX taken to observe two distinct X-ray behaviours as defined from its Swift light curve. We find that the X-ray spectrum of the PULX is best described by the hard ultraluminous regime during the observation taken in the lower flux, lower variability amplitude behaviour; its spectrum changes to a broadened disc during the higher flux, higher variability amplitude epoch. However, we see no accompanying changes in the optical/UV fluxes, with the only difference being a reduction in flux in the near-infrared (NIR) as the X-ray flux increased. We attempt to fit irradiation models to explain the UV/optical/IR fluxes but they fail to provide meaningful constraints. Instead, a physical model for the system leads us to conclude that the optical light is dominated by a companion O/B star, albeit with an IR excess that may be indicative of a jet. We discuss how these results may be consistent with the precession of the inner regions of the accretion disc leading to changes in the observed X-ray properties, but not the optical, and whether we should expect to observe reprocessed emission from ULXs.