bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D printing of multi-metallic microstructures by meniscus-confined electrodeposition
Authors: Wang Yutao , Xiong Xin , Ju Bing-Feng , Chen Yuan-Liu
Published: February 2022

We studied a multi-metallic microscale 3D printing based on the meniscus-confined electrodeposition (MCED). The composition of Cu/Pt alloys can be controlled by applying different bias voltages to the CuSO4/H2PtCl4 mixed solution in MCED. We find that a double-barrel system had higher Cu/Pt alloy purity (maximum 100% Cu or maximum 80% Pt) than a single-barrel system. A Λ-shaped microstructure was printed to verify the capability to multi-metal microstructures in a single printing process.

The authors of the article agree to the retraction of the article effective 21 March 2023.
Dynamics of hot refluxing electrons in ultra-short relativistic laser foil interactions
Authors: Huang L. G. , Molodtsova M. , Ferrari A. , Garcia A. Laso , Toncian T. , Cowan T. E.
Published: February 2022

We investigate the dynamics of hot refluxing electrons in the interaction of an ultra-short relativistic laser pulse with a thin foil target via particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, which is governed by the multidimensional spatiotemporal evolution of a self-generated sheath field. The comparison of time-integrated energy spectra of refluxing and escaping electrons indicates the refluxing efficiency is higher than 95% in average for each bounce. The characteristics of wide transverse spatial distribution and energy-resolved angular distribution caused by the refluxing electrons show a direct correlation with the angular-dependent photon yield of bremsstrahlung emission, as verified by the hybrid simulations of coupling the PIC results with Monte Carlo particle transport code. We further clarify the energy dissipation mechanisms of refluxing electrons through the recirculation in the thin target under the electron-refluxing dominated regime and conclude that the self-generated sheath field plays a dominant role over the competing processes, such as the radiation loss, collisional stopping, and anomalous inhibition via the resistive field. The lifetime of recirculation is calculated to be a few hundred femtoseconds, that is, one order of magnitude shorter than the timescale of collisional dissipation, while it is one order of magnitude longer than the laser pulse duration. The results could provide useful insights to understand the hot electron transport and stopping, secondary radiation generation, and ion acceleration in the high energy density plasmas.
Selective area epitaxy of GaAs films using patterned graphene on Ge
Authors: Lim Zheng Hui , Manzo Sebastian , Strohbeen Patrick J. , Saraswat Vivek , Arnold Michael S. , Kawasaki Jason K.
Published: February 2022

We demonstrate selective area epitaxy of GaAs films using patterned graphene masks on a Ge (001) substrate. GaAs selectively grows on exposed regions of the Ge substrate for graphene stripe widths of 10 μm. The selectivity is highly dependent on the growth temperature and annealing time, which we explain in terms of temperature dependent sticking coefficients and surface diffusion. The high nucleation selectivity over several micrometers sets constraints on experimental realizations of remote epitaxy.
Data-driven and physical property-based hydro-acoustic mode decomposition
Authors: Han Shuaibin , Luo Yong , Li Hu , Wu Conghai , Liu Xuliang , Zhang Shuhai
Published: February 2022

A data-driven and physical property-based hydrodynamic and acoustic mode decomposition method combining dynamic mode decomposition and Helmholtz decomposition is proposed. It allows decomposition and fast prediction of hydrodynamic and acoustic components of the flow field. The method is tested by a two-dimensional subsonic open cavity flow and a supersonic cold jet, and the hydrodynamic and acoustic features are revealed. For the cavity flow, it is found that the acoustic velocity inside the cavity is composed of several pairs of standing waves. The propagating trajectory of the acoustic waves in the cavity is well captured. The dynamic relation between the hydrodynamic and acoustic motion is investigated. For the supersonic jet, the method successfully identifies the screech in the far field and the “trapped wave” within the potential core.
Enhanced thermal fingering in a shear-thinning fluid flow through porous media: Dynamic pore network modeling
Authors: An Senyou , Sahimi Muhammad , Shende Takshak , Babaei Masoud , Niasar Vahid
Published: February 2022

Thermal-viscous fingering instability in porous media is a common phenomenon in nature as well as in many scientific problems and industrial applications. Despite the importance, however, thermal transport in flow of a non-Newtonian fluid in porous media and the resulting fingering has not been studied extensively, especially if the pore space is heterogeneous. In this paper, we propose a pore network model with full graphics processing unit-parallelized acceleration to simulate thermal transport in flow through three-dimensional unstructured pore networks at centimeter scale, containing millions of pores. A thermal Meter equation is proposed to model temperature- and shear stress-dependent rheology of the non-Newtonian fluids. After comparing the simulation results with an analytical solution for the location of the thermal front in a spatially uncorrelated pore network, thermal transport in flow of both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids is studied in the spatially uncorrelated and correlated pore networks over a range of injection flow rates. The simulations indicate that the injection flow rate, the shear-thinning rheology, and the morphological heterogeneity of the pore space all enhance thermal-viscous fingering instability in porous media, but with distinct patterns. In spatially correlated networks, the average temperature and apparent viscosity at the breakthrough point in flow of a shear-thinning fluid exhibit non-monotonic dependence on the injection flow rate. An analysis of the fractal dimension of thermal patterns at the breakthrough point supports the conclusion. The results highlight the importance of designing optimal flow conditions for application purposes.
Pore-scale simulation of adaptive pumping remediation in heterogeneous porous media
Authors: He Zhennan , Liang Fachun , Meng Jia , Wang Hongyu
Published: February 2022

Spilled petroleum hydrocarbons pose a long-term threat to surrounding soil and groundwater, so the design of related remediation methods exhibits a growing global concern. Numerous innovative methods have been developed based on Pump-and-Treat (P&T) technology, which is the most commonly used decontamination method. Understanding the pore scale remediation mechanism of adaptive pumping is essential to the development of a decontamination scheme. In this study, the phase-field method was used to capture the evolution of the two-phase interface in a pore scale heterogeneous model during the period of adaptive pumping, and the influences of displacement patterns and wettability on remediation efficiency were investigated systematically. The results demonstrate that the model has the shortest dimensionless breakthrough time under mix-wet conditions, while it has the longest dimensionless breakthrough time under water-wet conditions. Compared with positive pumping, the growth of the ultimate remediation efficiency of adaptive pumping reaches the maximum (11.39%) under mix-wet conditions with Ca = −4.7, M = −2. The remediation mechanism of the adaptive pumping includes increasing the swept area near the boundary, extending the maintenance time of the driving pressure difference, and expanding the interfacial area between the injected fluid and the contaminant. These mechanisms indicate that a higher remediation efficiency can be obtained when adaptive pumping is applied combined with some innovative decontamination approaches, such as chemically enhanced flushing technology and in situ thermal treatment technology.
Viscous effects on bedload sediment transport rates
Authors: Cheng Nian-Sheng , Lu Yesheng , Lu Chengxiao , Wei Maoxing
Published: February 2022

Viscous effects on bedload sediment transport rates have been seldom examined in previous studies. They may become significant in the low transport regime, as evidenced by experimental data. However, the problem cannot be resolved using classical bedload models that involve the shear excess, for example, Meyer-Peter–Müller formula. By applying the concept of the critical pickup probability for incipient sediment motion, this study derives a new bedload formula that takes the fluid viscosity into consideration. The results show that the relationship between the dimensionless bedload rate and the Shields number varies significantly with the viscosity-dependent parameter in the low transport regime, which partially accounts for the scattering of bedload data. In addition, the present study proposes a simple approach to the evaluation of the critical bedload transport rate that is associated with the Shields curve for incipient sediment motion.
Deformation of 4H-SiC: The role of dopants
Authors: Liu Xiaoshuang , Zhang Junran , Xu Binjie , Lu Yunhao , Zhang Yiqiang , Wang Rong , Yang Deren , Pi Xiaodong
Published: February 2022

The role of dopants on deformation and mechanical properties of 4H silicon carbide (4H-SiC) is proposed by using nanoindentation. It is found that the hardness, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness of 4H-SiC substrate wafers all decrease on the order of vanadium (V) doping, undoping, and nitrogen (N) doping. For all three types of 4H-SiC, basal plane dislocations (BPDs), threading edge dislocations, and cracks are formed during the nanoindentation. Polymorph transitions from 4H-SiC to amorphous SiC and 3C-SiC are found as the penetration depth of the indent increases from the subsurface to the deeper region. N doping is found to weaken the bond strength of 4H-SiC, which enhances the glide and piling up of BPDs in nanoindentated N-doped 4H-SiC. In contrast, V doping effectively hinders the glide of BPDs, which accumulates a high-stress field and facilitates the polymorph transition from 4H-SiC to 3C-SiC and amorphous SiC. The insight on the effects of dopants on the deformation and mechanical properties of 4H-SiC may help the design of the processing of differently doped 4H-SiC substrate wafers.
Line shape and light shift of coherent population trapping resonance under Ramsey interrogation in ‘hot’ atoms in an optically dense medium
Authors: Voloshin G.V. , Barantsev K.A. , Litvinov A.N.
Published: February 2022

A theory is developed for the effect of coherent population trapping (CPT) in ‘hot’ atoms under pulsed pumping in an optically dense medium with a buffer gas. The case is considered when the excited level is not degenerate. Based on an analysis of the shape of Ramsey resonances, we show that with increasing optical density of the medium, the dependence of the light shifts of the CPT resonance becomes more and more nontrivial. The dependence of the light shifts of the CPT resonance on the magnitude of the hyperfine splitting of the excited level, concentration of active atoms, temperature, and duration of the dark pause is constructed.
CPT resonances under multifrequency pumping
Authors: Savinov K.N. , Dmitriev A.K. , Krivetskii A.V.
Published: February 2022

The possibility of detecting coherent population trapping (CPT) resonances with combined microwave and HF modulation of the injection current of a diode laser has been demonstrated for the first time. A series of resonances is observed, separated from each other by half the RF modulation frequency.
Quantum optical magnetic field sensor for neurodiagnostic systems of a new generation
Authors: Petrenko M.V. , Pazgalev A.S. , Vershovskii A.K.
Published: February 2022

Magnetic encephalography is currently the most informative method of functional study of the brain, since, unlike other methods, it allows one to localise deep sources of biosignals and perform three-dimensional mapping of neuronal activity. The main factors hindering the development and spread of this method are the complexity and high cost of diagnostic tools, as well as the rigidity of the requirements they impose on the spatial and temporal uniformity of the magnetic field. The prospects for desinging a device capable of largely overcoming these limitations are considered. A review of studies aimed at developing an optical sensor applicable to magnetic encephalography is presented. The all-optical single-beam nonzero-field sensor proposed by the authors earlier is separately considered.
Generation of spherical laser-plasma clouds for modelling three-dimensional dynamic effects of artificial plasma injections in circumterrestrial space
Authors: Zakharov Yu.P. , Terekhin V.A. , Shaikhislamov I.F. , Posukh V.G. , Trushin P.A. , Chibranov A.A. , Berezutskii A.G. , Rumenskikh M.S. , Efimov M.A.
Published: February 2022

For the first time to solve the problems of laboratory modelling of cosmophysical phenomena of an explosive nature (active experiments of the AMPTE type, with barium injections into the magnetosphere), spherical laser plasma clouds (LPCs) were produced and applied (in experiments at the KI-1 test facility of the ILP SB RAS). Use was made of the classical four-beam scheme of irradiation (regular tetrahedron) of a polyethylene target ball (∅1 cm) by CO2 laser radiation with an energy of up to 500 J. A high degree of symmetry of the expansion of a near-spherical LPC with a moderate velocity of ∼100 km s−1 and an energy of up to 30 J has been achieved. The regimes of deceleration and formation of the spherical-LPC diamagnetic cavity were modelled for the first time, as well as the development of flute instability during the expansion of barium clouds across the geomagnetic field and the dynamics of these clouds along the field.
Solid-state organic laser with a wavelength tuning range of 78 nm
Authors: Tel’minov E.N. , Yacoub A.H. , Solodova T.A. , Nikonova E.N. , Kopylova T.N.
Published: February 2022

We report the results of studies of the lasing characteristics of an organic solid-state tunable laser with a polymethylmethacrylate matrix doped with Chromene 3, Pyrromethene 567, and Pyrromethene 597 dyes. The features of lasing when using selective and nonselective cavities are described. Tuning of the laser wavelength with a spectral linewidth of 0.018 nm in the range 550 – 628 nm is obtained on three polymer laser-active media emitting in the yellow and red spectral regions.
Large-aperture adaptive optical system for correcting wavefront distortions of a petawatt Ti : sapphire laser beam
Authors: Samarkin V.V. , Alexandrov A.G. , Galaktionov I.V. , Kudryashov A.V. , Nikitin A.N. , Rukosuev A.L. , Toporovsky V.V. , Sheldakova Yu.V.
Published: February 2022

This paper reports a large-aperture adaptive optical system with a bimorph deformable mirror and Shack – Hartmann wavefront sensor for aberration correction and beam focusing improvement in state-of-the-art petawatt Ti : sapphire lasers. We consider methods for providing feedback to the wavefront sensor and obtaining an objective wavefront that optimises beam focusing onto a target. The use of an adaptive system with a controlled 127-channel 320-mm-aperture mirror in a Ti : sapphire laser with an output power of 4.2 PW has made it possible to obtain a record high laser beam intensity: 1.1 × 1023 W cm−2.
The Yun/Prohibitin complex regulates adult
Drosophila
intestinal stem cell proliferation through the transcription factor E2F1
Authors: Zhao Hang , Shi Lin , Li Zhengran , Kong Ruiyan , Ren Xuejing , Ma Rui , Jia Lemei , Ma Meifang , Lu Shan , Xu Ran , Binari Richard , Wang Jian-Hua , Dong Meng-qiu , Perrimon Norbert , Li Zhouhua
Published: February 2022

Significance

Stem cells maintain tissue homeostasis. We identified a factor, Yun, required for proliferation of normal and transformed intestinal stem cells in adult
Drosophila
. Yun acts as a scaffold to stabilize the Prohibitin (PHB) complex previously implicated in various cellular and developmental processes and diseases. The Yun/PHB complex acts downstream of EGFR/MAPK signaling and affects the levels of E2F1 to regulate intestinal stem cell proliferation. The role of the PHB complex in cell proliferation is evolutionarily conserved. Our results provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of how stem cell proliferation is properly controlled during tissue homeostasis and tumorigenesis.
Bicarbonate-controlled reduction of oxygen by the Q
A
semiquinone in Photosystem II in membranes
Authors: Fantuzzi Andrea , Allgöwer Friederike , Baker Holly , McGuire Gemma , Teh Wee Kii , Gamiz-Hernandez Ana P. , Kaila Ville R. I. , Rutherford A. William
Published: February 2022

Significance

In Photosystem II (PSII), O
2
reduction by

Q
A

•
−

is often discussed but has not been demonstrated. Here, we show in PSII membranes that

Q
A

•
−

can reduce O
2
to superoxide, but only when bicarbonate is absent from its binding site on the nonheme Fe
2+
. Bicarbonate’s role in PSII was recently shown to involve a regulatory/protective redox-tuning mechanism linking PSII function to CO
2
concentration. A key aspect is the presence of stable

Q
A

•
−

causing release of bicarbonate from its site on Fe
2+
. Here, we show that under these conditions, O
2
binds to the empty site on the Fe
2+
and is reduced by

Q
A

•
−

. This unexpected reaction may be a further indication of cross-talk between the regulation of PSII and CO
2
fixation.
Electrostatic influence on IL-1 transport through the GSDMD pore
Authors: Xie Wen Jun , Xia Shiyu , Warshel Arieh , Wu Hao
Published: February 2022

Significance

Gasdermin D (GSDMD) forms large pores that channel the release of alarmins, including interleukin-1 (IL-1) family cytokines, from living cells. IL-1 is synthesized as an inactive cytosolic precursor known as pro-IL-1, which is proteolytically processed into the active mature IL-1 in response to inflammasome activation or other physiological or pathological stimuli. GSDMD pores preferentially release mature IL-1 over pro-IL-1 despite their similar molecular dimensions, both markedly smaller than the pore, indicating that factors beyond size may affect the transport. Our investigation into the role of electrostatics in this preferential release revealed a charge-based gating mechanism for GSDMD pores. Our studies have broad implications in GSDMD-mediated inflammation and contribute to understanding of how large transmembrane pores may achieve cargo preference.
Pluractional perfects in Eonavian Spanish
Authors: Jardón Natalia
Published: February 2022

This chapter deals with two periphrastic constructions that consist of a perfect participle and an inflected form of the verb tener ‘have’ or llevar ‘carry’ in Eonavian Spanish (EoS), which are used to convey perfect meanings and they require a form of iteration or plurality on the event described. These constructions are monoclausal and behave like fully grammaticalized auxiliary constructions, but they are restricted in unexpected ways. The description is complemented by a cross-linguistic comparison of superficially similar constructions in neighbouring Romance varieties. The final part of the chapter considers the extent to which similar constructions in the Galician dialect might explain the properties observed in EoS, concluding that they are independent systems.
Minority language bilingualism and its role in L3 lexical acquisition
Authors: Turrero-García María
Published: February 2022

This chapter focuses on the interplay between working memory, lexical capacity, and (self-rated) proficiency in three groups of speakers: monolingual (Spanish), bilingual (Spanish and English), and trilingual (Spanish, English, and Asturian). There is ample debate on the cognitive and lexical (dis)advantages that bilingualism can grant, and on its impact on third language learning. In this chapter, we argue for a cognitive advantage of any type of bilingualism in accuracy in a Luck and Vogel task, and an advantage of simultaneous bilingualism in reaction times. Additionally, we find no evidence for a disadvantage in lexical retrieval for simultaneous bilinguals.
The Need for Multiple Naloxone Administrations for Opioid Overdose Reversals: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Abdelal Randa , Banerjee A. Raja , Carlberg-Racich Suzanne , Darwaza Neyla , Ito Diane , Epstein Josh
Published: February 2022

Background A growing challenge in the opioid epidemic is the rise of highly potent synthetic opioids, (i.e., illicitly manufactured fentanyl [IMF]) entering the US non-prescription opioid market. Successful reversal may require multiple doses of naloxone, the standard of care for opioid overdose. We conducted a narrative literature review to summarize the rates of multiple naloxone administrations (MNA) for opioid overdose reversal. Methods: A MEDLINE search was conducted for published articles using MESH search terms: opioid overdose, naloxone and multiple naloxone administration. Of the 2,101 studies identified, articles meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria were reviewed, categorized by primary and secondary outcomes of interest and summarized by data source and study design. Results: A total of 24 articles meeting eligibility criteria were included. Among EMS-based studies, MNA rates ranged from 9% to 53%; in general, bystander-reported studies were notably higher, from 16% to 89%. Variation in study design, data sources, year and geography, may have contributed to these ranges. Three studies that included longitudinal results reported a significant percent increase between 26% and 43% in annual MNA rates or a significant increase in mean naloxone doses over time ( p < .001). Conclusions: This summary found that multiple naloxone administrations during opioid overdose encounters vary widely, have occurred in up to 89% of all opioid overdoses, and have significantly increased over time. Higher naloxone formulations may fulfill an unmet need in opioid overdose reversals, given the rising rates of overdoses involving IMF. Further studies are needed to gain a better understanding of MNA during opioid overdose encounters, particularly across a wider geographic region in the US in order to inform continuing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.
What is the role of auditory processing in stuttering? A mini review of previous knowledge
Authors: Farazi Morteza , Hosseini Dastgerdi Zahra , Khavarghazalani Bahare
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Stuttering is one of the most common speech disorders that has a dynamic and multifactorial nature. The evidences suggest that auditory processing deficit may be involved in stuttering. It is not clear how the auditory system relates to stuttering and which aspect of the auditory processing disorder may be the cause of stuttering. This study aimed at presenting a comprehensive review of the literature to better explain the role of the auditory system and auditory processing disorder in stuttering.

Methods

We searched the literature in Elsevier, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of knowledge, Google Scholar databases, Clinical trials, and Cochrane database of systematic reviews from 2000, through 2020. Published studies on the role of the auditory system in stuttering were reviewed.

Results

In articles describing the aetiology of stuttering, auditory processing disorder, particularly temporal processing, has been considered as one of the causes of stuttering. Some researchers considered auditory temporal processing disorder as an intensifying and a sufficient factor for chronic stuttering. According to studies, it seems that auditory temporal processing disorder may affect stuttering by mechanisms such as disturbing the correct auditory feedback to brain speech control centres, instability in neural representations of speech sounds and the occurrence of sensory-motor inconsistencies in the speech control process.

Conclusion

Based on studies, it can be concluded that auditory processing disorder may be one of the underlying or intensifying factors of stuttering.
Unsteady ballistic heat transport in two-dimensional harmonic graphene lattice
Authors: Panchenko A Yu. , Kuzkin V A , Berinskii I E
Published: February 2022

We study the evolution of initial temperature profiles in a two-dimensional isolated harmonic graphene lattice. Two heat transfer problems are solved analytically and numerically. In the first problem, the evolution of a spatially sinusoidal initial temperature profile is considered. This profile is usually generated in real experiments based on the transient thermal grating technique. It is shown that at short times the amplitude of the profile decreases by an order magnitude and then it performs small decaying oscillations. A closed-form solution, describing the decay of the amplitude at short times is derived. It shows that due to symmetry of the lattice, the anisotropy of the ballistic heat transfer is negligible at short times, while at large times it is significant. In the second problem, a uniform spatial distribution of the initial temperature in a circle is specified. The profile is the simplest model of graphene heating by an ultrashort localized laser pulse. The corresponding solution has the symmetry of the lattice and many local maxima. Additionally, we show that each atom has two distinct temperatures corresponding to motions in zigzag and armchair directions. Presented results may serve for proper statement and interpretation of laboratory experiments and molecular dynamics simulations of unsteady heat transfer in graphene.
Thirdkind: displaying phylogenetic encounters beyond 2-level reconciliation
Authors: Penel Simon , Menet Hugo , Tricou Théo , Daubin Vincent , Tannier Eric
Published: February 2022

Motivation

Reconciliation between a host and its symbiont phylogenies or between a species and a gene phylogenies is a prevalent approach in evolution, however no simple generic tool (i.e. virtually usable by all reconciliation software, from host/symbiont to species/gene comparisons) is available to visualize reconciliation results. Moreover there is no tool to visualize 3-levels reconciliations, i.e. to visualize 2 nested reconciliations as for example in a host/symbiont/gene complex.

Results

Thirdkind is a light and easy to install command line software producing svg files displaying reconciliations, including 3-levels reconciliations. It takes a standard format recPhyloXML as input, and is thus usable with most reconciliation software.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/simonpenel/thirdkind/wiki.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The antiepistemology of organized abuse: Ignorance, exploitation, inaction
Authors: Salter Michael , Woodlock Delanie
Published: February 2022

Organized abuse, in which multiple adults sexually abuse multiple children, has an important role to play in the production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) but has been relegated to the margins of criminological concern. This paper presents the findings of an international survey of 74 adults who described childhood victimization in CSAM and organized abuse, emphasizing the relationship between organized abuse and entrenched ignorance of it. The paper identifies the multiple zones, practices and structures of ignorance that render organized abuse unknowable and advocates for strategic forms of knowledge production in which ignorance features as a provocation towards information-seeking rather than as a defence mechanism against intolerable realities.
Reemergence of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Germany During the Spring and Summer of 2021
Authors: Perniciaro Stephanie , van der Linden Mark , Weinberger Daniel M
Published: February 2022

Background

The incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) decreased worldwide in 2020 and the first quarter of 2021, concurrent with nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) intended to stymie transmission of SARS-CoV-2. In 2021, the stringency of these NPI strategies has varied. We investigated age- and serotype-specific variations in IPD case counts in Germany in 2020–2021.

Methods

IPD cases through 30 November 2021 were stratified by age group, serotype, or geographic location. IPD surveillance data in 2020–2021 were compared with (1) IPD surveillance data from 2015–2019, (2) mobility data during 2020 and 2021, and (3) NPI stringency data in 2020 and 2021.

Results

IPD incidence began to return toward baseline among children 0–4 years old in April 2021 and exceeded baseline by June 2021 (a 9% increase over the average monthly values for 2015–2019). Children aged 5–14 years and adults aged 15–34 or ≥80 years showed increases in IPD cases that exceeded baseline values starting in July 2021, with increases also starting in spring 2021. The age distribution and proportion of vaccine-serotype IPD remained comparable to those in previous years, despite lower overall case counts in 2020 and 2021. The percentage change in IPD incidence compared with the previous 5 years was correlated with changes in mobility and with NPI stringency.

Conclusions

IPD levels began to return to and exceed seasonal levels in spring and summer 2021 in Germany, following sharp declines in 2020 that coincided with NPIs related to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Proportions of vaccine serotypes remained largely consistent throughout 2020–2021.
Comparative Effectiveness of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccines Against the Delta Variant
Authors: Risk Malcolm , Shen Chen , Hayek Salim S , Holevinski Lynn , Schiopu Elena , Freed Gary , Akin Cem , Zhao Lili
Published: February 2022

Background

There is a lack of data regarding how the Delta variant of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 (Pfizer–BioNTech), mRNA-1273 (Moderna), and Ad26.COV2.S (Johnson & Johnson–Janssen) vaccines at preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and COVID-19 hospitalization.

Methods

We compared the effectiveness of the three vaccines during the pre- and post-Delta variant period (before and after 1 July 2021) in a large cohort of vaccinated and unvaccinated patients in the Michigan Medicine healthcare system. We assessed vaccine effectiveness (VE) using 2 analyses: an inverse propensity weighted (IPW) Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis based on time from vaccination, and a Cox model based on calendar time with vaccination as a time-varying covariate.

Results

Compared to Ad26.COV2.S recipients, the risk of hospitalization for COVID-19 in the post-Delta variant period was lower for BNT162b2 recipients (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [.14–.98]; P = .05) and mRNA-1273 recipients (HR = 0.21; 95% CI: [.07–.64]; P = .006). Recipients of the mRNA-1273 vaccine had a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection than Ad26.COV2.S recipients (HR = 0.6; 95% CI: [.43–.83]; P = .003) and BNT162b2 recipients (HR = 0.64; 95% CI: [.54–.76]; P < .001). After 1 July, efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection declined for Ad26.COV2.S recipients (VE = 76% before; VE = 49% after; P = .02), BNT162b2 recipients (VE = 87% before; VE = 52% after; P < .001), and mRNA-1273 recipients (VE = 92% before; VE = 70% after; P < .001). Waning immunity and the Delta variant contributed independently and significantly to this decline.

Conclusions

Although there is a substantial decline in effectiveness, the approved COVID-19 vaccines remain effective against infection and hospitalization due to the Delta variant. The mRNA-based vaccines are more effective than the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine.
Development of a New Index to Assess Small Bowel Inflammation Severity in Crohn’s Disease Using Magnetic Resonance Enterography
Authors: Bouhnik Yoram , Le Berre Catherine , Zappa Magaly , Lewin Maïté , Boudiaf Mourad , Zagdanski Anne Marie , Frampas Eric , Oudjit Ammar , Scotto Béatrice , Tissier Muriel , Annet Laurence , Aufort Sophie , Yzet Thierry , Cuilleron Muriel , Baudin Guillaume , Abitbol Vered , Cosnes Jacques , Bourreille Arnaud , Mary Jean Yves ,   GETAID CDMRIS Study Group, Simon Marion , Dupas Jean Louis , Marteau Philippe , Picon Laurence , Pelletier Anne Laure , Altwegg Romain , Dewit Olivier , Filippi Jérome , Roblin Xavier , Stéfanescu Carmen
Published: February 2022

Background

The severity of small bowel (SB) inflammation in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients is a key component of the therapeutic choice. We aimed to develop a SB-CD Magnetic Resonance Enterography (MRE) index of Inflammation Severity (CDMRIS).

Methods

Each gastroenterologist/radiologist pair in 13 centers selected MREs from 6 patients with SB-CD stratified on their perceived MRE inflammation severity. The 78 blinded MREs were allocated through balanced incomplete block design per severity stratum to these 13 pairs for rating the presence/severity of 13 preselected items for each SB 20-cm diseased segment. Global inflammation severity was evaluated using a 100-cm visual analog scale. Reproducibility of recorded items was evaluated. The CDMRIS was determined through linear mixed modeling as a combination of the numbers of segments with lesions highly correlated to global inflammation severity.

Results

Four hundred and forty-two readings were available. Global inflammation severity mean ± SD was 21.0 ± 16.2. The independent predictors explaining 54% of the global inflammation severity variance were the numbers of segments with T1 mild–moderate and severe intensity of enhancement, deep ulceration without fistula, comb sign, fistula, and abscess. Unbiased correlation between CDMRIS and global inflammation severity was 0.76.

Conclusions

The CDMRIS is now available to evaluate the severity of SB-CD inflammation. External validation and sensitivity-to-change are mandatory next steps.
BTBD9 attenuates manganese-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity by regulating insulin growth factor signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Pan , Cheng Hong , Zheng Fuli , Li Shaojun , Bornhorst Julia , Yang Bobo , Lee Kun He , Ke Tao , Li Yunhui , Schwerdtle Tanja , Yang Xiaobo , Bowman Aaron B , Aschner Michael
Published: February 2022

Manganese (Mn) is an essential mineral, but excess exposure can cause dopaminergic neurotoxicity. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder, but the etiology and pathology remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify the role of Mn in the regulation of an RLS genetic risk factor BTBD9, characterize the function of BTBD9 in Mn-induced oxidative stress and dopaminergic neuronal dysfunction. We found that human subjects with high blood Mn levels were associated with decreased BTBD9 mRNA levels, when compared with subjects with low blood Mn levels. In A549 cells, Mn exposure decreased BTBD9 protein levels. In Caenorhabditis elegans, loss of hpo-9 (BTBD9 homolog) resulted in more susceptibility to Mn-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as decreased dopamine levels and alternations of dopaminergic neuronal morphology and behavior. Overexpression of hpo-9 in mutant animals restored these defects and the protection was eliminated by mutation of the forkhead box O (FOXO). In addition, expression of hpo-9 upregulated FOXO protein levels and decreased protein kinase B levels. These results suggest that elevated Mn exposure might be an environmental risk factor for RLS. Furthermore, BTBD9 functions to alleviate Mn-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity via regulation of insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway.
Association between body mass index and oesophageal cancer mortality: a pooled analysis of prospective cohort studies with >800 000 individuals in the Asia Cohort Consortium
Authors: Lee Sangjun , Jang Jieun , Abe Sarah Krull , Rahman Shafiur , Saito Eiko , Islam Rashedul , Gupta Prakash C , Sawada Norie , Tamakoshi Akiko , Shu Xiao-Ou , Koh Woon-Puay , Sadakane Atsuko , Tsuji Ichiro , Kim Jeongseon , Oze Isao , Nagata Chisato , You San-Lin , Shin Myung-Hee , Pednekar Mangesh S , Tsugane Shoichiro , Cai Hui , Yuan Jian-Min , Wen Wanqing , Ozasa Kotaro , Matsuyama Sanae , Kanemura Seiki , Shin Aesun , Ito Hidemi , Wada Keiko , Sugawara Yumi , Chen Chien-Jen , Ahn Yoon-Ok , Chen Yu , Ahsan Habibul , Boffetta Paolo , Chia Kee Seng , Matsuo Keitaro , Qiao You-Lin , Rothman Nathaniel , Zheng Wei , Inoue Manami , Kang Daehee , Park Sue K
Published: February 2022

Background

The association between body mass index (BMI) and oesophageal cancer (OC) has been consistently negative among Asians, whereas different associations based on histological OC subtypes have been observed in Europeans and North Americans. We examined the association between BMI and OC mortality in the Asia Cohort Consortium.

Methods

We performed a pooled analysis to evaluate the association between BMI and OC mortality among 842 630 Asians from 18 cohort studies. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs.

Results

A wide J-shaped association between BMI and overall OC mortality was observed. The OC mortality risk was increased for underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2: HR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.80–2.70) and extreme obesity (BMI ≥35 kg/m2: HR = 4.38, 95% CI 2.25–8.52) relative to the reference BMI (23–25 kg/m2). This association pattern was confirmed by several alternative analyses based on OC incidence and meta-analysis. A similar wide J-shaped association was observed in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Smoking and alcohol synergistically increased the OC mortality risk in underweight participants (HR = 6.96, 95% CI 4.54–10.67) relative to that in reference BMI participants not exposed to smoking and alcohol.

Conclusion

Extreme obesity and being underweight were associated with an OC mortality risk among Asians. OC mortality and BMI formed a wide J-shaped association mirrored by OSCC mortality. Although the effect of BMI on OSCC and oesophageal adenocarcinoma mortality can be different in Asians, further research based on a large case–control study is recommended.
Association between smoking, e-cigarette use and severe COVID-19: a cohort study
Authors: Gao Min , Aveyard Paul , Lindson Nicola , Hartmann-Boyce Jamie , Watkinson Peter , Young Duncan , Coupland Carol , Clift Ashley K , Harrison David , Gould Doug , Pavord Ian D , Smith Margaret , Hippisley-Cox Julia
Published: February 2022

Background

Smoking is a risk factor for most respiratory infections, but it may protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The objective was to assess whether smoking and e-cigarette use were associated with severe COVID-19.

Methods

This cohort ran from 24 January 2020 until 30 April 2020 at the height of the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in England. It comprised 7 869 534 people representative of the population of England with smoking status, demographic factors and diseases recorded by general practitioners in the medical records, which were linked to hospital and death data. The outcomes were COVID-19-associated hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and death. The associations between smoking and the outcomes were assessed with Cox proportional hazards models, with sequential adjustment for confounding variables and indirect causal factors (body mass index and smoking-related disease).

Results

Compared with never smokers, people currently smoking were at lower risk of COVID-19 hospitalization, adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were 0.64 (95% confidence intervals 0.60 to 0.69) for <10 cigarettes/day, 0.49 (0.41 to 0.59) for 10–19 cigarettes/day, and 0.61 (0.49 to 0.74) for ≥20 cigarettes/day. For ICU admission, the corresponding HRs were 0.31 (0.24 to 0.40), 0.15 (0.06 to 0.36), and 0.35 (0.17 to 0.74) and death were: 0.79 (0.70 to 0.89), 0.66 (0.48 to 0.90), and 0.77 (0.54 to 1.09) respectively. Former smokers were at higher risk of severe COVID-19: HRs: 1.07 (1.03 to 1.11) for hospitalization, 1.17 (1.04 to 1.31) for ICU admission, and 1.17 (1.10 to 1.24) for death. All-cause mortality was higher for current smoking than never smoking, HR 1.42 (1.36 to 1.48). Among e-cigarette users, the adjusted HR for e-cigarette use and hospitalization with COVID-19 was 1.06 (0.88 to 1.28), for ICU admission was 1.04 (0.57 to 1.89, and for death was 1.12 (0.81 to 1.55).

Conclusions

Current smoking was associated with a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 but the association with e-cigarette use was unclear. All-cause mortality remained higher despite this possible reduction in death from COVID-19 during an epidemic of SARS-CoV-2. Findings support investigating possible protective mechanisms of smoking for SARS-CoV-2 infection, including the ongoing trials of nicotine to treat COVID-19.
Associations Between Multiple Measures of HIV-1 Persistence in Persons on Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Bosch Ronald J , Gandhi Rajesh T , Mar Hanna , Eron Joseph J , Cyktor Joshua C , McMahon Deborah K , Mellors John W
Published: February 2022

Clinical research to achieve antiretroviral therapy-free remission requires quantitative assays of the HIV-1 reservoir. Intact proviral DNA (IPD) measurement has greater throughput than the quantitative viral outgrowth assay (QVOA). In 25 individuals with well-documented long-term viral suppression, IPD levels and infectious units per million CD4+ T cells by QVOA strongly correlated (r = 0.59, P = .002), and IPD correlated with total cell-associated HIV-1 DNA and cell-associated HIV-1 RNA (r = 0.62 and r = 0.59, P ≤ .002). IPD may provide an accessible marker of inducible replication-competent virus, total numbers of infected cells, and cellular expression of HIV-1 RNA.
A survey of computational methods for iconic image analysis
Authors: van Noord Nanne
Published: February 2022

Digitization and digitalization efforts have led to an explosive growth of the number of images that are published, shared, and made available in collections. In turn, this has resulted in increased awareness of, and interest in, computational methods for automatic image analysis. Despite the tremendous progress made in the development of computational methods, there remains a gap between how a person interprets an image and what can be automatically extracted. By considering iconic images as those images for which this gap is most salient, as their meaning goes well beyond what is represented in the visual data, this article gives an overview of the potential and limitations of computational methods for iconic image analysis. I structure this overview by discussing methods that can be used to analyse the production, distribution, and reception of iconic images. Although the majority of computational methods focus on analysing production aspects, there are promising methods for image distribution aspects, whereas methods for studying image reception have received little attention. By considering the limitations of available methods I argue that computational methods can be of use for studying iconic images, but that comprehensive analysis will require methods that incorporate the plurality of meanings an image can have, and temporal nature thereof.
X-ray response to disc evolution in two γ Cas stars
Authors: Nazé Yaël , Rauw Gregor , Bohlsen Terrence , Heathcote Bernard , Mc Gee Padric , Cacella Paulo , Motch Christian
Published: February 2022

The Hα emission of a set of southern γ Cas stars was monitored since 2019, with the aim of detecting transition events and examining how their peculiar X-ray emission would react in such cases. Two stars, namely HD 119682 and V767 Cen, were found to display slowly decreasing disc emissions. These decreases were not perfectly monotonic and several temporary and limited rebuilding events were observed. For HD 119682, the emission component in Hα disappeared in 2020 mid-July. In X-rays, the X-ray flux was twice smaller than that recorded two decades ago but of a similar level as observed a decade ago. The X-ray flux decreased over the campaign by 30 per cent, but the hardness remained similar in data sets of all epochs. In particular, the γ Cas character remained as clear as before even when there was no trace of disc emission in the Hα line. For V767 Cen, the full disappearance of disc emission in Hα never occurred. We followed closely a disc rebuilding event, but no significant change in flux or hardness was detected. These behaviours are compared to those of other γ Cas stars and their consequences on the X-ray generation are discussed.
Implications for galaxy formation models from observations of globular clusters around ultradiffuse galaxies
Authors: Saifollahi Teymoor , Zaritsky Dennis , Trujillo Ignacio , Peletier Reynier F , Knapen Johan H , Amorisco Nicola , Beasley Michael A , Donnerstein Richard
Published: February 2022

We present an analysis of Hubble Space Telescope observations of globular clusters (GCs) in six ultradiffuse galaxies (UDGs) in the Coma cluster, a sample that represents UDGs with large effective radii (Re), and use the results to evaluate competing formation models. We eliminate two significant sources of systematic uncertainty in the determination of the number of GCs, NGC by using sufficiently deep observations that (i) reach the turnover of the globular cluster luminosity function (GCLF) and (ii) provide a sufficient number of GCs with which to measure the GC number radial distribution. We find that NGC for these galaxies is on average ∼ 20, which implies an average total mass, Mtotal, ∼ 1011 M⊙ when applying the relation between NGC and Mtotal. This value of NGC lies at the upper end of the range observed for dwarf galaxies of the same stellar mass and is roughly a factor of two larger than the mean. The GCLF, radial profile, and average colour are more consistent with those observed for dwarf galaxies than with those observed for the more massive (L*) galaxies, while both the radial and azimuthal GC distributions closely follow those of the stars in the host galaxy. Finally, we discuss why our observations, specifically the GC number and GC distribution around these six UDGs, pose challenges for several of the currently favoured UDG formation models.