bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical studies of Rayleigh-Taylor instability growth of double-cone ignition scheme in 2020 winter experimental campaign
Authors: Fang Ke , Zhang Zhe , Li Yu-Tong , Zhang Jie ,   Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences,  Beijing 100190, China,   School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China,   Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Dongguan 523808, China,   Collaborative Innovation Center of IFSA, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China,   School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
Published: January 2022

In laser direct-driven fusion, high power lasers are used to ablate the target shell, compress and heat the fuel with the spherical focusing rocket effect, to approach to the fusion ignition conditions. The shaped nanosecond laser pulses compress and accelerate the DT target symmetrically, and forms a high density plasma hot-spot at stagnation. The hydrodynamic instabilities, especially the Rayleigh-Taylor instability, which happens at the interface of plasmas, may destroy the compressed shells, and thus reduce the temperature and density of the hot-spot. In this paper is analyzed theoretically the hydrodynamic instability growth under the conditions in the 2020 winter experiment of the double-cone ignition scheme proposed by Zhang et al. (2020 Philos. Trans. A Math. Phys. Eng. Sci. 378 20200015). Both analytical model and one-dimensional simulations indicate that the fuel shells are compressed with low adiabat under the current quasi-isentropic waveform. The Rayleigh-Taylor instability remains in safe region with a maximum perturbation amplitude reaching 0.25 of the shell thickness at the most peak grown moment. The growth of the hydrodynamic instabilities can be further reduced by increasing the thickness of the shell, through using high foot pre-pulses and improving the uniformity of the target surface and laser irradiation in the future design.
Simulink modeling and dynamic characteristics of discrete memristor chaotic system
Authors: Fu Long-Xiang , He Shao-Bo , Wang Hui-Hai , Sun Ke-Hui ,   School of Physics and Electronics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Published: January 2022

In the last two years, the discrete memristor has been proposed, and it is in the early stages of research. Now, it is particularly important to use various simulation softwares to expand the applications of the discrete memristor model. Based on the difference operator, in this paper, a discrete memristor model with quadratic nonlinearity is constructed. The addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of the discrete memristor mathematical model are clarified, and the charge q is obtained by combining the discrete-time summation module, thereby realizing the Simulink simulation of the discrete memristor. The simulation results show that the designed memristor meets the three fingerprints of memristor, indicating that the designed discrete memristor belongs to generalized memristor.

Using memristors to construct chaotic systems is one of the current research hotspots, but most of the literature is about the introduction of continuous memristors into continuous chaotic systems. In this paper, the obtained discrete memristor is introduced into a three-dimensional chaotic map which is mentioned in a Sprott’s book titled as Chaos and Time-Series Analysis, and a new four-dimensional memristor chaotic map is designed. Meanwhile, the Simulink model of the chaotic map is established. It is found that attractors with different sizes and shapes can be observed by changing the parameters in the Simulink model, indicating that the changes of system parameters and memristor parameters can change the dynamic behavior of the system. The analyses of equilibria and equilibrium stability show that the four-dimensional chaotic map has infinite equilibrium points. The Lyapunov exponent spectra and bifurcation diagrams of the circuit imply that the map can transform between weak chaotic state, chaotic state, and hyperchaotic state. Meanwhile, the multistability and coexisting attractors are analyzed under different initial conditions. Moreover, by comparing the results of measuring the complexity, it is found that the chaotic map with discrete memristor has richer dynamical behaviors and higher complexity than the original map.

From the perspective of system modeling, in this paper the discrete memristor modeling and discrete memristor map designing are discussed based on the Matlab/Simulink. It further verifies the realizability and lays a foundation for the future applications of discrete memristor.
Optic Disc Pit Maculopathy: Review of Recent Advances in Its Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Dahiya Monika , Nada Manisha , Phogat Jitender , Lochab Sakshi , Yadav Preeti , Kumar Surender
Published: January 2022

Optic disc pit (ODP) is a rare congenital anomaly of the optic disc which is usually unilateral and sporadic. It can lead to visual impairment secondary to ODP maculopathy characterised by intraretinal and subretinal fluid collection at macula with no known trigger factors. We came across a case of ODP maculopathy being misdiagnosed and mistreated as chronic CSR which led us to review the advances in its diagnosis and management as ODP maculopathy left untreated carries poor prognosis. Its management remains challenging as there are no clear guidelines and multiple modalities are available. Although few cases of spontaneous resolution of maculopathy are reported in literature but current management of ODP maculopathy is surgical intervention. The most commonly performed surgery for ODP maculopathy is 23 G PPV, either alone or in combination with ILM peeling, gas tamponade or laser photocoagulation. Recent treatment modalities available are intravitreal gas tamponade, macular buckling, inner retinal fenestration, glial tissue removal and autologous fibrin. Prognosis is poor if multilayer intraretinal and subretinal fluid collection is seen on OCT while cases where fluid don't reach to macular arcade vessels have better anatomical and visual outcomes. Even though there are many recent advances in the diagnosis and management of disease, management remains challenging as there are no comparative studies of different therapeutic modalities and their success rate, related to the anatomical and functional outcomes. This review discusses the literature on possible pathogenesis of ODP maculopathy as well as the recent advances in its diagnosis and management.
Malarial Retinopathy: Falci Not So Fan-See!
Authors: Reddy Yogya , Ramakrishnan Reshma , Pandey Anamika , ojha Ayushi , deore Purva , Gandhi Priyanka
Published: January 2022

Malarial retinopathy is an established entity in cases of complicated falciparum malaria and cerebral malaria in children whereas, in adults it is rarely reported. Here we report a case of a 21-year-old male, with uncomplicated falciparum malaria, referred to the ophthalmology outpatient department with a chief complaint of sudden blurring of vision in both eyes. On examination, both eyes showed mild blurring of nasal optic disc margins with multiple intraretinal, preretinal haemorrhages, subhyaloid haemorrhage involving the macula and Roth spots, suggestive of malarial retinopathy. The patient was observed closely for spontaneous resolution and was treated systemically with anti-malarial drugs including injection artesunate and tablet doxycycline. On subsequent follow-up after 2 weeks, improvement in visual acuity with complete resolution of haemorrhages occurred. We aspire to bring to light a rare entity of malarial retinopathy and the need to not over-treat the condition.
Safety of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices with generator and lead(s) brand mismatch
Authors: Minaskeian Nareg , Hajnal Sofia P , Liu Michael B , Klooster Lindsay M , Devick Katrina L , Schwartz Linda , Jokerst Clinton E , Sorajja Dan , Scott Luis RP
Published: January 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable imaging modality for the assessment of both cardiac and non‐cardiac structures. With a growing population of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), 50%–75% of these patients will need an MRI. MRI‐conditional CIEDs have demonstrated safety of MRI scanning with such devices, yet non‐conditional devices such as hybrid CIEDs which have generator and lead brand mismatch may pose a safety risk. In this retrospective study, we examined the outcomes of patients with hybrid CIEDs undergoing MRI compared to those patients with non‐hybrid CIEDs. A total of 349 patients were included, of which 24 patients (7%) had hybrid CIEDs. The primary endpoint was the safety of MRI for patients with hybrid CIEDs as compared to those with non‐hybrid devices, measured by the rate of adverse events, including death, lead or generator failure needing immediate replacement, loss of capture, new onset arrhythmia, or power‐on reset. Secondary endpoints consisted of pre‐ and post‐MRI changes of decreased P‐wave or R‐wave sensing by ≥50%, changes in pacing lead impedance by ≥50 ohms, increase in pacing thresholds by ≥ 0.5 V at 0.4 ms, and decreasing battery voltage of ≥ 0.04 V. The primary endpoint of any adverse reaction was present in 1 (4.2%) patient with a hybrid device, and consistent of atrial tachyarrhythmia, and in 10 (3.1%) patients with a non‐hybrid device, and consisted of self‐limited atrial and non‐sustained ventricular arrhythmias; this was not statistically significant. No significant differences were found in the secondary endpoints. This study demonstrates that MRI in patients with hybrid CIEDs does not result in increased patient risk or significant device changes when compared to those patients who underwent MRI with non‐hybrid CIEDs.
Effects of different nitrogen application rates on the quality and metabolomics of cigar tobacco
Authors: Yang Rongzhou , Yang Jinpeng , Yu Jun , Wang Sheliang , Yang Chunlei , Xu Fangsen
Published: January 2022

Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient element in plants that participates in physiological and biochemical regulation. However, the effects of different N applications on cigar tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) growth are not well known. In this study, the differences in agronomical characteristics and nutritional quality of cigar tobacco leaves at the mature and curing stages under different exogenous N applications were explored. The dry matter accumulation of cigar tobacco leaves increased with increasing N application rates. In the two stages, the nutritional quality of cigar tobacco leaves was similar, but the concentrations of N and Cl were increased. To understand the effect of exogenous N on cigar tobacco metabolism, untargeted metabolomics was applied. Six significantly differential metabolites, including phenylalanine, phosphoserine, glutamate, oxoproline, succinylhomoserine, and homoserine, were identified, and the main metabolic pathways around the tricarboxylic acid cycle were identified. These results provide a better understanding of the effects of exogenous N application on the physiological, biochemical, and metabolic processes of cigar tobacco and provide a reference for fertilization control in cigar tobacco production.
B Cell Depletion and SARS‐CoV‐2 Vaccine Responses in Neuroimmunologic Patients
Authors: Kornek Barbara , Leutmezer Fritz , Rommer Paulus S. , Koblischke Maximilian , Schneider Lisa , Haslacher Helmuth , Thalhammer Renate , Zimprich Fritz , Zulehner Gudrun , Bsteh Gabriel , Dal‐Bianco Assunta , Rinner Walter , Zebenholzer Karin , Wimmer Isabella , Steinmaurer Anja , Graninger Marianne , Mayer Margareta , Roedl Kilian , Berger Thomas , Winkler Stefan , Aberle Judith H. , Tobudic Selma
Published: January 2022

Objective

The study was undertaken to assess the impact of B cell depletion on humoral and cellular immune responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccination in patients with various neuroimmunologic disorders on anti‐CD20 therapy. This included an analysis of the T cell vaccine response to the SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta variant.

Methods

We investigated prospectively humoral and cellular responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccination in 82 patients with neuroimmunologic disorders on anti‐CD20 therapy and 82 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. For quantification of antibodies, the Elecsys anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 viral spike (S) immunoassay against the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) was used. IFN‐gamma enzyme‐linked immunosorbent spot assays were performed to assess T cell responses against the SARS‐CoV‐2 Wuhan strain and the Delta variant.

Results

SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibodies were found less frequently in patients (70% [57/82]) compared with controls (82/82 [100%], p < 0.001). In patients without detectable B cells (<1 B cell/mcl), seroconversion rates and antibody levels were lower compared to nondepleted (≥1 B cell/mcl) patients (p < 0.001). B cell levels ≥1 cell/mcl were sufficient to induce seroconversion in our cohort of anti‐CD20 treated patients. In contrast to the antibody response, the T‐cell response against the Wuhan strain and the Delta variant was more pronounced in frequency (p < 0.05) and magnitude (p < 0.01) in B‐cell depleted compared to nondepleted patients.

Interpretation

Antibody responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccinnation can be attained in patients on anti‐CD20 therapy by the onset of B cell repopulation. In the absence of B cells, a strong T cell response is generated which may help to protect against severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in this high‐risk population. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:342–352
Finger stick blood test to assess postvaccination SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibody response against variants
Authors: Lim Sing Mei , Cheng Hoi Lok , Jia Huan , Kongsuphol Patthara , D/O Shunmuganathan Bhuvaneshwari , Chen Ming Wei , Ng Say Yong , Gao Xiaohong , Turaga Shuvan Prashant , Heussler Sascha P. , Somani Jyoti , Sengupta Sharmila , Tay Dousabel M. Y. , McBee Megan E. , Young Barnaby E. , MacAry Paul A. , Sikes Hadley D. , Preiser Peter R.
Published: January 2022

There is clinical need for a quantifiable point‐of‐care (PoC) SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibody (nAb) test that is adaptable with the pandemic's changing landscape. Here, we present a rapid and semi‐quantitative nAb test that uses finger stick or venous blood to assess the nAb response of vaccinated population against wild‐type (WT), alpha, beta, gamma, and delta variant RBDs. It captures a clinically relevant range of nAb levels, and effectively differentiates prevaccination, post first dose, and post second dose vaccination samples within 10 min. The data observed against alpha, beta, gamma, and delta variants agrees with published results evaluated in established serology tests. Finally, our test revealed a substantial reduction in nAb level for beta, gamma, and delta variants between early BNT162b2 vaccination group (within 3 months) and later vaccination group (post 3 months). This test is highly suited for PoC settings and provides an insightful nAb response in a postvaccinated population.
Cation exchange as a single polishing step for conjugated peptides
Authors: Rockwell Lauren , Bao Haiying , Insaidoo Francis , Ikechukwu Ijeoma , Tugcu Nihal , Kandula Sunitha
Published: January 2022

Purification of peptides typically includes expensive reverse phase (RP) processes, which utilize high pressure and large volumes of solvent. For two conjugated peptides, chromatography process development targeted a low‐pressure aqueous process that could achieve target product purities of ≥95%, comparable to purities seen with traditional RP. A high throughput screening approach of different modalities was used to identify binding and elution conditions on a cation exchange resin and small‐scale columns were used in order to assess impurity removal and process yield. The parameters for load and gradient elution were optimized to increase product purity and process productivity with a wide operating window identified where high purity and productivity are achieved. Computational modeling was then used to validate experimental chromatography results and to gain insight on the effect of the chemical modifications on the surface properties of the two peptides. Both modeling and experimental data showed that with optimization, cation exchange could be utilized as a single polishing step for conjugated peptides. Similar purities were achieved as those seen with RP with up to double the productivity.
IL‐17 in intervertebral disc degeneration: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications
Authors: Tan Jing‐Hua , Li Ze‐Peng , Liu Lu‐Lu , Liu Hao , Xue Jing‐Bo
Published: January 2022

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) serves as an independent risk factor for lower back pain and is closely associated with spinal musculoskeletal disorders, including lumbar disc herniation, radiculopathy, and myelopathy. Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), also named IL‐17A, is a critical signature cytokine of T‐helper 17 cells. Upon binding to the IL‐17 receptor A/C heterodimeric complex, IL‐17 can trigger multiple signal transduction pathways to stimulate gene transcription and increase messenger RNA stability. IL‐17 expression is significantly increased in degenerative disc tissue and shows a positive correlation with disease severity. IL‐17 has been shown to accelerate the development of IDD by promoting extracellular matrix degradation, enhancing inflammatory response, inducing neoangiogenesis, and inhibiting nucleus pulposus cell autophagy and proliferation. Targeting IL‐17 represents a novel and promising approach for the therapeutic intervention of IDD. In this review, we summarized the recent progression about the role of IL‐17 in IDD and highlighted its therapeutic implications.
In‐hospital outcomes of transesophageal versus intracardiac echocardiography guided left atrial appendage closure
Authors: Morcos Ramez , Megaly Michael , Saad Marwan , Barakat Amr F. , Rubens Muni , Saxena Anshul , Elbadawi Ayman , Kucharik Michael , Luna Michael , Garcia Santiago , Veledar Emir , Maini Brijeshwar , Khalili Houman
Published: January 2022

Background

Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is the preferred imaging modality to guide transcatheter left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has evolved as a less invasive alternative to TEE. Several observational studies have shown similar success rates and perioperative complications between TEE and ICE for LAAC.

Objectives

We sought to examine the temporal trends and patient characteristics of TEE versus ICE use in LAAC using a national database. We also evaluated hospital outcomes including periprocedural complications, mortality, and length of hospital stay.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of data from the National Readmission Database, collected from 2016 to 2018. The primary outcome was major adverse events (MAE) defined as in‐hospital mortality, cardiac arrest, pericardial effusion with or without tamponade, pericardiocentesis or window pericardiocentesis and pericardial window, pericardial effusion and tamponade, and hemorrhage requiring transfusion.

Results

Trend analysis showed that TEE‐guided LAAC increased from 96.6% in 2016 to 98.4% in 2018 (relative increase, 1.9%), while ICE‐guided LAAC decreased from 3.4% to 1.6% during the same period (relative decrease, 53%, p for trend = 0.08). In the unmatched cohorts, the MAE was significantly lower in TEE‐guided LAAC compared to ICE‐guided LAAC (6.5% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.022). In the propensity score matching analysis, MAE remained significant (5.6% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.001). The incidence of pericardial effusion with or without tamponade remained significantly lower in the TEE group (2.3% vs. 5.8%, p < 0.001). Length of stay (3.4 vs. 1.9 days, p < 0.001) and hospitalization cost ($34,826 vs. $20,563, p < 0.001) remained significantly lower for TEE‐guided LAAC.

Conclusions

Compared to ICE, the incidence of MAE was significantly lower for TEE‐guided LAAC, driven mainly by less pericardial effusion events. Large‐scale randomized trials are needed to confirm the findings of the current and previous studies.
Propensity matched analysis of vascular complications using integrated or expandable sheaths for TAVR
Authors: Ruge Hendrik , Burri Melchior , Erlebach Magdalena , Lange Ruediger
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Vascular access site complications increase morbidity and mortality in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Background

Medtronic's EnVeo PRO® low‐profile sheath concept and Edwards' expandable eSheath® aim to lower vascular trauma and access site complications. This study aims to compare Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)‐3 defined access‐related vascular complications using the two different transcatheter heart valve (THV) delivery concepts.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, propensity‐matched study to compare access site vascular complications in 756 consecutive patients who underwent a transfemoral TAVR using a Medtronic Evolut‐R®/Evolut‐PRO® or an Edwards Sapien3®/Sapien3ultra® THV.

Results

Propensity score matching resulted in 275 patient pairs. The primary endpoint of major VARC‐3 vascular complication was 7.6% in the Medtronic group and 12.7% in the Edwards group (p = 0.066). Minor VARC‐3 vascular complications were 9.1% and 8%, respectively (p = 0.76). VARC‐3 bleeding complications (8.4% vs. 12.7%, p = 0.129) length of hospital stay (7.6 
+ 5.4 vs. 7.5 
+ 3.7 days, p = 0.783) and in‐hospital mortality (1.1% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.624) were comparable between both groups.

Conclusions

In a propensity‐matched TAVR population, patients treated with the integrated sheath showed a trend towards fewer major vascular complications than patients treated with an expandable sheath, however, the difference was not statistically significant.
Impact of mitral intervention on outcomes of patients with mitral valve dysfunction and annulus calcification
Authors: Kato Nahoko , Pellikka Patricia A. , Scott Christopher G. , Lee Alexander T. , Jain Vaibhav , Eleid Mackram F. , Alkhouli Mohamad A. , Reeder Guy S. , Michelena Hector I. , Pislaru Sorin V. , Bagameri Gabor , Crestanello Juan A. , Rihal Charanjit S. , Guerrero Mayra
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To compare all‐cause mortality in patients with mitral annulus calcification (MAC) and severe mitral valve dysfunction (MVD) who received standard mitral intervention versus no intervention.

Background

Patients with MAC often have high surgical risk due to advanced age, comorbidities, and technical challenges related to calcium. The impact of a mitral intervention on outcomes of patients with MAC and severe MVD is not well known.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients with MAC by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in 2015 at a single institution. Patients with severe mitral stenosis (MS) or regurgitation (MR) were analyzed and stratified into two groups: surgical or transcatheter intervention performed <1 year after the index TTE, and no or later intervention. The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality.

Results

Of 5502 patients with MAC, 357 had severe MVD (MS = 27%, MR = 73%). Of those, 108 underwent mitral intervention (surgery = 87; transcatheter = 21). They were younger (73 ± 11 vs. 76 ± 11 years, p < 0.01) and less frequently had cardiovascular diseases compared with no‐intervention. Frequency in women was similar (45% vs. 50%, p = 0.44). During median follow‐up of 3.2 years, the intervention group had higher estimated survival than those without intervention (80% vs. 72% at 1 year and 55% vs. 35% at 4 year, p < 0.01). Adjusted for age, eGFR, LVEF < 50%, and pulmonary hypertension, mitral intervention was an independent predictor of lower mortality (hazard ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.43–0.99, p = 0.046).

Conclusion

Patients with MAC and severe MVD who underwent mitral intervention <1 year from index TTE had lower mortality than those without intervention. Mitral intervention was independently associated with lower mortality.
Resource exploitation efficiency collapses the home range of an apex predator
Authors: Dickie Melanie , Serrouya Robert , Avgar Tal , McLoughlin Philip , McNay R. Scott , DeMars Craig , Boutin Stan , Ford Adam T.
Published: January 2022

Optimizing energy acquisition and expenditure is a fundamental trade‐off for consumers, strikingly reflected in how mobile organisms use space. Several studies have established that home range size decreases as resource density increases, but the balance of costs and benefits associated with exploiting a given resource density is unclear. We evaluate how the ability of consumers to exploit their resources through movement (termed “resource exploitation”) interacts with resource density to influence home range size. We then contrast two hypotheses to evaluate how resource exploitation influences home range size across a vast gradient of productivity and density of human‐created linear features (roads and seismic lines) that are known to facilitate animal movements. Under the Diffusion Facilitation Hypothesis, linear features are predicted to lead to more diffuse space use and larger home ranges. Under the Exploitation Efficiency Hypothesis, linear features are predicted to increase foraging efficiency, resulting in less space being required to meet energetic demands and therefore smaller home ranges. Using GPS telemetry data from 142 wolves (Canis lupus) distributed over more than 500,000 km2, we found that wolf home range size was influenced by the interaction between resource density and exploitation efficiency. Home range size decreased as linear feature density increased, supporting the Exploitation Efficiency Hypothesis. However, the effect of linear features on home range size diminished in more productive areas, suggesting that exploitation efficiency is of greater importance when resource density is low. These results suggest that smaller home ranges will occur where both linear feature density and primary productivity are higher, thereby increasing regional wolf density.
Access to health care and mental health—Evidence from the ACA preexisting conditions provision
Authors: Hampton Matt , Lenhart Otto
Published: January 2022

This study evaluates the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) preexisting conditions provision on mental health. The 2014 policy ensured individuals with preexisting health conditions the right to obtain insurance coverage. Using longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics between 2007 and 2017 and estimating difference‐in‐differences models, our study provides evidence that the policy reduced severe mental distress by 1.44 percentage points (baseline mean: 8.09%) among individuals with preexisting physical health conditions. Exploiting pre‐ACA, state‐level variation in policies providing insurance coverage options to people with preexisting conditions, we find that this improvement in mental well‐being is highly associated with the presence of high‐risk pools before 2014, which provided individuals with prior health conditions access to coverage. Specifically, we show that our main results are driven by individuals with preexisting health conditions living in the 16 states that did not have high‐risk pools. Furthermore, gender‐specific analysis shows that the reduction in mental distress is primarily observable among women. When examining potential mechanisms, our analysis provides evidence that increases in insurance coverage, reductions in healthcare expenditures, and improvements in physical health can explain the positive effects of the provision on mental well‐being.
Morphology and unbiased stereology of the lateral superior olive in the short‐beaked common dolphin, Delphinus delphis (Cetacea, Delphinidae)
Authors: Nieder Carolin , Rosene Douglas L. , Mortazavi Farzad , Oblak Adrian L. , Ketten Darlene R.
Published: January 2022

In all mammals, the superior olivary complex (SOC) comprises a group of auditory brainstem nuclei that are important for sound localization. Its principal nuclei, the lateral superior olive (LSO) and the medial superior olive (MSO) process interaural time and intensity differences, which are the main cues for sound localization in the horizontal plane. Toothed whales (odontocetes) rely heavily on hearing and echolocation for foraging, orientation, and communication and localize sound with great acuity. The investigation of the SOC in odontocetes provides insight into adaptations to underwater hearing and echolocation. However, quantitative anatomical data for odontocetes are currently lacking. We quantified the volume, total neuron number, and neuron density of the LSO of six common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) using the Cavalieri principle and the unbiased stereology optical fractionator. Our results show that the LSO in D. delphis has a volume of 150 + (SD = 27) mm3, which is on average 69 (SEM = 19) times larger than the LSO in human, or 37 (SEM = 11) times larger than the human LSO and MSO combined. The LSO of D. delphis contains 20,876 ± (SD = 3300) neurons. In comparison, data reported for the human brainstem indicate the LSO has only about ¼ that number but about the same number for the LSO and MSO combined (21,100). LSO neurons range from 21 to 25 μm (minor axis) and from 44 to 61 μm (major axis) in transverse sections. The LSO neuron packing density is 1080 ± (SD = 204) neurons/mm3, roughly half of the LSO neuron density in human. SMI‐32‐immunohistochemistry was used to visualize projection neurons in the LSO and revealed the presence of principal, marginal, and multipolar neurons in transverse sections. The distinct morphology of the LSO likely reflects the common dolphin's superb sensitivity to ultra‐high frequencies and ability to detect and analyze sounds and their location as part of its underwater spatial localization and echolocation tasks.
Adaptive modeling powers fast multiparameter fitting of CARS spectra
Authors: Hunt Gregory J. , Ground Cody R. , Cutler Andrew D.
Published: January 2022

Coherent anti‐Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS) is a laser‐based measurement technique widely applied across many science and engineering disciplines to perform non‐intrusive gas diagnostics. CARS is often used to study combustion, where the measured spectra can be used to simultaneously recover multiple flow parameters from the reacting gas such as temperature and relative species mole fractions. This is typically done by using numerical optimization to find the flow parameters for which a theoretical model of the CARS spectra best matches the actual measurements. The most commonly used theoretical model is the CARSFT spectrum calculator. Unfortunately, this CARSFT spectrum generator is computationally expensive, and using it to recover multiple flow parameters can be prohibitively time‐consuming, especially when experiments have hundreds or thousands of measurements distributed over time or space. To overcome these issues, several methods have been developed to approximate CARSFT using a library of pre‐computed theoretical spectra. In this work, we present a new approach that leverages ideas from the machine learning literature to build an adaptively smoothed kernel‐based approximator. In application on a simulated dual‐pump CARS experiment probing a H2/air flame, we show that the approach can use a small number library spectra to quickly and accurately recover temperature and four gas species' mole fractions. The method's flexibility allows fine‐tuned navigation of the trade‐off between speed and accuracy and makes the approach suitable for a wide range of problems and flow regimes.
Horseradish peroxidase catalyzed grafting of chitosan oligosaccharide with different flavonols: structures, antioxidant activity and edible coating application
Authors: Yong Huimin , Hu Huixia , Yun Dawei , Jin Changhai , Liu Jun
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Enzymatic catalyzed grafting of oligosaccharides with polyphenols is a safe and environmentally friendly approach to simultaneously enhance the bioactivity of oligosaccharides and the solubility of polyphenols. In this study, chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) was grafted with three different flavonols including myricetin (MYR), quercetin (QUE) and kaempferol (KAE) by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) catalysis. The structures, antioxidant activity and edible coating application of COS–flavonol conjugates were investigated.

RESULTS

The total phenol content of COS–MYR, COS–QUE and COS–KAE conjugates was 59.89, 68.37 and 53.77 mg gallic acid equivalents g−1, respectively. Thin layer chromatography showed the conjugates did not contain ungrafted flavonols. COS–flavonol conjugates showed ultraviolet absorption peak at about 294 nm, corresponding to the A‐ring of flavonols. Fourier‐transform infrared spectra of conjugates confirmed the formation of Schiff‐base and Michael‐addition products. The proton‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of COS–KAE conjugate exhibited phenyl proton signals of KAE. X‐ray diffraction patterns of conjugates showed some diffraction peaks of flavonols. COS–flavonol conjugates presented rough and porous morphologies with sheet‐like and/or blocky structures. The conjugates showed higher water solubility, free radical scavenging activity and reducing power than flavonols. Moreover, fish gelatin/COS–flavonol conjugate coatings effectively prolonged the shelf life of refrigerated largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fillets from 5 days to 7–8 days.

CONCLUSION

COS–flavonol conjugates prepared by HRP catalysis have great potentials as novel antioxidant agents. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Friction reduction mechanisms of TiN film sliding in graphene aqueous dispersion
Authors: Wang Yunfeng , Li Yongjun , Wu Guizhi , Lu Zhibin
Published: January 2022

The lamellar structure and weak interlayer shear force of graphene endow itself potential application value in lubrication fields, while its lubrication performance has been vastly investigated in various fields. However, there are few studies on the composite tribological performance of graphene and ceramic films. In this study, a solid–liquid lubricating system which TiN film slides in graphene aqueous dispersion is developed, aiming to achieve low friction of the TiN ceramic film in macroscale contact. Two kinds of TiN films were obtained by multi‐arc ion plating and magnetron sputtering respectively. The tribological test show that the friction coefficient of the TiN film drops when adding graphene aqueous dispersion and varies with the concentrations of graphene. The results indicate that the graphene might act in two ways to achieve low friction of TiN film, which are liquid lubricating effect of solvents and the formation of smooth sliding interface promoted by graphene.
Structure, dynamics, and stability of the globular domain of human linker histone H1.0 and the role of positive charges
Authors: Martinsen Jacob H. , Saar Daniel , Fernandes Catarina B. , Schuler Benjamin , Bugge Katrine , Kragelund Birthe B.
Published: January 2022

Linker histone H1 (H1) is an abundant chromatin‐binding protein that acts as an epigenetic regulator binding to nucleosomes and altering chromatin structures and dynamics. Nonetheless, the mechanistic details of its function remain poorly understood. Recent work suggest that the number and position of charged side chains on the globular domain (GD) of H1 influence chromatin structure and hence gene repression. Here, we solved the solution structure of the unbound GD of human H1.0, revealing that the structure is almost completely unperturbed by complex formation, except for a loop connecting two antiparallel β‐strands. We further quantified the role of the many positive charges of the GD for its structure and conformational stability through the analysis of 11 charge variants. We find that modulating the number of charges has little effect on the structure, but the stability is affected, resulting in a difference in melting temperature of 26 K between GD of net charge +5 versus +13. This result suggests that the large number of positive charges on H1‐GDs have evolved for function rather than structure and high stability. The stabilization of the GD upon binding to DNA can thus be expected to have a pronounced electrostatic component, a contribution that is amenable to modulation by posttranslational modifications, especially acetylation and phosphorylation.
The effect of sesame, canola, and sesame‐canola oils on cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight adults: a three‐way randomized triple‐blind crossover clinical trial
Authors: Moghtaderi Fatemeh , Amiri Mojgan , Raeisi‐Dehkordi Hamidreza , Zimorovat Alireza , Mohyadini Matin , Salehi‐Abargouei Amin
Published: January 2022

Limited data exist on the cardiometabolic effects of sesame oil compared with canola oil. In the present study, 77 overweight adults were randomized to replace their regularly consumed oils with canola (CO), sesame (SO), and sesame‐canola oils (SCO, 40% SO, and 60% CO) in three 9‐week phases. Blood pressure, visceral adiposity index, serum apo‐proteins (APOs) and lipid profile, glycemic control markers, kidney markers, liver enzymes, and cardiovascular disease risk scores were assessed at baseline and endline. After adjustment for confounders, SO significantly reduced serum alkaline aminotransferase (ALT) compared to CO (p ≤ 0.05) in all participants, increased serum urea compared to SCO in males, and decreased serum alkaline phosphatase compared to other oils in males, and improved serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and triglycerides (TG) compared to SCO, and eGFR compared with CO in females (p ≤ 0.05). Canola oil significantly improved serum Apo A1 and APO B/A ratio compared with SO, in males (p ≤ 0.05). Sesame‐canola oil significantly reduced serum urea compared to other oils in all participants (p ≤ 0.05). Sesame oil and SCO might beneficially affect serum ALT and urea, respectively. Intervention oils might have different cardiometabolic effects in each gender. Further studies are needed to confirm our results (Trial registration code: IRCT2016091312571N6).
Chylothorax found in a patient with COVID‐19
Authors: Satriano Francesco , Scioscia Giulia , Cagnazzo Maria Grazia , Maci Federica , Refolo Leonida , Fuso Paolo , Gerardi Emanuele , Grasso Diego , Soccio Piera , Lacedonia Donato
Published: January 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and its clinical spectrum ranges from mild to moderate or severe illness. A 78‐year‐old male was presented at emergency department with dyspnoea, dry cough and severe asthenia. The nasopharyngeal swab by real‐time polymerase chain reaction confirmed a SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The x‐ray and the thoracic ultrasound revealed right pleural effusion. A diagnostic‐therapeutic thoracentesis drained fluid identified as chylothorax. Subsequently, the patient underwent a chest computed tomography which showed the radiological hallmarks of COVID‐19 and in the following weeks he underwent a chest magnetic resonance imaging to obtain a better view of mediastinal and lymphatic structures, which showed a partial thrombosis affecting the origin of superior vena cava and the distal tract of the right subclavian vein. For this reason, anticoagulant therapy was optimized and in the following weeks the patient was discharged for clinical and radiological improvement. This case demonstrates chylothorax as a possible and uncommon complication of COVID‐19.
Viscoelastic dynamic response of asphalt pavement with imperfect interface bonding base on transfer matrix
Authors: Gao Yuanyuan , Wang Peng , Jiao Yanpeng , Liu Zhi , Xiao Han
Published: January 2022

The interface bonding condition between asphalt pavement layers is always imperfect because of the differing material properties of different layers and the limitation of construction techniques. Therefore, designing asphalt pavement by considering the interface to be completely continuous is not precise. The viscoelastic character of the asphalt layer contributes significantly to the performance of asphalt pavement. To explore the influence of the imperfect interface on the viscoelastic dynamic response of asphalt pavement, the Hankel–Laplace transformation was applied to convert the partial differential equations to ordinary differential equations and a transfer matrix was introduced to describe the behavior of the imperfect interface. Based on the boundary condition and integral inverse transformation technique, an analytical solution for the displacement, stress, and strain of the pavement can be obtained. By considering the variation in the interface condition and the viscoelastic characteristics of the asphalt layer, the dynamic response of the pavement was calculated based on a practical example. The results show that the interface condition between the asphalt layer and the base course has a marked influence on the viscoelastic dynamic response of the pavement and that enhancing the strength of this interface can reduce the deflection of the pavement. The series elastic component in the modified Burgers model is another significant factor that affects the calculation results of the pavement dynamic response.
Analyzing Digital Trace Data to Promote Discovery – The Case of Heatmapping
Authors: Mahringer Christian A.
Published: January 2022

Business Process Management and Routine Dynamics are two streams of research that both explore process. To this end, Business Process Management has developed a rich array of methods that can be used to analyze digital trace data. Routine Dynamics has put less emphasis on the analysis of digital trace data, but it has advanced a methodological approach that promotes discovery, i.e., the process that actors perform and experience as they develop novel insights. This paper argues that the analysis of digital trace data can promote the process of discovery. It uses heatmapping as a specific example to show how analyzing digital trace data can promote discovery. The paper thus emphasizes a specific way how Business Process Management and Routine Dynamics can fertilize each other.
Flexibility in generating sets of finite groups
Authors: Harper Scott
Published: January 2022

Let G be a finite group. It has recently been proved that every nontrivial element of G is contained in a generating set of minimal size if and only if all proper quotients of G require fewer generators than G. It is natural to ask which finite groups, in addition, have the property that any two elements of G that do not generate a cyclic group can be extended to a generating set of minimal size. This note answers the question. The only such finite groups are very specific affine groups: elementary abelian groups extended by a cyclic group acting as scalars.
Helicobacter pylori-induced reactive oxygen species direct turnover of CSN-associated STAMBPL1 and augment apoptotic cell death
Authors: Chaithongyot Supattra , Naumann Michael
Published: January 2022

Deubiquitinylases (DUBs) are central regulators of the ubiquitin system involved in protein regulation and cell signalling and are important for a variety of physiological processes. Most DUBs are cysteine proteases, and few other proteases are metalloproteases of the JAB1/MPN +/MOV34 protease family (JAMM). STAM-binding protein like 1 (STAMBPL1), a member of the JAMM family, cleaves ubiquitin bonds and has a function in regulating cell survival, Tax-mediated nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. However, the molecular mechanism by which STAMBPL1 influences cell survival is not well defined, especially with regard to its deubiquitinylation function. Here, we show that reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by chemotherapeutic agents or the human microbial pathogen Helicobacter pylori can induce cullin 1-RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL1) and 26S proteasome-dependent degradation STAMBPL1. Interestingly, STAMBPL1 has a direct interaction with the constitutive photomorphogenic 9 (COP9 or CSN) signalosome subunits CSN5 and CSN6. The interaction with the CSN is required for the stabilisation and function of the STAMBPL1 protein. In addition, STAMBPL1 deubiquitinylates the anti-apoptotic protein Survivin and thus ameliorates cell survival. In summary, our data reveal a previously unknown mechanism by which the deubiquitinylase STAMBPL1 and the E3 ligase CRL1 balance the level of Survivin degradation and thereby determine apoptotic cell death. In response to genotoxic stress, the degradation of STAMBPL1 augments apoptotic cell death. This new mechanism may be useful to develop therapeutic strategies targeting STAMBPL1 in tumours that have high STAMBPL1 and Survivin protein levels.
Predicting household resilience with machine learning: preliminary cross-country tests
Authors: Garbero Alessandra , Letta Marco
Published: January 2022

Using a unique cross-country sample from 10 impact evaluations of development projects, we test the out-of-sample performance of machine learning algorithms in predicting non-resilient households, where resilience is a subjective metrics defined as the perceived ability to recover from shocks. We report preliminary evidence of the potential of these data-driven techniques to identify the main predictors of household resilience and inform the targeting of resilience-oriented policy interventions.
Future urban heat island influence on precipitation
Authors: Steensen B. M. , Marelle L. , Hodnebrog Ø. , Myhre G.
Published: January 2022

Urbanization and global warming are two of the major human impacts on the environment. The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect can change precipitation patterns. Global warming also leads to changes in precipitation and especially an increase in intensity and frequency of extreme precipitation. With urbanization expected to grow in the future, the role of UHI in a warmer climate is an important research question. We present results from 20-year long regional convection-permitting model simulations that include the UHI effect, run for historical and future climates for two megacities, Paris and Shanghai. In the warmer future climate, urban-induced precipitation is found to decrease compared to the historical climate, for both mean and extreme precipitation, with large uncertainties due to natural variability. The mean precipitation increase due to UHI in Paris is 2.2± 1.4% and 1.8 ± 1.3% for historical and future conditions, respectively. Shanghai has slightly weaker mean precipitation change than Paris at present and no change in the future. The future reduction of the urban effect is found to be caused by a decrease in summer precipitation for both cities. Interannual variability in precipitation due to UHI is larger for Shanghai than Paris. The UHI effect on extreme precipitation is also reduced in the future climate and the area with precipitation increase is more concentrated. The general increase in extreme precipitation due to global warming, in combination with the precipitation redistribution due to UHI, underline the importance for future urban planning to mitigate damage caused by extreme precipitation events.