bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Risk Factors and Early Outcomes of Delirium in Valvular Open-Heart Surgery
Authors: Hulde Nikolai , Zittermann Armin , Tigges-Limmer Katharina , Koster Andreas , Weinrautner Nicole , Gummert Jan , von Dossow Vera
Published: January 2022

Background Compared with coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, data regarding postoperative delirium are scant in valvular open-heart surgery. Therefore, the goal of this retrospective study was to investigate the incidence, preoperative risk factors, and early outcomes of delirium in a large group of patients undergoing valvular open-heart surgery.

Methods In 13,229 patients with isolated valvular or combined valvular and bypass surgery, the incidence of postoperative delirium was assessed until discharge. Independent risk factors of delirium were evaluated by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Moreover, we assessed the multivariable-adjusted risk of prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay (>48 hours) and in-hospital mortality in patients with delirium.

Results Overall, the incidence of postoperative delirium was 8.4%. The incidence in patients experiencing a postoperative stroke or seizure was 23.1 and 29.7%, respectively. Twelve preoperative risk factors, mostly nonmodifiable, were independently associated with the risk of delirium, including advanced age, renal impairment, stroke, the need for emergency surgery, and severe preoperative anemia (hemoglobin < 9 g/dL). Postoperative delirium was associated with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of prolonged ICU stay of 9.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.96–11.30). Adjusted in-hospital mortality was, however, significantly lower in patients with delirium versus patients without delirium (OR, 0.56; 95% CI: 0.38–0.83).

Conclusion In valvular open-heart surgery, postoperative delirium is a frequent neurological complication that is associated with other postoperative neurological complications and several, mostly nonmodifiable, preoperative risk factors. Although postoperative delirium was associated with a significantly increased risk of prolonged ICU stay, this did not translate into an increased short-term mortality.
NET-Mediated Pathogenesis of COVID-19: The Role of NETs in Hepatic Manifestations
Authors: Alkattan Wael , Yaqinuddin Ahmed , Shafqat Areez , Kashir Junaid
Published: January 2022

Some coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients exhibit multi-organ failure, which often includes the liver. Indeed, liver disease appears to be an emerging feature of COVID-19 infections. However, the exact mechanism behind this remains unknown. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have increasingly been attributed as major contributors to various liver pathologies, including sepsis, ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) injury, and portal hypertension in the setting of chronic liver disease. Although vital in normal immunity, excessive NET formation can drive inflammation, particularly of the endothelium. Collectively, we propose that NETs observed to be elevated in severe COVID-19 infection play principal roles in liver injury in addition to acute lung injury. Herein, we discuss the potential mechanisms underlying COVID-induced liver injury including cytopathic effects from direct liver infection, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and hypoxic injury, encompassing I/R injury and coagulopathy. Further research is required to further elucidate the role of NETs in COVID. This holds potential therapeutic significance, as inhibition of NETosis could alleviate the symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome and liver injury, as well as other organs.
Analysis of Prediagnostic Circulating Levels of Gonadotropins and Androgens with Risk of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Parchwani Deepak , Dholariya Sagar Jayantilal , Takodara Sohil , Singh Ragini , Sharma Vivek Kumar , Saxena Alpana , Patel Digishaben D. , Radadiya Madhuri
Published: January 2022

Background Prevailing experimental and epidemiological evidence supports the role of circulating endogenous sex steroid hormones in the pathogenesis of ovarian carcinogenesis by dysregulation of cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis but is scarce and inconclusive.

Objectives This article evaluates the role of circulating levels of gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH]) and androgens (testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate [DHEA-S]) for the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer in a case–control approach using samples collected in advance of clinical diagnosis.

Materials and Methods A total of 100 epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients and 100 healthy female controls were consequently enrolled in this hospital-based case–control study. Serum FSH, LH, testosterone, and DHEA-S were measured based on the principle of electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Suitable descriptive statistics were used for different variables.

Results Median values of FSH (58.9 vs. 45.5 IU/L, p = 0.02) and DHEA-S (163.43 vs. 142.2 ug/dL, p = 0.03) were significantly high in EOC patients compared with controls. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) across increasing thirds of FSH and DHEA-S concentrations, and the results revealed that the highest third tertile of FSH (> 72.6 IU/L; OR = 3.0, confidence interval [CI] = 1.24–7.29, p trend = 0.04) and DHEA-S (> 194.2 ug/dL; OR = 3.8, CI = 1.26–11.61, p trend = 0.03) were significantly associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer in postmenopausal and premenopausal women, respectively. The statistically significant trend observed for FSH in postmenopausal women, remained only for the subgroup with menopause duration greater than 10 years (OR = 5.9, CI = 1.33–26.66, p trend = 0.04). FSH and DHEA-S concentrations and ovarian cancer risk were internally consistent with groups defined by oral contraceptive pill use, hormone replacement therapy, and smoking. However, no evidence was found for the association between serum LH and testosterone level with the occurrence of ovarian tumorigenesis.

Conclusion Prediagnostic circulating concentration of FSH and DHEA-S unveiled a significant positive association with augmented risk of EOC, thus might serve as a predictive marker for the susceptibility to ovarian carcinogenesis and should be added in the screening profile of EOC for early recognition and scheduling necessary interventions/management strategies.
Limb-Sparing Surgery in Two Cats Using a Femoral Endoprosthesis with an Integrated Total Knee Replacement Implant
Authors: Kvale Eirik , Rueda Rocio Chicon , Fitzpatrick Noel
Published: January 2022

Objective The aim of this study was to describe a novel limb-sparing technique for the management of feline bone neoplasia using a custom-made femoral endoprosthesis in combination with a total knee replacement (TKR) prosthesis.

Methods Two cats with distal femoral bone tumours underwent pelvic limb salvage procedures with custom-made implants designed from patient-specific computed tomography images to replace the distal femur and the stifle. In case 1, the first-generation implant was a combination of a cemented femoral endoprosthesis with a uniaxial hinged cemented TKR prosthesis. Due to aseptic loosening of the endoprosthesis, revision was performed with a second-generation femoral endoprosthesis modified with a short intramedullary peg and a lateral bone plate for immediate stability. In case 2, a third-generation endoprosthesis with an intramedullary peg and two orthogonal bone plates for immediate stability, combined with a custom-designed rotationally hinged cemented TKR prosthesis, was used. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was recorded.

Results After revision surgery in case 1 and with the third-generation implant in case 2, no complications were encountered. Both cats showed minor mechanical restriction of stifle range of motion and good clinical long-term outcome without local tumour recurrence.

Conclusion The combination of a femoral endoprosthesis and a TKR prosthesis can be a viable alternative for distal femoral limb salvage in cats.
Covid-19 vaccines production and societal immunization under the serendipity-mindsponge-3D knowledge management theory and conceptual framework
Authors: Vuong Quan-Hoang , Le Tam-Tri , La Viet-Phuong , Nguyen Huyen Thanh Thanh , Ho Manh-Toan , Van Khuc Quy , Nguyen Minh-Hoang
Published: January 2022

Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), tremendous efforts have been made by scientists, health professionals, business people, politicians, and laypeople around the world. Covid-19 vaccines are one of the most crucial innovations that help fight against the virus. This paper attempts to revisit the Covid-19 vaccines production process by employing the serendipity-mindsponge-3D creativity management theory. Vaccine production can be considered an information process and classified into three main stages. The first stage involved the processes of absorbing information (e.g., digital data and open science) and rejecting unhelpful information (e.g., misinformation and fake news) for effectively acquiring useful insights. Useful insights were later employed by experts, enterprises, governments, and international organizations through interdisciplinary coordinated efforts for developing vaccines within a short period. Finally, the appearance of multiple types of vaccines enabled more strategic options for vaccine distribution and administration. Findings from this vaccine creativity management process could be used as critical lessons for further improvements of vaccination programs.
Achieving high speed of the stick–slip piezoelectric actuator at low frequency by using a two-stage amplification mechanism (TSAM)
Authors: Yi Chunxue , Xu Zhi , Zhao Wenyang , Huang Yaoming , Li Yicheng , Huang Hu
Published: January 2022

The stick–slip piezoelectric actuator is a promising type for precision positioning with large stroke and high resolution; however, it is still challenging to achieve high motion speed at a relatively low driving frequency. To solve this problem, a novel two-stage amplification mechanism (TSAM) was designed, and correspondingly, a stick–slip piezoelectric actuator was developed. The structure, two-stage amplification principle, and motion processes of the designed actuator were addressed in detail, followed by analyzing the displacement amplification ratio and stress of TSAM via the elastic beam method and finite element method, respectively. Then, the actuator prototype was fabricated, and its output performances were tested under various experimental parameters. By comparative analysis with the actuator that only used the first-stage amplification hinge, the significant improvement in stepping displacement was verified when employing the TSAM. The resultant maximum motion speed was 20.05 mm/s, achieved under the locking force of 2 N, the input voltage of 100 V, and the driving frequency of 700 Hz. In addition, the developed actuator still maintained competitive motion resolution and loading capacity. The comparative analysis with some previous studies further indicated that the developed actuator with the TSAM had successfully achieved a relatively high motion speed at a relatively low driving frequency, which would be beneficial to the practical application.
Molecular physics of persistent room temperature phosphorescence and long-lived triplet excitons
Authors: Hirata Shuzo
Published: January 2022

Persistent room temperature phosphorescence (pRTP) is important to high-resolution imaging independent of autofluorescence and the scattering of excitation light for security and imaging applications. Although efficient and bright pRTP is crucial to imaging applications, photophysical processes from the triple states of heavy-atom-free chromophores have been explained by making many assumptions that are potentially based on incorrect photophysical explanations. This often confuses researchers in their efforts to control and enhance the pRTP characteristics. This paper introduces recent advances in our understanding of photophysical processes from the lowest triplet excited state of heavy-atom-free chromophores based on statistical evidence from experimental and theoretical viewpoints. After the introduction of two photophysical processes showing persistent RT emissions and the characteristics of the persistent emissions, physical parameters relating to pRTP and appropriate techniques for measuring the parameters are explained. For molecularly dispersed heavy-metal-free chromophores in a solid state, recent understandings of the physical parameters verified by correlations from optically estimated and theoretical viewpoints are summarized. Using the photophysical insights obtained for the dispersed chromophores, uncertainties regarding the photophysical processes of aggregated chromophores are discussed. After highlighting recently developed materials showing efficient pRTP, the potential advantages of pRTP over previous persistent emissions are discussed considering recent demonstrations of persistent emitters. This review quantitatively summarizes the relationship between the molecular backbone and physical parameters of pRTP characteristics and guides the reader in their efforts to appropriately design materials with efficient pRTP and control long-lived triplet excitons for promising applications.
Theoretical and practical aspects of the design and production of synthetic holograms for transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Rosi Paolo , Venturi Federico , Medici Giacomo , Menozzi Claudia , Gazzadi Gian Carlo , Rotunno Enzo , Frabboni Stefano , Balboni Roberto , Rezaee Mohammadreza , Tavabi Amir H. , Dunin-Borkowski Rafal E. , Karimi Ebrahim , Grillo Vincenzo
Published: January 2022

Beam shaping—the ability to engineer the phase and the amplitude of massive and massless particles—has long interested scientists working on communication, imaging, and the foundations of quantum mechanics. In light optics, the shaping of electromagnetic waves (photons) can be achieved using techniques that include, but are not limited to, direct manipulation of the beam source (as in x-ray free electron lasers and synchrotrons), deformable mirrors, spatial light modulators, mode converters, and holograms. The recent introduction of holographic masks for electrons provides new possibilities for electron beam shaping. Their fabrication has been made possible by advances in micrometric and nanometric device production using lithography and focused on ion beam patterning. This article provides a tutorial on the generation, production, and analysis of synthetic holograms for transmission electron microscopy. It begins with an introduction to synthetic holograms, outlining why they are useful for beam shaping to study material properties. It then focuses on the fabrication of the required devices from theoretical and experimental perspectives, with examples taken from both simulations and experimental results. Applications of synthetic electron holograms as aberration correctors, electron vortex generators, and spatial mode sorters are then presented.
In situ isotope study of indium diffusion in InP/Al2O3 stacks
Authors: Feng Ze , Qin Xiaoye , Chen Xiao , Li Zhiyun , Huang Rong , Shen Yang , Ding Ding , Wang Yitong , Jing Meiyi , Cui Yi , Dingsun An , Liu Hui , Dong Hong , Wallace Robert M.
Published: January 2022

A high-quality interface of III–V/high-k dielectrics is critical to obtain high-performance devices. Indium out-diffusion in an InP-based stack is correlated with the density of interface states. Diffused In species are in the form of oxides, which invite the question about the diffusion of species through the high-k dielectric layer. For an InP/Al2O3 stack, O18 isotope tracing is carried out to investigate if the interface oxygen and indium atoms diffuse together or not. This work sheds light on the fundamental mechanism for III–V semiconductors' interface elemental diffusion as well as the interface passivation strategy.
Graphs, local zeta functions, log-Coulomb gases, and phase transitions at finite temperature
Authors: Zúñiga-Galindo W. A. , Zambrano-Luna B. A. , León-Cardenal E.
Published: January 2022

We study a log-gas on a network (a finite, simple graph) confined in a bounded subset of a local field (i.e., R, C, and Qp being the field of p-adic numbers). In this gas, a log-Coulomb interaction between two charged particles occurs only when the sites of the particles are connected by an edge of the network. The partition functions of such gases turn out to be a particular class of multivariate local zeta functions attached to the network and a positive test function, which is determined by the confining potential. The methods and results of the theory of local zeta functions allow us to establish that the partition functions admit meromorphic continuations in the parameter β (the inverse of the absolute temperature). We give conditions on the charge distributions and the confining potential such that the meromorphic continuations of the partition functions have a pole at a positive value βUV, which implies the existence of phase transitions at finite temperature. In the case of p-adic fields, the meromorphic continuations of the partition functions are rational functions in the variable p−β. We give an algorithm for computing such rational functions. For this reason, we can consider the p-adic log-Coulomb gases as exact solvable models. We expect that all these models for different local fields share common properties and that they can be described by a uniform theory.
Engineering CAR T cells for enhanced efficacy and safety
Authors: Wu Yiqian , Huang Ziliang , Harrison Reed , Liu Longwei , Zhu Linshan , Situ Yinglin , Wang Yingxiao
Published: January 2022

Despite its success in treating hematologic malignancies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy faces two major challenges which hinder its broader applications: the limited effectiveness against solid tumors and the nonspecific toxicities. To address these concerns, researchers have used synthetic biology approaches to develop optimization strategies. In this review, we discuss recent improvements on the CAR and other non-CAR molecules aimed to enhance CAR T cell efficacy and safety. We also highlight the development of different types of inducible CAR T cells that can be controlled by environmental cues and/or external stimuli. These advancements are bringing CAR T therapy one step closer to safer and wider applications, especially for solid tumors.
Braking energy management strategy for electric vehicles based on working condition prediction
Authors: Yu Zhai , Feng Haibo , Meng Yanmei , Xu Enyong , Wu Yulun
Published: January 2022

To improve the mileage capacity of electric vehicles (EVs), a dual-motor front-wheel-drive EV is considered as the research object. Through experiments with actual vehicles, data from four typical working conditions are collected; a C4.5 decision tree algorithm is developed to train a working condition recognition model. The long short termmemory neural network is used to train four deep-learning working condition prediction models, and the particleswarm algorithm is used to optimize their structural parameters. The braking strength, demand torque, and demand speed are determined based on the predicted working conditions. Based on four common braking energy recovery control strategies, front- and rear-wheel braking force distribution strategies are formulated according to the changes in braking strength. The maximum regenerative braking torque and remaining mechanical braking torque provided by the front wheels are optimized. The Seagull Optimization Algorithm is used to optimize the torque distribution of the dual motors on the front wheels and improve the working efficiency of the motors. In the experimental conditions, the recovered energy at 100 km is 2.6 kWh; the energy recovery rate is 19.1%, and the power consumption ratio is reduced by 15.8%, improving the EV cruising range.
Advantages of optical modulation in terahertz imaging for study of graphene layers
Authors: Ivaškevičiūtė-Povilauskienė R. , Paddubskaya A. , Seliuta D. , Jokubauskis D. , Minkevičius L. , Urbanowicz A. , Matulaitienė I. , Mikoliūnaitė L. , Kuzhir P. , Valušis G.
Published: January 2022

It was demonstrated that optical modulation together with simultaneous terahertz (THz) imaging application enables an increase in contrast by an order of magnitude, thereby illustrating the technique as a convenient contactless tool for characterization of graphene deposited on high-resistivity silicon substrates. It was shown that the single- and double-layer graphene can be discriminated and characterized via variation of THz image contrast using a discrete frequency in a continuous wave mode. Modulation depth of 45% has been reached, and the contrast variation from 0.16 up to 0.23 is exposed under laser illumination for the single- and double-layer graphene, respectively. The technique was applied in the development and investigation of graphene-based optical diffractive elements for THz imaging systems.
Aeroacoustic investigation of asymmetric oblique trailing-edge serrations enlighted by owl wings
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Xiaomin
Published: January 2022

Trailing-edge noise is the dominant contributor to the noise generated by aircraft and wind turbines. Serrations on the trailing edge play a crucial role in suppressing the aerodynamic noise of an airfoil, and bionic airfoil sections are confirmed to be rewarding to sound suppression. However, how these characteristics affect the noise emission is still unknown. In this study, the bio-inspired oblique trailing-edge serrations are embedded within the trailing edge of the airfoil with unique cross section of the owl wing, which differs from the previous design. The noise reduction mechanism of coupled airfoils with innovative asymmetric and conventional trailing-edge serrations are explored at a low Mach number. Numerical results show that the largest lift-to-drag ratio with 17.69 and the smallest sound pressure level with 15.72 dB for the airfoil with bio-inspired oblique serrations are obtained among the investigated airfoils. An additional noise reduction of 3.68 dB can be achieved by using innovative asymmetric serrations. Moreover, the widespread large-scale disordered vorticities triggered by smooth airfoil on the pressure side are detached into the smaller-scale vortices triggered by coupled airfoil. The spanwise correlation reflecting the noise emission is significantly decreased. Distinguishingly, more turbulent kinetic energy and pressure fluctuations are emitted in the longitudinal direction on account of the intense collision of the airflow and the gap flow generated by conventional serrations. It is expected that this in-depth study of sound suppression will serve as an essential guide for airfoil design and noise control for micro-aircraft and fluid machinery coping with disturbing areas.
Analysis of the aerodynamic performance of a twin-propelled wall-climbing robot based on computational fluid dynamics method
Authors: Liang Peng , Gao Xueshan , Gao Rui , Zhang Qingfang , Li Mingkang
Published: January 2022

We present a twin-propelled wall-climbing robot that can stably adsorb and move quickly on a vertical wall by exploiting the propeller’s reverse thrust as the adsorption force and the wheel as the movement method. This paper derives and theoretically analyses the aerodynamic characteristics of the twin-propelled wall-climbing mobile robot system exploiting the momentum inflow model and blade element theory and measures the reverse thrust of a single propeller through real-world experiments. Additionally, Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation software analyzes the influence of structural parameters, such as the lateral spacing of the twin-propeller fixed plate, the width of the fixed-rotor plate, and the inclination angle of the double-rotor on the airflow around the robot. Experiments on the adsorption and movement performance of the dual-rotor wall-climbing robot on a vertical wall demonstrate that the designed twin-propelled wall-climbing robot can stably adsorb and move on a vertical wall.
Vacancy induced anomalies in the electrical transport properties of Ag-doped Zn1−xCdxSb (x = 0.375) solid solutions
Authors: Biswas Rajan , Srihari Velaga , Vitta Satish , Dasgupta Titas
Published: January 2022

Zinc antimonide (ZnSb) and its solid solution with CdSb are well-known p-type thermoelectric materials. Electrical transport properties of doped ZnSb exhibit certain anomalies: (a) non-monotonic changes in the electrical properties with temperature and (b) occurrence of a reversible hysteresis loop in electrical transport data when thermally cycled. The objective of this study was to investigate the underlying cause of these behaviors. Ag-doped compositions of (Zn0.625Cd0.375)1−δAgδSb (δ = 0, 0.02, and 0.04) solid solutions have been prepared by melt-synthesis—rapid compaction—annealing process. Measurement of the electrical conductivity (σ), Seebeck coefficient (S), and Hall coefficient (RH) (room temperature to 673 K) displayed the characteristic hysteresis behavior on thermal cycling along with the unusual rise in the charge carrier concentration (n) around 500 K. Aside from that, it was found that cooling rates dramatically influence room temperature properties. Analysis of synchrotron-based x-ray diffraction data by Rietveld refinement indicates that Ag-doping results in the formation of Zn vacancies [Vzn]. Also, a sharp drop in the concentration of Zn vacancies, [Vzn] around 550 K was observed and could be correlated with the changes in n values. This correlation between changes in [Vzn] and n has been used to explain the observed electrical anomalies, which are a consequence of the repeated annihilation and creation of Zn vacancies with temperature changes.
The role of Ga supersaturation on facet formation in the epitaxial lateral overgrowth of GaN
Authors: Wang Ke , Kirste Ronny , Mita Seiji , Washiyama Shun , Mecouch Will , Reddy Pramod , Collazo Ramón , Sitar Zlatko
Published: January 2022

In this paper, facet formation of (0001) {112¯0} {112¯2} facets during epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) of GaN is investigated for different Ga vapor supersaturations. The ELO was conducted via metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on patterned GaN/sapphire templates with SiO2 masks aligned along the ⟨11¯00⟩ direction of GaN. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the cross section shapes of the ELO GaN islands. A correlation of supersaturation, facet formation, and the shape of the ELO GaN islands is found. It is shown that {112¯2} facets are favored under high Ga vapor supersaturation, while {112¯0} facets are favored under low Ga vapor supersaturation. A qualitative model based on Wulff construction and density functional theory calculation is proposed to illustrate the mechanism of the facet formation of the ELO GaN islands.
Three-photon absorption and Kerr nonlinearity in pristine and doped β-Ga2O3 single crystals
Authors: Sun Yingfei , Li Zhong-guo , Fang Yu , Wu Xingzhi , Zhou Wenfa , Jia Zhitai , Yang Junyi , Song Yinglin
Published: January 2022

We report the spectral dependence of the three-photon absorption coefficient γ and third-order nonlinear refractive index n2 in pristine, Sn-doped and Fe-doped β-Ga2O3 crystals using 190 fs pulses in the range of 540–750 nm, i.e., photon energy between half and one-third of the bandgap Eg. The nonlinear coefficient n2 is found to be independent of Sn or Fe doping, and the maximum value of n2 is about 4 × 10−19 m2/W when the photon energy is near Eg/2. However, we observe that Fe doping can significantly enhance the γ value in the range of 540–600 nm (near Eg/2) while doping has negligible impact on γ for wavelength larger than 620 nm. Femtosecond pump-probe measurements show that Fe doping induced a fast (∼50 ps) carrier decay process after photo excitation, which could be attributed to the Fe induced deep trap states. We obtain three-photon figures of merit that allow operational intensities up to 100 GW/cm2. Our results indicate that β-Ga2O3 has great potential for all-optical switching applications in red and near IR regimes.
Near-wall Taylor-series expansion solution for compressible Navier–Stokes–Fourier system
Authors: Chen Tao , Liu Tianshu
Published: January 2022

This paper presents the Taylor-series expansion solution of near-wall velocity and temperature for a compressible Navier–Stokes–Fourier system with a no-slip curved boundary surface. When the shear viscosity is a single-valued function of local fluid temperature, the near-wall velocity and temperature are explicitly expressed using the surface quantities including skin friction, surface pressure, surface dilatation, surface heat flux, surface temperature, surface curvature, and their relevant derivatives at the wall. In addition, the wall-normal pressure gradient at the wall is found to be contributed by three physical mechanisms including the skin friction divergence and surface dilatation effect as well as the coupled skin friction and surface heat flux with varying shear viscosity. Furthermore, without losing generality, we derive the near-wall Taylor-series expansion solution for the Lamb vector under the assumption of constant viscosities. Different physical mechanisms that are responsible for initial formation of the Lamb vector in the viscous sublayer are elucidated. The significance of the skin friction divergence and surface dilatation to the near-wall Lamb vector is highlighted.
Organic matter and metal loadings influence the spatial gradient of the benthic bacterial community in a temperate estuary
Authors: Raes Eric J. , Holmes Bronwyn H. , Karsh Kristen , Hillyer Katie E. , Green Mark , van de Kamp Jodie , Bodrossy Levente , Whitehead Sam , Proemse Bernadette , Taylor Ursula , Weller-Wong Akira , Revill Andrew T. , Brewer Elizabeth A. , Bissett Andrew
Published: January 2022

Omics-based monitoring using bacterial marker genes can provide valuable mechanistic insights into the functioning of ecosystems. Here, we present a 2.5-year dataset with monthly sampling of sediment genomic bacterial DNA (n = 160) in a temperate, urbanised estuary in Tasmania, Australia. Molecular data were collected with physical and biochemical bottom water data, sediment organic matter and metal concentrations. Our study supports evidence that sediment-specific variables (organic matter composition) have a larger influence over the sediment bacterial community than do large-scale environmental conditions (seasonal water changes). The observed spatial and temporal differences are interesting, given the significant seasonal variation in bottom water data (e.g. temperature differences of up to 10°C and 3-fold increases for NOx concentrations in the bottom water between summer and winter months). Whereas bottom water parameters changed seasonally, metal concentrations in the sediments did not show seasonal variations. Metal concentrations explained a larger variance in the bacterial community among sites but not on an estuary-wide scale. The disconnect between environmental bottom water conditions and the sediment bacterial communities has important ramifications, because it indicates that seasonal changes have little effect on the compositional dynamics of sediment microbes and may, therefore, be difficult to trace with marker-gene surveys.
An endemic pathway to sheep and goat domestication at Aşıklı Höyük (Central Anatolia, Turkey)
Authors: Stiner Mary C. , Munro Natalie D. , Buitenhuis Hijlke , Duru Güneş , Özbaşaran Mihriban
Published: January 2022

Significance

Sheep and goats (caprines) were domesticated in Southwest Asia, but how and in how many places remain open questions. Our analysis of caprine age and sex structures and related data reveal a local (endemic) domestication process at Aşıklı Höyük in Central Anatolia. Beginning ca. 10,400 y ago, caprine management segued through a series of viable systems over the next 1,000 y. The earliest stage simply involved capturing wild lambs and kids and growing them on site to supplement a broad-spectrum forager diet. Soon, low-level breeding began within the settlement along with catching and raising wild infants. By the end of the archaeological sequence, large numbers of animals were produced from captive herds, which gave rise to early domesticated forms.
Radiotherapy transiently reduces the sensitivity of cancer cells to lymphocyte cytotoxicity
Authors: Tuomela Karoliina , Mukherjee Debayan , Ambrose Ashley R. , Harikrishnan Ashish , Mole Holly , Hurlstone Adam , Önfelt Björn , Honeychurch Jamie , Davis Daniel M.
Published: January 2022

Significance

Radiotherapy is one of the most common forms of cancer treatment used today. Its impact in directly killing cancer cells, and on antitumour immunity, is well recognized, but its effect on immune cell–cancer cell interactions is not fully understood. Here, we show that irradiation of cancer cells surprisingly leads to resistance against immune cell cytotoxicity. This was mediated by a reduced susceptibility to the pore-forming protein perforin. Resistance manifested as a reduction in both necrotic death following osmotic lysis and apoptotic death following granzyme B uptake. Overall, these data establish a form of treatment-induced resistance to lymphocyte cytotoxicity. These findings have significant implications for the optimal design of radiotherapy–immunotherapy protocols.
Circumpolar ocean stability on Mars 3 Gy ago
Authors: Schmidt Frédéric , Way Michael J. , Costard François , Bouley Sylvain , Séjourné Antoine , Aleinov Igor
Published: January 2022

Significance

The current Martian climate is not habitable and far from Earth’s climate. At the same time that life spread on Earth (3 Gy ago), the Red Planet was possibly more similar to our Blue Planet. Our model includes a coupled model with dynamic ocean and atmosphere including a hydrological cycle and a simplified glacier mass flux scheme. We show that an ocean is stable in agreement with interpretations of the surface geological records.
Climate and agronomy, not genetics, underpin recent maize yield gains in favorable environments
Authors: Rizzo Gonzalo , Monzon Juan Pablo , Tenorio Fatima A. , Howard Réka , Cassman Kenneth G. , Grassini Patricio
Published: January 2022

Significance

After accounting for the effect of climate and improvements in agronomic management, we found the contribution of genetic technologies to increasing maize yield potential in favorable environments was substantially smaller than reported in previous studies. If genetic progress in yield potential is slowing in other environments and for other crops as well, future production gains will increasingly rely on yield gains from improved agronomic practices and/or increasing crop intensity where possible.
Ethical, legal, and social issues in the Earth BioGenome Project
Authors: Sherkow Jacob S. , Barker Katharine B. , Braverman Irus , Cook-Deegan Robert , Durbin Richard , Easter Carla L. , Goldstein Melissa M. , Hudson Maui , Kress W. John , Lewin Harris A. , Mathews Debra J. H. , McCarthy Catherine , McCartney Ann M. , da Silva Manuela , Torrance Andrew W. , Greely Henry T.
Published: January 2022

The Earth BioGenome Project (EBP) is an audacious endeavor to obtain whole-genome sequences of representatives from all eukaryotic species on Earth. In addition to the project’s technical and organizational challenges, it also faces complicated ethical, legal, and social issues. This paper, from members of the EBP’s Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues (ELSI) Committee, catalogs these ELSI concerns arising from EBP. These include legal issues, such as sample collection and permitting; the applicability of international treaties, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol; intellectual property; sample accessioning; and biosecurity and ethical issues, such as sampling from the territories of Indigenous peoples and local communities, the protection of endangered species, and cross-border collections, among several others. We also comment on the intersection of digital sequence information and data rights. More broadly, this list of ethical, legal, and social issues for large-scale genomic sequencing projects may be useful in the consideration of ethical frameworks for future projects. While we do not—and cannot—provide simple, overarching solutions for all the issues raised here, we conclude our perspective by beginning to chart a path forward for EBP’s work.
Fast response times signal social connection in conversation
Authors: Templeton Emma M. , Chang Luke J. , Reynolds Elizabeth A. , Cone LeBeaumont Marie D. , Wheatley Thalia
Published: January 2022

Significance

Social connection is critical for our mental and physical health yet assessing and measuring connection has been challenging. Here, we demonstrate that a feature intrinsic to conversation itself—the speed with which people respond to each other—is a simple, robust, and sufficient metric of social connection. Strangers and friends feel more connected when their conversation partners respond quickly. Because extremely short response times (<250 ms) preclude conscious control, they provide an honest signal that even eavesdroppers use to judge how well two people “click.”
Neuronal identities derived by misexpression of the POU IV sensory determinant in a protovertebrate
Authors: Chacha Prakriti Paul , Horie Ryoko , Kusakabe Takehiro G. , Sasakura Yasunori , Singh Mona , Horie Takeo , Levine Michael
Published: January 2022

Significance

The protovertebrate
Ciona intestinalis
is an ideal system to investigate both gene regulatory networks that underlie cell-type specification and how cell types have evolved. In this study, we use single-cell technology, experimental manipulations, and computational analyses to understand the role of the regulatory determinant
POU IV
—a homolog of
Brn3
in vertebrates—in specifying various sensory cell types in
Ciona
. Surprisingly, the misexpression of
POU IV
throughout the epidermis led to the formation of hybrid sensory cell types, including those exhibiting properties of both palp sensory cells and bipolar tail neurons. These results demonstrate the interconnectedness of diverse sensory specification networks and give insights into the opportunities and challenges of reprogramming cell types through the targeted misexpression of cellular determinants.
CMG helicase can use ATPγS to unwind DNA: Implications for the rate-limiting step in the reaction mechanism
Authors: Yao Nina Y. , Zhang Dan , Yurieva Olga , O’Donnell Michael E.
Published: January 2022

Significance

The rate-limiting step of hexameric replicative helicases is ill-understood and this study on the eukaryotic replicative helicase CMG identifies that the catalytic ATP hydrolysis step is not the rate-limiting step, implying that a conformational change may be rate-limiting for DNA-unwinding activity. The results support a “staircase” model of CMG movement along DNA, requiring a large conformational change after ATP hydrolysis. Many studies use ATPγS to “preload” CMG onto DNA. However, this study demonstrates that ATPγS hydrolysis fuels CMG to unwind DNA. To achieve preloading without unwinding, the current study provides an alternative nucleotide analog, AMP-PNP, that is not hydrolyzable and efficiently preloads CMG onto DNA.
Confronting or avoiding confrontation? The role of sexism in evaluating women who avoid confronting discrimination (¿Confrontar oevitar hacerlo? El rol del sexismo en la evaluación de mujeres que evitan confrontar la discriminación)
Authors: Jiménez-Moya Gloria , Manzi Jorge , Castillo Fernanda
Published: January 2022

Confrontation is a good strategy for lowering discrimination. Given that victims who confront are evaluated negatively, the role of witnesses of discrimination is crucial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse how women who confront discrimination not directed towards them are evaluated (versus those who don’t confront), by examining the role of two factors: sexist attitudes and the characteristics of the woman. In one experimental study with a general population ( N = 657), we found that women who confront a racist comment are perceived more positively than women who do not confront. However, women who do not confront are more positively evaluated by sexist participants (vs less sexist individuals). The characteristics of the women do not affect the participants’ evaluation of them. These results show that even though women who confront may be positively evaluated in general, prejudice towards women is a key factor in the perception of women who choose not to confront.
Effect of hot deformation parameters on dynamic recrystallisation mechanisms of super austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Wang Lin , Chen Chen , Wang Zhuyu , Li Zhuoyuan , Lv Bo , Zhang Fucheng
Published: January 2022

Hot compression tests on super austenitic stainless steel (SASS) are performed in the temperature range of 900–1200 °C and strain rates of 0.01–10 s−1. The results reveal that, at lower deformation temperatures of 900 and 1000 °C or lower strain rates of 0.01 s−1, 0.1 s−1 and 1 s−1, the dominant DRX mechanism of SASS can be summarised as: a large number of high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) are gradually developed from low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) and DRX grains are partially formed on HAGBs. However, the formation of DRX grains due to sub-grain rotation is the main DRX mechanism at higher temperatures of 1100 °C and 1200 °C and at the higher strain rate of 10 s−1.
Gluon EMC effects in nuclear matter
Authors: Wang X G , Bentz W , Cloët I C , Thomas A W
Published: January 2022

We investigate the gluonic structure of nuclei within a mean-field model of nuclear structure based upon the modification of the structure of a bound nucleon, with the nucleon described by the Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model. This approach has been shown to reproduce the European Muon Collaboration (EMC) effect, involving the ratio of the spin-independent structure functions of a heavier nucleus to that of the deuteron. It also predicts a significant nuclear modification for the spin structure functions, known as the polarized EMC effect. Here we report sizeable nuclear modifications of the gluon distributions (a ‘gluon EMC effect’) for the ratios of both the unpolarized and polarized gluon distributions in nuclear matter to those of a free nucleon.
Understanding anion-redox reactions in cathode materials of lithium-ion batteries through in situ characterization techniques: a review
Authors: Hwang Ye Yeong , Han Ji Hyun , Park Sol Hui , Jung Ji Eun , Lee Nam Kyeong , Lee Yun Jung
Published: January 2022

As the demand for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with higher energy density increases, the interest in lithium-rich oxide (LRO) with extraordinarily high capacities is surging. The capacity of LRO cathodes exceeds that of conventional layered oxides. This has been attributed to the redox contribution from both cations and anions, either sequentially or simultaneously. However, LROs with notable anion redox suffer from capacity loss and voltage decay during cycling. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of their electrochemical behaviors and related structural evolution is a prerequisite for the successful development of high-capacity LRO cathodes with anion redox activity. However, there is still controversy over their electrochemical behavior and principles of operation. In addition, complicated redox mechanisms and the lack of sufficient analytical tools render the basic study difficult. In this review, we aim to introduce theoretical insights into the anion redox mechanism and in situ analytical instruments that can be used to prove the mechanism and behavior of cathodes with anion redox activity. We summarized the anion redox phenomenon, suggested mechanisms, and discussed the history of development for anion redox in cathode materials of LIBs. Finally, we review the recent progress in identification of reaction mechanisms in LROs and validation of engineering strategies to improve cathode performance based on anion redox through various analytical tools, particularly, in situ characterization techniques. Because unexpected phenomena may occur during cycling, it is crucial to study the kinetic properties of materials in situ under operating conditions, especially for this newly investigated anion redox phenomenon. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on the future direction of studies on materials with anion redox activity.
Experimental study on controlled production of two-electron temperature plasma
Authors: Sharma G , Deka K , Paul R , Adhikari S , Moulick R , Kausik S S , Saikia B K
Published: January 2022

A two-electron temperature plasma is produced by the method of diffusion of two different plasmas with distinct temperatures and densities. The method is simple and provides an adequate control over the plasma parameters. The study reveals that the temperature and density of both the electron groups can be effectively controlled by just changing the discharge currents of both the plasmas. An ion-acoustic wave is excited in the plasma and is detected using a planar Langmuir probe. The damped amplitude of the wave is measured and is used as a diagnostic tool for establishing the presence of two-electron components. This production method can be helpful in controlling the hot electron density and temperature in plasma processing industries.
Ion-induced secondary electron emission of oxidized nickel and copper studied in beam experiments
Authors: Buschhaus R , Prenzel M , von Keudell A
Published: January 2022

Ion-induced secondary electron emission at a target surface is an essential mechanism for laboratory plasmas, i.e. magnetron sputtering discharges. Electron emission, however, is strongly affected by the target condition itself such as oxidation. Data of oxidized targets, however, are very sparse and prone to significant systematic errors, because they were often determined by modeling the complex behavior of the plasma. Thus, it is difficult to isolate the process of ion-induced electron emission from all other plasma-surface-interactions. By utilizing ion beams, the complex plasma environment is avoided and electron yields are determined with higher accuracy. In this study, ion-induced secondary electron emission coefficients (SEECs) of clean, untreated (air-exposed), and intentionally oxidized copper and nickel surfaces were investigated in such a particle beam experiment. Pristine and oxidized metal foils were exposed to beams of singly charged argon ions with energies of 0.2 keV - 10 keV. After the ion beam treatment, the surface conditions were analyzed by ex-situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Further, a model for the electron emission of a partly oxidized surface is presented, which is in agreement with the experimental data. It was found, that oxidized and untreated/air-exposed surfaces do not show the same SEEC: for intentionally oxidized targets, the electron yields were smaller by a factor of 2 than for untreated/air-exposed surfaces. SEECs of oxides were found to be between the values for clean and for untreated metal surfaces. Further, the SEEC was at maximum for untreated/air-exposed surfaces and at minimum for clean surfaces; the electron yields of untreated/air-exposed and clean surfaces were in agreement with values reported in the literature.