bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pressure-Driven Ne-Bearing Polynitrides with Ultrahigh Energy Density
Authors: Liu Lulu , Zhang Shoutao , Zhang Haijun
Published: May 2022

Neon (Ne) can reveal the evolution of planets, and nitrogen (N) is the most abundant element in the Earth’s atmosphere. Considering the inertness of neon, whether nitrogen and neon can react has aroused great interest in condensed matter physics and space science. Here, we identify three new Ne–N compounds (i.e., NeN6, NeN10, and NeN22) under pressure by first-principles calculations. We find that inserting Ne into N2 substantially decreases the polymeric pressure of the nitrogen and promotes the formation of abundant polynitrogen structures. Especially, NeN22 acquires a duplex host-guest structure, in which guest atoms (Ne and N2 dimers) are trapped inside the crystalline host N20 cages. Importantly, both NeN10 and NeN22 not only are dynamically and mechanically stable but also have a high thermal stability up to 500 K under ambient pressure. Moreover, ultra-high energy densities are obtained in NeN10 (11.1 kJ/g), NeN22 (11.5 kJ/g), tetragonal t-N22 (11.6 kJ/g), and t-N20 (12.0 kJ/g) produced from NeN22, which are more than twice the value of trinitrotoluene (TNT). Meanwhile, their explosive performance is superior to that of TNT. Therefore, NeN10, NeN22, t-N22, and t-N20 are promising green high-energy-density materials. This work promotes the study of neon-nitrogen compounds with superior properties and potential applications.
Quantum Hydrodynamics of Fractonic Superfluids with Lineon Condensate: From Navier–Stokes-Like Equations to Landau-Like Criterion
Authors: Yuan Jian-Keng , Chen Shuai A. , Ye Peng
Published: May 2022

Fractonic superfluids are exotic states of matter with spontaneously broken higher-rank U(1) symmetry. The broken symmetry is associated with conserved quantities, including not only particle number (i.e., charge) but also higher moments, such as dipoles, quadrupoles, and angular moments. Owing to the presence of such conserved quantities, the mobility of particles is restricted either completely or partially. Here, we systematically study the hydrodynamical properties of fractonic superfluids, especially focusing on the fractonic superfluids with conserved angular moments. The constituent bosons are called “lineons” with d components in d-dimensional space. From the Euler–Lagrange equation, we derive the continuity equation and Navier–Stokes-like equations, in which the angular moment conservation introduces extra terms. Further, we discuss the current configurations related to the defects. Like the conventional superfluid, we study the critical values of velocity fields and density currents, which gives rise to a Landau-like criterion. Finally, several future directions are discussed.
Unusual Band Splitting and Superconducting Gap Evolution with Sulfur Substitution in FeSe
Authors: Yang Yuanyuan , Wang Qisi , Duan Shaofeng , Wo Hongliang , Huang Chaozhi , Wang Shichong , Gu Lingxiao , Qian Dong , Zhao Jun , Zhang Wentao
Published: May 2022

High-resolution angle-resolved photoemission measurements were taken on FeSe1–x
S
x
(x = 0, 0.04, and 0.08) superconductors. With an ultrahigh energy resolution of 0.4 meV, unusual two hole bands near the Brillouin-zone center, which was possibly a result of additional symmetry breaking, were identified in all the sulfur-substituted samples. In addition, in both of the hole bands highly anisotropic superconducting gaps with resolution limited nodes were evidenced. We find that the larger superconducting gap on the outer hole band is reduced linearly to the nematic transition temperature while the gap on the inner hole is nearly S-substitution independent. Our observations strongly suggest that the superconducting gap increases with enhanced nematicity although the superconducting transition temperature is not only governed by the pairing strength, demonstrating strong constraints on theories in the FeSe family.
Effect of Impurity on the Doping-Induced in-Gap States in a Mott Insulator
Authors: He Cheng-Ping , Yu Shun-Li , Xiang Tao , Li Jian-Xin
Published: May 2022

Motivated by the recent measurements of the spatial distribution of single particle excitation states in a hole-doped Mott insulator, we study the effects of impurity on the in-gap states, induced by the doped holes, in the Hubbard model on the square lattice by the cluster perturbation theory. We find that a repulsive impurity potential can move the in-gap state from the lower Hubbard band towards the upper Hubbard band, providing a good account for the experimental observation. The distribution of the spectral function in the momentum space can be used to discriminate the in-gap state induced by doped holes and that by the impurity. The spatial characters of the in-gap states in the presence of two impurities are also discussed and compared to the experiment.
Highly Sensitive Mid-Infrared Photodetector Enabled by Plasmonic Hot Carriers in the First Atmospheric Window
Authors: Yu Yuan-Fang , Zhang Ye , Zhong Fan , Bai Lin , Liu Hui , Lu Jun-Peng , Ni Zhen-Hua
Published: May 2022

The first atmospheric window of 3–5 μm in the mid-infrared (MIR) spectral range pertains to crucial application fields, with particular scientific and technological importance. However, conventional narrow-bandgap semiconductors operating at this band, represented by mercury cadmium telluride and indium antimonide, suffer from limited specific detectivity at room temperature and hindered optoelectronic integration. In this study, a plasmonic hot electron-empowered MIR photodetector based on Al-doped ZnO (AZO)/bi-layer graphene heterostructure is demonstrated. Free electrons oscillate coherently in AZO disk arrays, resulting in strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the MIR region. The photoelectric conversion efficiency at 3–5 μm is significantly improved due to plasmon-induced hot-electron extraction and LSPR-enhanced light absorption. The specific detectivity reaches about 1.4 × 1011 Jones and responsivity is up to 4712.3 A/W at wavelength of 3 μm at room temperature. The device’s specific detectivity is among the highest performance of commercial state-of-the-art photodetectors and superior to most of the other 2D materials based photodetectors in the MIR region. These results demonstrate that a plasmonic heavily doped metal oxides/2D material heterostructure is a suitable architecture for constructing highly sensitive room-temperature MIR photodetectors.
Daily Relations Between Stress and Electroencephalography-Assessed Sleep: A 15-Day Intensive Longitudinal Design With Ecological Momentary Assessments
Authors: Yap Yang , Tung Natasha Yan Chi , Collins Jorja , Phillips Andrew , Bei Bei , Wiley Joshua F
Published: May 2022

Background

Recent studies have found bi-directional relations between stress and sleep. However, few studies have examined the daily associations between stress and electroencephalography (EEG) measured sleep.

Purpose

This study examined the temporal associations between repeated ecological momentary assessments of stress and EEG-estimated sleep.

Methods

Ninety-eight international or interstate undergraduate students (Mage = 20.54 ± 1.64, 76.5% female, 84.7% Asian) reported their stress levels four times daily at morning awakening, afternoon, evening, and pre-bedtime across 15 consecutive days (>4,000 total observations). Next-day stress was coded as an average of morning, afternoon, and evening stress. Z-Machine Insight+ recorded over 1,000 nights EEG total sleep time (TST), sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency (SE), slow-wave sleep (SWS), and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep duration. Multilevel models, adjusted for covariates (i.e., sociodemographic, health factors, and daily covariates) and lagged outcomes, tested the daily within- and between-level stress-sleep associations.

Results

After adjusting for covariates, within-person shorter TST (b = −0.11 [−0.21, −0.01], p = .04), lower SE (b = −0.02 [−0.03, 0.00], p = .04), less SWS (b = −0.38 [−0.66, −0.10], p = .008), and less REM sleep (b = −0.32 [−0.53, −0.10], p = .004) predicted higher next-day stress. Pre-bedtime stress did not predict same-night sleep. No significant results emerged at the between-person level.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that poor or short sleep, measured by EEG, is predictive of higher next-day stress. Results for sleep architecture support the role of SWS and REM sleep in regulating the perception of stress. Given that only within-person effects were significant, these findings highlight the importance of examining night-to-night fluctuations in sleep affecting next-day stress and its impact on daytime functioning.
Cluster analysis reveals distinct patterns of childhood adversity, behavioral disengagement, and depression that predict blunted heart rate reactivity to acute psychological stress
Authors: Keogh Tracey M , Howard Siobhán , Gallagher Stephen , Ginty Annie T
Published: May 2022

Background

There is considerable evidence documenting associations between early life adversity, behavioral disengagement, and depression with blunted cardiovascular reactivity to acute psychological stress. However, while often examined as independent predictors, it is also likely that a combination of these factors uniquely relate to cardiovascular reactivity.

Purpose

The present study employed multivariate cluster analysis to examine if distinct combinations of these outcomes relate to cardiovascular stress reactivity.

Methods

Participants (N = 467) were predominantly female (60.6%) with a mean age of 19.30 years (SD = 0.82). Measures of early life adversity, behavioral disengagement, and depression were completed; in addition, participants had their blood pressure and heart rate monitored throughout a standardized stress testing session. Cardiovascular reactivity was calculated as the difference between mean stress and mean baseline cardiovascular values.

Results

Analyses revealed two clusters with distinct patterns of exposure to early life adversity, levels of behavioral disengagement and depression, uniquely related to cardiovascular reactivity. In unadjusted models, Cluster 1 that was characterized by greater exposure to early life adversity, higher levels of behavioral disengagement and depression, was associated with lower systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) reactivity. Cluster 2 was characterized by reactivity values similar to the sample means. In fully adjusted models, Cluster 1 predicted heart rate reactivity to stress.

Conclusions

The present study identifies a behavioral cluster that is characteristic of a blunted heart rate reactivity profile, significantly extending the research in this area.
Silencing of Fli1 Gene Mimics Effects of Preeclampsia and Induces Collagen Synthesis in Human Umbilical Arteries
Authors: Agalakova Natalia I , Reznik Vitaly A , Ershov Ivan A , Lupanova Ekaterina A , Nadei Olga V , Ivanov Dmitry O , David Adair C , Bagrov Alexei Y
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Previously we demonstrated that in patients with preeclampsia elevated levels of endogenous Na/K-ATPase inhibitor, marinobufagenin, cause inhibition of Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli1), a negative regulator of collagen-1 synthesis. We hypothesized that in vitro silencing of Fli1 in healthy human umbilical arteries would be associated with an increase in collagen-1 output, similar to the effect of preeclampsia in rat and human tissues.

METHODS

The isolated segments of healthy human umbilical arteries were tested for sensitivity to MBG and Fli1 silencing with Fli1 siRNA or control siRNA.

RESULTS

Following 24-hour incubation of arteries with nanomolar concentrations of marinobufagenin, Fli1 expression was inhibited 5-fold (P < 0.001), and synthesis of collagen-1 increased 3 times (P < 0.01). Twenty-four-hour incubation of umbilical artery fragments with Fli1 siRNA caused a dramatic decrease of Fli1 (7-fold; P < 0.001) and cytoplasmic PKC δ (4-fold; P < 0.001) expression in comparison to control siRNA or untreated control, followed by elevation in procollagen (3-fold; P < 0.001) and collagen-1 (3-fold; P < 0.001) levels in vascular tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that after silencing the Fli1 gene in healthy human umbilical arteries a new phenotype emerges which is typical for preeclampsia and is associated with vascular fibrosis.
A Prospective, Open-Label, Multicenter, Real-World Study of VYC-17.5L Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler in the Lips
Authors: Demosthenous Nestor , Eccleston David , Figueiredo Vitor , Uva Luis , Kerson Graeme , Silberberg Michael
Published: May 2022

Background

Hyaluronic acid (HA) injectable gels are used to define, enhance, and volumize facial regions, such as the lips, a common treatment area.

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the HA injectable gel Juvéderm Volift (Allergan, Aesthetics, an AbbVie Company Irvine, CA) with Lidocaine (VYC-17.5L) for lip augmentation in real-world clinical practice.

Methods

This prospective, open-label, multicenter study initially designed for 6 months, then extended to 12 months, enrolled adults with an overall grade of minimal to moderate on the Lip Fullness Scale 2 (LFS2). Optional touch-up and repeat treatments occurred at day 14 and month 12, respectively. The primary endpoint was a ≥1-point improvement on the LFS2 at day 30. Other endpoints included improvements on the FACE-Q Satisfaction with Lips questionnaire, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), subject assessment of natural look/feel of lips, and investigator assessment of dynamic lip lines upon animation. Injection site reactions (ISRs) and adverse events (AEs) were recorded.

Results

Of 60 subjects enrolled (mean age, 36.8 years; 98.3% female), 59 were evaluable for efficacy at day 30; 13 (21.4%) received touch-up treatment. Thirty-six of 40 subjects completed the extension study (month 12). LFS2 responder rates were 93.2% at day 30 (primary endpoint) and 39.0% at month 12. Mean scores on the FACE-Q questionnaire improved from baseline by 45.2 points and 23.6 points at day 30 and month 12, respectively. Most subjects showed improvements on the GAIS. The majority of ISRs were mild/moderate; no serious AEs occurred.

Conclusions

VYC-17.5L was effective and well tolerated for lip augmentation through 12 months posttreatment.

Level of Evidence: 4
Captivating color: evidence for optimal stimulus design in a polymorphic prey lure
Authors: Kemp Darrell J , Edwards Will , White Thomas E
Published: May 2022

Many species – humans included – employ color as an instrument of deception. One intriguing example of this resides in the conspicuous abstract color patterns displayed on the bodies of female orb weaving spiders. These displays increase prey interception rates and thereby function at least as visual lures. Their chromatic properties however vary extensively, both across and within species, with discrete forms often co-existing in the manner of a stable polymorphism. Variation is principally expressed in terms of signal hue (color per se), but it is unclear how attractiveness scales with this property and if extant morphs are maximally attractive relative to a graded range of potential alternatives. We examined these questions by assessing catch rates among color-manipulated females of the dimorphic jeweled spider Gasteracantha fornicata in their natural webs. The manipulation altered dorsal appearance in a manner akin to adding six new variants of their existing white/yellow phenotypes. This magnified the natural variation in stimulus hue independently of chroma (saturation) across a range spanning most of the color spectrum. Catch rate varied across treatments in simple accordance with how greatly stimulus hue deviated from either of the two extant spider phenotypes. Predictions based on fly-perceived chromatic and achromatic background contrast were clearly unsupported despite dipterans constituting ~60 % of identifiable prey. This study supports the importance of signal coloration per se in G. fornicata and suggests that extant lure phenotypes reside in a broadly optimal spectral range for stimulating their aggregate prey community.
New index of functional specificity to predict the redundancy of ecosystem functions in microbial communities
Authors: Cheng Wan-Hsuan , Hsieh Chih-hao , Chang Chun-Wei , Shiah Fuh-Kwo , Miki Takeshi
Published: May 2022

An ecosystem function is suggested to be more sensitive to biodiversity loss (i.e. low functional redundancy) when focusing on specific-type functions than broad-type functions. Thus far, specific-type functions have been loosely defined as functions performed by a small number of species (facilitative species) or functions involved in utilizing complex substrates. However, quantitative examination of functional specificity remains underexplored. We quantified the functional redundancy of 33 ecosystem functions in a freshwater system from 76 prokaryotic community samples over 3 years. For each function, we used a sparse regression model to estimate the number of facilitative Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) and to define taxon-based functional specificity. We also used Bertz structural complexity to determine substrate-based functional specificity. We found that functional redundancy increased with the taxon-based functional specificity, defined as the proportion of facilitative ASVs (= facilitative ASV richness/facilitative ASV richness + repressive ASV (ASVs reducing functioning) richness). When using substrate-based functional specificity, functional redundancy was influenced by Bertz complexity per se and by substrate acquisition mechanisms. Therefore, taxon-based functional specificity is a better predictive index for evaluating functional redundancy than substrate-based functional specificity. These findings provide a framework to quantitatively predict the consequences of diversity losses on ecosystem functioning.
Cereal grain fiber composition modifies phosphorus digestibility in grower pigs
Authors: Heyer Charlotte M E , Fouhse Janelle M , Vasanthan Thava , Zijlstra Ruurd T
Published: May 2022

Increased fermentable carbohydrates (e.g., β-glucan, amylose) may increase endogenous losses including for P, and thereby reduce apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of P. The present study assessed effects of barley cultivars varying in fermentable starch and fiber on apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and ATTD of P, myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis (dihydrogen phosphate; InsP6) and Ca, and standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of P and the presence of lower inositol phosphates (InsP) compared to wheat. In a 6 (period) × 5 (diet) Youden square, seven ileal-cannulated barrows (initial BW, 27.7 kg) were fed diets containing 80% of one of five cereal grains differing in amylose, β-glucan, and fiber content: 1) high-fermentable, high-β-glucan, hull-less barley (HFB); 2) high-fermentable, high-amylose, hull-less barley (HFA); 3) moderate-fermentable, hull-less barley (MFB); 4) low-fermentable, hulled barley (LFB); and 5) low-fermentable, Canadian Western Red Spring wheat (LFW). On dry matter (DM) basis, cereal grains contained between 0.32% to 0.53% total P and 0.24% to 0.50% InsP6-P. The InsP6-2-P was calculated as the sum of all detected InsP-P (InsP6-P to InsP2-P) in the sample. The P release of degraded InsP-P was calculated by using the following equation: sum InsP6-2-Pdiet (g/kg DM) × (AID or ATTD sum InsP6-2-P (%)/ 100). Data were analyzed using a mixed model with diet as fixed effect, and pig and period as random effects. On DM basis, diets contained 41.4% to 50.6% starch, 0.88% to 8.54% β-glucan, 0.81% to 0.89% total P, and 0.19% to 0.35% InsP6-P. The MFB, LFB, and LFW had greater (P < 0.05) diet AID of P than HFB and HFA, and MFB had greater (P < 0.05) diet ATTD and STTD of P than HFB. The ATTD of InsP6-P was greater (P < 0.05) for HFB than LFB and the ATTD of the sum InsP6-2-P was greater (P < 0.05) for HFB and HFA than LFB. Total tract P release was greater (P < 0.001) for HFB, HFA, and LFW than MFB and LFB. The LFW had greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of Ca than LFB. Diet β-glucan content was not correlated with STTD of P (R2 = 0.03) or ATTD of InsP6 (R2 = 0.05). In conclusion, cereal grains high in fermentable fiber, e.g., amylose and β-glucans included in specific hull-less barley cultivars, had lower diet AID, ATTD, and STTD of P, but greater ATTD of InsP6-P and sum InsP6-2-P. Carbohydrate fermentation, thus, results in greater total tract P release from InsP-P hydrolysis.
Controllable vortex lasing arrays in a geometrically frustrated exciton–polariton lattice at room temperature
Authors: Wang Jun , Peng Yutian , Xu Huawen , Feng Jiangang , Huang Yuqing , Wu Jinqi , Liew Timothy C H , Xiong Qihua
Published: May 2022

Quantized vortices appearing in topological excitations of quantum phase transition play a pivotal role in strongly correlated physics involving the underlying confluence of superfluids, Bose–Einstein condensates and superconductors. Exciton polaritons as bosonic quasiparticles have enabled studies of non-equilibrium quantum gases and superfluidity. Exciton–polariton condensates in artificial lattices intuitively emulate energy-band structures and quantum many-body effects of condensed matter, underpinning constructing vortex lattices and controlling quantum fluidic circuits. Here, we harness exciton–polariton quantum fluids of light in a frustrated kagome lattice based on robust metal–halide perovskite microcavities, to demonstrate vortex lasing arrays and modulate their configurations at room temperature. Tomographic energy–momentum spectra unambiguously reveal massless Dirac bands and quenched kinetic-energy flat bands coexisting in kagome lattices, where polariton condensates exhibit prototypical honeycomb and kagome spatial patterns. Spatial coherence investigations illustrate two types of phase textures of polariton condensates carrying ordered quantized-vortex arrays and π-phase shifts, which could be selected when needed using lasing emission energy. Our findings offer a promising platform on which it is possible to study quantum-fluid correlations in complex polaritonic lattices and highlight feasible applications of structured light.
JUUL’s 2019 Removal of Mint-Flavored Pods and Changes to the Retail Environment of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems in Florida and the United States
Authors: Gaber Jennifer , Gammon Doris G , Lee Youn Ok , Nonnemaker James , Young Brittany , Kim Annice , Porter Lauren
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The increase in youth electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) use coincided with JUUL’s rapid rise, which prompted investigations and lawsuits aimed at this leading brand. In response, JUUL discontinued sweet flavors in late 2018, followed by mint flavors in November 2019. We assessed ENDS sales and prices at both the state and national level before and after JUUL’s removal of mint flavors.

Aims and Methods

Nielsen retail sales data on ENDS products from convenience and food stores in 4-week aggregates were analyzed between January 2019 and January 2020 in Florida and the United States. Standardized units were created. Unit market share and growth rates were calculated for top brands and flavors in the periods before and after JUUL’s mint removal. Average prices within brand and product type were calculated.

Results

Following JUUL’s removal of mint in November 2019, JUUL’s market share dropped from over 66% in Florida and the United States to 37.1% (Florida) and 55.1% (United States). In January 2020, the second leading brands were Puff Bar (15.0%) in Florida and Vuse (18.1%) in the United States. Mint market share decreased and share of all other flavor categories increased, particularly menthol and concept. Total ENDS sales increased in Florida but decreased in the United States. Average prices of ENDS devices decreased.

Conclusions

While JUUL’s actions led to a decline in its sales, Puff Bar emerged and menthol and concept flavors experienced growth. Findings also demonstrate how changes by influential brands differentially affect purchase patterns at the national and state level.

Implications

These findings support the growing body of evidence that tobacco industry self-regulation, with selective flavor removal by the leading ENDS brand in this case, is insufficient to reduce total ENDS sales, including sales of flavored products which are preferred by youth. Results suggest that brand and flavor substitution compensated for the removal of mint JUUL pods. Understanding changes to the ENDS market in response to industry actions, at both the state and national level, can inform future regulation and interventions. These findings can also inform efforts to prevent and reduce youth ENDS use.
Secondhand Tobacco Smoke and Functional Impairments in Older Adults Living in the Community
Authors: Craciun Oana M , Ortolá Rosario , Pascual Jose A , Pérez-Ortuño Raul , Galán Labaca Iñaki , Banegas Jose R , Rodríguez Artalejo Fernando , García-Esquinas Esther
Published: May 2022

Background/Aim

There has been no comprehensive examination of the potential association of SHS with broad functional limitation assessment in older adults, where functional limitations are burdensome and challenging.

Methods

We examined 2258 community-dwelling non-smoking older adults from the Seniors-Enrica-2-cohort. At baseline (2017) and follow-up (2019) grip strength was measured with a Jamar dynamometer, lower-extremity performance with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), overall physical function using the physical component summary (PCS) of the Spanish version of the SF-12, frailty with a Deficits Accumulation Index (DAI), and mobility limitations with the Rosow-Breslau scale. Baseline exposure to SHS was assessed by serum cotinine, and past exposure was self-reported. Cross-sectional analyses were performed using linear and logistic regression models, whereas functional performance changes were examined using repeated measures models with robust SE estimates.

Results

Overall, the median (IQR) serum cotinine concentration was 0.079 (0.035–0.175) ng/ml, with 20 participants presenting concentrations ≥3 ng/ml. Compared to the unexposed, fully-adjusted models showed that the highest exposure group (≥0.239 ng/ml) presented lower grip strength (mean difference: −1.05 kg; 95% CI = −1.80, -0.31) and higher DAI scores (1.52; 95% CI = 0.38, 2.66) at baseline. Similarly, in models of self-reported past exposure, never-smokers who had lived with ≥2 smokers or been exposed to higher SHS cumulative doses showed lower baseline SPPB values, higher DAI scores, and higher prevalence of mobility limitations. In prospective analyses, those in the highest quartile of baseline cotinine presented harmful SPPB [-0.24 (-0.46, -0.02)] and DAI [1.28 (0.00, 2.55)] changes, and higher risk of mobility limitations [hazard ratio: 1.64; 95% CI = 1.01, 2.68] than the unexposed.

Conclusions

SHS exposure over the life-course and during old age may accelerate functional decline.

Implications

This manuscript provides a comprehensive examination of the relationship between secondhand smoke exposure and a broad range of functional limitations in older adults. Results show that: (i) non-smokers who had been exposed to higher cumulative doses of SHS in adulthood show worse physical function than non-exposed. (ii) Exposure to SHS during old age, as measured with cotinine concentrations, is associated with accelerated short-term functional declines. (iii) The effects of SHS are stronger among older adults with chronic morbidities. (iv) Results suggest that more efforts are needed to protect older adults from passive smoking, especially to those with chronic conditions because of their potential greater vulnerability to the effects of SHS.
Imaging of Knee Swelling in Children
Authors: Warhadpande Devdutta , Desoky Sarah , Park Ellen , Udayasankar Unni
Published: May 2022

The knee joint is the largest joint in the body and comprises the tibiofemoral (medial and lateral) and the patellofemoral compartments. The knee joint is a modified hinge joint and relies on several associated muscles, tendons, and ligaments to provide strength and stability during movement and at rest. A limping child with a swollen knee is a common presentation encountered by pediatricians. Although trauma is the most common cause of pediatric knee swelling, a wide variety of pathologies can manifest as a swollen and/or painful knee joint in children, reflecting underlying abnormalities of soft tissue or osseous components of the knee.1
,
2 In the absence of a recent or remote history of knee trauma, other pathologic causes of knee swelling include infections and inflammatory conditions, congenital/developmental causes, vascular abnormalities, and neoplastic disorders.
Association between sleep duration and incidence of type 2 diabetes in China: the REACTION study
Authors: Liu Hongzhou , Chen Gang , Wen Junping , Wang Anping , Mu Yimin , Dou Jingtao , Gu Weijun , Zang Li , Zhang Saichun , Lyu Zhaohui
Published: May 2022

Backgrounds:

Inadequate sleep duration is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and the relationship is nonlinear. We aim to assess the curve relationship between night sleep duration and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in China.

Methods:

A cohort of 11,539 participants from the REACTION study without diabetes at baseline (2011) were followed until 2014 for the development of type 2 diabetes. The average number of hours of sleep per night was grouped. Incidence rates and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for the development of diabetes in each sleep duration category.

Results:

Compared to people who sleep for 7 to 8 h/night, people with longer sleep duration (≥9 h/night) had a greater risk of type 2 diabetes (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.01–1.61), while shorter sleep (<6 h/night) had no significant difference in risk of type 2 diabetes. When the dataset was stratified based on selected covariates, the association between type 2 diabetes and long sleep duration became more evident among individuals <65 years of age, male, body mass index <24 kg/m2 or with hypertension or hyperlipidemia, no interaction effects were observed. Furthermore, compared to people persistently sleeping 7 to 9 h/night, those who persistently slept ≥9 h/night had a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. The optimal sleep duration was 6.3 to 7.5 h/night.

Conclusions:

Short or long sleep duration was associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Persistently long sleep duration increased the risk.
The effects of flap extension time on the fuel burn of commercial aircraft
Authors: Sahin Ozlem
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effects of descent time spent with flaps extended on fuel burn (FB) and specific range for five different flight path angles (FPAs) ranging between 2.0° and 4.0° for a commercial aircraft.

Design/methodology/approach

A large data set of actual flight data (n = 475) of the same type of a frequently used commercial aircraft were investigated by using statistical methods.

Findings

The result of the comparison of the highest and the lowest FBs of flight profiles for each FPAs present that the fuel saving was achieved by keeping at as a high airspeed as possible and deploying flaps as late as possible, which is in line with the objective of delayed deceleration approaches. From analyzing the flight profiles, it was proven that delaying deceleration and also descending without flaps or with flap over a shorter time resulted in less FB of 101.1, 70.9 and 94.9 kg for FPA 2.5°, FPA 3.0° and FPA 3.5°, respectively.

Originality/value

This study differs from prior studies because it focused on the effects of the different vertical profiles on FB. Also, the use of real flight data recorder data in the analysis presents the originality of this study.
Diagnostic value of lncRNA NORAD in pulmonary tuberculosis and its regulatory role in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of macrophages
Authors: Sun Wenna , He Xiong , Zhang Xiushuang , Wang Xiaomeng , Lin Wen , Wang Xiaofeng , Liang Yan
Published: May 2022

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) infection is a chronic inflammatory response caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The purpose of this study was to confirm the value of long noncoding RNA NORAD (noncoding RNA activated by DNA damage) in the diagnosis of PTB and to explore its mechanism in Mtb‐infected macrophages. NORAD serum levels were estimated by qRT‐PCR in 90 patients with PTB and 85 healthy individuals. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to assess the diagnostic value of NORAD in PTB. Human and murine macrophages were infected with Mtb strain H37Rv. CCK‐8 (a cell counting kit) and ELISA detected viability of macrophages and inflammatory cytokine secretion, respectively. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay was performed to analyze the relationship between NORAD and microRNA (miR)‐618. NORAD was significantly elevated in patients with PTB, and its positivity was correlated with levels of inflammatory cytokines IL‐1 β (r = 0.854), TNF‐α (r = 0.617), and IL‐6 (r = 0.585). With an area under the curve of 0.918, and sensitivity and specificity of 80.0% and 89.4%, respectively, NORAD remarkedly differentiated patients with PTB from healthy individuals. Furthermore, Mtb infection significantly increased NORAD levels in THP‐1 and RAW264.7 cells and increased their viability and inflammation (P < 0.001). However, this increased effect was weakened by reduced NORAD levels. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay results confirmed that miR‐618 in macrophages is a target miRNA for NORAD and can be negatively regulated by it. Moreover, elevated miR‐618 suppressed macrophage viability and inflammation in Mtb infection. NORAD is a potential diagnostic biomarker for PTB and is involved in Mtb‐infected macrophage activity and inflammation by targeting miR‐618.
Interpreting past trophic ecology of a threatened alpine parrot, keaNestor notabilis, from museum specimens
Authors: Wehi Priscilla M. , Rogers Karyne M. , Jowett Tim , Sabadel Amandine J. M.
Published: May 2022

When ecosystems are under severe pressure or environments change, trophic position and intraspecific niche width may decrease or narrow, signalling that conservation action is required. In New Zealand, alpine and subalpine ecosystems have been extensively modified through farming since 19th‐century European settlement, with consequences for indigenous species such as the keaNestor notabilis.

We investigated feather stable isotope values in the kea and predicted a lower trophic position in modern kea populations, to reflect reduced lowland habitat and a mixed diet with more plant material. We predicted that size and sex would influence trophic values in this sexually dimorphic species, with larger birds more likely to have a high protein diet.

We examined potential dietary changes in 68 museum collected kea from 1880s to 2000s, first recording accession details including provenance and sex and measuring culmen length. We used bulk carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses (BSIAs) of feathers and a further feather subset using compound‐specific stable isotope analyses of amino acids (CSIA‐AA) to obtain isotopic values and estimate trophic position.

BSIA showed δ15N values in kea feathers declined through time and could indicate that early century kea were highly omnivorous, with δ15N values on average higher than in modern kea. Variance in δ15N values was greater after 1950, driven by a few individuals. Few differences between males and females were evident, although females in the south region had lower δ15N values. There was a tendency for large male birds to have higher trophic values, perhaps reflecting dominant male bird behaviour noted in historical records. Nonetheless, CSIA‐AA performed on a subset of the data suggested that variation in BSIA is likely due to baseline changes rather than relative trophic position which may be more homogenous than these data indicate. Although there was more variability in modern kea, we suggest caution in interpretation.

Stable isotope data, particularly CSIA‐AA, from museum specimens can reveal potential change in ecological networks as well as sexually dimorphic feeding patterns within species. The data can reveal temporal and regional variation in species trophic position and changes in ecosystem integrity to inform conservation decision‐making.
Agroecological farming, flowering phenology and the pollinator–herbivore–parasitoid nexus regulate non‐crop plant reproduction
Authors: Monticelli Lucie S. , Labonté Audrey , Turpin Mélinda , Biju‐Duval Luc , Felten Emeline , Laurent Emilien , Matejicek Annick , Vieren Eric , Deytieux Violaine , Cordeau Stephane , Vanbergen Adam J.
Published: May 2022

Agroecological farming uses crop and non‐crop plant biodiversity to promote beneficial insects supplying pollination and biocontrol services to crops. Non‐crop plants (sown or weeds) are integral to supporting these beneficial insect species interactions. How the uplift of biotic complexity by agroecological management (crop diversification, ecological infrastructure) influences mutualistic and antagonistic insect interactions regulating the reproduction of non‐crop plants remains less understood.

Using a pesticide‐free farm‐scale (125 ha) agroecological experiment, we tested how the individual reproduction of pollinator‐dependent, non‐crop plant species with different flowering phenology (Cyanus segetum, Centaurea jacea) and their mutualistic (pollinator) and antagonistic (seed herbivore–parasitoid) insect interactions were affected by agroecological practices.

Seed set and species interactions of replicate C. segetum and C. jacea randomly introduced to field margins were correlated with floral resource heterogeneity at focal plant (e.g. flower display size), local community (floral richness/abundance driven by sown wildflower or grass margins) and local landscape (crop diversification, area of semi‐natural habitat or mass flowering crops) scales.

At the seasonal peak of non‐crop floral diversity and abundance, antagonistic interactions weakly regulated C. segetum seed set with gains from pollinator activity predominating. Conversely, C. jacea, which flowered past the peak of non‐crop floral diversity/abundance, benefited from the promotion of seed herbivore parasitism and pollinator activity by the local landscape cover of semi‐natural habitat and mass flowering crops.

Synthesis and applications. Agroecological management produced spatial and temporal gradients in crop and non‐crop floral resources that interacted to modify pollinator or seed herbivore–parasitoid interactions and Cyanus segetum and Centaurea jacea seed set. The degree of phenological overlap between C. segetum and C. jacea flowering and floral resources in the local community or landscape dictated the type and level of exposure to insect interactions influencing reproduction. Design of agroecological practices to deliver pollination and biocontrol services must consider how effects will vary with species traits and the mutualistic (pollination) and antagonistic (herbivory, parasitism) interactions governing non‐crop plant reproduction. Agroecological management supporting beneficial insect interactions may feedback to help restore functional non‐crop plant populations and associated biodiversity, potentially reducing the frequency of management interventions (e.g. re‐sowing wildflower strips).
Patients treated for acute headache with intranasal droperidol spend less time in the emergency department: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Stern Ari , Munro Andrew , King Chris , Knight Amy , Bruce Emily , Stacey James , Hammond Siggi , Holland Amy
Published: May 2022

Objective

Headache is a common presenting complaint to the ED. Using time from the first provider to discharge as a surrogate for effectiveness, we aimed to determine if intranasal (IN) droperidol is as beneficial as usual treatment for acute headache in the ED.

Methods

There were 1213 consecutive presentations of adults with acute headache over a 42‐month period. Electronic records for each event were interrogated, 406 events met pre‐determined exclusion criteria. Of the remaining 805 eligible patient events, 139 received IN droperidol, whereas 666 were given usual therapy.

Results

There was a 20 min reduction of mean and median ED length of stay (LOS) for the group that got treated with IN droperidol.

Conclusions

IN droperidol reduced LOS in the ED. There are potential cost savings of this effective treatment via this novel route. A prospective multi‐centre study of the use of IN droperidol for the treatment of acute headache in the ED is recommended.
Generation of a chromosome‐level genome assembly for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) and characterization of its sex‐determining genomic region
Authors: Jasonowicz Andrew J. , Simeon Anna , Zahm Margot , Cabau Cédric , Klopp Christophe , Roques Céline , Iampietro Carole , Lluch Jérôme , Donnadieu Cécile , Parrinello Hugues , Drinan Daniel P. , Hauser Lorenz , Guiguen Yann , Planas Josep V.
Published: May 2022

The Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is a key species in the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea ecosystems, where it also supports important fisheries. However, the lack of genomic resources limits our understanding of evolutionary, environmental and anthropogenic forces affecting key life history characteristics of Pacific halibut and prevents the application of genomic tools in fisheries management and conservation efforts. In the present study, we report on the first generation of a high‐quality chromosome‐level assembly of the Pacific halibut genome, with an estimated size of 602 Mb, 24 chromosome‐length scaffolds that contain 99.8% of the assembly and a N50 scaffold length of 27.3 Mb. In the first application of this important resource, we conducted genome‐wide analyses of sex‐specific genetic variation by pool sequencing and characterized a potential sex‐determining region in chromosome 9 with a high density of female‐specific SNPs. Within this region, we identified the bmpr1ba gene as a potential candidate for master sex‐determining (MSD) gene. bmpr1ba is a member of the TGF‐β family that in teleosts has provided the largest number of MSD genes, including a paralogue of this gene in Atlantic herring. The genome assembly constitutes an essential resource for future studies on Pacific halibut population structure and dynamics, evolutionary history and responses to environmental and anthropogenic influences. Furthermore, the genomic location of the sex‐determining region in Pacific halibut has been identified and a putative candidate MSD gene has been proposed, providing further support for the rapid evolution of sex‐determining mechanisms in teleost fish.
Assessment of Sentinel‐2A images for estimating rosemary land cover through an object‐based image analysis approach
Authors: Sabbahi Monsif , Nemmaoui Abderrahim , Tahani Abdessalam , El Bachiri Ali
Published: May 2022

Rosemary is a medicinal plant widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industry. In Morocco, rosemary harvesting generates significant benefits for the local economy. Even though, decision makers are short of accurate information about its geographical distribution area. The aim of this study is to delineate the rosemary shrubs in the Oriental region in Morocco in order to provide guidance for the sustainable use of these natural resources. We therefore used the freely available images of Sentinel‐2A for binary classification (rosemary shrubs and the other lands) through an object‐based image‐analysis approach. The random forest classifier was deployed and trained with different object features likewise spectral values and vegetation indices. As a result, the distribution area of rosemary is 240,747 ha, which represents 18% of the studied area. Besides, an encouraging overall accuracy of 94.24% was attained; the user's accuracy for the class of “rosemary” and “Others” is 93.3% and 95.0%, respectively; meanwhile, the producer's accuracy for “rosemary” and “Others” is 93.72% and 94.65%.
Morph frequencies, sex ratios and infections in Danaus chrysippus populations in Rwanda
Authors: Ndatimana Gilbert , Kayitete Laban , Martin Simon , Smith David A. S. , Hagenimana Thacien , Nkundimana Adrien , Muhayimana Simon , Antony Jonas , Sibomana Constantin , Uwizelimana Jean de Dieu , Omufwoko Kennedy Saitoti , Nyirakanani Chantal , Gordon Ian J.
Published: May 2022

The African Queen butterfly (Danaus chrysippus) is noted for its colour pattern polymorphism despite its aposematic and chemically defended lifestyle and for its infection with a male‐killing endosymbiont (Spiroplasma). The polymorphism is largely restricted to east and central Africa where three different colour forms meet and interbreed in a large contact or hybrid zone. The primary objective of this study is to present recent data on the polymorphism, sex ratio and the incidence of male killing in D. chrysippus populations in Rwanda. We also report previously unpublished data from a random sample collected in 1914 in Bujumbura in Burundi and on the differential effects of weather on males and females in Ghana from 1972 to 1974. We sampled butterflies using butterfly nets and either marked, recorded and released them or kept specimens for subsequent examination. We used PCR/microscopy on the preserved specimens to detect Spiroplasma and the presence of a protozoan parasite (Ophryocystis). Our findings suggest that Rwanda lies close to the western edge of the joint distribution of both Spiroplasma and the polymorphism. Further biogeographical studies are recommended to test the hypothesis that male killing is restricted to the contact zone in which polymorphism is commonly observed.
Human depredation risk and flight initiation distance of birds in rural areas, Zimbabwe
Authors: Ncube Emmanuel , Tarakini Tawanda
Published: May 2022

Human depredation threatens the conservation of bird species especially in rural areas where birds are hunted for protein. This study explored species found in Thekwane village of Bulilima district in Plumtree, Zimbabwe, from July to September 2020. A survey was conducted to assess bird's flight initiation distance (FID) across various habitats and times of the day. Fifty key informants reported which bird species were hunted by locals. A desktop survey was done to determine the average body mass and conservation status according to IUCN for all species recorded. The effect of body mass, time of the day, perch type/height, starting distance, flock size, hunting pressure and habitat type on FID was investigated using generalised linear models. Chi‐square tests were used to explore association between key informants' citation frequency of birds and their level of hunting. The key informants cited 49 species commonly used for protein provision, while 58 species were recorded during FID measurements. FID increased with body mass, and the birds that were perching on the ground had longer FIDs. There was a linear positive relationship between FID and starting distance and large flocks had longer FIDs. However hunting pressure and habitat type had no significant relationship with FID. Our results suggest that the larger bird species had less tolerance to approaching humans and birds that were less likely to be hunted by people had similar levels of wariness compared to those that are more likely to be hunted.