bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spin coating epitaxial films
Authors: Kelso Meagan V. , Mahenderkar Naveen K. , Chen Qingzhi , Tubbesing John Z. , Switzer Jay A.
Published: October 2021

Epitaxial films through spin coating

A simple way to coat a surface with a uniform film is by spin coating. The substrate is spun at high speed, and a droplet of solution containing the coating is added at the center, spreads out, and evaporates. This method is used to make polycrystalline inorganic coatings and amorphous films, such as polymers used in lithography. Kelso
et al.
performed spin coating with single-crystal substrates, carefully controlling the thickness of the spreading solution on the basis of its viscosity and the rotation rate. In this way, they achieved epitaxial growth—in which the crystallites are oriented by the substrate—for perovskites, zinc oxide, and sodium chloride.

Science
, this issue p.
166
Three-orders-of-magnitude variation of carrier lifetimes with crystal phase of gold nanoclusters
Authors: Zhou Meng , Higaki Tatsuya , Hu Guoxiang , Sfeir Matthew Y. , Chen Yuxiang , Jiang De-en , Jin Rongchao
Published: October 2021

Atomic packing controls exciton lifetime

Like semiconductors, small metallic clusters can absorb light and create excitons (electron-hole pairs). In ligand-capped gold clusters of 30 to 40 atoms (Au
30
to Au
40
) that adopt the usual face-centered cubic packing, the lifetime of these excitons is ∼100 nanoseconds. Zhou
et al.
found that atomic packing and molecular orbital overlap can greatly affect carrier lifetimes. Despite having similar bandgaps to those of face-centered cubic clusters, a hexagonal close-packed Au
30
cluster had a much shorter lifetime (∼1 nanosecond), and a body-centered cubic Au
38
cluster had a lifetime of ∼5 microseconds, which is comparable to bulk silicon.

Science
, this issue p.
279
Why cities?
Cities: The First 6,000 Years
Monica L. Smith
Viking, 2019. 301 pp.
Authors: Rademacher Anne
Published: October 2021

An archaeologist identifie surban areas as key aggregators of human social experience
Pollinators, herbivores, and the evolution of floral traits
Authors: Ågren Jon
Published: October 2021

Floral characters reflect plant adaptation to both bumble bees and leaf-eating insects
Toward fire safety without chemical risk
Authors: de Boer Jacob , Stapleton Heather M.
Published: October 2021

Use of halogenated flame retardants continues despite health and environmental concerns
Stimulation of phospholipase Cβ1 by Gαqpromotes the assembly of stress granule proteins
Authors: Qifti Androniqi , Jackson Lela , Singla Ashima , Garwain Osama , Scarlata Suzanne
Published: October 2021

Stimulation of Gαq-coupled GPCRs releases PLCβ1 from stress granule–associated proteins, enabling their aggregation.
The GABA
B
receptor mediates neuroprotection by coupling to G
13
Authors: Wang Yunyun , Gai Siyu , Zhang Wenhua , Huang Xuetao , Ma Shumin , Huo Yujia , Wu Yichen , Tu Haijun , Pin Jean-Philippe , Rondard Philippe , Xu Chanjuan , Liu Jianfeng
Published: October 2021

Distinct G protein–mediated pathways mediate neuroprotective GABA
B
receptor signaling.
Signaling by the inhibitory receptor CD200R is rewired by type I interferon
Authors: van der Vlist Michiel , Ramos M. Inês Pascoal , van den Hoogen Lucas L. , Hiddingh Sanne , Timmerman Laura M. , de Hond Titus A. P. , Kaan Ellen D. , van der Kroef Maarten , Lebbink Robert Jan , Peters Florence M. A. , Khoury-Hanold William , Fritsch-Stork Ruth , Radstake Timothy R. D. J. , Meyaard Linde
Published: October 2021

Type I interferon switches the receptor CD200R from inhibiting to potentiating inflammatory responses in immune cells.
NF-κB activation in cardiac fibroblasts results in the recruitment of inflammatory Ly6C
hi
monocytes in pressure-overloaded hearts
Authors: Abe Hajime , Tanada Yohei , Omiya Shigemiki , Podaru Mihai-Nicolae , Murakawa Tomokazu , Ito Jumpei , Shah Ajay M. , Conway Simon J. , Ono Masahiro , Otsu Kinya
Published: October 2021

A subset of cardiac fibroblasts responds to pressure overload by recruiting inflammatory monocytes to the heart.
A savory way to gain weight
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: October 2021

Excessive intake of umami-rich food may promote metabolic syndrome through the production of uric acid.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1/2a trial of the genetically attenuated malaria vaccine PfSPZ-GA1
Authors: Roestenberg Meta , Walk Jona , van der Boor Saskia C. , Langenberg Marijke C. C. , Hoogerwerf Marie-Astrid , Janse Jacqueline J. , Manurung Mikhael , Yap X. Zen , García Amanda Fabra , Koopman Jan Pieter R. , Meij Pauline , Wessels Els , Teelen Karina , van Waardenburg Youri M. , van de Vegte-Bolmer Marga , van Gemert Geert Jan , Visser Leo G. , van der Ven André J. A. M. , de Mast Quirijn , Natasha K. C. , Abebe Yonas , Murshedkar Tooba , Billingsley Peter F. , Richie Tom L. , Sim B. Kim Lee , Janse Chris J. , Hoffman Stephen L. , Khan Shahid M. , Sauerwein Robert W.
Published: October 2021

The genetically attenuated malaria vaccine PfSPZ-GA1 is safe, immunogenic, and has suboptimal protective efficacy in people.
Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection elicits sexually dimorphic placental immune responses
Authors: Bordt Evan A. , Shook Lydia L. , Atyeo Caroline , Pullen Krista M. , De Guzman Rose M. , Meinsohn Marie-Charlotte , Chauvin Maeva , Fischinger Stephanie , Yockey Laura J. , James Kaitlyn , Lima Rosiane , Yonker Lael M. , Fasano Alessio , Brigida Sara , Bebell Lisa M. , Roberts Drucilla J. , Pépin David , Huh Jun R. , Bilbo Staci D. , Li Jonathan Z. , Kaimal Anjali , Schust Danny J. , Gray Kathryn J. , Lauffenburger Douglas , Alter Galit , Edlow Andrea G.
Published: October 2021

Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection drives sexually dimorphic placental immune responses and reduces SARS-CoV-2–specific antibody transfer to male fetuses.
Pacmanvirus S19, the Second Pacmanvirus Isolated from Sewage Waters in Oran, Algeria
Authors: Geballa-Koukoulas Khalil , Abdi Souhila , La Scola Bernard , Blanc Guillaume , Andreani Julien
Published: October 2021

Acanthamoeba castellanii
is an amoeba host that was used to isolate a novel strain named pacmanvirus S19. This isolate is the second strain reported and belongs to the extended
Asfarviridae
family. Pacmanvirus S19 harbors a 419,588-bp genome, with a GC content of 33.20%, which encodes 444 predicted proteins and a single Ile-tRNA.
Draft Genome Sequence of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa from an Adult Patient in Qatar
Authors: Sundararaju Sathyavathi , Salah Husam , Ibrahim Emad B. , Perez-Lopez Andres , Abid Fatma Ben , Tsui Clement K. M.
Published: October 2021

Rhodotorula mucilaginosa
is an opportunistic fungal pathogen of public health importance. We present the draft genome sequence of an isolate (Rhodo3571) cultured from an immunocompetent patient. The isolate is similar to other
R. mucilaginosa
genomes in the NCBI database. Presented here are the genome assembly and its comparison to other reference genomes.
Complete Genome Sequence of Serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis Strain C311
Authors: Jen Freda E.-C. , Atack John M. , Zhang Yuan , Edwards Jennifer L. , Jennings Michael P.
Published: October 2021

Neisseria meningitidis
strain C311 has been widely used to study meningococcal pathogenesis in the past 30 years, but its genome is not available. Here, we report that the complete C311 genome is 2,311,508 bp in length, contains a total of 2,274 genes, and has a GC content of 51.25%.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Marinobacter
sp. Strain AL4B, a Marine Bacterium Isolated from Quintero Bay, Chile
Authors: Dinamarca M. A. , González-Pizarro K. , Charifeh M. , Jopia P. , Ibacache-Quiroga C.
Published: October 2021

Quintero Bay, located along the central coast of Chile, has suffered different oil spills during the past 10 years, impacting its marine ecosystems. Here, we report the genome sequence of
Marinobacter
sp. strain AL4B, a marine bacterium isolated from Quintero Bay, Chile.
Overlap and cumulative effects of pancreatic duct obstruction, abnormal pain processing and psychological distress on patient-reported outcomes in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Olesen Søren S , Phillips Anna E , Faghih Mahya , Kuhlmann Louise , Steinkohl Emily , Frøkjær Jens B , Bick Benjamin L , Ramsey Mitchell L , Hart Phil A , Garg Pramod K , Singh Vikesh K , Yadav Dhiraj , Drewes Asbjørn M
Published: October 2021

Objective

Several factors have been suggested to mediate pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis. However, it is unknown whether these factors are overlapping and if they have cumulative effects on patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

Design

We performed a multicentre cross-sectional study of 201 prospectively enrolled subjects with definitive chronic pancreatitis. All subjects underwent evaluation for pancreatic duct obstruction, abnormalities in pain processing using quantitative sensory testing, and screening for psychological distress (anxiety, depression and pain catastrophising) based on validated questionnaires. Abnormality was defined by normal reference values. PROs included pain symptom severity (Brief Pain Inventory short form) and quality of life (EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire). Associations between pain-related factors and PROs were investigated by linear trend analyses, multiple regression models and mediation analyses.

Results

Clinical evaluation suggestive of pancreatic duct obstruction was observed in 29%, abnormal pain processing in 23%, anxiety in 47%, depression in 39% and pain catastrophising in 28%; each of these factors was associated with severity of at least one PRO. Two or more factors were present in 51% of subjects. With an increasing number of factors, there was an increase in pain severity scores (p<0.001) and pain interference scores (p<0.001), and a reduction in quality of life (p<0.001). All factors had independent and direct effects on PROs, with the strongest effect size observed for psychological distress.

Conclusion

Pain-related factors in chronic pancreatitis are often present in an overlapping manner and have a cumulative detrimental effect on PROs. These findings support a multidisciplinary strategy for pain management.

Trial registration number

The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03434392).
NOTCH2NLC-related disorders: the widening spectrum and genotype–phenotype correlation
Authors: Fan Yu , Xu Yuming , Shi Changhe
Published: October 2021

GGC repeat expansion in the 5′ untranslated region ofNOTCH2NLCis the most common causative factor in neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) in Asians. Such expanded GGC repeats have been identified in patients with leukoencephalopathy, essential tremor (ET), multiple system atrophy, Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and oculopharyngodistal myopathy (OPDM). Herein, we review the recently reportedNOTCH2NLC-related disorders and potential disease-causing mechanisms. We found that visual abnormalities may beNOTCH2NLC-specific and should be investigated in other patients withNOTCH2NLCmutations.NOTCH2NLCGGC repeat expansion was rarely identified in patients of European ancestry, whereas the actual prevalence of the expansion in European patients may be potentially higher than reported, and the CGG repeats inLRP12/GIPC1are suggested to be screened in European patients with NIID. The repeat size and interruptions inNOTCH2NLCGGC expansion confer pleiotropic effects on clinical phenotype, a pure and stable ET phenotype may be an early symptom of NIID, and GGC repeats inNOTCH2NLCpossibly give rise to ET. An association may also exist between intermediate-lengthNOTCH2NLCGGC repeat expansion and patients affected by PD and ET.NOTCH2NLC-OPDM highly resemblesNOTCH2NLC-NIID, the two disorders may be the variations of a single neurodegenerative disease, and there may be a disease-causing upper limit in size of GGC repeats inNOTCH2NLC, repeats over which may be non-pathogenic. The haploinsufficiency ofNOTCH2NLCmay not be primarily involved inNOTCH2NLC-related disorders and a toxic gain-of-function mechanism possibly drives the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration in patients withNOTCH2NLC-associated disorders.
Personal Protection against Cold Environments
Authors: Chandler M.
Published: October 2021

The most cursory glance at history will indicate that the local and general effects of cold can seriously impair operational efficiency, often leading to permanent damage in otherwise fit, healthy troops. This paper discusses the reasons for evaluating protective clothing and equipment scientifically, during the design stage, and reviews some of the recent work along these lines undertaken by the Institute of Naval Medicine.
Phthiriasis Palbebrarum — An Unusual Cause of Blepharitis
Authors: Wingate R. J. B.
Published: October 2021

Two cases of blepharilis associated with Phthirus pubis infestation are described. One unilateral case occurred in a child and one bilateral case in a 20 year old sailor.
Uncomplicated Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: The Site of the Nasal Septal Deformity
Authors: McNicoll W. D.
Published: October 2021

Eighty-nine recruit volunteers to the Submarine. Diving and Fleet Air Arm branches of the Royal Navy who were suffering from an unsuspected Eustachian tube dysfunction underwent investigation, which included middle ear analysis, Eustachian function testing and PA x-radiography of the skull. Twenty-five aircrew candidates who had positive Valsalva and Toynbee manoeuvres on otoscopy, acted as a control group and underwent the same investigations as the investigative group. All the subjects in the investigative group had either a unilateral or bilateral Eustachian tube dysfunction. This dysfunction was confirmed by exposing the subjects to an increase in ambient pressure not exceeding three metres of water. None of the subjects with Eustachian tube dysfunction were able to equilibrate their middle ear pressures at this depth equivalent.

All 89 subjects were found to have a nasal septal deformity situated at the posterior half of the nasal septum at the level of the vomero-ethmoid suture. All the volunteers underwent submucous resection of the nasal septum, care being taken to excise the vomeroethmoid suture and the adjacent vomer and perpendicular plate of ethmoid. Six weeks after operation 85 (95.5%) of subjects were able to equilibrate their middle ear pressures when they were exposed to an increase in ambient pressure of 10 metres of water.
Recent experience with carbon fibre
Authors: Osborne A. H. , Telfer R. C. , Farquharson-Roberts M. A.
Published: October 2021

The recent advances of ligament reconstruction using carbon fibre in the knee joint are discussed. A series of ten patients treated with carbon fibre are presented.
Ciguatera poisoning
Authors: Grant I. C.
Published: October 2021

Ciguatera is, on a world-wide scale, the commonest of the four broad classes of ichthyosarcotoxism currently described. The disease is contracted by the consumption of toxic flesh from any of many fish species which are usually safe foodstuff. It is characterised by a combination of neural, gastrointestinal and cardiac effects. The incidence of the disease is almost certainly increasing world-wide, and its appearance in the UK has recently been described. The author’s personal experience is described together with some historical background and a review of current literature.
Spinal cord decompression sickness: A review of the pathology and some new findings
Authors: Sykes J. J. W.
Published: October 2021

This article reviews the pathological changes reported in spinal cord decompression sickness and describes the major theories of the aetiology of the disease process supported by the pathological changes reported. Recently reported findings are included which may account for clinical observations not adequately explained previously. Direction for research into improving therapy of spinal cord decompression sickness is suggested.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Authors: Miller A. R. O.
Published: October 2021

A review of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) including the historical background and current clinical and immunological concepts about the condition, together with some thoughts on future progress.
Submarine painting: A cross-sectional epidemiological investigation into work-related symptoms and lung function
Authors: Woodroof G. M. F.
Published: October 2021

This study formed part of the requirements for an MSc (Occupational Medicine) degree of the University of London awarded in July 1984. This paper summarises the main points from the project, further details being available from the author.
The Hong Kong experience: Management of locally entered personnel
Authors: Yeoman L. P.
Published: October 2021

This article reflects my personal experience and outlines the difficulties encountered when serving on a foreign station 8000 miles away from UK support and advice, with an alien climate and, additionally, the problems of the management and leadership of the Chinese locally entered personnel (LEP) of the Medical Branch in Hong Kong. A recent article on staff training was read with interest. Ideally, all managers would like to deal with totally professional and competent staff who are conversant with leadership qualities, the job in hand and, indeed, the English language!
Lung Function in Royal Naval Firefighting Instructors
Authors: Searing Caroline S. M. , Smith D. J. , Pethybridge R. J. , Goad R. F. , Legg S. J.
Published: October 2021

A four phase investigation into the effects of Royal Naval firefighting training on pulmonary function was carried out between 1979 and 1984. Phases I and II, reported elsewhere, failed to demonstrate changes in the lung function either in instructors, as measured by forced spirometry and transfer factor, over a one month period, or trainees, as measured by forced spirometry, during a one day fire-fighting course.

This paper describes the results of phase III in which further lung function data was gathered from the instructors, at six monthly intervals, over two years. Multiple regression analysis of the data indicated that smoke exposure had a significant effect on the transfer factor (T1), flow at 75% of the forced vital capacity (FEF75), and the ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC%). The decrements observed were many times those predicted for normal ageing.

Analysis of data collected on instructors who had left the school in the previous twelve months failed to reveal any significant improvement in these three measurements. A later follow up study conducted 3 to 5 years after instructors had left the school (Phase IV) showed significant improvements in T1 and FEF75 when related to the first readings after leaving the school.

The changes observed are confounded by the high incidence of cigarette smokers amongst the instructors.
Hyperbaric Oxygen in Osteoradionecrosis of the Mandible
Authors: Daum R. E. O. , Negus T. W.
Published: October 2021

A case of recurrent osteoradionecrosis of the mandible, presenting 15 years after radiation therapy, is treated by a combination of surgery, antibiotics and exposure to hyperbaric oxygen. Mucosal cover of bone that had been exposed for six years was obtained after 18 days treatment. Osteoradionecrosis and the rationale behind its treatment with hyperbaric oxygen is discussed.
Lighting in Submarines
Authors: Brown D. C.
Published: October 2021

Since the Second World War, the standard night-time illumination in RN submarine control rooms and adjacent spaces has been red lighting, because of its perceived advantage in dark adaption. Red light is, however, unpopular and has been shown to be detrimental to the performance of other control room tasks. In recent years evidence has emerged from the United States and other Navies that the advantage of red lighting over white lighting in terms of dark adaptation is insignificant at very low intensities. In this paper the research literature is reviewed and the findings related to current lighting practice in RN submarines. At the low levels of control room night illumination, there is minimal practical difference in the time taken for the periscope operator to dark adapt between red and white lighting. In view of the benefits to morale and performance offered by low level white lighting, it should replace red lighting for night use in submarine control rooms.
Motivations of medical students and doctors leaving the NHS explored in a residency training application webinar series
Authors: Ooi Setthasorn Zhi Yang , Ooi Rucira , Godoi Amanda , Foo Eu Fang , Woo Timothy , Li Chunhei , Ganesananthan Sashiananthan ,   Cardiff Healthcare International Perspectives Society (CHIPS), Ban Vin Shen , Chidowe Moses , Chiu Ka Ho Oscar , Fong Elizabeth , Goldenberg Mitchell , Janardanan Kuhanesh , Leow Tze Hao , Ng Ka Ting , Ooi Krisada Shen Yang , Raudaschl Lucinda , Syed Usama , Tam Johnson Pok Him , Tan Kimberly , Tan Nicholas , Tan Qi Jun , Tan Yi Chuen , Tan-Loh Joash , Yung David
Published: October 2021

Background

Recent reports show that about 10% of UK-graduate doctors leave the country to pursue specialty training elsewhere. Our article aims to evaluate the motivating factors for UK graduates to leave the National Health Service (NHS), especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit.

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Method

A novel 22-item questionnaire was disseminated at a webinar series regarding the application process to pursue residency training in six different countries/regions from 2 August 2020 to 13 September 2020. The data was analysed using Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum with post-hoc Wilcoxon test to compare the difference in significance among the motivating factors.

Results

1118 responses from the UK medical students and doctors were collected; of which, 1001 (89.5%) were medical students, and 88 (7.9%) were junior doctors. There was a higher propensity for leaving after the Foundation Programme compared with other periods (p<0.0001 for all comparisons). There was no difference between desire for leaving after core surgical/medical training and specialty training (p=0.549). However, both were significantly higher than leaving the NHS after medical school (p<0.0001). Quality of life and financial prospects (both p<0.0001) were the most agreed reasons to leave the NHS, followed by clinical and academic opportunities and, subsequently, family reasons.

Conclusion

Future work on the quality of life for doctors in the UK should be explored, especially among those considering leaving the NHS. Policymakers should focus on assessing the difference in working hours, on-call hours and wages that may differ among healthcare systems.
Exposure to inorganic particles in paediatric sarcoidosis: the PEDIASARC study
Authors: Nathan Nadia , Montagne Marie-Emeline , Macchi Odile , Rosental Paul-André , Chauveau Simon , Jeny Florence , Sesé Lucile , Abou Taam Rola , Brocvielle Manon , Brouard Jacques , Catinon Mickaël , Chapelon-Abric Catherine , Cohen-Aubart Fleur , Delacourt Christophe , Delestrain Céline , Deschildre Antoine , Dossier Antoine , Epaud Ralph , Haroche Julien , Houdouin Véronique , Israel-Biet Dominique , Juvin Karine , Le Jeune Sylvain , Lionnet Francois , Meinzer Ulrich , Mittaine Marie , Nunes Hilario , Mattioni Sarah , Naccache Jean-Marc , Odièvre Marie-Hélène , Vincent Michel , Clement Annick , Valeyre Dominique , Cavalin Catherine
Published: October 2021

Inorganic antigens may contribute to paediatric sarcoidosis. Thirty-six patients matched with 36 healthy controls as well as a group of 21 sickle-cell disease (SCD) controls answered an environmental questionnaire. Patients’ indirect exposure to inorganic particles, through coresidents’ occupations, was higher than in healthy and SCD controls (median score: 2.5 (0.5–7) vs 0.5 (0–2), p=0.003 and 1 (0–2), p=0.012, respectively), especially for construction, exposures to metal dust, talc, abrasive reagents and scouring products. Wood or fossil energies heating were also linked to paediatric sarcoidosis. This study supports a link between mineral environmental exposure due to adult coresident occupations and paediatric sarcoidosis.
Acceptability of hygiene, face covering and social distancing interventions to prevent exacerbations in people living with airways diseases
Authors: Hurst John R , Cumella Andrew , Niklewicz Camila Nagoda , Philip Keir E J , Singh Victoria , Hopkinson Nicholas S
Published: October 2021

Interventions to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 have been associated with substantial reductions in exacerbations of airways diseases, likely through reduced transmission of other respiratory viruses. We surveyed 4442 people with airways disease (asthma=3627, bronchiectasis=258, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease=557) to gauge attitudes and intentions towards continuing such measures after the COVID-19 pandemic. 47% intended to continue wearing a face mask in indoor public spaces, and 61% thought everyone should be required to do so during the ‘influenza season. Women, those with bronchiectasis, and older people were generally more cautious. Respiratory virus infection control measures should be considered in clinical guidelines and public health recommendations.
Image features of spinning regular black holes based on a locality principle
Authors: Eichhorn Astrid , Held Aaron
Published: October 2021

To understand the true nature of black holes, fundamental theoretical developments should be linked all the way to observational features of black holes in their natural astrophysical environments. Here, we take several steps to establish such a link. We construct a family of spinning, regular black-hole spacetimes based on a locality principle for new physics and analyze their shadow images. We identify characteristic image features associated to regularity (increased compactness and relative stretching) and to the locality principle (cusps and asymmetry) that persist in the presence of a simple analytical disk model. We conjecture that these occur as universal features of distinct classes of regular black holes based on different sets of construction principles for the corresponding spacetimes.
Neutrino pair annihilation ($$\nu {\bar{\nu }}\rightarrow e^-e^+$$) in the presence of quintessence surrounding a black hole
Authors: Lambiase G. , Mastrototaro L.
Published: October 2021

Quintessence fields, introduced to explain the speed-up of the Universe, might affect the geometry of spacetime surrounding black holes, as compared to the standard Schwarzschild and Kerr geometries. In this framework, we study the neutrino pairs annihilation into electron-positron pairs ($$\nu {\bar{\nu }}\rightarrow e^-e^+$$

ν

ν

¯

→

e
-

e
+

) near the surface of a neutron star, focusing, in particular, on the Schwarzschild-like geometry in presence of quintessence fields. The effect of the latter is to increase the photon-sphere radius ($$R_{ph}$$

R

ph

), increasing in such a way the maximum energy deposition rate near to $$R_{ph}$$

R

ph

. The rate turns out to be several orders of magnitude greater than the rate computed in the framework of General Relativity. These results might provide a rising in the GRBs energy emitted from a close binary neutron star system and might be used to constraints the parameters of the quintessence model. Finally we theoretically study the effects of rotation on the neutrino energy deposition.
Implications of the Muon g-2 result on the flavour structure of the lepton mass matrix
Authors: Calibbi Lorenzo , López-Ibáñez M. L. , Melis Aurora , Vives Oscar
Published: October 2021

The confirmation of the discrepancy with the Standard Model predictions in the anomalous magnetic moment by the Muon g-2 experiment at Fermilab points to a low scale of new physics. Flavour symmetries broken at low energies can account for this discrepancy but these models are much more restricted, as they would also generate off-diagonal entries in the dipole moment matrix. Therefore, if we assume that the observed discrepancy in the muon $$g-2$$

g
-
2

is explained by the contributions of a low-energy flavor symmetry, lepton flavour violating processes can constrain the structure of the lepton mass matrices and therefore the flavour symmetries themselves predicting these structures. We apply these ideas to several discrete flavour symmetries popular in the leptonic sector, such as $$\Delta (27)$$

Δ
(
27
)

, $$A_4$$

A
4

, and $$A_5 < imes \mathrm{CP}$$

A
5

⋉
CP

.
Hamiltonian Cycle in K1,r-Free Split Graphs — A Dichotomy
Authors: Renjith P. , Sadagopan N.
Published: October 2021

For an optimization problem known to be NP-Hard, the dichotomy study investigates the reduction instances to determine the line separating polynomial-time solvable vs NP-Hard instances (easy vs hard instances). In this paper, we investigate the well-studied Hamiltonian cycle problem (HCYCLE), and present an interesting dichotomy result on split graphs. T. Akiyama et al. (1980) have shown that HCYCLE is NP-complete on planar bipartite graphs with maximum degree [Formula: see text]. We use this result to show that HCYCLE is NP-complete for [Formula: see text]-free split graphs. Further, we present polynomial-time algorithms for Hamiltonian cycle in [Formula: see text]-free and [Formula: see text]-free split graphs. We believe that the structural results presented in this paper can be used to show similar dichotomy result for Hamiltonian path problem and other variants of Hamiltonian cycle (path) problems.
Consistent Tangent Stiffness of a Three-Dimensional Wheel–Rail Interaction Element
Authors: Gu Quan , Pan Jinghao , Liu Yongdou
Published: October 2021

Consistent tangent stiffness plays a crucial role in delivering a quadratic rate of convergence when using Newton’s method in solving nonlinear equations of motion. In this paper, consistent tangent stiffness is derived for a three-dimensional (3D) wheel–rail interaction element (WRI element for short) originally developed by the authors and co-workers. The algorithm has been implemented in finite element (FE) software framework (OpenSees in this paper) and proven to be effective. Application examples of wheelset and light rail vehicle are provided to validate the consistent tangent stiffness. The quadratic convergence rate is verified. The speeds of calculation are compared between the use of consistent tangent stiffness and the tangent by perturbation method. The results demonstrate the improved computational efficiency of WRI element when consistent tangent stiffness is used.
Research on the relationship between reduced scattering coefficient and intracranial pressure in brain edema model
Authors: Wang Shaobo , Liu Yangyang , Liu Yubing , Qian Zhiyu , Chen Zaoqin
Published: October 2021

Intracranial hypertension is a serious threat to the health of neurosurgical patients. At present, there is a lack of a safe and effective technology to monitor intracranial pressure (ICP) accurately and nondestructively. In this paper, based on near infrared technology, the continuous nondestructive monitoring of ICP change caused by brain edema was studied. The rat brain edema models were constructed by lipopolysaccharide. The ICP monitor and the self-made near infrared tissue parameter measuring instrument were used to monitor the invasive intracranial pressure and the reduced scattering coefficient of brain tissue during the brain edema development. The results showed that there was a negative correlation between the reduced scattering coefficient (690[Formula: see text]nm and 834[Formula: see text]nm) and ICP, and then the mathematical model was established. The experimental results promoted the development of nondestructive ICP monitoring based on near infrared technology.
Advances in molecular dynamics simulation on heterogeneous nucleation of gas hydrate
Authors: Li Zhenchao , Lu Hailong , Deng Yajun , Rao Shihang , Huang Xin , Zhang Qian
Published: October 2021

Gas hydrate is a nonstoichiometric crystalline material. It is attracting more and more attention not only because natural gas hydrate is a potential energy resource, but also because hydrate-based technologies can be potentially applied to the industry of energy and environment such as energy storage, carbon sequestration, etc. The nucleation mechanism of gas hydrate is a key issue in studying reservoir formation of natural gas hydrate and the kinetic properties of gas hydrate as an energy-storage media. Molecular dynamics simulation can provide microscopic insights into molecular-scale understanding of hydrate nucleation. In this review, the advances on the study of heterogeneous hydrate nucleation by molecular dynamics simulation are summarized, with a specific focus on the factors affecting nucleation processes. The interfacial energy barrier for nucleation will be lowered by molecular structure of interfacial water between hydrate and solid substrate. The interface and surface properties of solid substrate, including hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, surface roughness, layer-accumulated adsorption potential, crystallinity and surface layer-charge are also recognized as being associated with the process of hydrate nucleation by influencing the dynamics of gas and water molecules. In case of hydrate nucleation in confined pore space, confinement effect, pore size and elasticity are identified as the controlling factors.
Latent and sequential prediction of the novel coronavirus epidemiological spread
Authors: Aragona Dario , Podo Luca , Prenkaj Bardh , Velardi Paola
Published: October 2021

In this paper we present C
o
R
o
NN
a
a deep sequential framework for epidemic prediction that leverages a flexible combination of sequential and convolutional components to analyse the transmission of COVID-19 and, perhaps, other undiscovered viruses. Importantly, our methodology is generic and may be tailored to specific analysis goals. We exploit C
o
R
o
NN
a
to analyse the impact of various mobility containment policies on the pandemic using cumulative viral dissemination statistics with local demographic and movement data from several nations. Our experiments show that data on mobility has a significant, but delayed, impact on viral propagation. When compared to alternative frameworks that combine multivariate lagged predictors and basic LSTM models, C
o
R
o
NN
a
outperforms them. On the contrary, no technique based solely on lagged viral dissemination statistics can forecast daily cases.
Interpolating concavities
Authors: Duarte José , McKenney Mark
Published: October 2021

Region interpolation methods impose restrictions that have an influence on how the evolution of concavities over time is represented, potentially, causing their evolution to look unnatural, e.g., a concavity unexpectedly appears (disappears) from (to) a point. In a previous work we presented an algorithm to transform a line segment to a concavity, and a line segment to a simple non-closed linestring with possibly several concavities. The algorithm is deterministic, it does not assume that an element in the source is transformed directly to an element (or set of elements) in the target, works in stages (steps), i.e., several different transformations can occur while an element in the source is transformed to an element in the target, and its output is a set of moving segments representing the transformation. The complexity of a non-optimized implementation of the transformation of a segment to a concavity using the algorithm is
O
(
kn
2
), where
k
is the number of steps in the transformation (the number of intermediate transformations in the transformation) and
n
is the number of points in the target geometry. The algorithm is primarily devised to be integrated with the region interpolation methods proposed in the spatiotemporal databases literature. In this work we improve the complexity of the algorithm to be
O
(
n
2
) in the wort case.
The Earliest South African Hominids
Authors: Clarke Ronald J. , Pickering Travis Rayne , Heaton Jason L. , Kuman Kathleen
Published: October 2021

The earliest South African hominids (humans and their ancestral kin) belong to the genera Australopithecus, Paranthropus, and Homo, with the oldest being a ca. 3.67 million-year-old nearly complete skeleton of Australopithecus (StW 573) from Sterkfontein Caves. This skeleton has provided, for the first time in almost a century of research, the full anatomy of an Australopithecus individual with indisputably associated skull and postcranial bones that give complete limb lengths. The three genera are also found in East Africa, but scholars have disagreed on the taxonomic assignment for some fossils owing to historical preconceptions. Here we focus on the South African representatives to help clarify these debates. The uncovering of the StW 573 skeleton in situ revealed significant clues concerning events that had affected it over time and demonstrated that the associated stalagmite flowstones cannot provide direct dating of the fossil, as they are infillings of voids caused by postdepositional collapse.
Pericyte Control of Blood Flow Across Microvascular Zones in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Hartmann David A. , Coelho-Santos Vanessa , Shih Andy Y.
Published: October 2021

The vast majority of the brain's vascular length is composed of capillaries, where our understanding of blood flow control remains incomplete. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the control of blood flow across microvascular zones by addressing issues with nomenclature and drawing on new developments from in vivo optical imaging and single-cell transcriptomics. Recent studies have highlighted important distinctions in mural cell morphology, gene expression, and contractile dynamics, which can explain observed differences in response to vasoactive mediators between arteriole, transitional, and capillary zones. Smooth muscle cells of arterioles and ensheathing pericytes of the arteriole-capillary transitional zone control large-scale, rapid changes in blood flow. In contrast, capillary pericytes downstream of the transitional zone act on slower and smaller scales and are involved in establishing resting capillary tone and flow heterogeneity. Many unresolved issues remain, including the vasoactive mediators that activate the different pericyte types in vivo, the role of pericyte-endothelial communication in conducting signals from capillaries to arterioles, and how neurological disease affects these mechanisms.
Speech Computations of the Human Superior Temporal Gyrus
Authors: Bhaya-Grossman Ilina , Chang Edward F.
Published: October 2021

Human speech perception results from neural computations that transform external acoustic speech signals into internal representations of words. The superior temporal gyrus (STG) contains the nonprimary auditory cortex and is a critical locus for phonological processing. Here, we describe how speech sound representation in the STG relies on fundamentally nonlinear and dynamical processes, such as categorization, normalization, contextual restoration, and the extraction of temporal structure. A spatial mosaic of local cortical sites on the STG exhibits complex auditory encoding for distinct acoustic-phonetic and prosodic features. We propose that as a population ensemble, these distributed patterns of neural activity give rise to abstract, higher-order phonemic and syllabic representations that support speech perception. This review presents a multi-scale, recurrent model of phonological processing in the STG, highlighting the critical interface between auditory and language systems.
Comparative Analysis of the Effects of the Anti-VEGF Drug and Glucocorticoid by Injection before the End of Vitrectomy for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Zhao Haijin , Li Xueling , Zhao Xiahai , Zhang Qiongfang , He Wei , Wei Yanfei , Tang Xueshan
Published: October 2021

Objective. To explore the effects of the anti-VEGF drug and glucocorticoid by injection before the end of vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods. Eighty PDR patients who underwent vitrectomy in our hospital (July 2020–June 2022) were selected as the research objects and randomized into group A (n = 40) and group B (n = 40) according to the order of admission. Before the end of surgery, group B was injected with glucocorticoid (triamcinolone acetonide) into the vitreous cavity, and group A was injected with anti-VEGF drug (conbercept). The ophthalmic parameters, incidence of complications, diabetes indexes, and surgical indexes of the two groups were compared. Results. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), macular blood flow density and intraocular pressure in group A were remarkably better than those in group B (

P
<
0.001

). The incidence of complications (

P
<
0.05

) and VEG/F level (

P
<
0.001

) in group A were obviously lower than those in group B. There was no significant difference in fasting blood glucose (FBG) and surgical indexes between the two groups (

P
>
0.05

). Conclusion. Conbercept injection before the end of vitrectomy can improve the ophthalmic parameters, reduce the level of VEGF, and lower the possibility of postsurgical complications. Therefore, the low-cost and efficient anti-VEGF drug should be promoted and applied in practice.
The lncRNA B3GALT5-AS1 Functions as an HCC Suppressor by Regulating the miR-934/UFM1 Axis
Authors: Chen Erlin , Zhou Bin , Bian Saiyan , Ni Wenkai , Chen Zhong
Published: October 2021

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is importantly related to the occurrence and development of cancer. According to reports, the expression of B3GALT5-AS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is downregulated; however, the role of B3GALT5-AS1 in HCC is not yet clear. In this study, our purpose is to explore the biological function of B3GALT5-AS1 in HCC and its coupling mechanism with miR-934 and ubiquitin-fold modifier 1 (UFM1). We found that the B3GALT5-AS1 expression level was of significant reduction in both HCC tissues and cell lines; B3GALT5-AS1 overexpression (ov) may inhibit the malignant features of HCC. In addition, we demonstrated that miR-934 mimics could reverse the effect of B3GALT5-AS1 ov, which proved miR-934 was the downstream regulator of B3GALT5-AS1. Furthermore, si-UFM1 could reverse the effect of miR-934 inhibitor, which revealed the connection between them. Moreover, we found that B3GALT5-AS1 could keep down the PI3K/AKT pathway through UFM1. Our results demonstrated that B3GALT5-AS1 was an excellent HCC suppressant by regulating miR-934 and UFM1 to achieve negative regulation of HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, indicating that B3GALT5-AS1 is a promising potential therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
A Deep Learning-Based Classification Method for Different Frequency EEG Data
Authors: Wen Tingxi , Du Yu , Pan Ting , Huang Chuanbo , Zhang Zhongnan
Published: October 2021

In recent years, the research on electroencephalography (EEG) has focused on the feature extraction of EEG signals. The development of convenient and simple EEG acquisition devices has produced a variety of EEG signal sources and the diversity of the EEG data. Thus, the adaptability of EEG classification methods has become significant. This study proposed a deep network model for autonomous learning and classification of EEG signals, which could self-adaptively classify EEG signals with different sampling frequencies and lengths. The artificial design feature extraction methods could not obtain stable classification results when analyzing EEG data with different sampling frequencies. However, the proposed depth network model showed considerably better universality and classification accuracy, particularly for EEG signals with short length, which was validated by two datasets.
Impact of Lockdown during COVID‐19 Pandemic on Central Activation, Muscle Activity, Contractile Function, and Spasticity in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Andreu-Caravaca Luis , Ramos-Campo Domingo J. , Chung Linda H. , Manonelles Pedro , Abellán-Aynés Oriol , Rubio-Arias Jacobo Á.
Published: October 2021

Background. People with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from symptoms related to neural control, such as reduced central activation, lower muscle activity, and accentuated spasticity. A forced 9‐week home confinement related to COVID‐19 in Spain may have worsened these symptoms. However, no study has demonstrated the impact of home confinement on neuromuscular mechanisms in the MS population. This study was aimed at analyzing the effects of a 9‐week home confinement on central activation, muscle activity, contractile function, and spasticity in MS patients. Methods. Eighteen participants were enrolled in the study. Left and right knee extensor maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), maximal neural drive via peak surface electromyography (EMG) of the vastus lateralis, central activation ratio (CAR), and muscle contractile function via electrical stimulation of the knee extensor muscles, as well as spasticity using the pendulum test, were measured immediately before and after home confinement. Results. Seventeen participants completed the study. CAR significantly decreased after lockdown (ES = 1.271, p < 0.001). Regarding spasticity, there was a trend to decrease in the number of oscillations (ES = 0.511, p = 0.059) and a significant decrease in the duration of oscillations (ES = 0.568, p = 0.038). Furthermore, in the left leg, there was a significant decrease in the first swing excursion (ES = 0.612, p = 0.027) and in the relaxation index (ES = 0.992, p = 0.001). Muscle contractile properties, MVIC, and EMG variables were not modified after confinement. Conclusions. The results suggest that a home confinement period of 9 weeks may lead to an increase in lower limb spasticity and a greater deficit in voluntary activation of the knee extensors.
Metagenomic Analysis Reveals Neisseria bacilliformis Variation in the Early Childhood Caries Plaque Microbiome
Authors: Xiao Xiaofen , He Shandan , He Fei , Wu Xiaoyun , Zheng Yuyan
Published: October 2021

The progression of early childhood caries (ECC) is caused by microbial colonized in dental plaque. However, the association framework both from 16s genus down to high resolution metagenomic strain level and from composition to genome function analysis on caries lacks. 16S rRNA sequence revealed the composition of 3–6 years dental caries (ECC, n = 29), and severe dental caries (SECC, n = 36) children are significantly different from caries-free controls (CF, n = 31). Especially, genus Neisseria is enriched in caries (

P
<
0.05

). Metagenomics sequence of 3 ECCs, 3 SECCs, and 3 CFs reveals Neisseria bacilliformis ATCC BAA-1200 in genus Neisseria is also significantly enriched in caries (

P
<
0.05

). Then, we recovered high-quality metagenomic assembly genomes (MAG), named bin 86, which have 99% identity with Neisseria bacilliformis ATCC BAA-1200 genome. Function analysis of Neisseria bacilliformis ATCC BAA-1200 genome shows its metabolism power of sugar and adhesion, colonization, acid production, and acid tolerance ability, which suggested Neisseria bacilliformis ATCC BAA-1200 may serve as a biomarker for childhood caries.