bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Severe Form of Familial Desminopathy Due to a Homozygous Nonsense DES Variant in Two Siblings
Authors: Claes Laura , Schil Kristof van , Dewals Wendy , Beysen Diane
Published: June 2022

Familial primary desminopathies are usually autosomal dominantly inherited and present at the age of 20 to 40 years with progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, cardiomyopathy, and cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiac features may precede the muscular weakness. Here, we report the rare case of two siblings presenting with a desminopathy at pediatric age, due to homozygous nonsense variations (c.700G > T [p.Glu234Ter]) in DES, representing an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. The homozygous state of these variants is expected to result in the complete absence of desmin production. Rare autosomal recessive DES variants are associated with an earlier clinical presentation (from childhood to early adulthood) and faster evolution compared with more common autosomal dominant variants. A normal resting electrocardiography (ECG) and cardiac ultrasound can be a pitfall, as seen in our patient who has extensive fibrotic scarring on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We recommend yearly cardiac ultrasound, yearly 24-hour Holter monitoring and 2 yearly cardiac MRI from the age of 10 years in all asymptomatic patients. Heterozygous patients usually have no or only mild complaints but, though not yet reported in autosomal recessive desminopathies, muscular complaints are possible, as seen in the father of our patients. The prognosis for these patients with desminopathy presenting in childhood is unpredictable but anticipated as poor.
A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Study of Effectiveness and Safety of Hormonal (ACTH) Treatment Alone versus Hormonal (ACTH) with Levetiracetam for Epileptic Spasms
Authors: Gowda Vykuntaraju K. , Hiremath Ranjeetha , Gornale Vinod , Shivappa Sanjay K. , Benakappa Naveen , Benakappa Asha
Published: June 2022

Background West's syndrome (WS) is a triad of epileptic spasms (ESs), psychomotor delay, and hypsarrhythmia. The treatment of ESs is still controversial. Hence, we designed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare the outcomes in children with WS treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) alone versus ACTH and levetiracetam (LEV).

Objectives To compare the treatment outcomes and side effects in children treated with ACTH alone versus ACTH and LEV.

Methods This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted from December 2017 to May 2019 in tertiary care center, Bangaluru. Children from 2 months to 5 years of age, diagnosed with WS were included. Fifty children in each group were analyzed for efficacy and side effects.

Results There was no difference in the baseline characteristics in both groups. There was no difference in spasms response at the end of 2 weeks between the groups (88 vs. 82%) with p-value of 0.813. The relapse rates were less in ACTH and LEV group (20%) compared with ACTH alone (22%) but statistically not significant (p > 0.1). There was no difference observed in subsequent epilepsy rates (18%) in ACTH versus 19% in ACTH with LEV group (p > 0.1) and side effects. There was improvement in milestones 48% in ACTH with LEV group versus 37% in ACTH alone however statistically not significant (p > 0.1).

Conclusion There was no difference in children treated with ACTH alone versus ACTH and LEV in terms of control of spasms and subsequent epilepsy rates. The relapse rate is less, and developmental outcome is better in ACTH with LEV group but statistically not significant.
Effects of COVID-19 on Neurosurgical Service: Perspective from a Tertiary Medical Center in Nigeria
Authors: Ikwuegbuenyi Chibuikem A. , Patil Shashank N. , Nie James W. , Bankole Olufemi B. , Mehta Ankit I.
Published: June 2022

Background The outbreak of COVID-19 caused a significant impact on neurosurgical case volume in Nigeria due to the widespread recommendation to minimize elective procedures and redistribute healthcare resources to support COVID-19 patients. This study aims to analyze the effect of COVID-19 in one tertiary care Nigerian hospital on the demographic characteristics, diagnostic classes, and elective/non-elective procedure statuses.

Methods A retrospective single-center chart review study was conducted to review all patients undergoing a neurosurgical procedure between March to June in 2019 and 2020. Descriptive data on patient age, gender, sex, diagnosis, surgical procedure, elective/non-elective surgery status, and month and year of admission were recorded. Diagnoses were categorized into one of seven types by author review. Pearson's Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact Tests were utilized to test for independence of the categorical variables to the year of patient admission, and a Welch two-sample t-test was used to test for a significant difference in mean age between the two cohorts.

Results A total of 143 cases were reviewed. There was a 59.8% reduction in overall neurosurgical case volume with an 82% reduction in elective procedures (39 vs. 7, p = 0.017, 95% CI: 1.15 – 8.77) between 2019 and 2020. No significant differences were noted in patient cohorts when comparing demographic characteristics, diagnosis type, or month of admission between the two years.

Conclusion There was a significant reduction in elective neurosurgical procedures during the early months of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Further studies should consider examining the effects of COVID-19 into 2021.
Tuberculum Sella Meningioma: Surgical Management and Results with Emphasis on Visual Outcome
Authors: Kachhara Rajneesh , Nigam Pulak , Nair Suresh
Published: June 2022

Background Tuberculum sella meningioma form a distinct surgical entity with significant morbidity for the patient due to early and profound visual involvement. Surgical treatment of tuberculum sella meningioma is challenging in view of the proximity of vital neuro-vasculature. These lesions may be approached via a high-route (trans-cranial) or a low-route (trans-sphenoidal).

Materials and Methods The authors present a consecutive series of 36 patients, operated by the first author from 1996 onward, with an analysis of clinical presentation (emphasizing visual deterioration), imaging features, operative approaches, and outcome with postoperative visual status.

Results There were 36 patients (72 eyes) in the series, 75% females and 25% males. The mean age of patients was 48.05 ± 10.02 years. In all, 88.89% had visual diminution, 50% had headache, 5.56% had behavioral changes, and 2.78% had seizures. The mean tumor size was 4.01 ± 1.01 cm. The frontotemporal approach was employed in 66.67% of patients, and all patients underwent a right-sided approach. There was no significant difference between improvement in the vision between the right eye and left eye, despite the fact that right-sided approach was employed in nearly cases.

Conclusion While tuberculum sella meningioma have profound morbidity in terms of visual deterioration, timely surgical intervention may help patients gain serviceable vision postoperatively. We advocate the trans-cranial approach and find no difference in visual outcomes on employing right-sided approach, regardless of the side with worse vision.
Effectiveness of Game-Based Learning on Anxiety and Postoperative Self-Efficacy among Children Undergoing Surgery
Authors: Sofia M. , Aranha Priya Reshma
Published: June 2022

Background Play is an integral part of a child's life that could be effectively implemented for hospitalized children as well. It plays an important role in alleviating the psychological burden and enhancing self-efficacy of children undergoing surgery. Children benefit from play or games because they enjoy learning through them. The present study aims to assess the effectiveness of game-based learning on anxiety and postoperative self-efficacy among children undergoing surgery.

Materials and Methods Using nonprobability purposive sampling technique, 80 school-age children undergoing surgery were selected. Children in the interventional group received game-based learning, whereas those in the control group received routine care. A numeric 0 to 10 state anxiety scale and a self-efficacy scale were used for assessing anxiety and postoperative self-efficacy of children. The obtained data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results Mann–Whitney U test showed significant difference (p < 0.05) between the mean pre- and posttests scores of anxiety in intervention group. Comparison of posttests anxiety scores between the groups also showed a statistical significance (p < 0.05). When compared self-efficacy scores within intervention and control groups, Wilcoxon signed-rank test value was significant (p < 0.05). Whereas between groups comparison the Mann–Whitney U test value was significant (p < 0.05) at 24 and 48 hours after surgery.

Conclusion The study concluded that game-based learning is effective in maintaining adequate postoperative self-efficacy and reducing the anxiety among the children undergoing surgery.
In situ and ex situ processes for synthesizing metal multilayers with electronically conductive interfaces
Authors: Angeles Frank , Shi Xinping , Wilson Richard B.
Published: June 2022

A number of technological applications and scientific experiments require processes for preparing metal multilayers with electronically and thermally conductive interfaces. We investigate how in situ vs ex situ synthesis processes affect the thermal conductance of metal/metal interfaces. We use time-domain thermoreflectance experiments to study thermal transport in Au/Fe, Al/Cu, and Cu/Pt bilayer samples. We quantify the effect of exposing the bottom metal layer to an ambient environment prior to deposition of the top metal layer. We observe that for Au/Fe, exposure of the Fe layer to air before depositing the top Au layer significantly impedes interfacial electronic currents. Exposing Cu to air prior to depositing an Al layer effectively eliminates interfacial electronic heat currents between the two metal layers. Exposure to air appears to have no effect on interfacial transport in the Cu/Pt system. Finally, we show that a short RF sputter etch of the bottom layer surface is sufficient to ensure a thermally and electronically conductive metal/metal interface in all materials we study. We analyze our results with a two-temperature model and bound the electronic interface conductance for the nine samples we study. Our findings have applications for thin-film synthesis and advance fundamental understanding of electronic thermal conductance at different types of interfaces between metals.
EWALD: A macromolecular diffractometer for the second target station
Authors: Borgstahl Gloria E. O. , O’Dell William B. , Egli Martin , Kern Jan F. , Kovalevsky Andrey , Lin Jiao Y. Y. , Myles Dean , Wilson Mark A. , Zhang Wen , Zwart Petrus , Coates Leighton
Published: June 2022

Revealing the positions of all the atoms in large macromolecules is powerful but only possible with neutron macromolecular crystallography (NMC). Neutrons provide a sensitive and gentle probe for the direct detection of protonation states at near-physiological temperatures and clean of artifacts caused by x rays or electrons. Currently, NMC use is restricted by the requirement for large crystal volumes even at state-of-the-art instruments such as the macromolecular neutron diffractometer at the Spallation Neutron Source. EWALD’s design will break the crystal volume barrier and, thus, open the door for new types of experiments, the study of grand challenge systems, and the more routine use of NMC in biology. EWALD is a single crystal diffractometer capable of collecting data from macromolecular crystals on orders of magnitude smaller than what is currently feasible. The construction of EWALD at the Second Target Station will cause a revolution in NMC by enabling key discoveries in the biological, biomedical, and bioenergy sciences.
Asymmetric ground states in La0.67Sr0.33MnO3/BaTiO3 heterostructures induced by flexoelectric bending
Authors: Qi Mingqun , Yang Zhen , Chen Shengru , Lin Shan , Jin Qiao , Hong Haitao , Rong Dongke , Guo Haizhong , Wang Can , Wang Ziyu , Jin Kui-Juan , Wu Zhenping , Guo Er-Jia
Published: June 2022

Misfit strain delivered from single-crystal substrates typically modifies the ground states of transition metal oxides, generating increasing interest in designing modern transducers and sensors. Here, we demonstrate that magnetotransport properties of La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) films were continuously tuned by uniaxial strain produced by a home-designed bending jig. The electrical conductivity and Curie temperature of LSMO films are enhanced by bending stresses. The resistivity of u-shape bended LSMO decays three times faster than that of n-shape bended LSMO as a response to the same magnitude of strain. The asymmetric magnetic states in uniaxially strained LSMO are attributed to the dual actions of Jahn–Teller distortion and strain gradient mediated flexoelectric fields in an adjacent ferroelectric layer. These findings of multi-field regulation in a single material provide a feasible means for developing flexible electronic and spintronic devices.
Photoacoustic microscopy with subwavelength resolution and enhanced spatial isotropy by using an aspheric acoustic mirror group
Authors: Chen Wentian , Tao Chao , Hu Zizhong , Liu Xiaojun
Published: June 2022

Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) is an emerging biomedical imaging modality, combining good acoustic resolution in deep tissue and rich functional biomedical information. Spatial resolution and spatial isotropy are two of the most important indexes of a PAM. In this study, we propose a PAM scheme based on an aspheric acoustic mirror group to achieve the subwavelength resolution and enhance the spatial isotropy. The mirror group consists of an ellipsoid acoustic mirror and a parabolic acoustic mirror. The ellipsoid acoustic mirror expands the cone angle of signal collection, and the parabolic acoustic mirror reduces the cone angle of the PA beam. Their combination equivalently expands the numerical aperture of acoustic detection. Phantom experiments demonstrate that the proposed scheme can achieve the subwavelength resolution. Simultaneously, its spatial isotropy is improved from 48.2% to 96.7%. An in vivo mouse brain imaging experiment examines the biomedical practicability of the method. This method may be found wide potential applications in biomedicine.
Enhanced thermoelectric efficiency in Bi-substituted La0.95Sr0.05CoO3
Authors: Dubey Divya Prakash , Majee M. K. , Umetsu Rie Y. , Chatterjee Ratnamala
Published: June 2022

We present the results of a comprehensive investigation of electric and thermal transport properties of polycrystalline Bi-substituted La0.95−xBixSr0.05CoO3 for LBSCO-0, 1, and 2. The electrical resistivity reflects the semiconducting nature with n-type to p-type transition ∼52 K for LBSCO-1 and LBSCO-2 samples. In the low temperature region, the dominant transport mechanism is found to be variable range hopping with the hopping range decreasing with increasing temperature from 95 to 20 Å. The substitution of higher atomic weight element Bi at the La site drastically affects the overall thermal conductivity by reducing the lattice contribution (∼0.12 W/m-K at 50 K) and also enhancing the Seebeck coefficient (S ∼ 354 μV/K). The increase in the resistivity and Seebeck coefficient for the Bi-substituted system is related to the decrease in the available charge carrier concentration (∼5.12 × 1020 cm−3). The overall variation in the Seebeck coefficient depicts a complex nature with a large decreasing trend below 50 K followed by an in-depth analysis of the Debye temperature (∼470 K) and e–ph coupling. These findings suggest that the Bi-substituted LBSCO system has phonon-mediated charge transport via the phonon drag effect below 50 K. Notably, we found a large increment in ZT ∼ 0.17 at room temperature for LBSCO-2 compositions that is one-order larger than pristine undoped LBSCO-0 and even higher than the other existing cobaltite-based thermoelectric choice.
Corrigendum to: Identification of salt tolerance QTL in a wheat RIL mapping population using destructive and non-destructive phenotyping
Authors: Asif Muhammad A , Garcia Melissa , Tilbrook Joanne , Brien Chris , Dowling Kate , Berger Bettina , Schilling Rhiannon K. , Short Laura , Trittermann Christine , Gilliham Matthew , Fleury Delphine , Roy Stuart J. , Pearson Allison S.
Published: June 2022

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important food crops, however it is only moderately tolerant to salinity stress. To improve wheat yield under saline conditions, breeding for improved salinity tolerance of wheat is needed. We have identified nine quantitative trail loci (QTL) for different salt tolerance sub-traits in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, derived from the bi-parental cross of Excalibur × Kukri. This population was screened for salinity tolerance subtraits using a combination of both destructive and non-destructive phenotyping. Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) was used to construct a high-density genetic linkage map, consisting of 3236 markers, and utilised for mapping QTL. Of the nine mapped QTL, six were detected under salt stress, including QTL for maintenance of shoot growth under salinity (QG(1-5).asl-5A, QG(1-5).asl-7B) sodium accumulation (QNa.asl-2A), chloride accumulation (QCl.asl-2A, QCl.asl-3A) and potassium : sodium ratio (QK:Na.asl-2DS2). Potential candidate genes within these QTL intervals were shortlisted using bioinformatics tools. These findings are expected to facilitate the breeding of new salt tolerant wheat cultivars.

 Soil salinity causes major yield losses in bread wheat, which is moderately tolerant to salinity stress. Using high throughput genotyping and phenotyping techniques, we identified quantitative trail loci (QTL) for different salt tolerance sub-traits in bread wheat and shortlisted potential candidate genes. These QTL and candidate genes may prove useful in breeding for salt tolerant wheat cultivars.
Outness and its correlates among gay and bisexual men attending university in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hu Yuqing , Fan Song , Li Peiyang , Jiang Hongbo , Fan Yinguang , Yuan Tanwei , Zhou Xinyi , Gao Yanxiao , Fu Leiwen , Zhan Yuewei , Meng Huicui , Jiang Yawen , Yuan Jinqiu , Meng Xiaojun , Zou Huachun
Published: June 2022

Background Disclosure of sexual orientation to others (outness) might be associated with sexual and mental health among gay and bisexual men (GBM) attending university. We aimed to characterise outness and investigate factors correlated with outness among GBM attending university in China. Methods Between September 2018 and March 2019, GBM attending university were recruited in six cities in China. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, outness and sexual behaviours were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Each participant was tested for HIV/STIs. Correlates of outness were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Results A total of 400 GBM attending university were recruited, of whom 251 (62.8%) had disclosed their sexual orientation. Men who served as student leaders (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.46–3.54) and donated blood (AOR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.05–3.24) were more likely to disclose their sexual orientation, whereas men who had sex with a female (AOR 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05–0.74) and had group sex (AOR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.30–0.89) were less likely to disclose their sexual orientation. Mental health status, HIV/STI infections were not associated with outness. Conclusions GBM attending university who disclosed their sexual orientation were more likely to be involved with student work and less likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviours. More attention and education could focus on non-disclosing GBM men attending university through peer education or other ways.
Thermoelectric transport properties of armchair graphene nanoribbon heterostructures
Authors: Almeida P A , Martins G B
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we numerically analyze the thermoelectric (TE) properties of recently synthesized graphene nanoribbon (GNR) heterostructures that are obtained as extensions of pristine armchair graphene nanoribbons (AGNRs). After simulating their band structure through a nearest-neighbor tight-binding model, we use the Landauer formalism to calculate the necessary TE coefficients, with which we obtain the electrical conductance G, thermopower S, thermal conductance K

e
, linear-response thermocurrent

I

t
h

/

Δ
T

=
G
S

, and figure of merit ZT (using literature results for the phonon thermal conductance K

ph
), at room temperature. We then compare the results for the nanoribbon heterostructures with those for the pristine AGNR nanoribbons. The comparison shows that the metallic AGNRs become semiconducting (with much higher ZT values) after the inclusion of the extensions that transform them into heterostructures and that some heterostructures have higher values of ZT when compared to the semiconducting pristine AGNRs from which they have originated.
Growth mechanism and self-polarization of bilayer InSb (111) on Bi (001) substrate
Authors: Wang Bojun , Wang Jianwei , Niu Xiaobin
Published: June 2022

Polarity introduced by inversion symmetry broken along <111> direction has strong impacts on the physical properties and morphological characteristics of III–V component nanostructure. Take III–V component semiconductor InSb as an example, we systematically investigate the growth sequence and morphology evolution of InSb (111) on Bi (001) substrate from adatoms to bilayers. We discovered and verified that the presence of amorphous-like morphology of monolayer InSb was attributed to the strong interaction between mix-polarity InSb and Bi substrate. Further, our comprehensive energy investigations of bilayer InSb reveal that an amorphous first layer will be crystallized and polarized driven by the low surface energy of the reconstructed second layers. Phase diagrams were developed to describe the ongoing polarization process of bilayer InSb under various chemical environments as a function of deposition time. The growth mechanism and polarity phase diagram of bilayer InSb on Bi substrate may advance the progress of polarity controllable growth of low-dimensional InSb nanostructure as well as other polar III–V compound semiconductors.
The mean-field approximation for higher-dimensional Coulomb flows in the scaling-critical L
∞ space
Authors: Rosenzweig Matthew
Published: June 2022

In the mean-field scaling regime, a first-order system of particles with binary interactions naturally gives rise to a scalar partial differential equation (PDE), which, depending on the nature of the interaction, corresponds to either the Hamiltonian or gradient flow of the effective energy of the system for a large number of particles. The empirical measure of such systems is a weak solution to this limiting mean-field PDE, and one expects that as the number of particles tends to infinity, it converges along its lifespan in the weak-* sense to a more regular solution of the PDE, provided it does so initially. Much effort has been invested over the years in proving and quantifying this convergence under varying regularity assumptions. When the interaction potential is Coulomb, the mean-field PDE has a scaling invariance which leaves the L
∞ norm unchanged; i.e., L
∞ is a critical function space for the equation. Moreover, the L
∞ norm is either conserved or decreasing, and the equation is globally well-posed in this space, making it a natural choice for studying the dynamics. Building on our previous work (Rosenzweig 2022 Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal.
243 1361–431) for point vortices (i.e. d = 2), we prove quantitative convergence of the empirical measure to the L
∞ solution of the mean-field PDE for short times in dimensions d ⩾ 3. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such work outside of the 2D case. Our proof is based on a combination of the modulated-energy method of Serfaty (2020 Duke Math. J.
169 2887–935) and a novel mollification argument first introduced by the author in Rosenzweig (2022 Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal.
243 1361–431). Compared to our prior work (Rosenzweig 2022 Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal.
243 1361–431), the new challenge is the non-logarithmic nature of the potential.
Historic wandering domains near cycles
Authors: Barrientos Pablo G
Published: June 2022

We explain how to obtain non-trivial historic contractive wandering domains for a dense set of diffeomorphisms in certain type of C

r
-Newhouse domains of homoclinic tangencies in dimension d ⩾ 3 and r ⩾ 1. In particular, this gives for the first time a contribution to Takens’ last problem in the C
1 topology and in dimension d > 2. We show how these Newhouse domains can be obtained arbitrarily close to diffeomorphisms exhibiting heterodimensional cycles (in dimension d = 3) or non-transverse equidimensional cycles (in any dimension d ⩾ 3) associated with periodic points with non-real complex leading multipliers.
Collisionless magnetic reconnection in the magnetosphere
Authors: Lu Quanming , Fu Huishan , Wang Rongsheng , Lu San
Published: June 2022

Magnetic reconnection underlies the physical mechanism of explosive phenomena in the solar atmosphere and planetary magnetospheres, where plasma is usually collisionless. In the standard model of collisionless magnetic reconnection, the diffusion region consists of two substructures: an electron diffusion region is embedded in an ion diffusion region, in which their scales are based on the electron and ion inertial lengths. In the ion diffusion region, ions are unfrozen in the magnetic fields while electrons are magnetized. The resulted Hall effect from the different motions between ions and electrons leads to the production of the in-plane currents, and then generates the quadrupolar structure of out-of-plane magnetic field. In the electron diffusion region, even electrons become unfrozen in the magnetic fields, and the reconnection electric field is contributed by the off-diagonal electron pressure terms in the generalized Ohm’s law. The reconnection rate is insensitive to the specific mechanism to break the frozen-in condition, and is on the order of 0.1. In recent years, the launching of Cluster, THEMIS, MMS, and other spacecraft has provided us opportunities to study collisionless magnetic reconnection in the Earth’s magnetosphere, and to verify and extend more insights on the standard model of collisionless magnetic reconnection. In this paper, we will review what we have learned beyond the standard model with the help of observations from these spacecraft as well as kinetic simulations.
High-sensitivity refractive index sensors based on Fano resonance in a metal-insulator-metal based arc-shaped resonator coupled with a rectangular stub
Authors: Yan Shubin , Su Hao , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Yi , Chen Zhanbo , Wu Xiushan , Hua Ertian
Published: June 2022

A metal-insulator-metal (MIM)-based arc-shaped resonator coupled with a rectangular stub (MARS) structure is proposed. This structure can generate two tunable Fano resonances originating from two different mechanisms. The structure has the advantage of being sensitive to the refractive index, and this feature makes it favorable for application in various microsensors. The relationship between the structural parameters and Fano resonance is researched using the finite element method (FEM) based on the software COMSOL Multiphysics 5.4. The simulation reveals that the sensitivity reaches 1900 nm/refractive index unit (RIU), and the figure of merit (FOM) is 23.75.
Effect of interface anisotropy on tilted growth of eutectics: A phase field study
Authors: Jiang Mei-Rong , Li Jun-Jie , Wang Zhi-Jun , Wang Jin-Cheng
Published: June 2022

Interfacial energy anisotropy plays an important role in tilted growth of eutectics. However, previous studies mainly focused on the solid–solid interface energy anisotropy, and whether the solid–liquid interface energy anisotropy can significantly affect the tilted growth of eutectics still remains unclear. In this study, a multi-phase field model is employed to investigate both the effect of solid–liquid interfacial energy anisotropy and the effect of solid–solid interfacial energy anisotropy on tilted growth of eutectics. The findings reveal that both the solid–liquid interfacial energy anisotropy and the solid–solid interfacial energy anisotropy can induce the tilted growth of eutectics. The results also demonstrate that when the rotation angle is within a range of 30°–60°, the growth of tilted eutectics is governed jointly by the solid–solid interfacial energy anisotropy and the solid–liquid interfacial energy anisotropy; otherwise, it is mainly controlled by the solid–solid interfacial energy anisotropy. Further analysis shows that the unequal pinning angle at triple point caused by the adjustment of the force balance results in different solute-diffusion rates on both sides of triple point. This will further induce an asymmetrical concentration distribution along the pulling direction near the solid–liquid interface and the tilted growth of eutectics. Our findings not only shed light on the formation mechanism of tilted eutectics but also provide theoretical guidance for controlling the microstructure evolution during eutectic solidification.
Real-time observation of soliton pulsation in net normal-dispersion dissipative soliton fiber laser
Authors: Wang Xu-De , Geng Xu , Pan Jie-Yu , Sun Meng-Qiu , Lu Meng-Xiang , Li Kai-Xin , Li Su-Wen
Published: June 2022

We present experimental observations of soliton pulsations in the net normal-dispersion fiber laser by using the dispersive Fourier transform (DFT) technique. According to the pulsating characteristics, the soliton pulsations are classified as visible and invisible soliton pulsations. The visible soliton pulsation is converted from single- into dual-soliton pulsation with the common characteristics of energy oscillation and bandwidth breathing. The invisible soliton pulsation undergoes periodic variation in the spectral profile and peak power but remains invariable in pulse energy. The reason for invisible soliton pulsation behavior is periodic oscillation of the pulse inside the soliton molecule. These results could be helpful in deepening our understanding of the soliton pulsation phenomena.
Entanglement and thermalization in the extended Bose–Hubbard model after a quantum quench: A correlation analysis
Authors: Su Xiao-Qiang , Xu Zong-Ju , Zhao You-Quan
Published: June 2022

Exploring the role of entanglement in quantum nonequilibrium dynamics is important to understand the mechanism of thermalization in an isolated system. We study the relaxation dynamics in a one-dimensional extended Bose–Hubbard model after a global interaction quench by considering several observables: the local Boson numbers, the nonlocal entanglement entropy, and the momentum distribution functions. We calculate the thermalization fidelity for different quench parameters and different sizes of subsystems, and the results show that the degree of thermalization is affected by the distance from the integrable point and the size of the subsystem. We employ the Pearson coefficient as the measurement of the correlation between the entanglement entropy and thermalization fidelity, and a strong correlation is demonstrated for the quenched system.
The internal melting of landfast sea ice in Prydz Bay, East Antarctica
Authors: Zhao Jiechen , Cheng Bin , Vihma Timo , Lu Peng , Han Hongwei , Shu Qi
Published: June 2022

Summertime internal melting of Antarctic sea ice is common due to the penetration of solar radiation below the snow and ice surface. We focus on the role of internal melting and heat conduction in generating gap layers within the ice. These often occur approximately 0.1 m below the ice surface. In a small-scale survey over land-fast sea ice in Prydz Bay, East Antarctica, we observed, for the first time, gap layers 0.6–1.0 m below the surface for both first-year ice and multi-year ice. A 1D snow/ice thermodynamic model successfully simulated snow and ice mass balance and the evolution of the gap layers. Their spatial distribution was largely controlled by snow thickness and ice thickness. A C-shaped ice temperature profile with the lowest values in the middle of the ice layer resulted in heat flux convergence causing downward progression of the internal melt layer. Multidecadal (1979–2019) seasonal simulations showed decreasing air temperature favored a postposed internal melting onset, reduced total internal melt, and delayed potential ice breakup, which indicated a higher chance for local coastal ice to be shifted from first-year ice to multi-year ice.
Interaction of an unwetted liquid Li-based capillary porous system with high-density plasma
Authors: GAO Yingwei , YE Zongbiao , LIU Jianxing , GUO Hengxin , CHEN Shuwei , CHEN Bo , CHEN Jianjun , WANG Hongbin , GOU Fujun
Published: June 2022

This study examined the effects of plasma irradiation on an unwetted liquid lithium-based capillary porous system (Li-CPS). The Li-CPS was irradiated with high-density Ar plasma using a linear plasma device at Sichuan University for Plasma Surface Interaction. The high-speed camera, Langmuir probe, and multi-channel spectrometer were used to characterize the effects of plasma irradiation. Upon Ar plasma irradiation, liquid Li drops were formed on the surface of the unwetted Li-CPS. Immediately after this irradiation, the drops fractured and were ejected into the plasma within ∼20 ms scale, which is not observed before to the best of our knowledge. Related results showed that the ejection behavior of Li could effectively cool electron temperature and reduce incident heat flux by ∼30% and correspondingly matrix temperature ∼150 °C, revealing an enhanced vapor shielding effect. The involved internal mechanism and physical processes deserve further investigations.
Roadmap on wavefront shaping and deep imaging in complex media
Authors: Gigan Sylvain , Katz Ori , de Aguiar Hilton B , Andresen Esben Ravn , Aubry Alexandre , Bertolotti Jacopo , Bossy Emmanuel , Bouchet Dorian , Brake Joshua , Brasselet Sophie , Bromberg Yaron , Cao Hui , Chaigne Thomas , Cheng Zhongtao , Choi Wonshik , Čižmár Tomáš , Cui Meng , Curtis Vincent R , Defienne Hugo , Hofer Matthias , Horisaki Ryoichi , Horstmeyer Roarke , Ji Na , LaViolette Aaron K , Mertz Jerome , Moser Christophe , Mosk Allard P , Pégard Nicolas C , Piestun Rafael , Popoff Sebastien , Phillips David B , Psaltis Demetri , Rahmani Babak , Rigneault Hervé , Rotter Stefan , Tian Lei , Vellekoop Ivo M , Waller Laura , Wang Lihong , Weber Timothy , Xiao Sheng , Xu Chris , Yamilov Alexey , Yang Changhuei , Yılmaz Hasan
Published: June 2022

The last decade has seen the development of a wide set of tools, such as wavefront shaping, computational or fundamental methods, that allow us to understand and control light propagation in a complex medium, such as biological tissues or multimode fibers. A vibrant and diverse community is now working in this field, which has revolutionized the prospect of diffraction-limited imaging at depth in tissues. This roadmap highlights several key aspects of this fast developing field, and some of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Boundedness theorems for flowers and sharps
Authors: Aguilera J. , Freund A. , Rathjen M. , Weiermann A.
Published: June 2022

We show that the

Σ
1
1

\Sigma ^1_1

- and

Σ
2
1

\Sigma ^1_2

-boundedness theorems extend to the category of continuous dilators. We then apply these results to conclude the corresponding theorems for the category of sharps of real numbers, thus establishing another connection between Proof Theory and Set Theory, and extending work of Girard-Normann [J. Symbolic Logic 57 (1992), pp. 659–676] and Kechris-Woodin [Ann. Pure Appl. Logic 52 (1991), pp. 93–97].
Triangular operator algebras and simultaneous triangularisation
Authors: Marcoux L. , Radjavi H. , Rosenthal P.
Published: June 2022

We consider the question of whether every collection of compact operators that is contained in a triangular operator algebra (in the sense of Kadison and Singer) must be simultaneously triangularisable. The answer is shown to be affirmative if the collection consists of finite-rank operators or is a norm-closed algebra of compact operators.
Periplasmic dehydroshikimate dehydratase combined with quinate oxidation in Gluconobacter oxydans for protocatechuate production
Authors: Nagaki Kakeru , Kataoka Naoya , Theeragool Gunjana , Matsutani Minenosuke , Ano Yoshitaka , Matsushita Kazunobu , Yakushi Toshiharu
Published: June 2022

Protocatechuate (3,4-dihydroxybenzoate) has antioxidant properties and is a raw material for the production of muconic acid, which is a key compound in the synthesis of polymers such as nylon and polyethylene terephthalate. Gluconobacter oxydans strain NBRC3244 has a periplasmic system for oxidation of quinate to produce 3-dehydroquinate. Previously, a periplasmic 3-dehydroshikimate production system was constructed by heterologously expressing Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus dehydroquinate dehydratase in the periplasm of G. oxydans strain NBRC3244. 3-Dehydroshikimate is converted to protocatechuate by dehydration. In this study, we constructed a G. oxydans strain that expresses the Acinetobacter baylyi quiC gene, which encodes a dehydroshikimate dehydratase of which the subcellular localization is likely the periplasm. We attempted to produce protocatechuate by co-cultivation of two recombinant G. oxydans strains—one expressing the periplasmically targeted dehydroquinate dehydratase and the other expressing A. baylyi dehydroshikimate dehydratase. The co-cultivation system produced protocatechuate from quinate in a nearly quantitative manner.
Molecular Epidemiology and Genetic Relatedness of Clostridioides difficile Isolates in Pediatric Oncology and Transplant Patients Using Whole Genome Sequencing
Authors: Barbar Ruba , Brazelton Jessica N , Carroll Karen C , Lewis Shawna , Bourdas Dimitrios , Tembo Anita , Gluck Linda , Hakim Hana , Hayden Randall T
Published: June 2022

Background

The incidence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) has been rising among hospitalized children, with poor understanding of genomic variability of C. difficile isolates in this population.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of CDI in inpatient and outpatient pediatric oncology and cell transplant patients (POTPs) in 2016 and 2017. CDI cases were identified by positive C. difficile toxin polymerase chain reaction tests. Retrieved residual stool specimens were cultured anaerobically and toxin-producing C. difficile isolates underwent whole genome sequencing (WGS) followed by core genome multilocus sequence typing. Plausible time and location epidemiologic links among the closely related strains were evaluated to identify potential transmission events.

Results

Among 226 CDI episodes in 157 patients, 202 stool samples were cultured and had positive cytotoxicity tests. Sequencing identified 33 different strain types in 162 (80%) isolates. Thirty-nine (28%) patients had multiple episodes of CDI, and 31 clusters of related isolates were identified, 15 (47%) of which involved exclusively multiple specimens from the same patient. For the 16 clusters involving multiple patients, epidemiologic investigation revealed only 2 (12.5%) clusters with potential transmission events.

Conclusions

WGS identified a highly diverse group of C. difficile isolates among POTPs with CDI. Although WGS identified clusters of closely related isolates in multiple patients, epidemiologic investigation of shared inpatient exposures identified potential transmission in only 2 clusters. Clostridioides difficile transmission was uncommon in this population. More than 70% of new CDI reinfections in POTPs are actually recurrences caused by a previous CDI strain.
Effect of live yeast supplementation in sow diet during gestation and lactation on sow and piglet fecal microbiota, health, and performance
Authors: Le Flocʹh Nathalie , Achard Caroline Stéphanie , Eugenio Francis Amann , Apper Emmanuelle , Combes Sylvie , Quesnel Hélène
Published: June 2022

Feeding probiotics like live yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii (SB) in pig diets has been suggested to preserve health and reduce antibiotic use during critical periods like weaning. This study was conducted to determine whether SB added to the diet of sows during the last 2 mo of gestation and the 4 wk of lactation may contribute to support the health and performance of piglets before and after weaning through changes in sow physiology, milk composition, and fecal microbiota. Crossbred sows (n = 45) from parity 1 to 9 were allocated to two dietary treatments: Control (n = 23) and SB (n = 22). Sows in the SB group were fed the same standard gestation and then lactation diet as the Control sows but with the addition of SB at 1 × 109 colony-forming units/kg of feed. Piglets were weaned under challenging conditions consisting of mixing of litters, no pen cleaning, and a 2-h period of nonoptimal temperature exposure. Blood and feces were collected from sows on days 28 and 113 of gestation and days 6 (feces only) and 28 of lactation, and from piglets on days 6 (feces) and 28 of lactation and day 5 after weaning. Colostrum was collected during parturition and milk on day 6 of lactation. Supplementation of sow diets with SB influenced the fecal microbiota of the sows and their piglets. Five days after weaning, the alpha-diversity was lower (P < 0.05) in piglets from SB sows than in piglets from Control sows. Analysis of microbiota with partial least square discriminant analysis discriminated feces from SB sows from that of Control sows at 110 d of gestation (29.4% error rate). Piglet feces could also be discriminated according to the diet of their mother, with a better discrimination early after birth (day 6 of lactation) than after weaning (day 5 postweaning, 3.4% vs. 12.7% error rate). Five days after weaning, piglets had greater white blood cell count, plasma haptoglobin concentration, and oxidative stress than before weaning (P < 0.001). Nevertheless, SB supplementation in sow diets had no effect (P > 0.05) on most of health criteria measured in blood and growth performance of piglets during lactation and the postweaning period. Moreover, dietary supplementation of SB to sows did not elicit any changes (P > 0.05) in their reproductive performance, metabolic and health status, nor in the concentration of immunoglobulins and nutrients in colostrum and milk. In the present experimental conditions, feeding SB to sows influenced sow and piglet microbiota with no consequences on their health and performance.