bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A series of polyoxometalate compounds by tuning N sites and numbers of ligands: syntheses, characterization and electrochemical sensing, and photocatalytic and supercapacitor properties
Authors: Jin Liang , Ying Jun , Zhang Yanping , Sun Chenxi , Tian Aixiang , Wang Xiuli
Published: April 2022

Using morpholine derivatives with different N sites and numbers, we synthesized seven compounds by a hydrothermal method. They can photocatalytically degrade organic dyes and reduce Cr(vi) and can be used as electrochemical sensors.4has capacitor performance.
1T-MoS2catalysed reduction of nitroarenes and a one-pot synthesis of imines
Authors: Ramalingam Ariprasanth , Samaraj Elavarasan , Venkateshwaran Selvaraj , Senthilkumar Sakkarapalayam Murugesan , Senadi Gopal Chandru
Published: April 2022

An expedient synthesis of aromatic amines and iminesviathe reduction of nitroaromatics using 1T-MoS2as a heterogeneous catalyst.
Room-temperature synthesis of Ag3PO4 nanoparticles with the assistance of trisodium citrate for photocatalytic dye degradation
Authors: Wang Zhe , Li Xueshuang , Yin Shengyan , Guo Xingyuan , Qin Weiping
Published: April 2022

The Ag3PO4 NPs had a high photocatalytic activity in MB degradation under visible-light illumination. The photocatalytic activity reduced by 4.4% after 5 cycles.
A photo-crosslinkable stomatocyte nanomotor with excellent stability for repeated autonomous motion
Authors: Zhou Peng , Zhang Yichen , Zhao Changsheng
Published: April 2022

A photo-crosslinkable nanomotor with excellent stability can resist the destruction of the organic solvent and be repeatedly used in harsh conditions.
DD‐YOLO: An object detection method combining knowledge distillation and Differentiable Architecture Search
Authors: Xing Zhiqiang , Chen Xi , Pang Fengqian
Published: April 2022

Although YOLOv4 has a high detection accuracy, its backbone network CSPDarknet53 requires a large number of parameters, which reduces the inference speed of the detection network to some extent. To address this drawback, a high‐efficiency detection network search strategy is proposed. First, the concept of Differentiable Architecture Search (DARTS) is used to search networks with a small number of parameters on the COCO2017 datasets; then, the backbone of YOLOv4 is redesigned by stacking cells. This strategy can reduce the number of parameters of the network. Second, the authors use ResNet101 as the teacher network and DD‐YOLO searched by DARTS as the student network to refine the knowledge model and improve the detection accuracy of the model. The proposed model is evaluated by conducting experiments on the COCO2017 test‐dev datasets. The results show that DD‐YOLO achieves 43.5% mean average precision and 2.3% model accuracy improvement. Meanwhile, the model complexity can be reduced to 61.4% of the original. Moreover, compared with YOLOv4, DD‐YOLO is more suitable for mobile deployment.
Power laws prevail in medical ultrasound
Authors: Parker K J
Published: April 2022

Major topics in medical ultrasound rest on the physics of wave propagation through tissue. These include fundamental treatments of backscatter, speed of sound, attenuation, and speckle formation. Each topic has developed its own rich history, lexicography, and particular treatments. However, there is ample evidence to suggest that power law relations are operating at a fundamental level in all the basic phenomena related to medical ultrasound. This review paper develops, from literature over the past 60 years, the accumulating theoretical basis and experimental evidence that point to power law behaviors underlying the most important tissue-wave interactions in ultrasound and in shear waves which are now employed in elastography. The common framework of power laws can be useful as a coherent overview of topics, and as a means for improved tissue characterization.
Evolution of the bulk electric field in capacitively coupled argon plasmas at intermediate pressures
Authors: Vass Máté , Wilczek Sebastian , Derzsi Aranka , Horváth Benedek , Hartmann Peter , Donkó Zoltán
Published: April 2022

The physical characteristics of an argon discharge excited by a single-frequency harmonic waveform in the low-intermediate pressure regime (5–250 Pa) are investigated using particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collisions simulations. It is found that, when the pressure is increased, a non-negligible bulk electric field develops due to the presence of a ‘passive bulk’, where a plateau of constant electron density forms. As the pressure is increased, the ionization in the bulk region decreases (due to the shrinking of the energy relaxation length of electrons accelerated within the sheaths and at the sheath edges), while the excitation rate increases (due to the increase of the bulk electric field). Using the Fourier spectrum of the discharge current, the phase shift between the current and the driving voltage waveform is calculated, which shows that the plasma gets more resistive in this regime. The phase shift and the (wavelength-integrated) intensity of the optical emission from the plasma are also obtained experimentally. The good qualitative agreement of these data with the computed characteristics verifies the simulation model. Using the Boltzmann term analysis method, we find that the bulk electric field is an Ohmic field and that the peculiar shape of the plasma density profile is partially a consequence of the spatio-temporal distribution of the ambipolar electric field.
Retracted: Titanium doping effect on the sensing performance of ZnO nanosheets toward phosgene gas
Authors: Menazea A A , Awwad Nasser S , Ibrahium Hala A , Alharbi Khadijah H , Alqahtani Mohammed S
Published: April 2022

The density functional B3LYP was utilized for scrutinizing the effect of Ti-doping on the sensing performance of a ZnO nano-sheet (ZnONS) in detecting phosgene. Pure ZnONS had a weak interaction with phosgene, and the sensing response (SR) was approximately 9.4. There was an increase in the energy of adsorption (Ead) for phosgene from −5.5 to −22.8 kcal mol−1 after the doping of a Ti atom onto the surface of ZnONS. Following the doping of Ti, there was also a dramatic increase in the SR to 84.2. The recovery time (RT) for the desorption of phosgene from the ZnONS that was doped with Ti was 16.4 s. This suggested that Ti-doped ZnONS might be used as a phosgene sensor with a high sensitivity and a shorter RT.
Beyond-mean-field study of

Ar based on the Skyrme-Hartree-Fock model *
Authors: Cui Ji-Wei , Wang Ruizhe , Zhou Xian-Rong
Published: April 2022

We present the hypernuclear states of

Ar obtained using the Skyrme-Hartree-Fock (SHF) model and a beyond-mean-field approach, including angular momentum projection (AMP) and the generator coordinate method (GCM). A comprehensive energy spectrum is given, which includes normally deformed (ND) and super deformed (SD) hypernuclear states with positive or negative parities. Energy levels corresponding to the configurations in which a

hyperon occupies the s-, p-, or sd-shell orbitals are discussed. For the s-shell

, we pay special attention to the ND and SD states corresponding to the configurations

Ar

s

and

Ar

s

, where

Ar

and

Ar

denote the ND and SD nuclear cores, respectively. The disagreements between different models over the

separation energy of the SD state in previous studies are revisited. For the p-shell

, four rotational bands are predicted, and the impurity effects are shown. Furthermore, two energy levels corresponding to the configurations

Ar

[101]

and

Ar

[101]

are obtained below the separation threshold of

Ar+

within 0.5 MeV. For the sd-shell

, three bound states are found near the separation threshold, and the mechanism behind these states are discussed.
Estimating muscle activation from EMG using deep learning-based dynamical systems models
Authors: Wimalasena Lahiru N , Braun Jonas F , Keshtkaran Mohammad Reza , Hofmann David , Gallego Juan Álvaro , Alessandro Cristiano , Tresch Matthew C , Miller Lee E , Pandarinath Chethan
Published: April 2022

Objective. To study the neural control of movement, it is often necessary to estimate how muscles are activated across a variety of behavioral conditions. One approach is to try extracting the underlying neural command signal to muscles by applying latent variable modeling methods to electromyographic (EMG) recordings. However, estimating the latent command signal that underlies muscle activation is challenging due to its complex relation with recorded EMG signals. Common approaches estimate each muscle’s activation independently or require manual tuning of model hyperparameters to preserve behaviorally-relevant features. Approach. Here, we adapted AutoLFADS, a large-scale, unsupervised deep learning approach originally designed to de-noise cortical spiking data, to estimate muscle activation from multi-muscle EMG signals. AutoLFADS uses recurrent neural networks to model the spatial and temporal regularities that underlie multi-muscle activation. Main results. We first tested AutoLFADS on muscle activity from the rat hindlimb during locomotion and found that it dynamically adjusts its frequency response characteristics across different phases of behavior. The model produced single-trial estimates of muscle activation that improved prediction of joint kinematics as compared to low-pass or Bayesian filtering. We also applied AutoLFADS to monkey forearm muscle activity recorded during an isometric wrist force task. AutoLFADS uncovered previously uncharacterized high-frequency oscillations in the EMG that enhanced the correlation with measured force. The AutoLFADS-inferred estimates of muscle activation were also more closely correlated with simultaneously-recorded motor cortical activity than were other tested approaches. Significance. This method leverages dynamical systems modeling and artificial neural networks to provide estimates of muscle activation for multiple muscles. Ultimately, the approach can be used for further studies of multi-muscle coordination and its control by upstream brain areas, and for improving brain-machine interfaces that rely on myoelectric control signals.
An automatized method to determine latencies of motor-evoked potentials under physiological and pathophysiological conditions
Authors: Bigoni Claudia , Cadic-Melchior Andéol , Vassiliadis Pierre , Morishita Takuya , Hummel Friedhelm C
Published: April 2022

Background.Latencies of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) can provide insights into the motor neuronal pathways activated by transcranial magnetic stimulation. Notwithstanding its clinical relevance, accurate, unbiased methods to automatize latency detection are still missing.Objective.We present a novel open-source algorithm suitable for MEP onset/latency detection during resting state that only requires the post-stimulus electromyography signal and exploits the approximation of the first derivative of this signal to find the time point of initial deflection of the MEP.Approach.The algorithm has been benchmarked, using intra-class coefficient (ICC) and effect sizes, to manual detection of latencies done by three researchers independently on a dataset comprising almost 6500 MEP trials from healthy participants (n= 18) and stroke patients (n= 31) acquired during rest. The performance was further compared to currently available automatized methods, some of which created for active contraction protocols. Mainresults.The unstandardized effect size between the human raters and the present method is smaller than the sampling period for both healthy and pathological MEPs. Moreover, the ICC increases when the algorithm is added as a rater.Significance.The present algorithm is comparable to human expert decision and outperforms currently available methods. It provides a promising method for automated MEP latency detection under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Force scaling and efficiency of elongated median fin propulsion
Authors: Uddin Mohammad I , Garcia Gonzalo A , Curet Oscar M
Published: April 2022

Several fishes swim by undulating a thin and elongated median fin while the body is mostly kept straight, allowing them to perform forward and directional maneuvers. We used a robotic vessel with similar fin propulsion to determine the thrust scaling and efficiency. Using precise force and swimming kinematics measurements with the robotic vessel, the thrust generated by the undulating fin was found to scale with the square of the relative velocity between the free streaming flow and the wave speed. A hydrodynamic efficiency is presented based on propulsive force measurements and modelling of the power required to oscillate the fin laterally. It was found that the propulsive efficiency has a broadly high performance versus swimming speed, with a maximum efficiency of 75%. An expression to calculate the swimming speed over wave speed was found to depend on two parameters: A
p/A
e (ratio between body frontal area to fin swept area) and C
D/C

x
(ratio of body drag to fin thrust coefficient). The models used to calculate propulsive force and free-swimming speed were compared with experimental results. The broader impacts of these results are discussed in relation to morphology and the function of undulating fin swimmers. In particular, we suggest that the ratio of fin and body height found in natural swimmers could be due to a trade-off between swimming efficiency and swimming speed.
Enhanced strength and corrosion resistance in as-cast TA10 alloys via interstitial carbon solute
Authors: Yang Yong , Wang Binbin , Li Yanjie , Su Baoxian , Luo Liangshun , Wang Liang , Huang Haiguang , Su Yanqing , Guo Jingjie
Published: April 2022

The addition of interstitial elements generally has a significant impact on the macroscopic performances of structural alloys. Here, we report a systematic study on the microstructure, corrosion behaviors and mechanical properties of a series of as-cast Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni-xC (x = 0.09, 0.12 and 0.15 wt.%) alloys. A typical basket-weave microstructure appears in all specimens, characterized by the lamellar α-phase and intergranular retained β-phase without TiC precipitates within the prior β grain boundary. Based on the electrochemical and immersion tests, doping with C element can significantly improve the corrosion resistance of TA10 alloys; with increasing the carbon content, the passivation current density decreases from 5.750 to 4.938 μA·cm−2, the breakdown potential increases from −1.115 to −1.223 V versus SCE, the corrosion rate reduces from 15 mm/a to 7.5 mm/a. Moreover, the mechanical properties of TA10 alloys, such as the strength and hardness, can also be enhanced via C alloying. Our results indicate that the addition of interstitial elements should be a potential effective mean to accommodate the comprehensive performances of TA10 alloys.
Rapid identification of volatile organic compounds and their isomers in the atmosphere
Authors: ZHANG Xinglong , GE Yifan , WAN Enlai , LIU Yuzhu , YAO Jinping
Published: April 2022

Isomers are widely present in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and it is a tremendous challenge to rapidly distinguish the isomers of VOCs in the atmosphere. In this work, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology was developed to online distinguish VOCs and their isomers in the air. First, LIBS was used to directly detect halogenated hydrocarbons (a typical class of VOCs) and the characteristic peaks of the related halogens were observed in the LIBS spectra. Then, comparing the LIBS spectra of various samples, it was found that for VOCs with different molecular formulas, although the spectra are completely the same in elemental composition, there are still significant differences in the relative intensity of the spectral lines and other information. Finally, in light of the shortcomings of traditional LIBS technology in identifying isomers, machine learning algorithms were introduced to develop the LIBS technique to identify the isomers of atmospheric VOCs, and the recognition results were very good. It is proved that LIBS combined with machine learning algorithms is promising for online traceability of VOCs in the atmospheric environment.
Optimization of energy production in two-qubit heat engines using the ecological function
Authors: Fernández J J
Published: April 2022

We study the ecological regime of quantum heat engines where the heat transfer between the environment and the engine is mediated with two qubits that act as energy filters and allow the conversion of heat into work. Using quantum thermodynamics, the theory of open quantum system and the fundamentals of finite-time thermodynamics we obtain the output power, the ecological function and the entropy production of the engine. Then, we optimize the functioning to the ecological function to find the range of efficiencies for which the system works optimally under the ecological criterium. We find that (i) the maximum value of the ecological function depends on the thermal copulings and the energies of the qubits that define the engine. (ii) We can define an ecological working region where the engine works producing a power that is similar to the maximum power but where it rejects much less heat to the environment. (iii) That the range of efficiencies defining the ecological region depends on the parameters defining the engine.(iv) An optimal working region where both the power and the ecological function are big is defined for each machine.
Quantitative verification of the turbulence barrier effect during heavy haze pollution events
Authors: Ren Yan , Zhang Hongsheng , Zhang Xiaoye , Wu Bingui , Cai Xuhui , Song Yu , Zhu Tong
Published: April 2022

Under calm and steady weather conditions with low wind speeds, turbulent intermittency frequently occurs in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL), which can significantly weaken the turbulent diffusion of matter and energy between the surface and atmosphere. The turbulence barrier effect is defined as the phenomenon in which turbulence may disappear at certain heights, and during periods of heavy haze, creating what can seem like a barrier layer that hinders vertical transmissions. Although the turbulence barrier effect can explain the physical mechanisms behind the rapid accumulation of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter with diameters smaller than 2.5 μm) and the influence of turbulent diffusion conditions on the vertical distribution of PM2.5, more direct perspectives such as turbulent flux is still required for quantitative verification. Due of challenges in the acquisition of PM2.5 turbulent flux, carbon dioxide (CO2), which has relatively mature flux acquisition technology, was used as a substitute means of verifying and quantifying this phenomenon. The turbulence data collected during heavy haze events, at from five levels of a 255 m meteorological tower located in Tianjin, were analyzed and used to quantitatively verify the influence of the turbulent barrier effect on PM2.5. The results also revealed that the vertical changes in the turbulent barrier effect were consistent with those of the concentrations and flux of CO2. This means that this knowledge about the turbulent barrier effect can be extended to other mass-transfer processes. The analysis also found that the proportion of counter-gradient transport increases when the occurrences of the turbulent barrier effect are frequent. This work validates the presence of the turbulent barrier effect and is an important foundation for its future parameterization, which will help to accurately identify the matter transport processes in the stable boundary layer and under extreme weather conditions, such as intense pollution events.
The Effects of Different Antihypertensive Drugs on Postmenopausal Mild-to-Moderate Hypertension: A Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Ding Hong , Zhang Xiang , Zhang Xiao-wei , Yuan Ruo-wen , Kou Chen-kun , Li Ning-yin , Yu Jing
Published: April 2022

Background

To compare the effects of different antihypertensive drugs on the reduction of blood pressure in postmenopausal women with hypertension.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrails, WanFang, VIP, and CNKI databases were electronically retrieved. The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the database to April 2020. The efficacy of 2 or more antihypertensive agents or placebos in postmenopausal hypertensive females was investigated. Mainly, the changes of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were compared. Two reviewers independently screened the literature and extracted the data. Cochrane’s “risk of bias” method was used to evaluate the methodological quality of randomized controlled trials. A network meta-analysis was performed by Stata15.0 software.

Results

Eight studies were involved in this meta-analysis. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) showed the most significant antihypertensive effects on systolic blood pressure as compared with placebo [standardized mean differences (SMDs) = −9.25, 95% credibility intervals (CIs) −12.24 to −6.26]. Surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) suggested ARB (SUCRA = 76.3%) and diuretics (SUCRA = 72.4%) was the cumulative probability of the best treatment. Diuretics showed the best effect on diastolic blood pressure (SMD = −11.98, 95% CI −14.42 to −0.95) and its cumulative probability was the highest (SUCRA = 94.9%).

Conclusions

For postmenopausal females with hypertension, ARB was optimal on systolic blood pressure while diuretics was optimal on diastolic blood pressure among the different antihypertensive drugs.
The Effect of Mean Arterial Pressure on the Progression of Arterial Stiffness in Normotensive Subjects
Authors: Liu Qian , Han Xu , Ma Yi-han , Zhao Hai-yan , Huang Zhe , Xing Ai-jun , Zhao Xiao-hong , Wu Shou-ling , Wu Yun-tao
Published: April 2022

Background

To examine the effect of mean arterial pressure on the progression of arterial stiffness in normotensive subjects.

Methods

The subjects who completed 2 measurements of brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and were normotensive at the first baPWV measurement, were enrolled during the second, third, fourth, and fifth follow-up of the Kailuan study. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the effect of baseline mean arterial pressure and mean arterial pressure on arterial stiffness at the end of follow-up and its progression in normotensive subjects.

Results

Among the 11,697 subjects who met the inclusion criteria, the average age was (43.7 ± 12.2) years old with 6,284 males (53.7%). The average follow-up time was 3.7 years, and baseline baPWV value was (1,346.2 ± 239.9) cm/s. The follow-up baPWV value was (1,403.4 ± 273.5) cm/s, and the average baPWV progression was 57.2 cm/s. In multivariate linear regression analysis, after adjustment for age, glucose, serum lipid, and other factors, an increase of 1 mm Hg in baseline mean arterial pressure resulted in an increase of 8. 6 cm/s in baPWV at the end of follow-up and 3.7 cm/s in baPWV progression, respectively. An increase of 1 mm Hg in mean arterial pressure during follow-up period resulted in an increase of 5.2 cm/s at the end of follow-up and 2.9 cm/s in baPWV progression, respectively.

Conclusions

Mean arterial pressures at baseline and during follow-up are associated with the progression of arterial stiffness in normotensive subjects.
Apparent Treatment-Resistant Hypertension Among Stroke Survivors: A Transcontinental Study Assessing Impact of Race and Geography
Authors: Sarfo Fred Stephen , Olasoji Esther , Banfill Grant P , Ovbiagele Bruce , Simpkins Alexis N
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Race and geographic differences in the prevalence and predictors of hypertension in stroke survivors have been reported, but apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) among stroke survivors by race (African ancestry vs. non-Hispanic Caucasians) and by geography (continental Africa vs. the United States) are under studied.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study using ethically approved stroke registries from the University of Florida and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Univariate and multivariate regression was used to evaluate for differences in prevalence of aTRH and associations with clinical covariates.

RESULTS

Harmonized data were available for 3,365 stroke survivors of which 943 (28.0%) were indigenous Africans, 558 (16.6%) African Americans, and 1,864 (55.4%) non-Hispanic Caucasians with median ages (interquartile range) of 59 (49–68), 61 (55–72), and 70 (62–78) years, P < 0.0001. The overall frequency of aTRH was 18.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.2%–19.8%) with 42.7% (95% CI: 39.6%–46.0%) among indigenous Africans, 16.1% (95% CI: 13.2%–19.5%) among African Americans, and 6.9% (95% CI: 5.8%–8.2%) among non-Hispanic Caucasians, P < 0.0001. Five factors associated with aTRH: age, adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of 0.99 (0.98–0.99), female sex 0.70 (0.56–0.87), cigarette smoking 1.98 (1.36–2.90), intracerebral hemorrhage 1.98 (1.57–2.48), and Black race namely indigenous Africans 4.42 (3.41–5.73) and African Americans 2.44 (1.81–3.29).

CONCLUSIONS

Future studies are needed to investigate the contribution of socioeconomic disparities in the prevalence aTRH in those with African Ancestry to explore the long-term impact, and evaluate effective therapeutic interventions in this subpopulation.
A high-quality assembled genome and its comparative analysis decode the adaptive molecular mechanism of the number one Chinese cotton variety CRI-12
Authors: Lu Xuke , Chen Xiugui , Wang Delong , Yin Zujun , Wang Junjuan , Fu Xiaoqiong , Wang Shuai , Guo Lixue , Zhao Lanjie , Cui Ruifeng , Dai Maohua , Rui Cun , Fan Yapeng , Zhang Yuexin , Sun Liangqing , Malik Waqar Afzal , Han Mingge , Chen Chao , Ye Wuwei
Published: April 2022

Background

Gossypium hirsutum L. is the most widely cultivated cotton species, and a high-quality reference genome would be a huge boost for researching the molecular mechanism of agronomic traits in cotton.

Findings

Here, Pacific Biosciences and Hi-C sequencing technologies were used to assemble a new upland cotton genome of the No. 1 Chinese cotton variety CRI-12. We generated a high-quality assembled CRI-12 genome of 2.31 Gb with a contig N50 of 19.65 Mb, which was superior to previously reported genomes. Comparisons between CRI-12 and other reported genomes revealed 7,966 structural variations and 7,378 presence/absence variations. The distribution of the haplotypes among A-genome (Gossypium arboreum), D-genome (Gossypium raimondii), and AD-genome (G. hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense) suggested that many haplotypes were lost and recombined in the process of polyploidization. More than half of the haplotypes that correlated with different tolerances were located on chromosome D13, suggesting that this chromosome may be important for wide adaptation. Finally, it was demonstrated that DNA methylation may provide advantages in environmental adaptation through whole-genome bisulfite sequencing analysis.

Conclusions

This research provides a new reference genome for molecular biology research on Gossypium hirsutum L. and helps decode the broad environmental adaptation mechanisms in the No. 1 Chinese cotton variety CRI-12.
The rise of genomics in snake venom research: recent advances and future perspectives
Authors: Rao Wei-qiao , Kalogeropoulos Konstantinos , Allentoft Morten E , Gopalakrishnan Shyam , Zhao Wei-ning , Workman Christopher T , Knudsen Cecilie , Jiménez-Mena Belén , Seneci Lorenzo , Mousavi-Derazmahalleh Mahsa , Jenkins Timothy P , Rivera-de-Torre Esperanza , Liu Si-qi , Laustsen Andreas H
Published: April 2022

Snake venoms represent a danger to human health, but also a gold mine of bioactive proteins that can be harnessed for drug discovery purposes. The evolution of snakes and their venom has been studied for decades, particularly via traditional morphological and basic genetic methods alongside venom proteomics. However, while the field of genomics has matured rapidly over the past 2 decades, owing to the development of next-generation sequencing technologies, snake genomics remains in its infancy. Here, we provide an overview of the state of the art in snake genomics and discuss its potential implications for studying venom evolution and toxinology. On the basis of current knowledge, gene duplication and positive selection are key mechanisms in the neofunctionalization of snake venom proteins. This makes snake venoms important evolutionary drivers that explain the remarkable venom diversification and adaptive variation observed in these reptiles. Gene duplication and neofunctionalization have also generated a large number of repeat sequences in snake genomes that pose a significant challenge to DNA sequencing, resulting in the need for substantial computational resources and longer sequencing read length for high-quality genome assembly. Fortunately, owing to constantly improving sequencing technologies and computational tools, we are now able to explore the molecular mechanisms of snake venom evolution in unprecedented detail. Such novel insights have the potential to affect the design and development of antivenoms and possibly other drugs, as well as provide new fundamental knowledge on snake biology and evolution.
A high-quality, long-read genome assembly of the endangered ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta)
Authors: Palmada-Flores Marc , Orkin Joseph D , Haase Bettina , Mountcastle Jacquelyn , Bertelsen Mads F , Fedrigo Olivier , Kuderna Lukas F K , Jarvis Erich D , Marques-Bonet Tomas
Published: April 2022

Background: The ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) is a charismatic strepsirrhine primate endemic to Madagascar. These lemurs are of particular interest, given their status as a flagship species and widespread publicity in the popular media. Unfortunately, a recent population decline has resulted in the census population decreasing to <2,500 individuals in the wild, and the species's classification as an endangered species by the IUCN. As is the case for most strepsirrhine primates, only a limited amount of genomic research has been conducted on L. catta, in part owing to the lack of genomic resources. Results: We generated a new high-quality reference genome assembly for L. catta (mLemCat1) that conforms to the standards of the Vertebrate Genomes Project. This new long-read assembly is composed of Pacific Biosciences continuous long reads (CLR data), Optical Mapping Bionano reads, Arima HiC data, and 10X linked reads. The contiguity and completeness of the assembly are extremely high, with scaffold and contig N50 values of 90.982 and 10.570 Mb, respectively. Additionally, when compared to other high-quality primate assemblies, L. catta has the lowest reported number of Alu elements, which results predominantly from a lack of AluS and AluY elements. Conclusions: mLemCat1 is an excellent genomic resource not only for the ring-tailed lemur community, but also for other members of the Lemuridae family, and is the first very long read assembly for a strepsirrhine.
Effects of a high-protein, high-fiber diet rich in antioxidants andl-carnitine on body weight, body composition, metabolic status, and physical activity levels of cats after spay surgery
Authors: Iwazaki Eiji , Lee Anne H , Kruis Alissa M , Phungviwatnikul Thunyaporn , Valentine Helen , Arend Lídia S , Knox Robert V , de Godoy Maria R C , Swanson Kelly S
Published: April 2022

Spay and neuter surgeries are useful in controlling pet populations, but increase obesity risk due to increased appetite, decreased metabolic rate, and decreased energy expenditure. Dietary management may help limit post-spay weight gain, but few research studies have been conducted in cats. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a high-protein, high-fiber diet (HPHF) compared to a moderate-protein, moderate-fiber diet (MPMF) in female cats following spay surgery. Twenty healthy female cats (9.5 ± 0.1 mo) were used. After a 4-wk baseline phase with cats fed MPMF to maintain body weight (BW), 16 cats were spayed and allotted to MPMF (n = 8) or HPHF (n = 8), with the remaining cats being sham-operated and fed MPMF (n = 4). Cats were fed to maintain BW for 12 wk and then allowed to eat up to twice that amount for another 12 wk. Daily food intake, twice weekly BW, and twice weekly body condition scores (BCS) were assessed. Back fat thickness (BF) using ultrasound, body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), feline body mass index (fBMI), body fat percentage estimates using zoometry measurements, serum metabolites, and voluntary physical activity levels were measured prior to spay (week 0) and every 6 wk post-spay. A treatment*time effect was observed for food intake (g/d), but not caloric intake (kcal ME/d). Caloric intake was affected by time and treatment, being reduced over the first 12 wk and reduced at higher amounts in HPHF and MPMF cats vs. sham cats. BW, BCS, and body fat percentage were affected over time. Treatment*time effects were observed for blood urea nitrogen, alkaline phosphatase, and fructosamine, whereas blood triglycerides, total cholesterol, creatinine, total protein, phosphorus, and bicarbonate were affected by time. Physical activity was reduced over time. Our results demonstrate that spay surgery affects food intake, BW, metabolism, and physical activity of cats. Dietary intervention in this study, however, led to minor changes.
Stair-step strategy and immunomodulatory feed ingredient supplementation for grazing heat-stressed  Bos indicus-influenced beef heifers
Authors: Moriel Philipe , Palmer Elizabeth A , Oliveira Rhaiza A , Vedovatto Marcelo , Izquierdo Vinicius S , Silva Hiran M , Garzon Jaime , Oliveira Rhaiza , Dailey Jeffery W , Carroll Jeffery A , Burdick Sanchez Nicole C , Martins Thiago , Binelli Mario , Vendramini Joao M B
Published: April 2022

On day 0 of years 1 and 2, 64 Brangus crossbred heifers per year were stratified by initial body weight (BW) and age (mean = 257 ± 20 kg and 271 ± 22 d) and allocated into 16 bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pastures (4 heifers per pasture per yr). Treatments were randomly allotted to pastures in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (4 pastures per treatment per yr). Treatments consisted of concentrate dry matter (DM) supplementation at 1.50% of BW from days 0 to 100 (CON) or concentrate DM supplementation at 1.05% of BW from days 0 to 49 and 1.95% of BW from days 50 to 100 (SST). Then, each respective supplementation strategy was added or not with immunomodulatory feed ingredients from days 0 to 100 (OMN; 4 g/45 kg of BW). Heifers were assigned to an estrus synchronization protocol from days 100 to 114. Heifers detected in estrus from days 111 to 114 were inseminated (AI) 12 h after estrus detection. Heifers not detected in estrus were timed AI on day 114. All heifers were exposed to Angus bulls from days 120 to 210 (1 bull per pasture). Effects of supplementation strategy × OMN inclusion × hour were detected (P < 0.0001) only for intravaginal temperature from days 26 to 30, which were the least (P ≤ 0.03) for SST heifers offered OMN supplementation and did not differ (P ≥ 0.17) among all remaining treatments from 0830 to 1600 hours. Effects of supplementation strategy × OMN inclusion and OMN inclusion were not detected (P ≥ 0.12) for any variable, except for the percentage of heifers detected in estrus, which was greater (P = 0.01) for heifers supplemented with vs. without OMN. Total concentrate DM offered from days 0 to 100 and heifer BW on days 0 and 56 did not differ (P ≥ 0.49) between CON and SST heifers, but SST heifers were heavier (P ≤ 0.01) on days 100 and 210 compared with CON heifers. Body surface temperature on day 25 and plasma IGF-1 concentrations on day 75 were greater (P ≤ 0.04) for SST vs. CON heifers. Percentage of pubertal heifers, heifers detected in estrus, and pregnancy to AI did not differ (P = 0.36) between SST and CON heifers but the final pregnancy percentage was greater (P = 0.04) for SST vs. CON heifers. Thus, OMN supplementation decreased the intravaginal temperature of SST heifers but failed to improve their growth and reproduction, whereas the SST strategy improved body thermoregulation, growth, and final pregnancy percentage of heat-stressed Bos indicus-influenced beef heifers compared with a constant concentrate supplementation strategy.
Leucine alters blood parameters and regulates hepatic protein synthesis via mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin activation in intrauterine growth-restricted piglets
Authors: Zhang Jingfei , Xu Wen , Yang Yuxiang , Zhang Lili , Wang Tian
Published: April 2022

Neonatal piglets often suffer low birth weights and poor growth performance accompanied by the disruption of protein metabolism, when intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) takes place during pregnancy, leading to a higher mortality and bigger economic loss than expected. Leucine has been proposed to function as a nutritional signal-regulating protein synthesis in numerous studies. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dietary leucine supplementation on the blood parameters and hepatic protein metabolism in IUGR piglets. Weaned piglets were assigned to one of four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: 1) piglets fed a basal diet with normal birth weight, 2) piglets fed a basal diet plus 0.35% l-leucine with normal birth weight, 3) IUGR piglets fed a basal diet with low birth weight, and 4) IUGR piglets fed a basal diet plus 0.35% l-leucine with low birth weight. The results showed that IUGR decreased serum aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities and increased serum cortisol and prostaglandin E2 levels at 35 d of age (P < 0.05), suggesting the occurrence of liver dysfunction and stress response. Leucine supplementation increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity and decreased serum cortisol levels at 35 d of age (P < 0.05). IUGR decreased the lysozyme activity and complement 3 level in serum (P < 0.05), which were prevented by dietary leucine supplementation. IUGR piglets showed increased hepatic DNA contents while showing a reduced RNA/DNA ratio (P < 0.05). Piglets supplied with leucine had decreased RNA/DNA ratio in the liver (P < 0.05). Leucine supplementation stimulated hepatic protein anabolism through upregulating protein synthesis-related genes expression and activating the phosphorylation of mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) (P < 0.05). Moreover, IUGR inhibited the mRNA expression of hepatic protein degradation-related genes, indicating a compensatory mechanism for the metabolic response. Dietary leucine supplementation attenuated the suppression of the protein catabolism induced by IUGR in the liver. These results demonstrate that dietary leucine supplementation could alter the blood parameters and alleviated the disrupted protein metabolism induced by IUGR via enhanced mTOR phosphorylation to promote protein synthesis in weaned piglets.
Seismic random noise attenuation based on adaptive nonlocal median filter
Authors: Liu Cai , Guo Longyu , Liu Yang , Zhang Yanzhe , Zhou Ziyan
Published: April 2022

The accurate image of underground medium is determined by the quality of the seismic data, which can be improved by random noise attenuation and structural continuity enhancement. We proposed an adaptive nonlocal median filter that can protect geological structure while attenuating random noise. We combine the nonlocal idea with the weighted median filter and design the appropriate weights of the nonlocal median filter based on seismic data characteristics. The local structure is represented by the neighborhood around the center point. The directional difference of spatial vectors in the neighborhood is considered when computing the similarity. According to the local dip attribute of seismic data, the anisotropic Gaussian window is adaptively adjusted to increase the constraint along the structural direction. The proposed method can search more precisely for points with similar local structure to the filtered points and effectively attenuate seismic random noise. The continuity of events is enhanced while the goal of protecting fault information is achieved. The experimental results of the theoretical model and field data show that the adaptive nonlocal median filter can strike a balance between preserving structure information and attenuating seismic random noise.
Computational flow analysis with boundary layer and contact representation: I. Tire aerodynamics with road contact
Authors: Kuraishi Takashi , Terahara Takuya , Takizawa Kenji , Tezduyar Tayfun E
Published: April 2022

In computational flow analysis with moving solid surfaces and contact between the solid surfaces, it is a challenge to represent the boundary layers with an accuracy attributed to moving-mesh methods and to represent the contact without leaving a mesh protection gap. The space-time topology change (ST-TC) method, introduced in 2013, makes moving-mesh computation possible even when we have contact between moving solid surfaces or other kinds of flow-domain TC. The contact is represented without giving up on high-resolution flow representation near the moving surfaces. With the ST-TC and other ST computational methods introduced before and after, it has been possible to address many of the challenges encountered in conducting this class of flow analysis in the presence of additional complexities such as geometric complexity, rotation or deformation of the solid surfaces and the multiscale nature of the flow. In this first part of a two-part article, we provide an overview of the methods that made all that possible. We also provide an overview of the computations performed for tire aerodynamics with challenges that include the complexity of a near-actual tire geometry with grooves, road contact, tire deformation and rotation, road roughness and fluid films.
Test–Retest Reliability and Translation of the Musculoskeletal Screening Protocol Questionnaire Used in the Swedish Armed Forces
Authors: Kierkegaard Marie , Tegern Matthias , Broman Lisbet , Halvarsson Alexandra , Larsson Helena
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in military personnel are common, and it is important to identify those at risk so that appropriate preventive and rehabilitative strategies can be undertaken. The Musculoskeletal Screening Protocol (MSP) questionnaire is part of the implemented prevention strategy to reduce MSDs in the Swedish Armed Forces. The aims of this study were to evaluate the questionnaire’s reliability and to translate it into English.

Materials and Methods

One-week test–retest reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated in a sample of 35 Swedish military personnel. Reliability was evaluated by calculations of Cohen’s kappa or quadratic-weighted kappa. Percent agreement was used as a parameter for measurement error. Translation into English included forward and backward translations and expert committee discussions.

Results

Kappa values relating to physical complaints/injuries were excellent (>0.75) except for knee and lower leg MSDs and for the intensity ratings, where Kappa values were mostly interpreted as fair-to-good (0.4-0.75). Kappa values of items pertaining physical performance, physical activity and exercise, eating and tobacco habits, sleep, and perceived health ranged between 0.72 and 1. Kappa values for feeling mentally or physical prepared were 0.47 and 0.65, respectively. Most percentage agreement values ranged between 90% and 100%. The English version was found to be satisfactorily equivalent to the Swedish MSP questionnaire.

Conclusion

The Swedish MSP questionnaire was found to be highly reliable and was satisfactorily translated into English. This provides support for the questionnaire’s ability to trustworthily capture the prevalence of MSDs and perceived health in military personnel. Future research is warranted on the psychometric properties of the English MSP questionnaire.
A patient with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis successfully weaned from corticosteroids through remission induction therapy with mepolizumab
Authors: Ueno Masanobu , Miyagawa Ippei , Kawabe Akio , Kusaka Katsuhide , Nakayamada Shingo , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: April 2022

The patient was a 74-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital for fever, purpura, abdominal pain, and bilateral numbness. Although the patient tested negative for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA), he presented with an elevated peripheral eosinophil count, increased inflammatory responses, duodenitis, cholecystitis, lung lesions, renal disorder, and peripheral neuropathy. The skin biopsy findings revealed vasculitis. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Given the advanced age of the patient, in addition to the poor general condition and hepatic and renal dysfunction, administration of immunosuppressants was considered to pose a high risk. After obtaining informed consent, remission induction therapy was initiated with mepolizumab (MPZ; 300 mg/M) in combination with high-dose corticosteroid therapy (equivalent to 70 mg/day of prednisolone). After treatment initiation, eosinophil counts and inflammatory responses decreased. Moreover, the abdominal pain and purpura resolved, and renal/hepatic dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy also improved. While the corticosteroid dose was subsequently reduced, no relapse was observed. Approximately 2 years later, the corticosteroid was discontinued. After the discontinuation of the corticosteroid, the patient continued treatment with MPZ alone and has remained in remission for approximately 6 months. Therefore, MPZ may be useful as a remission induction therapy in ANCA-negative EGPA resistant to steroids.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for trisomy 8-positive myelodysplastic syndrome or myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disease with refractory Behçet’s disease: Case report and the review of literature
Authors: Onaka Takashi , Nakano Kazuhisa , Uemoto Yuri , Miyakawa Naoto , Otsuka Yasuyuki , Ogura-Kato Aiko , Iwai Fumie , Tanaka Yoshiya , Yonezawa Akihito
Published: April 2022

We had two cases of trisomy 8-positive myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with incomplete Behçet’s disease (BD) in which the remissions of both diseases were maintained by allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). Among MDS with BD patients, sometimes it is difficult to control the symptoms of BD with standard therapies such as corticosteroids and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. Although there should be careful consideration regarding indications for transplantation, our two cases, in which refractory BD was completely controlled by allo-SCT, suggest that allo-SCT can be one of the treatment options for higher-risk MDS with BD patients.