bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wake-up effect in Hf0.4Zr0.6O2 ferroelectric thin-film capacitors under a cycling electric field
Authors: Li Yilin , Zhu Hui , Li Rui , Liu Jie , Xiang Jinjuan , Xie Na , Huang Zeng , Fang Zhixuan , Liu Xing , Zhou Lixing
Published: March 2022

We examined the wake-up effect in a TiN/Hf0.4Zr0.6O2/TiN structure. The increased polarization was affected by the cumulative duration of a switched electric field and the single application time of the field during each switching cycle. The space-charge-limited current was stable, indicating that the trap density did not change during the wake-up. The effective charge density in the space-charge region was extracted from capacitance–voltage curves, which demonstrated an increase in free charges at the interface. Based on changing characteristics in these properties, the wake-up effect can be attributed to the redistribution of oxygen vacancies under the electric field.
First principles investigation on Li or Sn codoped hexagonal tungsten bronzes as the near-infrared shielding material
Authors: Zhou Bo-Shen , Gao Hao-Ran , Liu Yu-Chen , Li Zi-Mu , Huang Yang-Yang , Liu Fu-Chun , Wang Xiao-Chun
Published: March 2022

The 52% energy of the solar radiation is contributed by near-infrared radiation (NIR, 780–2500 nm). Therefore, the material design for the energy-saving smart window, which can effectively shield NIR and has acceptable visible transmittance, is vital to save the energy consumed on the temperature control system. It is important to find a non-toxic stable material with excellent NIR-shielding ability and acceptable visible transmittance. The systematic first-principles study on Li
x
Sn
y
WO3 (x = 0, 0.33, 0.66, and y = 0, 0.33) exhibits that the chemical stability is a positive correlation with the doping concentration. After doping, the Fermi-energy upshifts into the conduction band, and the material shows metal-like characteristics. Therefore, these structures Li
x
Sn
y
WO3 (except the structure with x = 0.33 and y = 0) show pronounced improvement of NIR shielding ability. Our results indicate that when x = 0 and y = 0.33, the material exhibits the strongest NIR-shielding ability, satisfying chemical stability, wide NIR-shielding range (780–2500 nm), and acceptable visible transmittance. This work provides a good choice for experimental study on NIR shielding material for the energy-saving window.
Probing the improved stability for high nickel cathode via dual-element modification in lithium-ion
Authors: Chen Fengling , Zeng Chaozhi , Huang Chun , Lin Jiannan , Chen Yifan , Dong Binbin , Yin Chujun , Tian Siying , Sun Dapeng , Zhang Zhenyu , Li Hong , Li Chaobo
Published: March 2022

One of the major hurdles of nickel-rich cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries is the low cycling stability, especially at high temperature and high voltage, originating from severe structural degradation, which makes this class of cathode less practical. Herein, we compared the effect of single and dual ions on electrochemical performance of high nickel (LiNi0.88Mn0.03Co0.09O2, NMC) cathode material in different temperatures and voltage ranges. The addition of a few amounts of tantalum (0.2 wt%) and boron (0.05 wt%) lead to improved electrochemical performance. The co-modified LiNi0.88Mn0.03Co0.09O2 displays an initial discharge capacity of 234.9 mAh/g at 0.1 C and retained 208 mAh/g at 1 C after 100 cycles at 45 °C, which corresponds to a capacity retention of 88.5%, compared to the initial discharge capacity of 234.1 mAh/g and retained capacity of 200.5 mAh/g (85.6%). The enhanced capacity retention is attributed to the synergetic effect of foreign elements by acting as a surface structural stabilizer without sacrificing specific capacity.
Predicting speech intelligibility from a selective attention decoding paradigm in cochlear implant users
Authors: Nogueira Waldo , Dolhopiatenko Hanna
Published: March 2022

Objectives. Electroencephalography (EEG) can be used to decode selective attention in cochlear implant (CI) users. This work investigates if selective attention to an attended speech source in the presence of a concurrent speech source can predict speech understanding in CI users. Approach. CI users were instructed to attend to one out of two speech streams while EEG was recorded. Both speech streams were presented to the same ear and at different signal to interference ratios (SIRs). Speech envelope reconstruction of the to-be-attended speech from EEG was obtained by training decoders using regularized least squares. The correlation coefficient between the reconstructed and the attended (

ρ

A

SIR

)

or the unattended

ρ

U

SIR

 

speech stream at each SIR was computed. Additionally, we computed the difference correlation coefficient at the same

(

ρ

Diff

=

 

ρ

A

SIR

−

ρ

U

SIR

)

and opposite SIR (

ρ

DiffOpp

=

 

ρ

A

SIR

−

ρ

U

−

SIR

)

.

ρ

Diff

compares the attended and unattended correlation coefficient to speech sources presented at different presentation levels depending on SIR. In contrast,

ρ

DiffOpp

compares the attended and unattended correlation coefficients to speech sources presented at the same presentation level irrespective of SIR. Main results. Selective attention decoding in CI users is possible even if both speech streams are presented monaurally. A significant effect of SIR on

ρ

A

SIR

,

ρ

Diff

and ρ
DiffOpp, but not on

ρ

U

SIR

, was observed. Finally, the results show a significant correlation between speech understanding performance and

ρ

A

SIR

as well as with

ρ

U

SIR

across subjects. Moreover, ρ
DiffOpp which is less affected by the CI artifact, also demonstrated a significant correlation with speech understanding. Significance. Selective attention decoding in CI users is possible, however care needs to be taken with the CI artifact and the speech material used to train the decoders. These results are important for future development of objective speech understanding measures for CI users.
An adaptive closed-loop ECoG decoder for long-term and stable bimanual control of an exoskeleton by a tetraplegic
Authors: Moly Alexandre , Costecalde Thomas , Martel Félix , Martin Matthieu , Larzabal Christelle , Karakas Serpil , Verney Alexandre , Charvet Guillaume , Chabardes Stephan , Benabid Alim Louis , Aksenova Tetiana
Published: March 2022

Objective. The article aims at addressing 2 challenges to step motor brain-computer interface (BCI) out of laboratories: asynchronous control of complex bimanual effectors with large numbers of degrees of freedom, using chronic and safe recorders, and the decoding performance stability over time without frequent decoder recalibration. Approach. Closed-loop adaptive/incremental decoder training is one strategy to create a model stable over time. Adaptive decoders update their parameters with new incoming data, optimizing the model parameters in real time. It allows cross-session training with multiple recording conditions during closed loop BCI experiments. In the article, an adaptive tensor-based recursive exponentially weighted Markov-switching multi-linear model (REW-MSLM) decoder is proposed. REW-MSLM uses a mixture of expert (ME) architecture, mixing or switching independent decoders (experts) according to the probability estimated by a ‘gating’ model. A Hidden Markov model approach is employed as gating model to improve the decoding robustness and to provide strong idle state support. The ME architecture fits the multi-limb paradigm associating an expert to a particular limb or action. Main results. Asynchronous control of an exoskeleton by a tetraplegic patient using a chronically implanted epidural electrocorticography (EpiCoG) recorder is reported. The stable over a period of six months (without decoder recalibration) eight-dimensional alternative bimanual control of the exoskeleton and its virtual avatar is demonstrated. Significance. Based on the long-term (>36 months) chronic bilateral EpiCoG recordings in a tetraplegic (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02550522), we addressed the poorly explored field of asynchronous bimanual BCI. The new decoder was designed to meet to several challenges: the high-dimensional control of a complex effector in experiments closer to real-world behavior (point-to-point pursuit versus conventional center-out tasks), with the ability of the BCI system to act as a stand-alone device switching between idle and control states, and a stable performance over a long period of time without decoder recalibration.
An automated method for precise axon reconstruction from recordings of high-density micro-electrode arrays
Authors: Buccino Alessio Paolo , Yuan Xinyue , Emmenegger Vishalini , Xue Xiaohan , Gänswein Tobias , Hierlemann Andreas
Published: March 2022

Objective:Neurons communicate with each other by sending action potentials (APs) through their axons. The velocity of axonal signal propagation describes how fast electrical APs can travel. This velocity can be affected in a human brain by several pathologies, including multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury and channelopathies. High-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) provide unprecedented spatio-temporal resolution to extracellularly record neural electrical activity. The high density of the recording electrodes enables to image the activity of individual neurons down to subcellular resolution, which includes the propagation of axonal signals. However, axon reconstruction, to date, mainly relies on manual approaches to select the electrodes and channels that seemingly record the signals along a specific axon, while an automated approach to track multiple axonal branches in extracellular action-potential recordings is still missing.Approach:In this article, we propose a fully automated approach to reconstruct axons from extracellular electrical-potential landscapes, so-called ‘electrical footprints’ of neurons. After an initial electrode and channel selection, the proposed method first constructs a graph based on the voltage signal amplitudes and latencies. Then, the graph is interrogated to extract possible axonal branches. Finally, the axonal branches are pruned, and axonal action-potential propagation velocities are computed.Main results:We first validate our method using simulated data from detailed reconstructions of neurons, showing that our approach is capable of accurately reconstructing axonal branches. We then apply the reconstruction algorithm to experimental recordings of HD-MEAs and show that it can be used to determine axonal morphologies and signal-propagation velocities at high throughput.Significance:We introduce a fully automated method to reconstruct axonal branches and estimate axonal action-potential propagation velocities using HD-MEA recordings. Our method yields highly reliable and reproducible velocity estimations, which constitute an important electrophysiological feature of neuronal preparations.
TEPX as a high-precision luminosity detector for CMS at the HL-LHC
Authors: Haranko M. , Auzinger G.
Published: March 2022

The CMS BRIL project upgrades its instrumentation for the Phase-2 detector to provide high-precision luminosity and beam-induced background measurements. A part of the CMS Inner Tracker — the Tracker Endcap Pixel Detector (TEPX) — will allocate a fraction of the read-out bandwidth for luminometry. The implications of the proposed approach are highlighted. A dedicated luminosity trigger and clock distribution system is introduced and a test implementation on a demonstrator system is described. A demonstrator of the real-time on-FPGA pixel cluster counting algorithm is also described.
Development of a Standing Equine Leg CT (slCT)
Authors: Moliner L. , Bolas N. , Pallas E. , Rodríguez-Álvarez M.J. , Benlloch J.M.
Published: March 2022

All horse ridden disciplines result in stresses to both bony and soft tissue structures. Many competitive horses experience extreme forces on the structures of the lower limb whilst executing transitions such as a tight turns or rapid acceleration. Lameness subsequent to distal limb injury is common to both the performance and pleasure horse, resulting in time out of ridden work at best or career ending at worst. In this context, Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging Ltd (a company dedicated to veterinary imaging) and the Institute of Instrumentation for Molecular Imaging (i3M) established a collaboration in order to develop a CT prototype device for the examination of horse limbs. The Standing Equine Leg CT (slCT) is an additional tool for equine veterinarians to fully evaluate and diagnose lameness, fracture and disease in the equine distal limb.
Snakes combine vertical and lateral bending to traverse uneven terrain
Authors: Fu Qiyuan , Astley Henry C , Li Chen
Published: March 2022

Terrestrial locomotion requires generating appropriate ground reaction forces which depend on substrate geometry and physical properties. The richness of positions and orientations of terrain features in the 3D world gives limbless animals like snakes that can bend their body versatility to generate forces from different contact areas for propulsion. Despite many previous studies of how snakes use lateral body bending for propulsion on relatively flat surfaces with lateral contact points, little is known about whether and how much snakes use vertical body bending in combination with lateral bending in 3D terrain. This lack had contributed to snake robots being inferior to animals in stability, efficiency, and versatility when traversing complex 3D environments. Here, to begin to elucidate this, we studied how the generalist corn snake traversed an uneven arena of blocks of random height variation five times its body height. The animal traversed the uneven terrain with perfect stability by propagating 3D bending down its body with little transverse motion (11° slip angle). Although the animal preferred moving through valleys with higher neighboring blocks, it did not prefer lateral bending. Among body-terrain contact regions that potentially provide propulsion, 52% were formed by vertical body bending and 48% by lateral bending. The combination of vertical and lateral bending may dramatically expand the sources of propulsive forces available to limbless locomotors by utilizing various asperities available in 3D terrain. Direct measurements of contact forces are necessary to further understand how snakes coordinate 3D bending along the entire body via sensory feedback to propel through 3D terrain. These studies will open a path to new propulsive mechanisms for snake robots, potentially increasing the performance and versatility in 3D terrain.
Microbial abilities to degrade global environmental plastic polymer waste are overstated
Authors: Lear G , Maday S D M , Gambarini V , Northcott G , Abbel R , Kingsbury J M , Weaver L , Wallbank J A , Pantos O
Published: March 2022

Internationally, the environmental damage caused by the improper disposal of approximately 100 Mt of plastic waste per annum is of growing concern. Attempts to address this issue have generated many hundreds of scientific studies announcing the discovery of novel plastic-degrading microorganisms and their respective enzymes. On closer inspection, however, evidence remains sparse for the microbial degradation of most of the plastic polymers produced globally. We systematically surveyed the international literature to confirm how many microorganisms proposed to degrade plastics (n = 664) cause substantial (i.e. ⩾20% mass) losses of virgin polymer, rather than losses of plastic additives, filler, and/or shedding of polymer micro-fragments. We noted where degradation was only demonstrated for artificially aged polymer since physicochemical ageing procedures increase the abundance of monomers and oligomers such that they may be degraded by microbial activity. Additionally, artificial ageing may introduce functional groups to the polymer backbone, creating more locations susceptible to microbial degradation than would otherwise occur in the environment. We identified multiple studies demonstrating the effective microbial degradation of heterochain plastic polymers such as polylactic acid, polycaprolactone and polyethylene terephthalate (i.e. polymers containing elements other than carbon in the backbone structure). However, in the literature, we find no evidence for the substantial degradation of unadulterated polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride, homochain polymers which represent the overwhelming majority of global plastics production. Current research demonstrates that the pre-treatment of plastics with elevated temperature or UV-light may speed physicochemical plastic degradation, with valuable applications for downstream microbial processing. However, evidence for the microbial degradation of most plastic polymers in current circulation is lacking. We outline simple criteria that should be met before announcing the microbial degradation of plastic polymers. We hope this may help to address largely unsubstantiated expectations that microorganisms can degrade many plastic polymers in situ.
Classical simulation of contextuality through hiding the disturbance
Authors: Zhan Xiang
Published: March 2022

Contextuality is one of the key non-classical features of nature as predicted by quantum theory and is also a crucial resource for quantum information. In this paper, we propose a method to simulate this non-classical feature using a classical system. Our model includes measurements that disturb some states of the measured system and states under restricted distribution to hide the disturbance from examinations of compatibility. This model is feasible for both state-independent and state-dependent contextualities and enables arbitrary sequences of measurements that are allowed by contextuality experiments. Moreover, we show a toy experiment with a specific classical system can realize the simulation, which provides a new insight to understand contextuality.
Effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate and different SiC quantities on electrodeposited Ni-Co alloy coatings
Authors: Ababsa Asma , Ben Temam Hachemi , Hasan Gamil Gamal , Althamthami Mohammed , Malfi And Najran
Published: March 2022

Ni-Co nanocomposites Prepared by electrodeposition in a modified Watts bath containing various quantities of silicon carbide SiC and the organic additive sodium dodecyl sulfate SDS as a surfactant. The influence of nanoparticle incorporation on the electrodeposit microstructure, mechanical characteristics, and deformation process was studied. Vickers micro-hardness and weight loss tests were used to study the mechanical properties and morphology. The microstructure has also been analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Co-deposition of uniformly dispersed SiC particles, on the other hand, was found to improve the extreme tensile strength of the deposits significantly; SDS lowered the surface tension, allowing the SiC particles to fill in all remaining gaps to achieve a homogeneous surface. A process involving atoms that can dramatically improve flexibility. The incorporation of SiC particles and raising the strain rate encouraged a ductile fracture mode in a nano-crystalline Ni-Co matrix, which demonstrated a mixed mod behavior of flexible and brittle fracture; it was evident that the addition of SDS increases the concentration of SiC particles in general on Ni-Co samples. Moreover, compare Ni-Co with various amounts of SiC and Ni-Co/SiC with adding SDS. Furthermore, to achieve the highest possible electroplating efficiency.
Machine learning based data driven inkjet printed electronics: jetting prediction for novel inks
Authors: Brishty Fahmida Pervin , Urner Ruth , Grau Gerd
Published: March 2022

Machine learning (ML) as a predictive methodology can potentially reduce the configuration cost and workload of inkjet printing. Inkjet printing has many advantages for additive manufacturing and printed electronics including low cost, scalability, non-contact printing and on-demand customization. Inkjet generates droplets with a piezoelectric dispenser controlled through frequency, voltage pulse and timing parameters. A major challenge is the design of jettable inks and the rapid optimization of stable jetting conditions whilst preventing common problems (no ejection, perturbation, satellite drop, multiple drops, drop breaking, nozzle clogging). Material consuming trial and error experiments are replaced here with a ML based jetting window. A dataset of machine and material properties is created from literature and experimental data. After exploratory data analysis and feature identification, various (linear and non-linear) regression models are compared in detail. The models are trained on 80% of the data and root mean square error (RMSE) is calculated on 20% test data. Simple polynomial relationships between the input and output features yield coarse prediction. Instead, small ensembles of decision trees (DTs) (boosted DTs and random forests) have improved predictive power for drop velocity and radius with RMSE of 0.39 m s−1 and 2.21 µm respectively. The mean absolute percentage error is 3.87%. The models are validated with experimentally collected data for a novel ink where no data points with this ink were included in the training set. Additionally, several classification algorithms are utilized to categorize ink and printer parameters by jetting regime (‘single drop’, ‘multiple drops’, ‘no ejection’). Categorization and regression models are combined to improve overall model prediction. This article demonstrates that ML can be used to predict ink jetting behavior from 11 different ink and printing parameters. Different algorithms are analyzed and the optimal combination of algorithms is identified. It is shown that experimental and literature data can be combined and an initial dataset is created that other reserachers can build on in the future. ML enables efficient material and printing parameter selection speeding up the development of novel ink materials for printed electronics by eliminating jetting experiments that are money, time and material intensive.
Order of zeros of Dedekind zeta functions
Authors: Hu Daniel , Kaneko Ikuya , Martin Spencer , Schildkraut Carl
Published: March 2022

Answering a question of Browkin, we provide a new unconditional proof that the Dedekind zeta function of a number field

L
L

has infinitely many nontrivial zeros of multiplicity at least 2 if

L
L

has a subfield

K
K

for which

L

/

K

L/K

is a nonabelian Galois extension. We also extend this to zeros of order 3 when

G
a
l
(
L

/

K
)

Gal(L/K)

has an irreducible representation of degree at least 3, as predicted by the Artin holomorphy conjecture.
On the square peg problem and its relatives
Authors: Matschke Benjamin
Published: March 2022

Toeplitz’s Square Peg Problem asks whether every continuous simple closed curve in the plane contains the four vertices of a square. It has been proved for various classes of sufficiently smooth curves, some of which are dense, none of which are open. In this paper we prove it for several open classes of curves, one of which is also dense. This can be interpreted in saying that the Square Peg Problem is solved for generic curves. The latter class contains all previously known classes for which the Square Peg Problem has been proved in the affirmative. We also prove results about rectangles inscribed in immersed curves. Finally, we show that the problem of finding a regular octahedron on metric 2-spheres has a “topological counter-example”, that is, a certain test map with boundary condition exists.
Green 2-functors
Authors: Dell’Ambrogio Ivo
Published: March 2022

We extend the theory of Mackey 2-functors provided by Balmer and Dell’Ambrogio [Mackey 2-functors and Mackey 2-motives, European Mathematical Society (EMS), Zürich, 2020] by defining the appropriate notion of rings, namely Green 2-functors. After providing the first results of our theory and abundant examples, we show how all classical Green functors familiar from representation theory and topology arise by decategorification, in various ways, of some Green 2-functor occurring in Nature.
Illustrating How to Simulate Data From Directed Acyclic Graphs to Understand Epidemiologic Concepts
Authors: Fox Matthew P , Nianogo Roch , Rudolph Jacqueline E , Howe Chanelle J
Published: March 2022

Simulation methods are a powerful set of tools that can allow researchers to better characterize phenomena from the real world. As such, the ability to simulate data represents a critical set of skills that epidemiologists should use to better understand epidemiologic concepts and ensure that they have the tools to continue to self-teach even when their formal instruction ends. Simulation methods are not always taught in epidemiology methods courses, whereas causal directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) often are. Therefore, this paper details an approach to building simulations from DAGs and provides examples and code for learning to perform simulations. We recommend using very simple DAGs to learn the procedures and code necessary to set up a simulation that builds on key concepts frequently of interest to epidemiologists (e.g., mediation, confounding bias, M bias). We believe that following this approach will allow epidemiologists to gain confidence with a critical skill set that may in turn have a positive impact on how they conduct future epidemiologic studies.
Addressing Extreme Propensity Scores in Estimating Counterfactual Survival Functions via the Overlap Weights
Authors: Cheng Chao , Li Fan , Thomas Laine E , Li Fan (Frank)
Published: March 2022

The inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) approach is popular for evaluating causal effects in observational studies, but extreme propensity scores could bias the estimator and induce excessive variance. Recently, the overlap weighting approach has been proposed to alleviate this problem, which smoothly down-weights the subjects with extreme propensity scores. Although advantages of overlap weighting have been extensively demonstrated in literature with continuous and binary outcomes, research on its performance with time-to-event or survival outcomes is limited. In this article, we propose estimators that combine propensity score weighting and inverse probability of censoring weighting to estimate the counterfactual survival functions. These estimators are applicable to the general class of balancing weights, which includes IPTW, trimming, and overlap weighting as special cases. We conduct simulations to examine the empirical performance of these estimators with different propensity score weighting schemes in terms of bias, variance, and 95% confidence interval coverage, under various degrees of covariate overlap between treatment groups and censoring rates. We demonstrate that overlap weighting consistently outperforms IPTW and associated trimming methods in bias, variance, and coverage for time-to-event outcomes, and the advantages increase as the degree of covariate overlap between the treatment groups decreases.
New data for palaeoclimatic reconstructions in the upper/middle Uruguay River Basin: caesalpinioid Fabaceae woods in the Late Pleistocene
Authors: Ramos R Soledad , Brea Mariana , Kröhling Daniela M , Contreras Silvina A
Published: March 2022

The El Palmar Formation is the principal unit deposited during the Late Pleistocene by the Uruguay River in eastern Entre Ríos province, Argentina and north-western Uruguay. The Arroyo Yuquerí fossiliferous locality (c. 31°36′ S, 58°06′ W), part of the El Palmar Formation, is one of the richest sites in fossil woods. This article describes and determines 11 fossil woods, including seven new species closely related to modern Parapiptadenia, Microlobius, Anadenanthera, Pseudopiptadenia (Mimoseae, Fabaceae) and Chloroleucon, Enterolobium and Cedrelinga (Ingeae, Fabaceae). Coexistence approach, nearest living relatives (NLR) methods and mesomorphic and vulnerability indices were used to determine palaeoclimatic conditions. Comparisons of NLR of fossil woods, coupled with other previously identified taxa, suggest that a mature and evergreen woodland was present in the middle Uruguay River Basin during some Pleistocene events (MIS 5a and MIS7, according to absolute datings of the fossiliferous sedimentary unit). This caesalpinoid legume woodland was shaped by an environment with abundant humidity, and the structure of the water conduction system in the studied species was efficient. Finally, the results indicate a more humid and warmer climate than at present in the study area.
Cervical lymph nodes and ovarian teratomas as germinal centres in NMDA receptor-antibody encephalitis
Authors: Al-Diwani Adam , Theorell Jakob , Damato Valentina , Bull Joshua , McGlashan Nicholas , Green Edward , Kienzler Anne Kathrin , Harrison Ruby , Hassanali Tasneem , Campo Leticia , Browne Molly , Easton Alistair , Soleymani majd Hooman , Tenaka Keiko , Iorio Raffaele , Dale Russell C , Harrison Paul , Geddes John , Quested Digby , Sharp David , Lee Soon Tae , Nauen David W , Makuch Mateusz , Lennox Belinda , Fowler Darren , Sheerin Fintan , Waters Patrick , Leite M Isabel , Handel Adam E , Irani Sarosh R
Published: March 2022

Autoantibodies against the extracellular domain of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) NR1 subunit cause a severe and common form of encephalitis. To better understand their generation, we aimed to characterize and identify human germinal centres actively participating in NMDAR-specific autoimmunization by sampling patient blood, CSF, ovarian teratoma tissue and, directly from the putative site of human CNS lymphatic drainage, cervical lymph nodes. From serum, both NR1-IgA and NR1-IgM were detected more frequently in NMDAR-antibody encephalitis patients versus controls (both P < 0.0001). Within patients, ovarian teratoma status was associated with a higher frequency of NR1-IgA positivity in serum (OR = 3.1; P < 0.0001) and CSF (OR = 3.8, P = 0.047), particularly early in disease and before ovarian teratoma resection. Consistent with this immunoglobulin class bias, ovarian teratoma samples showed intratumoral production of both NR1-IgG and NR1-IgA and, by single cell RNA sequencing, contained expanded highly-mutated IgA clones with an ovarian teratoma-restricted B cell population. Multiplex histology suggested tertiary lymphoid architectures in ovarian teratomas with dense B cell foci expressing the germinal centre marker BCL6, CD21+ follicular dendritic cells, and the NR1 subunit, alongside lymphatic vessels and high endothelial vasculature. Cultured teratoma explants and dissociated intratumoral B cells secreted NR1-IgGs in culture. Hence, ovarian teratomas showed structural and functional evidence of NR1-specific germinal centres. On exploring classical secondary lymphoid organs, B cells cultured from cervical lymph nodes of patients with NMDAR-antibody encephalitis produced NR1-IgG in 3/7 cultures, from patients with the highest serum NR1-IgG levels (P < 0.05). By contrast, NR1-IgG secretion was observed neither from cervical lymph nodes in disease controls nor in patients with adequately resected ovarian teratomas. Our multimodal evaluations provide convergent anatomical and functional evidence of NMDAR-autoantibody production from active germinal centres within both intratumoral tertiary lymphoid structures and traditional secondary lymphoid organs, the cervical lymph nodes. Furthermore, we develop a cervical lymph node sampling protocol that can be used to directly explore immune activity in health and disease at this emerging neuroimmune interface.
Global DNA methylation of WTC prostate cancer tissues show signature differences compared to non-exposed cases
Authors: Yu Haocheng , Tuminello Stephanie , Alpert Naomi , van Gerwen Maaike , Yoo Seungyeul , Mulholland David J , Aaronson Stuart A , Donovan Michael , Oh William K , Gong Yixuan , Wang Li , Zhu Jun , Taioli Emanuela
Published: March 2022

There is increased incidence of prostate cancer (PC) among World Trade Center (WTC)-exposed responders and community members, with preliminary evidence suggestive of more aggressive disease. While previous research is supportive of differences in DNA methylation and gene expression as a consequence of WTC exposure, as measured in blood of healthy individuals, the epigenetics of WTC PC tissues has yet to be explored. Patients were recruited from the World Trade Center Health Program. Non-WTC PC samples were frequency matched on age, race/ethnicity and Gleason score. Bisulfite-treated DNA was extracted from tumor tissue blocks and used to assess global DNA methylation with the MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Differential and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted. RNA from the same tumor blocks was used for gene expression analysis to further support DNA methylation findings. Methylation data were generated for 28 samples (13 WTC and 15 non-WTC). Statistically significant differences in methylation were observed for 3,586 genes; on average WTC samples were statistically significantly more hypermethylated (P = 0.04131). Pathway enrichment analysis revealed hypermethylation in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), hypoxia, mitotic spindle, TNFA signaling via NFKB, WNT signaling, and TGF beta signaling pathways in WTC compared to non-WTC samples. The androgen response, G2M and MYC target pathways were hypomethylated. These results correlated well with RNA gene expression. In conclusion, long-term epigenic changes associated with WTC dust exposure were observed in PC tissues. These occurred in genes of critical pathways, likely increasing prostate tumorigenesis potential. This warrants analysis of larger WTC groups and other cancer types.
Side effects of statins: from pathophysiology and epidemiology to diagnostic and therapeutic implications
Authors: Ruscica Massimiliano , Ferri Nicola , Banach Maciej , Sirtori Cesare R , Corsini Alberto
Published: March 2022

Treatment with statins, inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, has proven beneficial preventive effects on cardiovascular events. However, discontinuation due to intolerance and non-adherence remain two of the major gaps in both primary and secondary prevention. This leads many patients with high-risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) to be inadequately treated or not to achieve target lipid level goals, and as consequence they undergo an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The aim of this review is thus to give an overview of the reasons for discontinuation and on the possible mechanisms behind them. Although statins, as a class, are generally safe, they are associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus and hepatic transaminase elevations. Incidence of cataracts or cognitive dysfunction and others presented in the literature (e.g. proteinuria and haematuria) have been never confirmed to have a causal link. Conversely, debated remains the effect on myalgia. Muscle side effects are the most commonly reported, although myalgia is still believed by some to be the result of a nocebo/drucebo effect. Concerning mechanisms behind muscular side effects, no clear conclusions have been reached. Thus, if on one side it is important to identify individuals either at higher risk to develop a side effect, or with confirmed risk factors and conditions of statin intolerance, on the other side alternative strategies should be identified to avoid an increased ASCVD risk.
Are primary care providers’ nutrition care and food insecurity screening practices associated with their perceptions of team-based care?
Authors: Williams April R , Hines Anika L , Dow Alan W , Sabo Roy T , Thomson Maria D
Published: March 2022

Background

Screening for food insecurity (FI) and providing nutrition care are important management strategies for chronic diseases, but rates are low. Aspects of team-based care and providers’ nutrition competence may help inform interventions to improve these services. The objectives of this study were to describe US primary care providers’ FI screening and nutrition care practices (counselling, referrals, and time spent counselling) and test for associations with scored measures of their perceptions of team-based care (care continuity, patient-centredness, coordination with external providers and resources) and nutrition competence (confidence counselling and attitudes towards nutrition).

Methods

Cross-sectional online survey data of primary care providers were described and analysed for associations using Wilcoxon rank sum tests.

Results

Of provider respondents (N = 92), 35% (n = 32) worked in clinics that screen for FI and had higher team perceptions (P = 0.006) versus those who do not. Those who reported counselling >30% patients about nutrition (57%, n = 52) and referring >10% patients to nutrition professionals (24%, n = 22) had significantly better attitudes towards nutrition (P = 0.013 and P = 0.04, respectively) compared with those with lower counselling and referral rates. Half (n = 46) of the providers reported spending >3-min counselling each patient about nutrition and had higher patient-centred care (P = 0.004) and nutrition competence (P < 0.001) compared with those who spent less time counselling.

Conclusion

Providers in clinics that screen for FI had higher overall perceptions of team-based care, but their nutrition competence was not significantly different. Meanwhile, reported more time counselling was associated with a culture of patient-centredness. Promoting team-based care may be a mechanism for improving FI screening and nutrition care.
Stress changes caused by exsolution of magmatic fluids within an axisymmetric inclusion
Authors: Belardinelli Maria Elina , Nespoli Massimo , Bonafede Maurizio
Published: March 2022

In volcanic regions ascending magma is subject to depressurization and is generally accompanied by exsolution of volatiles. We assume a process in which these volatiles propagate upward across newly fractured and permeable rock layers, bringing a sharp increase of pore pressure and temperature within a thin disc-shaped region (inclusion). Thermo-poro-elastic (TPE) inclusion models provide a mechanism to explain seismicity and deformation induced by p and T changes in absence of new magma emplacement in volcanic contexts. They are also suitable to represent the mechanical effects due to fluid extraction and re-injection in geothermal fields. In the present work analytic solutions are provided for the displacement, strain and stress fields assuming a TPE unbounded medium. Significant deviatoric stress is generated by positive increments of pore pressure and temperature: the stress field is fully deviatoric outside the TPE inclusion, but a strong isotropic stress component is present within, leading to highly heterogeneous faulting mechanisms: if the disc plane is horizontal, thrust faulting mechanisms are favoured within the TPE disc over optimally oriented faults and normal mechanisms above. The model is easily generalized to a vertically thick disc with variable temperature and pore-pressure changes: then, an extensional environment can be obtained even within the TPE inclusion assuming upward decreasing of pore pressure and temperature changes. The supplied analytical solution may be used to model near-field TPE inclusion effects and to validate more complex numerical modelling.
Activate Your Health: impact of a real-life programme promoting healthy lifestyle habits in Canadian workers
Authors: Kugathasan Thiffya Arabi , Gilbert Jo-Anne , Laberge Suzanne , Tremblay Jonathan , Mathieu Marie-Eve
Published: March 2022

The workplace has been suggested as a good setting for the promotion of healthy lifestyles. This article examines the impact of Activate Your Health programme, provided over an average of 1.35 years, on employee health and lifestyle habits (actual and intention to improve). Companies selected one of the programme’s four options (number of interventions in parentheses): Control (2), Light (8), Moderate (13) and High (14). Employees (n = 524) completed an online questionnaire at baseline and post-intervention. Mixed-effect models and generalized estimating equations models were used, where appropriate. There was an interaction effect of time by option for the number of employees intending to improve sleep habits (p = 0.030): +11.0% in Light (p = 0.013). No significant interaction effect of time by option was observed for body weight, body mass index, number of health problems or lifestyle habits (actual and intention to improve). When stratified by sex, there was an interaction effect of time by option for the number of women intending to improve sleep habits (p = 0.023): −26.1% in Moderate (p = 0.014). There was an interaction effect of time by option for body weight in men (p = 0.001): −0.58 kg in High (p = 0.031) and +2.58 kg in Control (p = 0.005). Other outcomes of interest were stable or improved post-intervention, regardless of option. The Activate Your Health programme allowed employees to maintain or improve outcomes related to health and lifestyle habits. A package like High may be beneficial for body weight regulation in men.
Western Baltic cod in distress: decline in energy reserves since 1977
Authors: Receveur Aurore , Bleil Martina , Funk Steffen , Stötera Sven , Gräwe Ulf , Naumann Michael , Dutheil Cyril , Krumme Uwe
Published: March 2022

The western Baltic Sea cod (WBC) stock is at historically low levels, mainly attributed to high fishing pressure and low recruitment. Stable stock assessment metrics suggested recovery potential, given appropriate fisheries management measures. However, changing environmental conditions violate stability assumptions, may negatively affect WBC, and challenge the resource management. The present study explored 42 years of changes in WBC biological parameters. WBC body condition gradually decreased over the last decades for juveniles and adults, with a rapid decrease in recent years when a single cohort dominated the overfished stock. The hepato-somatic index and the muscle weight decreased by 50% and 10% in the last 10 years, respectively, suggesting severely decreasing energy reserves and productivity. The changes in energy reserves were associated with changes in environmental conditions (increase in bottom water temperature, expansion of hypoxic areas during late summer/autumn), and changes in diet composition (less herring). A key bottleneck is the warming and longer-lasting summer period when WBC, trapped between warmed shallow waters and hypoxic deeper waters, have to mobilize energy reserves to account for reduced feeding opportunities and thermal stress. Our results suggest that stock recovery is unlikely to happen by fisheries management alone if environmental trajectories remain unchanged.
Frameless—finding and refining a sampling frame for surveying recreational fisheries: lessons from estimating Swedish harvest of western Baltic cod
Authors: Sande Hege , Prista Nuno , de Groote Annica , Casini Michele , Jones Cynthia , Sundelöf Andreas
Published: March 2022

To achieve sustainable fisheries, advice to management should be based on reliable science and unbiased data. Attaining quality data (i.e. precise and unbiased) on recreational fishing can be challenging, particularly when prior knowledge of the sector is limited and a proper sample frame of recreational fishers or vessels does not exist. In this study, a registry of access points was constructed for the Swedish south–west coast and used as a spatial sample frame in determining both effort and catches of the private boat fishery. Sampling dates, times for sampling, and access points visited were selected using probabilistic methods, ensuring unbiased results. The final multi-stage sampling design involved multiple strata, clusters, and probability selection methods and enabled first-time estimation of Swedish recreational landings of western Baltic cod by private boats to be used in stock assessment. Concurrent data collection covering aspects such as boat counts at access points, provided additional information on e.g. activity patterns. That additional information opens possibilities to refine the design of the original survey and optimize the sampling effort towards different goals, such as other fished resources. In this paper, we reflect on the challenges that limitations in initial information poses to the design and deployment of a new recreational fisheries survey. We suggest ways, whereby indirect sampling frames can be developed from initially incomplete or limited information to access the fishers and their catch. Our experience shows that, despite initial frame and knowledge limitations, full probabilistic methods are worth considering in data limited scenarios and that the design-based point estimates and variances they provide on recreational fishing effort and catches are useful in guiding initial management and the next steps of survey improvement.
Cefiderocol: EUCAST criteria for disc diffusion and broth microdilution for antimicrobial susceptibility testing
Authors: Matuschek Erika , Longshaw Christopher , Takemura Miki , Yamano Yoshinori , Kahlmeter Gunnar
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The reproducibility of cefiderocol MIC determination using broth microdilution (BMD) in iron-depleted CAMHB (ID-CAMHB) was investigated, and the EUCAST disc diffusion (DD) method for cefiderocol susceptibility testing was developed and validated against reference BMD.

Methods

Cefiderocol values were determined for wild-type (WT) and non-WT isolates using BMD plates with ID-CAMHB (Thermo Scientific, Oakwood, USA) per EUCAST guidelines. DD was performed using standard EUCAST methodology on unsupplemented Mueller–Hinton agar with cefiderocol 30 μg discs. Control agents were included in all tests. MICs were correlated with zone diameters (ZD), and ZD breakpoints (BP) best corresponding to the MIC BPs were determined. Areas of technical uncertainty (ATU) were included where appropriate. External laboratory validation of cefiderocol DD was performed per the EUCAST SOP 9.2.

Results

MIC and ZD distributions for cefiderocol against WT isolates were established. Cefiderocol ZD BPs were set at susceptible ≥22 mm, resistant <22 mm for Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and ATUs were decided. For Acinetobacter baumannii and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, ZD cut-off values of ≥17 mm and ≥20 mm corresponded to MIC values of ≤2 and ≤0.5 mg/L, respectively. Cefiderocol ZDs for Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (target 27 mm) and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (target 26 mm) were within ±3 mm of the target values. For DD, there was no problematic variation between discs, media or laboratories.

Conclusions

DD is a robust and easy-to-perform method for cefiderocol susceptibility testing. For isolates with results in the ATU, an MIC test should be performed to confirm the results.