bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bark morphological and chemical features are differentially correlated with disease resistance and yield in hybrid poplar taxa
Authors: Voothuluru Priya , Hamilton Choo , Kim Keonhee , Beason Jackson , McCord Jessica , Rousseau Randall , Muchero Wellington , Rials Timothy , Labbé Nicole
Published: July 2023

In the southeastern United States, the establishment of short‐rotation intensively cultured plantations of hybrid poplar has been hindered by its susceptibility to stem cankers. We evaluated the tradeoffs between biomass yield and disease tolerance in hybrid poplar genotypes belonging to P. deltoides × P. maximowiczii (DM), P. deltoides × P. nigra (DN), P. trichocarpa × P. maximowiczii (TM), and P. deltoides × P. deltoides (DD) taxa. We hypothesized that canker resistant genotypes will have thicker bark but bark thickness and biomass yield will be negatively correlated. After two growing seasons, the DD genotypes developed thicker bark compared to the genotypes of other taxa and bark thickness was not correlated with biomass yield in the DD genotypes (R2 = 0.002). However, in the TM, DM, and DN genotypes, bark thickness was negatively correlated with biomass yield (R2 = 0.33–0.77). Disease incidence studies revealed that the DM genotypes were most susceptible to canker whereas no disease was detected in DD genotypes. Furthermore, bark analysis conducted by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy coupled with multivariate analysis showed that that DD genotypes to be chemically separate from the three hybrid genotypes and that bark chemistry was correlated with canker disease incidence. Taken together, these results reveal that it is possible to generate hybrid poplar genotypes with thicker bark, disease resistance, and higher biomass yields. This insight should guide further efforts to develop genetically improved hybrid poplar genotypes, both in terms of biomass yield and disease tolerance, for cultivation in the southeastern United States. Hybrid poplar cultivation in southeastern United States is hindered by its susceptibility to stem cankers. We evaluated tradeoffs between yield and canker disease resistance in various hybrid poplar genotypes. After two growing seasons, the DD genotypes showed disease resistance and developed thicker bark that was chemically distinct from the other genotypes. Bark thickness was not correlated with yield in the DD genotypes but was negatively correlated with yield in the other genotypes. These results will guide the development of hybrid poplar genotypes that are both disease resistant and high yielding for cultivation in the southeastern United States.
Ceramics with eutectic microstructure in the ZrO2–PrOx system
Authors: Grima Lorena , Peña José Ignacio , Sanjuán María Luisa
Published: July 2023

Praseodymium oxides present redox properties analogous to those of Ce‐based systems and have been proposed for catalytic applications in combination with CeO2, ZrO2, or both. However, uncertainties remain concerning the nature and redox behavior of Pr‐rich mixtures, especially with ZrO2. Here we study the eutectic composites of the ZrO2–PrOx system, focusing on the sensitivity of their microstructure, phase symmetry, and composition to variations of the processing atmosphere from oxidizing to reducing. Mixed oxides have been produced by a laser‐assisted directional solidification technique in O2, air, N2, or 5%H2(Ar) environment, and the resulting materials have been analyzed by scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility. In air, N2, or 5%H2(Ar) atmosphere, a lamellar, eutectic‐like microstructure forms, the major phase being the one with less Pr content. Both the Pr concentration in each phase as the PrOx molar percentage of the eutectic composites decrease as the atmosphere becomes more reducing. Both eutectic phases are fluorite‐like when processing in air, whereas in N2 or 5%H2(Ar), the phase with high Pr content is of the A‐R2O3 type, and the phase with low Pr content can be described as a fluorite phase containing C‐R2O3‐like short‐range‐ordered regions. The results obtained for samples processed in O2 suggest that for high enough pO2 no eutectic forms, in analogy with the ZrO2–CeO2 system. The evolution of the phase composition and symmetry is discussed in terms of the limited stability of the phases found in the ZrO2–Pr2O3 system, namely, A‐ or C‐R2O3‐like, beyond a certain Pr oxidation degree and oxygen content.
Structural and physical properties of Sr‐based 3d–5d double perovskites of Sr2Fe0.5Hf1.5O6−δ oxides
Authors: Tang Qingkai , Zhu Xinhua
Published: July 2023

Sr‐based 3d–5d double perovskite Sr2Fe0.5Hf1.5O6−δ (SFHO) oxide powders were synthesized via the solid‐state reaction method, and their structural, dielectric, magnetic, optical, and transport properties were investigated. Structural investigations revealed the SFHO powders crystallized in an orthorhombic crystal structure with Pnma space group. Scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated the relatively homogeneous distributions of spherical SFHO powders, and x‐ray energy dispersive spectra gave out the molar ratio of Sr:Fe:Hf equal to 1.94:0.5:1.87, close to the nominal value. XPS spectra confirmed the existence of Sr2+, Fe3+, Hf4+ ions in the SFHO powders, and oxygen appeared in the forms of lattice oxygen and adsorbed oxygen species, respectively. The SFHO ceramics exhibited a relaxor‐like dielectric behavior. Two dielectric abnormities appeared around 518 and 257 K, which were ascribed to the dielectric response of the oxygen vacancies ( activation energy Ea = 0.93 eV and thermal excitation of the electrons with Ea = ∼ 0.02 eV bound weakly to the, respectively. Ferromagnetic behavior was observed in the SFHO powders at 300 and 2 K, and the saturated magnetization at 2 K was 0.67 μB/f.u. Magnetic transition temperature, TC was determined to be 638 K from the temperature dependence of the magnetization under the zero‐field cooling mode. A spin glass‐like behavior was observed around 390 K, which was confirmed by the frequency‐dependent alternating current (ac) susceptibility measurements. The SFHO powders exhibit a butterfly‐like magnetoresistance (MR)–H plot at 2 K, and the MR (2 K, 7 T) is found to be −2.73% owing to the intergranular magneto‐tunneling effect. Temperature dependence of the resistivity of the SFHO ceramics displayed a semiconducting behavior, and the electrical transport properties of the SFHO ceramics were investigated by Mott's variable‐range‐hopping model, thermally activated semiconductor conductivity model, and the adiabatic small polarons hopping model, respectively. UV–vis diffuse‐reflectance spectra of the SFHO powders demonstrated a direct optical bandgap of Eg = 2.62 eV, which was contributed from the electron transfer from the O(2p) orbital to Fe(3d)/Hf(5d) orbitals. A combination of high‐temperature ferrimagnetism and semiconducting nature of the SHFO powders makes them attractive for spintronics and photovoltaics.
Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms in a cohort of Greek children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis: Associated clinical parameters
Authors: Alexopoulos A. , Chouliaras G. , Kakourou T. , Dakoutrou M. , Petrocheilou A. , Nasi L. , Thanopoulou I. , Siahanidou S. , Kanaka‐Gantenbein C. , Kontara L. , Michos A. , Loukou I.
Published: July 2023

Background

Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms (AWP) is an excessive and early palmar wrinkling occurring after brief immersion to water (BIW), and has been reported as a frequent finding among Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients.

Objectives

To investigate any associations of CF patients presenting AWP with other disease characteristics and explore the pathomechanism of AWP phenomenon.

Methods

We evaluated AWP in CF patients and assessed the AWP parameters of palmar wrinkling, oedema, papules, pruritus and pain at 3, 7 and 11 min after a BIW test with other disease characteristics. Statistical analyses explored the associations of AWP with genotype, lung function, pancreatic insufficiency, hyperhidrosis, personal and family history of atopy and sweat chloride levels.

Results

One hundred CF patients (mean age 10.4 years) were included in the analysis. The genotypic distribution was ΔF508/ΔF508: 47%, ΔF508/other: 41% and other/other: 12%. Statistically significant associations of Kaplan–Meier curves of the AWP parameters with various disease characteristics and personal/family history were detected. Wrinkling was associated with history of atopy, hyperhidrosis and levels of sweat chloride test. The time to presentation of oedema and the appearance of papules were associated with history of hyperhidrosis and age at diagnosis. Finally, time to appearance of pruritus was related to history of atopy and of hyperhidrosis. Regarding TEWL regression analysis showed significant associations with age at diagnosis (p = 0.024), sweat chloride test levels (p = 0.005), history of hyperhidrosis (p = 0.033), history of atopy (p = 0.002) and hepatic–pancreatic involvement (p = 0.027).

Conclusions

The existence of a statistically significant association between AWP and the history of hyperhidrosis, atopy, sweat chloride levels and hepatic‐pancreatic function in CF patients was detected. A strong association between AWP and CF was detected. AWP after BIW could be elicited easily and possibly can be used as an initial screening tool to diagnose an individual with symptoms and signs that raise the likelihood of CF.
Detection of early Alzheimer's disease‐like molecular alterations in a mouse model expressing human ApoE4
Authors: Rai A. , Ojiakor O. A. , Rylett R. J.
Published: July 2023

The E4 allele of apolipoprotein E (ApoE4) is a key genetic risk factor for late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), increasing the risk of developing the disease by up to three‐fold. However, the mechanisms by which ApoE4 contributes to AD pathogenesis are poorly understood. Here, we utilize a mouse model expressing either human ApoE3 or human ApoE4 to examine the effects of the E4 allele on a wide range of genetic and molecular pathways that are altered in early AD pathology. We demonstrate that ApoE4‐expressing mice begin to show early differential expression of multiple genes, leading to alterations in downstream pathways related to neural cell maintenance, insulin signaling, amyloid processing and clearance, and synaptic plasticity. These alterations may result in the earlier accumulation of pathological proteins such as β‐amyloid that may build up within cells, leading to the accelerated degeneration of neurons and astrocytes as observed in ApoE4‐positive individuals. We also examine the metabolic effects associated with a high‐fat diet (HFD) in male ApoE4‐expressing mice compared with regular chow diet (RD) fed mice at different ages. We found that young ApoE4‐expressing mice fed HFD developed metabolic disturbances, such as elevated weight gain, blood glucose, and plasma insulin levels that cumulatively have been observed to increase the risk of AD in humans. Taken together, our results reveal early pathways that could mediate ApoE4‐related AD risk and may help identify more tractable therapeutic targets for treating ApoE4‐associated AD.

image
Mini‐review: Immunology in ovarian cancer
Authors: Taki Mana
Published: July 2023

Immunotherapy for ovarian cancer has been studied for many years and programmed cell death protein 1 ligand/programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐L1/PD‐1) blockade has been attempted in several clinical trials; however, the expected therapeutic effect has not been achieved. In contrast, the PD‐L1/PD‐1 blockade has been clinically applied to endometrial and cervical cancers, and a certain therapeutic effect has been observed. In endometrial cancer, promising outcomes have been achieved with a combination of an anti‐PD‐1 antibody and lenvatinib, regardless of the number of regimens, even in cases of recurrence after platinum administration. Therefore, immunotherapy is expected to have a therapeutic effect on ovarian cancer regardless of platinum resistance. In this review, considering immunotherapy for ovarian cancer, we discuss the immune mechanisms that exist in ovarian cancer and the immunotherapeutic strategies that should be developed.
Call type repertoire of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Iceland and its variation across regions
Authors: Selbmann Anna , Deecke Volker B. , Filatova Olga A. , Fedutin Ivan D. , Miller Patrick J. O. , Simon Malene , Bowles Ann E. , Lyrholm Thomas , Lacey Claire , Magnúsdóttir Edda E. , Maunder William , Wensveen Paul J. , Svavarsson Jörundur , Samarra Filipa I. P.
Published: July 2023

Killer whales (Orcinus orca) have group‐specific call repertoires that can be used to track groups and populations using passive acoustic monitoring. To provide a detailed description of the Icelandic killer whale repertoire and its variation, we analyzed acoustic data collected in five locations between 1985 and 2016. Calls were classified manually, and CART and random forest analyses were employed to validate the manual classification. A total of 91 call categories (including call types and subtypes) were defined. Most call categories were recorded in more than one location, with the highest proportion shared between herring grounds in Vestmannaeyjar (South) and Breiðafjörður (West). However, both locations included call categories that were not recorded elsewhere in Iceland. Recordings from past herring wintering grounds in eastern Iceland included few call categories that matched other locations. Sample sizes from Reykjanes (Southwest) and Skjálfandi (North) were small and did not include unique call categories. The relative occurrence of call categories in Vestmannaeyjar changed little over a 14‐year period (2002–2016), although shorter‐term changes between years were observed that appeared to correlate to changes in individuals identified. This comparison of acoustic repertoires provides valuable information on the social structure and movement patterns of herring‐eating killer whales around Iceland.
Embedded mental states in Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief and uneven distribution of narratorial attention
Authors: Hui Haifeng
Published: July 2023

The study of literary characters has been acknowledged to be a thorny field. Since Alex Woloch's The One vs. the Many (2003), exciting advances are scarce. The present article proposes cognitive narratology based on Theory of Mind, which focuses on multiple levels of embedded mental states that reflect and keep track of other characters' mental states (conveniently summarized as “I know that you know that I know”1), as a new analytical framework to push forward the study of literary characters and at the same time to test the validity of applying such a cognitive theory in literary studies. Through an analysis of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, a young adult (YA) fiction popular all over the world, it is argued that the protagonist Percy, who is also the figural narrator of the novel, distributes his mind‐reading activities on other characters unevenly. The distance between minor characters and Percy determines whether the narrator's discourse about them is accompanied by the narrator's interest in reading their minds, which is most clearly illustrated when they are first introduced in the novel. When Percy meets Annabeth for the first time, he subconsciously tries to bring their relationship closer at the discourse level by creating three levels of embedded mental states that include both of them as cognitive agents. Although this strong passion has not yet been fully revealed explicitly at the story level, it is discernable in the formal features of Percy's discourse. As the story develops, Percy's mind‐reading of Annabeth becomes a subconscious habit, whereas his narratorial treatments of two other minor characters have been steadily kept below three levels of embedded mental states. In this light, the complex relationships between these characters can be shown in a more pragmatic way by adopting Theory of Mind analysis, thus enabling us to explore the cognitive pattern of the text and offering a new perspective for the study of characters.
Trapezius activity during personal computer work with progressive addition lenses for general purpose and for computer work in neophytes
Authors: Kolbe Oliver , Becker Patrick , Degle Stephan , Anders Christoph
Published: July 2023

Introduction

This study analysed the impact of general purpose progressive addition lenses (GP‐PALs) and computer progressive addition lenses (PC‐PALs) on the activity of the trapezius muscle during computer operation.

Methods

In this randomised, single‐blinded, crossover study, surface electromyography (SEMG) signals were recorded bilaterally from the trapezius muscle during a 30‐min computer task performed wearing different presbyopic corrections. The amplitude probability distribution function and its percentiles, gap frequency, muscular rest time and sustained low‐level muscle activity periods were analysed in 32 subjects with artificially induced presbyopia. Subjectively perceived differences in vision and postural load between lenses were evaluated using a seven‐item questionnaire (non‐standardised, visual analogue scale ranged from 1 [bad] to 100 [good]).

Results

Considering the SEMG data, no significant difference in the muscular activity of the trapezius muscle was observed when using GP‐PALs or PC‐PALs for computer operation. However, PC‐PALs showed statistically and clinically significantly higher results for subjectively perceived visual quality (78.4–31.3; p < 0.001), spontaneous tolerance (79.2–31.3; p < 0.001) and field of view (75.9–23.5; p < 0.001) compared with GP‐PALs.

Conclusions

Even though the electromyographic approach did not show a significant differentiation between the lenses, the subjective evaluation was clearly in favour of PC‐PALs. Eye care practitioners should always take an occupational history of presbyopes, ask about the workplace situation and consider the use of PC‐PALs.
A Boat with New Nets: A Reflection on Embodied TranscendenceIn God's Image: An Anthropology of the Spirit, MichaelWelker, Eerdmans, 2021 (ISBN 978‐0‐8028‐7874‐8), xii + 155 pp., pb $29Marriage, Family and the Church: A Boat with New Nets, PiaMatthews, Gracewing, 2022 (ISBN 978‐0‐85244‐974‐5), xvi + 484 pp., pb £25Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age, Felicia WuSong, IVP, 2021 (ISBN 978‐0‐8308‐5113‐3), xii + 220 pp., pb $24Believing in Bits: Digital Media and the Supernatural, SimoneNatale, and Diana W.Pasulka (eds), Oxford University Press, 2020 (ISBN 978‐0‐19‐094999‐0), xiv + 250 pp., pb £22.99
Authors: Farris Joshua R.
Published: July 2023

As divergent as they seem to be, In God's Image; Marriage, Family and the Church; Restless Devices; and, Believing in Bits all have several overlapping themes that center on the embodied nature of the imago Dei. Each presents a set of questions that prompt consideration of how ‘technology’ influences, shapes, and informs our embodied practice of religion. In God's Image and Marriage, Family and the Church give us a broad vision of the human that helps situate and theologically engage the themes, concerns, and developing challenges in Restless Devices and Believing in Bits. The latter two gesture in the direction that aid us in thinking about the liturgical nature of what it means to be human. In God's Image offers a sampling of different proposals primarily from a Protestant perspective that open up questions for how one ought to unify the themes and teleological nature of the body. Through a brief interaction with all four works, I gesture toward Marriage, Family and the Church as providing A Boat with New Nets that might just help us to navigate our changing world of technological advancement.
One class of MHD equations: Conservation laws and exact solutions
Authors: Kaptsov E. I. , Meleshko S. V.
Published: July 2023

The paper analyzes one of the models of equations of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) derived earlier. The model was obtained as a result of group classification of the MHD equations in mass Lagrangian coordinates, where all dependent variables in Eulerian coordinates depend on time and two spatial coordinates. The use of Lagrangian coordinates made it possible to solve four equations, which led to the form of reduced equations containing four arbitrary functions: entropy and a three‐dimensional vector associated with the magnetic field. The objective of this work is to develop conservation laws and exact solutions for the model. Conservation laws are obtained using Noether's theorem, while exact solutions are obtained either explicitly or by solving a system of ordinary or partial differential equations with two independent variables. Numerical methods are employed for the latter solutions.
Residual stresses in Cu matrix composite surface deposits after laser melt injection
Authors: Zhang Xingxing , Kornmeier Joana R. , Hofmann Michael , Langebeck Anika , Alameddin Shadi , Alessio Renan Pereira , Fritzen Felix , Bunn Jeffrey R. , Cabeza Sandra
Published: July 2023

Tungsten carbide particles reinforced metal matrix composite (MMC) coatings can significantly improve surface wear resistance owing to their increased surface hardness. However, the presence of macro‐ and micro‐residual stresses in MMC coatings can have detrimental effects, such as reducing service life. In this study, neutron diffraction was used to determine the residual stresses in spherical fused tungsten carbide (sFTC) reinforced Cu matrix composite surface deposits after laser melt injection. We also developed a thermo‐mechanical coupled finite element model to predict residual stresses. Our findings reveal that sFTC/Cu composite deposits produced with a preheating temperature of 400°C have low residual stresses, with a maximum tensile residual stress of 98 MPa in the Cu matrix on the top surface. In contrast, the sFTC/bronze (CuAl10Ni5Fe4) composite deposit exhibits very high residual stresses, with a maximum tensile residual stress in the Cu matrix on the top surface reaching 651 MPa. These results provide a better understanding of the magnitudes and distributions of residual stresses in sFTC‐reinforced Cu matrix composite surface deposits manufactured via laser melt injection.
On a problem of Steinhaus
Authors: Anholcer Marcin , Bosek Bartłomiej , Grytczuk Jarosław , Gutowski Grzegorz , Przybyło Jakub , Pyzik Rafał , Zając Mariusz
Published: July 2023

Let be a positive integer. A sequence of points in the unit interval [0,1) is piercing if holds for every and every . In 1958, Steinhaus asked whether piercing sequences can be arbitrarily long. A negative answer was provided by Schinzel, who proved that any such sequence may have at most 74 elements. This was later improved to the best possible value of 17 by Warmus, and independently by Berlekamp and Graham. In this paper, we study a more general variant of piercing sequences. Let be an infinite nondecreasing sequence of positive integers. A sequence is ‐piercing if holds for every and every . A special case of , with a fixed nonnegative integer, was studied by Berlekamp and Graham. They noticed that for each , the maximum length of any ‐piercing sequence is finite. Expressing this maximum length as , they obtained an exponential upper bound on the function , which was later improved to by Graham and Levy. Recently, Konyagin proved that holds for all sufficiently big . Using a different technique based on the Farey fractions and stick‐breaking games, we prove here that the function satisfies where and . We also prove that there exists an infinite ‐piercing sequence with if and only if .
Floor diagrams and enumerative invariants of line bundles over an elliptic curve
Authors: Blomme Thomas
Published: July 2023

We use the tropical geometry approach to compute absolute and relative enumerative invariants of complex surfaces which are$\mathbb {C} P^1$-bundles over an elliptic curve. We also show that the tropical multiplicity used to count curves can be refined by the standard Block–Göttsche refined multiplicity to give tropical refined invariants. We then give a concrete algorithm using floor diagrams to compute these invariants along with the associated interpretation as operators acting on some Fock space. The floor diagram algorithm allows one to prove the piecewise polynomiality of the relative invariants, and the quasi-modularity of their generating series.
Ice Adhesion Characterization Using Mode-I and Mode-II Fracture Configurations
Authors: Dawood Bishoy , Yavas Denizhan , Bastawros Ashraf
Published: July 2023

The ice buildup on airborne structures operating in cold weather conditions has detrimental impacts on their safety and performance. Due to practical applications, there has been a significant interest in ice removal strategies. However, the current body of literature lacks comprehensive insights into the mechanistic aspects of the ice adhesion/breakage process, resulting in a wide range of reported adhesion strengths that differ by two orders of magnitude. To address this gap, we employed a fracture mechanics-based approach to investigate the fracture behavior of a typical ice/aluminum interface in terms of mode-I and mode-II fractures. We examine a range of surface roughness values spanning from 0.05 to 5 micrometers. An experimental framework employing a single cantilever beam and direct shear tests were developed. The near mode-I and mode-II interfacial fracture toughness and strength values were extracted from the experimentally measured force and displacement by both analytical and numerical models employing cohesive surfaces. The combined experimental and numerical results show that ice adhesion is primarily driven by cohesive interfacial failure, which exhibits almost mode-independent fracture behavior. Mode-I fracture shows directional instability of crack propagation, which is attributed to thermally induced residual tensile stress at the ice layer-substrate interface. The fractographic inspection reveals similar ice-grain size over the examined range of substrate roughness values. For the examined range of surface roughness and temperature, which induces the Wenzel state with full surface wetting at the interface, the ice adhesion is insensitive to the interfacial roughness in both mode-I and mode-II fracture.
Power Density in the Context of Two-Phase Immersion Cooling
Authors: Shah Jimil M. , Tuma Phillip E.
Published: July 2023

Power density has been used to describe the capability of a data center. Achieving harmony between space and power has always been a challenge for data center administrators. Studies demonstrate when the average power density is above 7kW per rack, the space utilization by IT equipment drops to almost 50% of the total white space (the area dedicated to IT equipment and infrastructure). The remaining space is occupied by the cooling equipment required for optimal operation of the housed IT equipment in the racks. With the increasing use of deep learning and artificial intelligence, the different cooling methods like air cooling, cold plate cooling and single-phase immersion cooling are reaching their limits and require more white space. The improved efficiency of the two-phase immersion cooling technique may offer simplicity in facility design compared to traditional cooling and provide a means for cost savings. Submerging servers and IT equipment in a dielectric liquid enables substantial energy savings today and accommodates growing load densities for future facilities. This paper is a first attempt at addressing the overview of power density from the two-phase immersion cooling perspective. The paper compares the dedicated space requirement for air cooling with immersion cooling at higher densities. At 3kW/m2, a typical air-cooled data center floor space density, the actual electronics in a typical data center would fill only the bottom 5mm of the building which is often several stories tall. The P2PIC can increase floor space density 6 times or more while simplifying server design and reducing facility capital and operating costs. At higher densities, the cost of fluid per cost of electronics becomes negligible.
Influence of processing conditions on the titanium–aluminum contact
metallization on a silicon wafer for thermal management
Authors: Singh Manish , Ramasubramanian Lakshmi Narayanan , Singh Raj N.
Published: July 2023

There is a growing need for digital and power electronics to deliver higher power for applications in batteries for electric vehicles, energy sources from wind and solar, data centers, and microwave devices. The higher power also generates more heat, which requires better thermal management. Diamond thin films and substrates are attractive for thermal management applications in power electronics because of their high thermal conductivity. However, deposition of diamond by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPECVD) requires high temperatures, which can degrade metallization used in power electronic devices. In this research, titanium (Ti)–aluminum (Al) thin films were deposited by DC magnetron sputtering on p-type Si (100) substrates using a physical mask for creating dot patterns for measuring the properties of the contact metallization. The influence of processing conditions and postdeposition annealing in argon (Ar) and hydrogen (H2) at 380 °C for 1 h on the properties of the contact metallization is studied by measuring the I-V characteristics and Hall effect. The results indicated a nonlinear response for the as-deposited films and linear ohmic contact resistance after postannealing treatments. In addition, the results on contact resistance, resistivity, carrier concentration, and Hall mobility of wafers extracted from Ti–Al metal contact to Si (100) are presented and discussed.
Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics identify a macrophage population associated with skeletal muscle fibrosis
Authors: Coulis Gerald , Jaime Diego , Guerrero-Juarez Christian , Kastenschmidt Jenna M. , Farahat Philip K. , Nguyen Quy , Pervolarakis Nicholas , McLinden Katherine , Thurlow Lauren , Movahedi Saba , Hughes Brandon S. , Duarte Jorge , Sorn Andrew , Montoya Elizabeth , Mozaffar Izza , Dragan Morgan , Othy Shivashankar , Joshi Trupti , Hans Chetan P. , Kimonis Virginia , MacLean Adam L. , Nie Qing , Wallace Lindsay M. , Harper Scott Q. , Mozaffar Tahseen , Hogarth Marshall W. , Bhattacharya Surajit , Jaiswal Jyoti K. , Golann David R. , Su Qi , Kessenbrock Kai , Stec Michael , Spencer Melissa J. , Zamudio Jesse R. , Villalta S. Armando
Published: July 2023

Macrophages are essential for skeletal muscle homeostasis, but how their dysregulation contributes to the development of fibrosis in muscle disease remains unclear. Here, we used single-cell transcriptomics to determine the molecular attributes of dystrophic and healthy muscle macrophages. We identified six clusters and unexpectedly found that none corresponded to traditional definitions of M1 or M2 macrophages. Rather, the predominant macrophage signature in dystrophic muscle was characterized by high expression of fibrotic factors, galectin-3 (gal-3) and osteopontin (
Spp1
). Spatial transcriptomics, computational inferences of intercellular communication, and in vitro assays indicated that macrophage-derived Spp1 regulates stromal progenitor differentiation. Gal-3
+
macrophages were chronically activated in dystrophic muscle, and adoptive transfer assays showed that the gal-3
+
phenotype was the dominant molecular program induced within the dystrophic milieu. Gal-3
+
macrophages were also elevated in multiple human myopathies. These studies advance our understanding of macrophages in muscular dystrophy by defining their transcriptional programs and reveal
Spp1
as a major regulator of macrophage and stromal progenitor interactions.
Essential autoproteolysis of bacterial anti-σ factor RsgI for transmembrane signal transduction
Authors: Chen Chao , Dong Sheng , Yu Zhaoli , Qiao Yichen , Li Jie , Ding Xiaoke , Li Renmin , Lin Jinzhong , Bayer Edward A. , Liu Ya-Jun , Cui Qiu , Feng Yingang
Published: July 2023

Autoproteolysis has been discovered to play key roles in various biological processes, but functional autoproteolysis has been rarely reported for transmembrane signaling in prokaryotes. In this study, an autoproteolytic effect was discovered in the conserved periplasmic domain of anti-σ factor RsgIs from
Clostridium thermocellum
, which was found to transmit extracellular polysaccharide-sensing signals into cells for regulation of the cellulosome system, a polysaccharide-degrading multienzyme complex. Crystal and NMR structures of periplasmic domains from three RsgIs demonstrated that they are different from all known proteins that undergo autoproteolysis. The RsgI-based autocleavage site was located at a conserved Asn-Pro motif between the β1 and β2 strands in the periplasmic domain. This cleavage was demonstrated to be essential for subsequent regulated intramembrane proteolysis to activate the cognate SigI, in a manner similar to that of autoproteolysis-dependent activation of eukaryotic adhesion G protein–coupled receptors. These results indicate the presence of a unique prevalent type of autoproteolytic phenomenon in bacteria for signal transduction.
Growth in a biofilm promotes conjugation of a
bla
NDM-1
-bearing plasmid between
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strains
Authors: Element Sarah J. , Moran Robert A. , Beattie Emilie , Hall Rebecca J. , van Schaik Willem , Buckner Michelle M.C.
Published: July 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing problem, especially in Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae such as
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. Horizontal transfer of conjugative plasmids contributes to AMR gene dissemination. Bacteria such as
K. pneumoniae
commonly exist in biofilms, yet most studies focus on planktonic cultures. Here we studied the transfer of a multi-drug resistance plasmid in planktonic and biofilm populations of
K. pneumoniae
. We determined plasmid transfer from a clinical isolate, CPE16, which carried four plasmids, including the 119-kbp
bla
NDM-1
-bearing F-type plasmid pCPE16_3, in planktonic and biofilm conditions. We found that transfer frequency of pCPE16_3 in a biofilm was orders-of-magnitude higher than between planktonic cells. In 5/7 sequenced transconjugants (TCs) multiple plasmids had transferred. Plasmid acquisition had no detectable growth impact on TCs. Gene expression of the recipient and a transconjugant was investigated by RNA-sequencing in three lifestyles: planktonic exponential growth, planktonic stationary phase, and biofilm. We found that lifestyle had a substantial impact on chromosomal gene expression, and plasmid carriage affected chromosomal gene expression most in stationary planktonic and biofilm lifestyles. Furthermore, expression of plasmid genes was lifestyle-dependent, with distinct signatures across the three conditions. Our study shows that growth in biofilm greatly increased the risk of conjugative transfer of a carbapenem resistance plasmid in
K. pneumoniae
without fitness costs and minimal transcriptional rearrangements, thus highlighting the importance of biofilms in the spread of AMR in this opportunistic pathogen.

IMPORTANCE

Carbapenem-resistant
K. pneumoniae
is particularly problematic in hospital settings. Carbapenem resistance genes can transfer between bacteria via plasmid conjugation. Alongside drug resistance,
K. pneumoniae
can form biofilms on hospital surfaces, at infection sites and on implanted devices. Biofilms are naturally protected and can be inherently more tolerant to antimicrobials than their free-floating counterparts. There have been indications that plasmid transfer may be more likely in biofilm populations, thus creating a conjugation “hotspot”. However, there is no clear consensus on the effect of the biofilm lifestyle on plasmid transfer. Therefore, we aimed to explore the transfer of a plasmid in planktonic and biofilm conditions, and the impact of plasmid acquisition on a new bacterial host. Our data show transfer of a resistance plasmid is increased in a biofilm, which may be a significant contributing factor to the rapid dissemination of resistance plasmids in
K. pneumoniae
.
Novel macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance gene
erm
(56) in
Trueperella pyogenes
Authors: Marchionatti Emma , Perreten Vincent
Published: July 2023

Whole-genome sequence analysis of a macrolide, lincosamide, streptogramin B (MLS
B
)-resistant
Trueperella pyogenes
from a dog revealed a new 23S ribosomal RNA methylase gene
erm
(56). Expression of the cloned
erm
(56) confers resistance to MLS
B
in
T. pyogenes
and
Escherichia coli
. The
erm
(56) gene was flanked by two IS
6100
integrated on the chromosome next to a
sul1
-containing class 1 integron. GenBank query revealed additional
erm
(56)-containing elements in another
T. pyogenes
and in
Rothia nasimurium
from livestock.

IMPORTANCE

A novel 23S ribosomal RNA methylase gene
erm
(56) flanked by insertion sequence IS
6100
was identified in a
Trueperella pyogenes
isolated from the abscess of a dog and was also present in another
T. pyogenes
and in
Rothia nasimurium
from livestock. It was shown to confer resistance to macrolide, lincosamide, streptogramin B antibiotics in
T. pyogenes
and
E. coli,
indicating functionality in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The detection of
erm
(56) on different elements in unrelated bacteria from different animal sources and geographical origins suggests that it has been independently acquired and likely selected by the use of antibiotics in animals.
Asymmetric glaciation, divide migration, and postglacial fluvial response times in the Qilian Shan
Authors: Lai Jingtao , Huppert Kimberly
Published: July 2023

Glacial-interglacial cycles have repeatedly perturbed climate and topography in many midlatitude mountain ranges during the Quaternary. Glacial erosion can move drainage divides and induce fluvial adjustments downstream, yet the time scale over which these adjustments occur remains unclear. We examined landscape evolution in the northwest-southeast–trending Qilian Shan, where the contrast in solar insolation between north- and south-facing slopes has generated larger glaciers on the northern range crest. Our analyses suggest that this asymmetric glaciation has caused southward migration of the main drainage divide, prompting river channels below the extents of ice on north-facing slopes to become oversteepened for their drainage area and channels on south-facing slopes to become analogously understeepened. These changes in steepness should accelerate or slow down postglacial fluvial incision, even in the regions where topography has not been directly modified by glacial erosion. Numerical modeling suggests these discrepancies persist for millions of years, much longer than the duration of recent glacial-interglacial cycles, implying a widespread and enduring influence of intermittent glaciations on landscape evolution in glaciated mountain ranges during the Quaternary.
Study protocol: randomised controlled trial of conditioned open-label placebo (COLP) for perioperative pain management in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Trakimas Danielle R , Colloca Luana , Fakhry Carole , Tan Marietta , Khan Zubair , Vosler Peter S
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Patients with head and neck cancer have a substantial risk of chronic opioid dependence following surgery due to pain and psychosocial consequences from both the disease process and its treatments. Conditioned open-label placebos (COLPs) have been effective for reducing the dose of active medication required for a clinical response across a wide range of medical conditions. We hypothesise that the addition of COLPs to standard multimodal analgesia will be associated with reduced baseline opioid consumption by 5 days after surgery in comparison to standard multimodal analgesia alone in patients with head and neck cancer.

Methods and analysis

This randomised controlled trial will evaluate the use of COLP for adjunctive pain management in patients with head and neck cancer. Participants will be randomised with 1:1 allocation to either the treatment as usual or COLP group. All participants will receive standard multimodal analgesia, including opioids. The COLP group will additionally receive conditioning (ie, exposure to a clove oil scent) paired with active and placebo opioids for 5 days. Participants will complete surveys on pain, opioid consumption and depression symptoms through 6 months after surgery. Average change in baseline opioid consumption by postoperative day 5 and average pain levels and opioid consumption through 6 months will be compared between groups.

Ethics and dissemination

There remains a demand for more effective and safer strategies for postoperative pain management in patients with head and neck cancer as chronic opioid dependence has been associated with decreased survival in this patient population. Results from this study may lay the groundwork for further investigation of COLPs as a strategy for adjunctive pain management in patients with head and neck cancer. This clinical trial has been approved by the Johns Hopkins University Institutional Review Board (IRB00276225) and is registered on the National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Database.

Trial registration number

NCT04973748.
Quality assurance in surgical trials of arteriovenous grafts for haemodialysis: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Edgar Ben , Kingsmore David B , Aitken Emma , Calder Francis , Franchin Marco , Geddes Colin , Inston Nick , Jackson Andrew , Jones Rob G , Karydis Nikolaos , Kasthuri Ram , Mestres Gaspar , Papadakis Georgios , Sivaprakasam Rajesh , Stephens Mike , Stevenson Karen , Stove Callum , Szabo Lazslo , Thomson Peter , Tozzi Matteo , White Richard D
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Decisions regarding the optimal vascular access for haemodialysis patients are becoming increasingly complex, and the provision of vascular access is open to variations in systems of care as well as surgical experience and practice. Two main surgical options are recognised: arteriovenous fistula and arteriovenous graft (AVG). All recommendations regarding AVG are based on a limited number of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). It is essential that when considering an RCT of a surgical procedure, an appropriate definition of quality assurance (QA) is made for both the new approach and the comparator, otherwise replication of results or implementation into clinical practice may differ from published results. The aim of this systematic review will be to assess the methodological quality of RCT involving AVG, and the QA measures implemented in delivering interventions in these trials.

Methods and analysis

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines will be followed. A systematic search will be performed of the MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases to identify relevant literature. Studies will be selected by title and abstract review, followed by a full-text review using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collected will pertain to generic measures of QA, credentialing of investigators, procedural standardisation and performance monitoring. Trial methodology will be compared against a standardised template developed by a multinational, multispecialty review body with experience in vascular access. A narrative approach will be taken to synthesise and report data.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as it is a protocol for a systematic review. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, with the ultimate aim of providing recommendations for future RCT of AVG design.
Artificial intelligence in systematic reviews: promising when appropriately used
Authors: van Dijk Sanne H B , Brusse-Keizer Marjolein G J , Bucsán Charlotte C , van der Palen Job , Doggen Carine J M , Lenferink Anke
Published: July 2023

Background

Systematic reviews provide a structured overview of the available evidence in medical-scientific research. However, due to the increasing medical-scientific research output, it is a time-consuming task to conduct systematic reviews. To accelerate this process, artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in the review process. In this communication paper, we suggest how to conduct a transparent and reliable systematic review using the AI tool ‘ASReview’ in the title and abstract screening.

Methods

Use of the AI tool consisted of several steps. First, the tool required training of its algorithm with several prelabelled articles prior to screening. Next, using a researcher-in-the-loop algorithm, the AI tool proposed the article with the highest probability of being relevant. The reviewer then decided on relevancy of each article proposed. This process was continued until the stopping criterion was reached. All articles labelled relevant by the reviewer were screened on full text.

Results

Considerations to ensure methodological quality when using AI in systematic reviews included: the choice of whether to use AI, the need of both deduplication and checking for inter-reviewer agreement, how to choose a stopping criterion and the quality of reporting. Using the tool in our review resulted in much time saved: only 23% of the articles were assessed by the reviewer.

Conclusion

The AI tool is a promising innovation for the current systematic reviewing practice, as long as it is appropriately used and methodological quality can be assured.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022283952.
Examining service utilisation and impact among consumers of a national mental health stepped care programme in Australia: a protocol using linked administrative data
Authors: Cole Rachel , Kynn Mary , Carberry Angela , Jones Rhian , Parekh Sanjoti , Whitehead Emma , Taylor Jane , Merollini Katharina
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Mental well-being is a global public health priority with increasing mental health conditions having substantial burden on individuals, health systems and society. ‘Stepped care’, where services are provided at an intensity to meet the changing needs of the consumer, is the chosen approach to mental health service delivery in primary healthcare in Australia for its efficiencies and patient outcomes; yet limited evidence exists on how the programme is being rolled out and its impact in practice. This protocol outlines a data linkage project to characterise and quantify healthcare service utilisation and impacts among a cohort of consumers of a national mental health stepped care programme in one region of Australia.

Methods and analysis

Data linkage will be used to establish a retrospective cohort of consumers of mental health stepped care services between 1 July 2020 and 31 December 2021 in one primary healthcare region in Australia (n=approx. 12 710). These data will be linked with records from other healthcare service data sets (eg, hospitalisations, emergency department presentations, community-based state government-delivered mental healthcare, hospital costs). Four areas for analysis will include: (1) characterising the nature of mental health stepped care service use; (2) describing the cohort’s sociodemographic and health characteristics; (3) quantifying broader service utilisation and associated economic costs; and (4) assessing the impact of mental health stepped care service utilisation on health and service outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval from the Darling Downs Health Human Research Ethics Committee (HREA/2020/QTDD/65518) has been granted. All data will be non-identifiable, and research findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and industry meetings.