bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint‐Rupture Pattern and Newly Generated Structure of Fault Intersections on the Northern Margin of the Linhe Basin, Northwestern Ordos Block, China
Authors: Liang Kuan , He Zhongtai , Ma Baoqi , Tian Qinjian , Liu Shao
Published: December 2021

The activity of major active faults around the Ordos Block is of great interest to seismologists, as at least fourM ≥ 8 earthquakes have been recorded. However, the Linhe Basin, which has the thickest Cenozoic sediments, has no record of large earthquakes. Does this basin have the structural conditions required for large earthquakes? The northern boundary fault of the Linhe Basin is composed of the NE‐striking Langshan piedmont fault (LPF), E‐W‐striking western section of the Seertengshan piedmont fault (WSPF), and NW‐striking eastern section of the Seertengshan piedmont fault (ESPF). Based on large‐scale active fault mapping, this article analyzes data from 23 trenches, using an unmanned aerial vehicle to measure the faulted landform, and combines these data with Quaternary dating methods to acquire the paleoearthquake sequences of the LPF, WSPF, and ESPF. Furthermore, this article explores their rupture modes and discusses the structural evolution of two intersection points. Through paleoseismic comparison, seven trenches revealed historical earthquakes from 7 BC, with a common magnitude ofM8.1. The trenches also revealed seven paleoseismic events since the Holocene, which conformed to the periodic model with a period of 1.37 ± 0.11 ka. The elapsed time since the latest event (2.0 ka) has exceeded the earthquake recurrence period; thus, the area is currently at risk of anM7.4–8.0 earthquake. The NE‐striking LPF and E‐W‐striking WSPF are connected by two left‐stepping small fault segments. The E‐W‐striking WSPF and NW‐striking ESPF are connected by a large triangular relay ramp.
HMGA1 stimulates MYH9-dependent ubiquitination of GSK-3β via PI3K/Akt/c-Jun signaling to promote malignant progression and chemoresistance in gliomas
Authors: Que Tianshi , Zheng Haojie , Zeng Yu , Liu Xinru , Qi Ge , La Qingcuo , Liang Tuo , Li Zhiyong , Yi Guozhong , Zhang Shichao , Li Junjie , Nie Jing , Tan Jian-er , Huang Guanglong
Published: December 2021

Myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) plays an essential role in human diseases, including multiple cancers; however, little is known about its role in gliomas. In the present study, we revealed that HMGA1 and MYH9 were upregulated in gliomas and their expression correlated with WHO grade, and HMGA1 promoted the acquisition of malignant phenotypes and chemoresistance of glioma cells by regulating the expression of MYH9 through c-Jun-mediated transcription. Moreover, MYH9 interacted with GSK-3β to inhibit the expression of GSK-3β protein by promoting its ubiquitination; the downregulation of GSK-3β subsequently promoted the nuclear translocation of β-catenin, enhancing growth, invasion, migration, and temozolomide resistance in glioma cells. Expression levels of HMGA1 and MYH9 were significantly correlated with patient survival and should be considered as independent prognostic factors. Our findings provide new insights into the role of HMGA1 and MYH9 in gliomagenesis and suggest the potential application of HMGA1 and MYH9 in cancer therapy in the future.
Enhanced apoptosis as a possible mechanism to self-limit SARS-CoV-2 replication in porcine primary respiratory epithelial cells in contrast to human cells
Authors: Nelli Rahul K. , Phadke Kruttika-S , Castillo Gino , Yen Lu , Saunders Amy , Rauh Rolf , Nelson William , Bellaire Bryan H. , Giménez-Lirola Luis G.
Published: December 2021

The ability of SARS-CoV to infect different species, including humans, dogs, cats, minks, ferrets, hamsters, tigers, and deer, pose a continuous threat to human and animal health. Pigs, though closely related to humans, seem to be less susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Former in vivo studies failed to demonstrate clinical signs and transmission between pigs, while later attempts using a higher infectious dose reported viral shedding and seroconversion. This study investigated species-specific cell susceptibility, virus dose-dependent infectivity, and infection kinetics, using primary human (HRECs) and porcine (PRECs) respiratory epithelial cells. Despite higher ACE2 expression in HRECs compared to PRECs, SARS-CoV-2 infected, and replicated in both PRECs and HRECs in a dose-dependent manner. Cytopathic effect was particularly more evident in PRECs than HRECs, showing the hallmark morphological signs of apoptosis. Further analysis confirmed an early and enhanced apoptotic mechanism driven through caspase 3/7 activation, limiting SARS-CoV-2 propagation in PRECs compared to HRECs. Our findings shed light on a possible mechanism of resistance of pigs to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and it may hold therapeutic value for the treatment of COVID-19.
Generalized stacking fault energy surface mismatch and dislocation transformation
Authors: Feng Longsheng , Mills Michael J. , Wang Yunzhi
Published: December 2021

Even though the fundamental rules governing dislocation activities have been well established in the past century, we report a phenomenon, dislocation transformation, governed by the generalized-stacking-fault energy surface mismatch (GSF mismatch for short) between two co-existing phases. By carrying out ab-initio-informed microscopic phase-field simulations, we demonstrate that the GSF mismatch between a high symmetry matrix phase and a low symmetry precipitate phase can transform an array of identical full dislocations in the matrix into an array of two different types of full dislocations when they shear through the precipitates. The precipitates serve as a passive Shockley partial source, creating new Shockley partial dislocations that are neither the ones from the dissociation of the full dislocation. This phenomenon enriches our fundamental understanding of partial dislocation nucleation and dislocation-precipitate interactions, offering additional opportunities to tailor work-hardening and twinning processes in alloys strengthened by low-symmetry precipitate phases.
Proposal for a mechanical model of mobile shales
Authors: Soto Juan I. , Heidari Mahdi , Hudec Michael R.
Published: December 2021

Structural systems involving mobile shale represent one of the most difficult challenges for geoscientists dedicated to exploring the subsurface structure of continental margins. Mobile-shale structures range from surficial mud volcanoes to deeply buried shale diapirs and shale-cored folds. Where mobile shales occur, seismic imaging is typically poor, drilling is hazardous, and established principles to guide interpretation are few. The central problem leading to these issues is the poor understanding of the mechanical behaviour of mobile shales. Here we propose that mobile shales are at critical state, thus we define mobile shales as “bodies of clay-rich sediment or sedimentary rock undergoing penetrative, (visco-) plastic deformation at the critical state”. We discuss how this proposition can explain key observations associated with mobile shales. The critical-state model can explain the occurrence of both fluidized (no grain contact) shales (e.g., in mud volcanoes) and more viscous shales flowing with grain-to-grain contact (e.g., in shale diapirs), mobilization of cemented and compacted shales, and the role of overpressure in shale mobility. Our model offers new avenues for understanding complex and fascinating mobile-shale structures.
Synthesis of mesoporous silica from geothermal water
Authors: Watanabe Yujiro , Amitani Naoki , Yokoyama Takushi , Ueda Akira , Kusakabe Minoru , Unami Shigeko , Odashima Yoshiji
Published: December 2021

Mesoporous silica was successfully synthesized for the first time using geothermal water from the Onuma Geothermal Power Plant, Akita Prefecture, Japan. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was used as an organic template for the synthesis. CTAB with a concentration of 2.4 × 10–4 mol/L was reacted for 30 min with geothermal water at a temperature of 90 °C, which had a total silicic acid concentration of 475 mg/L (SiO2), at pH 7.0, pH 8.2 (raw water) and pH 9.0. By calcination of the resulting precipitate at 550 °C, mesoporous silica with a pore size of about 2.8 nm and a specific surface area of > 800 m2/g was formed. The total silicic acid concentration in the solution after formation of the mesoporous precipitates was reduced to < 280 mg/L, indicating efficient recovery of supersaturated silicic acid from geothermal water. The monosilicic acid in geothermal water plays an important role in the formation of mesoporous silica. Production of mesoporous silica by our method will contribute not only to prevention of silica scale formation in the piping systems of geothermal power plants but also to its use as an industrial resource.
Biological features between miRNAs and their targets are unveiled from deep learning models
Authors: Gu Tongjun , Xie Mingyi , Barbazuk W. Brad , Lee Ji-Hyun
Published: December 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ~ 22 nucleotide ubiquitous gene regulators. They modulate a broad range of essential cellular processes linked to human health and diseases. Consequently, identifying miRNA targets and understanding how they function are critical for treating miRNA associated diseases. In our earlier work, a hybrid deep learning-based approach (miTAR) was developed for predicting miRNA targets. It performs substantially better than the existing methods. The approach integrates two major types of deep learning algorithms: convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs). However, the features in miRNA:target interactions learned by miTAR have not been investigated. In the current study, we demonstrated that miTAR captures known features, including the involvement of seed region and the free energy, as well as multiple novel features, in the miRNA:target interactions. Interestingly, the CNN and RNN layers of the model perform differently at capturing the free energy feature: the units in RNN layer is more unique at capturing the feature but collectively the CNN layer is more efficient at capturing the feature. Although deep learning models are commonly thought “black-boxes”, our discoveries support that the biological features in miRNA:target can be unveiled from deep learning models, which will be beneficial to the understanding of the mechanisms in miRNA:target interactions.
Potent but transient immunosuppression of T-cells is a general feature of CD71+ erythroid cells
Authors: Grzywa Tomasz M. , Sosnowska Anna , Rydzynska Zuzanna , Lazniewski Michal , Plewczynski Dariusz , Klicka Klaudia , Malecka-Gieldowska Milena , Rodziewicz-Lurzynska Anna , Ciepiela Olga , Justyniarska Magdalena , Pomper Paulina , Grzybowski Marcin M. , Blaszczyk Roman , Wegrzynowicz Michal , Tomaszewska Agnieszka , Basak Grzegorz , Golab Jakub , Nowis Dominika
Published: December 2021

CD71+ erythroid cells (CECs) have been recently recognized in both neonates and cancer patients as potent immunoregulatory cells. Here, we show that in mice early-stage CECs expand in anemia, have high levels of arginase 2 (ARG2) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the spleens of anemic mice, CECs expansion-induced L-arginine depletion suppresses T-cell responses. In humans with anemia, CECs expand and express ARG1 and ARG2 that suppress T-cells IFN-γ production. Moreover, bone marrow CECs from healthy human donors suppress T-cells proliferation. CECs differentiated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells potently suppress T-cell activation, proliferation, and IFN-γ production in an ARG- and ROS-dependent manner. These effects are the most prominent for early-stage CECs (CD71highCD235adim cells). The suppressive properties disappear during erythroid differentiation as more differentiated CECs and mature erythrocytes lack significant immunoregulatory properties. Our studies provide a novel insight into the role of CECs in the immune response regulation.
Universality of noise-induced resilience restoration in spatially-extended ecological systems
Authors: Ma Cheng , Korniss Gyorgy , Szymanski Boleslaw K. , Gao Jianxi
Published: December 2021

Many systems may switch to an undesired state due to internal failures or external perturbations, of which critical transitions toward degraded ecosystem states are prominent examples. Resilience restoration focuses on the ability of spatially-extended systems and the required time to recover to their desired states under stochastic environmental conditions. The difficulty is rooted in the lack of mathematical tools to analyze systems with high dimensionality, nonlinearity, and stochastic effects. Here we show that nucleation theory can be employed to advance resilience restoration in spatially-embedded ecological systems. We find that systems may exhibit single-cluster or multi-cluster phases depending on their sizes and noise strengths. We also discover a scaling law governing the restoration time for arbitrary system sizes and noise strengths in two-dimensional systems. This approach is not limited to ecosystems and has applications in various dynamical systems, from biology to infrastructural systems.
The advent and development of organophotoredox catalysis
Authors: Bortolato Tommaso , Cuadros Sara , Simionato Gianluca , Dell’Amico Luca
Published: December 2021

We herein discuss how and when organic photocatalysts can efficiently replace or outperform their metal counterparts.
Dihydrolevoglucosenone (Cyrene™) as a versatile biobased solvent for lignin fractionation, processing, and chemistry
Authors: Duval Antoine , Avérous Luc
Published: December 2021

Cyrene is a promising and versatile solvent for lignin fractionation, processing and chemistry, for more sustainable processes.
Zero Poisson's ratio in single-layer arsenic
Authors: Bai Lingling , Gao Yifan , Peng Junhao , Xie Xing , Wen Minru , Dong Huafeng , Zhang Xin , Huang Le , Wu Fugen
Published: December 2021

Two-dimensional P2/m arsenene with zero Poisson's ratio (−0.00021) has great application potential in precision instruments such as aviation, flexible electronic equipment, and optoelectronic devices.
Comprehensive and accurate analysis of the working principle in ferroelectric tunnel junctions using low-frequency noise spectroscopy
Authors: Shin Wonjun , Min Kyung Kyu , Bae Jong-Ho , Yim Jiyong , Kwon Dongseok , Kim Yeonwoo , Yu Junsu , Hwang Joon , Park Byung-Gook , Kwon Daewoong , Lee Jong-Ho
Published: December 2021

In contrast to RRAMs, the 1/f noise of the FTJ in the LRS is approximately two orders of magnitude larger than that in the HRS, indicating that the conduction mechanism in each state differs significantly.
Correction: Nitride MXenes as sulfur hosts for thermodynamic and kinetic suppression of polysulfide shuttling: a computational study
Authors: Fan Ke , Ying Yiran , Luo Xin , Huang Haitao
Published: December 2021

Correction for ‘Nitride MXenes as sulfur hosts for thermodynamic and kinetic suppression of polysulfide shuttling: a computational study’ by Ke Fan et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021, 9, 25391–25398, DOI: 10.1039/D1TA06759A.
From imaging a single cell to implementing precision medicine: an exciting new era
Authors: Karacosta Loukia G.
Published: December 2021

In the age of high-throughput, single-cell biology, single-cell imaging has evolved not only in terms of technological advancements but also in its translational applications. The synchronous advancements of imaging and computational biology have produced opportunities of merging the two, providing the scientific community with tools towards observing, understanding, and predicting cellular and tissue phenotypes and behaviors. Furthermore, multiplexed single-cell imaging and machine learning algorithms now enable patient stratification and predictive diagnostics of clinical specimens. Here, we provide an overall summary of the advances in single-cell imaging, with a focus on high-throughput microscopy phenomics and multiplexed proteomic spatial imaging platforms. We also review various computational tools that have been developed in recent years for image processing and downstream applications used in biomedical sciences. Finally, we discuss how harnessing systems biology approaches and data integration across disciplines can further strengthen the exciting applications and future implementation of single-cell imaging on precision medicine.
Evaluation of Remote Categorical Loudness Scaling
Authors: Kopun Judy G. , Turner McKenna , Harris Sara E. , Kamerer Aryn M. , Neely Stephen T. , Rasetshwane Daniel M.
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

The aims of this study were to (a) demonstrate the feasibility of administering categorical loudness scaling (CLS) tests in a remote setting, (b) assess the reliability of remote compared with laboratory CLS results, and (c) provide preliminary evidence of the validity of remote CLS testing.

Method:

CLS data from 21 adult participants collected in a home setting were compared to CLS data collected in a laboratory setting from previous studies. Five participants took part in studies in both settings. Precalibrated equipment was delivered to participants who performed headphone output level checks and measured ambient noise levels. After a practice run, CLS measurements were collected for two runs at 1 and 4 kHz.

Results:

Mean headphone output levels were within 1.5 dB of the target calibration level. Mean ambient noise levels were below the target level. Within-run variability was similar between the two settings, but across-run bias was smaller for data collected in the laboratory setting compared with the remote setting. Systematic differences in CLS functions were not observed for the five individuals who participated in both settings.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that precise stimulus levels can be delivered and background noise levels can be controlled in a home environment. Across-run bias for remote CLS was larger than for in-laboratory CLS, indicating that further work is needed to improve the reliability of CLS data collected in remote settings.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.17131856
Using an Implementation Framework to Survey Outcome Measurement and Treatment Practices in Aphasia
Authors: Tierney-Hendricks Carla , Schliep Megan E. , Vallila-Rohter Sofia
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

Best practices in the field of aphasia rehabilitation increasingly acknowledge a whole-person approach that values interventions aimed at reducing impairments, while also recognizing the impact of aphasia on participation and quality of life. Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), this study aimed to examine whether current clinical practices along levels of service provision reflect this whole-person, multifaceted approach.

Method:

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the United States who provide intervention to people with aphasia across the continuum of care completed this cross-sectional online survey. Current outcome measurement and treatment practices were evaluated within the Living With Aphasia: Framework for Outcome Measurement via multiple-choice and open-text response questions. Data were analyzed descriptively and using ordinal logistic regression models to compare clinical practices along levels of service provision.

Results:

Data from 90 SLPs revealed that language and cognitive skills are assessed with equal consistency across clinical settings; however, functional communication, participation, and quality of life domains are prioritized in settings providing care to clients within the community. Psychological well-being is rarely assessed within clinical practice along most of the rehabilitation process and prioritized within the university clinic setting when clients are in the chronic stage of recovery.

Conclusions:

Clinical practices related to a multifaceted approach to aphasia intervention are variable across levels of service provision. Further exploration of barriers and facilitators to multifaceted aphasia care along the domains of the CFIR is needed to provide an informed approach to implementing change.
Multi‐vehicle multi‐sensor occupancy grid map fusion in vehicular networks
Authors: Meng Xi , Duan Dongliang , Feng Tao
Published: December 2021

Sensing is an essential part in autonomous driving and intelligent transportation systems. It enables the vehicle to better understand itself and its surrounding environment. Vehicular networks support information sharing among different vehicles and hence enable the multi‐vehicle multi‐sensor cooperative sensing, which can greatly improve the sensing performance. However, there are a couple of issues to be addressed. First, the multi‐sensor data fusion needs to deal with heterogeneous data formats. Second, the cooperative sensing process needs to deal with low data quality and perception blind spots for some vehicles. In order to solve the above problems, in this paper the occupancy grid map is adopted to facilitate the fusion of multi‐vehicle and multi‐sensor data. The dynamic target detection frame and pixel information of the camera data are mapped to the static environment of the LiDAR point cloud, and the space‐based occupancy probability distribution kernel density estimation characterization fusion data is designed , and the occupancy grid map based on the probability level and the spatial level is generated. Real‐world experiments show that the proposed fusion framework is better compatible with the data information of different sensors and expands the sensing range by involving the collaborations among multiple vehicles in vehicular networks.
Subtraction dual‐wavelength for enhanced transmission performance of free‐space optical communication over turbulence effect
Authors: Kram A. R. , Kwang Thai S. A. , Tamrin K. F. , Sahari S. K.
Published: December 2021

Performance of a free‐space optical communication system is influenced by atmospheric turbulence which degrades signal transmission quality. A gamma–gamma channel model is employed to characterise this turbulence under weak‐to‐strong conditions. The proposed dual diffuser modulation using subtraction dual‐wavelength concept is combined with a phase screen diffuser to improve signal transmission. Its performances are compared with conventional intensity modulation‐direct detection on off keying and partial coherent beam on off keying techniques. In comparison, results show that the dual diffuser modulation demonstrates superior performances in both received power and bit rate transmission under different turbulence conditions.
Time‐varying frequency model for electric arc furnaces
Authors: Samet Haidar , Sadeghi Reza , Ghanbari Teymoor
Published: December 2021

Accurate modelling of the Electric arc furnace (EAF) is necessary to study its impact on the power systems. Here, a new model for the EAF is presented in which both non‐linearity and time‐varying characteristics are taken into account. The model consists of seven parallel current sources which represent the fundamental and harmonic currents. Magnitude and phase of the fundamental harmonic and magnitude of the second to seventh harmonics are considered as time‐varying which are updated every 0.01 s. To do so, the actual data recorded from eight EAFs in the Mobarakeh steel company (MSC), Isfahan, Iran are used. Autoregressive moving average (ARMA) models are employed to derive the parameters of the time‐varying model. Also, different orders and coefficients of the ARMA model are considered at each run of the model, which enables the proposed model to predict the non‐stationary and stochastic behaviours of the EAF over long‐time periods. It is shown that the proposed combined time‐varying‐harmonic model can even model the generated inter‐harmonics. To evaluate the accuracy of the proposed model, the derived power spectral density (PSD) of the EAF time‐varying parameters, the instantaneous flicker, and short‐term flicker by the proposed model are compared with the actual recorded data.
Infrared small target detection algorithm based on spatial dissimilarity weighted local contrast
Authors: Wang Zhonghua , Duan Siwei
Published: December 2021

To solve the problem that the local contrast algorithm is easily influenced by the heavy clutter background or strong noise and does not fully consider the spatial neighbourhood characteristics of the small target, a spatial dissimilarity weighted local contrast‐based method (SDWLCM) for infrared small target detection is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the two‐dimensional difference of the Gaussian filter with central excitation and lateral suppression characteristics is chosen to preprocess the original infrared image for removing the flat background and improving the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of the small target. Secondly, the spatial dissimilarity between the target and its surrounding backgrounds is designed for local contrast weighting to generate the contrast saliency map so that the heavy clutter background is greatly suppressed and the small target is further highlighted. Thirdly, the saliency map is segmented by the adaptive threshold to get the real targets. Experimental results show that, compared with other methods, the SDWLCM, which owns not only a higher SNR gain and a larger background suppression factor but also a higher detection rate and a lower false alarm rate, is confirmed to be an effective method to detect the small targets.
Exact relaxation of complementary constraints for optimal bidding strategy for electric vehicle aggregators
Authors: Chen Dapeng , Jing Zhaoxia , Li Zhigang , Xu Hedong , Ji Tianyao
Published: December 2021

This paper concentrates on the optimal bidding strategy of a plug‐in electric vehicle aggregator (PEVA) using indirect load control in the day‐ahead energy market, which is generally formulated as bilevel programming. However, this bilevel model is nonconvex and intractable due to the complementary constraints imposed to preclude plug‐in electric vehicles (PEVs) from simultaneously charging and discharging. To handle this problem, an exact relaxation method is first proposed to remove the complementary constraints of the PEVs' charging and discharging behaviours. To further reduce the complexity of the model, a method is proposed for the exact relaxation of the complementary slackness of Karush‐Kuhn‐Tucker (KKT) conditions in the reformulated mathematical program with equilibrium constraints. By removing the complementary constraints, the relaxation methods can effectively reduce the complexity of the model and improve the computational performance. The results of the case study demonstrate the exactness and efficiency of the proposed relaxation methods. Specifically, in the test case with 1000 PEVs and 20 scenarios, 220,000 constraints are removed by the two exact relaxation methods. Moreover, using the second exact relaxation method, in the test case with 400 PEVs and 60 scenarios and the case with 1000 PEVs and 60 scenarios, the computational time drops by 30.3% and 23.3%, respectively.
Near-infrared transmission spectrum of TRAPPIST-1 h usingHubbleWFC3 G141 observations
Authors: Gressier A. , Mori M. , Changeat Q. , Edwards B. , Beaulieu J. P. , Marcq E. , Charnay B.
Published: December 2021

Context.The TRAPPIST-1 planetary system is favourable for transmission spectroscopy and offers the unique opportunity to study rocky planets with possibly non-primary envelopes. We present here the transmission spectrum of the seventh planet of the TRAPPIST-1 system, TRAPPIST-1 h (RP= 0.752R⊕,Teq= 173 K) usingHubbleSpace Telescope (HST), Wide Field Camera 3 Grism 141 (WFC3/G141) data.

Aims.Our purpose is to reduce the HST observations of the seventh planet of the TRAPPIST-1 system and, by testing a simple atmospheric hypothesis, to put a new constraint on the composition and the nature of the planet.

Methods.First we extracted and corrected the raw data to obtain a transmission spectrum in the near-infrared (NIR) band (1.1–1.7 μm). TRAPPIST-1 is a cold M-dwarf and its activity could affect the transmission spectrum. We corrected for stellar modulations using three different stellar contamination models; while some fit the data better, they are statistically not significant and the conclusion remains unchanged concerning the presence or lack thereof of an atmosphere. Finally, using a Bayesian atmospheric retrieval code, we put new constraints on the atmosphere composition of TRAPPIST-1h.

Results.According to the retrieval analysis, there is no evidence of molecular absorption in the NIR spectrum. This suggests the presence of a high cloud deck or a layer of photochemical hazes in either a primary atmosphere or a secondary atmosphere dominated by heavy species such as nitrogen. This result could even be the consequence of the lack of an atmosphere as the spectrum is better fitted using a flat line. Variations in the transit depth around 1.3 μm are likely due to remaining scattering noise and the results do not improve while changing the spectral resolution. TRAPPIST-1 h has probably lost its atmosphere or possesses a layer of clouds and hazes blocking the NIR signal. We cannot yet distinguish between a primary cloudy or a secondary clear envelope using HST/WFC3 data; however, in most cases with more than 3σconfidence, we can reject the hypothesis of a clear atmosphere dominated by hydrogen and helium. By testing the forced secondary atmospheric scenario, we find that a CO-rich atmosphere (i.e. with a volume mixing ratio of 0.2) is one of the best fits to the spectrum with a Bayes factor of 1.01, corresponding to a 2.1σdetection.
L’Atelier d’écologie politique toulousain (Atécopol) : pour un engagement scientifique
Authors:   Atécopol
Published: December 2021

L’Atelier d’écologie politique (Atécopol) regroupe, depuis sa création en octobre 2018, des scientifiques de la région toulousaine de disciplines et de statuts variés. Pointant la responsabilité du secteur de la recherche autant dans l’état des bouleversements écologiques actuels que dans les récits qu’il en propose, l’Atécopol vise à transformer les organisations académiques et sociales. Les actions entreprises couvrent la circulation des connaissances, l’interpellation publique et la remise en cause des politiques de recherche. La formule expérimentée par l’Atécopol rencontre un succès croissant et est riche de questionnements et d’enseignements quant aux dimensions démocratiques, civiques et, plus fondamentalement, politiques et morales de la recherche.
Schwangere Ärztinnen in den operativen Fachgebieten –
eine Befragung zur Umsetzung des Mutterschutzgesetzes unter sächsischen
Fachärztinnen
Authors: Schmauder Stefanie , Kämpf Daniel , Hegewald Janice , Catrein Beate , Nienhaus Albert , Seidler Andreas
Published: December 2021

Ziel Ziel der Studie war es, die Einhaltung des Arbeitsschutzes bei
schwangeren Ärztinnen operativer Fachgebiete zu untersuchen.

Methodik Alle sächsischen Fachärztinnen operativer
Fachgebiete bis 45 Jahre (n=595) wurden zu ihren Tätigkeiten
während der Schwangerschaft schriftlich befragt. Die Erfüllung
vorab festgelegter, expertenbasierter Kriterien des Arbeitsschutzes wurde
deskriptiv beschrieben. Mittels logistischer Regressionsanalyse wurden
berufliche (z. B. „Operieren aus Personalmangel“) und
persönliche (z. B. „Operieren aufgrund der
Weiterbildung“) Einflussfaktoren auf eine geringe Erfüllung des
Arbeitsschutzes (maximal die Hälfte der Kriterien erfüllt)
berechnet.

Ergebnisse 189 der 231 teilnehmenden Fachärztinnen
(Response=39%) hatten bereits Kinder geboren, oder waren zum
Befragungszeitpunkt schwanger. 55% waren während der
Schwangerschaft operativ tätig. Dabei waren durchschnittlich 7,4 der 16
abgefragten Arbeitsschutzmaßnahmen erfüllt (Median=8;
Spannweite 1–13). Alle vorab festgelegten Kriterien des Arbeitsschutzes
waren in keinem Fall erfüllt. Personalmangel hing in der multivariaten
Analyse mit einer geringen Erfüllung des Arbeitsschutzes zusammen
(OR=5,9 (95% CI 1,7–20,0)). Zwei Drittel der Frauen, die
nicht operativ tätig waren, übernahmen invasive
Tätigkeiten. Bei den Tätigkeiten außerhalb des
OP-Bereiches waren durchschnittlich 4,1 von 13 abgefragten
Arbeitsschutzmaßnahmen erfüllt (Median=4; Spannweite
0–8).

Schlussfolgerung Die Ergebnisse der Studie weisen auf deutlichen
Verbesserungsbedarf im Arbeitsschutz operativ tätiger schwangerer
Ärztinnen hin.
COVID-19-Lockdown beeinträchtigt medizinisch notwendige Patientenversorgung – eine retrospektive Analyse während der ersten Welle in einer dermatologischen Hochschulambulanz im Frühjahr 2020
Authors: Gschnell Martin , Federspiel Pauline , Wolf Ronald
Published: December 2021

Hintergrund Die seit Ende 2019 sich ausbreitenden COVID-19-Infektionen haben zu weitreichenden Einschränkungen des öffentlichen Lebens geführt. Um eine Überlastung des deutschen Gesundheitssystems zu verhindern, wurden im medizinischen Bereich elektive Behandlungen während des ersten Lockdowns im Frühjahr 2020 stark eingeschränkt.

Patienten und Methoden In dieser Studie wurde der Einfluss des Lockdowns im Frühjahr 2020 auf das Patientenaufkommen in einer dermatologischen Hochschulambulanz analysiert und mit entsprechenden Zeiträumen der Vorjahre 2018 und 2019 verglichen. Die Patientendaten wurden dem krankenhausinternen Dokumentationssystem nach standardisierten Kriterien entnommen.

Ergebnisse Im Frühjahr 2020 war ein signifikanter Patientenrückgang um 28,3 % im Vergleich zu 2018 und um 28,7 % im Vergleich zu 2019 ersichtlich, zumeist waren Erstvorstellungen betroffen. V. a. bei der Anzahl der Patienten mit chronisch-entzündlichen Erkrankungen und Tumorerkrankungen gab es Rückgänge zu verzeichnen. Insbesondere ältere Risikopatienten mit malignen Erkrankungen haben sich im Lockdown weniger häufig vorgestellt. Altersspezifische Unterschiede wurden nicht festgestellt, jedoch kam es zur Beeinträchtigung der Vorstellungshäufigkeit bei nicht-binären Minderheiten.

Schlussfolgerungen Die Ergebnisse der Studie zeigten einen Rückgang der Vorstellungsbereitschaft von Patienten mit dermatologischen Erkrankungen während des Lockdowns. Erkrankungen konnten länger unerkannt bleiben und infolge des dadurch bedingten späteren Behandlungsbeginns zu schwereren Krankheitsverläufen und schlechteren Therapiemöglichkeiten führen. Insbesondere bei Patienten mit bösartigen Erkrankungen kann dies zu einer schlechteren Prognose führen.
Effects of Lipid Overload on Heart in Metabolic
Diseases
Authors: Yan An , Xie Guinan , Ding Xinya , Wang Yi , Guo Liping
Published: December 2021

Metabolic diseases are often associated with lipid and glucose metabolism
abnormalities, which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Diabetic
cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an important development of metabolic diseases and a
major cause of death. Lipids are the main fuel for energy metabolism in the
heart. The increase of circulating lipids affects the uptake and utilization of
fatty acids and glucose in the heart, and also affects mitochondrial function.
In this paper, the mechanism of lipid overload in metabolic diseases leading to
cardiac energy metabolism disorder is discussed.
Digital lock-in amplifier for space rubidium atomic clock
Authors: Jain Pratik , Priya Priyanka , Ram T. V. S. , Parikh K. S. , Bandi Thejesh N.
Published: December 2021

In many low-noise applications, extracting information from the extremely noisy signal is required. This task can be accomplished by a lock-in amplifier if the frequency of the signal is known before detection. Error signal output from the physics package of the rubidium atomic clock (RbAC) is one of those noisy signals. A lock-in amplifier extracts the desired information from such a signal as the frequency of the error signal is known beforehand. The Space Applications Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation is developing the Indian Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (IRAFS) for Navigation with Indian Constellation. We have developed a digital lock-in amplifier with a very high-resolution frequency control voltage for IRAFS. This paper demonstrates the digital lock-in amplifier with a novel method of combining two 12-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs) to get higher resolution 20-bit output for precise frequency control and tuning. This design technique allows a digital lock-in amplifier to be used for high-performance RbAC for space applications as precision DACs with higher resolution are not available in space-qualified versions.
Coupling 1D xRAGE simulations with machine learning for graded inner shell design optimization in double shell capsules
Authors: Vazirani N. N. , Grosskopf M. J. , Stark D. J. , Bradley P. A. , Haines B. M. , Loomis E. , England S. L. , Scales W. A.
Published: December 2021

Advances in machine learning provide the ability to leverage data from expensive simulations of high-energy-density experiments to significantly cut down on computational time and costs associated with the search for optimal target designs. This study presents an application of cutting-edge Bayesian optimization methods to the one-dimensional (1D) design optimization of double shell graded layer targets for inertial confinement fusion experiments. This investigation attempts to reduce hydrodynamic instabilities while retaining high yields for future NIF experiments. Machine learning methods can use predictive physics simulations to identify graded layer designs from within the vast design space that demonstrate high predicted performance, including novel designs with high uncertainty in performance that may hold unexpected promise. By applying machine learning tools to the simulation design, we map the trade-off between 1D yield and instability, specifically isolating parameter ranges, which maintain high performance while showing significantly improved Rayleigh–Taylor stability over the point design. The groundwork laid in this study will be a useful design tool for future NIF experiments with graded layer targets.
Improved pulse discrimination for a superconducting series nanowire detector by applying a digital matched filter
Authors: Hao Hao , Zhao Qing-Yuan , Kong Ling-Dong , Chen Shi , Wang Hui , Huang Yang-Hui , Guo Jia-Wei , Wan Chao , Liu Hao , Tu Xue-Cou , Zhang La-Bao , Jia Xiao-Qing , Chen Jian , Kang Lin , Li Cong , Chen Te , Cao Gui-Xing , Wu Pei-Heng
Published: December 2021

Photon number resolving (PNR) is an important capacity for detectors working in quantum and classical applications. Although a conventional superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) is not a PNR detector, by arranging nanowires in a series array and multiplexing photons over space, such series PNR-SNSPD can gain quasi-PNR capacity. However, the accuracy and maximum resolved photon number are both limited by the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the output pulses. Here, we introduce a matched filter, which is an optimal filter in terms of SNR. Experimentally, the normalized spacing between pulse amplitudes from adjacent photon number detections increased by a maximum factor of 2.1 after the matched filter. Combining with a cryogenic amplifier to increase SNR further, such spacing increased by a maximum factor of 5.3. In contrast to a low pass filter, the matched filter gave better SNRs while maintaining low timing jitters. The minimum timing jitter of 55 ps was obtained experimentally. Our results suggest that the matched filter is a useful tool for improving the performance of the series PNR-SNSPD. The maximum resolved photon number can be expected to reach 65 or even larger.
Determination of thermal diffusivity of thin films by applying Fourier expansion analysis to thermo-reflectance signal after periodic pulse heating
Authors: Baba Takahiro , Baba Tetsuya , Ishikawa Kazuko , Mori Takao
Published: December 2021

The flash methods, which are the most popular transient methods for measuring the thermal diffusivity of solid materials, have evolved into ultrafast laser flash methods by using picosecond or nanosecond pulse lasers as a heating source and a thermo-reflectance technique such as high-speed thermometry. In conventional ultrafast laser flash methods, thermal diffusivity is determined by fitting an analytical equation after single pulse heating to observe thermo-reflectance signals, although actual thermo-reflectance signals are observed after periodic pulse heating. This paper presents an exact analytical solution of the temperature response expressed by Fourier series for one-dimensional heat diffusion after periodic pulse heating. These Fourier coefficients are directly related to the Laplace transformation of the temperature response after single pulse heating. The signal observed for a 100 nm thick platinum thin film on a fused quartz substrate was analyzed by this Fourier expansion analysis and fitted by analytical equations with three parameters: heat diffusion time across thin film, the ratio of heat effusion of the substrate to thin film, and the amplitude of the signal over the entire range of pulse interval in the time domain. Robustness in determining the thermal diffusivity of the thin film by the ultrafast laser flash method can be improved by this new analysis approach.
Herders’ willingness-to-participate in the Grassland Ecological Compensation and Award Policy in China: a meta-analysis
Authors: Guan Shiqi , Fan Yubing , Tang Zeng
Published: December 2021

Since implementation of its first phase, the Grassland Ecological Compensation and Award Policy (GECAP; 2011–2015) has significantly influenced participants’ livelihoods in China. Willingness-to-participate (WTP) is an important component of successful policy implementation. The effects of influential factors on herders’ WTP have received considerable research effort, although no systematic literature review or quantitative analysis has been conducted to provide evidence-based policy insights. Focusing on 3405 observations extracted from 13 empirical studies, this research conducted a meta-analysis and aggregated the effects of factors affecting Chinese herders’ WTP in the GECAP. The study also analysed the heterogeneity in influential factors and its sources. Factors increasing herders’ WTP included a higher formal education level, a higher farm income from raising livestock, access to larger grassland area, improved grassland condition, and better policy understanding. The cumulative effects of the number of livestock and grassland area on herders’ WTP had increased since the policy was implemented. We examined publication bias that may arise from research with favourable results being more likely to be published and found that publication bias was statistically insignificant for the selected case studies. However, we found significant heterogeneity in household income and number of livestock. The sources of heterogeneity included regional differences, publication year, and sampling method. Future policy modification and formulation should better incentivise active participation of herders by targeting specific pastoral regions and herder groups at certain income levels and/or herd size.
Pop-out search instigates beta-gated feature selectivity enhancement across V4 layers
Authors: Westerberg Jacob A. , Sigworth Elizabeth A. , Schall Jeffrey D. , Maier Alexander
Published: December 2021

Significance

Cerebral cortex is organized in topographical maps of cortical columns. These columns consist of mesoscopic neural circuits that preferentially respond to certain stimulus features like color. We show that attending a visual stimulus results in rhythmic gating of feature preferences along cortical columns. The strength of that rhythm directly impacts the behavioral outcome. These findings demonstrate that the dynamics of feature preferences in cortical columns underlie at least some of the rhythmicity that is associated with attention.
Pathological α-syn aggregation is mediated by glycosphingolipid chain length and the physiological state of α-syn in vivo
Authors: Fredriksen Kristina , Aivazidis Stefanos , Sharma Karan , Burbidge Kevin J. , Pitcairn Caleb , Zunke Friederike , Gelyana Eilrayna , Mazzulli Joseph R.
Published: December 2021

Significance

Gaucher disease (GD) is a glycosphingolipid (GSL) lysosomal storage disorder that displays a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, including the presence or absence of neurological symptoms. GD-causing mutations in β-glucocerebrosidase are also associated with synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s disease, but with incomplete penetrance. Our data indicates that accumulation of long-chain GSLs (≥C22) is critically important for inducing α-synuclein neuropathology in vivo. Reducing long-chain GSLs by 30 to 40% was sufficient to prevent or reverse α-synuclein neuropathology but only in the presence of fully functional cathepsins. Our work offers mechanistic insight into the factors that drive neurodegenerative phenotypes in GD and suggests that GSL-reducing therapies require functional cathepsins to effectively reduce pathological α-synuclein and prevent neurodegeneration.
Probing allosteric interactions in homo-oligomeric molecular machines using solution NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Toyama Yuki , Kay Lewis E.
Published: December 2021

Significance

Much like the macroscopic machines that carry out important functions in everyday life, microscopic molecular machines play critical roles in cellular activities. Often, these are regulated by communication between different regions of the molecule. Here, several examples are presented focusing on solution NMR spectroscopy studies of machines that are important for protein quality control in the cell. In particular, the unique role of NMR in such studies is emphasized, highlighting that applications to systems with aggregate molecular weights of several hundreds of kilodaltons are now possible and that insights from NMR studies are highly complementary to, yet distinct from, those obtained via X-ray and electron cryomicroscopy approaches.
The acceptance of spelling variants as symbols of Croatian spelling changes (1994–2013)
Authors: Stojanov Tomislav
Published: December 2021

This paper discusses the impact of several spelling changes in Croatian on the level of the literacy of native speakers. Since 1986, there have been five official recommendations for usage that pertain to five different orthographic manuals. This research focuses on three spelling points with considerable identity-related repercussions among the public and the media, which are sometimes named the spelling symbols of Croatian. A questionnaire-survey comprised of 36 tests was completed among 1063 students on a technical study programme each year for eight consecutive academic years. Eight generations of first-year undergraduates, who do not study language in an educational setting, have accepted the new spellings, contingent on a frequency principle. The more frequent a spelling variant occurs, the less the chance that the new spelling variant is accepted, and vice versa. Given the lack of established and enduring spelling norms, combined with ideological oppositions between the old and new spelling forms, students have been guided mainly by their capacity to write the most common form.