bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The presence of adjacent others facilitates interpersonal neural synchronization in the left prefrontal cortex during a simple addition task
Authors: Miura Naoki , Noguchi Satsuki
Published: July 2022

The hyperscanning technique, that is, simultaneous measurement of neural signals in more than one person, is a powerful research tool for understanding humans’ social interactions. In recent years, many studies have investigated interpersonal neural synchronization during various types of communication processes. However, there has been little focus on the impact of the presence of others without explicit social interaction, despite the mere presence of others having been suggested as influencing behavior. In this study, we clarify whether neural signals during a self-paced, repeated, addition task are synchronized when another individual is adjacent without direct interaction. Twenty pairs of participants were measured using a hyperscanning approach with near-infrared spectroscopy. The results show that interpersonal neural synchronization of the task-related signal in the left forehead region was enhanced under the condition of being adjacent to another participant. By contrast, a significant decrease in neural synchronization in the center of the forehead region, where increased neural synchronization is often reported in explicit communication, was observed. Thus, the results indicate that the adjacency of others modulates interpersonal neural synchronization in the task-related signal, and the effect on cognitive processing is different from that of explicit social interaction.
Density estimates reveal that fragmented landscapes provide important habitat for conserving an endangered mesopredator, the spotted-tailed quoll
Authors: Henderson T. , Fancourt B. A. , Rajaratnam R. , Vernes K. , Ballard G.
Published: July 2022

Native predators are increasingly exposed to habitat loss and fragmentation globally. When developing conservation and management strategies, it is important to determine whether fragmented landscapes can still support similar predator densities to intact areas, and thereby constitute important habitat for these species. The spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) is an endangered Australian mesopredator that is often considered to be forest-dependent. While quolls are known to occur in some fragmented forest landscapes, it is unclear whether these areas represent sub-optimal habitat where quolls merely persist, or whether quolls can still occur at densities similar to those observed in intact forest landscapes. We used camera traps to detect quolls in both a fragmented and intact forested site, over three years. We used each quoll’s unique pelage pattern to identify individual quolls and estimate population density at each site. We were able to assign more than 94% of quoll image sequences across both sites to identify 173 individuals during the study. Density estimates of 0.13–0.66 quolls per km2at the fragmented site were comparable to estimates of 0.28–0.48 quolls per km2at the intact site. Our results highlight the importance of retaining and protecting forest fragments for the conservation of endangered quoll populations.
Increased temporal stride variability contributes to impaired gait coordination after stroke
Authors: Patel Prakruti , Enzastiga Diana , Casamento-Moran Agostina , Christou Evangelos A. , Lodha Neha
Published: July 2022

Heightened motor variability is a prominent impairment after stroke. During walking, stroke survivors show increased spatial and temporal variability; however, the functional implications of increased gait variability are not well understood. Here, we determine the effect of gait variability on the coordination between lower limbs during overground walking in stroke survivors. Ambulatory stroke survivors and controls walked at a preferred pace. We measured stride length and stride time variability, and accuracy and consistency of anti-phase gait coordination with phase coordination index (PCI). Stroke survivors showed increased stride length variability, stride time variability, and PCI compared with controls. Stride time variability but not stride length variability predicted 43% of the variance in PCI in the stroke group. Stride time variability emerged as a significant predictor of error and consistency of phase. Despite impaired spatial and temporal gait variability following stroke, increased temporal variability contributes to disrupted accuracy and consistency of gait coordination. We provide novel evidence that decline in gait coordination after stroke is associated with exacerbated stride time variability, but not stride length variability. Temporal gait variability may be a robust indicator of the decline in locomotor function and an ideal target for motor interventions that promote stable walking after stroke.
Pressure distribution on a flat plate in the context of the phenomenon of the Coanda effect hysteresis
Authors: Skotnicka-Siepsiak Aldona
Published: July 2022

As a result of the Coanda effect, a symmetrical free jet will flow as an asymmetrical wall jet. At the same time, at the obstacle along which the flow is observed, the wall jet generates pressure distribution. In this study, the obstacle located at the diffuser outlet is a flat plate with a variable inclination angle. The article presents results of the study on pressure distributions on a flat plate with a variable angle of inclination. In the experiment, the Reynolds number ranged from 16,192 to 42,240. A fixed geometry diffuser (Witoszyński nozzle) with a height of 0.60 m, width of 0.02 m and outlet velocity of 11.33–29.57 m/s was used. A plate with a length of 1.00 m and a variable inclination angle was installed at the diffuser outlet. What is new, however, is that the presented results of the experimental research include the influence of the Coanda effect hysteresis on the pressure distribution on the plate. The article shows how pressure distributions change on the plate depending on whether the initial angle of inclination was 0° and was increased gradually in the course of the experiment until a detachment of the jet flowing from the plate was observed, or the initial angle of inclination was close to 90° in the primal state and as the angle of the plate inclination was decreased, the jet flowing towards the plate reached the state of attachment to the plate surface. The study demonstrated that for a turbulent jet, pressure distribution on a flat plate is determined not only by the plate’s inclination angle, but also by the direction of its rotation.
Cytoprotective effects and antioxidant activities of acteoside and various extracts of Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum Turcz leaves against t-BHP induced oxidative damage
Authors: Zhu Junjie , Li Gang , Zhou Jing , Xu Zhiyong , Xu Jing
Published: July 2022

This study evaluates the antioxidant potential and cytoprotective effects of ethanolic crude extract from Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum leaves (ECE) and five derived fractions (namely, petroleum ether fraction (PEF), dichloromethane fraction (DMF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), n-butyl alcohol fraction (BAF) and the remaining fraction (RF)), as well as acteoside (Ac, a major phenolic component in EAF) on oxidative damage caused by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) in HepG2 cells. MTT assay results showed that ECE, EAF, BAF, RF and Ac increased the viability of t-BHP-damaged cells in a dose-dependent manner, while EAF significantly promoted cell viability. EAF, BAF, RF, or Ac reduced the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, glutathione (GSH) levels and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) increased. Western blot analysis further indicated that EAF, BAF, RF, or Ac up-regulated pro-caspase-3 and reduced cleaved caspase-3 during t-BHP-induced oxidative stress. Flow cytometry analysis and fluorescence micrographs showed that Ac could inhibit apoptosis.
Nanoarchitectonics of neomycin-derived fluorescent carbon dots for selective detection of Fe3+ ions
Authors: Jadhav Ratan W. , Khobrekar Pritesh P. , Bugde Sandesh T. , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: July 2022

The nanoarchitectonics of the first ever neomycin antibiotic derived carbon dots have been reported for the selective detection of Fe3+.
Promotion of the selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3 over microporous Cu-SSZ-13 by H2O and OH groups at low temperatures: a density functional theory study
Authors: Fu Yu , He Guangzhi , Shan Yulong , Du Jinpeng , He Hong
Published: July 2022

The standard NH3-SCR reaction pathways over Cu-SSZ-13 catalysts were studied. NO activation at Cu sites and water participation significantly reduce the energy barrier of the SCR reaction and facilitate the regeneration of the active Cu species.
Soot oxidation in low-O2 and O2-free environments by lanthanum-based perovskites: structural changes and the effect of Ag doping
Authors: Martinovic Ferenc , Galletti Camilla , Bensaid Samir , Pirone Raffaele , Deorsola Fabio Alessandro
Published: July 2022

Atmosphere dependent switching between perovskite and mixed-phase structure.
Structural characteristics and immunostimulatory activity of sea cucumber tendon polysaccharides in cyclophosphamide-induced Balb/c mice
Authors: Zhang Zhuchi , Mwizerwa Muhindo Esther , Wang Songjun , Yun Liyuan , Zhang Min
Published: July 2022

Sea cucumber tendon, one of the main parts of sea cucumber viscera, is widely accepted as a waste residue.
Isolation, identification and in vivo antihypertensive effect of novel angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides from Spirulina protein hydrolysate
Authors: Suo Qishan , Yue Yang , Wang Jing , Wu Ning , Geng Lihua , Zhang Quanbin
Published: July 2022

By combining virtual screening and experimental assay, two angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides, TVLYEH and LQAGGLF, were identified from the protease K hydrolysate of Spirulina protein, and TVLYEH showed significantly antihypertensive effect in vivo.
Analysis of the multi-physiological and functional mechanism of wheat alkylresorcinols based on reverse molecular docking and network pharmacology
Authors: Wei Yulong , Yu Ning , Wang Ziyuan , Hao Yiming , Wang Zongwei , Yang Zihui , Liu Jie , Wang Jing
Published: July 2022

Multiplex analysis revealed that multiple physiologically active functions of alkylresorcinols (ARs) were associated with HSP90AA1, EP300, HSP90AB1 and ERBB2 targets.
Effect of the crosslinking and drying method on the oxidative stability of lipid microcapsules obtained by complex coacervation
Authors: Zhu Hongguang , Wu Sisi , Zhang Zifan , Ma Tiezheng
Published: July 2022

The solvent replacement drying method greatly enhanced the oxidative stability of microcapsules, which was attributed to the weaker external force on the wall layer and the increased proportion of an α-helical protein structure during the drying process.
Mechanical interlocking of SWNTs with N-rich macrocycles for efficient ORR electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Wanzheng , Guillén-Soler Melanie , Moreno-Da Silva Sara , López-Moreno Alejandro , González Luisa R. , Giménez-López María del Carmen , Pérez Emilio M.
Published: July 2022

We present the encapsulation of SWNTs within N-rich macrocycles to enhance electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen-reduction reaction.
Photoelectrochemical alcohols oxidation over polymeric carbon nitride photoanodes with simultaneous H2 production
Authors: Karjule Neeta , Phatake Ravindra S. , Barzilai Shmuel , Mondal Biswajit , Azoulay Adi , Shames Alexander I. , Volokh Michael , Albero Josep , García Hermenegildo , Shalom Menny
Published: July 2022

We report a photoelectrochemical (PEC) approach for the selective oxidation of alcohols to value-added products with simultaneous hydrogen (H2) generation using polymeric carbon nitride (CN) film as a photoanode.
Air-permeable and flexible multifunctional cellulose-based textiles for bio-protection, thermal heating conversion, and electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Yu Zhaochuan , Deng Chao , Seidi Farzad , Yong Qiang , Lou Zhichao , Meng Liucheng , Liu Jiawei , Huang Chen , Liu Yuqian , Wu Weibing , Han Jingquan , Xiao Huining
Published: July 2022

An air-permeable and flexible wearable textile with excellent antimicrobial activity (>99.99%), exceptional heating performance (dual-driven energy conversion and fast thermal response), and outstanding EMI shielding efficiency is reported.
A Cr3+ luminescence based ratiometric optical laser power meter
Authors: Marciniak L. , Szalkowski M. , Bednarkiewicz A. , Elzbieciak-Piecka K.
Published: July 2022

Chromium doped luminescent phosphors display numerous spectral features that can be useful for designing modern multi-functional materials.
Evaluation of Machine Learning Algorithms and Explainability Techniques to Detect Hearing Loss From a Speech-in-Noise Screening Test
Authors: Lenatti Marta , Moreno-Sánchez Pedro A. , Polo Edoardo M. , Mollura Maximiliano , Barbieri Riccardo , Paglialonga Alessia
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to analyze the performance of multivariate machine learning (ML) models applied to a speech-in-noise hearing screening test and investigate the contribution of the measured features toward hearing loss detection using explainability techniques.

Method:

Seven different ML techniques, including transparent (i.e., decision tree and logistic regression) and opaque (e.g., random forest) models, were trained and evaluated on a data set including 215 tested ears (99 with hearing loss of mild degree or higher and 116 with no hearing loss). Post hoc explainability techniques were applied to highlight the role of each feature in predicting hearing loss.

Results:

Random forest (accuracy = .85, sensitivity = .86, specificity = .85, precision = .84) performed, on average, better than decision tree (accuracy = .82, sensitivity = .84, specificity = .80, precision = .79). Support vector machine, logistic regression, and gradient boosting had similar performance as random forest. According to post hoc explainability analysis on models generated using random forest, the features with the highest relevance in predicting hearing loss were age, number and percentage of correct responses, and average reaction time, whereas the total test time had the lowest relevance.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that a multivariate approach can help detect hearing loss with satisfactory performance. Further research on a bigger sample and using more complex ML algorithms and explainability techniques is needed to fully investigate the role of input features (including additional features such as risk factors and individual responses to low-/high-frequency stimuli) in predicting hearing loss.
Smart auto mining (SAM) for industrial IoT blockchain network
Authors: Igboanusi Ikechi Saviour , Allwinnaldo Allwinnaldo , Alief Revin Naufal , Ansori Muhammad Rasyid Redha , Lee Jae‐Min , Kim Dong‐Seong
Published: July 2022

This work proposes smart auto mining (SAM) for resource‐efficient mining in a blockchain network. The SAM algorithm stops the miners when there is zero pending transaction and starts the miner when there is at least one transaction sent into the network. The miner listens to the network to identify when a transaction has been made by a node. The model does not need any instruction to start mining when there is a pending transaction. The results show that a private Ethereum network produced over 300% more blocks in a 12‐h period with 599,950 transactions compared to when SAM is applied. The proposed algorithm is also able to reduce the storage used by the chaindata by 14%. The overhead of mining is decreased by reducing the production of empty blocks in the network which saves energy, storage space, network bandwidth and computational complexity.
Being incidentally exposed to a sport context: same consequences on gender schema activation as being in a sport context?
Authors: Clément-Guillotin Corentin , Colombel Fabienne , Easthope Chris Awai , Fontayne Paul
Published: July 2022

The main goal of the present research was to examine whether the activation of gender schema would be indifferent to the method of induction: placing individuals into contexts or incidentally exposing them to contexts. Based on Clément-Guillotin and Fontayne’s (2011. Situational malleability of gender schema: The case of the competitive sport context. Sex Roles, 64, 426–439) study examining gender-related information processing efficiency while explicitly placing individuals into contexts, we investigated the same aspect while incidentally exposing individuals to contexts. We hypothesized that an exposure to a single, powerfully gendered context (i.e., competitive sport) may be sufficient to render gender and sex categories accessible when compared to a gender-neutral context (i.e., cinema). Three studies showed that participants primed with a competitive sport context were faster to respond to gender attributes and to indicate their own sex than participants primed with a cinema context. This underlines that the activation of sex and gender category systems is not identical when being incidentally exposed to versus actually being immersed in a gendered context. While explicitly placing individuals into a gendered context seems to activate a single gender schema dimension related to the context, being incidentally exposed to a single gendered context seems to activate both gender schema dimensions.
Da sein, zuhören, verstehen
Authors: Becker Alexander
Published: July 2022

Erinnern Sie sich noch an Ihre Anfänge in der Psychiatrie? Wir wollten von psychiatrisch Pflegenden wissen, wie der erste Kontakt mit dem Team und den Patienten war, was sie am meisten interessiert, berührt oder auch befremdet hat und wo sie ihre Aufgaben sehen. Dieses Mal berichtet ein Pflegender, der vor 16 Jahren seine pflegerische Laufbahn startete.
Liebe Leserinnen und Leser,
Authors: Franke-Luderer Daniela
Published: July 2022

Erfahrungen sind häufig wertvoller als geballtes Fachwissen – diese Erkenntnis trifft auch auf die EX-IN-Bewegung zu, mit der wir uns im CNE Schwerpunkt dieser Ausgabe beschäftigen.
Die ländliche ambulante Versorgung älterer Menschen während der Coronapandemie
Authors: Oltersdorf-Steffan Sabine , Morgenstern Ulrike
Published: July 2022

Führte der Fachkräftemangel in der ambulanten Pflege dazu, dass während der Coronapandemie ältere demenzerkrankte Menschen in ländlichen Regionen unterversorgt waren? Antworten liefert eine Studie, in der ambulante Pflegedienste zu ihren Erfahrungen interviewt wurden. Die Ergebnisse bestätigen bereits bekannte Engpässe in der Gesundheitsversorgung und decken weitere Probleme auf, wie zum Beispiel die Isolation und Einsamkeit älterer Menschen.
Factors associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers in aerosol-generating disciplines
Authors: Römmele Christoph , Kahn Maria , Zellmer Stephan , Muzalyova Anna , Hammel Gertrud , Bartenschlager Christina , Beyer Albert , Rosendahl Jonas , Schlittenbauer Tilo , Zenk Johannes , Al-Nawas Bilal , Frankenberger Roland , Hoffmann Juergen , Arens Christoph , Lammert Frank , Traidl-Hoffmann Claudia , Messmann Helmut , Ebigbo Alanna
Published: July 2022

Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to exposure to potentially infectious material, especially during aerosol-generating procedures (AGP). We aimed to investigate risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs in medical disciplines with AGP.

Methods A nationwide questionnaire-based study in private practices and hospital settings was conducted between 12/16/2020 and 01/24/2021. Data on SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCWs and potential risk factors of infection were investigated.

Results 2070 healthcare facilities with 25113 employees were included in the study. The overall infection rate among HCWs was 4.7%. Multivariate analysis showed that regions with higher incidence rates had a significantly increased risk of infection. Furthermore, hospital setting and HCWs in gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) had more than double the risk of infection (OR 2.63; 95% CI 2.50–2.82, p<0.01 and OR 2.35; 95% CI 2.25–2.50, p<0.01). For medical facilities who treated confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases, there was a tendency towards higher risk of infection (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.11–1.63, p=0.068).

Conclusion Both factors within and outside medical facilities appear to be associated with an increased risk of infection among HCWs. Therefore, GIE and healthcare delivery setting were related to increased infection rates. Regions with higher SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates were also significantly associated with increased risk of infection.
Analyse der Patientencharakteristika in der stationären
Behandlung von Verhaltenssüchten – eine explorative
Studie
Authors: Gasser Cristina , Mutschler Jochen
Published: July 2022

Einleitung, Fragestellung Zur Behandlung von Verhaltenssüchten ist
wenig klinische Forschung vorhanden. Daher werden in dieser Studie die
Patientencharakteristika aus den ersten 2 Jahren des Therapiemodells der
Privatklinik Meiringen beschrieben sowie Auffälligkeiten und
Veränderungen im psychischen Zustand der Patienten statistisch
analysiert.

Methoden Insgesamt 49 Personen zwischen 18 und 64 Jahren wurden aus dem
stationären Setting eingeschlossen. Die Patientencharakteristika wurden
mit deskriptiver Statistik dargestellt. Anhand validierter Messinstrumente wurde
der psychische Zustand der Patienten zum Eintritts- und Austrittszeitpunkt
erfasst und analysiert.

Resultate Die Analyse zeigte einerseits, dass alle Studienteilnehmenden
neben der Verhaltenssucht an anderen psychischen Komorbiditäten litten.
Am häufigsten trat die Depression auf. Zudem variierte die Verteilung
und das Vorkommen der Komorbiditäten je nach Verhaltenssucht.
Andererseits zeigte sich auch eine deutliche Verbesserung der psychischen
Belastung zwischen der Ersterhebung und der Letzterhebung

Schlussfolgerungen Die Studie gibt einen explorativen Einblick in
Eigenheiten der Patientencharakteristika im stationären Setting und
einen Überblick ihres Komorbiditätsspektrums. Leider
verunmöglicht der retrospektive Charakter der Studie genauere Aussagen
über die Wirksamkeit der Therapie.
Primary Bilateral Ovarian Lymphoma: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Bano Salwa , Ramaswamy Veena , Chandrashekar Chaitra
Published: July 2022

Primary ovarian lymphomas constitute 0.5% of all ovarian malignancies. We report one such case in a middle-aged woman who presented with a bilateral ovarian tumor. Bilateral oophorectomy with salpingectomy was sent for frozen section analysis that revealed a round cell tumor. Final histopathology showed a mitotically active small round blue cell tumor arranged in diffuse sheets and chords with an evident starry-sky pattern. Extensive immunohistochemistry (IHC) panel was performed. Histopathology along with IHC did not classify the tumor into diffuse-large-B cell-lymphoma or Burkitt lymphoma and a final diagnosis of high-grade B cell lymphoma (HGBL) was made. This case is presented for its rarity and to discuss the challenges on IHC to subclassify a lymphoma as HGBL. Although rare, the possibility of primary ovarian non-Hodgkin lymphoma should be kept in mind when dealing with bilateral ovarian tumors as a timely and accurate diagnosis can save unnecessary surgeries and improve outcome.
Parental drought priming enhances tolerance to low temperature in wheat (
Authors: Guo Junhong , Wang Hongyan , Liu Shengqun , Wang Yongjun , Liu Fulai , Li Xiangnan
Published: July 2022

Low temperature is one of the major environmental stresses that limit crop growth and grain yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Drought priming at the vegetative stage could enhance wheat tolerance to later cold stress; however, the transgenerational effects of drought priming on wheat offspring’s cold stress tolerance remains unclear. Here, the low temperature responses of offspring were tested after the parental drought priming treatment at grain filling stage. The offspring plants from parental drought priming treatment had a higher abscisic acid (ABA) level and lower osmotic potential (Ψo) than the control plants under cold conditions. Moreover, parental drought priming increased the antioxidant enzyme activities and decreased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation in offspring. In comparison to control plants, parental drought priming plants had a higher ATP concentration and higher activities of ATPase and the enzymes involved in sucrose biosynthesis and starch metabolism. The results indicated that parental drought priming induced low temperature tolerance in offspring by regulating endogenous ABA levels and maintaining the redox homeostasis and the balance of carbohydrate metabolism, which provided a potential approach for cold resistant cultivation in wheat.
Human influence on burrow activity of the Chinese pangolin in Nepal
Authors: Khatiwada Ambika P. , Wright Wendy , Kunkel Kyran , Khatiwada Monsoon P. , Waterman Carly , Bhattarai Santosh , Baral Hem S. , Pokheral Chiranjibi P. , Dalerum Fredrik
Published: July 2022

Context People and wildlife are coming into greater contact worldwide because of the increasing human footprint. Although some species tolerate certain levels of human activities, others are vulnerable to human disturbance, potentially altering their spatial or temporal patterns of activity in response to disturbance by humans. Aims We evaluated the influence of human activity on burrow activity of the Chinese pangolin, a Critically Endangered species that is heavily persecuted for subsistence and illegal trade. Methods We deployed remotely triggered camera traps at pangolin burrows located at four sites with contrasting levels of human density and infrastructure in Nepal, and estimated burrow-activity patterns of pangolins by using a kernel-density estimator based on the time stamp of camera trap observations. Key results Our findings did not suggest that anthropogenic disturbance affected pangolin burrow activity, but we acknowledge that these findings were based on a limited number of observations. Peak pangolin burrow activity was observed after midnight in three of the study sites, including those with highest and lowest levels of human activity. The fourth area, which had intermediate levels of human activity, had an earlier peak in burrow activity, possibly caused by prey deficiency owing to intense agriculture. Conclusions We suggest that pangolins may tolerate human activity because of their strictly nocturnal temporal niche, but that this tolerance has made them vulnerable to poaching because it allows them to co-exist spatially with humans. Implications Nocturnal species may be particularly prone to non-conflict-related persecution, because they may be easily accessible targets for illegal hunting activities.
Defining the challenges of Li extraction with olivine host: The roles of competitor and spectator ions
Authors: Yan Gangbin , Wang Mingzhan , Hill Grant T. , Zou Siqi , Liu Chong
Published: July 2022

The lithium supply issue mainly lies in the inability of current mining methods to access lithium sources of dilute concentrations and complex chemistry. Electrochemical intercalation has emerged as a highly selective method for lithium extraction; however, limited source compositions have been studied, which is insufficient to predict its applicability to the wide range of unconventional water sources (UWS). This work addresses the feasibility and identifies the challenges of Li extraction by electrochemical intercalation from UWS, by answering three questions: 1) Is there enough Li in UWS? 2) How would the solution compositions affect the competition of Li
+
to major ions (Na
+
/Mg
2+
/K
+
/Ca
2+
)? 3) Does the complex solution composition affect the electrode stability? Using one-dimensional olivine FePO
4
as the model electrode, we show the complicated roles of major ions. Na
+
acts as the competitor ion for host storage sites. The competition from Na
+
grants Mg
2+
and Ca
2+
being only the spectator ions. However, Mg
2+
and Ca
2+
can significantly affect the charge transfer of Li
+
and Na
+
, therefore affecting the Li selectivity. We point to improving the selectivity of Li
+
to Na
+
as the key challenge for broadening the minable UWS using the olivine host.
Interferon-β regulates proresolving lipids to promote the resolution of acute airway inflammation
Authors: Sekheri Meriem , Rizo-Téllez Salma A. , Othman Amira , El Kebir Driss , Filep János G.
Published: July 2022

Aberrant immune responses, including hyperresponsiveness to Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands, underlie acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Type I interferons confer antiviral activities and could also regulate the inflammatory response, whereas little is known about their actions to resolve aberrant inflammation. Here we report that interferon-β (IFN-β) exerts partially overlapping, but also cooperative actions with aspirin-triggered 15-epi-lipoxin A
4
(15-epi-LXA
4
) and 17-epi-resolvin D1 to counter TLR9-generated cues to regulate neutrophil apoptosis and phagocytosis in human neutrophils. In mice, TLR9 activation impairs bacterial clearance, prolongs
Escherichia coli
–evoked lung injury, and suppresses production of IFN-β and the proresolving lipid mediators 15-epi-LXA
4
and resolvin D1 (RvD1) in the lung. Neutralization of endogenous IFN-β delays pulmonary clearance of
E. coli
and aggravates mucosal injury. Conversely, treatment of mice with IFN-β accelerates clearance of bacteria, restores neutrophil phagocytosis, promotes neutrophil apoptosis and efferocytosis, and accelerates resolution of airway inflammation with concomitant increases in 15-epi-LXA
4
and RvD1 production in the lungs. Pharmacological blockade of the lipoxin receptor ALX/FPR2 partially prevents IFN-β–mediated resolution. These findings point to a pivotal role of IFN-β in orchestrating timely resolution of neutrophil and TLR9 activation–driven airway inflammation and uncover an IFN-β–initiated resolution program, activation of an ALX/FPR2-centered, proresolving lipids-mediated circuit, for ARDS.
Agonist concentration–dependent changes in FPR1 conformation lead to biased signaling for selective activation of phagocyte functions
Authors: Wang Junlin , Ye Richard D.
Published: July 2022

The bacteria-derived formyl peptide fMet-Leu-Phe (fMLF) is a potent chemoattractant of phagocytes that induces chemotaxis at subnanomolar concentrations. At higher concentrations, fMLF inhibits chemotaxis while stimulating degranulation and superoxide production, allowing phagocytes to kill invading bacteria. How an agonist activates distinct cellular functions at different concentrations remains unclear. Using a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer–based FPR1 biosensor, we found that fMLF at subnanomolar and micromolar concentrations induced distinct conformational changes in FPR1, a Gi-coupled chemoattractant receptor that activates various phagocyte functions. Neutrophil-like HL-60 cells exposed to subnanomolar concentrations of fMLF polarized rapidly and migrated along a chemoattractant concentration gradient. These cells also developed an intracellular Ca2+concentration gradient. In comparison, high nanomolar and micromolar concentrations of fMLF triggered the PLC-β/diacyl glycerol/inositol trisphosphate pathway downstream of the heterotrimeric Gi proteins, leading to Ca2+mobilization from intracellular stores and Ca2+influx from extracellular milieu. A robust and uniform rise in cytoplasmic Ca2+level was required for degranulation and superoxide production but disrupted cytoplasmic Ca2+concentration gradient and inhibited chemotaxis. In addition, elevated ERK1/2 phosphorylation and β-arrestin2 membrane translocation were associated with diminished chemotaxis in the presence of fMLF above 1 nM. These findings suggest a mechanism for FPR1 agonist concentration–dependent signaling that leads to a switch from migration to bactericidal activities in phagocytes.
Splicing inactivation generates hybrid mRNA-snoRNA transcripts targeted by cytoplasmic RNA decay
Authors: Liu Yanru , DeMario Samuel , He Kevin , Gibbs Michelle R. , Barr Keaton W. , Chanfreau Guillaume F.
Published: July 2022

Many small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNA)s are processed from introns of host genes, but the importance of splicing for proper biogenesis and the fate of the snoRNAs is not well understood. Here, we show that inactivation of splicing factors or mutation of splicing signals leads to the accumulation of partially processed hybrid messenger RNA–snoRNA (hmsnoRNA) transcripts. hmsnoRNAs are processed to the mature 3′ ends of the snoRNAs by the nuclear exosome and bound by small nucleolar ribonucleoproteins. hmsnoRNAs are unaffected by translation-coupled RNA quality-control pathways, but they are degraded by the major cytoplasmic exonuclease Xrn1p, due to their messenger RNA (mRNA)-like 5′ extensions. These results show that completion of splicing is required to promote complete and accurate processing of intron-encoded snoRNAs and that splicing defects lead to degradation of hybrid mRNA-snoRNA species by cytoplasmic decay, underscoring the importance of splicing for the biogenesis of intron-encoded snoRNAs.
Unwinding and spiral sliding of S4 and domain rotation of VSD during the electromechanical coupling in Nav1.7
Authors: Huang Gaoxingyu , Wu Qiurong , Li Zhangqiang , Jin Xueqin , Huang Xiaoshuang , Wu Tong , Pan Xiaojing , Yan Nieng
Published: July 2022

Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channel Nav1.7 has been targeted for the development of nonaddictive pain killers. Structures of Nav1.7 in distinct functional states will offer an advanced mechanistic understanding and aid drug discovery. Here we report the cryoelectron microscopy analysis of a human Nav1.7 variant that, with 11 rationally introduced point mutations, has a markedly right-shifted activation voltage curve with V1/2reaching 69 mV. The voltage-sensing domain in the first repeat (VSDI) in a 2.7-Å resolution structure displays a completely down (deactivated) conformation. Compared to the structure of WT Nav1.7, three gating charge (GC) residues in VSDIare transferred to the cytosolic side through a combination of helix unwinding and spiral sliding of S4Iand ∼20° domain rotation. A conserved WNФФD motif on the cytoplasmic end of S3I stabilizes the down conformation of VSDI. One GC residue is transferred in VSDIImainly through helix sliding. Accompanying GC transfer in VSDIand VSDII, rearrangement and contraction of the intracellular gate is achieved through concerted movements of adjacent segments, including S4-5I, S4-5II, S5II, and all S6 segments. Our studies provide important insight into the electromechanical coupling mechanism of the single-chain voltage-gated ion channels and afford molecular interpretations for a number of pain-associated mutations whose pathogenic mechanism cannot be revealed from previously reported Navstructures.
Effects of vacuum oil quenching on distortion of 42CrMo Navy C-ring
Authors: Liu Jing , Li Jiadong , Tian Yong , Li Yong , Wang Zhaodong
Published: July 2022

To better analyse the process parameters effects on distortion, a multi-field coupling simulation of the 42CrMo Navy C-ring vacuum oil quenching process is performed using DEFORM software. The cooling curves of different processes are measured using a stainless-steel probe, and the heat transfer coefficients are calculated by solving the inverse heat conduction problem to accurately predict the transient temperature field. The numerical analysis results demonstrate that increasing the oil temperature rarely affects the distortion. Decreasing the agitation frequency from 50 to 10 Hz can reduce the distortion by 48%. The pressure above the quenching tank has the most effect on distortion, as increasing the pressure from 10 to 50,000 Pa increases the gap by 1.5 times.
Model reduction methods for nuclear emulators
Authors: Melendez J A , Drischler C , Furnstahl R J , Garcia A J , Zhang Xilin
Published: July 2022

The field of model order reduction (MOR) is growing in importance due to its ability to extract the key insights from complex simulations while discarding computationally burdensome and superfluous information. We provide an overview of MOR methods for the creation of fast & accurate emulators of memory- and compute-intensive nuclear systems, focusing on eigen-emulators and variational emulators. As an example, we describe how ‘eigenvector continuation’ is a special case of a much more general and well-studied MOR formalism for parameterized systems. We continue with an introduction to the Ritz and Galerkin projection methods that underpin many such emulators, while pointing to the relevant MOR theory and its successful applications along the way. We believe that this guide will open the door to broader applications in nuclear physics and facilitate communication with practitioners in other fields.
A very low frequency (VLF) antenna based on clamped bending-mode structure magnetoelectric laminates
Authors: Hu Lizhi , Zhang Qianshi , Wu Hanzhou , You Haoran , Jiao Jie , Luo Haosu , Wang Yaojin , Duan Chungang , Gao Anran
Published: July 2022

As the development of wireless communication devices tends to be highly integrated, the miniaturization of very low frequency (VLF) antenna units has always been an unresolved issue. Here, a novel VLF mechanical communication antenna using magnetoelectric (ME) laminates with bending-mode structure is realized. ME laminates combines magnetostrictive Metglas amorphous ribbons and piezoelectric 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.3PbTiO3 single crystal plates. From the simulation, we confirmed that the ME laminates can reduce the resonance peak from 18 kHz to 7.5 kHz by bending-mode structure. Experiment results show the resonance frequency can be farther reduced to 6.3 kHz by clamping one end of the ME antenna. The ME laminate exhibits a giant converse ME coefficient of 6 Oe cm V−1 at 6.3 kHz. The magnetic flux density generated by the ME antenna has been tested along with distance ranging from 0 to 60 cm and it is estimated that a 1 fT flux could be detected around 100 m with an excitation power of 10 mW.
Structural stability and optical properties of 1D photonic crystals based on porous anodic alumina after annealing at different temperatures
Authors: Szwachta Grzegorz , Białek Ewelina , Włodarski Maksymilian , Norek Małgorzata
Published: July 2022

Porous anodic alumina (PAA) photonic crystals with a photonic stop-band (PSB) placed in the mid-infrared (MIR) spectral region represent a promising approach for increasing of gas sensors sensitivity. An onion-like layered distribution of anionic impurities is a hallmark of PAA, and its presence is generally considered to demarcate the boundary between transparent and opaque ranges in the infrared spectral region. Here, we study the effect of annealing in the temperature range of 450 °C–1 100 °C on the structural stability and optical properties in photonic crystals based on PAA fabricated by pulse anodization in oxalic acid. Pulse sequences were selected in a way to obtain photonic crystals of different periodic structures with a PSB located in visible and MIR spectral regions. The first photonic crystal was composed of layers with gradually changing porosity, whereas the second photonic crystal consisted of a sequentially repeated double-layer unit with an abrupt change in porosity. We investigated the response of alumina with rationally designed porosities and different arrangements of porous layers for high-temperature treatment. The microstructure (scanning electron microscopy), phase composition (x-ray diffraction), and optical properties (optical spectroscopy) were analysed to track possible changes after annealing. Both photonic crystals demonstrated an excellent structural stability after 24 h annealing up to 950 °C. At the same time, the evaporation of the anionic impurities from PAA walls caused a shift of the PSB towards the shorter wavelengths. Furthermore, the annealing at 1 100 °C induced a high transparency (up to 90%) of alumina in MIR spectral region. It was shown thus that properly selected electrochemical and annealing conditions enable the fabrication of porous photonic crystals with the high transparency spanning the spectral range up to around 10 μm.
Langmuir probe without RF compensation
Authors: Dvořák P , Pálenik J , Tkáčik M , Pospíšil Z
Published: July 2022

Langmuir probes with RF compensation are used for measurements of electron concentration, electron temperature and the DC value of plasma potential in RF discharges. In order to obtain all the RF components of plasma potential, simple probes without RF compensation are used. However, it has been believed that these uncompensated probes can not be used for determination of the DC value of plasma potential and of electron concentration and temperature, since their VA characteristics is distorted by the RF current. Consequently, the evaluation of data measured with uncompensated probes was not possible without additional measurement with a RF compensated Langmuir probe. This contribution analyzes the possibility to use uncompensated probes not only for measurement of RF components of plasma potential, but also for measurement of the DC component of plasma potential, electron concentration and electron temperature.
Energy selectivity in electron absorptive heating methods: does the angular momentum trap matter? An experimental investigation
Authors: Yip Chi-Shung , Jin Chenyao , Zhang Wei , Jiang Di , Ghim Young-Chul , Severn Greg
Published: July 2022

Comparison between the Maxwell demon and a planar electrode has been revisited with an in-depth analysis of whether the angular momentum trap of the Maxwell demon indeed provides better energy selectivity than a small planar electrode that absorbs electrons indiscriminately. The evolutions of the EEDF under the influence of these heating techniques is directly analyzed, as well as the resultant plasma parameters. Experimental results show that the Maxwell demon indeed provides better energy selectivity as shown by its better retention of hot electrons than an indiscriminative absorption surface, which in turn results in smaller disturbance to the plasma potential a smaller reduction of the plasma density in the heating process. Experimental result also shows no electron heating when the demon is replaced by an ion-sheath forming large electrode, this is consistent with Mackenzie’s original results (MacKenzie et al 1971 App. Phys. Lett.
18 529). While it is possible to obtain the exact same plasma parameters replacing the Maxwell demon with a suitably sized planar plate and additional plasma parameters control, for experiments sensitive to the exact processes from which plasma parameters are formed, one should not overlook the physical differences of these heating methods.
The tunnel-current and photon-induced current in nanoscale photovoltaics
Authors: Moulhim Ali , Tripathi Brijesh , Kumar Manoj
Published: July 2022

In this work, the photo-induced current in a nanoscale photovoltaic device consisting of a quatum dot (QD) that is coupled to two metallic electrodes is derived by using the nonequilibrium Green function (NEGF) technique. The QD is assumed to have two levels and only one of them is within the bias window. The dependence of photocurrent on the photon’s energy and the level widths is analysed. This study shows the photocurrent could be maximized for a given range of photons’ energy which relates to the gap between levels and the level widths.
Testing gravity with the cosmic microwave background: constraints on modified gravity with two tensorial degrees of freedom
Authors: Hiramatsu Takashi , Kobayashi Tsutomu
Published: July 2022

We provide a cosmological test of modified gravity with two tensorial degrees of freedom and no extra propagating scalar mode. The theory of gravity we consider admits a cosmological model that is indistinguishable from the ΛCDM model at the level of the background evolution. The model has a single modified-gravity parameterβ, the effect of which can be seen in linear perturbations, though no extra scalar mode is propagating. Using the Boltzmann code modified to incorporate the present model, we derive the constraints -0.047 <β< -0.028 at 68% confidence from Planck CMB data. Since our modified gravity model can hardly be constrained by the Solar System tests and gravitational-wave propagation, our result offers the first observational test on the model.
Study of the kinetic regularities of the grain extrusion process in the production of highly digestible feed with protected protein for cattle
Authors: Ostrikov A N , Afanasiev V F , Vasilenko V N , Frolova L N , Kochkin I B , Eremin I D
Published: July 2022

The problem of developing highly digestible compound feeds with protected protein for cattle is due to the specifics of the gastric tract of cows and the peculiarities of protein assimilation. Due to the importance of preliminary moisture-heat treatment of grain for the subsequent course of the extrusion process, the treatment was carried out by steam at a pressure of 0.6 MPa before moistening the feed to a humidity of 17-20 % and heating to a temperature of 70-80 ° C. It is established that heat treatment has a significant effect on the carbohydrate complex of grain. Heating it at high temperatures causes the destruction of starch, accompanied by the formation of easily soluble carbohydrates, which has a positive effect on the digestibility of feed. The kinetic regularities of the processes of moisture-heat treatment, grinding and extrusion of grain in the production of highly digestible feed with protected protein for cattle were studied. The degree of dextrinization and the digestibility of starch increased with the heating temperature of corn and its mixtures with wheat up to 100-110 ° C. At the same time, the performance of the extruder was 300-320 kg/h, the digestibility of starch extruded corn and grain mixture increased to 85 and 68 mg of glucose per 1 g of the product (hereinafter mg/g), respectively. For wheat, this indicator is lower and, accordingly, is 50 mg/g. When heated during the extrusion of corn to a temperature of up to 120-140 ° C, the digestibility of starch was 100-110 mg/g, and for the grain mixture – 80-83 mg/g. At this temperature, the digestibility of the starch of extruded wheat corresponded to 60-65 mg/g. The optimal moisture content of feed in the process of extrusion for the purpose of forming pellets is 18 %. Studies of the extrusion effect on the carbohydrate complex of processed feed have shown that the destruction of starch in the extruded product increases. Thus, the content of soluble carbohydrates increases by 27-32 %, and the digestibility of starch increases twice in extruded feed compared to the unprocessed feed.
Use of an Inverted Synthetic Control Method to Estimate Effects of Recent Drug Overdose Good Samaritan Laws, Overall and by Black/White Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Townsend Tarlise N , Hamilton Leah K , Rivera-Aguirre Ariadne , Davis Corey S , Pamplin John R , Kline David , Rudolph Kara E , Cerdá Magdalena
Published: July 2022

Overdose Good Samaritan laws (GSLs) aim to reduce mortality by providing limited legal protections when a bystander to a possible drug overdose summons help. Most research into the impact of these laws is dated or potentially confounded by coenacted naloxone access laws. Lack of awareness and trust in GSL protections, as well as fear of police involvement and legal repercussions, remain key deterrents to help-seeking. These barriers may be unequally distributed by race/ethnicity due to racist policing and drug policies, potentially producing racial/ethnic disparities in the effectiveness of GSLs for reducing overdose mortality. We used 2015–2019 vital statistics data to estimate the effect of recent GSLs on overdose mortality, overall (8 states) and by Black/White race/ethnicity (4 states). Given GSLs’ near ubiquity, few unexposed states were available for comparison. Therefore, we generated an “inverted” synthetic control method (SCM) to compare overdose mortality in new-GSL states with that in states that had GSLs throughout the analytical period. The estimated relationships between GSLs and overdose mortality, both overall and stratified by Black/White race/ethnicity, were consistent with chance. An absence of effect could result from insufficient protection provided by the laws, insufficient awareness of them, and/or reticence to summon help not addressable by legal protections. The inverted SCM may be useful for evaluating other widespread policies.