bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geometric, electronic and transport properties of bulged graphene: A theoretical study
Authors: Ling Faling , Liao Rui , Yuan Chao , Shi Xiaowen , Li Li , Zhou Xianju , Tang Xiao , Jing Chuan , Wang Yongjie , Jiang Sha
Published: February 2023

Out-of-plane deformation in graphene is unavoidable during both synthesis and transfer procedures due to its special flexibility, which distorts the lattice and eventually imposes crucial effects on the physical features of graphene. Nowadays, however, little is known about this phenomenon, especially for zero-dimensional bulges formed in graphene. In this work, employing first-principles-based theoretical calculations, we systematically studied the bulge effect on the geometric, electronic, and transport properties of graphene. We demonstrate that the bulge formation can introduce mechanical strains (lower than 2%) to the graphene’s lattice, which leads to a significant charge redistribution throughout the structure. More interestingly, a visible energy band splitting was observed with the occurrence of zero-dimensional bulges in graphene, which can be attributed to the interlayer coupling that stems from the bulged structure. In addition, it finds that the formed bulges in graphene increase the electron states near the Fermi level, which may account for the enhanced carrier concentration. However, the lowered carrier mobility and growing phonon scattering caused by the formed bulges diminish the transport of both electrons and heat in graphene. Finally, we indicate that bulges arising in graphene increase the possibility of intrinsic defect formation. Our work will evoke attention to the out-of-plane deformation in 2D materials and provide new light to tune their physical properties in the future.
Scale-to-scale energy transfer in rarefaction-driven Rayleigh–Taylor instability-induced transitional mixing
Authors: Wang Rui , Song Yang , Ma Zongqiang , Zhang Yang , Wang Jun , Xu Yaofeng , Wang Lili , Wang Pei
Published: February 2023

The rarefaction-driven Rayleigh–Taylor instability-induced mixing flow is numerically investigated via large eddy simulation. Prior analyses of interfacial diffusion are conducted to clarify the scale-to-scale transfer of kinetic energy during the laminar-to-turbulent transition. The statistical characteristics, including subgrid-scale (SGS) turbulent kinetic energy and SGS stresses, are outlined and highlight the mechanical production as well as pressure-related effects. Further inspection reveals that the relative intensity of SGS backscatter is somewhat noticeable, particularly for the transition onset, and the large-scale pressure-dilatation work is regulated through volumetric compression and expansion. Joint probability density function and the conditional averaging approaches both manifest that SGS backscatter is extremely associated with properties of the surrounding flow expansion induced by quadrupolar vortex structures. Furthermore, investigations on the effects of SGS backscatter on eddy viscosity are performed, and a regime classification, illustrating the relationship between various energy conversion modes and signs of the eddy viscosity, is provided. It is found that there is a significantly strong correlation between SGS backscatter and negative eddy viscosity; meanwhile, the volumetric compression and expansion tend to modulate the scale-to-scale energy transfer throughout the transitional process.
Temporal-spatial heterogeneity of hematocrit in microvascular networks
Authors: Li Guansheng , Ye Ting , Yang Bo , Wang Sitong , Li Xuejin
Published: February 2023

Hematocrit, defined as the volume percentage of red blood cells in blood, is an important indicator of human health status, which demonstrates the capability of blood to deliver oxygen. It has been studied over many decades using in vivo, in vitro, and in silico experiments, and recent studies have shown that its major feature in microvascular networks is the temporal-spatial heterogeneity. The present work is a numerical study of such temporal-spatial heterogeneity, based on direct simulations of cellular-scale blood flow in complex microvascular networks. The simulations take into account the cell deformation and aggregation and thus are able to capture both the three-dimensional dynamics of each individual cell and the temporal-spatial distribution of cell population. The results showed that the temporal-spatial heterogeneity is more pronounced in the network that has the vessels with smaller diameters or with more complex geometry. Such heterogeneity is largely attributed to the existence of bifurcations, where the positively correlated hypotactic (feeding-branch) and paratactic (branch-branch) relations are generally observed in both the time-averaged hematocrit and temporal hematocrit ranges. This suggests that the successive bifurcations have a substantial impact on the temporal-spatial heterogeneity of hematocrit. However, these positive correlations may be broken up if the diameter of the feeding vessel is small enough or the bifurcation is asymmetric extremely, due to the vessel blockage. The present study is of great clinical significance to help doctors make more accurate diagnosis and treatment, by providing more information about the temporal-spatial distribution of the hematocrit in microvascular networks.
Polyamines and nitric oxide crosstalk in plant development and abiotic stress tolerance
Authors: Tripathi Durgesh K. , Bhat Javaid A. , Ahmad Parvaiz , Allakhverdiev Suleyman I.
Published: February 2023

Polyamines (PAs) and nitric oxide (NO) are crucial signalling molecules that exhibit a promising role in improving stress tolerance in plants, maintaining their growth and development. They act as protecting agents for plants through activation of stress adaptation strategies such as membrane stabilisation, acid neutralisation and suppression of ROS generation. NO interacts with PAs during several developmental processes and stress responses. External supplementation of PAs to plants is also reported to cause an increase in NO content. However, it is unclear whether PAs promote synthesis of NO by either as substrates, cofactors, or signals. Impact of NO on synthesis of PAs has been also reported in some studies, yet the exact governing mechanisms of the interrelation between NO and PAs is currently obscure. Understanding the crosstalk between PAs and NO during growth and stress condition in plants can aid in providing better tolerance to plants against stressful environment.
Using stable-isotope analysis and acoustic telemetry data to infer broad-scale migration patterns of Port Jackson sharks (
Authors: Bass N. C. , Hussey N. E. , Brown C.
Published: February 2023

Context Understanding migratory species’ habitat selection is complicated by variation in movement strategies. Stable-isotope analysis provides a powerful tool to investigate such variation. Aims We used acoustic telemetry and stable-isotope analysis to better understand the movement strategies of Port Jackson sharks. Methods We compared the δ13C and δ15N values of fin tissue from acoustically tracked individuals that undertook three distinct movement strategies. Hierarchical cluster analysis was then used to cluster movement strategies of a larger sample of sharks on the basis of δ13C and δ15N values. Key results Tracked individuals that remained in Jervis Bay were enriched in 13C, compared with those that migrated south after the breeding season. Individuals were assigned to six clusters and δ13C and δ15N values indicated that migrating males and females may utilise different geographical areas or niches during the non-breeding season. Conclusions By using stable isotope analysis and acoustic telemetry, we identified distinct groups of Port Jackson sharks with similar broad-scale movement strategies. Implications These variable movement strategies may lead to different reproductive fitness advantages on an individual and population level, having implications for the broader ecosystem, given the important role mesopredators play in southern reef marine ecosystems.
Clathrin coats partially preassemble and subsequently bend during endocytosis
Authors: Mund Markus , Tschanz Aline , Wu Yu-Le , Frey Felix , Mehl Johanna L. , Kaksonen Marko , Avinoam Ori , Schwarz Ulrich S. , Ries Jonas
Published: February 2023

Eukaryotic cells use clathrin-mediated endocytosis to take up a large range of extracellular cargo. During endocytosis, a clathrin coat forms on the plasma membrane, but it remains controversial when and how it is remodeled into a spherical vesicle.

Here, we use 3D superresolution microscopy to determine the precise geometry of the clathrin coat at large numbers of endocytic sites. Through pseudo-temporal sorting, we determine the average trajectory of clathrin remodeling during endocytosis. We find that clathrin coats assemble first on flat membranes to 50% of the coat area before they become rapidly and continuously bent, and this mechanism is confirmed in three cell lines. We introduce the cooperative curvature model, which is based on positive feedback for curvature generation. It accurately describes the measured shapes and dynamics of the clathrin coat and could represent a general mechanism for clathrin coat remodeling on the plasma membrane.
APMP supplementary international comparison of activity measurement of Cs-134 and Cs-137 in brown rice
Authors: Yunoki Akira , Miura Tsutomu , Sato Yasushi , Lee Pi-Fen , Hult Mikael , Tzika Faidra , Lutter Guillaume , Marissens Gerd , Lee Jong-Man , Lee K B , Nour Svetlana , Rosa Jerome La , Saegusa Jun , Soodprasert Thongchai , Candra Hermawan , Holnisar  , Marsoem Pujadi , Wurdiyanto Gatot , Hamamatsu Shioka , Hachinohe Mayumi
Published: February 2023

Main text

The supplementary international comparison of activity measurement of Cs-134 and Cs-137 in brown rice (APMP.RI(II)-S3.Cs-134.Cs-137) was carried out within the framework of the Asia-Pacific Metrology Programme (APMP). The matrix of the sample was brown rice grain harvested in autumn 2011, after the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. No spiking was applied to the sample. Eight institutes reported their measurement results. Averages of the reported results and their associated uncertainties were obtained using the power-moderated mean. This report describes the supplemental comparison reference value, the degree of equivalence of the results, the procedure of the comparison and the sample preparation and measurements by the participants.

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Resonant inelastic x-ray scattering from U3O8 and UN
Authors: Lawrence Bright Eleanor , Xu Lei , Harding Lottie M , Springell Ross , Walters Andrew , Sundermann Martin , Garcia-Fernandez Mirian , Agrestini Stefano , Caciuffo Roberto , van der Laan Gerrit , Lander G H
Published: February 2023

Resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) using an incident energy tuned to the uranium N
4,5 absorption edges is reported from epitaxial films of α-U3O8 and UN. Theory shows that for U3O8 the multiplets associated with a 5f
1 configuration with a ground state of 2
F
5/2 and the excited state of 2
F
7/2 are observed. However, the strong transition predicted at a transfer energy of 1.67 eV is not observed. We assume this is a consequence of the intermediate state lifetime broadening due to interaction with continuum states when the transferred energy exceeds the onset of the continuum in the presence of the core hole. This hypothesis is supported by the results obtained for the 5f-itinerant system UN, where no sharp transitions have been observed, although the broad scattering response centered at ∼ 1 eV is considered a signature of a predominantly 5f
3 configuration in this band-like semi-metallic system. These experiments and theory add important information on these materials, both of which have been investigated since the 1960s, as well as whether RIXS at the uranium N edge can become a valuable tool for actinide research.
Two-band description of the strong ‘spin’-orbit coupled one-dimensional hole gas in a cylindrical Ge nanowire
Authors: Li (李睿) Rui , Qi (齐新雨) Xin-Yu
Published: February 2023

The low-energy effective Hamiltonian of the strong ‘spin’-orbit coupled one-dimensional hole gas in a cylindrical Ge nanowire in the presence of a strong magnetic field is studied both numerically and analytically. Basing on the Luttinger–Kohn Hamiltonian in the spherical approximation, we show this strong ‘spin’-orbit coupled one-dimensional hole gas can be accurately described by an effective two-band Hamiltonian

H

e
f

=

ℏ

2

k

z

2

/

(
2

m

h

∗

)
+

α

σ

x

k

z

+

g

h

∗

μ

B

B

σ

z

/

2

, as long as the magnetic field is purely longitudinal or purely transverse. The explicit magnetic field dependent expressions of the ‘spin’-orbit coupling

α
≡
α
(
B
)

and the effective g-factor

g

h

∗

≡

g

h

∗

(
B
)

are given. When the magnetic field is applied in an arbitrary direction, the two-band Hamiltonian description is still a good approximation.
Bearing performance degradation assessment and remaining useful life prediction based on data-driven and physical model
Authors: Sheng Yuanyuan , Liu Huanyu , Li Junbao
Published: February 2023

Intelligent health maintenance of bearings usually consists of two stages: constructing effective health assessment indicators and accurate remaining useful life prediction models. However, many prediction models are available only when many constraints are met, and the health assessment indicators may not be able to accurately track the performance degradation process of bearings. This study proposes a bearing performance degradation assessment and remaining life prediction method. First, the health evaluation index family (referred to as the generalized high-order moment coefficient) was constructed based on the generalized power mean and high-order origin moments for health assessment. Subsequently, an improved Paris–Erdogan model is proposed, which uses the optimal health evaluation index as input to predict the remaining life of the bearing after the initial failure. The experimental results show that the proposed method has a higher performance degradation tracking accuracy and a smaller prediction error than the combination of traditional statistical indicators and prediction models.
Strain insensitive flexible photodetector based on molybdenum ditelluride/molybdenum disulfide heterostructure
Authors: Zhu Xuesong , Wu Dahao , Liang Shengzhi , Liu Jing
Published: February 2023

Flexible electronic and optoelectronic devices are highly desirable for various emerging applications, such as human-computer interfaces, wearable medical electronics, flexible display, etc. Layered two-dimensional (2D) material is one of the most promising types of materials to develop flexible devices due to its atomically thin thickness, which gives it excellent flexibility and mechanical endurance. However, the 2D material devices fabricated on flexible substrate inevitably suffer from mechanical deformation, which can severely affect device performances, resulting in function degradation and even failure. In this work, we propose a strain insensitive flexible photodetector based on MoS2/MoTe2 heterostructure on polyimide substrate, which provides a feasible approach to cancel unpredicted impacts of strain on the device performances. Specifically, the MoS2/MoTe2 heterostructure is deposited with 4 electrodes to form three independent devices of MoS2 FET, MoTe2 FET and MoS2/MoTe2 heterojunction. Among them, the MoS2/MoTe2 heterojunction is used as the photodetector, while the MoS2 FET is used as a strain gauge to calibrate the photo detection result. Such configuration is enabled by the Schottky barrier formed between the electrodes and the MoS2 flake, which leads to obvious and negligible photo response of MoS2/MoTe2 heterojunction and MoS2 FET, respectively, under low source-drain bias (ex. 10 mV). The experimental results show that the proposed mechanism can not only calibrate the photo response to cancel strain effect, but also successfully differentiate the wavelength (with fixed power) or power (with fixed wavelength) of light illumination.
Population-based reference values for 4D flow MRI derived aortic blood flow parameters
Authors: Schafstedde Marie , Jarmatz Lina , Brüning Jan , Hüllebrand Markus , Nordmeyer Sarah , Harloff Andreas , Hennemuth Anja
Published: February 2023

Objective. This study assesses age-related differences of thoracic aorta blood flow profiles and provides age- and sex-specific reference values using 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) data. Approach. 126 volunteers (age 20–80 years, female 51%) underwent 4D flow CMR and 12 perpendicular analysis planes in the thoracic aorta were specified. For these planes the following parameters were evaluated: body surface area-adjusted aortic area (A′), normalized flow displacement (NFD), the degree of wall parallelism (WPD), the minimal relative cross-sectional area through which 80% of the volume flow passes (A80) and the angle between flow direction and centerline (α). Main results. Age-related differences in blood flow parameters were seen in the ascending aorta with higher values for NFD and angle and lower values for WPD and A80 in older subjects. All parameters describing blood flow patterns correlated with the cross-sectional area in the ascending aorta. No relevant sex-differences regarding blood flow profiles were found. Significance. These age- and sex-specific reference values for quantitative parameters describing blood flow within the aorta might help to study the clinical relevance of flow profiles in the future.
Quantum-Hall physics and three dimensions
Authors: Gooth Johannes , Galeski Stanislaw , Meng Tobias
Published: February 2023

The discovery of the quantum Hall effect (QHE) in 1980 marked a turning point in condensed matter physics: given appropriate experimental conditions, the Hall conductivity

σ

x
y

of a two-dimensional electron system is exactly quantized. But what happens to the QHE in three dimensions (3D)? Experiments over the past 40 years showed that some of the remarkable physics of the QHE, in particular plateau-like Hall conductivities

σ

x
y

accompanied by minima in the longitudinal resistivity

ρ

x
x

, can also be found in 3D materials. However, since typically

ρ

x
x

remains finite and a quantitative relation between

σ

x
y

and the conductance quantum

e

2

/

h

could not be established, the role of quantum Hall physics in 3D remains unsettled. Following a recent series of exciting experiments, the QHE in 3D has now returned to the center stage. Here, we summarize the leap in understanding of 3D matter in magnetic fields emerging from these experiments.
The thermo-E.M.F. of an n-type silicon: assessment of the contribution due to the presence of minority carriers
Authors: Kamegni André Siewe , Lashkevych Igor
Published: February 2023

In the common thermoelectric theory, minority charge carriers are assumed to be absent in n- or p-type thermoelectric materials. This study considers their presence and evaluates the effects of that presence on the thermo-electromotive force (Thermo-E.M.F.) of a non-degenerate n-type semiconductor. The calculations are done in the case of silicon. The contribution due to the presence of the minority holes to the total Thermo-E.M.F. depends on the thermopower of minority carriers, their electrical and thermal conductivities. It also depends on their bulk and surface recombinations and depends on the majority carriers only through their thermal and electrical conductivities. In the case of silicon, that contribution remains generally very low although it can increase or decrease the total Thermo-E.M.F. depending on the concentration of the doping elements, the bulk and surface recombination rates, and the length of the sample.
Strain relaxation and self-heating effects of fin AlGaN/GaN HEMTs
Authors: Wang Ashu , Zeng Lingyan , Wang Wen
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we present a methodology of 3D electro-thermo-mechanical simulation to analyze the strain relaxation and self-heating effects of fin AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). The free boundaries of narrow fins cause strain relaxation of the AlGaN barrier and a non-uniform strain distribution near the AlGaN/GaN interface. The strain relaxation not only reduces the surface piezoelectric polarization charges (PPCs), but also introduces space PPCs in AlGaN/GaN, leading to a reduction of two-dimensional electron gas density and a positive shift of threshold voltage (V
th). The simulated V
th shift with fin width agrees well with experimental results from literature. In addition, the inter-fin trenches facilitate more efficient lateral heat spreading and suppress the self-heating effect compared with the planar HEMTs with the same effective gate width.
A sight of view on electrical impacts, structural properties and surface roughness of tungsten trioxide thin film: effect of substrate temperatures in WO3/Si device fabrication
Authors: Salim Evan T , Hassan Azhar I , Mohamed Farhan A , Wahid M H A , Fakhri Makram A
Published: February 2023

Monoclinic WO3 thin films have been effectively deposited by a simple spray pyrolysis technique at a molar concentration of 0.01 M on a glass substrate in the temperature range of 473 to 673 K. These WO3 films were used as an interlayer between the metal and the semiconductor, which formed the basic structure of the photodetector. Effect of substrate temperature on WO3 films during the process of the deposition was systematically interpreted with respect to the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of the WO3 films. The x-ray diffraction pattern revealed the polycrystalline nature of the prepared films with monoclinic phases. At the substrate temperature of 623 K, the nano-thin films were strongly bonded to each other as observed from the FE-SEM images. Visible and ultraviolet spectroscopies indicated the band gap (Eg) of the WO3 thin film is 3.30 eV. The dc electrical study recorded a sharp increase in the electrical conductivity of the prepared film at substrate temperature of 623 K for tungsten trioxide. It is worth noting that all diodes showed a positive photoresponse under illumination. In particular, the photodetector with the thickness of 300 nm showed higher responsivity 0.02 A/W and detection specificity 8.29 × 1010 Jones.
Diverse optical solitons to nonlinear perturbed Schrödinger equation with quadratic-cubic nonlinearity via two efficient approaches
Authors: Ur Rehman Shafqat , Ahmad Jamshad
Published: February 2023

In this study, the nonlinear perturbed Schrödinger equation(NPSE) with nonlinear terms as quadratic-cubic law nonlinearity media with the beta derivative is investigated and this investigated model is considered an icon in the field of optical fibers where it describes the wave function or state function of the optical system. Numerous solutions are extracted by engaging two novel schemes known as generalized

exp
(
−
ψ
(
ϖ
)
)

-expansion method (GEEM) and rational extended sinh-Gordon equation expansion method (REShGEEM) in distinct forms such as bright, dark, singular and combinations of these solutions. In addition, plane wave, periodic and exponential solutions are also recovered. Using the computer application Wolfram Mathematica 11, the dynamic structure and physical characterization of some observed solutions are vividly depicted by sketching different plots. Comparing our new results with well-known literature is also given which justifies the novelty of this work. Obtained results will hold a significant place in the field of nonlinear optical fibers and suggest that the proposed methods are very influential and effective tools for solving more complex nonlinear partial differential equations in mathematical physics, engineering and nonlinear optics.
Landau damping for gravitational waves in parity-violating theories
Authors: Bombacigno F. , Moretti F. , Boudet S. , Olmo Gonzalo J.
Published: February 2023

We discuss how tensor polarizations of gravitational waves can suffer Landau damping in the presence of velocity birefringence, when parity symmetry is explicitly broken. In particular, we analyze the role of the Nieh-Yan and Chern-Simons terms in modified theories of gravity, showing how the gravitational perturbation in collisionless media can be characterized by a subluminal phase velocity, circumventing the well-known results of General Relativity and allowing for the appearance of the kinematic damping. We investigate in detail the connection between the thermodynamic properties of the medium, such as temperature and mass of the particles interacting with the gravitational wave, and the parameters ruling the parity violating terms of the models.
In this respect, we outline how the dispersion relations can give rise in each model to different regions of the wavenumber space, where the phase velocity is subluminal, superluminal or does not exist. Quantitative estimates on the considered models indicate that the phenomenon of Landau damping is not detectable given the sensitivity of present-day instruments.
Actively tunable weak and strong couplings in epsilon-near-zero ultrathin film-based Weyl semimetallic photonic crystals
Authors: Sun Mengran , Qian Liming , Ye Jingfei , Zheng Gaige
Published: February 2023

Lithography-free layered dielectric media plays an important role in photonic platforms and opens up new possibilities in the design of devices with large-scale compatibilities. In this work, we propose a hybrid structure consisting of phononic thin layer and Weyl semimetallic photonic crystals. Manipulation of electromagnetic waves and the interactions between different optical modes are presented, which is highly demanded for both fundamental research and practical applications. The weak and strong coupling effects result in hybrid polariton modes, of which the dispersion can be quantitatively described by a coupled harmonic oscillator model. In the Kretschmann coupling proposal, when the incident angle is smaller than the critical angle (θ

c
= 25∘) of total internal reflection, a weak coupling is generated. However, when the incident angle is larger than θ

c
, anticrossing resluts from strong coupling can be observed. We believe that the use of easily manufactured WSM elements and the tunable hybridization of multiple optical modes will enable the manipulation of light-matter interactions with more flexibility in the mid-infrared range, and can significantly improve the functional properties of various devices.
Junctional integrity and directional mobility of lymphatic endothelial cell monolayers are disrupted by saturated fatty acids
Authors: Tokarz Victoria L. , Pereira Rafaela V. S. , Jaldin-Fincati Javier R. , Mylvaganam Sivakami , Klip Amira
Published: February 2023

Obesity impairs lymphatic function, but the contribution of lymphatic endothelial cells to metabolic disease phenotypes is poorly understood. It is shown that the saturated fatty acid palmitate, but not the unsaturated fatty acid palmitoleate, causes ROCK-dependent reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton that detaches it from adherens junction proteins and impairs directional migration.
Late-life depression and multimorbidity trajectories: the role of symptom complexity and severity
Authors: Triolo Federico , Sjöberg Linnea , Calderón-Larrañaga Amaia , Belvederi Murri Martino , Vetrano Davide Liborio , Fratiglioni Laura , Dekhtyar Serhiy
Published: February 2023

Introduction

as late-life depression is associated with poor somatic health, we aimed to investigate the role of depression severity and symptom phenotypes in the progression of somatic multimorbidity.

Methods

we analysed data from 3,042 dementia-free individuals (60+) participating in the population-based Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen. Using the baseline clinical assessment of 21 depressive symptoms from the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale, we: (i) diagnosed major, minor (in accordance with DSM-IV-TR) and subsyndromal depression; (ii) extracted symptom phenotypes by applying exploratory network graph analysis. Somatic multimorbidity was measured as the number of co-occurring chronic diseases over a 15-year follow-up. Linear mixed models were used to explore somatic multimorbidity trajectories in relation to baseline depression diagnoses and symptom phenotypes, while accounting for sociodemographic and behavioural factors.

Results

in multi-adjusted models, relative to individuals without depression, those with major (β per year: 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06–0.61) and subsyndromal depression (β per year: 0.21, 95%CI: 0.12–0.30) experienced an accelerated rate of somatic multimorbidity accumulation, whereas those with minor depression did not. We identified affective, anxiety, cognitive, and psychomotor symptom phenotypes from the network analysis. When modelled separately, an increase in symptom score for each phenotype was associated with faster multimorbidity accumulation, although only the cognitive phenotype retained its association in a mutually adjusted model (β per year: 0.07, 95%CI: 0.03–0.10).

Conclusions

late-life major and subsyndromal depression are associated with accelerated somatic multimorbidity. Depressive symptoms characterised by a cognitive phenotype are linked to somatic health change in old age.
Genetic associations between bipolar disorder and brain structural phenotypes
Authors: Shang Meng-Yuan , Zhang Chu-Yi , Wu Yong , Wang Lu , Wang Chuang , Li Ming
Published: February 2023

Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and their first-degree relatives exhibit alterations in brain volume and cortical structure, whereas the underlying genetic mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, based on the published genome-wide association studies (GWAS), the extent of polygenic overlap between BD and 15 brain structural phenotypes was investigated using linkage disequilibrium score regression and MiXeR tool, and the shared genomic loci were discovered by conjunctional false discovery rate (conjFDR) and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analyses. MiXeR estimated the overall measure of polygenic overlap between BD and brain structural phenotypes as 4–53% on a 0–100% scale (as quantified by the Dice coefficient). Subsequent conjFDR analyses identified 54 independent loci (71 risk single-nucleotide polymorphisms) jointly associated with BD and brain structural phenotypes with a conjFDR < 0.05, among which 33 were novel that had not been reported in the previous BD GWAS. Follow-up eQTL analyses in respective brain regions both confirmed well-known risk genes (e.g. CACNA1C, NEK4, GNL3, MAPK3) and discovered novel risk genes (e.g. LIMK2 and CAMK2N2). This study indicates a substantial shared genetic basis between BD and brain structural phenotypes, and provides novel insights into the developmental origin of BD and related biological mechanisms.
Delimitation of the Extended Continental Shelf in Somalia v. Kenya in the ICJ: A Critique
Authors: Gao Jianjun
Published: February 2023

Somalia v. Kenya is the first case where the ICJ delimited the boundary line of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles (the so-called “extended continental shelf”) between the Parties. Compared with the previous cases decided by other international tribunals on the same issue, the present case shows some differences. Particularly, the ICJ did not mention the three-stage methodology or other delimitation methods in the delimitation of the extended continental shelf, nor did it identify the relevant area or apply the disproportionality test. The ICJ in this case did not have any reliable evidence to ascertain the Parties’ entitlements to the extended continental shelf, and it did not make a clear determination on the issue of entitlements accordingly. The ICJ delimited the extended continental shelf by extending the boundary line within 200 nautical miles in the same direction, but its reasoning is not sufficient to support the decision. Besides, the Court did not pronounce that the delimitation line achieves an equitable solution. Indeed, in light of the relationship between entitlement and delimitation as well as the circumstances of the present case, the ICJ should have declined to delimit the extended continental shelf.
Novel equations for estimating intraperitoneal pressure among peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Li Xinqiu , Ma Tiantian , Hao Jiayu , Song Di , Wang Hongyan , Liu Tianjiao , Zhang Yaling , Abi Nanzha , Xu Xiao , Zhang Manze , Sun Weiqi , Li Xin , Dong Jie
Published: February 2023

Background

Increased intraperitoneal pressure (IPP) is associated with abdominal wall complications and technical failure in peritoneal dialysis (PD). Since the standard measurement of IPP is limited due to its cumbersome procedures, we aimed to develop and validate equations for estimating IPP.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study with a total of 200 prevalent PD patients who were divided into development and validation datasets after random sampling matched by body mass index. The IPPs were measured using the Durand method, with whole-body and abdominal anthropometry indices collected. Equations with 2.0-L and 1.5-L fill volumes were generated by stepwise linear regression modelling. The bias, accuracy and precision of the estimated IPP (eIPP) with 2-L and 1.5-L fill volumes were compared with actual IPPs by the Durand method. The eIPP for the 2-L fill volume was also compared with other existing equations.

Results

Two new equations incorporating waist circumference and height from the decubitus plane to mid-axillary line were generated. The eIPPs exhibited small biases in relation to the Durand method , with median differences of −0.24 cmH2O and −0.10 cmH2O for 2 L and 1.5 L, respectively. The precisions evaluated by the standard deviation of the absolute value of the differences were 2.59 cmH2O and 2.50 cmH2O, respectively. The accuracies evaluated by the value of the percentage of estimates that differed by >20% for the eIPP were 26% for 2.0 L and 27% for 1.5 L. Better bias, precision and accuracy were observed for the eIPP equation compared with other existing equations for the 2.0-L fill volume.

Conclusions

We provided two new equations developed from abdominal anthropometry indices to accurately estimate the IPP in the PD population.
Pulse arrival time variation as a non-invasive marker of acute response to cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Villegas-Martinez Manuel , Odland Hans Henrik , Hammersbøen Lars-Egil , Sletten Ole Jakob , Stugaard Marie , Witsø Marit , Khan Faraz , Wajdan Ali , Elle Ole Jakob , Remme Espen W
Published: February 2023

Aims

Successful cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) shortens the pre-ejection period (PEP) which is prolonged in the left bundle branch block (LBBB). In a combined animal and patient study, we investigated if changes in the pulse arrival time (PAT) could be used to measure acute changes in PEP during CRT implantation and hence be used to evaluate acute CRT response non-invasively and in real time.

Methods and results

In six canines, a pulse transducer was attached to a lower limb and PAT was measured together with left ventricular (LV) pressure by micromanometer at baseline, after induction of LBBB and during biventricular pacing. Time-to-peak LV dP/dt (Td) was used as a surrogate for PEP. In twelve LBBB patients during implantation of CRT, LV and femoral pressures were measured at baseline and during five different pacing configurations. PAT increased from baseline (277 ± 9 ms) to LBBB (313 ± 16 ms, P < 0.05) and shortened with biventricular pacing (290 ± 16 ms, P < 0.05) in animals. There was a strong relationship between changes in PAT and Td in patients (r2 = 0.91). Two patients were classified as non-responders at 6 months follow-up. CRT decreased PAT from 320 ± 41 to 298 ± 39 ms (P < 0.05) in the responders, while PAT increased by 5 and 8 ms in the two non-responders.

Conclusion

This proof-of-concept study indicates that PAT can be used as a simple, non-invasive method to assess the acute effects of CRT in real time with the potential to identify long-term response in patients.
First estimate of the local value of the baryonic streaming velocity
Authors: Uysal Betül , Hartwig Tilman
Published: February 2023

Several studies have shown the influence of the relative streaming velocity (SV) between baryons and dark matter on the formation of structures. For the first time, we constrain the local value of the SV in which the Milky Way was formed. We use the semi-analytical model a-sloth to simulate the formation of Milky Way-like galaxies. The high resolution in mass and time of the dark matter merger trees from the Caterpillar simulation enables us to accurately model star formation in the smallest progenitor haloes at high redshift. The efficient semi-analytical nature of a-sloth allows us to run many simulations with various values of the local SV. Our investigation on the influence of the SV shows that it delays star formation at high redshift. However, at redshift z = 0, the SV has no effect on the total stellar mass in the Milky Way nor its Satellites. We find that extremely metal-poor and ultra metal-poor stars are affected by the SV and can hence be used to constrain its local value. The local optimal value of the SV is $v_\mathrm{SV} =1.75^{+0.13} _{-0.28}\, \sigma _\mathrm{SV}$, which is based on four independent observables. We further find that the SV decreases the number of luminous Milky Way satellites, but this decrease is not enough to solve the missing satellite problem.
Motivic Trees, Network Analysis, and Bartók’sEight Improvisations on Hungarian Folk Songs, No. 5
Authors: Bennett James N
Published: February 2023

This article describes a method for using graph-theoretical trees to model relations between musical motives, turning primarily to Dora Hanninen’s notion of associative lineages, as well as to certain approaches from the field of phylogenetics. Since the fifth of Béla Bartók’s Eight Improvisations on Hungarian Folk Songs (1920) presents a piece-spanning process that, while unidirectional, is also continuously branching, it forms the sole musical example. In addition, the article also examines philosophical dimensions by situating these analytical considerations within Deleuze and Guattari’s tree/rhizome distinction and the more general opposition between the discrete and the continuous.
Versatile strategy using vaccinia virus-capping enzyme to synthesize functional 5′ cap-modified mRNAs
Authors: Ohno Hirohisa , Akamine Sae , Mochizuki Megumi , Hayashi Karin , Akichika Shinichiro , Suzuki Tsutomu , Saito Hirohide
Published: February 2023

The potential of synthetic mRNA as a genetic carrier has increased its application in scientific fields. Because the 5′ cap regulates the stability and translational activity of mRNAs, there are concerted efforts to search for and synthesize chemically-modified 5′ caps that improve the functionality of mRNA. Here, we report an easy and efficient method to synthesize functional mRNAs by modifying multiple 5′ cap analogs using a vaccinia virus-capping enzyme. We show that this enzyme can introduce a variety of GTP analogs to the 5′ end of RNA to generate 5′ cap-modified mRNAs that exhibit different translation levels. Notably, some of these modified mRNAs improve translation efficiency and can be conjugated to chemical structures, further increasing their functionality. Our versatile method to generate 5′ cap-modified mRNAs will provide useful tools for RNA therapeutics and biological research.
PopRice extrachromosomal DNA sponges ABSCISIC ACID-INSENSITIVE 5 in rice seed-to-seedling transition
Authors: Chu Jie , Wang Ling , Cho Jungnam
Published: February 2023

Extrachromosomal DNA produced by a retrotransposon PopRice mediates gibberellin-abscisic acid antagonism in seed-to-seedling transition of rice by sponging the transcription factor OsABI5.
The function of lactate dehydrogenase A in retinal neurons: implications to retinal degenerative diseases
Authors: Rajala Ammaji , Bhat Mohd A , Teel Kenneth , Gopinadhan Nair Gopa Kumar , Purcell Lindsey , Rajala Raju V S
Published: February 2023

The postmitotic retina is highly metabolic and the photoreceptors depend on aerobic glycolysis for an energy source and cellular anabolic activities. Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) is a key enzyme in aerobic glycolysis, which converts pyruvate to lactate. Here we show that cell-type-specific actively translating mRNA purification by translating ribosome affinity purification shows a predominant expression of LDHA in rods and cones and LDHB in the retinal pigment epithelium and Müller cells. We show that genetic ablation of LDHA in the retina resulted in diminished visual function, loss of structure, and a loss of dorsal–ventral patterning of the cone-opsin gradient. Loss of LDHA in the retina resulted in increased glucose availability, promoted oxidative phosphorylation, and upregulated the expression of glutamine synthetase (GS), a neuron survival factor. However, lacking LDHA in Müller cells does not affect visual function in mice. Glucose shortage is associated with retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and regulating the levels of LDHA may have therapeutic relevance. These data demonstrate the unique and unexplored roles of LDHA in the maintenance of a healthy retina.
Case study: effects of low-stress weaning on calf growth performance and carcass characteristics
Authors: Gubbels Erin R , Jaeger John R , Salverson Robin R , Cammack Kristi M , Grubbs Judson K , Underwood Keith R , Olson Kenneth C , Blair Amanda D
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to compare the influence of two low-stress weaning methods with conventional weaning on post-weaning performance and carcass characteristics of beef steers. Single-sourced steer calves (n = 89) were stratified by body weight (BW) and dam age into three groups in a completely randomized design (n = 29 or 30 steers/treatment): ABRUPT (calves isolated from dams on the day of weaning), FENCE (calves separated from dams via a fence for 7 d prior to completely weaning), and NOSE (nose-flap inserted and calves remained with dams for 7 d prior to completely weaning). At day +7 post-weaning, calves were transported to a commercial feedlot where they received standard step-up and finishing rations typical for a Northern Plains feedlot. BWs were recorded in study day −7 (PreTreat), 0 (Weaning), 7 (PostWean), 26 (Receiving), 175 (Ultrasound), and 238 or 268 (Final), and average daily gains (ADG) were calculated for each time period. Blood samples were collected via coccygeal venipuncture at d −7 (PreTreat), 0 (Weaning), and +7 (PostWean) from a subsample of calves (n = 10 per treatment) and analyzed for haptoglobin (acute-phase stress protein) concentrations using a bovine haptoglobin ELISA kit. On day 175, ultrasound fat thickness and intramuscular fat were determined and utilized to project marketing dates when steers reached 1.27 cm of backfat (day 238 or 268). Carcass measurements were recorded at the time of harvest. The weaning method interacted (P < 0.01) with a time period for ADG and BW. Calf ADG was greater (P < 0.01) in the NOSE treatment during PreTreat to Weaning than ABRUPT or FENCE. In the Weaning to PostWean period, the FENCE calves had greater (P < 0.01) ADG than ABRUPT and NOSE. During the Postwean to Receiving period ADG was greater (P < 0.04) for ABRUPT compared to FENCE and NOSE. Calf ADG was similar (P > 0.05) among treatments for the remainder of the feeding period. Calf BW did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05) at all times of weighing. Haptoglobin was undetectable in all samples except two samples collected on day −7. The weaning method did not influence (P > 0.05) carcass measurements. Collectively these data suggest low-stress weaning methods do not significantly improve post-weaning growth performance or carcass characteristics compared to using conventional methods despite minor, short-term alterations in ADG during the weaning period.
Targeted deletion of Fgf9 in tendon disrupts mineralization of the developing enthesis
Authors: Ganji Elahe , Leek Connor , Duncan William , Patra Debabrata , Ornitz David M. , Killian Megan L.
Published: February 2023

The enthesis is a transitional tissue between tendon and bone that matures postnatally. The development and maturation of the enthesis involve cellular processes likened to an arrested growth plate. In this study, we explored the role of fibroblast growth factor 9 (Fgf9), a known regulator of chondrogenesis and vascularization during bone development, on the structure and function of the postnatal enthesis. First, we confirmed spatial expression of Fgf9 in the tendon and enthesis using in situ hybridization. We then used Cre‐lox recombinase to conditionally knockout Fgf9 in mouse tendon and enthesis (Scx‐Cre) and characterized enthesis morphology as well as mechanical properties in Fgf9ScxCre and wild‐type (WT) entheses. Fgf9ScxCre mice had smaller calcaneal and humeral apophyses, thinner cortical bone at the attachment, increased cellularity, and reduced failure load in mature entheses compared to WT littermates. During postnatal development, we found reduced chondrocyte hypertrophy and disrupted type X collagen (Col X) in Fgf9ScxCre entheses. These findings support that tendon‐derived Fgf9 is important for functional development of the enthesis, including its postnatal mineralization. Our findings suggest the potential role of FGF signaling during enthesis development.
Cultivating Clinical Reasoning in Nursing Students Using the 3-Minute Memo
Authors: Bergen Tania , Bae Faith
Published: February 2023

The 3-Minute Memo was developed as an activity to synthesize clinical preparation in a preconference setting. The short, three-part tool requires students to develop and concisely present the patient’s story, the patient’s most significant priorities, and a planned intervention. It helps students make sense of their clinical preparation while demonstrating skills of clinical reasoning, priority setting, and communication. The 3-Minute Memo is an innovative tool to use in preconference to make sense of clinical preparation and develop the skills necessary to think like a nurse.