bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal differences in the myoelectric activity of lower limb muscles during rearfoot and forefoot running: A statistical parametric mapping approach
Authors: Valencia Oscar , Weinstein Alejandro , Salas Rodrigo , Guzmán‐Venegas Rodrigo , Arvanitidis Michail , Martinez‐Valdes Eduardo
Published: May 2022

Forefoot (FF) and rearfoot (RF) running techniques can induce different lower‐limb muscle activation patterns. However, few studies have evaluated temporal changes in the electromyographic activity (EMG) of lower limb muscles during running. The aim of this study was to compare temporal changes in EMG amplitude between RF and FF running techniques. Eleven recreational runners ran on a treadmill at a self‐selected speed, once using a RF strike pattern and once using a FF strike pattern (randomized order). The EMG of five lower limb muscles [rectus femoris (RFe), biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA), medial and lateral gastrocnemius (MG and LG)] was evaluated, using bipolar electrodes. EMG data from the RF and FF running techniques was then processed and compared with statistical parametric mapping (SPM), dividing the analysis of the running cycle into stance and swing phases. The MG and LG muscles showed higher activation during FF running at the beginning of the stance phase and at the end of the swing phase. During the end of the swing phase, the TA muscle's EMG amplitude was higher, when the RF running technique was used. A higher level of co‐activation between the gastrocnemius and TA muscles was observed in both stance and swing phases using RF. The myoelectric behaviour of the RFe and BF muscles was similar during both running techniques. The current findings highlight that the two running techniques predominately reflect adjustments of the shank and not the thigh muscles, in both phases of the running cycle.

Highlights

Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) can reveal temporal differences in muscle activity between running techniques.

The medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles were more active at specific time‐instants of the initial stance and late swing phases during forefoot (FF) running compared to rearfoot (RF) running.

Higher activation was observed for the tibialis anterior muscle at the end of the swing phase during RF running

Contrary to the muscle activity differences observed in the leg muscles, the muscle activity of the thigh muscles was similar during RF and FF running.
Improvement in nonvolatile memory operations for metal–ferroelectric–insulator–semiconductor capacitors using HfZrO2 and ZrO2 thin films as ferroelectric and insulator layers
Authors: Kim Yeriaron , Kang Seung Youl , Woo Jiyong , Kim Jeong Hun , Im Jong-Pil , Yoon Sung-Min , Moon Seung Eon
Published: May 2022

Metal–ferroelectric–insulator–semiconductor (MFIS) capacitors were characterized to elucidate the optimum design schemes for the ferroelectric field-effect transistor applications. The Hf1−x
Zr
x
O2 (HZO) thin films (18 nm) were prepared on the SiO2 and ZrO2 insulator layers (ILs) with different film thicknesses. The choice of 10 nm thick ZrO2 IL was found to be an optimum condition to properly balance between the values of electric fields applied to the HZO (E
HZO) and ZrO2 (E
IL) layers, leading to effective improvement in capacitance coupling ratio and to suppression of charge injection for the MFIS capacitors. Furthermore, the crystalline natures of the crystallized HZO films were also found to be strategically controlled on the ZrO2 ILs, which can additionally enhance the E
HZO with reducing the E
IL. As consequences, the MFIS capacitors using 10 nm thick ZrO2 IL exhibited the ferroelectric memory window as large as 2.5 V at an application of ±5 V, which corresponds to 2.7 times wider value, compared to that obtained from the device using 2 nm thick SiO2 IL. Long-time memory retention and robust program endurance were also verified for the fabricated MFIS capacitors.
Measurement of rubidium vapor number density based on Faraday modulator
Authors: Shang Huining , Zhou Binquan , Quan Wei , Chi Haotian , Fang Jiancheng , Zou Sheng
Published: May 2022

The actual vapor density characterizing the alkali metal spin-exchange rate remains a compelling issue for spin-exchange optical pumping. Based on the deduced relationship between the Faraday rotation angle and the rubidium vapor number density using the electrodynamics theory, we report a measurement of the number density for rubidium vapor sealed inside a cell based on a Faraday modulator. The measurement relies on the optical rotation angle due to rubidium vapor under a bias magnetic field (∼0.08 T) produced by a samarium–cobalt magnet. A Faraday modulator with a lock-in amplifier is used to accurately measure the tiny optical rotation angle in a temperature range of 387–468 K. In addition, a synchronization verification is performed by the photoelastic modulator (PEM). The recurring data showed that the two methods are consistent with each other. Compared with the PEM method, the Faraday modulator detection system does not need to adjust the optical axis difference of 45° in the PEM detection system, thereby reducing the complexity of the experiment and the error caused by the alignment of the optical axis, which showed that the Faraday modulator detection method more advantageous in measuring the alkali metal density.
A class of fractional-order discrete map with multi-stability and its digital circuit realization
Authors: Liu Tianming , Mou Jun , Jahanshahi Hadi , Yan Huizhen , Cao Yinghong
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a class of nonlinear functions and Gaussian function are modulated to construct a new high-dimensional discrete map. Based on Caputo fractional-order difference definition, the fractional form of the map is given, and its dynamical behaviors are explored. The three discrete maps with different nonlinear functions are compared and analyzed by bifurcation diagrams and Lyapunov exponents, especially the dynamical phenomena that evolve with the order. In addition, the maps have multiple rich stability, including homogeneous and heterogeneous coexistence attractors and hyperchaos coexistence attractors. The spectral entropy (SE) algorithm is used to measure the complexity of one-dimensional and two-dimensional maps. Performance tests show that the fractional-order map has more complex dynamics than the original map. Finally, the new maps were successfully implemented on the digital platform, which shows the simplicity and feasibility of the map implementation. The experimental results provide a reference for the research on the multi-stability of fractional discrete maps.
Dynamical study of a novel three-dimensional and generalized chaotic system
Authors: Saifullah Sayed , Doungmo Goufo Emile Franc , Ali Amir
Published: May 2022

In this manuscript, a new three-dimensional continuous chaotic model is presented based on the modification in the Lorenz system. The dynamical aspects of the complex system are investigated, covering equilibrium points and linear stability, dissipation, phase portraits, Poincaré mapping, Lyapunov exponent, attractor projection, bifurcations, time series analysis, and sensitivity. The model is also studied numerically using the Haar wavelet scheme with Caputo fractional derivative. The positive exponent reveals that the system is chaotic. The symmetric limit cycle and butterfly type attractors are observed because the trajectories of the model ultimately progress to a bounded region. The existence of the chaotic attractor is shown by Poincaré section. In the Poincaré section, the kindling is integrated and connected as a single attractor. From the sensitivity analysis of the system, it is noted the system is dependent on the initial conditions that show chaos in the system. The evolution of the attractor is depicted by fixing the first two parameters and varying the third. The theoretical and numerical studies exhibit that the model has complex dynamics with certain stimulating physical characteristics.
Some invariant solutions of coupled Konno-Oono equations arising in electromagnetic and quantum fields
Authors: Kumar Raj , Kumar Avneesh
Published: May 2022

The goal of this study is to construct a novel family of travelling wave solutions for the system of (1 + 1)-coupled Konno-Oono equations (CKOEs). It occurs in optical nonlinear media, electromagnetic fields, plasma physics, and quantum fields. The invariant property of Lie symmetry analysis is exploited to extract analytical solutions. Lie symmetry analysis provides new similarity solutions for the system. A new variety of eighteen analytical solutions are compared to the reported results and the authors’ recently published work. In the previous results, a specific form of CKOEs with only two components, u and v, was solved in almost all cases, whereas in this study, a family of solutions was attained for three variables, u, v, and w. Solution profiles are portrayed via numerical simulation in order to make the solutions physically relevant.
Cosmological constraints on the decay of heavy relics into neutrinos
Authors: Hambye Thomas , Hufnagel Marco , Lucca Matteo
Published: May 2022

A massive particle decaying into neutrinos in the early Universe is known to be less constrained than if it was decaying into other standard model particles. However, even if the decay proceeds into neutrinos, the latter still inevitably emit secondary particles undergoing electromagnetic interactions that can be probed. We analyse in details how sensitive various cosmological probes are to such secondary particles, namely CMB anisotropies, CMB spectral distortions, and Big Bang Nucleosynthesis. For relics whose lifetime is shorter than the age of the Universe, this leads to original and stringent bounds on the particle's lifetime as a function of its abundance and mass.
522 nm single-longitudinal-mode high-frequency Pr3+:YLF laser based on pre-lase Q-switching technology
Authors: Jiang Meng , Jin Long , Liu Chang , Dong Yuan , Jin Guang-yong
Published: May 2022

In this work, based on the pre-lase Q-swiching technology, a single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) pulsed laser that can be emitted directly into the green spectral region at 522 nm is demonstrated for the first time. The rate equation of 522 nm Pr3+:YLF SLM Q-switched laser is established, and the output characteristics of the laser are obtained by simulation. The peak power of 37.9 W was obtained under an incident pump power of 12 W at 444 nm. At a repetition frequency of 20 kHz, the laser pulse energy and the pulse width were measured to be 3.05 μJ and 80.5 ns, respectively. The corresponding spectral linewidth is approximately 22 MHz.
More than just statics: altered complexity of dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in the resting brain after stroke
Authors: Tian Na , Liang Liu-Ke , Luo Xue-Mao , Hu Rong-Liang , Long Wan-Sheng , Song Rong
Published: May 2022

Objective. Previous neuroimaging studies mainly focused on static characteristics of brain activity, and little is known about its characteristics over time, especially in post-stroke (PS) patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the static and dynamic characteristics of brain activity after stroke using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Approach. Twenty ischemic PS patients and nineteen healthy controls (HCs) were recruited to receive a resting-state fMRI scanning. The static amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (sALFFs) and fuzzy entropy of dynamic ALFF (FE-dALFF) were applied to identify the stroke-induced alterations. Main results. Compared with the HCs, PS patients showed significantly increased FE-dALFF values in the right angular gyrus (ANG), bilateral precuneus (PCUN), and right inferior parietal lobule (IPL) as well as significantly decreased FE-dALFF values in the right postcentral gyrus (PoCG), right dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus (SFGdor), and right precentral gyrus (PreCG). The receiver operating characteristic analyses demonstrated that FE-dALFF and sALFF possess comparable sensitivity in distinguishing PS patients from the HCs. Moreover, a significantly positive correlation was observed between the FE-dALFF values and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) scores in the right SFGdor (r = 0.547), right IPL (r = 0.522), and right PCUN (r = 0.486). Significance. This study provided insight into the stroke-induced alterations in static and dynamic characteristics of local brain activity, highlighting the potential of FE-dALFF in understanding neurophysiological mechanisms and evaluating pathological changes.
The Effectiveness of Chitosan Extraction from Crustaceans’ Shells as a natural coagulant
Authors: Hassan L S , Abdullah Nabihah , Abdullah Suhaila , Ghazali S R , Sobri N A M , Hashim Norazlina , Yahya N A M , Muslim W M N
Published: May 2022

Crustaceans’ shells are one of the resources that can be used as raw materials for chitosan extraction. Chitosan can act as bio-coagulant to remove turbidity through coagulation process. Usage of chitosan extracted from biopolymers are safer and environmentally friendly that can substitute synthetic coagulant such as alum and lime (calcium oxide) which may cause diseases to humans. This study aims to extract chitosan from waste crustaceans’ shells which are crabs (Litopenaeus Vannamei) and shrimps (Matuta Victor) as well as to analyse the effectiveness of chitosan as a natural coagulant. By using the following concentration of chemicals, 0.5N and 1N of HCl for demineralization, 0.5N and 1N of NaOH for deproteinization and, 50% of NaOH for deacetylation. Crab sample A had been the most effective against crab sample B, shrimp sample A and shrimp sample B in terms of conductivity removal percentage, TSS removal percentage, and COD removal percentage, which was 73.02%, 98.93% and 33.95% respectively. In conclusion, crustaceans’ shells contained chitosan has great potential to be used as bio-coagulant.
Electrolysis Study Effect on Electrolyzed Water as Disinfectant and Sanitizer
Authors: Nurul Aniyyah M S , Idhamnulhadi Z , Azharin Shah A A , Lili Shakirah H , Suhaila A , Norazlina H , Hajaratul Najwa M
Published: May 2022

The use of harmful alcohol-based disinfectants and sanitizers was a major concern throughout the CoVID-19 era. Frequent use of alcohol-based sanitizer can dry up the skin, and the effect is worsening for individuals with sensitive skin. Alcohol-based disinfectants are flammable and can ignite if used near a flame, spark, or other source of ignition. Using the electrolysis of sodium chloride (NaCl) aqueous solution method, this study aims to make Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl), a safe disinfectant and sanitizer. Two critical parameters were tested on the electrolysis effect of producing HOCl. The first is the amount of sodium chloride (NaCl) present, while the second is the type of electrode used, which are carbon, graphite, and titanium. The results showed that 10 grams of NaCl produces 50-200 ppm of HOCl, which is good for sanitizing purposes, and 30 grams of NaCl produces 500-800 ppm of HOCl, which is good for disinfecting purposes. The graphite electrode was also demonstrated to be capable of producing a clean HOCl solution. Using a UV-vis spectrophotometer, the effectiveness of the HOCl produced was determined, and it was discovered that HOCl is capable of killing bacteria. As a result, HOCl can be applied as a safe disinfectant and sanitizer in the fight against COVID-19.
Quantum Peltier coefficient resonance in a GaAs/GaAsAl parabolic quantum well with confined optical phonons
Authors: Ba Cao Thi Vi , Quynh Nguyen Thi Lam , Bau Nguyen Quang , Duc Nguyen Ba
Published: May 2022

The resonance of the quantum Peltier coefficient (qPC) in a parabolic quantum well (PQW) of GaAs/GaAsAl, subjected to a dc electric field, a magnetic field and a laser radiation, has been theoretically studied by using the quantum kinetic equation method with the assumption that the confined electron-confined optical phonon scattering is essential. The obtained analytical expression for the qPC in PQW is as a function of external fields, PQW parameters, and especially the quantum number m which was changed in order to characterize the influence of confined optical phonon. When m is set to zero, we obtain the results that corresponds to the case of unconfined optical phonon. Numerical calculations are also achieved for a PQW of GaAs/GaAsAl. The obtained results show that the qPC reaches resonance peaks when investigating its dependence on magnetic field and on frequency of laser radiation. Due to the influence of confined optical phonon, the position of resonance peaks has been not only shifted but also more pronounced than in the case of unconfined optical phonon. Besides, as the amplitude of laser radiation increases, the qPC has additional resonance peaks.
Research on on-line monitoring data cleaning of transformer oil chromatogram based on machine learning and neural networks
Authors: Liu Shoubao , Dang Yanyang , Li Ruijian
Published: May 2022

Transformer oil chromatogram on-line monitoring device is a widely used sensing device to monitor the operation state of transformer. Due to the lack of hardware verification means, the on-line chromatographic data generally has the problem of drift. In actual operation, it is mostly used as the basis for trend judgment, but can not reflect the effective value of chromatographic measurement. In this paper, the LSTM neural networks is used to correct the on-line monitoring data of transformer oil chromatogram. The off-line test data combined with neural networks data cleaning technology are used to repeatedly feed back and calibrate the online data, so that the corrected chromatographic on-line number is steadily close to the off-line detection data, which greatly improves the availability and accuracy of on-line chromatographic data. The research results of this paper have important reference significance for the data cleaning of on-line monitoring and measurement of electrical equipment.
Strontium-loaded titanium-15molybdenum surface improves physicochemical and biological properties in vitro
Authors: Matos Flávia Gomes , Santana Luís Carlos Leal , Cominotte Mariana Aline , da Silva Fernando Santos , Vaz Luís Geraldo , de Oliveira Diego Pedreira , Cirelli Joni Augusto
Published: May 2022

The titanium alloy composition and microdesign affect the dynamic interplay between the bone cells and titanium surface in the osseointegration process. The current study aimed to evaluate the surface physicochemical properties, electrochemical stability, and the metabolic response of the MC3T3-E1 cells (pre-osteoblast cell line) cultured onto titanium-15molybdenum (Ti-15Mo) discs treated with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and/or strontium-loading by the hydrothermal method. The x-ray dispersive energy spectroscopy (EDS) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed no trace of impurities and the possible formation of hydrated strontium oxide (H2O2Sr), respectively. The confocal laser microscopy (CLSM) analysis indicated that titanium samples treated with strontium (Sr) showed greater surface roughness. The acid/alkali treatment prior to the hydrothermal Sr deposition improved the surface free energy and resistance to corrosion of the Ti-15Mo alloy. The acid/alkali treatment also provided greater retention of the Sr particles on the Ti-15Mo surfaces accordingly with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysis. The AlamarBlue and fluorescence analysis indicated noncytotoxic effects against the MC3T3-E1 cells, which allowed cells’ adhesion and proliferation, with greater cells’ spreading in the Sr-loaded Ti-15Mo samples. These findings suggest that Sr deposition by the hydrothermal method has the potential to enhance the physicochemical properties of the Ti-15Mo previously etched with H3PO4 and NaOH, and also improve the initial events related to cell-mediated bone deposition.
Modeling surface pH measurements of oocytes
Authors: Bocchinfuso A , Calvetti D , Somersalo E
Published: May 2022

The transport of gases across cell membranes plays a key role in many different cell functions, from cell respiration to pH control. Mathematical models play a central role in understanding the factors affecting gas transport through membranes, and are the tool needed for testing the novel hypothesis of the preferential crossing through specific gas channels. Since the surface pH of cell membrane is regulated by the transport of gases such as CO2 and NH3, inferring the membrane properties can be done indirectly from pH measurements. Numerical simulations based on recent models of the surface pH support the hypothesis that the presence of a measurement device, a liquid-membrane pH sensitive electrode on the cell surface may disturb locally the pH, leading to a systematic bias in the measured values. To take this phenomenon into account, it is necessary to equip the model with a description of the micro-environment created by the pH electrode. In this work we propose a novel, computationally lightweight numerical algorithm to simulate the surface pH data. The effect of different parameters of the model on the output are investigated through a series of numerical experiments with a physical interpretation.
Analysis of free vibration of tapered cracked double nanobeams using Maclaurin series
Authors: Hossain Mainul , Lellep Jaan
Published: May 2022

In the study, the Maclaurin series technique is presented to analyse the vibration of cracked tapered double nanobeams. The equation of motion is derived from the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory based on the Hamiltonian principle and Eringen’s nonlocal theory of elasticity. The double-nanobeam system consists of two parallel nanobeams attached by a Winkler elastic layer. Both beams are identical and their widths vary along the x-axis. A single crack is considered at the upper beam of the system. The mechanical behaviour of cracked cross-sections is simulated by the local stiffness model. According to the model, the cracked double-beam system is divided into two intact segments. A numerical investigation is carried out to scrutinize the effects of nonlocal parameters, crack severity, taper ratio, and spring constant on the vibration of the double nanobeam. The results reveal that the effects of crack depth, crack location, nonlocal parameters, taper ratio, and spring constant influence the natural frequency and dynamic response of the system significantly. This study highlights that a crack at the upper beam influences the mode shape of the upper beam as well as the intact lower beam. Numerical results have been examined with the previously published works and found a good agreement with them.
Local 𝐿^{𝑝}-Brunn–Minkowski inequalities for 𝑝<1
Authors: Kolesnikov Alexander , Milman Emanuel
Published: May 2022

The

L
p

L^p

-Brunn–Minkowski theory for

p
≥
1

p\geq 1

, proposed by Firey and developed by Lutwak in the 90’s, replaces the Minkowski addition of convex sets by its

L
p

L^p

counterpart, in which the support functions are added in

L
p

L^p

-norm. Recently, Böröczky, Lutwak, Yang and Zhang have proposed to extend this theory further to encompass the range

p
∈
[
0
,
1
)

p \in [0,1)

. In particular, they conjectured an

L
p

L^p

-Brunn–Minkowski inequality for origin-symmetric convex bodies in that range, which constitutes a strengthening of the classical Brunn-Minkowski inequality. Our main result confirms this conjecture locally for all (smooth) origin-symmetric convex bodies in

R

n

\mathbb {R}^n

and

p
∈
[
1
−

c

n

3

/

2

,
1
)

p \in [1 - \frac {c}{n^{3/2}},1)

. In addition, we confirm the local log-Brunn–Minkowski conjecture (the case

p
=
0

p=0

) for small-enough

C
2

C^2

-perturbations of the unit-ball of

ℓ
q
n

\ell _q^n

for

q
≥
2

q \geq 2

, when the dimension

n
n

is sufficiently large, as well as for the cube, which we show is the conjectural extremal case. For unit-balls of

ℓ
q
n

\ell _q^n

with

q
∈
[
1
,
2
)

q \in [1,2)

, we confirm an analogous result for

p
=
c
∈
(
0
,
1
)

p=c \in (0,1)

, a universal constant. It turns out that the local version of these conjectures is equivalent to a minimization problem for a spectral-gap parameter associated with a certain differential operator, introduced by Hilbert (under different normalization) in his proof of the Brunn–Minkowski inequality. As applications, we obtain local uniqueness results in the even

L
p

L^p

-Minkowski problem, as well as improved stability estimates in the Brunn–Minkowski and anisotropic isoperimetric inequalities.
Placental expression of estrogen-related receptor gamma is reduced in fetal growth restriction pregnancies and is mediated by hypoxia
Authors: Zou Zhiyong , Harris Lynda K , Forbes Karen , Heazell Alexander E  P
Published: May 2022

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) describes a fetus which has not achieved its genetic growth potential; it is closely linked to placental dysfunction and uteroplacental hypoxia. Estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRG) is regulated by hypoxia and is highly expressed in the placenta. We hypothesized ESRRG is a regulator of hypoxia-mediated placental dysfunction in FGR pregnancies. Placentas were collected from women delivering appropriate for gestational age (AGA; n = 14) or FGR (n = 14) infants. Placental explants (n = 15) from uncomplicated pregnancies were cultured for up to 4 days in 21% or 1% O2, or with 200 μM cobalt chloride (CoCl2), or treated with the ESRRG agonists DY131 under different oxygen concentrations. RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunochemistry were used to assess mRNA and protein levels of ESRRG and its localization in placental tissue from FGR or AGA pregnancies, and in cultured placental explants. ESRRG mRNA and protein expression were significantly reduced in FGR placentas, as was mRNA expression of the downstream targets of ESRRG, hydroxysteroid 11-beta dehydrogenase 2 (HSD11B2), and cytochrome P-450 (CYP19A1.1). Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha protein localized to the nuclei of the cytotrophoblasts and stromal cells in the explants exposed to CoCl2 or 1% O2. Both hypoxia and CoCl2 treatment decreased ESRRG and its downstream genes’ mRNA expression, but not ESRRG protein expression. DY131 increased the expression of ESRRG signaling pathways and prevented abnormal cell turnover induced by hypoxia. These data show that placental ESRRG is hypoxia-sensitive and altered ESRRG-mediated signaling may contribute to hypoxia-induced placental dysfunction in FGR. Furthermore, DY131 could be used as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of placental dysfunction.
Trans-inclusive Sexual Health Questionnaire to Improve Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Care for Transgender Patients: Anatomic Site–Specific STI Prevalence and Screening
Authors: Tordoff Diana M , Dombrowski Julia C , Ramchandani Meena S , Barbee Lindley A
Published: May 2022

Background

In 2018, the municipal Sexual Health Clinic in Seattle, implemented trans-inclusive questions about sexual behavior, anatomy, gender-affirming surgeries, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms in the clinic’s computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) to improve care for transgender and nonbinary (TNB) patients.

Methods

We calculated test positivity, the proportion of TNB patient visits that received testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); syphilis; pharyngeal, rectal, and urogenital gonorrhea (GC); and chlamydia (CT) before (5/2016–12/2018) and after (12/2018–2/2020) implementation of new CASI questions, and the proportion of asymptomatic patients who received anatomic site–specific screening based on reported exposures.

Results

There were 434 TNB patients with 489 and 337 clinic visits during each period, respectively. Nonbinary patients assigned male at birth (AMAB) had the highest prevalence of GC (10% pharyngeal, 14% rectal, 12% urogenital). Transgender women, transgender men, and nonbinary people AMAB had a high prevalence of rectal CT (10%, 9%, and 13%, respectively) and syphilis (9%, 5%, and 8%). Asymptomatic transgender women, transgender men, and nonbinary patients AMAB were more likely to receive extragenital GC/CT screening compared with nonbinary patients assigned female at birth. After implementation of trans-inclusive questions, there was a 33% increase in the number of annual TNB patient visits but no statistically significant increase in HIV/STI testing among TNB patients.

Conclusions

TNB people had a high prevalence of extragenital STIs and syphilis. Implementation of trans-inclusive medical history questions at a clinic that serves cisgender and transgender patients was feasible and important for improving the quality of affirming and inclusive sexual healthcare.
Enhanced Liver Fibrosis Score Stratifies Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk in Patients With Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Seroclearance
Authors: Mak Lung-Yi , Cheung Ka-Shing , Hui Rex Wan-Hin , Wong Danny Ka-Ho , Fung James , Yuen Man-Fung , Seto Wai-Kay
Published: May 2022

In this prospective study involving 337 chronic hepatitis B patients who achieved spontaneous hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance (SC), serum enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) before SC was associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (hazard ratio 2.588), and ELF <10.8 was associated with >97% reduction in risk of HCC development in patients with age SC ≥ 50 (n = 190).
A chromosome-level genome assembly of the pollinating fig wasp Valisia javana
Authors: Chen Lianfu , Feng Chao , Wang Rong , Nong Xiaojue , Deng Xiaoxia , Chen Xiaoyong , Yu Hui
Published: May 2022

Fig wasp has always been thought the species-specific pollinator for their host fig (Moraceae, Ficus) and constitute a model system with its host to study co-evolution and co-speciation. The availability of a high-quality genome will help to further reveal the mechanisms underlying these characteristics. Here, we present a high-quality chromosome-level genome for Valisa javana developed by a combination of PacBio long-read and Illumina short-read. The assembled genome size is 296.34 Mb from 13 contigs with a contig N50 length of 26.76 kb. Comparative genomic analysis revealed expanded and positively selected genes related to biological features that aid fig wasps living in syconium of its highly specific host. Protein-coding genes associated with chemosensory, detoxification and venom genes were identified. Several differentially expressed genes in transcriptome data of V. javana between odor-stimulated samples and the controls have been identified in some olfactory signal transduction pathways, e.g. olfactory transduction, cAMP, cGMP-PKG, Calcim, Ras and Rap1. This study provides a valuable genomic resource for a fig wasp, and sheds insight into further revealing the mechanisms underlying their adaptive traits to their hosts in different places and co-speciation with their host.
Clinical significance of myocardial work parameters after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Coisne Augustin , Fourdinier Victor , Lemesle Gilles , Delsart Pascal , Aghezzaf Samy , Lamblin Nicolas , Schurtz Guillaume , Verdier Basile , Ninni Sandro , Delobelle Antoine , Favata Francesco , Garret Camille , Seunes Claire , Coppin Amandine , Donal Erwan , Scotti Andrea , Latib Azeem , Granada Juan F , Bauters Christophe , Montaigne David
Published: May 2022

Aims

To investigate the additional prognostic value of myocardial work (MW) parameters following acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods and results

Between 2018 and 2020, 244 patients admitted in the cardiac intensive care unit in Lille University Hospital for AMI were included. One-month following AMI, comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed to assess parameters of myocardial function. Patients were then followed for major events (ME): cardiovascular death, heart failure, and unplanned coronary revascularization. At 1-month, half of the population was symptomatic (NYHA ≥ II), and medical therapy was almost optimized (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin 2 receptor blocker in 95.5%, beta-blockers in 96.3%, DAPT in 94.7%, and statins in 97.1%). After a median follow-up of 681 (interquartile range: 538–840) days, ME occurred in 26 patients (10.7%). Patients presenting ME were older (65.5 ± 14.2 vs. 58.1 ± 12.1years, P = 0.005) with a higher prevalence of hypertension (65.4 vs. 36.2%, P = 0.004), more impaired left ventricular (LV) function as assessed by LV ejection fraction (P = 0.07), global longitudinal strain (P = 0.03), or MW parameters [P = 0.01 for global work efficiency (GWE)], and greater LV and left atrium dilatations (P = 0.06 for left ventricular end-diastolic volume index and P = 0.03 for left atrial volume index). After adjustment, GWE was the only TTE parameter independently associated with long-term occurrence of ME (P = 0.02). A GWE value <91% was selected to identify patients at higher ME risk (hazard ratio: 95% confidence interval) = 2.94 (1.36–6.35), P = 0.0041).

Conclusion

Lower GWE at 1 month after AMI is independently associated with higher ME rates. A GWE <91% can improve the post-AMI patient risk stratification.
Conserved function ofDrosophilaFancd2 monoubiquitination in response to double-strand DNA breaks
Authors: Clay Delisa E , Jezuit Erin A , Montague Ruth A , Fox Donald T
Published: May 2022

Fanconi anemia genes play key roles in metazoan DNA damage responses, and human FA mutations cause numerous disease phenotypes. In human cells, activating monoubiquitination of the Fanconi anemia protein Fancd2 occurs following diverse DNA damage stimuli. Monoubiquitinated Fancd2 forms nuclear foci to recruit additional repair factors. Fancd2 animal models to date have focused on molecular nulls or whole gene knockdown, leaving the specific in vivo role of monoubiquitination unclear. Using a point mutant in a conserved residue, we recently linked Drosophila Fancd2 monoubiquitination to a mitosis-specific DNA double-strand break response. In this context, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to generate the first animal model of an endogenous mutation in the conserved monoubiquitination site (fancd2K595R). Here, we expand upon our characterization of fancd2K595R. We also introduce and characterize additional Drosophila tools to study fancd2, including new mutant alleles and GFP-tagged rescue transgenes. Using these new reagents, we show the impact of Drosophila Fancd2 on organismal and cell viability, as well as on repair protein localization, in the presence or absence of double-strand breaks. These findings expand our understanding of Fanconi anemia gene function in vivo and provide useful reagents for DNA repair research.
Multimodal Brain MRI of Deep Gray Matter Changes Associated With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Goodyear Bradley G , Heidari Faranak , Ingram Richard J M , Cortese Filomeno , Sharifi Nastaran , Kaplan Gilaad G , Ma Christopher , Panaccione Remo , Sharkey Keith A , Swain Mark G
Published: May 2022

Background

Behavioral symptoms, including mood disorders, substantially impact the quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), even when clinical remission is achieved. Here, we used multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine if IBD is associated with changes in the structure and function of deep gray matter brain regions that regulate and integrate emotional, cognitive, and stress responses.

Methods

Thirty-five patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD) and 32 healthy controls underwent 3 Tesla MRIs to assess volume, neural activity, functional connection strength (connectivity), inflammation, and neurodegeneration of key deep gray matter brain regions (thalamus, caudate, pallidum, putamen, amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus) involved in emotional, cognitive and stress processing. Associations with sex, presence of pain, disease activity, and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration were examined.

Results

Significantly increased activity and functional connectivity were observed in cognitive and emotional processing brain regions, including parts of the limbic system, basal ganglia, and hypothalamus of IBD patients compared with healthy controls. Inflammatory bowel disease patients exhibited significantly increased volumes of the amygdala and hypothalamus, as well as evidence of neurodegeneration in the putamen and pallidum. Hippocampal neural activity was increased in IBD patients with active disease. The volume of the thalamus was positively correlated with CRP concentration and was increased in females experiencing pain.

Conclusions

Patients with IBD exhibit functional and structural changes in the limbic and striatal systems. These changes may be targets for assessing or predicting the response to therapeutic interventions aimed at improving comorbid emotional and cognitive symptoms.
Micelle-Incorporated Liquid Chromatography in the Light of Green Chemistry: An Application for the Quality Control Analysis of Anti-Platelet Fixed-Dose Combinations
Authors: Elsonbaty Ahmed , Hassan Wafaa S , Eissa Maya S , Abdulwahab Sara
Published: May 2022

Background

Oral anti-platelet agents are the cornerstone of the treatment of multiple cardiovascular diseases and in the long-term prevention of their recurrence.

Objective

In the present work, we report a method based on micellar liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet detection (MLC/UV), for the simultaneous quantification of combined anti-platelet therapy namely, clopidogrel bisulfate (CPS), aspirin (ASP), together with salicylic acid (SA), in their pharmaceutical dosage form.

Methods

The incorporation of 0.1M polyoxyethylene 23 lauryl ether (Brij-35) as a surfactant into the mobile phase improved solute–mobile phase interaction allowing for minimal organic solvent utilization, enhanced resolution, and rapid analysis (7 min). Furthermore, we performed a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impact caused by our procedures versus previously reported analytical procedures applied in the determination of CPS and ASP. The evaluation was made using the Eco-scale tool.

Results

The results of the developed method indicated the superiority of our procedures in terms of greenness without compromising the quality of performance characteristics. The method was linear in the range of 1–100 µg/mL with limits of detection of 0.28, 0.32, and 0.29 µg/mL for CPS, ASP, and SA, respectively. The developed method can also be utilized to test the purity and the stability of ASP in pharmaceutical formulations through monitoring SA as its main degradation product.

Conclusion

The MLC/UV method was successfully applied to the quantitative analysis of CPS, ASP together with SA—as a main degradation product of ASP—in their pharmaceutical dosage form

Highlights

The developed method was successfully applied for the determination of clopidogrel bisulfate (CPS), aspirin (ASP), together with salicylic acid (SA), in their pharmaceutical dosage form.
3 Landlord CVAs
Authors: Kon Asimacopoulos
Published: May 2022

This chapter focuses on the phases and development of CVAs proposed by companies as a means of modifying or compromising landlord claims. It also discusses the use of tenant companies' CVAs that are part of a listed group, where a parent company's shares are registered on a regulated stock exchange. Due to the Global Financial Crisis and subsequent global recession, traditional retail business models were experiencing the impact of change in the industry in line with the rapid development of internet technologies and digitisation of businesses. Moreover, numerous landlord CVAs successfully implemented by public companies are listed on stock exchanges.
4 CVAs in Practice
Authors: Partha Kar , Ann-Kathrin Ziegler , Sean Lacey , Thomas Jemmett , Karim Kassam
Published: May 2022

This chapter expounds on the practical considerations and structure of CVAs and proposes landlord CVAs. Over time, the market developed that CVAs have been utilised for numerous purposes in practices such as restructuring contexts and rationalising lease portfolios. Additionally, CVAs can be used as a tool to implement a commercial compromise arrangement between companies and creditors sans a consensual agreement regardless of the debtor's insolvency. Partial consent can only bind consenting parties instead of shielding dissenting creditors from enforcement actions. Jurisdictions and foreign recognition are considered when invoking a CVA. The chapter also tackles an overview of the CVAs taken by Steinhoff International Holdings NV's affiliates.
10 Future Deployment and Comparison to the Restructuring Plan
Authors: Ian Clarke
Published: May 2022

This chapter explicates CVA's future development and its comparison to the restructuring plans under Part 26A of the Companies Act 2006. Across Europe, debtors use numerous variety of structures such as bank loans and debt securities. The chapter primarily focuses on common financing, liability structures, CVA features, a case study, and the future deployment of processes in a restructuring context. The key differences between CVAs and restructuring plans are the eligibility of companies, people bound by the agreements, voting, class composition, fairness, and process. However, CVAs are expected to continue to play an instrumental role as either standalone restructuring tools or restructuring non-financial liabilities of debtors.
9 Regulation, Supervision, and Oversight
Authors: Thomas Keijser
Published: May 2022

This chapter discusses securities trading and settlement volumes that have soared as securities markets have become an increasingly important channel for intermediating flows of funds between borrowers and lenders and as investors have managed their securities portfolios more actively. It explores volumes of cross-border trades and settlements that have grown rapidly and have reflected the increasing integration of global markets. It also mentions the central securities depositories (CSDs), securities settlement systems (SSSs), custodians, and intermediaries that constitute the backbone of the post-trade securities infrastructure. The chapter reviews weaknesses in the underlying infrastructure for the holding and settlement of securities, which can be a source of systemic disturbances to securities markets and other parts of the financial system. It examines how intermediation can pose risks to safeguarding and administering the property of third parties.
Authority Deriving from Agency of Necessity
Authors: Munday Roderick
Published: May 2022

This chapter analyzes situations in which the law will impose the incidents of agency where one party has acted on behalf of another in the course of an emergency. It explains how the agent elects to act for the benefit of the principal, without prior authority, in order to preserve or protect that property or those interests. It also traces the doctrine of necessity that owes its origins to early practices of mercantile law, particularly to the shipping law. The chapter cites the Roman-law doctrine of negotiorum gestio, which was concerned with rights and liabilities arising out of the unrequested management of another’s affairs. It mentions the case Hawtayne v Bourne, which illustrates the refusal to recognize the rights of those who confer unrequested benefits on others.
Ratification
Authors: Munday Roderick
Published: May 2022

This chapter examines the doctrine of ratification that is concerned with acts performed without authority by an agent in the name of a principal. It considers ratification as a species of election by which the supposed principal for whom the supposed agent did not have authority chooses between disavowing the transaction and ratifying it. It also discusses how an undisclosed agency is seen to be anomalous because it was never the third party’s intention to contract with the principal. The chapter considers ratification as a unilateral act of will wherein there is no requirement that the principal notify the agent that the ratification has taken place. It mentions the powers of attorney that incorporate ‘ratification clauses’ under which the donor agrees to ratify in advance various acts that the donee of the power may perform.
Types of Bills of Lading
Authors: Girvin Stephen
Published: May 2022

This chapter examines bills of lading. While it was recognized that the holder of the bill of lading could acquire the property in the goods, it was in the second half of the nineteenth century that the character of the bill of lading as a symbol of the goods was formally recognized. Modern bills of lading are widely recognized as having the following three principal functions: “(a) a receipt by the carrier acknowledging the shipment of the goods on a particular vessel for carriage to a particular destination; (b) a memorandum of the terms of the contract of carriage, which will usually have been concluded before the signing of the document; (c) a document of title to the goods which enables the consignee to take delivery of the goods at their destination or to dispose of them by the indorsement and delivery of the bill of lading.” More broadly, there is a recognition of the leading role that bills of lading play in international trade. The chapter then considers liner bills of lading; straight bills of lading; charterparty bills of lading; freight forwarders’ bills of lading; through (combined transport) bills of lading; and multimodal transport bills of lading.
The Bill of Lading as a Receipt for the Goods Shipped
Authors: Girvin Stephen
Published: May 2022

This chapter focuses on the bill of lading as a receipt for the goods shipped. The face of a bill of lading contains information about the shipment of goods, including factual information concerning the goods which are received for shipment by the carrier. This includes information as to quantity and weight, any leading marks, and the apparent order and condition of the goods. These statements on the face of the bill of lading are directly relevant to the exercise of the holder’s contractual and other legal rights against sellers of the goods or, indeed, the carrier. The master’s principal responsibility in relation to the bill of lading is to ensure that the information on the face of the bill of lading corresponds to the mate’s receipt. The chapter then considers clauses in bills of lading and indemnities, as well receipt under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1992.
The Bill of Lading as Evidence of the Contract of Carriage
Authors: Girvin Stephen
Published: May 2022

This chapter assesses the bill of lading as evidence of the contract of carriage. Where the contract of carriage is concluded before the bill of lading is issued, the shipowner cannot unilaterally alter the terms of the contract by introducing contradictory written terms in the bill of lading. At most, the written statements on the reverse of the bill of lading should be considered as excellent evidence of the terms of the contract. The normal rule differs when there is a charterparty relationship between a charterer and a shipowner. Where the charterer also holds a bill of lading as the shipper of the goods, the bill of lading is merely a receipt for the goods because all terms of carriage are in the charterparty. So far as third parties are concerned, the matter is clarified by section 2(1) of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1992, which provides that the lawful holder has all the rights of suit under the bill of lading ‘as if he had been a party to that contract’.
The Bill of Lading as a Document of Title
Authors: Girvin Stephen
Published: May 2022

This chapter addresses the bill of lading as a document of title. At common law, bills of lading are documents of title to goods. Accordingly, bills of lading in the accepted form can, by endorsement and delivery, or delivery alone, transfer constructive possession in the goods to the holder. The effect of the transfer of constructive possession to the holder is that the holder of the bill of lading is entitled to physical delivery of the goods at the port of destination and the bill can be used as security for a debt. Documents of title also have a limited statutory meaning. Section 1(4) of the Factors Act 1889, which is incorporated, by reference, in section 61(1) of the Sale of Goods Act 1979, provides that ‘the expression “document of title” shall include any bill of lading’. The chapter then looks at the transfer of rights and obligations in bills of lading; the provision under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1992; and spent bills of lading.