bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of nitriding on the humidity sensing properties of hydrogenated amorphous carbon films
Authors: Frattini Giuliano , Torres Sindry , Silva Leonel I , Repetto Carlos E , Gómez Bernardo , Dobry Ariel
Published: February 2021

We have studied the effect of nitriding on the humidity sensing properties of hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) films. The films were prepared in two stages combining the techniques of physical deposition in vapor phase evaporation (PAPVD) and plasma pulsed nitriding. By deconvolution of the Raman spectrum we identified two peaks corresponding to the D and G modes characteristic of a-C:H. After the N2-H2 plasma treating, the peaks narrowed and shifted to the right, which we associated with the incorporation of N into the structure. We compared the sensitivity to the relative humidity (RH) of the films before and after the N2-H2 plasma treatment. The nitriding improved the humidity sensitivity measured as the low frequency resistance. By impedance spectroscopy we studied the frequency dependence of the AC conductivity σ at different RH conditions. Before nitriding σ(ω) ∼ A
ω

s
, it seemed to have the universal behaviour seen in other amorphous systems. The humidity changed the overall scale A. After nitriding, the exponent s increased, and became RH dependent. We associated this behaviour to the change of the interaction mechanism between the water molecule and the substrate when the samples were nitriding.
Tunnelling based birefringent rotary photon dragging through induced chiral medium
Authors: Khan Muhammad , Idrees Muhammad , Bacha Bakth Amin , Ullah Arif , Haneef Muhammad
Published: February 2021

The control and modification of divergence angle and birefringent rotary photon drags under the effect of quantum tunnelling is investigated in this article. The circularly birefringence

Δ
n
=

n

r

(
+
)

−

n

r

(
−
)

, divergence angle θ

d
and rotary photon dragging angles

θ

r

(
±
)

are found to have modified with the strength of tunnelling frequencies. The left and right circularly polarized beams show superlominality of group velocities −c/150 and −c/50, respectively, and the divergence angle of 0.050 radian per increment of tunnelling frequency. The maximum of rotary photon drags for both beams is measured

θ

r

(
±
)

=
±
2

micro radian with fractional change of 2%. The output pulses intensities

∣

E

out

+

(
t
)

∣

2

and

∣

E

out

−

(
t
)

∣

2

show uniform undistorted shapes with tunnelling frequencies and no energy losses. The results could have significant applications in the fields of quantum optics, photonics, plasmonics and special mode imaging coding technology.
The Graetz-Nusselt problem for the curved channel using spectral collocation method
Authors: Ali Nasir , Khan Muhammad Waris Saeed , Sajid Muhammad
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates the Graetz-Nusselt problem for a curved channel. The solution of the energy equation for constant wall temperature boundary condition is developed via the separation of variable technique. The associated eigenvalue problem is handled numerically with the help of the spectral collocation method, and the Simpson’s 1/3 rule is employed to compute the coefficient of the solution series. The impact of curvature on temperature profile, mean temperature, and Nusselt numbers at both upper and lower walls of the curved channel is presented through tables and graphs and discussed in detail. The analysis reveals an attenuation in the net heat transfer rate through the channel with raising the curvature parameter. The local Nusselt number at the upper wall of the curved channel decreases while at the lower wall it follows an increasing trend with enhancing the channel curvature. In addition, the net heat transfer rate through the curved channel is significantly higher than its counterpart for a straight channel. It is believed that the availability of such a solution will be an important contribution in the field of biomedical sciences, engineering sciences and development of many industrial types of equipment.
Adaptive predictive control of average coolant temperature based on chaotic particle swarm optimization
Authors: Zhang Long
Published: February 2021

Aiming at the problem that the average temperature control system of nuclear reactor coolant under variable conditions is nonlinear and time-varying, and the traditional fixed model cannot meet the control requirements, an improved generalized predictive control method with adaptive identification of model parameters is proposed. First, the structure of the coolant average temperature model is determined through mechanism derivation, and the forgetting factor recursive least square algorithm is used to identify the model parameters online and in real time. Secondly, the chaotic particle swarm algorithm is used to optimize the control increment during rolling optimization. The simulation is carried out on the MATLAB platform, and the results show that the tracking ability of the average coolant temperature is significantly better than the traditional PI control under variable conditions.
Nonlinear electromechanical modeling and robustness of soft robotic fish-like energy harvester: insights and possible issues
Authors: Salazar R , Abdelkefi A
Published: February 2021

This work investigates the possible integration of an energy harvester in a bioinspired fish-like aquatic unmanned vehicle. The defined fish-like system utilizes a reduced complexity prescribed motion as the representation for energy harvester to be subjected to. Nonlinear electromechanical modeling is performed by considering the geometric and piezoelectric nonlinearities. A convergence analysis is carried out in order to determine the required modes in the Galerkin discretization due to the presence of nonlinear interactions between the prescribed and relative motions. The utilization of higher-order modeling for the strain and material leads to the identification of impactful prescribed motions terms that can activate the nonlinearities in the system, results in more harmonics to consider, and leads to the presence parametric excitation terms. Considering a reduced-complex model by decreasing the value of the quadratic constraint envelope that the fish-like system would be forced with, the soft-robotic system behaves more with a base excitation characteristic. Small damping would allow this prescribed motion with reduced quadratic envelope forcing still induces a hardening behavior, but the other harmonics and parametric resonance seen are greatly reduced. Considering this reduced complexity system, the interaction between the prescribed and base excitations is also investigated to demonstrate that when the two excitations are of similar nature constructive and destructive build of the response waveform can occur when looking at near the first natural resonance. It is shown that the quenching phenomenon can take place which may result in a destructive response of the piezoelectric energy harvester. The results show that the robustness of the fish-like robot is directly dependent on the design parameters including the damping of the structure, importance of the undulatory motion, and activation of the resonances.
Fabrication of PDMS microfluidic devices using nanoclay-reinforced Pluronic F-127 as a sacrificial ink
Authors: Zhou Kui , Dey Madhuri , Ayan Bugra , Zhang Zhifeng , Ozbolat Veli , Kim Myoung Hwan , Khristov Vladimir , Ozbolat Ibrahim T
Published: February 2021

Additive manufacturing or three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is increasingly being employed in biochemical as well as clinical applications and more importantly in fabrication of microfluidic devices. However, the microfluidic community mainly relies on photolithography for fabrication of a defined mask, which is both tedious and expensive requiring clean room settings as well as limited to the generation of two-dimensional features. In this work, we 3D printed nanoclay-reinforced Pluronic ink as a sacrificial material, which exhibited shear thinning behavior and superior printability allowing the fabrication of unsupported or overhanging templates of channels with uniform diameter and circular cross-sections. To highlight the potential and effectiveness of the presented approach, we fabricated a human blood vessel-on-a-chip model with curved as well as straight channels. These channels were then lined up with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and subjected to a dynamic culture for 10 d to explore the effect of shear stress on HUVEC morphology based on the location of HUVECs in the devices. Overall, we presented a highly affordable, practical and useful approach in manufacturing of polydimethylsiloxane-based devices with closed microfluidic channels, which holds great potential for a numerous applications, such as but not limited to organ-on-a-chip, microfluidics, point-of-care devices and drug screening platforms.
From the Paris Agreement to corporate climate commitments: evaluation of seven methods for setting ‘science-based’ emission targets
Authors: Bjørn Anders , Lloyd Shannon , Matthews Damon
Published: February 2021

While large companies routinely announce greenhouse gas emissions targets, few have derived targets based on global climate goals. This changed in 2015 with the creation of the science based targets (SBTs) initiative, which provides guidelines for setting emission targets in line with the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement. SBTs have now been set by more than 500 companies. Methods for setting such targets are not presented in a comparable way in target-setting guidelines and concerns that certain methods may lead to overshoot of the temperature goal have not been investigated. Here, we systematically characterize and compare all seven broadly applicable target-setting methods and quantify the balance between collective corporate SBTs and global allowable emissions for individual methods and different method mixes. We use a simplified global production scenario composed of eight archetypical companies to evaluate target-setting methods across a range of company characteristics and global emission scenarios. The methods vary greatly with respect to emission allocation principles, required company variables and embedded global emission scenarios. Some methods treat companies largely the same, while others differentiate between company types based on geography, economic sector, projected growth rate or baseline emission intensity. The application of individual target-setting methods as well as different mixes of methods tend to result in an imbalance between time-integrated aggregated SBTs and global allowable emissions. The sign and size of this imbalance is in some cases sensitive to the shape of the global emission pathway and the distribution of variables between the company archetypes. We recommend that the SBT initiative (a) use our SBT method characterisation to present methods in a systematic way, (b) consider our emission imbalance analysis in its method recommendations, (c) disclose underlying reasons for its method recommendations, and (d) require transparency from companies on the calculation of established SBTs.
A review of mental health and wellbeing under climate change in small island developing states (SIDS)
Authors: Kelman Ilan , Ayeb-Karlsson Sonja , Rose-Clarke Kelly , Prost Audrey , Ronneberg Espen , Wheeler Nicola , Watts Nicholas
Published: February 2021

Small island developing states (SIDS) are often at the forefront of climate change impacts, including those related to health, but information on mental health and wellbeing is typically underreported. To help address this research lacuna, this paper reviews research about mental health and wellbeing under climate change in SIDS. Due to major differences in the literature’s methodologies, results, and analyses, the method is an overview and qualitative evidence synthesis of peer-reviewed publications. The findings show that mental health and wellbeing in the context of climate change have yet to feature prominently and systematically in research covering SIDS. It seems likely that major adverse mental health and wellbeing impacts linked to climate change impacts will affect SIDS peoples. Similar outcomes might also emerge when discussing climate change related situations, scenarios, and responses, irrespective of what has actually happened thus far due to climate change. In the context of inadequate health systems and stigmatisation of mental health diagnoses and treatments, as tends to occur globally, climate change narratives might present an opening for conversations about addressing mental health and wellbeing issues for SIDS.
Similarity solutions for cylindrical shock waves in a non-ideal gas under the action of monochromatic radiation
Authors: Devi Munesh , Singh Deepika , Arora Rajan
Published: February 2021

A theoretical model for the propagation of cylindrical shock waves in the adiabatic flow of a non-ideal gas with the effect of monochromatic radiation into the stellar interiors is studied. We obtain some special class of self-similar solutions to the considered problem using the Lie group of transformations. Here, we assume that the density is uniform in the undisturbed medium. The radiation flux is considered to be moving through the non-ideal gas. The flow variables behind the shock front are discussed through graphs. Also, the effects of variation in the non-ideal parameter, radiation parameter and adiabatic exponent on the flow variables are explained. The obtained results are quite similar to the results obtained by Vishwakarma and Pandey (2012 Int. J. Phys. Math. Sci.
2 27–37). The software package ‘MATLAB’ has performed all the computational work.
Study on Vehicle Travel Trajectory Completion based on AHP-Entropy-TOPSIS Method
Authors: He Meimei , Wu Xianyu
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we proposed a vehicle travel trajectory completion algorithm based on license plate recognition data. Firstly, a processing method for redundant license plate data is proposed. Secondly, the abnormal travel trajectory is extracted based on the travel time threshold between adjacent nodes. Then, the alternative trajectory was obtained through the K shortest path algorithm. The combined algorithm of AHP and EWM was used to calculate the weight of multi- objective attribute indexes. The Hierarchical-Entropy-TOPSIS method for determining vehicle travel trajectory was constructed to complete vehicle travel trajectory decision-making. Finally, the reliability of the algorithm is verified by the license plate data of Yicheng County, Linfen City.
The Practices of Community Construction Based on Sanfang- Qixiang in Fuzhou
Authors: Chen Ying
Published: February 2021

Community construction is a way to protect the active development of historic districts, which can effectively resolve the contradiction between the protection and utilization of historic districts. This paper introduces the general situation of the Sanfang-Qixiang in Fuzhou and the process of its protection work. The concrete measures of community construction is of reference significance to other historical districts in China.
Analysis of key points of road and bridge foundation construction technology
Authors: Hongguanga Ma , Jing Wang
Published: February 2021

In the process of road and bridge construction, basic construction technology is most the important. Only when the basic construction technology is improved can the overall quality of the road and bridge be improved. Therefore, the relevant construction units must strengthen the research of basic construction technology and master the technical points to accelerate road and bridge construction. In view of this, this paper mainly analyzes the key points of road and bridge foundation construction technology.
A Numerical Case Study on Boundary Effect in Test and Simulation of Seismic Hydrodynamic Pressure on Pier
Authors: Liu Haiming , Tao Xiaxin , Qin Yifang , Tao Zhengru
Published: February 2021

Total 12 finite element models are built for piers of rectangular and elliptical sections in water with infinite boundary condition or with elastic boundaries and longitudinal size 3 m, 5 m, 7.5 m, 10 m and 15 m respectively. Responses of the models are calculated by numerical water - pier interaction coupling procedure. The result hydrodynamic pressures of nodes on the central line of the pier upstream faces at 8 depths show that the pressures on models with elastic boundaries are getting close to that with infinite boundary as the longitudinal size increasing, and the 15 m length is long enough for tank in shaking table test to prevent the disturbance of boundary wave on the maximum absolute value of hydrodynamic pressure.
Refined Management of Traffic Engineering Cost Based on BIM Technology
Authors: Yang Yaru
Published: February 2021

The rapid development of technology and economy has brought the construction industry into a stage of vigorous development. The traditional mode of project cost management is no longer suitable for the development of the construction industry, and more refined management of cost is imperative. At this stage, BIM technology is widely used in the management of cost. It can establish corresponding models to carry out fine management of each stage of construction. Based on the above background, the purpose of this paper is to refine the management of traffic engineering cost based on BIM technology. This article first conducts a survey of the current status of traffic engineering cost management based on BIM technology. Through statistical analysis of the survey data, it is mainly aimed at the investigation of the current BIM understanding and application of the traffic engineering cost industry. Then put forward the basic principles of BIM technology application engineering cost management, and then put forward the optimization plan of traffic engineering cost management based on BIM technology, including investment decision, design, budget, bidding, construction stage, etc. Finally, the study found that in the process of project construction, the application of BIM technology greatly facilitated the construction of various specialties, and the project quality rate reached more than 98%, and significant results were achieved.
Research on construction safety Evaluation and management system of water conservancy and hydropower projects
Authors: Xiang Jie
Published: February 2021

Along with our country economy sustained and stable growth, water resources and hydropower engineering industry development is rapid, a fairly long period of time in the future will be in the process of engineering construction, however, with the rapid development of water resources and hydropower engineering industries came the frequent safety accidents of water resources and hydropower engineering construction, cause huge casualties and property losses, and has a great influence on society. On the surface, most of the safety accidents are caused by improper human operation or mechanical equipment injury, but at the root of the problem, most of the accidents are caused by potential accidents in safety management. Therefore, how to improve the safety management level of water conservancy and hydropower project construction, improve the level of construction safety management information is the current urgent task of water conservancy and hydropower project construction enterprises.
Experimental study on the influence of temperature on the wear performance of polymer sliding plate materials for bridge bearings
Authors: Niu Songshan , Ouyang Xiankai , Liu Yang
Published: February 2021

The wear performance of polymer sliding plate material for bridge bearing is the key factor affecting the durability of bearing sliding unit. Based on the selection of friction pairs commonly used in bridge bearings in China, the wear performance of modified polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) plate, which are gradually used in engineering in recent years, is tested and studied in this paper. It is hoped to provide reference for the engineers and researchers engaged in related work in China.
Black hole’s shadow boosts Einstein’s general theory
Authors: Jarman Sam
Published: February 2021

Einstein’s general theory of relativity has triumphed once again after being tested in the strongest gravitational field to date.
Celebrating Black physicists
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: February 2021

Charles Brown, Eileen Gonzales and Xandria Quichocho talk to Michael Banks about the barriers facing Black physicists and how #BlackInPhysics week aimed to boost their visibility
UK carbon targets require national approach to materials
Authors: Allen Michael
Published: February 2021

A national co-ordinated approach to materials science in the UK is needed to meet the country’s 2050 net-zero carbon targets, according to the Henry Royce Institute.
Keeping your eyes on the prize
Authors: Prescod-Weinstein Chanda
Published: February 2021

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein describes the social and political barriers that Black physicists face in their daily lives
Supporting the next generation
Authors: Labrosse Nicolas
Published: February 2021

Nicolas Labrosse says that UK research funders must recognize their responsibility to support research into university physics education
Ferroelectricity: 100 years on
Authors: Bhalla Amar S , Saxena Avadh
Published: February 2021

When a PhD student called Joseph Valasek discovered ferroelectricity exactly 100 years ago, few people realized the enormous impact it would have on science and technology. Amar S Bhalla and Avadh Saxena pick their favourite applications of this fundamental physics phenomenon
Preparing ground states with a broken symmetry with variational quantum algorithms
Authors: Vogt Nicolas , Zanker Sebastian , Reiner Jan-Michael , Marthaler Michael , Eckl Thomas , Marusczyk Anika
Published: February 2021

One of the most promising applications for near term quantum computers is the simulation of physical quantum systems, particularly many-electron systems in chemistry and condensed matter physics. In solid state physics, finding the correct symmetry broken ground state of an interacting electron system is one of the central challenges. To help finding the correct broken symmetries in the thermodynamic limit methods that allow to determine the groundstate of large but finite interacting electron systems are very useful. The variational Hamiltonian ansatz (VHA), a variational hybrid quantum-classical algorithm especially suited for finding the ground state of a solid state system, will in general not prepare a broken symmetry state unless the initial state is chosen to exhibit the correct symmetry. In this work, we discuss three variations of the VHA designed to find the symmetry-breaking groundstate of a finite system close to a transition point between different orders. As a test case we use the two-dimensional Hubbard model where we break the symmetry explicitly by means of external fields coupling to the Hamiltonian and calculate the response to these fields. For the calculation we simulate a gate-based quantum computer and also consider the effects of dephasing noise on the algorithms. We find that two of the three algorithms are in good agreement with the exact solution for the considered parameter range. The third algorithm agrees with the exact solution only for a part of the parameter regime, but is more robust with respect to dephasing compared to the other two algorithms.
Silicon carbide planar junctionless transistor for low-medium voltage power electronics
Authors: Nayak Suvendu , SanthiBhushan Boddepalli , Lodha Saurabh , Ganguly Swaroop
Published: February 2021

This paper proposes a Silicon Carbide (SiC) based planar junctionless transistor (JLT), designed and simulated for low to medium power electronic applications, with a calibrated deck of SiC parameters. The simple structure of this device avoids the fabrication complexity associated with intricate junction geometries of vertical power devices and growth challenges of lateral heterostructure ones. Because of the wide bandgap (WBG) of SiC, the device exhibits a breakdown voltage of 100 V at channel length of 0.1 μm, which may be enhanced, at the cost of operating speed, by increasing the channel length. Compared to commercial enhancement-mode GaN (e-GaN) devices with similar breakdown voltage specification, the proposed device offers lower specific on-resistance (R

on,sp
), and a significant reduction in capacitance due to its naturally self-aligned structure, leading to higher operating speed concluded from the mixed-mode simulations.
Predictors of Caregiver Burden in Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Hergert Danielle C , Cimino Cynthia R
Published: February 2021

Objective

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative condition that is characterized by cognitive, motor, and psychiatric dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to explore which disease characteristics influence caregiver burden in HD.

Methods

Fifty participants with HD and 50 of their caregivers participated in the study at the University of South Florida. Participants were administered a neuropsychological battery, the Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) motor exam, and the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe) self-report. Caregivers completed the Caregiving Appraisal Scale and the FrSBe family-report.

Results

There were significant correlations between caregiver burden and caregiver age and sex, UHDRS motor scores, cognitive functioning, and self and caregiver-reported FrSBe scores. The significant variables were entered into a regression model and explained 63.1% of the variance in caregiver burden scores. Caregiver age, cognitive functioning, and caregiver-reported FrSBe scores continued to be significant predictors of caregiver burden, whereas the other variables were no longer significant.

Conclusions

There were significant relationships between caregiver burden, cognitive functioning, and frontally mediated behaviors, but not motor scores. The results suggest that possible interventions for caregivers may include education to caregivers on how to cope with apathy/executive dysfunction and cognitive decline. Caregiver age was associated with burden, with younger age being associated with increased burden when controlling for symptom severity. This has implications for this population in that HD typically has a younger age of onset than other neurodegenerative diseases and therefore, these caregivers may be particularly at risk for caregiver burden.
Activation of cardiac sarcoidosis associated with development of gastric cancer: a case report
Authors: Kawai Hideki , Sarai Masayoshi , Toyama Hiroshi , Izawa Hideo
Published: February 2021

Background

The high 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in sarcoidosis lesions reflects infiltration of inflammatory cells such as macrophages. An increased incidence of cancer in patients with sarcoidosis has been suggested, and some combination of the following mechanisms has been proposed: chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction, shared aetiologic agents, and genetic susceptibility to both cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Case summary

A 73-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to effort dyspnoea. Initial investigations showed complete atrioventricular block on electrocardiography, basal thinning of the interventricular septum, and preserved left ventricular (LV) systolic function on echocardiography, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in all layers of the basal interventricular septum on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. FDG positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (FDG-PET/CT) showed no abnormal uptake in the whole-body including myocardium. After discussion, corticosteroid was not initiated then. One year later, he developed stomach adenocarcinoma. Repeated investigations demonstrated enlargement of the LV (LV diastolic diameter 63 mm) and diffuse systolic impairment of LV function (LV ejection fraction 31%) on echocardiography, and abnormal focal uptake at the lateral walls of LV and hilar lymph nodes on FDG-PET/CT imaging. One more year after the surgery for gastric cancer and corticosteroid initiation, echocardiography showed recovery of systolic function and FDG-PET/CT showed no uptake in either the myocardium or hilar lymph nodes.

Discussion

In the present case, it is speculated that the first inflammation which left scarred areas showing LGE was already completed before the first FDG-PET/CT. The development of gastric cancer may be associated with the reactivation of cardiac sarcoidosis.
A case report of pulmonary vein isolation with radiofrequency catheter using superior vena cava approach in patient with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and inferior vena cava filter
Authors: Narikawa Masatoshi , Kiyokuni Masayoshi , Hosoda Junya , Ishikawa Toshiyuki
Published: February 2021

Background

Transseptal puncture and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are generally performed via the inferior vena cava (IVC). However, in cases where the IVC is inaccessible, a specific strategy may be needed.

Case summary

An 86-year-old woman with paroxysmal AF and an IVC filter in situ was referred to our hospital for ablation therapy. An IVC filter for pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis had been implanted 15 years prior, therefore we selected a transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE)-guided transseptal puncture using a superior vena cava (SVC) approach. After the single transseptal puncture, we performed fast anatomical mapping, voltage mapping by multipolar mapping catheter, and then PVI by contact force-guided radiofrequency catheter using a steerable sheath. Following the ablation, bidirectional conduction block between the four pulmonary veins and the left atrium was confirmed by both radiofrequency and mapping catheter. No complications occurred and no recurrence of AF was documented in the 12 months after the procedure.

Discussion

When performing a transseptal puncture during AF ablation, an SVC approach, via access through the right internal jugular vein, enables the sheath to directly approach the left atrium without angulation and improves operability of the ablation catheter. Combining the use of general anaesthesia, TOE, a steerable sheath, and contact force-guided ablation may contribute to achieving minimally invasive PVI with a single transseptal puncture via an SVC approach.
Efficacy and safety of low-dose colchicine in patients with coronary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Fiolet Aernoud T L , Opstal Tjerk S J , Mosterd Arend , Eikelboom John W , Jolly Sanjit S , Keech Anthony C , Kelly Peter , Tong David C , Layland Jamie , Nidorf Stefan M , Thompson Peter L , Budgeon Charley , Tijssen Jan G P , Cornel Jan H
Published: February 2021

Aims

Recent randomized trials demonstrated a benefit of low-dose colchicine added to guideline-based treatment in patients with recent myocardial infarction or chronic coronary disease. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to obtain best estimates of the effects of colchicine on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Methods and results

We searched the literature for randomized clinical trials of long-term colchicine in patients with atherosclerosis published up to 1 September 2020. The primary efficacy endpoint was MACE, the composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death. We combined the results of five trials that included 11 816 patients. The primary endpoint occurred in 578 patients. Colchicine reduced the risk for the primary endpoint by 25% [relative risk (RR) 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61–0.92; P = 0.005], myocardial infarction by 22% (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64–0.94; P = 0.010), stroke by 46% (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.34–0.86; P = 0.009), and coronary revascularization by 23% (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.66–0.90; P < 0.001). We observed no difference in all-cause death (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.71–1.62; P = 0.73), with a lower incidence of cardiovascular death (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.55–1.23; P = 0.34) counterbalanced by a higher incidence of non-cardiovascular death (RR 1.38, 95% CI 0.99–1.92; P = 0.060).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis indicates that low-dose colchicine reduced the risk of MACE as well as that of myocardial infarction, stroke, and the need for coronary revascularization in a broad spectrum of patients with coronary disease. There was no difference in all-cause mortality and fewer cardiovascular deaths were counterbalanced by more non-cardiovascular deaths.
Alkaline soil pH affects bulk soil, rhizosphere and root endosphere microbiomes of plants growing in a Sandhills ecosystem
Authors: Lopes Lucas Dantas , Hao Jingjie , Schachtman Daniel P
Published: February 2021

Soil pH is a major factor shaping bulk soil microbial communities. However, it is unclear whether the belowground microbial habitats shaped by plants (e.g. rhizosphere and root endosphere) are also affected by soil pH. We investigated this question by comparing the microbial communities associated with plants growing in neutral and strongly alkaline soils in the Sandhills, which is the largest sand dune complex in the northern hemisphere. Bulk soil, rhizosphere and root endosphere DNA were extracted from multiple plant species and analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Results showed that rhizosphere, root endosphere and bulk soil microbiomes were different in the contrasting soil pH ranges. The strongest impact of plant species on the belowground microbiomes was in alkaline soils, suggesting a greater selective effect under alkali stress. Evaluation of soil chemical components showed that in addition to soil pH, cation exchange capacity also had a strong impact on shaping bulk soil microbial communities. This study extends our knowledge regarding the importance of pH to microbial ecology showing that root endosphere and rhizosphere microbial communities were also influenced by this soil component, and highlights the important role that plants play particularly in shaping the belowground microbiomes in alkaline soils.
Clostridioides difficile phage biology and application
Authors: Heuler Joshua , Fortier Louis-Charles , Sun Xingmin
Published: February 2021

Clostridium difficile, now reclassified as Clostridioides difficile, is the causative agent of C. difficile infections (CDI). CDI is particularly challenging in healthcare settings because highly resistant spores of the bacterium can persist in the environment, making it difficult to curb outbreaks. Dysbiosis of the microbiota caused by the use of antibiotics is the primary factor that allows C. difficile to colonize the gut and cause diarrhea and colitis. For this reason, antibiotics targeting C. difficile can be ineffective at preventing recurrent episodes because they exacerbate and prolong dysbiosis. The emergence of antibiotic resistance in C. difficile also presents a significant threat. The diverse array of bacteriophages (phages) that infect C. difficile could offer new treatment strategies and greater insight into the biology of the pathogen. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding C. difficile phages and discuss what is understood about their lifestyles and genomics. Then, we examine how phage infection modifies bacterial gene expression and pathogenicity. Finally, we discuss the potential clinical applications of C. difficile phages such as whole phage therapy and phage-derived products, and we highlight the most promising strategies for further development.
The RSC complex remodels nucleosomes in transcribed coding sequences and promotes transcription in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Biernat Emily , Kinney Jeena , Dunlap Kyle , Rizza Christian , Govind Chhabi K
Published: February 2021

RSC (Remodels the Structure of Chromatin) is a conserved ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex that regulates many biological processes, including transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II). We report that RSC contributes in generating accessible nucleosomes in transcribed coding sequences (CDSs). RSC MNase ChIP-seq data revealed that RSC-bound nucleosome fragments were very heterogenous (∼80 bp to 180 bp) compared to a sharper profile displayed by the MNase inputs (140 bp to 160 bp), supporting the idea that RSC promotes accessibility of nucleosomal DNA. Notably, RSC binding to +1 nucleosomes and CDSs, but not with -1 nucleosomes, strongly correlated with Pol II occupancies, suggesting that RSC enrichment in CDSs is linked to transcription. We also observed that Pol II associates with nucleosomes throughout transcribed CDSs, and similar to RSC, Pol II-protected fragments were highly heterogenous, consistent with the idea that Pol II interacts with remodeled nucleosomes in CDSs. This idea is supported by the observation that the genes harboring high-levels of Pol II in their CDSs were the most strongly affected by ablating RSC function. Additionally, rapid nuclear depletion of Sth1 decreases nucleosome accessibility and results in accumulation of Pol II in highly transcribed CDSs. This is consistent with a slower clearance of elongating Pol II in cells with reduced RSC function, and is distinct from the effect of RSC depletion on PIC assembly. Altogether, our data provide evidence in support of the role of RSC in promoting Pol II elongation, in addition to its role in regulating transcription initiation.
Assessing the impact of trawling on benthic megafauna: comparative study of video surveys vs. scientific trawling
Authors: Jac Cyrielle , Desroy Nicolas , Duchêne Jean-Claude , Foveau Aurélie , Labrune Céline , Lescure Lyvia , Vaz Sandrine
Published: February 2021

Most studies about benthic community use small-scale sampling methods focused on the infauna such as grabs or box-corers. The benthic data collected by scientific trawl surveys in all European waters, in the frame of the Common Fishery Policy Data Collection Multiannual Program, can be used to study the impact of large-scale fisheries such as trawling. However, the catchability of trawls is very dependent on the nature of the seabed as well as resulting ground-gear adaptations. Due to its non-destructive nature and its ability to focus on benthic macro-epifauna, towed video sampling appears to be a good alternative to monitor the impact of trawling on benthic communities. In the present work, we studied the influence of fishery induced seabed abrasion and video characteristics on nine indices, which can be used to monitor the effect of trawling on benthic communities, was studied. Among them, three indices specific to fishery effect detection based on biological traits appeared to be the best performing benthic indices with video data: modified-Trawling Disturbance Index, partial-Trawling Disturbance Index, and modified sensitivity index. The effectiveness of these indices to monitor the effect of trawling was evaluated and compared between trawl and video sampling. This work has highlighted that video sampling could be a good alternative, or at least a complementary method, to scientific trawling to monitor the effect of trawling on benthic communities in European waters.
The Mosaic mtr Locus as Major Genetic Determinant of Azithromycin Resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae—Germany, 2018
Authors: Banhart Sebastian , Selb Regina , Oehlmann Sandra , Bender Jennifer , Buder Susanne , Jansen Klaus , Heuer Dagmar
Published: February 2021

Within the German Gonococcal Resistance Network’s (GORENET) Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) sample collection, azithromycin-resistant NG isolates increased from 4.3% in 2016 to 9.2% in 2018. We aim to understand this observed increase using whole genome sequencing of NG isolates combined with epidemiological and clinical data. Reduced susceptibility to azithromycin in 2018 was predominately clonal (NG multiantigen sequence typing G12302) and could mainly be attributed to the recently described mosaic-like mtr locus. Our data suggest that, together with horizontal gene transfer of resistance determinants and well-established point mutations, international spread of resistant lineages plays a major role regarding azithromycin resistance in Germany.
Identification of the relationship between the gut microbiome and feed efficiency in a commercial pig cohort
Authors: Jiang Hui , Fang Shaoming , Yang Hui , Chen Congying
Published: February 2021

Feed efficiency (FE) is an economically important trait in pig production. Gut microbiota plays an important role in energy harvest, nutrient metabolism, and fermentation of dietary indigestible components. Whether and which gut microbes affect FE in pigs are largely unknown. Here, a total of 208 healthy Duroc pigs were used as experimental materials. Feces and serum samples were collected at the age of 140 d. We first performed 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing analysis to investigate the relationship between the gut microbiome and porcine residual feed intake (RFI). 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis detected 21 operational taxonomic units showing the tendency to correlation with the RFI (P < 0.01). Metagenomic sequencing further identified that the members of Clostridiales, e.g., Ruminococcus flavefaoiens, Lachnospiraceae bacterium 28-4, and Lachnospiraceae phytofermentans, were enriched in pigs with low RFI (high-FE), while 11 bacterial species including 5 Prevotella spp., especially, the Prevotella copri, had higher abundance in pigs with high RFI. Functional capacity analysis suggested that the gut microbiome of low RFI pigs had a high abundance of the pathways related to amino acid metabolism and biosynthesis, but a low abundance of the pathways associated with monosaccharide metabolism and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. Serum metabolome and fecal short-chain fatty acids were determined by UPLC-QTOF/MS and gas chromatography, respectively. Propionic acid in feces and the serum metabolites related to amino acid metabolism were negatively correlated with the RFI. The results from this study may provide potential gut microbial biomarkers that could be used for improving FE in pig production industry.
Retooling the Sustainability Standards in EU Free Trade Agreements
Authors: Bronckers Marco , Gruni Giovanni
Published: February 2021

The EU’s weak promotional policy towards sustainability in its free trade arguments is up for revision. Labour and environmental standards need to be tightened. They were given a boost on balance by a remarkable panel ruling of January 2021 in the long-standing EU–Korea labour dispute. Compliance ought to be subject to regular dispute settlement between governments. Sanctions must be added to the EU’s toolbox, going beyond trade retaliation. Private stakeholders should become more involved in monitoring and enforcement, both at the international and at the domestic level. All this will put an extra responsibility on the EU and its Member States to protect their labour force and the environment as well.
Three new extinct species from the endemic Philippine cloud rat radiation (Rodentia, Muridae, Phloeomyini)
Authors: Ochoa Janine , Mijares Armand S B , Piper Philip J , Reyes Marian C , Heaney Lawrence R
Published: February 2021

The 18 extant members of the Tribe Phloeomyini, the “cloud rats,” constitute an endemic Philippine radiation of arboreal herbivores that range in size from ca. 18 g to 2.7 kg, most occurring in cloud forest above 1,200 m elevation. Although calibrated phylogenies indicate that the Phloeomyini is estimated to have begun diversifying within the Philippines by ca. 10–11 million years ago, no extinct fossil species have been described, severely limiting our understanding of this distinctive radiation. Our studies of fossil and subfossil small mammal assemblages from the lowland Callao Caves complex in NE Luzon, Philippines, have produced specimens of Phloeomyini that date from ca. 67,000 BP to the Late Holocene (ca. 4,000 to 2,000 BP). We identify three extinct species that we name as new members assigned to the genera Batomys, Carpomys, and Crateromys, distinguished from congeners by body size, distinctive dental and other morphological features, and occupancy of a habitat (lowland forest over limestone) that differs from the high-elevation mossy forest over volcanic soils occupied by their congeners. Batomys cagayanensis n. sp. is known only from two specimens from ca. 67,000 BP; Carpomys dakal n. sp. and Crateromys ballik n. sp. were present from ca. 67,000 BP to the Late Holocene. These add to the species richness and morphological diversity of this endemic Philippine radiation of large folivores, and show specifically that the lowland fauna of small mammals on Luzon was more diverse in the recent past than it is currently, and that Luzon recently supported five species of giant rodents (ca. 1 kg or more). All three occurred contemporaneously with Homo luzonensis, and two, the new Carpomys and Crateromys, persisted until the Late Holocene when multiple exotic mammal species, both domestic and invasive, were introduced to Luzon, and new cultural practices (such as making pottery) became evident, suggesting that modern humans played a role in their extinction.
Acute abdomen due to pancreatic pseudocyst with splenic extension and rupture
Authors: Navarro Francisco , Leiva Lissette , Norero Enrique
Published: February 2021

Pancreatic pseudocyst is a common complication of acute and chronic pancreatitis. However, spleen involvement in pancreatitis is rare. We present a patient with a pancreatic tail pseudocyst with splenic extension and rupture. Due to initial stability, conservative management was decided. However, he developed tachycardia with severe abdominal pain associated with signs of peritoneal irritation, requiring an emergency laparotomy. A large pancreatic tail pseudocyst was identified in addition to a ruptured spleen. Splenectomy and double layer hand-sewn gastrocystic anastomosis were performed. The patient had a satisfactory recovery and was discharged on the 11th postoperative day. Conservative management is an option in stable patients but with a high rate of failure. Surgery remains the standard choice in these cases.
Inflight transmission of COVID-19 based on experimental aerosol dispersion data
Authors: Wang Zhaozhi , Galea Edwin R , Grandison Angus , Ewer John , Jia Fuchen
Published: February 2021

Background

An issue of concern to the travelling public is the possibility of in-flight transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during long- and short-haul flights. The aviation industry maintains that the probability of contracting the illness is small based on reported cases, modelling and data from aerosol dispersion experiments conducted on-board aircraft.

Methods

Using experimentally derived aerosol dispersion data for a B777-200 aircraft and a modified version of the Wells-Riley equation we estimate inflight infection probability for a range of scenarios involving quanta generation rate and face mask efficiency. Quanta generation rates were selected based on COVID-19 events reported in the literature while mask efficiency was determined from the aerosol dispersion experiments.

Results

The MID-AFT cabin exhibits the highest infection probability. The calculated maximum individual infection probability (without masks) for a 2-hour flight in this section varies from 4.5% for the ‘Mild Scenario’ to 60.2% for the ‘Severe Scenario’ although the corresponding average infection probability varies from 0.1% to 2.5%. For a 12-hour flight, the corresponding maximum individual infection probability varies from 24.1% to 99.6% and the average infection probability varies from 0.8% to 10.8%. If all passengers wear face masks throughout the 12-hour flight, the average infection probability can be reduced by ~73%/32% for high/low efficiency masks. If face masks are worn by all passengers except during a one-hour meal service, the average infection probability is increased by 59%/8% compared to the situation where the mask is not removed.

Conclusions

This analysis has demonstrated that while there is a significant reduction in aerosol concentration due to the nature of the cabin ventilation and filtration system, this does not necessarily mean that there is a low probability or risk of in-flight infection. However, mask wearing, particularly high-efficiency ones, significantly reduces this risk.