bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Comfort Assessment of Steel‐Concrete Composite Floors Subjected to People Dynamic Loads
Authors: Richter dos Santos Elisângela Arêas , Almeida de Sousa Felipe , Santos da Silva José Guilherme
Published: September 2022

This paper aims to investigate the dynamic structural behaviour and assess the human comfort of steel‐concrete composite floors subjected to loads induced by human rhythmic activities. This way, the analysed structural model is associated with a steel‐concrete composite floor with dimensions of 40m x 40m and a total area of 1,600m2. The dynamic loads were obtained through the use of traditional “only force” mathematical models and also based on the consideration of biodynamic systems, aiming to incorporate the people‐structure interaction dynamic effect to assess human comfort. The floor numerical model was developed based on the use of modelling techniques, adopting the mesh refinement present in the Finite Element Method (FEM), implemented in the ANSYS program. The structure dynamic response was obtained through the study of dynamic loading models related to people practising rhythmic activities on the floor concrete slabs, and compared to the current vibration serviceability limits. It must be emphasized that the dynamic response values surpass the recommended limits indicating that the human comfort of the investigated floor violated the design criteria presenting high accelerations values, causing excessive vibration and discomfort to the users.
Influence of the Longitudinal Shear Transfer on the Vertical Shear Capacity in CSTC Beams
Authors: Vigneri Valentino , Kroyer Robert , Taras Andreas
Published: September 2022

Unlike typical composite beams using downstand steel profiles, Composite steel truss in concrete (CSTC) beams consist of steel trusses welded to a steel plate and embedded in concrete. In this case, the longitudinal shear transfer relies on the mechanical interlock between the surrounding concrete and the embedded diagonals which carry simultaneously most of the vertical shear force. The current work aims to assess to what extent the longitudinal shear transfer affects the capacity of these diagonals, such that the current approach for determining the vertical shear resistance is suitable. Hence, a simplified 3D finite element (FE) model was firstly developed and several simulations were carried out. The results were post‐processed in consideration of the slip distribution and load conditions which may occur along the actual beam. Finally, a more advanced FE model was created to evaluate and compare the vertical shear resistance of a 6m CSTC beam with the corresponding value according to the current design method. Whilst the former methodology (simplified model) shows that a 15% yielding resistance reduction of the diagonal is sufficient to ensure the safety of the current design approach, the latter (advanced beam model) shows that no reduction is required.
Automated Pipeline for the Analysis of a Scale‐reduced Steel Cable Net
Authors: Ramonell Carlos , Chacón Rolando , Krenn Burkhard , Puig‐Polo Càrol
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes a digitally twinned experimental analysis of a scale‐reduced laboratory‐sized steel cable net subjected to vertical loading. The test is aimed at establishing automated pipelines of information and analysis between the measurements (displacements of nodes) and the numerical model of the cable net, which are seamlessly interconnected through a BIM model. These automated pipelines erect the frame of the development of a digital twin of the cable net with structural analysis purposes. For the sake of measurements, a terrestrial laser scanner is used. Displacements of the nodes are extracted using computational geometry tools. For the sake of analysis, a data‐based numerical model is proposed to obtain the tensile state of the cables. Precisely understanding the force distribution along nets is a challenge at design, construction and operation stages. This research belongs to a vaster project related to the development of automated pipelines of information for European infrastructure in the form of digital twins. The outcome of this laboratory test results is of great use when developing similar automated pipelines of information in real sites including cable nets in roofs.
„Rauchzeichen“ – Zeremonien mit einem Phänomen der Kolloidchemie
Authors: Sicker Dieter
Published: September 2022

Reisen Sie gern? Oft hat man dabei unerwartete Erlebnisse, die irgendwie mit Chemie zu tun haben und chemisches Lehrbuchwissen wird ungeahnt erweitert. Es verknüpft sich mit Geschichte und Geschichten, unbekannten Anwendungen, praktischen Handgriffen und dem realen Leben anderer Menschen. Über solche kleinen Wunder soll diese Serie berichten. Diesmal fragen wir uns passend zur Weihnachtszeit, was eigentlich Rauch ist.
Study on the flow characteristics of the pulsating intermittent liquid–solid fluidized bed with step liquid velocity by CFD approach
Authors: Song Yangfan , Liu Zi , Chen Hongwei , Zhu Lou , Xu Xiongwei , Hao Wenwen , Yu Qi
Published: September 2022

A new type of liquid–solid fluidized bed (LSFB), the pulsating intermittent LSFB (PI‐LSFB), which uses pulsating liquid flow, was analyzed through numerical and experimental study. A good agreement between numerical simulation results and laboratory experimental measurement data was achieved. The mass transfer efficiency between the liquid and solids phases was enhanced since the relative velocity was significantly improved. The flow characteristics of the PI‐LSFB were analyzed through the Eulerian–Eulerian approach, incorporating the kinetic theory of granular flow. The solids holdup in the middle part of the PI‐LSFB increases first and then decreases as the step liquid velocity increases. The relative velocity increases first and then decreases as the pulsation period or the liquid velocity increases. The PI‐LSFB performs similar flow regimes under step and sinusoidal liquid velocities. The proposed PI‐LSFB may provide a reference in biological wastewater treatment applications.
Early‐phase clinical trial eligibility and response evaluation criteria for refractory, relapsed, or progressive neuroblastoma: A consensus statement from the National Cancer Institute Clinical Trials Planning Meeting
Authors: Park Julie R. , Villablanca Judith G. , Hero Barbara , Kushner Brian H. , Wheatley Keith , Beiske Klaus H. , Ladenstein Ruth L. , Baruchel Sylvain , Macy Margaret E. , Moreno Lucas , Seibel Nita L. , Pearson Andrew D. , Matthay Katherine K. , Valteau‐Couanet Dominique
Published: September 2022

Background

International standardized criteria for eligibility, evaluable disease sites, and disease response assessment in patients with refractory, progressive, or relapsed high‐risk neuroblastoma enrolled in early‐phase clinical trials are lacking.

Methods

A National Cancer Institute–sponsored Clinical Trials Planning Meeting was convened to develop an international consensus to refine the tumor site eligibility criteria and evaluation of disease response for early‐phase clinical trials in children with high‐risk neuroblastoma.

Results

Standardized data collection of patient and disease characteristics (including specified genomic data), eligibility criteria, a definition of evaluable disease, and response evaluations for primary and metastatic sites of disease were developed. Eligibility included two distinct patient groups: progressive disease and refractory disease. The refractory disease group was subdivided into responding persistent disease and stable persistent disease to better capture the clinical heterogeneity of refractory neuroblastoma. Requirements for defining disease evaluable for a response assessment were provided; they included requirements for biopsy to confirm viable neuroblastoma and/or ganglioneuroblastoma in those patients with soft tissue or bone disease not avid for iodine‐123 meta‐iodobenzylguanidine. Standardized evaluations for response components and time intervals for response evaluations were established.

Conclusions

The use of international consensus eligibility, evaluability, and response criteria for early‐phase clinical studies will facilitate the collection of comparable data across international trials and promote more rapid identification of effective treatment regimens for high‐risk neuroblastoma.
Air Mapping of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Their Uptake by Crops in the Urban Area of Nice, France
Authors: Sauret Nathalie , Dugué Lolita , Poulidor Julien , Massi Lionel , Ledauphin Jérôme
Published: September 2022

Urban gardening is becoming increasingly popular. Air pollution, which is a major concern in cities might, however, threaten food safety and thus must be assessed. Health risks arise particularly from toxic persistent organic pollutants such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are formed by incomplete combustion. A first assessment of crop contamination in two different atmospheric environments in the urban area of Nice reveals a predominance of light PAHs. These pollutants present in the gaseous phase, seem to bioaccumulate while heavy PAHs are absent in vegetation. By understanding the PAH sources and their behavior in the atmosphere but also by analyzing the spatial and temporal data since the European directive in 2004, a link between concentrations found in vegetables grown in experimental gardens and PAH cadastral emission data is presented. The first results could be used as a possible guidance for urban agriculture.
Development and Characterization of Solution‐Processable Dithieno[3,2‐b : 2’,3’‐d]thiophenes Derivatives with Various End‐capped Groups for Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Kang Hyunwoo , Jang Yuhyeon , Ho Dongil , Ryu Soomin , Kim Choongik , Seo SungYong
Published: September 2022

In this paper, four organic materials based on dithieno[3,2‐b : 2’,3’‐d]thiophene (DTT) core structure with end‐capping groups (phenyl and thienyl) and linker (acetylenic and olefinic) between DTT‐core and end‐capping groups were synthesized and characterized as solution‐processable organic semiconductors (OSCs) for organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). Thermal, optical, and electrochemical properties of the corresponding materials were determined. Next, all DTT‐derivatives were coated by solution‐shearing method, and the thin‐film microstructures and morphologies were investigated. To investigate the electrical performance of four newly synthesized DTT‐derivatives, bottom‐gate/top‐contact OFETs were fabricated and characterized in ambient condition. It was found that substitution of acetylenic for olefinic linkers between DTT‐cores and end‐capping groups enhanced device performance. Especially, the resulting OFETs based on the compound containing phenylacetylene exhibited the highest hole mobility of 0.15 cm2/Vs and current on/off ratio of ∼106, consistent with film morphology and texture showing long range interconnected crystalline grains and strong diffraction peaks.
Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Loughran Patricia A. , Ross Mark A. , St. Croix Claudette M.
Published: September 2022

Immunohistochemistry is an essential technique for the localization and measurement of proteins in cells and tissues. This article describes methods for labeling proteins in adherent and suspension cell cultures and in tissue sections. Choices of antibodies and detection methods are discussed, and detailed troubleshooting guidelines are provided. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Immunofluorescent labeling of cells grown as adherent monolayers

Alternate Protocol 1: Immunofluorescent labeling of cells in suspension

Basic Protocol 2: Immunofluorescent labeling of tissue sections

Alternate Protocol 2: Immunofluorescent labeling using streptavidin‐biotin conjugates

Alternate Protocol 3: Immunofluorescent double‐labeling of tissue sections

Alternate Protocol 4: Immunofluorescent double‐labeling of tissue sections with two primary antibodies from the same host species
Genetic variability and QTL mapping of winter survivability and leaf firing in African bermudagrass
Authors: Yu Shuhao , Schoonmaker Ashley N. , Yan Liuling , Hulse‐Kemp Amanda M. , Fontanier Charles H. , Martin Dennis L. , Moss Justin Q. , Wu Yanqi Q.
Published: September 2022

Turf‐type bermudagrass is susceptible to winterkill when grown in transition zone climates. Minimizing water use in turfgrass management is of societal significance. African bermudagrass (Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy) has been extensively used to cross with common bermudagrass (C. dactylon Pers. var. dactylon) in the creation of F1 hybrid cultivars. Little information regarding the molecular basis of winter survivability and drought resistance in African bermudagrass is available. Accordingly, the objectives of this study were to quantify genetic variability and identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with winter survivability traits (spring greenup, SG; spring greenup percent green cover, SGPGC; winterkill, WK), and leaf firing (LF) in African bermudagrass. A total of 109 first‐generation self‐pollinated (S1) progeny of ‘OKC1163’ were evaluated in a field trial in a randomized complete block design with three replications for four seasons. Significant genetic variation existed for all the traits examined, and the broad‐sense heritability estimates ranged from .36 to .54 for the winter survivability traits and .80 for LF. Ten QTL were identified for winter survivability traits and two for LF based on a preexisting high‐density linkage map, which was aligned, reoriented, and renamed as to a recently published reference genome. Seven of 12 QTL were consistently identified at least in 2 yr. The colocation of two QTL, one for winter survivability and another for LF, suggests the possibility of improving both traits together. Findings provide new insights to genetic control of winter survivability traits and LF and contribute genetic resources for marker‐assisted selection in turf‐type bermudagrass improvement.
Reporting Sustainable Development Goal 12 in the Spanish food retail industry. An analysis based on Global Reporting Initiative performance indicators
Authors: Vallet‐Bellmunt Teresa , Fuertes‐Fuertes Iluminada , Flor María Luisa
Published: September 2022

Companies play a significant role in addressing the challenges of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and sustainability reporting is a strategic tool for decision making and impact disclosure. This study assesses food retailers' contribution to SDG 12, its targets and its business themes as a way to examine their level of engagement with sustainable consumption and production (SCP). Specifically, we measure Spanish food retailing companies' SDG 12 disclosures under Global Reporting Initiative standards. To this end, we develop a scoring system based on the compulsory disclosure requirements. Our findings show that, in general terms, food retailers perform poorly in communicating their SDG 12 achievements. Companies mainly focus on internal actions aimed at decreasing environmental impact and disclose very few actions linked to the circular economy and responsible consumption. In terms of SCP, these findings suggest that food retailers are more committed to sustainable production than to enhancing sustainable consumption.
Organic‐inorganic Hybrid Perovskite‐Based Light‐Assisted Li‐oxygen Battery with Low Overpotential
Authors: Fan Rundong , Wu Yizeng , Xie Haipeng , Gao Yongli , Wang Lina , Zhao Bo , Li Dong , Liu Shaocheng , Zhang Yu , Kong Hua , Li Yujing , Chen Qi , Cao Anyuan , Zhou Huanping
Published: September 2022

Organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskites have emerged in the last decade as promising semiconductors due to the excellent optoelectronic properties. This kind of perovskites exhibited respectable photocatalytic activities toward potential application in battery; however, the instability issue still hindered their practical use. Herein, a hybrid perovskite material, 4,4’‐ethylenedipyridinium lead bromide [(4,4’‐EDP)Pb2Br6], was assembled onto the carbon materials to function as photoelectrode of the Li‐oxygen battery. The strong cation‐π interactions between the A‐site cations enabled this hybrid perovskite to endure the cycling process as well as the exposure to battery electrolyte and oxygen. Benefitting from the photo‐generated carriers of the photoelectrode under illumination, the formation/decomposition of the discharge product was accelerated, thus leading to a reduced overpotential from 1.3 V to an optimized 0.5 V compared to the Li‐oxygen battery without illumination. The overpotential could be maintained lower than 0.9 V after cycling for 170 h. Furthermore, when exposed to the sunlight, the charging voltage was reduced by over 0.2 V. The intrinsic stability and strong light absorption of perovskites together with the optimized perovskite/carbon cathode interfaces contributed to the improved performance under different light sources without complex material design, which shed light on the exploration of organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskites in Li‐oxygen battery applications.
Linking the bacterial microbiome between gut and habitat soil of Tibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana)
Authors: Xu Xiaojuan , Xia Yingna , Sun Binghua
Published: September 2022

Soil is a part of the habitat environment of terrestrial or semi‐terrestrial mammals, which contains a wide variety of microbes. Although the soil microbiome of the host habitat is considered to be a potentially important influence factor on the mammalian gut microbiome and health, few data are currently available to explore the relationship between gut and host habitat soil microbiome in wild primates. Here, marked divergence of the bacterial microbiome in composition and structure between Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) guts and its habitat soil were detected. In addition, we found that most of the core genera abundance and ASVs in the Tibetan macaques' gut bacterial microbiome could be detected in the corresponding soil samples, but with low abundance. However, the core abundant genera abundant in soil are almost undetectable in the gut of Tibetan macaques. Although there are some ASVs shared by gut and soil bacterial microbiome, the abundant shared ASVs in the guts of Tibetan macaques were rare bacterial taxa in the corresponding soil samples. Notably, all the ASVs shared by guts and soil were present in the soil at relatively low abundance, whereas they were affiliated with diverse bacterial taxa. By linking the bacterial microbiome between Tibetan macaques’ gut and its habitat soil, our findings suggest that the predominant bacterial groups from the soil were not likely to colonize the Tibetan macaques' gut, whereas the low‐abundance but diverse soil bacteria could be selected by the gut. Whether these rare and low‐abundant bacteria are permanent residents of the soil or a source of fecal contamination remains to be determined in future study.
Scale‐dependent environmental effects on phenotypic distributions inHeliconiusbutterflies
Authors: Pereira Martins Ananda R. , Martins Lucas P. , Ho Wing‐Zheng , McMillan William Owen , Ready Jonathan S. , Barrett Rowan
Published: September 2022

Identifying the relative importance of different mechanisms responsible for the emergence and maintenance of phenotypic diversity can be challenging, as multiple selective pressures and stochastic events are involved in these processes. Therefore, testing how environmental conditions shape the distribution of phenotypes can offer important insights on local adaptation, divergence, and speciation. The red‐yellow Müllerian mimicry ring ofHeliconiusbutterflies exhibits a wide diversity of color patterns across the Neotropics and is involved in multiple hybrid zones, making it a powerful system to investigate environmental drivers of phenotypic distributions. Using the distantly relatedHeliconius eratoandHeliconius melpomeneco‐mimics and a multiscale distribution approach, we investigated whether distinct phenotypes of these species are associated with different environmental conditions. We show thatHeliconiusred‐yellow phenotypic distribution is strongly driven by environmental gradients (especially thermal and precipitation variables), but that phenotype and environment associations vary with spatial scale. While co‐mimics are usually predicted to occur in similar environments at large spatial scales, patterns at local scales are not always consistent (i.e., different variables are best predictors of phenotypic occurrence in different locations) or congruent (i.e., co‐mimics show distinct associations with environment). We suggest that large‐scale analyses are important for identifying how environmental factors shape broad mimetic phenotypic distributions, but that local studies are essential to understand the context‐dependent biotic, abiotic, and historical mechanisms driving finer‐scale phenotypic transitions.
Methane Pyrolysis in a Liquid Metal Bubble Column Reactor: A Model Approach Combining Bubble Dynamics with Byproduct and Soot Formation
Authors: Uhlenbruck Neele , Dietrich Benjamin , Hofberger Christoph , Stoppel Leonid , Wetzel Thomas
Published: September 2022

Methane pyrolysis is a promising bridging technology to mitigate the effects of climate change. By decarbonizing natural gas, hydrogen can be produced from fossil fuels without creating CO2 emissions. The focus of future process optimization should not only be on the hydrogen yield and the energy efficiency but also on the carbon products and possible byproduct formation. During methane pyrolysis in a liquid metal (LM) bubble column reactor, at least two very distinct types of carbon are synthesized: soot particles and graphene‐like carbon sheets. A model is presented that couples a description of bubble dynamics in a LM bubble column reactor with a kinetic mechanism, originally developed for the combustion of natural gas that includes byproduct and soot formation. The model is validated by comparing it with an experimental dataset that covers a broad range of process conditions and the implications for carbon and byproduct formation are discussed. The good agreement of model results and experimental data shows that the combustion kinetic mechanism may be applied to methane pyrolysis and that the selected way of modeling bubble fluid dynamics in LM results in a good estimation of the actual bubble residence time in the optically nonaccessible liquid.
Model‐Based Optimization of Web Tension Control for the Flexible Cell Stack Assembly of Lithium‐Ion Battery Cells
Authors: Husseini Kamal , Schmidgruber Nils , Henschel Sebastian , Mayer Dominik , Fleischer Jürgen
Published: September 2022

The transformation toward electromobility presents a significant challenge to the battery cell production processes. It is, therefore, necessary to establish efficient and robust operations and machines to meet the forecasted demand for manufactured cell capacity. Currently, the development and ramp‐up phases of production machines, especially for cell stack assembly, are characterized by high material scrap rates and large personnel expenses. Aspects such as the web tension of electrodes or separator materials during separation and stack assembly have a significant influence on the subsequent intermediate product properties, and therefore present a key challenge. Herein, the optimal methodology for the web tension control of electrode materials is determined via a model‐based approach by the means of a digital twin. The focus is hereby set on a production machine for the flexible cell stack assembly. Appropriate control methods are implemented and validated on the real system, thus reducing material scrap rates and overall costs. The control of the web tension by means of an unwinder and material storage was found to be optimal on the basis of the model and confirmed experimentally.
Distinct cerebral cortical perfusion patterns in idiopathic normal‐pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Kang Kyunghun , Jeong Shin Young , Park Ki‐Su , Hahm Myong Hun , Kim Jaeil , Lee Ho‐Won , Kim Chi‐Hun , Yun Eunkyeong , Han Jaehwan , Yoon Uicheul , Lee Sang‐Woo
Published: September 2022

The aims of the study are to evaluate idiopathic normal‐pressure hydrocephalus (INPH)‐related cerebral blood flow (CBF) abnormalities and to investigate their relation to cortical thickness in INPH patients. We investigated cortical CBF utilizing surface‐based early‐phase 18F‐florbetaben (E‐FBB) PET analysis in two groups: INPH patients and healthy controls. All 39 INPH patients and 20 healthy controls were imaged with MRI, including three‐dimensional volumetric images, for automated surface‐based cortical thickness analysis across the entire brain. A subgroup with 37 participants (22 INPH patients and 15 healthy controls) that also underwent 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET imaging was further analyzed. Compared with age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls, INPH patients showed statistically significant hyperperfusion in the high convexity of the frontal and parietal cortical regions. Importantly, within the INPH group, increased perfusion correlated with cortical thickening in these regions. Additionally, significant hypoperfusion mainly in the ventrolateral frontal cortex, supramarginal gyrus, and temporal cortical regions was observed in the INPH group relative to the control group. However, this hypoperfusion was not associated with cortical thinning. A subgroup analysis of participants that also underwent FDG PET imaging showed that increased (or decreased) cerebral perfusion was associated with increased (or decreased) glucose metabolism in INPH. A distinctive regional relationship between cerebral cortical perfusion and cortical thickness was shown in INPH patients. Our findings suggest distinct pathophysiologic mechanisms of hyperperfusion and hypoperfusion in INPH patients.
Testing for selection bias and moral hazard in private health insurance: Evidence from a mixed public‐private health system
Authors: Afoakwah Clifford , Byrnes Joshua , Scuffham Paul , Nghiem Son
Published: September 2022

Separating selection bias from moral hazard in private health insurance (PHI) markets has been a challenging task. We estimate selection bias and moral hazard in Australia's mixed public‐private health system, where PHI premiums are community‐rated rather than risk‐rated. Using longitudinal cohort data, with fine‐grained measures for medical services predominantly funded by PHI providers, we find consistent and robust estimates of advantageous selection among hospitalized cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. Specifically, we show that in addition to their risk‐averse attributes, CVD patients who purchase PHI use fewer services that are not covered by PHI providers (e.g., general practitioners and emergency departments) and have fewer comorbidities. Finally, unlike previous studies, we show that ex‐post moral hazard exists in the use of specific “in‐hospital” medical services such as specialist and physician services, miscellaneous diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic treatments. From the perspective of PHI providers, the annual cost of moral hazard translates to a lower bound estimate of $707 per patient, equivalent to a 3.03% reduction in their annual profits.
Unraveling the Jeopardy: Child health in Afghanistan
Authors: Essar Mohammad Yasir , Ashworth Henry Charles , Hunain Reem , Kokash Diana Mutasem , Islam Zarmina , Ahmad Shoaib , Zil‐E‐Ali Ahsan
Published: September 2022

A humanitarian crisis started in Afghanistan after the United States and international Allies withdrew in August 2021, causing numerous challenges and have especially impacted children. Children in Afghanistan have been affected by a long history of suffering from violence, war, and poverty. The US withdraw and COVID‐19 pandemic have caused an economic crisis causing high rates of child malnutrition and prevented them from receiving healthcare and education. In the long run, the impacts of the current situation will significantly affect the child growth, education, and psychological health. There is a need for international organizations to intervene now to ensure children do not further suffer and have the option for a bright future. In turn, ensuring a brighter future for Afghanistan.
Below‐cloud evaporation effect on stable water isotopes in precipitation at the eastern margin of Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Chen Fenli , Chen Jufan , Wang Shengjie , Wu Xixi , Zhang Qiuyan , Gao Minyan , Kang Xuehong , Pu Zhijuan , Zhang Dongqin
Published: September 2022

Quantitatively assessing the evaporation‐caused stable water isotope fractionation in precipitation below the cloud base is of great significance to understand the modern hydrological circulation especially in a plateau climate. Based on the hourly meteorological data at eight meteorological stations of the Gannan Plateau at the eastern margin of Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau in 2020, we examined the spatial and temporal variations of below‐cloud evaporation effect on precipitation isotopes, and then discussed the factors influencing the below‐cloud evaporation across the Gannan Plateau. The contemporary observation of precipitation isotopes at one site in the Gannan Plateau is also applied to understand the local meteoric water line associated with the below‐cloud evaporation. From 9:00 to 21:00 Beijing Time, the impact of below‐cloud evaporation is greater than that during the rest periods. Within the study region, the below‐cloud evaporation in the central area is usually stronger than that of the surrounding area. The diurnal and monthly variability of relative humidity is highly consistent with that of the remaining raindrop mass fraction after evaporation as well as the isotope variation in raindrop below the cloud base. When the relative humidity is greater than 95%, there is a linear relationship between the remaining raindrop mass fraction and the below‐cloud deuterium‐excess variation of approximate 1.1‰/%. Global warming will increase the below‐cloud evaporation effect across the Gannan Plateau. The findings are useful to understand the below‐cloud evaporation and isotope fractionation under a plateau climate.
Capillary rarefaction during bed rest is proportionally less than fibre atrophy and loss of oxidative capacity
Authors: Hendrickse Paul William , Wüst Rob C.I. , Ganse Bergita , Giakoumaki Ifigeneia , Rittweger Jörn , Bosutti Alessandra , Degens Hans
Published: September 2022

Background

Muscle disuse from bed rest or spaceflight results in losses in muscle mass, strength and oxidative capacity. Capillary rarefaction may contribute to muscle atrophy and the reduction in oxidative capacity during bed rest. Artificial gravity may attenuate the negative effects of long‐term space missions or bed rest.

The aim of the present study was to assess (1) the effects of bed rest on muscle fibre size, fibre type composition, capillarization and oxidative capacity in the vastus lateralis and soleus muscles after 6 and 55 days of bed rest and (2) the effectiveness of artificial gravity in mitigating bed‐rest‐induced detriments to these parameters.

Methods

Nineteen participants were assigned to a control group (control, n = 6) or an intervention group undergoing 30 min of centrifugation (n = 13). All underwent 55 days of head‐down tilt bed rest. Vastus lateralis and soleus biopsies were taken at baseline and after 6 and 55 days of bed rest. Fibre type composition, fibre cross‐sectional area, capillarization indices and oxidative capacity were determined.

Results

After just 6 days of bed rest, fibre atrophy (−23.2 ± 12.4%, P < 0.001) and reductions in capillary‐to‐fibre ratio (C:F; 1.97 ± 0.57 vs. 1.56 ± 0.41, P < 0.001) were proportional in both muscles as reflected by a maintained capillary density. Fibre atrophy proceeded at a much slower rate between 6 and 55 days of bed rest (−11.6 ± 12.1% of 6 days, P = 0.032) and was accompanied by a 19.1% reduction in succinate dehydrogenase stain optical density (P < 0.001), without any further significant decrements in C:F (1.56 ± 0.41 vs. 1.49 ± 0.37, P = 0.459). Consequently, after 55 days of bed rest, the capillary supply–oxidative capacity ratio of a fibre had increased by 41.9% (P < 0.001), indicating a capillarization in relative excess of oxidative capacity. Even though the heterogeneity of capillary spacing (LogRSD) was increased after 55 days by 12.7% (P = 0.004), tissue oxygenation at maximal oxygen consumption of the fibres was improved after 55 days bed rest. Daily centrifugation failed to blunt the bed‐rest‐induced reductions in fibre size and oxidative capacity and capillary rarefaction.

Conclusions

The relationship between fibre size and oxidative capacity with the capillary supply of a fibre is uncoupled during prolonged bed rest as reflected by a rapid loss of muscle mass and capillaries, followed at later stages by a more than proportional loss of mitochondria without further capillary loss. The resulting excessive capillary supply of the muscle after prolonged bed rest is advantageous for the delivery of substrates needed for subsequent muscle recovery.
Retracted: Chest digital dynamic radiography to detect changes in human pulmonary perfusion in response to alveolar hypoxia
Authors: Yamamoto Shota , Sakamaki Fumio , Takahashi Genki , Kondo Yusuke , Taguchi Naoya , Esashi Shogo , Yuji Ryotaro , Murakami Katsuki , Osaragi Kensuke , Tomita Kosuke , Kamei Shunsuke , Matsumoto Tomohiro , Imai Yutaka , Hasebe Terumitsu
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction optimises oxygenation in the lung by matching the local‐blood perfusion to local‐ventilation ratio upon exposure to alveolar hypoxia. It plays an important role in various pulmonary diseases, but few imaging evaluations of this phenomenon in humans. This study aimed to determine whether chest digital dynamic radiography could detect hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction as changes in pulmonary blood flow in healthy individuals.

Methods

Five Asian men underwent chest digital dynamic radiography before and after 60 sec breath‐holding at the maximal inspiratory level in upright and supine positions. Alveolar partial pressure of oxygen and atmospheric pressure were calculated using the blood gas test and digital dynamic radiography imaging, respectively. To evaluate the blood flow, the correlation rate of temporal change in each pixel value between the lung fields and left cardiac ventricles was analysed.

Results

Sixty seconds of breath‐holding caused a mean reduction of 26.7 ± 6.4 mmHg in alveolar partial pressure of oxygen. The mean correlation rate of blood flow in the whole lung was significantly lower after than before breath‐holding (before, upright 51.5%, supine 52.2%; after, upright 45.5%, supine 46.1%; both P < 0.05). The correlation rate significantly differed before and after breath‐holding in the lower lung fields (upright, 11.8% difference; supine, 10.7% difference; both P < 0.05). The mean radiation exposure of each scan was 0.98 ± 0.09 mGy. No complications occurred.

Conclusions

Chest digital dynamic radiography could detect the rapid decrease in pulmonary perfusion in response to alveolar hypoxia. It may suggest hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in healthy individuals.
Response of tropical convection over the western Pacific to stratospheric polar vortex during boreal winter
Authors: Wang Feiyang , Huang Rui , Wang Lei
Published: September 2022

It has been extensively discussed that stratospheric polar vortex significantly contribute to the variability and predictability of tropospheric weather and climate over midlatitudes and polar regions. However, we currently have little understanding of the exact influence of stratospheric polar vortex on tropical troposphere. Here, the exact responses of tropical convection to Northern Hemisphere (NH) extreme stratospheric polar vortex events (i.e., strong vortex [SV] events and weak vortex [WV] events) are investigated in this study. We find that the western Pacific region is particularly noteworthy when focusing on the spatial distribution of tropical convective activity. Significant enhancement of convective activity over the western Pacific is clearly observed in about 2 weeks after WV events, while opposite responses to SV events can also be expected. The change in convective activity over the western Pacific is considerably contributed by the intraseasonal variability, and thus MJO phase 7 (3) is dominant after WV (SV) events. The seesaw pattern of zonal‐mean convective activity near equator may be a property of MJO itself, not definitely caused by the stratospheric polar vortex as previously thought. A significantly linear correlation between anomalous convective activity and static stability near tropopause over the western Pacific is found, suggesting that circumstances in the tropical upper troposphere play a crucial role in the evolution of tropical convection, especially for the MJO.
Simultaneous reconstruction of sources and scatterers in a three‐dimensional stratified ocean waveguide
Authors: Liu Keji , Xu Dinghua
Published: September 2022

In this work, we extend the direct method in to identify the marine sources and scatterers simultaneously from the far‐field pattern in a stratified ocean waveguide. The proposed approach is essentially direct and does not involve any optimizations, solution procedures, or matrix inversions, thus computationally rather efficient and simple. Some numerical simulations are carried out to exhibit the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed method in the reconstruction procedure. The extended direct method can not only identify the sources in different locations but also can reconstruct the scatterers in different shapes and positions; therefore, it can be considered as an efficient numerical approach for providing reliable estimates of the marine inhomogeneities in the marine acoustics.
Micellar Curcumin: Pharmacokinetics and Effects on Inflammation Markers and PCSK‐9 Concentrations in Healthy Subjects in a Double‐Blind, Randomized, Active‐Controlled, Crossover Trial
Authors: Grafeneder Juergen , Derhaschnig Ulla , Eskandary Farsad , Buchtele Nina , Sus Nadine , Frank Jan , Jilma Bernd , Schoergenhofer Christian
Published: September 2022

Scope: Preclinical models have demonstrated the anti‐inflammatory and lipid‐lowering effects of curcumin. Innovative formulations have been developed to overcome the poor bioavailability of native curcumin. The study hypothesizes that the bioavailability of micellar curcumin is superior to native curcumin and investigates the potential anti‐inflammatory and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) concentration lowering effects.

Methods and results: In this double‐blind, randomized, crossover trial, 15 healthy volunteers receive micellar or native curcumin (105 mg day−1) for 7 days with a ≥7 days washout period. Curcumin and metabolite concentrations are quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC‐FD), and pharmacokinetics are calculated. To analyze anti‐inflammatory effects, blood samples (baseline, 2 h, 7 days) are stimulated with 50 ng mL−1lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor‐necrosis factor (TNF‐α), and PCSK9 concentrations are quantified. Micellar curcumin demonstrates improved bioavailability (≈39‐fold higher maximum concentrations, ≈14‐fold higher area‐under‐the‐time‐concentration curve,p< 0.001) but does not reduce pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the chosen model. Subjects receiving micellar curcumin have significantly lower PCSK9 concentrations (≈10% reduction) after 7 days compared to baseline (p= 0.038).

Conclusion: Micellar curcumin demonstrates an improved oral bioavailability but does not show anti‐inflammatory effects in this model. Potential effects on PCSK9 concentrations warrant further investigation.
Efficacy and safety of non‐pharmacological interventions for endotracheal suctioning pain in preterm infants: A systematic review
Authors: Cai Qian , Luo Wen , Zhou You , Yin Yue , Zhu Kai , Shi Huan , Liao Yuexia
Published: September 2022

Aim

To review and analyse the evidence on the efficacy and safety of non‐pharmacological interventions for preterm infants to relieve endotracheal suctioning (ES) pain.

Design

A systematic review per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines.

Methods

Six databases were searched with a retrieval strategy. Parallel and crossover randomized controlled trials reporting non‐pharmacological interventions for relieving ES pain in preterm infants were identified from inception to 1 September 2021. The protocol was published in PROSPERO (CRD42021276058).

Results

Ten studies were retrieved, including nine different non‐pharmacological interventions. Seven studies reported that non‐pharmacological interventions in relieving pain were more effective than conventional care during ES, and three trials reported its safety. Due to the heterogeneity of pain assessment tools, time of assessment and population, only Facilitated tucking had sufficient evidence that it is a safe and effective non‐pharmacological intervention.
Spatial distribution mapping of permafrost in Mongolia using TTOP
Authors: Yamkhin Jambaljav , Yadamsuren Gansukh , Khurelbaatar Temuujin , Gansukh Tsogt‐Erdene , Tsogtbaatar Undrakhtsetseg , Adiya Saruulzaya , Yondon Amarbayasgalan , Avirmed Dashtseren , Natsagdorj Sharkhuu
Published: September 2022

This study presents the results of permafrost mapping in Mongolia based on the TTOP (temperature‐on‐top‐of‐permafrost) approach, which were validated againstin situmeasurements at various locations.In situmeasurements indicated that the mean annual ground temperature (MAGT) ranged from 0.6 to 2.2°C interannually, showing the greatest variability when furthest from 0°C. The differences between the modeled and measured MAGTs exceeded ±1°C in locations where permafrost was in a nonequilibrium state and was controlled predominantly by local factors. It was estimated that permafrost occupies one‐third of Mongolia. We divided the extent of the permafrost into five zones: continuous, discontinuous, sporadic, isolated, and seasonally frozen ground. In total, the permafrost zones cover ~462.8 × 103 km2, accounting for 29.3% of Mongolia. Of this total area, continuous permafrost accounted for 118.3 × 103 km2(7.5%), discontinuous permafrost 127.7 × 103 km2(8.1%), sporadic permafrost 112.4 × 103 km2(7.1%), and isolated permafrost 104.4 × 103 km2(6.6%).
Exercise rehabilitation in pediatric asthma: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Jiang Jing , Zhang Dong , Huang Yapan , Wu Zhenguo , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2022

Objective

This systematic review delineates various exercise‐based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) designs and quantifies how they may be optimized in pediatric asthma treatment.

Design

Comprehensive systematic review, network meta‐analysis, and quality analyses using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science Core Collection, and Medline searches.

Interventions

Discrete and combined endurance, respiratory, resistance, strength, and interval training.

Main Outcome Measures

Forced expiratory volume at 1 s to predicted value ratio (FEV1% pred), forced vital capacity to predicted value ratio (FVC% pred), forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity ratio (FEF25%–75%), the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ), and the 6‐min walk test (6MWT).

Results

Twenty‐four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving a combined 1031 patients were included. Endurance training was the most common form of PR (58.3%), typically conducted through outpatient clinics (29.2%). Network meta‐analysis showed that compared with other PR, interval training significantly improved PAQLQ total scores, and activity, symptom, and emotional domains. Interval training also had a significant effect on the 6MWT. No adverse events were reported. Exercise training did not have a significant effect on FEV1% pred; however, combined endurance and respiratory training significantly improved both FVC% pred and FEF25%–75%.

Conclusions

Exercise‐based PR is safe and effective in childhood asthma treatment. Interval training may be a core component for improving quality of life and exercise capacity in this patient population, while combined respiratory and endurance training may significantly affect lung function. The clinical efficacy of these results should be confirmed through high‐quality RCTs.
New insight into the substituent effects on the hydrolytic deamination of saturated and unsaturated cytosine
Authors: Uddin Kabir M. , Islam Md. Saiful , Islam Shahidul M. , Poirier Raymond A.
Published: September 2022

Ab initio calculations were carried out to understand the effect of electron donating groups (EDG) and electron withdrawing groups (EWG) at the C5 position of cytosine (Cyt) and saturated cytosine (H2Cyt) of the deamination reaction. Geometries of the reactants, transition states, intermediates, and products were fully optimized at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) level in the gas phase as this level of theory has been found to agree very well with G3 theories. Activation energies, enthalpies, and Gibbs energies of activation along with the thermodynamic properties (ΔE, ΔH, and ΔG) of each reaction were calculated. A plot of the Gibbs energies of activation (ΔG‡) for C5 substituted Cyt and H2Cyt against the Hammett σ‐constants reveal a good linear relationship. In general, both EDG and EWG substituents at the C5 position in Cyt results in higher ΔG‡ and lower σ values compared to those of H2Cyt deamination reactions. C5 alkyl substituents (H, CH3, CH2CH3, CH2CH2CH3) increase ΔG‡ values for Cyt, while the same substituents decrease ΔG‡ values for H2Cyt which is likely due to steric effects. However, the Hammett σ‐constants were found to decrease at the C5 position of cytosine (Cyt) and saturated cytosine (H2Cyt) on the deamination reaction. Both ΔG‡ and σ values decrease for the substituents Cl and Br in the Cyt reaction, while ΔG‡ values increase and σ decrease in the H2Cyt reaction. This may be due to high polarizability of bromine which results in a greater stabilization of the transition state in the case of bromine compared to chlorine. Regardless of the substituent at C5, the positive charge on C4 is greater in the TS compared to the reactant complex for both the Cyt and H2Cyt. Moreover, as the charges on C4 in the TS increase compared to reactant, ΔG‡ also increase for the C5 alkyl substituents (H, CH3, CH2CH3, CH2CH2CH3) in Cyt, while ΔG‡ decrease in H2Cyt. In addition, analysis of the frontier MO energies for the transition state structures shows that there is a correlation between the energy of the HOMO–LUMO gap and activation energies.
Topological Melting of the Metastable Skyrmion Lattice in the Chiral Magnet Co9Zn9Mn2
Authors: Ukleev Victor , Morikawa Daisuke , Karube Kosuke , Kikkawa Akiko , Shibata Kiyou , Taguchi Yasujiro , Tokura Yoshinori , Arima Taka‐hisa , White Jonathan S.
Published: September 2022

In a β‐Mn‐type chiral magnet Co9Zn9Mn2, it is demonstrated that the magnetic field‐driven collapse of a room temperature metastable topological skyrmion crystal (SkX) passes through a regime described by a partial topological charge inversion. Using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy, the magnetization distribution is observed directly as the magnetic field is swept antiparallel to the original skyrmion core magnetization, that is, negative magnetic fields. Due to the topological stability of skyrmions, a direct transition of the metastable SkX to the equilibrium helical state is avoided for increasingly negative fields. Instead, the metastable SkX gradually transforms into giant magnetic bubbles separated by 2π domain walls. Eventually these large structures give way to form a near‐homogeneously magnetized medium that unexpectedly hosts a low density of isolated skyrmions with inverted core magnetization, and thus a total topological charge of reduced size and opposite sign compared with the initial state. A similar phenomenon has been observed previously in systems hosting ordered lattices of magnetic bubbles stabilized by the dipolar interaction and called “topological melting.” With support from numerical calculations, it is argued here that the observed regime of partial topological charge inversion has its origin in the topological protection of the starting metastable skyrmion state.