bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study of the surge- and bore-induced impact pressure on a vertical wall and its foundation
Authors: Huo Zijing , Liu Haijiang
Published: December 2022

Both surge and bore impacts could lead to the failure of coastal structures. Nevertheless, differences between the surge- and bore-induced hydrodynamic impact processes on a vertical wall are still unclear. Meanwhile, investigation of the bed pressure features during the wall impact is also rare. In this study, a series of dam-break experiments were conducted to specify the hydrodynamic characteristics of the surge and bore impact pressure on a vertical wall and its foundation. In the experiment, same initial water head was applied with five different initial downstream water levels (IDWLs). Temporal variations of the surge/bore impact pressures at four elevations on the wall and four positions along the bed were recorded. The surge induced maximum water height on the wall is larger than the bore-induced one, which decreases with the increase in the IDWL. With the increase in the IDWL, the initial peak impact pressure gradually decays owing to the slowing down of flow velocity and the significant air entrainment at the bore front. Regarding the initial peak pressure and its rise time, it is confirmed that the initial surge impact pressure is sensitive to the wall elevation, whereas it is relatively uniform along the wall bottom region for the bore impact pressure. As for the measured bed pressure, the initial impact zone induced by the secondary flow near the wall and the falling impact zone caused by the falling down of water mass from the splash-ups away from the wall are identified, showing different hydrodynamic features.
Numerical modeling of a wire mesh for aerodynamic noise reduction
Authors: Li Shuai , Davidson Lars , Peng Shia-Hui
Published: December 2022

A novel wire mesh consisting of very fine wires and pores is numerically investigated for the purpose of noise reduction. To develop a numerical model for this wire mesh, a set of experimental flow-field data has been deployed for the model validation. The experimental data were measured with only 22% of the wind-tunnel cross section covered by the wire mesh, taking into account the vortex shedding from both sides of the wire-mesh fairing. It is found that existing wire-mesh models using a damping-type source term proportional to the square of flow velocity do not perform well in modeling this novel wire mesh. To tackle this issue, an improvement is proposed by additionally introducing a linear term to account for the permeability of the wire mesh, based on another set of experiments with the wind-tunnel cross section fully covered by the wire mesh. The proposed model is then validated against the experimental data, demonstrating its capability in modeling the wire mesh. Subsequently, the model is applied to a tandem cylinder configuration. Results show that a wide but short-span wire mesh significantly reduces the dominant tone of tandem cylinders, noise at higher frequencies, as well as the overall sound pressure levels.
Quantum efficiency, photoemission energy spectra, and mean transverse energy of ultrananocrystalline diamond photocathode
Authors: Kachwala A. , Chubenko O. , Kim D. , Simakov E. I. , Karkare S.
Published: December 2022

The quantum efficiency and mean transverse energy of electrons emitted from a cathode determine the quality of beams generated from photoinjectors. The nitrogen-incorporated ultrananocrystalline diamond, (N)UNCD, is a new class of robust semiconductor photocathodes, which has been considered in photoinjectors for high peak current extraction. In this work, we measure the spectral response in quantum efficiency, photoemission energy spectra, and mean transverse energy of the (N)UNCD photocathode using a photoemission electron microscope. The observed quantum efficiency was comparable to that of copper photocathodes. Photoemission spectra showed the evidence of scattering of electrons before emission. This relaxation of electrons due to scattering is also observed in the spectral response of the mean transverse energy. The mean transverse energy is limited to ∼70 meV at the threshold. We attribute this to the physical and chemical roughness of the (N)UNCD photocathode and, hence, smoother films will be required to further reduce the mean transverse energy obtained from the (N)UNCD photocathode.
Effects of staggered opposed hot jets on the initiation and propagation of gaseous detonation in a supersonic combustible inflow
Authors: Linyuan Peng , Jian Dai
Published: December 2022

In this paper, the detonation initiation mechanism of a supersonic combustible mixture triggered by a staggered opposing combined hot jets was performed. Two-dimensional reactive Navier–Stokes equations with a one-step Arrhenius chemistry model were solved using a structured adaptive mesh refinement framework. The results show that a high temperature and pressure region triggers a rapid detonation initiation after the jet-induced bow shock focusing. Further analysis showed that there is a large baroclinic torque behind the local detonation wave induced by the staggered hot jet, which leads to a large Richtmyer–Meshkov instability at the end of the unburned jet, and the generated periodic shedding vortex structure thereby enhances the diffusion effect in the unburned region. However, the released heat cannot support the propagation of the detonation wave. In addition, different jet intensity distribution schemes and jet spacing will change the ignition point position. It is worth noting that the distance of detonation initiation can be significantly shortened by reducing the front jet intensity while maintaining the total jet energy. Increasing the jet spacing will significantly slow down the detonation initiation process.
Locating dynamic contributions to allostery via determining rates of vibrational energy transfer
Authors: Poudel Humanath , Leitner David M.
Published: December 2022

Determining rates of energy transfer across non-covalent contacts for different states of a protein can provide information about dynamic and associated entropy changes during transitions between states. We investigate the relationship between rates of energy transfer across polar and nonpolar contacts and contact dynamics for the β2-adrenergic receptor, a rhodopsin-like G-protein coupled receptor, in an antagonist-bound inactive state and agonist-bound active state. From structures sampled during molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we find the active state to have, on average, a lower packing density, corresponding to generally more flexibility and greater entropy than the inactive state. Energy exchange networks (EENs) are computed for the inactive and active states from the results of the MD simulations. From the EENs, changes in the rates of energy transfer across polar and nonpolar contacts are found for contacts that remain largely intact during activation. Change in dynamics of the contact, and entropy associated with the dynamics, can be estimated from the change in rates of energy transfer across the contacts. Measurement of change in the rates of energy transfer before and after the transition between states thereby provides information about dynamic contributions to activation and allostery.
Optimising the hatching success of artificially incubated eggs for use in a conservation program for the western saw-shelled turtle (
Authors: Streeting Louise M. , Bower Deborah S. , Dillon Martin L. , Spark Phil , Gough Michael , Skidmore Adam , McDonald Paul G. , Delaney Hannah , Burns Adrienne , Watson Sandy , Dissanayake Duminda S. B. , Georges Arthur , McKnight Donald T.
Published: December 2022

Artificial incubation of eggs and the release of hatchlings into the wild is a common conservation intervention designed to augment threatened turtle populations. We investigate a range of incubation temperatures to establish an optimal temperature for maximum hatching success of western saw-shelled turtle (Myuchelys bellii) eggs. We report on the influence of incubation temperature on incubation duration and hatching success and describe two experimental incubation methods which, for the same incubation temperature (27°C), resulted in 77% and 97% hatching success, respectively. Eggs were incubated at constant temperatures (27°C, 28°C and 29°C) to determine the influence of temperature on incubation period, hatchling morphology and external residual yolk. Incubation duration was negatively correlated with incubation temperature. We report on the morphology of eggs and hatchlings and show that their dimensions are positively correlated with maternal adult size and mass. A constant incubation temperature of 27°C produced the highest hatching success and smallest external residual yolk on hatching and is therefore recommended for incubation of eggs for population reinforcement programs. Our study is the first to optimise artificial incubation procedures for M. bellii and will be a valuable resource for M. bellii and other threatened freshwater turtle conservation initiatives.
Parallel digital monolingualism
Authors: Vessey Rachelle
Published: December 2022

This paper examines the role of hashtags in the formation of affinity spaces linked to divergent linguistic cultures in the Canadian digital context. The linguistic cultures tend to accommodate certain language ideologies, which manifest through distinct forms of practical and discursive consciousness. The coexistence of divergent linguistic cultures that address shared topics in different ways is labelled “parallel digital monolingualism,” a form of multilingualism that has not been accounted for in previous research. This multilingualism exists because of the transfer of offline experiences (which, in Canada, are based on language and geography) into the affordances of digital contexts.
From a movement verb to an epistemic discourse marker
Authors: Espinal M. Teresa , Real-Puigdollers Cristina , Villalba Xavier
Published: December 2022

Besides its main use as a form of the movement verb ir ‘to go’, the Spanish form vaya (lit. go) is also used as a verbal discourse marker. Here we trace this transition from a purely verbal form to a discourse marker by searching a historical corpus of documents in Spanish, which reveals the increasing use over time of vaya in exclamatives to replace a presentational construction. We focus on vaya in isolation and in combination with an indefinite DP or a bare NP. We analyze the meaning of vaya as an epistemic discourse marker, by means of which the speaker expresses a judgment, a subjective epistemic and evidential evaluation of a proposition accessible from context. We postulate that these constructions sit in a Judgment Phrase at the syntactic-pragmatic interface (Krifka 2020), a position to which vaya also moves when its meaning is that of an expressive intensifier that directly modifies over one or more (contextually salient) properties of the noun contained in the DP/NP.
Connecting people and voices for radical change in Africa
Authors: Zeilig Leo , Chukwudinma Chinedu , Radley Ben
Published: December 2022

In this section of the journal, we aim to give readers of the print journal a picture of what has been published on Roape.net over the last few months, and invite you to connect and follow the articles, blogposts, authors and debates online. Details of all the blogposts referred to here are in the reference list at the end. We warmly invite all our readers to sign up to the Roape.net newsletter and WhatsApp service at the top of the home page of the website.
Acid-sensing ion channel 1a activates IKCa/SKCa channels and contributes to endothelium-dependent dilation
Authors: Garcia Selina M. , Naik Jay S. , Resta Thomas C. , Jernigan Nikki L.
Published: December 2022

Acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) belongs to a novel family of proton-gated cation channels that are permeable to both Na+ and Ca2+. ASIC1a is expressed in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells in a variety of vascular beds, yet little is known regarding the potential impact of ASIC1a to regulate local vascular reactivity. Our previous studies in rat mesenteric arteries suggest ASIC1a does not contribute to agonist-induced vasoconstriction but may mediate a vasodilatory response. The objective of the current study is to determine the role of ASIC1a in systemic vasodilatory responses by testing the hypothesis that the activation of endothelial ASIC1a mediates vasodilation of mesenteric resistance arteries through an endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH)-related pathway. The selective ASIC1a antagonist psalmotoxin 1 (PcTX1) largely attenuated the sustained vasodilatory response to acetylcholine (ACh) in isolated, pressurized mesenteric resistance arteries and ACh-mediated Ca2+ influx in freshly isolated mesenteric endothelial tubes. Similarly, basal tone was enhanced and ACh-induced vasodilation blunted in mesenteric arteries from Asic1a knockout mice. ASIC1a colocalizes with intermediate- and small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (IKCa and SKCa, respectively), and the IKCa/SKCa-sensitive component of the ACh-mediated vasodilation was blocked by ASIC1a inhibition. To determine the role of ASIC1a to activate IKCa/SKCa channels, we measured whole-cell K+ currents using the perforated-patch clamp technique in freshly isolated mesenteric endothelial cells. Inhibition of ASIC1a prevented ACh-induced activation of IKCa/SKCa channels. The ASIC1 agonist, α/β-MitTx, activated IKCa/SKCa channels and induced an IKCa/SKCa-dependent vasodilation. Together, the present study demonstrates that ASIC1a couples to IKCa/SKCa channels in mesenteric resistance arteries to mediate endothelium-dependent vasodilation.
Soliton and other solutions of the (2+1)-dimensional Date-Jimbo-Kashiwara-Miwa equation with conformable derivative
Authors: Ozdemir Neslihan , Secer Aydin , Ozisik Muslum , Bayram Mustafa
Published: December 2022

In this scientific research article, we consider the (2 + 1)- dimensional Date-Jimbo-Kashiwara-Miwa equation with conformable derivative (C-DJKME), a water wave model with low surface tension and long wavelengths with weakly nonlinear restoring forces and frequency dispersion. Since the solutions of C-DJKME constitute the basis and model of many physical phenomena, we see many original studies with interesting physical properties in the literature. In our research, to acquire exact and soliton solutions of the C-DJKME, the Sardar Subequation method and the new Kudryashov method are employed for the first time. We have shown that these two methods are very effective, easily applicable, and reliable in solving such nonlinear problems. Finally, the graphs of some solutions are depicted at appropriate values of parameters. The impact of the fractional parameter on the acquired solutions is also demonstrated through 2D plots.
Role of surface hydrophilicity on MR relaxivity of PEG coated- gadolinium oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Pranjali Pranjali , Tripathi Deepak Kumar , Chaturvedi Anamika , Singh Ranjan Kumar , Poluri Krishna Mohan , Kumar Dinesh , Guleria Anupam
Published: December 2022

The magnetic resonance (MR) contrast enhancement capabilities of gadolinium oxide nanoparticles (GONPs) have high dependency on its surface chemistry- as the solution properties such as colloidal stability and hydrodynamic diameter of nanoparticles which are prime regulatory parameter for MR relaxivity, are all governed by grafting density of surface material. However, the purification of synthesized surface coated nanoparticles, without compromising the surface properties, remains a major challenge. Among the various cleaning methods, dialysis is often used to remove the unwanted by-products produced during synthesis. However, the effect of dialysis time may significantly impact the surface properties and hence, the MR contrast properties of such nano-formulations. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of dialysis time on surface chemistry and MR contrast enhancement properties of GONPs by comparing the proton relaxivity data. Ultra-small polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated GONPs with an average particle diameter of 17 nm were synthesized using polyol method. The impact of dialysis time has been investigated systematically on the size distribution, hydrophilicity, magnetic properties, polymer grafting density and relaxometric properties of the as synthesized GONPs. A significant impact of dialysis time was observed on surface chemistry and hence, on the MR relaxivity of synthesized NPs. We evidenced a dramatic decrease in the proton relaxivities of GONPs with increase in dialysis time, which correlated well with the observed decrease in the grafting density of surface polymer. The results clearly indicate that the proton relaxivity of GONPs of similar size and same coating material depends on the surface coating thickness and hydrophilicity of the coating polymer. Overall, it is essential to optimize the accurate time duration of dialysis treatment as the prolonged dialysis may have negative effect on the relaxation times and hence on MR contrast enhancement properties of GONPs. This study is a strategic pathway to fine-tune the dialysis treatment of as-synthesized surface-capped GONPs for pre-eminent MR contrast imaging.
Research on self-supporting T-shaped gate structure of GaN-based HEMT devices
Authors: Zhang Peng , Li Miao , Chen Jun-Wen , Liu Jia-Zhi , Ma Xiao-Hua
Published: December 2022

A self-supporting T-shaped gate (SST-gate) GaN device and process method using electron beam lithography are proposed. An AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) device with a gate length of 100 nm is fabricated by this method. The current gain cutoff frequency (f
T) is 60 GHz, and the maximum oscillation frequency (f
max) is 104 GHz. The current collapse has improved by 13% at static bias of (V
GSQ, V
DSQ) = (–8 V, 10 V), and gate manufacturing yield has improved by 17% compared with the traditional floating T-shaped gate (FT-gate) device.
Bubble nucleation in spherical liquid cavity wrapped by elastic medium
Authors: Zhang Xian-Mei , Li Fan , Wang Cheng-Hui , Hu Jing , Mo Run-Yang , Shen Zhuang-Zhi , Guo Jian-Zhong , Lin Shu-Yu
Published: December 2022

According to classical nucleation theory, gas nuclei can generate and grow into a cavitation bubble when the liquid pressure exceeds a threshold. However, classical nucleation theory does not include boundary effects. An enclosed spherical liquid cavity surrounded by elastic medium is introduced to model the nucleation process in tissue. Based on the equilibrium pressure relationship of a quasi-static process, the expressions of the threshold and the modified nucleation rate are derived by considering the tissue elasticity. It is shown that the constraint plays an important role in the nucleation process. There is a positive correlation between nucleation threshold pressure and constraint, which can be enhanced by an increasing tissue elasticity and reducing the size of the cavity. Meanwhile, temperature is found to be a key parameter of nucleation process, and cavitation is more likely to occur in confined liquids at temperature T > 100 °C. In contrast, less influences are induced by these factors, such as bulk modulus, liquid cavity size, and acoustic frequency. Although these theoretical predictions of the thresholds have been demonstrated by many previous researches, much lower thresholds can be obtained in liquids containing dissolved gases, e.g., the nucleation threshold is about –21 MPa in a liquid of 0.8-nm gas nuclei at room temperature. Moreover, when there is a gas nucleus of 20 nm, the theoretical threshold pressure might be less than 1 MPa.
Handheld portable neutron gamma discrimination spectrometer for environmental detection
Authors: Hu Q. , Ye H.Q. , Zhang Q.L. , Yi G.H. , Chen L. , Xu X.Y. , Jin G.
Published: December 2022

A compact and integrated neutron-gamma discrimination spectrometer that could be utilized
for personal dosimetry and emergency response is urgently required. In this study, based on a CLYC
scintillator coupled to silicon photomultiplier(SiPM) arrays, we designed a stand-alone, hand-held
neutron-gamma discrimination spectrometer. After the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) digitizes
the analog signal from the detector, the data is transmitted to a FPGA processor for online
real-time processing, and then transmitted to a microcontroller through the serial peripheral
interface(SPI) protocol, and the current detection result is displayed in real-time on the touch
screen. By using the pulse signal discrimination(PSD) method, the spectrometer can simultaneously
measure the spectrum of neutron and gamma events, with a resolution of 8.8% (at 1274.5 keV)
and excellent linearity. The figure of merit (FOM) is 2.32 with optimized PSD parameters. The
experimental results show that the spectrometer integrates the upper computer and detector, with
real-time performance, portability and excellent neutron-gamma resolution. Online operation is
realized through the touch screen, which greatly facilitates the real-time detection of radiation
in the field environment.
How large is the mitigation potential of natural climate solutions in China?
Authors: Wang Daju , Li Yuanqiao , Xia Jiangzhou , Liu Changxin , Chen Han , Teng Fei , He Bin , Shi Weiyu , Qin Zhangcai , Yuan Wenping
Published: December 2022

China is facing a huge challenge in achieving its carbon neutrality goal by 2060 given that it is currently one of the world’s largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters and has set a very short timeline for going from peak emissions to carbon neutrality. Natural climate solutions (NCS) that protect, manage, and restore ecosystems have shown substantial potential for increasing carbon sinks or reducing GHG emissions to offset fossil fuel CO2 emissions. This study quantified the mitigation potential of 18 NCS pathways in China at 0.67–1.65 Gigatonne of CO2 equivalent (Gt CO2e) yr−1 averaged from 2020 to 2060, which is even larger than the size of the current national terrestrial carbon sink. Compared with a previous global estimate, our results show a lower mitigation potential in forest ecosystems but a much greater potential for cropland ecosystems in China. From 2020 to 2060, all 18 pathways combined can provide cost-effective mitigation compared to the global social cost of CO2 emission and carbon prices, and 98.6% and 83.3% mitigation potential are cost-effective, respectively. This study further showed that immediate action provides the greatest mitigation. Our estimates highlight the important role of NCS in achieving the national carbon neutrality goal because of their large mitigation potential and cost-effectiveness.
Partially coherent superoscillations in the Talbot effect
Authors: Mays Joseph , Gbur Greg
Published: December 2022

Oscillations of a wavefield that are locally higher than the bandlimit of the field are known as superoscillations. Superoscillations have to date been studied primarily in coherent wavefields; here we look at superoscillations that appear in the phase of the correlation function in partially coherent Talbot carpets. Utilizing the Talbot effect, it is shown that superoscillations can be propagated into the far field, even under a decrease in spatial coherence. It is also shown that this decrease in spatial coherence can strengthen the superoscillatory behavior at the primary and secondary Talbot images.
Edge states of α-bismuthene nanostructures
Authors: Salehitaleghani Sara , Maerkl Tobias , Kowalczyk Pawel J , Le Ster Maxime , Wang Xiaoxiong , Bian Guang , Chiang Tai-Chang , Brown Simon A
Published: December 2022

We present a systematic investigation of the edge states (ESs) of two-dimensional α-bismuthene (α-Bi) structures self-assembled on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite substrates, using scanning tunnelling microscopy and scanning tunnelling spectroscopy. The measurements are carried out for 3ML, 5ML and 7ML thick Bi structures. Our spectroscopy studies reveal clear features at the edges of the 5ML and 7ML thick structures, and the positions of the ESs coincide with the topographical step edges. In contrast, in 3ML structures the ESs appear to be absent and instead new states are sometimes observed, far from the topographical edge. These states are associated with a moiré pattern and result from strain-induced modulation of the topology. Our observations demonstrate the impact on the ESs of coupling to adjacent structures.
Altered higher-order coupling between brain structure and function with embedded vector representations of connectomes in schizophrenia
Authors: Wang Bin , Guo Min , Pan Tingting , Li Zhifeng , Li Ying , Xiang Jie , Cui Xiaohong , Niu Yan , Yang Jiajia , Wu Jinglong , Liu Miaomiao , Li Dandan
Published: December 2022

It has been shown that the functional dependency of the brain exists in both direct and indirect regional relationships. Therefore, it is necessary to map higher-order coupling in brain structure and function to understand brain dynamic. However, how to quantify connections between not directly regions remains unknown to schizophrenia. The word2vec is a common algorithm through create embeddings of words to solve these problems. We apply the node2vec embedding representation to characterize features on each node, their pairwise relationship can give rise to correspondence relationships between brain regions. Then we adopt pearson correlation to quantify the higher-order coupling between structure and function in normal controls and schizophrenia. In addition, we construct direct and indirect connections to quantify the coupling between their respective functional connections. The results showed that higher-order coupling is significantly higher in schizophrenia. Importantly, the anomalous cause of coupling mainly focus on indirect structural connections. The indirect structural connections play an essential role in functional connectivity–structural connectivity (SC–FC) coupling. The similarity between embedded representations capture more subtle network underlying information, our research provides new perspectives for understanding SC–FC coupling. A strong indication that the structural backbone of the brain has an intimate influence on the resting-state functional.
Three-year follow-up of aortic arch endovascular stent grafting with the Nexus device: results from a prospective multicentre study
Authors: D’Onofrio Augusto , Lachat Mario , Mangialardi Nicola , Antonello Michele , Schelzig Hubert , Chaykovska Lyubov , Hill Andrew , Holden Andrew , Lindsay Thomas , Ten Tan Kong , Orrico Matteo , Ronchey Sonia , Greener Gabby Elbaz , Hayes Paul , Lorenzoni Giulia , Gerosa Gino , Planer David
Published: December 2022

OBJECTIVES

Endovascular aortic arch stent grafting with branched devices has shown initial promising results. The aim of this prospective, multicentre study was to evaluate 3-year outcomes of aortic arch stent grafting with NEXUS® Aortic Arch Stent Graft System (Nexus), a single-branch, bi-modular, off-the-shelf aortic arch stent graft system in high-risk patients.

METHODS

Patients treated with Nexus, either under the feasibility clinical study or as compassionate use procedures in 5 centres, were included in this study. The primary end point was overall survival. The secondary end points included the incidence of procedure-related unplanned intervention, stroke, paraplegia and endoleak. Clinical and radiologic follow-up was performed at each study site at 30 days, 6 months and on a yearly basis thereafter up to 3 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

We analysed data from a total of 28 patients. The overall median follow-up was 1132 (interquartile range: 809–1537). There were no device or procedure-related deaths between 1 and 3 years. Overall survival at 1 and 3 years was 89% and 71%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of unplanned reintervention at 1 and 3 years was 11% and 29%, respectively. There were no reports of stroke, paraplegia, aneurysm rupture, myocardial infarction or new aortic valve insufficiency. In this study’s 1–3 year follow-up period, 1 type Ib (4%), 1 type II (4%) and 2 type III (8%; between Nexus’ distal end and Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) extensions) endoleak were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular aortic arch exclusion with the single-branch, off-the-shelf Nexus system provides promising clinical and radiologic results at 3-year follow-up in a high-risk patient cohort.
Germination and Micropropagation ofCrataegus monogynaJacq. Seeds by Tissue Culture Method
Authors: Dinçer Deryanur , Bekiryazıcı Fatih , Dündar Havva , Ögçe Hüseyin
Published: December 2022

The propagation of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. using seeds is important for the creation of new cultivars, but it can be fraught with difficulty. Therefore, the effects of optimal cytokinin doses and culture media on the germination inhibition and micropropagation of seeds in C. Monogyna were investigated. The germination, shoot formation, and propagation in mature seed embryos were compared in Murashige ve Skoog (MS) and Linsmaier ve Skoog (L&S) nutrient media containing 3 mg/L BA(6-benzyladenine) and 0.5–1–2 mg/L kinetin. It was observed that the culture media influenced germination. The germination rate was higher in the MS medium (100%). Shoot proliferation was higher in MS (4.4 shoots per explant). The highest mean results were obtained in both media containing 3 mg/L BA + 1 mg/L kinetin. Root formation and shoot proliferation occurred in 56% of the explants cultured on the germination medium, and 68% rooting was achieved in the medium supplemented with 1 mg/L indoleacetic acid using the two-stage rooting procedure. Regenerated shoots were successfully rooted and transferred to ex vitro conditions. The results provide a solid basis for testing clonal propagation and efficient generative propagation of selected hawthorn genotypes with fruits of superior quality.

Study Implications: In this study, the germination barrier of seeds of Crateagus monogyna was removed by the tissue culture method. The seeds germinated within 1 week. In addition, direct material was obtained for clonal production without the need for rejuvenation studies in micropropagation, and a large number of seedlings were obtained. As a result, it has been determined that this species and similar forest trees can be used in mass production owing to their brief microproduction for the protection of species in forestry and reforestation applications.
Do perceived inequalities in safe water access manifest in collective action? Evidence from urban Ghana
Authors: Achore Meshack , Bisung Elijah
Published: December 2022

Access to safe drinking water is critical in improving health and well-being. It is estimated that >40% of urban households in Ghana do not have access to safe drinking water. Although the willingness and ability of community members to collectively take local initiatives are essential to curtailing inequities in water access in Ghana, the determinant of collective action is less explored. This paper explores determinants of collective action in water-insecure neighbourhoods and examines how perceived inequities in access to water and trust mediate the relationship between lack of access to water and collective action in urban Ghana. The results show that the urban poor OR = 12.047 (p = 0.000) were more likely to participate in water-related collective action compared to wealthy individuals. Primary decision-makers were 1.696 times more likely to participate in collective (p = 0.02). We also found that perceived inequities OR = 0.381 (p = 0.00) significantly predict participation in collective action to address water insecurity. Water service providers should be subjected to a rigid state-level framework that ensures inclusivity, fairness and justice in their distribution systems.
The ‘New’ New Normal—Digitalization and Hybridization of Work and Education Before, during and after the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gulliksen Jan , Lilliesköld Joakim , Stenbom Stefan
Published: December 2022

Before the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, work and education on the university campus were considered superior to equivalent activities conducted digitally or remotely. Despite being significantly digitally mature, many organizations did not consider or even permit digital or hybrid participation in meetings and education. In March 2020, the lockdown following the pandemic caused the transition of many organizations and most universities to online-only operation in record time. Often, this occurred while maintaining quality and production, even if some aspects relating to the user experience were lost. The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze how digitalization following the pandemic influenced and transformed the digital work environment in higher education. KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden, provided the experiences and data for this article. In conclusion we distinguished different phases of digital work and education before, during and after the pandemic: 1. The Pre-Pandemic Phase, 2. The Emergency Remote Phase, 3. The New Normal, 4. The Slow Acceptance Phase, and 5. The Dividing Phase, or what we refer to as The ‘New’ New Normal. In this phase it looks like it will be a battle between three perspectives; those who are looking to get back to the pre-pandemic conditions, those living in The New Normal, and those actively analyzing the lessons learned and aiming for The Thoughtful Blended Phase. Analyzing these five phases we discern that the implications for the future will be heavily dependent on the following aspects: management commitment and support; well-functioning technology and support organization; understanding the effects digitalization will have on culture, organization and well-being; increasing interest in participating in pedagogical development; new designs needed for hybrid work and education; the need to rethink structure and contents of meetings; and paying extra care and attention to the psychological well-being of staff and students.
Bleeding Complications in Patients With Severe Frostbite Injury
Authors: Murphy Jenna , Endorf Frederick W , Winters M Kenett , Rogers Charlotte , Walter Ellen , Neumann Nichole , Weber Lynn , Lacey Alexandra M , Punjabi Gopal , Nygaard Rachel M
Published: December 2022

Frostbite is caused by exposure to cold temperatures and can lead to severe injury resulting in amputations. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a thrombolytic agent that has demonstrated efficacy preventing amputation in frostbite patients. The goal of frostbite management with tPA is to salvage tissue without causing clinically significant bleeding complication. The purpose of this study was to characterize bleeding complications in severe frostbite patients managed with and without tPA. Retrospective chart review of severe frostbite patients admitted to a single ABA verified burn center. Bleeding events were grouped: category 0: no bleed; category 1: bleed not resulting in change or intervention; category 2: bleed resulting in change of management; and category 3: bleed resulting in change of management and intervention. Over a 7-year period, 188 patients were included in the study. Most patients had no documentation suggesting a bleeding complication: 69.7% category 0, 19.1% category 1, 4.8% category 2, and 6.4% category 3. There was no significant difference in category 2 or 3 bleeding complications between patients treated with or without tPA. Overall, 9 of the 143 patients (6.3%) treated with tPA had a category 2 or 3 bleeding complication within 12 hours of tPA completion and 12 of 143 (8.4%) within 24 hours of tPA completion. Based on the low risk of severe bleeding and significant benefit relative to limb or digit salvage demonstrated in this study, we conclude that tPA is safe and effective for the treatment of frostbite in appropriately selected patients.
Pore structure and its effect on acoustic velocity and permeability of reef-shoal carbonates in the Tarim Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Zhang Shuxia , Zou Changchun , Peng Cheng , Yan Liwen , Wu Xingwei
Published: December 2022

Experiment and numerical simulation are integrated to investigate the effects of pore structure on physical properties in reef-shoal carbonate samples from the Tarim Basin. The results show three correlation trends between pore structure parameters and physical properties, which closely depend on the pore structure type. The acoustic velocity of the fractured-vuggy type (Structure I) is mainly affected by porosity and pore shape, whereas the fractured and tight types (Structures II and III) are controlled by the pore connection and fractures, respectively. For permeability, the main controlling factor of Structures I and III is porosity, whereas that of Structure II is the volume fraction of fractures. From the pore structure classification, combining pore structure parameters and porosity significantly improves the predictions of acoustic velocity and permeability, confirming that pore structure classification should be prioritized and determining the main controlling factors is critical for the improvement of acoustic velocity and permeability predictions. These results allow better exploration and development of reef-shoal carbonate reservoirs using seismic and acoustic log data.
Lymph-node metastasis from gastric adenocarcinoma in a patient bearing a germ line missense variantMSH2c.1808A > T (Asp603Val) responds to the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab
Authors: Kiyomiya Miki , Fukuda Koji , Shimazu Kazuhiro , Yoshida Taichi , Taguchi Daiki , Shinozaki Hanae , Nanjyo Hiroshi , Shibata Hiroyuki
Published: December 2022

We report the sensitivity of immune checkpoint inhibitors for tumors developing in a patient bearing the MSH2 c.1808A > T (Asp603Val) variant belonging to a pedigree of Lynch syndrome. This variant was previously thought to be of unknown significance, but we recently found that this missense mutation was likely pathogenic. At that time, there were no active members with malignancies that could be treated with chemotherapy. Thereafter, an 81-year-old woman bearing this variant, who was a cousin of the proband of this family, had multiple lymph node metastases from her resected gastric cancer. An immune checkpoint inhibitor, pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, was used to treat these tumors. After 3 months of treatment, almost all tumors disappeared, and elevated CA19–9 levels normalized. She survives over 15 months safely. It was indicated that the tumors bearing this germline variant were sensitive to pembrolizumab. This observation suggests that an MSH2 c.1808A > T (Asp603Val) variant induces mismatch repair deficiency, resulting in sensitization to immune checkpoint inhibition.
Site occupancy by American martens and fishers in temperate deciduous forests of Québec
Authors: Suffice Pauline , Mazerolle Marc J , Imbeau Louis , Cheveau Marianne , Asselin Hugo , Drapeau Pierre
Published: December 2022

Interspecific interactions can mediate site occupancy of sympatric species and can be a key factor in habitat use patterns. American martens (Martes americana) and Fishers (Pekania pennanti) are two sympatric mesocarnivores in eastern North American forests. Due to their larger size, fishers have a competitive advantage over martens. We investigated site occupancy of martens and fishers in temperate deciduous forests of Québec, an environment modified by forest management and climate change. We formulated hypotheses on the spatial distribution of the studied species based on the knowledge of local trappers and on the scientific literature regarding forest cover composition, habitat fragmentation, and competitive relationships. We used a network of 49 camera traps monitored over two fall seasons to document site occupancy by both species. We used two-species site occupancy models to assess habitat use and the influence of fishers on martens at spatial grains of different sizes. None of the habitat variables that we considered explained site occupancy by fishers. Availability of dense old coniferous stands explained the spatial distribution of martens both at the home range grain size and at the landscape grain size. We identified the characteristics of habitat hotspots based on the knowledge of trappers, which highlighted the importance of stand composition, height, age, and canopy closure. The characteristics of habitat hotspots for martens in temperate deciduous forests refine the habitat suitability model for American martens that was originally developed for boreal forests of Québec.
Multiscale study on the microstructural evolution and macromechanical deterioration of expansive soil under dry–wet cycles
Authors: Zhou Zihao , Bai Yang , Wu Yuntao , Chen Yiqian , Guo Zhuang , Cheng Weikang
Published: December 2022

To explore the influence law of dry–wet cycles on the microstructure of expansive soil and the deterioration effect of macroscopic shear strength, the correlation between the change in the soil internal structure and the deterioration of the mechanical properties is analysed. The expansive soil in the test section of the slope support project in Hanzhong city, Shaanxi Province, China, is selected for sample preparation, three groups of different dry–wet cyclic water content variation paths are defined. The volume damage rate of the soil sample caused by dry–wet cycles is tested, and the microscopic evolution law of soil sample structure was analyzed. On the basis of the conclusion of microscopic analysis, the deterioration effect of macro shear strength of soil samples is further elaborated. The results show that expansive soil is rich in hydrophilic minerals such as illite and montmorillonite. The larger the amplitude of the dry–wet cycle, the more significant the volume change is. With the alternating dry–wet cycle treatment, the microscopic analysis shows that the water migration channels gradually become larger until a new balance is reached. The T2 spectra of the NMR test also show that the overall internal structure develops from stable to unstable. With dry–wet cycles, the unstable change in the soil internal structure leads to the attenuation of the macroscopic shear strength. These micro- and macroscopic research results show that the deterioration effect of drying and wetting on expansive soil cannot be ignored.
Remarks on a New Aramaic Incantation Bowl IM 77781
Authors: Faraj Ali
Published: December 2022

This article presents the edito princeps of a formerly unpublished incantation bowl written in Jewish Babylonian Aramaic. The text consists of fifteen lines and is devoted to protecting the client, his wife and his daughter against the curses of enemies and opponents. The bowl is a gift of Mr. Ismā'īl Nāyf and is part of a collection housed in the Iraq Museum (IM 77781).
Ascending to Jerusalem: On Spatial Cognition, Ideology and Language in the Hebrew Bible
Authors: Lamprecht Adriaan
Published: December 2022

This study focuses on the cognitive relation of interiority between an objective space and an objective ideological schema within the metaphorical use of ascending to Jerusalem. Hitherto, lexicons have failed to consider this specific metaphorical concept's peculiar nuanced distinction within the verb (‘lh)’s horizontal and vertical spatial schemata and the verb (bw’)’s horizontal spatial schemata. Methodologically, this study proposes a cognitive linguistic approach and argues that, apart from the horizontal spatial schemata used by the ancient Hebrew people, it seems that they also utilized unique vertical spatial schemata describing ideological experiences metaphorically.
Long-Term Dynamic of Anti-TrimericS and Anti-RBD Antibodies in Naive and COVID-19 Recovered mRNA-1273 Vaccine Recipients
Authors: Ocmant Annick , Roisin Sandrine , Mathieu Delphine , Brauner Jonathan , De Leener Frédéric
Published: December 2022

Objective

Patients and physicians are increasingly requesting their clinical laboratory to provide SARS-CoV-2 serology interpretation. Our study aimed to assess the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Moderna-vaccinated health care workers.

Methods

We analyzed the evolution of mRNA-1273 (Moderna)–elicited antibodies by 2 high-throughput assays, TrimericS IgG (Diasorin) and SARS-CoV-2 IgG-II (Abbott).

Results

After the first injection, the COVID-19–recovered vaccinees showed a serological response as strong as that observed 1 month after the second injection in participants without COVID-19 history. Although remaining above the positivity thresholds, the TrimericS immunoglobulin G (IgG) and anti-RBD (receptor-binding domain) IgG levels fell considerably between 1 and 7 months postvaccination, dropping to 10.6% and 13% for the COVID-19 recovered subgroup and to 11.7% and 9.3% for the COVID-19 naive subgroup.

Conclusion

Regardless of the test used, a decrease in circulating anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels should be expected a few months after vaccination. As this decline does not preclude the efficacy of immune response, caution is necessary when interpretating postvaccination serological data.
Aseptic meningitis as an initial manifestation of primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Higashida-Konishi Misako , Akiyama Mitsuhiro , Shimada Tatsuya , Hama Satoshi , Oshige Tatsuhiro , Izumi Keisuke , Oshima Hisaji , Okano Yutaka
Published: December 2022

Aseptic meningitis is a rare life-threatening complication of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS), and its characteristics and prognosis remain unknown. We present our case of aseptic meningitis associated with pSS and reviewed the published literature to elucidate their characteristics and prognosis. An 84-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for fever and disturbance of consciousness. Acute aseptic meningitis was diagnosed based on the results for cerebrospinal fluid and head imaging tests. As an aetiological investigation for his aseptic meningitis, serum anti-Sjögren’s-syndrome–related antigen A and anti-Sjögren’s-syndrome–related antigen B antibodies were found to be positive, and the biopsy specimen of his labial salivary gland revealed lymphocytic sialadenitis, confirming a diagnosis of pSS. Treatment with moderate-dose glucocorticoid completely improved his aseptic meningitis. Relapse of the disease was not observed during his clinical course over 12 months. Our present case and literature review suggest that aseptic meningitis can be an initial manifestation of pSS and be treatable by immunosuppressive therapy. Thus, early recognition and treatment initiation are critical to prevent the irreversible damage of central nervous system in pSS-associated aseptic meningitis. In aseptic meningitis of unknown origin, pSS should be included in differential diagnoses, and testing for serum anti-Sjögren’s-syndrome–related antigen A and anti-Sjögren’s-syndrome–related antigen A antibodies may be useful as an initial screening.
A regulatory loop establishes the link between the circadian clock and abscisic acid signaling in rice
Authors: Wang Yupeng , Wu Fuqing , Lin Qibing , Sheng Peike , Wu Ziming , Jin Xin , Chen Weiwei , Li Shuai , Luo Sheng , Duan Erchao , Wang Jiachang , Ma Weiwei , Ren Yulong , Cheng Zhijun , Zhang Xin , Lei Cailin , Guo Xiuping , Wang Haiyang , Zhu Shanshan , Wan Jianmin
Published: December 2022

There is a close regulatory relationship between the circadian clock and the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway in regulating many developmental processes and stress responses. However, the exact feedback regulation mechanism between them is still poorly understood. Here, we identified the rice (Oryza sativa) clock component PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR 95 (OsPRR95) as a transcriptional regulator that accelerates seed germination and seedling growth by inhibiting ABA signaling. We also found that OsPRR95 binds to the ABA receptor gene REGULATORY COMPONENTS OF ABA RECEPTORS10 (OsRCAR10) DNA and inhibits its expression. Genetic analysis showed OsRCAR10 acts downstream of OsPRR95 in mediating ABA responses. In addition, the induction of OsPRR95 by ABA partly required a functional OsRCAR10, and the ABA-responsive element-binding factor ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE5 (OsABI5) bound directly to the promoter of OsPRR95 and activated its expression, thus establishing a regulatory feedback loop between OsPRR95, OsRCAR10, and OsABI5. Taken together, our results demonstrated that the OsRCAR10–OsABI5–OsPRR95 feedback loop modulates ABA signaling to fine-tune seed germination and seedling growth, thus establishing the molecular link between ABA signaling and the circadian clock.