bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface tension-induced instability in spatially developing subcritical liquid curtains
Authors: Della Pia Alessandro , Colanera Antonio , Chiatto Matteo
Published: April 2022

An energy budget approach based on numerical simulations of a linear low-order model, combined with linear global stability analysis, is used to investigate the unsteady dynamics of subcritical (We < 1) gravitational liquid sheet flows. It is found that surface tension is the physical mechanism responsible for the modal flow instability as the Weber number is progressively decreased down to a critical threshold Weth for which the sheet is entirely subcritical. A transient algebraic growth of the perturbation characterized by the power law t13 is found in both asymptotically stable (Weth<We<1) and unstable (We<Weth) conditions. This finding agrees with a previous result of the literature obtained by employing a local spatiotemporal stability technique (for an infinite domain) for which in the subcritical regime an absolute instability occurs. However, in the present study, the temporal evolution of disturbances in the unstable case eventually follows an asymptotic modal growth, which is also recovered in the eigenvalue spectra evaluated using linear stability analysis. Asymptotic stability of the flow detected in the range Weth<We<1 is not caused by the damping effect of viscosity, but by the energy exchanges through the domain boundaries. Surface tension-induced instability is further studied by means of parametric analysis involving the Froude number Fr and the slenderness ratio parameter ε. It is found that decreasing ε and increasing Fr have the same destabilizing effect. The present work represents a further step toward a deeper understanding of liquid sheet dynamics in the subcritical regime, with the aim of providing a theoretical background to establish connections between results of two-dimensional modeling and three-dimensional observations of real occurrence.
4 ns dead time with a fully integrated active quenching circuit driving a custom single photon avalanche diode
Authors: Giudici Andrea , Acconcia Giulia , Labanca Ivan , Ghioni Massimo , Rech Ivan
Published: April 2022

At the present time, Single Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) are the enabling devices in many applications, ranging from medical imaging to laser ranging and from remote sensing to quantum key distribution. Even though they belong to different scientific domains, these applications share the need for a detector capable of attaining high count rates possibly without trading it off with other key detector’s features, such as afterpulsing probability, photon detection efficiency, and dark counts. In this work, we present the characterization of a fast integrated active quenching circuit capable of driving high-performance external custom-technology SPADs for single photon detection in the visible wavelength range. Combining the prompt intervention of the electronic circuitry and the performance of a custom-technology SPAD, we attained count rates up to 250 MCps while keeping the afterpulsing probability within 2%.
Maximum in density of electrolyte solutions: Learning about ion–water interactions and testing the Madrid-2019 force field
Authors: Sedano L. F. , Blazquez S. , Noya E. G. , Vega C. , Troncoso J.
Published: April 2022

In this work, we studied the effect of Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ chlorides and sulfates on the temperature of maximum density (TMD) of aqueous solutions at room pressure. Experiments at 1 molal salt concentration were carried out to determine the TMD of these solutions. We also performed molecular dynamics simulations to estimate the TMD at 1 and 2 m with the Madrid-2019 force field, which uses the TIP4P/2005 water model and scaled charges for the ions, finding an excellent agreement between experiment and simulation. All the salts studied in this work shift the TMD of the solution to lower temperatures and flatten the density vs temperature curves (when compared to pure water) with increasing salt concentration. The shift in the TMD depends strongly on the nature of the electrolyte. In order to explore this dependence, we have evaluated the contribution of each ion to the shift in the TMD concluding that Na+, Ca2+, and SO42− seem to induce the largest changes among the studied ions. The volume of the system has been analyzed for salts with the same anion and different cations. These curves provide insight into the effect of different ions upon the structure of water. We claim that the TMD of electrolyte solutions entails interesting physics regarding ion–water and water–water interactions and should, therefore, be considered as a test property when developing force fields for electrolytes. This matter has been rather unnoticed for almost a century now and we believe it is time to revisit it.
A lattice Boltzmann study on the bouncing behavior of equal-sized droplet collision
Authors: Liu Liangzhen , Xing Yueyan , Huang Rongzong
Published: April 2022

The bouncing behavior of equal-sized droplet collision is simulated by the recent multiphase lattice Boltzmann model with self-tuning equation of state. The nonmonotonic coalescence-bouncing-coalescence transition is successfully reproduced. The effects of Weber number, Ohnesorge number, liquid-to-gas density ratio, and impact factor are investigated. It is found that when the Reynolds number or Ohnesorge number is fixed, the nonmonotonic coalescence-bouncing-coalescence transition can be observed as gradually increasing the Weber number. The increase in the Ohnesorge number is beneficial to the occurrence of the bouncing behavior and leads to the increase in the largest Weber number for the bouncing behavior. The lowest Ohnesorge number for the bouncing behavior is approximately 0.2. Considering that the bouncing behavior is caused by the resistance effect of the gas film between droplets, the decrease in the liquid-to-gas density ratio can promote the bouncing behavior and thus expand the range of the corresponding Weber number. For the off-center collision, the increase in the impact factor can trigger the coalescence-bouncing transition under both relatively small and large Weber numbers. For the coalescence-bouncing transition with a relatively large Weber number, the phase diagram of the collision outcome is in qualitative agreement with the prediction by the previous theoretical model.
Output performance prediction of PV modules based on power-law model from manufacturer datasheet
Authors: Lu Hao , Zhang Yunpeng , Hao Peng , Ma Jiao , Zhong Hui , Gu Tingkun , Yang Ming , Zhang Li
Published: April 2022

The current–voltage (I–V) equation in the equivalent circuit model of the photovoltaic (PV) module is implicit, and the dependence of model parameters on environmental conditions is uncertain, which causes inconvenience in output performance prediction. In this paper, a novel method based on the power-law model (PLM) is proposed to predict the I–V characteristics and output power of PV modules under varying operating conditions. The relationship between parameters in the PLM and manufacturer datasheet information is established. The irradiance and temperature dependences of shape parameters in PLM are obtained and investigated thoroughly. Due to inherent simplicity and explicit expression of PLM, the proposed method predicts the I–V characteristics and output power without using any iterative process, which reduces the computational complexity. The proposed method is validated by different types PV modules and under a wide range of environmental conditions. Comparing with traditional methods based on a single-diode model, the proposed method has better agreements with experimental results in all irradiance and temperature intervals. The accuracy and effectiveness are verified both in short-term and long-term output power prediction. The proposed method is simple and suitable to predict the actual output properties of PV modules under varying operating conditions.
Constrained iterative Hirshfeld charges: A variational approach
Authors: Pujal Leila , van Zyl Maximilian , Vöhringer-Martinez Esteban , Verstraelen Toon , Bultinck Patrick , Ayers Paul W. , Heidar-Zadeh Farnaz
Published: April 2022

We develop a variational procedure for the iterative Hirshfeld (HI) partitioning scheme. The main practical advantage of having a variational framework is that it provides a formal and straightforward approach for imposing constraints (e.g., fixed charges on certain atoms or molecular fragments) when computing HI atoms and their properties. Unlike many other variants of the Hirshfeld partitioning scheme, HI charges do not arise naturally from the information-theoretic framework, but only as a reverse-engineered construction of the objective function. However, the procedure we use is quite general and could be applied to other problems as well. We also prove that there is always at least one solution to the HI equations, but we could not prove that its self-consistent equations would always converge for any given initial pro-atom charges. Our numerical assessment of the constrained iterative Hirshfeld method shows that it satisfies many desirable traits of atoms in molecules and has the potential to surpass existing approaches for adding constraints when computing atomic properties.
Thermal stability and thermal conductivity of solid electrolytes
Authors: Wu Cheng-Wei , Ren Xue , Zhou Wu-Xing , Xie Guofeng , Zhang Gang
Published: April 2022

Compared with liquid organic lithium-ion batteries, solid-state lithium-ion batteries have higher safety performance, so they are expected to become the next generation of energy storage devices and have attracted extensive research attention. The thermal management of the battery is a multi-coupling problem. Battery safety, cycle life, and even electrochemical reactions are all related to it. This Perspective presents the commonly used solid-state electrolytes and recent studies on their thermal stability and thermal transport properties. The thermal decomposition temperature and thermal conductivity are summarized, and we also present the summary and a brief outlook. This Perspective provides a reference for how to design and select high thermal conductive electrolyte materials, which is important for further advancement of solid-state lithium-ion batteries.
Effects of mobile phone use on semen parameters: a cross-sectional study of 1634 men in China
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Mo Fengyi , Chang Yali , Wu Shufang , Ma Qing , Jin Fan , Xing Lanfeng
Published: April 2022

Mobile phones play an irreplaceable role in modern people’s lives. However, the radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation produced by mobile phones has also caused increasing concern. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the effect of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation produced by mobile phones on semen parameters in 1634 men who underwent semen examination at the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China. Analysis of variance and multivariate linear regression were used to explore differences among different groups. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The results showed significant associations among different groups of daily mobile phone use time and daily duration of phone calls in the percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa (P = 0.004 and P = 0.007), rapid progressively motile spermatozoa (P = 0.012 and P = 0.006) and total motile spermatozoa (P = 0.004 and P = 0.046). After adjustments for the confounding effects of age and body mass index by multiple linear regression, the results showed that the daily duration of mobile phone use had a negative effect on sperm motility. However, there was no statistically significant correlation between daily phone call duration and sperm motility.  Therefore, the daily duration of mobile phone use may negatively affect sperm motility and impair male fertility.
A discrete KdV equation hierarchy: continuous limit, diverse exact solutions and their asymptotic state analysis
Authors: Liu Xue-Ke , Wen Xiao-Yong
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a discrete KdV equation that is related to the famous continuous KdV equation is studied. First, an integrable discrete KdV hierarchy is constructed, from which several new discrete KdV equations are obtained. Second, we correspond the first several discrete equations of this hierarchy to the continuous KdV equation through the continuous limit. Third, the generalized (m, 2N − m)-fold Darboux transformation of the discrete KdV equation is established based on its known Lax pair. Finally, the diverse exact solutions including soliton solutions, rational solutions and mixed solutions on non-zero seed background are obtained by applying the resulting Darboux transformation, and their asymptotic states and physical properties such as amplitude, velocity, phase and energy are analyzed. At the same time, some soliton solutions are numerically simulated to show their dynamic behaviors. The properties and results obtained in this paper may be helpful to understand some physical phenomena described by KdV equations.
Prediction of quantum anomalous Hall effect in CrI3/ScCl2 bilayer heterostructure
Authors: Gao Yuan , Li Huiping , Zhu Wenguang
Published: April 2022

Based on first-principles calculations, a two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) bilayer heterostructure consisting of two topologically trivial ferromagnetic (FM) monolayers CrI3 and ScCl2 is proposed to realize the quantum anomalous Hall effect (QAHE) with a sizable topologically nontrivial band gap of 4.5 meV. Its topological nature is attributed to an interlayer band inversion between the monolayers and critically depends on the symmetry of the stacking configuration. We further demonstrate that the topologically nontrivial band gap can be increased nearly linearly by the application of a perpendicular external pressure and reaches 8.1 meV at 2.7 GPa, and the application of an external out-of-plane electric field can also modulate the band gap and convert the system back to topologically trivial via eliminating the band inversion. An effective model is developed to describe the topological phase evolution in this bilayer heterostructure. This work provides a new candidate system based on 2D vdW materials for realization of potential high-temperature QAHE with considerable controllability.
Effect of Enzyme Supplementation in Diet on Growth of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) juveniles in RAS
Authors: Nasir Noori Abdul-Nabi , Yesser AbdulKareem Taher , Al-Hamadany Qusay Hamid
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of supplementing the diet with Thepax Aqua (Aqualase) on the development and survival of juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpioL.). Therefore, an eight-week nutrition experiment was carried out using the Thepax Aqura enzyme in the Department of Vertebrates, Marine Science Center, University of Basrah. This enzyme was supplemented at 1, 2, and 3% in the control diet. The maximum weight growth (3.9870 gm 0.1230) and Specific Growth Rate (0.4238 gm 0.0049) were seen in the fish fed with T1 diet, and these results were found to be statistically different (P<0.05) from those observed in the fish fed with T2 (2 %), T3 (3 %), and T0 (control) diets. This study also concluded that there was no significant effect (P≤0.05) for enzyme levels on the survival of juveniles carp fed with different dietary enzymes. Finally, the outcome of the current experiment showed that the 1% supplementation of Thepax Aqua to the food gave good growth and feed utilization of Juveniles of carp C.carpio.
Solid waste: A study of its concept, management methods, and environmental impacts
Authors: Al-Taai Suaad Hadi Hassan
Published: April 2022

The study of the impact of solid waste and its management is one of the important topics that has attracted the attention of researchers and those interested in the study of the environment due to its significant effects on human health, living organisms in general, and the environment. The research has addressed the study of the concept of solid waste and its classification, focusing on domestic, industrial, agricultural, commercial, and other waste. The research also dealt with the study of municipal solid waste, the rate of waste generation, and the factors affecting it. It referred to the physical and chemical composition of solid waste, the arrangement of waste management and its objectives, and the most important stages of waste flow. It discussed the methods of waste collection, sorting, and recycling, the most important human characteristics, and the natural factors affecting them, concerning the negative effects of waste on the environment.
Use Remote Sensing Techniques to Study Epiphytic Algae on Phragmites australis in Um El-Naaj Lake, Mysan Province, Southern Iraq
Authors: Neran A. AL NAQEEB , Jinan S. AL HASSANY , Fouad K. MASHEE
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the quality and quantity composition of epiphytic algae ofPhragmites australisin Um El-Naaj lake. Samples were collected from six Stations from November 2018 to October 2019.

During this study, a remote sensing techniques was used to monitor the Community of epiphytic algae through storage and management data the geographic information system (GIS) program. The satellite images of the Landsat 8 satellite of the OLI which used to create visual images that facilitate the interpretation of the study area to identification and presence of these species and control their spread.

The total number 306 species of epiphytic algae recorded during the study period were, belong to 61 genera. Seasonal variations in total number of species also noticed during the current study, Bacillariophyceae recorded 52.28%, with (160 species of 28 genera), Classes of Chlorophyceae and Cyanophycea recorded 12.67% (39 species of 20 genera 11) and 11.76% (36 species of 12 genera) respectively, while Classes of Fragilarphyceae recorded 14.37% ( 44species of 7genera), Coscinodisphyeceae recorded 13.59% (11 species, 7 genera). Then class of Euglenophyceae with 3.59%., Finally Chrysophyceae, Dinophyceae, and Rhodophyceae recorded 0.32% with 1 species of 1genera as they were present.
A quadruple integral involving the product of generalized parabolic cylinder functions 𝐷ᵥ(𝛽𝑥)𝐷ᵤ(𝛼𝑧): Derivation and evaluation
Authors: Reynolds Robert , Stauffer Allan
Published: April 2022

The aim of the present document is to evaluate a quadruple integral involving the product of the generalized Parabolic Cylinder functions

D

v

(
β
x
)

D

u

(
α
z
)

D_{v}(\beta x)D_{u}(\alpha z)

expressed in terms of the Hurwitz-Lerch zeta function. Special cases are evaluated in terms of fundamental constants. All the results in this work are new.
Alcohol Intake Influences the Occurrence and Progression of Periodontitis Differently According to Sex and Country Sociodemographic Development: A Two-Stage Systematic Review
Authors: Oliveira Leandro Machado , da Silva Pilecco Kimberly , de Oliveira Cícero Anghinoni , Antoniazzi Raquel Pippi , Demarco Flávio Fernando , Zanatta Fabrício Batistin
Published: April 2022

Aims

To conduct an overview and systematic evaluation of prospective cohort studies on whether alcohol intake is associated with the incidence and progression of periodontitis.

Methods

Nine databases were searched by two independent reviewers up to November 2021 according to prespecified eligibility criteria. Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews and Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions were used for risk of bias assessment and certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Random-effects pair-wise meta-analyses were performed with data from cohort studies on the effects of higher levels of alcohol intake compared with current non-drinking to determine risk ratios (RR) and confidence intervals of periodontitis.

Results

The four systematic reviews were at high risk of bias and concluded that alcohol intake is associated with periodontitis regardless of the study design. Five reports from seven cohort studies contributed to the meta-analyses and no statistically significant differences were found for higher levels of consumption regarding the risk of periodontitis, except for men from countries with low- and high-middle socio-demographic index (RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.13–1.46), with low certainty evidence.

Conclusion

Higher levels of alcohol consumption seem to be part of the causal mechanism of periodontitis when cooccurring with male sex in underdeveloped countries. No conclusion can be drawn regarding alcohol use disorders or patterns of consumption.
Tightly integrated multiomics-based deep tensor survival model for time-to-event prediction
Authors: Zhang Jasper Zhongyuan , Xu Wei , Hu Pingzhao
Published: April 2022

Motivation

Multiomics cancer profiles provide essential signals for predicting cancer survival. It is challenging to reveal the complex patterns from multiple types of data and link them to survival outcomes. We aim to develop a new deep learning-based algorithm to integrate three types of high-dimensional omics data measured on the same individuals to improve cancer survival outcome prediction.

Results

We built a three-dimension tensor to integrate multi-omics cancer data and factorized it into two-dimension matrices of latent factors, which were fed into neural networks-based survival networks. The new algorithm and other multi-omics-based algorithms, as well as individual genomic-based survival analysis algorithms, were applied to the breast cancer data colon and rectal cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) program. We evaluated the goodness-of-fit using the concordance index (C-index) and Integrated Brier Score (IBS). We demonstrated that the proposed tight integration framework has better survival prediction performance than the models using individual genomic data and other conventional data integration methods.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/jasperzyzhang/DeepTensorSurvival

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
More of the Same, Only Worse: COVID-19 and the Administrative Burdens Facing Loved Ones of Incarcerated Men
Authors: McDonald Alysha D , Berardi Luca , Tetrault Justin E C , Haggerty Kevin D , Bucerius Sandra M
Published: April 2022

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials have introduced measures to preserve the health of incarcerated individuals and prison employees. To understand the impact of COVID-related correctional policies on individuals with incarcerated friends and family members, we conducted 181 longitudinal interviews from April 2020 to January 2021 with 29 such ‘loved ones.’ Participants emphasized concerns about (1) health and safety; (2) unclear, unpredictable and untrusted communications; and (3) diminished personal intimacy. We analyze these findings using an ‘administrative burden’ framework and discuss possible reforms. We also suggest a wider applicably of this framework for studying individuals who have diverse encounters with the criminal justice system.
Temporal Dynamics of Nasopharyngeal and Tracheal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Cycle Thresholds in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients With Tracheostomy
Authors: Long Sallie M , Chern Alexander , Cooley Victoria , Chung Sei , Feit Noah Z. , Craney Arryn , Simon Matthew S , Tassler Andrew B
Published: April 2022

In this study of 45 patients with COVID-19 undergoing tracheostomy, nasopharyngeal and tracheal cycle threshold (Ct) values were analyzed. Ct values rose to 37.9 by the time of tracheostomy and remained >35 postoperatively, demonstrating that persistent test positivity may not be associated with persistent transmissible virus in this population.
Effects of renin–angiotensin system inhibitor type and dosage on survival after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Fischer-Rasokat Ulrich , Bänsch Celine , Renker Matthias , Rolf Andreas , Charitos Efstratios I , Weferling Maren , Liebetrau Christoph , Herrmann Eva , Choi Yeong-Hoon , Hamm Christian W , Kim Won-Keun
Published: April 2022

Aims

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (RASI) on the survival of subgroups of patients with aortic stenosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and to assess the impact of types and dosages of RASI on outcomes.

Methods and results

This single-centre, retrospective analysis included 2862 patients (n = 2227 with RASI and n = 635 without RASI) after successful TAVI. Propensity score matching established comparable patient populations (n = 625 per group). Survival was analysed by Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression and was corrected for baseline, procedural, and medical parameters. Self-reported adherence to RASI therapy 3 months after hospital discharge was 94%. Three-year all-cause mortality rates were 12.3% and 20.2% for patients with or without RASI, respectively (log-rank <0.001). In the matched study populations, mortality rates were 14.2% vs. 20.0% (log-rank <0.03). RASI was particularly beneficial in patients with ejection fraction <40% [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval 0.50 (0.29–0.87)], EuroScore II ≥4% [HR 0.47 (0.35–0.65)], or low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis [HR 0.53 (0.31–0.93)] who were also on beta-blockers and statins. An association between discharge dosage and survival was observed, with HR 0.75 (0.58–0.96) and 0.57 (0.44–0.72) for patients on <50% and ≥50% target dose, respectively. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) reduced mortality rates similarly (13.9% vs. 9.8%, log-rank 0.103).

Conclusions

The beneficial association between RASI after TAVI and improved survival during follow-up is particularly evident in high-risk patients and may be dose dependent. No superiority was noted in the effectiveness of ACEI or ARB.
Causes of variability in estimates of mutational variance from mutation accumulation experiments
Authors: Conradsen Cara , Blows Mark W , McGuigan Katrina
Published: April 2022

Characteristics of the new phenotypic variation introduced via mutation have broad implications in evolutionary and medical genetics. Standardized estimates of this mutational variance, VM, span 2 orders of magnitude, but the causes of this remain poorly resolved. We investigated estimate heterogeneity using 2 approaches. First, meta-analyses of ∼150 estimates of standardized VM from 37 mutation accumulation studies did not support a difference among taxa (which differ in mutation rate) but provided equivocal support for differences among trait types (life history vs morphology, predicted to differ in mutation rate). Notably, several experimental factors were confounded with taxon and trait, and further empirical data are required to resolve their influences. Second, we analyzed morphological data from an experiment in Drosophila serrata to determine the potential for unintentional heterogeneity among environments in which phenotypes were measured (i.e. among laboratories or time points) or transient segregation of mutations within mutation accumulation lines to affect standardized VM. Approximating the size of an average mutation accumulation experiment, variability among repeated estimates of (accumulated) mutational variance was comparable to variation among published estimates of standardized VM. This heterogeneity was (partially) attributable to unintended environmental variation or within line segregation of mutations only for wing size, not wing shape traits. We conclude that sampling error contributed substantial variation within this experiment, and infer that it will also contribute substantially to differences among published estimates. We suggest a logistically permissive approach to improve the precision of estimates, and consequently our understanding of the dynamics of mutational variance of quantitative traits.
Assessment of the Degree of Variation of Histologic Inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Mikolajczyk Adam E , Cohen Nathaniel A , Watson Sydeaka , Ackerman Max , Goeppinger Sarah R , Hart John , Turner Jerrold R , Rubin David T
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) now includes mucosal healing. Adoption of histologic end points is hindered by a lack of evidence guiding optimal sampling, interpretation, and reproducibility of results.

Methods

We analyzed biopsy fragments from colonoscopies in 92 patients with UC. Fragments were scored using 6-point histologic inflammatory activity (HIA) scale. Variability was determined using ordinal representations of HIA scores. The most frequently observed score and percentage of biopsy fragments with that score were determined for each biopsy, each segment, and across all 3 segments for each colonoscopy. Mean percentages and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

We reviewed 1802 biopsy fragments. The mean percentages of intrasegment biopsy fragments with the same HIA score were 85.5% (95% CI, 80.9% to 92.9%), 79.6% (95% CI, 76.0% to 87.3%), and 82.7% (95% CI, 79.1% to 90.0%) for the rectum, left colon, and right colon, respectively. The mean percentage of intersegment biopsy fragments with the same HIA score was 70.2% (95% CI, 65.7% to 82.5%). The mean percentages of intrabiopsy fragments with the same HIA score were 83.3% (95% CI, 77.6% to 93.5%), 83.6% (95% CI, 80.1% to 89.7%), and 90.2% (95% CI, 87.6% to 94.7%) for the rectum, left colon, and right colon, respectively. All 3 analyses revealed increased variation when a greater degree of histologic inflammation was present in the biopsies (mean HIA score ≥2).

Conclusions

We found minimal variability between degree of inflammation among biopsy fragments within and among different colorectal segments in UC, suggesting that even a single biopsy would adequately reflect the inflammation of the entire colorectum. These findings have significant implications for the use of histology as a clinical target and trial end point in UC.
LC–MS-MS Determination of 88 Psychotropic Drugs in 1,865 Hair Samples from Addicts in Drug Abstinence
Authors: Ji Jiao-jiao , Xu Duoqi , Yan Hui , Xiang Ping , Shen Min
Published: April 2022

The emergence of novel drugs and the continuous expansion of the scope of the types of drugs under control have greatly increased requests for screening of a range of drugs in hair. Here, a multi-analyte method for the detection and quantification of 88 psychotropic drugs in the hair of addicts in drug abstinence was developed and fully validated using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS). Hair samples (25 mg) were washed, cut into pieces, cryogenically ground and extracted in methanol. The extracted analytes were separated on an Allure PFP Propyl column (100 × 2.1 mm, 5 mm inside diameter, Restek, USA) and analyzed by LC–MS-MS in multiple reaction monitoring modes. The limits of detection and the limits of quantification ranged from 0.1 to 20 pg/mg and 0.2 to 50 pg/mg, respectively. The intra- and inter-assay precisions (relative standard deviation (RSD)) of all analyses ranged from 0.9% to 14.9% and 1.9% to 15.9%, respectively. Accuracy values were 100 ± 20%. The extraction recovery of quality control samples ranged from 50.9% to 99.6% for all analytes. The matrix effects for all analytes ranged from 46.8% to 99.7%. The method was successfully used to analyze 1,865 hair samples from addicts in drug rehabilitation at their own communities. Among the samples, 129 cases were positive; the majority of positive cases were from males (78.29%), 92.25% of whom were >35 years old. Traditional drugs, like methamphetamine and opioids, accounted for most positive cases, and 27 of the abstinence cases with a use history of methamphetamine were still positive. In addition to abused drugs, like methamphetamine, morphine and cocaine, the sedative-hypnotic and psychotherapeutic drugs, including clonazepam, alprazolam, estazolam, zolpidem and quetiapine, were detected in 26% of the hair samples, suggesting that these addicts may have insomnia and mental problems such as depression and psychosis, probably due to the long-term effects of drugs and withdrawal reactions. Three synthetic cannabinoids were also detected in four (2.7%) cases. A total of 37 cases were positive for methadone, tramadol and dextromethorphan, reflecting a new trend of alternative drug use when traditional drugs were not easy to obtain during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak.
Measures of Adaptive Immune Function Predict the Risk of Nosocomial Infection in Pediatric Burn Patients
Authors: Thakkar Rajan K , Penatzer Julia , Simon Shan , Steele Lisa , Fabia Renata , Groner Jonathan I , Keesari Rohali , Hall Mark
Published: April 2022

Thermal injury results in changes in the inflammatory and innate immune response of pediatric patients. Plasma cytokines, cellular profiles, and reduction in innate immune function following burn injury have also been correlated to adverse outcomes (e.g., mortality and infectious complications). Changes in adaptive immune function following thermal injury are not as well characterized. Our goal was to better understand if adaptive immune dysfunction occurs early after pediatric thermal injury and is a risk factor for nosocomial infections (NIs). A prospective, longitudinal immune function observational study was performed at a single American Burn Association (ABA)-verified pediatric burn center. Eighty burn patients were enrolled with 20 developing NI, defined using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria. We collected whole blood samples from pediatric burn patients within the first 72 hours from injury and between days 4 and 7, where applicable to analyze adaptive immune function. We compared immune function between burn patients who went on to develop NI and those that did not. Within the first 72 hours of injury, burn patients who developed NI had significantly lower absolute CD4+ lymphocyte counts and whole blood ex vivo phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced interferon gamma (IFNγ) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) production capacity compared to those that did not develop infection. Further analysis using receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that PHA-induced IL-10 production capacity had the highest area under the curve. Our data demonstrate that early adaptive immune suppression occurs following pediatric thermal injury and PHA-induced IL-10 production capacity appears to be a predictor for the development of NI.
Natural mortality and longevity of the burrowing crayfish Parastacus pugnax (Poeppig, 1835) (Decapoda: Astacidea: Parastacidae)
Authors: Ibarra Mauricio , Wehrtmann Ingo S
Published: April 2022

Information about longevity and mortality of decapod crustaceans is scarce but is of utmost importance for our understanding of the dynamics of exploited populations. Moreover, such information is crucial for the development of conservation and management strategies. Compared to other crustacean taxa, crayfishes are understudied and under increasing threat of extinction. Particularly, life history data for burrowing crayfishes is highly limited, which is related to their subterranean habitat and collection difficulty. Considering the limited knowledge on mortality and life span in burrowing crayfishes, we studied these two parameters in the burrowing crayfish Parastacus pugnax (Poeppig, 1835), one of six species of Parastacidae in Chile. This species inhabits subterraneous waters in semi-swampy terrain and is heavily exploited for human consumption. We calculated longevity (A0.95) and natural mortality (M) of this species, using growth estimates published in the literature. Longevity was estimated to vary between 8.2 and 12.4 yr. The estimated values for M ranged from 0.241 to 0.611 yr−1, and the medium for the population ranged from 0.37 to 0.57 yr−1. Compared to other crayfishes, parastacids are generally classified as longer-living species, and some can live for decades. Our results suggest that P. pugnax is a medium-age species with a medium-range mortality compared to other parastacids.
Chemical diversity of the atmospheres and interiors of sub-Neptunes: a case study of GJ 436 b
Authors: Guzmán-Mesa Andrea , Kitzmann Daniel , Mordasini Christoph , Heng Kevin
Published: April 2022

The atmospheres of sub-Neptunes are expected to exhibit considerable chemical diversity, beyond what is anticipated for gas-giant exoplanets. In the current study, we construct self-consistent radiative transfer and equilibrium chemistry models to explore this chemical diversity. We use GJ 436 b as a case study to further study joint atmosphere-interior models. In particular, we constrain the properties of the interior and atmosphere of the planet based on the available Spitzer measurements. While it is possible to fit the emission spectrum of GJ 436 b using a high-metallicity model, we demonstrate that such an atmosphere is inconsistent with physically plausible interior structures. It remains the case that no existing study can adequately fit the 4.5-$\mu$m Spitzer secondary eclipse measurement, which is probably caused by chemical disequilibrium. Finally, an information content analysis reveals that emission and transmission spectra constrain the carbon-to-oxygen ratio and metallicity at different wavelengths, but the former are less susceptible to flat spectra stemming from highly metal-enriched atmospheres. With the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope, we recommend that future analysis of emission and transmission spectra of sub-Neptune planets are carried out self-consistently using both the atmospheric and interior structure models.
Sex Differences in Nicotine Enhancement of Conditioned Place Avoidance Driven by Footshock in Male and Female Rats
Authors: Barker Ashley M , Moore Haley N , Buffalari Deanne
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Tobacco use is driven by nicotine, which can enhance the ability of non-nicotine stimuli, including aversive stimuli, to alter behavior. Sex differences exist in the reinforcement enhancement properties of nicotine, but the degree to which this extends to nicotine’s ability to enhance behavior driven by aversive stimuli is unclear.

Aims and Methods

The current study used adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats to explore sex differences in nicotine enhancement of footshock (FS)-conditioned place avoidance. FS-conditioned and control rats were tested for conditioned avoidance of FS- or control-paired chambers after injections of saline or nicotine (0.3 mg/kg, subcutaneously).

Results

FS supported place avoidance in both male and female rats, and nicotine enhanced avoidance. Females showed more avoidance after nicotine than males, even in nonconditioned control rats.

Conclusions

These results support the idea that sex differences do exist in nicotine enhancement of aversive stimuli, and suggest the mechanisms through which nicotine supports tobacco dependence in males and females may differ.

Implications

Nicotine enhancement of nondrug stimuli is thought to play a role in tobacco dependence. Yet previous research of enhancement has overwhelmingly used male subjects and appetitive stimuli. Our findings confirm that nicotine also enhances behavior driven by aversive stimuli, and suggests that females may be more susceptible to nicotine enhancement. Such sex differences suggest sex may be an important factor to consider in treating dependence.
A Systematic Review of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine Efficacy and Effectiveness Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection and Disease
Authors: Higdon Melissa M , Wahl Brian , Jones Carli B , Rosen Joseph G , Truelove Shaun A , Baidya Anurima , Nande Anjalika A , ShamaeiZadeh Parisa A , Walter Karoline K , Feikin Daniel R , Patel Minal K , Deloria Knoll Maria , Hill Alison L
Published: April 2022

Billions of doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been administered globally, dramatically reducing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) incidence and severity in some settings. Many studies suggest vaccines provide a high degree of protection against infection and disease, but precise estimates vary and studies differ in design, outcomes measured, dosing regime, location, and circulating virus strains. In this study, we conduct a systematic review of COVID-19 vaccines through February 2022. We included efficacy data from Phase 3 clinical trials for 15 vaccines undergoing World Health Organization Emergency Use Listing evaluation and real-world effectiveness for 8 vaccines with observational studies meeting inclusion criteria. Vaccine metrics collected include protection against asymptomatic infection, any infection, symptomatic COVID-19, and severe outcomes including hospitalization and death, for partial or complete vaccination, and against variants of concern Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. We additionally review the epidemiological principles behind the design and interpretation of vaccine efficacy and effectiveness studies, including important sources of heterogeneity.
An Unusual Etiology of Lemierre-Like Syndrome: Preseptal Cellulitis due to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Newman Noah , Bantikassegn Amlak , West Thomas G , Peacock James E
Published: April 2022

Lemierre’s syndrome (LS) is a rare and potentially fatal condition that predominantly affects young adults with oropharyngeal infection. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the usual etiology and classically causes internal jugular vein septic thrombophlebitis, frequently complicated by septic emboli to several organs (most classically to the lungs). Lemierre-like syndrome (LLS) describes the same constellation of symptoms and pathophysiology as Lemierre’s syndrome; however, Fusobacterium spp. are not the cause, and the source of infection may be nonoropharyngeal. We present a case with an unusual etiology of LLS: a patient with untreated preseptal cellulitis and associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia in the setting of injection drug use. Physical exam revealed tachypnea and rhonchi with severe periorbital and bilateral eyelid edema. Imaging demonstrated bilateral preseptal and orbital cellulitis with thrombosis of both internal jugular veins and bilateral pulmonary cavitary lesions consistent with septic pulmonary emboli. She was managed with anticoagulation and parenteral antibiotics. To our knowledge, this is the first case of LLS originating from preseptal cellulitis without evidence of preceding pharyngitis. While facial and orbital infections are rare etiologies of LLS, the potentially devastating sequelae of LLS warrant its inclusion in differential diagnoses.
The absorption of water from humid air by grass embryos during germination
Authors: Bin Rahman A N M Rubaiyath , Ding Wona , Zhang Jianhua
Published: April 2022

Grass embryos possess structures that do not occur in any other flowering plants. Due to the specific embryo structure and position, grass embryo surfaces may be exposed to surrounding air under partial caryopsis–soil contact conditions, but whether caryopses of the grass family (Poaceae) can sense soil air humidity to initiate successful germination under partial caryopsis–soil contact conditions remain unknown. Here, we found that grass embryos have the unique ability to absorb water from atmospheric water vapor under partial caryopsis–soil contact conditions. To absorb atmospheric moisture, grass embryos developed profuse and highly elongated hairs on the embryo surface. These hairs, classically known as coleorhiza hairs, developed only on the embryo surface exposed to humid air, and submergence of the embryo surface inhibited their development. In addition to humid air-dependent development, almost all other developmental features of coleorhiza hairs were substantially different from root hairs. However, coleorhiza hair development was regulated by ROOTHAIRLESS 1. Besides the genetic control of coleorhiza hair development, we also identified how caryopses manage to keep the hairs turgid in natural open environments as the hairs were highly sensitive to dry air exposure. Moreover, we video-documented the regulation of developmental processes. The unique humid air-dependent coleorhiza hair development and their ability to absorb water from water vapor present in microsites or soil air give grasses advantages in germination and seedling establishment. Ultimately, coleorhiza hairs may have contributed to the ecological success of the grass family.
Spreading rates of bacterial colonies depend on substrate stiffness and permeability
Authors: Asp Merrill E , Ho Thanh Minh-Tri , Germann Danielle A , Carroll Robert J , Franceski Alana , Welch Roy D , Gopinath Arvind , Patteson Alison E
Published: April 2022

The ability of bacteria to colonize and grow on different surfaces is an essential process for biofilm development. Here, we report the use of synthetic hydrogels with tunable stiffness and porosity to assess physical effects of the substrate on biofilm development. Using time-lapse microscopy to track the growth of expanding Serratia marcescens colonies, we find that biofilm colony growth can increase with increasing substrate stiffness, unlike what is found on traditional agar substrates. Using traction force microscopy-based techniques, we find that biofilms exert transient stresses correlated over length scales much larger than a single bacterium, and that the magnitude of these forces also increases with increasing substrate stiffness. Our results are consistent with a model of biofilm development in which the interplay between osmotic pressure arising from the biofilm and the poroelastic response of the underlying substrate controls biofilm growth and morphology.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Review Types Published in the Nursing Scientific Literature
Authors: Carter-Templeton Heather , Wrigley Jordan , Nicoll Leslie H. , Owens Jacqueline K. , Oermann Marilyn H. , Ledbetter Leila S.
Published: April 2022

Reviews in the nursing scientific literature have steadily expanded in scope and range. This has resulted in a variety of terms used to describe these reports found in bibliographic databases, creating confusion. This study investigated the status of reviews in the published nursing literature, including: (1) number of reviews; (2) conventions related to naming and description; (3) publication location; and (4) areas of clarity and inconsistency. Eighty-five percent of reviews (n = 5893) included in this study adhered to an identified review strategy, complete with a clear approach. The remainder (n = 981, 15%) did not. Authors of reviews must follow the identified protocol for their review type and share all relevant information including standards and rigor. Editors and peer reviewers need to possess up-to-date knowledge on methodologies associated with specific review types.