bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accumulation and control of spin waves in magnonic dielectric microresonators by a comb of ultrashort laser pulses
Authors: Khramova A. E. , Kobecki M. , Akimov I. A. , Savochkin I. V. , Kozhaev M. A. , Shaposhnikov A. N. , Berzhansky V. N. , Zvezdin A. K. , Bayer M. , Belotelov V. I.
Published: May 2022

Spin waves in magnetic microresonators are at the core of modern magnonics. Here we demonstrate a new method of tunable excitation of different spin wave modes in magnetic microdisks by using a train of laser pulses coming at a repetition rate higher than the decay rate of spin precession. The microdisks are etched in a transparent bismuth iron garnet film and the light pulses influence the spins nonthermally through the inverse Faraday effect. The high repetition rate of the laser stimulus of 10 GHz establishes an interplay between the spin wave resonances in the frequency and momentum domains. As a result, scanning of the focused laser spot near the disk boarder changes interference pattern of the magnons and leads to a resonant dependence of the spin wave amplitude on the external magnetic field. Apart from that, we achieved a switching between volume and surface spin waves by a small variation of the external magnetic field.
Personality and social environment predict cognitive performance in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Šlipogor Vedrana , Graf Christina , Massen Jorg J. M. , Bugnyar Thomas
Published: May 2022

Consistent inter-individual variation in cognition has been increasingly explored in recent years in terms of its patterns, causes and consequences. One of its possible causes are consistent inter-individual differences in behaviour, also referred to as animal personalities, which are shaped by both the physical and the social environment. The latter is particularly relevant for group-living species like common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), apt learners that display substantial variation in both their personality and cognitive performance, yet no study to date has interlinked these with marmosets’ social environment. Here we investigated (i) consistency of learning speed, and (ii) whether the PCA-derived personality traits Exploration-Avoidance and Boldness-Shyness as well as the social environment (i.e., family group membership) are linked with marmosets’ speed of learning. We tested 22 individuals in series of personality and learning-focused cognitive tests, including simple motor tasks and discrimination learning tasks. We found that these marmosets showed significant inter-individual consistency in learning across the different tasks, and that females learned faster than males. Further, bolder individuals, and particularly those belonging to certain family groups, learned faster. These findings indicate that both personality and social environment affect learning speed in marmosets and could be important factors driving individual variation in cognition.
Upper airway flow characteristics of childhood obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome
Authors: Cai Huikun , Xu Chang , Xue Haoyang , Guo Yufeng , Su Lijun , Gao Xingqiang
Published: May 2022

Revealing the structural morphology and inner flow field of the upper airway is important for understanding obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) incidence phenomena and pathological diagnosis in children. However, prior work on this topic has been focused on adults and the findings cannot be directly extrapolated to children because of different inducing factors. Therefore, this paper employs a simulation method to investigate upper airway flow characteristics of childhood OSAHS. It is found that the Reynold number changes highly throughout the whole upper airway, and the laminar assumption is no longer suitable for low Reynold number flow, which is much unlike classic fluid mechanics. Turbulent models of Standard k-ω and Spalart-Allmaras were developed prior to suggestion. The simulation is validated by experiments with an error of approximately 20%. Additionally, carried out in this analysis is the influence of adenoidal hypertrophy with different narrow levels. The cross-sectional area, flow velocity, pressure drop and volume rate will change greatly when the narrow level is above 64% of the upper airway, which can be a quantitative explanation for medical intervention if adenoid hypertrophy blocks 2/3 of the upper airway in the common clinical judgment of otorhinolaryngology. It is expected that this paper can be a meaningful instruction on OSAHS surgery plan making as well as recovery evaluation postoperatively.
A database of calculated solution parameters for the AlphaFold predicted protein structures
Authors: Brookes Emre , Rocco Mattia
Published: May 2022

Recent spectacular advances by AI programs in 3D structure predictions from protein sequences have revolutionized the field in terms of accuracy and speed. The resulting “folding frenzy” has already produced predicted protein structure databases for the entire human and other organisms’ proteomes. However, rapidly ascertaining a predicted structure’s reliability based on measured properties in solution should be considered. Shape-sensitive hydrodynamic parameters such as the diffusion and sedimentation coefficients ($${D_{t(20,w)}^{0}}$$

D

t
(
20
,
w
)

0

, $${s_{{\left( {{20},w} \right)}}^{{0}} }$$

s

20
,
w

0

) and the intrinsic viscosity ([η]) can provide a rapid assessment of the overall structure likeliness, and SAXS would yield the structure-related pair-wise distance distribution function p(r) vs. r. Using the extensively validated UltraScan SOlution MOdeler (US-SOMO) suite, a database was implemented calculating from AlphaFold structures the corresponding $${D_{t(20,w)}^{0}}$$

D

t
(
20
,
w
)

0

, $${s_{{\left( {{20},w} \right)}}^{{0}} }$$

s

20
,
w

0

, [η], p(r) vs. r, and other parameters. Circular dichroism spectra were computed using the SESCA program. Some of AlphaFold’s drawbacks were mitigated, such as generating whenever possible a protein’s mature form. Others, like the AlphaFold direct applicability to single-chain structures only, the absence of prosthetic groups, or flexibility issues, are discussed. Overall, this implementation of the US-SOMO-AF database should already aid in rapidly evaluating the consistency in solution of a relevant portion of AlphaFold predicted protein structures.
Combining fMRI and DISC1 gene haplotypes to understand working memory-related brain activity in schizophrenia
Authors: Guardiola-Ripoll Maria , Sotero-Moreno Alejandro , Almodóvar-Payá Carmen , Hostalet Noemí , Guerrero-Pedraza Amalia , Ramiro Núria , Ortiz-Gil Jordi , Arias Bárbara , Madre Mercè , Soler-Vidal Joan , Salvador Raymond , McKenna Peter J. , Pomarol-Clotet Edith , Fatjó-Vilas Mar
Published: May 2022

The DISC1 gene is one of the most relevant susceptibility genes for psychosis. However, the complex genetic landscape of this locus, which includes protective and risk variants in interaction, may have hindered consistent conclusions on how DISC1 contributes to schizophrenia (SZ) liability. Analysis from haplotype approaches and brain-based phenotypes can contribute to understanding DISC1 role in the neurobiology of this disorder. We assessed the brain correlates of DISC1 haplotypes associated with SZ through a functional neuroimaging genetics approach. First, we tested the association of two DISC1 haplotypes, the HEP1 (rs6675281-1000731-rs999710) and the HEP3 (rs151229-rs3738401), with the risk for SZ in a sample of 138 healthy subjects (HS) and 238 patients. This approach allowed the identification of three haplotypes associated with SZ (HEP1-CTG, HEP3-GA and HEP3-AA). Second, we explored whether these haplotypes exerted differential effects on n-back associated brain activity in a subsample of 70 HS compared to 70 patients (diagnosis × haplotype interaction effect). These analyses evidenced that HEP3-GA and HEP3-AA modulated working memory functional response conditional to the health/disease status in the cuneus, precuneus, middle cingulate cortex and the ventrolateral and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices. Our results are the first to show a diagnosis-based effect of DISC1 haplotypes on working memory-related brain activity, emphasising its role in SZ.
Survival strategies of an anoxic microbial ecosystem in Lake Untersee, a potential analog for Enceladus
Authors: Wagner Nicole Yasmin , Andersen Dale T. , Hahn Aria S. , Johnson Sarah Stewart
Published: May 2022

Lake Untersee located in Eastern Antarctica, is a perennially ice-covered lake. At the bottom of its southern basin lies 20 m of anoxic, methane rich, stratified water, making it a good analog for Enceladus, a moon of Saturn. Here we present the first metagenomic study of this basin and detail the community composition and functional potential of the microbial communities at 92 m, 99 m depths and within the anoxic sediment. A diverse and well-populated microbial community was found, presenting the potential for Enceladus to have a diverse and abundant community. We also explored methanogenesis, sulfur metabolism, and nitrogen metabolism, given the potential presence of these compounds on Enceladus. We found an abundance of these pathways offering a variety of metabolic strategies. Additionally, the extreme conditions of the anoxic basin make it optimal for testing spaceflight technology and life detection methods for future Enceladus exploration.
Modified lipid metabolism and cytosolic phospholipase A2 activation in mesangial cells under pro-inflammatory conditions
Authors: Boi Roberto , Ebefors Kerstin , Henricsson Marcus , Borén Jan , Nyström Jenny
Published: May 2022

Diabetic kidney disease is a consequence of hyperglycemia and other complex events driven by early glomerular hemodynamic changes and a progressive expansion of the mesangium. The molecular mechanisms behind the pathophysiological alterations of the mesangium are yet to be elucidated. This study aimed at investigating whether lipid signaling might be the missing link. Stimulation of human mesangial cells with high glucose primed the inflammasome-driven interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) secretion, which in turn stimulated platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) release. Finally, PDGF-BB increased IL-1β secretion synergistically. Both IL-1β and PDGF-BB stimulation triggered the formation of phosphorylated sphingoid bases, as shown by lipidomics, and activated cytosolic phospholipase cPLA2, sphingosine kinase 1, cyclooxygenase 2, and autotaxin. This led to the release of arachidonic acid and lysophosphatidylcholine, activating the secretion of vasodilatory prostaglandins and proliferative lysophosphatidic acids. Blocking cPLA2 release of arachidonic acid reduced mesangial cells proliferation and prostaglandin secretion. Validation was performed in silico using the Nephroseq database and a glomerular transcriptomic database. In conclusion, hyperglycemia primes glomerular inflammatory and proliferative stimuli triggering lipid metabolism modifications in human mesangial cells. The upregulation of cPLA2 was critical in this setting. Its inhibition reduced mesangial secretion of prostaglandins and proliferation, making it a potential therapeutical target.
Sophisticated expression responses of ZNT1 and MT in response to changes in the expression of ZIPs
Authors: Nagamatsu Shino , Nishito Yukina , Yuasa Hana , Yamamoto Nao , Komori Taiki , Suzuki Takuya , Yasui Hiroyuki , Kambe Taiho
Published: May 2022

The zinc homeostatic proteins Zn transporter 1 (ZNT1) and metallothionein (MT) function in dampening increases in cytosolic zinc concentrations. Conversely, the expression of ZNT1 and MT is expected to be suppressed during decreases in cytosolic zinc concentrations. Thus, ZNT1/MT homeostatic responses are considered to be essential for maintaining cellular zinc homeostasis because cellular zinc concentrations are readily altered by changes in the expression of several Zrt-/Irt-like proteins (ZIPs) under both physiological and pathological conditions. However, this notion remains to be tested experimentally. Here, we investigated the aforementioned homeostatic process by analyzing ZNT1 and MT protein expression in response to ZIP expression. Overexpression of cell-surface-localized ZIPs, such as ZIP4 and ZIP5, increased the cellular zinc content, which caused an increase in the expression of cell-surface ZNT1 and cytosolic MT in the absence of zinc supplementation in the culture medium. By contrast, elimination of the overexpressed ZIP4 and ZIP5 resulted in decreased expression of ZNT1 but not MT, which suggests that differential regulation of ZNT1 and MT expression at the protein level underlies the homeostatic responses necessary for zinc metabolism under certain conditions. Moreover, increased expression of apically localized ZIP4 facilitated basolateral ZNT1 expression in polarized cells, which indicates that such a coordinated expression mechanism is crucial for vectorial transcellular transport. Our results provide novel insights into the physiological maintenance of cellular zinc homeostasis in response to alterations in cytosolic zinc concentrations caused by changes in the expression of ZIPs.
Assessing positive and negative valence systems to refine animal models of bipolar disorders: the example of GBR 12909-induced manic phenotype
Authors: Bigot Mathilde , Vicq Eleonore , Lledo Pierre-Marie , Alonso Mariana , Henry Chantal
Published: May 2022

Bipolar disorders are defined by recurrences of depressive and manic episodes. The pathophysiology is still unknown, and translating clinical symptoms into behaviors explorable in animal models is challenging. Animal models of bipolar disorder do not exist because cyclicity of the disease is impossible to mimic, and it is therefore necessary to study mania and depression models separately. Beyond mood, emotional biases differentiate bipolar states in humans. Mania is associated with positive biases, e.g. emotional stimuli become more rewarding and less aversive, and the opposite for depression. We propose to assess behavioral hedonic responses to innately appetitive and aversive olfactory and gustatory cues in mice as proxies for the assigned emotional valence. A mania model is therefore supposed to exhibit positive hedonic bias. Using the GBR 12909 mania model, we observed the classical hyperactivity phenotype, along with low depressive-like but high anxiety-like behaviors. Unexpectedly, GBR 12909-treated mice exhibited strong negative hedonic biases. Consequently, the GBR 12909 model of mania might not be appropriate for studying emotional disturbances associated with mania states. We propose olfactory and gustatory preference tests as crucial assessment for positive and negative valence biases, necessary for precisely characterizing animal models of bipolar disorders.
Ketone body and FGF21 coordinately regulate fasting-induced oxidative stress response in the heart
Authors: Kawakami Ryo , Sunaga Hiroaki , Iso Tatsuya , Kaneko Ryosuke , Koitabashi Norimichi , Obokata Masaru , Harada Tomonari , Matsui Hiroki , Yokoyama Tomoyuki , Kurabayashi Masahiko
Published: May 2022

Ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB) and fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) have been proposed to mediate systemic metabolic response to fasting. However, it remains elusive about the signaling elicited by ketone and FGF21 in the heart. Stimulation of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes with βOHB and FGF21 induced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and PGC1α expression along with the phosphorylation of LKB1 and AMPK. βOHB and FGF21 induced transcription of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor response element (PPRE)-containing genes through an activation of PPARα. Additionally, βOHB and FGF21 induced the expression of Nrf2, a master regulator for oxidative stress response, and catalase and Ucp2 genes. We evaluated the oxidative stress response gene expression after 24 h fast in global Fgf21-null (Fgf21−/−) mice, cardiomyocyte-specific FGF21-null (cmFgf21−/−) mice, wild-type (WT), and Fgf21fl/fl littermates. Fgf21−/− mice but not cmFgf21−/− mice had unexpectedly higher serum βOHB levels, and higher expression levels of PPARα and oxidative stress response genes than WT mice or Fgf21fl/fl littermates. Notably, expression levels of oxidative stress response genes were significantly correlated with serum βOHB and PGC1α levels in both WT and Fgf21−/− mice. These findings suggest that fasting-induced βOHB and circulating FGF21 coordinately regulate oxidative stress response gene expression in the heart.
Evidence against a contribution of the CCAAT-enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) in mediating neurotoxicity in rTg4510 mice
Authors: Criado-Marrero Marangelie , Blazier Danielle M. , Gould Lauren A. , Gebru Niat T. , Rodriguez Ospina Santiago , Armendariz Debra S. , Darling April L. , Beaulieu-Abdelahad David , Blair Laura J.
Published: May 2022

Tau accumulation and progressive loss of neurons are associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aggregation of tau has been associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). While ER stress and the UPR have been linked to AD, the contribution of these pathways to tau-mediated neuronal death is still unknown. We tested the hypothesis that reducing C/EBP Homologous Protein (CHOP), a UPR induced transcription factor associated with cell death, would mitigate tau-mediated neurotoxicity through the ER stress pathway. To evaluate this, 8.5-month-old male rTg4510 tau transgenic mice were injected with a CHOP-targeting or scramble shRNA AAV9 that also expressed EGFP. Following behavioral assessment, brain tissue was collected at 12 months, when ER stress and neuronal loss is ongoing. No behavioral differences in locomotion, anxiety-like behavior, or learning and memory were found in shCHOP mice. Unexpectedly, mice expressing shCHOP had higher levels of CHOP, which did not affect neuronal count, UPR effector (ATF4), or tau tangles. Overall, this suggests that CHOP is a not a main contributor to neuronal death in rTg4510 mice. Taken together with previous studies, we conclude that ER stress, including CHOP upregulation, does not worsen outcomes in the tauopathic brain.
FGF21-FGFR4 signaling in cardiac myocytes promotes concentric cardiac hypertrophy in mouse models of diabetes
Authors: Yanucil Christopher , Kentrup Dominik , Li Xueyi , Grabner Alexander , Schramm Karla , Martinez Eliana C. , Li Jinliang , Campos Isaac , Czaya Brian , Heitman Kylie , Westbrook David , Wende Adam R. , Sloan Alexis , Roche Johanna M. , Fornoni Alessia , Kapiloff Michael S. , Faul Christian
Published: May 2022

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21, a hormone that increases insulin sensitivity, has shown promise as a therapeutic agent to improve metabolic dysregulation. Here we report that FGF21 directly targets cardiac myocytes by binding β-klotho and FGF receptor (FGFR) 4. In combination with high glucose, FGF21 induces cardiac myocyte growth in width mediated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling. While short-term FGF21 elevation can be cardio-protective, we find that in type 2 diabetes (T2D) in mice, where serum FGF21 levels are elevated, FGFR4 activation induces concentric cardiac hypertrophy. As T2D patients are at risk for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), we propose that induction of concentric hypertrophy by elevated FGF21-FGFR4 signaling may constitute a novel mechanism promoting T2D-associated HFpEF such that FGFR4 blockade might serve as a cardio-protective therapy in T2D. In addition, potential adverse cardiac effects of FGF21 mimetics currently in clinical trials should be investigated.
Synthesis, characterization and application of organoclays for adsorptive desulfurization of fuel oil
Authors: Saeed Muhammad , Riaz Aqsa , Intisar Azeem , Iqbal Zafar Mazhar , Fatima Humaria , Howari Haidar , Alhodaib Aiyeshah , Waseem Amir
Published: May 2022

The present study encompasses the application of cost effective, organo-modified bentonite material for efficient desulfurization of model oil and real fuel. For the adsorptive desulfurization of oil, dibenzothiophene (DBT) was used as model compound. Various experimental parameters (time, temperature, adsorbent-amount and DBT concentration) were thoroughly investigated. The synthesized material was characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The modification exhibits the increase in interlayer spacing of clay as confirmed from XRD and modified material shows interesting morphology as compared to unmodified bentonite. The results showed that > 90% of DBT removal was achieved under optimized conditions for B-BTC, B-BTB and B-DSS and > 80% for B-BEHA, for model fuel oil which are greater than unmodified clay (< 45%). Additionally, the findings from desulfurization of real fuel oil declare that 96.76% and 95.83% removal efficiency was achieved for kerosene and diesel oil respectively, at optimized conditions and fuel properties follow ASTM specifications. The obtained findings well fitted with thermodynamic, isothermal (Langmuir) with adsorption capacity (70.8 (B-BTC), 66 (B-BTB), 61.2 (B-DSS) and 55.2 (B-BEHA) in mg/g) and pseudo-second-order kinetics. In thermodynamic studies, negative sign ($$\Delta G^\circ )$$

Δ

G
∘

)

specifies the spontaneity whereas, $$\left(\Delta H^\circ \right)$$

Δ

H
∘

endothermic and positive sign $$(\Delta S^\circ )$$

(
Δ

S
∘

)

show randomness after DBT adsorption onto organoclay.
Health burden in type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in The Maastricht Study
Authors: Veugen Marja G. J. , Onete Veronica G. , Henry Ronald M. A. , Brunner-La Rocca Hans-Peter , Koster Annemarie , Dagnelie Pieter C. , Schaper Nicolaas C. , Sep Simone J. S. , van der Kallen Carla J. H. , van Boxtel Martin P. J. , Reesink Koen D. , Schouten Johannes S. , Savelberg Hans H. C. M. , Köhler Sebastian , Verhey Frans R. , van den Bergh Joop P. W. , Schram Miranda T. , Stehouwer Coen D. A.
Published: May 2022

Mortality in type 2 diabetes, is determined not only by classical complications, but also by comorbidities, and is linked to hyperglycaemia and apparent even in prediabetes. We aimed to comprehensively investigate, in a population-based cohort, health burden defined as the presence of comorbidities in addition to classical complications and cardiometabolic risk factors, in not only type 2 diabetes but also prediabetes. Such population-based study has not been performed previously. Extensive phenotyping was performed in 3,410 participants of the population-based Maastricht Study (15.0% prediabetes and 28.6% type 2 diabetes) to assess presence of 17 comorbidities, six classical complications, and ten cardiometabolic risk factors. These were added up into individual and combined sum scores and categorized. Group differences were studied with multinomial regression analyses adjusted for age and sex. Individuals with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, as compared to normal glucose metabolism (NGM), had greater comorbidities, classical complications, cardiometabolic risk factors and combined sum scores (comorbidities sum score ≥ 3: frequencies (95% CI) 61.5% (57.6;65.4) and 41.2% (36.5;45.9) vs. 25.4% (23.5;27.4), p-trend < 0.001; classical complications ≥ 2 (26.6% (23.1;30.1; P < 0.001 vs. NGM) and 10.1% (7.8;12.7; P = 0.065 vs NGM) vs. 8.0% (6.9;9.3)); cardiometabolic risk factors ≥ 6 (39.7% (35.9;43.4) and 28.5% (24.5;32.6) vs. 14.0% (12.5;15.6); p-trend < 0.001); combined ≥ 8 (66.6% (62.7;70.5) and 48.4% (43.7;53.1) vs. 26.0%(24.1;28.0), p-trend < 0.001). Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes health burden was comparable to respectively 32 and 14 years of ageing. Our population-based study shows, independently of age and sex, a considerable health burden in both type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, which to a substantial extent can be attributed to comorbidities in addition to classical complications and cardiometabolic risk factors. Our findings emphasize the necessity of comorbidities’ awareness in (pre)diabetes and for determining the exact role of hyperglycaemia in the occurrence of comorbidities.
Spatial maps and oscillations in the healthy hippocampus of Octodon degus, a natural model of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Mugnaini Matias , Polania Diana , Diaz Yannina , Ezquer Marcelo , Ezquer Fernando , Deacon Robert M. J. , Cogram Patricia , Kropff Emilio
Published: May 2022

The Octodon degus is a South American rodent that is receiving increased attention as a potential model of aging and sporadic late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Impairments in spatial memory tasks in Octodon degus have been reported in relation to either advanced AD-like disease or hippocampal lesion, opening the way to investigate how the function of hippocampal networks affects behavior across AD stages. However, no characterization of hippocampal electrophysiology exists in this species. Here we describe in young, healthy specimens the activity of neurons and local field potential rhythms during spatial navigation tasks with and without objects. Our findings show similarities between the Octodon degus and laboratory rodents. First, place cells with characteristics similar to those found in rats and mice exist in the CA1 subfield of the Octodon degus. Second, the introduction of objects elicits novelty-related exploration and an increase in activity of CA1 cells, with location specific and unspecific components. Third, oscillations of the local field potential are organized according to their spectral content into bands similar to those found in laboratory rodents. These results suggest a common framework of underlying mechanisms, opening the way to future studies of hippocampal dysfunction in this species associated to aging and disease.
Electron energization dynamics in interaction of self-generated magnetic vortices in upstream of collisionless electron/ion shocks
Authors: Naseri N. , Bochkarev S. G. , Bychenkov V. Y. , Khudik V. , Shvets G.
Published: May 2022

Relativistic collisionless shocks are considered responsible for particle energization mechanisms leading to particle acceleration. While electron energization in shock front region of electron/ion collisionless shocks are the most studied, the mechanism of electron energization in interaction with self-generated magnetic vortices (MVs) in the upstream region is still unclear. We investigate electron energization mechanism in the upstream region of electron/ion relativistic collisionless shocks, using two dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. We discuss mechanism of electron energization which takes place in the upstream region of the shock, where the counter stream particles interact with incoming flow. The energy gain of electrons happens during their interaction with evolving fields of self-generated magnetic vortices in this region. Three Fermi-like electron energization scenarios are discussed. Stochastic acceleration of electrons in interaction with fields of MV leads to anisotropic heating of fast electrons due to diffusion in the momentum space of electrons and, finally, synergetic effect of evolving fields of MVs leads to the formation of a power-law tail of supra-thermal particles.
Dynamic graph convolutional network for assembly behavior recognition based on attention mechanism and multi-scale feature fusion
Authors: Chen Chengjun , Zhao Xicong , Wang Jinlei , Li Dongnian , Guan Yuanlin , Hong Jun
Published: May 2022

Intelligent recognition of assembly behaviors of workshop production personnel is crucial to improve production assembly efficiency and ensure production safety. This paper proposes a graph convolutional network model for assembly behavior recognition based on attention mechanism and multi-scale feature fusion. The proposed model learns the potential relationship between assembly actions and assembly tools for recognizing assembly behaviors. Meanwhile, the introduction of an attention mechanism helps the network to focus on the key information in assembly behavior images. Besides, the multi-scale feature fusion module is introduced to enable the network to better extract image features at different scales. This paper constructs a data set containing 15 types of workshop production behaviors, and the proposed assembly behavior recognition model is tested on this data set. The experimental results show that the proposed model achieves good recognition results, with an average assembly recognition accuracy of 93.1%.
Quantitative inspiratory–expiratory chest CT findings in COVID-19 survivors at the 6-month follow-up
Authors: Jia Xi , Han Xiaoyu , Cao Yukun , Fan Yanqing , Yuan Mei , Li Yumin , Gu Jin , Zheng Yuting , Wang Li , Qu Yali , Shi Heshui
Published: May 2022

We evaluated pulmonary sequelae in COVID-19 survivors by quantitative inspiratory–expiratory chest CT (QCT) and explored abnormal pulmonary diffusion risk factors at the 6-month follow-up. This retrospective study enrolled 205 COVID-19 survivors with baseline CT data and QCT scans at 6-month follow-up. Patients without follow-up pulmonary function tests were excluded. All subjects were divided into group 1 (carbon monoxide diffusion capacity [DLCO] < 80% predicted, n = 88) and group 2 (DLCO ≥ 80% predicted, n = 117). Clinical characteristics and lung radiological changes were recorded. Semiquantitative total CT score (0–25) was calculated by adding five lobes scores (0–5) according to the range of lesion involvement (0: no involvement; 1: < 5%; 2: 5–25%; 3: 26–50%; 4: 51–75%; 5: > 75%). Data was analyzed by two-sample t-test, Spearman test, etc. 29% survivors showed air trapping by follow-up QCT. Semiquantitative CT score and QCT parameter of air trapping in group 1 were significantly greater than group 2 (p < 0.001). Decreased DLCO was negatively correlated with the follow-up CT score for ground-glass opacity (r = − 0.246, p = 0.003), reticulation (r = − 0.206, p = 0.002), air trapping (r = − 0.220, p = 0.002) and relative lung volume changes (r = − 0.265, p = 0.001). COVID-19 survivors with lung diffusion deficits at 6-month follow-up tended to develop air trapping, possibly due to small-airway impairment.
Nonlocal models in the analysis of brain neurodegenerative protein dynamics with application to Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Pal Swadesh , Melnik Roderick
Published: May 2022

It is well known that today nearly one in six of the world’s population has to deal with neurodegenerative disorders. While a number of medical devices have been developed for the detection, prevention, and treatments of such disorders, some fundamentals of the progression of associated diseases are in urgent need of further clarification. In this paper, we focus on Alzheimer’s disease, where it is believed that the concentration changes in amyloid-beta and tau proteins play a central role in its onset and development. A multiscale model is proposed to analyze the propagation of these concentrations in the brain connectome. In particular, we consider a modified heterodimer model for the protein–protein interactions. Higher toxic concentrations of amyloid-beta and tau proteins destroy the brain cell. We have studied these propagations for the primary and secondary and their mixed tauopathies. We model the damage of a brain cell by the nonlocal contributions of these toxic loads present in the brain cells. With the help of rigorous analysis, we check the stability behaviour of the stationary points corresponding to the homogeneous system. After integrating the brain connectome data into the developed model, we see that the spreading patterns of the toxic concentrations for the whole brain are the same, but their concentrations are different in different regions. Also, the time to propagate the damage in each region of the brain connectome is different.
Spatiotemporal variation characteristics of livestock manure nutrient in the soil environment of the Yangtze River Delta from 1980 to 2018
Authors: Zhao Shuyan , Chen Yujiao , Gu Xiaomin , Zheng Mengru , Fan Ziyi , Luo Dan , Luo Kaihong , Liu Bo
Published: May 2022

The pollution problem caused by surplus livestock manure nutrient is becoming more and more serious; thus, analyzing characteristics of the temporal and spatial patterns of livestock manure nutrient and assessing the risks are extremely important. The pollution coefficient method was used to figure out the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) emissions of livestock manure nutrient in soil of the Yangtze River Delta from 1980 to 2018. High-risk areas for livestock manure pollution were determined by matching degree assessment between livestock manure nutrient supply and crop nutrient requirements. Clustering and principal component analysis were applied to select main control factors. The results found that the total discharge and manure N and P loads in animal manure nutrient showed an overall trend of increasing first and then decreasing in the Yangtze River Delta in the soil from 1980 to 2018. The center of manure N and P loads shifted from the central region to the northeastern and southwestern regions. There were four typical patterns for manure N emissions, the main control factors were meat production and primary industry. Meanwhile, the main control factors for the four typical patterns of manure P emissions were meat production and cultivated land area. This research provides a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of the livestock breeding industry and is of significance for promoting a balance between planting and breeding in the Yangtze River Delta.
Microscopic fabric evolution and macroscopic deformation response of gangue solid waste filler considering block shape under different confining pressures
Authors: Chen Liang , Li Junmeng , Zhang Dongsheng , Fan Gangwei , Zhang Wei , Guo Yachao
Published: May 2022

The irregular shape of gangue blocks will affect the coordination structure between blocks in the crushed gangue accumulation body, and then affect the engineering mechanical properties of crushed gangue in the process of load-bearing compression. In this paper, through CT scanning experiment, particle flow numerical simulation experiment, and comprehensive application of image processing, 3D reconstruction, FLAC/PFC3D continuum—discrete coupling technology, the gangue digital 3D model and the numerical model of crushed gangue particle flow under triaxial compression condition considering the real shape of the block were obtained. The microscopic fabric evolution law and macroscopic deformation response characteristics of crushed gangue considering triaxial compression condition and different confining pressures were studied. The results show that: (1) the bearing capacity of crushed gangue materials increases with the increase of confining pressure; (2) the block aggregate in the gangue sample is gradually compacted, and the lateral deformation of the sample is changed from “extruding to the axis” to “bulging to the periphery”; (3) the vertical movement of the block decreases gradually from the top to the bottom of the sample, and there is a “triangle area” of block displacement at the top and bottom of the sample; the larger the confining pressure, the smaller the vertical displacement range at the top of the sample; (4) the process of “instability and failure—optimization and reconstruction” of skeleton force chain structure occurs constantly; as confining pressure increases, the stability of skeleton force chain structure and the bearing capacity of crushed gangue sample increases; (5) under the same strain state, the greater the confining pressure, the higher the fragmentation degree of the sample. This study reveals the internal mechanism of macro deformation of crushed gangue under the triaxial compression from the perspective of the mesoscopic fabric evolution. The research results are of great significance for the selection of crushed gangue in engineering application. In addition, the research results also have a significant impact on promoting the reasonable disposal and resource utilization of gangue solid waste and protecting the ecological environment of mining areas.
KATP channel dependent heart multiome atlas
Authors: Arrell D. Kent , Park Sungjo , Yamada Satsuki , Alekseev Alexey E. , Garmany Armin , Jeon Ryounghoon , Vuckovic Ivan , Lindor Jelena Zlatkovic , Terzic Andre
Published: May 2022

Plasmalemmal ATP sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are recognized metabolic sensors, yet their cellular reach is less well understood. Here, transgenic Kir6.2 null hearts devoid of the KATP channel pore underwent multiomics surveillance and systems interrogation versus wildtype counterparts. Despite maintained organ performance, the knockout proteome deviated beyond a discrete loss of constitutive KATP channel subunits. Multidimensional nano-flow liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry resolved 111 differentially expressed proteins and their expanded network neighborhood, dominated by metabolic process engagement. Independent multimodal chemometric gas and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry unveiled differential expression of over one quarter of measured metabolites discriminating the Kir6.2 deficient heart metabolome. Supervised class analogy ranking and unsupervised enrichment analysis prioritized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), affirmed by extensive overrepresentation of NAD+ associated circuitry. The remodeled metabolome and proteome revealed functional convergence and an integrated signature of disease susceptibility. Deciphered cardiac patterns were traceable in the corresponding plasma metabolome, with tissue concordant plasma changes offering surrogate metabolite markers of myocardial latent vulnerability. Thus, Kir6.2 deficit precipitates multiome reorganization, mapping a comprehensive atlas of the KATP channel dependent landscape.
Groove rhythm stimulates prefrontal cortex function in groove enjoyers
Authors: Fukuie Takemune , Suwabe Kazuya , Kawase Satoshi , Shimizu Takeshi , Ochi Genta , Kuwamizu Ryuta , Sakairi Yosuke , Soya Hideaki
Published: May 2022

Hearing a groove rhythm (GR), which creates the sensation of wanting to move to the music, can also create feelings of pleasure and arousal in people, and it may enhance cognitive performance, as does exercise, by stimulating the prefrontal cortex. Here, we examined the hypothesis that GR enhances executive function (EF) by acting on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (l-DLPFC) while also considering individual differences in psychological responses. Fifty-one participants underwent two conditions: 3 min of listening to GR or a white-noise metronome. Before and after listening, participants performed the Stroop task and were monitored for l-DLPFC activity with functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Our results show that GR enhanced EF and l-DLPFC activity in participants who felt a greater groove sensation and a more feeling clear-headed after listening to GR. Further, these psychological responses predict the impact of GR on l-DLPFC activity and EF, suggesting that GR enhances EF via l-DLPFC activity when the psychological response to GR is enhanced.
Early life circadian rhythm disruption in mice alters brain and behavior in adulthood
Authors: Ameen Rafal W. , Warshawski Allison , Fu Lucia , Antle Michael C.
Published: May 2022

Healthy sleep supports robust development of the brain and behavior. Modern society presents a host of challenges that can impair and disrupt critical circadian rhythms that reinforce optimal physiological functioning, including the proper timing and consolidation of sleep. While the acute effects of inadequate sleep and disrupted circadian rhythms are being defined, the adverse developmental consequences of disrupted sleep and circadian rhythms are understudied. Here, we exposed mice to disrupting light–dark cycles from birth until weaning and demonstrate that such exposure has adverse impacts on brain and behavior as adults. Mice that experience early-life circadian disruption exhibit more anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze, poorer spatial memory in the Morris Water Maze, and impaired working memory in a delayed match-to-sample task. Additionally, neuron morphology in the amygdala, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex is adversely impacted. Pyramidal cells in these areas had smaller dendritic fields, and pyramidal cells in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus also exhibited diminished branching orders. Disrupted mice were also hyperactive as adults, but otherwise exhibited no alteration in adult circadian locomotor rhythms. These results highlight that circadian disruption early in life may have long lasting and far-reaching consequences for the development of behavior and the brain.
Gender differences in frailty transition and its prediction in community-dwelling old adults
Authors: Mielke Nina , Schneider Alice , Huscher Dörte , Ebert Natalie , Schaeffner Elke
Published: May 2022

Frailty is very common in old age and often associated with adverse events. Transitioning between frailty states is possible in both directions (improvement and worsening) offering targets for interventions. Frailty is more prevalent in women, but little is known about the impact of gender on frailty transition. The aim of this study is to identify gender differences for frailty transition in older adults and to develop gender-stratified prognostic prediction models for frailty transition. We performed a longitudinal analyses of the Berlin Initiative (cohort) Study with a frailty follow-up of 2.1 years. Description of frailty transition using the frailty phenotype and development of prognostic prediction models using multivariable logistic regressions for transition (improvement or worsening) stratified by gender following the TRIPOD statement were performed. In total, the study population consisted of 1158 community-dwelling adults with a mean age of 84.4 years and of whom 55% were women. Out of 1158 participants 225 (19%) were robust, 532 (46%) prefrail and 401 (35%) frail. After 2.1 (IQR 2.0–2.3) years, half of the participants had transitioned between frailty states. Men worsened more often and those who were already frail died more often than women. Gender-stratified prediction models for frailty transition demonstrated that some predictors (age, self-rated health, cognitive impairment, baseline frailty status) were included in all models. While stroke, diabetes mellitus, smoking and glomerular filtration rate were unique predictors in the models for females, osteoarthritis, hospitalization and education were predictors in the models for males. There are gender differences in frailty transition rates, patterns and prediction. This supports the importance of considering gender when addressing frailty and targeting interventions in old age.
Linear magnetoelastic coupling and magnetic phase diagrams of the buckled-kagomé antiferromagnet $$\hbox {Cu}_3\hbox {Bi}{(\hbox {SeO}_3)_2}\hbox {O}_2\hbox {Cl}$$
Authors: Spachmann S. , Berdonosov P. , Markina M. , Vasiliev A. , Klingeler R.
Published: May 2022

Single crystals of Cu$$_3$$

3

Bi(SeO$$_3$$

3

)$$_2$$

2

O$$_2$$

2

Cl were investigated using high-resolution capacitance dilatometry in magnetic fields up to 15 T. Pronounced magnetoelastic coupling is found upon evolution of long-range antiferromagnetic order at $$T_{\mathrm {N}}$$

T
N

 $$= 26.4(3)$$

=
26.4
(
3
)

 K. Grüneisen analysis reveals moderate effects of uniaxial pressure on $$T_{\mathrm {N}}$$

T
N

, of 1.8(4) K/GPa, $$-0.62(15)$$

-
0.62
(
15
)

 K/GPa and 0.33(10) K/GPa for $$p \parallel a$$

p
‖
a

, b, and c, respectively. Below 22 K Grüneisen scaling fails which implies the presence of competing interactions. The structural phase transition at $$T_{\mathrm {S}}$$

T
S

 $$= 120.7(5)$$

=
120.7
(
5
)

 K is much more sensitive to uniaxial pressure than $$T_{\mathrm {N}}$$

T
N

, with strong effects of up to 27(3) K/GPa ($$p \parallel c$$

p
‖
c

). Magnetostriction and magnetization measurements reveal a linear magnetoelastic coupling for $$B\parallel c$$

B
‖
c

below $$T_{\mathrm {N}}$$

T
N

, as well as a mixed phase behavior above the tricritical point around 0.4 T. An analysis of the critical behavior in zero-field points to three-dimensional (3D) Ising-like magnetic ordering. In addition, the magnetic phase diagrams for fields along the main crystalline axes are reported.
Beyond comorbidities, sex and age have no effect on COVID-19 health care demand
Authors: Mendes Jorge M. , Baptista Helena , Oliveira André , Jardim Bruno , de Castro Neto Miguel
Published: May 2022

This paper explores the associations between sex, age and hospital health care pressure in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Portuguese mainland municipalities. To represent the impact of sex and age, we calculated COVID-19 standardised incidence ratios (SIR) in Portuguese mainland municipalities over fourteen months daily, especially focusing on the Porto metropolitan area. A daily novel indicator was devised for hospital health care pressure, consisting of an approximation to the ratio of hospitalisations per available hospital medical doctor (HPI). In addition, 14-day incidence rates were also calculated daily (DIR14), both as an approach and an alternative to the current national pandemic surveillance indicator (which is not calculated with such regularity). Daily maps were first visualised to evaluate spatial patterns. Pearson's correlation coefficients were then calculated between each proposed surveillance indicator (SIR and DIR14) and the HPI. Our results suggest that hospital pressure is not strongly associated with SIR (r = 0.34, p value = 0.08). However, DIR14 bears a stronger correlation with hospital pressure (r = 0.84, p value < 0.001). By establishing the importance of tackling sex and age through the inclusion of these factors explicitly in an epidemiological monitoring indicator, and assessing its relationship with a hospital pressure indicator, our findings have public policy implications that could improve COVID-19 incidence surveillance in Portugal and elsewhere, contributing to advancing the management of potential pandemics in the near future, with a particular focus on local and regional territorial scales.
Assessment of age, gender, and anxiety on ECG waveform morphology in a large population of domestic dogs
Authors: Murphy Lisa , Nakamura Reid , Gentile-Solomon Jessica , Spake Allison , Szlosek Donald
Published: May 2022

Cardiovascular diseases are major causes of death in the western world and this incidence increases in the elderly population. With aging, there are physiologic changes to the cardiac structure secondary to adipose tissue deposition, calcification of valve leaflets and changes in the structure of the heart including atrial remodeling. Such changes can make the myocardium more susceptible to stress leading to a higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in the aging population. Studies in healthy humans have shown that these structural and molecular changes in the heart are manifested as changes on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Using animal models, similar ECG changes have been found in guinea pigs, rabbits, and mice. No veterinary study has specifically evaluated if comparable aging changes occur in canine species. In this cross-sectional retrospective study, 12,026 ECGs from apparently healthy dogs were obtained and evaluated. Age was observed to have both linear and non-linear associations with multiple ECG variables, including P wave amplitude and duration, R amplitude and QRS duration. This study confirmed that, like humans, there may be ECG changes secondary to normal physiological cardiac aging. Further studies are warranted to confirm and elaborate on these findings as canines may be a useful model for cardiac aging in humans.