bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete Stokes vector analysis with a compact, portable rotating waveplate polarimeter
Authors: Wilkinson T. A. , Maurer C. E. , Flood C. J. , Lander G. , Chafin S. , Flagg E. B.
Published: September 2021

Accurate calibration of polarization-dependent optical elements is often necessary in optics experiments. A versatile polarimeter device to measure the polarization state of light is a valuable tool in these experiments. Here, we report a rotating waveplate-based polarimeter capable of complete Stokes vector analysis of collimated light. Calibration of the device allows accurate measurements over a range of wavelengths, with a bandwidth of >30 nm in this implementation. A photo-interrupter trigger system supplies the phase information necessary for full determination of the Stokes vector. An Arduino microcontroller performs rapid analysis and displays the results on a liquid crystal display. The Arduino can also be interfaced with a computer to store time series of Stokes vectors. The optical measurement apparatus of the polarimeter is compact and can be placed anywhere on an optical table on a single standard post. The components to construct the device are only a fraction of the cost of commercially available devices, while the accuracy and precision of the measurements are of the same order of magnitude.
Solvent-scaling as an alternative to coarse-graining in adaptive-resolution simulations: The adaptive solvent-scaling (AdSoS) scheme
Authors: Kubincová Alžbeta , Riniker Sereina , Hünenberger Philippe H.
Published: September 2021

A new approach termed Adaptive Solvent-Scaling (AdSoS) is introduced for performing simulations of a solute embedded in a fine-grained (FG) solvent region itself surrounded by a coarse-grained (CG) solvent region, with a continuous FG ↔ CG switching of the solvent resolution across a buffer layer. Instead of relying on a distinct CG solvent model, the AdSoS scheme is based on CG models defined by a dimensional scaling of the FG solvent by a factor s, accompanied by an s-dependent modulation of the atomic masses and interaction parameters. The latter changes are designed to achieve an isomorphism between the dynamics of the FG and CG models, and to preserve the dispersive and dielectric solvation properties of the solvent with respect to a solute at FG resolution. This scaling approach offers a number of advantages compared to traditional coarse-graining: (i) the CG parameters are immediately related to those of the FG model (no need to parameterize a distinct CG model); (ii) nearly ideal mixing is expected for CG variants with similar s-values (ideal mixing holding in the limit of identical s-values); (iii) the solvent relaxation timescales should be preserved (no dynamical acceleration typical for coarse-graining); (iv) the graining level NG (number of FG molecules represented by one CG molecule) can be chosen arbitrarily (in particular, NG = s3 is not necessarily an integer); and (v) in an adaptive-resolution scheme, this level can be varied continuously as a function of the position (without requiring a bundling mechanism), and this variation occurs at a constant number of particles per molecule (no occurrence of fractional degrees of freedom in the buffer layer). By construction, the AdSoS scheme minimizes the thermodynamic mismatch between the different regions of the adaptive-resolution system, leading to a nearly homogeneous scaled solvent density s3ρ. Residual density artifacts in and at the surface of the boundary layer can easily be corrected by means of a grid-based biasing potential constructed in a preliminary pure-solvent simulation. This article introduces the AdSoS scheme and provides an initial application to pure atomic liquids (no solute) with Lennard-Jones plus Coulomb interactions in a slab geometry.
A comparison of three DFT exchange–correlation functionals and two basis sets for the prediction of the conformation distribution of hydrated polyglycine
Authors: Yuan Ying , Wang Feng
Published: September 2021

The performance of three density functional theory (DFT) exchange–correlation functionals, namely, Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE), BP86, and B3LYP, in predicting conformational distributions of a hydrated glycine peptide is tested with two different basis sets in the framework of adaptive force matching (AFM). The conformational distributions yielded the free energy profiles of the DFT functional and basis set combinations. Unlike traditional validations of potential energy and structural parameters, our approach allows the free energy of DFT to be validated. When compared to experimental distributions, the def2-TZVP basis set provides better agreement than a slightly trimmed aug-cc-pVDZ basis set. B3LYP is shown to be better than BP86 and PBE. The glycine model fitted against B3LYP-D3(BJ) with the def2-TZVP basis set is the most accurate and named the AFM2021 model for glycine. The AFM2021 glycine model provides better agreement with experimental J-coupling constants than C36m and ff14SB, although the margin is very small when compared to C36m. Our previously published alanine model is also refitted with the slightly simplified AFM2021 energy expression. This work shows good promise of AFM for developing force fields for a range of proteinogenic peptides using only DFT as reference.
Visualization of the interaction of water aerosol and nanofiber mesh
Authors: Yu Boyang , Chen Jian , Chen Daner , Chen Rouxi , Wang Yuenan , Tang Xiujuan , Wang Hsing-Lin , Wang Lian-Ping , Deng Weiwei
Published: September 2021

Face masks play a critical role in reducing the transmission risk of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. Masks made with nanofibers have drawn increasingly more attention because of their higher filtration efficiency, better comfort, and lower pressure drop. However, the interactions and consequences of the nanofibers and microwater droplets remain unclear. In this work, the evolution of fibers made of polymers with different contact angles, diameters, and mesh sizes under water aerosol exposure is systematically visualized. The images show that capillarity is very strong compared with the elasticity of the nanofiber. The nanofibers coalesce irreversibly during the droplet capture stage as well as the subsequent liquid evaporation stage. The fiber coalescence significantly reduces the effective fiber length for capturing aerosols. The nanofiber mesh that undergoes multiple droplet capture/evaporation cycles exhibits a fiber coalescing fraction of 40%–58%. The hydrophobic and orthogonally woven fibers can reduce the capillary forces and decrease the fiber coalescing fraction. This finding is expected to assist the proper design, fabrication, and use of face masks with nanofibers. It also provides direct visual evidence on the necessity to replace face masks frequently, especially in cold environments.
Spatiotemporal instability of a shear-imposed viscous flow
Authors: Samanta Arghya
Published: September 2021

We study the linear spatiotemporal instability of a two-dimensional gravity-driven viscous fluid flow where the fluid surface is subjected to an imposed shear stress. The fourth order Orr–Sommerfeld boundary value problem is derived and solved numerically up to moderate values of the Reynolds number. Numerical solution based on AUTO07p identifies four spatial branches, viz., I, II, III, and IV, where the spatial branches I, II, and IV lie in the upper half zone, while the spatial branch III lies in the lower half zone of the complex wavenumber plane. The spatial growth rate −ki corresponding to branch I becomes stronger as long as the imposed shear stress increases and ensures a destabilizing effect. Furthermore, the spatial branch I enters in the lower half zone of the complex wavenumber plane as soon as the temporal growth rate ωi decreases and may collide with other spatial branch lying in the lower half zone of the complex wavenumber plane. Moreover, a study of absolute and convective instabilities is carried out within the frameworks of saddle point technique and collision criterion. The saddle point technique provides only one unstable branch of the unstable wavepacket, while the collision criterion provides two unstable branches of the wavepacket. The unstable range of the wavepacket with ray velocity enhances in the presence of imposed shear stress. It is observed that the shear-imposed fluid flow is convectively unstable. In addition, the simplified second order two-equation model is developed for a shear-imposed flow in terms of the local fluid layer thickness and local flow rate, which in fact renders three spatial branches rather than four. However, the two-equation model recovers the physically relevant spatial branch I very well. Finally, nonlinear spatiotemporal simulation of the two-equation model displays a formation of the regular train of solitary waves downstream at low forcing frequency.
UV and bacteriophages as a chemical-free approach for cleaning membranes from anaerobic bioreactors
Authors: Scarascia Giantommaso , Fortunato Luca , Myshkevych Yevhen , Cheng Hong , Leiknes TorOve , Hong Pei-Ying
Published: September 2021

Significance

Anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBR) can clean wastewater at lower energy costs and produce high-quality effluent for nonpotable reuse. However, biofouling represents the main bottleneck for membrane filtration efficiency. Biofouling is commonly reduced through chemical treatment. These agents are often detrimental for the environment and health safety due to the formation of toxic byproducts. Therefore, we present a new approach, based on the additive antifouling action of bacteriophages infection and UV-C irradiation, to reduce anaerobic membrane biofouling. This new strategy could potentially delay the occurrence of membrane fouling by removing the reversible fouling layers on membranes, in turn reducing the frequencies and amount of chemicals needed throughout the course of wastewater treatment.
Membranes for olefin–paraffin separation: An industrial perspective
Authors: Roy Abhishek , Venna Surendar R. , Rogers Gerard , Tang Li , Fitzgibbons Thomas C. , Liu Junqiang , McCurry Hali , Vickery David J. , Flick Derrick , Fish Barry
Published: September 2021

In the next decade, separation science will be an important research topic in addressing complex challenges like reducing carbon footprint, lowering energy cost, and making industrial processes simpler. In industrial chemical processes, particularly in petrochemical operations, separation and product refining steps are responsible for up to 30% of energy use and 30% of the capital cost. Membranes and adsorption technologies are being actively studied as alternative and partial replacement opportunities for the state-of-the-art cryogenic distillation systems. This paper provides an industrial perspective on the application of membranes in industrial petrochemical cracker operations. A gas separation performance figure of merit for propylene/propane separation for different classes of materials ranging from inorganic, carbon, polymeric, and facilitated transport membranes is also reported. An in-house–developed model provided insights into the importance of operational parameters on the overall membrane design.
Pentiptycene-based ladder polymers with configurational free volume for enhanced gas separation performance and physical aging resistance
Authors: Corrado Tanner J. , Huang Zihan , Huang Dezhao , Wamble Noah , Luo Tengfei , Guo Ruilan
Published: September 2021

Significance

Gas separation membranes are an emerging energy-efficient alternative toward conventional, energy-intensive separation technologies such as cryogenic distillation. Ladder polymers with intrinsic microporosity show exceptional promise toward redefining state-of-the-art gas separation membranes due to their high permeability (throughput) and selectivity (separation efficiency). However, they are typically inhibited by major reductions in permeability over time due to collapsing membrane free volume (open space between polymer chains), forfeiting their greatest asset. This work explores a route toward enhanced aging resistance and overall separation performance by incorporating pentiptycene (an H-shaped scaffold containing five fused arene rings) into ladder-like polymers to incorporate natural, more permanent “micropores” that aren’t susceptible to densification of polymer chains that occurs over time in traditional microporous polymers.
Implementing Adolescent SBIRT: Findings from the FaCES Project
Authors: Soberay Adam , DeSorrento Lindsi , Pietruszewski Pam , Sitz Marika , Levy Sharon
Published: September 2021

Background

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based approach to early intervention of substance misuse.

Methods

This mixed-methods evaluation assessed the implementation of an adolescent SBIRT change package across 13 primary care clinics. These clinics participated in an 18-month learning collaborative, during which they received training and technical assistance on SBIRT practices.

Results

Six major themes emerged around the implementation of the change package: operational readiness of the sites, training of staff members, factors around the screening process, factors around intervention delivery, the referral process, and the adaptation and utilization of the electronic health record (EHR).

Conclusions

Through the guidance of the change package and the associated training and technical assistance, the participating primary care clinics were able to implement SBIRT practices within their existing workflows. There was also an observed reduction in reported substance use among the at-risk adolescents served by these clinics.
Genericity of historic behavior for maps and flows
Authors: Carvalho Maria , Varandas Paulo
Published: September 2021

We establish a sufficient condition for a continuous map, acting on a compact metric space, to have a Baire residual set of points exhibiting historic behavior (also known as irregular points). This criterion applies, for instance, to a minimal and non-uniquely ergodic map; to maps preserving two distinct probability measures with full support; to non-trivial homoclinic classes; to some non-uniformly expanding maps; and to partially hyperbolic diffeomorphisms with two periodic points whose stable manifolds are dense, including Mañé and Shub examples of robustly transitive non-hyperbolic diffeomorphisms. This way, our unifying approach recovers a collection of known deep theorems on the genericity of the irregular set, for both additive and sub-additive potentials, and also provides a number of new applications.
Possible high-T
C superconductivity at 50 GPa in sodium hydride with clathrate structure
Authors: Chen Chin-Hsuan , Huang Angus , Tsuei C C , Jeng Horng-Tay
Published: September 2021

Ambient-pressure room-temperature superconductivity is one ultimate goal of science, for it will bring worldwide revolutionary changes in all kinds of technology. Several room temperature and near room temperature hydride superconductors at ultra high pressure (≳100 GPa) have been predicted theoretically. In particular, the hydrogen sulfide (H3S) with T
C ≃ 203 K at 200 GPa has soon been confirmed experimentally, establishing a milestone toward room temperature superconductivity. However, high-T
C superconductors at lower pressure (≲100 GPa) have not been reported before. In this work, we present high-T
C superconductivity of 180 K at a relatively low pressure of 50 GPa in sodium hydride clathrate structure NaH6. The T
C can be raised up to 206 K at 100 GPa, similar to the T
C of H3S but at a much lower pressure. At 200 GPa, it reaches the highest T
C of 210 K, slightly higher than that of H3S. The strong electron–phonon coupling strength given by the T
2g
phonon mode at Γ point plays the key role in superconductivity. Our work demonstrates theoretically that hydrides could stabilize at a relatively low pressure and host high-T
C superconductivity.
Damage and contour quality in rock excavations for quarrying and tunnelling: assessment for properties and solutions for stability
Authors: Costamagna E , Oggeri C , Vinai R
Published: September 2021

Excavations in rock masses determine the creation of temporary or final exposed surfaces. Features of these surfaces are depending on both geostructural pattern of the rock mass and adopted excavation method: among the others, roughness, quality of the contour and induced damage inside the rock left in place. These aspects are important as they are requirements expected during the excavation and construction procedures, such those involving dam sidewalls, quarry benches, tunnel profile, slope scaling.

This methodological paper describes a list of the possible cases, with a particular emphasis on quarrying and tunneling. By following current modes for profile surveying, the damages are reported, in order to obtain suitable indices for induced damage. Finally the proper techniques for excavation are commented on the basis of real case histories of tunnels and quarries in order to reach the primary objectives of damage reduction and stability/productivity goals.
Calculation formula in determining recycling of disposable diapers waste as concrete composite materials
Authors: Zuraida S , Dewancker B J , Margono R B
Published: September 2021

Disposable diaper waste is a crucial environmental problem today. Population growth is one of the triggers for increasing this type of waste. To overcome this, various studies on recycling diaper waste are a top priority. Some researchers recycle diaper waste as building components, especially concrete. The results of those studies have a positive impact on waste recycling innovation. In this paper, we will try to approach the formula for calculating the recycling of diapers as concrete. In addition, a simple simulation is used to determine the capacity of diaper waste that can be recycled as building material. The study revealed that parameters to calculate waste capacity for disposable diapers is age population of 0-4 years, frequency of changing diaper and mass of diaper. Thus, parameters to be considered for replacement of concrete component by waste materials, especially disposable diapers is density of materials, mass of materials and percentage of replacement Based on the calculation simulation results, the use of diaper waste as a concrete material for road pavement is better to reduce waste production capacity than for building components.
Model prediction and scenario of urban land use and land cover changes for sustainable spatial planning in Lhokseumawe, Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Achmad A , Fadhly N , Deli A , Ramli I , Hadi R
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this research is to find the best-fit scenario to support spatial planning, which can optimize the ecological function of urban areas. This study was conducted in Lhokseumawe city, a city which is the center of national activities. The city is also known as an industrial city and special economic zone. Prediction of future growth for this city needs to be done to anticipate the environmental damage that will occur. This prediction uses 2018 land use/cover (LUC) map, to get a prediction of the LUC pattern until 2032. The first stage is to create a raster map for the four variables reviewed in this research, namely a) distance to activity center (DAC), b) distance to road (DRD), c) distance to river (DRV), and d) reserve area (RAR) which are made in the form of a raster layer. The next stage is a scenario model simulation. There are two prediction scenarios assessed in this research to choose the best-fit scenario for 2032, business as usual (BAU) and reserve area interest (RAI). The results showed that the scenario should be chosen is the (RAI) scenario.
Façade design modification in complying the Indonesia’s national standard of energy conservation for tall building envelope – Case study: Green Office Park 9, Serpong, Indonesia
Authors: Hajji A M , Hilmi A R. Z.
Published: September 2021

Most tall buildings use glass as its façade and exterior materials, which makes the building’s envelope is exposed to heat penetration. It is important to select and design the proportion between transparent and opaque materials for building façade to reduce the heat gain from outside, which is strategic to conserve the energy use for tall buildings. This study is aimed to observe the use of building façade materials in accordance with the strategic effort to reduce the heat gain in order to conserve the energy for AC system. The façade design modification is calculated by using Overall Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV) method in compliance with the Indonesia’s National Standard of Energy Conservation for Tall Buildings. The results show that the modification on façade design can reduce the heat gain and improve thermal performance of the building. There is a dramatic change of OTTV from 124.40 w/m2 on original design to 27.73 w/m2 after several steps of façade modification. The biggest reductions of OTTV is obtained when modifications on openings are applied. Since the heat transmission is mainly coming into buildings through openings, modifications on glass and windows are the keys. The change of glass material, from clear-glass to those with lower shading coefficient (SC) gives reduction of 37.52 w/m2.
The effect of forest area change in tropical islands towards baseflow and streamflow
Authors: Khomsiati N L , Suryoputro N , Yulistyorini A , Idfi G , Alias N E B
Published: September 2021

Baseflow is a very important component in maintaining river flow. Baseflow is generated from groundwater flow. Baseflow is very important role in water conservation. Indonesia is located in a tropical climate. Based on the Koppen climate classification, Indonesia is included in the tropical rainforest climate (type Af), so that the characteristics of the climate, soil, flora and fauna are unique. About 70% of Indonesia’s territory consists of water. Baseflow in the tropical island region has a unique characteristic. This research aimed to obtain the knowledge on the effect of forest area change in tropical islands towards the characteristics of baseflow and streamflow that involved RDF filter parameter calibration, baseflow contribution towards streamflow based on the Baseflow Index (BFI) and Q90 on Q50 ratio, rain contribution on the total baseflow, baseflow stream domination, and discharge stability of streamflow. This research was conducted in three sub watersheds with forest area percentage of ±18% Bango Sub watershed, ±23% Brantas Hulu Sub watershed, and ±59% Cobanrondo Sub watershed. The results showed that One Parameter Algorhitm method satisfied the application of baseflow separation. There was a positive correlation between rain and baseflow. Baseflow dominated the streamflow in the research location. The greater the forest area, the more stable the flow condition from year to year.
Life cycle analysis of Guanxi freeway pavement maintenance interval
Authors: Paramitha P A , Chen Shih-Huang , Dewi C P
Published: September 2021

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is widely used as an environmental impact over the full life cycle of a system. This paper incorporates LCA including impacts that occur throughout the construction, operation, and, maintenance of pavement. The historical freeway database was collected to analyze the pavement life cycle responsible for substantial energy and resource consumption. The analysis was done for Guanxi section as part of Taiwan National Freeway no.3 to compare a long-cycled and short-cycle maintenances. Calibrated HDM-4 and GaBi used to simulate total life cycle conditions. Road network, climate, vehicle fleet, and traffic data were collected and analyzed. Two aspects including Pavement Condition Index (PCI) and International Roughness Index (IRI) were considered for the simulations. The result shows that short-cycle is more acceptable for maintenance in Guanxi section. Environmental analysis by Global Warming Potential (GWP) shows that short-cycle maintenance contributed the smallest GWP with 0.02% up to 0.67% lower than another maintenance type. However, Taiwan focus on increase the level of service of the freeway by setting the minimum IRI value 1.7 m/km. Likewise, this study validates that recent maintenance use in Guanxi section is better than the previous long-cycle, while reduce the maintenance frequency to 1.5 years’ might could increase the effectivity of short-cycle maintenance.
Electronic properties and degradation upon VUV irradiation of sodium chloride on Ag(111) studied by photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Haibo , Oehzelt Martin , Winkler Stefanie , Ovsyannikov Ruslan , Koch Norbert , Amsalem Patrick
Published: September 2021

The growth as well as vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation-induced degradation of sodium chloride (NaCl) on Ag(111) is investigated by ultraviolet and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In line with previous scanning tunneling microscopy studies, our results confirm that NaCl grows initially as a bilayer before island growth starts. Simple spectroscopic methods for calibrating the closure of the NaCl bilayer are further presented. In addition, the energy level alignment is studied as a function of NaCl film thickness and VUV-light intensity. When measuring with ultra-low photon flux, a sharp interface dipole lowers the sample work function by 0.65 eV upon adsorption of the first bilayer, which is followed by vacuum level alignment for subsequently deposited layers. In contrast, measurements performed with standard photon fluxes, such as those provided by commercial He discharge lamps, shows ‘downward band-bending’-like characteristics in the NaCl films. Upon extended exposure time to the standard VUV intensity, photoemission measurements further reveal that strong modifications of the electronic properties of the NaCl surface occur. These are likely correlated with halogen emission, eventually resulting in the formation of Na clusters promoting low work function of parts of the sample surface. This study provides general guidelines for obtaining reliable spectroscopic measurements on alkali halide thin films on metals.
Pharmacotherapy review: Emerging treatment modalities in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Plumadore Emily , Lombardo Lindsay , Cabral Katherine P
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This review aims to summarize the evidence and pharmacological characteristics of treatment options for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Additionally, this review highlights the role of clinical pharmacists in helping to secure newly introduced therapies.

ATTR-CM, a disease characterized by misfolded protein that is deposited in the myocardium and disrupts cardiac functioning, has historically been underdiagnosed due to the need for invasive biopsy and an illusion of rarity. Once diagnosed, limited treatment modalities for ATTR-CM have led providers to rely on nonpharmacological remedies or off-label use of medications with limited evidence of benefit. However, recent noninvasive diagnostic advancements and heightened disease state awareness have revealed increased prevalence of ATTR-CM. This has led to the introduction of several first-in-class pharmaceuticals with actions targeted at inhibiting the various phases of amyloidosis: TTR stabilizers include diflunisal and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved tafamidis; TTR silencers include patisiran and inotersen; fibril disrupters include doxycycline with tauroursodeoxycholic acid; and alternative agents include green tea extract and curcumin.

Conclusion

ATTR-CM treatments have emerged and, despite current limited data, are continuing to evolve. Tafamidis, the only agent approved by FDA for ATTR-CM, shows promise to improve survival and quality of life in patients with ATTR-CM. Pharmacists can play a key role in assisting with agent selection for this disease state, as well as providing knowledge about current and future clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of the available treatment modalities.
Irregular Autonomic Modulation Predicts Risky Drinking and Altered Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex Response to Stress in Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Hwang Seungju , Martins Jorge S , Douglas Ryan J , Choi Justin J , Sinha Rajita , Seo Dongju
Published: September 2021

Aims

Autonomic dysfunction has been associated with risky drinking and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Although autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity has been attributed to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VmPFC)-limbic-striatal regions, the specific role of ANS disruption in AUD and its association with these regions remain unclear. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and concurrent electrocardiogram (ECG), the current study examined neural correlates of ANS activity in AUD and its role in AUD pathology.

Methods

Demographically matched 20 AUD patients and 20 social drinkers (SD) completed an fMRI task involving repeated exposure to stress, alcohol-cue and neutral-relaxing images in a block design. Based on the known VmPFC-limbic-striatal functions involved in emotions, reward and the ANS, we performed a regions of interest (ROI) analysis to examine the associations between ANS activity and neural responses in the VmPFC, amygdala, and ventral striatum.

Results

Across conditions, AUD patients showed significantly higher levels of overall heart rate (HR) and approximate entropy (ApEn) compared to SD (Ps < 0.05). In all participants, increased HR was associated with greater drinking volume (P < 0.05). In addition, higher ApEn levels were associated with greater drinking volume (P < 0.05) and decreased right VmPFC response to stress (P < 0.05).

Discussion

Our findings demonstrate ANS disruption in AUD indexed by high overall HR and ApEn. The association between ApEn and rVmPFC response suggests that ApEn may play a role in modulating drinking via interactions with neural regions of emotion regulation. These findings provide insight into patterns of ANS disruption and their relevance to AUD pathology.
Genome-wide association study dissects the genetic control of plant height and branch number in response to low-phosphorus stress in Brassica napus
Authors: Liu Haijiang , Wang Jingchi , Zhang Bingbing , Yang Xinyu , Hammond John P , Ding Guangda , Wang Sheliang , Cai Hongmei , Wang Chuang , Xu Fangsen , Shi Lei
Published: September 2021

Background and Aims

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is one of the most important oil crops worldwide. Phosphorus (P) deficiency severely decreases the plant height and branch number of B. napus. However, the genetic bases controlling plant height and branch number in B. napus under P deficiency remain largely unknown. This study aims to mine candidate genes for plant height and branch number by genome-wide association study (GWAS) and determine low-P-tolerance haplotypes.

Methods

An association panel of B. napus was grown in the field with a low P supply (P, 0 kg ha−1) and a sufficient P supply (P, 40 kg ha−1) across 2 years and plant height and branch number were investigated. More than five million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to conduct GWAS of plant height and branch number at two contrasting P supplies.

Key Results

A total of 2127 SNPs were strongly associated (P < 6·25 × 10−07) with plant height and branch number at two P supplies. There was significant correlation between phenotypic variation and the number of favourable alleles of associated loci on chromosomes A10 (chrA10_821671) and C08 (chrC08_27999846), which will contribute to breeding improvement by aggregating these SNPs. BnaA10g09290D and BnaC08g26640D were identified to be associated with chrA10_821671 and chrC08_27999846, respectively. Candidate gene association analysis and haplotype analysis showed that the inbred lines carrying ATT at BnaA10g09290Hap1 and AAT at BnaC08g26640Hap1 had greater plant height than lines carrying other haplotype alleles at low P supply.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate the power of GWAS in identifying genes of interest in B. napus and provided insights into the genetic basis of plant height and branch number at low P supply in B. napus. Candidate genes and favourable haplotypes may facilitate marker-based breeding efforts aimed at improving P use efficiency in B. napus.
The Anticipatory and Task-Driven Nature of Visual Perception
Authors: Uithol Sebo , Bryant Katherine L , Toni Ivan , Mars Rogier B
Published: September 2021

Humans have a remarkable capacity to arrange and rearrange perceptual input according to different categorizations. This begs the question whether the categorization is exclusively a higher visual or amodal process, or whether categorization processes influence early visual areas as well. To investigate this we scanned healthy participants in a magnetic resonance imaging scanner during a conceptual decision task in which participants had to answer questions about upcoming images of animals. Early visual cortices (V1 and V2) contained information about the current visual input, about the granularity of the forthcoming categorical decision, as well as perceptual expectations about the upcoming visual stimulus. The middle temporal gyrus, the anterior temporal lobe, and the inferior frontal gyrus were also involved in the categorization process, constituting an attention and control network that modulates perceptual processing. These findings provide further evidence that early visual processes are driven by conceptual expectations and task demands.
Cefiderocol: A New Cephalosporin Stratagem Against Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Ong’uti Sharon , Czech Mary , Robilotti Elizabeth , Holubar Marisa
Published: September 2021

Cefiderocol is a novel injectable siderophore cephalosporin that hijacks the bacterial iron transport machinery to facilitate cell entry and achieve high periplasmic concentrations. It has broad in vitro activity against gram-negative bacteria, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms such as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections and nosocomial pneumonia based on clinical trials that demonstrated noninferiority to comparators. In this review, we summarize the available in vitro and clinical data, including recent evidence from 2 phase 3 clinical trials (APEKS-NP and CREDIBLE-CR), and discuss the place of cefiderocol in the clinician’s armamentarium against MDR gram-negative infections.
Higher ambient nitrogen dioxide is associated with an elevated risk of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury
Authors: He Pinghong , Chen Ruixuan , Zhou Liping , Li Yanqin , Su Licong , Dong Jin , Zha Yan , Lin Yuxin , Nie Sheng , Hou Fan Fan , Xu Xin
Published: September 2021

Background

Previous studies have suggested that long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of chronic kidney disease and its progression. However, the effect of air pollution on the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) has not been studied. We aim to evaluate the transient effect of air pollution on the risk of hospital-acquired AKI (HA-AKI).

Methods

We selected from the Epidemiology of AKI in Chinese Hospitalized patients cohort AKI cases in which the onset date could be unambiguously determined. We obtained city-specific daily averages of the ambient level of particulate matter (2.5 μm and 10 μm), carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3) from the Ministry of Environmental Protection of China. We used the time-stratified case-crossover approach to examine the association between the ambient level of air pollutants and the risk of HA-AKI in the selected cases.

Results

A total of 11 293 AKI cases that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. In univariable analysis, the ambient levels of NO2 and SO2 were significantly associated with the risk of HA-AKI. In the multivariable analysis that incorporated all six pollutants in the same model, NO2 was the sole pollutant whose level remained associated with the risk of AKI (P < 0.001). The relationship between the level of NO2 and the risk of HA-AKI appeared to be linear, with an estimated odds ratio of 1.063 (95% confidence interval 1.026–1.101) for each increment of 1 median absolute deviation in the exposure. The association was consistent across the subgroups stratified by age, gender, baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate, AKI severity, need for intensive care and season.

Conclusions

Higher ambient levels of NO2 are associated with an increased risk of HA-AKI in hospitalized adults in China.
Association of aortic valvular complex calcification burden with procedural and long-term clinical outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Ko Euihong , Kang Do-Yoon , Ahn Jung-Min , Kim Tae Oh , Kim Ju Hyeon , Lee Junghoon , Lee Seung-Ah , Kim Dae-Hee , Kim Ho Jin , Kim Joon Bum , Choo Suk Jung , Park Seung-Jung , Park Duk-Woo
Published: September 2021

Aims

This study aimed to assess the impact of valvular/subvalvular calcium burden on procedural and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods and results

In this prospective observational cohort study, we included patients with AS undergoing TAVR between March 2010 and December 2019. Calcium burden at baseline was quantified using multidetector computed tomography and the patients were classified into tertile groups according to the amount of calcium. Procedural outcomes [paravalvular leakage (PVL) or permanent pacemaker insertion (PPI)] and 12-month clinical outcomes (composite of death, stroke, or rehospitalization, and all-cause mortality) were assessed. A total of 676 patients (age, 79.8 ± 5.4 years) were analysed. The 30-day rates of moderate or severe PVL (P-for-trend = 0.03) and PPI (P-for-trend = 0.002) proportionally increased with the tertile levels of calcium volume. The 12-month rate of primary composite outcomes was 34.2% in low-tertile, 23.9% in middle-tertile, and 25.8% in high-tertile groups (log-rank P = 0.02). After multivariable adjustment, the risk for primary composite outcomes at 12 months was not significantly different between the tertile groups of calcium volume [reference = low-tertile; middle-tertile, hazard ratio (HR) 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54–1.22; P = 0.31; high-tertile, HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.56–1.57; P = 0.80]. A similar pattern was observed for all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

The rates of PVL and PPI proportionally increased according to the levels of valvular/subvalvular calcium volume, while the adjusted risks for composite outcomes and mortality at 12 months were not significantly different.
Economic growth on the periphery: estimates of GDPper capitaof the Congress Kingdom of Poland (for years 1870–1912)
Authors: Koryś Piotr , Tymiński Maciej
Published: September 2021

This paper presents the estimates of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the Congress Kingdom of Poland for the period 1870–1912. The authors used bottom-up methodology and calculated sectoral added values using historical economic, social, and demographic data. The presented results offer first ever insight into the structure of sectoral added values in the Congress Kingdom of Poland during the period of first globalization and first reliable estimates of GDP of the Congress Kingdom of Poland. All results are presented in Geary–Khamis dollars PPP1990 and are compatible with Maddison dataset.
Analysis of the accuracy and completeness of cardiovascular health information on alcohol industry-funded websites
Authors: Peake Lewis , van Schalkwyk May C I , Maani Nason , Petticrew Mark
Published: September 2021

Background

The Alcohol Industry (AI), and the Social Aspects/Public Relations Organisations (SAPRO) it funds, has been shown to mis-represent the risk of alcohol with respect to cancer and pregnancy. It is theorized that the AI would position alcohol as ‘heart healthy’ to further undermine public perceptions of risks from drinking.

Methods

A comparative analysis (including content, thematic and context analyses) of cardiovascular health information published on the websites of AI-funded (n = 18, such as ‘Drinkaware’ and the ‘Distilled Spirits Council of the US’) and non-AI-funded (n = 18, such as ‘NHS.uk’) organizations based in multiple high-income jurisdictions.

Results

Websites of non-industry-funded health organizations were more likely than AI/SAPRO websites to label alcohol as a risk factor for a range of important cardiovascular diseases (such as myocardial infarction, congestive cardiac failure, hypertension and stroke). Conversely, AI/SAPRO websites were more likely to suggest alcohol was protective in the development of some heart conditions. AI/SAPRO websites frequently referenced the J-shaped curve as proof of benefit from moderate alcohol consumption; suggested a balance between the benefits and harms from drinking; positioned alcohol as consistent with a ‘healthy lifestyle’; and framed drinking as a social norm.

Conclusions

AI-funded health organizations mis-represent the evidence on cardiovascular effects of moderate alcohol consumption. Healthcare professionals should appreciate the role of funding source in biasing content, and exercise caution when directing patients to content funded by the AI. Tighter regulation of messaging that AI/SAPRO’s provide to the public is required, to avoid the dissemination of harmful misinformation.
Financial Returns for Biomass on Short-Rotation Loblolly Pine Plantations in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Trlica Andrew , Cook Rachel L , Albaugh Timothy J , Parajuli Rajan , Carter David R , Rubilar Rafael A
Published: September 2021

Rising demand for renewable energy has created a potential market for biomass from short-rotation pine plantations in the southeastern United States. Site preparation, competition control, fertilization, and enhanced seedling genotypes offer the landowner several variables for managing productivity, but their combined effects on financial returns are unclear. This study estimated returns from a hypothetical 10-year biomass harvest in loblolly pine plantation using field studies in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina and the Virginia Piedmont testing combinations of tree genotype, planting density, and silviculture. Although enhanced varietal genotypes could yield more biomass, open-pollinated seedlings at 1,236–1,853 trees ha−1 under operational silviculture had the greatest returns at both sites, with mean whole-tree internal rates of return of 8.3%–9.9% assuming stumpage equal to current pulpwood prices. At a 5% discount rate, break-even whole-tree stumpage at the two sites in the optimal treatments was $8.72–$9.92 Mg−1, and break-even yield was 175–177 Mg ha−1 (roughly 18 Mg ha−1 yr−1 productivity), although stumpage and yield floors were higher if only stem biomass was treated as salable. Dedicated short-rotation loblolly biomass plantations in the region are more likely to be financially attractive when site establishment and maintenance costs are minimized.
The monothiol glutaredoxin Grx4 influences thermotolerance, cell wall integrity, and Mpk1 signaling in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Hu Guanggan , Horianopoulos Linda , Sánchez-León Eddy , Caza Mélissa , Jung Wonhee , Kronstad James W
Published: September 2021

Monothiol glutaredoxins are important regulators of iron homeostasis that play conserved roles in the sensing and trafficking of iron-sulfur clusters. We previously characterized the role of the monothiol glutaredoxin Grx4 in iron homeostasis, the interaction with the iron regulator Cir1, and virulence in Cryptococcus neoformans. This important fungal pathogen causes cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised individuals worldwide. Here, we demonstrate that Grx4 is required for proliferation at elevated temperatures (both 37°C and 39°C) and under stress conditions. In particular, the grx4Δ mutant was hypersensitive to SDS, calcofluor white (CFW), and caffeine, suggesting that Grx4 is required for membrane and cell wall integrity (CWI). In this context, we found that Grx4 regulated the phosphorylation of the Mpk1 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) of the CWI pathway in cells grown at elevated temperature or upon treatment with CFW, caffeine, or SDS. The grx4Δ mutant also displayed increased sensitivity to FK506 and cyclosporin A, two inhibitors of the calcineurin pathway, indicating that Grx4 may influence growth at higher temperatures in parallel with calcineurin signaling. Upon thermal stress or calcium treatment, loss of Grx4 also caused partial mis-localization of Crz1, the transcription factor that is a calcineurin substrate. The phenotypes of the grx4Δ, crz1Δ, and cna1Δ (calcineurin) mutants suggest shared contributions to the regulation of temperature, cell wall, and other stresses. In summary, we show that Grx4 is also a key regulator of the responses to a variety of stress conditions in addition to its roles in iron homeostasis in C. neoformans.
Avoidance of urinary drainage during perioperative period of open elective colonic resection within enhanced recovery after surgery programme
Authors: Li Yun , Jiang Zhi-Wei , Liu Xin-Xin , Pan Hua-Feng , Gong Guan-Wen , Zhang Cheng , Li Zheng-Rong
Published: September 2021

Background

Urinary catheterization (UC) is a conventional perioperative measure for major abdominal operation. Optimization of perioperative catheter management is an essential component of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme. We aimed to investigate the risk factors of urinary retention (UR) after open colonic resection within the ERAS protocol and to assess the feasibility of avoiding urinary drainage during the perioperative period.

Methods

A total of 110 colonic-cancer patients undergoing open elective colonic resection between July 2014 and May 2018 were enrolled in this study. All patients were treated within our ERAS protocol during the perioperative period. Data on patients’ demographics, clinicopathologic characteristics, and perioperative outcomes were collected and analysed retrospectively.

Results

Sixty-eight patients (61.8%) underwent surgery without any perioperative UC. Thirty patients (27.3%) received indwelling UC during the surgical procedure. Twelve (10.9%) cases developed UR after surgery necessitating UC. Although patients with intraoperative UC had a lower incidence of post-operative UR [0% (0/30) vs 15% (12/80), P = 0.034], intraoperative UC was not testified as an independent protective factor in multivariate logistic analysis. The history of prostatic diseases and the body mass index were strongly associated with post-operative UR. Six patients were diagnosed with post-operative urinary-tract infection, among whom two had intraoperative UC and four were complicated with post-operative UR requiring UC.

Conclusion

Avoidance of urinary drainage for open elective colonic resection is feasible with the implementation of the ERAS programme as the required precondition. Obesity and a history of prostatic diseases are significant predictors of post-operative UR.