bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lithium causes differential effects on postsynaptic stability in normal and denervated neuromuscular synapses
Authors: Zelada Diego , Barrantes Francisco J. , Henríquez Juan Pablo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLithium chloride has been widely used as a therapeutic mood stabilizer. Although cumulative evidence suggests that lithium plays modulatory effects on postsynaptic receptors, the underlying mechanism by which lithium regulates synaptic transmission has not been fully elucidated. In this work, by using the advantageous neuromuscular synapse, we evaluated the effect of lithium on the stability of postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in vivo. We found that in normally innervated neuromuscular synapses, lithium chloride significantly decreased the turnover of nAChRs by reducing their internalization. A similar response was observed in CHO-K1/A5 cells expressing the adult muscle-type nAChRs. Strikingly, in denervated neuromuscular synapses, lithium led to enhanced nAChR turnover and density by increasing the incorporation of new nAChRs. Lithium also potentiated the formation of unstable nAChR clusters in non-synaptic regions of denervated muscle fibres. We found that denervation-dependent re-expression of the foetal nAChR γ-subunit was not altered by lithium. However, while denervation inhibits the distribution of β-catenin within endplates, lithium-treated fibres retain β-catenin staining in specific foci of the synaptic region. Collectively, our data reveal that lithium treatment differentially affects the stability of postsynaptic receptors in normal and denervated neuromuscular synapses in vivo, thus providing novel insights into the regulatory effects of lithium on synaptic organization and extending its potential therapeutic use in conditions affecting the peripheral nervous system.
Fine-scale variation in projected climate change presents opportunities for biodiversity conservation in Europe
Authors: Hlásny Tomáš , Mokroš Martin , Dobor Laura , Merganičová Katarína , Lukac Martin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractClimate change is a major threat to global biodiversity, although projected changes show remarkable geographical and temporal variability. Understanding this variability allows for the identification of regions where the present-day conservation objectives may be at risk or where opportunities for biodiversity conservation emerge. We use a multi-model ensemble of regional climate models to identify areas with significantly high and low climate stability persistent throughout the twenty-first century in Europe. We then confront our predictions with the land coverage of three prominent biodiversity conservation initiatives at two scales. The continental-scale assessment shows that areas with the least stable future climate in Europe are likely to occur at low and high latitudes, with the Iberian Peninsula and the Boreal zones identified as prominent areas of low climatic stability. A follow-up regional scale investigation shows that robust climatic refugia exist even within the highly exposed southern and northern macro-regions. About 23–31% of assessed biodiversity conservation sites in Europe coincide with areas of high future climate stability, we contend that these sites should be prioritised in the formulation of future conservation priorities as the stability of future climate is one of the key factors determining their conservation prospects. Although such focus on climate refugia cannot halt the ongoing biodiversity loss, along with measures such as resilience-based stewardship, it may improve the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation under climate change.
Optimal loading dose of meropenem before continuous infusion in critically ill patients: a simulation study
Authors: Liebchen Uwe , Salletmeier Hanna , Kallee Simon , Scharf Christina , Huebner Lucas , Weber Alexandra , Zoller Michael 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate optimal loading doses prior to continuous infusion of meropenem in critically ill patients. A previously published and successfully evaluated pharmacokinetic model of critically ill patients was used for stochastic simulations of virtual patients. Maintenance doses administered as continuous infusion of 1.5–6 g/24 h with preceding loading doses (administered as 30 min infusion) of 0.15–2 g were investigated. In addition to the examination of the influence of individual covariates, a best-case and worst-case scenario were simulated. Dosing regimens were considered adequate if the 5th percentile of the concentration–time profile did not drop at any time below four times the S/I breakpoint (= 2 mg/L) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to the EUCAST definition. Low albumin concentrations, high body weight and high creatinine clearances increased the required loading dose. A maximum loading dose of 0.33 g resulted in sufficient plasma concentrations when only one covariate showed extreme values. If all three covariates showed extreme values (= worst-case scenario), a loading dose of 0.5 g was necessary. Higher loading doses did not lead to further improvements of target attainment. We recommend the administration of a loading dose of 0.5 g meropenem over 30 min immediately followed by continuous infusion.
Spatial distribution of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody-positive wild boars in Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Saito Taizo , Kitamura Yuko , Tanaka Eiji , Ishigami Itsuki , Taniguchi Yuji , Moribe Junji , Kitoh Katsuya , Takashima Yasuhiro 
Published: August 2021

AbstractToxoplasma gondii is a globally wide-spread parasite that infects almost all species of mammals and birds, including humans. We studied the spatial distribution of individual T. gondii-seropositive wild boar in Gifu Prefecture (10,621 km2), Japan. Altogether, 744 wild boars were captured at 663 points around human settlements in Gifu Prefecture. Serum samples were collected after recording the exact capture locations, along with each wild boar’s body length and sex. We then used a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for swine to measure anti-T. gondii antibodies in these animals. Among the 744 wild boars, 169 tested positive for T. gondii (22.7%). No significant difference in T. gondii seroprevalence was observed between the mountainous northern region with high winter snow cover and the mild-wintered geographical plain of the southern part of the prefecture. In contrast, 8 of the 11 wild boars that were captured in a public park surrounded by residential areas showed T. gondii seropositivity (72.7%), a value significantly higher than those of the wild boar populations in the other prefecture areas. This in-depth analysis, which spans the big city suburbs and rural areas of a whole prefecture, explains the seroprevalence of zoonotic T. gondii in wild boar and has public health implications.
Operational planning steps in smart electric power delivery system
Authors: Jayachandran M. , Reddy Ch. Rami , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Milyani A. H. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis paper presents a comprehensive review of advanced technologies with various control approaches in terms of their respective merits and outcomes for power grids. Distributed energy storage control is classified into automatic voltage regulator and load frequency control according to corresponding functionalities. These control strategies maintain a power balance between generation and demand. Besides, three basic electric vehicle charging technologies can be distinguished, i.e. stationary, quasi-dynamic and dynamic control. For realizing charge-sustaining operation at minimum cost quasi-dynamic and dynamic strategies are adopted for in-route charging, while stationary control can only be utilized when the electric vehicle is in stationary mode. Moreover, power system frequency stability and stabilization techniques in non-synchronous generator systems are reviewed in the paper. Specifically, a synchronverter can damp power system oscillations and ensure stability by providing virtual inertia. Furthermore, it is crucial to manage the massive information and ensure its security in the smart grid. Therefore, several attack detection and mitigation schemes against cyber-attacks are further presented to achieve reliable, resilient, and stable operation of the cyber-physical power system. Thus, bidirectional electrical power flows with two-way digital control and communication capabilities have poised the energy producers and utilities to restructure the conventional power system into a robust smart distribution grid. These new functionalities and applications provide a pathway for clean energy technology. Finally, future research trends on smart grids such as IoT-based communication infrastructure, distributed demand-response with artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions, and synchrophasor-based wide-area monitoring protection and control (WAMPC) are examined in the present study.
Visual recognition of words learned with gestures induces motor resonance in the forearm muscles
Authors: Repetto Claudia , Mathias Brian , Weichselbaum Otto , Macedonia Manuela 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAccording to theories of Embodied Cognition, memory for words is related to sensorimotor experiences collected during learning. At a neural level, words encoded with self-performed gestures are represented in distributed sensorimotor networks that resonate during word recognition. Here, we ask whether muscles involved in gesture execution also resonate during word recognition. Native German speakers encoded words by reading them (baseline condition) or by reading them in tandem with picture observation, gesture observation, or gesture observation and execution. Surface electromyogram (EMG) activity from both arms was recorded during the word recognition task and responses were detected using eye-tracking. The recognition of words encoded with self-performed gestures coincided with an increase in arm muscle EMG activity compared to the recognition of words learned under other conditions. This finding suggests that sensorimotor networks resonate into the periphery and provides new evidence for a strongly embodied view of recognition memory.
Moisture modulates soil reservoirs of active DNA and RNA viruses
Authors: Wu Ruonan , Davison Michelle R. , Gao Yuqian , Nicora Carrie D. , Mcdermott Jason E. , Burnum-Johnson Kristin E. , Hofmockel Kirsten S. , Jansson Janet K. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSoil is known to harbor viruses, but the majority are uncharacterized and their responses to environmental changes are unknown. Here, we used a multi-omics approach (metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics) to detect active DNA viruses and RNA viruses in a native prairie soil and to determine their responses to extremes in soil moisture. The majority of transcribed DNA viruses were bacteriophage, but some were assigned to eukaryotic hosts, mainly insects. We also demonstrated that higher soil moisture increased transcription of a subset of DNA viruses. Metaproteome data validated that the specific viral transcripts were translated into proteins, including chaperonins known to be essential for virion replication and assembly. The soil viral chaperonins were phylogenetically distinct from previously described marine viral chaperonins. The soil also had a high abundance of RNA viruses, with highest representation of Reoviridae. Leviviridae were the most diverse RNA viruses in the samples, with higher amounts in wet soil. This study demonstrates that extreme shifts in soil moisture have dramatic impacts on the composition, activity and potential functions of both DNA and RNA soil viruses.
Approximate analog computing with metatronic circuits
Authors: Miscuglio Mario , Gui Yaliang , Ma Xiaoxuan , Ma Zhizhen , Sun Shuai , El Ghazawi Tarek , Itoh Tatsuo , Alù Andrea , Sorger Volker J. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAnalog photonic solutions offer unique opportunities to address complex computational tasks with unprecedented performance in terms of energy dissipation and speeds, overcoming current limitations of modern computing architectures based on electron flows and digital approaches. The lack of modularization and lumped element reconfigurability in photonics has prevented the transition to an all-optical analog computing platform. Here, we explore, using numerical simulation, a nanophotonic platform based on epsilon-near-zero materials capable of solving in the analog domain partial differential equations (PDE). Wavelength stretching in zero-index media enables highly nonlocal interactions within the board based on the conduction of electric displacement, which can be monitored to extract the solution of a broad class of PDE problems. By exploiting the experimentally achieved control of deposition technique through process parameters, used in our simulations, we demonstrate the possibility of implementing the proposed nano-optic processor using CMOS-compatible indium-tin-oxide, whose optical properties can be tuned by carrier injection to obtain programmability at high speeds and low energy requirements. Our nano-optical analog processor can be integrated at chip-scale, processing arbitrary inputs at the speed of light.
Observation of contact angle hysteresis due to inhomogeneous electric fields
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Qi , Zhou Jia , Riaud Antoine 
Published: August 2021

AbstractStatic contact angle hysteresis determines droplet stickiness on surfaces, and is widely attributed to surface roughness and chemical contamination. In the latter case, chemical defects create free-energy barriers that prevent the contact line motion. Electrowetting studies have demonstrated the similar ability of electric fields to alter the surface free-energy landscape. Yet, the increase of apparent static contact angle hysteresis by electric fields remains unseen. Here, we report the observation of electrowetting hysteresis on micro-striped electrodes. Unlike most experiments with stripes, the droplet spreading on the substrate is experimentally found to be isotropic, which allows deriving a simple theoretical model of the contact angle hysteresis depending the applied voltage. This electrowetting hysteresis enables the continuous and dynamic control of contact angle hysteresis, not only for fundamental studies but also to manufacture sticky-on-demand surfaces for sample collection.
Unified treatment of synchronization patterns in generalized networks with higher-order, multilayer, and temporal interactions
Authors: Zhang Yuanzhao , Latora Vito , Motter Adilson E. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWhen describing complex interconnected systems, one often has to go beyond the standard network description to account for generalized interactions. Here, we establish a unified framework to simplify the stability analysis of cluster synchronization patterns for a wide range of generalized networks, including hypergraphs, multilayer networks, and temporal networks. The framework is based on finding a simultaneous block diagonalization of the matrices encoding the synchronization pattern and the network topology. As an application, we use simultaneous block diagonalization to unveil an intriguing type of chimera states that appear only in the presence of higher-order interactions. The unified framework established here can be extended to other dynamical processes and can facilitate the discovery of emergent phenomena in complex systems with generalized interactions.
An extremeness threshold determines the regional response of floods to changes in rainfall extremes
Authors: Brunner Manuela I. , Swain Daniel L. , Wood Raul R. , Willkofer Florian , Done James M. , Gilleland Eric , Ludwig Ralf 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPrecipitation extremes will increase in a warming climate, but the response of flood magnitudes to heavier precipitation events is less clear. Historically, there is little evidence for systematic increases in flood magnitude despite observed increases in precipitation extremes. Here we investigate how flood magnitudes change in response to warming, using a large initial-condition ensemble of simulations with a single climate model, coupled to a hydrological model. The model chain was applied to historical (1961–2000) and warmer future (2060–2099) climate conditions for 78 watersheds in hydrological Bavaria, a region comprising the headwater catchments of the Inn, Danube and Main River, thus representing an area of expressed hydrological heterogeneity. For the majority of the catchments, we identify a ‘return interval threshold’ in the relationship between precipitation and flood increases: at return intervals above this threshold, further increases in extreme precipitation frequency and magnitude clearly yield increased flood magnitudes; below the threshold, flood magnitude is modulated by land surface processes. We suggest that this threshold behaviour can reconcile climatological and hydrological perspectives on changing flood risk in a warming climate.
UCYN-A/haptophyte symbioses dominate N2 fixation in the Southern California Current System
Authors: Turk-Kubo Kendra A , Mills Matthew M , Arrigo Kevin R , van Dijken Gert , Henke Britt A , Stewart Brittany , Wilson Samuel T , Zehr Jonathan P 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The availability of fixed nitrogen (N) is an important factor limiting biological productivity in the oceans. In coastal waters, high dissolved inorganic N concentrations were historically thought to inhibit dinitrogen (N2) fixation, however, recent N2 fixation measurements and the presence of the N2-fixing UCYN-A/haptophyte symbiosis in nearshore waters challenge this paradigm. We characterized the contribution of UCYN-A symbioses to nearshore N2 fixation in the Southern California Current System (SCCS) by measuring bulk community and single-cell N2 fixation rates, as well as diazotroph community composition and abundance. UCYN-A1 and UCYN-A2 symbioses dominated diazotroph communities throughout the region during upwelling and oceanic seasons. Bulk N2 fixation was detected in most surface samples, with rates up to 23.0 ± 3.8 nmol N l−1 d−1, and was often detected at the deep chlorophyll maximum in the presence of nitrate (&gt;1 µM). UCYN-A2 symbiosis N2 fixation rates were higher (151.1 ± 112.7 fmol N cell−1 d−1) than the UCYN-A1 symbiosis (6.6 ± 8.8 fmol N cell−1 d−1). N2 fixation by the UCYN-A1 symbiosis accounted for a majority of the measured bulk rates at two offshore stations, while the UCYN-A2 symbiosis was an important contributor in three nearshore stations. This report of active UCYN-A symbioses and broad mesoscale distribution patterns establishes UCYN-A symbioses as the dominant diazotrophs in the SCCS, where heterocyst-forming and unicellular cyanobacteria are less prevalent, and provides evidence that the two dominant UCYN-A sublineages are separate ecotypes.
A donor–acceptor liganded metal–organic framework showcases the hydrogen-bond-enhanced sensing of N-heterocyclic explosives
Authors: Wang Junjie , Cheng Yao , Zhou Jie , Tang Weihua 
Published: August 2021

Zn(ii)-based MOF for detecting FOX-7 like explosives is designed via hydrogen-bond-intensified host–guest interactions. The crystalline MOF achieves 0.14 ppm detection limit and a highest fluorescence quenching constant of 3.22 × 104 M−1.
Hearing Aid Consumer Reviews: A Linguistic Analysis in Relation to Benefit and Satisfaction Ratings
Authors: Manchaiah Vinaya , Swanepoel De Wet , Bailey Abram , Pennebaker James W. , Bennett Rebecca J. 
Published: August 2021

PurposeOnline reviews have been used by hearing aid owners to share their experiences and to provide suggestions to potential hearing aid buyers, although they have not been systematically examined. The study was aimed at examining the hearing aid consumer reviews using automated linguistic analysis, and how the linguistic variables relate to self-reported hearing aid benefit and satisfaction ratings.MethodThe study used a cross-sectional design. One thousand three hundred seventy-eight consumer hearing aid reviews (i.e., text response to open-ended question), self-reported benefit and satisfaction ratings on hearing aids in a 5-point scale with meta-data (e.g., hearing aid brand, technology level) extracted from the Hearing Tracker website were analyzed using automated text analysis method known as the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count.ResultsSelf-reported hearing aid benefit and satisfaction ratings were high (i.e., mean rating of 4.04 in a 5-point scale). Examining the association between overall rating and the key linguistic variables point to two broad findings. First, the more people were personally, socially, and emotionally engaged with the hearing device experience, the higher they rated their hearing device(s). Second, a minimal occurrence of clinic-visit language dimensions points to factors that likely affect benefit and satisfaction ratings. For example, if people mention paying too much money (money), their overall ratings are generally lower. Conversely, if people write about their health or home, the ratings were higher. There was no significant difference in linguistic analysis across different hearing aid brands and technology levels.ConclusionsHearing aid consumers are generally satisfied with their hearing device(s), and their online reviews contain information about social/emotional dimensions as well as clinic-visit related aspects that have bearing toward hearing aid benefit and satisfaction ratings. These results suggest that the natural language used by consumers provide insights on their perceived benefit/satisfaction from their hearing device.
Acute MI Versus Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Krishna S. V. V. Mani 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
A 37-year-old female, who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) 20 years earlier and on regular treatment, with a recent history of pulmonary thromboembolism on inj. clexane, presented with anginal type of chest pain of 4 hours duration ECG, showing ST elevation, and was finally diagnosed to have Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
Substitution of Ca2+ by Sn2+ and Sr2+ cations in P. placenta shells and single-crystal calcite through ion exchange reactions
Authors: Junio Jonathan B , Conato Marlon T , Mercado Candy C 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Tin (Sn2+) and strontium (Sr2+) are potential replacements to lead (Pb2+) in perovskite synthesis since Sn is on the same IVA group in the periodic table as Pb while Sr is a promising alternative according to Goldschmidt’s rules and quantum mechanical analysis. The crystal radii of their ions are also nearly identical with Pb2+ = 1.33 Å, Sn2+ = 1.36 Å, and Sr2+ = 1.32 Å. In this study, both Sn and Sr were explored in transforming calcite, a polymorph of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) into a leaving group in the first step of a sequential ion-exchange reaction towards perovskite formation. Instead of forming the intermediate tin carbonate (SnCO3), the reaction resulted in the formation of gypsum or calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4.2H2O) and Sn in the form of oxides. These oxides, however, are useful especially when these are in the form of tin dioxide-coated CaCO3 shell-core structures—having demonstrated flame retardant and smoke suppressant properties. On the other hand, calcite was successfully transformed into strontium carbonate (SrCO3) or strontianite through the cation exchange reaction. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) were used to observe the resulting materials and understand the transformation of both Placuna placenta (or Capiz) shells and single-crystal calcite from the ion-exchange reactions.