Active Period Research Articles

Regulating lattice oxygen mobility of FeOx redox catalyst via W-doping for enhanced chemical looping oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane

The precise regulation of lattice oxygen mobility toward matched surface reaction kinetics is the key issue for rational design of chemical looing oxygen carriers. Herein, we successfully regulated lattice oxygen reactivity of FeOx redox catalyst via a W-doping strategy to realize efficient chemical looping oxidative dehydrogenation (CL-ODH) of ethane to ethylene. Specifically, the addition of W could significantly increase the binding energy of Fe-O bond, inhibiting the over-quick lattice oxygen migration toward over-oxidation. On this basis, the mild reduction of active Fe3O4 and slowly released oxygen ions involving in dehydrogenation at a matched kinetic rate could greatly prolong the active period, leading to a record high ethane processing capacity (120 ml·gcat−1·cycle−1) and productivity of ethylene (selectivity ∼83 %) during continuous dehydrogenation-regeneration cycles. This work provides a highly active CL-ODH catalyst and new insight into metal oxide redox chemistry.

Desynchronization between Food Intake and Light Stimulations Induces Uterine Clock Quiescence in Female Mice

BackgroundDysmenorrhea is associated with breakfast skipping in young women, suggesting that fasting in the early active phase disrupts uterine functions. ObjectivesTo investigate the possible involvement of the uterine clock system in fasting-induced uterine dysfunction, we examined core clock gene expressions in the uterus using a 28-h interval-fed mouse model. MethodsYoung female mice (8 wk of age) were divided into 3 groups: group I (ad libitum feeding), group II (time-restricted feeding, initial 4 h of the active period every day), and group III (time-restricted feeding for 8 h with a 28-h cycle). Groups II and III have the same fasting interval of 20 h. After analyzing feeding and wheel running behaviors during 2 wk of dietary restriction, mice were sacrificed at 4-h intervals, and the expression profiles of clock genes in the uterus and liver were examined by qPCR. ResultsThe mice in group I took food mainly during the dark phase and those in group II during the initial 4 h of the dark phase, whereas those in group III delayed feeding time by 4 h per cycle. In all groups, spontaneous wheel running was observed during the dark phase. There was no difference in the quantity of feeding and the amount of running exercise among the 3 groups during the second week. The mRNA expressions of peripheral clock genes, Bmal1, Clock, Per1, Per2, Cry1, Nr1d1, and Dbp and a clock-controlled gene, Fabp1, in the uterus showed rhythmic oscillations with normal sequential expression cascade in groups I and II, whereas their expressions decreased and circadian cycles disappeared in group III. In contrast, liver core clock genes in group III showed clear circadian cycles. ConclusionsFluctuations in the timing of the first food intake impair the uterine clock oscillator system to reduce clock gene expressions and abolish their circadian rhythms.

The heat is on: impacts of rising temperature on the activity of a common European mammal

Climate conditions severely impact the activity and, consequently, the fitness of wildlife species across the globe. Wildlife can respond to new climatic conditions, but the pace of human-induced change limits opportunities for adaptation or migration. Thus, how these changes affect behavior, movement patterns, and activity levels remains unclear. In this study, we investigate how extreme weather conditions affect the activity of European hares (Lepus europaeus) during their peak reproduction period. When hares must additionally invest energy in mating, prevailing against competitors, or lactating, we investigated their sensitivities to rising temperatures, wind speed, and humidity. To quantify their activity, we used the overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA) calculated from tri-axial acceleration measurements of 33 GPS-collared hares. Our analysis revealed that temperature, humidity, and wind speed are important in explaining changes in activity, with a strong response for high temperatures above 25°C and the highest change in activity during temperature extremes of over 35°C during their inactive period. Further, we found a non-linear relationship between temperature and activity and an interaction of activity changes between day and night. Activity increased at higher temperatures during the inactive period (day) and decreased during the active period (night). This decrease was strongest during hot tropical nights. At a stage of life when mammals such as hares must substantially invest in reproduction, the sensitivity of females to extreme temperatures was particularly pronounced. Similarly, both sexes increased their activity at high humidity levels during the day and low wind speeds, irrespective of the time of day, while the effect of humidity was stronger for males. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding the complex relationships between extreme weather conditions and mammal behavior, critical for conservation and management. With ongoing climate change, extreme weather events such as heat waves and heavy rainfall are predicted to occur more often and last longer. These events will directly impact the fitness of hares and other wildlife species and hence the population dynamics of already declining populations across Europe.

Legal regulation of termination of notary activities in connection with the commitment of an administrative offense related to corruption

Purpose. The purpose of the work is to analyze the reasons for the termination of notarial activity by private and state notaries, to identify their features and grounds for application, to determine directions for improving their legal regulation in the legislation on notaries. Methodology. The methodology includes a comprehensive analysis and generalization of the available scientific and theoretical material and the formulation of relevant conclusions and recommendations. During the research, the following methods of scientific knowledge were used: analysis, terminological, logical-semantic, systemic-structural, comparative. Results. In the course of the research, it was recognized that despite common features regarding the exercise of the right to engage in notarial activities, perform notarial acts, etc., notaries of state notary offices can commit a wider range of administrative offenses related to corruption, unlike private notaries. It was established that out of all possible administrative offenses related to corruption by a public notary, a public notary, unlike a private one, can be dismissed only for one - violation of the requirements for the prevention and settlement of conflicts of interest. For all other offenses, such a notary is liable on general grounds and only in the case of a repeated offense by a state notary, who has already been subject to an administrative penalty for a similar act within a year, is the basis for his dismissal. Originality. It is proposed to determine the same grounds for the termination of notarial activity by a private notary and the dismissal of state notaries for committing administrative offenses related to corruption, and to establish a one-year limitation period for such activity after its termination (dismissal) in connection with bringing notaries to administrative responsibility for their commission. Practical significance. The results of the study can be used in the law-making and law-enforcement activities of justice bodies when determining the grounds for the termination of private notary activity and the dismissal of a public notary in connection with the commission of an administrative offense related to corruption.

FEATURES OF DETERMINATION OF MODERN GAS MIGRATION IN THE UPPER LAYERS OF THE LITHOSPHERE

The study of modern gas migration is a topical issue both to determine its impact on mineral deposits and the environmental impact of gases released into the Earth's atmosphere. The redistribution of gases in the lithosphere and their release to the surface correspond to geological processes that last for millions of years. Each geologic structure can have both more active periods and periods of relative dormancy. Discontinuous faults in the lithosphere are the paths of migration of gases (fluids). 
 The modern migration in different geological structures was determined on the basis of gas samples taken from the surface. The author's methodology is based on determining the gas state of the upper layers of the lithosphere and establishing individual compositions of gas mixtures from the selected samples. The development is based on geological, structural and geochemical studies to determine gas migration to the surface. The results can also be used to identify discontinuities and areas with anomalous gas content, which are mainly characteristic of oil and gas and coal deposits. 
 Based on the change in quantitative and qualitative gas indicators compared to the generally accepted data on the gas composition of the atmosphere, areas with the most abnormal gas indicators, in particular methane or its homologues, are identified, which allows us to identify areas with active modern gas migration. It is worth noting that gas indicators may differ at different times of the year. Such peculiarities are usually determined by the intensity of migration to the surface, which is characteristic of each structure, and not only by the change of season. 
 On the basis of studies of gas mixtures (methane, heavy hydrocarbons, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and helium), the polygenetic composition of natural gas in the studied areas opened by mine workings at the surface and at depth is substantiated. This allows us to attribute them to mobile gas-geodynamic systems, in which intensive gas transfer processes are still taking place in the near-surface layers of the lithosphere.

The physical activity implications of retirement across occupational activity groups

Retirement is an important later life transition which may represent a critical period for physical activity in older age. Past findings on the association between retirement and physical activity are inconclusive and there is some evidence that the physical activity implications of retirement may differ by occupational activity level. This study used data from waves 4–9 (June 2008–July 2019) of the English Longitudinal Study on Aging to evaluate whether there is an association between retirement and physical activity, and whether this varies across occupational activity groups.Retirement was associated with a significant increase in physical activity (n = 10,693; β: 0.602 METhrs/wk. [95% CI: 0.490, 0.713], p < 0.001). There were significant interactions between retirement and past occupational activity level (n = 5109; X2 (3)=32.59, p < 0.001), such that people retiring from sedentary or standing occupations experienced a significant increase in physical activity with retirement but retirement from an occupation involving heavy manual labour was associated with a decrease in physical activity.This study quantified the importance of retirement for later life physical activity. With demographic aging, the population health importance of later life physical activity will likely become more important. These findings should inform the design of public health interventions to increase physical activity around the retirement transition.

Tool-tissue force segmentation and pattern recognition for evaluating neurosurgical performance

Surgical data quantification and comprehension expose subtle patterns in tasks and performance. Enabling surgical devices with artificial intelligence provides surgeons with personalized and objective performance evaluation: a virtual surgical assist. Here we present machine learning models developed for analyzing surgical finesse using tool-tissue interaction force data in surgical dissection obtained from a sensorized bipolar forceps. Data modeling was performed using 50 neurosurgery procedures that involved elective surgical treatment for various intracranial pathologies. The data collection was conducted by 13 surgeons of varying experience levels using sensorized bipolar forceps, SmartForceps System. The machine learning algorithm constituted design and implementation for three primary purposes, i.e., force profile segmentation for obtaining active periods of tool utilization using T-U-Net, surgical skill classification into Expert and Novice, and surgical task recognition into two primary categories of Coagulation versus non-Coagulation using FTFIT deep learning architectures. The final report to surgeon was a dashboard containing recognized segments of force application categorized into skill and task classes along with performance metrics charts compared to expert level surgeons. Operating room data recording of > 161 h containing approximately 3.6 K periods of tool operation was utilized. The modeling resulted in Weighted F1-score = 0.95 and AUC = 0.99 for force profile segmentation using T-U-Net, Weighted F1-score = 0.71 and AUC = 0.81 for surgical skill classification, and Weighted F1-score = 0.82 and AUC = 0.89 for surgical task recognition using a subset of hand-crafted features augmented to FTFIT neural network. This study delivers a novel machine learning module in a cloud, enabling an end-to-end platform for intraoperative surgical performance monitoring and evaluation. Accessed through a secure application for professional connectivity, a paradigm for data-driven learning is established.

Coupling Interval Hyper-Active Drying (IHAD) with Instant Controlled Pressure Drop (D.I.C.) to define new swell-drying processes

To respond to the various issues of conventional drying (textural defects of collapse-shrinkage and case hardening, microbiological contamination, poor rehydrability, degradation of active molecules caused by high wet-bulb temperature, weak drying kinetics, and marketing difficulty), swell-drying has proven high relevance in combining conventional drying processes with the Instant Controlled Pressure Drop (D.I.C.). The international team of "Research & Engineering Platform for intensifying Drying Processes (REPID)" has studied phenomenological models and experimental trials combining D.I.C. with new Interval Hyper-Active Drying (IHAD) processes. Currently, IHAD includes interval starting accessibility drying (ISAD), interval infrared airflow drying (IIRAD), and interval microwave airflow drying (IMAD). All these "interval operations" are sandwiched into cycles, each comprising double separate independent mechanisms; a short, hyper-focused active period (that generates and sweeps out vapor to the surrounding environment) alternated by a passive period of internal water diffusion/moisture homogenization. Since surface evaporation is highly intensive, the wet-bulb temperature stays low, although highly effective drying kinetics. Thus, the operation results in avoiding biochemical damage risks. Coupled with the D.I.C. texturing-decontamination, these drying operations are very effective in terms of drying kinetics, energy consumption, and product quality of heat-sensitive solids. It has led to the manufacturing of effective drying equipment.

The Impact of Severe COVID–19 on Corneal Endothelial Cells–Analysis of the In Vivo Noncontact Specular Microscopy

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effects of severe COVID-19 infection on the corneal endothelium via in vivo specular microscopy. Methods This was an observational, prospective, and controlled study including 56 eyes of 56 severe COVID-19 patients, compared to after-recovery and 56 eyes of 56 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Results Endothelial cell density was lower in the active disease period compared to healthy controls (p = .001) and decreased even more after recovery (p < .0001). After recovery, the average cell area and coefficient of variation were higher compared to the active disease period (p < .0001 and p = .008, respectively) and the healthy controls (for both, p < .0001), whereas hexagonality was lower (p < .0001). Central corneal thickness increased in the active disease period compared to after recovery (p < .0001) and healthy controls (p = .002). Conclusions These results may be due to direct host-virus interaction or linked to immune dysregulation, subclinical corneal endotheliitis, or still yet a viral-mediated inflammation.

Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol in Tourette Syndrome

BackgroundTourette syndrome is characterized by chronic motor and vocal tics. There is preliminary evidence of benefit from cannabis products containing Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and that coadministration of cannabidiol (CBD) improves the side-effect profile and safety.MethodsIn this double-blind, crossover trial, participants with severe Tourette syndrome were randomly assigned to a 6-week treatment period with escalating doses of an oral oil containing 5 mg/ml of THC and 5 mg/ml of CBD, followed by a 6-week course of placebo, or vice versa, separated by a 4-week washout period. The primary outcome was the total tic score on the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS; range, 0 to 50 [higher scores indicate greater severity of symptoms]). Secondary outcomes included video-based assessment of tics, global impairment, anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Outcomes were correlated with plasma levels of cannabinoid metabolites. A computerized cognitive battery was administered at the beginning and the end of each treatment period.ResultsOverall, 22 participants (eight female participants) were enrolled. Reduction in total tic score (at week 6 relative to baseline) as measured by the YGTSS was 8.9 (±7.6) in the active group and 2.5 (±8.5) in the placebo group. In a linear mixed-effects model, there was a significant interaction of treatment (active/placebo) and visit number on tic score (coefficient = −2.28; 95% confidence interval, −3.96 to −0.60; P=0.008), indicating a greater decrease (improvement) in tics under active treatment. There was a correlation between plasma 11-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol levels and the primary outcome, which was attenuated after exclusion of an outlier. The most common adverse effect in the placebo period was headache (n=7); in the active treatment period, it was cognitive difficulties, including slowed mentation, memory lapses, and poor concentration (n=8).ConclusionsIn severe Tourette syndrome, treatment with THC and CBD reduced tics and may reduce impairment due to tics, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder; although in some participants this was associated with slowed mentation, memory lapses, and poor concentration. (Funded by the Wesley Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, and the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, a philanthropically-funded research organization at the University of Sydney, Australia; Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number, ACTRN12618000545268.)

Evaluation of the yield of strawberry genotypes by morpho-physiological parameters under deficit irrigation in the Mediterranean environment

The most pressing concern of the century is food security, mostly supported by irrigated agriculture. In this respect, studies on water stress have drawn increased attention with a highlighting expectation foreseen via our breeding efforts documented in this study concerning the significant commercial strawberry cultivars ‘Rubygem’, ‘Sabrina’ and ‘Festival’ along with some selected superior bred lines (‘33’, ‘36’, ‘59’, ‘61’ and ‘112’). Plants cultivated in the Spanish-type high tunnel were exposed to both full (IR100) and deficit irrigation (IR50) in the Mediterranean part of Türkiye. Fruit yield as well as certain critical morphological and physiological parameters were examined throughout the active harvest period. This study found that the parameters relating to the vegetative components, as well as the fruit weight and yield, drastically dropped when plants were subjected to deficit irrigation. Therefore, depending on the limited irrigation, as a result of the closure of stomata, it was concluded that the amount of water and stomatal conductance of the plant is associated with a decrease. IR50 was found to have less impact on low-yield genotypes than on high-yield genotypes. Photosynthetic activity and stomatal conductivity were high in the ‘33’ bred line with a high yield. On the other hand, photosynthesis activity and leaf water potential (LWP) values were relatively low in the ‘36’ bred line with low yield. The study proved that variables like photosynthetic activity, stomatal conductance, and LWP could be used as markers for high yield genotype selection.

Summer Extreme Dust Activity in the Taklimakan Desert Regulated by the South Asian High

Summer dust aerosol in the Taklimakan Desert (TD) affects not only the albedo of the snow and ice sheets on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) but also air quality and precipitation in the downstream areas. In this study, the summer extreme dust activity in the TD was jointly investigated by using satellite observations and MERRA-2 reanalysis datasets and divided into two states: dust active period and dust inactive period. The horizontal and vertical distribution of summer dust during both the dust active and inactive periods, as derived from the MERRA-2 dataset, is consistent with satellite observations. By comparing the upper-level circulation and surface meteorological elements at two periods, we identify the South Asian High (SAH) as the dominant factor driving the extreme dust activity in the TD during summer. When the SAH is centered on the Iranian Plateau (IP), the dust aerosol in the TD exhibits increased activity and is lifted to higher altitudes due to significantly enhanced westerly winds, near-surface wind speed, and an ascending motion. Conversely, when the SAH is centered on the TP, the summer dust activity shows the opposite behavior. These new findings on the regulatory mechanism of the SAH on the summer dust activity in the TD are highly significant for understanding the occurrence and transport of summer Asian dust and its potential impact on heavy precipitation in the downstream areas.

Continuous theta-burst stimulation in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy: A single-blind placebo-controlled cross-over pilot study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). MethodsTwelve patients with DRE (five with idiopathic generalized and seven with focal epilepsy) were included in this cross-over design study and randomized to either first sham or first active stimulation, each applied for 5 consecutive days. A round coil over the vertex was used in generalized epilepsy or a figure-of-8 coil over the “epileptogenic area” in focal epilepsy. Sham stimulation was given by placing the coil 90° perpendicular to the head. The number of seizures, electroencephalography findings, Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-84), and Symptom Check List (SCL-90) scores evaluated during the 8–12 weeks before and after active and sham stimulations were compared statistically. ResultsEight patients could complete both active and sham stimulation periods of 5 days and two patients completed active stimulation sessions, without any significant adverse effects. The number of seizures significantly reduced after active cTBS, but not after sham stimulation, when compared with those recorded before the stimulation period. QOLIE scores were increased, but interictal epileptiform discharges and SCL-90 scores showed no difference after cTBS. Active stimulation was stopped in one patient after he experienced an aggravation of myoclonic seizures. ConclusionscTBS seemed to be relatively safe and gave promising results in reducing the frequency of seizures in patients with both generalized and focal DRE. This time-saving technique may ease the introduction of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation into the routine practice of busy epilepsy clinics.

MODERN RECORDS OF THE EUROPEAN HEDGEHOG (&lt;i&gt;ERINACEUS EUROPAEUS&lt;/i&gt;, ERINACEIDAE, EULIPOTYPHLA) IN SOUTHEASTERN FENNOSCANDIA

Southeastern Fennoscandia, which encompasses the Republic of Karelia and the adjacent districts of the Leningrad and Arkhangelsk regions, until lately remained an area of Russia’s European North especially poorly prospected as regards the status of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). Modern (2001–2022) records of this species obtained through the authors’ original observations and based on reports received from respondents, altogether covering 212 hedgehogs and 182 encounters, are analyzed. Spatio-temporal patterns in the species’ records in the region are demonstrated, viz. an expanding distribution area and a growing frequency of encounters from northwest to southeast. The northernmost records are shown (64.368° N, 30.383° E), including yearlings (63.624°–63.924° N, 30.466°–30.901° E, northern taiga subzone), as well as the first reports of the species east of Lake Onego both in Karelia and the Arkhangelsk Region. The studies have revealed habitat preferences and the rate of use of urban territories in the north of the distribution range: high shares of records come from deciduous (34.0% of the total number of animals reported) and mixed (19.3%) forest sites, as well as farmland (10.8%), second-home communities (16.5%), and rural settlements (9.0%). Hedgehog encounters in cut-over places, pine and spruce stands, wetlands, abandoned hamlets, and solitary buildings in the woods were few (0.5–6.1%). Most of the records were a result of accidental sightings by humans (80.8%), while domestic dogs spotted 19.2% of the hedgehogs. The earliest encounters in spring were recorded on 25.04–11.05, the latest in autumn on 2–17.09. The number of hedgehog encounters during their active life period was the lowest in April (1.1%), growing sharply in May and June (16.7 and 17.8%, respectively), peaking in July and August (30.0 and 24.4%), and falling sharply in September (10.0%). Some of the population parameters were determined: an average brood was 2.8 young of the year, whose share amounted to 24.5% of the total number of records; active single animals prevailed among adults (86.3%), and much smaller shares belonged to active pairs (7.6%) and females with litter (6.1%). The main cause of the deaths was road killing by vehicles (77.4%). Climate warming and forest structure alterations may be reasons to expect further expansions of the area of hedgehog encounters, e.g., to transformed and urbanized boreal areas.

A Systematic Assessment of the Overall Dropsonde Impact during the 2017–20 Hurricane Seasons Using the Basin-Scale HWRF

Abstract This study comprehensively assesses the overall impact of dropsondes on tropical cyclone (TC) forecasts. We compare two experiments to quantify dropsonde impact: one that assimilated and another that denied dropsonde observations. These experiments used a basin-scale, multistorm configuration of the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting Model (HWRF) and covered active North Atlantic basin periods during the 2017–20 hurricane seasons. The importance of a sufficiently large sample size as well as thoroughly understanding the error distribution by stratifying results are highlighted by this work. Overall, dropsondes directly improved forecasts during sampled periods and indirectly impacted forecasts during unsampled periods. Benefits for forecasts of track, intensity, and outer wind radii were more pronounced during sampled periods. The forecast improvements of outer wind radii were most notable given the impact that TC size has on TC-hazards forecasts. Additionally, robustly observing the inner- and near-core region was necessary for hurricane-force wind radii forecasts. Yet, these benefits were heavily dependent on the data assimilation (DA) system quality. More specifically, dropsondes only improved forecasts when the analysis used mesoscale error covariance derived from a cycled HWRF ensemble, suggesting that it is a vital DA component. Further, while forecast improvements were found regardless of initial classification and in steady-state TCs, TCs undergoing an intensity change had diminished benefits. The diminished benefits during intensity change probably reflect continued DA deficiencies. Thus, improving DA system quality and observing system limitations would likely enhance dropsonde impacts. Significance Statement This study uses a regional hurricane model to conduct the most comprehensive assessment of the impact of dropsondes on tropical cyclone (TC) forecasts to date. The main finding is that dropsondes can improve many aspects of TC forecasts if their data are assimilated with sufficiently advanced assimilation techniques. Particularly notable is the impact of dropsondes on TC outer-wind-radii forecasts, since improving those forecasts leads to more effective TC-hazard forecasts.

Relative Contribution of Moisture Transport during TC-Active and TC-Inactive Periods to the Precipitation in Henan Province of North China: Mean State and an Extreme Event

Abstract A Lagrangian model—the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model (HYSPLIT)—is used to quantify changes in moisture sources and paths for precipitation over North China’s Henan Province associated with tropical cyclone (TC) over the western North Pacific (WNP) during July–August of 1979–2021. During TC-active periods, an anomalous cyclone over the WNP enhances southeasterly and reduces southwesterly moisture transport to Henan. Accordingly, compared to TC-inactive periods, moisture contributions from the Pacific Ocean (PO), eastern China (EC), and the local area (Local) are significantly enhanced by 48.32% (16.73% versus 11.28%), 20.42% (9.44% versus 7.84%), and 2.89% (4.91% versus 4.77%), respectively, while moisture contributions from the Indian Ocean (IO), Southwestern China (SWC), Eurasia (EA), and the South China Sea (SCS) are significantly reduced by −31.90% (8.61% versus 12.64%), −16.27% (4.60% versus 5.50%), −8.81% (19.10% versus 20.95%), and −6.92% (12.18% versus 13.09%). Furthermore, the moisture transport for a catastrophic extreme rainfall event during 17–22 July (“21⋅7” event) influenced by Typhoon Infa is investigated. Compared to the mean state during TC-active periods, the moisture contribution from the PO was substantially increased by 126.32% (37.87% versus 16.73%), while that from IO significantly decreased by −98.26% (0.15% versus 8.61%) during the “21⋅7” event. Analyses with a bootstrap resampling method show that moisture contributions from the PO fall outside the +6σ range, for both the TC-active and TC-inactive probability distributions. Thus, the “21⋅7” event is rare and extreme in terms of the moisture contribution from the PO, with the occurrence probability being less than 1 in 1 million times. Significance Statement Henan, one of the most populated provinces in China, experienced a catastrophic extreme precipitation event in July 2021 (the “21⋅7” event), coinciding with the activity of a tropical cyclone (TC) over the western North Pacific, which helps establish the moisture channel. Using a Lagrangian model, we provide a better understanding of how moisture transport changes associated with TC for the mean state of 1979–2021, and reveal how extreme is the moisture transport for the “21⋅7” event with the bootstrap technique. It is found that during active TC periods, the moisture contribution from the Pacific Ocean (the Indian Ocean) is significantly enhanced (reduced). For every 1 000 000 six-day events, less than one instance like the “21⋅7” event should be expected.

Accelerated Damage in Metallized Film Capacitors Under Pulse Surge Combined With Rated DC Voltage

Metallized film capacitors (MFCs) have good self-healing performance and are widely used in pulsed power supplies, power systems, and aerospace equipment. The self-healing time of MFCs is often in the order of microseconds. When the pulsewidth of overvoltage is close to the self-healing time, MFCs are at risk of insulation failure. In this article, self-healing energy and time under pulse surge combined with rated dc voltage are investigated by analyzing the effect of the number of applied pulses on the capacitance loss, dielectric loss, and equivalent series resistance (ESR) of MFC. The correlation between the number of applied pulses and the capacitance loss of MFC at different repetition frequencies, pulse components, and temperatures is studied, fitting the 5% turning points of capacitance loss. The experimental results show that the multiple types of self-healing occur in an active period of one pulse under microsecond overvoltage. According to the level of injection energy and several typical waveforms from voltage and current, the self-healing process of MFC can be classified into effective self-healing, disruptive self-healing, and fatal self-healing. When effective self-healing occurs in the MFC, the performances remain stable for a certain time. As the number of tolerated pulses increases, disruptive self-healing and fatal self-healing significantly decrease capacitance value but increase dielectric loss and ESR.

Wildfire-related smoke inhalation worsens cardiovascular risk in sleep disrupted rats.

As a lifestyle factor, poor sleep status is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and may be influenced by environmental stressors, including air pollution. To determine whether exposure to air pollution modified cardiovascular effects of sleep disruption, we evaluated the effects of single or repeated (twice/wk for 4 wks) inhalation exposure to eucalyptus wood smoke (ES; 964 μg/m3 for 1 h), a key wildland fire air pollution source, on mild sleep loss in the form of gentle handling in rats. Blood pressure (BP) radiotelemetry and echocardiography were evaluated along with assessments of lung and systemic inflammation, cardiac and hypothalamic gene expression, and heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of cardiac autonomic tone. GH alone disrupted sleep, as evidenced by active period-like locomotor activity, and increases in BP, heart rate (HR), and hypothalamic expression of the circadian gene Per2. A single bout of sleep disruption and ES, but neither alone, increased HR and BP as rats transitioned into their active period, a period aligned with a critical early morning window for stroke risk in humans. These responses were immediately preceded by reduced HRV, indicating increased cardiac sympathetic tone. In addition, only sleep disrupted rats exposed to ES had increased HR and BP during the final sleep disruption period. These rats also had increased cardiac output and cardiac expression of genes related to adrenergic function, and regulation of vasoconstriction and systemic blood pressure one day after final ES exposure. There was little evidence of lung or systemic inflammation, except for increases in serum LDL cholesterol and alanine aminotransferase. These results suggest that inhaled air pollution increases sleep perturbation-related cardiovascular risk, potentially in part by increased sympathetic activity.

0162 The neural bases of emotion dysregulation in rotating shift workers

Abstract Introduction Shift work is known to be associated with sleep disturbance and circadian misalignment and may contribute to alterations in the brain implicated in emotion dysregulation. In this study, we examined 1) neural correlates of emotion dysregulation, including emotional reactivity and regulation in shift workers and 2) relationships between neural correlates of emotion dysregulation, sleep disturbance, and circadian misalignment. Methods Fifty-six rotating shift workers (SW, 42 females, 30.80 ± 6.94 years old) who had non-standard shift schedules and 52 healthy controls (HC, 36 females, 31.69 ± 7.86 years old) who did not work as shift schedules participated in this study. Both SW and HC completed self-reported measures of sleep and mood problems, and wrote sleep diary and wore actigraphy to assess sleep quality and circadian rhythms. They also underwent one night polysomnography and were scanned while they were performing the emotion regulation task. We analyzed group differences in mood, sleep, circadian rhythms, and neural bases of emotional reactivity and regulation, and examined relationships between these variables. Results SW showed significant differences in actigraphy-estimated sleep (i.e., lower sleep efficiency) and circadian rhythms (e.g., greater motor activity [M10] and lower interdaily stability) compared to HC. SW also exhibited increased anterior insula (AI) activation in response to negative pictures, but reduced activation in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dMPFC) and AI-dMPFC functional connectivity during emotion regulation compared to HC. AI activation and AI-dMPFC functional connectivity were significantly associated with sleep disturbance (i.e., sleep diary-estimated sleep onset latency) and circadian misalignment (e.g., M10 and interdaily stability). Furthermore, a mediation analysis revealed that shift work was associated with increased motor activity during the most active 10-hour period, which then contributed to increased AI activation in response to negative pictures. Conclusion Our findings suggest that shift work may contribute to sleep disturbance and circadian misalignment, and neural alterations associated with emotional reactivity and regulation. Furthermore, the mediation result suggests that increased motor activity along with misaligned circadian rhythm may serve as a pathway, through shift work contributes to heightened emotional reactivity to negative information. Support (if any) National Research Foundation (No. 2022R1A2C2008417, NRF-2022R1A2C1008209) and Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (No. 20009210).

Study protocol for a hybrid 1 effectiveness-implementation trial of Brief Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (Brief STAIR) and web-administered STAIR (webSTAIR) for posttraumatic stress disorder in integrated primary care

BackgroundPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) disproportionally affects low-income, racial and ethnic minoritized communities, where prevalence is high, yet access to evidence-based treatments (EBTs) is low. As such, there is a need to identify effective, feasible, and scalable interventions for PTSD. Stepped care approaches that include brief, low-intensity treatments are one approach to improving access yet have not been developed for adults with PTSD. Our study aims to test the effectiveness of a step one PTSD treatment in primary care while gathering information on implementation to maximize sustainability in the setting. MethodsThis study will be conducted in integrated primary care in the largest safety net hospital in New England using a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation design. Eligible trial participants are adult primary care patients who meet full or subthreshold criteria for PTSD. Interventions include Brief clinician-administered Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (Brief STAIR) versus web-administered STAIR (webSTAIR) during a 15-week active treatment period. Participants complete assessments at baseline (pre-treatment), 15 weeks (post-treatment), and 9 months (follow-up) post-randomization. We will assess feasibility and acceptability post-trial using surveys and interviews with patients, study therapists, and other key informants, and will assess the preliminary effectiveness of interventions in terms of PTSD symptom change and functioning. ConclusionThis study will provide evidence for the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of brief, low-intensity interventions in safety net integrated primary care, with the aim of including these interventions in a future stepped care approach to PTSD treatment.Clinical Trial Number:NCT04937504