bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A less‐conservative stability criterion for networked control systems with time‐varying packet delays
Authors: Steinberger Martin , Horn Martin
Published: August 2021

A networked output feedback loop subject to packetized transmissions of the output signal is considered. Based on the small gain theorem, an easy‐to‐use stability criterion covering two important cases is presented. In the first case a packet numbering mechanism is employed whereas in the second case neither packet numbering nor synchronization between sender and receiver is assumed. The analysis makes use of acausal subsystems and deduces the optimal constant time delay with respect to the minimization of the ℓ2 gain due to uncertain packet delays. This additional delay is then used in a nominal controller design such that additional admissible packet delay variations introduced by the network are maximized. A simulation example of a networked control system with a filtered Smith predictor illustrates the application of the proposed criterion. It is shown that the proposed novel technique is less‐conservative than existing stability criteria based on the small gain theorem.
Checklist of the mosquito fauna (Diptera, Culicidae) of Cambodia
Authors: Maquart Pierre-Olivier , Fontenille Didier , Rahola Nil , Yean Sony , Boyer Sébastien
Published: August 2021

Between 2016 and 2020, the Medical and Veterinary Entomology unit of theInstitut Pasteur du Cambodgecollected over 230,000 mosquitoes. Based on this sampling effort, a checklist of 290 mosquito species in Cambodia is presented. This is the first attempt to list the Culicidae fauna of the country. We report 49 species for the first time in Cambodia. The 290 species belong to 20 genera:Aedeomyia(1 sp.),Aedes(55 spp.),Anopheles(53 spp.),Armigeres(26 spp.),Coquillettidia(3 spp.),Culex(57 spp.),Culiseta(1 sp.),Ficalbia(1 sp.),Heizmannia(10 spp.),Hodgesia(3 spp.),Lutzia(3 spp.),Malaya(2 spp.),Mansonia(5 spp.),Mimomyia(7 spp.),Orthopodomyia(3 spp.),Topomyia(4 spp.),Toxorhynchites(4 spp.),Tripteroides(6 spp.),Uranotaenia(27 spp.), andVerrallina(19 spp.). The Cambodian Culicidae fauna is discussed in its Southeast Asian context. Forty-three species are reported to be of medical importance, and are involved in the transmission of pathogens.
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Women Following Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy – a Prospective, Randomised, Controlled Interventional Study
Authors: Riemer Marcus , Schulze Stephan , Wagner Lisa , Richter Manon , Ayerle Gertrud , Simm Andreas , Seeger Sven , Schwesig René , Tchirikov Michael , Seliger Gregor
Published: August 2021

Background Women have a markedly increased lifetime risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality following hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Arterial stiffness is regarded as a target parameter for reducing cardiovascular risk and can be modified by lifestyle changes.

Methods In a prospective, randomised, controlled interventional study, starting 6 weeks postpartum, the effect of nutritional intervention combined with an intensive 6-month cardiovascular exercise programme on arterial stiffness was investigated by means of pulse wave velocity (PWV) in 38 women with severe hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (preeclampsia with or without pre-existing hypertension and/or HELLP syndrome). A reference group was formed with postpartum women without pregnancy complications or known cardiovascular risk and the arterial stiffness was studied by means of PWV at the time of delivery. The PWV was measured in the intervention and control groups within a week after delivery and after 32 weeks (6 weeks + 6 months). A feasibility analysis was performed in addition.

Results 29 of 38 women with severe hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and 38 postpartum women in the reference group were included in the analysis (intervention group n = 14; control group n = 15; reference group n = 38). Adherence to a) the nutritional counselling and b) the intensive cardiovascular exercise programme was 73% and 79% respectively. A clinically significant difference (d = 0.65) in pulse wave velocity between the intervention and control groups was found after 6 months (6.36 ± 0.76 vs. 7.33 ± 2.25 m/s; group × time: p = 0.632). The PWV of the intervention group corresponded to that of the reference group at the end of the study (6.36 ± 0.76 m/s vs. 6.5 ± 0.70; d = 0.19), while the results in the control group differed markedly from this (7.33 ± 2.25 m/s; d = 0.56).

Conclusion The study documents the feasibility of lifestyle intervention with physical exercise after delivery (starting 6 weeks postpartum). The intervention showed a significant clinical effect by reducing arterial stiffness to the level of the reference group. Before this intervention can be included in the standard of care and prevention, follow-up studies must confirm these results and the medium-term effects on cardiovascular risk.
Beatmungspatienten zwischen Akutversorgung und außerstationärer Langzeitbeatmung
Authors: Skazel T. , Kippnich M. , Klingshirn H. , Gerken L. , Heuschmann P. , Haas K. , Schutzmeier M. , Brandstetter L. , Ahnert J. , Koch J. , Seese B. , Meybohm P. , Reuschenbach B. , Wurmb T.
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund und Fragestellung Die Anzahl der invasiven und nicht-invasiven außerklinischen Langzeitbeatmungen steigt seit Jahren stark an. Gleichzeitig gibt es nur wenige Informationen über die Versorgungsqualität von außerstationär beatmeten Patienten. Die vorliegende Untersuchung erfolgte im Rahmen der OVER-BEAS-Studie. Ziel dieser Untersuchung war es, die Versorgungssituation von Weaning-Patienten von der Aufnahme bis zur Entlassung aus dem Weaning-Zentrum anhand der vorhandenen Routinedokumentation abzubilden.

Material und Methoden In unsere retrospektive Analyse schlossen wir alle Patienten ein, die 2018 über die Weaning-Station des Thoraxzentrums Münnerstadt aufgenommen wurden. Es erfolgte die deskriptive Auswertung der im Rahmen des Qualitätsmanagements erhobenen Routinedaten. Datenquellen waren die WeanNet-Datenbank, der Entlassbrief des Weaning-Zentrums sowie der Verlegungsbericht der zuverlegenden Klinik.

Ergebnisse Im untersuchten Weaningz-Zentrum konnten 50,8 % der Patienten (n = 31) vollständig vom Respirator entwöhnt und extubiert bzw. dekanüliert werden (Kategorie 3aI). Gelang keine vollständige Entwöhnung, so war im weiteren Verlauf bei 75,0 % (n = 21) die ständige Anwesenheit von speziell geschultem Personal oder einer Fachpflegekraft erforderlich. Hier erfolgte die Weiterversorgung meist in stationären Pflegeeinrichtungen (z. B. Beatmungs-WG).

Schlussfolgerung Anhand der Routinedokumentation lässt sich die Versorgungssituation von Weaning-Patienten darstellen und mit bekannten Daten vergleichen. So kann die Ergebnisqualität eines Weaning-Zentrums vergleichbar gemacht werden.
Prediction of Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Related to Placental Dysfunction Using the sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio: A Narrative Review
Authors: Graupner Oliver , Enzensberger Christian
Published: August 2021

The sFlt-1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1)/PlGF (placental growth factor) ratio is a helpful tool for the prediction and diagnosis of preeclampsia (PE). Current data even show that the ratio has the potential to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) caused by placental pathologies. The aim of this article is to give a brief overview of recent findings on APO predictions based on the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. The focus is on obstetric pathologies related to placental dysfunction (PD) such as PE and/or fetal growth restriction (FGR). New uses of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio as a predictor of APO demonstrate its potential with regard to planning hospitalization and corticosteroid administration and the optimal timing of delivery. However, prospective interventional studies are warranted to define the exact role of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio as a predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes caused by placental pathologies.
Nickel-Catalyzed Paired Electrochemical Cross-Coupling of Aryl Halides with Nucleophiles
Authors: Li Chao , Zhang Yong , Sun Wenxuan
Published: August 2021

Electrochemistry has recently gained increased attention as a versatile strategy for achieving challenging transformations at the forefront of synthetic organic chemistry. However, most electrochemical transformations only employ one electrode (anodic oxidation or cathodic reduction) to afford the desired products, while the chemistry that occurs at the counter electrode yields stoichiometric waste. In contrast, paired electrochemical reactions can synchronously utilize the anodic and cathodic reactions to deliver the desired product, thus improving the atom economy and energy efﬁciency of the electrolytic process. This review gives an overview of recent advances in nickel-catalyzed paired electrochemical cross-coupling reactions of aryl/alkenyl halides with different nucleophiles.

1 Introduction

2 Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions

2.1 C–C Bond Formation

2.2 C–N Bond Formation

2.3 C–S/O Bond Formation

2.4 C–P Bond Formation

3 Conclusion
Iron-Catalyzed C(sp3)–H Alkylation through Ligand-to-Metal Charge Transfer
Authors: Rovis Tomislav , Kang Yi Cheng , Treacy Sean M.
Published: August 2021

We report the FeCl3-catalyzed alkylation of nonactivated C(sp3)–H bonds. Photoinduced ligand-to-metal charge transfer at the iron center generates chlorine radicals that then preferentially abstract hydrogen atoms from electron-rich C(sp3)–H bonds distal to electron-withdrawing functional groups. The resultant alkyl radicals are trapped by electron-deficient olefins, and the catalytic cycle is closed by Fe(II) recombination and protodemetalation.
Acute Bony Injuries of Hand and Wrist
Authors: De Jonge Milko C. , Assink Joeri , Vanhoenacker Filip M.
Published: August 2021

Acute bony injuries to the hand and wrist are very common after a fall on an outstretched hand. In the wrist, distal radius fractures are the most common; isolated distal ulna fractures are uncommon. More serious injuries to the wrist include complicated fracture-dislocation injuries such as perilunate dislocations. At the carpal level, scaphoid fractures are the most common followed by fractures of the dorsal side of the triquetrum. The metacarpals often fracture, most commonly the base of the thumb and the subcapital region of the fifth metacarpal. In the fingers, we encounter many different types of fractures, often avulsions reflecting underlying soft tissue pathology (e.g., mallet finger). Dislocations are common in the fingers, predominantly in the distal interphalangeal joints. From an imaging standpoint, conventional radiography is always the initial examination. Complex (intra-articular) fractures, fracture-dislocation injuries, and a strong clinical suspicion of radiographically occult fractures need to be further evaluated for decision making regarding treatment. Computed tomography is the primary imaging modality of choice for the first two. In the latter, magnetic resonance imaging can be preferable, depending on clinical suspicion and the local situation in the associated hospital.
Noninvasive Imaging Prior to Biliary Interventions
Authors: Catania Roberta , Dasyam Anil K. , Miller Frank H. , Borhani Amir A.
Published: August 2021

Noninvasive imaging is a crucial and initial step in the diagnostic algorithm of patients with suspected biliary pathology and directs the subsequent diagnostic and therapeutic workup, including the endoluminal and percutaneous biliary interventions. This article reviews the current noninvasive imaging methods for the evaluation of biliary system and further discusses their roles in the diagnostic workup of different biliary disease.
The Role of the Interventional Radiologist in Bile Leak Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Zhu Yuli , Hickey Ryan
Published: August 2021

Bile leaks are rare but potentially devastating iatrogenic or posttraumatic complications. This is being diagnosed more frequently since the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and propensity toward nonsurgical management in select trauma patients. Timely recognition and accurate characterization of a bile leak is crucial for favorable patient outcomes and involves a multimodal imaging approach. Management is driven by the type and extent of the biliary injury and requires multidisciplinary cooperation between interventional radiologists, endoscopists, and hepatobiliary/transplant surgeons. Interventional radiologists have a vital role in both the diagnosis and management of bile leaks. Percutaneous interventional procedures aid in the characterization of a bile leak and in its initial management via drainage of fluid collections. Most bile leaks resolve with decompression of the biliary system which is routinely done via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography. Some bile leaks can be definitively treated percutaneously while others necessitate surgical repair. The primary principle of percutaneous management is flow diversion away from the site of a leak with the placement of transhepatic biliary drainage catheters. While this can be accomplished with relative ease in some cases, others call for more advanced techniques. Bile duct embolization or sclerosis may also be required in cases where a leaking bile duct is isolated from the main biliary tree.
Future Directions of Percutaneous Biliary Interventions
Authors: Riaz Ahsun , Salem Riad
Published: August 2021

We are at an exciting cross-road in biliary interventions. While other services such as surgery and gastroenterology have learned to use imaging guidance to improve the safety and efficacy of their procedures, it is time for interventional radiologist to learn endoscopic interventions to achieve the same. The future of interventional radiologists in managing patients with biliary disease depends on (1) increasing comfort of our procedures, (2) publishing our data on biliary interventions, and (3) increasing collaboration with other services to manage biliary disease. We need to appropriately understand the limitations of interventional radiology to help guide the future directions of our specialty in this very interesting space.
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Ligaments of the Wrist
Authors: Shahabpour Maryam , Abid Wiem , Van Overstraeten Luc , Van Royen Kjell , De Maeseneer Michel
Published: August 2021

Carpal stability depends on the integrity of both intra-articular and intracapsular carpal ligaments. In this review, the role of the radial-sided and ulnar-sided extrinsic and intrinsic ligaments is described, as well as their advanced imaging using magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with three-dimensional (3D) scapholunate complex sequences and thin slices. In the last decade, the new concept of a so-called “scapholunate complex” has emerged among hand surgeons, just as the triangular ligament became known as the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC).

The scapholunate ligament complex comprises the intrinsic scapholunate (SL), the extrinsic palmar radiocarpal: radioscaphocapitate (RSC), long radiolunate (LRL), short radiolunate (SRL) ligaments, the extrinsic dorsal radiocarpal (DRC) ligament, the dorsal intercarpal (DIC) ligament, as well as the dorsal capsular scapholunate septum (DCSS), a more recently described anatomical structure, and the intrinsic palmar midcarpal scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) ligament complex. The scapholunate (SL) ligament complex is one of the most involved in wrist injuries. Its stability depends on primary (SL ligament) and secondary (RSC, DRC, DIC, STT ligaments) stabilizers.

The gold standard for carpal ligament assessment is still diagnostic arthroscopy for many hand surgeons. To avoid surgery as a diagnostic procedure, advanced MRI is needed to detect associated lesions (sprains, midsubstance tears, avulsions and chronic fibrous infiltrations) of the extrinsic, midcarpal and intrinsic wrist ligaments, which are demonstrated in this article using 3D and two-dimensional sequences with thin slices (0.4 and 2 mm thick, respectively).
Cerebral Metabolic Crisis in Pediatric Cerebral Malaria
Authors: O'Brien Nicole F. , Chetcuti Karen , Fonseca Yudy , Vidal Lorenna , Raghavan Prashant , Postels Douglas G. , Chimalizeni Yamikani , Ray Stephen , Seydel Karl B. , Taylor Terrie E.
Published: August 2021

Cerebral metabolic energy crisis (CMEC), often defined as a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate: pyruvate ratio (LPR) >40, occurs in various diseases and is associated with poor neurologic outcomes. Cerebral malaria (CM) causes significant mortality and neurodisability in children worldwide. Multiple factors that could lead to CMEC are plausible in these patients, but its frequency has not been explored. Fifty-three children with CM were enrolled and underwent analysis of CSF lactate and pyruvate levels. All 53 patients met criteria for a CMEC (median CSF LPR of 72.9 [interquartile range [IQR]: 58.5–93.3]). Half of children met criteria for an ischemic CMEC (median LPR of 85 [IQR: 73–184]) and half met criteria for a nonischemic CMEC (median LPR of 60 [IQR: 54–79]. Children also underwent transcranial doppler ultrasound investigation. Cerebral blood flow velocities were more likely to meet diagnostic criteria for low flow (<2 standard deviation from normal) or vasospasm in children with an ischemic CMEC (73%) than in children with a nonischemic CMEC (20%, p = 0.04). Children with an ischemic CMEC had poorer outcomes (pediatric cerebral performance category of 3–6) than those with a nonischemic CMEC (46 vs. 22%, p = 0.03). CMEC was ubiquitous in this patient population and the processes underlying the two subtypes (ischemic and nonischemic) may represent targets for future adjunctive therapies.
Doping potassium niobate with transition metals enhances its photocatalytic properties
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: August 2021

Replacing some niobate ions with silver and manganese points to new directions for environmental materials aimed at curbing pollution by splitting water.
On the stability of thoriated tungsten cathodes in strong magnetic fields
Authors: Wenzel U. , Schlisio G. , Pedersen T. S. , Marquardt M. , Pilopp D. , Rüter N. , Graband A.
Published: August 2021

Thoriated tungsten cathodes, first studied by Langmuir [Phys. Rev. 22, 357–398 (1923)], are used in many applications as efficient electron emitters. However, neutral pressure gauges with thoriated tungsten cathodes (or ASDEX pressure gauges) are not reliable when operated in the strong magnetic field of fusion devices of several Tesla. We have identified the reason for the bad performance in the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator during the operation of several 100 s. Not only were slow, creeping mechanical deformations of the cathodes observed, but also fast events, such as sudden short circuits. The temperature of the cathode is often much higher (about 2400 K) than the maximum value recommended by Langmuir [Phys. Rev. 22, 357–398 (1923)] (about 1900 K). Our test in a superconducting magnet revealed that for a long-pulse operation of 30 min or more in a 3.1 T field, there is an additional effect. We observed that the cathodes required a very high heating current after 6 h of operation. As a consequence, the possible temperature range of the thoriated tungsten cathodes became very small near to an experimentally determined failure limit. In fusion devices with long-pulse operation or in reactors, new cathode types must be used. We give a brief overview of alternative designs that are currently under development.
Nonlinearity and parameterization of Schottky diodes-based battery-free harmonic transponder for millimeter-wave 5G applications
Authors: Gu Xiaoqiang , de Almeida Jorge Virgilio , Hemour Simon , Khazaka Roni , Wu Ke
Published: August 2021

Deployment of 5G network infrastructure is a timely opportunity for millimeter-sized battery-free sensors. However, millimeter-wave (mmW) devices often suffer from high conversion loss and path loss that are heavily limiting their communication/detection distance, especially for the case of harmonic transponders based on Schottky diodes. A deep and comprehensive parametric understanding of the second-harmonic generation mechanism of Schottky diodes in the mmW 5G bands can help us to identify suitable diodes or guide diode fabrication to reduce transponder conversion loss. This work reveals that both diode nonlinear junction resistance and capacitance contribute to the second-harmonic generation across the mid-band (sub-7 GHz) and high-band (mmW) 5G frequency bands. However, the nonlinear junction capacitance dominates the second-harmonic generation in the mmW bands. Without Joule heating during the conversion process, the capacitive nonlinearity is more efficient than the resistive nonlinearity, which means that a Schottky diode with a lower junction capacitance will efficiently reduce its associated conversion loss. The VDI GaAs zero bias diode with a low zero bias nonlinear junction capacitance (19.19 fF) shows superior conversion loss performance, which indicates that it can be employed to enhance the detection distance of battery-free harmonic transponders in the mmW 5G bands.
A method to numerically determine the secondary electron yield considering effects of the surface morphology
Authors: Yang Ning , Song Baipeng , Yang Xiong , Zhou Rundong , Sun Guangyu , Xue Jianyi , Mu Hai-bao , Zhang Guan-Jun
Published: August 2021

Secondary electron emission (SEE) of solid materials due to electron bombardment is influenced by numerous properties of materials, where the surface condition plays a critical role in the value of secondary electron yield (SEY). Here, a 3D random microstructure surface model is established to simulate realistic surface morphology and study its effects on SEY by implementing a path tracing algorithm and finite element method. It is found that electron collision frequency on surfaces is strongly affected by local surface geometry parameters, namely the vertical height and the distance between similar features along the horizontal direction of random microstructure surfaces. Manipulating the interaction angle and the inter-barrier collision frequency could quantitively suppress or intensify SEE, allowing for functional design of solid material surfaces under various contexts. In addition, empirical roughness parameters (Ra, Rz) lack certain microscopic information. A method is proposed to estimate secondary electron yield numerically for a given material surface geometry. It provides copious utilities in practical SEE-related applications.
Evaluation of canonical choline chloride based deep eutectic solvents as dye-sensitized solar cell electrolytes
Authors: Boogaart Dustin J. , Essner Jeremy B. , Baker Gary A.
Published: August 2021

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are beginning to attract interest as electrolyte alternatives to conventional organic solvents and ionic liquids within dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The precise roles played by DES components and whether they simply represent a benign medium for mobilizing charge carriers or present beneficial functionality that impacts device performance remain unclear. To begin to address this deficiency in understanding, we performed a comprehensive characterization of the three “canonical” choline chloride-based DESs (i.e., reline, ethaline, and glyceline) as DSSC electrolytes hosting the iodide–triiodide (I−/I3−) redox couple. The measurement of electrolyte viscosities, determination of triiodide diffusion coefficients, and photovoltaic performances assessed for water contents up to 40 wt. % allow the emergence of several important insights. A comparison to the observed photovoltaic performance arising from the individual components aids in further clarifying the impact of DES chemistry and solution viscosity on photovoltaic and charge carrier diffusion characteristics. Finally, we introduce the DES guaniline—consisting of a 1:1 molar ratio mixture of choline chloride with guanidinium thiocyanate—demonstrating it to be a superior DSSC electrolyte over those formulated from the three most widely studied canonical DESs at all water contents investigated.
A compact cold-atom clock based on a loop-gap cavity
Authors: Lee Sangmin , Choi Gyeong Won , Hong Hyun-Gue , Kwon Taeg Yong , Lee Sang-Bum , Heo Myoung-Sun , Park Sang Eon
Published: August 2021

We introduce a compact atomic clock based on laser-cooled atoms trapped inside a loop-gap microwave cavity. The cavity occupies a volume eight times smaller than conventional cylindrical cavities while maintaining a high quality factor in the presence of the ten apertures required for optical manipulation of cold atoms. The measured linewidth of the Ramsey spectrum, which is limited by the free fall distance of the atomic cloud in the cavity, was 19.6 Hz. The corresponding frequency instability was σy(τ) = 2.5 × 10−12 τ−1/2, which could be further improved by reducing the local oscillator noise. This work paves a way toward high-performance portable atomic clocks.
Electrically detected magnetic resonance and near-zero field magnetoresistance in 28Si/28SiO2
Authors: Frantz Elias B. , Michalak David J. , Harmon Nicholas J. , Henry Eric M. , Moxim Stephen J. , Flatté Michael E. , King Sean W. , Clarke James S. , Lenahan Patrick M.
Published: August 2021

We report on electrically detected magnetic resonance (EDMR) and near-zero-field magnetoresistance (NZFMR) measurements observed through spin-dependent trap-assisted-tunneling on unpassivated Si/SiO2 metal–insulator–semiconductor capacitors comparing those containing silicon of natural isotopic abundance and silicon depleted of 29Si. Although our measurements involve monitoring the spin-dependence of the trap-assisted-tunneling current responsible for leakage across the oxide, the EDMR spectra resemble that of a combination of Pb0 and Pb1 silicon dangling bonds sites at the Si/SiO2 interface. Additionally, we observe a substantial narrowing of the NZFMR response with the removal of 29Si nuclei. The breadth of the NZFMR response is strongly influenced by hyperfine interactions. Since superhyerfine interactions between 29Si nuclei and silicon dangling bonds at the Si/SiO2 interface are a full order of magnitude stronger than such interactions involving silicon dangling bonds defects (E′ centers) within the oxide, the NZFMR results also strongly suggest a response dominated by Si/SiO2 interface trap defects. These results collectively suggest very strongly that the leakage currents that we observe involve tunneling from Si/SiO2 Pb dangling bonds to defects within the oxide. Our results thus offer fundamental insight into technologically important phenomena involving oxide leakage currents in metal–oxide–semiconductor devices such as stress induced leakage currents and time dependent dielectric breakdown.
Thickness dependent anisotropy of in-plane Raman modes under different temperatures in supported few-layer WTe2
Authors: Chen Yangbo , Deng Chuyun , Wei Yuehua , Liu Jinxin , Su Yue , Xie Siyi , Cai Weiwei , Peng Gang , Huang Han , Dai Mengyan , Zheng Xiaoming , Zhang Xueao
Published: August 2021

Tungsten ditelluride (WTe2) has attracted extensive interest because of promising magnetic, electrical, and thermal properties, such as non-saturable large magnetoresistance, pressure-induced superconductivity, and low thermal conductivity, owing to the heavy atomic mass and low Debye temperature. Here, we report the thickness dependence of anisotropic in-plane Raman modes under different temperatures in supported few-layer WTe2. With angle-resolved Raman spectroscopy, supported few-layer WTe2 reveals a temperature-related anisotropy in Raman modes, and the highest degree of anisotropy is obtained between zigzag and armchair directions, which could be resulted from the different phonon group velocities along these directions. In addition, as the thickness of the WTe2 nanosheet decreases from bulk to 10 nm, the anisotropic ratio (χzigzag/χarmchair) increases from 1.09 to 1.45. Such enhancement in the anisotropic ratio could result from the thickness-dependent surface scattering in supported few-layer WTe2. Our study provides guidance to regulate the anisotropy ratio in thermoelectrical and optoelectronic devices, which might inspire the innovation of functional two-dimensional devices in the future.
A promising auxetic material of CaAs3 monolayer with anisotropic electro-mechanical and optical properties
Authors: Huang Xiaoyu , Niu Chun-Yao , Zhang Jinping , Wang Aihua , Song Yuling , Jia Yu
Published: August 2021

Two dimensional (2D) auxetic materials with large negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) are highly desirable for applications in medicine, tougher composites, defense, and so on. In this paper, by using first-principles calculations, we identify that the CaAs3 monolayer is an excellent auxetic material with large NPR value up to −0.36 along the hinges direction. The relatively small Young's modulus ranging from 23.61 to 40.50 N/m and the moderate critical strain ranging from 0.06 to 0.16 guarantee its extraordinary flexibility and moderate ductility. Owing to its unique crystal structure, the anisotropy of basic mechanical parameters, electrical conductance, and optical absorption are concentrated on the CaAs3 monolayer. Moreover, the electric field-induced tunability of optical absorption also emerged in the CaAs3 monolayer. All of these extraordinary properties allow 2D CaAs3 to have great potential applications in designing electromechanical devices and photoelectric devices as well.
Cold atmospheric plasma: A non-negligible strategy for viral RNA inactivation to prevent SARS-CoV-2 environmental transmission
Authors: Jin Tao , Xu Yong , Dai Chenwei , Zhou Xiuhong , Xu Qinghua , Wu Zhengwei
Published: August 2021

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), regarded as a powerful physics technology, displays antimicrobial, antitumor, and even antiviral properties, but the underlying mechanism is rarely studied. In this study, four CAP exposure doses (30, 60, 120, and 240 s) were applied to inactivate a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 like pseudovirus on a stainless steel disk, which comprised spike protein on its membrane and can express a green fluorescent protein. In order to unravel the potential effects of CAP irradiation on pseudovirus, infection assay, optical emission spectra analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, ELISA, and qPCR experiments were carried out. As a result, our study indicated that CAP irradiation can significantly decrease the infectivity of pseudovirus in a dose dependent manner through destroying the cell membrane and further damaging viral RNA, with the molecular weight and conformation of spike receptor binding domain protein unchanged.
High quality planar Cd1-xMnxTe room-temperature radiation detectors
Authors: Brovko A. , Rusian P. , Chernyak L. , Ruzin A.
Published: August 2021

Cd1-xMnxTe is a promising material that has been introduced as a potential successor for the popular Cd1-xZnxTe material in the field of room-temperature gamma-ray detection. In this work, we demonstrate a planar array on a 5 mm thick Cd1-xMnxTe detector with spectroscopy performance similar to that of industrial Cd1-xZnxTe devices of the same thickness. The uniformity of Cd1-xMnxTe was theoretically predicted and experimentally demonstrated to be superior to that of Cd1-xZnxTe due to a better solubility of manganese. The main challenge until now was to exhibit large area, thick Cd1-xMnxTe arrays with satisfactory spectroscopy performance. In this Letter, static as well as spectroscopic properties of thick Cd1-xMnxTe devices are compared to those of conventional Cd1-xZnxTe detectors, grown by the same technology (horizontal Bridgman).
Establishment of a growth route of crystallized rutile GeO2 thin film (≧1 μm/h) and its structural properties
Authors: Takane Hitoshi , Kaneko Kentaro
Published: August 2021

Recently, rutile germanium dioxide (r-GeO2) has emerged as a novel ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor due to its theoretical excellent properties, that is, high thermal conductivity, ambipolar dopability, and high carrier mobility, in addition to its wide bandgap (4.44–4.68 eV). In this study, r-GeO2 thin films were grown on (001) r-TiO2 substrates by mist chemical vapor deposition. To optimize the growth conditions, we analyzed the decomposition processes of the Ge source (C6H10Ge2O7) by thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis. It is found that GeO2 was synthesized from C6H10Ge2O7 at 553–783 °C in aqueous vapor. We accomplished fabrication of (001)-oriented r-GeO2 on r-TiO2 with a growth rate of 1.2–1.7 μm/h. On the other hand, under lower growth rate conditions (50 nm/h), the full width at half maximum of the r-GeO2 002 peak remarked a relatively small value of 560 arc sec. In addition, clear diffraction spots of r-GeO2 and r-TiO2 were observed at the r-GeO2/r-TiO2 interface, and the film was found to be significantly strained along the in-plane direction (∼2.3%) by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. The growth rate of ≧1 μm/h must contribute to the fabrication of thick r-GeO2 films, which can be utilized as power electronics devices with high breakdown voltage.
Effect of different genotypes of
Authors: Rivera Julian , Chará Julian , Arango Jacobo , Barahona Rolando
Published: August 2021

Tithonia diversifolia (Mexican sunflower) is a shrub used for animal feed that has outstanding agronomic and chemical characteristics. Its potential to modify the dynamics of fermentation and improve the supply of nutrients to ruminants has received considerable attention. This study was designed to determine the effect of different genotypes of T. diversifolia on ruminal fermentation and degradation of dry matter (DM), concentration of volatile fatty acids, and production of methane (CH4) when mixed with a low-quality tropical grass, Urochloa brizantha (palisade grass). In a randomised complete block design, mixtures of seven genotypes of T. diversifolia with U. brizantha cv. Marandú were evaluated by using the in vitro gas production technique. The effect of fertilisation was also evaluated for each genotype. Inclusion of T. diversifolia significantly (P < 0.05) increased the supply of nutrients and modified fermentation parameters. DM degradation of biomass after 72 h was greater in the presence of T. diversifolia than for feeds based only on U. brizantha (68.0% vs 63.4%; P < 0.01). CH4 production was lower (P < 0.05) during fermentation with some T. diversifolia genotypes (25.3 vs 27.7 mg CH4 g–1 incubated DM), and the acetic:propionic acid ratio was also lower. Fertilisation of T. diversifolia genotypes increased DM degradation, increased the content of certain nutrients (e.g. crude protein) and modified CH4 production. Therefore, inclusion of T. diversifolia in mixtures based on low-quality tropical grasses such as U. brizantha increases the supply of nutrients (crude protein, minerals, energy) and can modify the products of enteric fermentation, with some genotypes decreasing enteric CH4 emissions.
Sportive lemurs elevate their metabolic rate during challenging seasons and do not enter regular heterothermy
Authors: Bethge Janina , Razafimampiandra Jean Claude , Wulff Arne , Dausmann Kathrin H
Published: August 2021

Animals experience seasonal changes of environmental and ecological conditions in most habitats. Fluctuations in ambient temperature have a strong influence on thermoregulation, particularly on small endothermic mammals. However, different mammalian species cope differently with these changes. Understanding the physiological responses of organisms to different seasons and analysing the mechanisms that account for intra- and inter-specific differences and the ecological consequences of these variations is important to predict species responses to climatic changes. Consequences of climatic changes will be most pronounced in climatically already challenging habitats, such as the dry regions of western Madagascar. We aimed to identify the seasonal responses and adaptive possibilities in energy budgeting of Lepilemur edwardsi, a small primate of this habitat, by measuring metabolic rate (MR; open-flow respiratory) and skin temperature in the field during different seasons. Resting metabolism was generally low, but our study did not detect any signs of regular heterothermic episodes, despite the fact that these are known in other sympatrically living lemurs with a similar lifestyle. Surprisingly, L. edwardsi responded by elevating its resting MR in the poor-resourced dry season, compared to the better-resourced wet season, presumably to master detoxification of their increasingly toxic diet. As body mass decreased over this time, this strategy is obviously not energetically balanced on the long term. This is cause for concern, as it suggests that L. edwardsi has a very small leeway to adjust to changing conditions as experienced due to climate change, as dry season are expected to become longer and hotter, straining water budgets and food quality even more. Moreover, our findings highlight the importance of studying physiological parameters directly in the field and under differing climatic conditions.
Multimodality imaging in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction: an expert consensus document of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging
Authors: Smiseth Otto A , Morris Daniel A , Cardim Nuno , Cikes Maja , Delgado Victoria , Donal Erwan , Flachskampf Frank A , Galderisi Maurizio , Gerber Bernhard L , Gimelli Alessia , Klein Allan L , Knuuti Juhani , Lancellotti Patrizio , Mascherbauer Julia , Milicic Davor , Seferovic Petar , Solomon Scott , Edvardsen Thor , Popescu Bogdan A ,   Reviewers: This document was reviewed by members of the 2018–2020 EACVI Scientific Documents Committee, Bertrand Philippe B , Dweck Marc , Haugaa Kristina H , Sade Leyla Elif , Stankovic Ivan , Ha Jong-Won , Nagueh Sherif , Oh Jae K , Ohte Nobuyuki , Cosyns Bernard
Published: August 2021

Nearly half of all patients with heart failure (HF) have a normal left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) and the condition is termed heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). It is assumed that in these patients HF is due primarily to LV diastolic dysfunction. The prognosis in HFpEF is almost as severe as in HF with reduced EF (HFrEF). In contrast to HFrEF where drugs and devices are proven to reduce mortality, in HFpEF there has been limited therapy available with documented effects on prognosis. This may reflect that HFpEF encompasses a wide range of different pathological processes, which multimodality imaging is well placed to differentiate. Progress in developing therapies for HFpEF has been hampered by a lack of uniform diagnostic criteria. The present expert consensus document from the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) provides recommendations regarding how to determine elevated LV filling pressure in the setting of suspected HFpEF and how to use multimodality imaging to determine specific aetiologies in patients with HFpEF.
Cardiovascular health, genetic predisposition, and lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wang Kan , Kavousi Maryam , Voortman Trudy , Ikram M Arfan , Ghanbari Mohsen , Ahmadizar Fariba
Published: August 2021

Aims

Data on the lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) incidence across different cardiovascular health (CVH) categories are scarce. Moreover, it remains unclear whether a genetic predisposition modifies this association.

Methods and results

Using data from the prospective population-based Rotterdam Study, a CVH score (body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol, smoking status, diet, and physical activity) was calculated and further categorized at baseline. Genetic predisposition to T2D was assessed and divided into tertiles by creating a genetic risk score (GRS). We estimated the lifetime risk for T2D within different CVH and GRS categories. Among 5993 individuals free of T2D at baseline [mean (standard deviation) age, 69.1 (8.5) years; 58% female], 869 individuals developed T2D during follow-up. At age 55 years, the remaining lifetime risk of T2D was 22.6% (95% CI: 19.4–25.8) for ideal, 28.3% (25.8–30.8) for intermediate, and 32.6% (29.0–36.2) for poor CVH. After further stratification by GRS tertiles, the lifetime risk for T2D was still the lowest for ideal CVH in the lowest GRS tertiles [21.5% (13.7–29.3)], in the second GRS tertile [20.8% (15.9–25.8)], and in the highest tertile [23.5% (18.5–28.6)] when compared with poor and intermediate CVH.

Conclusion

Our results highlight the importance of favourable CVH in preventing T2D among middle-aged individuals regardless of their genetic predisposition.
The genetics of gene expression in a Caenorhabditis elegans multiparental recombinant inbred line population
Authors: Snoek Basten L , Sterken Mark G , Nijveen Harm , Volkers Rita J M , Riksen Joost , Rosenstiel Philip C , Schulenburg Hinrich , Kammenga Jan E
Published: August 2021

Studying genetic variation of gene expression provides a powerful way to unravel the molecular components underlying complex traits. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) studies have been performed in several different model species, yet most of these linkage studies have been based on the genetic segregation of two parental alleles. Recently, we developed a multiparental segregating population of 200 recombinant inbred lines (mpRILs) derived from four wild isolates (JU1511, JU1926, JU1931, and JU1941) in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We used RNA-seq to investigate how multiple alleles affect gene expression in these mpRILs. We found 1789 genes differentially expressed between the parental lines. Transgression, expression beyond any of the parental lines in the mpRILs, was found for 7896 genes. For expression QTL mapping almost 9000 SNPs were available. By combining these SNPs and the RNA-seq profiles of the mpRILs, we detected almost 6800 eQTLs. Most trans-eQTLs (63%) co-locate in six newly identified trans-bands. The trans-eQTLs found in previous two-parental allele eQTL experiments and this study showed some overlap (17.5–46.8%), highlighting on the one hand that a large group of genes is affected by polymorphic regulators across populations and conditions, on the other hand, it shows that the mpRIL population allows identification of novel gene expression regulatory loci. Taken together, the analysis of our mpRIL population provides a more refined insight into C. elegans complex trait genetics and eQTLs in general, as well as a starting point to further test and develop advanced statistical models for detection of multiallelic eQTLs and systems genetics studying the genotype–phenotype relationship.
Substrate specificity of Chondroitinase ABC I based on analyses of biochemical reactions and crystal structures in complex with disaccharides
Authors: Takashima Makoto , Watanabe Ippei , Miyanaga Akimasa , Eguchi Tadashi
Published: August 2021

Chondroitinase ABC I (cABC-I) is the enzyme which cleaves the β-1,4 glycosidic linkage of chondroitin sulfate (CS) by β-elimination. To elucidate more accurately the substrate specificity of cABC-I, we evaluated the kinetic parameters of cABC-I and its reactivity with CS isomers displaying less structural heterogeneity as substrates, e.g., approximately 90 percent of disaccharide units in Chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) or Chondroitin sulfate C (CSC) is D-glucuronic acid and 4-O-sulfated N-acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc) (A-unit) or D-glucuronic acid and 6-O-sulfated GalNAc (C-unit), respectively. cABC-I showed the highest reactivity to CSA and CSC among all CS isomers, and the kcat/Km of cABC-I was higher for CSA than for CSC. Next, we determined the crystal structures of cABC-I in complex with CS disaccharides, and analyzed the crystallographic data in combination with molecular docking data. Arg500 interacts with 4-O-sulfated and 6-O-sulfated GalNAc residues. The distance between Arg500 and the 4-O-sulfate group was 0.8 Å shorter than that between Arg500 and the 6-O-sulfated group. Moreover, it is likely that the 6-O-sulfated group is electrostatically repulsed by the nearby Asp490. Thus, we demonstrated that cABC-I has the highest affinity for the CSA richest in 4-O-sulfated GalNAc residues among all CS isomers. Recently, cABC-I was used to treat lumbar disc herniation. The results provide useful information to understand the mechanism of the pharmacological action of cABC-I.
Blackening Aesthetic Experience
Authors: Whittaker Nicholas
Published: August 2021

Contemporary philosophy of art generally assumes that aesthetic experience is constituted by a certain ontological-phenomenological structure: the apprehension by a subject of an object. This article explores an underexamined critique of this philosophical model found within the black intellectual and artistic tradition. I will specifically focus on the version of this critique proposed by the similarly underexamined black philosophers Adrian Piper and Fred Moten. This critique, which I dub the subjectivizing concern, takes issue with the notion of ontological distance that I argue defines the subject-object model. I define ontological distance as the removal and alienation of the subject’s fundamental sense of self from that of so-called objects. The subjectivizing concern holds that this distance is not value neutral. Rather, the subject-object model is considered to be directly entwined with projects and practices of aesthetic and extraesthetic racism and antiblackness. After offering Piper’s own model of aesthetic experience—which she dubs catalysis—as an alternative, I propose three possible ways in which the subject-object model can be conceived as tied to antiblack racism.
Carbapenemase production among less-common Enterobacterales genera: 10 US sites, 2018
Authors: Shugart Alicia , Mahon Garrett , Huang Jennifer Y , Karlsson Maria , Valley Ann , Lasure Megan , Gross Annastasia , Pattee Brittany , Vaeth Elisabeth , Brooks Richard , Maruca Tyler , Dominguez Catherine E , Torpey David , Francis Drew , Bhattarai Rachana , Kainer Marion A , Chan Allison , Dubendris Heather , Greene Shermalyn R , Blosser Sara J , Shannon D J , Jones Kelly , Brennan Brenda , Hun Sopheay , D’Angeli Marisa , Murphy Caitlin N , Tierney Maureen , Reese Natashia , Bhatnagar Amelia , Kallen Alex , Brown Allison C , Spalding Walters Maroya
Published: August 2021

Background

Historically, United States’ carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) surveillance and mechanism testing focused on three genera: Escherichia, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter (EsKE); however, other genera can harbour mobile carbapenemases associated with CRE spread.

Objectives

From January through May 2018, we conducted a 10 state evaluation to assess the contribution of less common genera (LCG) to carbapenemase-producing (CP) CRE.

Methods

State public health laboratories (SPHLs) requested participating clinical laboratories submit all Enterobacterales from all specimen sources during the surveillance period that were resistant to any carbapenem (Morganellaceae required resistance to doripenem, ertapenem, or meropenem) or were CP based on phenotypic or genotypic testing at the clinical laboratory. SPHLs performed species identification, phenotypic carbapenemase production testing, and molecular testing for carbapenemases to identify CP-CRE. Isolates were categorized as CP if they demonstrated phenotypic carbapenemase production and ≥1 carbapenemase gene (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaIMP, or blaOXA-48-like) was detected.

Results

SPHLs tested 868 CRE isolates, 127 (14.6%) were from eight LCG. Overall, 195 (26.3%) EsKE isolates were CP-CRE, compared with 24 (18.9%) LCG isolates. LCG accounted for 24 (11.0%) of 219 CP-CRE identified. Citrobacter spp. was the most common CP-LCG; the proportion of Citrobacter that were CP (11/42, 26.2%) was similar to the proportion of EsKE that were CP (195/741, 26.3%). Five of 24 (20.8%) CP-LCG had a carbapenemase gene other than blaKPC.

Conclusions

Participating sites would have missed approximately 1 in 10 CP-CRE if isolate submission had been limited to EsKE genera. Expanding mechanism testing to additional genera could improve detection and prevention efforts.