bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ synthesis of nitrogen-doped graphene nanoflakes using non-thermal arc plasma
Authors: Wang Cheng , Lu Zhongshan , Song Ming , Zhou Jiawen , Chen Xianhui , Zheng Yan , Xia Weidong
Published: June 2021

A non-thermal arc plasma process was developed for the in situ synthesis of nitrogen-doped graphene nanoflakes (N-GNFs), which used CH4/C2H4 as the carbon precursor and N2 as both the plasma gas and nitrogen precursor. N-GNFs with nitrogen-doping levels of 1%–3% (atomic percentage) were fabricated in the pressure range of 100–400 kPa. The effect of pressure and carbon precursor on product characteristics was investigated. It was found that a higher pressure favored the N-GNFs with high nitrogen-doping levels and high yield but it aggravated the curling of nanoflakes and reduced the nanoflake size, resulting in increased defects and a lower specific surface area. The nitrogen configuration was mainly determined by the carbon precursor, where pyrrolic N predominated in the N-GNFs synthesized from CH4, while the level of graphitic N was markedly higher when C2H4 was used. Correlations between the product properties and experimental parameters indicate that the variation of the plasma parameters induced by pressure changes and the hydrogen-poor/rich environment (depending on the carbon precursor) were the main factors affecting the product characteristics.
3C-SiC-induced peak emission intensity in photoluminescence spectrum of SiC/SiO2 core–shell nanowires using first-principles calculations
Authors: Hsu Song-Ming , Chiou Shan-Haw , Chi Chong-Chi , Chen Bo-Yu , Ouyang Chuenhou (Hao)
Published: June 2021

In light of the recent publication of a report on the preparation of crystalline silicon carbide nanowires (NWs) covered with silicon oxide (SiC/SiO2) core–shell nanowires at low temperature, this study uses first-principles calculations based on the related transmission electron microscope micrographs to study hydrogen-passivated 3C-, 2H-, 4H-, and 6H-SiC NWs and their combinations. The aim is to examine charge transfers at the 2H/3C and the 2H/4H/3C interfaces in case there is no limit to periodicity. The orbital wavefunctions in the calculated interfaces exhibited changes from valence band maximum to conduction band minimum. The results of the photoluminescence spectrum showed a peak at a wavelength of 392 nm in terms of the intensity of emission, where this has been expected for such microstructures. Zhang et al. claimed that the source of this peak lies in nanoscale 6H-SiC layers, but our simulations based on experimental measurements indicate that it likely originates in 3C-SiC nanowires with a diameter of 1.5 nm.
Direct numerical simulation of a supersonic turbulent boundary layer over a compression–decompression corner
Authors: Duan Junyi , Li Xin , Li Xinliang , Liu Hongwei
Published: June 2021

A direct numerical simulation of the interaction between a shock wave and the supersonic turbulent boundary layer in a compression–decompression corner with a fixed 24° deflection angle at Mach 2.9 is conducted. The characteristics of the shock interactions are investigated for two heights between the compression and decompression corners, corresponding to H/δref=4.25, 1.22, where δref denotes the reference turbulent boundary layer thickness. A classic shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction flow is reproduced in the higher case. For the lower case, the size of the separation region is significantly decreased, and the low-frequency unsteadiness is slightly suppressed in the interaction region, as assessed by analyzing the mean and fluctuating wall pressure. Flow patterns near the reattachment line show the existence of the Görtler vortices. By analyzing the curvature radius and Görtler number distribution, it was found that a strong centrifuge instability is reserved in the compression corner region and reversed in the decompression corner region due to the convex streamline curvature. The downstream flow of the decompression corner is relatively complex where the additional shocklet and new streamwise vortices are observed. A negative response mechanism is found regarding fluctuating wall-pressure signatures between the upstream and downstream of the decompression corner.
The influence of hydrostatic pressure and annealing conditions on the magnetostructural transitions in MnCoGe
Authors: Chen Jing-Han , Poudel Chhetri Tej , Chang Chung-Kai , Huang Yu-Ching , Young David P. , Dubenko Igor , Talapatra Saikat , Ali Naushad , Stadler Shane
Published: June 2021

In this work, the phase transitions of stoichiometric MnCoGe alloys were studied by systematically varying the annealing conditions and applying hydrostatic pressure. First-order martensitic structural transitions from the Ni2In-type hexagonal austenite phase to the TiNiSi-type orthorhombic martensite phase spanned a wide temperature window (>200 K) as a result of quenching the samples at temperatures ranging from the solid phase at 700 °C to the liquid phase at 1150°C. Despite the large variation in their structural transition temperatures, the changes in cell parameters across the structural transitions and the Curie–Weiss temperatures of the martensite/austenite phase were relatively small. For the sample quenched from 800°C, coupled magnetostructural transitions were observed, and the largest maximum magnetic entropy change was found to be −ΔSmax=33.6 J/kg K for a 7-T field change. The coupled magnetostructural transitions and the corresponding magnetic entropy enhancements were found to also be achievable by applying hydrostatic pressures. Meanwhile, as the quenching temperatures or hydrostatic pressures increased, the first-order martensitic structural transition shifted toward lower temperature until it was ultimately absent, in which case only the crystal structure and magnetic transition of the Ni2In-type hexagonal austenite phase were present.
Genetic algorithm optimization for storing arbitrary multimode transverse images in thermal atomic vapor
Authors: Chen Yun , Wang Chengyuan , Yu Ya , Jiang Zibin , Wang Jinwen , Zhao Shupeng , Wei Dong , Gao Hong , Li Fuli
Published: June 2021

Storing multimode transverse images in atomic media is crucial in constructing large-scale quantum networks. A major obstacle of storing transverse images in the thermal atomic vapor is the distortion of the retrieved images caused by atomic diffusion. Here, we demonstrate the combination of genetic algorithm with the phase-shift lithography method to construct the optimal phase for an arbitrary transverse image that can diminish the effect of diffusion. Theoretical simulations and experimental results manifest that the retrieved images' resolution can be substantially improved when carrying the optimal phases. Our scheme is efficient and straightforward and can be extensively applied in storing complex transverse multimodes in diffusion media.
Human food waste to animal feed: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Torok Valeria A. , Luyckx Karen , Lapidge Steven
Published: June 2021

By 2050, the demand for animal protein is estimated to increase by 70%. Concurrently, United Nations (UN) member countries have committed to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030. Moreover, even if the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change dietary-change recommendations are followed, measures to produce food and animal feed more efficiently will become increasingly important in creating a more sustainable food future. Currently, livestock animals consume over a third of global grain production. However, livestock animals, including insects, could function as efficient bioprocessors for converting unavoidable food waste into valuable animal protein. Establishing such a circular food system would simultaneously reduce both the negative environmental impacts of food waste going to landfill and intensive livestock production, as well as meet the need for increased livestock feed. To be successful in establishing a food waste to livestock feed industry, it will be critical to ensure that feed safety is appropriately regulated to prevent adverse animal health, welfare, biosecurity, food safety, economic, market access and food insecurity outcomes. Currently, regulatory frameworks in most industrialised countries either prohibit feeding of food waste to livestock or limit the wastes permissible. However, there is a growing body of knowledge showing that if the correct processing and safety measures are implemented, that food waste from retail and food service can be effectively and safety utilised in commercial production systems. The Japanese have developed a successful food waste to pig feed industry, based on both liquid and dry feeding systems, which is regulated and encouraged under national policy. They have developed licenced ‘Ecofeed’-branded products, and the pork industry has not been negatively affected by emergency animal diseases through this feeding practice. If other countries are to establish similar food waste to livestock feed industries, then strategies to mitigate food safety and biosecurity concerns will need to be developed and implemented. Regional techno-economic analysis will also be required to assess industry profitability and determine the potential investment required for new collection, storage and feed production infrastructure. Furthermore, legislation, based on scientifically robust research, will be required to incentivise food-waste producers and the livestock industry to actively engage and drive change.
Effect of Single/Mixed Surfactant Systems on Orientations of Liquid Crystals and Interaction of Proteins with Surfactants at Fluid Interfaces
Authors: Huang Xiangrong , Ye Zhicheng , Shang Yazhuo , He Yifan , Meng Hong , Dong Yinmao , Qu Zhaohui , Liu Youting , Xu Shouhong , Liu Honglai
Published: June 2021

A series of single surfactant systems, i.e, quaternary ammonium-based gemini surfactants with different spacers and alkyl chain lengths (m-n-m; m = 12, n = 2, 3, 4, 6; n = 3, m = 12, 14, 16), halogen-free surface-active ionic liquid (HF-SAILs) with different symmetries ([Cnmim][C12H25SO4]; n = 6, 8, 10, 12), and single-chain cationic surfactants including 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C12mim]Br) and dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB), along with certain combinations of different surfactants (12-3-12/[C12mim]Br and 12-3-12/DTAB) were applied to an aqueous/liquid crystal interface (ALI). All the surfactants could induce an orientational transition of liquid crystals (LCs) from a planar to homeotropic state, which caused a bright-to-dark optical shift. It was proved that double-chain surfactants and the mixed surfactants inclined to adsorb at the ALI triggering the orientational transition. Inspiringly, a quicker and more sensitive dark-to-bright optical response was observed for mixed surfactant system-decorated interfaces in contact with proteins (such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), lysozyme, and trypsin) as opposed to the single surfactant systems. The ALI decorated by the 12-3-12/[C12mim]Br system was particularly efficient and exhibited the most sensitive optical response for BSA (0.01 ng mL−1). The order parameters (SCD) of surfactants tails at the interface and the free energy of proteins with 12-3-12 and [C12mim]Br were calculated, respectively. The results explain that the 12-3-12/[C12mim]Br-laden ALI shows a quicker and more sensitive optical response for BSA. This work inspired us to study mixed surfactant systems-decorated LC interfaces and further provides new insights for different chemical and biological applications.
Genome wide identification and expression pattern analysis of the GRAS family in quinoa
Authors: Zhu Xiaolin , Wang Baoqiang , Wei Xiaohong
Published: June 2021

GRAS, a key transcription factor in plant growth and development, has not yet been reported in quinoa. Therefore, this study used the latest quinoa genomic data to identify and analyse GRAS genes in quinoa: 52 GRAS genes were identified in quinoa, these being unevenly distributed on 19 chromosomes. Fragment duplication and tandem duplication events were the main reasons for the expansion of the GRAS gene family in quinoa. Protein sequence analysis showed that there were some differences in amino acid numbers and isoelectric points amongst different subfamilies, and the main secondary structures were α-helix and random coil. The CqGRAS gene was divided into 14 subfamilies based on results from phylogenetic analysis. The genes located in the same subfamily had similar gene structures, conserved motifs, and three-level models. Promoter region analysis showed that the GRAS family genes contained multiple homeostasis elements that responded to hormones and adversity. GO enrichment indicated that CqGRAS genes were involved in biological processes, cell components, and molecular functions. By analysing the expression of CqGRAS genes in different tissues and different treatments, it was found that GRAS genes had obvious differential expression in different tissues and stress, which indicates that GRAS genes had tissue or organ expression specificity and thus might play an important role in response to stress. These results laid a foundation for further functional research on the GRAS gene family in quinoa.
Meeting the unmet needs of clinicians from AI systems showcased for cardiology with deep-learning–based ECG analysis
Authors: Elul Yonatan , Rosenberg Aviv A. , Schuster Assaf , Bronstein Alex M. , Yaniv Yael
Published: June 2021

Significance

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, particularly deep learning, has gained considerable attention recently. Although some works boast superior capabilities compared to clinicians, actual deployments of AI systems in the clinic are scarce. We describe four important gaps on the machine-learning side responsible for this discrepancy by first formulating them in a way that is actionable by AI researchers and then systematically addressing these needs. Aiming beyond the search for better model architectures or improved accuracy, we focus directly on the challenges of clinical usefulness as stated by medical professionals in the literature. Our results show that deep-learning systems can be robust, trustworthy, explainable, and transparent while retaining the superior level of performance these algorithms are known for.
Measuring social equity in urban energy use and interventions using fine-scale data
Authors: Tong Kangkang , Ramaswami Anu , Xu Corey (Kewei) , Feiock Richard , Schmitz Patrick , Ohlsen Michael
Published: June 2021

Significance

Cities seek income and racial equity in residential low-carbon energy efficiency and conservation programs. However, empirical data are limited; prior analyses suggest disparity in energy use intensity (EUI) by income is ∼25% (i.e., 25% greater EUI in low- versus high-income homes), while racial disparities are unquantified. New empirical fine spatial scale energy use data covering all ∼200,000 households in two US cities, along with separation of temperature-sensitive EUI, reveal large EUI disparities by income (27 to 167%) and race (40 to 156%). These disparities are up to a factor of five greater than the 25% income disparity previously reported. New analytics provide key insights on energy use inequality unpacking race and income, informing spatial prioritization for equitable energy efficiency investments.
Radiation-induced neoantigens broaden the immunotherapeutic window of cancers with low mutational loads
Authors: Lussier Danielle M. , Alspach Elise , Ward Jeffrey P. , Miceli Alexander P. , Runci Daniele , White J. Michael , Mpoy Cedric , Arthur Cora D. , Kohlmiller Heather N. , Jacks Tyler , Artyomov Maxim N. , Rogers Buck E. , Schreiber Robert D.
Published: June 2021

Significance

Immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) has led to durable responses in a subset of cancer patients. Generally, patients who respond to ICT bear tumors with high mutational burden. Radiation is used for treatment of many types of cancers and has been shown to induce new mutations in treated tumor cells and to synergistically facilitate ICT. However, these latter actions have largely been explained by radiation-induced tumor cell death and/or effects on the host. Herein, we show that noncurative irradiation induces mutations in tumor cells lacking neoantigens and that these de novo-generated neoantigens function as targets for CD8
+
T cells, resulting in increased immunogenicity of nonimmunogenic tumor cells. This study thus identifies an additional mechanism that explains synergy between immunotherapy and radiation.
Neolecanium cornuparvum (Magnolia scale).
Authors: Whittaker Angela
Published: June 2021

Magnolia scale, Neolecanium cornuparvum, is a scale insect that is native to the eastern USA, where it is a widely distributed pest of wild and ornamental Magnolia in landscapes and nurseries. In general, non-native species of Magnolia tend to be more susceptible to attack than native US species. N. cornuparvum has also been reported on Wisteria in Connecticut. The genus and species were first reported from Canada from a specimen of N. cornuparvum collected in 1998 in southern Ontario, where the insect is now an established pest of Magnolia, having probably been spread via the plant trade. An infestation of scale insects believed to be N. cornuparvum was first observed in Hawaii on Sesbania tomentosa on Kauai in August 2004; it had significant adverse effects on this endangered species.
Quadrastichus erythrinae (Erythrina gall wasp).
Authors: Tung Gene-Sheng
Published: June 2021

Unusual growths, caused by Erythrina gall wasp (Quadrastichus erythrinae), on leaves and young shoots of coral trees (Erythrina spp). alerts to the presence of this emerging invasive species. Quadrastichus erythrinae measures a mere 1.5 mm and may be spread easily via infected leaves from infected Erythrina specimens.
Wheat streak mosaic virus (wheat streak).
Authors: Byamukama Emmanuel , Price Jacob , Rush Charlie
Published: June 2021

WSMV is an obligate parasite which infects wheat and other cereal crops and causes significant losses in production throughout many regions of the world. It is not listed as an invasive species, but introduction of the virus to other regions is possible due to a low occurrence of seed transmission. It is believed that WSMV entered the USA in the late 1800s (Reitz and Heyne, 1944; Ross, 1969) from Turkey and then moved into Canada and down into the southern states of the Great Plains as well as Mexico (Sanchez-Sanchez et al., 2001). The introduction of WSMV into Argentina and Australia is reported to be due to infected seed from both Mexico and the USA (Dwyer et al., 2007). Wheat streak is now commonly found throughout many countries and is one of the most common wheat viruses throughout the Central and Western Great Plains of the USA (Burrows et al., 2009).
Pomacea canaliculata (golden apple snail).
Authors: Cowie Rob , Joshi Ravi , Litsinger James
Published: June 2021

P. canaliculata is a freshwater snail native to parts of Argentina and Uruguay. The distribution of P. canaliculata has been steadily increasing since its introduction to Asia, primarily as a human food resource but perhaps also by the aquarium trade, beginning around 1979 or 1980 (Mochida, 1991; Halwart, 1994a; Cowie, 2002; Joshi and Sebastian, 2006). Once introduced to an area, it spreads rapidly through bodies of water such as canals and rivers and during floods. It feeds on aquatic plants and can devastate rice (in South-east Asia), taro (in Hawaii) and other aquatic or semi-aquatic crops. It may out-compete native apple snails (Halwart, 1994a; Warren, 1997), prey on native fauna (Wood et al., 2005, 2006) and alter natural ecosystem function (Carlsson et al. 2004a). It is also an important vector of various parasites including the nematode Angiostrongyulus cantonensis, which causes human eosinophillic meningitis (Lv et al., 2011; Yang et al., 2013).It is listed among '100 of the world's worst invasive species' (Lowe et al., 2000). In the United States its transport between states is restricted (Gaston, 2006), as is its transport between islands in the Hawaiian archipelago (Tamaru et al., 2006). It is listed as a quarantine pest in Malaysia (Yahaya et al., 2006) and in Japan. Australia has strong quarantine restrictions and is particularly concerned about P. canaliculata (Cowie, 2005).
Judd-Ofelt, radiative properties of Sm3+ ions doped PVA+PEG complex polymer films from spectral analysis
Authors: Krishna V Vinay , Bindu S Hima , Raju D Siva , Raju Ch Linga
Published: June 2021

A trivalent rare earth ion Sm3+ (1-5 mol %) doped Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and Poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) complex polymer blends were synthesized by using solution casting technique. The spectroscopic characteristics behaviour and Judd-Ofelt (J-O) intensity parameters, oscillatory strengths and radiative properties of the prepared polymer blends were investigated with the help of optical absorption and photoluminescence spectral studies. Well defined UV-VIS-NIR optical absorption bands pertaining Sm3+ ions are observed in optical absorption spectrum and these bands has been assigned to their respective electronic transitions. The theoretical oscillatory strengths (f
cal) and Judd-Ofelt (J-O) network framing theory were adopted to evaluate J-O intensity parameters Ω
λ (λ=2,4,6) from the experimental oscillatory strengths (f
exp). The covalent characteristic nature of the Sm3+ ions with surrounding ligands within the host polymer matrix was confirmed through bonding parameter (δ). The coordinated environment of Sm3+ ions and the key significant J-O intensity parameters are used for calculation of spectroscopic radiative properties. Photoluminescence spectrum is obtained and the highly intensified emission peak is observed for the transition 4G5/2→6H7/2 at 595 nm under 401 nm excitation wavelengths. The CIE colour coordinate diagram shows that the present complex polymer films incorporated with Sm3+ ions are acting as perfect and highly stable material for active reddish-orange emissions.
Aging and oxidative stress alter DNA repair mechanisms in male germ cells of superoxide dismutase-1 null mice
Authors: Nguyen-Powanda Paulina , Robaire Bernard
Published: June 2021

The efficiency of antioxidant defense system decreases with aging, thus resulting in high levels of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage in spermatozoa. This damage can lead to genetic disorders in the offspring. There are limited studies investigating the effects of the total loss of antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), in male germ cells as they progress through spermatogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the effects of aging and removing SOD1 (in male germ cells of SOD1-null (Sod1−/−) mice) in order to determine the potential mechanism(s) of DNA damage in these cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed an increase in lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in the germ cells of aged wild-type (WT) and Sod1−/− mice of all age. Immunostaining of 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase, a marker of base excision repair (BER), increased in aged WT and young Sod1−/− mice. In contrast, immunostaining intensity of DNA ligase 4 and RAD51 Recombinase, markers of nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ), and homologous recombination (HR), respectively, decreased in aged and Sod1−/− mice. Gene expression analysis showed similar results with altered mRNA expression of these key DNA repair transcripts in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids of aged and Sod1−/− mice. Our study indicates that DNA repair pathway markers of BER, NHEJ, and HR are differentially regulated as a function of aging and oxidative stress in spermatocytes and spermatids, and aging enhances the repair response to increased oxidative DNA damage, whereas impairments in other DNA repair mechanisms may contribute to the increase in DNA damage caused by aging and the loss of SOD1.
Microstimulation of the Premotor Cortex of the Cat Produces Phase-Dependent Changes in Locomotor Activity
Authors: Fortier-Lebel Nicolas , Nakajima Toshi , Yahiaoui Nabiha , Drew Trevor
Published: June 2021

To determine the functional organization of premotor areas in the cat pericruciate cortex we applied intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) within multiple cytoarchitectonically identified subregions of areas 4 and 6 in the awake cat, both at rest and during treadmill walking. ICMS in most premotor areas evoked clear twitch responses in the limbs and/or head at rest. During locomotion, these same areas produced phase-dependent modifications of muscle activity. ICMS in the primary motor cortex (area 4γ) produced large phase-dependent responses, mostly restricted to the contralateral forelimb or hindlimb. Stimulation in premotor areas also produced phase-dependent responses that, in some cases, were as large as those evoked from area 4γ. However, responses from premotor areas had more widespread effects on multiple limbs, including the ipsilateral limbs, than did stimulation in 4γ. During locomotion, responses in both forelimb and hindlimb muscles were evoked from cytoarchitectonic areas 4γ, 4δ, 6aα, and 6aγ. However, the prevalence of effects in a given limb varied from one area to another. The results suggest that premotor areas may contribute to the production, modification, and coordination of activity in the limbs during locomotion and may be particularly pertinent during modifications of gait.
In Vivo Super-Resolution Track-Density Imaging for Thalamic Nuclei Identification
Authors: Basile Gianpaolo Antonio , Bertino Salvatore , Bramanti Alessia , Ciurleo Rosella , Anastasi Giuseppe Pio , Milardi Demetrio , Cacciola Alberto
Published: June 2021

The development of novel techniques for the in vivo, non-invasive visualization and identification of thalamic nuclei has represented a major challenge for human neuroimaging research in the last decades. Thalamic nuclei have important implications in various key aspects of brain physiology and many of them show selective alterations in various neurologic and psychiatric disorders. In addition, both surgical stimulation and ablation of specific thalamic nuclei have been proven to be useful for the treatment of different neuropsychiatric diseases. The present work aimed at describing a novel protocol for histologically guided delineation of thalamic nuclei based on short-tracks track-density imaging (stTDI), which is an advanced imaging technique exploiting high angular resolution diffusion tractography to obtain super-resolved white matter maps. We demonstrated that this approach can identify up to 13 distinct thalamic nuclei bilaterally with very high inter-subject (ICC: 0.996, 95% CI: 0.993–0.998) and inter-rater (ICC:0.981; 95% CI:0.963–0.989) reliability, and that both subject-based and group-level thalamic parcellation show a fair share of similarity to a recent standard-space histological thalamic atlas. Finally, we showed that stTDI-derived thalamic maps can be successfully employed to study structural and functional connectivity of the thalamus and may have potential implications both for basic and translational research, as well as for presurgical planning purposes.
Outer membrane vesicles as versatile tools for therapeutic approaches
Authors: Zingl Franz G , Leitner Deborah R , Thapa Himadri B , Schild Stefan
Published: June 2021

Budding of the bacterial surface results in the formation and secretion of outer membrane vesicles, which is a conserved phenomenon observed in Gram-negative bacteria. Recent studies highlight that these sphere-shaped facsimiles of the donor bacterium's surface with enclosed periplasmic content may serve multiple purposes for their host bacterium. These include inter- and intraspecies cell–cell communication, effector delivery to target cells and bacterial adaptation strategies. This review provides a concise overview of potential medical applications to exploit outer membrane vesicles for therapeutic approaches. Due to the fact that outer membrane vesicles resemble the surface of their donor cells, they represent interesting nonliving candidates for vaccine development. Furthermore, bacterial donor species can be genetically engineered to display various proteins and glycans of interest on the outer membrane vesicle surface or in their lumen. Outer membrane vesicles also possess valuable bioreactor features as they have the natural capacity to protect, stabilize and enhance the activity of luminal enzymes. Along these features, outer membrane vesicles not only might be suitable for biotechnological applications but may also enable cell-specific delivery of designed therapeutics as they are efficiently internalized by nonprofessional phagocytes. Finally, outer membrane vesicles are potent modulators of our immune system with pro- and anti-inflammatory properties. A deeper understanding of immunoregulatory effects provoked by different outer membrane vesicles is the basis for their possible future applications ranging from inflammation and immune response modulation to anticancer therapy.
Protecting IP Licenses and Jointly Owned IP in the Age of COVID-19: Insolvency and Force Majeure Events under Japanese Law
Authors: Matsumoto Kei , Rademacher Christoph , Suga Ayako
Published: June 2021

This article provides an overview and discussion of a multitude of issues that are relevant for IP licensing under Japanese law. The authors recap the results of the legislative process that predominantly addressed the IP licensee’s position in the case of a licensor's insolvency, including the 2020 amendment to the Japanese Copyright Act, and examine whether a comprehensive reform of IP licensing regulations in Japan would be preferable to also offering better protection to trademarks, trade secrets and data licensees. Given that Japanese companies often agree on jointly owning IP generated in the process of software development and other co-development projects, we analyze the risks of joint ownership compared to non-exclusive licenses. To further illustrate such risks that may be even more significant in cross-border constellations, we conduct a comparative study on the actions that a party commissioning the development of new software can take without obtaining the software developer’s consent under Japanese, US and German patent and copyright law. Furthermore, we examine certain unresolved issues that may arise in the case of a party’s insolvency or the impact of force majeure events, and provide suggestions on how to address these when drafting and negotiating IP license agreements.
Proper Assignation of Reactivation in a COVID-19 Recurrence Initially Interpreted as a Reinfection
Authors: Pérez-Lago Laura , Martínez-Lozano Helena , Pajares Díaz Jose Antonio , Díaz Gómez Arantxa , Machado Marina , Sola-Campoy Pedro J , Herranz Marta , Buenestado-Serrano Sergio , Valerio Maricela , Olmedo María , Andrés Zayas Cristina , Comas Iñaki , González Candelas Fernando , Bañares Rafael , Catalán Pilar , Muñoz Patricia , García de Viedma Darío
Published: June 2021

A 77-year-old man (case R) with previous diagnosis of a mild COVID-19 episode was hospitalized 35 days later. On day 23 postadmission, he developed a second COVID-19 episode, now severe, and finally died. Initially, case R’s COVID-19 recurrence was interpreted as a reinfection due to the exposure to a SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR–positive roommate. However, whole-genome sequencing indicated that case R’s recurrence corresponded to a reactivation of the strain involved in his first episode. Case R’s reactivation had major consequences, leading to a more severe episode, and causing subsequent transmission to another 2 hospitalized patients, 1 of them with fatal outcome.
Evaluating factors associated with the cancellation and delay of elective surgical procedures: a systematic review
Authors: Koushan Mona , Wood Lincoln C , Greatbanks Richard
Published: June 2021

Background

Elective surgery cancellation is considered a fundamental problem in health care services—it causes considerable disruption to patient flow, further eroding often already stretched operating capacity, and consequentially reduces both hospital performance and patient satisfaction. This research presents a systematic review (SR) of the reasons for surgery cancellation among different hospitals and countries. By highlighting these causes, we identify how to reduce cancellations, thereby improving the use of surgical capacity and resources and creating a more predicable patient flow.

Methods

An SR was performed on elective surgery cancellation in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis and by assessing the methodological quality of SR with Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews guidelines.

Results

There are different reasons for surgery cancellation that vary between hospitals. This SR demonstrates that hospital-related causes (e.g. unavailable operation room time, inappropriate scheduling policy and lack of beds) are the primary reason for surgery cancellation, followed by work-up related causes (e.g. medically unfit and changes in the treatment plan) and patient-related causes (e.g. absence of a patient and patient refusal).

Conclusion

This review demonstrates that the main causes for surgery cancellation can be controlled by hospital managers, who can aim to improve areas such as patient flow and capacity management. Ultimately, this will improve the quality of healthcare delivered by hospitals.
Inhalation Injury Is Associated With Endotheliopathy and Abnormal Fibrinolytic Phenotypes in Burn Patients: A Cohort Study
Authors: Keyloun John W , Le Tuan D , Brummel-Ziedins Kathleen E , Mclawhorn Melissa M , Bravo Maria C , Orfeo Thomas , Johnson Laura S , Moffatt Lauren T , Pusateri Anthony E , Shupp Jeffrey W ,   SYSCOT Study Group, McLawhorn Melissa M , Moffatt Lauren T , Shupp Jeffrey W , Callcut Rachael A , Cohen Mitchell J , Petzold Linda R , Varner Jeffrey D , Bravo Maria Cristina , Brummel-Ziedins Kathleen E , Freeman Kalev , Mann Kenneth G , Orfeo Thomas , Gautam Aarti , Hammamieh Rasha , Jett Marti , Pusateri Anthony E
Published: June 2021

Burn injury is associated with endothelial dysfunction and coagulopathy and concomitant inhalation injury (IHI) increases morbidity and mortality. The aim of this work is to identify associations between IHI, coagulation homeostasis, vascular endothelium, and clinical outcomes in burn patients. One hundred and twelve patients presenting to a regional burn center were included in this retrospective cohort study. Whole blood was collected at set intervals from admission through 24 hours and underwent viscoelastic assay with rapid thromboelastography (rTEG). Syndecan-1 (SDC-1) on admission was quantified by ELISA. Patients were grouped by the presence (n = 28) or absence (n = 84) of concomitant IHI and rTEG parameters, fibrinolytic phenotypes, SDC-1, and clinical outcomes were compared. Of the 112 thermally injured patients, 28 (25%) had IHI. Most patients were male (68.8%) with a median age of 40 (interquartile range, 29–57) years. Patients with IHI had higher overall mortality (42.68% vs 8.3%; P < .0001). rTEG LY30 was lower in patients with IHI at hours 4 and 12 (P < .05). There was a pattern of increased abnormal fibrinolytic phenotypes among IHI patients. There was a greater proportion of IHI patients with endotheliopathy (SDC-1 > 34 ng/ml) (64.7% vs 26.4%; P = .008). There was a pattern of increased mortality among patients with IHI and endotheliopathy (0% vs 72.7%; P = .004). Significant differences between patients with and without IHI were found in measures assessing fibrinolytic potential and endotheliopathy. Mortality was associated with abnormal fibrinolysis, endotheliopathy, and IHI. However, the extent to which IHI-associated dysfunction is independent of TBSA burn size remains to be elucidated.
Smoking History as a Potential Predictor of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Efficacy in Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Xinan , Ricciuti Biagio , Alessi Joao V , Nguyen Tom , Awad Mark M , Lin Xihong , Johnson Bruce E , Christiani David C
Published: June 2021

Background

Despite the therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in a subset of patients, consistent and easily obtainable predictors of efficacy remain elusive.

Methods

This study was conducted on 644 advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with ICI monotherapy between April 2013 and September 2020 at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Patient smoking history, clinicopathological characteristics, tumor mutation burden (TMB) by clinical targeted next-generation sequencing, and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) tumor proportion score (TPS) by immunohistochemistry were prospectively collected. The association of smoking history with clinical outcomes of ICI monotherapy in metastatic NSCLC patients was evaluated after adjusting for other potential predictors. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results

Of 644 advanced NSCLC patients, 105 (16.3%) were never smokers, 375 (58.2%) were former smokers (median pack-years = 28), and 164 (25.4%) were current smokers (median pack-years = 40). Multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses suggested that doubling of smoking pack-years is statistically significantly associated with improved clinical outcomes of patients treated with ICI monotherapy (objective response rate odds ratio = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09 to 1.36, P < .001; progression-free survival hazard ratio = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.88 to 0.95, P < .001; overall survival hazard ratio = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.90 to 0.99, P = .01). Predictive models incorporating pack-years and PD-L1 TPS yielded additional information and achieved similar model performance compared with using TMB and PD-L1 TPS.

Conclusions

Increased smoking exposure had a statistically significant association with improved clinical outcomes in metastatic NSCLC treated with ICI monotherapy independent of PD-L1 TPS. Pack-years may serve as a consistent and readily obtainable surrogate of ICI efficacy when TMB is not available to inform prompt clinical decisions and allow more patients to benefit from ICIs.
Targeting of MNK/eIF4E overcomes chemoresistance in cervical cancer
Authors: Zhu Yuanyuan , Wang Changying , Li Mingqun , Yang Xiaoyu
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is activated in cancers in response to stress. This is regulated by MAP kinase interacting serine/threonine kinase (MNK) in cancerous but not normal cells. Chemoresistance causes treatment failure in advanced cervical cancer. In this study, we addressed chemotherapy effects on eIF4E for cervical cancer and reversal effects by MNK inhibitor cercosporamide for chemo-resistance mitigation.

Methods

Cell assays and mouse tumour models were used to determine the efficacy of cercosporamide. Western blotting was applied to understand the affected cell signaling after cercosporamide treatment.

Key findings

Cercosporamide spared normal cervical epithelial cells. On cervical cancer cell lines, it showed inhibition of cell growth and migration, and induced apoptosis. Cercosporamide was effective on chemoresistant cancer cells and augmented the efficiency of doxorubicin and cisplatin both in vitro and in vivo. Cercosporamide suppressed eIF4E signaling. Of note, chemotherapy increased p-eIF4E. Cercosporamide abolished chemotherapy-induced eIF4E activation. The higher level of p-eIF4E in cancer cells compared with normal cervical epithelial cells explains the preferential toxicity of cercosporamide.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates the ability of cercosporamide to overcome chemoresistance and highlight preferential inhibition of eIF4E via MNK inhibition in cervical cancer.
Photosynthesis and chloroplast redox signaling in the age of global warming: stress tolerance, acclimation, and developmental plasticity
Authors: Lodeyro Anabella F , Krapp Adriana R , Carrillo Néstor
Published: June 2021

Contemporary climate change is characterized by the increased intensity and frequency of environmental stress events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves, which have a debilitating impact on photosynthesis and growth, compromising the production of food, feed, and biofuels for an expanding population. The need to increase crop productivity in the context of global warming has fueled attempts to improve several key plant features such as photosynthetic performance, assimilate partitioning, and tolerance to environmental stresses. Chloroplast redox metabolism, including photosynthetic electron transport and CO2 reductive assimilation, are primary targets of most stress conditions, leading to excessive excitation pressure, photodamage, and propagation of reactive oxygen species. Alterations in chloroplast redox poise, in turn, provide signals that exit the plastid and modulate plant responses to the environmental conditions. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes could provide novel tools to increase crop yield in suboptimal environments. We describe herein various interventions into chloroplast redox networks that resulted in increased tolerance to multiple sources of environmental stress. They included manipulation of endogenous components and introduction of electron carriers from other organisms, which affected not only stress endurance but also leaf size and longevity. The resulting scenario indicates that chloroplast redox pathways have an important impact on plant growth, development, and defense that goes beyond their roles in primary metabolism. Manipulation of these processes provides additional strategies for the design of crops with improved performance under destabilized climate conditions as foreseen for the future.
A comparative study of convolutional neural networks for the detection of strong gravitational lensing
Authors: Magro Daniel , Zarb Adami Kristian , DeMarco Andrea , Riggi Simone , Sciacca Eva
Published: June 2021

As we enter the era of large-scale imaging surveys with the upcoming telescopes such as the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), it is envisaged that the number of known strong gravitational lensing systems will increase dramatically. However, these events are still very rare and require the efficient processing of millions of images. In order to tackle this image processing problem, we present machine learning techniques and apply them to the gravitational lens finding challenge. The convolutional neural networks (CNNs) presented here have been reimplemented within a new, modular, and extendable framework, Lens EXtrActor CaTania University of Malta (LEXACTUM). We report an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9343 and 0.9870, and an execution time of 0.0061 and 0.0594 s per image, for the Space and Ground data sets, respectively, showing that the results obtained by CNNs are very competitive with conventional methods (such as visual inspection and arc finders) for detecting gravitational lenses.
A real-time automated glitch detection pipeline at Ooty Radio Telescope
Authors: Singha Jaikhomba , Basu Avishek , Krishnakumar M A , Joshi Bhal Chandra , Arumugam P
Published: June 2021

Glitches are the observational manifestations of superfluidity inside neutron stars. The aim of this paper is to describe an automated glitch detection pipeline, which can alert the observers on possible real-time detection of rotational glitches in pulsars. Post alert, the pulsars can be monitored at a higher cadence to measure the post-glitch recovery phase. Two algorithms, namely median absolute deviation and polynomial regression, have been explored to detect glitches in real time. The pipeline has been optimized with the help of simulated timing residuals for both the algorithms. Based on the simulations, we conclude that the polynomial regression algorithm is significantly more effective for real time glitch detection. The pipeline has been tested on a few published glitches. This pipeline is presently implemented at the Ooty Radio Telescope. In the era of upcoming large telescopes like SKA, several hundreds of pulsars will be observed regularly and such a tool will be useful for both real-time detection as well as optimal utilization of observation time for such glitching pulsars.
CRISPRpas: programmable regulation of alternative polyadenylation by dCas9
Authors: Shin Jihae , Ding Qingbao , Wang Luyang , Cui Yange , Baljinnyam Erdene , Guvenek Aysegul , Tian Bin
Published: June 2021

Most human protein-coding genes produce alternative polyadenylation (APA) isoforms that differ in 3′ UTR size or, when coupled with splicing, have variable coding sequences. APA is an important layer of gene expression program critical for defining cell identity. Here, by using a catalytically dead Cas9 and coupling its target site with polyadenylation site (PAS), we develop a method, named CRISPRpas, to alter APA isoform abundance. CRISPRpas functions by enhancing proximal PAS usage, whose efficiency is influenced by several factors, including targeting strand of DNA, distance between PAS and target sequence and strength of the PAS. For intronic polyadenylation (IPA), splicing features, such as strengths of 5′ splice site and 3′ splice site, also affect CRISPRpas efficiency. We show modulation of APA of multiple endogenous genes, including IPA of PCF11, a master regulator of APA and gene expression. In sum, CRISPRpas offers a programmable tool for APA regulation that impacts gene expression.
Modulation of mRNA Expression of IL-6 and mTORC1 and Efficacy and Feasibility of an Integrated Approach Encompassing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Along with Pregabalin for Management of Neuropathic Pain in Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Saxena Ashok Kumar , Bhardwaj Neha , Chilkoti Geetanjali T , Malik Anish , Thakur Gaurav Kumar , Bajaj Megha , Banerjee Anwesha , Banerjee Basu Dev , Singal Archana
Published: June 2021

Objective

This study was designed to explore the efficacy and feasibility of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with pregabalin and compare it with pregabalin monotherapy for the management of neuropathic pain in post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) patients and to explore the modulation of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and mammalian target of rapamycin-1 (mTORC1) genes in these patients.

Design

Randomized controlled pilot study.

Methods

The patients aged >18 years of age with an established diagnosis of PHN with evident allodynia and hyperalgesia who had pain for at least 3 months after healing of rash with pain intensity ≥4/10 on NRS-Pain Scale were enrolled. The trial was registered with the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2019/03/018014). A detailed baseline assessment regarding type and duration of pain and disability using pain-relevant self-report questionnaires was done. Two mL venous blood samples were collected for gene expression studies at base line and at end of 12 weeks of treatment. Patients were randomized into one of the two groups. Group PR received pregabalin and Group CP received CBT along with pregabalin. The pain intensity was measured using numeric rating scale (NRS)-Pain scale, neuropathic component of the pain by using Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) and Pain Detect Questionnaire (PDQ), sleep interference by NRS-Sleep, pain-related catastrophic thoughts by using Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), depression and quality of life using Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Short Form-12 (SF-12), respectively. The research funding was supported by the intramural grant from the institution.

Results

A total of 40 patients with 20 in each group were included. Following integrated approach encompassing CBT and Pregabalin, group CP had significant downregulation of mRNA expression of IL-6; however, no such correlation was observed with mTOR expression. A significant decline in the intensity of pain, NPSI scoring for burning, allodynia, and pain-related catastrophizing were observed; also a significant improvement in depressive symptoms and quality of life were observed with the use of CBT.

Conclusions

A significant downregulation of mRNA expression of IL-6 was observed; however, no significant correlation was observed between NRS pain score and ΔCt values of mRNA expression of both mTORC1 gene and IL-6 gene at baseline and at the end of 12th week. In addition, we note a significant decrease in pain intensity, depressive symptoms, and pain-related catastrophizing while improving QOL was observed with the use of CBT as a clinical adjunct along with pregabalin in PHN patients.