bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Survey of Dense Low Energy Ions in Earth's Outer Magnetosphere: Relation to Solar Wind Dynamic Pressure, IMF, and Magnetospheric Activity
Authors: Hull Arthur J. , Agapitov Oleksiy , Mozer Forrest S. , McFadden James P. , Angelopoulos Vassilis
Published: August 2021

The properties of cold, dense, low energy (150 eV) ions within Earth's magnetosphere between 6 and 14 distance are examined using data sampled by Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms spacecraft during a new low‐energy plasma mode that operated from June 2016 to July 2017. These ions are a persistent feature of the magnetosphere during enhanced solar wind dynamic pressure and/or magnetospheric activity. These ions have densities ranging from 0.5 to tens of , with a mean of 1 and temperatures of a few to tens of eV, with a mean of 13 eV. These yield cold to hot ion density and temperature ratios that are 4.4 and , respectively. Comparisons reveal that the cold ion densities are positively correlated with solar wind dynamic pressure. These ions are organizable, according to their pitch‐angle distribution, as being transverse/convection dominated (interpreted as plume plasma) or magnetic field‐aligned (FAL) (uni‐ or bi‐directional characteristic of ion outflow or cloak plasma). Transverse ions preferentially occur in the prenoon to dusk sectors during sustained active magnetospheric conditions driven by enhanced solar wind dynamic pressure under southward and westward IMF orientations. Transverse ion velocities (reaching several tens of km/s) have a westward directed tendency with a slight radially outward preference. In contrast FAL ions preferentially occur from morning to noon during northward IMF orientations, enhanced solar wind dynamic pressure, and quiet magnetospheric conditions within several hours after moderate to strong activity. The FAL ions also have bulk velocities 30 km/s, with an eastward and radially outward tendency.
Analytical Assessment of Kelvin‐Helmholtz Instability Growth at Ganymede's Upstream Magnetopause
Authors: Kaweeyanun N. , Masters A. , Jia X.
Published: August 2021

Ganymede is the only Solar System moon that generates a permanent magnetic field. Dynamics within the Ganymedean magnetosphere is thought to be driven by energy‐transfer interactions on its upstream magnetopause. Previously in Kaweeyanun et al. (2020), https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GL086228 we created a steady‐state analytical model of Ganymede's magnetopause and predicted global‐scale magnetic reconnection to occur frequently throughout the surface. This paper subsequently provides the first assessment of Kelvin‐Helmholtz (K‐H) instability growth on the magnetopause. Using the same analytical model, we find that linear K‐H waves are expected on both Ganymedean magnetopause flanks. Once formed, the waves propagate downstream at roughly half the speed of the external Jovian plasma flow. The Ganymedean K‐H instability growth is asymmetric between magnetopause flanks due to the finite Larmor radius effect arising from large gyroradii of Jovian plasma ions. A small but notable enhancement is expected on the sub‐Jovian flank according to the physical understanding of bulk plasma and local ion flows alongside comparisons to the well‐observed magnetopause of Mercury. Further evaluation shows that nonlinear K‐H vortices should be strongly suppressed by concurring global‐scale magnetic reconnection at Ganymede. Reconnection is therefore the dominant cross‐magnetopause energy‐transfer mechanism and driver of global‐scale plasma convection within Ganymede's magnetosphere.
A “Trap‐Release‐Amplify” Model of Chorus Waves
Authors: Tao Xin , Zonca Fulvio , Chen Liu
Published: August 2021

Whistler mode chorus waves are quasi‐coherent electromagnetic emissions with frequency chirping. Various models have been proposed to understand the chirping mechanism, which is a long‐standing problem in space plasmas. Based on analysis of effective wave growth rate and electron phase space dynamics in a self‐consistent particle simulation, we propose a phenomenological model called the “Trap‐Release‐Amplify” (TaRA) model for chorus. In this model, phase space structures of correlated electrons are formed by nonlinear wave particle interactions, which mainly occur in the downstream of equator. When released from the wave packet in the upstream, these electrons lead to selective amplification of new emissions which satisfy the phase‐locking condition to maximize wave power transfer, resulting in frequency chirping. The phase‐locking condition at the release point gives a chirping rate that is, fully consistent with the one by Helliwell in case of a nonuniform background magnetic field. The nonlinear wave particle interaction part of the TaRA model results in a chirping rate that is, proportional to wave amplitude, a conclusion originally reached by Vomvoridis et al. Therefore, the TaRA model unifies two different results from seemingly unrelated studies. Furthermore, the TaRA model naturally explains fine structures of chorus waves, including subpackets and bandwidth, and their evolution through dynamics of phase‐trapped electrons. Finally, we suggest that this model could be applied to explain other related phenomena, including frequency chirping of chorus in a uniform background magnetic field and of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves in the magnetosphere.
Cyclone‐Anticyclone Asymmetry of Eddy Detection on Gridded Altimetry Product in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Stegner A. , Le Vu B. , Dumas F. , Ghannami M. Ali , Nicolle A. , Durand C. , Faugere Y.
Published: August 2021

We perform an Observing System Simulation Experiment that simulates the satellite sampling and the mapping procedure on the sea surface of the high‐resolution model CROCO‐MED60v40, to investigate the reliability and the accuracy of the eddy detection. The main result of this study is a strong cyclone‐anticyclone asymmetry of the eddy detection on the altimetry products AVISO/CMEMS in the Mediterranean Sea. Large‐scale cyclones having a characteristic radius larger than the local deformation radius are much less reliable than large‐scale anticyclones. We estimate that less than 60% of these cyclones detected on gridded altimetry product are reliable, while more than 85% of mesoscale anticyclones are reliable. Besides, both the barycenter and the size of these mesoscale anticyclones are relatively accurate. This asymmetry comes from the difference of stability between cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies. Large mesoscale cyclones often split into smaller sub‐mesoscale structures having a rapid dynamical evolution. The numerical model CROCO‐MED60v40 shows that this complex dynamic is too fast and too small to be accurately captured by the gridded altimetry products. The spatio‐temporal interpolation smoothes out this sub‐mesoscale dynamics and tends to generate an excessive number of unrealistic mesoscale cyclones in comparison with the reference field. On the other hand, large mesoscale anticyclones, which are more robust and which evolve more slowly, can be accurately tracked by standard altimetry products. We also confirm that the AVISO/CMEMS products induce a bias on the eddy intensity. The azimuthal geostrophic velocities are always underestimated for large mesoscale anticyclones.
NDRG1 enhances the sensitivity of cetuximab by modulating EGFR trafficking in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yang Guang , Huang Ling , Jia Hongtao , Aikemu Batuer , Zhang Sen , Shao Yanfei , Hong Hiju , Yesseyeva Galiya , Wang Chenxing , Li Shuchun , Sun Jing , Zheng Minhua , Ma Junjun
Published: August 2021

N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is a key regulator that interacts with many classic tumor signaling pathways, including some molecules downstream of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, whether NDRG1 is involved in the mechanism of resistance to cetuximab (CTX), the first monoclonal antibody targeting the EGFR has not been reported. Here, we found that NDRG1 enhanced the sensitivity of CTX in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. Afterwards, we determined the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon. We demonstrated that NDRG1 inhibited the expression of EGFR; blocked EGFR phosphorylation and reduced the EGFR distribution in the cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus. And then, NDRG1 suppressed the EGFR downstream signaling: RAS/RAF/ERK and PI3k/AKT/mTOR pathways. Moreover, we discovered that NDRG1 attenuated the endocytosis and degradation of EGFR induced by caveolin-1 (Cav1). Additionally, our findings were further observed in an animal model and human tissues. Our results represent a potentially significant discovery that explains the mechanisms of NDRG1 in CTX resistance. NDRG1 could be a promising biomarker to predict optimum responses to CTX, and a key target to enhance CTX activity in the treatment of metastatic CRC (mCRC).
Toll-like receptor 4 is a master regulator for colorectal cancer growth under high-fat diet by programming cancer metabolism
Authors: Hu Xianjing , Fatima Sarwat , Chen Minting , Xu Keyang , Huang Chunhua , Gong Rui-Hong , Su Tao , Wong Hoi Leong Xavier , Bian Zhaoxiang , Kwan Hiu Yee
Published: August 2021

Although high-fat diet (HFD) has been implicated in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), the critical signaling molecule that mediates the cancer growth is not well-defined. Identifying the master regulator that controls CRC growth under HFD can facilitate the development of effective therapeutics for the cancer treatment. In this study, the global lipidomics and RNA sequencing data show that, in the tumor tissues of CRC-bearing mouse models, HFD not only increases tumor weight, but also the palmitic acid level and TLR4 expression, which are reduced when HFD is replaced by control diet. These concomitant changes suggest the roles of palmitic acid and TLR4 in CRC growth. Subsequent studies show that palmitic acid regulates TLR4 expression in PU.1-dependent manner. Knockdown of PU.1 or mutations of PU.1-binding site on TLR4 promoter abolish the palmitic acid-increased TLR4 expression. The role of palmitic acid/PU.1/TLR4 axis in CRC growth is further examined in cell model and animal models that are fed either HFD or palmitic acid-rich diet. More importantly, iTRAQ proteomics data show that knockdown of TLR4 changes the metabolic enzyme profiles in the tumor tissues, which completely abolish the HFD-enhanced ATP production and cancer growth. Our data clearly demonstrate that TLR4 is a master regulator for CRC growth under HFD by programming cancer metabolism.
Potent prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of recombinant human ACE2-Fc against SARS-CoV-2 infection in vivo
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyong , Zeng Eric , Zhang Lu , Wang Weiming , Jin Yingkang , Sun Jiye , Huang Shuxiang , Yin Wenguang , Dai Jun , Zhuang Zhen , Chen Zhao , Sun Jing , Zhu Airu , Li Fang , Cao Weitao , Li Xiaobo , Shi Yongxia , Gan Mian , Zhang Shengnan , Wei Peilan , Huang Jicheng , Zhong Nanshan , Zhong Guocai , Zhao Jingxian , Wang Yanqun , Shao Weihui , Zhao Jincun
Published: August 2021

The current COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, poses a serious public health threat. Effective therapeutic and prophylactic treatments are urgently needed. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a functional receptor for SARS-CoV-2, which binds to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Here, we developed recombinant human ACE2-Fc fusion protein (hACE2-Fc) and a hACE2-Fc mutant with reduced catalytic activity. hACE2-Fc and the hACE2-Fc mutant both efficiently blocked entry of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and HCoV-NL63 into hACE2-expressing cells and inhibited SARS-CoV-2 S protein-mediated cell–cell fusion. hACE2-Fc also neutralized various SARS-CoV-2 strains with enhanced infectivity including D614G and V367F mutations, as well as the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), B.1.617.1 (Kappa), and B.1.617.2 (Delta), demonstrating its potent and broad-spectrum antiviral effects. In addition, hACE2-Fc proteins protected HBE from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Unlike RBD-targeting neutralizing antibodies, hACE2-Fc treatment did not induce the development of escape mutants. Furthermore, both prophylactic and therapeutic hACE2-Fc treatments effectively protected mice from SARS-CoV-2 infection, as determined by reduced viral replication, weight loss, histological changes, and inflammation in the lungs. The protection provided by hACE2 showed obvious dose-dependent efficacy in vivo. Pharmacokinetic data indicated that hACE2-Fc has a relative long half-life in vivo compared to soluble ACE2, which makes it an excellent candidate for prophylaxis and therapy for COVID-19 as well as for SARS-CoV and HCoV-NL63 infections.
IFNγ signaling integrity in colorectal cancer immunity and immunotherapy
Authors: Du Wan , Frankel Timothy L. , Green Michael , Zou Weiping
Published: August 2021

The majority of colorectal cancer patients are not responsive to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). The interferon gamma (IFNγ) signaling pathway drives spontaneous and ICB-induced antitumor immunity. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the epigenetic, genetic, and functional integrity of the IFNγ signaling pathway in the colorectal cancer microenvironment and its immunological relevance in the therapeutic efficacy of and resistance to ICB. Moreover, we discuss how to target IFNγ signaling to inform novel clinical trials to treat patients with colorectal cancer.
A novel frameshift pathogenic variant in ST3GAL5 causing salt and pepper developmental regression syndrome (SPDRS): A case report
Authors: Manoochehri Jamal , Dastgheib Seyed Alireza , Khamirani Hossein Jafari , Mollaie Maryam , Sharifi Zahra , Zoghi Sina , Tabei Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Mohammadi Sanaz , Dehghanian Fatemeh , Farbod Zahra , Dianatpour Mehdi
Published: August 2021

GM3 synthase deficiency is associated with salt and pepper developmental regression syndrome (SPDRS), a rare genetic disorder. Herein, we report the first Iranian patient with SPDRS. We detected a novel pathogenic variant of ST3GAL5 (NM_003896.4: c.1030_1031del, p.Ile344Cysfs*11). The proband had intellectual disability (ID), failure to thrive, cerebral atrophy, microcephaly, and atonic seizures. The main future challenge proceeding from the results of this study is the prenatal detection of the newly discovered variant; the next step would involve further studies to elucidate the phenotypic spectrum of SPDRS and detect new variants that could cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
Engineering Na+-layer spacings to stabilize Mn-based layered cathodes for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zuo Wenhua , Liu Xiangsi , Qiu Jimin , Zhang Dexin , Xiao Zhumei , Xie Jisheng , Ren Fucheng , Wang Jinming , Li Yixiao , Ortiz Gregorio F. , Wen Wen , Wu Shunqing , Wang Ming-Sheng , Fu Riqiang , Yang Yong
Published: August 2021

Layered transition metal oxides are the most important cathode materials for Li/Na/K ion batteries. Suppressing undesirable phase transformations during charge-discharge processes is a critical and fundamental challenge towards the rational design of high-performance layered oxide cathodes. Here we report a shale-like NaxMnO2 (S-NMO) electrode that is derived from a simple but effective water-mediated strategy. This strategy expands the Na+ layer spacings of P2-type Na0.67MnO2 and transforms the particles into accordion-like morphology. Therefore, the S-NMO electrode exhibits improved Na+ mobility and near-zero-strain property during charge-discharge processes, which leads to outstanding rate capability (100 mAh g−1 at the operation time of 6 min) and cycling stability (>3000 cycles). In addition, the water-mediated strategy is feasible to other layered sodium oxides and the obtained S-NMO electrode has an excellent tolerance to humidity. This work demonstrates that engineering the spacings of alkali-metal layer is an effective strategy to stabilize the structure of layered transition metal oxides.
Heritability and interindividual variability of regional structure-function coupling
Authors: Gu Zijin , Jamison Keith Wakefield , Sabuncu Mert Rory , Kuceyeski Amy
Published: August 2021

White matter structural connections are likely to support flow of functional activation or functional connectivity. While the relationship between structural and functional connectivity profiles, here called SC-FC coupling, has been studied on a whole-brain, global level, few studies have investigated this relationship at a regional scale. Here we quantify regional SC-FC coupling in healthy young adults using diffusion-weighted MRI and resting-state functional MRI data from the Human Connectome Project and study how SC-FC coupling may be heritable and varies between individuals. We show that regional SC-FC coupling strength varies widely across brain regions, but was strongest in highly structurally connected visual and subcortical areas. We also show interindividual regional differences based on age, sex and composite cognitive scores, and that SC-FC coupling was highly heritable within certain networks. These results suggest regional structure-function coupling is an idiosyncratic feature of brain organisation that may be influenced by genetic factors.
Interferon lambda 4 impairs hepatitis C viral antigen presentation and attenuates T cell responses
Authors: Chen Qian , Coto-Llerena Mairene , Suslov Aleksei , Teixeira Raphael Dias , Fofana Isabel , Nuciforo Sandro , Hofmann Maike , Thimme Robert , Hensel Nina , Lohmann Volker , Ng Charlotte K. Y. , Rosenberger George , Wieland Stefan , Heim Markus H.
Published: August 2021

Genetic variants of the interferon lambda (IFNL) gene locus are strongly associated with spontaneous and IFN treatment-induced clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Individuals with the ancestral IFNL4-dG allele are not able to clear HCV in the acute phase and have more than a 90% probability to develop chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Paradoxically, the IFNL4-dG allele encodes a fully functional IFNλ4 protein with antiviral activity against HCV. Here we describe an effect of IFNλ4 on HCV antigen presentation. Only minor amounts of IFNλ4 are secreted, because the protein is largely retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where it induces ER stress. Stressed cells are significantly weaker activators of HCV specific CD8+ T cells than unstressed cells. This is not due to reduced MHC I surface presentation or extracellular IFNλ4 effects, since T cell responses are restored by exogenous loading of MHC with HCV antigens. Rather, IFNλ4 induced ER stress impairs HCV antigen processing and/or loading onto the MHC I complex. Our results provide a potential explanation for the IFNλ4–HCV paradox.
CO2 enhances the formation, nutrient scavenging and drug resistance properties of C. albicans biofilms
Authors: Pentland Daniel R. , Davis Jack , Mühlschlegel Fritz A. , Gourlay Campbell W.
Published: August 2021

C. albicans is the predominant human fungal pathogen and frequently colonises medical devices, such as voice prostheses, as a biofilm. It is a dimorphic yeast that can switch between yeast and hyphal forms in response to environmental cues, a property that is essential during biofilm establishment and maturation. One such cue is the elevation of CO2 levels, as observed in exhaled breath for example. However, despite the clear medical relevance, the effect of CO2 on C. albicans biofilm growth has not been investigated to date. Here we show that physiologically relevant CO2 elevation enhances each stage of the C. albicans biofilm-forming process: from attachment through maturation to dispersion. The effects of CO2 are mediated via the Ras/cAMP/PKA signalling pathway and the central biofilm regulators Efg1, Brg1, Bcr1 and Ndt80. Biofilms grown under elevated CO2 conditions also exhibit increased azole resistance, increased Sef1-dependent iron scavenging and enhanced glucose uptake to support their rapid growth. These findings suggest that C. albicans has evolved to utilise the CO2 signal to promote biofilm formation within the host. We investigate the possibility of targeting CO2-activated processes and propose 2-deoxyglucose as a drug that may be repurposed to prevent C. albicans biofilm formation on medical airway management implants. We thus characterise the mechanisms by which CO2 promotes C. albicans biofilm formation and suggest new approaches for future preventative strategies.
Alternating magnetic fields and antibiotics eradicate biofilm on metal in a synergistic fashion
Authors: Wang Qi , Vachon Jonathan , Prasad Bibin , Pybus Christine A. , Lapin Norman , Chopra Rajiv , Greenberg David E.
Published: August 2021

Hundreds of thousands of human implant procedures require surgical revision each year due to infection. Infections are difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics due to the formation of biofilm on the implant surface. We have developed a noninvasive method to eliminate biofilm on metal implants using heat generated by intermittent alternating magnetic fields (iAMF). Here, we demonstrate that heat and antibiotics are synergistic in biofilm elimination. ForPseudomonas aeruginosabiofilm, bacterial burden was reduced >3 log with iAMF and ciprofloxacin after 24 h compared with either treatment alone (p < 0.0001). This effect was not limited by pathogen or antibiotic as similar biofilm reductions were seen with iAMF and either linezolid or ceftriaxone inStaphylococcus aureus. iAMF and antibiotic efficacy was seen across various iAMF settings, including different iAMF target temperatures, dose durations, and dosing intervals. Initial mechanistic studies revealed membrane disruption as one factor important for AMF enhanced antibacterial activity in the biofilm setting. This study demonstrates the potential of utilizing a noninvasive approach to reduce biofilm off of metallic implants.
Impaired cerebro-cerebellar white matter connectivity and its associations with cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Kim Sung Eun , Jung Sungcheol , Sung Gyhye , Bang Minji , Lee Sang-Hyuk
Published: August 2021

Schizophrenia is a complex brain disorder of unknown etiology. Based on the notion of “cognitive dysmetria,” we aimed to investigate aberrations in structural white matter (WM) connectivity that links the cerebellum to cognitive dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia. A total of 112 participants (65 patients with schizophrenia and 47 healthy controls [HCs]) were enrolled and underwent diffusion tensor imaging. Between-group voxel-wise comparisons of cerebellar WM regions (superior/middle [MCP]/inferior cerebellar peduncle and pontine crossing fibers) were performed using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics. Cognitive function was assessed using the Trail Making Test Part A/B (TMT-A/B), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and Rey-Kim Memory Test in 46 participants with schizophrenia. WM connectivity, measured as fractional anisotropy (FA), was significantly lower in the MCP in participants with schizophrenia than in HCs. The mean FAs extracted from the significant MCP cluster were inversely correlated with poorer cognitive performance, particularly longer time to complete the TMB-B (r = 0.559, p < 0.001) and more total errors in the WCST (r = 0.442, p = 0.003). Our findings suggest that aberrant cerebro-cerebellar communication due to disrupted WM connectivity may contribute to cognitive impairments, a core characteristic of schizophrenia. Our results may expand our understanding of the neurobiology of schizophrenia based on the cerebro-cerebellar interconnectivity of the brain.
National control laboratory independent lot testing of COVID-19 vaccines: the UK experience
Authors: Rose Nicola J. , Stickings Paul , Schepelmann Silke , Bailey Marc J. A. , Burns Chris
Published: August 2021

The past 18 months have seen an unprecedented approach to vaccine development in the global effort against the COVID-19 pandemic. The process from discovery research, through clinical trials and regulatory approval often takes more than 10 years. However, the critical need to expedite vaccine availability in the pandemic has meant that new approaches to development, manufacturing, and regulation have been required: this has necessitated many stages of product development, clinical trials, and manufacturing to be undertaken in parallel at a global level. Through the development of these innovative products, the world has the best chance of finding individual, or combinations of, vaccines that will provide adequate protection for the world’s population. Despite the huge scientific and regulatory achievements and significant investment to accelerate vaccine availability, it is essential that safety measures are not compromised. Here we focus on the post regulatory approval testing by independent laboratories that provides an additional assurance of the safety and quality of a product, with an emphasis on the UK experience through the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), an expert centre of the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Two–three parameters isotherm modeling, kinetics with statistical validity, desorption and thermodynamic studies of adsorption of Cu(II) ions onto zerovalent iron nanoparticles
Authors: Dada Adewumi O. , Adekola Folahan A. , Odebunmi Ezekiel O. , Ogunlaja Adeniyi S. , Bello Olugbenga S.
Published: August 2021

Adsorption of problematic copper ions as one of the endocrine disruptive substances from aqueous solution onto nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) was studied. The high pore size 186.9268 Å, pore diameter 240.753 Å, and BET surface area 20.8643 m2 g−1 and pH(pzc) enlisted nZVI as an efficient nano-adsorbent for treatment of heavy metals from synthetic wastewater. SEM and EDX revealed the morphology and elemental distribution before and after adsorption. 98.31% removal efficiency was achieved at optimum adsorption operational parameters. Of all the thirteen isotherm models, equilibrium data were well fitted to Langmuir. Kinetics and mechanism data across the concentrations from 10 to 200 mg L−1 were analyzed by ten models. PSO best described kinetics data as confirmed by various statistical error validity models. The intraparticle diffusion model described that the intraparticle diffusion was not the only rate-limiting step. The adsorption mechanism was diffusion governed established by Bangham and Boyd models. Feasible, spontaneous, endothermic, and degree of randomness were reveal by the thermodynamic studies. Better desorption index and efficiency were obtained using HCl suggesting multiple mechanism processes. The performance of ZVI suggested it has a great potential for effective removal of endocrine disruptive cationic contaminant from wastewater.
Von Karman rotating nanofluid flow with modified Fourier law and variable characteristics in liquid and gas scenarios
Authors: Ramzan Muhammad , Gul Hina , Mursaleen M. , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Jamshed Wasim , Muhammad Taseer
Published: August 2021

This investigation aims to explore the temperature-dependent variable characteristics of viscosity, and thermal conductivity with modified Fourier law in a nanofluid flow over a rotating disk. The uniqueness of the envisioned mathematical model is improved with the additional impacts of the chemical reaction, non-uniform source/sink, and convective boundaries. The salient feature of the existing problem is to discuss the whole scenario with liquid and gas thermo-physical characteristics. The graphical depiction is attained for arising pertinent parameter is attained by using Bvp4c a built-in MATLAB function. The visco-thermal conduct of the gases and liquids is examined by observing the mean flow and thermal distributions for the convectively heated disk. It is followed that liquid behaves more viscous with an increase in temperature in of the gas, but an opposing tendency can be seen for the liquid. The attained results are verified when compared with a published result.
A Robust Machine Learning Based Framework for the Automated Detection of ADHD Using Pupillometric Biomarkers and Time Series Analysis
Authors: Das William , Khanna Shubh
Published: August 2021

Accurate and efficient detection of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is critical to ensure proper treatment for affected individuals. Current clinical examinations, however, are inefficient and prone to misdiagnosis, as they rely on qualitative observations of perceived behavior. We propose a robust machine learning based framework that analyzes pupil-size dynamics as an objective biomarker for the automated detection of ADHD. Our framework integrates a comprehensive pupillometric feature engineering and visualization pipeline with state-of-the-art binary classification algorithms and univariate feature selection. The support vector machine classifier achieved an average 85.6% area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC), 77.3% sensitivity, and 75.3% specificity using ten-fold nested cross-validation (CV) on a declassified dataset of 50 patients. 218 of the 783 engineered features, including fourier transform metrics, absolute energy, consecutive quantile changes, approximate entropy, aggregated linear trends, as well as pupil-size dilation velocity, were found to be statistically significant differentiators (p < 0.05), and provide novel behavioral insights into associations between pupil-size dynamics and the presence of ADHD. Despite a limited sample size, the strong AUROC values highlight the robustness of the binary classifiers in detecting ADHD—as such, with additional data, sensitivity and specificity metrics can be substantially augmented. This study is the first to apply machine learning based methods for the detection of ADHD using solely pupillometrics, and highlights its strength as a potential discriminative biomarker, paving the path for the development of novel diagnostic applications to aid in the detection of ADHD using oculometric paradigms and machine learning.
Cystoid maculopathy is a frequent feature of Cohen syndrome-associated retinopathy
Authors: Gabrielle Pierre-Henry , Faivre Laurence , Audo Isabelle , Zanlonghi Xavier , Dollfus Hélène , Thiadens Alberta A. H. J. , Zeitz Christina , Mancini Grazia M. S. , Perdomo Yaumara , Mohand-Saïd Saddek , Lizé Eléonore , Lhussiez Vincent , Nandrot Emeline F. , Acar Niyazi , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine , Sahel José-Alain , Ansar Muhammad , Thauvin-Robinet Christel , Duplomb Laurence , Da Costa Romain
Published: August 2021

Cohen syndrome (CS) is a rare syndromic form of rod-cone dystrophy. Recent case reports have suggested that cystoid maculopathy (CM) could affect CS patients with an early onset and high prevalence. Our study aims at improving our understanding and management of CM in CS patients through a retrospective case series of ten CS patients with identified pathogenic variants in VPS13B. Longitudinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging was performed and treatment with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAI) was provided to reduce the volume of cystoid spaces. CM affected eight out of ten patients in our cohort. The youngest patient showed a strong progression of macular cysts from the age of 4.5 to 5 years despite oral CAI medication. Other teenage and young adult patients showed stable macular cysts with and without treatment. One patient showed a moderate decrease of cystoid spaces in the absence of treatment at 22 years of age. Through a correlative analysis we found that the volume of cystoid spaces was positively correlated to the thickness of peripheral and macular photoreceptor-related layers. This study suggests that CAI treatments may not suffice to improve CM in CS patients, and that CM may resolve spontaneously during adulthood as photoreceptor dystrophy progresses.
Disentangling increasing compound extremes at regional scale during Indian summer monsoon
Authors: Guntu Ravi Kumar , Agarwal Ankit
Published: August 2021

Compound extremes exhibit greater adverse impacts than their univariate counterparts. Studies have reported changes in frequency and the spatial extent of extremes in India; however, investigation of compound extremes is in the infancy state. This study investigates the historical variation of compound dry and hot extremes (CDHE) and compound wet and cold extremes (CWCE) during the Indian summer monsoon period from 1951 to 2019 using monthly data. Results are analyzed for 10 identified homogeneous regions for India. Our results unravelled that CDHE (CWCE) frequency has increased (decreased) by 1–3 events per decade for the recent period (1977–2019) relative to the base period (1951–1976). Overall, the increasing (decreasing) pattern of CDHE (CWCE) is high across North-central India, Western India, North-eastern India and South-eastern coastlines. Our findings help in identification of the parts of the country affected by frequent and widespread CDHE during the recent period, which is alarming. More detailed assessments are required to disentangle the complex physical process of compound extremes to improve risk management options.
Partial dynamical symmetry versus quasi dynamical symmetry examination within a quantum chaos analyses of spectral data for even–even nuclei
Authors: Sabri H. , Mobarakeh S. K. Mousavi , Majarshin A. J. , Luo Yan-An , Pan Feng
Published: August 2021

Statistical analyses of the spectral distributions of rotational bands in 51 deformed prolate even–even nuclei in the 152 ≤ A ≤ 250 mass region $$R_{{4_{1}^{ + } /2_{1}^{ + } }} \ge 3.00$$

R

4

1

+

/

2

1

+

≥
3.00

are examined in terms of nearest neighbor spacing distributions. Specifically, the focus is on data for 0+, 2+, and 4+ energy levels of the ground, gamma, and beta bands. The chaotic behavior of the gamma band, especially the position of the $$2_{\gamma }^{ + }$$

2

γ

+

band-head compared to other levels and bands, is clear. The levels are analyzed within the framework of two models, namely, a SU(3)-partial dynamical symmetry Hamiltonian and a SU(3) two-coupled quasi-dynamical symmetry Hamiltonian, with results that are further analyzed using random matrix theory. The partial and quasi dynamics both yield outcomes that are in reasonable agreement with the known experimental results. However, due to the degeneracy of the beta and gamma bands within the simplest SU(3) picture, the theory cannot be used to describe the fluctuation properties of excited bands. By changing relative weights of the different terms in the partial and quasi dynamical Hamiltonians, results are obtained that show more GOE-like statistics in the partial dynamical formalism as the strength of the pairing term is increased. Also, in the quasi-dynamical symmetry limit, more correlations are found because of the stronger couplings.
Immunomodulation by durvalumab and pomalidomide in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Young Mary H. , Pietz Greg , Whalen Elizabeth , Copeland Wilbert , Thompson Ethan , Fox Brian A. , Newhall Kathryn J.
Published: August 2021

This study sought to understand how the programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor durvalumab and the immunomodulatory agent pomalidomide regulate immune cell activation and function in patients with relapsed/refractory (RR) multiple myeloma (MM). Immunologic changes in peripheral blood and bone marrow of patients treated with durvalumab as monotherapy or in combination with pomalidomide with/without dexamethasone were characterized by assessing subsets of immune cells and gene signatures to understand the immunomodulatory effect of the treatment. Soluble PD-L1 levels were elevated at screening in patients with RRMM but did not correlate with response to durvalumab combination therapy. Immune cell subsets were increased in peripheral blood during treatment with durvalumab and pomalidomide, and combination therapy induced significant gene expression changes in the MM tumor microenvironment versus durvalumab alone. Estimation of cell populations based on RNA sequencing data revealed increased monocytes, neutrophils, and natural killer cells with the combination therapy, but not with durvalumab alone. Additionally, multiplex immunofluorescence of bone marrow demonstrated that immune populations were different in responders versus nonresponders to durvalumab plus pomalidomide with dexamethasone therapy. Overall, durvalumab effectively blocked soluble PD-L1; however, durvalumab monotherapy was not associated with immunologic changes, which were observed with combination therapy.
WHO grade I meningiomas that show regrowth after gamma knife radiosurgery often show 1p36 loss
Authors: Damen Pim J. J. , Bulthuis Vincent J. , Hanssens Patrick E. J. , Lie Suan Te , Fleischeuer Ruth , Melotte Veerle , Wouters Kim A. , Ruland Andrea , Beckervordersandforth Jan , Speel Ernst Jan M.
Published: August 2021

WHO grade I meningiomas occasionally show regrowth after radiosurgical treatment, which cannot be predicted by clinical features. There is increasing evidence that certain biomarkers are associated with regrowth of meningiomas. The aim of this retrospective study was to asses if these biomarkers could be of value to predict regrowth of WHO grade I meningiomas after additive radiosurgery. Forty-four patients with WHO grade I meningiomas who underwent additive radiosurgical treatment between 2002 and 2015 after Simpson IV resection were included in this study, of which 8 showed regrowth. Median follow-up time was 64 months (range 24–137 months). Tumors were analyzed for the proliferation marker Ki-67 by immunohistochemistry and for deletion of 1p36 by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Furthermore, genomic DNA was analyzed for promoter hypermethylation of the genes NDRG1–4, SFRP1, HOXA9 and MGMT. Comparison of meningiomas with and without regrowth after radiosurgery revealed that loss of 1p36 (p = 0.001) and hypermethylation of NDRG1 (p = 0.046) were correlated with regrowth free survival. Loss of 1p36 was the only parameter that was significantly associated with meningioma regrowth after multivariate analysis (p = 0.01). Assessment of 1p36 loss in tumor tissue prior to radiosurgery might be considered an indicator of prognosis/regrowth. However, this finding has to be validated in an independent larger set of tumors.
Identification of preoperative predictors for acute postsurgical pain and for pain at three months after surgery: a prospective observational study
Authors: van Boekel Regina L. M. , Bronkhorst Ewald M. , Vloet Lilian , Steegers Monique A. M. , Vissers Kris C. P.
Published: August 2021

Identifying patients at risk is the start of adequate perioperative pain management. We aimed to identify preoperative predictors for acute postsurgical pain (APSP) and for pain at 3 months after surgery to develop prediction models. In a prospective observational study, we collected preoperative predictors and the movement-evoked numerical rating scale (NRS-MEP) of postoperative pain at day 1, 2, 3, 7, week 1, 6 and 3 months after surgery from patients with a range of surgical procedures. Regression analyses of data of 2258 surgical in- and outpatients showed that independent predictors for APSP using the mean NRS-MEP over the first three days after surgery were hospital admittance, female sex, higher preoperative pain, younger age, pain catastrophizing, anxiety, higher score on functional disability, highest categories of expected pain, medical specialty, unknown wound size, and wound size > 10 cm compared to wound size ≤ 10 cm (RMSE = 2.11). For pain at three months, the only predictors were preoperative pain and a higher score on functional disability (RMSE = 1.69). Adding pain trajectories improved the prediction of pain at three months (RMSE = 1.37). Our clinically applicable prediction models can be used preoperatively to identify patients at risk, as well as in the direct postoperative period.
Predicting species distributions and community composition using satellite remote sensing predictors
Authors: Pinto-Ledezma Jesús N. , Cavender-Bares Jeannine
Published: August 2021

Biodiversity is rapidly changing due to changes in the climate and human related activities; thus, the accurate predictions of species composition and diversity are critical to developing conservation actions and management strategies. In this paper, using satellite remote sensing products as covariates, we constructed stacked species distribution models (S-SDMs) under a Bayesian framework to build next-generation biodiversity models. Model performance of these models was assessed using oak assemblages distributed across the continental United States obtained from the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). This study represents an attempt to evaluate the integrated predictions of biodiversity models—including assemblage diversity and composition—obtained by stacking next-generation SDMs. We found that applying constraints to assemblage predictions, such as using the probability ranking rule, does not improve biodiversity prediction models. Furthermore, we found that independent of the stacking procedure (bS-SDM versus pS-SDM versus cS-SDM), these kinds of next-generation biodiversity models do not accurately recover the observed species composition at the plot level or ecological-community scales (NEON plots are 400 m2). However, these models do return reasonable predictions at macroecological scales, i.e., moderately to highly correct assignments of species identities at the scale of NEON sites (mean area ~ 27 km2). Our results provide insights for advancing the accuracy of prediction of assemblage diversity and composition at different spatial scales globally. An important task for future studies is to evaluate the reliability of combining S-SDMs with direct detection of species using image spectroscopy to build a new generation of biodiversity models that accurately predict and monitor ecological assemblages through time and space.
Advances, challenges and perspectives of quantum chemical approaches in molecular spectroscopy of the condensed phase
Authors: Ozaki Yukihiro , Beć Krzysztof B. , Morisawa Yusuke , Yamamoto Shigeki , Tanabe Ichiro , Huck Christian W. , Hofer Thomas S.
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this review is to demonstrate advances, challenges and perspectives of quantum chemical approaches in molecular spectroscopy of the condensed phase.
A hydrophilic–hydrophobic graphitic carbon nitride@silver hybrid substrate for recyclable surface-enhanced Raman scattering-based detection without the coffee-ring effect
Authors: Jiang Yanjia , Sun Huimin , Gu Chenjie , Zhang Yongling , Jiang Tao
Published: August 2021

Herein, a hydrophilic–hydrophobic graphitic carbon nitride@silver (g-C3N4@Ag) hybrid substrate was exploited to inhibit the “coffee-ring phenomenon” in the recyclable detection of dye molecules.
Hand-held X-ray fluorescence analysis of archaeological artefacts: challenges, advantages and limitations
Authors: Analytical Methods Committee AMCTB No. 108
Published: August 2021

This Technical Brief discusses the main advantages and limitations of hand-held X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy applied to archaeological artefacts, together with its potential to answer research questions for archaeologists and conservators.
Designing an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst heterostructure
Authors: Sachdeva Parrydeep Kaur , Gupta Shuchi , Bera Chandan
Published: August 2021

Doped graphene and Janus molybdenum dichalcogenide heterostructures form efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen and hydrogen evolutions with boosted electron transport at the heterojunction.
Hollow and mesoporous aluminosilica-encapsulated Pt-CoOx for the selective hydrogenation of substituted nitroaromatics
Authors: Yu Hongbo , Wu Chunzheng , Yuan Xuemin , Yang Fan , Zhang Fei , Yin Hongfeng
Published: August 2021

Pt-CoOx@HMANs show excellent catalytic activity, selectivity and stability in the hydrogenation of substituted nitroaromatics due to the improved mass transfer, the strong interaction between Pt and CoOx domains, and the introduction of Al2O3.
Cavity-promotion by pillar[5]arenes expedites organic photoredox-catalysed reductive dehalogenations
Authors: Schmidt Maximilian , Esser Birgit
Published: August 2021

Preassociation of the substrate close to the photoredox catalyst increases its efficiency, shown using pillarene-bound phenothiazines in the reduction of alkyl bromides.
Double-headed nucleic acids condense the molecular information of DNA to half the number of nucleotides
Authors: Beck Kasper M. , Sharma Pawan K. , Hornum Mick , Risgaard Nikolaj A. , Nielsen Poul
Published: August 2021

Double-headed nucleotides, holding two functional nucleobases each, successfully condense the molecular information of DNA to half the number of phosphates while drastically increasing duplex stability.
An inorganic-rich SEI induced by LiNO3 additive for a stable lithium metal anode in carbonate electrolyte
Authors: Liu Dongdong , Xiong Xunhui , Liang Qianwen , Wu Xianwen , Fu Haikuo
Published: August 2021

The solvation structure of Li ions was manipulated. NO3− became the main component in the first solvation shell.
Unexpected long room-temperature phosphorescence lifetimes of up to 1.0 s observed in iodinated molecular systems
Authors: Li Junbo , Wang Xuepu , Pan Yingtong , Sun Yan , Wang Guangming , Zhang Kaka
Published: August 2021

We report an unexpected long room-temperature phosphorescence lifetime of up to 1.0 s by doping iodinated difluoroboron(iii) β-diketonate (IBF2) into phenyl benzoate matrices. In contrast, IBF2 powders alone show insignificant afterglow even at 77 K.
Photoredox/nickel-catalyzed hydroacylation of ethylene with aromatic acids
Authors: Zhang Lili , Chen Shuai , He Hengchi , Li Weipeng , Zhu Chengjian , Xie Jin
Published: August 2021

We report a general, practical and scalable hydroacylation reaction of ethylene with aromatic carboxylic acids with the synergistic combination of nickel and photoredox catalysis.
Theoretical insights on the encapsulated hydronium ion mediated supramolecular assembly of nickel(ii) Schiff base complexes: strong hydrogen bonding interaction due to charge transfer from the lone pair of oxygen to the antibonding orbital of the O–H bond
Authors: Roy Sourav , Sutradhar Dipankar , Drew Michael G. B. , Chattopadhyay Shouvik
Published: August 2021

Strong hydrogen bonding interactions are observed in a hydronium ion trapped nickel(ii) Schiff base complex. The energetics regarding these interactions which provide the stability to the supramolecular structure are analysed by DFT calculations.
Efficient luminescence sensing in two lanthanide metal–organic frameworks with rich uncoordinated Lewis basic sites
Authors: Deng Liming , Zhao Huihui , Liu Kang , Ma Dingxuan
Published: August 2021

Two novel Ln-MOFs containing uncoordinated Lewis basic sites for sensitive detection of Fe3+ ions and nitrobenzene through fluorescence quenching.
Solvent effect on the competition between weak and strong interactions in phenol solutions studied by near-infrared spectroscopy and DFT calculations
Authors: Czarnecki Mirosław Antoni , Morisawa Yusuke , Katsumoto Yukiteru , Takaya Tomoyuki , Singh Swapnil , Sato Harumi , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: August 2021

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and DFT calculations were applied to study solvent effect on competition between weak and strong interactions in phenol solutions.
Fluorescence band exchange narrowing in a series of squaraine oligomers: energetic vs. structural disorder
Authors: Turkin Arthur , Malý Pavel , Lambert Christoph
Published: August 2021

A comparison of experimental absorption and fluorescence spectra of a series of squaraine oligomers with those calculated by the Frenkel exciton model demonstrates the different influence of diagonal and off-diagonal disorder on the spectral shape.
The NV−⋯N+ charged pair in diamond: a quantum-mechanical investigation
Authors: Ferrari Anna Maria , El-Kelany Khaled E. , Gentile Francesco Silvio , D’Amore Maddalena , Dovesi Roberto
Published: August 2021

The NV−⋯N+ charged pair in diamond has been investigated by using a Gaussian-type basis set, the B3LYP functional, the supercell scheme and the CRYSTAL code.
Photophysical properties of a boron analogue of coumarin
Authors: Wang Huayi , Schrage Briana R. , Takematsu Kana , Ziegler Christopher J.
Published: August 2021

A boron analogue of coumarin shows a surprising turn on of emission. Ground and excited state calculations were carried out for both compounds to shed some light on the factors involved in radiative relaxation.