bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural network-based image reconstruction in swept-source optical coherence tomography using undersampled spectral data
Authors: Zhang Yijie , Liu Tairan , Singh Manmohan , Çetintaş Ege , Luo Yilin , Rivenson Yair , Larin Kirill V. , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: July 2021

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a widely used non-invasive biomedical imaging modality that can rapidly provide volumetric images of samples. Here, we present a deep learning-based image reconstruction framework that can generate swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) images using undersampled spectral data, without any spatial aliasing artifacts. This neural network-based image reconstruction does not require any hardware changes to the optical setup and can be easily integrated with existing swept-source or spectral-domain OCT systems to reduce the amount of raw spectral data to be acquired. To show the efficacy of this framework, we trained and blindly tested a deep neural network using mouse embryo samples imaged by an SS-OCT system. Using 2-fold undersampled spectral data (i.e., 640 spectral points per A-line), the trained neural network can blindly reconstruct 512 A-lines in 0.59 ms using multiple graphics-processing units (GPUs), removing spatial aliasing artifacts due to spectral undersampling, also presenting a very good match to the images of the same samples, reconstructed using the full spectral OCT data (i.e., 1280 spectral points per A-line). We also successfully demonstrate that this framework can be further extended to process 3× undersampled spectral data per A-line, with some performance degradation in the reconstructed image quality compared to 2× spectral undersampling. Furthermore, an A-line-optimized undersampling method is presented by jointly optimizing the spectral sampling locations and the corresponding image reconstruction network, which improved the overall imaging performance using less spectral data points per A-line compared to 2× or 3× spectral undersampling results. This deep learning-enabled image reconstruction approach can be broadly used in various forms of spectral-domain OCT systems, helping to increase their imaging speed without sacrificing image resolution and signal-to-noise ratio.
Structural and functional basis for pan-CoV fusion inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants with preclinical evaluation
Authors: Xia Shuai , Lan Qiaoshuai , Zhu Yun , Wang Chao , Xu Wei , Li Yutang , Wang Lijue , Jiao Fanke , Zhou Jie , Hua Chen , Wang Qian , Cai Xia , Wu Yang , Gao Jie , Liu Huan , Sun Ge , Münch Jan , Kirchhoff Frank , Yuan Zhenghong , Xie Youhua , Sun Fei , Jiang Shibo , Lu Lu
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a global threat to public health and economy. The continuously emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants present a major challenge to the development of antiviral agents and vaccines. In this study, we identified that EK1 and cholesterol-coupled derivative of EK1, EK1C4, as pan-CoV fusion inhibitors, exhibit potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection in both lung- and intestine-derived cell lines (Calu-3 and Caco2, respectively). They are also effective against infection of pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 (Alpha) and B.1.1.248 (Gamma) as well as those with mutations in S protein, including N417T, E484K, N501Y, and D614G, which are common in South African and Brazilian variants. Crystal structure revealed that EK1 targets the HR1 domain in the SARS-CoV-2 S protein to block virus-cell fusion and provide mechanistic insights into its broad and effective antiviral activity. Nasal administration of EK1 peptides to hACE2 transgenic mice significantly reduced viral titers in lung and intestinal tissues. EK1 showed good safety profiles in various animal models, supporting further clinical development of EK1-based pan-CoV fusion inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
Sociodemographic characteristics of missing data in digital phenotyping
Authors: Kiang Mathew V. , Chen Jarvis T. , Krieger Nancy , Buckee Caroline O. , Alexander Monica J. , Baker Justin T. , Buckner Randy L. , Coombs Garth , Rich-Edwards Janet W. , Carlson Kenzie W. , Onnela Jukka-Pekka
Published: July 2021

The ubiquity of smartphones, with their increasingly sophisticated array of sensors, presents an unprecedented opportunity for researchers to collect longitudinal, diverse, temporally-dense data about human behavior while minimizing participant burden. Researchers increasingly make use of smartphones for “digital phenotyping,” the collection and analysis of raw phone sensor and log data to study the lived experiences of subjects in their natural environments using their own devices. While digital phenotyping has shown promise in fields such as psychiatry and neuroscience, there are fundamental gaps in our knowledge about data collection and non-collection (i.e., missing data) in smartphone-based digital phenotyping. In this meta-study using individual-level data from six different studies, we examined accelerometer and GPS sensor data of 211 participants, amounting to 29,500 person-days of observation, using Bayesian hierarchical negative binomial regression with study- and user-level random intercepts. Sensitivity analyses including alternative model specification and stratified models were conducted. We found that iOS users had lower GPS non-collection than Android users. For GPS data, rates of non-collection did not differ by race/ethnicity, education, age, or gender. For accelerometer data, Black participants had higher rates of non-collection, but rates did not differ by sex, education, or age. For both sensors, non-collection increased by 0.5% to 0.9% per week. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using smartphone-based digital phenotyping across diverse populations, for extended periods of time, and within diverse cohorts. As smartphones become increasingly embedded in everyday life, the insights of this study will help guide the design, planning, and analysis of digital phenotyping studies.
Kras-driven intratumoral heterogeneity triggers infiltration of M2 polarized macrophages via the circHIPK3/PTK2 immunosuppressive circuit
Authors: Katopodi Theodora , Petanidis Savvas , Domvri Kalliopi , Zarogoulidis Paul , Anestakis Doxakis , Charalampidis Charalampos , Tsavlis Drosos , Bai Chong , Huang Haidong , Freitag Lutz , Hohenforst-Schmidt Wolfgang , Matthaios Dimitris , Porpodis Konstantinos
Published: July 2021

Intratumoral heterogeneity in lung cancer is essential for evasion of immune surveillance by tumor cells and establishment of immunosuppression. Gathering data reveal that circular RNAs (circRNAs), play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of lung cancer. Particularly Kras-driven circRNA signaling triggers infiltration of myeloid-associated tumor macrophages in lung tumor microenvironment thus establishing immune deregulation, and immunosuppression but the exact pathogenic mechanism is still unknown. In this study, we investigate the role of oncogenic Kras signaling in circRNA-related immunosuppression and its involvement in tumoral chemoresistance. The expression pattern of circRNAs HIPK3 and PTK2 was determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in lung cancer patient samples and cell lines. Apoptosis was analyzed by Annexin V/PI staining and FACS detection. M2 macrophage polarization and MDSC subset analysis (Gr1−/CD11b−, Gr1−/CD11b+) were determined by flow cytometry. Tumor growth and metastatic potential were determined in vivo in C57BL/6 mice. Findings reveal intra-epithelial CD163+/CD206+ M2 macrophages to drive Kras immunosuppressive chemoresistance through myeloid differentiation. In particular, monocytic MDSC subsets Gr1−/CD11b−, Gr1−/CD11b+ triggered an M2-dependent immune response, creating an immunosuppressive tumor-promoting network via circHIPK3/PTK2 enrichment. Specifically, upregulation of exosomal cicHIPK3/PTK2 expression prompted Kras-driven intratumoral heterogeneity and guided lymph node metastasis in C57BL/6 mice. Consequent co-inhibition of circPTK2/M2 macrophage signaling suppressed lung tumor growth along with metastatic potential and prolonged survival in vivo. Taken together, these results demonstrate the key role of myeloid-associated macrophages in sustaining lung immunosuppressive neoplasia through circRNA regulation and represent a potential therapeutic target for clinical intervention in metastatic lung cancer.
Asymmetrical plasmonic absorber and reflector based on tilted Weyl semimetals
Authors: Abdol Somayeh Oskoui , Abdollahipour Babak
Published: July 2021

We investigate the surface plasmon polariton dispersion and optical spectra of a thin film of tilted Weyl semimetal. Tilted Weyl semimetals possess tilted Weyl cones at the Weyl nodes and are categorized to type-I with closed Fermi surfaces and type-II with overtilted Weyl cones and open Fermi surfaces. We find that the surface plasmon polariton dispersion of this system is nonreciprocal even in the absence of the external magnetic field. Moreover, we demonstrate that the tilt parameter has a profound effect in controlling this nonreciprocity. We reveal that the thin film of type-II Weyl semimetal hosts the surface plasmon polariton modes with the negative group velocity. Furthermore, we show that the angular optical spectra of this structure are highly asymmetric and this angular asymmetry in the absorptivity and reflectivity depends profoundly on the tilt parameter of the tilted Weyl semimetal. These exciting features propose employing the tilted Weyl semimetals in optical sensing devices, optical data storage, and devices for quantum information processing.
Glutamic acid promotes hair growth in mice
Authors: Jara Carlos Poblete , de Andrade Berti Beatriz , Mendes Natália Ferreira , Engel Daiane Fátima , Zanesco Ariane Maria , Pereira de Souza Gabriela Freitas , de Medeiros Bezerra Renan , de Toledo Bagatin Julia , Maria-Engler Silvya Stuchi , Morari Joseane , Velander William H. , Velloso Lício A. , Araújo Eliana Pereira
Published: July 2021

Glutamic acid is the main excitatory neurotransmitter acting both in the brain and in peripheral tissues. Abnormal distribution of glutamic acid receptors occurs in skin hyperproliferative conditions such as psoriasis and skin regeneration; however, the biological function of glutamic acid in the skin remains unclear. Using ex vivo, in vivo and in silico approaches, we showed that exogenous glutamic acid promotes hair growth and keratinocyte proliferation. Topical application of glutamic acid decreased the expression of genes related to apoptosis in the skin, whereas glutamic acid increased cell viability and proliferation in human keratinocyte cultures. In addition, we identified the keratinocyte glutamic acid excitotoxic concentration, providing evidence for the existence of a novel skin signalling pathway mediated by a neurotransmitter that controls keratinocyte and hair follicle proliferation. Thus, glutamic acid emerges as a component of the peripheral nervous system that acts to control cell growth in the skin. These results raise the perspective of the pharmacological and nutritional use of glutamic acid to treat skin diseases.
Kea (Nestor notabilis) fail a loose-string connectivity task
Authors: Bastos Amalia P. M. , Wood Patrick M. , Taylor Alex H.
Published: July 2021

Naïve individuals of some bird species can rapidly solve vertical string-pulling tasks with virtually no errors. This has led to various hypotheses being proposed which suggest that birds mentally simulate the effects of their actions on strings. A competing embodied cognition hypothesis proposes that this behaviour is instead modulated by perceptual-motor feedback loops, where feedback of the reward moving closer acts as an internal motivator for functional behaviours, such as pull-stepping. To date, the kea parrot has produced some of the best performances of any bird species at string-pulling tasks. Here, we tested the predictions of the four leading hypotheses for the cognition underpinning bird string-pulling by presenting kea with a horizontal connectivity task where only one of two loose strings was connected to the reward, both before and after receiving perceptual-motor feedback experience. We find that kea fail the connectivity task both before and after perceptual-motor feedback experience, suggesting not only that kea do not mentally simulate their string-pulling actions, but also that perceptual-motor feedback alone is insufficient in eliciting successful performance in the horizontal connectivity task. This suggests a more complex interplay of cognitive factors underlies this iconic example of animal problem-solving.
The role of sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus) as potential vector of protozoa and bacterial pathogens
Authors: Werszko Joanna , Asman Marek , Witecka Joanna , Steiner-Bogdaszewska Żaneta , Szewczyk Tomasz , Kuryło Grzegorz , Wilamowski Konrad , Karbowiak Grzegorz
Published: July 2021

The sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus) hematophagous insect may act as a potential vector of vector-borne pathogens. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of Trypanosoma spp., Bartonella spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in sheep ked collected from sheep in Poland. In total, Trypanosoma spp. was detected in 58.91% of M. ovinus, whereas Bartonella spp. and B. burgdorferi s.l. were found in 86.82% and 1.55% of the studied insects, respectively. A. phagocytophilum was not detected in the studied material. In turn, co-infection by Trypanosoma spp. and Bartonella spp. was detected in 50.39%, while co-infection with Trypanosoma spp. and Bartonella spp. and B. burgdorferi s.l. was found in 1.55% of the studied insects. The conducted study showed for the first time the presence of B. burgdorferi s. l. in M. ovinus, as well as for the first time in Poland the presence of Trypanosoma spp. and Bartonella spp. The obtained results suggest that these insects may be a potential vector for these pathogens, but further-more detailed studies are required.
A novel orally active HDAC6 inhibitor T-518 shows a therapeutic potential for Alzheimer’s disease and tauopathy in mice
Authors: Onishi Tomohiro , Maeda Ryouta , Terada Michiko , Sato Sho , Fujii Takahiro , Ito Masahiro , Hashikami Kentaro , Kawamoto Tomohiro , Tanaka Maiko
Published: July 2021

Accumulation of tau protein is a key pathology of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy. Those diseases are collectively termed tauopathies. Tau pathology is associated with axonal degeneration because tau binds to microtubules (MTs), a component of axon and regulates their stability. The acetylation state of MTs contributes to stability and histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is a major regulator of MT acetylation status, suggesting that pharmacological HDAC6 inhibition could improve axonal function and may slow the progression of tauopathy. Here we characterize N-[(1R,2R)-2-{3-[5-(difluoromethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]-5-oxo-5H,6H,7H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-6-yl}cyclohexyl]-2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropanamide (T-518), a novel, potent, highly selective HDAC6 inhibitor with clinically favorable pharmacodynamics. T-518 shows potent inhibitory activity against HDAC6 and superior selectivity over other HDACs compared with the known HDAC6 inhibitors in the enzyme and cellular assays. T-518 showed brain penetration in an oral dose and blocked HDAC6-dependent tubulin deacetylation at Lys40 in mouse hippocampus. A 2-week treatment restored impaired axonal transport and novel object recognition in the P301S tau Tg mouse, tauopathy model, while a 3-month treatment also decreased RIPA-insoluble tau accumulation. Pharmaceutical inhibition of HDAC6 is a potential therapeutic strategy for tauopathy, and T-518 is a particularly promising drug candidate.
Colour and motion affect a dune wasp’s ability to detect its cryptic spider predators
Authors: Rodríguez-Morales Dulce , Tapia-McClung Horacio , Robledo-Ospina Luis E. , Rao Dinesh
Published: July 2021

Ambush predators depend on cryptic body colouration, stillness and a suitable hunting location to optimise the probability of prey capture. Detection of cryptic predators, such as crab spiders, by flower seeking wasps may also be hindered by wind induced movement of the flowers themselves. In a beach dune habitat, Microbembex nigrifrons wasps approaching flowerheads of the Palafoxia lindenii plant need to evaluate the flowers to avoid spider attack. Wasps may detect spiders through colour and movement cues. We tracked the flight trajectories of dune wasps as they approached occupied and unoccupied flowers under two movement conditions; when the flowers were still or moving. We simulated the appearance of the spider and the flower using psychophysical visual modelling techniques and related it to the decisions made by the wasp to land or avoid the flower. Wasps could discriminate spiders only at a very close range, and this was reflected in the shape of their trajectories. Wasps were more prone to making errors in threat assessment when the flowers are moving. Our results suggest that dune wasp predation risk is augmented by abiotic conditions such as wind and compromises their early detection capabilities.
Rapid signaling reactivation after targeted BRAF inhibition predicts the proliferation of individual melanoma cells from an isogenic population
Authors: Khoshkenar Payam , Lowry Emily , Mitchell Amir
Published: July 2021

Cancer cells within tumors display a high degree of phenotypic variability. This variability is thought to allow some of the cells to survive and persist after seemingly effective drug treatments. Studies on vemurafenib, a signaling inhibitor that targets an oncogenic BRAF mutation common in melanoma, suggested that cell-to-cell variation in drug resistance, measured by long-term proliferation, originates from epigenetic differences in gene expression that pre-exist treatment. However, it is still unknown whether reactivation of signaling downstream to the inhibited BRAF, thought to be a key step for resistance, is heterogeneous across cells. While previous studies established that signaling reactivation takes place many hours to days after treatment, they monitored reactivation with bulk-population assays unsuitable for detecting cell-to-cell heterogeneity. We hypothesized that signaling reactivation is heterogeneous and is almost instantaneous for a small subpopulation of resistant cells. We tested this hypothesis by monitoring signaling dynamics at a single-cell resolution and observed that despite highly uniform initial inhibition, roughly 15% of cells reactivated signaling within an hour of treatment. Moreover, by tracking cell lineages over multiple days, we established that these cells indeed proliferated more than neighboring cells, thus establishing that rapid signaling reactivation predicts long-term vemurafenib resistance.
Prevalence of and factors associated with hypertension according to JNC 7 and ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Ashfikur , Halder Henry Ratul , Yadav Uday Narayan , Mistry Sabuj Kanti
Published: July 2021

Most studies either followed Joint National Committee 7 (JNC 7) or World Health Organization-International Society of Hypertension (WHO-ISH) guidelines to ascertain the prevalence of hypertension among Bangladeshi adults. The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) revised the definition of hypertension in 2017, which has significant public health importance. In Bangladesh, the new guideline has resulted changes in prevalence and risk factors for hypertension compared to the JNC7 guideline. This study used data from the most recent round (2017–2018) of the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS). According to the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, the participants were categorized as hypertensive if they had blood pressure (BP) ≥ 130/80 mmHg, but it was ≥ 140/90 mmHg in JNC 7 guideline. A total of 11,959 participants were involved in the analysis. The median (IQR) age of the respondents was 34.0 (18.0–95.0) years. The prevalence of hypertension was 24.0% according to the JNC 7 guideline, which was 50.5% according to the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline. Participants who were overweight and obese, aged, member of affluent households, Rangpur and Rajshahi division inhabitants had significantly higher odds of being hypertensive according to both guidelines. The new guideline suggests that half of the adult population in Bangladesh is hypertensive when measured according to the new guideline, urging the policymakers and public health practitioners to take immediate action to address the already established modifiable risk factors.
Recent trends in revision knee arthroplasty in Germany
Authors: Rupp Markus , Walter Nike , Lau Edmund , Worlicek Michael , Kurtz Steven M. , Alt Volker
Published: July 2021

We aimed to answer the following questions: (1) How did numbers of revision knee arthroplasty procedures develop in Germany over the last decade compared to primary TKA? (2) How high was the percentage of septic interventions in knee prosthesis revisions? (3) Which treatment strategy was chosen for surgical treatment of knee PJI? Revision arthroplasty rates as a function of age, gender, infection and type of prosthesis were quantified based on Operation and Procedure Classification System codes using revision knee arthroplasty data from 2008 to 2018, provided by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis). In 2018, a total number 23,812 revision knee arthroplasties were performed in Germany, yielding an overall increase of 20.76% between 2008 and 2018. In comparison, primary TKA procedures increased by 23.8% from 152,551 performed procedures in 2008 to 188,866 procedures in 2018. Hence, 12.6% of knee arthroplasties required a revision in 2018. Septic interventions increased by 51.7% for all revisions. A trend towards higher numbers in younger patients was observed. Compared to 2008, 17.41% less DAIR procedures were performed, whereby single-stage and two- or multi-stage change increased by 38.76% and 42.76% in 2018, respectively. The increasing number of revision knee arthroplasty in Germany, especially in younger patients and due to infection, underlines the need for future efforts to improve treatment strategies to delay primary arthroplasty and avoid periprosthetic joint infection.
In search of blue-light effects on cognitive control
Authors: Lee Hsing-Hao , Tu Yun-Chen , Yeh Su-Ling
Published: July 2021

People are constantly exposed to blue light while engaging in work. It is thus crucial to understand if vast exposure to blue light influences cognitive control, which is essential for working efficiently. Previous studies proposed that the stimulation of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), a newly discovered photoreceptor that is highly sensitive to blue light, could modulate non-image forming functions. Despite studies that showed blue light (or ipRGCs) enhances brain activations in regions related to cognitive control, how exposure to blue light changes our cognitive control behaviorally remains elusive. We examined whether blue light influences cognitive control through three behavioral tasks in three studies: the sustained attention to response task (SART), the task-switching paradigm, and the Stroop task. Classic effects of the SART, switch cost, and the Stroop effect were found, but no differences were observed in results of different background lights across the six experiments. Together, we conclude that these domains of cognitive control are not influenced by blue light and ipRGCs, and whether the enhancement of blue light on brain activities extends to the behavioral level should be carefully re-examined.
Torpor enhances synaptic strength and restores memory performance in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: de Veij Mestdagh Christina F. , Timmerman Jaap A. , Koopmans Frank , Paliukhovich Iryna , Miedema Suzanne S. M. , Goris Maaike , van der Loo Rolinka J. , Krenning Guido , Li Ka Wan , Mansvelder Huibert D. , Smit August B. , Henning Robert H. , van Kesteren Ronald E.
Published: July 2021

Hibernation induces neurodegeneration-like changes in the brain, which are completely reversed upon arousal. Hibernation-induced plasticity may therefore be of great relevance for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, but remains largely unexplored. Here we show that a single torpor and arousal sequence in mice does not induce dendrite retraction and synapse loss as observed in seasonal hibernators. Instead, it increases hippocampal long-term potentiation and contextual fear memory. This is accompanied by increased levels of key postsynaptic proteins and mitochondrial complex I and IV proteins, indicating mitochondrial reactivation and enhanced synaptic plasticity upon arousal. Interestingly, a single torpor and arousal sequence was also sufficient to restore contextual fear memory in an APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Our study demonstrates that torpor in mice evokes an exceptional state of hippocampal plasticity and that naturally occurring plasticity mechanisms during torpor provide an opportunity to identify unique druggable targets for the treatment of cognitive impairment.
Machine learning to predict distal caries in mandibular second molars associated with impacted third molars
Authors: Hur Sung-Hwi , Lee Eun-Young , Kim Min-Kyung , Kim Somi , Kang Ji-Yeon , Lim Jae Seok
Published: July 2021

Impacted mandibular third molars (M3M) are associated with the occurrence of distal caries on the adjacent mandibular second molars (DCM2M). In this study, we aimed to develop and validate five machine learning (ML) models designed to predict the occurrence of DCM2Ms due to the proximity with M3Ms and determine the relative importance of predictive variables for DCM2Ms that are important for clinical decision making. A total of 2642 mandibular second molars adjacent to M3Ms were analyzed and DCM2Ms were identified in 322 cases (12.2%). The models were trained using logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, artificial neural network, and extreme gradient boosting ML methods and were subsequently validated using testing datasets. The performance of the ML models was significantly superior to that of single predictors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the machine learning models ranged from 0.88 to 0.89. Six features (sex, age, contact point at the cementoenamel junction, angulation of M3Ms, Winter's classification, and Pell and Gregory classification) were identified as relevant predictors. These prediction models could be used to detect patients at a high risk of developing DCM2M and ultimately contribute to caries prevention and treatment decision-making for impacted M3Ms.
A specialized myodural bridge named occipital-dural muscle in the narrow-ridged finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis)
Authors: Zhang Zhao-Xi , Gong Jin , Yu Sheng-Bo , Li Chan , Sun Jing-Xian , Ding Shuai-Wen , Ma Guo-Jun , Sun Shi-Zhu , Zhou Lin , Hack Gary D. , Zheng Nan , Sui Hong-Jin
Published: July 2021

A dense bridge-like tissue named the myodural bridge (MDB) connecting the suboccipital muscles to the spinal dura mater was originally discovered in humans. However, recent animal studies have revealed that the MDB appears to be an evolutionarily conserved anatomic structure which may have significant physiological functions. Our previous investigations have confirmed the existence of the MDB in finless porpoises. The present authors conducted research to expound on the specificity of the MDB in the porpoise Neophocana asiaeorientalis (N.asiaeorientalis). Five carcasses of N.asiaeorientalis, with formalin fixation, were used for the present study. Two of the carcasses were used for head and neck CT scanning, three-dimensional reconstructions, and gross dissection of the suboccipital region. Another carcass was used for a P45 plastination study. Also, a carcass was used for a histological analysis of the suboccipital region and also one was used for a Scanning Electron Microscopy study. The results revealed that the MDB of the N.asiaeorientalis is actually an independent muscle originating from the caudal border of the occiput, passing through the posterior atlanto-occipital interspace, and then attaches to the cervical spinal dura mater. Thus the so called MDB of the N.asiaeorientalis is actually an independent and uniquely specialized muscle. Based on the origin and insertion of this muscle, the present authors name it the ‘Occipital-Dural Muscle’. It appears that the direct pull of this muscle on the cervical spinal dura mater may affect the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid by altering the volume of the subarachnoid space via a pumping action.
Exciton dynamics in monolayer graphene grown on a Cu(111) surface
Authors: Park Youngsin , Ying Guanhua , Taylor Robert A. , Hwang Chan C.
Published: July 2021

We have characterized the carrier dynamics of the excitonic emission emerging from a monolayer of graphene grown on a Cu(111) surface. Excitonic emission from the graphene, with strong and sharp peaks both with a full-width at half-maximum of 2.7 meV, was observed near ~3.16 and ~3.18 eV at 4.2 K. The carrier recombination parameters were studied by measuring both temperature-dependent and time-resolved photoluminescence. The intensity variation with temperature of these two peaks shows an opposing trend. The time-resolved emission was modelled using coupled differential equations and the decay time was found to be dominated by carrier trapping and Auger recombination as the temperature increased.
Successive syntheses and magnetic properties of homodinuclear lanthanide macrocyclic complexes
Authors: Li Xiang , Liu Yu-Han , Zhu Guang-Zhou , Yang Feng-Lei , Gao Feng
Published: July 2021

Two series of homodinuclear lanthanide macrocyclic complexes with D4d symmetry have been successively synthesized. Magnetic studies reveal ferromagnetic interactions between Dy3+ or Tb3+ centres and typical SMM behaviors for Dy complexes 1 and 4.
The impacts of climate change on coal-fired power plants: evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Hao , Da Yabin , Zhang Xian , Fan Jing-Li
Published: July 2021

Climate change-induced coal-fired plant generation efficiency reduction tends to cut power supply by 15.77 billion kWh/year in the 2050s under RCP8.5. The challenges could be more evident if factoring in the rapidly increasing power demand.
Amino-assisted synthesis of alkynylthioethers via a visible-light-induced C(sp)–SII coupling between bromoalkynes and 2,2′-diaminodiaryldisulfides
Authors: Ye Ruyi , Ruan Hongjie , Xu Hailong , Li Ziyang , Meng Ling-Guo , Wang Lei
Published: July 2021

A straightforward synthesis of alkynylthioethers via amino-assisted/visible-light-promoted coupling of bromoalkynes with 2,2′-diaminodiaryldisulfides without transition metals, photocatalysts and additives was developed.
Anionic CO2 activation in the anionic and di-anionic state of aza-naphthalene
Authors: Park Chang Jun , Heo One , Lee Hyeon Seok , Lee Kyung Suh , Lee Sang Hak
Published: July 2021

Nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) is the single basic moiety in N-doped graphene, the only metal-free catalyst reported to date to successfully produce the oxygen reduction reaction.
High yield and greener C–H difluoromethylation reactions using copper iodide nanoparticles/boron nitride nanosheets as a versatile and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Veerabagu Udayakumar , Jaikumar Gowsika , Lu Fushen , Quero Franck
Published: July 2021

The 3 wt% CuI/BNNS catalyst exhibited high efficiency for C–H difluoromethylation reactions and enabled greener synthesis at high yields using cyrene as a solvent. Furthermore, the catalyst could be easily recovered and recycled for at least five cycles.
Stimuli-responsive granular crystals assembled by dipolar and multipolar interactions
Authors: Polev Konstantin , Visyn Valentin , Adamkiewicz Witold , Sobolev Yaroslav , Grzybowski Bartosz A.
Published: July 2021

This work describes how unusual, multipolar interactions effect two-dimensional crystals’ structure, and the application of external bias induces reversible structural transitions between their closed and open forms, demonstrated in a granular system.
Unsupervised learning of sequence-specific aggregation behavior for a model copolymer
Authors: Statt Antonia , Kleeblatt Devon C. , Reinhart Wesley F.
Published: July 2021

Unsupervised machine learning is applied to study the disordered aggregates of a model sequence defined macromolecule. Using these learned collective variables provides new insight into both the structure and kinetics of these aggregates.
In situ TEM investigation of large crystal formation in lithiated SnO2 anode assisted by electron beam irradiation
Authors: Wen Yifeng , Zhu Mingyun , Song Shugui , Xin Lei , Xiong Yuwei , Li Jingcang , Shen Yuting , Yin Kuibo , Sun Litao
Published: July 2021

The formation mechanism of large Li4.4Sn crystals formed in lithiated SnO2 particles was investigated and their formation can be effectively suppressed by placing the lithiated SnO2 for a certain period or by reducing the size of SnO2 below 15 nm.
Poly(acrylic acid)-mediated synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles with variable oxidation states and their effect on regulating the intracellular ROS level
Authors: Ju Xiaohui , Hubalek Kalbacova Marie , Šmíd Břetislav , Johánek Viktor , Janata Martin , Dinhová Thu Ngan , Bělinová Tereza , Mazur Michal , Vorokhta Maryna , Strnad Ladislav
Published: July 2021

PAA tunes the surface oxidation state of CeO2 and PAA–CeNPs significantly reduce the H2O2-induced intracellular ROS level in the cells.
Laser-induced atmospheric CuxO formation on copper surface with enhanced electrochemical performance for non-enzymatic glucose sensing
Authors: Sedaghat Sotoudeh , Nejati Sina , Bermejo Luis Helena , He Zihao , Alcaraz Alejandro M. , Roth Alexander , Li Zheng , Pol Vilas G. , Wang Haiyan , Rahimi Rahim
Published: July 2021

A tuneable laser-induced oxidation technique was demonstrated for the fabrication of binder-free and robust electroactive copper oxide film as a highly sensitive non-enzymatic glucose sensor.
A sensitive colorimetric chiral recognition for thiol-containing amino acids based on NIR plasmonic MoO3−x nanoparticles
Authors: Zhong Shichuan , Xing Changchang , Cao An , Zeng Pan , Cai Weiping , Li Yue
Published: July 2021

We report a universal sensitive colorimetric chiral recognition method for chiral thiol-containing amino acids based on plasmonic MoO3−x nanoparticles.
Electropolymerization of poly(spiroBiProDOT) on counter electrodes for platinum-free dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Sil Manik Chandra , Chang Hong-Da , Jhan Jhih-Jhu , Chen Chih-Ming
Published: July 2021

Poly(spiroBiProDOT) is synthesized using facile electropolymerization as a promising and cost-effective catalyst on counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) with an efficient charge mobility due to π–π conjugation and interaction.
The New Generation Planetary Population Synthesis (NGPPS)
Authors: Emsenhuber Alexandre , Mordasini Christoph , Burn Remo , Alibert Yann , Benz Willy , Asphaug Erik
Published: July 2021

Context.The explosion of observational data on exoplanets gives many constraints on theoretical models of planet formation and evolution. Observational data probe very large areas of the parameter space and many different planet properties.

Aims.Comparing theoretical models with observations allows one to take a key step forward towards understanding planetary systems. It however requires a model able to (i) predict all the necessary observable quantities (not only masses and orbits, but also radii, luminosities, magnitudes, or evaporation rates) and (ii) address the large range in relevant planetary masses (from Mars mass to super-Jupiters) and distances (from stellar-grazing to wide orbits).

Methods.We have developed a combined global end-to-end planetary formation and evolution model, the Generation III Bern model, based on the core accretion paradigm. This model solves as directly as possible the underlying differential equations for the structure and evolution of the gas disc, the dynamical state of the planetesimals, the internal structure of the planets yielding their planetesimal and gas accretion rates, disc-driven orbital migration, and the gravitational interaction of concurrently forming planets via a fullN-body calculation. Importantly, the model also follows the long-term evolution of the planets on gigayear timescales after formation including the effects of cooling and contraction, atmospheric escape, bloating, and stellar tides.

Results.To test the model, we compared it with classical scenarios of Solar System formation. For the terrestrial planets, we find that we obtain a giant impact phase of protoplanet-protoplanet collisions provided enough embryos (~100) are initially emplaced in the disc. For the giant planets, we find that Jupiter-mass planets must accrete their core shortly before the dispersal of the gas disc to prevent strong inward migration that would bring them to the inner edge of the disc. Regarding the emergence of entire planetary systems, many aspects can be understood with the comparison of the timescales of growth and migration, the capture into resonances, and the consequences of large-scale dynamical instabilities caused by the gravitational interactions of protoplanets, including the situation when a second core starts runaway gas accretion.

Conclusions.The Generation III Bern model provides one of the most comprehensive global end-to-end models of planetary system formation and evolution developed so far, linking a multitude of crucial physical processes self-consistently. The model can form planetary systems with a wide range of properties. We find that systems with only terrestrial planets are often well-ordered (in period, mass, and radius), while giant-planet bearing systems show no such similarity. In a series of papers, the model will be used to perform extensive planetary population syntheses, putting the current theoretical understanding of planet formation and evolution to the observational test.
Application of the LMS algorithm to identify the surface velocity responsible for the radiated sound pressure
Authors: Kropp Wolfgang , Larsson Krister , Lobato Thiago , Sottek Roland
Published: July 2021

A time domain approach based on the least mean square (LMS) algorithm is applied to reconstruct the source amplitude and source distribution on a plate. For this a numerical experiment is established. A boundary element model is used to calculate the required impulse response functions describing the pressure in near- and far-field for a given volume flow at individual patches on the plate. Three different cases are considered. Firstly, a volume flow is given to a single patch. The LMS algorithm is used to reconstruct the source signal by means of receiving positions in the far-field. Secondly, the approach is used to identify the vibration pattern and source signal on a line of patches. Thirdly, a vibration pattern was given to the plate as the whole. For the reconstruction an assumption was made about the underlying vibration patterns (e.g. expansion in vibrational modes). Such an approach proved to be very time efficient and powerful. It also showed the need to place the receiving positions in the near-field to be able to obtain correct results over the whole frequency range. However, this is not a problem of the approach based on the LMS algorithm, but just due to the underlying physics. It is not possible to deduce the near-field from far-field observations, and therefore the vibrations mainly leading to a near-field are simply not visible in the far-field.
Tips and Pearls for Tracheostomy during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kaushal Darwin , Goyal Shilpa , Nair Nithin Prakasan , Soni Kapil , Choudhury Bikram , Kumari Meena , Chhabra Swati , Goyal Amit
Published: July 2021

The number of critically-ill coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients requiring mechanical ventilation is on the rise. Most guidelines suggest keeping the patient intubated and delay elective tracheostomy. Although the current literature does not support early tracheostomy, the number of patients undergoing it is increasing. During the pandemic, it is important that surgeons and anesthesiologists know the different aspects of tracheostomy in terms of indication, procedure, tube care and complications. A literature search was performed to identify different guidelines and available evidence on tracheostomy in Covid-19 patients. The purpose of the present article is to generate an essential scientific evidence for life-saving tracheostomy procedures.
Australian rangeland futures: time now for systemic responses to interconnected challenges
Authors: Foran Barney
Published: July 2021

Australia’s rangelands contain wildlands, relatively intact biodiversity, widespread Indigenous cultures, and pastoral and mining industries, all set in past and present events and mythologies. The nature of risks and threats to these rangelands is increasingly global and systemic. Future policy frameworks must acknowledge this and act accordingly. This paper collates current key information on land tenures and land uses, people and domestic livestock in Australian rangelands, and discusses five perspectives on how the rangelands are changing, in order to inform the development of integrated policy – climate and environmental change; the southern rangelands; the northern rangelands; Indigenous Australia; and governance and management. From these perspectives, more attention must be paid to ensuring a social licence to operate across a range of uses, acknowledging and supporting a younger, more Indigenous population, implementing positive aspects of technological innovation, halting capital and governance leakages, and building human capacity. A recommended set of systemic responses should therefore (i) address governance issues consistently and comprehensively, (ii) ensure that new technologies can foster the delivery of sustainable livelihoods, and (iii) focus capacity-building on a community of industries where knowledge is built for the long-term. All three of these should be undertaken with an eye to the changing demographics of the rangelands.
Effect of subsidies and regulatory exemptions on 2020–2030 oil and gas production and profits in the United States
Authors: Achakulwisut Ploy , Erickson Peter , Koplow Doug
Published: July 2021

The United States has supported the development of its oil and gas industry since the early twentieth century. Despite repeated pledges to phase out ‘inefficient’ fossil fuel subsidies, US oil and gas production continues to be subsidized by billions of dollars each year. In this study, we quantify how 16 subsidies and regulatory exemptions individually and altogether affect the economics of US oil and gas production in 2020–2030 under different price and financial risk outlooks. We find that, at 2019 average market prices of oil and gas, the 16 subsidies could increase the average rates of return of yet-to-be-developed oil and gas fields by 55% and 68% over unsubsidized levels, respectively, with over 96% of subsidy value flowing to excess profits under a 10% hurdle rate. At lower 2020 prices, the subsidies could increase the average rates of return of new oil and gas fields by 63% and 78% over unsubsidized levels, respectively, with more than 60% of oil and gas resources being dependent on subsidies to be profitable under a 20% hurdle rate. Under all price scenarios analyzed, the highest-value subsidies include federal tax incentives that have existed since 1916, as well as less recognized forms of support such as cost exemptions related to well cleanup and hazardous waste management. Given that these results depend on our chosen definitions of what constitutes a subsidy and, in some cases, assumptions regarding what the unsubsidized practices should be, we also present results for selected subsets of subsidies. By showing which subsidies have the greatest effects in different producing regions of the country, our findings can help policymakers chart a schedule of targeted subsidy repeals and regulatory reforms that can contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and achieving other sustainable development goals. Our results can also help inform how different choices about economic recovery measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic can shape the US oil and gas industry in the years to come.
Strong influence of convective heat transfer efficiency on the cooling benefits of green roof irrigation
Authors: Wang Linying , Huang Maoyi , Li Dan
Published: July 2021

By enhancing evapotranspiration (ET), green roofs provide cooling benefits for the urban environment and are recognized as a promising heat mitigation strategy. The evaporative cooling effects of green roofs strongly depend on the soil moisture conditions and thus irrigation may be needed to sustain the cooling benefits. It has been shown that the magnitude of cooling benefits offered by green roof irrigation varies spatially, but its controlling factors remain elusive. In this study, we combine a surface energy balance (SEB) model with global simulations generated by an improved Earth System Model to illustrate the key factors controlling the cooling benefits of green roof irrigation. We employ a simple irrigation scheme, which is only active when there is no ice in soil layers and when the soil moisture is below field capacity. As a result, most of the irrigation water leaves the green roof system via ET. We find that the magnitude and also the spatial variability of the cooling benefits of green roof irrigation are controlled by the irrigation amount, and a surface energy redistribution factor that encodes the efficiencies of different SEB components in transferring heat. Further analysis indicates that the enhancement of latent heat flux due to irrigation is largely balanced by the reduction of sensible heat flux on green roofs. Therefore, the amount of irrigation needed per unit decrease of green roof surface temperature is mainly controlled by the convective heat transfer efficiency. A lower convective heat transfer efficiency (e.g. under a lower wind speed) helps reduce the amount of irrigation needed per unit decrease of green roof surface temperature. This study highlights the importance of SEB in constraining the cooling benefits of green roof irrigation and provides valuable guidance for urban planners and policy makers in terms of heat mitigation and sustainable water management.
Substitution of ZA with organic fertilizer on the cultivation of porang (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume)
Authors: Mufidah R A , Pujiasmanto B , Sulistyo T D , Supriyono
Published: July 2021

Climate change causing problems for many cultivated crops. Porang (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) requires specific environmental and climatic conditions to grow optimally. Fertilization is one of the efforts to increase the yield of porang in the midst of unpredictable climate change. This study aims to determine the effect of substitution (inorganic with organic fertilizer) on porang cultivation to get the right fertilizer dosage to recommend to farmers. This research was held on March - July 2020 in BKPH Pojok agricultural land, Purwodadi, Central Java which has an average elevation 498.7 m asl and a normal temperature range between 26°-28,5°Celcious. This research was using Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) one factor - dosage comparison of ZA and organic fertilizer consist of: 100:0%, 75:25%, 50:50%, 25:75%, 0:100%, and 0:0% in four replications. The highest yield was obtained by treating 100% ZA fertilizer (increasing yield of 86.79% with a total yield of 19.8 tons/ha). Substitution of 75% ZA fertilizer with 25% organic fertilizer and 100% organic fertilizer gave no significant difference effect (increasing yield of 32.08% - 37.73% with total yield of 14 - 14.6 tons/ha).