bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melanopic stimulation does not alter psychophysical threshold sensitivity for luminance flicker
Authors: Vincent Joris , Haggerty Edda B. , Brainard David H. , Aguirre Geoffrey K.
Published: October 2021

In addition to the rod and cone photoreceptors the retina contains intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). These cells express the photopigment melanopsin and are known to be involved in reflexive visual functions such as pupil response and photo-entrainment of the circadian rhythm. It is possible that the ipRGCs contribute to conscious visual perception, either by providing an independent signal to the geniculo-striate pathway, or by interacting with and thus modifying signals arising from “classical” retinal ganglion cells that combine and contrast cone input. Here, we tested for the existence of an interaction by asking if a 350% change in melanopsin stimulation alters psychophysical sensitivity for the detection of luminance flicker. In Experiment 1, we tested for a change in the threshold for detecting luminance flicker in three participants after they adapted to backgrounds with different degrees of tonic melanopsin stimulation. In Experiments 2 and 3, this test was repeated, but now for luminance flicker presented on a transient pedestal of melanopsin stimulation. Across the three experiments, no effect of melanopsin stimulation upon threshold flicker sensitivity was found. Our results suggest that even large changes in melanopsin stimulation do not affect near-threshold, cone-mediated visual perception.
Effects of natural nest temperatures on sex reversal and sex ratios in an Australian alpine skink
Authors: Dissanayake Duminda S. B. , Holleley Clare E. , Georges Arthur
Published: October 2021

Altered climate regimes have the capacity to affect the physiology, development, ecology and behaviour of organisms dramatically, with consequential changes in individual fitness and so the ability of populations to persist under climatic change. More directly, extreme temperatures can directly skew the population sex ratio in some species, with substantial demographic consequences that influence the rate of population decline and recovery rates. In contrast, this is particularly true for species whose sex is determined entirely by temperature (TSD). The recent discovery of sex reversal in species with genotypic sex determination (GSD) due to extreme environmental temperatures in the wild broadens the range of species vulnerable to changing environmental temperatures through an influence on primary sex ratio. Here we document the levels of sex reversal in nests of the Australian alpine three-lined skink (Bassiana duperreyi), a species with sex chromosomes and sex reversal at temperatures below 20 °C and variation in rates of sex reversal with elevation. The frequency of sex reversal in nests of B. duperreyi ranged from 28.6% at the highest, coolest locations to zero at the lowest, warmest locations. Sex reversal in this alpine skink makes it a sensitive indicator of climate change, both in terms of changes in average temperatures and in terms of climatic variability.
Ultrasonic control of neurite outgrowth direction
Authors: Maruyama Haruki , Fujiwara Koji , Kumeta Masahiro , Koyama Daisuke
Published: October 2021

This study investigated a method to control neurite outgrowth direction using ultrasound vibration. An ultrasound cell culture dish comprising a glass-bottom culture surface and a glass disc with an ultrasound transducer was fabricated, and undifferentiated neuron-like PC12 cells were grown on the dish as an adherent culture. The 78 kHz resonant concentric flexural vibration mode of the dish was used to quantitatively evaluate the neurite outgrowth direction and length. Time-lapse imaging of cells was performed for 72 h under ultrasound excitation. Unsonicated neurites grew in random directions, whereas neurite outgrowth was circumferentially oriented during ultrasonication in a power-dependent manner. The neurite orientation correlated with the spatial gradient of the ultrasound vibration, implying that neurites tend to grow in directions along which the vibrational amplitude does not change. Ultrasonication with 30 Vpp for 72 h increased the neurite length by 99.7% compared with that observed in unsonicated cells.
Polymorphism of the ITGAM gene (rs7193943) and bioelectric impedance analysis as potential predictors of cachexia in chronic heart failure
Authors: Sobieszek Grzegorz , Mlak Radosław , Powrózek Tomasz , Mazurek Marcin , Skwarek-Dziekanowska Aneta , Terlecki Piotr , Małecka-Massalska Teresa
Published: October 2021

Cardiac cachexia (CC) is an unfavorable metabolic syndrome leading to exacerbation of chronic heart failure (CHF) and a higher risk of death. The main factor contributing to the development of cachexia is the ongoing inflammatory process mediated by genes (e.g. Integrin Subunit Alpha M—ITGAM). The study aimed to assess the relationship between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) -323G > A of the ITGAM and the occurrence of nutritional disorders in patients with CHF. 157 CHF patients underwent clinical and nutritional screening. Body composition was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Patients with cachexia were characterized by significantly lower weight, body mass index (BMI), lower fat mass (FM), albumin, and hemoglobin. Lower values of BIA parameters: capacitance of membrane (Cm), phase angle (PA), and impedance ratio (Z200/Z5) were noted in women. Those patients demonstrated significantly higher values of creatinine, c-reactive protein (CRP), N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). A significantly higher risk of cachexia was reported in patients: aged ≥ 74 years (OR 3.55), with renal failure (OR 3.75), New York Heart Association classification (NYHA) III-IV (OR 2.83), with moderate or severe malnutrition according to the score of subjective global assessment (SGA) (OR 19.01) and AA genotype of ITGAM gene (OR 2.03). Determination of the -323G > A SNP in the ITGAM may prove to be a useful marker (after confirmation in further studies and appropriate validation) in the assessment of the risk of nutritional disorders in patients with CHF.
Quantification of irrigated lesion morphology using near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Park Soo Young , Singh-Moon Rajinder , Yang Haiqiu , Saluja Deepak , Hendon Christine
Published: October 2021

There are currently limited means by which lesion formation can be confirmed during radiofrequency ablation procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of NIRS-integrated RFA catheters for monitoring irrigated lesion progression, ex vivo and in vivo. Open-irrigated NIRS-ablation catheters with optical fibers were fabricated to sample tissue diffuse reflectance. Spectra from 44 irrigated lesions and 44 non-lesion sites from ex vivo swine hearts (n = 15) were used to train and evaluate a predictive model for lesion dimensions based on key spectral features. Additional studies were performed in diluted blood to assess NIRS signatures of catheter-tissue contact status. Finally, the potential of NIRS-RFA catheters for guiding lesion delivery was evaluated in a set of in vivo pilot studies conducted in healthy pigs (n = 4). Model predictions for lesion depth (R = 0.968), width (R = 0.971), and depth percentage (R = 0.924) correlated well with measured lesion dimensions. In vivo deployment in preliminary trials showed robust translational consistency of contact discrimination (P < 0.0001) and lesion depth parameters (< 3% error). NIRS empowered catheters are well suited for monitoring myocardial response to RF ablation and may provide useful intraprocedural feedback for optimizing treatment efficacy alongside current practices.
A proof of concept study for the differentiation of SARS-CoV-2, hCoV-NL63, and IAV-H1N1 in vitro cultures using ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Feuerherd M. , Sippel A.-K. , Erber J. , Baumbach J. I. , Schmid R. M. , Protzer U. , Voit F. , Spinner C. D.
Published: October 2021

Rapid, high-throughput diagnostic tests are essential to decelerate the spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. While RT-PCR tests performed in centralized laboratories remain the gold standard, rapid point-of-care antigen tests might provide faster results. However, they are associated with markedly reduced sensitivity. Bedside breath gas analysis of volatile organic compounds detected by ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) may enable a quick and sensitive point-of-care testing alternative. In this proof-of-concept study, we investigated whether gas analysis by IMS can discriminate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from other respiratory viruses in an experimental set-up. Repeated gas analyses of air samples collected from the headspace of virus-infected in vitro cultures were performed for 5 days. A three-step decision tree using the intensities of four spectrometry peaks correlating to unidentified volatile organic compounds allowed the correct classification of SARS-CoV-2, human coronavirus-NL63, and influenza A virus H1N1 without misassignment when the calculation was performed with data 3 days post infection. The forward selection assignment model allowed the identification of SARS-CoV-2 with high sensitivity and specificity, with only one of 231 measurements (0.43%) being misclassified. Thus, volatile organic compound analysis by IMS allows highly accurate differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 from other respiratory viruses in an experimental set-up, supporting further research and evaluation in clinical studies.
A novel fluorescent probe for detecting hydrogen sulfide in osteoblasts during lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammation under periodontitis
Authors: Lu Xiaoya , Zhu Hanchuang , Chen Yi , Wu Yue , Zhang Dongsheng , Zhu Baocun , Huang Shengyun
Published: October 2021

Periodontitis, one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases, affects the quality of life. Osteogenesis plays an important role in the disease. There is a connection between hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and periodontitis, but according to the study has been published, the precise role of H2S in inflammation remains in doubt. The main reason for the lack of research is that H2S is an endogenous gasotransmitter, difficult to discern through testing. So, we synthesized a novel fluorescence probe which can detect H2S in vitro. By using the novel H2S fluorescence probe, we found that H2S changes in osteoblasts mainly by cystathionine-γ-lyase, and H2S increases under LPS stimulation. H2S could be a potential marker for diagnosis of inflammatory diseases of bone, and might help deepen studies of the changes of H2S level and promote the progression on the researches about pathogenesis of periodontitis.
People underestimate the errors made by algorithms for credit scoring and recidivism prediction but accept even fewer errors
Authors: Rebitschek Felix G. , Gigerenzer Gerd , Wagner Gert G.
Published: October 2021

This study provides the first representative analysis of error estimations and willingness to accept errors in a Western country (Germany) with regards to algorithmic decision-making systems (ADM). We examine people’s expectations about the accuracy of algorithms that predict credit default, recidivism of an offender, suitability of a job applicant, and health behavior. Also, we ask whether expectations about algorithm errors vary between these domains and how they differ from expectations about errors made by human experts. In a nationwide representative study (N = 3086) we find that most respondents underestimated the actual errors made by algorithms and are willing to accept even fewer errors than estimated. Error estimates and error acceptance did not differ consistently for predictions made by algorithms or human experts, but people’s living conditions (e.g. unemployment, household income) affected domain-specific acceptance (job suitability, credit defaulting) of misses and false alarms. We conclude that people have unwarranted expectations about the performance of ADM systems and evaluate errors in terms of potential personal consequences. Given the general public’s low willingness to accept errors, we further conclude that acceptance of ADM appears to be conditional to strict accuracy requirements.
Measuring lung water adds prognostic value in heart failure patients undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance
Authors: Rocha Bruno M. L. , Cunha Gonçalo J. L. , Freitas Pedro , Lopes Pedro M. D. , Santos Ana C. , Guerreiro Sara , Tralhão António , Ventosa António , Andrade Maria J. , Abecasis João , Aguiar Carlos , Saraiva Carla , Mendes Miguel , Ferreira António M.
Published: October 2021

To assess whether a simplified cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)–derived lung water density (LWD) quantification predicted major events in Heart Failure (HF). Single-centre retrospective study of consecutive HF patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% who underwent CMR. All measurements were performed on HASTE sequences in a parasagittal plane at the right midclavicular line. LWD was determined by the lung-to-liver signal ratio multiplied by 0.7. A cohort of 102 controls was used to derive the LWD upper limit of normal (21.2%). The primary endpoint was a composite of time to all-cause death or HF hospitalization. Overall, 290 patients (mean age 64 ± 12 years) were included. LWD measurements took on average 35 ± 4 s, with good inter-observer reproducibility. LWD was increased in 65 (22.4%) patients, who were more symptomatic (NYHA ≥ III 29.2 vs. 1.8%; p = 0.017) and had higher NT-proBNP levels [1973 (IQR: 809–3766) vs. 802 (IQR: 355–2157 pg/mL); p < 0.001]. During a median follow-up of 21 months, 20 patients died and 40 had ≥ 1 HF hospitalization. In multivariate analysis, NYHA (III–IV vs. I–II; HR: 2.40; 95%-CI: 1.30–4.43; p = 0.005), LVEF (HR per 1%: 0.97; 95%-CI: 0.94–0.99; p = 0.031), serum creatinine (HR per 1 mg/dL: 2.51; 95%-CI: 1.36–4.61; p = 0.003) and LWD (HR per 1%: 1.07; 95%-CI: 1.02–1.12; p = 0.007) were independent predictors of the primary endpoint. These findings were mainly driven by an association between LWD and HF hospitalization (p = 0.026). A CMR-derived LWD quantification was independently associated with an increased HF hospitalization risk in HF patients with LVEF < 50%. LWD is a simple, reproducible and straightforward measurement, with prognostic value in HF.
Evaporation-induced hydrodynamics promote conjugation-mediated plasmid transfer in microbial populations
Authors: Ruan Chujin , Ramoneda Josep , Chen Guowei , Johnson David R , Wang Gang
Published: October 2021

Conjugative plasmids bestow important traits to microbial communities, such as virulence, antibiotic resistance, pollutant biotransformation, and biotechnology-relevant functions. While the biological mechanisms and determinants of plasmid conjugation are well established, the underlying physical and ecological driving forces remain unclear. Microbial communities often inhabit unsaturated environments, such as soils and host surfaces (e.g., skin, teeth, leaves, roots), where water evaporation and associated small-scale hydrodynamic processes frequently occur at numerous air-water and solid-water interfaces. Here, we hypothesized that evaporation can induce water flows with profound effects on the spatial distribution and surface deposition of cells, and consequently on the extent of plasmid conjugation. Using droplet experiments with an antibiotic resistance-encoding plasmid, we show that evaporation-induced water flows reduce cell-cell distances and significantly increase the extent of plasmid conjugation. Counterintuitively, we found that evaporation results in lower expression levels of conjugation-related genes. This negative relationship between the extent of plasmid conjugation and the expression of conjugation-related genes could be attributed to increased conjugation efficiency during evaporation. This study provides new insights into the physical and ecological determinants of plasmid conjugation, with important implications for understanding the spread and proliferation of plasmid-encoded traits.
The effect of periodic disturbances and carrying capacity on the significance of selection and drift in complex bacterial communities
Authors: Gundersen Madeleine S , Morelan Ian Arthur , Andersen Tom , Bakke Ingrid , Vadstein Olav
Published: October 2021

Understanding how periodical disturbances affect the community assembly processes is vital for predicting temporal dynamics in microbial communities. However, the effect of dilutions as disturbances are poorly understood. We used a marine bacterial community to investigate the effect of disturbance (+/−) and carrying capacity (high/low) over 50 days in a dispersal-limited 2 × 2 factorial study in triplicates, with a crossover in the disturbance regime between microcosms halfway in the experiment. We modelled the rate of change in community composition between replicates and used this rate to quantify selection and ecological drift. The disturbed communities increased in Bray–Curtis similarity with 0.011 ± 0.0045 (Period 1) and 0.0092 ± 0.0080 day−1 (Period 2), indicating that selection dominated community assembly. The undisturbed communities decreased in similarity at a rate of −0.015 ± 0.0038 day−1 in Period 1 and were stable in Period 2 at 0.00050 ± 0.0040 day−1, suggesting drift structured community assembly. Interestingly, carrying capacity had minor effects on community dynamics. This study is the first to show that stochastic effects are suppressed by periodical disturbances resulting in exponential growth periods due to density-independent biomass loss and resource input. The increased contribution of selection as a response to disturbances implies that ecosystem prediction is achievable.
Luminescent 1D heterometallic (Ir,Cd) coordination polymers based on bis-cyclometalated Ir(iii) metallatectons and trinuclear Cd(ii) dianionic nodes
Authors: Florent Maxime , Kyritsakas Nathalie , Planeix Jean-Marc , Guenet Aurélie , Hosseini Mir Wais
Published: October 2021

Combination of three different 3-pyridyl substituted octahedral bis-cyclometalated Ir(iii) metalloligands with Cd(ii) salts afforded formation of emissive isostructural 1D heterometallic coordination polymers with a peculiar [Cd3X8]2− dianionic node.
Simultaneous analysis of multiple adulterants in milk using microfluidic paper-based analytical devices
Authors: Guinati Bárbara G. S. , Sousa Lucas R. , Oliveira Karoliny A. , Coltro Wendell K. T.
Published: October 2021

This study reports the simultaneous colorimetric detection of urea, H2O2, and pH in milk samples using microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) fabricated through a craft cutter printer.
A simple colorimetric method for viable bacteria detection based on cell counting Kit-8
Authors: Yang Xianhong , Zhong Yaping , Wang Dong , Lu Zhentan
Published: October 2021

Cell counting Kit-8 was used to detect viable bacteria based on the redox reaction between the CCK-8 solution and dehydrogenase in bacteria. The method can detect a large number of samples at a time, with high sensitivity, good reliability and repeatability.
Room-temperature spin nutations in a magnetically condensed phase of [Y(pc)2]˙
Authors: Boudalis Athanassios K. , Olivares-Peña Jorge-Enrique , Moreno-Pineda Eufemio , Fediai Artem , Wenzel Wolfgang , Turek Philippe , Ruben Mario
Published: October 2021

Complex [Y(pc)2]˙ can undergo room-temperature, condensed-phase coherent spin manipulation, and demonstrates spin nutations from the excited-states of oligomeric fragments at low temperatures.
The rise of X-ray spectroscopies for unveiling the functional mechanisms in batteries
Authors: Fehse Marcus , Iadecola Antonella , Simonelli Laura , Longo Alessandro , Stievano Lorenzo
Published: October 2021

Synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopies have been key tools in the discovery, understanding, and development of battery materials. In this Perspective review, their state-of-the-art is highlighted, with special emphasis on future trends and needs.
Don’t help them to bury the light. The interplay between intersystem crossing and hydrogen transfer in photoexcited curcumin revealed by surface-hopping dynamics
Authors: Losantos Raul , Pasc Andreea , Monari Antonio
Published: October 2021

Curcumin is a natural compound extracted from turmeric (Curcuma longa), which has shown remarkable anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and possibly anticancer properties; its photophysical properties are explored via non-adiabatic molecular dynamics.
Structure of the fungal hydroxylase, CYP505A30, and rational transfer of mutation data from CYP102A1 to alter regioselectivity
Authors: Aschenbrenner Jasmin C. , Ebrecht Ana C. , Tolmie Carmien , Smit Martha S. , Opperman Diederik J.
Published: October 2021

Regioselective oxyfunctionalisation ofn-alkanes and production of non-vicinal diols by evolved CYP505A30 through rational transfer of knowledge between protein scaffolds.
Preparation and characterization of a novel thermostable lipase from Thermomicrobium roseum
Authors: Fang Yakun , Zhou Yanjie , Xin Yu , Shi Yi , Guo Zitao , Li Youran , Gu Zhenghua , Ding Zhongyang , Shi Guiyang , Zhang Liang
Published: October 2021

In this study, a hypothetical lipase gene from Thermomicrobium roseum DSM 5159 (GenBank: ACM04789.1) was recombinantly expressed in two system and characterized.
Efficient electrocatalytic CO2 conversion into formate with AlxBiyOz nanorods in a wide potential window
Authors: Kuang Zhaoyu , Peng Chunlei , Li Chengjin , Yao Heliang , Zhou Xiaoxia , Chen Hangrong
Published: October 2021

Novel kinds of AlxBiyOz nanorods have been developed for the CO2RR for the first time, which show high selectivity to formate under a wide potential window and exhibit a maximum faradaic efficiency to formate of 97.5% at −1.19 V vs. RHE.
A two-dimensional porous conjugated porphyrin polymer for uniform lithium deposition
Authors: Li Chunhua , Gu Yu , Wang Yingbin , Sun Bing , Shang Hong
Published: October 2021

A two-dimensional porous conjugated porphyrin polymer (PorEP) has been in situ constructed on Cu foil, resulting in a decreased nucleation overpotential and dendrite free morphology in Li metal batteries.
Cobalt disulfide supported on porous carbon foam as a high performance hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst
Authors: Su Yujin , Liu Jinxin , Zhong Jinling , Zhang Cuicui , Li Qing , Li Aijun , Zhang Yantao , Jiang Haichao , Qiao Shanlin
Published: October 2021

An excellent cobalt disulfide–carbon foam composite catalyst was synthesized by a hydrothermal method for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
The selectivity of a polydimethylsiloxane-based triblock copolymer as the stationary phase for capillary gas chromatography
Authors: Sun Tao , Huang Qiuchen , Chen Ruonan , Zhang Wei , Li Qionglu , Wu Aoping , Wang Guixia , Hu Shaoqiang , Cai Zhiqiang
Published: October 2021

A triblock copolymer (PCL-PDMS-PCL) constructed from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) chains was synthesized and used as the stationary phase for capillary gas chromatography (GC).
Regulating the synthesis rate and yield of bio-assembled FeS nanoparticles for efficient cancer therapy
Authors: Dang Zheng , Guan Yong , Wu Zhao , Tao Xia-Yu , Xiong Ying , Bai Hao-Bo , Shao Chang-Sheng , Liu Gang , Huang Qing , Tian Li-Jiao , Tian Yang-Chao
Published: October 2021

FeS nanoparticles were self-assembled by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, and the biosynthesis yield and rate can be regulated by regulating the precursor content. The resulting Bio-FeS nanoparticles exhibit excellent in vivo therapeutic performance.
Modulation of MoS2 interlayer dynamics by in situ N-doped carbon intercalation for high-rate sodium-ion half/full batteries
Authors: Zhang Chenrui , Shang Jingrui , Dong Huilong , Ang Edison Huixiang , Tai Linlin , Aizudin Marliyana , Wang Xuhong , Geng Hongbo , Gu Hongwei
Published: October 2021

In comparison with lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have been proposed as an alternative for large-scale energy storage.
Ring closing metathesis for the construction of carbazole and indole-fused natural products
Authors: Mandal Tirtha , Dash Jyotirmayee
Published: October 2021

In this perspective, ring-closing metathesis (RCM) based approaches for the synthesis of carbazole derivatives and other indole-fused heteroaromatic systems have been described.
Intrinsically stretchable naphthalenediimide–bithiophene conjugated statistical terpolymers using branched conjugation break spacers for field–effect transistors
Authors: Lin Yan-Cheng , Matsuda Megumi , Sato Kei-ichiro , Chen Chun-Kai , Yang Wei-Chen , Chueh Chu-Chen , Higashihara Tomoya , Chen Wen-Chang
Published: October 2021

A series of naphthalene−diimide based conjugated polymers was synthesized through statistical terpolymerization with branched conjugation break spacers to enhance their mobility−stretchability properties in field-effect transistors.
Total RNA nonlinear polarization: towards facile early diagnosis of breast cancer
Authors: El-Sharkawy Yasser H. , Elbasuney Sherif , Radwan Sara M. , Askar Mostafa A. , El-Sayyad Gharieb S.
Published: October 2021

Nonlinear polarization has been considered as a marvelous tool for several medical applications, and the capability to monitor any changes in RNA's spectral signature due to breast cancer was evaluated by hyperspectral camera.
Improvement of thermal stability of highly active species on SiO2 supported copper-ceria catalysts
Authors: Aguila Gonzalo , Calle Rafael , Guerrero Sichem , Baeza Patricio , Araya Paulo
Published: October 2021

CuO–CeO2/SiO2 catalysts with Ce loading of 24% and above keep high activity after calcination at 700 °C. Therefore, a catalyst with high thermal stability of CuO–CeO2 interface can be obtained able to work in a higher range of temperatures.
Correction: X-ray absorption spectroscopy of exemplary platinum porphyrin and corrole derivatives: metal- versus ligand-centered oxidation
Authors: Matson Benjamin D. , Thomas Kolle E. , Alemayehu Abraham B. , Ghosh Abhik , Sarangi Ritimukta
Published: October 2021

Correction for ‘X-ray absorption spectroscopy of exemplary platinum porphyrin and corrole derivatives: metal- versus ligand-centered oxidation’ by Benjamin D. Matson et al., RSC Adv., 2021, 11, 32269–32274. DOI: 10.1039/D1RA06151H
Correction: Rapid kinetic evaluation of homogeneous single-site metallocene catalysts and cyclic diene: how do the catalytic activity, molecular weight, and diene incorporation rate of olefins affect each other?
Authors: Ali Amjad , Nadeem Muhammad , Lu Jianwei , Moradian Jamile Mohammadi , Rasheed Tahir , Aziz Tariq , Maouche Chanez , Guo Yintian , Awais Muhammad , Zhiqiang Fan , Guo Li
Published: October 2021

Correction for ‘Rapid kinetic evaluation of homogeneous single-site metallocene catalysts and cyclic diene: how do the catalytic activity, molecular weight, and diene incorporation rate of olefins affect each other?’ by Amjad Ali et al., RSC Adv., 2021, 11, 31817–31826, DOI: 10.1039/D1RA06243C.
Photodriven water oxidation initiated by a surface bound chromophore-donor-catalyst assembly
Authors: Wang Degao , Xu Zihao , Sheridan Matthew V. , Concepcion Javier J. , Li Fei , Lian Tianquan , Meyer Thomas J.
Published: October 2021

We describe a single molecular assembly electrode that mimics PSII. Flash photolysis revealed the electron transfer steps between chromophore light absorption and the creation and storage of redox equivalents in the catalyst for water oxidation.
Ultra-small PbS nanocrystals as sensitizers for red-to-blue triplet-fusion upconversion
Authors: Imperiale Christian J. , Green Philippe B. , Hasham Minhal , Wilson Mark W. B.
Published: October 2021

We demonstrate the use of ultra-small PbS quantum dots as endothermic sensitizers for red-to-blue triplet-fusion upconversion, achieving nanocrystal-sensitized upconversion photochemistry.
Surface-controlled spatially heterogeneous physical properties of a supramolecular gel with homogeneous chemical composition
Authors: Yang Bin , Lledos Marina , Akhtar Riaz , Ciccone Giuseppe , Jiang Long , Russo Emanuele , Rajput Sunil , Jin Chunyu , Angelereou Maria Galini Faidra , Arnold Thomas , Rawle Jonathan , Vassalli Massimo , Marlow Maria , Adams Dave J. , Zelzer Mischa
Published: October 2021

A mechanical pattern is created in a hydrogel film by pre-patterning the underlying surface chemistry. This allows spatial variation of the viscous component of the gel, controlling dissipative forces in the gel film without altering gel chemistry.
A target-customized carbon shell structure of carbon-encapsulated metal nanoparticles for fuel cell applications
Authors: Kim Youngjin , Jang Jue-Hyuk , Min Jiho , Jeffery A. Anto , Lee Seunghyun , Chougule S. S. , Kim MinJoong , Jung Namgee , Yoo Sung Jong
Published: October 2021

We uncover the secrets to controlling the carbon shell structure on the surface of metal nanoparticles at the sub-nm scale to improve the performance and durability of fuel cells.
A very mechanically strong and stretchable liquid-free double-network ionic conductor
Authors: Zhao Kai , Zhang Kaili , Li Ren'ai , Sang Peisen , Hu Huawen , He Minghui
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we first report very mechanically strong and stretchable liquid-free double-network ionic conductors (LFDNICs), which solve the trade-off between high mechanical strength and stretchability in a liquid-free ionic conductor.
Crystallization driven boost in fill factor and stability in additive-free organic solar cells
Authors: Garcia Romero David , Di Mario Lorenzo , Portale Giuseppe , Loi Maria Antonietta
Published: October 2021

Post-processing the active layer in additive-free organic solar cells enabled an enhancement in performance due to an increased acceptor crystallinity, resulting in a fill factor of 76%, a power conversion efficiency of 13.84% and an improved stability.
Luminescent solar concentrators with outstanding optical properties by employment of D–A–D quinoxaline fluorophores
Authors: Papucci Costanza , Charaf Rima , Coppola Carmen , Sinicropi Adalgisa , di Donato Mariangela , Taddei Maria , Foggi Paolo , Battisti Antonella , de Jong Bastiaan , Zani Lorenzo , Mordini Alessandro , Pucci Andrea , Calamante Massimo , Reginato Gianna
Published: October 2021

Photostable donor–acceptor–donor fluorophores, which have a central quinoxaline acceptor nucleus, have been used in LSCs, obtaining outstanding results for modern building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).
Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen formula enhances perindopril inhibition of chronic kidney disease progression by activation of SIRT3, modulation of mitochondrial dynamics, and antioxidant effects
Authors: Liu Xinhui , Deng Ruyu , Wei Xian , Wang Yuzhi , Weng Jiali , Lao Yunlan , Lu Jiandong , Xiong Guoliang , Li Shunmin
Published: October 2021

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem. Renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockade is the mainstay of CKD therapy with limitations. Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen formula (JPYSF) is a traditional herbal decoction and has been used for treating CKD for decades. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the intervention effects of combined used of perindopril erbumine (PE) and JPYSF on CKD progression and explore their underlying mechanisms. CKD rat model was induced by feeding a diet containing 0.75% w/w adenine for 3 weeks. CKD rats were treated with PE or JPYSF or PE+JPYSF from the induction of CKD and lasted 4 weeks. Renal function was evaluated by serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Pathological lesions were observed by Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) and Masson’s trichrome staining. The protein expression was tested by Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis. The morphology of mitochondria was observed by transmission electron microscope. The results showed that combined used of PE and JPYSF could better improve renal function and pathological lesions and ameliorate renal fibrosis in CKD rats. Administration of PE and JPYSF enhanced sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) expression, inhibited mitochondrial fission, promoted mitochondrial fusion, and suppressed oxidative stress in the kidney of CKD rats. In conclusion, combined use of PE and JPYSF protected against CKD more effectively than either alone. The underlying mechanism may be associated with activation of SIRT3, modulation of mitochondrial dynamics, and antioxidant effects.
Quality assessment for inspection images of power lines based on spatial and sharpness evaluation
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Jin Zhiheng , Jiang Hao , Miao Xiren , Chen Jing , Lin Zhicheng
Published: October 2021

Digital imaging and image‐processing techniques have revolutionized the way of power line inspection in recent years. Massive images are captured and utilized for further processing to maintain the reliability, safety, and sustainability of power transmission. For power line inspection, the component region in the delivered images is required to be centered, large, and clear enough. In this paper, a component‐oriented image quality assessment method is proposed to automatically predict image quality according to the demand of power line inspection. The proposed method considers two factors: spatial characteristic evaluation and sharpness evaluation. The spatial characteristic evaluation utilizes YOLOv3 to evaluate whether the component region is sufficiently centered and large, which enables the observer to quickly find the target. The sharpness evaluation employs ResNet to evaluate the clarity of component and makes the condition monitoring more accurately. For final quality assessment, a multi‐stage filtering strategy is presented to aggregate these two factors and obtain high quality inspection images. The experimental results indicate that the high‐quality images can be accurately identified to satisfy the requirements of power line inspection. The proposed quality assessment method enhances the efficiency for further data analysis of aerial images.
Frühe axSpA
Authors: Kiefer David , Baraliakos Xenofon
Published: October 2021

Die axiale Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) ist eine häufige entzündlich rheumatologische Erkrankung, die durch axiale Symptome sowie periphere und extramuskuloskelettale Manifestationen gekennzeichnet ist. Die axSpA umfasst 2 Stadien, die nicht-röntgenologische (nr-) und die röntgenologische (r-) axSpA, auch als ankylosierende Spondylitis bezeichnet, die sich anhand definierter röntgenologischer Kriterien unterscheiden und als Krankheitskontinuum verstanden werden. Patienten mit nr-axSpA stellen frühe Formen der axSpA dar, bei dem einige, aber nicht alle Patienten, schließlich zur r-axSpA fortschreiten. Die Einteilung in diese Stadien wird vor allem für klinische Studien angewendet. Obwohl sich die zeitliche Verzögerung bis zur Diagnosestellung bei axSpA in den letzten Jahren gebessert hat, ist sie im Mittel mit 5–6 Jahren jedoch weiterhin recht lang. Da die Erkrankung auch hinsichtlich struktureller knöcherner Veränderungen im Achsenskelett einen progredienten Verlauf nehmen kann, kommt der frühen Diagnosestellung und der damit verbundenen frühen Therapie eine wichtige Rolle zu. Gezielte Überweisungsstrategien und Früh-/Screeningsprechstunden können helfen Patienten schneller rheumatologisch vorzustellen, zu diagnostizieren und effektiv zu behandeln.
Infektiöse Endokarditis bei Erwachsenen mit angeborenen Herzfehlern
Authors: Maser Maarja , Radke Robert Matthias
Published: October 2021

Erwachsene Patienten mit angeborenen Herzfehlern (EMAH) sind eine größer werdende
Patientengruppe, die eine lebenslange Begleitung und Behandlung benötigt. Eine der wichtigsten
Komplikationen bei EMAH-Patienten ist die infektiöse Endokarditis.

Die Echokardiografie hat sowohl bei der Diagnosesicherung als auch beim Erkennen von
Komplikationen und im Follow-up eine ganz zentrale Bedeutung. Computer- und
Positronenemissionstomografie werden zur Beurteilung von implantierten Fremdmaterial zunehmend
eingesetzt. Eine antibiotische Therapie erfolgt zunächst empirisch und später auf den
individuellen Erreger zugeschnitten. Zurzeit wird die Antibiotikaprophylaxe nur den Patienten
mit deutlich erhöhtem Endokarditisrisiko vor den zahnärztlichen Eingriffen mit dem höchsten
Risiko empfohlen.
The Electrostatic Model of Homeopathy: The Mechanism of Physicochemical Activities of Homeopathic Medicines
Authors: Shahabi Shahram , Borneman John P.
Published: October 2021

This paper attempts to propose a model, called the electrostatic model of homeopathy, to explain a mechanism for the physicochemical activities of highly diluted homeopathic medicines (HMs). According to this proposed model, the source of HMs' action is dipole orientations as electrostatic imprints of the original molecules carried by diluent molecules (such as sugar molecules) or potentization-induced aqueous nanostructures. The nanoscale domains' contact charging and dielectric hysteresis play critical roles in the aqueous nanostructures' or sugar molecules' acquisition of the original molecules' dipole orientations. The mechanical stress induced by dynamization (vigorous agitation or trituration) is a crucial factor that facilitates these phenomena. After dynamization is completed, the transferred charges revert to their previous positions but, due to dielectric hysteresis, they leave a remnant polarization on the aqueous nanostructures or sugar molecules' nanoscale domains. This causes some nanoscale domains of the aqueous nanostructures or sugar molecules to obtain the original substance molecules' dipole orientations. A highly diluted HM may have no molecule of the original substance, but the aqueous nanostructures or sugar molecules may contain the original substance's dipole orientations. Therefore, HMs can precisely aim at the biological targets of the original substance molecules and electrostatically interact with them as mild stimuli.
Minimal Invasive Fluoroscopic Percutaneous Lateral Stabilization of Thoracolumbar Spinal Fractures and Luxations Using Unilateral Uniplanar External Skeletal Fixators in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Bitterli Thomas , Mund Georg , Häußler Thomas Christian , Farke Daniela , Kramer Martin , Schmidt Martin Jürgen , Peppler Christine
Published: October 2021

Objective The aim of this study was to describe minimally invasive spinal stabilization using a unilateral uniplanar external skeletal fixator (ESF, type 1a) with polymethylmethacrylate, and to review short- and long-term outcomes and complications in a clinical case series.

Study Design Medical records from animals affected by spinal fracture luxation were reviewed. The data included breed, age, gender, body weight, aetiology, preoperative and postoperative neurological state, radiographic findings, surgical treatment, pin size, number of pins and stabilized vertebrae, intra- and postoperative complications and neurological state at re-examinations.

Results Thirty-two animals were identified; three were treated conservatively, 19 surgically and 10 were euthanatized. In eight dogs and six cats, the injured spinal column was treated with a laterally applied percutaneous type 1a ESF under fluoroscopic guidance. Positive profile end-threaded pins inserted were from 1.6/1.9 to 3.5/4.3 mm in dogs and 1.6/1.9 to 2/2.3 mm in cats and were placed into two to five vertebral bodies. At the re-examinations, the neurological status had improved in 12 animals, deteriorated in one, and was unchanged in another one. In eight cases, no complications were detected. The most common complications included erythema, exudation and pin loosening.

Conclusion The present work shows that type 1a ESF can be successfully and minimally invasively applied to fractures and luxations of the spine in dogs and cats with minimal major complications.
Perioperative Antibiotic Use in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Authors: Nakhla Morcos N. , Wu Tara J. , Villalpando Emmanuel G. , Kianian Reza , Heaney Anthony P. , Bergsneider Marvin , Wang Marilene B.
Published: October 2021

Introduction Improved evidence-based guidelines on the optimal type and duration of antibiotics for patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) are needed. We analyze the infectious complications among a large cohort of EETS patients undergoing a standardized regimen of cefazolin for 24 hours, followed by cephalexin for 7 days after surgery (clindamycin if penicillin/cephalosporin allergic).

Methods A retrospective review of 132 EETS patients from 2018 to 2020 was conducted. Patient, tumor, and surgical characteristics were collected, along with infection rates. Multivariate logistic regression determined the variable(s) independently associated with infectious outcomes.

Results Nearly all patients (99%) received postoperative antibiotics with 78% receiving cefazolin, 17% receiving cephalexin, 3% receiving clindamycin, and 2% receiving other antibiotics. Fifty-three patients (40%) had an intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, and three patients (2%) developed a postoperative CSF leak requiring surgical repair. Within 30 days, no patients developed meningitis. Five patients (4%) developed sinusitis, two patients (3%) developed pneumonia, and one patient (1%) developed cellulitis at a peripheral intravenous line. Two patients (2%) developed an allergy to cephalexin, requiring conservative management. After adjustment for comorbidities and operative factors, presence of postoperative infectious complications was independently associated with increased LOS (β = 3.7 days; p = 0.001).

Conclusion Compared with reported findings in the literature, we report low rates of infectious complications and antibiotic intolerance, despite presence of a heavy burden of comorbidities and high intraoperative CSF leak rates among our cohort. These findings support our standardized 7-day perioperative antibiotic regimen.
Diffusion limit of the Vlasov equation in the weak turbulent regime
Authors: Bardos Claude , Besse Nicolas
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study the Hamiltonian dynamics of charged particles subject to a non-self-consistent stochastic electric field when the plasma is in the so-called weak turbulent regime. We show that the asymptotic limit of the Vlasov equation is a diffusion equation in the velocity space but homogeneous in the physical space. We obtain a diffusion matrix, quadratic with respect to the electric field, which can be related to the diffusion matrix of the resonance broadening theory and of the quasilinear theory, depending on whether the typical autocorrelation time of particles is finite or not. In the self-consistent deterministic case, we show that the asymptotic distribution function is homogenized in the space variables, while the electric field converges weakly to zero. We also show that the lack of compactness in time for the electric field is necessary to obtain a genuine diffusion limit. By contrast, the time compactness property leads to a “cheap” version of the Landau damping: the electric field converges strongly to zero, implying the vanishing of the diffusion matrix, while the distribution function relaxes, in a weak topology, toward a spatially homogeneous stationary solution of the Vlasov–Poisson system.
Fluorescence detection of a trapped ion with a monolithically integrated single-photon-counting avalanche diode
Authors: Setzer W. J. , Ivory M. , Slobodyan O. , Van Der Wall J. W. , Parazzoli L. P. , Stick D. , Gehl M. , Blain M. G. , Kay R. R. , McGuinness H. J.
Published: October 2021

We report on the demonstration of fluorescence detection from a trapped ion using single-photon avalanche photodiodes (SPADs) monolithically integrated with a microfabricated surface ion trap. The SPADs are located below the trapping positions of the ions and designed to detect 370 nm photons emitted from single 174Yb+ and 171Yb+ ions. We achieve an ion/no-ion detection fidelity for 174Yb+ of 0.99 with an average detection window of 7.7(1) ms. We report a dark count rate as low as 1.2 kcps for room temperature operation. The fidelity is limited by laser scatter, dark counts, and heating that prevents holding the ion directly above the SPAD. We measure count rates from each of the contributing sources and fluorescence as a function of ion position. We use the ion as a calibrated light source along with measurements of the active detector area to estimate a SPAD quantum efficiency of 24 ± 1%.
Identification of an optimal foldability criterion to design misfolding resistant protein
Authors: Saikia Bondeepa , Gogoi Chimi Rekha , Rahman Aziza , Baruah Anupaul
Published: October 2021

Proteins achieve their functional, active, and operative three dimensional native structures by overcoming the possibility of being trapped in non-native energy minima present in the energy landscape. The enormous and intricate interactions that play an important role in protein folding also determine the stability of the proteins. The large number of stabilizing/destabilizing interactions makes proteins to be only marginally stable as compared to the other competing structures. Therefore, there are some possibilities that they become trapped in the non-native conformations and thus get misfolded. These misfolded proteins lead to several debilitating diseases. This work performs a comparative study of some existing foldability criteria in the computational design of misfold resistant protein sequences based on self-consistent mean field theory. The foldability criteria selected for this study are Ef, Δ, and Φ that are commonly used in protein design procedures to determine the most efficient foldability criterion for the design of misfolding resistant proteins. The results suggest that the foldability criterion Δ is significantly better in designing a funnel energy landscape stabilizing the target state. The results also suggest that inclusion of negative design features is important for designing misfolding resistant proteins, but more information about the non-native conformations in terms of Φ leads to worse results compared to even simple positive design. The sequences designed using Δ show better resistance to misfolding in the Monte Carlo simulations performed in the study.
Demazure formula for A
n Weyl polytope sums
Authors: Rasmussen Jørgen , Walton Mark A.
Published: October 2021

The weights of finite-dimensional representations of simple Lie algebras are naturally associated with Weyl polytopes. Representation characters decompose into multiplicity-free sums over the weights in Weyl polytopes. The Brion formula for these Weyl polytope sums is remarkably similar to the Weyl character formula. Moreover, the same Lie characters are also expressible as Demazure character formulas. This motivates a search for new expressions for Weyl polytope sums, and we prove such a formula involving Demazure operators. It applies to the Weyl polytope sums of the simple Lie algebras An for all dominant integrable highest weights and all ranks n.
High-yield helicity-resolved Raman scattering with in-plane propagation of light in monolayer MoS2
Authors: Xin Ming , Lan Wenze , Wang Gang , Zhou Qiang , Gu Changzhi , Liu Baoli
Published: October 2021

In-plane propagation of excited light in layered materials boosts the observation of novel phenomena, which differ from out-of-plane propagation. In this work, we perform the Raman study with light propagation parallel to the plane of layered MoS2. The Raman signal is unveiled at least an order of magnitude larger than that perpendicular to the plane when the excitation photon energy at ∼2.81 eV. We attribute this high-yield Raman spectra to the stronger photon–exciton coupling with in-plane propagation of light. Furthermore, we show that the exciton-mediated phonon excitation in the first-order Raman process is dominant with consideration of angular momentum transfer between phonons and photons through the measurements of the circularly polarized Raman spectra. This experimental setup configuration paves a way with high efficiency to investigate the phonon information in layered materials.