bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constitution transformation
Authors: Saunders Cheryl
Published: September 2021

This article explores the extent to which (if at all) the concept of a constitution is undergoing change in the conditions of globalization that characterize the early decades of the twenty-first century, to an extent that might be described as transformation. The question is prompted both by familiar manifestations of the interdependence of domestic constitutional and international law and practice, and by the interpretation placed on them by some of the literature on global constitutionalism. Some – although by no means all – of the literature and the experience on which it draws relate to the extent of transnational influence on the way in which constitutions now are made or changed: constitution transformation in the narrow, or more particular, sense. The article seeks to answer this question with reference to global constitutional experience, including – critically – experience in Asia, as one of the largest and most diverse regions of the world, too often omitted from studies of this kind. To this end, the article considers whether the concept of a constitution can be regarded as having been globally shared in any event; examines the phenomena associated with globalization that might suggest a paradigm change; and considers the arguments that mitigate against change, at least on a global scale. In exploring these factors, it necessarily considers the extent to which states in different regions of the world diverge in their experiences of the internationalization of constitutional law. The article concludes that, on balance, it is not plausible to argue that the generic concept of a constitution has changed, with global effect. It does, however, acknowledge that current conditions of globalization present a series of challenges for national constitutions. Responding to them might itself be regarded as an exercise in global constitutionalism.
Global constitutionalism: Asia-Pacific perspectives
Authors: Bui Ngoc Son
Published: September 2021

This special issue of Global Constitutionalism discusses how global constitutionalism influences Asia-Pacific jurisdictions and how they respond. This introductory article presents the theme and structure of this issue, explains the Asia-Pacific’s unique contribution to global constitutionalism and offers a synthetic argument. It conceptualizes global constitutionalism as the global diffusion of common constitutional ideas, institutions and doctrines rooted in comparative constitutional law and public international law. On that base, it argues that constitutional design, adjudication and discourse in many Asia-Pacific jurisdictions are influenced by global constitutionalism. The influence results in not only convergence but also resistance to global constitutionalism in the regions. The regional experience presents critical challenges for global constitutionalism, and hence its effective operation significantly depends on its situation within the region’s axiological, institutional and social contexts.
Entwicklung eines Fragebogens zur Selbst- und Fremdeinschätzung von OPD-KJ-Konflikten durch Patient_innen und ihre Therapeut_innen
Authors: Seiffge-Krenke Inge , Escher Fabian
Published: September 2021

Zusammenfassung. Der OPD-KJ-Konfliktfragebogen legt eine Version zur Erfassung der Bewältigungsmodi unbewusster Konflikte gemäß der Operationalisierten Psychodynamischen Diagnostik (OPD-KJ) für Patient_innen und ihre Therapeut_innen vor. Zur Auswahl der Items für den Konfliktfragebogen wurden Expertenratings und psychometrische Gütekriterien, basierend auf einer Stichprobe von 427 Jugendlichen (53.6 % Patienten) und 44 Therapeut_innen, kombiniert. Die Kurzversion enthält 28 Items, die sieben intrapsychische Konflikte und ihre aktiven bzw. passiven Bewältigungsmodi umfasst (Gesamt ICC = .855; p < .001). Es ergaben sich erwartbare Unterschiede zwischen gesunden und klinisch auffälligen Jugendlichen mit einem höheren Konfliktniveau der ambulanten Patient_innen. Ein Vergleich der Therapeutenversion mit zwei verschiedenen Methoden (Befunderhebung und Konfliktfragebogen) erbrachte übereinstimmende Einschätzungen an der gleichen Patientin sowohl in der Experteneinschätzung (Gesamt ICC = .861; p < .001) als auch aus der Sicht von 52 Teilnehmer_innen von zwei OPD-KJ-Trainingsgruppen (Gesamt ICC = .825; p < .001).
Anomalous Reconnection Layer at Earth's Dayside Magnetopause
Authors: Paschmann G. , Sonnerup B. U. Ö. , Phan T. , Fuselier S. A. , Haaland S. , Denton R. E. , Burch J. L. , Trattner K. J. , Giles B. L. , Gershman D. J. , Cohen I. J. , Russell C. T.
Published: September 2021

Observations by the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft (MMS) of an unusual layer, located between the dayside magnetosheath and the magnetosphere, alternating with encounters with the magnetosheath during an extended time period between December 31, 2015 and January 01, 2016, when the interplanetary magnetic field was strongly southward and the Earth's dipole tilt large and negative, are presented. It appears to have been magnetically connected to both magnetosphere and magnetosheath. The layer appears to be located mostly on closed field lines and was bounded by a rotational discontinuity (RD) at its magnetosheath edge and by the magnetosphere on its earthward side. A separatrix layer, with heated magnetosheath electrons streaming unidirectionally along the field lines, was present sunward of the RD. We infer that the layer was started by a dominant reconnection site well north of the spacecraft and that it may have gained additional width, from a large drop in solar wind density and ram pressure, which preceded the beginning of the event by more than an hour. Relative to the magnetosheath, in which the magnetic field was strongly southward, this unusual layer was characterized by a less southward, more dawnward magnetic field of lower magnitude. The plasma density and flow speed in the region were lower than in the magnetosheath, albeit with Alfvénic jetting occurring at the magnetosheath edge as well as at the magnetospheric edge of the layer. The closing of the magnetic field lines requires the existence of another reconnection site, located southward/tailward of MMS.
GPS Constraints on Drought‐Induced Groundwater Loss Around Great Salt Lake, Utah, With Implications for Seismicity Modulation
Authors: Young Zachary M. , Kreemer Corné , Blewitt Geoffrey
Published: September 2021

Great Salt Lake (GSL), Utah, lost 1.89 ± 0.04 m of water during the 2012–2016 drought. During this timeframe, data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment mission underestimate this mass loss, while nearby Global Positioning System (GPS) stations exhibit significant shifts in position. We find that crustal deformation, from unloading the Earth's crust consistent with the observed GSL water loss alone, does not explain the GPS displacements, suggesting contributions from additional water storage loss surrounding GSL. This study applies a damped least squares inversion to the three‐dimensional GPS displacements to test a range of distributions of groundwater loads to fit the observations. When considering the horizontal and vertical displacements simultaneously, we find a realistic distribution of water loss while also resolving the observed water loss of the lake. Our preferred model identifies mass loss up to 64 km from the lake via two radial rings. The contribution of exterior groundwater loss is substantial (10.9 ± 2.8 km3 vs. 5.5 ± 1.0 km3 on the lake), and greatly improves the fit to the observations. Nearby groundwater wells exhibit significant water loss during the drought, which substantiates the presence of significant water loss outside of the lake, but also highlights greater spatial variation than our model can resolve. We observe seismicity modulation within the inferred load region, while the region outside the (un)loading reveals no significant modulation. Drier periods exhibit higher quantities of events than wetter periods and changes in trend of the earthquake rate are correlated with regional mass trends.
Vent Distribution on Jeju Island, South Korea: Glimpses Into the Subvolcanic System
Authors: Cañón‐Tapia Edgardo
Published: September 2021

The spatial distribution of vents is ultimately controlled by the geometry of the magma source at depth, stress orientation and pre‐existing crustal structures. In this work, the spatial patterns of vent distribution in Jeju Island, South Korea, are examined through several methods. Comparison of the obtained distribution patterns with previous knowledge about the volcanic evolution of the island, and recent results of seismic tomographic images provides a comprehensive interpretation of vent distribution in terms of the underlying structure of the sub‐volcanic system. Thus, it is proposed that under certain conditions the probability density functions of some groups of vents can be used to obtain rough estimates of the depths of magma storage. Also, it is shown that the overall spatial pattern of vents provides an integrated image of the sub‐volcanic system both in space and time. The results reported in this work can therefore help us to avoid unjustified speculations concerning the nature of activity present in zones of distributed volcanism elsewhere.
Seasonal Influence of the Atmosphere and Ocean on the Fall Sea Ice Extent in the Barents‐Kara Seas
Authors: Chen Runzi , Dai Guokun , Liu Ran , Wang Lei
Published: September 2021

The fall sea ice in the Barents and Kara (B‐K) Seas has shown important influence on the northern extratropical climate in the following winter. Utilizing the reanalysis and observational data, we investigate the role of the atmosphere and ocean in shaping the fall B‐K sea ice extent with 1–12 months lead time. In the ocean, the warm sea surface temperature in the B‐K open water from the previous winter to early fall is the most important and persistent contributor to sea ice melt. In the atmosphere, the relatively warm air and dynamic weather systems over the B‐K Seas have potential to directly drive the sea ice variability at the lead time of 1–2 months. Furthermore, significant signals are found as early as the previous winter, although they might become weak during the melting season. Empirical models are constructed with different optimal predictors selected based on these physical mechanisms. These models produce skillful predictions of the fall B‐K sea ice extent on seasonal and monthly scales. These results can enhance the understanding of the fall sea ice variability and provide helpful information for making stakeholder‐relevant decisions.
Mechanical adaptation of brachiopod shells via hydration-induced structural changes
Authors: Ihli Johannes , Schenk Anna S. , Rosenfeldt Sabine , Wakonig Klaus , Holler Mirko , Falini Giuseppe , Pasquini Luca , Delacou Eugénia , Buckman Jim , Glen Thomas S. , Kress Thomas , Tsai Esther H. R. , Reid David G. , Duer Melinda J. , Cusack Maggie , Nudelman Fabio
Published: September 2021

The function-optimized properties of biominerals arise from the hierarchical organization of primary building blocks. Alteration of properties in response to environmental stresses generally involves time-intensive processes of resorption and reprecipitation of mineral in the underlying organic scaffold. Here, we report that the load-bearing shells of the brachiopod Discinisca tenuis are an exception to this process. These shells can dynamically modulate their mechanical properties in response to a change in environment, switching from hard and stiff when dry to malleable when hydrated within minutes. Using ptychographic X-ray tomography, electron microscopy and spectroscopy, we describe their hierarchical structure and composition as a function of hydration to understand the structural motifs that generate this adaptability. Key is a complementary set of structural modifications, starting with the swelling of an organic matrix on the micron level via nanocrystal reorganization and ending in an intercalation process on the molecular level in response to hydration.
Motional narrowing, ballistic transport, and trapping of room-temperature exciton polaritons in an atomically-thin semiconductor
Authors: Wurdack M. , Estrecho E. , Todd S. , Yun T. , Pieczarka M. , Earl S. K. , Davis J. A. , Schneider C. , Truscott A. G. , Ostrovskaya E. A.
Published: September 2021

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide crystals (TMDCs) hold great promise for semiconductor optoelectronics because their bound electron-hole pairs (excitons) are stable at room temperature and interact strongly with light. When TMDCs are embedded in an optical microcavity, excitons can hybridise with cavity photons to form exciton polaritons, which inherit useful properties from their constituents. The ability to manipulate and trap polaritons on a microchip is critical for applications. Here, we create a non-trivial potential landscape for polaritons in monolayer WS2, and demonstrate their trapping and ballistic propagation across tens of micrometers. We show that the effects of dielectric disorder, which restrict the diffusion of WS2 excitons and broaden their spectral resonance, are dramatically reduced for polaritons, leading to motional narrowing and preserved partial coherence. Linewidth narrowing and coherence are further enhanced in the trap. Our results demonstrate the possibility of long-range dissipationless transport and efficient trapping of TMDC polaritons in ambient conditions.
The gut microbiome in konzo
Authors: Bramble Matthew S. , Vashist Neerja , Ko Arthur , Priya Sambhawa , Musasa Céleste , Mathieu Alban , Spencer D’ Andre , Lupamba Kasendue Michel , Mamona Dilufwasayo Patrick , Karume Kevin , Nsibu Joanna , Manya Hans , Uy Mary N. A. , Colwell Brian , Boivin Michael , Mayambu J. P. Banae , Okitundu Daniel , Droit Arnaud , Mumba Ngoyi Dieudonné , Blekhman Ran , Tshala-Katumbay Desire , Vilain Eric
Published: September 2021

Konzo, a distinct upper motor neuron disease associated with a cyanogenic diet and chronic malnutrition, predominately affects children and women of childbearing age in sub-Saharan Africa. While the exact biological mechanisms that cause this disease have largely remained elusive, host-genetics and environmental components such as the gut microbiome have been implicated. Using a large study population of 180 individuals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where konzo is most frequent, we investigate how the structure of the gut microbiome varied across geographical contexts, as well as provide the first insight into the gut flora of children affected with this debilitating disease using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Our findings indicate that the gut microbiome structure is highly variable depending on region of sampling, but most interestingly, we identify unique enrichments of bacterial species and functional pathways that potentially modulate the susceptibility of konzo in prone regions of the Congo.
Flexible and transparent piezoelectric loudspeaker
Authors: Shehzad M. , Wang S. , Wang Y.
Published: September 2021

The simple structure of flexible piezoelectric polymers implies promise innumerous applications, such as transparent loudspeakers. In this study, we fabricated and characterized a prototype loudspeaker device. The loudspeaker was fabricated using a straightforward method of sandwiching a film of copolymer blend between a pair of flexible ITO substrates, which served as top and bottom electrodes. The dependence of acoustic properties of the devices was investigated in accordance with d33 and piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). In this study, we examine the sound pressure level (SPL) and sound intensity (SI) of devices featuring 0.5 ≤ α ≤ 0.9 blends, with an active area of 6.5 cm × 5 cm at 100 Vpp applied voltage. Here we report SPL of 96 dB and SI of 3.98 m Wm−2 for an α = 0.7 blend at 100 Vpp. Our results are helpful in developing flexible, transparent piezoelectric polymers and in the development of lightweight, transparent loudspeaker devices.
Mechanisms of heavy metal and oil removal from synthetic saline oilfield produced water by electrocoagulation
Authors: Mehri Mahdieh , Fallah Narges , Nasernejad Bahram
Published: September 2021

In the present study, an electrocoagulation process was applied to treat saline oilfield-produced water. The kinetics of simultaneous heavy metal and oil removal in the saline environment under different conditions including four-electrode materials of copper, zinc, iron, and aluminum, aeration and agitation rate, oil content, and salinity was investigated. The nature of the electro-generated species and possible abatement mechanisms were explored and compared by using FE-SEM/EDS, FTIR, XRD, and BET analyses. At low and high salinities, cadmium adsorption followed Langmuir and Freundlich models, suggesting the transformation of identical adsorption sites to heterogeneous ones. Cadmium removal efficiencies of 99/73% were obtained at low/high salinity with iron and 99.9 and 82% using copper and zinc electrodes in a saline environment. The cadmium adsorption capacity of different anode materials exhibited the order of copper > zinc > iron > aluminum. The adsorption capacity was considerably reduced in saline condition due to more crystalline structure and lower surface area and porosity of the particles while it was enhanced by the oil, caused by structural changes including more uniform pores, the elevated surface area, and porosity. The COD removal yield of 89% for low salinity and 80/73% at high salinity with/without aeration were achieved by iron. The highest COD removal yield of about 95% was achieved by the aluminum electrodes, compared to 85 and 87% for copper and zinc electrodes. The main removal mechanisms were outer- and inner-sphere complexation, and surface precipitation.
PacBio sequencing output increased through uniform and directional fivefold concatenation
Authors: Kanwar Nisha , Blanco Celia , Chen Irene A. , Seelig Burckhard
Published: September 2021

Advances in sequencing technology have allowed researchers to sequence DNA with greater ease and at decreasing costs. Main developments have focused on either sequencing many short sequences or fewer large sequences. Methods for sequencing mid-sized sequences of 600–5,000 bp are currently less efficient. For example, the PacBio Sequel I system yields ~ 100,000–300,000 reads with an accuracy per base pair of 90–99%. We sought to sequence several DNA populations of ~ 870 bp in length with a sequencing accuracy of 99% and to the greatest depth possible. We optimised a simple, robust method to concatenate genes of ~ 870 bp five times and then sequenced the resulting DNA of ~ 5,000 bp by PacBioSMRT long-read sequencing. Our method improved upon previously published concatenation attempts, leading to a greater sequencing depth, high-quality reads and limited sample preparation at little expense. We applied this efficient concatenation protocol to sequence nine DNA populations from a protein engineering study. The improved method is accompanied by a simple and user-friendly analysis pipeline, DeCatCounter, to sequence medium-length sequences efficiently at one-fifth of the cost.
An integrated analysis of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis involved in bovine endometritis
Authors: Sheybani Negin , Bakhtiarizadeh Mohammad Reza , Salehi Abdolreza
Published: September 2021

In dairy cattle, endometritis is a severe infectious disease that occurs following parturition. It is clear that genetic factors are involved in the etiology of endometritis, however, the molecular pathogenesis of endometritis is not entirely understood. In this study, a system biology approach was used to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of endometritis. Forty transcriptomic datasets comprising of 20 RNA-Seq (GSE66825) and 20 miRNA-Seq (GSE66826) were obtained from the GEO database. Next, the co-expressed modules were constructed based on RNA-Seq (Rb-modules) and miRNA-Seq (mb-modules) data, separately, using a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) approach. Preservation analysis was used to find the non-preserved Rb-modules in endometritis samples. Afterward, the non-preserved Rb-modules were assigned to the mb-modules to construct the integrated regulatory networks. Just highly connected genes (hubs) in the networks were considered and functional enrichment analysis was used to identify the biological pathways associated with the development of the disease. Furthermore, additional bioinformatic analysis including protein–protein interactions network and miRNA target prediction were applied to enhance the reliability of the results. Thirty-five Rb-modules and 10 mb-modules were identified and 19 and 10 modules were non-preserved, respectively, which were enriched in biological pathways related to endometritis like inflammation and ciliogenesis. Two non-preserved Rb-modules were significantly assigned to three mb-modules and three and two important sub-networks in the Rb-modules were identified, respectively, including important mRNAs, lncRNAs and miRNAs genes like IRAK1, CASP3, CCDC40, CCDC39, ZMYND10, FOXJ1, TLR4, IL10, STAT3, FN1, AKT1, CD68, ENSBTAG00000049936, ENSBTAG00000050527, ENSBTAG00000051242, ENSBTAG00000049287, bta-miR-449, bta-miR-484, bta-miR-149, bta-miR-30b and bta-miR-423. The potential roles of these genes have been previously demonstrated in endometritis or related pathways, which reinforced putative functions of the suggested integrated regulatory networks in the endometritis pathogenesis. These findings may help further elucidate the underlying mechanisms of bovine endometritis.
AngioNet: a convolutional neural network for vessel segmentation in X-ray angiography
Authors: Iyer Kritika , Najarian Cyrus P. , Fattah Aya A. , Arthurs Christopher J. , Soroushmehr S. M. Reza , Subban Vijayakumar , Sankardas Mullasari A. , Nadakuditi Raj R. , Nallamothu Brahmajee K. , Figueroa C. Alberto
Published: September 2021

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is commonly diagnosed using X-ray angiography, in which images are taken as radio-opaque dye is flushed through the coronary vessels to visualize the severity of vessel narrowing, or stenosis. Cardiologists typically use visual estimation to approximate the percent diameter reduction of the stenosis, and this directs therapies like stent placement. A fully automatic method to segment the vessels would eliminate potential subjectivity and provide a quantitative and systematic measurement of diameter reduction. Here, we have designed a convolutional neural network, AngioNet, for vessel segmentation in X-ray angiography images. The main innovation in this network is the introduction of an Angiographic Processing Network (APN) which significantly improves segmentation performance on multiple network backbones, with the best performance using Deeplabv3+ (Dice score 0.864, pixel accuracy 0.983, sensitivity 0.918, specificity 0.987). The purpose of the APN is to create an end-to-end pipeline for image pre-processing and segmentation, learning the best possible pre-processing filters to improve segmentation. We have also demonstrated the interchangeability of our network in measuring vessel diameter with Quantitative Coronary Angiography. Our results indicate that AngioNet is a powerful tool for automatic angiographic vessel segmentation that could facilitate systematic anatomical assessment of coronary stenosis in the clinical workflow.
Development and validation of a discrimination model between primary PLA2R-negative membranous nephropathy and minimal change disease confirmed by renal biopsy
Authors: Wu Feng , Zhang Yiding , Cui Wen , Dong Yijun , Geng Yingyang , Liu Changhao , Li Zemeng , Xie Yandong , Cai Xiaojing , Shang Jin , Xiao Jing , Zhao Zhanzheng
Published: September 2021

Membranous nephropathy (MN) and minimal change disease (MCD) are two common causes leading to nephrotic syndrome (NS). They have similar clinical features but different treatment strategies and prognoses. M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) is considered as a specific marker of membranous nephropathy. However, its sensitivity is only about 70%. Therefore, there is a lack of effective and noninvasive tools to distinguish PLA2R-negative MN and MCD patients without renal biopsy. A total 949 patients who were pathologically diagnosed as idiopathic MN or MCD were enrolled in this study, including 805 idiopathic MN and 144 MCD. Based on the basic information and laboratory examination of 200 PLA2R-negative MN and 144 MCD, we used a univariate and multivariate logistic regression to select the relevant variables and develop a discrimination model. A novel model including age, albumin, urea, high density lipoprotein, C3 levels and red blood cell count was established for PLA2R-negative MN and MCD. The discrimination model has great differential capability (with an AUC of 0.904 in training group and an AUC of 0.886 in test group) and calibration capability. When testing in all 949 patients, our model also showed good discrimination ability for all idiopathic MN and MCD.
Addition of admission lactate levels to Baux score improves mortality prediction in severe burns
Authors: Steinvall Ingrid , Elmasry Moustafa , Abdelrahman Islam , El-Serafi Ahmed , Sjöberg Folke
Published: September 2021

Risk adjustment and mortality prediction models are central in optimising care and for benchmarking purposes. In the burn setting, the Baux score and its derivatives have been the mainstay for predictions of mortality from burns. Other well-known measures to predict mortality stem from the ICU setting, where, for example, the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS 3) models have been found to be instrumental. Other attempts to further improve the prediction of outcome have been based on the following variables at admission: Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (aSOFA) score, determinations of aLactate or Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (aNLR). The aim of the present study was to examine if estimated mortality rate (EMR, SAPS 3), aSOFA, aLactate, and aNLR can, either alone or in conjunction with the others, improve the mortality prediction beyond that of the effects of age and percentage total body surface area (TBSA%) burned among patients with severe burns who need critical care. This is a retrospective, explorative, single centre, registry study based on prospectively gathered data. The study included 222 patients with median (25th–75th centiles) age of 55.0 (38.0 to 69.0) years, TBSA% burned was 24.5 (13.0 to 37.2) and crude mortality was 17%. As anticipated highest predicting power was obtained with age and TBSA% with an AUC at 0.906 (95% CI 0.857 to 0.955) as compared with EMR, aSOFA, aLactate and aNLR. The largest effect was seen thereafter by adding aLactate to the model, increasing AUC to 0.938 (0.898 to 0.979) (p < 0.001). Whereafter, adding EMR, aSOFA, and aNLR, separately or in combinations, only marginally improved the prediction power. This study shows that the prediction model with age and TBSA% may be improved by adding aLactate, despite the fact that aLactate levels were only moderately increased. Thereafter, adding EMR, aSOFA or aNLR only marginally affected the mortality prediction.
Inducible and tunable gene expression systems for Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Sathesh-Prabu Chandran , Tiwari Rameshwar , Kim Doyun , Lee Sung Kuk
Published: September 2021

Inducible and tunable expression systems are essential for the microbial production of biochemicals. Five different carbon source- and substrate-inducible promoter systems were developed and further evaluated in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 by analyzing the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter protein. These systems can be induced by low-cost compounds such as glucose, 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3HP), levulinic acid (LA), and xylose. 3HP-inducible HpdR/PhpdH was also efficiently induced by LA. LvaR/PlvaA and XutR/PxutA systems were induced even at low concentrations of LA (0.1 mM) and xylose (0.5 mM), respectively. Glucose-inducible HexR/Pzwf1 showed weak GFP expression. These inducer agents can be used as potent starting materials for both cell growth and the production of a wide range of biochemicals. The efficiency of the reported systems was comparable to that of conventional chemical-inducible systems. Hence, the newly investigated promoter systems are highly useful for the expression of target genes in the widely used synthetic biology chassis P. putida KT2440 for industrial and medical applications.
Two-photon excitation fluorescent spectral and decay properties of retrograde neuronal tracer Fluoro-Gold
Authors: Miller Matthew Q. , Hernández Iván Coto , Chacko Jenu V. , Minderler Steven , Jowett Nate
Published: September 2021

Fluoro-Gold is a fluorescent neuronal tracer suitable for targeted deep imaging of the nervous system. Widefield fluorescence microscopy enables visualization of Fluoro-Gold, but lacks depth discrimination. Though scanning laser confocal microscopy yields volumetric data, imaging depth is limited, and optimal single-photon excitation of Fluoro-Gold requires an unconventional ultraviolet excitation line. Two-photon excitation microscopy employs ultrafast pulsed infrared lasers to image fluorophores at high-resolution at unparalleled depths in opaque tissue. Deep imaging of Fluoro-Gold-labeled neurons carries potential to advance understanding of the central and peripheral nervous systems, yet its two-photon spectral and temporal properties remain uncharacterized. Herein, we report the two-photon excitation spectrum of Fluoro-Gold between 720 and 990 nm, and its fluorescence decay rate in aqueous solution and murine brainstem tissue. We demonstrate unprecedented imaging depth of whole-mounted murine brainstem via two-photon excitation microscopy of Fluoro-Gold labeled facial motor nuclei. Optimal two-photon excitation of Fluoro-Gold within microscope tuning range occurred at 720 nm, while maximum lifetime contrast was observed at 760 nm with mean fluorescence lifetime of 1.4 ns. Whole-mount brainstem explants were readily imaged to depths in excess of 450 µm via immersion in refractive-index matching solution.
Dynamics of the fecal microbiome and antimicrobial resistome in commercial piglets during the weaning period
Authors: Suriyaphol Prapat , Chiu Jimmy Ka Ho , Yimpring Nathamon , Tunsagool Paiboon , Mhuantong Wuttichai , Chuanchuen Rungtip , Bessarab Irina , Williams Rohan B. H. , Ong Rick Twee-Hee , Suriyaphol Gunnaporn
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to characterize the alteration of the fecal microbiome and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants in 24 piglets at day 3 pre-weaning (D. − 3), weaning day (D.0), days 3 (D.3) and 8 post-weaning (D.8), using whole-genome shotgun sequencing. Distinct clusters of microbiomes and AMR determinants were observed at D.8 whenPrevotella(20.9%) was the major genus, whereas at D. − 3–D.3,Alistipes(6.9–12.7%) andBacteroides(5.2–8.5%) were the major genera.LactobacillusandEscherichiawere notably observed at D. − 3 (1.2%) and D. − 3–D.3 (0.2–0.4%), respectively. For AMR, a distinct cluster of AMR determinants was observed at D.8, mainly conferring resistance to macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin (mefA), β-lactam (cfxA6 andaci1) and phenicol (rlmN). In contrast, at D. − 3–D.3, a high abundance of determinants with aminoglycoside (AMG) (sat,aac(6')-aph(2''),aadA andacrF), β-lactam (fus-1,cepA andmrdA), multidrug resistance (MDR) (gadW,mdtE, emrA,evgS, tolC andmdtB), phenicol (catB4 andcmlA4), and sulfonamide patterns (sul3) was observed. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) plot associatedEscherichia coliwithaac(6')-aph(2''),emrA,mdtB,catB4 andcmlA4 at D. − 3, D.0 and/or D.3 whereas at D.8 associations betweenPrevotellaandmefA,cfxA6 andaci1 were identified. The weaning age and diet factor played an important role in the microbial community composition.
Combined quantitative and qualitative optical coherence tomography angiography biomarkers for predicting active neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Hsu Cherng-Ru , Lai Tso-Ting , Hsieh Yi-Ting , Ho Tzyy-Chang , Yang Chung-May , Yang Chang-Hao
Published: September 2021

To investigate choroidal neovascularization (CNV) characteristics after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to assess the potential predictive role of combined qualitative and quantitative biomarkers for disease activity. Patients diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 CNV via multimodal imaging who had received anti-VEGF treatment were retrospectively reviewed. Qualitative and quantitative CNV responses on OCTA after serial injections were analyzed. The enrolled eyes were divided into two groups based on treatment intervals during follow-up, including an active group with less than 12 weeks intervals and a stable group with 12 weeks or longer intervals. Fifty-six eyes of 56 patients were included in the study. Twenty-seven eyes (48.2%) were classified as the “active group”, and 29 eyes (51.8%) were categorized as the “silent group”. Qualitative biomarkers of CNV showed significant differences between the two groups (branching capillaries: 48.1% vs 6.9%, p = 0.001; anastomoses and loops: 81.5% vs 13.8%, p < 0.001; peripheral arcade: 40.7% vs 10.3%, p = 0.013, and hypointense halo: 81.5% vs 41.4%, p = 0.002). A significantly higher vessel density was found in the active group (median 39.6% vs 30.5%, p = 0.003). “Anastomoses and loops” and “vessel density” predicted an active CNV status with a probability of 93.7% and achieved the best performance. The combination of two potential biomarkers of CNV on OCTA shows good discrimination for the prediction of recurrent exudation auxiliary to structural OCT that might associate with disease activity.
Factors associated with quality of life in Italian children and adolescents with IBD
Authors: Gatti Simona , Del Baldo Giada , Catassi Giulia , Faragalli Andrea , Aloi Marina , Bramuzzo Matteo , D’Arcangelo Giulia , Felici Enrico , Fuoti Maurizio , Lega Sara , Panceri Roberto , Pastore Maria , Penagini Francesca , Gesuita Rosaria , Catassi Carlo
Published: September 2021

Improving the quality of life (QoL) is crucial in the management of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to (1) Validate the IMPACT-III questionnaire in Italian IBD children; (2) explore factors associated to QoL in pediatric IBD. Internal consistency, concurrent validity, discriminant validity and reproducibility of the Italian version of the IMPACT-III questionnaire was measured in IBD children/adolescents in 8 centers. Associations between patient and disease characteristics and the IMPACT-III domains were analyzed through quantile regression analysis. The IMPACT-III questionnaire, collected in 282 children with IBD (median age: 14.8 years; IQR 12.4–16.4) showed a median total score of 76 (IQR 67–83). Female gender, active disease and age were negatively associated with the total IMPACT-III score. Specifically, female gender was negatively associated with the Bowel/Systemic Symptoms, Emotional and Treatment domain scores, while disease activity was significantly associated with Bowel Symptoms and Treatment/Interventions reported QoL. The IMPACT- III showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient = 0.87, 95% CI 0.85–0.89) and reproducibility (Concordance Correlation Coefficient = 0.66, 95% CI 0.57–0.74). In Italian children with IBD active disease, female gender and adolescence are associated to a worse QoL, indicating the need of more attention in this subgroup of young patients. IMPACT-III questionnaire is a reliable instrument to measure QoL in Italian children.
Registration-free workflow for electromagnetic and optical navigation in orbital and craniofacial surgery
Authors: Schreurs R. , Baan F. , Klop C. , Dubois L. , Beenen L. F. M. , Habets P. E. M. H. , Becking A. G. , Maal T. J. J.
Published: September 2021

The accuracy of intra-operative navigation is largely dependent on the intra-operative registration procedure. Next to accuracy, important factors to consider for the registration procedure are invasiveness, time consumption, logistical demands, user-dependency, compatibility and radiation exposure. In this study, a workflow is presented that eliminates the need for a registration procedure altogether: registration-free navigation. In the workflow, the maxillary dental model is fused to the pre-operative imaging data using commercially available virtual planning software. A virtual Dynamic Reference Frame on a splint is designed on the patient’s fused maxillary dentition: during surgery, the splint containing the reference frame is positioned on the patient’s dentition. This alleviates the need for any registration procedure, since the position of the reference frame is known from the design. The accuracy of the workflow was evaluated in a cadaver set-up, and compared to bone-anchored fiducial, virtual splint and surface-based registration. The results showed that accuracy of the workflow was greatly dependent on tracking technique used: the workflow was the most accurate with electromagnetic tracking, but the least accurate with optical tracking. Although this method offers a time-efficient, non-invasive, radiation-free automatic alternative for registration, clinical implementation is hampered by the unexplained differences in accuracy between tracking techniques.
3D imaging of human organs with micrometer resolution - applied to the endocrine pancreas
Authors: Hahn Max , Nord Christoffer , Eriksson Maria , Morini Federico , Alanentalo Tomas , Korsgren Olle , Ahlgren Ulf
Published: September 2021

The possibility to quantitatively study specific molecular/cellular features of complete human organs with preserved spatial 3D context would have widespread implications for pre-clinical and clinical medicine. Whereas optical 3D imaging approaches have experienced a formidable revolution, they have remained limited due to current incapacities in obtaining specific labelling within large tissue volumes. We present a simple approach enabling reconstruction of antibody labeled cells within entire human organs with preserved organ context. We demonstrate the utility of the approach by providing volumetric data and 3D distribution of hundreds of thousands of islets of Langerhans within the human pancreas. By assessments of pancreata from non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic individuals, we display previously unrecognized features of the human islet mass distribution and pathology. As such, this method may contribute not only in unraveling new information of the pancreatic anatomy/pathophysiology, but it may be translated to essentially any antibody marker or organ system.
Scaffold-based [Fe]-hydrogenase model: H2 activation initiates Fe(0)-hydride extrusion and non-biomimetic hydride transfer
Authors: Kerns Spencer A. , Seo Junhyeok , Lynch Vincent M. , Shearer Jason , Goralski Sean T. , Sullivan Eileen R. , Rose Michael J.
Published: September 2021

We report the synthesis and reactivity of a model of [Fe]-hydrogenase derived from an anthracene-based scaffold that includes the endogenous, organometallic acyl(methylene) donor.
Modulating the relaxation dynamics of the Na2Mn3 system via an auxiliary anion change
Authors: Li Yongfei , Sun Xiao , Chen Peiqiong , Liu Hou-Ting , Li Jing , Liu Dan , Li Dacheng , Dou Jianmin , Tian Haiquan
Published: September 2021

Two strongly related hydrazone-based Na2Mn3 complexes are observed to undergo an auxiliary anion change from one methoxide to azide with the elaborate modification of the first coordination sphere, which is associated with the different relaxation behaviors.
N-Functionalisation of 5,5′-bistetrazole providing 2,2′-di(azidomethyl)bistetrazole: a melt-castable metal-free green primary explosive
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Kofen Moritz , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: September 2021

Hydroxymethylation of 5,5′-bistetrazole paves the way for 2,2′ di(azidomethyl)-5,5′-bistetrazole – the highlight of this work. It's initiation capability and thermal behavior offers the application as melt-castable metal-free green primary explosive.
Unravelling the facets-dependent behavior among H2O2, O3 and oxygen vacancies on CeOx and the promotion of peroxone reaction at under acidic conditions
Authors: Chen Weirui , He Hengxi , Zou Ruini , Chen Yidan , Li Xukai , Wang Jing , Tang Yiming , Li Laisheng
Published: September 2021

(100), (110) and (111) CeOx can promote H2O2/O3 for water purification but behave in different manners.
Arylcyclopropane yet in its infancy: the challenges and recent advances in its functionalization
Authors: Taily Irshad Maajid , Saha Debarshi , Banerjee Prabal
Published: September 2021

Development of straightforward protocols for the functionalization of unactivated cyclopropanes is still challenging, the realization of which could bestow the scientific community with a recurring building block for modern organic transformations.
Layered zinc hydroxide as an adsorbent for phosphate removal and recovery from wastewater
Authors: Almasri Dema A. , Essehli Rachid , Tong Yongfeng , Lawler Jenny
Published: September 2021

This study demonstrates a novel LZH adsorbent synthesized, characterized and applied for high phosphate removal and recovery from wastewater.
Garnet to hydrogarnet: effect of post synthesis treatment on cation substituted LLZO solid electrolyte and its effect on Li ion conductivity
Authors: Fritsch Charlotte , Zinkevich Tatiana , Indris Sylvio , Etter Martin , Baran Volodymyr , Bergfeldt Thomas , Knapp Michael , Ehrenberg Helmut , Hansen Anna-Lena
Published: September 2021

Investigation of commercial Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) with various substituents. Although impedance spectroscopy suggests something else: the ion conductivity does not show a strong dependence on the substituting cation, but rather on the sample treatment.
NiOx-supported PtRh nanoalloy enables high-performance hydrogen evolution reaction under universal pH conditions
Authors: Bhalothia Dinesh , Yu Yu-Min , Lin Yi-Ru , Huang Tzu- Hsi , Yan Che , Lee Jyh-Fu , Wang Kuan-Wen , Chen Tsan-Yao
Published: September 2021

The collaboration between neighbouring reaction sites in the sub-nanometer domains of the PtRh nanoalloy promote HER kinetics, where the Rh and Pt sites synergistically trigger the proton adsorption and reduction kinetics. The RhOx and NiOx sites favour HO–H bond cleavage.
Nitrogen-centered radical reaction leading to energetic materials: a mild and efficient access to N–N bridged compounds
Authors: Zeng Zhiwei , Liu Yuji , Cheng Guangbin , Huang Wei , Wei Hao , Shreeve Jean'ne M. , Tang Yongxing
Published: September 2021

A novel nitrogen-centered radical reaction leading to the formation of an N–N coupled biheterocycle was discovered, which features high efficiency and greenness at room temperature without external assistance.
Bi/C nanosheet microspheres with an open pore structure as anodes for sodium ion batteries with high capacity, excellent rate performance and long cycle life
Authors: Li Ying , Zhong Xia , Wu Xianwen , Li Mingqi , Zhang Wei , Wang Dan
Published: September 2021

The Bi/C composite anode material for sodium ion batteries with high capacity, ultrahigh rate capability and long cycle life was synthesized by facile methods using low-cost materials.
A TbPc2 sub-monolayer deposit on a titanium dioxide ultrathin film: magnetic, morphological, and chemical insights
Authors: Sorrentino Andrea Luigi , Cimatti Irene , Serrano Giulia , Poggini Lorenzo , Cortigiani Brunetto , Malavolti Luigi , Otero Edwige , Sainctavit Philippe , Mannini Matteo , Sessoli Roberta , Caneschi Andrea
Published: September 2021

Thin inorganic films (i.e., metal oxides) are often used as decoupling layers to optimize the interactions between the molecular magnetic layers and metallic surfaces.
Lopsided galactic bars
Authors: Łokas Ewa L.
Published: September 2021

Most of the observed and simulated galactic bars are symmetric in the face-on view. However, there are indeed cases of bars that are off-center with respect to the disk or have an asymmetric shape. The only well-known example showing both these features is the Large Magellanic Cloud. We report on the identification of several lopsided galactic bars in the Illustris TNG100 simulation found among a sample of elongated bar-like galaxies studied in the past. The bars show a clear asymmetry in the face-on view, which is in the shape of a footprint. We measured the evolution of the different parameters of the bars’ shape and asymmetry as a function of time and find that the asymmetry is preserved for a few Gyr. It can grow together with a bar or appear later, after bar formation. We considered two scenarios leading to the formation of lopsided bars using controlled simulations. In the first, a Milky Way-like galaxy interacts with a massive companion placed on a radial orbit in the plane of the disk and perpendicular to the orientation of the bar at the time of the first passage. In the second, the galaxy initially has an off-center disk and the growth of the bar and its asymmetry is more similar to the one found in IllustrisTNG galaxies, where it is also preceded by the presence of an asymmetric disk. It is thus possible that lopsided bars are born in lopsided disks, although in some cases, the time difference between the occurrence of the asymmetry in the two components is quite large.
Changes in the hydrothermal regime in the Central Black Earth region and the reaction of cultivated plants
Authors: Grigoreva Ludmila , Tsukanova Elena
Published: September 2021

The analysis of changes in the water-temperature regime of the Central Black Earth region of Russia over the past 90 years is given. A significant increase in the dispersion of daily air temperatures and a change in the distribution of precipitation by months were noted. It has been established that the most significant limiting factor for fruit plants is currently the daily air temperature drops. The periods of the annual cycle are systematized according to the degree of damaging effect on fruit plants. It has been determined that the main tendency of changes in the hydrothermal regime on the territory of the Central Black Earth Region is its destabilization, i.e. increase of the frequency and amplitude of air temperature drops, and raise of the number of thaws in January-February. The increase of the discreteness of precipitation distribution within the year is possible - excessive moisture in some months (especially June, September, 2-3 decades of February - March) and aridity in others (July, August, November, December).
Realization of sweet cherry varieties productivity in stressful conditions in the south of Russia
Authors: Zaremuk Rimma , Dolya Yulia , Kopnina Tatiana
Published: September 2021

The main stress factors for sweet cherries in the Krasnodar region are: late return frosts and early exposure to frost after a warm autumn. Against the background of late return frosts, the death of the generative organs of sweet cherry was 95%, the realization of the productive potential − 3.3%; after early spring frosts, freezing of cherry fruit buds was 30%, the realization of productive potential − 47.8%. The early impact of frost after a warm autumn, the death of the generative organs of sweet cherry was 90%, the realization of the productive potential − 5.6%. Under favorable weather conditions, i.e. in the absence of any type of stress, the yield of sweet cherry varieties reached 40.5 kg/tree or 27 t/ha, and the implementation of the production potential − 57.8%. Mathematical analysis showed a high correlation (R2 = 0.97) of the yield of varieties from the abnormal temperatures in March and the degree of exposure to stress, i.e. damage to generative organs (R2 = 0.9). Domestic varieties Alaya, Sashenka and Volshebnitsa, can be recommended for creating sustainable plantations in the south of Russia.