bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Projecting Flood Frequency Curves Under Near‐Term Climate Change
Authors: Awasthi C. , Archfield S. A. , Ryberg K. R. , Kiang J. E. , Sankarasubramanian A.
Published: August 2022

Flood‐frequency curves, critical for water infrastructure design, are typically developed based on a stationary climate assumption. However, climate changes are expected to violate this assumption. Here, we propose a new, climate‐informed methodology for estimating flood‐frequency curves under non‐stationary future climate conditions. The methodology develops an asynchronous, semiparametric local‐likelihood regression (ASLLR) model that relates moments of annual maximum flood to climate variables using the generalized linear model. We estimate the first two marginal moments (MM) – the mean and variance – of the underlying log‐Pearson Type‐3 distribution from the ASLLR with the monthly rainfall and temperature as predictors. The proposed methodology, ASLLR‐MM, is applied to 40 U.S. Geological Survey streamgages covering 18 water resources regions across the conterminous United States. A correction based on the aridity index was applied on the estimated variance, after which the ASLLR‐MM approach was evaluated with both historical (1951–2005) and projected (2006–2035, under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) monthly precipitation and temperature from eight Global Circulation Models (GCMs) consisting of 39 ensemble members. The estimated flood‐frequency quantiles resulting from the ASLLR‐MM and GCM members compare well with the flood‐frequency quantiles estimated using the historical period of observed climate and flood information for humid basins, whereas the uncertainty in model estimates is higher in arid basins. Considering additional atmospheric and land‐surface conditions and a multi‐level model structure that includes other basins in a region could further improve the model performance in arid basins.
Earth and Planetary Surface Processes Perspectives on Integrated, Coordinated, Open, Networked (ICON) Science
Authors: Burberry C. M. , Flatley A. , Gray A. , Guilinger J. , Hamshaw S. , Hill K. , Mu Y. , Rowland J. C.
Published: August 2022

This article provides a commentary about the state of integrated, coordinated, open, and networked (ICON) principles in Earth and Planetary Surface Processes and discussion on the opportunities and challenges of adopting them. This commentary focuses on the challenges with current inclusive, equitable, and accessible science and highlights how research undertaken in the earth and planetary surface processes community currently benefit from and would be able to grow as a discipline with more directed implementation of ICON principles.
Quantifying the Statistical Relationships Between Flank Eruptions and Major Earthquakes at Mt. Etna Volcano (Italy)
Authors: Bevilacqua Andrea , Azzaro Raffaele , Branca Stefano , D’Amico Salvatore , Flandoli Franco , Neri Augusto
Published: August 2022

At Mt. Etna volcano, flank eruptions are often accompanied by seismic swarms with damaging earthquakes; the most recent case‐history is the 2018 flank eruption, associated with a destructive earthquake (Mw 5.0). In this paper, we analyze the earthquake and eruptive catalogs from 1800 to 2018, to produce quantitative estimates of the earthquake rate under the influence of flank eruptions. We quantify that 30% of the flank eruption onsets precede a major (i.e., damaging, Ix ≥ V–VI EMS) earthquake by 30 days or less; 18% of the major earthquakes follow a flank eruption onset in 30 days or less. Thus, we show that the probability of major earthquakes increases 5–10 times after the onset of flank eruptions and this effect lasts for 30–45 days. This is also observed after the end of the eruptions. Results indicate different relationships depending on the location of the volcano‐tectonic systems considered individually (eruptive fissures, seismogenic faults). For instance, we describe a 10–20 times increased probability of earthquakes for 65–70 days after eruptions on the northeastern flank, and of new flank eruptions for 45–70 days after earthquakes of the Pernicana fault.
Prodigious Amounts of Hydrogen Oxides Generated by Corona Discharges on Tree Leaves
Authors: Jenkins J. M. , Olson G. A. , McFarland P. J. , Miller D. O. , Brune W. H.
Published: August 2022

Prodigious amounts of the hydroxyl radical (OH) are generated in the laboratory on tree leaves by corona discharges, which also occur on trees during thunderstorms. Production rates of OH and HO2 depend on the applied electric field generating the corona discharge, leaf dryness, and the presence of liquid water on the leaf. However, they are independent of leaf type and corona discharge polarity for a given corona ultraviolet (UV) flux. Production rates of OH, HO2, and O3 strongly correlate with corona UV flux. Although the contribution of corona‐produced OH to total global OH production is unlikely to be important, corona‐generated OH is likely a few orders of magnitude greater than oxidation by known processes in the vicinity of the affected leaves, potentially influencing atmospheric oxidation and tree and forest ecology.
Sedimentary Black Carbon Isotope Record of Holocene Climate Changes on the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Ning Dongliang , Jiang Qingfeng , Ji Ming , Zheng Jianan , Kuai Xiang , Ge Ying , Xu Yuchen , Cheng Longjuan , Zhao Wenwei
Published: August 2022

The northeastern Tibetan Plateau (TP) is an unique area for studying the interactions between the Asian Monsoonal climate and the westerlies. However, significant contraries on Holocene paleoclimate evolution are still exist. To better understand the climate history on the northeastern TP particularly its variability, we here investigated the stable carbon isotope compositions of Black Carbon (BC) (δ13CBC) in Lake Gyaring sediment core from the source area of the Yellow River. The δ13CBC values were relatively positive before ∼6.2 cal kyr BP indicating that the climate on northeastern TP was warm and dry during the first half of the Holocene, while the decreasing trend thereafter reflects that the climate on the northeastern TP has become generally cooler and wetter since the middle Holocene. Superimposed on the long‐term paleoclimate evolution pattern, at least seven centennial‐scale cold‐wet events characterized by significant δ13CBC depletions occurred at about 8.4, 7.5, 6.2, 5.0, 4.3, 2.7, and 0.9 cal kyr BP. Those abrupt climate events well corresponded to the weak Asian Monsoon episodes and the ice‐rafted debris records in the North Atlantic. We speculate that the cold climate signals from the North Atlantic resulted from the sea‐ice expansion have been transported to the northeastern TP through the westerlies leading to a cold conditions there. Besides, the anomalous easterly water vapor transportation over the northern periphery of the TP during weak monsoon intervals has generated the wet conditions on the northeastern TP.
Maternal depressive symptoms, neonatal white matter, and toddler social-emotional development
Authors: Lautarescu Alexandra , Bonthrone Alexandra F. , Pietsch Maximilian , Batalle Dafnis , Cordero-Grande Lucilio , Tournier J-Donald , Christiaens Daan , Hajnal Joseph V. , Chew Andrew , Falconer Shona , Nosarti Chiara , Victor Suresh , Craig Michael C. , Edwards A. David , Counsell Serena J.
Published: August 2022

Maternal prenatal depression is associated with increased likelihood of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions in offspring. The relationship between maternal depression and offspring outcome may be mediated by in-utero changes in brain development. Recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have enabled in vivo investigations of neonatal brains, minimising the effect of postnatal influences. The aim of this study was to examine associations between maternal prenatal depressive symptoms, infant white matter, and toddler behaviour. 413 mother-infant dyads enrolled in the developing Human Connectome Project. Mothers completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (median = 5, range = 0–28, n = 52 scores ≥ 11). Infants (n = 223 male) (median gestational age at birth = 40 weeks, range 32.14–42.29) underwent MRI (median postmenstrual age at scan = 41.29 weeks, range 36.57–44.71). Fixel-based fibre metrics (mean fibre density, fibre cross-section, and fibre density modulated by cross-section) were calculated from diffusion imaging data in the left and right uncinate fasciculi and cingulum bundle. For n = 311, internalising and externalising behaviour, and social-emotional abilities were reported at a median corrected age of 18 months (range 17–24). Statistical analysis used multiple linear regression and mediation analysis with bootstrapping. Maternal depressive symptoms were positively associated with infant fibre density in the left (B = 0.0005, p = 0.003, q = 0.027) and right (B = 0.0006, p = 0.003, q = 0.027) uncinate fasciculus, with left uncinate fasciculus fibre density, in turn, positively associated with social-emotional abilities in toddlerhood (B = 105.70, p = 0.0007, q = 0.004). In a mediation analysis, higher maternal depressive symptoms predicted toddler social-emotional difficulties (B = 0.342, t(307) = 3.003, p = 0.003), but this relationship was not mediated by fibre density in the left uncinate fasciculus (Sobel test p = 0.143, bootstrapped indirect effect = 0.035, SE = 0.02, 95% CI: [−0.01, 0.08]). There was no evidence of an association between maternal depressive and cingulum fibre properties. These findings suggest that maternal perinatal depressive symptoms are associated with neonatal uncinate fasciculi microstructure, but not fibre bundle size, and toddler behaviour.
Raptor downregulation rescues neuronal phenotypes in mouse models of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Karalis Vasiliki , Caval-Holme Franklin , Bateup Helen S.
Published: August 2022

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, which encode proteins that negatively regulate mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling. Current treatment strategies focus on mTOR inhibition with rapamycin and its derivatives. While effective at improving some aspects of TSC, chronic rapamycin inhibits both mTORC1 and mTORC2 and is associated with systemic side-effects. It is currently unknown which mTOR complex is most relevant for TSC-related brain phenotypes. Here we used genetic strategies to selectively reduce neuronal mTORC1 or mTORC2 activity in mouse models of TSC. We find that reduction of the mTORC1 component Raptor, but not the mTORC2 component Rictor, rebalanced mTOR signaling in Tsc1 knock-out neurons. Raptor reduction was sufficient to improve several TSC-related phenotypes including neuronal hypertrophy, macrocephaly, impaired myelination, network hyperactivity, and premature mortality. Raptor downregulation represents a promising potential therapeutic intervention for the neurological manifestations of TSC.
Synthesis of bioactive (1→6)-β-glucose branched poly-amido-saccharides that stimulate and induce M1 polarization in macrophages
Authors: Xiao Ruiqing , Zeng Jialiu , Bressler Eric M. , Lu Wei , Grinstaff Mark W.
Published: August 2022

β-Glucans are of significant interest due to their potent antitumor and immunomodulatory activities. Nevertheless, the difficulty in purification, structural heterogenicity, and limited solubility impede the development of structure-property relationships and translation to therapeutic applications. Here, we report the synthesis of a new class of (1→6)-β-glucose-branched poly-amido-saccharides (PASs) as β-glucan mimetics by ring-opening polymerization of a gentiobiose-based disaccharide β-lactam and its copolymerization with a glucose-based β-lactam, followed by post-polymerization deprotection. The molecular weight (Mn) and frequency of branching (FB) of PASs is readily tuned by adjusting monomer-to-initiator ratio and mole fraction of gentiobiose-lactam in copolymerization. Branched PASs stimulate mouse macrophages, and enhance production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a FB-, dose-, and Mn-dependent manner. The stimulation proceeds via the activation of NF-κB/AP-1 pathway in a Dectin-1-dependent manner, similar to natural β-glucans. The lead PAS significantly polarizes primary human macrophages towards M1 phenotype compared to other β-glucans such as lentinan, laminarin, and curdlan.
Nested order-disorder framework containing a crystalline matrix with self-filled amorphous-like innards
Authors: Bu Kejun , Hu Qingyang , Qi Xiaohuan , Wang Dong , Guo Songhao , Luo Hui , Lin Tianquan , Guo Xiaofeng , Zeng Qiaoshi , Ding Yang , Huang Fuqiang , Yang Wenge , Mao Ho-Kwang , Lü Xujie
Published: August 2022

Solids can be generally categorized by their structures into crystalline and amorphous states with different interactions among atoms dictating their properties. Crystalline-amorphous hybrid structures, combining the advantages of both ordered and disordered components, present a promising opportunity to design materials with emergent collective properties. Hybridization of crystalline and amorphous structures at the sublattice level with long-range periodicity has been rarely observed. Here, we report a nested order-disorder framework (NOF) constructed by a crystalline matrix with self-filled amorphous-like innards that is obtained by using pressure to regulate the bonding hierarchy of Cu12Sb4S13. Combined in situ experimental and computational methods demonstrate the formation of disordered Cu sublattice which is embedded in the retained crystalline Cu framework. Such a NOF structure gives a low thermal conductivity (~0.24 W·m−1·K−1) and a metallic electrical conductivity (8 × 10−6 Ω·m), realizing the collaborative improvement of two competing physical properties. These findings demonstrate a category of solid-state materials to link the crystalline and amorphous forms in the sublattice-scale, which will exhibit extraordinary properties.
Enhanced immune response outperform aggressive cancer biology and is associated with better survival in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Oshi Masanori , Patel Ankit , Wu Rongrong , Le Lan , Tokumaru Yoshihisa , Yamada Akimitsu , Yan Li , Matsuyama Ryusei , Ishikawa Takashi , Endo Itaru , Takabe Kazuaki
Published: August 2022

Although the value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is well known, the clinical relevance of an increased immune response, specifically in breast cancer, has not been investigated across large cohorts of patients using computational algorithms. Our hypothesis stated that an enhanced immune response is associated with an improvement in outcomes. To quantify the immune response, we utilized the allograft rejection score correlated with cytolytic activity and with all the other Hallmark immune-related gene sets. The score reflected the amount of infiltrating immune cells that correlated with the immune checkpoint molecule expressions, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, T helper type 1 (Th1) and type 2 (Th2) cells, M1 macrophages, B cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC). A high score was associated with high levels of intratumor heterogeneity, homologous recombination defects, mutation rate, histological grade, advanced stage, and lymph node metastasis. Breast malignancy with a high score enriched immune-related gene sets and pro-cancer-related gene sets, including epithelial–mesenchymal transition and KRAS pathway, in ER-positive/HER2-negative and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) groups. TNBC had the highest score compared to other subtypes, and was associated with better survival. In conclusion, we found that breast cancer with a high immune response is associated with aggressive cancer biology, but with better survival in TNBC.
Broadband mechanoresponsive liquid metal sensors
Authors: Rahman Md Saifur , Huddy Julia E. , Hamlin Andrew B. , Scheideler William J.
Published: August 2022

Stretchable electronics have the fundamental advantage of matching the complex geometries of the human body, providing opportunities for real-time biomechanical sensing. We report a method for high-frequency AC-enhanced resistive sensing that leverages deformable liquid metals to improve low-power detection of mechanical stimuli in wearable electronics. The fundamental mechanism of this enhancement is geometrical modulation of the skin effect, which induces current crowding at the surface of a liquid metal trace. In combination with DC sensing, this method quantitatively pinpoints mechanical modes of deformation such as stretching in-plane and compression out-of-plane that are traditionally impossible to distinguish. Here we explore this method by finite element simulations then employ it in a glove to detect hand gestures and tactile forces as well as a respiratory sensor to measure breathing. Moreover, this AC sensor uses lower power (100X) than DC sensors, enabling a new generation of energy-efficient wearables for haptics and biomedical sensing.
Path toward manufacturable superconducting qubits with relaxation times exceeding 0.1 ms
Authors: Verjauw J. , Acharya R. , Van Damme J. , Ivanov Ts. , Lozano D. Perez , Mohiyaddin F. A. , Wan D. , Jussot J. , Vadiraj A. M. , Mongillo M. , Heyns M. , Radu I. , Govoreanu B. , Potočnik A.
Published: August 2022

As the superconducting qubit platform matures towards ever-larger scales in the race towards a practical quantum computer, limitations due to qubit inhomogeneity through lack of process control become apparent. To benefit from the advanced process control in industry-scale CMOS fabrication facilities, different processing methods will be required. In particular, the double-angle evaporation and lift-off techniques used for current, state-of-the-art superconducting qubits are generally incompatible with modern-day manufacturable processes. Here, we demonstrate a fully CMOS compatible qubit fabrication method, and show results from overlap Josephson junction devices with long coherence and relaxation times, on par with the state-of-the-art. We experimentally verify that Argon milling—the critical step during junction fabrication—and a subtractive-etch process nevertheless result in qubits with average qubit energy relaxation times T1 reaching 70 µs, with maximum values exceeding 100 µs. Furthermore, we show that our results are still limited by surface losses and not, crucially, by junction losses. The presented fabrication process, therefore, heralds an important milestone towards a manufacturable 300 mm CMOS process for high-coherence superconducting qubits and has the potential to advance the scaling of superconducting device architectures.
Estimating and forecasting the burden and spread of Colombia’s SARS-CoV2 first wave
Authors: Cascante-Vega Jaime , Cordovez Juan Manuel , Santos-Vega Mauricio
Published: August 2022

Following the rapid dissemination of COVID-19 cases in Colombia in 2020, large-scale non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were implemented as national emergencies in most of the country’s municipalities, starting with a lockdown on March 20th, 2020. Recently, approaches that combine movement data (measured as the number of commuters between units), metapopulation models to describe disease dynamics subdividing the population into Susceptible-Exposed-Asymptomatic-Infected-Recovered-Diseased and statistical inference algorithms have been pointed as a practical approach to both nowcast and forecast the number of cases and deaths. We used an iterated filtering (IF) framework to estimate the model transmission parameters using the reported data across 281 municipalities from March to late October in locations with more than 50 reported deaths and cases in Colombia. Since the model is high dimensional (6 state variables in every municipality), inference on those parameters is highly non-trivial, so we used an Ensemble-Adjustment-Kalman-Filter (EAKF) to estimate time variable system states and parameters. Our results show the model’s ability to capture the characteristics of the outbreak in the country and provide estimates of the epidemiological parameters in time at the national level. Importantly, these estimates could become the base for planning future interventions as well as evaluating the impact of NPIs on the effective reproduction number ($$\mathscr {R}_{eff}$$

R

eff

) and the critical epidemiological parameters, such as the contact rate or the reporting rate. However, our forecast presents some inconsistency as it overestimates the deaths for some locations as Medellín. Nevertheless, our approach demonstrates that real-time, publicly available ensemble forecasts can provide short-term predictions of reported COVID-19 deaths in Colombia. Therefore, this model can be used as a forecasting tool to evaluate disease dynamics and aid policymakers in infectious outbreak management and control.
Real-world evidence of the intrinsic limitations of PCR-based EGFR mutation assay in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Shen Chia-I , Chiang Chi-Lu , Shiao Tsu-Hui , Luo Yung-Hung , Chao Heng-Sheng , Huang Hsu-Ching , Chiu Chao-Hua
Published: August 2022

Detection of driver gene mutations is important in advanced NSCLC. The cobas EGFR mutation test is a mutant allele-specific real-time PCR assay with limitation owing to its primer design. Next-generation sequencing-based assay has a higher mutation detection coverage; however, its clinical impact remains unclear. We retrospectively collected the records of stage IV NSCLC patients with wild-type EGFR tested by cobas test. FoundationOne CDx was used for comprehensive genomic profiles. We then evaluated the missed EGFR mutations by the cobas test. We studied 62 patients. The median age was 60 (range: 35–86 years). Most patients were male and 58.1% were smokers. 91.9% were adenocarcinomas. Of the 62 samples, 7 (11.3%) were detected with EGFR mutations by NGS. Among these overlooked EGFR mutations, five were exon 20 insertions, and two were exon 19 deletions. Two patients received EGFR TKIs and showed durable response with PFS 5.9 months and 10.1 months, respectively. Using NGS as the standard, the false-negative rate of the cobas EGFR mutation test was 11.3%—in a population with a high prevalence of EGFR mutations. The most overlooked mutations were exon 20 insertions. A comprehensive EGFR mutation assay can provide significant benefits to patients with NSCLC.
Effects of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity on joint pain and degenerative osteoarthritis in postmenopausal women
Authors: Kim Hye In , Ahn So Hyun , Kim Yup , Lee Ji Eun , Choi Euna , Seo Seok Kyo
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of sarcopenia, obesity, and sarcopenic obesity and examine their association with radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) and knee pain in Korean postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional study utilized the data from Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2009–2011. The participants were categorized into 4 groups based on body composition: either sarcopenic (appendicular skeletal muscle < 23%) or not, either obese (body mass index ≥ 25.0 kg/m2) or not. The prevalence of radiographic knee OA and knee pain was calculated. The effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was also evaluated. The prevalence of radiographic knee OA, knee pain, and both were all highest in the sarcopenic obese group and lowest in the control group (61.49% vs. 41.54%, 39.11% vs. 27.55%, 32.04% vs. 17.82%, all p < 0.001). Without sarcopenia, obese women showed significantly higher ratio of radiographic knee OA only (57.64% vs. 41.54%, p < 0.001). With sarcopenia, the coexistence of obesity presented higher ratio of radiographic knee OA, knee pain, and both compared to sarcopenia without obesity (61.49% vs. 41.82%, 39.11% vs. 27.61%, 32.04% vs. 17.60%, all p < 0.001). The use of HRT for more than 1 year was not associated with radiographic knee OA, knee pain, or both (p = 0.147, 0.689 and 0.649, respectively). Obesity with sarcopenia had greater effect on knee OA compared to obesity without sarcopenia. Moreover, HRT use for more than 1 year was not associated with the prevalence of knee OA. Therefore, more efforts should focus on reducing body fat and increasing muscle in postmenopausal women with knee OA.
Lymphocyte to monocyte ratio and serum albumin changes predict tacrolimus therapy outcomes in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Ishida Natsuki , Tani Shinya , Asai Yusuke , Miyazu Takahiro , Tamura Satoshi , Yamade Mihoko , Iwaizumi Moriya , Hamaya Yasushi , Osawa Satoshi , Furuta Takahisa , Sugimoto Ken
Published: August 2022

Tacrolimus therapy for ulcerative colitis is ineffective in certain patients; these patients require biologics or colectomy. We examined the ability of serum albumin levels and leukocyte subtypes to predict the therapeutic efficacy of tacrolimus. Patients with ulcerative colitis treated with tacrolimus were divided into non-failure and failure (required colectomy or switch to biologics or systemic steroids) groups. Serum albumin levels and leukocyte subtypes at induction, week 1, and week 2 after reaching high trough levels were retrospectively examined. Tacrolimus therapy failed in 18/45 patients within 3 months. The week 2/week 1 albumin ratio was significantly different between the failure and non-failure groups (P < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed optimal cut-off value of the week 2/week 1 albumin ratio was 1.06, and area under the curve was 0.815. Analysis of leukocyte subtypes revealed significant between-group difference in the week 1 lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed week 2/week 1 albumin ratio ≤ 1.06 and week 1 lymphocyte to monocyte ratio ≤ 3.86. Therefore, a low week 2/week 1 albumin and low week 1 lymphocyte to monocyte ratio predicted failure within 3 months of tacrolimus induction; a combination of these markers could accurately predict failure.
Hyperventilation strain CMR imaging in patients with acute chest pain
Authors: Siry Deborah , Riffel Johannes H. , Salatzki Janek , Andre Florian , Ochs Marco , Weberling Lukas D. , Giannitsis Evangelos , Katus Hugo A. , Friedrich Matthias G.
Published: August 2022

In patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome high-sensitivity cardiac tropnonin T is used for rapid patient triage. Some acute coronary syndrome patients assigned to the observe zone based on high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T after 1 h require further diagnostic testing. Fast-strain encoded CMR imaging with breathing maneuvers may accelerate diagnostic work-up and identify patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome. Patients presenting with acute chest pain (high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T level 5–52 ng/L) were prospectively enrolled (consecutive sampling, time of recruitment: 09/18–06/19). Fast-strain-encoded imaging was performed within the 1-h timeframe (0 h/1 h algorithm) prior to 2nd high-sensitivity troponin T lab results. Images were acquired at rest as well as after 1-min of hyperventilation followed by a short breath-hold. In 108 patients (59 male; mean age: 57 ± 17y) the mean study time was 17 ± 3 min. An abnormal strain response after the breathing maneuver (persistent/increased/new onset of increased strain rates) correctly identified all 17 patients with a high-sensitivity troponin T dynamic (0 h/1 h algorithm) and explanatory significant coronary lesions, while in 86 patients without serologic or angiographic evidence for severe coronary artery disease the strain response was normal (sensitivity 100%, specificity 94.5%; 5 false positive results). The number of dysfunctional segments (strain > − 10%) proved to be a quantifiable marker for identifying patients with acute coronary syndrome. In patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome and inconclusive initial high-sensitivity troponin T, fast-strain-encoded imaging with a breathing maneuver may safely and rapidly identify patients with acute coronary syndrome, without the need for vasodilators, stress, or contrast agents.
Desalination at ambient temperature and pressure by a novel class of biporous anisotropic membrane
Authors: Qtaishat Mohammed Rasool , Obaid Mohammed , Matsuura Takeshi , Al-Samhouri Areej , Lee Jung-Gil , Soukane Sofiane , Ghaffour Noreddine
Published: August 2022

Recent scientific advances have made headway in addressing pertinient issues in climate change and the sustainability of our natural environment. This study makes use of a novel approach to desalination that is environment friendly, naturally sustainable and energy efficient, meaning that it is also cost efficient. Evaporation is a key phenomenon in the natural environment and used in many industrial applications including desalination. For a liquid droplet, the vapor pressure changes due to the curved liquid–vapor interface at the droplet surface. The vapor pressure at a convex surface in a pore is, therefore, higher than that at a flat surface due to the capillary effect, and this effect is enhanced as the pore radius decreases. This concept inspired us to design a novel biporous anisotropic membrane for membrane distillation (MD), which enables to desalinate water at ambient temperature and pressure by applying only a small transmembrane temperature gradient. The novel membrane is described as a super-hydrophobic nano-porous/micro-porous composite membrane. A laboratory-made membrane with specifications determined by the theoretical model was prepared for model validation and tested for desalination at different feed inlet temperatures by direct contact MD. A water vapor flux as high as 39.94 ± 8.3 L m−2 h−1 was achieved by the novel membrane at low feed temperature (25 °C, permeate temperature = 20 °C), while the commercial PTFE membrane, which is widely used in MD research, had zero flux under the same operating conditions. As well, the fluxes of the fabricated membrane were much higher than the commercial membrane at various inlet feed temperatures.
Thin foil body-shield resuscitation barrier device to protect from blood: an experimental study
Authors: Hermann Martin , Isser Markus , Bilgeri Valentin , Klinger Andreas , Lederer Wolfgang
Published: August 2022

In times of collective concern about pandemics, body-shield resuscitation barrier devices are more and more considered to protect against transmission of different pathogens between rescuers and patients. The objective of this experimental study was to investigate the characteristics of blood drops dispersed on the surface of four different foils suitable for blanketing patients during resuscitation. We analyzed run-off characteristics of blood stains depending on surface properties of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and aluminum-coated polyethylene terephthalate. Confocal fluorescence microscopy revealed less cellular density and lack of fibrin networks in blood stains on the four foil surfaces than on paper towel. Delayed clotting went along with larger areas of contamination indicating a greater likelihood of coming into contact with potential germs but a smaller chance of contracting an infection. Space blankets as obligatory components of first aid kits are readily available for rescuers and serve as a mechanical barrier between rescuers and patients during resuscitation.
Phylogeographic and phenotypic divergence between two subspecies of Testudo graeca (T. g. buxtoni and T. g. zarudnyi) across their contact zone in Iran
Authors: Ranjbar Neda , Malekian Mansoureh , Ashrafzadeh Mohammad Reza , Hemami Mahmoud-Reza
Published: August 2022

Contact zones are considered as windows into the evolutionary process, allowing identification of factors influencing the evolutionary forces. Here, we combined phylogenetic and morphometric analyses to explore the evolutionary process affecting the taxonomic pattern of two subspecies of Testudo graeca (T. g. buxtoni and T. g. zarudnyi) across their contact zone in Central Iran. Our results showed high levels of phylogeographic and phenotypic variation in the contact zone. Two monophyletic clades including, clade 1 (T. g. zarudnyi) and clade 2 (T. g. buxtoni) were identified. Furthermore, four distinct subclades were found in T. g. buxtoni, across a wide geographic range. Divergence time analysis suggests that the two subspecies diverged from one another after the uplifting of the Zagros Mountains during the early Pliocene. Using neutrality tests and mismatch distribution analysis, we found no evidence of recent population expansion. Morphological associations among geographical populations in the contact zone found more distinctions, with some significant adaptive and non-adaptive morphological variations in these populations. These distinctive morphological populations can be considered as management units (MUs) to conserve the evolutionary potential of this species. Finer scale evolutionary studies are required to address the southern part of the Zagros mountain range, where the overlapping of mitochondrial clades and subclades has occurred. Such information is essential for effective conservation of T. graeca populations, preventing translocation or mixing of individuals without comprehensive genetic and morphological assessment.
CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots as a visible light photocatalyst for cyclisation of diamines and amino alcohols: an efficient approach to synthesize imidazolidines, fused-imidazolidines and oxazolidines
Authors: Gurung Bikram , Pradhan Sajan , Sharma Debesh , Bhujel Deshaj , Basel Siddhant , Chettri Shivanand , Rasaily Sagarmani , Pariyar Anand , Tamang Sudarsan
Published: August 2022

We report the synthesis of highly stable CsPbBr3QD based photocatalysts using dibromoisocyanuric acid (DBI) as a benign non-toxic bromide precursor.
Discovery and potential ramifications of reduced iron-bearing nanoparticles—magnetite, wüstite, and zero-valent iron—in wildland–urban interface fire ashes
Authors: Baalousha Mohammed , Desmau Morgane , Singerling Sheryl A. , Webster Jackson P. , Matiasek Sandrine J. , Stern Michelle A. , Alpers Charles N.
Published: August 2022

The increase in fires at the wildland–urban interface has raised concerns about the potential environmental impact of ash remaining after burning.
Identification and analysis of antioxidant peptides from sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) on the basis of in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Jiang Peng , Liu Nian , Xiu Yuyang , Wang Wenhao , Wang Changyuan , Zhang Dongjie , Li Zhijiang
Published: August 2022

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) antioxidant peptides in vitro simulated through continuous gastrointestinal (GI) digestion in comparison with rice (Oryza sativa L.) were identified and functionally analysed.
Profiling of triacylglycerol composition in the breast milk of Chinese mothers at different lactation stages
Authors: Lan Qiu-Ye , Huang Si-Yu , Jiang Chen-Yu , Yang Meng-Tao , Wu Tong , Chen Xiao-Yan , Liu Zhao-Yan , Wei Wei , Wang Xing-Guo , Zhu Hui-Lian
Published: August 2022

Triacylglycerol (TAG) is the primary constituent of human milk fat and plays a vital role in the healthy development of infants.
Ion-irradiation of catalyst and electrode materials for water electrolysis/photoelectrolysis cells, rechargeable batteries, and supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Yahui , Cheng Xing , Zhang Kai , Chen Ge , Wang Ruzhi , Zhang Jiujun
Published: August 2022

The application of the ion-irradiation technique for modifying and designing catalyst/electrode materials are of great importance in improving the performance of electrochemical energy devices for energy storage and conversion.
Racemized photonic crystals for physical unclonable function
Authors: Park Geonhyeong , Park Hyewon , Wolska Joanna M. , Park Jesse G. , Yoon Dong Ki
Published: August 2022

Spontaneous mirror symmetry broken patterns based on the self-assembly of achiral molecules are developed for physical unclonable anticounterfeiting labels. Our chiral PUF shows remarkable performance, which enables next-generation security labels.
A new approach in the one-step synthesis of α-MnO2via a modified solution combustion procedure
Authors: Moqaddam Mahsa Mohammadi , Mirjalili Mostafa , Khaki Jalil Vahdati , Beidokhti Sahar Mollazadeh
Published: August 2022

Synthesis of α-MnO2 nano powders via a modified one-step solution combustion method. Particle size and morphology are investigated to determine how the initial composition and adiabatic temperature of the synthesis affect the phase evolution and properties of the product.
The modulation mechanism of geometric and electronic structures of bimetallic catalysts: Pd13−mAgm (m=0–13) clusters for acetylene semi-hydrogenation
Authors: Wei Panpeng , Zheng Jian , Li Qiang , Qin Yucai , Guan Huimin , Tan Duping , Song Lijuan
Published: August 2022

The modulation mechanism of the second metal in bimetallic catalysts is examined by taking acetylene semi-hydrogenation over Pd13−mAgm clusters, in which a metastable Pd6Ag7 structure exhibits excellent activity/selectivity to ethylene.
Synthesis and biological activity, and molecular modelling studies of potent cytotoxic podophyllotoxin-naphthoquinone compounds
Authors: Nguyen Ha Thanh , Nguyen Thi Quynh Giang , Nguyen Thi Thu Ha , Thi Phuong Hoang , Le-Nhat-Thuy Giang , Dang Thi Tuyet Anh , Le-Quang Bao , Pham-The Hai , Van Nguyen Tuyen
Published: August 2022

A new approach for the synthesis of podophyllotoxin-naphthoquinone compounds using microwave-assisted three-component reactions is reported in this study.
Cold crystallization and photo-induced thermal behavior of alkyl-derivatized diarylethene molecules
Authors: Honda Akinori , Ueno Nachi , Fujiwara Koki , Masuhara Hirofumi , Miyamura Kazuo
Published: August 2022

The alkylated diarylethene molecules exhibited cold crystallization, and their thermal behavior can be photo-controlled.
Assessing a sustainable manufacturing route to lapatinib
Authors: Stark Roderick T. , Pye Dominic R. , Chen Wenyi , Newton Oliver J. , Deadman Benjamin J. , Miller Philip W. , Panayides Jenny-Lee , Riley Darren L. , Hellgardt Klaus , Hii King Kuok (Mimi)
Published: August 2022

A synthetic route to an anti-cancer drug, lapatinib, was devised to support the development of a sustainable manufacturing process in South Africa.
A multichannel photothermal rod for antigravity water transportation and high-flux solar steam generation
Authors: Dang Chenyang , Chen Meihua , Huang Lin , Chu Mingming , Li Yiming , Liu Lujia , Cao Xuebo
Published: August 2022

A multi-channel photothermal rod with anti-gravity water supply has been reported, which has the advantages of omnidirectional solar energy collection and minimized heat dissipation area, making it promising in the field of photothermal conversion.
Self-powered ZnO-based pyro-phototronic photodetectors: impact of heterointerfaces and parametric studies
Authors: Panwar Vinod , Nandi Sukanta , Majumder Mandira , Misra Abha
Published: August 2022

The modulation of pyro-phototronic current using heterointerfaces with ZnO, which include doping, heating, bandgap tuning, etc., induces the self-powering capability of PDs.
A synergistic co-passivation strategy for high-performance perovskite solar cells with large open circuit voltage
Authors: Feng Yan , Liu Rong , Li Fumin , Jin Mengqi , Du Qing , Rong Yanjing , Hu Hangyu , Wang Mengxin , Li Yu , Shen Zhitao , Liu Ying , Li Huilin , Chen Chong
Published: August 2022

The M-QDs and OAI synergistic co-passivated perovskite film displays the reduction of defect density and charge recombination, leading to an excellent performance PSC with a high PCE of 22.01%, a large Voc of 1.20 V and remarkable stability.
Multi-objectives optimization and convolution fuzzy C-means: control of diabetic population dynamic
Authors: El Moutaouakil Karim , El Ouissari Abdellatif , Hicham Baizri , Saliha Chellak , Cheggour Mouna
Published: August 2022

The optimal control models proposed in the literature to control a population of diabetics are all single-objective which limits the identification of alternatives and potential opportunities for different reasons: the minimization of the total does not necessarily imply the minimization of different terms and two patients from two different compartments may not support the same intensity of exercise or the same severity of regime. In this work, we propose a multi-objectives optimal control model to control a population of diabetics taking into account the specificity of each compartment such that each objective function involves a single compartment and a single control. In addition, the Pontryagin’s maximum principle results in expansive control that devours all resources because of max-min operators and the control formula is very complex and difficult to assimilate by the diabetologists. In our case, we use a multi-objectives heuristic method, NSGA-II, to estimate the optimal control based on our model. Since the objective functions are conflicting, we obtain the Pareto optimal front formed by the non-dominated solutions and we use fuzzy C-means to determine the important main strategies based on a typical characterization. To limit human intervention, during the control period, we use the convolution operator to reduce hyper-fluctuations using kernels with different size. Several experiments were conducted and the proposed system highlights four feasible control strategies capable of mitigating socio-economic damages for a reasonable budget.
Molaren-Inzisiven-Hypomineralisation – Klinisches Bild,
Diagnostik und Würzburger Konzept
Authors: Bekes Katrin
Published: August 2022

Die Molaren-Inzisiven-Hypomineralisation (MIH) beschreibt einen qualitativen
Defekt des Schmelzes an einem bis zu vier bleibenden ersten Molaren mit oder
ohne Beteiligung der permanenten Inzisiven. Charakteristisch sind
Opazitäten, ggf. fortschreitende posteruptive Schmelzeinbrüche
und das Auftreten von Hypersensibilitäten. Mit den Kriterien der
European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) ist es sehr gut möglich,
eine MIH in der Praxis sicher zu diagnostizieren. Differentialdiagnostisch
müssen genetische Strukturanomalien des Schmelzes, postnatale
Entwicklungsstörungen oder exogen bedingte Dysplasien ausgeschlossen
werden. Das Würzburger Konzept bietet eine Möglichkeit,
MIH-betroffene Zähne in Schweregrade einzuteilen und eine darauf
abgestimmte Therapie zu finden.
COVID-19 and Therapeutic Apheresis
Authors: Tselmin Sergey , Julius Ulrich , Jarzebska Natalia , Rodionov Roman N.
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is an unprecedented
challenge for the global community. The pathogenesis of COVID-19, its
complications and long term sequelae (so called Long/Post-COVID)
include, in addition to the direct virus-induced tissues injury, multiple
secondary processes, such as autoimmune response, impairment of
microcirculation, and hyperinflammation. Similar pathological processes, but in
the settings of neurological, cardiovascular, rheumatological, nephrological,
and dermatological diseases can be successfully treated by powerful methods of
Therapeutic Apheresis (TA). We describe here the rationale and the initial
attempts of TA treatment in severe cases of acute COVID-19. We next review the
evidence for the role of autoimmunity, microcirculatory changes and inflammation
in pathogenesis of Long/Post COVID and the rationale for targeting those
pathogenic processes by different methods of TA. Finally, we discuss the impact
of COVID-19 pandemic on patients, who undergo regular TA treatments due to their
underlying chronic conditions, with the specific focus on the patients with
inherited lipid diseases being treated at the Dresden University Apheresis
Center.
α-Haloenamides: Synthesis and Subsequent Transformations
Authors: Feray Laurence , Bertrand Michèle P. , Galibert-Guijarro Aurélien
Published: August 2022

The aim of this Short Review is to give an updated overview of the synthesis of α-haloenamides, which constitute a versatile subclass of enamides. α-Haloenamides can be prepared from ynamides, acetamides, or gem-dibromoalkenes in the presence of N-nucleophiles and easily converted into more elaborated structures through halogen-metal exchange and transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions.

1 Introduction

2 α-Haloenamide Synthesis

2.1 Hydrohalogenation of Ynamides

2.1.1 cis-Hydrohalogenation of Ynamides

2.1.2 trans-Hydrohalogenation of Ynamides

2.2 α,β-Dihalogenation

2.2.1 lodochlorination and Iodobromination of Ynamides

2.2.2 Iodofluorination of Ynamides

2.3 Chloroselenation of Ynamides

2.4 Carbohalogenation of Ynamides

2.4.1 Carboiodination

2.4.2 Chloroallylation

2.4.3 Chloro-benzhydrylation

2.4.4 Chloro-γ-hydroxylation

2.5 Vilsmeier–Haack Reactions

2.6 Cross-Coupling Reaction of gem-Dibromoalkenes in the Presence of N-Nucleophiles

3 Transformations of α-Haloenamides

3.1 Suzuki and Sonogashira Reactions

3.2 Heck Reaction

3.3 Stille Reaction

3.4 Miscellaneous Applications

3.4 Carbonylation

3.4.2 Reduction

3.4.3 Synthesis of α-Fluoroimides

3.4.4 Palladium-Catalyzed Intramolecular Cyclization

4 Conclusion
The Effects of Radiotherapy on Microhardness and Mineral Composition of Tooth Structures
Authors: Siripamitdul Patcharawat , Sivavong Pimduean , Osathanon Thanaphum , Pianmee Chawalid , Sangsawatpong Wiroj , Bunsong Chalermchart , Nantanapiboon Dusit
Published: August 2022

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microhardness and mineral composition alterations in enamel and dentine after radiotherapy.

Materials and Methods Forty human maxillary premolar teeth (20 pairs) were assigned to nonirradiated and irradiated groups, the latter irradiated by fractional radiation to achieve a total dose of 70 Gy. Microhardness measurement was performed on a Knoop microhardness tester. Chemical components were analyzed using energy dispersive spectroscopy and Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy. The morphology was observed using a scanning electron microscope. The microhardness data were analyzed using a paired t-tested and one-way repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the mineral composition data using related-samples Wilcoxon signed rank test and related-samples Friedman's two-way ANOVA by ranks.

Results The irradiated teeth had a significantly lower microhardness in both enamel and dentine compared with the nonirradiated teeth. The irradiated dentine at 50 μm from the external tooth surface at the cemento-enamel junction showed the lowest microhardness compared with other locations. There was no statistically significant difference in calcium:phosphate ratio and chemical components. There was a reduction in protein:mineral ratio in dentine and at the cemento-enamel junction after irradiation. The irradiated teeth exhibited crack lines at the dentine-enamel junction and in dentine.

Conclusion Fractional radiation reduced microhardness in both enamel and dentine. The cervical dentine exhibited the highest microhardness reduction compared with other enamel and dentine locations.
Disappearing acts: What Buddhist tree-icons might tell us
Authors: Levine Gregory
Published: August 2022

Arborglyphs, dendroglyphs, treefitti... Humans have cut into trees for all human time and for many reasons. Tree cutting is often violent to trees, labourers, and larger ecological communities—think of colonial rubber plantations and quinine, turpentine, and even maple syrup production. Other cases, unrelated to ‘factory forests,’ still involve the ‘hard politics’ of human actions, the worlds of representation and living trees as they come into contact at blade’s edge. I focus here on the carving of Buddhist icons into living trees in Japan, a practice evident in medieval to early modern icons as well as modern examples. How, I ask, might we (re-)entangle tree cut icons into the relationship of human image-making and arboreal physiology and being?