bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid manufacturing of micro-drilling devices using FFF-type 3D printing technology
Authors: Park Sangyeun , Ko Byeongjo , Lee Heewon , So Hongyun
Published: June 2021

Micro-drilling devices with different blade shapes were fabricated with a rapid and facile manufacturing process using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. The 3D-printed casting mold was utilized to customize the continuous shape of the blades without the need for expensive manufacturing tools. A computational fluid dynamics simulation was performed to estimate the pressure differences (fluidic resistance) around each rotating device in a flowing stream. Three types of blades (i.e., 45°, 0°, and helical type) were manufactured and compared to a device without blades (i.e., plain type). As a result, the device with the 45° blades exhibited the best drilling performance. At a rotational speed of 1000 rpm, the average drilling depth of the device with the 45° blades to penetrate artificial thrombus for 90 s was 3.64 mm, which was ~ 2.4 times longer than that of helical blades (1.51 mm). This study demonstrates the feasibility of using 3D printing to fabricate microscale drilling devices with sharp blades for various applications, such as in vivo microsurgery and clogged water supply tube maintenance.
vB_BcM_Sam46 and vB_BcM_Sam112, members of a new bacteriophage genus with unusual small terminase structure
Authors: Kazantseva Olesya A. , Piligrimova Emma G. , Shadrin Andrey M.
Published: June 2021

One of the serious public health concerns is food contaminated with pathogens and their vital activity products such as toxins. Bacillus cereus group of bacteria includes well-known pathogenic species such as B. anthracis, B. cereus sensu stricto (ss), B. cytotoxicus and B. thuringiensis. In this report, we describe the Bacillus phages vB_BcM_Sam46 and vB_BcM_Sam112 infecting species of this group. Electron microscopic analyses indicated that phages Sam46 and Sam112 have the myovirus morphotype. The genomes of Sam46 and Sam112 comprise double-stranded DNA of 45,419 bp and 45,037 bp in length, respectively, and have the same GC-content. The genome identity of Sam46 and Sam112 is 96.0%, indicating that they belong to the same phage species. According to the phylogenetic analysis, these phages form a distinct clade and may be members of a new phage genus, for which we propose the name ‘Samaravirus’. In addition, an interesting feature of the Sam46 and Sam112 phages is the unusual structure of their small terminase subunit containing N-terminal FtsK_gamma domain.
Random survival forests identify pathways with polymorphisms predictive of survival in KRAS mutant and KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Naseem Madiha , Cao Shu , Yang Dongyun , Millstein Joshua , Puccini Alberto , Loupakis Fotios , Stintzing Sebastian , Cremolini Chiara , Tokunaga Ryuma , Battaglin Francesca , Soni Shivani , Berger Martin D. , Barzi Afsaneh , Zhang Wu , Falcone Alfredo , Heinemann Volker , Lenz Heinz-Josef
Published: June 2021

KRAS status serves as a predictive biomarker of response to treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We hypothesize that complex interactions between multiple pathways contribute to prognostic differences between KRAS wild-type and KRAS mutant patients with mCRC, and aim to identify polymorphisms predictive of clinical outcomes in this subpopulation. Most pathway association studies are limited in assessing gene–gene interactions and are restricted to an individual pathway. In this study, we use a random survival forests (RSF) method for identifying predictive markers of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in mCRC patients treated with FOLFIRI/bevacizumab. A total of 486 mCRC patients treated with FOLFIRI/bevacizumab from two randomized phase III trials, TRIBE and FIRE-3, were included in the current study. Two RSF approaches were used, namely variable importance and minimal depth. We discovered that Wnt/β-catenin and tumor associated macrophage pathway SNPs are strong predictors of OS and PFS in mCRC patients treated with FOLFIRI/bevacizumab independent of KRAS status, whereas a SNP in the sex-differentiation pathway gene, DMRT1, is strongly predictive of OS and PFS in KRAS mutant mCRC patients. Our results highlight RSF as a useful method for identifying predictive SNPs in multiple pathways.
Human U90926 orthologous long non-coding RNA as a novel biomarker for visual prognosis in herpes simplex virus type-1 induced acute retinal necrosis
Authors: Shirahama Shintaro , Taniue Kenzui , Mitsutomi Shuhei , Tanaka Rie , Kaburaki Toshikatsu , Sato Tomohito , Takeuchi Masaru , Kawashima Hidetoshi , Urade Yoshihiro , Aihara Makoto , Akimitsu Nobuyoshi
Published: June 2021

Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a form of infectious uveitis caused by alpha herpesviruses, including herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). We previously found that the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) U90926 is upregulated in murine retinal photoreceptor cells following HSV-1 infection, leading to host cell death. However, to date, an orthologous transcript has not been identified in humans. We investigated U90926 orthologous transcript in humans and examined its utility as a prognostic marker for visual acuity in patients with ARN. We identified two human orthologous transcripts (1955 and 592 bases) of lncRNA U90926. The amount of the longer human U90926 transcript was approximately 30- and 40-fold higher in the vitreous fluid of patients with ARN than in those with sarcoidosis and intraocular lymphoma, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of the longer human U90926 transcript in the vitreous fluid was highly correlated with the final best-corrected logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity in patients with ARN (r = 0.7671, p = 0.0079). This suggests higher expression of the longer human U90926 transcript in the vitreous fluid results in worse visual prognosis; therefore, expression of the longer human U90926 transcript is a potential negative prognostic marker for visual acuity in patients with ARN.
Entangled radicals may explain lithium effects on hyperactivity
Authors: Zadeh-Haghighi Hadi , Simon Christoph
Published: June 2021

It is known that bipolar disorder and its lithium treatment involve the modulation of oxidative stress. Moreover, it has been observed that lithium’s effects are isotope-dependent. Based on these findings, here we propose that lithium exerts its effects by influencing the recombination dynamics of a naturally occurring radical pair involving oxygen. We develop a simple model inspired by the radical-pair mechanism in cryptochrome in the context of avian magnetoreception and xenon-induced anesthesia. Our model reproduces the observed isotopic dependence in the lithium treatment of hyperactivity in rats. It predicts a magnetic-field dependence of the effectiveness of lithium, which provides one potential experimental test of our hypothesis. Our findings show that Nature might harness quantum entanglement for the brain’s cognitive processes.
Large-scale open-source three-dimensional growth curves for clinical facial assessment and objective description of facial dysmorphism
Authors: Matthews Harold S. , Palmer Richard L. , Baynam Gareth S. , Quarrell Oliver W. , Klein Ophir D. , Spritz Richard A. , Hennekam Raoul C. , Walsh Susan , Shriver Mark , Weinberg Seth M. , Hallgrimsson Benedikt , Hammond Peter , Penington Anthony J. , Peeters Hilde , Claes Peter D.
Published: June 2021

Craniofacial dysmorphism is associated with thousands of genetic and environmental disorders. Delineation of salient facial characteristics can guide clinicians towards a correct clinical diagnosis and understanding the pathogenesis of the disorder. Abnormal facial shape might require craniofacial surgical intervention, with the restoration of normal shape an important surgical outcome. Facial anthropometric growth curves or standards of single inter-landmark measurements have traditionally supported assessments of normal and abnormal facial shape, for both clinical and research applications. However, these fail to capture the full complexity of facial shape. With the increasing availability of 3D photographs, methods of assessment that take advantage of the rich information contained in such images are needed. In this article we derive and present open-source three-dimensional (3D) growth curves of the human face. These are sequences of age and sex-specific expected 3D facial shapes and statistical models of the variation around the expected shape, derived from 5443 3D images. We demonstrate the use of these growth curves for assessing patients and show that they identify normal and abnormal facial morphology independent from age-specific facial features. 3D growth curves can facilitate use of state-of-the-art 3D facial shape assessment by the broader clinical and biomedical research community. This advance in phenotype description will support clinical diagnosis and the understanding of disease pathogenesis including genotype–phenotype relations.
Publisher Correction: Anopheles ecology, genetics and malaria transmission in northern Cambodia
Authors: Vantaux Amélie , Riehle Michelle M. , Piv Eakpor , Farley Elise J. , Chy Sophy , Kim Saorin , Corbett Anneli G. , Fehrman Rachel L. , Pepey Anais , Eiglmeier Karin , Lek Dysoley , Siv Sovannaroth , Mueller Ivo , Vernick Kenneth D. , Witkowski Benoit
Published: June 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Landscape condition influences energetics, reproduction, and stress biomarkers in grizzly bears
Authors: Wilson Abbey E. , Wismer Dan , Stenhouse Gordon , Coops Nicholas C. , Janz David M.
Published: June 2021

Environmental change has been shown to influence mammalian distribution, habitat use, and behavior; however, few studies have investigated the impact on physiological function. This study aimed to determine the influence of landscape condition on the expression of target proteins related to energetics, reproduction, and stress in grizzly bears. We hypothesized that changes in landscape condition explains protein expression. Skin biopsies were collected from free-ranging grizzly bears in Alberta, Canada from 2013–2019 (n = 86 individuals). We used an information theoretic approach to develop 11 a priori candidate generalized linear mixed models to explain protein expression. We compared models using Akaike Information Criteria (AICc) weights and averaged models with ΔAICc < 2 for each protein. Food resources, represented by increased distance to coal mines and decreased crown closure, positively influenced energetic proteins (adiponectin and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein). Proteins related to reproduction (ceruloplasmin and serpin B5) were positively associated with increased wetland and upland food resources in addition to movement, but negatively associated with increased distance to roads. One stress related protein, complement C3, was positively influenced by increased percent conifer. Given the need to detect emerging threats to wildlife, we suggest the assessment of physiological function will lead to improved monitoring of species in rapidly changing landscapes.
The neural economics of brain aging
Authors: Kosyakovsky Jacob
Published: June 2021

Despite remarkable advances, research into neurodegeneration and Alzheimer Disease (AD) has nonetheless been dominated by inconsistent and conflicting theory. Basic questions regarding how and why the brain changes over time remain unanswered. In this work, we lay novel foundations for a consistent, integrated view of the aging brain. We develop neural economics—the study of the brain’s infrastructure, brain capital. Using mathematical modeling, we create ABC (Aging Brain Capital), a simple linear simultaneous-equation model that unites aspects of neuroscience, economics, and thermodynamics to explain the rise and fall of brain capital, and thus function, over the human lifespan. Solving and simulating this model, we show that in each of us, the resource budget constraints of our finite brains cause brain capital to reach an upper limit. The thermodynamics of our working brains cause persistent pathologies to inevitably accumulate. With time, the brain becomes damaged causing brain capital to depreciate and decline. Using derivative models, we suggest that this endogenous aging process underpins the pathogenesis and spectrum of neurodegenerative disease. We develop amyloid–tau interaction theory, a paradigm that bridges the unnecessary conflict between amyloid- and tau-centered hypotheses of AD. Finally, we discuss profound implications for therapeutic strategy and development.
Association between PM10 and specific circulatory system diseases in China
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Ma Yuxia , Feng Fengliu , Cheng Bowen , Wang Hang , Shen Jiahui , Jiao Haoran
Published: June 2021

Particulate matter (PM) has been proved to be a risk factor for the development of circulatory system diseases (CSDs) around the world. In this study, we collected daily air pollutants, emergency room (ER) visits for CSDs, and meteorological data from 2009 to 2012 in Beijing, China. After controlling for the long-term trend and eliminating the influence of confounding factors, the generalized additive model (GAM) was used to evaluate the short-term effects of PM10 on CSDs and cause-specific diseases. The results showed that for every 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10, the largest effect estimates in ER visits of total CSDs, arrhythmia, cerebrovascular diseases, high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease and other related diseases were 0.14% (95% CI: 0.06–0.23%), 0.37% (95% CI: − 0.23 to 0.97%), 0.20% (95% CI: 0.00–0.40%), 0.15% (95% CI: 0.02–0.27%), 0.18% (95% CI: 0.02–0.35%) and 0.35% (95% CI: − 0.04 to 0.79%), respectively. When NO2 or SO2 was added into the model, the effect estimates of PM10 were mostly attenuated, while in those models with PM2.5 added, the effect estimates of PM10 were mostly increased. Stratified analysis indicated that PM10 had a greater effect on males and the elderly.
Cord blood DNA methylation modifications in infants are associated with white matter microstructure in the context of prenatal maternal depression and anxiety
Authors: Dean Douglas C. , Madrid Andy , Planalp Elizabeth M. , Moody Jason F. , Papale Ligia A. , Knobel Karla M. , Wood Elizabeth K. , McAdams Ryan M. , Coe Christopher L. , Hill Goldsmith H. , Davidson Richard J. , Alisch Reid S. , Kling Pamela J.
Published: June 2021

Maternal and environmental factors influence brain networks and architecture via both physiological pathways and epigenetic modifications. In particular, prenatal maternal depression and anxiety symptoms appear to impact infant white matter (WM) microstructure, leading us to investigate whether epigenetic modifications (i.e., DNA methylation) contribute to these WM differences. To determine if infants of women with depression and anxiety symptoms exhibit epigenetic modifications linked to neurodevelopmental changes, 52 umbilical cord bloods (CBs) were profiled. We observed 219 differentially methylated genomic positions (DMPs; FDR p < 0.05) in CB that were associated with magnetic resonance imaging measures of WM microstructure at 1 month of age and in regions previously described to be related to maternal depression and anxiety symptoms. Genomic characterization of these associated DMPs revealed 143 unique genes with significant relationships to processes involved in neurodevelopment, GTPase activity, or the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Separate regression models for female (n = 24) and male (n = 28) infants found 142 associated DMPs in females and 116 associated DMPs in males (nominal p value < 0.001, R > 0.5), which were annotated to 98 and 81 genes, respectively. Together, these findings suggest that umbilical CB DNA methylation levels at birth are associated with 1-month WM microstructure.
Prognostic implications of regression of metastatic axillary lymph nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Chung Yul Ri , Woo Ji Won , Ahn Soomin , Kang Eunyoung , Kim Eun-Kyu , Jang Mijung , Kim Sun Mi , Kim Se Hyun , Kim Jee Hyun , Park So Yeon
Published: June 2021

Prognostic implications of therapeutic response of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) remain unclear in patients with breast cancer. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of axillary LN regression after NAC in locally-advanced breast cancer patients. Therapeutic response of the LNs was evaluated in 563 breast cancer patients and classified into four grades according to the regression pattern. Initial pathologic N stage was estimated from the sum of the metastatic LNs and those with complete regression. In survival analyses, LN regression grade, pathologic N stage after NAC, and presumed initial pathologic N stage stratified clinical outcome of the patients in the whole group, in both ER-positive and ER-negative subgroups, and in those with residual breast disease. On multivariate analysis, LN regression grade and presumed initial pathologic N stage were revealed as independent prognostic factors. The number of completely-responsive LNs and the ratio of non-responsive LNs also revealed a prognostic value. In conclusion, regression grade of axillary LNs and presumed initial pathologic N stage have prognostic values in breast cancer patients who receive NAC. Thus, regression of axillary LNs should be evaluated and included in pathologic reporting of post-NAC resection specimens.
Repurposing CPAP machines as stripped-down ventilators
Authors: Nguyen J. , Kesper K. , Kräling G. , Birk C. , Mross P. , Hofeditz N. , Höchst J. , Lampe P. , Penning A. , Leutenecker-Twelsiek B. , Schindler C. , Buchenauer H. , Geisel D. , Sommer C. , Henning R. , Wallot P. , Wiesmann T. , Beutel B. , Schneider G. , Castro-Camus E. , Koch M.
Published: June 2021

The worldwide shortage of medical-grade ventilators is a well-known issue, that has become one of the central topics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that these machines are expensive and have long lead times, one approach is to vacate them for patients in critical conditions while patients with mild to moderate symptoms are treated with stripped-down ventilators. We propose a mass-producible solution that can create such ventilators with minimum effort. The central part is a module that can be attached to CPAP machines and repurpose them as low-pressure ventilators. Here, we describe the concept and first measurements which underline the potential of our solution. Our approach may serve as a starting point for open-access ventilator technologies.
Understanding porosity and temperature induced variabilities in interface, mechanical characteristics and thermal conductivity of borophene membranes
Authors: Pham Van-Trung , Fang Te-Hua
Published: June 2021

Evaluating the effect of porosity and ambient temperature on mechanical characteristics and thermal conductivity is vital for practical application and fundamental material property. Here we report that ambient temperature and porosity greatly influence fracture behavior and material properties. With the existence of the pore, the most significant stresses will be concentrated around the pore position during the uniaxial and biaxial processes, making fracture easier to occur than when tensing the perfect sheet. Ultimate strength and Young’s modulus degrade as porosity increases. The ultimate strength and Young's modulus in the zigzag direction is lower than the armchair one, proving that the borophene membrane has anisotropy characteristics. The deformation behavior of borophene sheets when stretching biaxial is more complicated and rough than that of uniaxial tension. In addition, the results show that the ultimate strength, failure strain, and Young’s modulus degrade with growing temperature. Besides the tensile test, this paper also uses the non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) approach to investigate the effects of length size, porosity, and temperature on the thermal conductivity (κ) of borophene membranes. The result points out that κ increases as the length increases. As the ambient temperature increases, κ decreases. Interestingly, the more porosity increases, the more κ decreases. Moreover, the results also show that the borophene membrane is anisotropic in heat transfer.
Changes in ocular morphology after cataract surgery in open angle glaucoma patients
Authors: Pakuliene Giedre , Kuzmiene Loreta , Siesky Brent , Harris Alon , Januleviciene Ingrida
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) pre- and postoperatively, together with anterior chamber angle (ACA) parameters and biometrical results in cataract patients with or without open angle glaucoma (OAG). The prospective observational case–control study included 15 eyes with cataract and OAG in the glaucoma group and 25 eyes with only cataract in control group. Examination included full ophthalmic evaluation, IOP, ocular biometry and anterior segment optical coherence tomography measuring ACA pre- and 6 months postoperatively.
OAG patients had a larger absolute IOP reduction compared to control group. Anterior chamber depth (ACD) and ACA width significantly increased in both groups. The OAG group had a tendency of narrower ACA preoperatively, but overall ACA parameters did not differ in either group pre- and postoperatively. The ACD change after surgery correlated with ACA parameters in the control group, but not in OAG group. Axial length was shorter postoperatively in the control group, but remained similar in the OAG group. Absolute IOP reduction was more pronounced in cataract patients with OAG than in cataract patients without glaucoma. ACD and ACA postoperatively increased in both groups and AL shortening was observed in non-OAG in cataract group.
BING, a novel antimicrobial peptide isolated from Japanese medaka plasma, targets bacterial envelope stress response by suppressing cpxR expression
Authors: Dong Miao , Kwok Shu Hin , Humble Joseph L. , Liang Yimin , Tang Sze Wing , Tang Kin Hung , Tse Man Kit , Lei Josh Haipeng , Ramalingam Rajkumar , Koohi-Moghadam Mohamad , Au Doris Wai Ting , Sun Hongyan , Lam Yun Wah
Published: June 2021

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a promising alternative to small molecule antibiotics. Although AMPs have previously been isolated in many organisms, efforts on the systematic identification of AMPs in fish have been lagging. Here, we collected peptides from the plasma of medaka (Oryzias latipes) fish. By using mass spectrometry, 6399 unique sequences were identified from the isolated peptides, among which 430 peptides were bioinformatically predicted to be potential AMPs. One of them, a thermostable 13-residue peptide named BING, shows a broad-spectrum toxicity against pathogenic bacteria including drug-resistant strains, at concentrations that presented relatively low toxicity to mammalian cell lines and medaka. Proteomic analysis indicated that BING treatment induced a deregulation of periplasmic peptidyl-prolyl isomerases in gram-negative bacteria. We observed that BING reduced the RNA level of cpxR, an upstream regulator of envelope stress responses. cpxR is known to play a crucial role in the development of antimicrobial resistance, including the regulation of genes involved in drug efflux. BING downregulated the expression of efflux pump components mexB, mexY and oprM in P. aeruginosa and significantly synergised the toxicity of antibiotics towards these bacteria. In addition, exposure to sublethal doses of BING delayed the development of antibiotic resistance. To our knowledge, BING is the first AMP shown to suppress cpxR expression in Gram-negative bacteria. This discovery highlights the cpxR pathway as a potential antimicrobial target.
Stromal hyaluronan accumulation is associated with low immune response and poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Tahkola Kyösti , Ahtiainen Maarit , Mecklin Jukka-Pekka , Kellokumpu Ilmo , Laukkarinen Johanna , Tammi Markku , Tammi Raija , Väyrynen Juha P. , Böhm Jan
Published: June 2021

Hyaluronan (HA) accumulation has been associated with poor survival in various cancers, but the mechanisms for this phenomenon are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of stromal HA accumulation and its association with host immune response in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The study material consisted of 101 radically treated patients for PDAC from a single geographical area. HA staining was evaluated using a HA-specific probe, and the patterns of CD3, CD8, CD73 and PD-L1 expression were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. HA staining intensity of tumour stromal areas was assessed digitally using QuPath. CD3- and CD8-based immune cell score (ICS) was determined. High-level stromal HA expression was significantly associated with poor disease-specific survival (p = 0.037) and overall survival (p = 0.013) In multivariate analysis, high-level stromal HA expression was an independent negative prognostic factor together with histopathological grade, TNM stage, CD73 positivity in tumour cells and low ICS. Moreover, high-level stromal HA expression was associated with low ICS (p = 0.017). In conclusion, stromal HA accumulation is associated with poor survival and low immune response in PDAC.
Transient behavior of compressed magnetorheological brake excited by step currents
Authors: Wang Hongyun , Bi Cheng , Zhang Yongju , Ji Axiang , Qiu Pengyuan
Published: June 2021

Transient behavior of a magnetorheological brake excited by step currents under compression-shear mode has been experimentally studied. The results show that the amplitude of the applied current had little effect on the rising time of transient torque, while the rising time was significantly affected by the rotational speed, the compressive speed and the compressive strain position. The falling time of transient torque was independent of the amplitude of the applied current, the compressive speed and the compressive strain position, and it was affected by the rotational speed. The falling time of the transient torque was much shorter than the rising time by a step current. The transient process of MR brake applied as a step current was different from a stable process pre-applied at constant current in different particle chain structure forming processes. In addition, the compressive processes applied in one step current and randomly on/off current were compared and experimentally verified: the particle chains in two processes both experienced the same evolutionary of transient torque. The results achieved in this study should be properly considered in the design and control of magnetorheological brake under compression-shear mode.
Considering lead-time bias in evaluating the effectiveness of lung cancer screening with real-world data
Authors: Yang Szu-Chun , Wang Jung-Der , Wang Shi-Yi
Published: June 2021

Low-dose computed tomography screening can be used to diagnose lung cancer at a younger age compared to no screening. Real-world studies observing mortality after lung cancer diagnosis are subject to lead-time bias. This study developed a method using a nationwide cancer registry and stage shift from trial for the adjustment of lead-time bias. 78,897 Taiwanese nationwide lung cancer patients aged 55–82 were matched with 788,820 referents randomly selected from the general population at a ratio of 1:10 by age, sex, calendar year, and comorbidities, to estimate the pathology- and stage-specific life expectancy (LE). Loss-of-LE is the difference between the LE of cancer patients and that of referents. By multiplying LE and loss-of-LE by the pathology and stage shift in the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), we compared the effectiveness of cancer screening measured by LE gained and loss-of-LE saved. The mean LEs of stage IA and IV adenocarcinoma were 14.5 and 1.9 years, respectively, indicating a LE gain of 12.6 years. However, the mean loss-of-LEs of stage IA and IV adenocarcinoma were 3.7 and 15.1 years, respectively, with a saving of only 11.4 years, implying an adjustment of different distributions of age, sex, and calendar year of diagnosis from stage shift and a reduction in lead-time bias. Applying such estimations on the results of 10,000 participants with the same pathology and stage shift in the NLST, the benefit of screening using LE gained would be 410.3 (95% prediction interval: 328.4 to 503.3) years. It became 297.1 (95% prediction interval: 187.8 to 396.4) years when using loss-of-LE saved, indicating the former approach would overestimate the effectiveness by 38%. Our approach of multiplying loss-of-LE by pathology and stage shift to estimate loss-of-LE saved could adjust for different distributions of age, sex, and calendar year at early diagnosis and reduce lead-time bias.
Quantifying efficient information exchange in real network flows
Authors: Bertagnolli Giulia , Gallotti Riccardo , De Domenico Manlio
Published: June 2021

Network science enables the effective analysis of real interconnected systems, characterized by a complex interplay between topology and network flows. It is well-known that the topology of a network affects its resilience to failures or attacks, as well as its functions. Many real systems—such as the Internet, transportation networks and the brain—exchange information, so it is crucial to quantify how efficiently system’s units communicate. Measures of parallel communication efficiency for weighted networks rely on the identification of an ideal version of the system, which currently lacks a universal definition. Consequently, an inattentive choice might hinder a rigorous comparison of network flows across scales or might lead to a descriptor not robust to fluctuations in the topology or the flows. We propose a physically-grounded estimator of flow efficiency valid for any weighted network, regardless of scale, nature of weights and (missing) metadata, allowing for comparison across disparate systems. Our estimator captures the effect of flows heterogeneity along with topological differences of both synthetic and empirical systems. We also show that cutting the heaviest connections may increase the average efficiency of the system and hence, counterintuively, a sparser network is not necessarily less efficient.
Is direct seawater splitting economically meaningful?
Authors: Hausmann J. Niklas , Schlögl Robert , Menezes Prashanth W. , Driess Matthias
Published: June 2021

In this analysis, we show that direct seawater splitting with or without additives faces significant challenges and bears almost no advantage with respect to the costs and energy demands to purify water prior to water electrolysis.
A highly conductive self-assembled multilayer graphene nanosheet film for electronic tattoos in the applications of human electrophysiology and strain sensing
Authors: Zhao Quan-Liang , Wang Zhen-Ming , Chen Jing-Hao , Liu Shi-Qi , Wang Yi-Kai , Zhang Meng-Ying , Di Jie-Jian , He Guang-Ping , Zhao Lei , Su Ting-Ting , Zhang Jie , Liang Xu , Song Wei-Li , Hou Zhi-Ling
Published: June 2021

Highly conductive multilayer graphene nanosheet films are self-assembled for tattoo dry electrodes and strain sensors, which can be used for detecting human electrocardiogram, electromyogram, wrist pulse and breath.
Practical aspects of electrophoretic deposition to produce commercially viable supercapacitor energy storage electrodes
Authors: Chakrabarti Barun Kumar , John Low Chee Tong
Published: June 2021

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is a highly convenient and demonstrated industrial operation for coatings manufacture. It is now suitable for the production of practical energy storage electrodes for batteries, capacitors & solid-state devices.
Characterization of multiscale interactions between high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and tooth dentin: the effect on matrix-metalloproteinases, bacterial biofilms and biological properties
Authors: Daood Umer , Aati Sultan , Akram Zohaib , Yee Joyce , Yong Celine , Parolia Abhishek , Lin Seow Liang , Fawzy Amr S
Published: June 2021

Characterization of multiscale interactions between high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and dentin collagen and associated matrix-metalloproteinases, in addition to the analysis of the effect of HIFU on bacterial biofilms and biological properties.
A light and hypoxia-activated nanodrug for cascade photodynamic-chemo cancer therapy
Authors: Zhong Yin , Huang Si , Zheng Chujie , Huang Jinsheng , Li Bo , Han Shisong , Xiao Hong , Wang Yong , Shuai Xintao
Published: June 2021

A pH-sensitive polymeric nanovesicle is prepared to co-encapsulate Ce6 and tirapazamine (TPZ) as a light and hypoxia-activated nanodrug for highly efficient photodynamic-chemo cancer therapy.
Recent progress on nanomedicine-induced ferroptosis for cancer therapy
Authors: Zafar Hajra , Raza Faisal , Ma Siyu , Wei Yawen , Zhang Jun , Shen Qi
Published: June 2021

The basics of nanomedicine-based ferroptosis are summarized. The applications and future research directions of nanomedicine for ferroptosis-based anticancer therapy are presented.
Roles of amino acid derivatives in the regulation of obesity
Authors: Zheng Jie , Xiao Hao , Duan Yehui , Song Bo , Zheng Changbing , Guo Qiuping , Li Fengna , Li Tiejun
Published: June 2021

Obesity is an issue of great concern to people all over the world.
An ultra-broad-range pressure sensor based on a gradient stiffness design
Authors: Xue Fuhua , Zheng Haowen , Peng Qingyu , Hu Ying , Zhao Xu , Xu Liangliang , Li Pengyang , Zhu Yue , Liu Zonglin , He Xiaodong
Published: June 2021

A “gradient stiffness design” strategy is proposed to prepare a gradient carbon nanotube sponge with a stiffness difference of 254 times, showing prominent pressure sensing properties with ultra-broad range (0.0022–5.47 MPa) and high sensitivity.
Electronic transport descriptors for the rapid screening of thermoelectric materials
Authors: Deng Tianqi , Recatala-Gomez Jose , Ohnishi Masato , Repaka D. V. Maheswar , Kumar Pawan , Suwardi Ady , Abutaha Anas , Nandhakumar Iris , Biswas Kanishka , Sullivan Michael B. , Wu Gang , Shiomi Junichiro , Yang Shuo-Wang , Hippalgaonkar Kedar
Published: June 2021

We use efficient first principles calculation of carrier scattering times to derive transport descriptors for mobility and thermoelectric powerfactor. Low carrier mass and high dielectric constant are critical, validated on promising ABX2 compounds.
Full-color WGM lasing in nested microcavities
Authors: Ge Kun , Shi Xiaoyu , Xu Zhiyang , Libin Cui , Guo Dan , Li Songtao , Zhai Tianrui
Published: June 2021

A full-color whispering-gallery mode laser is fabricated by partitioning different light-emitting polymers in a nested microcavity. Tunable lasing is achieved when altering the different polymers in the nested microcavities.
Measuring interactions of DNA with nanoporous protein crystals by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Wang Dafu , Stuart Julius D. , Jones Alec A. , Snow Christopher D. , Kipper Matt J.
Published: June 2021

This study quantitatively measured the adhesion energy between DNA-modified atomic force microscopy tips and highly porous protein crystals, furthering our understanding of a protein-based biomaterial that can bind DNA guest molecules.
Rational direct synthesis of [Fe(Htrz)2(trz)](BF4) polymorphs: temperature and concentration effects
Authors: Palluel Marlène , El Khoury Liza , Daro Nathalie , Buffière Sonia , Josse Michael , Marchivie Mathieu , Chastanet Guillaume
Published: June 2021

Rational design of [Fe(Htrz)2trz](BF4) spin crossover (SCO) polymorphs through the study of the phase diagram and structure refinement.
Graphdiyne–hemin-mediated catalytic system for wound disinfection and accelerated wound healing
Authors: Ali Arbab , Liu Jiaming , Zhou Huige , Liu Tao , Ovais Muhammad , Liu Huibiao , Rui Yukui , Chen Chunying
Published: June 2021

The well-dispersed and biosafe hemin/graphdiyne (GDY) nanocomposite (GDY–hemin) exhibits high peroxidase activity, which can decompose H2O2 to generate highly-toxic hydroxyl radicals, leading to bacterial death in both in vitro and in vivo.
Thermal desorption effects on fragment ion production from multi-photon ionized uridine and selected analogues
Authors: Bocková J. , Rebelo A. , Ryszka M. , Pandey R. , Mészáros D. , Limão-Vieira P. , Papp P. , Mason N. J. , Townsend D. , Nixon K. L. , Vizcaino V. , Poully J.-C. , Eden S.
Published: June 2021

This work reveals the first experimental evidence supporting isomer-dependence in the radiation response of a nucleoside.
Rapid hot-injection as a tool for control of magnetic nanoparticle size and morphology
Authors: Kulpa-Greszta Magdalena , Tomaszewska Anna , Dziedzic Andrzej , Pązik Robert
Published: June 2021

Rapid hot-injection can be used for precise control of magnetic particle shape.
Interfacial charge-transfer transitions in SnO2 functionalized with benzoic acid derivatives
Authors: Fujisawa Jun-ichi , Hanaya Minoru
Published: June 2021

First observation of interfacial charge-transfer transitions in SnO2.
Scalable synthesis and coupling of quaternary α-arylated amino acids: α-aryl substituents are tolerated in α-helical peptides
Authors: Leonard Daniel J. , Zieleniewski Francis , Wellhöfer Isabelle , Baker Emily G. , Ward John W. , Woolfson Derek N. , Clayden Jonathan
Published: June 2021

Both R and S enantiomers of Fmoc-protected amino acids bearing α-aryl substituents may be made on gram scale. Solid-phase synthesis leads to helical peptides unperturbed by the presence of these additional α-aryl groups.
Signature of the neighbor's quantum nuclear dynamics in the electron transfer mediated decay spectra
Authors: Ghosh Aryya , Cederbaum Lorenz S. , Gokhberg Kirill
Published: June 2021

We computed fully quantum nuclear dynamics, which accompanies electron transfer mediated decay (ETMD) in weakly bound polyatomic clusters.
14.7% all-small-molecule organic solar cells enabled by fullerene derivative incorporation
Authors: Hu Dingqin , Tang Hua , Lv Jie , Liao Zhihui , Chen Qianqian , Chen Haiyan , Lu Shirong
Published: June 2021

A fullerene derivative is introduced as a third component to improve the photovoltaic performance of BTR-Cl:Y6-based all-small-molecule OSCs.
Insights from modeling into structure, entanglements, and dynamics in attractive polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Moghimikheirabadi Ahmad , Kröger Martin , Karatrantos Argyrios V.
Published: June 2021

Conformations, entanglements, and dynamics in attractive polymer nanocomposites are investigated by means of coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation, for both weak and strong confinements, at nanoparticle volume fractionsϕup to 60%.
Alkali chloride doped SnO2 electron-transporting layers for boosting charge transfer and passivating defects in all-inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells
Authors: Xie Guixiang , Lu Xiaochun , Duan Jialong , Dong Yan , Jiang Xiurong , Tu Fengzhang , Duan Yanyan , Tang Qunwei
Published: June 2021

An electron-transporting layer (ETL) with improved charge extraction-transfer kinetics and a perovskite film with improved quality highly determine the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
A composite of CoNiP quantum dot-decorated reduced graphene oxide as a sulfur host for Li–S batteries
Authors: Xiao Tingjiao , Yi Fengjin , Yang Mingzhi , Liu Weiliang , Li Mei , Ren Manman , Zhang Xu , Zhou Zhen
Published: June 2021

The synergistic effect of CoNiP-QDs and rGO nanosheets endows the CoNiP-rGO/S electrode with satisfactory electrochemical performance in Li–S batteries.
Gold-based nanoalloys: synthetic methods and catalytic applications
Authors: Lu Pengyi , Zhou Jingwen , Hu Yukun , Yin Jinwen , Wang Yunhao , Yu Jinli , Ma Yangbo , Zhu Zonglong , Zeng Zhiyuan , Fan Zhanxi
Published: June 2021

This review provides an overview of the recently reported gold-based nanoalloys, focusing on their general synthetic methods and potential catalytic applications.
3D printed architected conducting polymer hydrogels
Authors: Jordan Robert S. , Frye Jacob , Hernandez Victor , Prado Isabel , Giglio Adrian , Abbasizadeh Nastaran , Flores-Martinez Miguel , Shirzad Kiana , Xu Bohao , Hill Ian M. , Wang Yue
Published: June 2021

Rationally designed, 3D-printed architectures can effectively decouple the mechanical and electrical properties of conducting polymer hydrogels.
On/off switchable physical stimuli regulate the future direction of adherent cellular fate
Authors: Jun Indong , Han Hyung-Seop , Lee Jae Won , Lee Kyungwoo , Kim Yu-Chan , Ok Myoung-Ryul , Seok Hyun-Kwang , Kim Young Jun , Song In-Seok , Shin Heungsoo , Edwards James R , Lee Kuen Yong , Jeon Hojeong
Published: June 2021

A simple method to regulate cell function with anisotropic shape using enzymatically degradable alginate hydrogels offers physical stimuli for reversible cell patterning that allows regulation of the future direction of adherent cellular behaviors.
A highly stretchable and anti-freezing silk-based conductive hydrogel for application as a self-adhesive and transparent ionotronic skin
Authors: Zhao Bohua , Chen Qianying , Da Gaohuan , Yao Jinrong , Shao Zhengzhong , Chen Xin
Published: June 2021

A highly stretchable and anti-freezing RSF/CaCl2/HRP conductive hydrogel can be fabricated into a transparent strain/temperature dual sensing ionotronic skin to detect human movements in a wide temperature range.
Approximate models for the lattice thermal conductivity of alloy thermoelectrics
Authors: Skelton Jonathan M.
Published: June 2021

We develop and test three models for the lattice thermal conductivity of the Sn(S0.1875Se0.8125) alloy, and show that the reported lower κlatt relative to SnSe arises from reduced phonon velocities due to a “smearing” of the phonon dispersion.
Meta-Analysis of Speech Recognition Outcomes in Younger and Older Adults With Cochlear Implants
Authors: Schafer Erin C. , Miller Sharon , Manning Jacy , Zhang Qi , Lavi Alexandra , Bodish Emily , Fuentes Andrea , De Blaey Eric
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Meta-analyses were conducted to compare pre- to postoperative speech recognition improvements and postoperative scores after cochlear implantation in younger (< 60 years) and older (> 60 years) adults.

Method

Studies were identified with electronic databases and through manual search of the literature. In the primary analyses, effect sizes between pre- and postoperative scores for each age group were calculated using a formula appropriate for repeated-measures designs. Using the effect sizes, two separate meta-analyses using a random-effects restricted maximum likelihood model were conducted for experiments using word and sentence recognition stimuli in quiet. Secondary meta-analyses were conducted to examine average postimplant, percent correct word recognition, sentence recognition, and speech recognition in noise in studies that included both older and younger age groups. Traditional Hedges's
g
effect sizes were calculated between the two groups.

Results

For the primary analyses, experiments using word and sentence recognition stimuli yielded significant, large effect sizes for the younger and older adult cochlear implant recipients with no significant differences between the older and younger age groups. However, the secondary meta-analyses of postoperative scores suggested significant differences between age groups for stimuli in quiet and noise.

Conclusions

Although older and younger adults with implants achieve the same magnitude of pre- to postimplant speech recognition benefit in quiet, the overall postoperative speech recognition outcomes in quiet and noise are superior in younger over older adults. Strategies to mitigate these group differences are critical for ensuring optimal outcomes in elderly individuals who are candidates for cochlear implants.
Direction of arrival estimation of airborne multiple‐input multiple‐output radar in multipath environment
Authors: Hu Yili , Zhao Yongbo , Chen Sheng , Pang Xiaojiao
Published: June 2021

Airborne multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) radar can transmit orthogonal waveforms to increase the range of the detection target. However, in a multipath environment, airborne MIMO radar also has energy radiated to the target through multipath directions, which makes the multipath phenomenon of airborne MIMO radar complicated. Because the direct path signal and the multipath signals of the airborne radar are at different range gates, the characteristics of data between the direct path signal and the multipath signals of the airborne MIMO radar can be used to propose a method for estimating the reflection coefficient amplitude (RCA). Considering that the target echoes data at different range gates can be used to estimate the elevation angle of the target, a direction of arrival (DOA) estimation method using data fusion at low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) is proposed. Moreover, at high SNR, the signal path corresponding to the maximum target echo power is selected for DOA estimation based on the estimated multipath RCA. The proposed method makes full use of all target echo data of airborne MIMO radar in a multipath environment and is suitable for practical applications. Finally, simulation experiments verify that the proposed method can effectively improve the DOA estimation accuracy.
First survey of HCNH+in high-mass star-forming cloud cores
Authors: Fontani F. , Colzi L. , Redaelli E. , Sipilä O. , Caselli P.
Published: June 2021

Context.Most stars in the Galaxy, including the Sun, were born in high-mass star-forming regions. It is hence important to study the chemical processes in these regions to better understand the chemical heritage of the Solar System and most of the stellar systems in the Galaxy.

Aims.The molecular ion HCNH+is thought to be a crucial species in ion-neutral astrochemical reactions, but so far it has been detected only in a handful of star-forming regions, and hence its chemistry is poorly known.

Methods.We observed with the IRAM 30 m Telescope 26 high-mass star-forming cores in different evolutionary stages in theJ= 3−2 rotational transition of HCNH+.

Results.We report the detection of HCNH+in 16 out of 26 targets. This represents the largest sample of sources detected in this molecular ion to date. The fractional abundances of HCNH+with respect to H2, [HCNH+], are in the range 0.9−14 × 10−11, and the highest values are found towards cold starless cores, for which [HCNH+] is of the order of 10−10. The abundance ratios [HCNH+]/[HCN] and [HCNH+]/[HCO+] are both ≤0.01 for all objects except for four starless cores, which are well above this threshold. These sources have the lowest gas temperatures and average H2volume density values in the sample. Based on this observational difference, we ran two chemical models, ‘cold’ and ‘warm’, which attempt to match the average physical properties of the cold(er) starless cores and the warm(er) targets as closely as possible. The reactions occurring in the latter case are investigated in this work for the first time. Our predictions indicate that in the warm model HCNH+is mainly produced by reactions with HCN and HCO+, while in the cold model the main progenitor species of HCNH+are HCN+and HNC+.

Conclusions.The observational results indicate, and the model predictions confirm, that the chemistry of HCNH+is different in cold–early and warm–evolved cores, and the abundance ratios [HCNH+]/[HCN] and [HCNH+]/[HCO+] can be useful astrochemical tools to discriminate between different evolutionary phases in the process of star formation.