bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Live Processing of Momentum-Resolved STEM Data for First Moment Imaging and Ptychography
Authors: Strauch Achim , Weber Dieter , Clausen Alexander , Lesnichaia Anastasiia , Bangun Arya , März Benjamin , Lyu Feng Jiao , Chen Qing , Rosenauer Andreas , Dunin-Borkowski Rafal , Müller-Caspary Knut
Published: August 2021

A reformulated implementation of single-sideband ptychography enables analysis and display of live detector data streams in 4D scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) using the LiberTEM open-source platform. This is combined with live first moment and further virtual STEM detector analysis. Processing of both real experimental and simulated data shows the characteristics of this method when data are processed progressively, as opposed to the usual offline processing of a complete data set. In particular, the single-sideband method is compared with other techniques such as the enhanced ptychographic engine in order to ascertain its capability for structural imaging at increased specimen thickness. Qualitatively interpretable live results are obtained also if the sample is moved, or magnification is changed during the analysis. This allows live optimization of instrument as well as specimen parameters during the analysis. The methodology is especially expected to improve contrast- and dose-efficient in situ imaging of weakly scattering specimens, where fast live feedback during the experiment is required.
An Improved Ocean Surface Albedo Computational Scheme: Structure and Performance
Authors: Wei Jian , Ren Tong , Yang Ping , DiMarco Steven F. , Mlawer Eli
Published: August 2021

Ocean surface albedo (OSA) is an important factor for the transfer of radiation in the coupled atmosphere‐ocean system. By resolving the spectral variations of the reflective properties for incident direct and diffuse solar radiation, we develop an OSA computational scheme to study the impact of ocean biogeochemistry on the air‐sea boundary condition of solar radiative transfer in the atmosphere. The new scheme is implemented for the General Circulation Model applications of the shortwave rapid radiative transfer model RRTMG_SW, a radiative transfer model used extensively in regional and global models. We show that a number of OSA schemes lead to underestimated results in comparison with in‐situ measurements obtained at a site 25 km east of Virginia Beach. The scheme developed in this study considers multiple influential factors and is robust in terms of the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and the root mean square error in comparison with in‐situ measurements. Furthermore, the new simulations are highly consistent with the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) OSA distribution on a global scale. However, the theoretical results show slight differences compared with the CERES OSA under all sky conditions and overestimate the OSA in the subpolar Southern Ocean under clear sky conditions. The assumption of a uniform phase function, which neglects the spatial variability of the optical properties of oceanic particles, is largely responsible for the primary source of uncertainties in an OSA scheme.
Comprehensive Evaluations on the Error Characteristics of the State‐of‐the‐Art Gridded Precipitation Products Over Jiangxi Province in 2019
Authors: Hong Tulin , Li Hongyi , Chen Meiqiu
Published: August 2021

Accurate knowledge of the precipitation estimates with high quality and fine spatiotemporal resolutions is crucial to the precipitation science communities, especially over poorly gauged regions. In this study, we apply various validation metrics to comprehensively evaluate three latest model‐based and satellite‐based precipitation products, namely the fifth‐generation global atmospheric analysis data set of the European Center for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) (ERA5), ERA5‐Land and Integrated Multi‐satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG) Final Run (IMERG‐Final), against hourly rain gauge observations over Jiangxi province, south central China, in 2019. The main conclusions of this study include but not limited to: (a) considering the precipitation amount, both reanalysis precipitation data and satellite‐based precipitation products have similar spatial patterns and show overestimations; (b) IMERG‐Final generally outperforms ERA5 and ERA5‐Land at multiple temporal scales, especially in terms of CC, FAR and MFI; (c) ERA5 and ERA5‐Land precipitation products have similar spatiotemporal error characteristics, and ERA5‐Land performs better than ERA5; (d) in the respect of the capabilities of capturing precipitation events, the spatial characteristics of IMERG‐Final are the closest to those of rain gauges, while ERA5 and ERA5‐Land significantly overestimate the event duration and underestimate the mean event precipitation rate. These findings could help the state‐of‐the‐art model‐based and satellite‐based precipitation products improve the data quality in the future generations.
Comparison of Conventional and Constrained Variational Methods for Computing Large‐Scale Budgets and Forcing Fields
Authors: Ciesielski Paul E. , Johnson Richard H. , Tang Shuaiqi , Zhang Yunyan , Xie Shaocheng
Published: August 2021

Analyses of atmospheric heat and moisture budgets serve as an effective tool to study convective characteristics over a region and to provide large‐scale forcing fields for various modeling applications. This paper examines two popular methods for computing large‐scale atmospheric budgets: the conventional budget method (CBM) using objectively gridded analyses based primarily on radiosonde data and the constrained variational analysis (CVA) approach which supplements vertical profiles of atmospheric fields with measurements at the top of the atmosphere and at the surface to conserve mass, water, energy, and momentum. Successful budget computations are dependent on accurate sampling and analyses of the thermodynamic state of the atmosphere and the divergence field associated with convection and the large‐scale circulation that influences it. Utilizing analyses generated from data taken during Dynamics of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (DYNAMO) field campaign conducted over the central Indian Ocean from October to December 2011, we evaluate the merits of these budget approaches and examine their limitations. While many of the shortcomings of the CBM, in particular effects of sampling errors in sounding data, are effectively minimized with CVA, accurate large‐scale diagnostics in CVA are dependent on reliable background fields and rainfall constraints. For the DYNAMO analyses examined, the operational model fields used as the CVA background state provided wind fields that accurately resolved the vertical structure of convection in the vicinity of Gan Island. However, biases in the model thermodynamic fields were somewhat amplified in CVA resulting in a convective environment much weaker than observed.
Contrasting Impacts of a Hotter and Drier Future on Streamflow and Catchment Scale Sediment Flux in the High Andes
Authors: Slosson J. R. , Kelleher C. , Hoke G. D.
Published: August 2021

Fluvial sediment transport in high mountain regions is uniquely sensitive to changes in hydroclimate that alter the timing and magnitude of streamflow contributions from snowmelt, glaciers, and other cryoforms. In the high Andes of Argentina and Chile, mountain river systems serve millions of people in foothill communities and large metropolitan areas alike, yet these same rivers can also carry high sediment loads that compromise water quality and infrastructure. Regional climate predictions are also increasingly forecasting a warmer and drier future that is likely to alter hydrologic regimes and sediment transport dynamics. In this study, we use hydrologic modeling techniques and sediment rating curves compiled from historical data to propagate a suite of endmember climate projections to estimate changes in streamflow and consequent impacts on catchment‐scale sediment transport on both the Argentine and Chilean sides of the high Andes. Our results show reductions in streamflow of up to 57% under scenarios with reduced precipitation and even larger decreases in sediment flux, while outcomes under a warming scenario with no changes to precipitation were highly variable. Our results further show that high winter streamflow events may increase in magnitude in Chile while mountain communities in Argentina may increasingly face water shortages. These results indicate that different adaptation and mitigation strategies may be needed on either side of the Andes in response to a changing hydroclimate.
Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of the SET HASDM Database
Authors: Licata Richard J. , Mehta Piyush M. , Tobiska W. Kent , Bowman Bruce R. , Pilinski Marcin D.
Published: August 2021

The High Accuracy Satellite Drag Model (HASDM) is the operational thermospheric density model used by the US Space Force Combined Space Operations Center. By using real‐time data assimilation, HASDM can provide density estimates with increased accuracy over other empirical models. With historical HASDM density data being released publicly for the first time, we can analyze the data to compare dominant modes of variability in the upper atmosphere as modeled by HASDM and the Jacchia‐Bowman 2008 Empirical Thermospheric Density Model (JB2008), a Jacchia family model upon which density corrections are made as a part of the HASDM framework. This model comparison is conducted through the use of principal component analysis (PCA) which shows the increased variability of the HASDM dataset. We highlight HASDM's ability to capture the movement of lighter species during solar minimum conditions, unlike many empirical models. We then compare density from both models to the CHAllenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) accelerometer‐derived density estimates. This comparison shows that HASDM more closely matches the accelerometer‐derived densities with mean absolute differences of compared to CHAMP and GRACE‐A, respectively. The comparison also reveals improved representation of cooling mechanisms due to NO and CO2 by the HASDM database.
Precision genetic cellular models identify therapies protective against ER stress
Authors: Lebedeva Irina V. , Wagner Michelle V. , Sahdeo Sunil , Lu Yi-Fan , Anyanwu-Ofili Anuli , Harms Matthew B. , Wadia Jehangir S. , Rajagopal Gunaretnam , Boland Michael J. , Goldstein David B.
Published: August 2021

Rare monogenic disorders often share molecular etiologies involved in the pathogenesis of common diseases. Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) and deglycosylation (CDDG) are rare pediatric disorders with symptoms that range from mild to life threatening. A biological mechanism shared among CDG and CDDG as well as more common neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We developed isogenic human cellular models of two types of CDG and the only known CDDG to discover drugs that can alleviate ER stress. Systematic phenotyping confirmed ER stress and identified elevated autophagy among other phenotypes in each model. We screened 1049 compounds and scored their ability to correct aberrant morphology in each model using an agnostic cell-painting assay based on >300 cellular features. This primary screen identified multiple compounds able to correct morphological phenotypes. Independent validation shows they also correct cellular phenotypes and alleviate each of the ER stress markers identified in each model. Many of the active compounds are associated with microtubule dynamics, which points to new therapeutic opportunities for both rare and more common disorders presenting with ER stress, such as Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Design of peptides with strong binding affinity to poly(methyl methacrylate) resin by use of molecular simulation-based materials informatics
Authors: Iwasaki Tomio , Maruyama Masashi , Niwa Tatsuya , Sawada Toshiki , Serizawa Takeshi
Published: August 2021

Peptides with strong binding affinities for poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resin were designed by use of materials informatics technology based on molecular dynamics simulation for the purpose of covering the resin surface with adhesive peptides, which were expected to result in eco-friendly and biocompatible biomaterials. From the results of binding affinity obtained with this molecular simulation, it was confirmed that experimental values could be predicted with errors <10%. By analyzing the simulation data with the response-surface method, we found that three peptides (RWWRPWW, EWWRPWR, and RWWRPWR), which consist of arginine (R), tryptophan (W), and proline (P), have strong binding affinity to the PMMA resin. These amino acids were effective because arginine and tryptophan have strong binding affinities for methoxycarbonyl groups and methyl groups, which are the main constituents of the PMMA resin, and proline stabilizes the flat zigzag structures of the peptides in water. The strong binding affinities of the three peptides were confirmed by experiments (surface plasmon resonance methods).
Microfluidic device with brain extracellular matrix promotes structural and functional maturation of human brain organoids
Authors: Cho Ann-Na , Jin Yoonhee , An Yeonjoo , Kim Jin , Choi Yi Sun , Lee Jung Seung , Kim Junghoon , Choi Won-Young , Koo Dong-Jun , Yu Weonjin , Chang Gyeong-Eon , Kim Dong-Yoon , Jo Sung-Hyun , Kim Jihun , Kim Sung-Yon , Kim Yun-Gon , Kim Ju Young , Choi Nakwon , Cheong Eunji , Kim Young-Joon , Je Hyunsoo Shawn , Kang Hoon-Chul , Cho Seung-Woo
Published: August 2021

Brain organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells provide a highly valuable in vitro model to recapitulate human brain development and neurological diseases. However, the current systems for brain organoid culture require further improvement for the reliable production of high-quality organoids. Here, we demonstrate two engineering elements to improve human brain organoid culture, (1) a human brain extracellular matrix to provide brain-specific cues and (2) a microfluidic device with periodic flow to improve the survival and reduce the variability of organoids. A three-dimensional culture modified with brain extracellular matrix significantly enhanced neurogenesis in developing brain organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Cortical layer development, volumetric augmentation, and electrophysiological function of human brain organoids were further improved in a reproducible manner by dynamic culture in microfluidic chamber devices. Our engineering concept of reconstituting brain-mimetic microenvironments facilitates the development of a reliable culture platform for brain organoids, enabling effective modeling and drug development for human brain diseases.
An extended reconstruction of human gut microbiota metabolism of dietary compounds
Authors: Blasco Telmo , Pérez-Burillo Sergio , Balzerani Francesco , Hinojosa-Nogueira Daniel , Lerma-Aguilera Alberto , Pastoriza Silvia , Cendoya Xabier , Rubio Ángel , Gosalbes María José , Jiménez-Hernández Nuria , Pilar Francino M. , Apaolaza Iñigo , Rufián-Henares José Ángel , Planes Francisco J.
Published: August 2021

Understanding how diet and gut microbiota interact in the context of human health is a key question in personalized nutrition. Genome-scale metabolic networks and constraint-based modeling approaches are promising to systematically address this complex problem. However, when applied to nutritional questions, a major issue in existing reconstructions is the limited information about compounds in the diet that are metabolized by the gut microbiota. Here, we present AGREDA, an extended reconstruction of diet metabolism in the human gut microbiota. AGREDA adds the degradation pathways of 209 compounds present in the human diet, mainly phenolic compounds, a family of metabolites highly relevant for human health and nutrition. We show that AGREDA outperforms existing reconstructions in predicting diet-specific output metabolites from the gut microbiota. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing data of faecal samples from Spanish children representing different clinical conditions, we illustrate the potential of AGREDA to establish relevant metabolic interactions between diet and gut microbiota.
Characterization of a triad of genes in cyanophage S-2L sufficient to replace adenine by 2-aminoadenine in bacterial DNA
Authors: Czernecki Dariusz , Bonhomme Frédéric , Kaminski Pierre-Alexandre , Delarue Marc
Published: August 2021

Cyanophage S-2L is known to profoundly alter the biophysical properties of its DNA by replacing all adenines (A) with 2-aminoadenines (Z), which still pair with thymines but with a triple hydrogen bond. It was recently demonstrated that a homologue of adenylosuccinate synthetase (PurZ) and a dATP triphosphohydrolase (DatZ) are two important pieces of the metabolism of 2-aminoadenine, participating in the synthesis of ZTGC-DNA. Here, we determine that S-2L PurZ can use either dATP or ATP as a source of energy, thereby also depleting the pool of nucleotides in dATP. Furthermore, we identify a conserved gene (mazZ) located between purZ and datZ genes in S-2L and related phage genomes. We show that it encodes a (d)GTP-specific diphosphohydrolase, thereby providing the substrate of PurZ in the 2-aminoadenine synthesis pathway. High-resolution crystal structures of S-2L PurZ and MazZ with their respective substrates provide a rationale for their specificities. The Z-cluster made of these three genes – datZ, mazZ and purZ – was expressed in E. coli, resulting in a successful incorporation of 2-aminoadenine in the bacterial chromosomal and plasmidic DNA. This work opens the possibility to study synthetic organisms containing ZTGC-DNA.
Filming ultrafast roaming-mediated isomerization of bismuth triiodide in solution
Authors: Choi Eun Hyuk , Kim Jong Goo , Kim Jungmin , Ki Hosung , Lee Yunbeom , Lee Seonggon , Yoon Kihwan , Kim Joonghan , Kim Jeongho , Ihee Hyotcherl
Published: August 2021

Roaming reaction, defined as a reaction yielding products via reorientational motion in the long-range region (3 – 8 Å) of the potential, is a relatively recently proposed reaction pathway and is now regarded as a universal mechanism that can explain the unimolecular dissociation and isomerization of various molecules. The structural movements of the partially dissociated fragments originating from the frustrated bond fission at the onset of roaming, however, have been explored mostly via theoretical simulations and rarely observed experimentally. Here, we report an investigation of the structural dynamics during a roaming-mediated isomerization reaction of bismuth triiodide (BiI3) in acetonitrile solution using femtosecond time-resolved x-ray liquidography. Structural analysis of the data visualizes the atomic movements during the roaming-mediated isomerization process including the opening of the Bi-Ib-Ic angle and the closing of Ia-Bi-Ib-Ic dihedral angle, each by ~40°, as well as the shortening of the Ib···Ic distance, following the frustrated bond fission.
Universal separability criterion for arbitrary density matrices from causal properties of separable and entangled quantum states
Authors: Skorobagatko Gleb A.
Published: August 2021

General physical background of famous Peres–Horodecki positive partial transpose (PH- or PPT-) separability criterion is revealed. Especially, the physical sense of partial transpose operation is shown to be equivalent to what one could call as the “local causality reversal” (LCR-) procedure for all separable quantum systems or to the uncertainty in a global time arrow direction in all entangled cases. Using these universal causal considerations brand new general relations for the heuristic causal separability criterion have been proposed for arbitrary $$ D^{N} \times D^{N}$$

D
N

×

D
N

density matrices acting in $$ {\mathcal {H}}_{D}^{\otimes N} $$

H

D

⊗
N

Hilbert spaces which describe the ensembles of N quantum systems of D eigenstates each. Resulting general formulas have been then analyzed for the widest special type of one-parametric density matrices of arbitrary dimensionality, which model a number of equivalent quantum subsystems being equally connected (EC-) with each other to arbitrary degree by means of a single entanglement parameter p. In particular, for the family of such EC-density matrices it has been found that there exists a number of N- and D-dependent separability (or entanglement) thresholds$$ p_{th}(N,D) $$

p

th

(
N
,
D
)

for the values of the corresponded entanglement parameter p, which in the simplest case of a qubit-pair density matrix in $$ {\mathcal {H}}_{2} \otimes {\mathcal {H}}_{2} $$

H
2

⊗

H
2

Hilbert space are shown to reduce to well-known results obtained earlier independently by Peres (Phys Rev Lett 77:1413–1415, 1996) and Horodecki (Phys Lett A 223(1–2):1–8, 1996). As the result, a number of remarkable features of the entanglement thresholds for EC-density matrices has been described for the first time. All novel results being obtained for the family of arbitrary EC-density matrices are shown to be applicable to a wide range of both interacting and non-interacting (at the moment of measurement) multi-partite quantum systems, such as arrays of qubits, spin chains, ensembles of quantum oscillators, strongly correlated quantum many-body systems with the possibility of many-body localization, etc.
Alterations in plasma hyaluronic acid in patients with clinically stable COPD versus (non)smoking controls
Authors: Waeijen-Smit Kiki , Reynaert Niki L. , Beijers Rosanne J. H. C. G. , Houben-Wilke Sarah , Simons Sami O. , Spruit Martijn A. , Franssen Frits M. E.
Published: August 2021

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a key component of the extracellular matrix. HA and its metabolism are suggested to be altered in the lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The present study explored systemic HA, and its metabolic regulators, in patients with clinically stable COPD and smoking and non-smoking controls. Furthermore, associations of HA with acute exacerbations (AECOPD), airway-related hospitalizations, systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk were studied. In total, 192 patients with moderate to very severe COPD [aged 62.3 y (± SD 7.0)], 84 smoking controls [aged 61.8 y (± 5.7)], and 107 non-smoking controls [aged 60.1 y (± 7.0)] were included. Plasma HA was reduced in patients with COPD compared to non-smoking controls (p = 0.033), but was comparable after adjusting for age and sex. Expression of HAS-3 did not differ between groups, but was substantially less detectable in more patients with COPD than (non)smoking controls (p < 0.001). Expression of HYAL-2 was enhanced in patients with COPD versus smoking (p = 0.019) and non-smoking (p < 0.001) controls, also in the age- and sex- adjusted model (p < 0.001). Plasma HA was not associated with AECOPD, airway-related hospitalizations in the previous year, or systemic inflammation in COPD. Arterial pulse wave velocity explained some of the variance (< 10%) in plasma HA (p = 0.006). Overall, these results indicate that expression of HYAL-2, but not plasma HA nor HAS-3, is enhanced in patients with COPD compared to (non)smoking controls. Furthermore, HA was not associated with clinical outcomes, yet, cardiovascular risk might play a role in its systemic regulation in stable COPD.
The phyllosphere microbiome of host trees contributes more than leaf phytochemicals to variation in the Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire gut microbiome structure
Authors: Mogouong Judith , Constant Philippe , Legendre Pierre , Guertin Claude
Published: August 2021

The microbiome composition of living organisms is closely linked to essential functions determining the fitness of the host for thriving and adapting to a particular ecosystem. Although multiple factors, including the developmental stage, the diet, and host-microbe coevolution have been reported to drive compositional changes in the microbiome structures, very few attempts have been made to disentangle their various contributions in a global approach. Here, we focus on the emerald ash borer (EAB), an herbivorous pest and a real threat to North American ash tree species, to explore the responses of the adult EAB gut microbiome to ash leaf properties, and to identify potential predictors of EAB microbial variations. The relative contributions of specific host plant properties, namely bacterial and fungal communities on leaves, phytochemical composition, and the geographical coordinates of the sampling sites, to the EAB gut microbial community was examined by canonical analyses. The composition of the phyllosphere microbiome appeared to be a strong predictor of the microbial community structure in EAB guts, explaining 53 and 48% of the variation in fungi and bacteria, respectively. This study suggests a potential covariation of the microorganisms associated with food sources and the insect gut microbiome.
“Ecce Homo” by Antonello da Messina, from non-invasive investigations to data fusion and dissemination
Authors: Albertin Fauzia , Ruberto Chiara , Cucci Costanza , Callieri Marco , Potenziani Marco , Siotto Eliana , Pingi Paolo , Scopigno Roberto , Bettuzzi Matteo , Brancaccio Rosa , Morigi Maria Pia , Castelli Lisa , Taccetti Francesco , Picollo Marcello , Stefani Lorenzo , de Vita Francesca
Published: August 2021

Scientific investigations of artworks are crucial in terms of preservation since they provide a measurable evaluation of the materials and the state of conservation. This is the case of Antonello da Messina’s painting “Ecce Homo”: its delicate state of conservation, with the need for constant monitoring, required a broad and in-depth diagnostic campaign to support the restorers. The project was carried out entirely in situ using non-invasive cutting-edge techniques and proposes a multimodal and data-centric approach, integrating 3D and 2D methodologies. The surface irregularities and the support were analysed with a structured-light 3D scanner and X-ray tomography. The painting materials were investigated with X-ray fluorescence scanning (MA-XRF) and reflectance hyperspectral imaging (HSI). Primarily, the data were jointly used for a scientific scope and provided new knowledge of the painting in terms of materials and painting techniques. In addition, two web-based interactive platforms were developed: one to provide restorers and experts with a new perspective of the hidden geometries of the painting, and the other targeted at the general public for dissemination purposes. The results of the Ecce Homo scientific analysis were exhibited, using a touch-screen interface, and developed for different user levels, from adults to kids.
ACE2 protein expression within isogenic cell lines is heterogeneous and associated with distinct transcriptomes
Authors: Sherman Emily J. , Emmer Brian T.
Published: August 2021

The membrane protein angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a physiologic regulator of the renin-angiotensin system and the cellular receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Prior studies of ACE2 expression have primarily focused on mRNA abundance, with investigation at the protein level limited by uncertain specificity of commercial ACE2 antibodies. Here, we report our development of a sensitive and specific flow cytometry-based assay for cellular ACE2 protein abundance. Application of this approach to multiple cell lines revealed an unexpected degree of cellular heterogeneity, with detectable ACE2 protein in only a subset of cells in each isogenic population. This heterogeneity was mediated at the mRNA level by transcripts predominantly initiated from the ACE2 proximal promoter. ACE2 expression was heritable but not fixed over multiple generations of daughter cells, with gradual drift toward the original heterogeneous background. RNA-seq profiling identified distinct transcriptomes of ACE2-expressing relative cells to non-expressing cells, with enrichment in functionally related genes and transcription factor target sets. Our findings provide a validated approach for the specific detection of ACE2 protein at the surface of single cells, support an epigenetic mechanism of ACE2 gene regulation, and identify specific pathways associated with ACE2 expression in HuH7 cells.
An operator-theoretical study on the BCS-Bogoliubov model of superconductivity near absolute zero temperature
Authors: Watanabe Shuji
Published: August 2021

In the preceding papers the present author gave another proof of the existence and uniqueness of the solution to the BCS-Bogoliubov gap equation for superconductivity from the viewpoint of operator theory, and showed that the solution is partially differentiable with respect to the temperature twice. Thanks to these results, we can indeed partially differentiate the solution and the thermodynamic potential with respect to the temperature twice so as to obtain the entropy and the specific heat at constant volume of a superconductor. In this paper we show the behavior near absolute zero temperature of the thus-obtained entropy, the specific heat, the solution and the critical magnetic field from the viewpoint of operator theory since we did not study it in the preceding papers. Here, the potential in the BCS-Bogoliubov gap equation is an arbitrary, positive continuous function and need not be a constant.
Structural, microstructural, magnetic and electromagnetic absorption properties of spiraled multiwalled carbon nanotubes/barium hexaferrite (MWCNTs/BaFe12O19) hybrid
Authors: Rosdi Nurshahiera , Azis Raba’ah Syahidah , Ismail Ismayadi , Mokhtar Nurhidayaty , Muhammad Zulkimi Muhammad Misbah , Mustaffa Muhammad Syazwan
Published: August 2021

Microwave absorption properties were systematically studied for synthesised barium hexaferrite (BaFe12O19) nanoparticles and spiraled multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) hybrid. BaFe12O19nanoparticles were synthesised by a high energy ball milling (HEBM) followed by sintering at 1400 °C and structural, electromagnetic and microwave characteristics have been scrutinized thoroughly. The sintered powders were then used as a catalyst to synthesise spiraled MWCNTs/BaFe12O19hybrid via the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) process. The materials were then incorporated into epoxy resin to fabricate single-layer composite structures with a thickness of 2 mm. The composite of BaFe12O19nanoparticles showed a minimum reflection loss is − 3.58 dB and no has an absorption bandwidth while the spiraled MWCNTs/BaFe12O19hybrid showed the highest microwave absorption of more than 99.9%, with a minimum reflection loss of − 43.99 dB and an absorption bandwidth of 2.56 GHz. This indicates that spiraled MWCNTs/BaFe12O19hybrid is a potential microwave absorber for microwave applications in X and Ku bands.
Automated tumor proportion score analysis for PD-L1 (22C3) expression in lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Jingxin , Zheng Qiang , Mu Xiao , Zuo Yanfei , Xu Bo , Jin Yan , Wang Yue , Tian Hua , Yang Yongguo , Xue Qianqian , Huang Ziling , Chen Lijun , Gu Bin , Hou Xianxu , Shen Linlin , Guo Yan , Li Yuan
Published: August 2021

Programmed cell death ligend-1 (PD-L1) expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays is a predictive marker of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy response. With the popularity of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor drugs, quantitative assessment of PD-L1 expression becomes a new labor for pathologists. Manually counting the PD-L1 positive stained tumor cells is an obviously subjective and time-consuming process. In this paper, we developed a new computer aided Automated Tumor Proportion Scoring System (ATPSS) to determine the comparability of image analysis with pathologist scores. A three-stage process was performed using both image processing and deep learning techniques to mimic the actual diagnostic flow of the pathologists. We conducted a multi-reader multi-case study to evaluate the agreement between pathologists and ATPSS. Fifty-one surgically resected lung squamous cell carcinoma were prepared and stained using the Dako PD-L1 (22C3) assay, and six pathologists with different experience levels were involved in this study. The TPS predicted by the proposed model had high and statistically significant correlation with sub-specialty pathologists’ scores with Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 8.65 (95% confidence interval (CI): 6.42–10.90) and Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC) of 0.9436 ($$p < 0.001$$

p
<
0.001

), and the performance on PD-L1 positive cases achieved by our method surpassed that of non-subspecialty and trainee pathologists. Those experimental results indicate that the proposed automated system can be a powerful tool to improve the PD-L1 TPS assessment of pathologists.
Skeletal muscle is associated with exercise tolerance evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise testing in Japanese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Tashiro Hiroki , Takahashi Koichiro , Tanaka Masahide , Sadamatsu Hironori , Kurihara Yuki , Tajiri Ryo , Takamori Ayako , Naotsuka Hiroyuki , Imaizumi Hiroki , Kimura Shinya , Sueoka-Aragane Naoko
Published: August 2021

Decreasing exercise tolerance is one of the key features related to a poor prognosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is useful for evaluating exercise tolerance. The present study was performed to clarify the correlation between exercise tolerance and clinical parameters, focusing especially on the cross-sectional area (CSA) of skeletal muscle. The present study investigated 69 patients with COPD who underwent CPET. The correlations between oxygen uptake ($${{\dot{\text{V}} \text{O}}}_{2}$$

V
˙

O

2

) at peak exercise and clinical parameters of COPD, including skeletal muscle area measured using single-section axial computed tomography (CT), were evaluated. The COPD assessment test score (ρ = − 0.35, p = 0.02) was weakly correlated with $${{\dot{\text{V}} \text{O}}}_{2}$$

V
˙

O

2

at peak exercise. In addition, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (ρ = 0.39, p = 0.0009), FEV1/forced vital capacity (ρ = 0.33, p = 0.006), and the CSA of the pectoralis muscles (PMs) (ρ = 0.36, p = 0.007) and erector spinae muscles (ECMs) (ρ = 0.39, p = 0.003) were correlated with $${{\dot{\text{V}} \text{O}}}_{2}$$

V
˙

O

2

at peak exercise. Multivariate analysis adjusted by age and FEV1 indicated that PMCSA was weakly correlated after adjustment (β value [95% confidence interval] 0.175 [0.03–0.319], p = 0.02). In addition, ECMCSA tended to be correlated, but not significantly after adjustment (0.192 [− 0.001–0.385] p = 0.052). The COPD assessment test, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PMCSA, and ECMCSA were significantly correlated with $${{\dot{\text{V}} \text{O}}}_{2}$$

V
˙

O

2

at peak exercise.
Biological age in healthy elderly predicts aging-related diseases including dementia
Authors: Wu Julia W. , Yaqub Amber , Ma Yuan , Koudstaal Wouter , Hofman Albert , Ikram M. Arfan , Ghanbari Mohsen , Goudsmit Jaap
Published: August 2021

Application of biological age as a measure of an individual´s health status offers new perspectives into extension of both lifespan and healthspan. While algorithms predicting mortality and most aging-related morbidities have been reported, the major shortcoming has been an inability to predict dementia. We present a community-based cohort study of 1930 participants with a mean age of 72 years and a follow-up period of over 7 years, using two variants of a phenotypic blood-based algorithm that either excludes (BioAge1) or includes (BioAge2) neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a neurodegenerative marker. BioAge1 and BioAge2 predict dementia equally well, as well as lifespan and healthspan. Each one-year increase in BioAge1/2 was associated with 11% elevated risk (HR 1.11; 95%CI 1.08–1.14) of mortality and 7% elevated risk (HR 1.07; 95%CI 1.05–1.09) of first morbidities. We additionally tested the association of microRNAs with age and identified 263 microRNAs significantly associated with biological and chronological age alike. Top differentially expressed microRNAs based on biological age had a higher significance level than those based on chronological age, suggesting that biological age captures aspects of aging signals at the epigenetic level. We conclude that accelerated biological age for a given age is a predictor of major age-related morbidity, including dementia, among healthy elderly.
Social engagement and cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults: gender-specific findings from the Korean longitudinal study of aging (2008–2018)
Authors: Oh Sarah Soyeon , Cho Eunhee , Kang Bada
Published: August 2021

Recent findings suggest that social disengagement in later life may result in cognitive decline and increase risk of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. However, little is known regarding the gender-specific longitudinal association between social engagement and cognition among middle-aged and older adults. Using data from a nationally representative sample of 2707 men and 5196 women from the Korean longitudinal study of aging, we examined the gender-specific association between social activity and cognitive function. Results from the generalized estimating equation model showed that compared to individuals with consistent social engagement (religious, senior center, sport, reunion, voluntary, political), individuals with inconsistent engagement had lower cognitive function. Transitioning from engagement to non-engagement was associated with lower cognitive function among men only. Not being part of a senior center was associated with decreased cognitive function among both genders, while not being part of a religious group was significant for women only. While marital status was a significant predictor of cognitive ability for women, depression was a significant predictor for men. These findings have implications for policy-makers as interventions targeting improved cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults may be more effective when gender-specific predictors are taken into consideration.
Effectiveness of an ankle–foot orthosis on walking in patients with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Choo Yoo Jin , Chang Min Cheol
Published: August 2021

We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the effectiveness of ankle–foot orthosis (AFO) use in improving gait biomechanical parameters such as walking speed, mobility, and kinematics in patients with stroke with gait disturbance. We searched the MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Cochrane, Embase, and Scopus databases and retrieved studies published until June 2021. Experimental and prospective studies were included that evaluated biomechanics or kinematic parameters with or without AFO in patients with stroke. We analyzed gait biomechanical parameters, including walking speed, mobility, balance, and kinematic variables, in studies involving patients with and without AFO use. The criteria of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions were used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies, and the level of evidence was evaluated using the Research Pyramid model. Funnel plot analysis and Egger’s test were performed to confirm publication bias. A total of 19 studies including 434 participants that reported on the immediate or short-term effectiveness of AFO use were included in the analysis. Significant improvements in walking speed (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.50; 95% CI 0.34–0.66; P < 0.00001; I2, 0%), cadence (SMD, 0.42; 95% CI 0.22–0.62; P < 0.0001; I2, 0%), step length (SMD, 0.41; 95% CI 0.18–0.63; P = 0.0003; I2, 2%), stride length (SMD, 0.43; 95% CI 0.15–0.71; P = 0.003; I2, 7%), Timed up-and-go test (SMD, − 0.30; 95% CI − 0.54 to − 0.07; P = 0.01; I2, 0%), functional ambulation category (FAC) score (SMD, 1.61; 95% CI 1.19–2.02; P < 0.00001; I2, 0%), ankle sagittal plane angle at initial contact (SMD, 0.66; 95% CI 0.34–0.98; P < 0.0001; I2, 0%), and knee sagittal plane angle at toe-off (SMD, 0.39; 95% CI 0.04–0.73; P = 0.03; I2, 46%) were observed when the patients wore AFOs. Stride time, body sway, and hip sagittal plane angle at toe-off were not significantly improved (p = 0.74, p = 0.07, p = 0.07, respectively). Among these results, the FAC score showed the most significant improvement, and stride time showed the lowest improvement. AFO improves walking speed, cadence, step length, and stride length, particularly in patients with stroke. AFO is considered beneficial in enhancing gait stability and ambulatory ability.
Effects of soil amendments on leaf anatomical characteristics of marigolds cultivated in cadmium-spiked soils
Authors: Thongchai Alapha , Meeinkuirt Weeradej , Taeprayoon Puntaree , Chelong Isma-ae
Published: August 2021

The marigolds (Tagetesspp.) in this study were classified as excluders for cadmium (Cd); however, their leaves also accumulated substantial Cd content. Among the experimental treatments (i.e., control, cattle manure, pig manure, and leonardite which served as soil amendments), pig manure resulted in significantly increased growth performance for all marigold cultivars as seen by relative growth rates (119–132.3%) and showed positive effects on leaf anatomy modifications, e.g., thickness of spongy and palisade mesophyll, size of vein area and diameter of xylem cells. This may be due to substantially higher essential nutrient content, e.g., total nitrogen (N) and extractable phosphorus (P), in pig manure that aided all marigold cultivars, particularly the French cultivar which exhibited the highest relative growth rate (132.3%). In the Cd-only treatment, cell disorganization was observed in vascular bundles as well as in palisade and spongy mesophyll, which may have been responsible for the lowest plant growth performance recorded in this study, particularly among the American and Honey cultivars (RGR = 73% and 77.3%, respectively).
Prognosis and risk factors of ERCP pancreatitis in elderly
Authors: Ergin Erhan , Oruç Nevin , Ersöz Galip , Tekeşin Oktay , Özütemiz Ömer
Published: August 2021

Post Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis is one of the most serious complications of ERCP. Our study aims to investigate the risk, predisposing factors and prognosis of pancreatitis after ERCP in elderly patients. Patients referred to the ERCP unit between April 2008 and 2012 and admitted to the hospital at least 1 day after the ERCP procedure were included to the study. Information including patient’s demographics, diagnosis, imaging findings, biochemical analysis, details of the ERCP procedure and complications were recorded. The severity of post ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) was determined by revised Atlanta Criteria as well as APACHE II and Ranson scores. A total of 2902 ERCP patients were evaluated and 988 were included to the study. Patients were divided into two groups as ≥ 65 years old (494 patients, 259 F, 235 M) and < 65 years old (494 patients, 274 F, 220 M). PEP was diagnosed in 4.3% of patients aged 65 years and older. The female gender was risk factors in elderly for PEP. The Sphincter Oddi Dysfunction (SOD) and Juxta papillary diverticula (JPD) were higher in elderly patients with PEP. Age did not increase the risk of PEP development. The most important post ERCP pancreatitis risk factor in the elderly is the female gender, while the risk is enhanced slightly by SOD and JPD.
Sleep maturation influences cognitive development of preterm toddlers
Authors: Ando Akiko , Ohta Hidenobu , Yoshimura Yuko , Nakagawa Machiko , Asaka Yoko , Nakazawa Takayo , Mitani Yusuke , Oishi Yoshihisa , Mizushima Masato , Adachi Hiroyuki , Kaneshi Yosuke , Morioka Keita , Shimabukuro Rinshu , Hirata Michio , Ikeda Takashi , Fukutomi Rika , Kobayashi Kyoko , Ozawa Miwa , Takeshima Masahiro , Manabe Atsushi , Takahashi Tsutomu , Mishima Kazuo , Kusakawa Isao , Yoda Hitoshi , Kikuchi Mitsuru , Cho Kazutoshi
Published: August 2021

Our recent study on full-term toddlers demonstrated that daytime nap properties affect the distribution ratio between nap and nighttime sleep duration in total sleep time but does not affect the overall total amount of daily sleep time. However, there is still no clear scientific consensus as to whether the ratio between naps and nighttime sleep or just daily total sleep duration itself is more important for healthy child development. In the current study, to gain an answer to this question, we examined the relationship between the sleep properties and the cognitive development of toddlers born prematurely using actigraphy and the Kyoto scale of psychological development (KSPD) test. 101 premature toddlers of approximately 1.5 years of age were recruited for the study. Actigraphy units were attached to their waist with an adjustable elastic belt for 7 consecutive days and a child sleep diary was completed by their parents. In the study, we found no significant correlation between either nap or nighttime sleep duration and cognitive development of the preterm toddlers. In contrast, we found that stable daily wake time was significantly associated with better cognitive development, suggesting that sleep regulation may contribute to the brain maturation of preterm toddlers.
Role of structural specificity of ZnO particles in preserving functionality of proteins in their corona
Authors: Singh Urvashi , Saifi Zeeshan , Kumar Mridul , Reimers Armin , Krishnananda Soami Daya , Adelung Rainer , Baum Martina
Published: August 2021

Reconfiguration of protein conformation in a micro and nano particle (MNP) protein corona due to interaction is an often-overlooked aspect in drug design and nano-medicine. Mostly, MNP-Protein corona studies focus on the toxicity of nano particles (NPs) in a biological environment to analyze biocompatibility. However, preserving functional specificity of proteins in an NP corona becomes critical for effective translation of nano-medicine. This paper investigates the non-classical interaction between insulin and ZnO MNPs using a classical electrical characterization technique at GHz frequency with an objective to understand the effect of the micro particle (MP) and nanoparticle (NP) morphology on the electrical characteristics of the MNP-Protein corona and therefore the conformation and functional specificity of protein. The MNP-Protein corona was subjected to thermal and enzymatic (papain) perturbation to study the denaturation of the protein. Experimental results demonstrate that the morphology of ZnO particles plays an important role in preserving the electrical characteristics of insulin.
Dual solution framework for mixed convection flow of Maxwell nanofluid instigated by exponentially shrinking surface with thermal radiation
Authors: Shi Qiu-Hong , Ahmed Bilal , Ahmad Sohail , Khan Sami Ullah , Sultan Kiran , Bashir M. Nauman , Khan M. Ijaz , Shah Nehad Ali , Chung Jae Dong
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the analysis of transfer of heat and mass characteristics in boundary layer flow of incompressible magnetohydrodynamic Maxwell nanofluid with thermal radiation effects confined by exponentially shrinking geometry. The effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis are incorporated using Buongiorno model. The partial differential equations of the governing model are converted in non-dimensional track which are numerically inspected with proper appliances of Runge–Kutta fourth order scheme.The significant effects of heat and mass fluxes on the temperature and nanoparticles volume fractions are investigated. By the increases in Lewis number between $$1.0$$

1.0

to $$2.0$$

2.0

, the decrease in nanoparticle volume fraction and temperature is noted. With the change in the Prandtl constant that varies between $$0.7$$

0.7

to $$1.5$$

1.5

, the nanoparticles volume fraction and temperature are dwindled. Nanoparticles volume fraction and temperature distribution increase is noted with applications of radiation constant. With consequent variation of thermophoresis parameter between $$0.1$$

0.1

to $$0.8$$

0.8

, nanoparticles volume fraction and temperature distribution increases. It is also noted that the increase in thermophoresis parameter and Brownian parameter from $$0.1$$

0.1

to $$0.8$$

0.8

, nanoparticles volume fraction decreases while temperature distribution increases.