bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The radioactive nuclei and in the Cosmos and in the solar system
Authors: Diehl R. , Lugaro M. , Heger A. , Sieverding A. , Tang X. , Li K. A. , Li E. T. , Doherty C. L. , Krause M. G. H. , Wallner A. , Prantzos N. , Brinkman H. E. , den Hartogh J. W. , Wehmeyer B. , Yagüe López A. , Pleintinger M. M. M. , Banerjee P. , Wang W.
Published: December 2021

The cosmic evolution of the chemical elements from the Big Bang to the present time is driven by nuclear fusion reactions inside stars and stellar explosions. A cycle of matter recurrently re-processes metal-enriched stellar ejecta into the next generation of stars. The study of cosmic nucleosynthesis and this matter cycle requires the understanding of the physics of nuclear reactions, of the conditions at which the nuclear reactions are activated inside the stars and stellar explosions, of the stellar ejection mechanisms through winds and explosions, and of the transport of the ejecta towards the next cycle, from hot plasma to cold, star-forming gas. Due to the long timescales of stellar evolution, and because of the infrequent occurrence of stellar explosions, observational studies are challenging, as they have biases in time and space as well as different sensitivities related to the various astronomical methods. Here, we describe in detail the astrophysical and nuclear-physical processes involved in creating two radioactive isotopes useful in such studies,$^{26}\mathrm{Al}$and$^{60}\mathrm{Fe}$. Due to their radioactive lifetime of the order of a million years, these isotopes are suitable to characterise simultaneously the processes of nuclear fusion reactions and of interstellar transport. We describe and discuss the nuclear reactions involved in the production and destruction of$^{26}\mathrm{Al}$and$^{60}\mathrm{Fe}$, the key characteristics of the stellar sites of their nucleosynthesis and their interstellar journey after ejection from the nucleosynthesis sites. This allows us to connect the theoretical astrophysical aspects to the variety of astronomical messengers presented here, from stardust and cosmic-ray composition measurements, through observation of$\gamma$rays produced by radioactivity, to material deposited in deep-sea ocean crusts and to the inferred composition of the first solids that have formed in the Solar System. We show that considering measurements of the isotopic ratio of$^{26}\mathrm{Al}$to$^{60}\mathrm{Fe}$eliminate some of the unknowns when interpreting astronomical results, and discuss the lessons learned from these two isotopes on cosmic chemical evolution. This review paper has emerged from an ISSI-BJ Team project in 2017–2019, bringing together nuclear physicists, astronomers, and astrophysicists in this inter-disciplinary discussion.
Nomograms including the controlling nutritional status score in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolisation for prediction survival: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Chen Yi , Xu Wen-ji , Yang Yi , Xin Yu-Jing , Zhang Xin-Yuan , Li Xiao , Zhou Xiang
Published: December 2021

This retrospective study investigated the predictive value of the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score in patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who received transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Nomograms were developed to predict progression-free and overall survival (PFS, OS). The medical data of 228 patients with HCC and treated with TACE were collected. The patients were apportioned to 2 groups according to CONUT score: low or high (<4, ≥4). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox regression for OS and PFS. OS and PFS were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier curve and compared with the log-rank test. Nomograms were constructed to predict patient OS and PFS. The nomograms were evaluated for accuracy, discrimination, and efficiency. The cut-off value of CONUT score was 4. The higher the CONUT score, the worse the survival; Kaplan-Meier curves showed significant differences in OS and PFS between the low and high CONUT score groups (P = 0·033, 0·047). The nomograms including CONUT, based on the prognostic factors determined by the univariate and multivariate analyses, to predict survival in HCC after TACE were generated. The CONUT score is an important prognostic factor for both OS and PFS for patients with intermediate HCC who underwent TACE. The cut-off value of the CONUT score was 4. A high CONUT score suggests poor survival outcomes. Nomograms generated based on the CONUT score were good models to predict patient OS and PFS.
An Upper Ediacaran Glacial Period in Cadomia: the Granville tillite (Armorican Massif) – sedimentology, geochronology and provenance
Authors: Linnemann Ulf , Hofmann Mandy , Gärtner Andreas , Gärtner Jessica , Zieger Johannes , Krause Rita , Haenel Robert , Mende Katja , Ovtcharova Maria , Schaltegger Urs , Vickers-Rich Pat
Published: December 2021

In the Cadomian orogenic belt a package of glacigenic sedimentary deposits have been recently described in the Armorican Massif (Normandy, France). The Granville Tillite Member, the middle part of the upper Granville Formation, is late Ediacaran in age. Maximum depositional ages of the pre- and syn-glacial sedimentary deposits obtained by LA-ICP-MS U–Pb detrital zircon dating indicate a maximum age of 561 ± 3 Ma. Combined with geochronological data on the previously described glacial deposits in Cadomia, West Africa, Arabia and Iran, the Granville Tillite Member appears to represent an Upper Ediacaran Glacial Period in northern peri-Gondwana, clearly younger than thec. 580 Ma old Gaskiers glaciation. Detailed mapping and analysis of the depositional regime of two sections near the city of Granville are indicative of two independent glaciomarine lower and upper tillite deposits separated by a distinct conglomeratic marker horizon, evidently a massive gravel beach horizon deposited during an interglacial stage. Age spectra of detrital zircon U–Pb ages constrain the palaeogeographical position of the upper Granville Formation to the periphery of the West African Craton. Post-Gaskiers aged glaciations in Cadomia and in West Africa should be grouped into an Upper Ediacaran Glacial Period dated atc. 565 Ma. This glacial period seems not to be related to the negative δ13C Shuram–Wonoka anomaly. Sedimentary deposits formed during the Upper Ediacaran Glacial Period show a scattered distribution along the marginal orogens of the Gondwana supercontinent independent of palaeolatitude and are coupled most likely to contemporaneous orogenic processes and uplift.
Predictors of parasite and pathogen infections in urban rodents of central Argentina
Authors: Fitte B. , Cavia R. , Robles M. del Rosario , Dellarupe A. , Unzaga J.M. , Navone G.T.
Published: December 2021

Urban rodents are associated with parasites and pathogens, which present health risks for humans, but information on factors related to parasite and pathogen infection in rodents in cities of Latin America is scarce. This study analyzes the hosts, host community structure and environmental characteristics of parasite and pathogen fauna present in the three species of urban rodents in an urban area of South America. Rodents were captured seasonally in seven different neighborhoods. Digestive tracts were dissected under stereoscopic microscopy and feces were processed using a sedimentation technique. Protozoa and bacteria were detected through polymerase chain reaction and indirect immunofluorescence techniques. InRattus norvegicus,Rattus rattusandMus musculus, ten helminths, three protozoa and two bacteria were found. Six were zoonotic:Toxoplasma gondii;Hymenolepis diminuta;Rodentolepis nana;Strobilocercus fasciolaris;Leptospira borgpetersenii; andLeptospira interrogans. The parasite and pathogen infections were influenced by the host species, the host community structure, the season, and the presence of streams in the neighborhood. Urban rodents may be the infection source of many zoonotic diseases and it is important to generate public policies for this problem. This study is one example of the situation of many cities of Latin America, where peripheral neighborhoods are growing dramatically.
Informing patient choice and service planning in surgical voice restoration: valve usage over three years in a UK head and neck cancer unit
Authors: McLachlan K , Hurren A , Owen S , Miller N
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study aimed to determine the number, reasons and costs of surgical voice restoration related tracheoesophageal valve attendances over 36 months at a head and neck oncology unit.

Method

Demographic, medical and valve related details from all patient contacts were recorded, including self-change information, urgent appointment information, modifications required and costs of prostheses.

Results

Over 3 years, 99 patients underwent 970 valve changes. The main reasons for changes were central leakage, prophylactic change and self-change at home. Changes were significantly more frequent in the first 12 months (mean, 42 days) compared with longstanding patients (mean, 109.96). Intervals between changes were unpredictable; no predictive factors reached statistical significance. Mean expenditure on valves was £966.63 per week (including value added tax and in-house customisation).

Conclusion

Valve lifespan is comparable with outcomes in similar units despite more pre-emptive and patient-led changes and more comprehensive data inclusion. Investigation into how patient satisfaction and costs relate to valve selection and units’ service delivery models is needed.
‘He Saw Heaven Opened’: Heavenly Temple and Universal Mission in Luke-Acts
Authors: Moore Nicholas J.
Published: December 2021

Numerous scholars have argued that in Luke-Acts the location of sacred space or divine presence passes from the Jerusalem temple to Jesus, Christian believers, or both; in Acts, this transfer is understood as integral to the universal mission. The present article argues that such studies overlook the important motif of heaven as temple, which plays a role in Jesus’ trial and crucifixion and the Stephen and Cornelius episodes. Using Edward Soja's spatial theory, previous studies’ binary categorisation of temple space is critiqued. The heavenly temple disrupts and reconstitutes understandings of sacred space, and thus undergirds the universal spread of the Way.
Being Emmanuel: Matthew's Ever-Present Jesus?
Authors: Bockmuehl Markus
Published: December 2021

Among the New Testament Gospels, Matthew most emphatically stresses the continued presence of Jesus throughout his ministry and with his disciples after Easter. This is despite sensitivity to the challenge of the cross and experiences of absence or deprivation. Structurally, the Gospel develops this affirmation in relation to the narrative of Jesus’ birth and incarnation, to his ministry, to the governance of the Christian community in its apostolic mission to Israel and the nations. Matthew never quite articulates how this continued presence actually works, whether in spatial or sacramental or pneumatological terms. And yet the emphatic correlation of ‘Jesus’ and ‘Emmanuel’ confirms that each is constituted by the other: being ‘God with us’ (Matt 1.23) means precisely to ‘save his people’ (1.21), and vice versa.
GPR120 agonist ameliorated insulin resistance and improved ovarian function
Authors: Liu Yang , Ding Jiayi , Tan Xiaofang , Shen Ya , Xu Li , Li Tingting , Ma Weiwei , Wu Jinting
Published: December 2021

GPR120 is implicated in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the role of GPR120 in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). With the adoption of dehydroepiandrosterone, a rat model was established to simulate PCOS in vitro. mRNA and protein expression levels of GPR120 were measured using RT-qPCR and western blot, respectively. In addition, expression levels of testosterone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, serum total cholesterol and triglyceride were assessed using the corresponding kits. Moreover, haematoxylin and eosin staining was used to detect pathological changes in ovary or liver and oil red staining was utilized to evaluate lipid accumulation. In the present study, GPR120 was downregulated in plasma, liver and ovary in the PCOS rat model. In addition, the GPR120 agonist regulated lipid metabolism in the liver and weight in the PCOS rat model. Furthermore, the GPR120 agonist decreased insulin resistance in the PCOS rat model but improved the ovarian function. It is suggested that GPR120 plays a vital role in suppressing insulin resistance, regulating ovary function and decreasing lipid accumulation in the liver, demonstrating that targeting GPR120 could be an effective method for the improvement of PCOS.
Genetic and non-genetic effects associated with ewe productivity in Harnali sheep
Authors: Gaur Parth , Malik Z. S. , Bangar Yogesh C. , Magotra Ankit , Yadav A. S.
Published: December 2021

The objective of the current study was to estimate the genetic parameters for ewe productivity traits of Harnali sheep by examining non-genetic effects. The data records of 440 animals born to 85 sires and 259 dams were collected with respect to various traits such as litter size at birth (LSB), litter weight at birth (LWB), litter size at weaning (LSW), litter weight at weaning (LWW) and age at first lambing (AFL) for the period of 2001 to 2020. Genetic parameters were estimated by fitting a series of animal models using an average information restricted maximum likelihood (REML) algorithm in WOMBAT software. Least-squares analysis revealed significant (P < 0.05) influences of period of lambing, age and weight of ewe at lambing on the studied traits. These results indicated that heavier ewes had significantly higher (P < 0.05) values of litter weight traits than their counterparts. On the basis of likelihood ratio test, the estimates of direct heritability under best model for AFL, LSB, LWB, LSW and LWW were 0.06, 0.18, 0.09, 0.07 and 0.16, respectively. Maternal permanent environment effect made a significant contribution to the LSB trait (0.20). The genetic correlation between litter size and LWW was negative, while the remaining correlations were positive. The present results suggest that selection based on ewe productivity traits will result in low genetic progress and therefore the management role is more important for better gains.
Dead space ratio as a tool in nitric oxide weaning: a study in pulmonary hypertensive disease
Authors: Garcia Alvaro D. , Liu Wei , Agarwal Hemant , Hanna William J.
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

To describe the association between successful weaning of inhaled nitric oxide and trends in dead space ratio during such weans in patients empirically initiated on nitric oxide therapy out of concern of pulmonary hypertensive crisis.

Patients:

Children in a cardiac intensive care unit initiated on inhaled nitric oxide out of clinical concern for pulmonary hypertensive crisis retrospectively over 2 years.

Measurements and Main Results:

Twenty-seven patients were included, and nitric oxide was successfully discontinued in 23/27. These patients exhibited decreases in dead space ratio (0.18 versus 0.11, p = 0.047) during nitric oxide weaning, and with no changes in dead space ratio between pre- and post-nitric oxide initiation (p = 0.88) and discontinuation (p = 0.63) phases. These successful patients had a median age of 10 months [4.0, 57.0] and had a pre-existent diagnosis of CHD in 6/23 and pulmonary hypertension in 2/23. Those who failed nitric oxide discontinuation trended with a higher dead space ratio at presentation (0.24 versus 0.10), were more likely to carry a prior diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (50% versus 8.7%), and had longer mechanical ventilation days (5 versus 12).

Conclusions:

Patients empirically placed on nitric oxide out of concern of pulmonary hypertensive crisis and successfully weaned off showed unchanged or decreased dead space ratio throughout the initiation to discontinuation phases of nitric oxide therapy. Trends in dead space ratio may aid in determining true need for nitric oxide and facilitate effective weaning. Further studies are needed to directly compare trends between success and failure groups.
Are the Forecasts of Professionals Compatible with the Taylor Rule? Evidence from the Euro Area
Authors: Czudaj Robert L.
Published: December 2021

This article examines if professional forecasters form their expectations regarding the policy rate of the European Central Bank (ECB) consistent with the Taylor rule. In doing so, we assess micro-level data including individual forecasts for the ECB main refinancing operations rate as well as inflation and gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the Euro Area. Our results indicate that professionals indeed form their expectations in line with the Taylor rule. However, this connection has diminished over time, especially after the policy rate hit the zero lower bound. In addition, we also find a relationship between forecasters’ disagreement regarding the policy rate of the ECB and disagreement on future GDP growth, which disappears when controlling for monetary policy shocks proxied by changes in the policy rate in the quarter the forecasts are made.
The Magmatic Architecture of Continental Flood Basalts: 2. A New Conceptual Model
Authors: Mittal Tushar , Richards Mark A.
Published: December 2021

Continental flood basalts intruded and erupted millions of km3of magma over ∼1–5 Ma. Previous work proposed the presence of large (–106 km3) crustal magma reservoirs to feed these eruptions. However, in Paper I, we illustrated that this model is inconsistent with observations, by combining eruptive rate constraints with geochemical and geophysical observations from the Deccan Traps and other Continental flood basalt provinces (CFBs). Here, we use a new mechanical magma reservoir model to calculate the variation of eruptive fluxes (km3/year) and volumes for different magmatic architectures. We find that a single magma reservoir cannot explain the eruptive rate and duration constraints for CFBs. Using a 1D thermal model and characteristic timescales for magma reservoirs, we conclude that CFB eruptions were likely fed by a number of interconnected small‐medium (∼102–103 km3) magma reservoirs. It is unlikely that each individual magma reservoir participated in every eruption, thus permitting the occasional formation of large xenocrysts (e.g., megacrystic plagioclase). This magmatic architecture permits (a) large volume eruptive episodes with 10–100s of years duration, and (b) relatively short time‐periods separating eruptive episodes (1000s of years) since multiple mechanisms can trigger eruptions (via magma recharge or volatile exsolution, as opposed to long term (105–106 year) accumulation of buoyancy overpressure), and (c) lack of large upper‐crustal intrusive bodies in various geophysical datasets. Our new proposed magmatic architecture has significant implications for the tempo of CFB volatile release (CO2and SO2), potentially helping explain the pre‐K‐Pg warming associated with Deccan Traps.
Intranasal oxytocin administration impacts the acquisition and consolidation of trauma-associated memories: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled experimental study in healthy women
Authors: Schultebraucks Katharina , Maslahati Tolou , Wingenfeld Katja , Hellmann-Regen Julian , Kraft Julia , Kownatzki Maureen , Behnia Behnoush , Ripke Stephan , Otte Christian , Roepke Stefan
Published: December 2021

Intrusive memories are a hallmark symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and oxytocin has been implicated in the formation of intrusive memories. This study investigates how oxytocin influences the acquisition and consolidation of trauma-associated memories and whether these effects are influenced by individual neurobiological and genetic differences. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 220 healthy women received either a single dose of intranasal 24IU oxytocin or a placebo before exposure to a trauma film paradigm that solicits intrusive memories. We used a “general random forest” machine learning approach to examine whether differences in the noradrenergic and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, polygenic risk for psychiatric disorders, and genetic polymorphism of the oxytocin receptor influence the effect of oxytocin on the acquisition and consolidation of intrusive memories. Oxytocin induced significantly more intrusive memories than placebo did (t(188.33) = 2.12, p = 0.035, Cohen’s d = 0.30, 95% CI 0.16–0.44). As hypothesized, we found that the effect of oxytocin on intrusive memories was influenced by biological covariates, such as salivary cortisol, heart rate variability, and PTSD polygenic risk scores. The five factors that were most relevant to the oxytocin effect on intrusive memories were included in a Poisson regression, which showed that, besides oxytocin administration, higher polygenic loadings for PTSD and major depressive disorder were directly associated with a higher number of reported intrusions after exposure to the trauma film stressor. These results suggest that intranasal oxytocin amplifies the acquisition and consolidation of intrusive memories and that this effect is modulated by neurobiological and genetic factors. Trial registration: NCT03031405.
Self assembling cluster crystals from DNA based dendritic nanostructures
Authors: Stiakakis Emmanuel , Jung Niklas , Adžić Nataša , Balandin Taras , Kentzinger Emmanuel , Rücker Ulrich , Biehl Ralf , Dhont Jan K. G. , Jonas Ulrich , Likos Christos N.
Published: December 2021

Cluster crystals are periodic structures with lattice sites occupied by several, overlapping building blocks, featuring fluctuating site occupancy, whose expectation value depends on thermodynamic conditions. Their assembly from atomic or mesoscopic units is long-sought-after, but its experimental realization still remains elusive. Here, we show the existence of well-controlled soft matter cluster crystals. We fabricate dendritic-linear-dendritic triblock composed of a thermosensitive water-soluble polymer and nanometer-scale all-DNA dendrons of the first and second generation. Conclusive small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) evidence reveals that solutions of these triblock at sufficiently high concentrations undergo a reversible phase transition from a cluster fluid to a body-centered cubic (BCC) cluster crystal with density-independent lattice spacing, through alteration of temperature. Moreover, a rich concentration-temperature phase diagram demonstrates the emergence of various ordered nanostructures, including BCC cluster crystals, birefringent cluster crystals, as well as hexagonal phases and cluster glass-like kinetically arrested states at high densities.
Sustainable intensification for a larger global rice bowl
Authors: Yuan Shen , Linquist Bruce A. , Wilson Lloyd T. , Cassman Kenneth G. , Stuart Alexander M. , Pede Valerien , Miro Berta , Saito Kazuki , Agustiani Nurwulan , Aristya Vina Eka , Krisnadi Leonardus Y. , Zanon Alencar Junior , Heinemann Alexandre Bryan , Carracelas Gonzalo , Subash Nataraja , Brahmanand Pothula S. , Li Tao , Peng Shaobing , Grassini Patricio
Published: December 2021

Future rice systems must produce more grain while minimizing the negative environmental impacts. A key question is how to orient agricultural research & development (R&D) programs at national to global scales to maximize the return on investment. Here we assess yield gap and resource-use efficiency (including water, pesticides, nitrogen, labor, energy, and associated global warming potential) across 32 rice cropping systems covering half of global rice harvested area. We show that achieving high yields and high resource-use efficiencies are not conflicting goals. Most cropping systems have room for increasing yield, resource-use efficiency, or both. In aggregate, current total rice production could be increased by 32%, and excess nitrogen almost eliminated, by focusing on a relatively small number of cropping systems with either large yield gaps or poor resource-use efficiencies. This study provides essential strategic insight on yield gap and resource-use efficiency for prioritizing national and global agricultural R&D investments to ensure adequate rice supply while minimizing negative environmental impact in coming decades.
Krill and salp faecal pellets contribute equally to the carbon flux at the Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Pauli Nora-Charlotte , Flintrop Clara M. , Konrad Christian , Pakhomov Evgeny A. , Swoboda Steffen , Koch Florian , Wang Xin-Liang , Zhang Ji-Chang , Brierley Andrew S. , Bernasconi Matteo , Meyer Bettina , Iversen Morten H.
Published: December 2021

Krill and salps are important for carbon flux in the Southern Ocean, but the extent of their contribution and the consequences of shifts in dominance from krill to salps remain unclear. We present a direct comparison of the contribution of krill and salp faecal pellets (FP) to vertical carbon flux at the Antarctic Peninsula using a combination of sediment traps, FP production, carbon content, microbial degradation, and krill and salp abundances. Salps produce 4-fold more FP carbon than krill, but the FP from both species contribute equally to the carbon flux at 300 m, accounting for 75% of total carbon. Krill FP are exported to 72% to 300 m, while 80% of salp FP are retained in the mixed layer due to fragmentation. Thus, declining krill abundances could lead to decreased carbon flux, indicating that the Antarctic Peninsula could become a less efficient carbon sink for anthropogenic CO2 in future.
Nanoparticle-assembled bioadhesive coacervate coating with prolonged gastrointestinal retention for inflammatory bowel disease therapy
Authors: Zhao Pengchao , Xia Xianfeng , Xu Xiayi , Leung Kevin Kai Chung , Rai Aliza , Deng Yingrui , Yang Boguang , Lai Huasheng , Peng Xin , Shi Peng , Zhang Honglu , Chiu Philip Wai Yan , Bian Liming
Published: December 2021

A key challenge for the effective treatment of gastrointestinal diseases including inflammatory bowel disease is to develop an orally administered drug delivery system capable of prolonged retention in the gastrointestinal tract. Herein we report a bioadhesive liquid coacervate based on hydrogen bonding-driven nanoparticle assembly. Free from electrostatic interactions, our fluid nanoparticle-assembled coacervate demonstrates significant pH- and salt-independent structural stability and forms a physically adhesive coating on a large surface area of intestinal tract with an extended residence time of more than 2 days to mediate the sustained release of preloaded water-soluble small molecule drugs in vivo. The orally administered drug-laden nanoparticle-assembled coacervate significantly mitigates the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, restores the diversity of gut microbiota, reduces systemic drug exposure, and improves the therapeutic efficacy in a rat acute colitis model compared with the oral administration of the same amount of drug in solution form. We suggest that the nanoparticle-assembled coacervate provides a promising drug delivery platform for management and treatment of numerous gastrointestinal diseases where controlled drug release with extended residence time is desired.
Chemical hardness-driven interpretable machine learning approach for rapid search of photocatalysts
Authors: Kumar Ritesh , Singh Abhishek K.
Published: December 2021

Strategies combining high-throughput (HT) and machine learning (ML) to accelerate the discovery of promising new materials have garnered immense attention in recent years. The knowledge of new guiding principles is usually scarce in such studies, essentially due to the ‘black-box’ nature of the ML models. Therefore, we devised an intuitive method of interpreting such opaque ML models through SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values and coupling them with the HT approach for finding efficient 2D water-splitting photocatalysts. We developed a new database of 3099 2D materials consisting of metals connected to six ligands in an octahedral geometry, termed as 2DO (octahedral 2D materials) database. The ML models were constructed using a combination of composition and chemical hardness-based features to gain insights into the thermodynamic and overall stabilities. Most importantly, it distinguished the target properties of the isocompositional 2DO materials differing in bond connectivities by combining the advantages of both elemental and structural features. The interpretable ML regression, classification, and data analysis lead to a new hypothesis that the highly stable 2DO materials follow the HSAB principle. The most stable 2DO materials were further screened based on suitable band gaps within the visible region and band alignments with respect to standard redox potentials using the GW method, resulting in 21 potential candidates. Moreover, HfSe2 and ZrSe2 were found to have high solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies reaching their theoretical limits. The proposed methodology will enable materials scientists and engineers to formulate predictive models, which will be accurate, physically interpretable, transferable, and computationally tractable.
Barium hexaferrite/muscovite heteroepitaxy with mechanically robust perpendicular magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Ke Wei-En , Shao Pao-Wen , Kuo Chang-Yang , Song Haili , Huang Rong , Yagi Naoki , Kimura Tsuyoshi , Bitla Yugandhar , Chang Chun-Fu , Chu Ying-Hao
Published: December 2021

Recent advances in the design and development of magnetic storage devices have led to an enormous interest in materials with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) property. The past decade has witnessed a huge growth in the development of flexible devices such as displays, circuit boards, batteries, memories, etc. since they have gradually made an impact on people’s lives. Thus, the integration of PMA materials with flexible substrates can benefit the development of flexible magnetic devices. In this study, we developed a heteroepitaxy of BaFe12O19 (BaM)/muscovite which displays both mechanical flexibility and PMA property. The particular PMA property was characterized by vibrating sample magnetometer, magnetic force microscopy, and x-ray absorption spectroscopy. To quantify the PMA property of the system, the intrinsic magnetic anisotropy energy density of ~2.83 Merg cm−3 was obtained. Furthermore, the heterostructure exhibits robust PMA property against severe mechanical bending. The findings of this study on the BaM/muscovite heteroepitaxy have several important implications for research in next-generation flexible magnetic recording devices and actuators.
Validity of urges to smoke measures in predicting smoking relapse during treatment in primary care
Authors: Kotz Daniel , van Rossem Carolien , Viechtbauer Wolfgang , Spigt Mark , van Schayck Onno C. P.
Published: December 2021

In the context of smoking cessation treatment in primary care, identifying patients at the highest risk of relapse is relevant. We explored data from a primary care trial to assess the validity of two simple urges to smoke questions in predicting long-term relapse and their diagnostic value. Of 295 patients who received behavioural support and varenicline, 180 were abstinent at week 9. In this subgroup, we measured time spent with urges to smoke (TSU) and strength of urges to smoke (SUT; both scales 1 to 6 = highest). We used separate regression models with TSU or SUT as predictor and relapse from week 9–26 or week 9–52 as an outcome. We also calculated the sensitivity (SP), specificity and positive predictive values (PPV) of TSU and SUT in correctly identifying patients who relapsed at follow-up. The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for predicting relapse from week 9–26 were 1.74 per point increase (95% CI = 1.05–2.89) for TSU and 1.59 (95% CI = 1.11–2.28) for SUT. The aORs for predicting relapse from week 9–52 were 2.41 (95% CI = 1.33–4.37) and 1.71 (95% CI = 1.14–2.56), respectively. Applying a cut-point of ≥3 on TSU resulted in SP = 97.1 and PPV = 70.0 in week 9–26, and SP = 98.8 and PPV = 90.0 in week 9–52. Applying a cut-point of ≥4 on SUT resulted in SP = 99.0 and PPV = 85.7 in week 9–26, and SP = 98.8 and PPV = 85.7 in week 9–52. Both TSU and SUT were valid predictors of long-term relapse in patients under smoking cessation treatment in primary care. These simple questions may be useful to implement in primary care.

Trial registration: Dutch Trial Register (NTR3067).
Crosstalk between Plk1, p53, cell cycle, and G2/M DNA damage checkpoint regulation in cancer: computational modeling and analysis
Authors: Jung Yongwoon , Kraikivski Pavel , Shafiekhani Sajad , Terhune Scott S. , Dash Ranjan K.
Published: December 2021

Different cancer cell lines can have varying responses to the same perturbations or stressful conditions. Cancer cells that have DNA damage checkpoint-related mutations are often more sensitive to gene perturbations including altered Plk1 and p53 activities than cancer cells without these mutations. The perturbations often induce a cell cycle arrest in the former cancer, whereas they only delay the cell cycle progression in the latter cancer. To study crosstalk between Plk1, p53, and G2/M DNA damage checkpoint leading to differential cell cycle regulations, we developed a computational model by extending our recently developed model of mitotic cell cycle and including these key interactions. We have used the model to analyze the cancer cell cycle progression under various gene perturbations including Plk1-depletion conditions. We also analyzed mutations and perturbations in approximately 1800 different cell lines available in the Cancer Dependency Map and grouped lines by genes that are represented in our model. Our model successfully explained phenotypes of various cancer cell lines under different gene perturbations. Several sensitivity analysis approaches were used to identify the range of key parameter values that lead to the cell cycle arrest in cancer cells. Our resulting model can be used to predict the effect of potential treatments targeting key mitotic and DNA damage checkpoint regulators on cell cycle progression of different types of cancer cells.
Sex-specific effects of aging on humoral immune responses to repeated influenza vaccination in older adults
Authors: Shapiro Janna R. , Li Huifen , Morgan Rosemary , Chen Yiyin , Kuo Helen , Ning Xiaoxuan , Shea Patrick , Wu Cunjin , Merport Katherine , Saldanha Rayna , Liu Suifeng , Abrams Engle , Chen Yan , Kelly Denise C. , Sheridan-Malone Eileen , Wang Lan , Zeger Scott L. , Klein Sabra L. , Leng Sean X.
Published: December 2021

Older adults (≥65 years of age) bear a significant burden of severe disease and mortality associated with influenza, despite relatively high annual vaccination coverage and substantial pre-existing immunity to influenza. To test the hypothesis that host factors, including age and sex, play a role in determining the effect of repeated vaccination and levels of pre-existing humoral immunity to influenza, we evaluated pre- and post-vaccination strain-specific hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titers in adults over 75 years of age who received a high-dose influenza vaccine in at least four out of six influenza seasons. Pre-vaccination titers, rather than host factors and repeated vaccination were significantly associated with post-vaccination HAI titer outcomes, and displayed an age-by-sex interaction. Pre-vaccination titers to H1N1 remained constant with age. Titers to H3N2 and influenza B viruses decreased substantially with age in males, whereas titers in females remained constant with age. Our findings highlight the importance of pre-existing immunity in this highly vaccinated older adult population and suggest that older males are particularly vulnerable to reduced pre-existing humoral immunity to influenza.
Enhanced isolation of influenza viruses in qualified cells improves the probability of well-matched vaccines
Authors: Peck Heidi , Laurie Karen L. , Rockman Steve , Leung Vivian , Lau Hilda , Soppe Sally , Rynehart Cleve , Baas Chantal , Trusheim Heidi , Barr Ian G.
Published: December 2021

Influenza vaccines are utilised to combat seasonal and pandemic influenza. The key to influenza vaccination currently is the availability of candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs). Ideally, CVVs reflect the antigenic characteristics of the circulating virus, which may vary depending upon the isolation method. For traditional inactivated egg-based vaccines, CVVs are isolated in embryonated chicken eggs, while for cell-culture production, CVV’s are isolated in either embryonated eggs or qualified cell lines. We compared isolation rates, growth characteristics, genetic stability and antigenicity of cell and egg CVV’s derived from the same influenza-positive human clinical respiratory samples collected from 2008–2020. Influenza virus isolation rates in MDCK33016PF cells were twice that of eggs and mutations in the HA protein were common in egg CVVs but rare in cell CVVs. These results indicate that fully cell-based influenza vaccines will improve the choice, match and potentially the effectiveness, of seasonal influenza vaccines compared to egg-based vaccines.
The size and shape of parasitic larvae of naiads (Unionidae) are not dependent on female size
Authors: Ćmiel Adam M. , Dołęga Jacek , Aldridge David C. , Lipińska Anna , Tang Feng , Zając Katarzyna , Lopes-Lima Manuel , Zając Tadeusz
Published: December 2021

The naiads, large freshwater mussels (Unionida), have very long life spans, are large-bodied, and produce thousands to millions of larvae (glochidia) which typically must attach to host fish tissues to metamorphose into a juvenile mussel. Glochidia develop within a female's marsupial gill demibranch, thus their number is restricted by female size. However, larger mussels acquire more energy, which could be invested in either larger-sized glochidia, in a more glochidia, or a combination of both. The high level of host specialization seen in many naiads may constrain glochidial size and shape around a narrow optimum, while naiads that use a wide range of host fishes may be predicted to possess greater plasticity in glochidial morphology. In this paper, we investigated the relationship between maternal body size and progeny body size and shape, aided by modern digital microscopy. We analyzed the between- and within- species variation of glochidia size and shape relative to female size in four widespread species of European naiads: Anodonta anatina, Anodonta cygnea, Unio crassus and Unio tumidus. Whereas the total reproductive output is collinear with female body size, substantial differences between species in glochidia size were found within genus Anodonta, but not genus Unio where glochidial size is remarkably consistent. The glochidial shape, however, differed within both Unio and Anodonta. We interpret this constant within-species glochidial size in Unio as reflecting a constraint imposed by the likelihood of successful transmission onto and off from a narrow range of hosts, whereas their shape seems to be less constrained. The Anodonta species, inhabiting a wide spectrum of habitats and using more than twice the number of fish hosts than Unio spp., have larger glochidia with greater variation in size and shape. Our results suggest that measures of glochidial variability may also serve as an indicator of host specificity in other naiads.
Fluorogenic hyaluronan nanogels for detection of micro- and nanoplastics in water
Authors: Cingolani Matteo , Rampazzo Enrico , Zaccheroni Nelsi , Genovese Damiano , Prodi Luca
Published: December 2021

Nano- and microplastics are polluting the environment and their detection remains elusive. A fluorogenic hyaluronan shows high affinity toward their surfaces, turning brightly emissive, and its lifetime allows discrimination of plastics in nature.
Synthesis and characterization of a stable and inert MnII-based ZnII responsive MRI probe for molecular imaging of glucose stimulated zinc secretion (GSZS)
Authors: Botár Richárd , Molnár Enikő , Garda Zoltán , Madarasi Enikő , Trencsényi György , Kiss János , Kálmán Ferenc K. , Tircsó Gyula
Published: December 2021

A ZnII responsive MnII-based MRI contrast agent, [Mn(PC2A-DPA)], has been synthesized, investigated and applied in imaging studies. It shows high stability and excellent inertness and can be used to visualize glucose triggered ZnII release by MRI.
A smart enzyme reactor based on a photo-responsive hydrogel for purifying water from phenol contaminated sources
Authors: Gu Yuqi , Luo Siyuan , Wang Yaya , Zhu Xuhui , Yang Shun
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a smart enzyme reactor (SER) was synthesized using immobilized tyrosinase (Tyr) in a photo-responsive hydrogel via a polydopamine-assisted self-assembly strategy for purifying water from phenol contaminated water.
Mechanistic science in cardiovascular-oncology: the way forward to maximise anti-cancer drug effects and minimise cardiovascular toxicity
Authors: Lang Ninian N. , Touyz Rhian M.
Published: December 2021

Dramatic improvements in cancer survival have arisen because of the rapid development of novel anti-cancer therapies. The potential for cardiovascular toxicity associated with these drugs often reflects overlap between pathogenic cancer mechanisms and physiological pathways required for normal cardiovascular function. Clinical Science has, therefore, compiled a themed collection on Cardiovascular-Oncology. This collection examines the intersection between cancer treatments and their potentially harmful cardiovascular effects. By defining the mechanisms underlying unwanted cardiovascular effects of anti-cancer therapies, cardioprotective strategies can be developed. Only by doing so, will patients be able to achieve optimal cancer treatment at the minimum cost to cardiovascular health.
Applied machine learning in Alzheimer's disease research: omics, imaging, and clinical data
Authors: Li Ziyi , Jiang Xiaoqian , Wang Yizhuo , Kim Yejin
Published: December 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a devastating neurodegenerative disease with few preventive or curative treatments available. Modern technology developments of high-throughput omics platforms and imaging equipment provide unprecedented opportunities to study the etiology and progression of this disease. Meanwhile, the vast amount of data from various modalities, such as genetics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and imaging, as well as clinical features impose great challenges in data integration and analysis. Machine learning (ML) methods offer novel techniques to address high dimensional data, integrate data from different sources, model the etiological and clinical heterogeneity, and discover new biomarkers. These directions have the potential to help us better manage the disease progression and develop novel treatment strategies. This mini-review paper summarizes different ML methods that have been applied to study AD using single-platform or multi-modal data. We review the current state of ML applications for five key directions of AD research: disease classification, drug repurposing, subtyping, progression prediction, and biomarker discovery. This summary provides insights about the current research status of ML-based AD research and highlights potential directions for future research.
NIR jets from a clustered region of massive star formation
Authors: Costa Silva A. R. , Fedriani R. , Tan J. C. , Caratti o Garatti A. , Ramsay S. , Rosero V. , Cosentino G. , Gorai P. , Leurini S.
Published: December 2021

Context. Massive stars play crucial roles in determining the physical and chemical evolution of galaxies. However, they form deeply embedded in their parental clouds, making it challenging to directly observe these stars and their immediate environments. It is known that accretion and ejection processes are intrinsically related, thus observing the massive protostellar outflows can provide crucial information about the processes governing massive star formation very close to the central engine.

Aims. We aim to probe the IRAS 18264-1152 (also known as G19.88-0.53) high-mass star-forming complex in the near infrared (NIR) through its molecular hydrogen (H2) jets to analyse the morphology and composition of the line emitting regions and to compare with other outflow tracers.

Methods. We observed the H2 NIR jets via K-band (1.9–2.5 μm) observations obtained with the integral field units VLT/SINFONI and VLT/KMOS. VLT/SINFONI provides the highest NIR angular resolution achieved so far for the central region of IRAS 18264-1152 (~0.2′′). We compared the geometry of the NIR outflows with that of the associated molecular outflow, probed by CO (2-1) emission mapped with the Submillimeter Array.

Results. We identify nine point sources in the SINFONI and KMOS fields of view. Four of these display a rising continuum in the K-band and are Brγ emitters, revealing that they are young, potentially jet-driving sources. The spectro-imaging analysis focusses on the H2 jets, for which we derived visual extinction, temperature, column density, area, and mass. The intensity, velocity, and excitation maps based on H2 emission strongly support the existence of a protostellar cluster in this region, with at least two (and up to four) different large-scale outflows, found through the NIR and radio observations. We compare our results with those found in the literature and find good agreement in the outflow morphology. This multi-wavelength comparison also allows us to derive a stellar density of ~4000 stars pc−3.

Conclusions. Our study reveals the presence of several outflows driven by young sources from a forming cluster of young, massive stars, demonstrating the utility of such NIR observations for characterising massive star-forming regions. Moreover, the derived stellar number density together with the geometry of the outflows suggest that stars can form in a relatively ordered manner in this cluster.
Fenton-like oxidation of Hydroxypropyl guar gum catalysed by Cu(II) complex at high pH
Authors: Ni Weijun , Lian Yubo , Wei Yan , Zheng Bo , Liu Man , Qu Le , Zhou Ling
Published: December 2021

Large amounts of wastewater containing hydroxypropyl guar gum (HPGG), polyacrylamide (PAM) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are produced in the process of fracturing. In the work, a Fentonlike system in the presence of H2O2 was employed to degrade wastewater. The effects of oxidant concentration, catalyst dosage, the temperature and pH on the degradation efficiency of the polymer were studied in detail. Results showed that the prepared complex (Cu(II)L) exhibited a great catalytic effects in the range of pH 7-12. It was also found that under the conditions of 45℃ and pH=10, when the amount of H2O2 was 5.0% (mass ratio to hydroxypropyl guar gum) and the amount of Cu (II)L complex was 10%, HPGG had a great reduction rate, and its viscosity value can be reduced from 18 to 6.47.
Preparation of organic polymer flocculant and its application in drilling fluid
Authors: Shi Ya , Ji Wenyu , Jia Xiwen , Qu Le , Zhang Jie , Zhou Rui , Gang Chen , Li Yongfei
Published: December 2021

A flocculant (DES0-0) was synthesized by epichlorohydrin and diethylamine, followed by adding crosslinking agent such as ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine and triethylenetriamine to obtain the crosslinked polymer DES0-1, DES0-2, DES0-3. The flocculation effect of DES0-1, DES0-2, DES0-3 and PAM was studied by measuring the volume, transmittance and particle size of the clarified solution after flocculation. The results showed that the flocculation effect of triethylenetetramine crosslinked polymer (DES0-3) and PAM was better. Meanwhile, the flocculation effect was more optimistic in the strong alkali environment.