bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strain wave pathway to semiconductor-to-metal transition revealed by time-resolved X-ray powder diffraction
Authors: Mariette C. , Lorenc M. , Cailleau H. , Collet E. , Guérin L. , Volte A. , Trzop E. , Bertoni R. , Dong X. , Lépine B. , Hernandez O. , Janod E. , Cario L. , Ta Phuoc V. , Ohkoshi S. , Tokoro H. , Patthey L. , Babic A. , Usov I. , Ozerov D. , Sala L. , Ebner S. , Böhler P. , Keller A. , Oggenfuss A. , Zmofing T. , Redford S. , Vetter S. , Follath R. , Juranic P. , Schreiber A. , Beaud P. , Esposito V. , Deng Y. , Ingold G. , Chergui M. , Mancini G. F. , Mankowsky R. , Svetina C. , Zerdane S. , Mozzanica A. , Bosak A. , Wulff M. , Levantino M. , Lemke H. , Cammarata M.
Published: February 2021

One of the main challenges in ultrafast material science is to trigger phase transitions with short pulses of light. Here we show how strain waves, launched by electronic and structural precursor phenomena, determine a coherent macroscopic transformation pathway for the semiconducting-to-metal transition in bistable Ti3O5 nanocrystals. Employing femtosecond powder X-ray diffraction, we measure the lattice deformation in the phase transition as a function of time. We monitor the early intra-cell distortion around the light absorbing metal dimer and the long range deformations governed by acoustic waves propagating from the laser-exposed Ti3O5 surface. We developed a simplified elastic model demonstrating that picosecond switching in nanocrystals happens concomitantly with the propagating acoustic wavefront, several decades faster than thermal processes governed by heat diffusion.
Systematic functional analysis of Leishmania protein kinases identifies regulators of differentiation or survival
Authors: Baker N. , Catta-Preta C. M. C. , Neish R. , Sadlova J. , Powell B. , Alves-Ferreira E. V. C. , Geoghegan V. , Carnielli J. B. T. , Newling K. , Hughes C. , Vojtkova B. , Anand J. , Mihut A. , Walrad P. B. , Wilson L. G. , Pitchford J. W. , Volf P. , Mottram J. C.
Published: February 2021

Differentiation between distinct stages is fundamental for the life cycle of intracellular protozoan parasites and for transmission between hosts, requiring stringent spatial and temporal regulation. Here, we apply kinome-wide gene deletion and gene tagging in Leishmania mexicana promastigotes to define protein kinases with life cycle transition roles. Whilst 162 are dispensable, 44 protein kinase genes are refractory to deletion in promastigotes and are likely core genes required for parasite replication. Phenotyping of pooled gene deletion mutants using bar-seq and projection pursuit clustering reveal functional phenotypic groups of protein kinases involved in differentiation from metacyclic promastigote to amastigote, growth and survival in macrophages and mice, colonisation of the sand fly and motility. This unbiased interrogation of protein kinase function in Leishmania allows targeted investigation of organelle-associated signalling pathways required for successful intracellular parasitism.
Genome assembly and population genomic analysis provide insights into the evolution of modern sweet corn
Authors: Hu Ying , Colantonio Vincent , Müller Bárbara S. F. , Leach Kristen A. , Nanni Adalena , Finegan Christina , Wang Bo , Baseggio Matheus , Newton Carter J. , Juhl Emily M. , Hislop Lillian , Gonzalez Juan M. , Rios Esteban F. , Hannah L. Curtis , Swarts Kelly , Gore Michael A. , Hennen-Bierwagen Tracie A. , Myers Alan M. , Settles A. Mark , Tracy William F. , Resende Marcio F. R.
Published: February 2021

Sweet corn is one of the most important vegetables in the United States and Canada. Here, we present a de novo assembly of a sweet corn inbred line Ia453 with the mutated shrunken2-reference allele (Ia453-sh2). This mutation accumulates more sugar and is present in most commercial hybrids developed for the processing and fresh markets. The ten pseudochromosomes cover 92% of the total assembly and 99% of the estimated genome size, with a scaffold N50 of 222.2 Mb. This reference genome completely assembles the large structural variation that created the mutant sh2-R allele. Furthermore, comparative genomics analysis with six field corn genomes highlights differences in single-nucleotide polymorphisms, structural variations, and transposon composition. Phylogenetic analysis of 5,381 diverse maize and teosinte accessions reveals genetic relationships between sweet corn and other types of maize. Our results show evidence for a common origin in northern Mexico for modern sweet corn in the U.S. Finally, population genomic analysis identifies regions of the genome under selection and candidate genes associated with sweet corn traits, such as early flowering, endosperm composition, plant and tassel architecture, and kernel row number. Our study provides a high-quality reference-genome sequence to facilitate comparative genomics, functional studies, and genomic-assisted breeding for sweet corn.
Sniffing speeds up chemical detection by controlling air-flows near sensors
Authors: Spencer Thomas L. , Clark Adams , Fonollosa Jordi , Virot Emmanuel , Hu David L.
Published: February 2021

Most mammals sniff to detect odors, but little is known how the periodic inhale and exhale that make up a sniff helps to improve odor detection. In this combined experimental and theoretical study, we use fluid mechanics and machine olfaction to rationalize the benefits of sniffing at different rates. We design and build a bellows and sensor system to detect the change in current as a function of odor concentration. A fast sniff enables quick odor recognition, but too fast a sniff makes the amplitude of the signal comparable to noise. A slow sniff increases signal amplitude but delays its transmission. This trade-off may inspire the design of future devices that can actively modulate their sniffing frequency according to different odors.
Acquired cancer cell resistance to T cell bispecific antibodies and CAR T targeting HER2 through JAK2 down-modulation
Authors: Arenas Enrique J. , Martínez-Sabadell Alex , Rius Ruiz Irene , Román Alonso Macarena , Escorihuela Marta , Luque Antonio , Fajardo Carlos Alberto , Gros Alena , Klein Christian , Arribas Joaquín
Published: February 2021

Immunotherapy has raised high expectations in the treatment of virtually every cancer. Many current efforts are focused on ensuring the efficient delivery of active cytotoxic cells to tumors. It is assumed that, once these active cytotoxic cells are correctly engaged to cancer cells, they will unfailingly eliminate the latter, provided that inhibitory factors are in check. T cell bispecific antibodies (TCBs) and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) offer an opportunity to test this assumption. Using TCB and CARs directed against HER2, here we show that disruption of interferon-gamma signaling confers resistance to killing by active T lymphocytes. The kinase JAK2, which transduces the signal initiated by interferon-gamma, is a component repeatedly disrupted in several independently generated resistant models. Our results unveil a seemingly widespread strategy used by cancer cells to resist clearance by redirected lymphocytes. In addition, they open the possibility that long-term inhibition of interferon-gamma signaling may impair the elimination phase of immunoediting and, thus, promote tumor progression.
Direct observation of kink evolution due to Hund’s coupling on approach to metal-insulator transition in NiS2−xSex
Authors: Jang Bo Gyu , Han Garam , Park Ina , Kim Dongwook , Koh Yoon Young , Kim Yeongkwan , Kyung Wonshik , Kim Hyeong-Do , Cheng Cheng-Maw , Tsuei Ku-Ding , Lee Kyung Dong , Hur Namjung , Shim Ji Hoon , Kim Changyoung , Kotliar Gabriel
Published: February 2021

Understanding characteristic energy scales is a fundamentally important issue in the study of strongly correlated systems. In multiband systems, an energy scale is affected not only by the effective Coulomb interaction but also by the Hund’s coupling. Direct observation of such energy scale has been elusive so far in spite of extensive studies. Here, we report the observation of a kink structure in the low energy dispersion of NiS2−xSex and its characteristic evolution with x, by using angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Dynamical mean field theory calculation combined with density functional theory confirms that this kink originates from Hund’s coupling. We find that the abrupt deviation from the Fermi liquid behavior in the electron self-energy results in the kink feature at low energy scale and that the kink is directly related to the coherence-incoherence crossover temperature scale. Our results mark the direct observation of the evolution of the characteristic temperature scale via kink features in the spectral function, which is the hallmark of Hund’s physics in the multiorbital system.
A new global ice sheet reconstruction for the past 80 000 years
Authors: Gowan Evan J. , Zhang Xu , Khosravi Sara , Rovere Alessio , Stocchi Paolo , Hughes Anna L. C. , Gyllencreutz Richard , Mangerud Jan , Svendsen John-Inge , Lohmann Gerrit
Published: February 2021

The evolution of past global ice sheets is highly uncertain. One example is the missing ice problem during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 26 000-19 000 years before present) – an apparent 8-28 m discrepancy between far-field sea level indicators and modelled sea level from ice sheet reconstructions. In the absence of ice sheet reconstructions, researchers often use marineδ18O proxy records to infer ice volume prior to the LGM. We present a global ice sheet reconstruction for the past 80 000 years, called PaleoMIST 1.0, constructed independently of far-field sea level andδ18O proxy records. Our reconstruction is compatible with LGM far-field sea-level records without requiring extra ice volume, thus solving the missing ice problem. However, for Marine Isotope Stage 3 (57 000-29 000 years before present) - a pre-LGM period - our reconstruction does not match proxy-based sea level reconstructions, indicating the relationship between marineδ18O and sea level may be more complex than assumed.
Stability of synchronization in simplicial complexes
Authors: Gambuzza L. V. , Di Patti F. , Gallo L. , Lepri S. , Romance M. , Criado R. , Frasca M. , Latora V. , Boccaletti S.
Published: February 2021

Various systems in physics, biology, social sciences and engineering have been successfully modeled as networks of coupled dynamical systems, where the links describe pairwise interactions. This is, however, too strong a limitation, as recent studies have revealed that higher-order many-body interactions are present in social groups, ecosystems and in the human brain, and they actually affect the emergent dynamics of all these systems. Here, we introduce a general framework to study coupled dynamical systems accounting for the precise microscopic structure of their interactions at any possible order. We show that complete synchronization exists as an invariant solution, and give the necessary condition for it to be observed as a stable state. Moreover, in some relevant instances, such a necessary condition takes the form of a Master Stability Function. This generalizes the existing results valid for pairwise interactions to the case of complex systems with the most general possible architecture.
Climate predicts geographic and temporal variation in mosquito-borne disease dynamics on two continents
Authors: Caldwell Jamie M. , LaBeaud A. Desiree , Lambin Eric F. , Stewart-Ibarra Anna M. , Ndenga Bryson A. , Mutuku Francis M. , Krystosik Amy R. , Ayala Efraín Beltrán , Anyamba Assaf , Borbor-Cordova Mercy J. , Damoah Richard , Grossi-Soyster Elysse N. , Heras Froilán Heras , Ngugi Harun N. , Ryan Sadie J. , Shah Melisa M. , Sippy Rachel , Mordecai Erin A.
Published: February 2021

Climate drives population dynamics through multiple mechanisms, which can lead to seemingly context-dependent effects of climate on natural populations. For climate-sensitive diseases, such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, climate appears to have opposing effects in different contexts. Here we show that a model, parameterized with laboratory measured climate-driven mosquito physiology, captures three key epidemic characteristics across ecologically and culturally distinct settings in Ecuador and Kenya: the number, timing, and duration of outbreaks. The model generates a range of disease dynamics consistent with observed Aedes aegypti abundances and laboratory-confirmed arboviral incidence with variable accuracy (28–85% for vectors, 44–88% for incidence). The model predicted vector dynamics better in sites with a smaller proportion of young children in the population, lower mean temperature, and homes with piped water and made of cement. Models with limited calibration that robustly capture climate-virus relationships can help guide intervention efforts and climate change disease projections.
Local computational methods to improve the interpretability and analysis of cryo-EM maps
Authors: Kaur Satinder , Gomez-Blanco Josue , Khalifa Ahmad A. Z. , Adinarayanan Swathi , Sanchez-Garcia Ruben , Wrapp Daniel , McLellan Jason S. , Bui Khanh Huy , Vargas Javier
Published: February 2021

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) maps usually show heterogeneous distributions of B-factors and electron density occupancies and are typically B-factor sharpened to improve their contrast and interpretability at high-resolutions. However, ‘over-sharpening’ due to the application of a single global B-factor can distort processed maps causing connected densities to appear broken and disconnected. This issue limits the interpretability of cryo-EM maps, i.e. ab initio modelling. In this work, we propose 1) approaches to enhance high-resolution features of cryo-EM maps, while preventing map distortions and 2) methods to obtain local B-factors and electron density occupancy maps. These algorithms have as common link the use of the spiral phase transformation and are called LocSpiral, LocBSharpen, LocBFactor and LocOccupancy. Our results, which include improved maps of recent SARS-CoV-2 structures, show that our methods can improve the interpretability and analysis of obtained reconstructions.
An ESCRT-dependent step in fatty acid transfer from lipid droplets to mitochondria through VPS13D−TSG101 interactions
Authors: Wang Jingru , Fang Na , Xiong Juan , Du Yuanjiao , Cao Yue , Ji Wei-Ke
Published: February 2021

Upon starvation, cells rewire their metabolism, switching from glucose-based metabolism to mitochondrial oxidation of fatty acids, which require the transfer of FAs from lipid droplets (LDs) to mitochondria at mitochondria−LD membrane contact sites (MCSs). However, factors responsible for FA transfer at these MCSs remain uncharacterized. Here, we demonstrate that vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein 13D (VPS13D), loss-of-function mutations of which cause spastic ataxia, coordinates FA trafficking in conjunction with the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) protein tumor susceptibility 101 (TSG101). The VPS13 adaptor-binding domain of VPS13D and TSG101 directly remodels LD membranes in a cooperative manner. The lipid transfer domain of human VPS13D binds glycerophospholipids and FAs in vitro. Depletion of VPS13D, TSG101, or ESCRT-III proteins inhibits FA trafficking from LDs to mitochondria. Our findings suggest that VPS13D mediates the ESCRT-dependent remodeling of LD membranes to facilitate FA transfer at mitochondria-LD contacts.
Author Correction: Intratumoural immune heterogeneity as a hallmark of tumour evolution and progression in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nguyen Phuong H. D. , Ma Siming , Phua Cheryl Z. J. , Kaya Neslihan A. , Lai Hannah L. H. , Lim Chun Jye , Lim Jia Qi , Wasser Martin , Lai Liyun , Tam Wai Leong , Lim Tony K. H. , Wan Wei Keat , Loh Tracy , Leow Wei Qiang , Pang Yin Huei , Chan Chung Yip , Lee Ser Yee , Cheow Peng Chung , Toh Han Chong , Ginhoux Florent , Iyer Shridhar , Kow Alfred W. C. , Young Dan Yock , Chung Alexander , Bonney Glen K. , Goh Brian K. P. , Albani Salvatore , Chow Pierce K. H. , Zhai Weiwei , Chew Valerie
Published: February 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21556-y.
Author Correction: Cryo-EM structure of trimeric Mycobacterium smegmatis succinate dehydrogenase with a membrane-anchor SdhF
Authors: Gong Hongri , Gao Yan , Zhou Xiaoting , Xiao Yu , Wang Weiwei , Tang Yanting , Zhou Shan , Zhang Yuying , Ji Wenxin , Yu Lu , Tian Changlin , Lam Sin Man , Shui Guanghou , Guddat Luke W. , Wong Luet-Lok , Wang Quan , Rao Zihe
Published: February 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21616-3
Author Correction: An all-to-all approach to the identification of sequence-specific readers for epigenetic DNA modifications on cytosine
Authors: Song Guang , Wang Guohua , Luo Ximei , Cheng Ying , Song Qifeng , Wan Jun , Moore Cedric , Song Hongjun , Jin Peng , Qian Jiang , Zhu Heng
Published: February 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21726-y
The DecNef collection, fMRI data from closed-loop decoded neurofeedback experiments
Authors: Cortese Aurelio , Tanaka Saori C. , Amano Kaoru , Koizumi Ai , Lau Hakwan , Sasaki Yuka , Shibata Kazuhisa , Taschereau-Dumouchel Vincent , Watanabe Takeo , Kawato Mitsuo
Published: February 2021

Decoded neurofeedback (DecNef) is a form of closed-loop functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) combined with machine learning approaches, which holds some promises for clinical applications. Yet, currently only a few research groups have had the opportunity to run such experiments; furthermore, there is no existing public dataset for scientists to analyse and investigate some of the factors enabling the manipulation of brain dynamics. We release here the data from published DecNef studies, consisting of 5 separate fMRI datasets, each with multiple sessions recorded per participant. For each participant the data consists of a session that was used in the main experiment to train the machine learning decoder, and several (from 3 to 10) closed-loop fMRI neural reinforcement sessions. The large dataset, currently comprising more than 60 participants, will be useful to the fMRI community at large and to researchers trying to understand the mechanisms underlying non-invasive modulation of brain dynamics. Finally, the data collection size will increase over time as data from newly run DecNef studies will be added.
Observational study on wearable biosensors and machine learning-based remote monitoring of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Un Ka-Chun , Wong Chun-Ka , Lau Yuk-Ming , Lee Jeffrey Chun-Yin , Tam Frankie Chor-Cheung , Lai Wing-Hon , Lau Yee-Man , Chen Hao , Wibowo Sandi , Zhang Xiaozhu , Yan Minghao , Wu Esther , Chan Soon-Chee , Lee Sze-Ming , Chow Augustine , Tong Raymond Cheuk-Fung , Majmudar Maulik D. , Rajput Kuldeep Singh , Hung Ivan Fan-Ngai , Siu Chung-Wah
Published: February 2021

Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 may deteriorate rapidly and therefore continuous monitoring is necessary. We conducted an observational study involving patients with mild COVID-19 to explore the potentials of wearable biosensors and machine learning-based analysis of physiology parameters to detect clinical deterioration. Thirty-four patients (median age: 32 years; male: 52.9%) with mild COVID-19 from Queen Mary Hospital were recruited. The mean National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) were 0.59 ± 0.7. 1231 manual measurement of physiology parameters were performed during hospital stay (median 15 days). Physiology parameters obtained from wearable biosensors correlated well with manual measurement including pulse rate (r = 0.96, p < 0.0001) and oxygen saturation (r = 0.87, p < 0.0001). A machine learning-derived index reflecting overall health status, Biovitals Index (BI), was generated by autonomous analysis of physiology parameters, symptoms, and other medical data. Daily BI was linearly associated with respiratory tract viral load (p < 0.0001) and NEWS2 (r = 0.75, p < 0.001). BI was superior to NEWS2 in predicting clinical worsening events (sensitivity 94.1% and specificity 88.9%) and prolonged hospitalization (sensitivity 66.7% and specificity 72.7%). Wearable biosensors coupled with machine learning-derived health index allowed automated detection of clinical deterioration.
Predictors for blood loss and transfusion frequency to guide blood saving programs in primary knee- and hip-arthroplasty
Authors: Pempe Christina , Werdehausen Robert , Pieroh Philip , Federbusch Martin , Petros Sirak , Henschler Reinhard , Roth Andreas , Pfrepper Christian
Published: February 2021

Endoprosthetic surgery can lead to relevant blood loss resulting in red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. This study aimed to identify risk factors for blood loss and RBC transfusion that enable the prediction of an individualized transfusion probability to guide preoperative RBC provision and blood saving programs. A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent primary hip or knee arthroplasty was performed. Risk factors for blood loss and transfusions were identified and transfusion probabilities computed. The number needed to treat (NNT) of a potential correction of preoperative anemia with iron substitution for the prevention of RBC transfusion was calculated. A total of 308 patients were included, of whom 12 (3.9%) received RBC transfusions. Factors influencing the maximum hemoglobin drop were the use of drain, tranexamic acid, duration of surgery, anticoagulation, BMI, ASA status and mechanical heart valves. In multivariate analysis, the use of a drain, low preoperative Hb and mechanical heart valves were predictors for RBC transfusions. The transfusion probability of patients with a hemoglobin of 9.0–10.0 g/dL, 10.0–11.0 g/dL, 11.0–12.0 g/dL and 12.0–13.0 g/dL was 100%, 33.3%, 10% and 5.6%, and the NNT 1.5, 4.3, 22.7 and 17.3, while it was 100%, 50%, 25% and 14.3% with a NNT of 2.0, 4.0, 9.3 and 7.0 in patients with a drain, respectively. Preoperative anemia and the insertion of drains are more predictive for RBC transfusions than the use of tranexamic acid. Based on this, a personalized transfusion probability can be computed, that may help to identify patients who could benefit from blood saving programs.
Evaluating patient perspectives on participating in scientific research and clinical trials for the treatment of spinal cord injury
Authors: Bahsoun Soukaina , Kuiper Jan-Herman , Hulme Charlotte H. , Twigg Angus J. Armstrong , El Masri Wagih , Glass Clive , Soni Bakul , Kumar Naveen , Chowdhury Joy Roy , Osman Aheed , Wright Karina T.
Published: February 2021

A questionnaire was developed to evaluate patients’ perspective on research aimed at improving functions and overcoming complications associated with spinal cord injury (SCI). The first three sections were based on published and validated assessment tools. The final section was developed to assess participant perspectives on research for SCI. One thousand patients were approached, of which 159 participated. Fifty-eight percent of participants were satisfied with their ‘life as a whole’. Two factors could be generated that reflected the variance in the data regarding participants’ life with a SCI: “Psychosocial and physical wellbeing” and “Independent living”. The majority of participants stated they would be involved in research (86%) or clinical trials (77%). However, the likelihood of participation dropped when potential risks of the research/trials were explained. Which participants would be willing to participate in research could not be predicted based on the severity of their injury, their psychosocial and physical wellbeing or their independent living. Despite participant establishment of a life with SCI, our data indicates that individuals strive for improvements in function. Participant willingness to be included in research studies is noteworthy and scientists and clinicians are encouraged to involve more patients in all aspects of their research.
Genome-wide transcriptome reveals mechanisms underlying Rlm1-mediated blackleg resistance on canola
Authors: Zhai Chun , Liu Xunjia , Song Tao , Yu Fengqun , Peng Gary
Published: February 2021

Genetic resistance to blackleg (Leptosphaeria maculans, Lm) of canola (Brassica napus, Bn) has been extensively studied, but the mechanisms underlying the host–pathogen interaction are still not well understood. Here, a comparative transcriptome analysis was performed on a resistant doubled haploid Bn line carrying the resistance gene Rlm1 following inoculation with a virulent (avrLm1) or avirulent (AvrLm1) Lm isolate on cotyledons. A total of 6999 and 3015 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, respectively, in inoculated local tissues with compatible (susceptible) and incompatible (resistant) interactions. Functional enrichment analysis found several biological processes, including protein targeting to membrane, ribosome and negative regulation of programmed cell death, were over-represented exclusively among up-regulated DEGs in the resistant reaction, whereas significant enrichment of salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) pathways observed for down-regulated DEGs occurred only in the susceptible reaction. A heat-map analysis showed that both biosynthesis and signaling of SA and JA were induced more significantly in the resistant reaction, implying that a threshold level of SA and JA signaling is required for the activation of Rlm1-mediated resistance. Co-expression network analysis revealed close correlation of a gene module with the resistance, involving DEGs regulating pathogen-associated molecular pattern recognition, JA signaling and transcriptional reprogramming. Substantially fewer DEGs were identified in mock-inoculated (control) cotyledons, relative to those in inoculated local tissues, including those involved in SA pathways potentially contributing to systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Pre-inoculation of cotyledon with either an avirulent or virulent Lm isolate, however, failed to induce SAR on remote tissues of same plant despite elevated SA and PR1 protein. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanism of Rlm1-mediated resistance to blackleg.
A model for screen utility to predict the future of printed solar cell metallization
Authors: Tepner Sebastian , Ney Linda , Singler Marius , Preu Ralf , Pospischil Maximilian , Clement Florian
Published: February 2021

Fine line screen printing for solar cell metallization is one of the most critical steps in the entire production chain of solar cells, facing the challenge of providing a conductive grid with a minimum amount of resource consumption at an ever increasing demand for higher production speeds. The continuous effort of the industrial and scientific community has led to tremendous progress over the last 20 years, demonstrating an average reduction rate for the finger width of approximately 7 µm per year with the latest highlight of achieving widths of 19 µm. However, further reductions will become a major challenge because commonly used metal pastes are not able to penetrate arbitrary small screen opening structures. Therefore, this study introduces the novel dimensionless parameter screen utility index SUI which quantifies the expected printability of any 2-dimensional screen architecture in reference to a given paste. Further, we present a full theoretical derivation of the SUI, a correlation to experimental results and an in-depth simulation over a broad range of screen manufacturing parameters. The analysis of the SUI predicts the point when commonly used wire materials will fail to provide sufficient meshes for future solar cell metallization tasks. Therefore, novel wire materials (e.g. the use of carbon nanotubes) with very high ultimate tensile strengths are discussed and suggested in order to fulfill the SUI requirements for printing contact fingers with widths below 10 µm. We further analyze economic aspects of design choices for screen angles by presenting an analytical solution for the calculation of mesh cutting losses in industrial screen production. Finally, we combine all aspects by presenting a generalized approach for designing a 2-dimensional screen architecture which fulfills the task of printing at a desired finger width.
Polar lipidomic profile shows Chlorococcum amblystomatis as a promising source of value-added lipids
Authors: Conde Tiago A. , Couto Daniela , Melo Tânia , Costa Margarida , Silva Joana , Domingues M. Rosário , Domingues Pedro
Published: February 2021

There is a growing trend to explore microalgae as an alternative resource for the food, feed, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and fuel industry. Moreover, the polar lipidome of microalgae is interesting because of the reports of bioactive polar lipids which could foster new applications for microalgae. In this work, we identified for the first time the Chlorococcum amblystomatis lipidome using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-high resolution electrospray ionization- tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC–HR–ESI–MS/MS). The Chlorococcum amblystomatis strain had a lipid content of 20.77% and the fatty acid profile, determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, has shown that this microalga contains high amounts of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The lipidome identified included 245 molecular ions and 350 lipid species comprising 15 different classes of glycolipids (6), phospholipids (7) and betaine lipids (2). Of these, 157 lipid species and the main lipid species of each class were esterified with omega-3 PUFAs. The lipid extract has shown antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory potential. Lipid extracts also had low values of atherogenic (0.54) and thrombogenic index (0.27). In conclusion, the lipid extracts of Chlorococcum amblystomatis have been found to be a source of lipids rich in omega-3 PUFAs for of great value for the food, feed, cosmetic, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.
Computational learning of features for automated colonic polyp classification
Authors: Bora Kangkana , Bhuyan M. K. , Kasugai Kunio , Mallik Saurav , Zhao Zhongming
Published: February 2021

Shape, texture, and color are critical features for assessing the degree of dysplasia in colonic polyps. A comprehensive analysis of these features is presented in this paper. Shape features are extracted using generic Fourier descriptor. The nonsubsampled contourlet transform is used as texture and color feature descriptor, with different combinations of filters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is applied to measure statistical significance of the contribution of different descriptors between two colonic polyps: non-neoplastic and neoplastic. Final descriptors selected after ANOVA are optimized using the fuzzy entropy-based feature ranking algorithm. Finally, classification is performed using Least Square Support Vector Machine and Multi-layer Perceptron with five-fold cross-validation to avoid overfitting. Evaluation of our analytical approach using two datasets suggested that the feature descriptors could efficiently designate a colonic polyp, which subsequently can help the early detection of colorectal carcinoma. Based on the comparison with four deep learning models, we demonstrate that the proposed approach out-performs the existing feature-based methods of colonic polyp identification.
Using transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to investigate why faces are and are not special
Authors: Civile Ciro , Quaglia Samantha , Waguri Emika , Ward Maddy , McLaren Rossy , McLaren I. P. L.
Published: February 2021

We believe we are now in a position to answer the question, "Are faces special?" inasmuch as this applies to the face inversion effect (better performance for upright vs inverted faces). Using a double-blind, between-subject design, in two experiments (n = 96) we applied a specific tDCS procedure targeting the Fp3 area while participants performed a matching-task with faces (Experiment 1a) or checkerboards from a familiar prototype-defined category (Experiment 1b). Anodal tDCS eliminated the checkerboard inversion effect reliably obtained in the sham group, but only reduced it for faces (although the reduction was significant). Thus, there is a component to the face inversion effect that we are not affecting with a tDCS procedure that can eliminate the checkerboard inversion effect. We suggest that the reduction reflects the loss of an expertise-based component in the face inversion effect, and the residual is due to a face-specific component of that effect.
Scaling of contact networks for epidemic spreading in urban transit systems
Authors: Qian Xinwu , Sun Lijun , Ukkusuri Satish V.
Published: February 2021

Improved mobility not only contributes to more intensive human activities but also facilitates the spread of communicable disease, thus constituting a major threat to billions of urban commuters. In this study, we present a multi-city investigation of communicable diseases percolating among metro travelers. We use smart card data from three megacities in China to construct individual-level contact networks, based on which the spread of disease is modeled and studied. We observe that, though differing in urban forms, network layouts, and mobility patterns, the metro systems of the three cities share similar contact network structures. This motivates us to develop a universal generation model that captures the distributions of the number of contacts as well as the contact duration among individual travelers. This model explains how the structural properties of the metro contact network are associated with the risk level of communicable diseases. Our results highlight the vulnerability of urban mass transit systems during disease outbreaks and suggest important planning and operation strategies for mitigating the risk of communicable diseases.
Diagnosis, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of COVID-19 patients from a large healthcare system in northern New Jersey
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Cunningham Marcus H. , Mediavilla Jose R. , Park Steven , Fitzgerald Sean , Ahn Hee Sang , Li Xiangyang , Zhan Caixin , Hong Tao , Munk Gary , Chow Kar Fai , Perlin David S.
Published: February 2021

New Jersey was an early epicenter for the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, yet information on hospitalized COVID-19 patients from this area is scarce. This study aimed to provide data on demographics and clinical features of a hospitalized patient population who were confirmed with infection by our in-house (CDI) real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. We included consecutive patients who were admitted to Hackensack Meridian Health system hospitals with laboratory-confirmed diagnoses of COVID-19 at Hackensack University Medical Center by the CDI virus test between March 12, 2020, and April 8, 2020. Clinical data and viral testing results were collected and analyzed for characteristics associated with outcomes, as well as the correlation with viral load. A total of 722 patients were included in the study, with a median age of 63 (interquartile range (IQR), 51–75) and 272 (37.7%) females. Mortality of this case series was 25.8%, with a statistically significant linear increase observed from age 40 to ≥ 80 by 10-year intervals. Viral load, as indicated by the cycle of threshold (Ct) values from the RT-PCR test, was significantly higher in the oldest patient group (≥ 80), and inversely correlated with survival. This is the first report to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes in a large hospitalized COVID-19 patient series from New Jersey. Findings from this study are valuable to the ongoing response of both nationwide healthcare networks and the medical research community.
Altitude conditions seem to determine the evolution of COVID-19 in Brazil
Authors: Fernandes José Sebastião Cunha , da Silva Ricardo Siqueira , Silva Alexandre Christófaro , Villela Daniel Campos , Mendonça Vanessa Amaral , Lacerda Ana Cristina Rodrigues
Published: February 2021

COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in Brazil, a country of continental dimensions, but the incidence of the disease is showing to be very heterogeneous, affecting cities and regions differently. Thus, there is a gap regarding what factors would contribute to accentuate the differences in the incidence of COVID-19 among Brazilian cities. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of altitude on the incidence of COVID-19 in Brazilian cities. We analyzed the relative incidence (RI), the relative death rate (RDR) of COVID-19, and air relative humidity (RH) in all 154 cities in Brazil with a population above 200 thousand inhabitants, located between 5 and 1135 m in altitude. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to compare a relationship between altitude with RI and RDR, and between RH with RI and RDR. Altitudes were classified into three classes [low (altitude ≤ 97 m a. s. l), middle (97 < altitude ≤ 795 m a. s. l), high (795 < altitude ≤ 1135 m a. s. l)] for the RI, RDR, and RH variables. To compare the three classes of altitude, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test were used to compare averages (p < 0.05). Our epidemiological analysis found that the RI, RDR, and RH were lower in cities located in high altitudes (795 < altitude ≤ 1135 m a. s. l) when compared to the middle (97 < altitude ≤ 795 m a. s. l) and low (altitude ≤ 97 m a. s. l) cities altitudes. Furthermore, our study shows that there is a negative correlation between the incidence of COVID-19 with altitude and a positive correlation with RH in the cities analyzed. Brazilian cities with high altitude and low RH have lower RI and RDR from COVID-19. Thus, high altitude cities may be favorable to shelter people at risk. This study may be useful for understanding the behavior of SARS-CoV2, and start point for future studies to establish causality of environmental conditions with SARS-CoV2 contributing to the implementation of measures to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19.
Publisher Correction: Sleeping late is a risk factor for myopia development amongst school-aged children in China
Authors: Liu Xiao Nicole , Naduvilath Thomas John , Wang Jingjing , Xiong Shuyu , He Xiangui , Xu Xun , Sankaridurg Padmaja R.
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Barium sulfate crystallization in non-aqueous solvent
Authors: Fillingham Ryan , Boon Matthew , Javaid Shaghraf , Saunders J. Alex , Jones Franca
Published: February 2021

The dielectric constant impacts on oriented attachment as well as solubility and morphology.
On the supramolecular outcomes of fluorination of cyclohexane-5-spirohydantoin derivatives
Authors: Gak Simić Kristina , Đorđević Ivana , Lazić Anita , Radovanović Lidija , Petković-Benazzouz Marija , Rogan Jelena , Trišović Nemanja , Janjić Goran
Published: February 2021

The crystal packing of two spirohydantoins was analyzed through the contribution of dimeric motifs and different interactions. The cooperative effect was rationalized in terms of the formation of a new region, as a result of the F⋯F interaction.
Parameterization of the optical constants of polydopamine films for spectroscopic ellipsometry studies
Authors: Qie Runtian , Zajforoushan Moghaddam Saeed , Thormann Esben
Published: February 2021

The complex light-absorbing behavior and structural properties of polydopamine coatings necessitate a systematic modeling approach to ensure a reliable estimation of the coating thickness and optical properties.
Theoretical description of molecular permeation via surface diffusion through graphene nanopores
Authors: Sun Chengzhen , Luo Kailin , Zhou Runfeng , Bai Bofeng
Published: February 2021

Surface permeation of gas molecules through graphene nanopores is theoretically described based on the surface diffusion equation and Fick's law.
Pentagonal B2C monolayer with extremely high theoretical capacity for Li-/Na-ion batteries
Authors: Cheng Zishuang , Zhang Xiaoming , Zhang Hui , Gao Jianbo , Liu Heyan , Yu Xiao , Dai Xuefang , Liu Guodong , Chen Guifeng
Published: February 2021

Penta-B2C with pretty low diffusion barriers and extremely high theoretical capacity for LIBs/NIBs.
Influence of a single ether bond on assembly, orientation, and miscibility of phosphocholine lipids at the air–water interface
Authors: Hoffmann Matthias , Drescher Simon , Schwieger Christian , Hinderberger Dariush
Published: February 2021

How does a small change in the structure of a phospholipid affect its supramolecular assembly?
Structural characteristics and immunostimulatory activities of a new polysaccharide from Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook
Authors: Wang Yu-Jing , Wan Dai-Lin , Li Qiang-Ming , Zha Xue-Qiang , Luo Jian-Ping
Published: February 2021

A new polysaccharide (cDFP-W1) with high immunostimulatory activities was isolated from the stems of Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook.
The integration of a community service learning water project in a post-secondary chemistry lab
Authors: Ho Karen , Svidinskiy Boris S. , Smith Sahara R. , Lovallo Christopher C. , Clark Douglas B.
Published: February 2021

Community Service Learning (CSL) is an experiential learning approach that integrates community service into student projects and provides diverse learning opportunities to reduce interdisciplinary barriers. A semester-long chemistry curriculum with an integrated CSL intervention was implemented in a Canadian university to analyze the potential for engagement and positive attitudes toward chemistry as a meaningful undertaking for 14 post-secondary students in the laboratory as well as for their 400 K-12 student partners in the community. Traditionally, introductory science experiments typically involve repeating a cookbook recipe from a lab book, but this CSL project allowed the post-secondary and K-12 students to work collaboratively to determine the physical and chemical properties and total dissolved solids in the water fountains from the K-12 students' schools. Post-instructional surveys were completed by all learners and were analyzed using a mixed methodological approach with both quantitative and qualitative methods. The expected audience that may be interested in this study are those involved in teaching chemistry in higher education and at the K-12 level as well as those interested in service learning, community and civic engagement, experiential learning, and development of transferable skills in chemistry. The results demonstrate that both groups of students report favorable engagement and attitudes towards learning chemistry and higher self-confidence levels on performing lab skills after the activity. Furthermore, both groups of students expressed interest in exploring future projects, which is indicative of the positive impact of CSL and the mutual benefits of the partnership.
An orthogonal and reactivity-based one-pot glycosylation strategy for both glycan and nucleoside synthesis: access to TMG-chitotriomycin, lipochitooligosaccharides and capuramycin
Authors: He Haiqing , Xu Lili , Sun Roujing , Zhang Yunqin , Huang Yingying , Chen Zixi , Li Penghua , Yang Rui , Xiao Guozhi
Published: February 2021

The first one-pot glycosylation strategy for both glycan and nucleoside synthesis based on glycosylortho-(1-phenylvinyl)benzoates has been developed, which is applied to the synthesis of TMG-chitotriomycin, lipochitooligosaccharides and capuramycin.
Glycoengineering artificial receptors for microglia to phagocytose Aβ aggregates
Authors: Yu Dongqin , Liu Chun , Zhang Haochen , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: February 2021

A combination of metabolic glycoengineering and self-triggered click chemistry is utilized to engineer a microglial membrane with ThS as artificial Aβ receptors to promote microglia to phagocytose Aβ aggregates.
Development of a HPLC-DAD stability-indicating method and compatibility study of azathioprine and folic acid as a prerequisite for a monolayer fixed-dose combination
Authors: Brusač Edvin , Jeličić Mario-Livio , Amidžić Klarić Daniela , Nigović Biljana , Keser Sabina , Mornar Ana
Published: February 2021

Physicochemical compatibility of active substances confirmed using multiple techniques and a stability-indicating method developed for quality assessment and in-process control.
Tuning the P–C dative/covalent bond formation in R3P–C60 complexes by changing the R group
Authors: Lo Rabindranath , Manna Debashree , Hobza Pavel
Published: February 2021

The dative/covalent or non-covalent bonding in the R3P–C60 complexes can be achieved through varying the nature of the R group in PR3 ligand.
Correct classification and identification of autocatalysis
Authors: Horváth Attila K.
Published: February 2021

Systematic analysis of mass-action-type models producing sigmoidal concentration–time profiles led to refining the definition of autocatalysis resulting in their correct characterization and classification.
A new class of DyIII-SIMs associated with a guanidine-based ligand
Authors: Ali Basharat , Li Xiao-Lei , Gendron Frédéric , Le Guennic Boris , Tang Jinkui
Published: February 2021

The diverse relaxation dynamics of a series of DyIII-based SIMs resulting from the coordinated molecules and counter anions were elucidated by structural analysis, magnetic investigations and ab initio calculations.
Synthesis and characterization of bichromophoric 1-deoxyceramides as FRET probes
Authors: Izquierdo Eduardo , Casasampere Mireia , Fabriàs Gemma , Abad José Luís , Casas Josefina , Delgado Antonio
Published: February 2021

A new tool to study ceramide synthase activity in cells: A labelled NBD-1-deoxysphingosine is used to monitor the ceramide synthase catalyzed metabolic incorporation of ω-azido palmitic acid to render a bichromophoric 1-deoxydihydroceramide FRET sensor.
Chiral polymers based on thiophenes functionalized at the 3-position with a pendant containing a stereogenic sulfur atom. Synthetic and structural aspects
Authors: Krasowska Dorota , Wysocki Stanisław , Janicka Magdalena , Girek Tomasz , Mielniczak Alina , Drabowicz Józef
Published: February 2021

The first synthesis of new, chiral polythiophenes functionalized at the 3-position of the thiophene ring with a pendant containing a stereogenic sulfur atom of sulfoxides, sulfoximines or sulfinates was developed.
Understanding Cognitive Communication Needs in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Issues Identified at the 2020 International Cognitive-Communication Disorders Conference
Authors: Ciccia Angela , Lundine Jennifer P. , O'Brien Katy H. , Salley Jessica , Krusen Sarah , Wilson Bethany , Kunz Jasmin , Haarbauer-Krupa Juliet
Published: February 2021

Purpose

In early 2020, the second International Cognitive-Communication Disorders Conference was held to provide an opportunity for researchers and clinician-scientists to discuss the most recent advances and pressing issues in the care of individuals with cognitive-communication disorders (CCDs). Presentations and discussions resulted in the identification of four areas in need of attention: (a) terminology, (b) training, (c) interdisciplinary teams, and (d) pediatrics. We will explore the four themes identified at ICCDC, specifically expanding on how terminology, training, and teams intersect in pediatric traumatic brain injury care. Additionally, we will provide two case studies to highlight the integration of these themes and suggest ways to advance clinical service provision across medical and educational settings for persons with CCDs through the lens of pediatrics.

Conclusion

While speech-language pathology has come a long way since the original discussion of CCD over 30 years ago, clinicians and researchers have ongoing opportunities to help advance the ways in which speech-language pathologists offer support to persons, specifically children, with CCDs and to continue to advance the profession.