bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel convolutional neural networks for efficient classification of rotated and scaled images
Authors: Tarasiuk Paweł , Szczepaniak Piotr S.
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a novel method for improving the invariance of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to selected geometric transformations in order to obtain more efficient image classifiers. A common strategy employed to achieve this aim is to train the network using data augmentation. Such a method alone, however, increases the complexity of the neural network model, as any change in the rotation or size of the input image results in the activation of different CNN feature maps. This problem can be resolved by the proposed novel convolutional neural network models with geometric transformations embedded into the network architecture. The evaluation of the proposed CNN model is performed on the image classification task with the use of diverse representative data sets. The CNN models with embedded geometric transformations are compared to those without the transformations, using different data augmentation setups. As the compared approaches use the same amount of memory to store the parameters, the improved classification score means that the proposed architecture is more optimal.
Computational aspects of relaxation complexity: possibilities and limitations
Authors: Averkov Gennadiy , Hojny Christopher , Schymura Matthias
Published: December 2021

The relaxation complexity $${{\,\mathrm{rc}\,}}(X)$$

rc

(
X
)

of the set of integer points X contained in a polyhedron is the smallest number of facets of any polyhedron P such that the integer points in P coincide with X. It is a useful tool to investigate the existence of compact linear descriptions of X. In this article, we derive tight and computable upper bounds on $${{\,\mathrm{rc}\,}}_\mathbb {Q}(X)$$

rc

Q

(
X
)

, a variant of $${{\,\mathrm{rc}\,}}(X)$$

rc

(
X
)

in which the polyhedra P are required to be rational, and we show that $${{\,\mathrm{rc}\,}}(X)$$

rc

(
X
)

can be computed in polynomial time if X is 2-dimensional. Further, we investigate computable lower bounds on $${{\,\mathrm{rc}\,}}(X)$$

rc

(
X
)

with the particular focus on the existence of a finite set $$Y \subseteq \mathbb {Z}^d$$

Y
⊆

Z

d

such that separating X and $$Y \setminus X$$

Y
\
X

allows us to deduce $${{\,\mathrm{rc}\,}}(X) \ge k$$

rc

(
X
)
≥
k

. In particular, we show for some choices of X that no such finite set Y exists to certify the value of $${{\,\mathrm{rc}\,}}(X)$$

rc

(
X
)

, providing a negative answer to a question by Weltge (2015). We also obtain an explicit formula for $${{\,\mathrm{rc}\,}}(X)$$

rc

(
X
)

for specific classes of sets X and present the first practically applicable approach to compute $${{\,\mathrm{rc}\,}}(X)$$

rc

(
X
)

for sets X that admit a finite certificate.
Landslide investigations during pandemic restrictions: initial assessment of recent peat landslides in Ireland
Authors: Dykes Alan P.
Published: December 2021

Landslides involving peat are relatively common in Ireland, upland areas of Great Britain and subantarctic islands. Bogflows and bog slides are less common types of peat failure and almost unknown outside Ireland. Unusually, three of these occurred in 2020 including one bogflow at a windfarm that gained much adverse media attention, and a small but damaging peat slide was also reported. The aim of this paper is to determine the extent to which the new bog slide and bogflows are consistent with previous examples in terms of their contexts, characteristics and possible causes, particularly relating to commercial forestry operations. Aerial video footage of all three landslides obtained by local people using drones, and ground-based footage of one of them in progress, allowed a detailed examination of their characteristics and contexts to be made despite the global travel and activity restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The windfarm bogflow appears to have resulted from removal of toe support by an earlier peat flow that was itself probably caused by construction of an access road; the other two landslides were most likely triggered by rainfall. All three are consistent with previous examples of their respective types in their general characteristics and appear to be associated with well-known causal factors including hydrological, topographic and/or forestry influences. Forestry operations probably contributed to the occurrence of two of the landslides and restricted the expansion of two of them.
The involvement of oncobiosis and bacterial metabolite signaling in metastasis formation in breast cancer
Authors: Kovács Tünde , Mikó Edit , Ujlaki Gyula , Yousef Heba , Csontos Viktória , Uray Karen , Bai Peter
Published: December 2021

Breast cancer, the most frequent cancer in women, is characterized by pathological changes to the microbiome of breast tissue, the tumor, the gut, and the urinary tract. Changes to the microbiome are determined by the stage, grade, origin (NST/lobular), and receptor status of the tumor. This year is the 50th anniversary of when Hill and colleagues first showed that changes to the gut microbiome can support breast cancer growth, namely that the oncobiome can reactivate excreted estrogens. The currently available human and murine data suggest that oncobiosis is not a cause of breast cancer, but can support its growth. Furthermore, preexisting dysbiosis and the predisposition to cancer are transplantable. The breast’s and breast cancer’s inherent microbiome and the gut microbiome promote breast cancer growth by reactivating estrogens, rearranging cancer cell metabolism, bringing about a more inflammatory microenvironment, and reducing the number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Furthermore, the gut microbiome can produce cytostatic metabolites, the production of which decreases or blunts breast cancer. The role of oncobiosis in the urinary tract is largely uncharted. Oncobiosis in breast cancer supports invasion, metastasis, and recurrence by supporting cellular movement, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cancer stem cell function, and diapedesis. Finally, the oncobiome can modify the pharmacokinetics of chemotherapeutic drugs. The microbiome provides novel leverage on breast cancer that should be exploited for better management of the disease.
Household Earnings and Income Volatility in the UK, 2009–2017
Authors: Avram Silvia , Brewer Mike , Fisher Paul , Fumagalli Laura
Published: December 2021

We study the volatility of sources of individual and household level income in the UK in the years 2009-2017, following the Great Recession and government austerity. We find that the volatility of (pre-tax) earnings and disposable income has fallen for the working-age in this period, largely due to fewer negative and large earnings shocks. For older individuals, we also find a fall in the volatility of private income, mainly due to fewer positive and large income shocks. Taxes and transfers help stabilise incomes, with social security cash benefits and income-dependent refundable tax credits reducing household private income volatility by around a quarter for the working age, and 40 percent for those aged 60 or over. However, over the sample period, taxes and benefits became less well correlated with earnings, reducing their ability to counteract swings in labour income. The findings illustrate the consequences of fiscal retrenchment and the cut-backs to welfare benefits on the stability of incomes.
Stability and local bifurcation analyses of two-wheeled trailers considering the nonlinear coupling between lateral and vertical motions
Authors: Horvath Hanna Zsofia , Takacs Denes
Published: December 2021

The nonlinear dynamics of two-wheeled trailers is investigated using a spatial 4-DoF mechanical model. The non-smooth characteristics of the tire forces caused by the detachment of the tires from the ground and other geometrical nonlinearities are taken into account. Beyond the linear stability analysis, the nonlinear vibrations are analyzed with special attention to the nonlinear coupling between the vertical and lateral motions of the trailer. The center manifold reduction is performed leading to a normal form up to third degree terms. The nature of the emerging periodic solutions, and, thus, the sense of the Hopf bifurcations are verified semi-analytically and numerically. Simplified models of the trailer are also used in order to point out the practical relevance of the study. It is shown that the linearly independent pitch motion affects the sense of the Hopf bifurcations at the linear stability boundary. Namely, the constructed spatial trailer model provides subcritical bifurcations for higher center of gravity positions, while the commonly used simplified mechanical models explore the less dangerous supercritical bifurcations only. Domains of loss of contact of tires are also detected and shown in the stability charts highlighting the presence of unsafe zones. Experiments are carried out on a small-scale trailer to validate the theoretical results. A good agreement can be observed between the measured and numerically determined critical speeds and vibration amplitudes.
Phase I-metabolism studies of the synthetic cannabinoids PX-1 and PX-2 using three different in vitro models
Authors: Dahm Patrick , Thomas Andreas , Rothschild Markus A. , Thevis Mario , Mercer-Chalmers-Bender Katja
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), highly metabolized substances, are rarely found unmodified in urine samples. Urine screening relies on SC metabolite detection, requiring metabolism knowledge. Metabolism data can be acquired via in vitro assays, e.g., human hepatocytes, pooled human liver microsomes (pHLM), cytochrome P450 isoforms and a fungal model; or in vivo by screening, e.g., authentic human samples or rat urine. This work describes the comprehensive study of PX-1 and PX-2 in vitro metabolism using three in vitro models. 5F-APP-PICA (PX-1) and 5F-APP-PINACA (PX-2) were studied as they share structural similarity with AM-2201, THJ-2201 and 5F-AB-PINACA, the metabolism of which was described in the literature.

Methods

For SC incubation, pHLM, cytochrome P450 isoenzymes and the fungal model Cunninghamella elegans LENDNER (C. elegans) were used. PX-1 and PX-2 in vitro metabolites were revealed comprehensively by liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry measurements.

Results

In total, 30 metabolites for PX 1 and 15 for PX-2 were detected. The main metabolites for PX-1 and PX-2 were the amide hydrolyzed metabolites, along with an indole monohydroxylated (for PX-1) and a defluorinated pentyl-monohydroxylated metabolite (for PX-2).

Conclusions

CYP isoforms along with fungal incubation results were in good agreement to those obtained with pHLM incubation. CYP2E1 was responsible for many of the metabolic pathways; particularly for PX-1. This study shows that all three in vitro assays are suitable for predicting metabolic pathways of synthetic cannabinoids. To establish completeness of the PX-1 and PX-2 metabolic pathways, it is not only recommended but also necessary to use different assays.
Building FAIR Functionality: Annotating Events in Time Series Data Using Hierarchical Event Descriptors (HED)
Authors: Robbins Kay , Truong Dung , Jones Alexander , Callanan Ian , Makeig Scott
Published: December 2021

Human electrophysiological and related time series data are often acquired in complex, event-rich environments. However, the resulting recorded brain or other dynamics are often interpreted in relation to more sparsely recorded or subsequently-noted events. Currently a substantial gap exists between the level of event description required by current digital data archiving standards and the level of annotation required for successful analysis of event-related data across studies, environments, and laboratories. Manifold challenges must be addressed, most prominently ontological clarity, vocabulary extensibility, annotation tool availability, and overall usability, to allow and promote sharing of data with an effective level of descriptive detail for labeled events. Motivating data authors to perform the work needed to adequately annotate their data is a key challenge. This paper describes new developments in the Hierarchical Event Descriptor (HED) system for addressing these issues. We recap the evolution of HED and its acceptance by the Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS) movement, describe the recent release of HED-3G, a third generation HED tools and design framework, and discuss directions for future development. Given consistent, sufficiently detailed, tool-enabled, field-relevant annotation of the nature of recorded events, prospects are bright for large-scale analysis and modeling of aggregated time series data, both in behavioral and brain imaging sciences and beyond.
Gender and the pandemic: Associations between caregiving, working from home, personal and career outcomes for women and men
Authors: Stefanova Vasilena , Farrell Lynn , Latu Ioana
Published: December 2021

The coronavirus pandemic lockdowns have led to an increase of caregiving and household responsibilities for many employees while working from home. We aimed to investigate whether there was a gender imbalance in the division of household labour within families during the pandemic, and whether this imbalance was associated with gender differences in personal outcomes (work-family conflict, burnout) as well as career-related outcomes (career self-efficacy and aspirations). Participants were 240 heterosexual individuals with or without caregiving responsibilities who lived with a partner and worked from home during the pandemic. They completed self-report questionnaires and indicated the division of domestic tasks within their household, the extent to which they experienced burnout and work-family conflict, and their career aspirations and career self-efficacy. The findings showed a significant gender imbalance, such that female caregivers spent significantly less time on work compared to the other groups and significantly more time on caregiving compared to male caregivers during the lockdown. There was a significant direct effect of caregiving on career outcomes for women, such that the more caregiving women performed during the lockdown relative to other tasks, the more negative their self-reported career outcomes were. Among men, caregiving did not predict career outcomes. Overall, our study showed that the gender imbalance in distributions of caregiving duties during the pandemic is associated with negative personal and professional outcomes for women who are caregivers. Practical implications are discussed accounting for this gender imbalance in the context of the pandemic and its influence on wellbeing and career outcomes, particularly for heterosexual women.
Micromechanical Tests on Natural Fibre Composites with Enzymatically Enhanced Fibre–Matrix Adhesion
Authors: Brodowsky Hanna M. , Hennig Anne
Published: December 2021

Natural fibre–reinforced composites are more sustainable than other composites with respect to the raw materials. Their properties are attractive due to high specific properties, and especially so wherever high damping is valued. As the interphase between fibre and matrix is the region of highest stresses, a strong bond between fibre and matrix is essential for any composites’ properties. The present study compares two methods of determining the interfacial shear stress in natural fibre–reinforced composites: the single fibre fragmentation test and the single fibre pullout test. The studied composites are flax fibre reinforced epoxy. For a variety of fibre–matrix interaction, the fibres are treated with a laccase enzyme and dopamine, which is known to improve the fibre–matrix shear strength. In the observed samples, single fibre fragmentation test data, i.e. of fracture mode and fragment length, scatter when compared to pullout data. In single fibre pullout tests, the local interfacial shear strength showed a 30% increase in the laccase-treated samples, compared to the control samples. The method also permitted an evaluation of the frictional stress occurring after surface failure.
THE PROBLEM OF EVIL AND THE PROCREATION ANALOGY
Authors: McClellan John
Published: December 2021

A prominent Christian apologist suggests it is inconsistent for an atheist to have a favourable attitude towards procreating while maintaining that a loving God would not place vulnerable beings in such a harmful world. I put this analogy to the test with a series of thought experiments, revealing crucial disanalogies between God and procreators that absolve the atheist from the charge of inconsistency and draw the reader's attention to the central issues on the problem of evil as debated by contemporary philosophers.
A Simulation‐Based Framework for Earthquake Risk‐Informed and People‐Centered Decision Making on Future Urban Planning
Authors: Cremen Gemma , Galasso Carmine , McCloskey John
Published: December 2021

Numerous approaches to earthquake risk modeling and quantification have already been proposed in the literature and/or are well established in practice. However, most of these procedures are designed to focus on risk in the context of current static exposure and vulnerability, and are therefore limited in their ability to support decisions related to the future, as yet partially unbuilt, urban landscape. We propose an end‐to‐end risk modeling framework that explicitly addresses this specific challenge. The framework is designed to consider the earthquake (ground‐shaking) risks of tomorrow's urban environment, using a simulation‐based approach to rigorously capture the uncertainties inherent in future projections of exposure as well as physical and social vulnerability. The framework also advances the state‐of‐practice in future disaster risk modeling by additionally: (a) providing a harmonized methodology for integrating physical and social impacts of disasters that facilitates flexible characterization of risk metrics beyond physical damage/asset losses; and (b) incorporating a participatory, people‐centered approach to risk‐informed decision making. The framework is showcased using the physical and social environment of an expanding synthetic city. This example application demonstrates how the framework may be used to make policy decisions related to future urban areas, based on multiple, uncertain risk drivers.
The multi-specific VH-based Humabody CB213 co-targets PD1 and LAG3 on T cells to promote anti-tumour activity
Authors: Edwards Carolyn J. , Sette Angelica , Cox Carl , Di Fiore Barbara , Wyre Chris , Sydoruk Daniela , Yadin David , Hayes Philip , Stelter Szymon , Bartlett Phillip D. , Zuazo Miren , Garcia-Granda Maria Jesus , Benedetti Giovanni , Fiaska Stratoniki , Birkett Neil R. , Teng Yumin , Enever Carrie , Arasanz Hugo , Bocanegra Ana , Chocarro Luisa , Fernandez Gonzalo , Vera Ruth , Archer Bethan , Osuch Isabelle , Lewandowska Martyna , Surani Yasmin M. , Kochan Grazyna , Escors David , Legg James , Pierce Andrew J.
Published: December 2021

Background

Improving cancer immunotherapy long-term clinical benefit is a major priority. It has become apparent that multiple axes of immune suppression restrain the capacity of T cells to provide anti-tumour activity including signalling through PD1/PD-L1 and LAG3/MHC-II.

Methods

CB213 has been developed as a fully human PD1/LAG3 co-targeting multi-specific Humabody composed of linked VH domains that avidly bind and block PD1 and LAG3 on dual-positive T cells. We present the preclinical primary pharmacology of CB213: biochemistry, cell-based function vs. immune-suppressive targets, induction of T cell proliferation ex vivo using blood obtained from NSCLC patients, and syngeneic mouse model anti-tumour activity. CB213 pharmacokinetics was assessed in cynomolgus macaques.

Results

CB213 shows picomolar avidity when simultaneously engaging PD1 and LAG3. Assessing LAG3/MHC-II or PD1/PD-L1 suppression individually, CB213 preferentially counters the LAG3 axis. CB213 showed superior activity vs. αPD1 antibody to induce ex vivo NSCLC patient T cell proliferation and to suppress tumour growth in a syngeneic mouse tumour model, for which both experimental systems possess PD1 and LAG3 suppressive components. Non-human primate PK of CB213 suggests weekly clinical administration.

Conclusions

CB213 is poised to enter clinical development and, through intercepting both PD1 and LAG3 resistance mechanisms, may benefit patients with tumours escaping front-line immunological control.
No pervasive relationship between species size and local abundance trends
Authors: Terry J. Christopher D. , O’Sullivan Jacob D. , Rossberg Axel G.
Published: December 2021

Although there is some evidence that larger species could be more prone to population declines, the potential role of size traits in determining changes in community composition has been underexplored in global-scale analyses. Here, we combine a large cross-taxon assemblage time series database (BioTIME) with multiple trait databases to show that there is no clear correlation within communities between size traits and changes in abundance over time, suggesting that there is no consistent tendency for larger species to be doing proportionally better or worse than smaller species at local scales.
A catalogue of 1,167 genomes from the human gut archaeome
Authors: Chibani Cynthia Maria , Mahnert Alexander , Borrel Guillaume , Almeida Alexandre , Werner Almut , Brugère Jean-François , Gribaldo Simonetta , Finn Robert D. , Schmitz Ruth A. , Moissl-Eichinger Christine
Published: December 2021

The human gut microbiome plays an important role in health, but its archaeal diversity remains largely unexplored. In the present study, we report the analysis of 1,167 nonredundant archaeal genomes (608 high-quality genomes) recovered from human gastrointestinal tract, sampled across 24 countries and rural and urban populations. We identified previously undescribed taxa including 3 genera, 15 species and 52 strains. Based on distinct genomic features, we justify the split of theMethanobrevibacter smithiiclade into two separate species, with one represented by the previously undescribed ‘CandidatusMethanobrevibacter intestini’. Patterns derived from 28,581 protein clusters showed significant associations with sociodemographic characteristics such as age groups and lifestyle. We additionally show that archaea are characterized by specific genomic and functional adaptations to the host and carry a complex virome. Our work expands our current understanding of the human archaeome and provides a large genome catalogue for future analyses to decipher its impact on human physiology.
Variation and transmission of the human gut microbiota across multiple familial generations
Authors: Valles-Colomer Mireia , Bacigalupe Rodrigo , Vieira-Silva Sara , Suzuki Shinya , Darzi Youssef , Tito Raul Y. , Yamada Takuji , Segata Nicola , Raes Jeroen , Falony Gwen
Published: December 2021

Although the composition and functional potential of the human gut microbiota evolve over the lifespan, kinship has been identified as a key covariate of microbial community diversification. However, to date, sharing of microbiota features within families has mostly been assessed between parents and their direct offspring. Here we investigate the potential transmission and persistence of familial microbiome patterns and microbial genotypes in a family cohort (n = 102) spanning 3 to 5 generations over the same female bloodline. We observe microbiome community composition associated with kinship, with seven low abundant genera displaying familial distribution patterns. While kinship and current cohabitation emerge as closely entangled variables, our explorative analyses of microbial genotype distribution and transmission estimates point at the latter as a key covariate of strain dissemination. Highest potential transmission rates are estimated between sisters and mother–daughter pairs, decreasing with increasing daughter’s age and being higher among cohabiting pairs than those living apart. Although rare, we detect potential transmission events spanning three and four generations, primarily involving species of the generaAlistipesandBacteroides. Overall, while our analyses confirm the existence of family-bound microbiome community profiles, transmission or co-acquisition of bacterial strains appears to be strongly linked to cohabitation.
Restrained expression of canine glucocorticoid receptor splice variants α and P prognosticates fatal disease outcome in SIRS
Authors: Kállai Brigitta Margit , Csöndes Judit , Kiss Gergely , Bodrogi Lilla , Rónai Zsolt , Mészáros Tamás
Published: December 2021

Glucocorticoids play a central role in the inflammatory response and alleviate the symptoms in critically ill patients. The glucocorticoid action relies on the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) which translocates into the nucleus upon ligand-binding and regulates transcription of a battery of genes. Although the GR is encoded by a single gene, dozens of its splice variants have been described in diverse species. The GRα isoform encodes the full, functionally active protein that is composed of a transactivation, a DNA-binding, and a C-terminal ligand-binding domain. The second most highly expressed receptor variant, the GR-P, is formed by an intron retention that introduces an early stop codon and results in a probably dysfunctional protein with truncated ligand-binding domain. We described the canine ortholog of GR-P and showed that this splice variant is highly abundant in the peripheral blood of dogs. The level of cGRα and cGR-P transcripts are elevated in patients of SIRS and the survival rate is increased with elevated cGRα and cGR-P expression. The ratio of cGRα and cGR-P mRNA did not differ between the survivor and non-survivor patients; thus, the total GR expression is more pertinent than the relative expression of GR isoforms in assessment of the disease outcome.
A global analysis of conservative and non-conservative mutations in SARS-CoV-2 detected in the first year of the COVID-19 world-wide diffusion
Authors: Balasco Nicole , Damaggio Gianluca , Esposito Luciana , Villani Flavia , Berisio Rita , Colonna Vincenza , Vitagliano Luigi
Published: December 2021

The ability of SARS-CoV-2 to rapidly mutate represents a remarkable complicancy. Quantitative evaluations of the effects that these mutations have on the virus structure/function is of great relevance and the availability of a large number of SARS-CoV-2 sequences since the early phases of the pandemic represents a unique opportunity to follow the adaptation of the virus to humans. Here, we evaluated the SARS-CoV-2 amino acid mutations and their progression by analyzing publicly available viral genomes at three stages of the pandemic (2020 March 15th and October 7th, 2021 February 7th). Mutations were classified in conservative and non-conservative based on the probability to be accepted during the evolution according to the Point Accepted Mutation substitution matrices and on the similarity of the encoding codons. We found that the most frequent substitutions are T > I, L > F, and A > V and we observe accumulation of hydrophobic residues. These findings are consistent among the three stages analyzed. We also found that non-conservative mutations are less frequent than conservative ones. This finding may be ascribed to a progressive adaptation of the virus to the host. In conclusion, the present study provides indications of the early evolution of the virus and tools for the global and genome-specific evaluation of the possible impact of mutations on the structure/function of SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Cognitive load decreases cooperation and moral punishment in a Prisoner’s Dilemma game with punishment option
Authors: Mieth Laura , Buchner Axel , Bell Raoul
Published: December 2021

The present study serves to test whether cooperation and moral punishment are affected by cognitive load. Dual-process theories postulate that moral behavior is intuitive which leads to the prediction that cooperation and moral punishment should remain unaffected or may even increase when cognitive load is induced by a secondary task. However, it has also been proposed that cognitive control and deliberation are necessary to choose an economically costly but morally justified option. A third perspective implies that the effects of cognitive load may depend on the specific processes involved in social dilemmas. In the present study, participants played a simultaneous Prisoner’s Dilemma game with a punishment option. First, both players decided to cooperate or defect. Then they had the opportunity to punish the partners. In the cognitive-load group, cognitive load was induced by a continuous tone classification task while the no-load group had no distractor task. Under cognitive load, cooperation and moral punishment decreased in comparison to the no-load condition. By contrast, hypocritical and antisocial punishment were not influenced by the dual-task manipulation. Increased cognitive load was associated with a bias to punish the partners irrespective of the outcome of the Prisoner’s Dilemma game, suggesting that punishment was applied less purposefully in the cognitive-load condition. The present findings are thus in line with the idea that the availability of cognitive resources does not always have a suppressive effect on moral behaviors, but can have facilitating effects on cooperation and moral punishment.
Humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in five different groups of individuals at different environmental and professional risk of infection
Authors: Novello Silvia , Terzolo Massimo , Paola Berchialla , Gianetta Martina , Bianco Valentina , Arizio Francesca , Brero Dalila , Perini Anna Maria Elena , Boccuzzi Adriana , Caramello Valeria , Perboni Alberto , Bellavia Fabio , Scagliotti Giorgio Vittorio
Published: December 2021

It is partially unknown whether the immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection persists with time. To address this issue, we detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in different groups of individuals previously diagnosed with COVID-19 disease (group 1 and 2), or potentially exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection (group 3 and 4), and in a representative group of individuals with limited environmental exposure to the virus due to lockdown restrictions (group 5). The primary outcome was specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the different groups assessed by qualitative and quantitative analysis at baseline, 3 and 6 months follow-up. The seroconversion rate at baseline test was 95% in group 1, 61% in group 2, 40% in group 3, 17% in group 4 and 3% in group 5. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed male gender, close COVID-19 contact and presence of COVID-19 related symptoms strongly associated with serological positivity. The percentage of positive individuals as assessed by the qualitative and quantitative tests was superimposable. At the quantitative test, the median level of SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels measured in positive cases retested at 6-months increased significantly from baseline. The study indicates that assessing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 through qualitative and quantitative testing is a reliable disease surveillance tool.
Indirect signal amplification strategy with a universal probe-based lateral flow immunoassay for the rapid quantitative detection of fumonisin B1
Authors: Zha Chuanyun , An Xingshuang , Zhang Jiali , Wei Lin , Zhang Qi , Yang Qingqing , Li Falan , Sun Xia , Guo Yemin
Published: December 2021

The universal probes could combine with any mouse monoclonal antibody, providing bio-material for the simultaneous detection of multiple toxins. The established lateral flow immunoassay with indirect signal amplification was suitable for rapid detection of FB1.
Combining bio- and organocatalysis for the synthesis of piperidine alkaloids
Authors: Taday Freya , Cairns Ryan , O’Connell Adam , O’Reilly Elaine
Published: December 2021

A hybrid bio-organocatalytic cascade was developed for the preparation of piperidine alkaloids.
A multidentate polymer microreactor route for green mass fabrication of mesoporous NaYF4 clusters
Authors: Li Yameng , Zhang Xiaozeng , Chao Zhicong , Gan Minglong , Liao Jinsheng , Ye Xinyu , You Weixiong , Fu Junxiang , Wen Herui
Published: December 2021

We report a “multidentate polymer microreactor” method for the creation of secondary structures of colloidal nanocrystals.
Precrystalline P3HT nanowires: growth-controllable solution processing and effective molecular packing transfer to thin film
Authors: Jin Seon-Mi , Hwang Jun Ho , Lim Jung Ah , Lee Eunji
Published: December 2021

The development of P3HT into nanowires and the transfer of the crystallinity and molecular orientation of precrystalline nanowires measured in solutions to thin-film are affected by solubility-considering binary solvent selectivity and mixing rates.
Consistent characterization of the electronic ground state of iron(ii) phthalocyanine from valence and core–shell electron spectroscopy
Authors: Laurent Jonathan , Bozek John , Briant Marc , Çarçabal Pierre , Cubaynes Denis , Milosavljević Aleksandar , Püttner Ralph , Shafizadeh Niloufar , Simon Marc , Soep Benoît , Goldsztejn Gildas
Published: December 2021

We studied the iron(ii) phthalocyanine molecule in the gas-phase and characterized its electronic ground-state through consistent corpus of experimental electronic spectra simulated by DFT and charge-transfer-multiplet calculations.
Interactions between mitochondria-damaging platinum(iv) prodrugs and cytochrome c
Authors: Jayawardhana Amarasooriya M. D. S. , Zheng Yao-Rong
Published: December 2021

Cytochrome c accelerates the reduction of mitochondria-damaging platinum(iv) prodrugs in the presence of NADH, and the released Pt(ii) product platinates the protein to empower proapoptotic peroxidase activity.
Stable dinitrile end-capped closed-shell non-quinodimethane as a donor, an acceptor and an additive for organic solar cells
Authors: Liang Weixuan , Liu Peng , Zhang Yiheng , Zhu Weiya , Tao Xinyang , He Zhicai , Li Yuan
Published: December 2021

A small molecule YF-CN exhibits enhanced photostability comparing with Y6. This work demonstrates a promising design concept based on dinitrile end-capped closed-shell non-quinodimethane as donor, acceptor or additive in organic solar cells.
Acridinium salts as photoredox organocatalysts for photomediated cationic RAFT and DT polymerizations of vinyl ethers
Authors: Matsuda Marina , Uchiyama Mineto , Itabashi Yuki , Ohkubo Kei , Kamigaito Masami
Published: December 2021

A series of acridinium salts with high excited-state oxidative power are employed as photoredox organocatalysts for photomediated cationic RAFT and DT polymerizations under visible light.
Confinedin situpolymerization in a nanoscale porphyrinic metal–organic framework for fluorescence imaging-guided synergistic phototherapy
Authors: Zhang Wen , Li Bo , Duan Wenyao , Yao Xin , Lu Xin , Li Shengli , Tian Yupeng , Li Dandan
Published: December 2021

This work provides a new type of nanoplatform of a metal–organic framework (MOF)-based hybrid material for fluorescence imaging-guided synergistic phototherapy.
Anthozoan-like porous nanocages with nano-cobalt-armed CNT multifunctional layers as a cathode material for highly stable Na–S batteries
Authors: Liu Hui , Wu Yuanke , Liu Pan , Wang Han , Xu Maowen , Bao Shu-juan
Published: December 2021

Co-armed CNTs as a unique physicochemical adsorption fence relieve the shuttle effect. The Co-armed CNT catalytic factory accelerates long-chain polysulfide conversion.
3D interconnected porous carbon derived from spontaneous merging of the nano-sized ZIF-8 polyhedrons for high-mass-loading supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Geng Di , Zhang Su , Jiang Yuting , Jiang Zimu , Shi Mengjiao , Chang Jin , Liang Shichuan , Zhang Mingyi , Feng Jing , Wei Tong , Fan Zhuangjun
Published: December 2021

3D porous carbon from spontaneous merging of the nano-sized ZIF-8 shows continuous conductive network, interconnected porous structure, abundant heteroatoms, and good hydrophilicity, enabling good performance for high-mass-loading supercapacitor.
A self-powered flexible sensing system based on a super-tough, high ionic conductivity supercapacitor and a rapid self-recovering fully physically crosslinked double network hydrogel
Authors: Wu Shaoji , Tang Li , Xu Yue , Yao Jiahao , Tang Guangcong , Dai Bailin , Wang Wu , Tang Jianxin , Gong Liang
Published: December 2021

A self-powered flexible sensor based on high toughness conductive double network hydrogel can sensitively monitor human motion signals.
Solving the target coverage problem in multilevel wireless networks capable of adjusting the sensing angle using continuous learning automata
Authors: Qarehkhani Azam , Golsorkhtabaramiri Mehdi , Mohamadi Hosein , Yadollahzadeh‐Tabari Meisam
Published: December 2021

Today, a directional sensor network is a popular environment for solving the target coverage problem. Monitoring all targets in a DSN is a crucial challenge to scholars working in this field of study. Adjusting the angle and range of the sensors can be an efficient technique for improving the network performance. In this way, the network has the most extended lifespan and, at the same time, spends the least time to find the best cover set. In this method, each sensor dynamically adjusts its own sensing angle in order to find the targets by choosing the best range. The present study proposed a continuous learning automata‐based method to choose the optimum sensing angle for the sensors in a DSN. Then, to evaluate the proposed algorithm performance, its results were compared to those of a conventional automata‐based method whose algorithm worked based on continuous automata. The comparative analysis confirmed the superiority of the proposed method over the conventional automata‐based method regarding the extension of the network lifespan.
Modelling the road network capacity considering residual queues and connected automated vehicles
Authors: Zhang Peng , Yue Hao , Shao Chunfu , Zhang Xu , Ran Bin
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates the network capacity considering residual queues and connected automated vehicles. First, the weighted network outflow is introduced to measure the network capacity. Then, two bilevel models are built to calculate the network capacity with residual queues under the user equilibrium (UE) principle and the system optimum (SO) principle, respectively. The UE‐based network capacity model is employed to estimate the capacity of the dedicated road network for human‐driven vehicles (HVs), while the SO‐based network capacity model is employed to estimate the capacity of the dedicated road network for connected automated vehicles (CAVs). Furthermore, by combining the two proposed network capacity models, a model to allocate link capacity between CAV lanes and HV lanes to maximise the whole network capacity is presented, in which the CAV travellers’choice behaviour of driving modes is considered. Finally, through two numerical examples, the characteristics of the proposed models are demonstrated and their potential applications are discussed. The results show that the proposed models are capable of 1) identifying critical links and potential critical links of networks, 2) guiding the land‐use development and macroscopic travel demand management, 3) evaluating network optimisation schemes, and 4) allocating the road supply to CAVs and HVs efficiently.
Robust predictive current control of PWM rectifiers with LCL filters under unbalanced and distorted network conditions
Authors: Liu Xiang , Zhang Yongchang , Yang Haitao , Rodriguez Jose
Published: December 2021

Pulse‐width modulation (PWM) rectifiers with LCL filters can achieve better filtering and have lower total inductance than its counterpart of L filters. However, the control complexity is also increased due to the higher system order. Furthermore, the performance may deteriorate significantly when the inductance used in the controller deviates from its actual value due to saturation, temperature, and so on. This paper proposes a robust predictive current control (RPCC) scheme based on the ultra‐local model for LCL‐filtered PWM rectifiers. Excluding the converter voltage related term, the other part of the system including the disturbance caused by parameter mismatches and other dynamic process, can be estimated using differential algebra (DA) or an extended state observer (ESO). After obtaining , the reference voltage vector can be calculated based on the principle of deadbeat current control. The proposed RPCC is extended to an unbalanced and distorted grid by modifying the grid current reference; thus, the three‐phase grid currents are balanced and sinusoidal. The proposed RPCC based on DA and ESO is compared to the conventional model‐based predictive current control (MPCC), and the experimental results confirm its robustness and effectiveness under mismatched parameters and network disturbances.
Tubercular Mycotic Aortic Aneurysm: Complication of Tubercular Spondylodiscitis due to Treatment Default
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Sharma Mini , Nayyar Nishant , Rana Lokesh , Sood Dinesh
Published: December 2021

We have reported rare case of tubercular aortic aneurysm which has developed as complication of spinal tuberculosis. Imaging of patient is available prior to starting of antitubercular treatment which showed vertebral tuberculosis with absence of aortic aneurysm. However, patient defaulted on treatment after taking antitubercular chemotherapy only for 2 months. Patient again reported after 14 months with chest pain. At this stage, imaging showed progression of spinal tuberculosis with development of pseudoaneurysm in adjacent descending thoracic aorta. This contiguous spread of tuberculosis from spine to aorta may have been prevented if patient had completed complete course of antitubercular therapy with regular follow-ups. Patient of spinal tuberculosis need to be counselled and informed regarding its various complications, so that they remain adhered to antitubercular chemotherapy and timely follow-ups to prevent complications.
Metal Complexes as DNA Synthesis and/or Repair Inhibitors: Anticancer and Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Ngoepe Mpho Phehello , Clayton Hadley S.
Published: December 2021

Medicinal inorganic chemistry involving the utilization of metal-based compounds as therapeutics has become a field showing distinct promise. DNA and RNA are ideal drug targets for therapeutic intervention in the case of various diseases, such as cancer and microbial infection. Metals play a vital role in medicine, with at least 10 metals known to be essential for human life and a further 46 nonessential metals having been involved in drug therapies and diagnosis. These metal-based complexes interact with DNA in various ways, and are often delivered as prodrugs which undergo activation in vivo. Metal complexes cause DNA crosslinking, leading to the inhibition of DNA synthesis and repair. In this review, the various interactions of metal complexes with DNA nucleic acids, as well as the underlying mechanism of action, were highlighted. Furthermore, we also discussed various tools used to investigate the interaction between metal complexes and the DNA. The tools included in vitro techniques such as spectroscopy and electrophoresis, and in silico studies such as protein docking and density-functional theory that are highlighted for preclinical development.
Prognostic Factors for Conversion to Arthroplasty after Hip Arthroscopy. Review of the Literature
Authors: Seijas Roberto , Barastegui David , Montaña Ferran , Rius Marta , Cuscó Xavier , Cugat Ramón
Published: December 2021

Arthroscopic techniques in the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement have experienced an exponential increase over recent years for both diagnosis and treatment. The main risks with treatment are poor clinical outcomes and the conversion to prosthesis. Better knowledge and understanding of the various risk factors leading to prosthesis will improve patient selection for arthroscopic treatments rendering better results. The published papers that have been selected are related to series of hip arthroscopies with risk factors that lead to total hip arthroplasty (THA), in the PubMed database, without a time limit, number of patients, or follow-up time. We selected over 302 papers, 19 papers that show risk factors for conversion to THA. The main risk factors found were femoral chondropathy grade III/IV (relative risk 58.1–12 times increased), acetabular (20–2.96 times), an articular space <2 mm (39–4.26 times), age (14.6–1.06 times), Tönnis 2 in radiographic studies (7.73–3.1 times), obesity (5.6–2.3 times), and osteoarthritis (4.6–2.4 times). There are several risk factors which in an isolated way, highly increase the risk of THA. Some of them have a clear relationship (chondropathy, reduced joint space, Tönnis 2, and osteoarthritis). Based on the review we observed that the elements that are most associated with a conversion to THA after a hip arthroscopy are a high degree of femoral and acetabular chondropathy, a reduced joint space below 2 mm, older age, Tönnis 2, obesity, and hip osteoarthritis.
A novel method to detect wafer-bonding energy using function fitting
Authors: Fan Jianhan , Yang Kaiming , Zhu Yu , Lu Sen
Published: December 2021

The bonding energy is an important parameter to evaluate the quality of bonded wafers in the semiconductor industry. The most important currently used method to measure the bonding energy is the so-called crack opening method. Unfortunately, the infrared cameras used for the wafer inspection with this method have limiting resolutions, and the derived direct crack length reading error is relatively large. To solve the reading error and adaptability problems, in this study, we improve upon the conventional image processing method and propose a crack length identification method that uses function fitting. The effectiveness and feasibility of the method are verified through experiments.
Diagnosis of weak points in the distribution network based on association rules
Authors: Cheng Jiangzhou , Niu Zhiyou
Published: December 2021

In the intelligent distribution network, various faults of the distribution network still frequently occur during the operation of the distribution network, which normally appears at the weak points of various types of electrical equipment. The basic concepts and practical application significance of the three judgment indicators of support, confidence, and imbalance ratio in association rules are proposed in this paper; subsequently, the collection and sorting of fault data in the distribution network are mentioned, and the subsequent fault data of the association rules are performed as well. The preprocessing was implemented, and the weak point analysis model of the distribution network was established. Finally, the analysis and verification were carried out through the calculation example, which proved the feasibility and accuracy of the association rule data mining algorithm FP-network in the analysis and diagnosis of the weak point of the distribution network. The results show that the accuracy of the proposed method in identifying weak points in the distribution network can reach more than 90%. Therefore, the application of this algorithm in the monitoring of weak points in the distribution network has better performance.
Hydrodynamic flow and concentration gradients in the gut enhance neutral bacterial diversity
Authors: Labavić Darka , Loverdo Claude , Bitbol Anne-Florence
Published: December 2021

Significance

The human body harbors numerous and diverse bacteria, the vast majority of which are located in the gut. These bacteria can mutate and evolve within the gut, which is their natural environment. This can have important public health implications (e.g., when gut bacteria evolve antibiotic resistance). The gut features specific characteristics, including hydrodynamic flow and resulting gradients of food and bacterial concentrations. How do these characteristics impact the evolution and diversity of gut bacteria? We demonstrate that they can substantially increase the probability that neutral mutants reach high proportions and eventually take over the population. This is because only a fraction of gut bacteria is actively dividing. Thus, the specific environment of the gut enhances neutral bacterial diversity.