bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quantum heat engine driven by atomic collisions
Authors: Bouton Quentin , Nettersheim Jens , Burgardt Sabrina , Adam Daniel , Lutz Eric , Widera Artur
Published: April 2021

Quantum heat engines are subjected to quantum fluctuations related to their discrete energy spectra. Such fluctuations question the reliable operation of thermal machines in the quantum regime. Here, we realize an endoreversible quantum Otto cycle in the large quasi-spin states of Cesium impurities immersed in an ultracold Rubidium bath. Endoreversible machines are internally reversible and irreversible losses only occur via thermal contact. We employ quantum control to regulate the direction of heat transfer that occurs via inelastic spin-exchange collisions. We further use full-counting statistics of individual atoms to monitor quantized heat exchange between engine and bath at the level of single quanta, and additionally evaluate average and variance of the power output. We optimize the performance as well as the stability of the quantum heat engine, achieving high efficiency, large power output and small power output fluctuations.
Climatic conditions are weak predictors of asylum migration
Authors: Schutte Sebastian , Vestby Jonas , Carling Jørgen , Buhaug Halvard
Published: April 2021

Recent research suggests that climate variability and change significantly affect forced migration, within and across borders. Yet, migration is also informed by a range of non-climatic factors, and current assessments are impeded by a poor understanding of the relative importance of these determinants. Here, we evaluate the eligibility of climatic conditions relative to economic, political, and contextual factors for predicting bilateral asylum migration to the European Union—a form of forced migration that has been causally linked to climate variability. Results from a machine-learning prediction framework reveal that drought and temperature anomalies are weak predictors of asylum migration, challenging simplistic notions of climate-driven refugee flows. Instead, core contextual characteristics shape latent migration potential whereas political violence and repression are the most powerful predictors of time-varying migration flows. Future asylum migration flows are likely to respond much more to political changes in vulnerable societies than to climate change.
Photoactivated nanomotors via aggregation induced emission for enhanced phototherapy
Authors: Cao Shoupeng , Shao Jingxin , Wu Hanglong , Song Shidong , De Martino Maria Teresa , Pijpers Imke A. B. , Friedrich Heiner , Abdelmohsen Loai K. E. A. , Williams David S. , van Hest Jan C. M.
Published: April 2021

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) has, since its discovery, become a valuable tool in the field of nanoscience. AIEgenic molecules, which display highly stable fluorescence in an assembled state, have applications in various biomedical fields—including photodynamic therapy. Engineering structure-inherent, AIEgenic nanomaterials with motile properties is, however, still an unexplored frontier in the evolution of this potent technology. Here, we present phototactic/phototherapeutic nanomotors where biodegradable block copolymers decorated with AIE motifs can transduce radiant energy into motion and enhance thermophoretic motility driven by an asymmetric Au nanoshell. The hybrid nanomotors can harness two photon near-infrared radiation, triggering autonomous propulsion and simultaneous phototherapeutic generation of reactive oxygen species. The potential of these nanomotors to be applied in photodynamic therapy is demonstrated in vitro, where near-infrared light directed motion and reactive oxygen species induction synergistically enhance efficacy with a high level of spatial control.
Bioengineered bacteria-derived outer membrane vesicles as a versatile antigen display platform for tumor vaccination via Plug-and-Display technology
Authors: Cheng Keman , Zhao Ruifang , Li Yao , Qi Yingqiu , Wang Yazhou , Zhang Yinlong , Qin Hao , Qin Yuting , Chen Long , Li Chen , Liang Jie , Li Yujing , Xu Jiaqi , Han Xuexiang , Anderson Gregory J. , Shi Jian , Ren Lei , Zhao Xiao , Nie Guangjun
Published: April 2021

An effective tumor vaccine vector that can rapidly display neoantigens is urgently needed. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) can strongly activate the innate immune system and are qualified as immunoadjuvants. Here, we describe a versatile OMV-based vaccine platform to elicit a specific anti-tumor immune response via specifically presenting antigens onto OMV surface. We first display tumor antigens on the OMVs surface by fusing with ClyA protein, and then simplify the antigen display process by employing a Plug-and-Display system comprising the tag/catcher protein pairs. OMVs decorated with different protein catchers can simultaneously display multiple, distinct tumor antigens to elicit a synergistic antitumour immune response. In addition, the bioengineered OMVs loaded with different tumor antigens can abrogate lung melanoma metastasis and inhibit subcutaneous colorectal cancer growth. The ability of the bioengineered OMV-based platform to rapidly and simultaneously display antigens may facilitate the development of these agents for personalized tumour vaccines.
RCB initiates Arabidopsis thermomorphogenesis by stabilizing the thermoregulator PIF4 in the daytime
Authors: Qiu Yongjian , Pasoreck Elise K. , Yoo Chan Yul , He Jiangman , Wang He , Bajracharya Abhishesh , Li Meina , Larsen Haley D. , Cheung Stacey , Chen Meng
Published: April 2021

Daytime warm temperature elicits thermomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis by stabilizing the central thermoregulator PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING transcription FACTOR 4 (PIF4), whose degradation is otherwise promoted by the photoreceptor and thermosensor phytochrome B. PIF4 stabilization in the light requires a transcriptional activator, HEMERA (HMR), and is abrogated when HMR’s transactivation activity is impaired in hmr-22. Here, we report the identification of a hmr-22 suppressor mutant, rcb-101, which surprisingly carries an A275V mutation in REGULATOR OF CHLOROPLAST BIOGENESIS (RCB). rcb-101/hmr-22 restores thermoresponsive PIF4 accumulation and reverts the defects of hmr-22 in chloroplast biogenesis and photomorphogenesis. Strikingly, similar to hmr, the null rcb-10 mutant impedes PIF4 accumulation and thereby loses the warm-temperature response. rcb-101 rescues hmr-22 in an allele-specific manner. Consistently, RCB interacts directly with HMR. Together, these results unveil RCB as a novel temperature signaling component that functions collaboratively with HMR to initiate thermomorphogenesis by selectively stabilizing PIF4 in the daytime.
Photoinduced multistage phase transitions in Ta2NiSe5
Authors: Liu Q. M. , Wu D. , Li Z. A. , Shi L. Y. , Wang Z. X. , Zhang S. J. , Lin T. , Hu T. C. , Tian H. F. , Li J. Q. , Dong T. , Wang N. L.
Published: April 2021

Ultrafast control of material physical properties represents a rapidly developing field in condensed matter physics. Yet, accessing the long-lived photoinduced electronic states is still in its early stages, especially with respect to an insulator to metal phase transition. Here, by combining transport measurement with ultrashort photoexcitation and coherent phonon spectroscopy, we report on photoinduced multistage phase transitions in Ta2NiSe5. Upon excitation by weak pulse intensity, the system is triggered to a short-lived state accompanied by a structural change. Further increasing the excitation intensity beyond a threshold, a photoinduced steady new state is achieved where the resistivity drops by more than four orders at temperature 50 K. This new state is thermally stable up to at least 350 K and exhibits a lattice structure different from any of the thermally accessible equilibrium states. Transmission electron microscopy reveals an in-chain Ta atom displacement in the photoinduced new structure phase. We also found that nano-sheet samples with the thickness less than the optical penetration depth are required for attaining a complete transition.
Single-cell transcriptome atlas and chromatin accessibility landscape reveal differentiation trajectories in the rice root
Authors: Zhang Tian-Qi , Chen Yu , Liu Ye , Lin Wen-Hui , Wang Jia-Wei
Published: April 2021

Root development relies on the establishment of meristematic tissues that give rise to distinct cell types that differentiate across defined temporal and spatial gradients. Dissection of the developmental trajectories and the transcriptional networks that underlie them could aid understanding of the function of the root apical meristem in both dicots and monocots. Here, we present a single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing and chromatin accessibility survey of rice radicles. By temporal profiling of individual root tip cells we reconstruct continuous developmental trajectories of epidermal cells and ground tissues, and elucidate regulatory networks underlying cell fate determination in these cell lineages. We further identify characteristic processes, transcriptome profiles, and marker genes for these cell types and reveal conserved and divergent root developmental pathways between dicots and monocots. Finally, we demonstrate the potential of the platform for functional genetic studies by using spatiotemporal modeling to identify a rice root meristematic mutant from a cell-specific gene cohort.
Lipocalin 2 mediates appetite suppression during pancreatic cancer cachexia
Authors: Olson Brennan , Zhu Xinxia , Norgard Mason A. , Levasseur Peter R. , Butler John T. , Buenafe Abigail , Burfeind Kevin G. , Michaelis Katherine A. , Pelz Katherine R. , Mendez Heike , Edwards Jared , Krasnow Stephanie M. , Grossberg Aaron J. , Marks Daniel L.
Published: April 2021

Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) was recently identified as an endogenous ligand of the type 4 melanocortin receptor (MC4R), a critical regulator of appetite. However, it remains unknown if this molecule influences appetite during cancer cachexia, a devastating clinical entity characterized by decreased nutrition and progressive wasting. We demonstrate that LCN2 is robustly upregulated in murine models of pancreatic cancer, its expression is associated with reduced food consumption, and Lcn2 deletion is protective from cachexia-anorexia. Consistent with LCN2’s proposed MC4R-dependent role in cancer-induced anorexia, pharmacologic MC4R antagonism mitigates cachexia-anorexia, while restoration of Lcn2 expression in the bone marrow is sufficient in restoring the anorexia feature of cachexia. Finally, we observe that LCN2 levels correlate with fat and lean mass wasting and is associated with increased mortality in patients with pancreatic cancer. Taken together, these findings implicate LCN2 as a pathologic mediator of appetite suppression during pancreatic cancer cachexia.
Treatment with a neutrophil elastase inhibitor and ofloxacin reduces P. aeruginosa burden in a mouse model of chronic suppurative otitis media
Authors: Khomtchouk K. M. , Joseph L. I. , Khomtchouk B. B. , Kouhi A. , Massa S. , Xia A. , Koliesnik I. , Pletzer D. , Bollyky P. L. , Santa Maria P. L.
Published: April 2021

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a widespread, debilitating problem with poorly understood immunology. Here, we assess the host response to middle ear infection over the course of a month post-infection in a mouse model of CSOM and in human subjects with the disease. Using multiparameter flow cytometry and a binomial generalized linear machine learning model, we identified Ly6G, a surface marker of mature neutrophils, as the most informative factor of host response driving disease in the CSOM mouse model. Consistent with this, neutrophils were the most abundant cell type in infected mice and Ly6G expression tracked with the course of infection. Moreover, neutrophil-specific immunomodulatory treatment using the neutrophil elastase inhibitor GW 311616A significantly reduces bacterial burden relative to ofloxacin-only treated animals in this model. The levels of dsDNA in middle ear effusion samples are elevated in both humans and mice with CSOM and decreased during treatment, suggesting that dsDNA may serve as a molecular biomarker of treatment response. Together these data strongly implicate neutrophils in the ineffective immune response to P. aeruginosa infection in CSOM and suggest that immunomodulatory strategies may benefit drug-tolerant infections for chronic biofilm-mediated disease.
Targeting nucleotide metabolism enhances the efficacy of anthracyclines and anti-metabolites in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Davison Craig , Morelli Roisin , Knowlson Catherine , McKechnie Melanie , Carson Robbie , Stachtea Xanthi , McLaughlin Kylie A. , Prise Vivien E. , Savage Kienan , Wilson Richard H. , Mulligan Karl A. , Wilson Peter M. , Ladner Robert D. , LaBonte Melissa J.
Published: April 2021

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains the most lethal breast cancer subtype with poor response rates to the current chemotherapies and a lack of additional effective treatment options. We have identified deoxyuridine 5′-triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) as a critical gatekeeper that protects tumour DNA from the genotoxic misincorporation of uracil during treatment with standard chemotherapeutic agents commonly used in the FEC regimen. dUTPase catalyses the hydrolytic dephosphorylation of deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) to deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP), providing dUMP for thymidylate synthase as part of the thymidylate biosynthesis pathway and maintaining low intracellular dUTP concentrations. This is crucial as DNA polymerase cannot distinguish between dUTP and deoxythymidylate triphosphate (dTTP), leading to dUTP misincorporation into DNA. Targeting dUTPase and inducing uracil misincorporation during the repair of DNA damage induced by fluoropyrimidines or anthracyclines represents an effective strategy to induce cell lethality. dUTPase inhibition significantly sensitised TNBC cell lines to fluoropyrimidines and anthracyclines through imbalanced nucleotide pools and increased DNA damage leading to decreased proliferation and increased cell death. These results suggest that repair of treatment-mediated DNA damage requires dUTPase to prevent uracil misincorporation and that inhibition of dUTPase is a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy of TNBC chemotherapy.
Ultrasound-triggered herceptin liposomes for breast cancer therapy
Authors: Elamir Amal , Ajith Saniha , Sawaftah Nour Al , Abuwatfa Waad , Mukhopadhyay Debasmita , Paul Vinod , Al-Sayah Mohammad H. , Awad Nahid , Husseini Ghaleb A.
Published: April 2021

The functionalization of liposomes with monoclonal antibodies is a potential strategy to increase the specificity of liposomes and reduce the side-effects associated with chemotherapeutic agents. The active targeting of the Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2), which is overexpressed in HER2 positive breast cancer cells, can be achieved by coating liposomes with an anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody. In this study, we synthesized calcein and Doxorubicin-loaded immunoliposomes functionalized with the monoclonal antibody Trastuzumab (TRA). Both liposomes were characterized for their size, phospholipid content and antibody conjugation. Exposing the liposomes to low-frequency ultrasound (LFUS) triggered drug release which increased with the increase in power density. Trastuzumab conjugation resulted in enhancing the sensitivity of the liposomes to LFUS. Compared to the control liposomes, TRA-liposomes showed higher cellular toxicity and higher drug uptake by the HER2 + cell line (SKBR3) which was further improved following sonication with LFUS. Combining immunoliposomes with LFUS is a promising technique in the field of targeted drug delivery that can enhance efficiency and reduce the cytotoxicity of antineoplastic drugs.
Rational thermostabilisation of four-helix bundle dimeric de novo proteins
Authors: Irumagawa Shin , Kobayashi Kaito , Saito Yutaka , Miyata Takeshi , Umetsu Mitsuo , Kameda Tomoshi , Arai Ryoichi
Published: April 2021

The stability of proteins is an important factor for industrial and medical applications. Improving protein stability is one of the main subjects in protein engineering. In a previous study, we improved the stability of a four-helix bundle dimeric de novo protein (WA20) by five mutations. The stabilised mutant (H26L/G28S/N34L/V71L/E78L, SUWA) showed an extremely high denaturation midpoint temperature (Tm). Although SUWA is a remarkably hyperstable protein, in protein design and engineering, it is an attractive challenge to rationally explore more stable mutants. In this study, we predicted stabilising mutations of WA20 by in silico saturation mutagenesis and molecular dynamics simulation, and experimentally confirmed three stabilising mutations of WA20 (N22A, N22E, and H86K). The stability of a double mutant (N22A/H86K, rationally optimised WA20, ROWA) was greatly improved compared with WA20 (ΔTm = 10.6 °C). The model structures suggested that N22A enhances the stability of the α-helices and N22E and H86K contribute to salt-bridge formation for protein stabilisation. These mutations were also added to SUWA and improved its Tm. Remarkably, the most stable mutant of SUWA (N22E/H86K, rationally optimised SUWA, ROSA) showed the highest Tm (129.0 °C). These new thermostable mutants will be useful as a component of protein nanobuilding blocks to construct supramolecular protein complexes.
The association of dietary patterns with dietary inflammatory index, systemic inflammation, and insulin resistance, in apparently healthy individuals with obesity
Authors: Saghafi-Asl Maryam , Mirmajidi Susan , Asghari Jafarabadi Mohammad , Vahid Farhad , Shivappa Nitin , Hébert James R. , Ebrahimzadeh Attari Vahideh
Published: April 2021

Inflammation is considered a key mechanism leading to obesity. Dietary patterns and certain food items influence inflammation. Few studies have investigated the contribution of major dietary patterns to biological measures of inflammation. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the associations of different dietary patterns with dietary inflammatory index (DII), systemic inflammation, and insulin resistance (IR) in the apparently healthy obese. In this cross-sectional study, 151 abdominally obese subjects were recruited from the Northwest of Iran. Dietary intake, demographic data, anthropometric indices, and physical activity (PA) was assessed. DII scores were calculated based on a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Three dietary patterns were identified, using principal component analysis. Basal blood samples were collected to determine biochemical parameters. Linear regression test with adjusted beta estimates was applied for data analysis. Three dietary patterns were extracted as Healthy, Western, and Traditional. Body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.01) and fat mass (p < 0.001) were directly associated with the Western dietary pattern. Conversely, serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) (b = − 0.1, p < 0.04) was negatively associated with Healthy dietary pattern, after controlling for confounders. The Traditional pattern was found to be inversely related to DII (b = − 0.3, p < 0.001). The association was also reveresed between Traditional pattern and IR (Odds Ratio: 0.3 (95% Confidence Interval 0.1–0.9)). The results suggested that the Western dietary pattern was related to higher BMI and fat mass. In addition, the Healthy pattern was associated with decreased levels of LBP. Adherence to the Traditional dietary pattern was inversely related to DII as well as IR.
Modeling biomass allocation strategy of young planted Zelkova serrata trees in Taiwan with component ratio method and seemingly unrelated regressions
Authors: Chen Chieh-Yin , Ko Shu-Hui , Lam Tzeng Yih
Published: April 2021

Trees accumulate biomass by sequestrating atmospheric carbon and allocate it to different tree components. A biomass component ratio is the ratio of biomass in a tree component to total tree biomass. Modeling the ratios for Zelkova serrata, an important native reforestation tree species in Taiwan, helps in understanding its biomass allocation strategy to design effective silvicultural treatments. In this study, we applied Component Ratio Method (CRM) to relate biomass component ratios of main stem, large branch, twig, and foliage to tree attributes of Z. serrata from a 9-year-old plantation. Nonlinear and linear CRM models were fitted with Seemingly Unrelated Regression to account for model correlations. Linear CRM models with dbh as the predictor had the best fit with model correlations as high as 80%. About 46% and 40% of total tree biomass was allocated to main stem and large branch, respectively. However, main stem biomass decreased by 1.9% with every 1-cm increase in dbh, but large branch biomass increased by 2.2% instead. Results suggest that dominant Z. serrata trees tend to branch and fork, while smaller trees invest in larger main stem. An early pruning treatment should focus on dominant trees to maintain crown ratio and ensure wood quality.
Distinct SARS-CoV-2 antibody reactivity patterns in coronavirus convalescent plasma revealed by a coronavirus antigen microarray
Authors: Assis Rafael , Jain Aarti , Nakajima Rie , Jasinskas Algis , Khan Saahir , Davies Huw , Corash Laurence , Dumont Larry J. , Kelly Kathleen , Simmons Graham , Stone Mars , Di Germanio Clara , Busch Michael , Felgner Philip L.
Published: April 2021

A coronavirus antigen microarray (COVAM) was constructed containing 11 SARS-CoV-2, 5 SARS-1, 5 MERS, and 12 seasonal coronavirus recombinant proteins. The array is designed to measure immunoglobulin isotype and subtype levels in serum or plasma samples against each of the individual antigens printed on the array. We probed the COVAM with COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) collected from 99 donors who recovered from a PCR+ confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results were analyzed using two computational approaches, a generalized linear model (glm) and random forest (RF) prediction model, to classify individual specimens as either Reactive or non-reactive against the SARS-CoV-2 antigens. A training set of 88 pre-COVID-19 specimens (PreCoV) collected in August 2019 and102 positive specimens from SARS-CoV-2 PCR+ confirmed COVID-19 cases was used for these analyses. Results compared with an FDA emergency use authorized (EUA) SARS-CoV2 S1-based total Ig chemiluminescence immunoassay (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics VITROS Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total, CoV2T) and with a SARS-CoV-2 S1-S2 spike-based pseudovirus micro neutralization assay (SARS-CoV-2 reporter viral particle neutralization titration (RVPNT) showed high concordance between the three assays. Three CCP specimens that were negative by the VITROS CoV2T immunoassay were also negative by both COVAM and the RVPNT assay. Concordance between VITROS CoV2T and COVAM was 96%, VITROS CoV2T and RVPNT 93%, and RVPNT and COVAM 91%. The discordances were all weakly reactive samples near the cutoff threshold of the VITROS CoV2T immunoassay. The multiplex COVAM allows CCP to be grouped according to antibody reactivity patterns against 11 SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Unsupervised K-means analysis, via the gap statistics, as well as hierarchical clustering analysis revealed three main clusters with distinct reactivity intensities and patterns. These patterns were not recapitulated by adjusting the VITROS CoV2T or RVPNT assay thresholds. Plasma classified by COVAM reactivity patterns offers potential to improve CCP therapeutic efficacy CoV2T alone. The use of a SARS-CoV-2 antigen array can qualify CCP for administration as a treatment for acute COVID-19, and interrogate vaccine immunogenicity and performance in preclinical, clinical studies, and routine vaccination to identify antibody responses predictive of protection from infection and disease.
Skin bacteria of rainbow trout antagonistic to the fish pathogen Flavobacterium psychrophilum
Authors: Takeuchi Mio , Fujiwara-Nagata Erina , Katayama Taiki , Suetake Hiroaki
Published: April 2021

Rainbow trout fry syndrome (RTFS) and bacterial coldwater disease (BCWD) is a globally distributed freshwater fish disease caused by Flavobacterium psychrophilum. In spite of its importance, an effective vaccine is not still available. Manipulation of the microbiome of skin, which is a primary infection gate for pathogens, could be a novel countermeasure. For example, increasing the abundance of specific antagonistic bacteria against pathogens in fish skin might be effective to prevent fish disease. Here, we combined cultivation with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to obtain insight into the skin microbiome of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and searched for skin bacteria antagonistic to F. psychrophilum. By using multiple culture media, we obtained 174 isolates spanning 18 genera. Among them, Bosea sp. OX14 and Flavobacterium sp. GL7 respectively inhibited the growth of F. psychrophilum KU190628-78 and NCIMB 1947T, and produced antagonistic compounds of < 3 kDa in size. Sequences related to our isolates comprised 4.95% of skin microbial communities, and those related to strains OX14 and GL7 respectively comprised 1.60% and 0.17% of the skin microbiome. Comparisons with previously published microbiome data detected sequences related to strains OX14 and GL7 in skin of other rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon.
Nucleobases thin films deposited on nanostructured transparent conductive electrodes for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Breazu C. , Socol M. , Preda N. , Rasoga O. , Costas A. , Socol G. , Petre G. , Stanculescu A.
Published: April 2021

Environmentally-friendly bio-organic materials have become the centre of recent developments in organic electronics, while a suitable interfacial modification is a prerequisite for future applications. In the context of researches on low cost and biodegradable resource for optoelectronics applications, the influence of a 2D nanostructured transparent conductive electrode on the morphological, structural, optical and electrical properties of nucleobases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine and uracil) thin films obtained by thermal evaporation was analysed. The 2D array of nanostructures has been developed in a polymeric layer on glass substrate using a high throughput and low cost technique, UV-Nanoimprint Lithography. The indium tin oxide electrode was grown on both nanostructured and flat substrate and the properties of the heterostructures built on these two types of electrodes were analysed by comparison. We report that the organic-electrode interface modification by nano-patterning affects both the optical (transmission and emission) properties by multiple reflections on the walls of nanostructures and the electrical properties by the effect on the organic/electrode contact area and charge carrier pathway through electrodes. These results encourage the potential application of the nucleobases thin films deposited on nanostructured conductive electrode in green optoelectronic devices.
Publisher Correction: Human stem cells home to and repair laser-damaged trabecular meshwork in a mouse model
Authors: Yun Hongmin , Wang Yiwen , Zhou Yi , Wang Ke , Sun Ming , Stolz Donna B. , Xia Xiaobo , Ethier C. Ross , Du Yiqin
Published: April 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-021-01958-w
Graphomotor memory in Exner’s area enhances word learning in the blind
Authors: Mizuochi-Endo Tomomi , Itou Kazuyuki , Makuuchi Michiru , Kato Baku , Ikeda Kazuhisa , Nakamura Kimihiro
Published: April 2021

Handwriting is thought to impede vocabulary learning in sighted adults because the motor execution of writing interferes with efficient audiovisual processing during encoding. However, the motor memory of writing may facilitate adult word learning when visual sensory inputs are severely restricted. Using functional MRI, we show that late-blind participants, but not sighted participants, learned novel words by recruiting the left dorsal premotor cortex known as Exner’s writing area and its functional coupling with the left hippocampus. During later recall, the phonological and semantic contents of these words are represented in the activation patterns of the left hippocampus as well as in those of left frontotemporal language areas. These findings suggest that motor codes of handwriting help blind participants maintain word-form representations during learning and retrieval. We propose that such reliance on the motor system reflects a broad architecture of the cerebral language network which encompasses the limb motor system as a hardwired component.
The Changed Paradigm of Consumer Science: From Focus Group to Mind Genomics
Authors: Porretta Sebastiano
Published: April 2021

In recent years there has been a rapid and drastic change in the classic paradigm linked to the concept of marketing, the common meaning of which was linked to the descriptive study of the market and the analysis of the interaction between users and company. Today consumption has turned into a lifestyle and a privileged area of experience, so influential as to generate an autonomous vision of the world and its own rank of values with completely unique personalities. Marketing has now entered an era in which ideas and concepts need to be reviewed in a new light. Who deals with product development today must necessarily address the topic under numerous headings, e.g., knowing the opinion of the reference target and, if necessary, identify it with targeted, modern and fast investigation techniques. He must be able to analyze the products, concepts and packaging as a whole as well as determine how the product fits the concept, as well as whether the product has the appropriate level of acceptability and the right sensory profile.
Consumer-designed Features for the Labeling, Packaging, and Advertising of Insect-based Proteins. A Practical Application of the Design of Ideas
Authors: Gere Attila , Radvanyi Dalma , Moskowitz Howard R.
Published: April 2021

This study is based on the on-line experiment tool Mind Genomics and aims to map the mind of consumers about the marketing possibilities of insect-based food products. Mind Genomics is an approach in which various messages (e.g., vignettes) are presented on a specific topic to the respondents. Here, the vignettes are various statements (e.g., elements) about the marketing possibilities of insect-based products including, but not limited to, the types of advertisements, distribution channels, etc. Respondents are asked (1) to rate the messages as a whole concept on a 9-point scale by answering a question about willingness to buy, and (2) to indicate how they feel about the concept by selecting one of the seven listed emotions. We present the results of 106 respondents from the USA, looking at the linkages between willingness to buy and neophobia and other demographic factors such as gender. A model is generated for each subgroup (level of neophobia, gender, etc.), showing how the respondent in the given group is willing to buy the presented concept and how each particular element within the messages is related to willingness to buy.
Undenatured type II collagen prevents and treats osteoarthritis and motor function degradation in T2DM patients and db/db mice
Authors: Rui Fan , Jiawei Kang , Yuntao Hao , Xinran Liu , Jiani Hu , Ruixue Mao , Rui Liu , Na Zhu , Meihong Xu , Yong Li
Published: April 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) has been scarcely researched among patients with diabetes mellitus. UC II could prevents and treats osteoarthritis and motor function degradation in T2DM patients and db/db mice.
A bio-inspired, hierarchically porous structure with a decoupled fluidic transportation and evaporative pathway toward high-performance evaporation
Authors: Li Jianguo , Chen Chaoji , Gan Wentao , Li Zhihan , Xie Hua , Jiao Miaolun , Xiao Shaoliang , Tang Hu , Hu Liangbing
Published: April 2021

High-rate evaporation is achieved by a delignified reed, featuring hierarchically, 3D porous structure with microchannels surrounding macrochannels, which decouples the transport and evaporation of fluids, contributing to a high evaporation rate.
MXene–carbon nanotube composite electrodes for high active mass asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Liang Wenyu , Zhitomirsky Igor
Published: April 2021

Advanced asymmetric supercapacitor device is fabricated, containing negative Ti3C2Tx–carbon nanotube and positive polypyrrole coated carbon nanotube electrodes, prepared using advanced colloidal techniques.
Recent development and application of cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes as chemical and biological probes
Authors: Shi Hongdong , Wang Yi , Lin Simin , Lou Jingxue , Zhang Qianling
Published: April 2021

The recent development and application of iridium-based probes for sensing ions, anions, gaseous species, organic molecules, small biomolecules, biomacromolecules, and subcellular organelles are highlighted in this review.
Effect of solvation on the synthesis of MOF-based microrobots and their targeted-therapy applications
Authors: Mu Xueliang , Zhong Yukun , Jiang Teng , Cheang U Kei
Published: April 2021

Five different morphologies of MOFs were generated on the microrobot surface under the solvent action, and the MOF-based microrobots obtained by screening had good biocompatibility, high drug loading capacity and targeted delivery capability.
An ambient complexation reaction of zinc acetate and ascorbic acid leads to a new form of nanoscale particles with emergent optical properties
Authors: Basu Srestha , Hajra Archismita , Chattopadhyay Arun
Published: April 2021

We report the formation of nanoscale particles from the complexation reaction between zinc acetate and ascorbic acid under ambient conditions and in an aqueous medium.
Mechanistic studies of Cp*Ir(iii)/Cp*Rh(iii)-catalyzed branch-selective allylic C–H amidation: why is Cp*Ir(iii) superior to Cp*Rh(iii)?
Authors: Ma Nan , Liu Zheyuan , Huang Jianhui , Dang Yanfeng
Published: April 2021

DFT mechanistic investigations uncovered the origins of the reactivity and regioselectivity of Cp*Ir(iii)/Cp*Rh(iii)-catalyzed allylic C–H amidation reactions.
A versatile iodo(iii)etherification of terminal ethynylsilanes using BF3–OiPr2and alkyl benzyl ethers
Authors: Matsumoto Takuya , Hagiyama Hiroshi , Kuribayashi Kanetsugu , Hioki Kazuhito , Fujita Hikaru , Ochiai Masahito , Kunishima Munetaka
Published: April 2021

BF3–OiPr2and alkyl benzyl ether combining system enables a chemoselective alkoxyl group transfer in the synthesis of (E)-α-silyl-β-alkoxyvinyl-λ3-iodanes.
Carbonate biomineralization differentially induced by two psychrophilic Pseudomonas psychrophila strains isolated from an alpine travertine landform
Authors: Song Na , Li Qiongfang , Zhou Yi , Sun Geng , Pan Ling , Zhao Xiaoxia , Dong Pengju , Zhao Yulian , Yang Lijun , Huang Yunbi
Published: April 2021

Calcium carbonate crystals induced by two Pseudomonas psychrophila strains and their organic compounds were studied.
Synthesis and characterization of an electron-deficient conjugated polymer based on pyridine-flanked diketopyrrolopyrrole
Authors: Yang Jialin , Yang Li , Chen Qianqian , Guo Keke , Han Ji-Min
Published: April 2021

We report a pyridine-flanked diketopyrrolopyrrole monomer and all-acceptor conjugated polymers synthesized therefrom. Photophysical, thermal and electrochemical properties of the polymers have been determined.
Molecular free energy optimization on a computational graph
Authors: Cao Xiaoyong , Tian Pu
Published: April 2021

GSFE-refinement is a super efficient protein refinement method that integrates the GSFE theory, coordinates transformation, neural network and auto differentiation, and maps molecular free energy optimization onto a computational graph.
Simple, rapid and sensitive detection of Parkinson's disease related alpha-synuclein using a DNA aptamer assisted liquid crystal biosensor
Authors: Yang Xiuxiu , Zhao Xiaofang , Liu Fengwei , Li Haiyu , Zhang Claire Xi , Yang Zhongqiang
Published: April 2021

A DNA aptamer assisted liquid crystal biosensor was established to detect Parkinson's disease related alpha-synuclein using a simple, rapid and sensitive approach.
Detailed redox mechanism and self-discharge diagnostic of 4.9 V LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 spinel cathode revealed by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Bhatia Ankush , Dridi Zrelli Yosra , Pereira-Ramos Jean-Pierre , Baddour-Hadjean Rita
Published: April 2021

Raman spectroscopy captures the changes in Ni redox states during lithiation of high voltage LMNO cathode. A fast, easy and reliable measure of the self-discharge phenomenon is accessible thanks to appropriate Raman spectra analysis.
Unavoidable but minimizable microdefects in a polycrystalline zeolite membrane: its remarkable performance for wet CO2/CH4separation
Authors: Jeong Yanghwan , Lee Minseong , Lee Gihoon , Hong Sungwon , Jang Eunhee , Choi Nakwon , Choi Jungkyu
Published: April 2021

Fully opening the hydrophobic micropores by calcination, while minimizing the formation of concomitant defects, was critical for achieving remarkably high CO2permselectivities under wet conditions.
A biodegradable and rechargeable fiber battery
Authors: Mei Tenglong , Wang Chuang , Liao Meng , Li Jiaxin , Wang Liyuan , Tang Chengqiang , Sun Xuemei , Wang Bingjie , Peng Huisheng
Published: April 2021

A biodegradable and rechargeable fiber battery was made by designing biodegradable fiber electrodes and a chitosan separator with body fluid as electrolyte. It shows decent power capability in vivo. After use, it is biodegraded with high safety.
Single atom catalysts for boosting electrocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic performances
Authors: Tong Shijun , Fu Baihe , Gan Liyong , Zhang Zhonghai
Published: April 2021

The single platinum (Pt) atoms are anchored on partial nitridated nickel surface, and the Pt1/N-Ni shows low overpotential for HER in neutral solution and high photoelectrochemical performance after integrated into a Cu2O nanowire photocathode.
Ag2ZnSnS4–ZnS core–shell colloidal quantum dots: a near-infrared luminescent material based on environmentally friendly elements
Authors: Saha Avijit , Konstantatos Gerasimos
Published: April 2021

Passivation and optimization of luminescent AZTS QDs with ZnS shells gave rise to a ∼30-fold increase in the PLQY results in RoHS compliant low-cost, bright and tunable NIR-luminescent phosphors for bio-imaging and LED applications.
DFT and experimental studies of iron oxide-based nanocomposites for efficient electrocatalysis
Authors: Ola Oluwafunmilola , Ullah Habib , Chen Yu , Thummavichai Kunyapat , Wang Nannan , Zhu Yanqiu
Published: April 2021

Encapsulated iron oxide nanoparticles with g-C3N4 shells (Fex-NC) promote the hydrogen evolution reaction. The interactions between Fex-NC nanocomposites were investigated by DFT.
A field programmable gate array controlled high‐current pulsed source for airborne transient electromagnetic system
Authors: Liu Wei , Hu Xuquan , Liao Xian , Liu Longhuan , Fu Zhihong
Published: April 2021

A high‐current pulsed source with high charging efficiency, high stability and low current ripple is proposed for airborne transient electromagnetic method application. The high voltage capacitor bank is employed to provide and store energy for generating current pulses in the inductive load. An N‐channel interleaved boost module is designed to replenish the capacitor energy gap so that current pulses can be repeated in a short time. The operation principles of the proposed topology are explained and the theoretical analysis is provided. In addition, a convenient and effective control strategy to raise efficiency of the charging circuit is introduced. The concise closed‐loop control method directed at the characteristics of load variations is available for changing the steady operation and control the output current. Logic input and output modules based on field programmable gate array are designed for the controller. A laboratory prototype with the maximum peak current 400 A is built for the load coil of 2.1 mH and 150 mΩ to verify the effectiveness of the proposed topology and control method.
An improved asymmetrical multi‐level inverter topology with boosted output voltage and reduced components count
Authors: Arif M Saad Bin , Mustafa Uvais , Siddique Marif Daula , Ahmad Shahbaz , Iqbal Atif , Ashique Ratil Hasnat , Ayob Shahrin bin
Published: April 2021

This paper presents an improved Multi‐level Inverter topology utilizing the concept of boosting‐capacitor and two DC sources with reduced switches count for generating 17‐level output. The topology employs 10 unidirectional switches including one bidirectional switch. Comparison with other recent topologies shows that the proposed topology employs a reduced number of devices and better performance. The topology combines the modularity of H‐Bridge with the boosting capacity of the switched capacitor topology. Special care is taken while designing the switching strategy for voltage balancing of the capacitors. The authors also have generalized the topology to produce ‘n’ level output. Relevant expressions are also formed and reported. Experimental validation, as well as simulation, is performed, and results are verified. Nearest level control is used as the modulation technique.
A two‐stage tunable detector with enhanced rejection capabilities
Authors: Xu Da , Hao Chengpeng , Hou Chaohuan
Published: April 2021

This paper focuses on the method of an adaptive detector which works against Gaussian background with unknown parameters, such as covariance matrix. The authors design a tunable detector for point‐like targets by mixing the Kelly's generalized likelihood ratio test and the enhanced Rao test. The analytical expression of the false alarm probability and detection probability of the proposed detector are derived. The performances of the new scheme are assessed, and analysed in comparison with its natural counterparts. The results show that it can provide enhanced rejection capabilities of mismatched signals, at the price of a limited detection loss for matched signals.
Determination of spectroscopic parameters for 313 M dwarf stars from their APOGEE Data Release 16 H-band spectra
Authors: Sarmento Pedro , Rojas-Ayala Bárbara , Delgado Mena Elisa , Blanco-Cuaresma Sergi
Published: April 2021

Context. Interest has been growing among the scientific community with respect to the stellar parameters of M dwarfs in recent years, with potential applications ranging from galactic characterization to exoplanet detection.

Aims. The main motivation for this work is to develop an alternative and objective method for deriving stellar parameters for M dwarfs using the H-band spectra provided by the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE).

Methods. We took synthetic spectra generated with iSpec, Turbospectrum, MARCS model atmospheres, along with a custom line list that includes over 1 000 000 water lines, and we compared the data to APOGEE observations, with parameters that were determined through χ2 minimization.

Results. We present spectroscopic parameters (Teff, [M/H], log g, vmic) for a sample of 313 M dwarfs obtained from their APOGEE H-band spectra. The generated synthetic spectra reproduce observed spectra to a high level of accuracy. The impact of the spectra normalization on the results are analyzed as well.

Conclusions. We compared our output parameters with those obtained with the APOGEE Stellar Parameter and Chemical Abundances Pipeline for the same stellar spectrum and we find that the values agree within the expected uncertainties. Comparisons with other previous near-infrared and optical data from the literature are also available, with median differences within our estimated uncertainties found in most cases. Here, we explore possible reasons for these differences. The full H-band line list, the line selection for the synthesis, and the synthesized spectra are available for download, along with the calculated stellar parameters.
Schmerzerkennung bei Kindern mit Komplexer Behinderung
Authors: Schlichting Helga
Published: April 2021

Wenn Kinder Schmerzen haben, dies aber aufgrund einer schweren Behinderung nicht mitteilen können, sind Pflegende und Therapeuten besonders gefragt, die Anzeichen zu erkennen und richtig zu bewerten.
Prävention bei Frauen ab 50 – Ernährung und Hormone im Alter
Authors: Kleine-Gunk Bernd
Published: April 2021

Hormonmangel bei Frauen in der Postmenopause beschleunigt Alterungsprozesse und ist damit neben der biologischen Alterung ein Risikofaktor für die häufigsten tödlichen Krankheiten. Eine Hormonersatztherapie mit Östrogenen schützt jüngere, gefäßgesunde Frauen vor späteren kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen und nach neueren Studien auch vor Demenz. Die Häufigkeit von Oberschenkelhalsfrakturen kann ebenfalls durch Hormongaben reduziert werden. Daneben beeinflussen auch Lebensstil und Ernährung Morbidität und Mortalität. Normalgewicht und eine ausreichende Zufuhr von ω-3-Fettsäuren sowie antioxidativen und antiinflammatorischen Substanzen aus Obst und Gemüse haben protektive Wirkungen. Kalzium, Vitamin D und Muskeltraining schützen vor Osteoporose.
Interventionen zur Steigerung der Resilienz
Authors: Chmitorz Andrea , Kunzler Angela M. , Lieb Klaus , Tüscher Oliver
Published: April 2021

Resilienz beschreibt die Aufrechterhaltung oder rasche Wiederherstellung der psychischen Gesundheit trotz starker Belastung oder widriger Lebensumstände. Aufgrund der prinzipiellen Modifizier- und Trainierbarkeit von Resilienz wurden zahlreiche Interventionsprogramme entwickelt. Ein Vergleich verschiedener Interventionen zur Steigerung der Resilienz macht konzeptionelle, methodische und designspezifische Besonderheiten deutlich. Es zeigen sich Unterschiede in den Resilienzdefinitionen, der Operationalisierung und Messung der Resilienz sowie methodische Limitationen im Studiendesign. Dies erschwert die Vergleichbarkeit der Studien und die zusammenfassende Betrachtung der Effekte. Die veröffentlichten systematischen Übersichtsarbeiten und Metaanalysen über den Effekt von Resilienzinterventionen weisen auf geringe bis moderate Effekte im Hinblick auf eine Steigerung der Resilienz, die Abnahme psychiatrisch relevanter Symptome sowie eine Verminderung des subjektiven Stresserlebens hin. Aufgrund der Heterogenität der Studien ist die Evidenzlage als gering gesichert bzw. vertrauenswürdig einzustufen. Aspekte zur Verbesserung der Studiendesigns und -durchführung von zukünftigen Resilienzinterventionsstudien zielen auf die Verbesserung der Evidenzsicherung ab. Der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt die konzeptionellen, methodischen und designspezifischen Besonderheiten von Resilienzinterventionsstudien auf und gibt einen narrativen Überblick über die Ergebnisse systematischer Übersichtsarbeiten über die Wirksamkeit von Resilienzinterventionen bei erwachsenen Zielgruppen.
Ambulantes Operieren in der HNO-Heilkunde in Deutschland
Authors: Deitmer Thomas , Dietz Andreas , Delank K.-Wolfgang , Plontke Stefan K. , Welkoborsky H.-J. , Dazert Stefan
Published: April 2021

Es ist gesundheitspolitischer Wille, die ambulante Chirurgie in der HNO-Heilkunde in Deutschland auszuweiten und in einem Umfang auszuüben, wie es im internationalen Bereich wahrgenommen wird.

Um die Voraussetzungen für eine sinnvolle Umsetzung dieses Ansatzes zu bestimmen und für Patienten und Ärzte einen akzeptablen und sicheren Rahmen bei gleichbleibender Qualität im Vergleich zu stationären Verfahren erreichen zu können, wird ein Review der internationalen Literatur zu Organisation, Ergebnissen und Durchführung solcher ambulanten Eingriffe in der HNO-Heilkunde durchgeführt.

Ambulantes Operieren findet international in verschiedenen Strukturen und Organisationsformen statt. So erfolgen z. B. kleinere Operationen ohne Vollnarkose in Praxen (office based surgery), größere Operationen in ambulanten Operationszentren, die solitär oder an Kliniken angelehnt sein können und in denen Verweildauern von wenigen Stunden (day case surgery) bis hin zu 23 Stunden (23 h case surgery) praktiziert werden. Eine sorgfältige Selektion der Patienten für die ambulante Chirurgie wird mit Blick auf Komorbiditäten, Medikationen, soziale und häusliche Betreuungsmöglichkeiten sowie Wegestrecken und -zeiten betrieben. Ein striktes Qualitätsmanagement der gesamten Abläufe wird unter Einbezug aller Berufsgruppen gefordert.