bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel approach for the evaluation of ice release performance of coatings using static friction measurements
Authors: Martinsen M. , Hed K. O. , Diget J. S. , Lein H. L.
Published: December 2020

Atmospheric icing on structures and equipment represents a challenge for operation and safety. Passive ice removal by ice-phobic coatings has received much attention over the last decades. The current state-of-the-art methods for quantifying the ice-release properties of such coatings suffer from a range of drawbacks, including poor reproducibility and high complexity test setups. Here, a facile rotational tribometer approach for measuring the static friction between polymeric coatings and ice is presented. The torque necessary to initiate motion at the coating-ice interphase was used as a measure of ice release. For a polydimethylsiloxane-based coating (Sylgard 184), the effects of ice-temperature, normal force, coating thickness, and dwell time (contact time between coating and ice at rest with fully applied normal force prior to applying torque) were established along with the conditions resulting in least data variation. With these conditions, tribology-based friction measurements were carried out on two additional coatings; a two-component polyurethane, and a commercial foul release coating. The outcome of the method, i.e., grading of the coatings in terms of antiicing effect, matched those obtained with a widely used ice adhesion test method based on ice shear adhesion testing. The same trends are revealed by the two methods. However, the findings from the proposed tribology-based method result in consistently lower variation in outcomes and offer more detail on the ice adhesion and friction mechanisms.
Societal bias reinforcement through machine learning: a credit scoring perspective
Authors: Hassani Bertrand K.
Published: December 2020

Does machine learning and AI ensure that social biases thrive? This paper aims to analyze this issue. Indeed, as algorithms are informed by data, if these are corrupted, from a social bias perspective, good machine learning algorithms would learn from the data provided and reverberate the patterns learnt on the predictions related to either the classification or the regression intended. In other words, the way society behaves whether positively or negatively would necessarily be reflected by the models. In this paper, we analyze how social biases are transmitted from the data into banks loan approvals by predicting either the gender or the ethnicity of the customers using the exact same information provided by customers’ through their applications
Human Services workers’ experiences of rapidly moving to Telehealth
Authors: Sanders Rachael
Published: December 2020

As a way of restricting the spread of COVID-19, methods of social distancing were instituted in most places that people gather, including workplaces. As such, human service agencies have implemented novel ways of delivering services to clients, with a common method being telehealth. For some practitioners this was unchartered waters and required rapid adaption to their everyday practice. I was interested to hear about their experiences and what useful learning came from it. I spoke, informally, with 13 people across four settings in a regional city in Victoria, asking them about the problems, positive changes and innovations that emerged. There were reports of challenges to overcome as well as benefits that may well become long-lasting. Practitioners adapted quickly and successfully to telehealth, with only minor problems that they managed to iron out quite quickly. They were mindful of people’s differing levels of capacity and access to technology and learned to be gentle and kind to themselves and others as they adapted. Some people came to realise that they like to work from home because it improves their work-life balance. Others, however, are keen to return to the workplace; highlighting the importance for flexibility based on individual circumstances. There was a strong sense of improved communication between agencies as they were better able to connect via telehealth compared with former in-person practices.
An agent-based model to simulate the transmission of vancomycin-resistant enterococci according different prevention and control measures
Authors: Deboscker Stéphanie , Séverac François , Gaudart Jean , Ménard Céline , Meyer Nicolas , Lavigne Thierry
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Despite the existence of various levels of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures aimed at limiting the transmission of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in hospitals, these measures are sometimes difficult to implement. Using an agent-based model (ABM), we simulated the transmission of VRE within and between 3 care units according to different IPC measures.

Methods:

The ABM was modelled on short-stay medical wards, represented by 2 conventional care units and 1 intensive care unit. The scenarios consisted of the simulation of various compliance rates of caregivers with regard to hand hygiene (HH) in different contexts of IPC measures: (1) standard precautions for all patients, (2) additional contact precautions for VRE-carrier patients, (3) geographical cohorting of carrier patients, and (4) creation of an isolation unit with dedicated staff.

Results:

With <50% HH compliance, the dissemination of VRE was not adequately controlled. With 80% compliance for all patients (ie, standard precautions scenario), there were no secondary VRE cases in 50% of the simulations, which represented the best scenario. A more realistic rate, 60% HH compliance for all patients, revealed interesting results. Implementing an isolation unit was effective only if the level of HH compliance was low. Patient cohorting was less effective.

Conclusions:

The present ABM showed that while contact precautions, geographic cohorting, and an isolation unit may represent good complements to standard precautions, they may theoretically not be necessary if HH is followed at a high level of compliance.
Old age and fear of crime: cross-national evidence for a decreased impact of neighbourhood disadvantage in older age
Authors: Köber Göran , Oberwittler Dietrich , Wickes Rebecca
Published: December 2020

Fear of crime among older people has been a frequent topic in ageing research, criminology and urban studies. The ‘environmental docility hypothesis’ assumes that older people are more vulnerable to adverse neighbourhood conditions than younger age groups. Yet, few studies have tested this influential hypothesis using samples of respondents covering the complete adult lifespan. Looking at fear of crime, we investigated the person–environment interaction of age and neighbourhood disadvantage, using two independent surveys comprising 12,620 respondents aged 25–90 years residing in 435 neighbourhoods in four cities in Germany and Australia. We used multi-level analysis and cross-level interactions to model age-differential effects of neighbourhood disadvantage on fear. Contrary to the hypothesis, we found a weakening of neighbourhood effects on fear with age. The strong effect of neighbourhood disadvantage on fear of crime dropped by around half from the youngest (25 years) to the oldest age (90 years) in both countries. Younger people were almost as fearful as older people in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods, but older people were considerably more fearful than younger ages in better-off neighbourhoods. We found limited empirical support for the assumption that this diminished association between neighbourhood disadvantage and fear can be explained by the stronger neighbourhood attachment of older people. The limitations of the analysis and potential future directions of research are discussed.
Dynamic game semantics
Authors: Yamada Norihiro , Abramsky Samson
Published: December 2020

The present work achieves a mathematical, in particularsyntax-independent, formulation ofdynamicsandintensionalityof computation in terms ofgamesandstrategies. Specifically, we givegame semanticsof a higher-order programming language that distinguishes programmes with the same value yet different algorithms (or intensionality) and thehiding operationon strategies that precisely corresponds to the (small-step) operational semantics (or dynamics) of the language. Categorically, our games and strategies give rise to acartesian closed bicategory, and our game semantics forms an instance of a bicategorical generalisation of the standard interpretation of functional programming languages in cartesian closed categories. This work is intended to be a step towards a mathematical foundation of intensional and dynamic aspects of logic and computation; it should be applicable to a wide range of logics and computations.
Should fertile women quit drinking alcohol to produce better quality oocytes?
Authors: Ozbakir Burcu , Tulay Pinar
Published: December 2020

Alcohol consumption has long been shown to affect both fetal health and pregnancy. In this study, antral follicle count, maturation level of oocytes including morphological assessment and number of metaphase I (MI), metaphase II (MII) and germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes obtained from young women (age < 30 years old) with or without alcohol consumption were investigated. In total, 20 healthy women who were social drinkers and 36 healthy women who do not consume alcohol were involved in this study. Women in both study and control groups were undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. The antral follicle count and the number and quality of the oocytes retrieved were evaluated and recorded. In total, 635 antral follicles, 1098 follicles and 1014 oocytes with 820 MII, 72 MI and 78 GV stage oocytes were collected from the social drinkers. In the control group, 628 antral follicles, 1136 follicles and 1085 oocytes with 838 MII, 93 MI and 102 GV stage oocytes were evaluated. The results of this study showed that the antral follicle count was very similar in both groups. The number of oocytes and MII stage oocytes was slightly higher in the control group, although it was not a significant difference. This study showed that although the consumption of alcohol may have adverse effects post-implantation, it may not have a solid effect during oogenesis in young women. The results of this study are especially important in clinical settings as some women who are social drinkers undergo in vitro fertilization treatments.
Incongruous objectives? Endeavouring to realise women migrant workers’ rights through the global development agenda
Authors: Holliday Jenna
Published: December 2020

Recent decades have seen improvements in our understanding of the gendered dynamics of migration and how they affect women migrant workers. Whilst characterised by precarity, women's labour migration is recognised as contributing to positive developmental outcomes. The full dimensions of these contributions are not yet well understood, but the need to improve the situation of women migrant workers is. Through analysis of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), this paper examines the global development agenda to assess the extent to which it recognises the gendered dimensions of migration and seeks to realise the rights of women migrant workers as development actors. Drawing on content analysis of the SDGs and a review of the GCM, the paper finds that, while their content provides potential for states to strengthen their evidence base and establish progressive policy agendas and practice interventions to realise women migrant workers’ rights, the measures for implementation and monitoring of these frameworks reduce the likelihood of this potential being realised.
The EU shaping the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration: the glass half full or half empty?
Authors: Molnár Tamás
Published: December 2020

While migration is a policy field that is fairly state-centric, the prominent role of the EU in the development of international migration law and policy has been acknowledged, to some extent, by the international community. This paper scrutinises the EU's role and impact during the preparatory and inter-governmental talks leading to the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). A central question is the degree to which the EU influenced negotiations and their outcome; and how the international community received the EU's external action in this matter. Next to mapping the EU's substantive input shaping the process, the EU's internal machinery to formulate its position and the challenges faced within the bloc are also explored. The GCM process also illustrates the willingness of the international community – or the lack of it – to elevate European standards to the global level in the highly complex and politicised domain of migration.
Rethinking the Concept of Virtual Water in the Global Trade Market
Authors: Dimitropoulos Stav
Published: December 2020

Discussions around global trade are starting to consider the water it takes to produce exported goods. Some scientists argue that this approach should take a regional rather than global perspective.
Future Changes in the Great Plains Low‐Level Jet Governed by Seasonally Dependent Pattern Changes in the North Atlantic Subtropical High
Authors: Zhou Wenyu , Leung L. Ruby , Song Fengfei , Lu Jian
Published: December 2020

This study investigates the response of the Great Plains low‐level jet (GPLLJ) to global warming based on ensemble projections of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 and 6. We show that the GPLLJ will intensify and extend northward in spring and autumn but change marginally in summer. This is governed by seasonally dependent pattern changes in the North Atlantic subtropical high (NASH), that are further linked to the poleward shift of the North America westerly jet (NAWJ). In spring and autumn, a substantial poleward NAWJ shift drives anomalous surface high poleward of the NASH and enhances the southerly GPLLJ to its west over the Central US. Among models, the NASH expansion and GPLLJ enhancement are correlated with the poleward NAWJ shift. In summer, the poleward NAWJ shift is weak and acts more northward. The NASH changes manifest a westward extension, which only affects the southerlies over the Gulf of Mexico.
Compositional Enhancement of Crustal Magnetization on Mars
Authors: AlHantoobi A. , Buz J. , O'Rourke J. G. , Langlais B. , Edwards C. S.
Published: December 2020

Martian orbital and lander measurements revealed strong (∼1–2 orders of magnitude greater than Earth) crustal magnetic anomalies and the lack of an active detectable core dynamo. This strong crustal magnetization remains unexplained given that models of an ancient core dynamo on Mars predict surface field strengths comparable to modern Earth. We explored the relationship between Mars' crustal magnetization and its composition in multivariate space. We identified that 530 and 1,000 nm absorptions (from orbital spectrometers) have unique correlations with crustal magnetization in the Terra Sirenum‐Terra Cimmeria region and ∼13% of the variance of the magnetization can be attributed to these correlations. Because we do not expect the topmost material, detectable by the orbital spectrometers, to retain magnetization from an ancient core dynamo, we propose this material is compositionally similar to the bulk rock below it, which is more likely to retain magnetization. Therefore, the observed variance is a lower limit.
Vortex‐Dominated Aeolian Activity at InSight's Landing Site, Part 2: Local Meteorology, Transport Dynamics, and Model Analysis
Authors: Baker M. , Newman C. , Charalambous C. , Golombek M. , Spiga A. , Banfield D. , Lemmon M. , Banks M. , Lorenz R. , Garvin J. , Grant J. , Lewis K. , Ansan V. , Warner N. , Weitz C. , Wilson S. , Rodriguez S.
Published: December 2020

Geologic and climatic processes on modern‐day Mars are heavily influenced by aeolian surface activity, yet the relationship between atmospheric conditions and sediment mobilization is not well understood. The Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy, and Heat Transport (InSight) spacecraft is uniquely able to address this issue, due to its joint imaging and continuous high‐frequency meteorological capabilities, which allow for direct comparison between surface activity and atmospheric conditions. Since landing in the volcanic plains of Elysium Planitia, InSight's camera's have recorded intermittent, small‐scale surface changes, including removal of fine material on the lander footpad, linear tracks and localized surface darkening caused by minor dust removal, and surface creep of granules, as presented in Part 1 (Charalambous et al., 2021, this issue). Surface activity is found to correlate well with the timing of abrupt pressure drops (ΔP ∼ 1–9 Pa) and transient wind gusts (v ∼ 14–31 m/s) associated with convective vortex passage. Here we identify the major erosive forces acting on surface particles during these events, including the vertical pressure gradient force at the vortex core and the drag force generated by quickly‐rotating tangential winds. Orbital and ground‐truth data suggest that aeolian activity at InSight's landing site is sporadic under modern climatic conditions. Ongoing aeolian surface modifcation is driven primarily by turbulent vortices that sporadically lift dust and redistribute coarser sediment (i.e., sand and granules) but do not aid in the development of organized aeolian bedforms. Surface erosion is localized within the path these vortices take across the surface which is controlled by seasonally‐reversing background circulation patterns.
Eukaryotic clamp loaders and unloaders in the maintenance of genome stability
Authors: Lee Kyoo-young , Park Su Hyung
Published: December 2020

Eukaryotic sliding clamp proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) plays a critical role as a processivity factor for DNA polymerases and as a binding and acting platform for many proteins. The ring-shaped PCNA homotrimer and the DNA damage checkpoint clamp 9-1-1 are loaded onto DNA by clamp loaders. PCNA can be loaded by the pentameric replication factor C (RFC) complex and the CTF18-RFC-like complex (RLC) in vitro. In cells, each complex loads PCNA for different purposes; RFC-loaded PCNA is essential for DNA replication, while CTF18-RLC-loaded PCNA participates in cohesion establishment and checkpoint activation. After completing its tasks, PCNA is unloaded by ATAD5 (Elg1 in yeast)-RLC. The 9-1-1 clamp is loaded at DNA damage sites by RAD17 (Rad24 in yeast)-RLC. All five RFC complex components, but none of the three large subunits of RLC, CTF18, ATAD5, or RAD17, are essential for cell survival; however, deficiency of the three RLC proteins leads to genomic instability. In this review, we describe recent findings that contribute to the understanding of the basic roles of the RFC complex and RLCs and how genomic instability due to deficiency of the three RLCs is linked to the molecular and cellular activity of RLC, particularly focusing on ATAD5 (Elg1).
Flexible high-performance graphene hybrid photodetectors functionalized with gold nanostars and perovskites
Authors: Lee Yoon Ho , Park Seungyoung , Won Yousang , Mun Jungho , Ha Jae Hwan , Lee Jeong Hun , Lee Sang Hyuk , Park Jongmin , Yeom Jeonghee , Rho Junsuk , Ko Hyunhyub , Oh Joon Hak
Published: December 2020

Hybrid materials in optoelectronic devices can provide synergistic effects that complementarily enhance the properties of each component. Here, flexible high-performance graphene hybrid photodetectors (PDs) are developed by introducing gold nanostars (GNSs) and perovskites for strong light trapping with hot electron transfer and efficient light harvesting characteristics, respectively. While pristine graphene PDs do not exhibit discernible photodetection properties due to the very low photon absorption and ultrafast charge carrier recombination, graphene PDs functionalized with GNSs and a densely covered perovskite layer exhibit outstanding photoresponsive properties with a photoresponsivity (R) of 5.90 × 104 A W−1 and a specific detectivity of 1.31 × 1013 Jones, the highest values among those reported for perovskite-functionalized graphene PDs thus far. Moreover, we fabricated a flexible 10 × 10 PD array that shows well-resolved spatiotemporal mapping of light signals with excellent operational and mechanical stabilities at a bending radius down to 3 mm and in repeated bending tests for over 1000 cycles. Comprehensive analyses using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) theoretical calculations, scanning near-field optical microscopy, and photoluminescence mapping reveal the effective light trapping effect of GNSs and the charge carrier transfer between the perovskite and graphene. This work provides a new design platform for flexible and high-performance photodetection systems.
A method for validating the accuracy of NMR protein structures
Authors: Fowler Nicholas J. , Sljoka Adnan , Williamson Mike P.
Published: December 2020

We present a method that measures the accuracy of NMR protein structures. It compares random coil index [RCI] against local rigidity predicted by mathematical rigidity theory, calculated from NMR structures [FIRST], using a correlation score (which assesses secondary structure), and an RMSD score (which measures overall rigidity). We test its performance using: structures refined in explicit solvent, which are much better than unrefined structures; decoy structures generated for 89 NMR structures; and conventional predictors of accuracy such as number of restraints per residue, restraint violations, energy of structure, ensemble RMSD, Ramachandran distribution, and clashscore. Restraint violations and RMSD are poor measures of accuracy. Comparisons of NMR to crystal structures show that secondary structure is equally accurate, but crystal structures are typically too rigid in loops, whereas NMR structures are typically too floppy overall. We show that the method is a useful addition to existing measures of accuracy.
Glioblastoma epigenome profiling identifies SOX10 as a master regulator of molecular tumour subtype
Authors: Wu Yonghe , Fletcher Michael , Gu Zuguang , Wang Qi , Costa Barbara , Bertoni Anna , Man Ka-Hou , Schlotter Magdalena , Felsberg Jörg , Mangei Jasmin , Barbus Martje , Gaupel Ann-Christin , Wang Wei , Weiss Tobias , Eils Roland , Weller Michael , Liu Haikun , Reifenberger Guido , Korshunov Andrey , Angel Peter , Lichter Peter , Herrmann Carl , Radlwimmer Bernhard
Published: December 2020

Glioblastoma frequently exhibits therapy-associated subtype transitions to mesenchymal phenotypes with adverse prognosis. Here, we perform multi-omic profiling of 60 glioblastoma primary tumours and use orthogonal analysis of chromatin and RNA-derived gene regulatory networks to identify 38 subtype master regulators, whose cell population-specific activities we further map in published single-cell RNA sequencing data. These analyses identify the oligodendrocyte precursor marker and chromatin modifier SOX10 as a master regulator in RTK I-subtype tumours. In vitro functional studies demonstrate that SOX10 loss causes a subtype switch analogous to the proneural–mesenchymal transition observed in patients at the transcriptomic, epigenetic and phenotypic levels. SOX10 repression in an in vivo syngeneic graft glioblastoma mouse model results in increased tumour invasion, immune cell infiltration and significantly reduced survival, reminiscent of progressive human glioblastoma. These results identify SOX10 as a bona fide master regulator of the RTK I subtype, with both tumour cell-intrinsic and microenvironmental effects.
Author Correction: Deep transfer learning for reducing health care disparities arising from biomedical data inequality
Authors: Gao Yan , Cui Yan
Published: December 2020

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-20480-x
Association between the histopathological growth patterns of liver metastases and survival after hepatic surgery in breast cancer patients
Authors: Bohlok Ali , Vermeulen Peter , Leduc Sophia , Latacz Emily , Botzenhart Lara , Richard François , De Schepper Maxim , Geukens Tatjana , Lucidi Valerio , Ignatiadis Michail , Aftimos Philippe , Sotiriou Christos , Piccart Martine , Hendlisz Alain , Van Laere Steven , Dirix Luc , Noël Jean-Christophe , Biganzoli Elia , Larsimont Denis , Desmedt Christine , Donckier Vincent
Published: December 2020

Currently, there are no markers to identify patients with liver-only or liver-dominant metastases that would benefit from hepatic surgery. Here we characterized histopathological growth patterns (HGPs) of liver metastases in a consecutive series of 36 breast cancer patients who underwent hepatic surgery. Survival analyses showed that the presence of a desmoplastic HGP in the liver metastases (a rim of fibrous tissue separating cancer cells from the liver parenchyma, present in 20 (56%) patients) is independently associated with favorable progression-free and overall survival when compared with the replacement HGP (cancer cells growing into the liver parenchyma, present in 16 (44%) patients).
High-throughput phase-field simulations and machine learning of resistive switching in resistive random-access memory
Authors: Zhang Kena , Wang Jianjun , Huang Yuhui , Chen Long-Qing , Ganesh P. , Cao Ye
Published: December 2020

Metal oxide-based Resistive Random-Access Memory (RRAM) exhibits multiple resistance states, arising from the activation/deactivation of a conductive filament (CF) inside a switching layer. Understanding CF formation kinetics is critical to achieving optimal functionality of RRAM. Here a phase-field model is developed, based on materials properties determined by ab initio calculations, to investigate the role of electrical bias, heat transport and defect-induced Vegard strain in the resistive switching behavior, using MO2−x systems such as HfO2−x as a prototypical model system. It successfully captures the CF formation and resultant bipolar resistive switching characteristics. High-throughput simulations are performed for RRAMs with different material parameters to establish a dataset, based on which a compressed-sensing machine learning is conducted to derive interpretable analytical models for device performance (current on/off ratio and switching time) metrics in terms of key material parameters (electrical and thermal conductivities, Vegard strain coefficients). These analytical models reveal that optimal performance (i.e., high current on/off ratio and low switching time) can be achieved in materials with a low Lorenz number, a fundamental material constant. This work provides a fundamental understanding to the resistive switching in RRAM and demonstrates a computational data-driven methodology of materials selection for improved RRAM performance, which can also be applied to other electro-thermo-mechanical systems.
Numerical finite-key analysis of quantum key distribution
Authors: Bunandar Darius , Govia Luke C. G. , Krovi Hari , Englund Dirk
Published: December 2020

Quantum key distribution (QKD) allows for secure communications safe against attacks by quantum computers. QKD protocols are performed by sending a sizeable, but finite, number of quantum signals between the distant parties involved. Many QKD experiments, however, predict their achievable key rates using asymptotic formulas, which assume the transmission of an infinite number of signals, partly because QKD proofs with finite transmissions (and finite-key lengths) can be difficult. Here we develop a robust numerical approach for calculating the key rates for QKD protocols in the finite-key regime in terms of two semi-definite programs (SDPs). The first uses the relation between conditional smooth min-entropy and quantum relative entropy through the quantum asymptotic equipartition property, and the second uses the relation between the smooth min-entropy and quantum fidelity. The numerical programs are formulated under the assumption of collective attacks from the eavesdropper and can be promoted to withstand coherent attacks using the postselection technique. We then solve these SDPs using convex optimization solvers and obtain numerical calculations of finite-key rates for several protocols difficult to analyze analytically, such as BB84 with unequal detector efficiencies, B92, and twin-field QKD. Our numerical approach democratizes the composable security proofs for QKD protocols where the derived keys can be used as an input to another cryptosystem.
Thermal and non-thermal effects of capacitive–resistive electric transfer application on different structures of the knee: a cadaveric study
Authors: Rodríguez-Sanz Jacobo , Pérez-Bellmunt Albert , López-de-Celis Carlos , Lucha-López Orosia María , González-Rueda Vanessa , Tricás-Moreno José Miguel , Simon Mathias , Hidalgo-García César
Published: December 2020

Capacitive–resistive electric transfer therapy is used in physical rehabilitation and sports medicine to treat muscle, bone, ligament and tendon injuries. The purpose is to analyze the temperature change and transmission of electric current in superficial and deep knee tissues when applying different protocols of capacitive–resistive electric transfer therapy. Five fresh frozen cadavers (10 legs) were included in this study. Four interventions (high/low power) were performed for 5 min by a physiotherapist with experience. Dynamic movements were performed to the posterior region of the knee. Capsular, intra-articular and superficial temperature were recorded at 1-min intervals and 5 min after the treatment, using thermocouples placed with ultrasound guidance. The low-power protocols had only slight capsular and intra-capsular thermal effects, but electric current flow was observed. The high-power protocols achieved a greater increase in capsular and intra-articular temperature and a greater current flow than the low-power protocols. The information obtained in this in vitro study could serve as basic science data to hypothesize capsular and intra-articular knee recovery in living subjects. The current flow without increasing the temperature in inflammatory processes and increasing the temperature of the tissues in chronic processes with capacitive–resistive electric transfer therapy could be useful for real patients.
Field-dependent specific heat of the canonical underdoped cuprate superconductor $$\hbox {YBa}_2\hbox {Cu}_4\hbox {O}_8$$
Authors: Tallon Jeffery L. , Loram John W.
Published: December 2020

The cuprate superconductor $$\hbox {YBa}_2\hbox {Cu}_4\hbox {O}_8$$

YBa
2

Cu
4

O
8

, in comparison with most other cuprates, has a stable stoichiometry, is largely free of defects and may be regarded as the canonical underdoped cuprate, displaying marked pseudogap behaviour and an associated distinct weakening of superconducting properties. This cuprate ‘pseudogap’ manifests as a partial gap in the electronic density of states at the Fermi level and is observed in most spectroscopic properties. After several decades of intensive study it is widely believed that the pseudogap closes, mean-field like, near a characteristic temperature, $$T^*$$

T
∗

, which rises with decreasing hole concentration, p. Here, we report extensive field-dependent electronic specific heat studies on $$\hbox {YBa}_2\hbox {Cu}_4\hbox {O}_8$$

YBa
2

Cu
4

O
8

up to an unprecedented 400 K and show unequivocally that the pseudogap never closes, remaining open to at least 400 K where $$T^*$$

T
∗

is typically presumed to be about 150 K. We show from the NMR Knight shift and the electronic entropy that the Wilson ratio is numerically consistent with a weakly-interacting Fermion system for the near-nodal states. And, from the field-dependent specific heat, we characterise the impact of fluctuations and impurity scattering on the thermodynamic properties.
A simple method using CRISPR-Cas9 to knock-out genes in murine cancerous cell lines
Authors: Ishibashi Airi , Saga Kotaro , Hisatomi Yuuta , Li Yue , Kaneda Yasufumi , Nimura Keisuke
Published: December 2020

CRISPR-Cas9 system can be used to generate knock-out cancer cell lines. An insertion or deletion induced by a single guide RNA (gRNA) is often used to generate knock-out cells, however, some cells express the target gene by skipping the disrupted exon, or by using a splicing variant, thus losing the target exon. To overcome this unexpected expression of the target gene, almost the entire gene can be swapped with a selection marker. However, it is time-consuming to create a targeting vector which contains 5′ and 3′ homology arms flanked by a selection marker. Here, we developed a simple and easy method called SUCCESS (Single-strand oligodeoxynucleotides, Universal Cassette, and CRISPR/Cas9 produce Easy Simple knock-out System), to knock-out a target gene without constructing a targeting vector. Our method removed the targeted large genomic region by using two pX330 plasmids encoding Cas9 and gRNA, two 80mer single strand oligodeoxynucleotides (ssODN), and a blunt-ended universal selection maker sequence in B16F10 murine cancer cell and ID8 murine ovarian cancer cell. SUCCESS generated knock-out clones in two murine cancer cell lines by homozygous deletion of the target genomic region, and without constructing targeting vectors. Thus, our method can be widely applied to generate homozygous knock-out cell lines, as well as knock-in cell lines.
Pore size distributions and pore multifractal characteristics of medium and low-rank coals
Authors: Sun Bin , Yang Qing , Zhu Jie , Shao Tangsha , Yang Yuhang , Hou Chenyu , Li Guiyou
Published: December 2020

It is of great significance to study the porosity and permeability properties of medium and low-rank coal. The porosity and permeability in confining stress experiments were used to simulate the porosity and permeability variations of coal samples under different depth conditions. The pore structure of Baoqing coal samples is greatly affected by the confining pressure, and the pores and micro cracks are more easily compressed. Based on the experimental data of mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and nitrogen adsorption (NA), the pore size distributions (PSDs) of medium and low-rank coals were studied. High mercury intrusion pressure would lead to coal matrix compression. Therefore, the pore volume calculated by MIP data was corrected by NA data. The PSDs characteristics of Jixi (JX) coal and Baoqing (BQ) coal samples are obtained from the revised pore volume, and the dominant pores of medium and low-rank coals are obtained. The results show that JX coal has higher spatial heterogeneity, connectivity and pore autocorrelation. Micro fractures have an influence on the autocorrelation and heterogeneity of coal samples, especially for BQ coal samples.
Exploitation of flow-based procedures for reagentless hydrochlorothiazide determination and accelerated degradation studies of pharmaceutical preparations
Authors: Maringolo Vivian , Aleixo Fernanda Caroline , Carvalho Alexandre Zatkovskis , Rocha Diogo Librandi
Published: December 2020

Reagentless, fast and inexpensive in-line hydrochlorothiazide determination, and reduced time for degradation studies, from hours to a few minutes.
Electrochemical carbon dioxide capture to close the carbon cycle
Authors: Sharifian R. , Wagterveld R. M. , Digdaya I. A. , Xiang C. , Vermaas D. A.
Published: December 2020

An overview of the state-of-the-art for capturing CO2via electrochemical routes.
Quercetin improves cognitive disorder in aging mice by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Li Han , Chen Fa-Jun , Yang Wei-Lin , Qiao Han-Zi , Zhang Shi-Jie
Published: December 2020

Quercetin is one of the most abundant dietary flavonoid compounds, and its mechanism for combating age-related neurodegenerative diseases is unclear.
Resveratrol and organic selenium-rich fermented milk reduces d-galactose-induced cognitive dysfunction in mice
Authors: Wu Zhen , Chen Tiantian , Pan Daodong , Zeng Xiaoqun , Guo Yuxing , Zhao Guangsheng
Published: December 2020

Recently, dietary intervention has been considered as a prospective strategy in treating age-related cognitive dysfunction and brain plasticity degeneration.
Rutin present in Alibertia edulis extract acts on human platelet aggregation through inhibition of cyclooxygenase/thromboxane
Authors: Lescano Caroline Honaiser , Freitas de Lima Fernando , Cardoso Claudia Andrea Lima , Vieira Silvia Cristina Heredia , Mónica Fabíola Zakia , Pires de Oliveira Ivan
Published: December 2020

Alibertia edulis leaf extract is commonly used in folk medicine, and it was able to reduce the platelet aggregation. The effects were evaluated from its major coumpounds, being rutin and caffeic acid the most relevant.
Effect of industrial processing and storage procedures on oxysterols in milk and milk products
Authors: Risso D. , Leoni V. , Fania C. , Arveda M. , Falchero L. , Barattero M. , Civra A. , Lembo D. , Poli G. , Menta R.
Published: December 2020

Oxysterols are products of enzymatic and/or chemical cholesterol oxidation. Their measurement during and after a milk production chain could represent a useful tool to monitor and increase the commercial and nutritional value of milk.
Liquid metal-based nanocomposite materials: fabrication technology and applications
Authors: Ochirkhuyag Nyamjargal , Matsuda Ryosuke , Song Zihao , Nakamura Fumika , Endo Takuma , Ota Hiroki
Published: December 2020

Research on liquid metals has been steadily garnering more interest in recent times, especially in flexible electronics applications because of their properties like possesing high conductivity and being liquid state at room temperature.
Self-assembly, stability and conductance of amphotericin B channels: bridging the gap between structure and function
Authors: Zielińska Joanna , Wieczór Miłosz , Chodnicki Paweł , Grela Ewa , Luchowski Rafał , Nierzwicki Łukasz , Bączek Tomasz , Gruszecki Wiesław I. , Czub Jacek
Published: December 2020

Amphotericin B (AmB), one of the most powerful but also toxic drugs used to treat systemic mycoses, is believed to selectively permeabilize fungal cell membranes to ions in a sterol-dependent manner.
Solution size variation of linear and dendritic bis-MPA analogs using DOSY-1H NMR
Authors: Kareem Oluwapelumi O. , Rahmani Farzin , Hyman Jason A. , Keller Christopher B. , Pasquinelli Melissa A. , Savin Daniel A. , Grayson Scott M.
Published: December 2020

The size and size variability of bis-MPA dendrimers is shown to be smaller by DOSY-1H NMR than their linear analog, PBBM. This was accomplished using five different solvents and for the first time confirms, experimentally, what has been theorized.
Supramolecular hydrogels prepared from fluorescent alkyl pyridinium acrylamide monomers and CB[8]
Authors: Whitaker Daniel J. , Huang Zehuan , Longbottom Brooke W. , Sala Renata L. , Wu Guanglu , Scherman Oren A.
Published: December 2020

Facile synthetic methodology unlocks alkyl pyridinium acrylamide monomers for use in the construction of cucurbit[8]uril mediated dynamic, fluorescent hydrogels.
Spin–orbit coupling effect on electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of Janus Ga2SSe
Authors: Nguyen Hong T. T. , Vi Vo T. T. , Vu Tuan V. , Hieu Nguyen V. , Lu Dung V. , Rai D. P. , Binh Nguyen T. T.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we investigate the electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of Ga2SSe monolayer by using density functional theory.
A new cobalt(ii)meso-porphyrin: synthesis, characterization, electric properties and application in the catalytic degradation of dyes
Authors: Amiri Nesrine , Guergueb Mouhieddinne , Al-Fakeh Maged S. , Bourguiba Marwa , Nasri Habib
Published: December 2020

In this work, a new porphyrin, 5,10,15,20-tetrakis{4-[((4-methoxyphenyl)acetyl)oxy]phenyl}porphyrin (H2TMAPP) (1), and its cobalt complex [CoII(TMAPP)] (2) were synthesized in good and quantitative yields, respectively.
How many water molecules are needed to solvate one?
Authors: Rognoni Alessandro , Conte Riccardo , Ceotto Michele
Published: December 2020

How quantum spectroscopic simulations can explain water solvation by comparison with experimental spectra.
Backbonding contributions to small molecule chemisorption in a metal–organic framework with open copper(i) centers
Authors: Su Gregory M. , Wang Han , Barnett Brandon R. , Long Jeffrey R. , Prendergast David , Drisdell Walter S.
Published: December 2020

In situ near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy directly probes unoccupied states associated with backbonding interactions between the open metal site in a metal–organic framework and various small molecule guests.
Highly efficient and robust catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction by surface nano engineering of metallic glass
Authors: Yan Yuqiang , Wang Chao , Huang Zhiyuan , Fu Jianan , Lin Zezhou , Zhang Xi , Ma Jiang , Shen Jun
Published: December 2020

The synthesized hybrid electrocatalyst has excellent efficiency and stability for the HER.
Linear hyperbolic systems on networks: well-posedness and qualitative properties
Authors: Kramar Fijavž Marjeta , Mugnolo Delio , Nicaise Serge
Published: December 2020

We study hyperbolic systems of one-dimensional partial differential equations under general, possibly non-local boundary conditions. A large class of evolution equations, either on individual 1-dimensional intervals or on general networks, can be reformulated in our rather flexible formalism, which generalizes the classical technique of first-order reduction. We study forward and backward well-posedness; furthermore, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions on both the boundary conditions and the coefficients arising in the first-order reduction for a given subset of the relevant ambient space to be invariant under the flow that governs the system. Several examples are studied.
Rayonnement thermique infrarouge de nano-antennes plasmoniques individuelles
Authors: Bouchon Patrick , de Wilde Yannick
Published: December 2020

Nous exploitons les fluctuations thermiques pour étudier les résonances de nano-antennes plasmoniques métal-isolant-métal (MIM) individuelles dont les modes électromagnétiques sont excités en chauffant les nanostructures. La spectroscopie infrarouge par modulation spatiale permet de mesurer le spectre du rayonnement thermique de champ lointain d’une antenne unique en s’affranchissant de la contribution dominante du fond environnant. Des mesures de microscopie à effet tunnel à rayonnement thermique fournissent quant à elles une image super-résolue de la structure spatiale du rayonnement thermique de champ proche.
Le rayonnement thermique en astrophysique
Authors: Sauvage Marc
Published: December 2020

Le rayonnement thermique est une source décisive d’informations pour une science de l’observation comme l’astrophysique. Dominant dans l’infrarouge lointain, il est difficile à mesurer, et nécessite le développement de détecteurs innovants et de techniques cryogéniques de pointe. Mise en œuvre à bord de satellite depuis 40 ans, la mesure du rayonnement thermique a permis de nombreuses découvertes liées à la formation stellaire et à l’évolution des galaxies.
Correction of Torsional Deformity Following Nail Osteosynthesis of a Subtrochanteric Fracture
Authors: Ahrend Marc-Daniel , Herbst Moritz , Ihle Christoph , Schröter Steffen
Published: December 2020

Torsional deformity is a frequent complication following nail osteosynthesis of a subtrochanteric fracture. This complication is difficult to assess intraoperatively, but can cause major functional restrictions. The authors consider that a clinical assessment should be complemented by a postoperative radiological control standardised with torsion CT. Thus, torsion deformity can be recognised immediately and easily corrected if necessary. This can help to avoid long-term damage that requires considerable surgery. The video shows details of torsion correction after a ca. 5-week old subtrochanteric femoral fracture, which had been initially treated with a femur nail. Before torsion correction, the internal torsion on the right femur was 22° and the external torsion on the left femur was 2°. Thus, the total deformation of the external torsion on the left side was 24°. We note the indication for removal of the nail, torsion correction and reosteosynthesis with long PFNA. The
postoperative CT control confirmed that the torsion correction was adequate with internal torsion of 25° on the operated left side.
Fortgeschrittenes Nierenzellkarzinom
Authors: Arnheim Katharina
Published: December 2020

Beim metastasierten Nierenzellkarzinom (mRCC) stehen heute mehrere Therapieoptionen zur Verfügung, die laut CARAT-Register rasch in die Praxis implementiert wurden. Die Registerdaten zeigen, dass sich in Deutschland neue Therapieoptionen rasch in der Praxis etablieren.
Health Care Analysis on Myocardial Revascularization in Patients with Chronic Coronary Artery Disease: The Multicenter REVASK Study: Design and Protocol
Authors: Beckmann Andreas , Bitzer Eva-Maria , Lederle Mareike , Ihle Peter , Walker Jochen , Marshall Ursula , Horenkamp-Sonntag Dirk , Schneider Steffen , Zeymer Uwe ,   for the REVASK Study Group
Published: December 2020

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are available for revascularization of coronary artery disease (CAD) with the aims to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and to improve disease-related quality of life in particular. The German National Care Guideline (NVL-cKHK) on chronic CAD recommends the establishment of so-called heart teams for decision making in myocardial revascularization to improve the quality of care. Preferred recommendations for PCI or CABG are given for different patient subgroups depending on patient characteristics, concomitant diseases, and coronary morphology. The myocardial revascularization study (REVASK) is a noninterventional cohort study on care of patients undergoing PCI or CABG based on retrospective statutory health insurance (SHI) routine data, registry data from the German Cardiac Society (DGK) resp., the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (DGTHG), combined with prospective primary data collection from health care providers and patients. The primary goal is to investigate whether and to which extent heart teams, consisting of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, increase guideline adherence in decision making for myocardial revascularization. Ultimately the study project aims to improve patient care in terms of decision making for appropriate myocardial revascularization. Through the consistent implementation of the German National Care Guideline on chronic Coronary Artery Disease (NVL-cKHK) and the European Guidelines on myocardial revascularization, the reduction of morbidity, mortality and the reduced need for subsequent revascularization procedures are also desirable from a health economics perspective.
A Prediction Model for Positive Infant Meconium and Urine Drug Tests
Authors: Simpson Elizabeth A. , Skoglund David A. , Stone Sarah E. , Sherman Ashley K.
Published: December 2020

Objective This study aimed to determine the factors associated with positive infant drug screen and create a shortened screen and a prediction model.

Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of all infants who were tested for drugs of abuse from May 2012 through May 2014. The primary outcome was positive infant urine or meconium drug test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors. A combined screen was created, and test characteristics were analyzed.

Results Among the 3,861 live births, a total of 804 infants underwent drug tests. Variables associated with having a positive infant test were (1) positive maternal urine test, (2) substance use during pregnancy, (3) ≤ one prenatal visit, and (4) remote substance abuse; each p-value was less than 0.0001. A model with an indicator for having at least one of these four predictors had a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 69%. Application of this screen to our population would have decreased drug testing by 57%. No infants had a positive urine drug test when their mother's urine drug test was negative.

Conclusion This simplified screen can guide clinical decision making for determining which infants should undergo drug testing. Infant urine drug tests may not be needed when a maternal drug test result is negative.

Key Points