bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short duration overnight cattle kraaling in natural rangelands leads to increased tree damage by elephants
Authors: Huruba Rangarirai , Ndlovu Caroline , Mundy Peter J. , Sebata Allan , MacFadyen Duncan N.
Published: October 2021

Elephants are attracted to nutrient hotspots created through short duration overnight cattle corralling (hereafter kraaling) in natural rangelands at Debshan, a mixed cattle-wildlife private ranch in central Zimbabwe, causing severe tree damage. We determined the effect of age of nutrient hotspot (i.e., time after kraal use) on elephant use and the extent of tree damage. Elephant use and tree damage were assessed in nutrient hotspots of varying ages (6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months after kraal use) and in surrounding landscape. We also compared Acacia karroo bark nutrient and soil nutrient concentration between nutrient hotspots (24 months after kraal use) and the surrounding landscape. Elephant use of nutrient hotspots was highest at 12 and 24 months after kraaling. The most severely damaged trees were in the 12-, 24- and 36-month-old nutrient hotspots. Acacia karroo bark nutrient concentrations (nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron) were higher in nutrient hotspots than surrounding vegetation, while soil nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and potassium) were higher in nutrient hotspots than surrounding landscape. We concluded that elephants mostly used nutrient hotspots 12 and 24 months after kraaling, while severe tree damage occurred 12, 24 and 36 months after kraal use.
Closed-Loop Brain Devices in Offender Rehabilitation: Autonomy, Human Rights, and Accountability
Authors: Ligthart Sjors , Kooijmans Tijs , Douglas Thomas , Meynen Gerben
Published: October 2021

The current debate on closed-loop brain devices (CBDs) mainly focuses on their use in a medical context; possible criminal justice applications have only received incidental scholarly attention. Unlike in medicine, in criminal justice, CBDs might be offered on behalf of the State and for the purpose of protecting security, rather than realizing healthcare aims. It would be possible to deploy CBDs in the rehabilitation of convicted offenders, similarly to the much-debated possibility of employing other brain interventions in this context. Although such use of CBDs could in principle be consensual, there are significant differences between the choice faced by a criminal offender offered a CBD in the context of criminal justice, and that faced by a patient offered a CBD in an ordinary healthcare context. Employment of CBDs in criminal justice thus raises ethical and legal intricacies not raised by healthcare applications. This paper examines some of these issues under three heads: autonomy, human rights, and accountability.
Lady Justice may be Blind, but is She Racist? Examining Brains, Biases, and Behaviors Using Neuro-Voir Dire
Authors: Suskin Zaev D.
Published: October 2021

This paper discusses the possible use of functional magnetic-resonance imaging as potentially useful in jury selection. The author suggests that neuro-voir could provide greater impartiality of trials than the standard voir, while also preserving existing privacy protections for jurors. He predicts that ability to image and understand a wide range of brain activities, most notably bias-apprehension and lie detection, will render neuro-voir dire invaluable. However currently, such neuro-solutions remain preliminary.
Effect of oestrogen on mouse follicle growth and meiotic resumption
Authors: Chi Heng , Cao Zuowu
Published: October 2021

Many studies have shown that oestrogen affects late follicular development, but whether oestrogen is involved in other aspects of folliculogenesis remains unclear. In this study, two antagonists of oestrogen, tamoxifen and G15, were used to determine the effects of oestrogen on folliculogenesis. Mouse preantral follicles and cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured in vitro. The results showed that follicle growth stimulated using pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) was inhibited using tamoxifen, whether in vivo or in vitro. The average diameters, the maximum diameters of follicles and the numbers of follicles with a diameter of more than 300 μm decreased significantly following a 4-day culture with tamoxifen. G15, the antagonist of oestrogen via the membrane receptor, did not change follicular growth stimulated by PMSG in vitro. Results of in vitro maturation of COCs showed that germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) occurred spontaneously (95.1%) after 2 h in culture, and the GVBD ratio changed little with the addition of either oestrogen or 10 μM G15. However, first polar body (PBI) extrusion was driven by oestrogen markedly and supplementation with 10 μM G15 inhibited PBI extrusion (82.4% vs 55.0%) significantly. These results demonstrated that oestrogen promotes follicle growth through the nuclear receptor during follicle growth and then triggers the transition of metaphase to anaphase through the membrane receptor during meiotic resumption. So oestrogen plays a progressive role in the two phases of follicle growth and oocyte meiotic resumption.
Two puzzles of judicial wagers
Authors: Wiese Harald
Published: October 2021

This paper is about an Old Indian judicial institution calledpaṇa(“wager”). Within a court proceeding, a judicial wager is a certain sum of money that a conflicting party offers to pay if he ends up losing his case. This paper explains the rationale of judicial wagers by showing that they may signal truthfulness.
Das innere Hämorrhoidalleiden und die nicht operative Therapie
Authors: Essig Manfred
Published: October 2021

Zusammenfassung. Hämorrhoiden sind physiologischer Teil des Schliessmuskels, der sich unter unphysiologischen Bedingungen, wie abdominellem Druck vergrössert, und Symptome, wie Blutungen, entwickelt. Die Therapie besteht in der Verkleinerung des vergrösserten Plexus, dabei kommen im Wesentlichen neben Lifestyle-Adaptationen, semiinvasive Methoden, wie Koagulation, Gummibandligaturen, und bei höhergradigen Stadien operative Verfahren, wie die der klassischen etablierten Methoden (Milligan-Morgan, Ferguson, in ausgewählten Fällen Longo), in Frage.
Endosonographie bei benignen und malignen Erkrankungen des Anorektums
Authors: Schorr Friedrich
Published: October 2021

Zusammenfassung. Sonographische und endosonographische Untersuchungen des Rektums und des Analkanals haben gegenüber anderen bildgebenden Verfahren den Vorteil einer sehr hohen Detailauflösung, so dass bei benignen und malignen Erkrankungen entscheidende Informationen zur weiteren Behandlungsplanung gewonnen werden können. Die Ultraschalluntersuchungen sind schnell durchführbar, setzen jedoch bei der Durchführung und Interpretation entsprechend gute Kenntnisse und Erfahrungen in der Anatomie, Pathologie sowie pathologischen Funktionsstörungen voraus.
CME-Dermatologie 24/ Antworten: Porokeratose
Authors: Huber Fabienne , Lautenschlager Stephan
Published: October 2021

Zusammenfassung. Porokeratosen sind eine heterogene Gruppe von Verhornungsstörungen mit dem charakteristischen histologischen Merkmal der kornoiden Lamellen im Bereich der Randleiste. Es handelt sich um eine seltene, jedoch charakteristische Erkrankung mit hauptsächlichem Vorkommen im Erwachsenenalter, wobei Männer häufiger betroffen sind. Nicht selten wird die Erkrankung fehldiagnostiziert. Die Ätiopathogenese, die zur Umwandlung der Keratinozyten führt, bleibt unklar; beobachtet wurden Zusammenhänge mit genetischen Mutationen sowie Triggerfaktoren wie UV-Strahlen und Immunsuppression. Aufgrund der Gefahr einer malignen Entartung sollten ein konsequenter Sonnenschutz sowie regelmässige klinische Kontrollen stattfinden. Zur Therapie von juckenden, schmerzhaften oder kosmetisch störenden Porokeratosen können je nach Lokalisation und Ausprägung eine Kryotherapie, ablative Lasertherapie, Curettage, photodynamische Therapie oder eine topische Anwendung von Fluorouracil (5-FU), Imiquimod wie auch Retinoide angewendet werden.
A large-area single-filament infrared emitter and its application in a spectroscopic ethanol gas sensing system
Authors: Schröder Stephan , Briano Floria Ottonello , Rödjegård Henrik , Bryzgalov Maksym , Orelund Jonas , Gylfason Kristinn B. , Stemme Göran , Niklaus Frank
Published: October 2021

Nondispersive infrared (NDIR) spectroscopy is an important technology for highly accurate and maintenance-free sensing of gases, such as ethanol and carbon dioxide. However, NDIR spectroscopy systems are currently too expensive, e.g., for consumer and automotive applications, as the infrared (IR) emitter is a critical but costly component of these systems. Here, we report on a low-cost large-area IR emitter featuring a broadband emission spectrum suitable for small NDIR gas spectroscopy systems. The infrared emitter utilizes Joule heating of a Kanthal (FeCrAl) filament that is integrated in the base substrate using an automated high-speed wire bonding process, enabling simple and rapid formation of a long meander-shaped filament. We describe the critical infrared emitter characteristics, including the effective infrared emission spectrum, thermal frequency response, and power consumption. Finally, we integrate the emitter into a handheld breath alcohol analyzer and show its operation in both laboratory and real-world settings, thereby demonstrating the potential of the emitter for future low-cost optical gas sensor applications.
Sintilimab for relapsed/refractory extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma: a multicenter, single-arm, phase 2 trial (ORIENT-4)
Authors: Tao Rong , Fan Lei , Song Yongping , Hu Yu , Zhang Wei , Wang Yafei , Xu Wei , Li Jianyong
Published: October 2021

This study (ORIENT-4) aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of sintilimab, a humanized anti-PD-1 antibody, in patients with relapsed/refractory extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma (r/r ENKTL). ORIENT-4 is a multicenter, single-arm, phase 2 clinical trial (NCT03228836). Patients with r/r ENKTL who failed to at least one asparaginase-based regimen were enrolled to receive sintilimab 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks for up to 24 months. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) based on Lugano 2014 criteria. Twenty-eight patients with r/r ENKTL were enrolled from August 31, 2017 to February 7, 2018. Twenty-one patients (75.0%, 95% CI: 55.1–89.3%) achieved an objective response. With a median follow-up of 30.4 months, the median overall survival (OS) was not reached. The 24-month OS rate was 78.6% (95% CI, 58.4–89.8%). Most treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were grade 1–2 (71.4%), and the most common TRAE was decreased lymphocyte count (42.9%). Serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred in 7 (25.0%) patients, and no patient died of adverse events. Sintilimab is effective and well tolerated in patients with r/r ENKTL and could be a novel therapeutic approach for the control of ENKTL in patients.
Repurposing cancer drugs identifies kenpaullone which ameliorates pathologic pain in preclinical models via normalization of inhibitory neurotransmission
Authors: Yeo Michele , Chen Yong , Jiang Changyu , Chen Gang , Wang Kaiyuan , Chandra Sharat , Bortsov Andrey , Lioudyno Maria , Zeng Qian , Wang Peng , Wang Zilong , Busciglio Jorge , Ji Ru-Rong , Liedtke Wolfgang
Published: October 2021

Inhibitory GABA-ergic neurotransmission is fundamental for the adult vertebrate central nervous system and requires low chloride concentration in neurons, maintained by KCC2, a neuroprotective ion transporter that extrudes intracellular neuronal chloride. To identifyKcc2gene expression‑enhancing compounds, we screened 1057 cell growth-regulating compounds in cultured primary cortical neurons. We identified kenpaullone (KP), which enhancedKcc2/KCC2expression and function in cultured rodent and human neurons by inhibiting GSK3ß. KP effectively reduced pathologic pain-like behavior in mouse models of nerve injury and bone cancer. In a nerve-injury pain model, KP restoredKcc2expression and GABA-evoked chloride reversal potential in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Delta-catenin, a phosphorylation-target of GSK3ß in neurons, activated theKcc2promoter via KAISO transcription factor. Transient spinal over-expression of delta-catenin mimicked KP analgesia. Our findings of a newly repurposed compound and a novel, genetically-encoded mechanism that each enhanceKcc2gene expression enable us to re-normalize disrupted inhibitory neurotransmission through genetic re-programming.
Writing of strain-controlled multiferroic ribbons into MnWO4
Authors: Toyoda Shingo , Fiebig Manfred , Forster Lea , Arima Taka-hisa , Tokura Yoshinori , Ogawa Naoki
Published: October 2021

Local and low-dimensional structures, such as interfaces, domain walls and structural defects, may exhibit physical properties different from the bulk. Therein, a wide variety of local phases were discovered including conductive interfaces, sheet superconductivity, and magnetoelectric domain walls. The confinement of combined magnetic and electric orders to spatially selected regions may be particularly relevant for future technological applications because it may serve as basis of electrically controllable magnetic memory devices. However, direct observation of magnetoelectric low-dimensional structures cannot readily be done partly because of the lack of experimental techniques locally probing their physical nature. Here, we report an observation of multiferroic ribbon-like domains in a non-multiferroic environment in MnWO4. Using optical second harmonic generation imaging, we reveal that a multiferroic phase is stabilized by locally generated strain while the bulk magnetic structure is non-multiferroic. We further find that the confined multiferroic state retains domains with different directions of electric polarization and we demonstrate deterministic writing of a multiferroic state embedded in a non-multiferroic environment.
Breast cancer dormancy is associated with a 4NG1 state and not senescence
Authors: Prunier Chloé , Alay Ania , van Dijk Michiel , Ammerlaan Kelly L. , van Gelderen Sharon , Marvin Dieuwke L. , Teunisse Amina , Slieker Roderick C. , Szuhai Karoly , Jochemsen A. G. , Solé Xavier , ten Dijke Peter , Ritsma Laila
Published: October 2021

Reactivation of dormant cancer cells can lead to cancer relapse, metastasis, and patient death. Dormancy is a nonproliferative state and is linked to late relapse and death. No targeted therapy is currently available to eliminate dormant cells, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding and reliable models. Here, we thoroughly characterize the dormant D2.OR and ZR-75-1, and proliferative D2A1 breast cancer cell line models in vivo and/or in vitro, and assess if there is overlap between a dormant and a senescent phenotype. We show that D2.OR but not D2A1 cells become dormant in the liver of an immunocompetent model. In vitro, we show that D2.OR and ZR-75-1 cells in response to a 3D environment or serum-free conditions are growth-arrested in G1, of which a subpopulation resides in a 4NG1 state. The dormancy state is reversible and not associated with a senescence phenotype. This will aid future research on breast cancer dormancy.
Using predictive machine learning models for drug response simulation by calibrating patient-specific pathway signatures
Authors: Golriz Khatami Sepehr , Mubeen Sarah , Bharadhwaj Vinay Srinivas , Kodamullil Alpha Tom , Hofmann-Apitius Martin , Domingo-Fernández Daniel
Published: October 2021

The utility of pathway signatures lies in their capability to determine whether a specific pathway or biological process is dysregulated in a given patient. These signatures have been widely used in machine learning (ML) methods for a variety of applications including precision medicine, drug repurposing, and drug discovery. In this work, we leverage highly predictive ML models for drug response simulation in individual patients by calibrating the pathway activity scores of disease samples. Using these ML models and an intuitive scoring algorithm to modify the signatures of patients, we evaluate whether a given sample that was formerly classified as diseased, could be predicted as normal following drug treatment simulation. We then use this technique as a proxy for the identification of potential drug candidates. Furthermore, we demonstrate the ability of our methodology to successfully identify approved and clinically investigated drugs for four different cancers, outperforming six comparable state-of-the-art methods. We also show how this approach can deconvolute a drugs’ mechanism of action and propose combination therapies. Taken together, our methodology could be promising to support clinical decision-making in personalized medicine by simulating a drugs’ effect on a given patient.
Structural and functional analysis of somatic coding and UTR indels in breast and lung cancer genomes
Authors: Chen Jing , Guo Jun-tao
Published: October 2021

Insertions and deletions (Indels) represent one of the major variation types in the human genome and have been implicated in diseases including cancer. To study the features of somatic indels in different cancer genomes, we investigated the indels from two large samples of cancer types: invasive breast carcinoma (BRCA) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Besides mapping somatic indels in both coding and untranslated regions (UTRs) from the cancer whole exome sequences, we investigated the overlap between these indels and transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs), the key elements for regulation of gene expression that have been found in both coding and non-coding sequences. Compared to the germline indels in healthy genomes, somatic indels contain more coding indels with higher than expected frame-shift (FS) indels in cancer genomes. LUAD has a higher ratio of deletions and higher coding and FS indel rates than BRCA. More importantly, these somatic indels in cancer genomes tend to locate in sequences with important functions, which can affect the core secondary structures of proteins and have a bigger overlap with predicted TFBSs in coding regions than the germline indels. The somatic CDS indels are also enriched in highly conserved nucleotides when compared with germline CDS indels.
Divergent leukaemia subclones as cellular models for testing vulnerabilities associated with gains in chromosomes 7, 8 or 18
Authors: Maher Michael , Diesch Jeannine , Le Pannérer Marguerite-Marie , Cabezón Marta , Mallo Mar , Vergara Sara , Méndez López Aleix , Mesa Tudel Alba , Solé Francesc , Sorigue Marc , Zamora Lurdes , Granada Isabel , Buschbeck Marcus
Published: October 2021

Haematopoietic malignancies are frequently characterized by karyotypic abnormalities. The development of targeted drugs has been pioneered with compounds against gene products of fusion genes caused by chromosomal translocations. While polysomies are equally frequent as translocations, for many of them we are lacking therapeutic approaches aimed at synthetic lethality. Here, we report two new cell lines, named MBU-7 and MBU-8, that differ in complete trisomy of chromosome18, a partial trisomy of chromosome 7 and a tetrasomy of the p-arm of chromosome 8, but otherwise share the same mutational pattern and complex karyotype. Both cell lines are divergent clones of U-937 cells and have the morphology and immunoprofile of monocytic cells. The distinct karyotypic differences between MBU-7 and MBU-8 are associated with a difference in the specific response to nucleoside analogues. Taken together, we propose the MBU-7 and MBU-8 cell lines described here as suitable in vitro models for screening and testing vulnerabilities that are associated with the disease-relevant polysomies of chromosome 7, 8 and 18.
Predicting and comparing three corrective techniques for sagittal craniosynostosis
Authors: Cross Connor , Khonsari Roman H. , Larysz Dawid , Johnson David , Kölby Lars , Moazen Mehran
Published: October 2021

Sagittal synostosis is the most occurring form of craniosynostosis, resulting in calvarial deformation and possible long-term neurocognitive deficits. Several surgical techniques have been developed to correct these issues. Debates as to the most optimal approach are still ongoing. Finite element method is a computational tool that’s shown to assist with the management of craniosynostosis. The aim of this study was to compare and predict the outcomes of three reconstruction methods for sagittal craniosynostosis. Here, a generic finite element model was developed based on a patient at 4 months of age and was virtually reconstructed under all three different techniques. Calvarial growth was simulated to predict the skull morphology and the impact of different reconstruction techniques on the brain growth up to 60 months of age. Predicted morphology was then compared with in vivo and literature data. Our results show a promising resemblance to morphological outcomes at follow up. Morphological characteristics between considered techniques were also captured in our predictions. Pressure outcomes across the brain highlight the potential impact that different techniques have on growth. This study lays the foundation for further investigation into additional reconstructive techniques for sagittal synostosis with the long-term vision of optimizing the management of craniosynostosis.
Galvanic corrosion inhibition from aspect of bonding orbital theory in Cu/Ru barrier CMP
Authors: Lee Kangchun , Sun Seho , Lee Ganggyu , Yoon Gyeonghui , Kim Donghyeok , Hwang Junha , Jeong Hojin , Song Taeseup , Paik Ungyu
Published: October 2021

In this report, the galvanic corrosion inhibition between Cu and Ru metal films is studied, based on bonding orbital theory, using pyridinecarboxylic acid groups which show different affinities depending on the electron configuration of each metal resulting from a π-backbonding. The sp2 carbon atoms adjacent to nitrogen in the pyridine ring provide π-acceptor which forms a complex with filled d-orbital of native oxides on Cu and Ru metal film. The difference in the d-orbital electron density of each metal oxide leads to different π-backbonding strength, resulting in dense or sparse adsorption on native metal oxides. The dense adsorption layer is formed on native Cu oxide film due to the full-filled d-orbital electrons, which effectively suppresses anodic reaction in Cu film. On the other hand, only a sparse adsorption layer is formed on native Ru oxide due to its relatively weak affinity between partially filled d-orbital and pyridine groups. The adsorption behaviour is investigated through interfacial interaction analysis and electrochemical interaction evaluation. Based on this finding, the galvanic corrosion behaviour between Cu and Ru during chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) processing has been controlled.
Biomarkers of persistent renal vulnerability after acute kidney injury recovery
Authors: Fuentes-Calvo Isabel , Cuesta Cristina , Sancho-Martínez Sandra M. , Hidalgo-Thomas Omar A. , Paniagua-Sancho María , López-Hernández Francisco J. , Martínez-Salgado Carlos
Published: October 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a risk factor for new AKI episodes, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular events and death, as renal repair may be deficient and maladaptive, and activate proinflammatory and profibrotic signals. AKI and AKI recovery definitions are based on changes in plasma creatinine, a parameter mostly associated to glomerular filtration, but largely uncoupled from renal tissue damage. The evolution of structural and functional repair has been incompletely described. We thus aimed at identifying subclinical sequelae persisting after recovery from cisplatin-induced AKI in rats. Compared to controls, after plasma creatinine recovery, post-AKI kidneys showed histological alterations and attendant susceptibility to new AKI episodes. Tubular function (assessed by the furosemide stress test, FST) also remained affected. Lingering parenchymal and functional subclinical alterations were paralleled by tapering, but abnormally high levels of urinary albumin, transferrin, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) and, especially, the [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] product. As subclinical surrogates of incomplete renal recovery, the FST and the urinary [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] product provide two potential diagnostic tools to monitor the sequelae and kidney vulnerability after the apparent recovery from AKI.
Effectiveness and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles during primary antimicrobial prophylaxis for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Yeh Ting-Chi , Hou Jen-Yin , Huang Ting-Huan , Lu Chien-Hung , Sun Fang-Ju , Huang Hsiu-Mei , Liu Hsi-Che
Published: October 2021

Limited data are available on antimicrobials exposure and microbiology evolution in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients underwent antimicrobials prophylaxis. To assess the effectiveness of antimicrobials prophylaxis, antibiotic susceptibilities of bacteria, and exposure of antimicrobials during intensive chemotherapy for AML patients, 90 consecutive de novo AML patients aged 0–18 years between January 1, 1997 and March 31, 2018 were enrolled. Vancomycin, ciprofloxacin and voriconazole prophylaxis was administered from January 1, 2010. During the preprophylaxis period, January 1997 to December 2009, 62 patients experienced a total of 87 episodes of bloodstream infection (BSI) and 17 episodes of invasive fungal infection (IFI) among 502 courses of chemotherapy. In contrast, 16 episodes of BSI occurred and no IFIs were reported to occur in 28 patients who received 247 courses of chemotherapy in the prophylaxis period. Patients who received antimicrobial prophylaxis had a significant reduction of BSI, IFI, and febrile neutropenia in comparison with patients without prophylaxis. Exposure to amikacin, carbapenem, amphotericin B was reduced in the prophylaxis period. Imipenem susceptibility of Enterobacter cloacae as well as vancomycin susceptibility of Enterococcus species were reduced in the prophylaxis period. At the time of the last follow up, patients with prophylaxis had a better subsequent 5-year overall survival rate than those without prophylaxis. Prophylactic antimicrobials administration in children with AML who undergo chemotherapy can significantly reduce the rates of life-threatening infection, exposure to antimicrobials, and might result in a better outcome.
Population genomics and evidence of clonal replacement of Plasmodium falciparum in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Villena Fredy E. , Lizewski Stephen E. , Joya Christie A. , Valdivia Hugo O.
Published: October 2021

Previous studies have shown that P. falciparum parasites in South America have undergone population bottlenecks resulting in clonal lineages that are differentially distributed and that have been responsible for several outbreaks different endemic regions. In this study, we explored the genomic profile of 18 P. falciparum samples collected in the Peruvian Amazon Basin (Loreto) and 6 from the Peruvian North Coast (Tumbes). Our results showed the presence of three subpopulations that matched previously typed lineages in Peru: Bv1 (n = 17), Clonet D (n = 4) and Acre-Loreto type (n = 3). Gene coverage analysis showed that none of the Bv1 samples presented coverage for pfhrp2 and pfhrp3. Genotyping of drug resistance markers showed a high prevalence of Chloroquine resistance mutations S1034C/N1042D/D1246Y in pfmdr1 (62.5%) and K45T in pfcrt (87.5%). Mutations associated with sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine treatment failure were found on 88.8% of the Bv1 samples which were triple mutants for pfdhfr (50R/51I/108N) and pfdhps (437G/540E/581G). Analysis of the pfS47 gene that allows P. falciparum to evade mosquito immune responses showed that the Bv1 lineage presented one pfS47 haplotype exclusive to Loreto and another haplotype that was present in both Loreto and Tumbes. Furthermore, a possible expansion of Bv1 was detected since 2011 in Loreto. This replacement could be a result of the high prevalence of CQ resistance polymorphisms in Bv1, which could have provided a selective advantage to the indirect selection pressures driven by the use of CQ for P. vivax treatment.
It’s complicated: characterizing the time-varying relationship between cell phone mobility and COVID-19 spread in the US
Authors: Jewell Sean , Futoma Joseph , Hannah Lauren , Miller Andrew C. , Foti Nicholas J. , Fox Emily B.
Published: October 2021

Restricting in-person interactions is an important technique for limiting the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although early research found strong associations between cell phone mobility and infection spread during the initial outbreaks in the United States, it is unclear whether this relationship persists across locations and time. We propose an interpretable statistical model to identify spatiotemporal variation in the association between mobility and infection rates. Using 1 year of US county-level data, we found that sharp drops in mobility often coincided with declining infection rates in the most populous counties in spring 2020. However, the association varied considerably in other locations and across time. Our findings are sensitive to model flexibility, as more restrictive models average over local effects and mask much of the spatiotemporal variation. We conclude that mobility does not appear to be a reliable leading indicator of infection rates, which may have important policy implications.
Structure dynamics of HIV-1 Env trimers on native virions engaged with living T cells
Authors: Carlon-Andres Irene , Malinauskas Tomas , Padilla-Parra Sergi
Published: October 2021

The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) mediates viral entry into the host cell. Although the highly dynamic nature of Env intramolecular conformations has been shown with single molecule spectroscopy in vitro, the bona fide Env intra- and intermolecular mechanics when engaged with live T cells remains unknown. We used two photon fast fluorescence lifetime imaging detection of single-molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer occurring between fluorescent labels on HIV-1 Env on native virions. Our observations reveal Env dynamics at two levels: transitions between different intramolecular conformations and intermolecular interactions between Env within the viral membrane. Furthermore, we show that three broad neutralizing anti-Env antibodies directed to different epitopes restrict Env intramolecular dynamics and interactions between adjacent Env molecules when engaged with living T cells. Importantly, our results show that Env-Env interactions depend on efficient virus maturation, and that is disrupted upon binding of Env to CD4 or by neutralizing antibodies. Thus, this study illuminates how different intramolecular conformations and distribution of Env molecules mediate HIV-1 Env–T cell interactions in real time and therefore might control immune evasion.
Intercepting a transient non-hemic pyridine N-oxide Fe(iii) species involved in OAT reactions
Authors: Vo Nhat Tam , Herrero Christian , Guillot Régis , Inceoglu Tanya , Leibl Winfried , Clémancey Martin , Dubourdeaux Patrick , Blondin Geneviève , Aukauloo Ally , Sircoglou Marie
Published: October 2021

An unprecedented pyridine-N-oxide Fe(iii) intermediate has been detected as a potent oxidizing species for catalytic OAT reactions.
Ball milling – a new concept for predicting degradation profiles in active pharmaceutical ingredients
Authors: Kaiser Reinhard P. , Krake Everaldo F. , Backer Laura , Urlaub Jonas , Baumann Wolfgang , Handler Norbert , Buschmann Helmut , Beweries Torsten , Holzgrabe Ulrike , Bolm Carsten
Published: October 2021

Forced oxidative mechanochemical degradation of clopidogrel hydrogensulfate as a model compound leads to selective formation of degradants in less than 15 minutes.
An asymmetric oxidative cyclization/Mannich-type addition cascade reaction for direct access to chiral pyrrolidin-3-ones
Authors: Zhou Su , Xie Xiongda , Xu Xinxin , Dong Shanliang , Hu Wenhao , Xu Xinfang
Published: October 2021

An asymmetric oxidative cyclization/Mannich-type addition of homopropargyl amides with nitrones has been reported, which provides a 100% atom-economy access to chiral pyrrolidin-3-ones.
C–H bond functionalization by dual catalysis: merging of high-valent cobalt and photoredox catalysis
Authors: Chakraborty Priyanka , Mandal Rajib , Paira Soumen , Sundararaju Basker
Published: October 2021

The dual-catalytic approach has emerged as a versatile platform to diverse low energy pathways for several synthetic transformations. The merger of high-cobalt with photo-redox dual catalytic strategy has high dormant potential with improved efficiency for C–H bond functionalizations.
Immobilisation and stabilisation of glycosylated enzymes on boronic acid-functionalised silica nanoparticles
Authors: Nazemi Seyed Amirabbas , Olesińska Magdalena , Pezzella Cinzia , Varriale Simona , Lin Chia-Wei , Corvini Philippe F.-X. , Shahgaldian Patrick
Published: October 2021

We report a method of glycosylated enzyme immobilisation and stabilisation based on the formation of boronate esters between a surface-attached boronate and the enzyme glycans, followed by the growth of an organosilica layer of controlled thickness.
Cation–π interactions enabling hard/soft Ti/Ag heterobimetallic cooperativity in lactide ring-opening polymerisation
Authors: Baker Chloe A. , Romain Charles , Long Nicholas J.
Published: October 2021

Hard/soft Ti/Ag metal cooperativity in lactide ring-opening polymerization.
TBN-triggered, manipulable annulations of o-hydroxyarylenaminones for divergent syntheses of oximinochromanones and oximinocoumaranones
Authors: Qian Yu-En , Zheng Lan , Zhao Qing-Lan , Xiao Jun-An , Chen Kai , Xiang Hao-Yue , Yang Hua
Published: October 2021

Unprecedented divergent annulations of o-hydroxyarylenaminones promoted by TBN have been established under mild conditions, and two types of benzo-oxa-heterocycle were smoothly assembled with a broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility.
Allosteric and transport modulation of human concentrative nucleoside transporter 3 at the atomic scale
Authors: Duan Huaichuan , Zhou Yanxia , Shi Xiaodong , Luo Qing , Gao Jiaxing , Liang Li , Liu Wei , Peng Lianxin , Deng Dong , Hu Jianping
Published: October 2021

Nucleosides are important precursors of nucleotide synthesis in cells, and nucleoside transporters play an important role in many physiological processes by mediating transmembrane transport and absorption.
Planetary metrics for the absolute environmental sustainability assessment of chemicals
Authors: Tulus Victor , Pérez-Ramírez Javier , Guillén-Gosálbez Gonzalo
Published: October 2021

We provide guidelines for performing absolute environmental sustainability assessments (AESA) of chemicals based on the planetary boundaries and classifying them as sustainable or unsustainable, and use them to evaluate 492 chemical products.
Instantaneous hydrolysis of PET bottles: an efficient pathway for the chemical recycling of condensation polymers
Authors: Rubio Arias Jose Jonathan , Thielemans Wim
Published: October 2021

An instantaneous and straightforward way to chemically recycle PET has been developed, which involves inexpensive reagents and provides a fertilizer as byproduct.
Isolation and quantification of extracellular vesicle-encapsulated microRNA on an integrated microfluidic platform
Authors: Sung Chia-Yu , Huang Chi-Chien , Chen Yi-Sin , Hsu Keng-Fu , Lee Gwo-Bin
Published: October 2021

EV extraction, EV-encapsulated microRNA-21 isolation, reverse transcription, and digital PCR for microRNA quantification have been automated on the integrated microfluidic platform.
Metal phosphide CuP2 as a promising thermoelectric material: an insight from a first-principles study
Authors: Jong Un-Gi , Ri Chol-Hyok , Pak Chol-Jin , Kim Chol-Hyok , Cottenier Stefaan , Yu Chol-Jun
Published: October 2021

We performed first-principles investigation of anharmonic lattice dynamics and thermal transport properties of CuP2, revealing its promising thermoelectric performance.
Adlay seed hull polysaccharide as a green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in acid solution: surface analyses and theoretical calculations
Authors: Chen Cai-Yang , Yu Chong , Li Hui-Jing , Zhang Chi , Zhang Weiwei , Wu Yan-Chao
Published: October 2021

Adlay seed hull polysaccharide was developed here as a green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M HCl solution, and its inhibition effect was studied with electrochemical experiments, theoretical calculations, etc.
A quasilinear hydrazone-based mononuclear dysprosium compound withC4vsymmetry exhibiting field-induced complex magnetic relaxation
Authors: Chen Peiqiong , Sun Xiao , Guo Xuefeng , Liu Dan , Liu Hou-Ting , Lu Jing , Tian Haiquan
Published: October 2021

AC4vsymmetrical mononuclear dysprosium(iii) compound has been successfully isolated using a new quasilinear single pyrazinyl hydrazone ligand. Single-ion behavior and the short-range intermolecular magnetic dipolar interaction are essential to the complex magnetic relaxation.
Role of topological surface states and mirror symmetry in topological crystalline insulator SnTe as an efficient electrocatalyst
Authors: Qu Qing , Liu Bin , Liu Hongtao , Liang Jing , Wang Jiannong , Pan Ding , Sou Iam Keong
Published: October 2021

The intrinsic activities of SnTe (001) and (111) surfaces with robust topological surface states (TSSs) are superior to that of a (211) surface with fragile or without TSSs, attributing to the enhanced charge transfer between H atoms and TSSs.
Design strategies of two-dimensional metal–organic frameworks toward efficient electrocatalysts for N2 reduction: cooperativity of transition metals and organic linkers
Authors: Wang Ran , He Chaozheng , Chen Weixing , Fu Ling , Zhao Chenxu , Huo Jinrong , Sun Chenghua
Published: October 2021

W3C12X12 (X = O, S, and Se) were screened as promising NRR electrocatalysts with an ultralow limiting potential.
Engineered N-doped graphene quantum dots/CoFe2O4 spherical composites as a robust and retrievable catalyst: fabrication, characterization, and catalytic performance investigation in microwave-assisted synthesis of quinoline-3-carbonitrile derivatives
Authors: Babaei Pouria , Safaei-Ghomi Javad
Published: October 2021

Sustainable fabrication of spherical N-GQDs/CoFe2O4 nanocomposites as a novel magnetically retrievable catalyst for the synthesis of quinoline-3-carbonitrile derivatives has been developed.
Synthesis and characterization of PEDSCD and its application as a flame retardant in epoxy resins
Authors: Zhang Yi
Published: October 2021

In this study, a flame retardant agent, called PEDSCD, is synthesized through a polycondensation reaction.
Thermal insulation fibers with a Kevlar aerogel core and a porous Nomex shell
Authors: Sun Yueyan , Chen Weiwang , Zhou Xiaomeng
Published: October 2021

A series of core–shell aerogel fibers are prepared. The fibers and their fabrics perform well in thermal insulation. The breaking strength of the extra Nomex shell can be up to twice that of the Kevlar core.
Investigation of USP30 inhibition to enhance Parkin-mediated mitophagy: tools and approaches
Authors: Tsefou Eliona , Walker Alison S. , Clark Emily H. , Hicks Amy R. , Luft Christin , Takeda Kunitoshi , Watanabe Toru , Ramazio Bianca , Staddon James M. , Briston Thomas , Ketteler Robin
Published: October 2021

Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in Parkinson disease (PD). Mutations in Parkin, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, can cause juvenile-onset Parkinsonism, probably through impairment of mitophagy. Inhibition of the de-ubiquitinating enzyme USP30 may counter this effect to enhance mitophagy. Using different tools and cellular approaches, we wanted to independently confirm this claimed role for USP30. Pharmacological characterisation of additional tool compounds that selectively inhibit USP30 are reported. The consequence of USP30 inhibition by these compounds, siRNA knockdown and overexpression of dominant-negative USP30 on the mitophagy pathway in different disease-relevant cellular models was explored. Knockdown and inhibition of USP30 showed increased p-Ser65-ubiquitin levels and mitophagy in neuronal cell models. Furthermore, patient-derived fibroblasts carrying pathogenic mutations in Parkin showed reduced p-Ser65-ubiquitin levels compared with wild-type cells, levels that could be restored using either USP30 inhibitor or dominant-negative USP30 expression. Our data provide additional support for USP30 inhibition as a regulator of the mitophagy pathway.
Research on efficiency optimal torque distribution of stator module combined permanent magnet synchronous machine
Authors: Xu Yingying , Zhang Bingyi , Feng Guihong
Published: October 2021

The large permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) usually adopts a modular technique to facilitate manufacture and maintenance. The rated power of large mechanical equipment is selected according to the limit capacity, and the motor efficiency is low at a low load. A kind of unwinding stator module combined permanent magnet synchronous machine (SMCPMSM) is proposed. Each module is mechanically and electrically decoupled. It can operate independently. The number of input modules can be flexibly selected according to the torque requirements in direct drive SMCPMSM to realise the optimum efficiency control of the ball mill. The work presents the loss model of the SMCPMSM and analyzes the torque distribution ratio of the modules. The mathematical model of torque distribution with optimum efficiency is established by using the genetic algorithm. The optimum efficiency control under different loads is determined. The motor performance of four operation modes is simulated by the finite element. An 80 kW prototype is developed, and its experiments are carried out. The experimental results verify the validity of the proposed method.
Model predictive current control with lower switching frequency for permanent magnet synchronous motor drives
Authors: Wang Shuang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wu Deliang , Zhao Jianfei , Hu Yayuan
Published: October 2021

The model predictive current control (MPCC) technique has been an effective alternative for motor drive applications requiring fast dynamic response. However, the conventional MPCC suffers from high switching losses due to high switching frequency of the inverter. This study proposes a low average switching frequency MPCC method based on boundary‐constrained quadratically extrapolated current trajectory for a permanent magnet synchronous motor drive. First, a quadratic function‐based current prediction model is constructed to obtain the current trajectory in the long‐term future. Second, the boundary constraint is designed to obtain the prediction horizon which is changing in real‐time in order to ensure the validity of the predicted current trajectory. Finally, the cost function established according to the value of the prediction horizon is used to reduce the average switching frequency. In comparison with the conventional MPCC method, the proposed method can significantly reduce the switching frequency of the inverter. In the meantime, fast dynamic response and high steady‐state performance of the conventional MPCC method are preserved. Both simulation and experimental results of the proposed method and the conventional MPCC method are presented to verify the feasibility and advantages of the proposed method.
Tracing the large-scale magnetic field morphology in protoplanetary disks using molecular line polarization
Authors: Lankhaar Boy , Vlemmings Wouter , Bjerkeli Per
Published: October 2021

Context. Magnetic fields are fundamental to the accretion dynamics of protoplanetary disks and they likely affect planet formation. Typical methods to study the magnetic field morphology observe the polarization of dust or spectral lines. However, it has recently become clear that dust-polarization in ALMA’s (Atacama Large (sub)Millimeter Array) spectral regime does not always faithfully trace the magnetic field structure of protoplanetary disks, which leaves spectral line polarization as a promising method for mapping the magnetic field morphologies of such sources.

Aims. We aim to model the emergent polarization of different molecular lines in the ALMA wavelength regime that are excited in protoplanetary disks. We explore a variety of disk models and molecules to identify those properties that are conducive to the emergence of polarization in spectral lines and may therefore be viably used for magnetic field measurements in protoplanetary disks.

Methods. We used POlarized Radiative Transfer Adapted to Lines in conjunction with the Line Emission Modeling Engine. Together, they allowed us to treat the polarized line radiative transfer of complex three-dimensional physical and magnetic field structures.

Results. We present simulations of the emergence of spectral line polarization of different molecules and molecular transitions in the ALMA wavelength regime. We find that molecules that thermalize at high densities, such as HCN, are also the most susceptible to polarization. We find that such molecules are expected to be significantly polarized in protoplanetary disks, while molecules that thermalize at low densities, such as CO, are only significantly polarized in the outer disk regions. We present the simulated polarization maps at a range of inclinations and magnetic field morphologies, and we comment on the observational feasibility of ALMA linear polarization observations of protoplanetary disks.

Conclusions. We conclude that those molecules with strong dipole moments and relatively low collision rates are most useful for magnetic field observations through line polarization measurements in high density regions such as protoplanetary disks.
Possibilities of 3D scanning of parts during repair of agricultural machinery
Authors: Golubev Ivan
Published: October 2021

New high-precision and productive tools are needed due to the increasing requirements to the finishing accuracy of reworked parts and the assembly of units and machines in repair production. One of the most dynamically developing areas of digital production is the use of 3D technologies. They are most actively used in the aviation and automotive industry, as well as in the manufacture of machine elements from various parts. In recent years, there have been some publications on the use of 3D technologies in the repair of machines, including the reconditioning and hardening of parts. The current global trend is the creation of digital measurements and systems for contactless optical quality control of products. The paper and analyzes 3D scanning technologies developed by scientific and educational organizations, as well as presented at various international specialized exhibitions. The analysis and synthesis of information revealed that various laser scanners have been developed and used for 3D scanning, mainly for manufacturing quality control. The study analyzes the possibilities of their use to monitor the geometric parameters of parts of agric ultural machines during the input control of spare parts and repair of machines. 3D scanning has been found to improve measurement accuracy and performance compared to contact tools. The paper presents the main directions of 3D technologies in repair production. A promising area of introducing 3D technologies into repair production is the integrated use of additive technologies and 3D scanning. In case of fault detection using a 3D scanner, the wear value is determined, and the 3D printer recovers the wornout surface taking into account the non-uniformity of wear. Thus, the additive material consumption is reduced from 20 to 90%.