bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Floquet Edge Multicolor Solitons
Authors: Ivanov Sergey K. , Kartashov Yaroslav V. , Szameit Alexander , Torner Lluis , Konotop Vladimir V.
Published: December 2021

Topological insulators are unique physical structures that are insulators in their bulk, but support currents at their edges which can be unidirectional and topologically protected from scattering on disorder and inhomogeneities. Photonic topological insulators can be crafted in materials that exhibit a strong nonlinear response, thus opening the door to the exploration of the interplay between nonlinearity and topological effects. Among the fascinating new phenomena arising from this interplay is the formation of topological edge solitons—hybrid asymmetric states localized across and along the interface due to different physical mechanisms. Such solitons have so far been studied only in materials with Kerr‐type, or cubic, nonlinearity. Here, the first example of the topological edge soliton supported by parametric interactions in nonlinear media is presented. Such solitons exist in Floquet topological insulators realized in arrays of helical waveguides made of a phase‐matchable material. Floquet edge solitons bifurcate from topological edge states in the spectrum of the fundamental frequency wave and remain localized over propagation distances drastically exceeding the helix period, while travelling along the edge of the structure. A theory of such states is developed. It is shown that multicolor solitons in a Floquet system exists in the vicinity of (formally infinite) set of linear resonances determined by the Floquet phase matching conditions. Away from resonance, soliton envelopes can be described by a period‐averaged single nonlinear Schrödinger equation with an effective cubic nonlinear coefficient whose magnitude and sign depend on the overall phase‐mismatch between the fundamental frequency and second harmonic waves. Such total phase‐mismatch includes the intrinsic mismatch and the geometrically‐induced mismatch introduced by the array, and its value reveals one of the genuine effects exhibited by the Floquet quadratic solitons. The results open fundamental new prospects for the exploration of a range of parametric frequency‐mixing phenomena in photonic Floquet quadratic nonlinear media.
Metamaterials‐Based Photoelectric Conversion: From Microwave to Optical Range
Authors: Chai Minqi , Wang Yingxin , Chen Chuanxin , Zhao Ziran , Jin Meihua , He Tao
Published: December 2021

Photoelectric conversion (PC) is an essential process for the devices based on the utilization of electrical signals, such as solar cells, sensors, imaging, and communication. As an emerging research field, great advances are made in the PC devices based on the metamaterials (MMs) hitherto. The MMs exhibit unique electromagnetic resonance properties, which can be used for perfect absorbers and are promising for efficient PC from microwave to optical range, though the absorption mechanism varies with the waveband. Perfect absorption in the microwave is mainly induced by the electromagnetic polariton resonance, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) becomes dominant as the frequency approaches to optical band. Thus, the MMs‐based photoelectric devices are realized via an electronic approach in the microwave band, and are based on the SPR‐induced hot carriers in the optical band. Since terahertz wave falls between the microwave and optical band, terahertz photoelectric devices exhibit unique characteristic different from the electronics and optics, while still bear similarity to both of them, which is dependent on the frequency. Hence, this review covers major advances in the aspects of fundamentals and engineering for the MMs‐based photoelectric devices from microwave to optical range.
Protein Glycosylation and Gut Microbiota Utilization Can Limit the In Vitro and In Vivo Metabolic Cellular Incorporation of Neu5Gc
Authors: Lin Xisha , Yao Hongliang , Guo Jingyu , Huang Yingying , Wang Wenjiao , Yin Binru , Li Xiang'an , Wang Ting , Li Chunbao , Xu Xinglian , Zhou Guanghong , Voglmeir Josef , Liu Li
Published: December 2021

Scope

Red meat intake is reported to be correlated with chronic diseases. A potential causal factor is N‐glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) which metabolically incorporates into diverse glycoconjugates in humans. This study aims to investigate the impact of exposure to Neu5Gc‐rich red meat on healthy cytidine‐5′‐monophospho‐N‐acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (Cmah) knock‐out mice and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and Results

CMAH−/− mice are fed Neu5Gc‐rich diet for short‐term (4 months) and long‐term (10 months). Health status and levels of inflammatory cytokines are assessed. Caco‐2 cells are used to investigate the intestinal absorption of Neu5Gc‐containing glycoprotein, and in vitro fermentation is used to investigate the Neu5Gc utilization by gut microbiota. Neu5Gc‐rich diets show neither measurable abnormality in physio‐biochemical and inflammatory indexes nor observable alterations of liver tissue in mice. Glycosylation of lactoferrin limits its intestinal epithelial absorption, and the absorption of Neu5Gc attach onto glycoprotein is thus limited. Neu5Gc is also simultaneously utilized by microorganisms under simulated gut conditions.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the long‐term intake of Neu5Gc‐rich red meat has no adverse effect on the health of CMAH−/− mice, which may be related to the limited absorption of Neu5Gc that is regulated by protein glycosylation, and the metabolism of Neu5Gc by gut microorganisms.
Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Cultural Competence Scale in Clinical Nurses
Authors: Sarkhani Naeimeh , Negarandeh Reza , Dashti Raziyeh
Published: December 2021

Aim

Cultural competence is a crucial component of nursing competency, and a valid and reliable scale is needed to measure it. This study was conducted to investigate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Cultural Competence Scale among Iranian clinical nurses.

Design

A methodological design was used.

Methods

The scale was translated into Persian, and its content, face and construct validity, and reliability were examined.

Results

Two items with a content validity ratio of 0.6 were removed. In the case of the content validity index, one item with a content validity index lower than 0.70 was removed. The mean content validity index for the scale was reported as 0.99. All 31 items with an impact score index higher than 1.5 were approved. The exploratory factor analysis revealed four factors explaining 59.92% of the total variance. Cronbach's alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient were calculated at 0.95 and 0.94, respectively.
Solubility Enhancement of Antidiabetic Drugs Using a Co‐Crystallization Approach
Authors: Batisai Eustina
Published: December 2021

The co‐crystallization approach has been used to enhance specific desirable properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) such as solubility, dissolution rate, and stability. Solubility is a fundamental property that affects the bioavailability and dosage of the API. The co‐crystal approach is one of the emerging methods with the potential for improving the solubility of these drugs. This paper reviews the latest progress on improving the solubility of some antidiabetic drug molecules using the co‐crystal approach.
Fabrication of aluminum honeycomb cored carbon fabric/epoxy composite sandwich structures via vacuum assisted resin infusion technique
Authors: Vasanthanathan Arunachalam , Navin Kumar Chandrasekaran
Published: December 2021

A detailed step‐by‐step fabrication procedural document of thin‐walled aluminum honeycomb sandwich composite structures, panels, and specimens using vacuum assisted resin infusion process was delivered in this paper. By and large, honeycomb sandwich structures are made by keeping the honeycomb core in between two face sheets, which are glued with the help of adhesives. In the present fabrication process, aluminum honeycomb core was glued in between the carbon fabric reinforced epoxy composite face sheets through vacuum assisted resin infusion technique. The present paper is aimed at fabricating two configurations of honeycomb sandwich composite panels namely, without considering any filler material inside the honeycomb cell, with considering the filler material inside the honeycomb cell. Plastic pellets made up of poly carbonate were considered as filler material for stiffening the aluminum honeycomb sandwich composite panels.
Presence and predictors of pain after orthopedic surgery and associated orthopedic outcomes in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Boyer Elizabeth R. , Novaczyk Zachary B. , Novacheck Tom F. , Symons Frank J. , Burkitt Chantel C.
Published: December 2021

While children with cerebral palsy (CP) may undergo 8‐22 orthopedic surgeries in their lifetime, little is known about the associated pain. We aimed to assess the pain presence before and one year after lower extremity orthopedic surgery, predictors of pain presence at follow‐up, and the association between pain and orthopedic outcomes related to surgery. This retrospective study included 86 children with CP (M age = 10.0 years, SD = 3.2; range = 4.1‐17.3 years, Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) level I‐III) who underwent orthopedic surgery and had completed questionnaires at gait analyses before (M = 2.7 months; range = 0.0‐5.7) and after surgery (M = 11.8 months; range = 9.0‐14.9). Pain presence, location, and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) scores were documented before and after surgery at gait analyses. Pain prevalence was 60% at baseline and 56% at follow‐up. Significant predictors of pain presence at follow‐up included (1) pain presence at baseline (range of odds ratios [OR] across any/all locations = 3.22 to 15.54), (2) older age (range of OR for any pain, back, knee, and foot pain = 1.24‐1.26), (3) female sex (decreased OR for males for ankle pain = 0.12), (4) having hip surgery (decreased OR for foot pain = 0.20), and (5) lower GMFCS level (OR for foot pain = 0.41). Changes in PODCI Sports and Physical Function scores were associated with changes in hip and knee pain (P < .03); PODCI scores worsened for patients who had pain at both time points and improved for patients who had pain at baseline but not follow‐up. Pain was present for over half of the participants before and after orthopedic surgery. Pain presence at follow‐up was predicted by pain presence at baseline. Pain and functional outcomes were correlated at follow‐up. Prospective studies examining perioperative pain experience and factors predicting pain outcomes are warranted.
Cognitive variables associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with cancer: A five‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Priede Amador , Rodríguez‐Pérez Noelia , Hoyuela Fernando , Cordero‐Andrés Patricia , Umaran‐Alfageme Olga , González‐Blanch César
Published: December 2021

Background

Patients with cancer are at increased risk of developing symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, data on the variables associated with these symptoms in the long term are scant. This study aims to evaluate rumination and thought suppression as explanatory variables of depressive and anxiety symptoms at one‐ and five‐year follow‐up in patients diagnosed with cancer.

Methods

A total of 131 patients with cancer were assessed at baseline (≤4 months of diagnosis), and at 1 and 5 years after diagnosis. A battery of self‐reported measures was used to evaluate anxiety and depressive symptoms, rumination, thought suppression, social support, and self‐efficacy. The associations among these variables were assessed with linear mixed‐effects models.

Results

The models for depressive and anxiety symptoms explained 43.5% and 44.2% of the variance, respectively. Rumination was a significant explanatory variable of both depressive and anxiety symptoms over the five‐year follow‐up period, while thought suppression was only associated with anxiety symptoms. Female gender was associated with a higher risk of presenting anxiety symptoms but this same variable was also protective against depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

The assessment and treatment of rumination and thought suppression in patients diagnosed with cancer is advisable, as these cognitive domains seem to be associated to symptoms of emotional disorders in the long term.
Nonrespiratory complications of nusinersen‐treated spinal muscular atrophy type 1 patients
Authors: Lavie Moran , Rochman Mika , Sagi Liora , Yerushalmy Feler Anat , Ovadia Dror , Cahal Michal , Be'er Moria , Sadot Efraim , Fattal‐Valevski Aviva , Amirav Israel
Published: December 2021

Background

Emergence of new treatments for spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1) has led to dramatic improvements in respiratory failure and survival. However, these “treated” patients sustain major problems in other organ systems, which may directly or indirectly affect their respiratory function. We observed three main nonrespiratory manifestations in these patients comprised of facial deformities, feeding problems, and spinal deformities.

Objective

To investigate these three main sequelae in nusinersen‐treated SMA1 patients.

Methods

Data on nusinersen‐treated SMA1 patients were prospectively collected throughout a 3‐year period, with special focus upon nonrespiratory features of the disease.

Results

Twenty nusinersen‐treated SMA1 patients were included (eight males, median age 13.5 months, interquartile range: 4–56.2 months), among whom 17 survived after 3 years of follow‐up. At follow‐up, 15 (88%) patients were diagnosed with facial weakness, hypoplasia, or deformity. All but one patient (94%) were fed invasively by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or nasogastric tube feeding. Four patients (25%) had maintained oral feeding in parallel to gastrostomy feeding and had clinical and radiologic evidence of aspirations. Fifteen (88%) patients were diagnosed with scoliosis, of whom seven had undergone or were scheduled to undergo corrective surgery.

Conclusions

Nusinersen‐treated SMA1 patients may sustain facial deformities, feeding problems, and severe scoliosis, all of which affect their respiratory system. Strict surveillance of these complications is essential to avoid further respiratory morbidity.
Safety and tolerability of combination therapy with ambrisentan and tadalafil for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in children: Real‐world experience
Authors: Issapour Azadeh , Frank Benjamin , Crook Sarah , Hite Michelle D. , Dorn Michelle L. , Rosenzweig Erika B. , Ivy D. Dunbar , Krishnan Usha S.
Published: December 2021

Objective

To describe the safety and tolerability of treatment with ambrisentan and tadalafil in pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Study Design

This retrospective observational two‐center study included subjects (≤18 years of age) with PH receiving combination therapy with ambrisentan and tadalafil. Before initiating this therapy, many patients were on other therapies for PH. At baseline, patients either received no therapy or monotherapy with a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) or endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) (Group A), switched from a different PDE5i and ERA (Group B), or were on prostanoid therapy with or without a PDE5i and/or ERA (Group C and D). Demographics, symptoms, and adverse effects were collected. Pre‐ and postvalues for exercise capacity, hemodynamics, and biomarkers were compared.

Results

There were 43 subjects (26 F, 17 M) ages 4–17.5 years (median 9.3) with World Symposium of PH group 1, 3, and 5. Significant improvements were seen in change scores at follow‐up in the entire sample and Group A for 6‐min walk distance: +37.0 (6.5–71.0) [p = 0.022], mean pulmonary artery pressure: −6.0 (−14.0 to −3.5) [p = .002], pulmonary vascular resistance: −1.7 (−6.2 to −1.0) [p = .003], NT‐proBNP −32.9 (−148.9 to −6.7) [p = .025]. WHO functional class improved in 39.5% and was unchanged in 53.5%; PH risk scores improved in 16%; were unchanged in 56%; and declined in 14%. Three patients discontinued therapy (two headaches, one peripheral edema). Seven patients were hospitalized for worsening disease (2/7 had a Potts shunt placed, 2/7 had an atrial septostomy). There were no deaths or lung transplantation.

Conclusions

Combination therapy with ambrisentan and tadalafil was well‐tolerated, with an acceptable safety profile in a select group of children. This therapy was associated with improved exercise capacity and hemodynamics in children who were treatment naïve or on monotherapy with a PH medication before the initiation of ambrisentan and tadalafil. Based on these early data, further study of combination therapy in pediatric PH is warranted.
Synthesis and biological activity of novel hydantoin cyclohexyl sulfonamide derivatives as potential antimicrobial agents in agriculture
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Shen , Xiao Lifeng , Wan Ying , He Lu , Wang Kai , Qi Zhiqiu , Li Xinghai
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Plant disease is one of the most serious problems in agriculture that can damage crops. Chemical fungicides are widely used to control plant diseases, but have led to resistance and a series of environmental problems. It is, therefore, necessary to develop highly effective and eco‐friendly antimicrobial compounds with novel structures.

RESULTS

A series of novel hydantoin cyclohexyl sulfonamide derivatives were synthesized through an intramolecular condensation reaction. The bioassay results indicated that a majority of the title compounds displayed potent inhibitory activity against Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Erwinia carotorora. The in vivo inhibition rate of compound 3h was 91.01% against B. cinerea, which was higher than that of iprodione (84.07%). Compound 3w showed excellent antifungal activity against B. cinerea with a half‐maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 4.80 μg ml–1, which is lower than that of iprodione. Compound 3q had an EC50 value of 1.44 μg ml–1 against S. sclerotiorum, which was close to that of iprodione (1.39 μg ml–1), and the inhibition rate was also similar to that of iprodione. Compounds 3i and 3w had the best inhibition efficacy against S. sclerotiorum, both on growth of the mycelium and sclerotia and in the greenhouse pot test in vitro. Further study showed that compounds 3h, 3r and 3s have superb antibacterial activity against E. carotorora with EC50 values of 2.65, 4.24 and 4.29 μg ml–1 respectively, and were superior to streptomycin sulfate (5.96 μg ml–1).

CONCLUSION

Because of their excellent antifungal and antibacterial activity against B. cinerea, S. sclerotiorum and E. carotorora, these hydantoin cyclohexyl sulfonamide derivatives could be considered as suitable candidates for new antimicrobial agents. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Extended Diffusive Sachdev–Ye–Kitaev Model as a Sort of “Strange Metal”
Authors: Tagliacozzo Arturo
Published: December 2021

The linear dependence on temperature of the resistivity in metals undergoing high‐temperature superconducting transition is a puzzle, which is generally attributed to non‐Fermi liquid behavior on a large range of temperature values. No particle and momentum conservation characterizes the 0 + 1 − d Sachdev–Ye–Kitaev model as a tractable non‐Fermi liquid starting paradigm, when extended to higher space dimensions. Due to the conformal symmetry breaking in the incoherent phase, Goldstone bosons arise, which provide energy diffusion in the lattice. The linear response to energy diffusion in the model is discussed, which is in principle charge neutral and non‐momentum conserving, and the temperature dependence of the thermal and electric conductivity in the incoherent prechaotic, intermediate temperature phase is obtained.
Makoplasty medial unicondylar knee replacement: Correction or postoperative angle matters?
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Hung Chih‐Hung , Hsieh Shang‐Lin , Kuo Chien‐Chung , Mao Jui‐Ting , Lin Erh‐Ti , Hsu Horng‐Chaung
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Various considerations prevail around optimal postoperative varus deformity, correction angle and physiological constitutional varus deformity. The goal of our present study was to understand correlation between these parameters and their influence over Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index scale (WOMAC).

Materials and Methods

Consecutive robotic‐arm‐assisted medial onlay fixed bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in 143 knees studied. WOMAC score was recorded preoperatively and at specific intervals after surgery for consecutive 2 years.

Results

Mean preoperative and postoperative varus deformities were 10.2° and 4.8°, respectively, and mean correction angle was 5.4°. The preoperative varus and correction angles were found well correlated (r = 0.815). The amount of improvement in the WOMAC total score was not influenced by the postoperative varus angle.

Conclusion

The correction angle has a stronger correlation with preoperative varus deformity, and postoperative varus deformity does not imply favourable clinical outcomes.
Cardiac complications following mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines: A systematic review of case reports and case series
Authors: Fazlollahi Asra , Zahmatyar Mahdi , Noori Maryam , Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Sullman Mark J. M. , Shekarriz‐Foumani Reza , Kolahi Ali‐Asghar , Singh Kuljit , Safiri Saeid
Published: December 2021

There have been several local and systemic adverse events associated with mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines. Pericarditis, myocarditis and myocardial infarction are examples of cardiac complications related to these vaccines. In this article, we conducted a systematic review of case reports and case series to identify the clinical profile, investigations, and management of reported cardiac complications post‐mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, as well as the medRxiv preprint server, with terms including: ‘SARS‐CoV‐2’, ‘COVID‐19’, ‘messenger RNA vaccine*’, ‘mRNA‐1273 vaccine’, ‘BNT162 vaccine’, ‘myocarditis’, ‘pericarditis’, ‘stroke’ and ‘Myocardial Ischemia’ up to 25 September 2021. Studies were excluded if they were not case reports or case series, or reported cases from non‐mRNA vaccines. Case reports and case series were included that investigated the potential cardiac complications associated with mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines. The JBI checklist was used to assess quality and data synthesis was conducted using a qualitative methodology called narrative synthesis. Sixty‐nine studies, including 43 case reports and 26 case series, were included. Myocarditis/myopericarditis and pericarditis were the most common adverse events among the 243 reported cardiac complications, post mRNA COVID‐19 vaccination. Males with a median age of 21 years had the highest frequency of myocarditis. Almost three quarters (74.4%) of cases with myocarditis had received the BNT162b2 vaccine and 87.7% had received the second dose of the vaccine. Chest pain (96.1%) and fever (38.2%) were the most common presentations. CK‐MB, troponin, and NT‐proBNP were elevated in 100%, 99.5% and 78.3% of subjects, respectively. ST‐segment abnormality was the most common electrocardiogram feature. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, which is the gold‐standard approach for diagnosing myocarditis, was abnormal in all patients diagnosed with myocarditis. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were the most prescribed medication for the management of myocarditis. Apart from inflammatory conditions, some rare cases of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, myocardial infarction with non‐obstructive coronary arteries, and isolated tachycardia were also reported following immunisation with mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines. We acknowledge that only reviewing case reports and case series studies is one potential limitation of our study. We found that myocarditis was the most commonly reported adverse cardiac event associated with mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines, which presented as chest pain with a rise in cardiac biomarkers. Further large‐scale observational studies are recommended.
Depressive symptom trajectory following romantic relationship breakup and effects of rumination, neuroticism and cognitive control
Authors: Verhallen Anne M. , Alonso‐Martínez Sonsoles , Renken Remco J. , Marsman Jan‐Bernard C. , ter Horst Gert J.
Published: December 2021

Studying individuals who recently experienced a romantic reltionship breakup allows us to investigate mood disturbances in otherwise healthy individuals. In our study, we aimed to identify distinct depressive symptom trajectories following breakup and investigate whether these trajectories relate to personality traits and cognitive control. Subjects (n = 87) filled out questionnaires (RRS‐NL‐EXT trait rumination and NEO‐FFI neuroticism) and performed cognitive tasks (trail making test, Stroop task) during a period of 30 weeks. To identify distinct depressive symptom trajectories (‘trajectory groups’), we performed K‐means clustering on the consecutive (assessed every 2 weeks) Major Depression Inventory scores. This resulted in four trajectory groups; ‘resilience’, ‘fast recovery’, ‘slow recovery’ and ‘chronic distress’. The ‘slow recovery group’ and the ‘chronic distress group’ were found to have higher neuroticism and trait rumination levels compared to the ‘resilience group’, and the ‘chronic distress group’ also had higher neuroticism levels than the ‘fast recovery group’. Moreover, the ‘chronic distress group’ showed worse overall trail making test performance than the ‘resilience group’. Taken together, our findings show that distinct patterns of depressive symptom severity can be observed following breakup and that personality traits and cognitive flexibility seem to play a role in these depressive symptom patterns.
In Situ Synthesis of CuN4/Mesoporous N‐Doped Carbon for Selective Oxidative Crosscoupling of Terminal Alkynes under Mild Conditions
Authors: Zhang Yuanteng , Wu Yong , Su Yaqiong , Cao Yue , Liang Zhenjin , Yang Dali , Yu Ruohan , Zhang Dongchao , Wu Jinsong , Xiao Wei , Lei Aiwen , Gu Dong
Published: December 2021

The 1,3‐conjugated diynes are an important class of chemical intermediates, and the selective crosscoupling of terminal alkynes is an efficient chemical process for manufacturing asymmetrical 1,3‐conjugated diynes. However, it often occurs in homogenous conditions and costs a lot for reaction treatment. Herein, a copper catalyzed strategy is used to synthesize highly ordered mesoporous nitrogen‐doped carbon material (OMNC), and the copper species is in situ transformed into the copper single‐atom site with four nitrogen coordination (CuN4). These features make the CuN4/OMNC catalyst efficient for selective oxidative crosscoupling of terminal alkynes, and a wide range of asymmetrical and symmetrical 1,3‐diynes (26 examples) under mild conditions (40 °C) and low substrates ratio (1.3). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the aryl–alkyl crosscoupling has the lowest energy barrier on the CuN4 site, which can explain the high selectivity. In addition, the catalyst can be separated and reused by simply centrifugation or filtration. This work can open a facile avenue for constructing single‐atom loaded mesoporous materials to bridge homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis.
Shape Engineering of TiO2 Microrobots for “On‐the‐Fly” Optical Brake
Authors: Oral Cagatay M. , Ussia Martina , Yavuz Derya Kapusuz , Pumera Martin
Published: December 2021

Hybrid microrobots have recently attracted attention due to their ability to combine different energy sources and/or external stimuli for propulsion and performing desired tasks. Despite progresses in the past, on‐demand speed modulation for hybrid microrobots has not been analyzed in detail. Herein, the influence of surface properties and crystallite size on the propulsion mechanism of Pt/TiO2 chemical/light‐driven hybrid microrobots is investigated. The morphology of urchin‐like Pt/TiO2 microrobots leads to “on‐the‐fly” optical brake behavior under UV irradiation. In contrast, smooth Pt/TiO2 microrobots demonstrate accelerated motion in the same conditions. The comparison between two types of microrobots also indicates the significance of a high surface area and a high crystallite size to increase their speed. The results demonstrate the profound impact of surface features for next‐generation smart micro/nanorobots with on‐demand reaction capability in dynamically changing environments.
Programmable Electrodeposition of Janus Alginate/Poly‐L‐Lysine/Alginate (APA) Microcapsules for High‐Resolution Cell Patterning and Compartmentalization
Authors: Liu Zeyang , Nan Haochen , Jiang Yike , Xu Tao , Gong Xiaohua , Hu Chengzhi
Published: December 2021

Encapsulation of live cells in protective, semipermeable microcapsules is one of the kernel techniques for in vitro tissue regeneration, cell therapies, and pharmaceutical screening. Advanced fabrication techniques for cell encapsulation have been developed to meet different requirements. Existing cell encapsulation techniques place substantial constraints on the spatial patterning of live cells as well as on the compartmentalization of heterotypic cells. Alginate‐Poly‐L‐lysine‐alginate (APA) microcapsules that use sodium alginate as the polyanion and poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) as the polycation have been extensively employed for cell microencapsulation due to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. This study proposes a novel method for developing programmable Janus APA microcapsules with variable shapes and sizes by using electrodeposition. By the versatile design of the microelectrode device, sequential electrodeposition is triggered to electro‐address the cells at specific locations immobilized within a Janus APA microcapsule. The osteogenesis is evaluated by resembling cell compartmentalized and vascularized osteoblast‐laden constructs. This technique allows precise spatial patterning of heterotypic cells inside the APA microcapsule, enabling the observation of cellular growth, interactions, and differentiation in a well‐controlled chemical and mechanical microenvironment.
Diffusion Behaviors of Integrins in Single Cells Altered by Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Yuan Jing‐Wen , Zhang Yu‐Ning , Liu Yu‐Ru , Li Wei , Dou Shuo‐Xing , Wei Yan , Wang Peng‐Ye , Li Hui
Published: December 2021

Cell morphology and migration depend critically on the adhesions on the extracellular matrix (ECM), determined by the transmembrane protein integrins. The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a prominent transformation process in which adherent cells acquire a mesenchymal phenotype and a promoted migration. EMT plays important roles in embryonic development and cancer metastasis, and its hallmarks include the acquisition of front‐back cell polarity and loss of cell–cell contact. However, how integrins dynamically regulate cell‐ECM adhesions and cellular behaviors during EMT is still unclear. Using single‐particle tracking of β1‐integrins labeled with quantum dots, the temporal‐spatial on‐membrane dynamics of integrins in the EMT of MCF10A cells is revealed. β1‐integrins exhibit significantly enhanced dynamics, which temporally behave more diffusive and less immobilized, and spatially become distributed asymmetrically with front regions being more dynamic. These dynamic alterations are shown to arise from microtubule remodeling in EMT. The results shed new light on the EMT mechanism from the cell‐ECM adhesion perspective, and suggest that the enhanced integrin diffusion may represent as a new hallmark of EMT.
Chemical Buffer Layer Enabled Highly Reversible Zn Anode for Deeply Discharging and Long‐Life Zn–Air Battery
Authors: Sun Wei , Ma Manman , Zhu Maogen , Xu Kangli , Xu Tao , Zhu Yongchun , Qian Yitai
Published: December 2021

Rechargeable alkaline Zn–air batteries (ZABs) are attracting extensive attention owing to their high energy density and environmental friendliness. However, the dilemma of Zn anode, composed of ineluctable passivation and dissolution problems, severely hinders the discharge and cycling performance of the battery. Herein, the authors propose a chemical buffer layer coated on Zn metal (CBL@Zn) anode, in which ZnO nanorods are uniformly dispersed in graphene oxide (GO), to improve the reversibility of Zn↔ZnO electrochemical conversion process. Benefiting from the cooperative effect of ZnO nanorods’ nuclei role and GO's adsorption affinity, the electrochemical precipitation–dissolution behavior of insulated ZnO is chemically regulated and the Zn(OH)42− ions are effectively confined in the chemical buffer layer. Therefore, the symmetrical CBL@Zn‐CBL@Zn coin cell achieves a superior stability of 100 cycles with quite low overpotential (30 mv). When paired with commercial catalysts to assemble alkaline ZABs for practical use, an ultra high depth of discharge (DODZn) >98% and excellent 450‐h long‐term cycling performance are realized. This chemical buffer strategy can potentially provide a new insight for developing other highly reversible alkaline Zn‐metal batteries.
Analysis of multi‐omics data on the relationship between epigenetic changes and nervous system disorders caused by exposure to environmentally harmful substances
Authors: Yu So Yeon , Koh Eun Jung , Kim Seung Hwan , Song Byeongwook , Lee Ji Su , Son Sang Wook , Seo Hyemyung , Hwang Seung Yong
Published: December 2021

Environmentally hazardous substances and exposure to these can cause various diseases. Volatile organic compounds can easily evaporate into the atmosphere, thereby exerting toxic effects through either the skin or respiratory tract exposures. Toluene, a neurotoxin, has been widely used in various industries. However, it has a detrimental effect on the nervous system (such as hallucinations or memory impairment), while data on the mechanism underlaying its harmful effects remain limited. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of toluene on the nervous system via epigenetic and genetic changes of toluene‐exposed individuals. We identified significant epigenetic changes and confirmed that the affected abnormally expressed genes negatively influenced the nervous system. In particular, we confirmed that the miR‐15 family, upregulated by toluene, downregulated ABL2, which could affect the R as signaling pathway resulting in neuronal structural abnormalities. Our study suggests that miR‐15a‐5p, miR‐15b‐5p, miR‐16‐5p, miR‐301a‐3p, and lncRNA NEAT1 may represent effective epigenomic markers associated with neurodegenerative diseases caused by toluene.
Computationally efficient model predictive control of complex wind turbine models
Authors: Evans Martin A. , Lio Wai Hou
Published: December 2021

As wind turbines are designed with longer blades and towers, it becomes increasingly important to factor structural modes into the design of the controller. In classical turbine controllers, where pitch‐speed, torque‐speed, drivetrain and tower dampers are designed separately, it has for years been commonplace to base that design on a linearisation of the existing high‐fidelity aeroelastic model. Furthermore, any measurement filters that are required at run‐time are included in the control loop shaping process. In contrast, most previous work on model predictive control (MPC) for wind turbines uses simplified models and ignores the need or effect of measurement filters. In this work, we demonstrate a mostly automatic design process that takes a detailed linearised model from an aeroelastic simulation package and adds linear filters and feedback, to produce a model predictive controller with low run‐time computational complexity. The tuning process is substantially simpler than classical control, making it an attractive tool in industrial applications.
Azimuthal correlations in photoproduction and deep inelastic ep scattering at HERA
Authors:   The ZEUS collaboration, Abt I. , Aggarwal R. , Aushev V. , Behnke O. , Bertolin A. , Bloch I. , Brock I. , Brook N. H. , Brugnera R. , Bruni A. , Bussey P. J. , Caldwell A. , Catterall C. D. , Chwastowski J. , Ciborowski J. , Ciesielski R. , Cooper-Sarkar A. M. , Corradi M. , Dementiev R. K. , Dusini S. , Ferrando J. , Floerchinger S. , Foster B. , Gallo E. , Gangadharan D. , Garfagnini A. , Geiser A. , Gladilin L. K. , Golubkov Yu. A. , Grzelak G. , Gwenlan C. , Hochman D. , Jomhari N. Z. , Kadenko I. , Karshon U. , Kaur P. , Klanner R. , Klein U. , Korzhavina I. A. , Kovalchuk N. , Kuze M. , Levchenko B. B. , Levy A. , Löhr B. , Lohrmann E. , Longhin A. , Lorkowski F. , Lukina O. Yu. , Makarenko I. , Malka J. , Masciocchi S. , Nagano K. , Nam J. D. , Onderwaater J. , Onishchuk Yu. , Paul E. , Pidhurskyi I. , Polini A. , Przybycień M. , Quintero A. , Ruspa M. , Schneekloth U. , Schörner-Sadenius T. , Selyuzhenkov I. , Shchedrolosiev M. , Shcheglova L. M. , Skillicorn I. O. , Słomiński W. , Solano A. , Stanco L. , Stefaniuk N. , Surrow B. , Tokushuku K. , Turkot O. , Tymieniecka T. , Verbytskyi A. , Wan Abdullah W. A. T. , Wichmann K. , Wing M. , Yamada S. , Yamazaki Y. , Żarnecki A. F. , Zenaiev O.
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Collective behaviour of final-state hadrons, and multiparton interactions are studied in high-multiplicity ep scattering at a centre-of-mass energy $$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

= 318 GeV with the ZEUS detector at HERA. Two- and four-particle azimuthal correlations, as well as multiplicity, transverse momentum, and pseudorapidity distributions for charged-particle multiplicities Nch ≥ 20 are measured. The dependence of two-particle correlations on the virtuality of the exchanged photon shows a clear transition from photoproduction to neutral current deep inelastic scattering. For the multiplicities studied, neither the measurements in photoproduction processes nor those in neutral current deep inelastic scattering indicate significant collective behaviour of the kind observed in high-multiplicity hadronic collisions at RHIC and the LHC. Comparisons of PYTHIA predictions with the measurements in photoproduction strongly indicate the presence of multiparton interactions from hadronic fluctuations of the exchanged photon.
Batalin-Vilkovisky formality for Chern-Simons theory
Authors: Getzler Ezra
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We prove that the differential graded Lie algebra of functionals associated to the Chern-Simons theory of a semisimple Lie algebra is homotopy abelian. For a general field theory, we show that the variational complex in the Batalin-Vilkovisky formalism is a differential graded Lie algebra.
Higher-spin states of the superstring in an electromagnetic background
Authors: Benakli Karim , Berkovits Nathan , Daniel Cassiano A. , Lize Matheus
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Constructing a consistent four-dimensional Lagrangian for charged massive higher-spin fields propagating in an electromagnetic background is an open problem. In 1989, Argyres and Nappi used bosonic open string field theory to construct a Lagrangian for charged massive spin-2 fields in a constant electromagnetic background. In this paper, we use the four-dimensional hybrid formalism for open superstring field theory to construct a supersymmetric Lagrangian for charged massive spin-2 and spin-3/2 fields in a constant electromagnetic background. The hybrid formalism has the advantage over the RNS formalism of manifest $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 d=4 spacetime supersymmetry so that the spin-2 and spin-3/2 fields are combined into a single superfield and there is no need for picture-changing or spin fields.
Non-relativistic ten-dimensional minimal supergravity
Authors: Bergshoeff E. A. , Lahnsteiner J. , Romano L. , Rosseel J. , Şimşek C.
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We construct a non-relativistic limit of ten-dimensional$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 1 supergravity from the point of view of the symmetries, the action, and the equations of motion. This limit can only be realized in a supersymmetric way provided we impose by hand a set of geometric constraints, invariant under all the symmetries of the non-relativistic theory, that define a so-called ‘self-dual’ Dilatation-invariant String Newton-Cartan geometry. The non-relativistic action exhibits three emerging symmetries: one local scale symmetry and two local conformal supersymmetries. Due to these emerging symmetries the Poisson equation for the Newton potential and two partner fermionic equations do not follow from a variation of the non-relativistic action but, instead, are obtained by a supersymmetry variation of the other equations of motion that do follow from a variation of the non-relativistic action. We shortly discuss the inclusion of the Yang-Mills sector that would lead to a non-relativistic heterotic supergravity action.
Oxidative stress and Rho GTPases in the biogenesis of tunnelling nanotubes: implications in disease and therapy
Authors: Raghavan Abinaya , Rao Pooja , Neuzil Jiri , Pountney Dean L. , Nath Sangeeta
Published: December 2021

Tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs) are an emerging route of long-range intercellular communication that mediate cell-to-cell exchange of cargo and organelles and contribute to maintaining cellular homeostasis by balancing diverse cellular stresses. Besides their role in intercellular communication, TNTs are implicated in several ways in health and disease. Transfer of pathogenic molecules or structures via TNTs can promote the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, cancer malignancy, and the spread of viral infection. Additionally, TNTs contribute to acquiring resistance to cancer therapy, probably via their ability to rescue cells by ameliorating various pathological stresses, such as oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptotic stress. Moreover, mesenchymal stem cells play a crucial role in the rejuvenation of targeted cells with mitochondrial heteroplasmy and oxidative stress by transferring healthy mitochondria through TNTs. Recent research has focussed on uncovering the key regulatory molecules involved in the biogenesis of TNTs. However further work will be required to provide detailed understanding of TNT regulation. In this review, we discuss possible associations with Rho GTPases linked to oxidative stress and apoptotic signals in biogenesis pathways of TNTs and summarize how intercellular trafficking of cargo and organelles, including mitochondria, via TNTs plays a crucial role in disease progression and also in rejuvenation/therapy.
Optimal design for disc golf by computational fluid dynamics and machine learning
Authors: Immonen Eero
Published: December 2021

In this article, we introduce a computational methodology for golf disc shape optimization that employs a novel disc shape parameterization by cubic B-splines. Through application of batch Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations and Machine Learning, the disc parameterization yields functional relationships—so-called shape surrogate models—between the flying rotating disc shape and its flight characteristics. The shape surrogate models facilitate free and constrained optimization in both single- and multiobjective settings, such that both aerodynamic (drag and lift) and structural (mass and moment of inertia) features of the disc are addressed simultaneously. Further, the Professional Disc Golf Association rules for permissible golf discs can be cast as nonlinear constraints for the computational optimization problem. The proposed numerical optimization method yields disc drag coefficient values as low as 0.48 (unconstrained) and 0.52 (constrained) and lift coefficient values as high as 0.26 (unconstrained) and 0.19 (constrained). The presented numerical optimization results also describe the many design tradeoffs between the discs that target long flight range (so-called drivers) and the discs that target flight at low speeds (so-called putters). Moreover, novel optimal rule compliant designs are presented for driver-type and putter-type discs, as well as their compromise, the so-called mid-range discs.
Maximizing the performance of pump inducers using CFD-based multi-objective optimization
Authors: Parikh Trupen , Mansour Michael , Thévenin Dominique
Published: December 2021

Pump inducers are usually employed within a limited flow rate range since the performance is known to drop out significantly far from their design point. Therefore, finding an optimal geometry that ensures efficient operation for a relatively wide range of flow rates is challenging. The present study tackles this problem using multi-objective optimization to identify optimal inducer configurations, delivering high performance for a wide flow range. 3D RANS single-phase turbulent simulations were performed using the $$k-\omega$$

k
-
ω

turbulence model. The optimization was done by employing the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) coupled with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). An established in-house flow optimization library (OPAL++) was used to automatically control the numerical simulations. The objective is to optimize the inducer geometrical parameters to simultaneously maximize the efficiency and pressure head curves, considering different flow rates, i.e., 80% (part-load), 100% (nominal), and 150% (overload) of the optimal flow rate for the considered pump. The optimization involves 8 most relevant design parameters, i.e., the axial blade length, blade sweep angle, blade pitch, hub taper angle, tip clearance gap, blade thickness at the hub, blade thickness at the tip, and the number of blades. A total of 5178 simulations over 37 generations have been needed to get a Pareto front containing 5 optimal configurations. This article discusses quantitatively the influence of each geometrical parameter on flow behavior and inducer performance. The results reveal in general that blade length, blade sweep angle, tip clearance gap, and blade thickness should be kept low for the considered application; inducers with high hub taper angles and 3 blades lead to optimal performance.
Preoperative muscle thickness influences muscle activation after arthroscopic knee surgery
Authors: Amestoy Jorge , Pérez-Prieto Daniel , Torres-Claramunt Raúl , Sánchez-Soler Juan Francisco , Solano Albert , Leal-Blanquet Joan , Hinarejos Pedro , Monllau Joan Carles
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the correlation between preoperative quadriceps femoris muscle thickness and postoperative neuromuscular activation and quadriceps femoris strength in patients with and without patellofemoral pain after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.

Methods

A series of 120 patients were prospectively analysed in a longitudinal cohort study of patients scheduled for arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. The patellofemoral pain group included patients who developed anterior knee pain after surgery while the control group included those who had not done so. Patients with preoperative patellofemoral pain, previous knee surgeries as well as those on whom additional surgical procedures had been performed were excluded. Of the 120 initially included in the study, 90 patients were analysed after the exclusions.

Results

There is a direct correlation between preoperative quadriceps femoris muscle thickness and the neuromuscular activity values and the strength of the muscle at 6 weeks after surgery. These results were seen exclusively in the group of patients who do not develop patellofemoral pain (0.543, p = 0.008). The group of patients who developed anterior knee pain in the postoperative period did not show this correlation (n.s.).

Conclusion

In patients without patellofemoral pain after meniscectomy, the greater the preoperative thickness of the quadriceps femoris, the more postoperative neuromuscular activation and strength they had. This correlation did not occur in those patients who develop patellofemoral pain after meniscal surgery.

Level of evidence

II.
Fortin operator for the Taylor–Hood element
Authors: Diening L. , Storn J. , Tscherpel T.
Published: December 2021

We design a local Fortin operator for the lowest-order Taylor–Hood element in any dimension, which was previously constructed only in 2D. In the construction we use tangential edge bubble functions for the divergence correcting operator. This naturally leads to an alternative inf-sup stable reduced finite element pair. Furthermore, we provide a counterexample to the inf-sup stability and hence to existence of a Fortin operator for the $$P_2$$

P
2

–$$P_0$$

P
0

and the augmented Taylor–Hood element in 3D.