bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PTCDI/ZnO: A High‐Efficient Photocatalyst for Environmental Purification
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Li Jin , Wang Pengyuan
Published: November 2021

Herein, perylene imide (PTCDI) is used as a sensitizer to compound with ZnO through solution treatment. Ultraviolet−visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and Fourier infrared (IR) spectroscopy analysis of the structure and optical properties of the samples shows that the organic semiconductor molecules PTCDI and ZnO have complexes. Analysis of the photoelectric properties of the samples by photocurrent and impedance (EIS) shows that the introduction of PTCDI has a significant inhibitory effect on the recombination of photogenerated electron−hole pairs. Photocatalysis experiments show that under the same conditions, the degradation rates of PTCDI/ZnO composites for methyl orange and methylene blue reach 92% and 99.5%. At the same time, in the photocatalytic removal of the NO test, the PTCDI/ZnO composite material also shows better photocatalytic performance than ZnO. The PTCDI/ZnO composite material can remove 66% of NO within 12 min. This is attributed to the combination of PTCDI and ZnO, which greatly improves the separation efficiency of photogenerated electron−hole pairs, thereby improving the photocatalytic performance of the composite material. It is worth noting that the synthesized PTCDI/ZnO composites not only show excellent photocatalytic performance in solid−liquid systems and gas−solid systems, but also show good photocatalytic stability.
Simulation Study on Novel GaN‐Based n−p−n Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors with a Quaternary AlGaInN Emitter and a Two‐Dimensionally Conductive Base
Authors: Mase Akira , Nikai Yutaka , Iida Yusuke , Egawa Takashi , Miyoshi Makoto
Published: November 2021

Herein, a simulation study on novel GaN‐based n−p−n heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) with a quaternary n‐AlGaInN emitter and a thin GaInN quantum well (QW) layer inserted in its p‐GaN base is reported. The idea of the quaternary AlGaInN emitter facilitates the design and independent growth of the energy bandgaps and lattice strain. In addition, the p‐GaN base inserted with the thin GaInN QW is expected to be effective in enhancing its lateral conduction via 2D hole gases (2DHGs). The simulation results indicate that the designed GaInN QW definitely functions to generate and transport the 2DHGs and ultimately contributes to the improvement of the device performance. In other words, the lateral resistivity of the p‐GaN base is reduced from 1.8 × 10−1 to 7.0 × 10−2 Ω cm with the use of the GaInN QW insertion layer. Further, the simulation study focusing on the lateral distance between the n‐emitter and p‐base electrodes exhibits stable device characteristics for the HBT with the GaInN QW insertion layer compared with the conventional HBT structure. Dynamic analysis of the carrier concentration distribution indicates that the QW functions as a low‐resistance current path and it has the effect of avoiding the punch‐through phenomenon.
Ultrathin Bifacial Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell with Inverted Pyramid Textures
Authors: Shi Chengjing , Fan Yuan , Gu Yuhua , Sang Borong , Zhong Sihua , Kong Xiangyang , Shen Wenzhong , Song Xiaomin , Huang Zengguang
Published: November 2021

Wafer thinning is a crucial technique for high‐efficiency solar cells. Herein, an inverted pyramid (IP) texture is prepared on a 35 μm‐thick flexible silicon (Si) wafer with a standard area of 156 × 156 mm2. Based on the experimental results, an ultrathin bifacial passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) with IP textures using PC1D simulation is designed. The influence of wafer thickness, IP texture, bifacial structure, thickness of the antireflection coating, and doping concentration on device performance is investigated. The results show that the ultrathin IP‐based bifacial PERC possesses better output performance than the traditional cell. Finally, a simulated maximum efficiency of 23.44% is obtained using PC1D software, with an open‐circuit voltage of 0.7127 V and a short‐circuit current of 9.272 A. This ultrathin PERC with IP textures provides an effective way to improve the efficiency of ultrathin silicon solar cells.
Two‐fluid single‐column modelling of Rayleigh–Bénard convection as a step towards multi‐fluid modelling of atmospheric convection
Authors: Shipley Daniel , Weller Hilary , Clark Peter A. , McIntyre William A.
Published: November 2021

Multi‐fluid models have recently been proposed as an approach to improving the representation of convection in weather and climate models. This is an attractive framework as it is fundamentally dynamical, removing some of the assumptions of mass‐flux convection schemes which are invalid at current model resolutions. However, it is still not understood how best to close the multi‐fluid equations for atmospheric convection. In this paper we develop a simple two‐fluid, single‐column model with one rising and one falling fluid. No further modelling of sub‐filter variability is included. We then apply this model to Rayleigh–Bénard convection, showing that, with minimal closures, the correct scaling of the heat flux () is predicted over six orders of magnitude of buoyancy forcing (). This suggests that even a very simple two‐fluid model can accurately capture the dominant coherent overturning structures of convection.
Reinforcing the effect of microsurgery practice during robotic suturing skill acquisition
Authors: Yang Miao , Peng Jianping , Wang Xinghuan , Lei Hong , Li Xinyi , Yang Kun
Published: November 2021

Background

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of microsurgery practice during an interval in robotic surgical training.

Methods

Two participant groups with 30 trainees each practiced Thread the Rings 1 on a dV‐Trainer. There were four 2‐h training sessions, with a 72‐h interval between each session. Group A received no additional training during the study period. During every interval, Group B practiced a similar 2‐h ring penetration exercise using a microscope three times (once every 24 h).

Results

The 72‐h delay between two sessions for Group A caused the forgetting effect. For Group B, additional microscope‐based training aided memory retention. After the training session, Group B presented a significantly higher score than Group A in Thread the Ring 1 learning curves.

Conclusions

Adding microsurgical skill training into the basic robotic‐surgery training curriculum could be helpful because additional trainings with a binocular microscope could improve robotic surgical skill levels.
Partial nephrectomy through retroperitoneal approach with a new surgical robot system, KD‐SR‐01
Authors: Wang Jie , Fan Shubo , Shen Cheng , Yang Kunlin , Li Zhihua , Xiong Shengwei , Meng Chang , Zhang Cuijian , Cai Lin , Zhang Zhongyuan , Yu Wei , Dai Xiaofei , Cui Liang , Zhang Zheng , Li Xuesong , Zhou Liqun
Published: November 2021

Background

To present our experiences with partial nephrectomy (PN) through retroperitoneal approach (RP) with the Kangduo robotic system.

Methods

From December 2020 to February 2021, the perioperative data of 11 patients underwent PN through RP with the Kangduo robotic system were collected prospectively.

Results

For the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score, 72.7% of patients had a low score (4–6) and 27.3% of patients had a medium score (7–9). Seven tumours were posterior (P), four tumours were on the midline (X). All procedures were completed successfully. The median warm ischemia time was 18.5 (IQR, 13.7–21.0) min. None of the patients had positive surgical margins at definitive histology (all pT1a). No high‐grade perioperative complications or device‐related adverse events occurred. At a mean follow‐up of 8 ± 0.8 months, no complications occurred in all patients.

Conclusions

RPPN using the novel Kangduo robotic system is a safe and effective option for managing posterior and lateral renal tumours with R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores ≤9.
Compaction for two models of logarithmic‐depth trees: Analysis and experiments
Authors: Bodini Olivier , Genitrini Antoine , Gittenberger Bernhard , Larcher Isabella , Naima Mehdi
Published: November 2021

We are interested in the quantitative analysis of the compaction ratio for two classical families of trees: recursive trees and plane binary increasing trees. These families are typical representatives of tree models with a small depth. Once a tree of sizenis compacted by keeping only one occurrence of all fringe subtrees appearing in the tree the resulting graph contains onlynodes. This result must be compared to classical results of compaction in the families of simply generated trees, where the analogous result states that the compacted structure is of size of order. The result about the plane binary increasing trees has already been proved, but we propose a new and generic approach to get the result. Finally, an experimental study is presented, based on a prototype implementation of compacted binary search trees that are modeled by plane binary increasing trees.
Spatial resolution, spectral metrics and biomass are key aspects in estimating plant species richness from spectral diversity in species‐rich grasslands
Authors: Rossi Christian , Kneubühler Mathias , Schütz Martin , Schaepman Michael E. , Haller Rudolf M. , Risch Anita C.
Published: November 2021

Increasing evidence suggests that remotely sensed spectral diversity is linked to plant species richness. However, a conflicting spectral diversity–biodiversity relationship in grasslands has been found in previous studies. In particular, it remains unclear how well the spectral diversity–biodiversity relationship holds in naturally assembled species‐rich grasslands. To address the linkage between spectral diversity and plant species richness in a species‐rich alpine grassland ecosystem, we investigated (i) the trade‐off between spectral and spatial resolution in remote sensing data; (ii) the suitability of three different spectral metrics to describe spectral diversity (coefficient of variation, convex hull volume and spectral species richness) and (iii) the importance of confounding effects of live plant biomass, dead plant biomass and plant life forms on the spectral diversity–biodiversity relationship. We addressed these questions using remote sensing data collected with consumer‐grade cameras with four spectral bands and 10 cm spatial resolution on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), airborne imaging spectrometer data (AVIRIS‐NG) with 372 bands and 2.5 m spatial resolution, and a fused data product of both datasets. Our findings suggest that a fused dataset can cope with the requirement of both high spatial‐ and spectral resolution to remotely measure biodiversity. However, in contrast to several previous studies, we found a negative correlation between plant species richness and spectral metrics based on the spectral information content (i.e. spectral complexity). The spectral diversity calculated based on the spectral complexity was sensitive to live and dead plant biomass. Overall, our results suggest that remote sensing of plant species diversity requires a high spatial resolution, the use of classification‐based spectral metrics, such as spectral species richness, and awareness of confounding factors (e.g. plant biomass), which may be ecosystem specific.
Evaluation of Mehlich‐3 for determination of cation exchange capacity in Kansas soils
Authors: Rutter Edmond Bryan , Ruiz Diaz Dorivar , Hargrave Lynn M.
Published: November 2021

Soil testing laboratories across the United States have implemented the Mehlich‐3 (M3) extraction method for phosphorus (P) and other nutrients. Though M3 is known to work well as a multinutrient extractant, it raises concerns for measuring exchangeable cations, particularly in calcareous soils. The objectives of this study were (a) to evaluate M3 as an extractant for base cations for Kansas soils, (b) to identify a range of soil pH where M3 may be a suitable replacement for ammonium acetate (AA), and (c) to examine the relationship between cation exchange capacity (CEC) summation and CEC displacement. A study was conducted evaluating 308 soils collected from across Kansas and extracted using both the M3 and AA soil extraction methods. Cation exchange capacity was estimated using the summation approach from measurements of both the M3 and AA, and the displacement method. Results indicate a strong correlation among M3 and AA methods for K, Mg, and Na (R2 = .98, .96, .97, respectively). However, these relationships were considerably weaker for extractable Ca (R2 = .78), where extractable Ca was higher in the M3 extracts for high pH soils. Estimated CEC was also affected by soil pH for the M3 method, with an estimated critical pH value of 7.3. Extractable Ca and CEC for soils with a pH below 7.3 showed a strong correlation between M3 and AA methods (R2 = .9). Using M3 as a multinutrient extractant can improve turnaround time for sample analysis in soil testing laboratories. However, the use of the M3 procedure in soils with a pH of 7.3 or above will likely result in overestimation of exchangeable Ca and CEC.
Towards a sustainable development assessment framework to bridge supply chain practices and technologies
Authors: Centobelli Piera , Cerchione Roberto , Oropallo Eugenio , El‐Garaihy Wael Hassan , Farag Tamer , Al Shehri Khalid Hassan
Published: November 2021

Managing sustainable practices has received increasing attention in the field of supply chain management to tackle environmental, financial and social issues in an integrated way. However, extant research still lacks a systemic framework explaining how sustainable practices can support individual companies to promote orchestration, collaboration, and coordination in the entire supply chain. This paper aims to provide a systemic framework including a taxonomy of sustainable development practices supporting individual firms in managing supply chain relationships. The proposed framework seeks to connect the supply chain practices and the technological systems that support them. Specifically, the findings highlight the relationship between technology capabilities and supply chain practices, focusing on the benefits their interaction brings to the complex dyadic relationships of supply networks. Finally, this study outlines promising future research directions for scholars and practitioners operating in the field of sustainable supply chain design and supply chain relationship management.
RCRdiff: A fully integrated Bayesian method for differential expression analysis using raw NanoString nCounter data
Authors: Xu Can , Wang Xinlei , Lim Johan , Xiao Guanghua , Xie Yang
Published: November 2021

The medium‐throughput mRNA abundance platform NanoString nCounter has gained great popularity in the past decade, due to its high sensitivity and technical reproducibility as well as remarkable applicability to ubiquitous formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. Based on RCRnorm developed for normalizing NanoString nCounter data and Bayesian LASSO for variable selection, we propose a fully integrated Bayesian method, called RCRdiff, to detect differentially expressed (DE) genes between different groups of tissue samples (eg, normal and cancer). Unlike existing methods that often require normalization performed beforehand, RCRdiff directly handles raw read counts and jointly models the behaviors of different types of internal controls along with DE and non‐DE gene patterns. Doing so would avoid efficiency loss caused by ignoring estimation uncertainty from the normalization step in a sequential approach and thus can offer more reliable statistical inference. We also propose clustering‐based strategies for DE gene selection, which do not require any external dataset and are free of any arbitrary cutoff. Empirical evidence of the attractiveness of RCRdiff is demonstrated via extensive simulation and data examples.
In Situ Electrochemical Activation Derived LixMoOy Nanorods as the Multifunctional Interlayer for Fast Kinetics Li‐S batteries
Authors: Li Tengyu , Li Yanan , Yang Jinlin , Deng Yirui , Wu Mengwei , Wang Qi , Liu Ruiping , Ge Ben , Xie Xiaokun , Ma Jianmin
Published: November 2021

Li‐S batteries (LSBs) have attracted worldwide attention owing to their characteristics of high theoretical energy density and low cost. However, the commercial promotion of LSBs is hindered by the irreversible capacity decay and short cycling life caused by the shuttle effect of lithium‐polysulfides (LiPSs). Herein, a hybrid interlayer consisting of MoO3, conductive Ni foam, and Super P is prepared to prevent the shuttle effect and catalyze the LiPSs conversion. MoO3 with a reversible lithiation/delithiation behavior between Li0.042MoO3 and Li2MoO4 within 1.7–2.8 V versus Li/Li+ combines the Li+ insertion and LiPSs immobilization and efficiently improve the LSBs redox kinetics. Benefiting from the reversible Li+ insertion/extraction in lithium molybdate (LixMoOy) and the highly conductive Ni foam substrate, the sulfur cathode coupled with such electrochemical activation derived catalytic interlayer exhibits a high initial discharge capacity of 1100.1 mAh g−1 at a current density of 1 C with a low decay rate of 0.09% cycle−1. Good capacity retention can still be obtained even the areal sulfur loading is increased to 13.28 mg cm−2.
Recent Advances in Manifold Exfoliated Synthesis of Two‐Dimensional Non‐precious Metal‐Based Nanosheet Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting
Authors: Kou Zhenhui , Wang Kexin , Liu Zhibin , Zeng Libin , Li Zhongjian , Yang Bin , Lei Lecheng , Yuan Chris , Hou Yang
Published: November 2021

Electrochemical water splitting has been widely recognized as efficient technology to produce high‐purity hydrogen as environmental‐friendly fuels. The main challenge of electrochemical water splitting is in the development of low‐cost earth‐abundant electrocatalysts to enable their large‐scale applications in industry. Two‐dimensional (2D) materials have been developed as promising electrocatalysts due to their abundant exposed active sites, high surface area and fast transfer ability of electrons. However, currently, there is a lack of review work in literature elucidating the most recent advances on the research and development of 2D precious‐free electrocatalysts and their state‐of‐the‐art performances in water splitting. Herein, the authors present a review of recent progress of development on diverse exfoliation methods for synthesizing multi‐category 2D non‐precious metal‐based (NPMB) electrocatalysts to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The leading methods are composed of guest ions or molecules‐assisted, auxiliary force‐assisted, electrochemical‐assisted exfoliation and additional exfoliation for fabricating these 2D NPMB nanosheets, including transition‐metal dichalcogenides, oxides, carbides, nitrides, layered double hydroxides, metal‐organic frameworks and mono‐elemental materials. The structure‐activity relationships of enhanced catalytic performance and downsizing nanostructure of corresponding 2D NPMB nanosheets are discussed. Finally, existent puzzle and prospective direction for designing synthesis methods of 2D NPMB electrocatalysts for water splitting are put forward.
Temporospatial distribution and country of origin of canine transmissible venereal tumours in the UK
Authors: Gibson Danielle N. , Singleton David A. , Brant Beth , Radford Alan D. , Killick David R.
Published: November 2021

Background

Transmissable venereal tumour (TVT) is a tumour transplanted by physical contact between dogs. Lesions typically affect the genitalia. TVT is not considered enzootic in the United Kingdom (UK), with cases seen in imported dogs. We sought to determine the patient characteristics, temporal and spatial distribution and country of origin of affected dogs in the UK.

Methods

Electronic pathology records (EPRs) from four UK veterinary diagnostic laboratories collected between 2010 and 2019 were searched for the terms ‘venereal’ or ‘TVT’. Reports were reviewed for statements confirming a TVT and descriptive statistics collated.

Results

Of 182 EPRs matching the search terms, a diagnosis of TVT was confirmed in 71. Country of origin was noted in 36 cases (50.7%) with Romania being the most common (n = 29). Cases were reported in each UK constituent country, with the majority being in England (64, 90.1%). The incidence of TVT diagnosis increased over the last decade (z = 2.78, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

The incidence of TVT diagnosed in the UK is increasing. The majority of cases were known to have been imported. Autochthonous transmission cannot be excluded due to study design. Vets are encouraged to carefully examine the genitalia of dogs imported to the UK from countries with enzootic TVT.
Pituitary dwarfism, patent duct arteriosus and Cushing's syndrome in a dog
Authors: Federica Alessandrini , Giovanni Romito , Federico Fracassi
Published: November 2021

A 3‐month‐old, intact female Czechoslovakian wolfdog was referred for growth retardation. General physical examination revealed an IV/VI left basilar continuous murmur, a body condition score of 3/9, body weight 2.2 kg, and dermatological alterations. Transthoracic echocardiography diagnosed patent duct arteriosus. Genetic testing revealed that the dog had a LHX3 mutation, and the low concentration of insulin‐like growth factor 1 confirmed the diagnosis of pituitary dwarfism. The endocrine disorder was treated with levothyroxine, and the congenital heart disease was corrected interventionally, leading to a net improvement in the clinical condition. After 3 years, the dog was referred for polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia and alopecia. Diagnostic workup revealed pituitary‐dependent hypercortisolism due to a pituitary macroadenoma. In addition to levothyroxine, the dog was treated with trilostane with resolution of the clinical signs.
Fat attenuating nasopharyngeal foreign body in an adult dog
Authors: Mukhina Anna , Zoto Alyssa , Cronin Kimberly , Cridge Harry
Published: November 2021

A 10‐year‐old male neutered silky terrier presented for a 3‐day history of acute onset stertor and hyporexia. Physical examination revealed inspiratory and expiratory stertor, which resolved when the mouth was open and there was absent airflow through the right nostril. Computed tomography revealed a noncontrast‐enhancing fat attenuating structure (−33 Hounsfield units) occluding the right rostral nasopharyngeal lumen with a strong gas–fat interface rostrally and caudally. Anterior and retrograde rhinoscopy was performed. Retrograde rhinoscopy revealed the presence of brown/tan foreign material within the right nasopharynx, which was removed via flushing and manual retrieval. Anterior rhinoscopy was unremarkable. The foreign body was determined to be a pecan nut (∼72% fat), and removal resulted in resolution of clinical signs. This case report demonstrates the clinical utility of computed tomography in identifying the material of origin of unusual foreign bodies utilising Hounsfield units.
Presumptive and reversible left ventricular systolic dysfunction secondary to chloramphenicol administration in a dog
Authors: Hoff Sarah E. , Masters Allison K. , Tropf Melissa A. , Noxon James O. , Berger Darren J.
Published: November 2021

A 6‐year‐old neutered male 35 kg Staffordshire terrier dog was presented for evaluation of interdigital furunculosis. Culture from lesions revealed meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, with susceptibility to only amikacin, chloramphenicol and vancomycin. Chloramphenicol was administered at a dose of 1500 mg orally every 8 hours (42 mg/kg) for a total of 52 days. On Day 52 of treatment, a new mid‐systolic click was appreciated on cardiothoracic auscultation that prompted cardiac evaluation. Echocardiogram revealed mild mitral valve prolapse with no mitral valve regurgitation and mild left ventricular systolic dysfunction in multiple indices. Chloramphenicol was discontinued, and a recheck echocardiogram performed 63 days later showed persistent mild mitral valve prolapse and resolution of the left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Reversible left ventricular systolic dysfunction should be considered a potential complication associated with chloramphenicol therapy, and suggests chloramphenicol may need to be used with caution in canine patients with underlying cardiac disease.
Anticipating sea‐level rise and human migration: A review of empirical evidence and avenues for future research
Authors: Duijndam Sem J. , Botzen Wouter J. W. , Hagedoorn Liselotte C. , Aerts Jeroen C. J. H.
Published: November 2021

Sea‐level rise (SLR) threatens millions of people living in coastal areas through permanent inundation and other SLR‐related hazards. Migration is one way for people to adapt to these coastal changes, but presents an enormous policy challenge given the number of people affected. Knowledge about the relationship between SLR‐related hazards and migration is therefore important to allow for anticipatory policymaking. In recent years, an increasing number of empirical studies have investigated, using survey or census data, how SLR‐related hazards including flooding, salinization, and erosion together with non‐environmental factors influence migration behavior. In this article, we provide a systematic literature review of this empirical work. Our review findings indicate that flooding is not necessarily associated with increased migration. Severe flood events even tend to decrease long‐term migration in developing countries, although more research is needed to better understand the underpinnings of this finding. Salinization and erosion do generally lead to migration, but the number of studies is sparse. Several non‐environmental factors including wealth and place attachment influence migration alongside SLR‐related hazards. Based on the review, we propose a research agenda by outlining knowledge gaps and promising avenues for future research on this topic. Promising research avenues include using behavioral experiments to investigate migration behavior under future SLR scenarios, studying migration among other adaptation strategies, and complementing empirical research with dynamic migration modeling. We conclude that more empirical research on the SLR‐migration nexus is needed to properly understand and anticipate the complex dynamics of migration under SLR, and to design adequate policy responses.

This article is categorized under:

Climate Economics < Aggregation Techniques for Impacts and Mitigation Costs

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change < Learning from Cases and Analogies

Assessing Impacts of Climate Change < Evaluating Future Impacts of Climate Change
Quantum kinetic equation for fluids of spin-1/2 fermions
Authors: Dayi Ömer F. , Kilinçarslan Eda
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Fluid of spin-1/2 fermions is represented by a complex scalar field and a four-vector field coupled both to the scalar and the Dirac fields. We present the underlying action and show that the resulting equations of motion are identical to the (hydrodynamic) Euler equations in the presence of Coriolis force. As a consequence of the gauge invariances of this action we established the quantum kinetic equation which takes account of noninertial properties of the fluid in the presence of electromagnetic fields. The equations of the field components of Wigner function in Clifford algebra basis are employed to construct new semiclassical covariant kinetic equations of the vector and axial-vector field components for massless as well as massive fermions. Nonrelativistic limit of the chiral kinetic equation is studied and shown that it generates a novel three-dimensional transport theory which does not depend on spatial variables explicitly and possesses a Coriolis force term. We demonstrated that the three-dimensional chiral transport equations are consistent with the chiral anomaly. For massive fermions the three-dimensional kinetic transport theory generated by the new covariant kinetic equations is established in small mass limit. It possesses the Coriolis force and the massless limit can be obtained directly.
Scattering amplitudes for binary systems beyond GR
Authors: González Mariana Carrillo , de Rham Claudia , Tolley Andrew J.
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Amplitude methods have proven to be a promising technique to perform Post-Minkowskian calculations used as inputs to construct gravitational waveforms. In this paper, we show how these methods can be extended beyond the standard calculations in General Relativity with a minimal coupling to matter. As proof of principle, we consider spinless particles conformally coupled to a gravitational helicity-0 mode. We clarify the subtleties in the matching procedure that lead to the potential for conformally coupled matter. We show that in the probe particle limit, we can reproduce well known results for the field profile. With the scattering amplitudes at hand, we compute the conservative potential and scattering angle for the binary system. We find that the result is a non trivial expansion that involves not only the coupling strengths, but also a non trivial dependence on the energy/momentum of the scattered particles.
The barley mutant multiflorus2.b reveals quantitative genetic variation for new spikelet architecture
Authors: Koppolu Ravi , Jiang Guojing , Milner Sara G. , Muqaddasi Quddoos H. , Rutten Twan , Himmelbach Axel , Guo Yu , Stein Nils , Mascher Martin , Schnurbusch Thorsten
Published: November 2021

Key message

Spikelet indeterminacy and supernumerary spikelet phenotypes in barley multiflorus2.b mutant show polygenic inheritance. Genetic analysis of multiflorus2.b revealed major QTLs for spikelet determinacy and supernumerary spikelet phenotypes on 2H and 6H chromosomes.

Understanding the genetic basis of yield forming factors in small grain cereals is of extreme importance, especially in the wake of stagnation of further yield gains in these crops. One such yield forming factor in these cereals is the number of grain-bearing florets produced per spikelet. Wild-type barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) spikelets are determinate structures, and the spikelet axis (rachilla) degenerates after producing single floret. In contrast, the rachilla of wheat (Triticum ssp.) spikelets, which are indeterminate, elongates to produce up to 12 florets. In our study, we characterized the barley spikelet determinacy mutant multiflorus2.b (mul2.b) that produced up to three fertile florets on elongated rachillae of lateral spikelets. Apart from the lateral spikelet indeterminacy (LS-IN), we also characterized the supernumerary spikelet phenotype in the central spikelets (CS-SS) of mul2.b. Through our phenotypic and genetic analyses, we identified two major QTLs on chromosomes 2H and 6H, and two minor QTLs on 3H for the LS-IN phenotype. For, the CS-SS phenotype, we identified one major QTL on 6H, and a minor QTL on 5H chromosomes. Notably, the 6H QTLs for CS-SS and LS-IN phenotypes co-located with each other, potentially indicating that a single genetic factor might regulate both phenotypes. Thus, our in-depth phenotyping combined with genetic analyses revealed the quantitative nature of the LS-IN and CS-SS phenotypes in mul2.b, paving the way for cloning the genes underlying these QTLs in the future.
AFM investigation of APAC (antiplatelet and anticoagulant heparin proteoglycan)
Authors: Winzely Maximilian , Jouppila Annukka , Ramer Georg , Lux Laurin , Lendl Bernhard , Barreiro Karina , Lassila Riitta , Friedbacher Gernot
Published: November 2021

Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs are classified antithrombotic agents with the purpose to reduce blood clot formation. For a successful treatment of many known complex cardiovascular diseases driven by platelet and/or coagulation activity, the need of more than one antithrombotic agent is inevitable. However, combining drugs with different mechanisms of action enhances risk of bleeding. Dual anticoagulant and antiplatelet (APAC), a novel semisynthetic antithrombotic molecule, provides both anticoagulant and antiplatelet properties in preclinical studies. APAC is entering clinical studies with this new exciting approach to manage cardiovascular diseases. For a better understanding of the biological function of APAC, comprehensive knowledge of its structure is essential. In this study, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to characterize APAC according to its structure and to investigate the molecular interaction of APAC with von Willebrand factor (VWF), since specific binding of APAC to VWF could reduce platelet accumulation at vascular injury sites. By the optimization of drop-casting experiments, we were able to determine the volume of an individual APAC molecule at around 600 nm3, and confirm that APAC forms multimers, especially dimers and trimers under the experimental conditions. By studying the drop-casting behavior of APAC and VWF individually, we depictured their interaction by using an indirect approach. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo conducted experiments in pigs supported the AFM results further. Finally, the successful adsorption of APAC to a flat gold surface was confirmed by using photothermal-induced resonance, whereby attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) served as a reference method.

Graphical abstract
Sorption and diffusion properties of untreated and thermally modified beech wood dust
Authors: Majka Jerzy , Rogoziński Tomasz , Olek Wiesław
Published: November 2021

Dynamic water vapor sorption experiments were carried out using beech wood dust (from untreated and thermally modified wood) of two-particle sizes, (< 25 and 80–250 µm), obtained from abrasive sanding. Sorption isotherms were parameterized with the GAB and GDW models. Dust from thermally modified wood had significantly lower equilibrium moisture content compared to dust from untreated material, due to the reduction in primary sorption sites in treated material. The observed changes were quantified by the coefficients of the GAB and GDW models. Thermal modification and size of wood dust particles had no influence on binding energy of water molecules being linked to the secondary sorption sites. Water diffusivity decreased significantly with increasing moisture content, but only for monolayer sorption. For higher moisture content values, water diffusivity was practically independent of moisture content. These results were found for untreated and thermally modified material as well as for both dust size fractions. The influence of thermal modification on water diffusivity was unclear, which is attributed to the diffusion model, which represents dust particles as spheres and assumes instant hygroscopic equilibrium. Overall, this study indicates that the effectiveness of filtration processes likely depends strongly on sorption and diffusion properties of wood dust only at low moisture contents within the hygroscopic range.
Interleukin-6 as surrogate marker for imaging-based hypoxia dynamics in patients with head-and-neck cancers undergoing definitive chemoradiation—results from a prospective pilot trial
Authors: Rühle Alexander , Wiedenmann Nicole , Fennell Jamina T. , Mix Michael , Ruf Juri , Stoian Raluca , Thomsen Andreas R. , Vaupel Peter , Baltas Dimos , Grosu Anca-L. , Nicolay Nils H.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Intratumoral hypoxia increases resistance of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) to radiotherapy. [18F]FMISO PET imaging enables noninvasive hypoxia monitoring, though requiring complex logistical efforts. We investigated the role of plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) as potential surrogate parameter for intratumoral hypoxia in HNSCC using [18F]FMISO PET/CT as reference.

Methods

Within a prospective trial, serial blood samples of 27 HNSCC patients undergoing definitive chemoradiation were collected to analyze plasma IL-6 levels. Intratumoral hypoxia was assessed in treatment weeks 0, 2, and 5 using [18F]FMISO PET/CT imaging. The association between PET-based hypoxia and IL-6 was examined using Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analyses, and the diagnostic power of IL-6 for tumor hypoxia response prediction was determined with receiver-operating characteristic analyses.

Results

Mean IL-6 concentrations were 15.1, 19.6, and 31.0 pg/mL at baseline, week 2 and week 5, respectively. Smoking (p=0.050) and reduced performance status (p=0.011) resulted in higher IL-6 levels, whereas tumor (p=0.427) and nodal stages (p=0.334), tumor localization (p=0.439), and HPV status (p=0.294) had no influence. IL-6 levels strongly correlated with the intratumoral hypoxic subvolume during treatment (baseline: r=0.775, p<0.001; week 2: r=0.553, p=0.007; week 5: r=0.734, p<0.001). IL-6 levels in week 2 were higher in patients with absent early tumor hypoxia response (p=0.016) and predicted early hypoxia response (AUC=0.822, p=0.031). Increased IL-6 levels at week 5 resulted in a trend towards reduced progression-free survival (p=0.078) and overall survival (p=0.013).

Conclusion

Plasma IL-6 is a promising surrogate marker for tumor hypoxia dynamics in HNSCC patients and may facilitate hypoxia-directed personalized radiotherapy concepts.

Trial registration

The prospective trial was registered in the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS00003830). Registered 20 August 2015
DNA damage and repair in peripheral blood mononuclear cells after internal ex vivo irradiation of patient blood with 131I
Authors: Schumann S. , Scherthan H. , Pfestroff K. , Schoof S. , Pfestroff A. , Hartrampf P. , Hasenauer N. , Buck A. K. , Luster M. , Port M. , Lassmann M. , Eberlein U.
Published: November 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to provide a systematic approach to characterize DNA damage induction and repair in isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after internal ex vivo irradiation with [131I]NaI. In this approach, we tried to mimic ex vivo the irradiation of patient blood in the first hours after radioiodine therapy.

Material and methods

Blood of 33 patients of two centres was collected immediately before radioiodine therapy of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and split into two samples. One sample served as non-irradiated control. The second sample was exposed to ionizing radiation by adding 1 ml of [131I]NaI solution to 7 ml of blood, followed by incubation at 37 °C for 1 h. PBMCs of both samples were isolated, split in three parts each and (i) fixed in 70% ethanol and stored at − 20 °C directly (0 h) after irradiation, (ii) after 4 h and (iii) 24 h after irradiation and culture in RPMI medium. After immunofluorescence staining microscopically visible co-localizing γ-H2AX + 53BP1 foci were scored in 100 cells per sample as biomarkers for radiation-induced double-strand breaks (DSBs).

Results

Thirty-two of 33 blood samples could be analysed. The mean absorbed dose to the blood in all irradiated samples was 50.1 ± 2.3 mGy. For all time points (0 h, 4 h, 24 h), the average number of γ-H2AX + 53BP1 foci per cell was significantly different when compared to baseline and the other time points. The average number of radiation-induced foci (RIF) per cell after irradiation was 0.72 ± 0.16 at t = 0 h, 0.26 ± 0.09 at t = 4 h and 0.04 ± 0.09 at t = 24 h. A monoexponential fit of the mean values of the three time points provided a decay rate of 0.25 ± 0.05 h−1, which is in good agreement with data obtained from external irradiation with γ- or X-rays.

Conclusion

This study provides novel data about the ex vivo DSB repair in internally irradiated PBMCs of patients before radionuclide therapy. Our findings show, in a large patient sample, that efficient repair occurs after internal irradiation with 50 mGy absorbed dose, and that the induction and repair rate after 131I exposure is comparable to that of external irradiation with γ- or X-rays.
Comparing the clinical performance and cost efficacy of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 and [18F]PSMA-1007 in the diagnosis of recurrent prostate cancer: a Markov chain decision analysis
Authors: Alberts Ian , Mingels Clemens , Zacho Helle D. , Lanz Sabine , Schöder Heiko , Rominger Axel , Zwahlen Marcel , Afshar-Oromieh Ali
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Amongst others, [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 and [18F]PSMA-1007 are available for the detection of recurrent prostate cancer (rPC). There are currently limited data comparing the performance of these two radioligands with respect to clinical outcomes or their cost efficacy, which this study aims to address.

Methods

Two hundred and forty-four patients undergoing PSMA PET/CT for rPC were retrospectively analysed for this study (one hundred and twenty two with each radiopharmaceutical) to generate rates of PET positivity, negativity and unclear findings. Patients underwent follow-up to determine the rate of additional examinations and to confirm PET findings. A Markov chain decision analysis was implemented to model clinical decision-making processes and to analyse clinical performance of the two tracers. We determine their clinical cost efficacies using cost data from several countries where both radiotracers are in routine use.

Results

The PET positivity rate was non-significantly higher for [18F]PSMA-1007 compared to [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 (91.8% vs. 86.9%, p = 0.68), whereas the rate of uncertain findings was significantly greater (17.2% vs. 8.25%, p = 0.02). The probability of a true positive finding was higher for [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 (0.90, 95% CI 0.70-0.98) vs. [18F]PSMA-1007 (0.81, 95% CI 0.66–0.91). A significantly (p < 0.0001) higher PPV for [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 (0.99, 95% CI 0.99–1.0 vs. 0.86) was found compared to [18F]PSMA-1007 (0.86, 95% CI 0.82–1.00). Intervention efficacy analysis favoured [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11, where the number needed to image (to achieve a true positive finding) was 10.58 and the number needed to image to harm (to achieve a false positive finding) was − 8.08. A cost efficacy analysis favours [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 in three of the four jurisdictions analysed where health economic data was available (Switzerland, Israel, Australia) and [18F]PSMA-1007 in one jurisdiction (Denmark).

Conclusion

The analysis reveals a non-significantly higher PET positivity rate for [18F]PSMA-1007, but finds significantly greater rates of uncertain findings and false positive findings when compared to [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11. We find differences in the two tracers in terms of clinical performance and cost efficacy. The method presented herein is generalisable and can be used with clinical or cost data for other countries or tracers.
Spatiotemporal non-uniformly correlated beams
Authors: Hyde Milo W.
Published: November 2021

We present a new partially coherent source with spatiotemporal coupling. The stochastic light, which we call a spatiotemporal (ST) non-uniformly correlated (NUC) beam, combines space and time in an inhomogeneous (shift- or space-variant) correlation function. This results in a source that self-focuses at a controllable location in space-time, making these beams potentially useful in applications such as optical trapping, optical tweezing, and particle manipulation. We begin by developing the mutual coherence function for an ST NUC beam. We then examine its free-space propagation characteristics by deriving an expression for the mean intensity at any plane $$z \ge 0$$

z
≥
0

. To validate the theoretical work, we perform Monte Carlo simulations, in which we generate statistically independent ST NUC beam realizations and compare the sample statistical moments to the corresponding theory. We observe excellent agreement amongst the results.
Inter-microbial competition for N and plant NO3− uptake rather than BNI determines soil net nitrification under intensively managed Brachiaria humidicola
Authors: Egenolf Konrad , Schad Philipp , Arevalo Ashly , Villegas Daniel , Arango Jacobo , Karwat Hannes , Cadisch Georg , Rasche Frank
Published: November 2021

Brachiaria humidicola (syn. Urochloa humidicola) has been acknowledged to control soil nitrification through release of nitrification inhibitors (NI), a phenomenon conceptualized as biological nitrification inhibition (BNI). Liming and N fertilization as features of agricultural intensification may suppress BNI performance, due to a decrease in NI exudation, increased NH3 availability and promotion of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) over archaea (AOA). A 2-year three-factorial pot trial was conducted to investigate the influence of soil pH and soil microbial background (ratio of archaea to bacteria) on BNI performance of B. humidicola. The study verified the capacity of B. humidicola to reduce net nitrification rates by 50 to 85% compared to the non-planted control, irrespective of soil pH and microbial background. The reduction of net nitrification, however, was largely dependent on microbial N immobilization and efficient plant N uptake. A reduction of gross nitrification could not be confirmed for the AOA dominated soil, but possibly contributed to reduced net nitrification rates in the AOB-dominated soil. However, this putative reduction of gross nitrification was attributed to plant-facilitated inter-microbial competition between bacterial heterotrophs and nitrifiers rather than BNI. It was concluded that BNI may play a dominant role in extensive B. humidicola pasture systems, while N immobilization and efficient plant N uptake may display the dominant factors controlling net nitrification rates under intensively managed B. humidicola.
Vasculogenic mimicry correlates to presenting symptoms and mortality in uveal melanoma
Authors: Sabazade Shiva , Gill Viktor , Herrspiegel Christina , Stålhammar Gustav
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Fluid-conducting extracellular matrix patterns known as vasculogenic mimicry (VM) have been associated with poor prognosis in uveal melanoma and other cancers. We investigate the correlations between VM, presenting symptoms, mortality, and the area density of periodic acid-Schiff positive histological patterns (PAS density).

Methods

Sixty-nine patients that underwent enucleation for uveal melanoma between 2000 and 2007 were included. Clinicopathological parameters presenting symptoms and outcomes were collected. Histological tumor sections were evaluated for VM and PAS density was quantified with digital image analysis.

Results

Thirty-four patients (49%) presented with blurred vision. 18 (26%) with a shadow in the visual field, 7 (10%) with photopsia and/or floaters, and 2 (3%) with metamorphopsia. Nine patients (13%) had no symptoms at all. Median follow-up was 16.7 years (SD 2.6). A shadow in the visual field, but no other symptom, was positively correlated with the presence of VM (φ 0.70, p < 0.001) and greater PAS density (p < 0.001). In multivariate regression, retinal detachment (RD), presence of VM, and PAS density ≥ median were independent predictors of a shadow, but not tumor distance to the macula, tumor apical thickness, tumor diameter, or ciliary body engagement. The presence of VM was associated with significantly shorter cumulative disease-specific survival (Wilcoxon p = 0.04), but not PAS density ≥ median, presenting symptoms or RD (p > 0.28).

Conclusion

Tumors from uveal melanoma patients that report a visual field shadow are likely to display VM and greater PAS density, likely explaining the previously reported association between this symptom and poor prognosis.