bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-Step Hydrothermal Synthesis of a CoTe@rGO Electrode Material for Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Tianrui , Su Yupeng , Xiao Mi , Zhao Meilian , Zhao Tingwu , Shen Jianguo
Published: September 2021

CoTe@reduced graphene oxide (CoTe@rGO) electrode materials for supercapacitors were prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method in this paper. Compared with that of pure CoTe, the electrochemical performance of CoTe@rGO was significantly improved. The results showed that the optimal CoTe@rGO electrode material has a remarkably high specific capacitance of 810.6 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. At 5 A/g, the synthesized material retained 77.2% of its initial capacitance even after 5000 charge/discharge cycles, thereby demonstrating good cycling stability. Moreover, even at a high current density of 20 A/g, the composite electrode retained 79.0% of its specific capacitance at 1 A/g, thus confirming its excellent rate performance. An asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) with a wider potential window and higher energy density was assembled by using 3 M KOH as the electrolyte, the CoTe@rGO electrode as the positive electrode, and active carbon as the negative electrode. The operating voltage of the supercapacitor could be increased to 1.6 V, and its specific capacitance could reach 112.6 F/g at 1 A/g. The specific capacitance retention rate of the fabricated supercapacitor after 5000 charge/discharge cycles at 5 A/g was 87.1%, which confirms its excellent cycling stability. In addition, the ASC revealed a high energy density of 40.04 W·h/kg at a power density of 799.91 W/kg and a high power density of 4004.93 W/kg at an energy density of 33.43 W·h/kg. These results collectively show that CoTe@rGO materials have broad application prospects.
Static reservoir modeling using stochastic method: a case study of the cretaceous sequence of Gamtoos Basin, Offshore, South Africa
Authors: Ayodele O. L. , Chatterjee T. K. , Opuwari M.
Published: September 2021

Gamtoos Basin is an echelon sub-basin under the Outeniqua offshore Basin of South Africa. It is a complex rift-type basin with both onshore and offshore components and consists of relatively simple half-grabens bounded by a major fault to the northeast. This study is mainly focused on the evaluation of the reservoir heterogeneity of the Valanginian depositional sequence. The prime objective of this work is to generate a 3D static reservoir model for a better understanding of the spatial distribution of discrete and continuous reservoir properties (porosity, permeability, and water saturation). The methodology adopted in this work includes the integration of 2D seismic and well-log data. These data were used to construct 3D models of lithofacies, porosity, permeability, and water saturation through petrophysical analysis, upscaling, Sequential Indicator Simulation, and Sequential Gaussian Simulation algorithms, respectively. Results indicated that static reservoir modeling adequately captured reservoir geometry and spatial properties distribution. In this study, the static geocellular model delineates lithology into three facies: sandstone, silt, and shale. Petrophysical models were integrated with facies within the reservoir to identify the best location that has the potential to produce hydrocarbon. The statistical analysis model revealed sandstone is the best facies and that the porosity, permeability, and water saturation ranges between 8 and 22%, 0.1 mD (< 1.0 mD) to 1.0 mD, and 30–55%. Geocellular model results showed that the northwestern part of the Gamtoos Basin has the best petrophysical properties, followed by the central part of the Basin. Findings from this study have provided the information needed for further gas exploration, appraisal, and development programs in the Gamtoos Basin.
Characteristics of patients with cancer in European long-term care facilities
Authors: Villani Emanuele Rocco , Fusco Domenico , Franza Laura , Onder Graziano , Bernabei Roberto , Colloca Giuseppe Ferdinando
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Up to 26% of residents in nursing homes (NHs) are affected by cancer. Their care represents a challenge, because NHs are not usually considered a setting focused on oncologic management and care. The aim of this paper is to describe socio-demographic and clinical features of patients with cancer residing in European NHs.

Methods

Cross-sectional study based on data from the Services and Health for Elderly in Long TERm care (SHELTER) study. Participants were assessed through the interRAI-LTCF, which includes cancer assessment.

Results

Among 4140 participants (mean age 83.4 years; female 73%), 442 (10.7%) had cancer. Patients with cancer had a higher prevalence of do-not-resuscitate directives compared to those without cancer (21.1% vs 16.5%, p = 0.019). Variables directly associated with cancer were male sex (adj OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.36–2.05), pain (adj OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.16–1.77), fatigue (adj OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01–1.55), polypharmacy (adj OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.21–2.08) and falls (adj OR. 1.30, 95% CI 1.01–1.67). Dementia was inversely associated with cancer (adj OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.58–0.94). Symptomatic drugs such as opioids (23.5% vs 12.2, p < .001), NSAIDS (7.2% vs 3.9%, p = 0.001), antidepressants (39.1% vs 33.8%, p = 0.026) and benzodiazepines (40.3% vs 34.3, p = 0.012) were all prescribed more in participants with cancer compared to those without cancer.

Conclusions

Cancer patients are prevalent in European NHs and they show peculiar characteristics. Studies are needed to evaluate the impact of a supportive care approach on the management of NHs residents with cancer throughout all its phases, until the end-of-life care
Implicit or explicit time integration schemes in the PFEM modeling of metal cutting processes
Authors: Rodriguez J. M. , Larsson S. , Carbonell J. M. , Jonsén P.
Published: September 2021

This work presents the development of an explicit/implicit particle finite element method (PFEM) for the 2D modeling of metal cutting processes. The purpose is to study the efficiency of implicit and explicit time integration schemes in terms of precision, accuracy and computing time. The formulation for implicit and explicit time marching schemes is developed, and a detailed study on the explicit solution steps is presented. The PFEM remeshing procedures for insertion and removal of particles have been improved to model the multiple scales of time and/or space of the solution. The detection and treatment of the rigid tool contact are presented for both, implicit and explicit schemes. The performance of explicit/implicit integration is studied with a set of different two-dimensional orthogonal cutting tests of AISI 4340 steel at cutting speeds ranging from 1 m/s up to 30 m/s. It was shown that if the correct selection of the time integration scheme is made, the computing time can decrease up to 40 times. It allows us to affirm that the computing time of the PFEM simulations can be excessive due to the used time marching scheme independently of the meshing process. As a practical result, a set of recommendations to select the time integration schemes for a given cutting speed are given. This is intended to minimize one of the negative constraints pointed out by the industry when using metal cutting simulators.
Data-driven Exploration of Engagement with Workplace-based Assessment in the Clinical Skills Domain
Authors: Piotrkowicz Alicja , Wang Kaiwen , Hallam Jennifer , Dimitrova Vania
Published: September 2021

The paper presents a multi-faceted data-driven computational approach to analyse workplace-based assessment (WBA) of clinical skills in medical education. Unlike formal university-based part of the degree, the setting of WBA can be informal and only loosely regulated, as students are encouraged to take every opportunity to learn from the clinical setting. For clinical educators and placement coordinators it is vital to follow and analyse students’ engagement with WBA while on placements, in order to understand how students are participating in the assessment, and what improvements can be made. We analyse digital data capturing the students’ WBA attempts and comments on how the assessments went, using process mining and text analytics. We compare Year 1 cohorts across three years, focusing on differences between primary vs. secondary care placements. The main contribution of the work presented in this paper is the exploration of computational approaches for multi-faceted, data-driven assessment analytics for workplace learning which includes:(i) a set of features for analysing clinical skills WBA data, (ii) analysis of the temporal aspects ofthat data using process mining, and (iii) utilising text analytics to compare student reflections on WBA. We show how assessment data captured during clinical placements can provide insights about the student engagement and inform the medical education practice. Our work is inspired by Jim Greer’s vision that intelligent methods and techniques should be adopted to address key challenges faced by educational practitioners in order to foster improvement of learning and teaching. In the broader AI in Education context, the paper shows the application of AI methods to address educational challenges in a new informal learning domain - practical healthcare placements in higher education medical training.
Indications and advantages of endoscopic trans-sphenoid approach for petrous apex lesions: two case reports
Authors: Kajal S , Thakar A , Verma H
Published: September 2021

Background

The choice of surgical approach for a petrous apex lesion depends on its relationship with the internal carotid artery, degree of medial expansion and pathology. The correct identification of patients who will benefit from this approach is necessary.

Case reports

Two adult patients presented with a lesion in the left petrous apex. Computed tomography showed a homogeneous mass extending anteromedially, and abutting the internal carotid artery and the sphenoid sinus in both patients. Using magnetic resonance imaging, a third recurrence of cholesterol granuloma in case one and cholesteatoma in case two were diagnosed. Both patients underwent trans-sphenoid excision, as the sphenoid sinus was well pneumatised and the lesion was medial to the internal carotid artery.

Conclusion

Nasal endoscopic access to the petrous apex via the trans-sphenoid corridor should be preferred for benign lesions extending anteromedially in cases where lateral access is impeded by the internal carotid artery, the labyrinth and the facial nerve, and anterior trans-sphenoidal access offers a low-morbidity alternative.
Probing syllable structure through acoustic measurements: case studies on American English and Jazani Arabic
Authors: Durvasula Karthik , Ruthan Mohammed Qasem , Heidenreich Sarah , Lin Yen-Hwei
Published: September 2021

Previous research has found that different syllabic (particularly simplexvs.complex onset) organisations have different temporal stability signatures in articulations – this observation is based entirely on articulatory measurements. In this article, we present the results of three production experiments which show that similar correlations between onset organisation and temporal stability metrics are observable in an analysis of acoustic measurements in American English and Jazani Arabic. The results that we present show stability across speakers and test items for both language groups, and highlight the possibility of using acoustic techniques to help to investigate the organisation of onsets in other languages.
Residential Constraints and the Political Geography of the Populist Radical Right: Evidence from France
Authors: Patana Pauliina
Published: September 2021

What explains variation in populist radical right (PRR) support within Western democracies? Specifically, why is contemporary PRR support often and increasingly stronger in areas seemingly detached from the effects of globalization, transnationalism, or immigration, the key issues these parties emphasize? This study articulates a theory of residential constraints to deepen understanding of these spatial patterns. I hypothesize that when citizens are residentially constrained—that is, when their means of reacting to local conditions and “voting with their feet” are limited—they are more likely to support PRR parties. To test this claim, I use a multimethod research design and exploit both quantitative and qualitative evidence from France, an important case of long-standing and geographically divided PRR support. I demonstrate that the PRR performs well in areas where locals’ access to services and opportunities is compromised and where opportunities and incentives to relocate are blocked by residential constraints. Residential constraints thus generate a set of relative economic grievances and render them highly salient in localities that may otherwise appear unaffected by more objective hardships and structural decay.
Die Spirometrie in der ärztlichen Praxis – Teil 2: Die Interpretation
Authors: Rothe Thomas
Published: September 2021

Zusammenfassung. Die Art und Weise, wie eine Spirometrie korrekt zu beurteilen ist, wurde 2005 international festgelegt. Im Vergleich zu vorher wurde neu definiert, dass der Quotient FEV1/VC als Parameter zur Erfassung einer Obstruktion herangezogen wird. Von einer signifikanten Obstruktion wird dann gesprochen, wenn dieser Messwert unterhalb der 5 %-Perzentile liegt, die üblicherweise als Z-Score von minus 1,645 im automatisch generierten Protokoll angegeben wird. Voraussetzung ist, dass die Software die modernen GLI-Normwerte enthält und die Patientendaten (Geschlecht, Alter, Grösse) eingegeben wurden. Eine nachgewiesene Obstruktion zeigt dann signifikante Reversibilität, wenn sich durch Bronchospasmolyse die FEV1 um mindestens 12 % und 200 ml absolut verbessert. Die Festlegung des Schweregrads einer Obstruktion basiert auf dem Ausmass der Minderung der FEV1 in Bezug auf den individuellen Normwert. Auch nach der Lektüre beider Teile dieser Publikation werden bei der Umsetzung in der klinischen Praxis in einzelnen Fällen noch Unklarheiten auftreten. Hier lohnt es sich, diese Befunde dem lokalen Pneumologen zur Mitbeurteilung vorzulegen. Daraus resultiert ein Lerneffekt, der die Expertise festigen wird.
Recovery und Hoffnung dank Selbsthilfe
Authors: Zeltner Chris
Published: September 2021

Was ist zu diesem Thema bereits bekannt?

Selbsthilfegruppen haben eine lange Tradition. Studien belegen eine signifikante Wirkung auf den Verlauf einer Suchterkrankung sowie das Wohlbefinden und die Lebensqualität von Betroffenen.

Wie wird eine neue Perspektive eingebracht?

Der Fokus wird auf das soziale Umfeld einer suchterkrankten Person gelegt, wenn die aktive Sucht bereits länger anhält.

Was sind die Auswirkungen für die Praxis?

Im Berufsalltag von Fachpersonen wird oft auf die momentane Situation geschaut. Eine grundlegende Veränderung des Umfelds und des Verhaltens, das „Leben danach“, wird in Bezug auf Selbsthilfegruppen ungenügend erkannt. Es sollten generell breitere Perspektiven vermittelt und zur Verfügung gestellt werden. Die Möglichkeiten sind für Betroffene uneingeschränkt vorhanden. Der weitere Verlauf hängt damit zusammen, dass Hoffnung und der Glaube daran, dass Veränderung in alle Richtungen geschehen kann, vermittelt wird.
Selbstbestimmung fördern
Authors: Kremer Georg
Published: September 2021

Was ist zu diesem Thema bereits bekannt?

Gesprächsführung ist das zentrale Handwerkszeug aller in der Psychiatrie Tätigen.

Wie wird eine neue Perspektive eingebracht?

Die Motivierende Gesprächsführung legt den Fokus auf die Förderung der Selbstbestimmung der Patient_innen. Sie sind die Expert_innen ihres Lebens.

Was sind die Auswirkungen für die Praxis?

Professionelle Helfer_innen hören gut zu und respektieren die Autonomie der Patient_innen. Sie arbeiten auf Augenhöhe und ermutigen die Patient_innen, ihre Sicht der Dinge in den Behandlungsprozess einzubringen.
Continuous monitoring of diabetes with an integrated microneedle biosensing device through 3D printing
Authors: Liu Yiqun , Yu Qi , Luo Xiaojin , Yang Li , Cui Yue
Published: September 2021

Diabetes is a prevalent chronic metabolic disease with multiple clinical manifestations and complications, and it is among the leading causes of death. Painless and continuous monitoring of interstitial glucose is highly desirable for diabetes management. Here we unprecedentedly show continuous monitoring of diabetes with an integrated microneedle biosensing device. The device was manufactured with a 3D printing process, a microfabrication process, an electroplating process, and an enzyme immobilization step. The device was inserted into the dermis layer of mouse skin and showed accurate sensing performance for monitoring subcutaneous glucose levels in normal or diabetic mice. The detection results were highly correlated with those obtained from a commercial blood glucose meter. We anticipate that the study could open exciting avenues for monitoring and managing diabetes, alongside fundamental studies of subcutaneous electronic devices.
IL-6 promotes drug resistance through formation of polyploid giant cancer cells and stromal fibroblast reprogramming
Authors: Niu Na , Yao Jun , Bast Robert C. , Sood Anil K. , Liu Jinsong
Published: September 2021

To understand the role of polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) in drug resistance and disease relapse, we examined the mRNA expression profile of PGCCs following treatment with paclitaxel in ovarian cancer cells. An acute activation of IL-6 dominated senescence-associated secretory phenotype lasted 2–3 weeks and declined during the termination phase of polyploidy. IL-6 activates embryonic stemness during the initiation of PGCCs and can reprogram normal fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) via increased collagen synthesis, activation of VEGF expression, and enrichment of CAFs and the GPR77 + /CD10 + fibroblast subpopulation. Blocking the IL-6 feedback loop with tocilizumab or apigenin prevented PGCC formation, attenuated embryonic stemness and the CAF phenotype, and inhibited tumor growth in a patient-derived xenograft high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma model. Thus, IL-6 derived by PGCCs is capable of reprogramming both cancer and stromal cells and contributes to the evolution and remodeling of cancer. Targeting IL-6 in PGCCs may represent a novel approach to combating drug resistance.
Extramedullary disease in multiple myeloma
Authors: Bansal Radhika , Rakshit Sagar , Kumar Shaji
Published: September 2021

When clonal plasma cells grow at anatomic sites distant from the bone marrow or grows contiguous from osseous lesions that break through the cortical bone, it is referred to as extramedullary multiple myeloma (EMD). EMD remains challenging from a therapeutic and biological perspective. The pathogenetic mechanisms are not completely understood and it is generally associated with high-risk cytogenetics which portends poor outcomes. There is a rising incidence of EMD in the era of novel agents, likely a reflection of longer OS, with no standard treatment approach. Patients benefit from aggressive chemotherapy-based approaches, but the OS and prognosis remains poor. RT has been used for palliative care. There is a need for large prospective trials for development of treatment approaches for treatment of EMD.
Sedimentary supply of humic-like fluorescent dissolved organic matter and its implication for chemoautotrophic microbial activity in the Izu-Ogasawara Trench
Authors: Shigemitsu M. , Yokokawa T. , Uchida H. , Kawagucci S. , Murata A.
Published: September 2021

Microbial community structure in the hadal water is reported to be different from that in the upper abyssal water. However, the mechanism governing the difference has not been fully understood. In this study, we investigate the vertical distributions of humic-like fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOMH), chemoautotrophic production, apparent oxygen utilization (AOU), and N* in the Izu-Ogasawara Trench. In the upper abyssal waters (< 6000 m), FDOMH has a significantly positive correlation with AOU; FDOMH deviates from the relationship and increases with depth without involving the increment of AOU in the hadal waters. This suggests that FDOMH is transferred from the sediments to the hadal waters through pore water, while the FDOMH is produced in situ in the upper abyssal waters. Chemoautotrophic production and N* increases and decreases with depth in the hadal waters, respectively. This corroborates the effluxes of dissolved substances, including dissolved organic matter and electron donors from sediments, which fuels the heterotrophic/chemoautotrophic microbial communities in the hadal waters. A simple box model analysis reveals that the funnel-like trench topography facilitates the increase in dissolved substances with depth in the hadal waters, which might contribute to the unique microbiological community structure in these waters.
Saturation transfer MRI is sensitive to neurochemical changes in the rat brain due to chronic unpredictable mild stress
Authors: Pankowska Anna , Chudzik Agata , Słowik Tymoteusz , Łazorczyk Artur , Kochalska Katarzyna , Andres-Mach Marta , Lam Wilfred W. , Pietura Radosław , Rola Radosław , Stanisz Greg J. , Orzyłowska Anna
Published: September 2021

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI was performed for the evaluation of cerebral metabolic changes in a rat model of depressive-like disease induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). CEST Z-spectra were acquired on a 7 T MRI with two saturation B1 amplitudes (0.5 and 0.75 µT) to measure the magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), CEST and relayed nuclear Overhauser effect (rNOE). Cerebral cortex and hippocampus were examined in two groups of animals: healthy control (n = 10) and stressed (n = 14), the latter of which was exposed to eight weeks of the CUMS protocol. The stressed group Z-spectrum parameters, primarily MTRs, were significantly lower than in controls, at all selected frequency offsets (3.5, 3.0, 2.0, − 3.2, − 3.6 ppm) in the cortex (the largest difference of ~ 3.5% at − 3.6 ppm, p = 0.0005) and the hippocampus (MTRs measured with a B1 = 0.5 µT). The hippocampal rNOE contributions decreased significantly in the stressed brains. Glutamate concentration (assessed using ELISA) and MTR at 3 ppm correlated positively in both brain regions. GABA concentration also correlated positively with CEST contributions in both cerebral areas, while such correlation with MTR was positive in hippocampus, and nonsignificant in cortex. Results indicate that CEST is sensitive to neurometabolic changes following chronic stress exposure.
Physical properties of carbon nanowalls synthesized by the ICP-PECVD method vs. the growth time
Authors: Yerlanuly Yerassyl , Zhumadilov Rakhymzhan , Nemkayeva Renata , Uzakbaiuly Berik , Beisenbayev Almaz R. , Bakenov Zhumabay , Ramazanov Tlekkabul , Gabdullin Maratbek , Ng Annie , Brus Viktor V. , Jumabekov Askhat N.
Published: September 2021

Investigation of the physical properties of carbon nanowall (CNW) films is carried out in correlation with the growth time. The structural, electronic, optical and electrical properties of CNW films are investigated using electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, Hall Effect measurement system, Four Point Probing system, and thermoelectric measurements. Shorter growth time results in thinner CNW films with a densely spaced labyrinth structure, while a longer growth time results in thicker CNW films with a petal structure. These changes in morphology further lead to changes in the structural, optical, and electrical properties of the CNW.
A targeted approach with nanopore sequencing for the universal detection and identification of flaviviruses
Authors: Reteng Patrick , Nguyen Thuy Linh , Tran Thi Minh Tam , Mares-Guia Maria Angélica Monteiro de Mello , Torres Maria Celeste , de Filippis Ana Maria Bispo , Orba Yasuko , Kobayashi Shintaro , Hayashida Kyoko , Sawa Hirofumi , Hall William W. , Nguyen Thi Lan Anh , Yamagishi Junya
Published: September 2021

Nucleic acid test (NAT), most typically quantitative PCR, is one of the standard methods for species specific flavivirus diagnosis. Semi-comprehensive NATs such as pan-flavivirus PCR which covers genus Flavivirus are also available; however, further specification by sequencing is required for species level differentiation. In this study, a semi-comprehensive detection system that allows species differentiation of flaviviruses was developed by integration of the pan-flavivirus PCR and Nanopore sequencing. In addition, a multiplexing method was established by adding index sequences through the PCR with a streamlined bioinformatics pipeline. This enables defining cut-off values for observed read counts. In the laboratory setting, this approach allowed the detection of up to nine different flaviviruses. Using clinical samples collected in Vietnam and Brazil, seven different flaviviruses were also detected. When compared to a commercial NAT, the sensitivity and specificity of our system were 66.7% and 95.4%, respectively. Conversely, when compared to our system, the sensitivity and specificity of the commercial NAT were 57.1% and 96.9%, respectively. In addition, Nanopore sequencing detected more positive samples (n = 8) compared to the commercial NAT (n = 6). Collectively, our study has established a semi-comprehensive sequencing-based diagnostic system for the detection of flaviviruses at extremely affordable costs, considerable sensitivity, and only requires simple experimental methods.
PIGN spatiotemporally regulates the spindle assembly checkpoint proteins in leukemia transformation and progression
Authors: Teye Emmanuel K. , Lu Shasha , Chen Fangyuan , Yang Wenrui , Abraham Thomas , Stairs Douglas B. , Wang Hong-Gang , Yochum Gregory S. , Brodsky Robert A. , Pu Jeffrey J.
Published: September 2021

Phosphatidylinositol glycan anchor biosynthesis class N (PIGN) has been linked to the suppression of chromosomal instability. The spindle assembly checkpoint complex is responsible for proper chromosome segregation during mitosis to prevent chromosomal instability. In this study, the novel role of PIGN as a regulator of the spindle assembly checkpoint was unveiled in leukemic patient cells and cell lines. Transient downregulation or ablation of PIGN resulted in impaired mitotic checkpoint activation due to the dysregulated expression of spindle assembly checkpoint-related proteins including MAD1, MAD2, BUBR1, and MPS1. Moreover, ectopic overexpression of PIGN restored the expression of MAD2. PIGN regulated the spindle assembly checkpoint by forming a complex with the spindle assembly checkpoint proteins MAD1, MAD2, and the mitotic kinase MPS1. Thus, PIGN could play a vital role in the spindle assembly checkpoint to suppress chromosomal instability associated with leukemic transformation and progression.
In vivo analysis of onset and progression of retinal degeneration in the Nr2e3rd7/rd7 mouse model of enhanced S-cone sensitivity syndrome
Authors: Venturini Giulia , Kokona Despina , Steiner Beatrice L. , Bulla Emanuele G. , Jovanovic Joel , Zinkernagel Martin S. , Escher Pascal
Published: September 2021

The photoreceptor-specific nuclear receptor Nr2e3 is not expressed in Nr2e3rd7/rd7 mice, a mouse model of the recessively inherited retinal degeneration enhanced S-cone sensitivity syndrome (ESCS). We characterized in detail C57BL/6J Nr2e3rd7/rd7 mice in vivo by fundus photography, optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography and, post mortem, by histology and immunohistochemistry. White retinal spots and so-called ‘rosettes’ first appear at postnatal day (P) 12 in the dorsal retina and reach maximal expansion at P21. The highest density in ‘rosettes’ is observed within a region located between 100 and 350 µM from the optic nerve head. ‘Rosettes’ disappear between 9 to 12 months. Non-apoptotic cell death markers are detected during the slow photoreceptor degeneration, at a rate of an approximately 3% reduction of outer nuclear layer thickness per month, as observed from 7 to 31 months of age. In vivo analysis of Nr2e3rd7/rd7 Cx3cr1gfp/+ retinas identified microglial cells within ‘rosettes’ from P21 on. Subretinal macrophages were observed in vivo and by confocal microscopy earliest in 12-months-old Nr2e3rd7/rd7 retinas. At P21, S-opsin expression and the number of S-opsin expressing dorsal cones was increased. The dorso-ventral M-cone gradient was present in Nr2e3rd7/rd7 retinas, but M-opsin expression and M-opsin expressing cones were decreased. Retinal vasculature was normal.
The critical role of interference control in metaphor comprehension evidenced by the drift–diffusion model
Authors: Yoon Hee-Dong , Shin Minho , Jeon Hyeon-Ae
Published: September 2021

We address the question of, among several executive functions, which one has a strong influence on metaphor comprehension. To this end, participants took part in a metaphor comprehension task where metaphors had varying levels of familiarity (familiar vs. novel metaphors) with different conditions of context (supporting vs. opposing contexts). We scrutinized each participant’s detailed executive functions using seven neuropsychological tests. More interestingly, we modelled their responses in metaphor comprehension using the drift–diffusion model, in an attempt to provide more systematic accounts of the processes underlying metaphor comprehension. Results showed that there were significant negative correlations between response times in metaphor comprehension and scores of the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT)-Semantic, suggesting that better performances in comprehending metaphors were strongly associated with better interference control. Using the drift–diffusion model, we found that the familiarity, compared to context, had greater leverage in the decision process for metaphor comprehension. Moreover, individuals with better performance in the COWAT-Semantic test demonstrated higher drift rates. In conclusion, with more fine-grained analysis of the decisions involved in metaphor comprehension using the drift–diffusion model, we argue that interference control plays an important role in processing metaphors.
Macroscopic and deterministic quantum feature generation via phase basis quantization in a cascaded interferometric system
Authors: Ham Byoung S.
Published: September 2021

Quantum entanglement is the quintessence of quantum information science governed by quantum superposition mostly limited to a microscopic regime. For practical applications, however, macroscopic entanglement has an essential benefit for quantum sensing and metrology to beat its classical counterpart. Recently, a coherence approach for entanglement generation has been proposed and demonstrated in a coupled interferometric system using classical laser light, where the quantum feature of entanglement has been achieved via phase basis superposition between identical interferometric systems. Such a coherence method is based on the wave nature of a photon without violating quantum mechanics under the complementarity theory. Here, a method of phase basis quantization via phase basis superposition is presented for macroscopic entanglement in an interferometric system, which is corresponding to the energy quantization of a photon.
Electron, phonon and thermoelectric properties of Cu7PS6 crystal calculated at DFT level
Authors: Andriyevsky B. , Barchiy I. E. , Studenyak I. P. , Kashuba A. I. , Piasecki M.
Published: September 2021

The promising class of the environment-friendly thermoelectrics is the copper-based argyrodite-type ion-conducting crystals exhibiting just extraordinary low thermal conductivity below the glass limit associated with the molten copper sublattice leading to a softening of phonon modes. To explain why the argyrodite structure containing copper ions favors the low thermal conductivity, we have utilized the ab initio calculations of the electron, phonon, and thermoelectric properties of Cu7PS6 crystal in the framework of the density functional and Boltzmann transport theories. To obtain the reliable thermoelectric properties of Cu7PS6, we take into account the dependence of the electron effective mass m* on the redundant carrier concentration n. We propose to use the Burstein–Moss effect for the calculation of the electron effective mass m* of a semiconductor. We have found the strong nonlinear character of copper atom vibrations in Cu7PS6 which exceeds substantially the similar values for phosphorous and sulfur atoms. The large vibration nonlinearity of the copper atoms found in Cu7PS6 explains the diffusion-like heat transfer and the relatively low coefficient of the lattice thermal conductivity (κ = 0.7 W/(m K)), which is favorable to achieve the large thermoelectric figure of merit.
Optimization of collimator angles in dual-arc volumetric modulated arc therapy planning for whole-brain radiotherapy with hippocampus and inner ear sparing
Authors: Sun Wuji , Chen Kunzhi , Li Yu , Xia Wenming , Dong Lihua , Shi Yinghua , Ge Chao , Yang Xu , Wang Libo , Wang Huidong
Published: September 2021

To optimize the collimator angles in dual-arc volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans for whole-brain radiotherapy with hippocampus and inner ear sparing (HIS-WBRT). Two sets of dual-arc VMAT plans were generated for 13 small-cell lung cancer patients: (1) The collimator angles of arcs 1 and 2 (θ1/θ2) were 350°/10°, 350°/30°, 350°/45°, 350°/60°, and 350°/80°, i.e., the intersection angle of θ1 and θ2 (Δθ) increased. (2) θ1/θ2 were 280°/10°, 300°/30°, 315°/45°, 330°/60°, and 350°/80°, i.e., Δθ = 90°. The conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), monitor units (MUs), and dosimetric parameters of organs-at-risk were analyzed. Quality assurance for Δθ = 90° plans was performed. With Δθ increasing towards 90°, a significant improvement was observed for most parameters. In 350°/80° plans compared with 350°/10° ones, CI and HI were improved by 1.1% and 25.2%, respectively; MUs were reduced by 16.2%; minimum, maximum, and mean doses (D100%, Dmax, and Dmean, respectively) to the hippocampus were reduced by 5.5%, 6.3%, and 5.4%, respectively; Dmean to the inner ear and eye were reduced by 0.7% and 5.1%, respectively. With Δθ kept at 90°, the plan quality was not significantly affected by θ1/θ2 combinations. The gamma-index passing rates in 280°/10° and 350°/80° plans were relatively lower compared with the other Δθ = 90° plans. Δθ showed a significant effect on dual-arc VMAT plans for HIS-WBRT. With Δθ approaching 90°, the plan quality exhibited a nearly continuous improvement, whereas with Δθ = 90°, the effect of θ1/θ2 combination was insignificant.
The combined effect of green tea and α-glucosyl hesperidin in preventing obesity: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Yoshitomi Ren , Yamamoto Mao , Kumazoe Motofumi , Fujimura Yoshinori , Yonekura Madoka , Shimamoto Yasuyo , Nakasone Akari , Kondo Satoshi , Hattori Hiroki , Haseda Akane , Nishihira Jun , Tachibana Hirofumi
Published: September 2021

Green tea, a widely consumed beverage in Asia, contains green tea catechins effective against obesity, especially epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), but must be consumed in an impractically huge amount daily to elicit its biological effect. Meanwhile, citrus polyphenols have various physiological effects that could enhance EGCG functionality. Here we investigated the antiobesity effect of a combination of EGCG and α-glucosyl hesperidin, a citrus polyphenol, at doses that have not been previously reported to exert antiobesity effects by themselves in any clinical trial. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, and parallel-group-designed clinical trial, 60 healthy Japanese males and females aged 30–75 years consumed green tea combined with α-glucosyl hesperidin (GT-gH), which contained 178 mg α-glucosyl hesperidin and 146 mg EGCG, for 12 weeks. Physical, hematological, blood biochemical, and urine examinations showed that GT-gH is safe to use. At week 12, GT-gH prevented weight gain and reduced body mass index (BMI) compared with the placebo. Especially in those aged < 50 years, triglyceride and body fat percentage decreased at week 6, visceral fat level and body fat percentage decreased at week 12; body weight, BMI, and blood LDL/HDL ratio also decreased. In conclusion, taking GT-gH prevents weight gain, and the antiobesity effect of GT-gH was more pronounced in people aged < 50 years.
Adipose expression of CREB3L3 modulates body weight during obesity
Authors: McCann Maximilian A. , Li Yanliang , Muñoz Marcos , Gil Victoria , Qiang Guifen , Cordoba-Chacon Jose , Blüher Matthias , Duncan Stephen , Liew Chong Wee
Published: September 2021

We found the hepatic transcription factor Cyclic-AMP Responsive Element Binding Protein 3-like-3 (CREB3L3) to be expressed in adipose tissue, and selectively downregulated in the more metabolically protective subcutaneous adipose tissue in obese mice and humans. We sought to elucidate the specific role of this factor in adipose biology. CREB3L3 fat-specific knockout mice were fed a high-fat diet to induce obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Additionally, we injected a flip-excision adeno-associated virus directly into the subcutaneous inguinal adipose tissue of Adiponectin-Cre mice to create a depot-specific overexpression model for further assessment. Fat-specific ablation of CREB3L3 enhanced weight gain and insulin resistance following high-fat feeding, as fat-specific knockout mice expended less energy and possessed more inflammatory adipose tissue. Conversely, inguinal fat CREB3L3 overexpression deterred diet-induced obesity and ameliorated metabolic dysfunction. Together, this study highlights the relevance of CREB3L3 in obese adipose tissue and demonstrates its role as a powerful body weight modulator.
A novel insight into differential expression profiles of sporadic cerebral cavernous malformation patients with different symptoms
Authors: Eren Gozel Hilal , Kök Kıvanç , Ozlen Fatma , Isler Cihan , Pence Sadrettin
Published: September 2021

Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a vascular lesion of the central nervous system that may lead to distinct symptoms among patients including cerebral hemorrhages, epileptic seizures, focal neurologic deficits, and/or headaches. Disease-related mutations were identified previously in one of the three CCM genes: CCM1, CCM2, and CCM3. However, the rate of these mutations in sporadic cases is relatively low, and new studies report that mutations in CCM genes may not be sufficient to initiate the lesions. Despite the growing body of research on CCM, the underlying molecular mechanism has remained largely elusive. In order to provide a novel insight considering the specific manifested symptoms, CCM patients were classified into two groups (as Epilepsy and Hemorrhage). Since the studied patients experience various symptoms, we hypothesized that the underlying cause for the disease may also differ between those groups. To this end, the respective transcriptomes were compared to the transcriptomes of the control brain tissues and among each other. This resulted into the identification of the differentially expressed coding genes and the delineation of the corresponding differential expression profile for each comparison. Notably, some of those differentially expressed genes were previously implicated in epilepsy, cell structure formation, and cell metabolism. However, no CCM1-3 gene deregulation was detected. Interestingly, we observed that when compared to the normal controls, the expression of some identified genes was only significantly altered either in Epilepsy (EGLN1, ELAVL4, and NFE2l2) or Hemorrhage (USP22, EYA1, SIX1, OAS3, SRMS) groups. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such effort focusing on CCM patients with epileptic and hemorrhagic symptoms with the purpose of uncovering the potential CCM-related genes. It is also the first report that presents a gene expression dataset on Turkish CCM patients. The results suggest that the new candidate genes should be explored to further elucidate the CCM pathology. Overall, this work constitutes a step towards the identification of novel potential genetic targets for the development of possible future therapies.
Spatially restricted occurrence and low abundance as key tools for conservation of critically endangered large antelope in West African savannah
Authors: Gueye Mallé , Brandlová Karolína , Rabeil Thomas , Diop Maniang Mamadou , Diop Babacar , Hejcmanová Pavla
Published: September 2021

The effective conservation of mammals on the brink of extinction requires an integrated socio-ecological approach, yet the updated ecological knowledge of species remains fundamental. This study brings spatiotemporal behaviour, population structure, age-specific survival rates, and population size estimate of the Western Derby eland (WDE) in the Niokolo Koba National Park (NKNP), Senegal, investigated during dry seasons 2017 and 2018. WDE was strongly localised in the core area of NKNP (< 5%), active throughout the day with the highest peak in the hottest daytime, with a mean group size 7.6 ± SE 8.9. The adult sex ratio was female-biased and showed low annual adult male survival rates. The population consisted of high proportion of juveniles, whilst adults did not exceed 40%. The estimated population density was 0.138 WDE/km2(± 0.0102) and estimated size 195 WDE in NKNP (CI95 from 54 to 708 individuals). Findings highlighted that the WDE population has potential to expand in the NKNP, due to an underutilized capacity. The age-specific vital rates indicate adult males as the most vulnerable; suggesting either an increase in the large predators’ population, livestock encroachment pressure, and/or poaching. Findings imply that targeted monitoring with science-based interpretation may bring forward strong conservation solutions to the protected area management decision-makers.
TNF induces glycolytic shift in fibroblast like synoviocytes via GLUT1 and HIF1A
Authors: Koedderitzsch Kathrin , Zezina Ekaterina , Li Lingzi , Herrmann Matthias , Biesemann Nadine
Published: September 2021

TNF is a central cytokine in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Elevated level of TNF causes local inflammation that affects immune cells and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Nowadays, only 20–30% of patients experience remission after the standard of care therapy—antibodies against TNF. Interestingly, responders show reduced levels of GLUT1 and GAPDH, highlighting a potential link to cellular metabolism. The aim of the study was to investigate whether TNF directly affects the metabolic phenotype of FLS. Real-time respirometry displayed TNF-induced upregulation of glycolysis along with a modest increase of oxidative phosphorylation in FLS from healthy donors. In addition, TNF stimulation enhanced HIF1A and GLUT1 expression. The upregulation of HIF1A and GLUT1 reflects their enriched level in FLS from RA patients (RA-FLS). The inhibition of TAK1, HIF1a and hexokinase deciphered the importance of TNF/TAK1/HIF1A/glycolysis signaling axis. To prove that inhibition of glycolysis reduced the pathogenic phenotype, we showed that 2-deoxyglucose, a hexokinase inhibitor, partially decreased secretion of RA biomarkers. In summary, we identified a direct role of TNF on glycolytic reprogramming of FLS and confirmed the potency of immunometabolism for RA. Further studies are needed to evaluate the therapeutic impact especially regarding non-responder data.
Surface roughness effect on fatigue strength of aluminum alloy using revised stress field intensity approach
Authors: Zhao Bingfeng , Song Jiaxin , Xie Liyang , Hu Zhiyong , Chen Jianpeng
Published: September 2021

The fatigue strength of a component is known to highly depend on its surface quality, and it is thus necessary to develop a reliable and appropriate mathematical model for fatigue strength assessment that consider the effect of surface roughness. In this paper, different underlying physical mechanisms of the roughness effect at different regions of specimens were studied by fatigue testing of 7N01 aluminum alloy. For a quantitative analysis of the surface roughness effect, a revised stress field intensity approach for a fatigue strength assessment of microsized notches was proposed as a theoretical support. In the new model, a new form of weight function was built to adapt the characteristics of microsized notches. In addition, the effect of the field radius was fundamentally weakened on solution of the stress field intensity and the difficulty of fatigue failure region definition in the traditional method was overcome correspondingly in the proposed model, which made the calculated field strength accurate and objective. Finally, to demonstrate the validity of the revised approach quantitatively, specimens with conventionally sized notches were subjected to stress field intensity calculations. The results showed that the revised approach has satisfactory accuracy compared with the other two traditional approaches from the perspective of quantitative analysis.
Multidisciplinary analysis of Italian Alpine wildflower honey reveals criticalities, diversity and value
Authors: Leoni Valeria , Giupponi Luca , Pavlovic Radmila , Gianoncelli Carla , Cecati Francisco , Ranzato Elia , Martinotti Simona , Pedrali Davide , Giorgi Annamaria , Panseri Sara
Published: September 2021

Wildflower honeys produced in mountain grasslands are an expression of the biodiversity of these fragile habitats. Despite its importance, the botanical origin of honey is often defined without performing formal analysis. The aim of the study was to characterize six wildflower mountain honeys produced in the Italian Alps with different analytic techniques (SPME–GC–MS, HPLC-Orbitrap, cicatrizing and antioxidant activity) alongside melissopalynological analysis and botanical definition of the production area. Even though the apiaries were in mountain grasslands rich in Alpine herbaceous species, the honey could be defined as rhododendron/raspberry unifloral or raspberry and rhododendron bifloral while the honey produced at the lowest altitude differed due to the presence of linden, heather and chestnut. The non-compliance of the honey could be due to habitat (meadows and pastures) fragmentation, but also to specific compounds involved in the plant–insect relationship, such as kynurenic acid, present in a high quantity in the sample rich in chestnut pollen. 255 volatile compounds were detected as well as some well-known markers of specific botanic essences, in particular chestnut, linden and heather, also responsible for most of the differences in aroma profiling. A high correlation between nicotinaldehyde content and percentage of raspberry pollen (r = 0.853, p < 0.05) was found. Phenolic acid and hydroxy-fatty acid were predominant in the chestnut pollen dominant honey, which presented the highest antioxidant activity and the lowest cicatrizing activity, while the flavonoid fraction was accentuated in one sample (rhododendron pollen prevalent), that was also the one with the highest effect on wound closure, although all samples had similar cicatrizing effects apart from the chestnut pollen dominant honey (lowest cicatrizing activity). Our study highlighted the difficulty of producing mountain wildflower honey and the importance of a thorough characterization of this product, also to encourage its production and valorisation.