bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased prevalence of insecticide resistance in Anopheles coluzzii populations in the city of Yaoundé, Cameroon and influence on pyrethroid-only treated bed net efficacy
Authors: Bamou Roland , Kopya Edmond , Nkahe Leslie Diane , Menze Benjamin D. , Awono-Ambene Parfait , Tchuinkam Timoléon , Njiokou Flobert , Wondji Charles S. , Antonio-Nkondjio Christophe
Published: February 2021

In Cameroon, pyrethroid-only long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are still largely used for malaria control. The present study assessed the efficacy of such LLINs against a multiple-resistant population of the major malaria vector, Anopheles coluzzii, in the city of Yaoundé via a cone bioassay and release-recapture experimental hut trial. Susceptibility of field mosquitoes in Yaoundé to pyrethroids, DDT, carbamates and organophosphate insecticides was investigated using World Health Organization (WHO) bioassay tube tests. Mechanisms of insecticide resistance were characterised molecularly. Efficacy of unwashed PermaNet® 2.0 was evaluated against untreated control nets using a resistant colonised strain of An. coluzzii. Mortality, exophily and blood feeding inhibition were estimated. Field collected An. coluzzii displayed high resistance with mortality rates of 3.5% for propoxur (0.1%), 4.16% for DDT (4%), 26.9% for permethrin (0.75%), 50.8% for deltamethrin (0.05%), and 80% for bendiocarb (0.1%). High frequency of the 1014F west-Africa kdr allele was recorded in addition to the overexpression of several detoxification genes, such as Cyp6P3, Cyp6M2, Cyp9K1, Cyp6P4 Cyp6Z1 and GSTe2. A low mortality rate (23.2%) and high blood feeding inhibition rate (65%) were observed when resistant An. coluzzii were exposed to unwashed PermaNet® 2.0 net compared to control untreated net (p < 0.001). Furthermore, low personal protection (52.4%) was observed with the resistant strain, indicating reduction of efficacy. The study highlights the loss of efficacy of pyrethroid-only nets against mosquitoes exhibiting high insecticide resistance and suggests a switch to new generation bed nets to improve control of malaria vector populations in Yaoundé.
Insecticidal efficacy of afoxolaner against bedbugs, Cimex lectularius, when administered orally to dogs
Authors: Beugnet Frederic , Rautenbach Carin , van der Mescht Luther , Lebon Wilfried , Aouiche Nesrine , Liebenberg Julian
Published: February 2021

The objective of this experimental study was to assess the insecticidal efficacy of afoxolaner (NexGard®) against bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) on dogs. For each challenge, 20 bedbugs were placed in two chambers positioned in contact to the dog’s skin for 15 min, after which live fed parasites were counted and incubated for survival evaluations. On Day 0, 7 dogs assigned to the treated group were administered afoxolaner orally at the registered dose. All 14 dogs were challenged on Days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28, and the collected live fed C. lectularius incubated for 72 h (Day 1), and 72 h and 96 h (Days 7, 14, 21 and 28) for survival evaluation. The percent feeding in the control group ranged from 95% to 98.6% and the percent of live fed bedbugs at 96 h ranged from 99.3% to 100% in the control group, demonstrating the viability of the strain and their capacity to feed on dogs. Significantly fewer live fed bedbugs were counted in the treated group, compared to the control group, at all time-points. The reduction of live fed C. lectularius in the afoxolaner group was 41.4% at 72 h after the Day 1 challenge, and 77.2%, 82.7%, 85.0% and 63.5% at 96 h after the Days 7, 14, 21 and 28 challenges, respectively. It is hypothesized that monthly treatment of dogs with afoxolaner could help in preventing a bed bug population from installing in a household if bedbugs bite dogs in the presence of humans.
Temporal bone primary inverted papilloma – Case Report and review of the literature
Authors: Avallone Emilio , Raab Peter , Lenarz Thomas , Willenborg Kerstin Marion
Published: February 2021

Inverted papilloma of middle ear is an extremely rare lesion of the respiratory epithelium that normally occurs in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. So far less than 17 cases were described in literature. A 45-year-old patient was admitted in our Department with hearing loss, otorrhea and pulsing tinnitus on the right ear. The clinical examination showed a granulation tissue on the right eardrum. No tumor formation was seen in the nasal cavity. The MRI showed a tissue formation in the tympanic cavity with an extension in the middle cranial fossa. A mastoidectomy with antrotomy and duraplasty was performed. The histological diagnosis was inverted papilloma of the middle ear. In a second step occurred an eradication of the tumor with a subtotal petrosectomy. The etiology of the inverted papilloma of the middle ear is unknown. Our case is so far the 18nd case described.

Our experience has shown that the eradication of the tumor with a subtotal petrosectomy resulted as reasonable procedure. A long-term follow-up is suggested in order to detect possible recurrence or malignant transformation.
Affektive Erkrankungen bei Geflüchteten kultursensibel behandeln
Authors: Strupf Michael , Wiechers Maren , Übleis Aline , Padberg Frank
Published: February 2021

Kultursensible Psychotherapie ist ein wichtiger Bestandteilin der Versorgung von PatientInnen mit Fluchterfahrungenund psychischen Erkrankungen. DolmetschergestützteGruppentherapie stellt im Speziellen ein effektivesund gut durchführbares Behandlungsangebot fürgeflüchtete PatientInnen dar. Der Artikel erläutert anhandvon zwei Fallbeispielen Inhalte, praktische Anwendungund Herausforderungen einer psychotherapeutischenIntervention (Empowerment) für Geflüchtete mitaffektiven Erkrankungen.
Dritte im Bunde – Psychotherapie unter Einsatz von SprachmittlerInnen
Authors: Wiechers Maren , Strupf Michael , Sarwary Brishna , Übleis Aline , Padberg Frank
Published: February 2021

Der Einsatz von DolmetscherInnen in der Psychotherapieermöglicht effektive und kultursensible Interventionenbei PatientInnen mit Migrations- und Fluchterfahrung.Die Möglichkeit, das eigene Erleben in der Muttersprachezu artikulieren, befähigt die PatientInnen, sich imSinne eines Empowerment-Prinzips aktiv am therapeutischenProzess zu beteiligen. Die Gesprächssituation zudritt bringt jedoch auch Herausforderungen mit sich,weshalb eine klare Rollenverteilung notwendig ist.
Clinical Characteristics of Mother–Infant Dyad and Placental Pathology in COVID-19 Cases in Predominantly African American Population
Authors: Jani Sanket , Jacques Suzanne M , Qureshi Faisal , Natarajan Girija , Bajaj Sujit , Velumula Pradeep , Agu Cindy , Bajaj Monika
Published: February 2021

Objective In this currently evolving coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the evidence is scarce about the impact of COVID-19 infection on women in labor and neonates in an inner city African-Americans (AA) population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and placental pathology in mother–infant dyads in COVID-19 cases.

Study Design Retrospective chart review was conducted on 34 COVID-19 positive mother–infant dyads to study their baseline characteristics and outcomes. Placental pathology was reviewed by two perinatal pathologists.

Results COVID-19 was noted in 3% of pregnant women who delivered in our institution. The majority (82%) of them were asymptomatic. Out of the four mothers who were symptomatic, only three (9%) required supplemental oxygen. None of them required invasive ventilation. All the neonates tested negative for COVID-19 at 24 hours of age. There were no gross or microscopic pathological abnormalities detected that could be definitely associated with any COVID-19 related complications during pregnancy in any of the 34 placentas.

Conclusion COVID-19 does not appear to increase morbidity and mortality among pregnant women and their neonates in a predominantly AA population. Our study did not find any evidence of vertical transmission of COVID-19 infection nor any specific findings on placental pathology.

Key Points
Tubular Ileal Duplication Causing Perforative Peritonitis in an Adult: A Rare Presentation
Authors: Gandhi Jignesh A. , Shinde Pravin H. , Churiwala Jayati J. , Husain Sakina
Published: February 2021

Background Enteric duplication cysts are a rare congenital abnormality that present more commonly in children than adults. Clinical presentation varies from vague abdominal pain, abdominal lump, iron deficiency anemia to intestinal obstruction due to intussusception or mass effect. We report a tubular ileal duplication in an adult male presenting with an acute abdomen due to perforative peritonitis.

Case A 20-year-old male presented to the emergency department with complains of right lower abdominal pain. On clinical examination and ultrasound scan patient was suspected to have a complicated acute appendicitis (rupture). However, a computed tomography scan was suggestive of perforation in the distal ileum. Emergency exploratory laparotomy revealed a perforated isolated ileal tubular duplication.
Anticoagulant Treatment for Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis in Liver Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Valeriani Emanuele , Di Nisio Marcello , Riva Nicoletta , Cohen Omri , Porreca Ettore , Senzolo Marco , De Gottardi Andrea , Magaz Marta , Garcia-Pagan Juan-Carlos , Ageno Walter
Published: February 2021

Background Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a common complication in patients with liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anticoagulant therapy for SVT in cirrhotic patients.

Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, studies reporting on SVT recanalization and progression, recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), major bleeding, and overall mortality were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrial.gov up to December 2019. Pooled proportions and risk ratios (RRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results A total of 1,475 patients were included in 26 studies (23 observational and 3 randomized controlled trials). In patients receiving anticoagulant therapy, SVT recanalization occurred in 68% (95% CI, 62–74; 571/842 patients; 22 studies), SVT progression in 6% (95% CI, 4–9; 25/748 patients; 22 studies), recurrent VTE in 10% (95% CI, 4–22; 48/399 patients; 7 studies), major bleeding in 6% (95% CI, 4–10; 58/785 patients; 18 studies), and overall mortality in 9% (95% CI, 6–14; 68/787 patients; 17 studies). Anticoagulant treatment was associated with higher SVT recanalization (RR 3.19; 95% CI, 1.42–7.17), lower thrombosis progression (RR 0.28; 95% CI, 0.15–0.52), major bleeding (RR 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28–0.97), and overall mortality (RR 0.42; 95% CI, 0.24–0.73) compared with no treatment.

Conclusion Anticoagulant therapy seems to improve vein recanalization and to reduce SVT progression, major bleeding, and overall mortality in cirrhotic patients with SVT. The incidence of recurrent VTE during anticoagulation remains substantial.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physicians Working in the Head and Neck Field
Authors: Imamura Rui , Bento Ricardo F. , Matos Leandro L. , William William N. , Marta Gustavo N. , Chaves Aline L. F. , Castro Gilberto de , Kowalski Luiz P.
Published: February 2021

Background With the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinical practice of physicians who work in the head and neck field in Brazil dropped dramatically. The sustained impact of the pandemic is not known.

Methods An anonymous online survey was distributed to Brazilian otolaryngologists, head and neck surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, asking about their clinical practice in the third to fourth months of the pandemic.

Results The survey was completed by 446 specialists. About 40% reported reduction of more than 75% in outpatient care. A reduction of 90% to 100% in airway endoscopies was reported by 50% of the responders, and the same rate of reduction regarding surgeries (pediatric or nasosinusal) was reported by 80% of them. Family income decreased by 50%, and the psychological burden on physicians was considerable. The availability of personal protective equipment and safety precautions were limited, especially in the public sector.

Conclusion COVID-19 is still impacting the head and neck field, and safety concerns may hinder the prompt resumption of elective care.
Genetics of Dentofacial and Orthodontic Abnormalities
Authors: Neela Praveen Kumar , Atteeri Anjana , Mamillapalli Pavan Kumar , Sesham Vasu Murthy , Keesara Sreekanth , Chandra Jaya , Monica Udayini , Mohan Vasavi
Published: February 2021

The development of craniofacial complex and dental structures is a complex and delicate process guided by specific genetic mechanisms. Genetic and environmental factors can influence the execution of these mechanisms and result in abnormalities. An insight into the mechanisms and genes involved in the development of orofacial and dental structures has gradually gained by pedigree analysis of families and twin studies as well as experimental studies on vertebrate models. The development of novel treatment techniques depends on in-depth knowledge of the various molecular or cellular processes and genes involved in the development of the orofacial complex. This review article focuses on the role of genes in the development of nonsyndromic orofacial, dentofacial variations, malocclusions, excluding cleft lip palate, and the advancements in the field of molecular genetics and its application to obtain better treatment outcomes.
Publication Parameters for Medical Faculty Promotions: A Survey on the Medical Council of India Amendment 2019 with Review of Literature
Authors: Patra Anurima , Gibikote Sridhar , Khera Pushpinder S. , Kalra Naveen , Keshava Shyamkumar N.
Published: February 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to gather the opinion of medical practitioners in India regarding the modifications in the recently released MCI (Medical Council of India) circular for faculty promotion criteria across medical colleges in the country and their suggestions for further changes.

Materials and Methods

An 11-set validated online questionnaire was circulated among medical practitioners across various medical colleges in the country, open for a period of 8 days between 5 to 12 June, 2020. The participants in this online survey were asked to rank the order of authors and types of manuscripts on a scale of 0 to 1 with increments of 0.1 and were also asked for an opinion regarding indexing, inclusion of impact factor of the journal, and citation indices.

Results

There were 182 respondents included in the survey, belonging to 12 different states. Majority of the doctors participating in the survey were professors (37.3%, 68/182). About 81.3% (148/182) doctors were aware of the latest MCI guidelines. Opinion for adding citations to the promotion criteria was expressed by 59.3% (108/182). There was a general suggestion to include number of citations, and Google Scholar as citation service. A scoring table was proposed based on the responses, to rank various publications.

Conclusion

As per the survey, more than 80% of the medical practitioners were aware of the recent update by MCI for faculty promotion. The participants expressed that the exiting guidelines may be further modified by the inclusion of all authors and all types of manuscripts into the criteria, based on a graded score system.
Further Evidence of a Recessive Variant in COL1A1 as an Underlying Cause of Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome: A Report of a Saudi Founder Mutation
Authors: Almatrafi Ahmad , Hashmi Jamil A. , Fadhli Fatima , Alharbi Asma , Afzal Sibtain , Ramzan Khushnooda , Basit Sulman
Published: February 2021

Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder of soft connective tissues. The hallmark clinical features of the EDS are hyperextensible skin, hypermobile joints, and fragile vessels. It exhibits associated symptoms including contractures of muscles, kyphoscoliosis, spondylodysplasia, dermatosparaxis, periodontitis, and arthrochalasia. The aim of this study is to determine the exact subtype of EDS by molecular genetic testing in a family segregating EDS in an autosomal recessive manner. Herein, we describe a family with two individuals afflicted with EDS. Whole exome sequencing identified a homozygous missense mutation (c.2050G > A; p.Glu684Lys) in the COL1A1 gene in both affected individuals, although heterozygous variants in the COL1A1 are known to cause EDS. Recently, only one report showed homozygous variant as an underlying cause of the EDS in two Saudi families. This is the second report of a homozygous variant in the COL1A1 gene in a family of Saudi origin. Heterozygous carriers of COL1A1 variant are asymptomatic. Interestingly, the homozygous variant identified previously and the one identified in this study are same (c.2050G > A). The identification of a unique homozygous mutation (c.2050G > A) in three Saudi families argues in favor of a founder effect.
The Keloid Intervention Benefit Inventory 21: A New Assessment Tool for the Quality of Life of Patients with Auricular Keloids
Authors: Häussler Daniel , Hüttemann Stefanie , Weiß Christel , Rotter Nicole Karoline , Sadick Haneen
Published: February 2021

The assessment of the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic diseases before and after medical interventions has gained increasing importance in recent decades. Particularly for patients with visible keloid scars in the head and neck region, standardized measurement tools are either absent or have been shown to be insufficient. The aim of the present study was to create a new standardized questionnaire that is specific to auricular keloid patients and reflects their clinical symptoms and QoL. The Keloid Intervention Benefit Inventory 21 (KIBI-21) questionnaire was developed in two stages. First, a group of experts identified a pool of 26 questions and modified and supplemented the items through a comparison with existing QoL assessments so that they related to keloid-specific clinical symptoms and the QoL of patients with auricular keloids before and after a medical intervention. This questionnaire was distributed to 27 outpatients who had undergone medical interventions for visible auricular keloids. Second, a sequential statistical analysis was conducted. This included a single-item assessment and reduction, analysis for internal consistency, construct validity, and divergence validity as well as a factor analysis. The analyses were performed for the entire questionnaire and for the items in the subcategories General Health, Physical Symptoms, Self-Esteem, and Social Impact. The final version of this newly validated and standardized KIBI questionnaire consisted of 21 items, of which each item was assigned to only one subscale. The questionnaire showed a Cronbach's α of 0.84 with a good internal consistency. In the item correlation validity, strong associations were found in all subscales, except for the Social Impact Subscale. The keloid-specific QoL questionnaire KIBI-21 proved to be a reliable and reproducible instrument to assess the QoL and clinical symptoms in patients suffering from auricular keloids before and after a medical treatment.
Identity formation of the profession in a latecomer political science community
Authors: Molnár Gábor Tamás , Ilonszki Gabriella
Published: February 2021

Latecomer political science communities have faced multiple challenges in the past decades, including the very establishment of their professional identities. Based on the case study of Hungary, this article argues that publication performance is a substantial component of the identity of the political science profession. Hungary is a notable example among Central and East European (CEE) political science academia in the sense that both the initial take-off of the profession and then its increasing challenges are typical to the CEE region. In an inclusive approach, which encompasses all authors published in the field between 1990 and 2018, as well as their publication record, the analysis demonstrates that political science has undergone major expansion, quality growth and internationalisation but these performance qualities are unevenly spread. These reflect important aspects of the profession’s identity. This agency and performance-based approach to identity formation might well be used to build up identity features elsewhere and also in a comparative manner.
Supercooled liquid remains stable while “borrowing” crystal structure
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: February 2021

Computer simulations of supercooled liquid melts of binary alloys advance the characterization of amorphous materials.
Predictability as a probe of manifest and latent physics: The case of atomic scale structural, chemical, and polarization behaviors in multiferroic Sm-doped BiFeO3
Authors: Ziatdinov Maxim , Creange Nicole , Zhang Xiaohang , Morozovska Anna , Eliseev Eugene , Vasudevan Rama K. , Takeuchi Ichiro , Nelson Chris , Kalinin Sergei V.
Published: February 2021

The predictability of a certain effect or phenomenon is often equated with the knowledge of relevant physical laws, typically understood as a functional or numerically derived relationship between the observations and known states of the system. Correspondingly, observations inconsistent with prior knowledge can be used to derive new knowledge on the nature of the system or indicate the presence of yet unknown mechanisms. Here, we explore the applicability of Gaussian processes (GP) to establish predictability and uncertainty of local behaviors from multimodal observations, providing an alternative to this classical paradigm. Using atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) of multiferroic Sm-doped BiFeO3 across a broad composition range, we directly visualize the atomic structure and structural, physical, and chemical order parameter fields for the material. GP regression is used to establish the predictability of the local polarization field from different groups of parameters, including the adjacent polarization values and several combinations of physical and chemical descriptors, including lattice parameters, column intensities, etc. We observe that certain elements of microstructure, including charged and uncharged domain walls and interfaces with the substrate, are best predicted with specific combinations of descriptors, and this predictability and associated uncertainties are consistent across the composition series. The associated generative physical mechanisms are discussed. It is also found that certain parameter combinations tend to predict the orthorhombic phase in the cases where rhombohedral phase is observed, suggesting a potential role of clamping and confinement phenomena in phase equilibrium in Sm-BiFeO3 system close to morphotropic phase boundary. We argue that predictability and uncertainty in observational data offer a new pathway to probe the physics of condensed matter systems from multimodal local observations.
Antifouling strategies for protecting bioelectronic devices
Authors: Chen Xi , Noy Aleksandr
Published: February 2021

Bioelectronic devices are playing an increasingly important role in many areas of our lives. They power a significant portion of medical diagnostics and are becoming more and more important for delivery of therapeutics and monitoring of chronic symptoms. However, surface fouling phenomena, and especially biofouling in complex biological fluids, restricts the performance of these devices and severely reduces their useful lifespan. In this Research Update, we discuss the main principles and strategies that researchers use to prevent fouling and minimize or remove the foulants from bioelectronic device surfaces. We also survey a variety of antifouling approaches that can enhance device performance.
Modeling the tumor immune microenvironment for drug discovery using 3D culture
Authors: Lee Joanna Y. , Chaudhuri Ovijit
Published: February 2021

A few decades ago, the notion that a patient's own immune system could recognize and eliminate tumor cells was highly controversial; now, it is the basis for a thriving new field of cancer research, cancer immunology. With these new immune-based cancer treatments come the need for new complex preclinical models to assess their efficacy. Traditional therapeutics have often targeted the intrinsic growth of cancer cells and could, thus, be modeled with 2D monoculture. However, the next generation of therapeutics necessitates significantly greater complexity to model the ability of immune cells to infiltrate, recognize, and eliminate tumor cells. Modeling the physical and chemical barriers to immune infiltration requires consideration of extracellular matrix composition, architecture, and mechanobiology in addition to interactions between multiple cell types. Here, we give an overview of the unique properties of the tumor immune microenvironment, the challenges of creating physiologically relevant 3D culture models for drug discovery, and a perspective on future opportunities to meet this significant challenge.
Alchemical transformations for concerted hydration free energy estimation with explicit solvation
Authors: Khuttan Sheenam , Azimi Solmaz , Wu Joe Z. , Gallicchio Emilio
Published: February 2021

We present a family of alchemical perturbation potentials that enable the calculation of hydration free energies of small- to medium-sized molecules in a single concerted alchemical coupling step instead of the commonly used sequence of two distinct coupling steps for Lennard-Jones and electrostatic interactions. The perturbation potentials we employ are non-linear functions of the solute–solvent interaction energy designed to focus sampling near entropic bottlenecks along the alchemical pathway. We present a general framework to optimize the parameters of alchemical perturbation potentials of this kind. The optimization procedure is based on the λ-function formalism and the maximum-likelihood parameter estimation procedure we developed earlier to avoid the occurrence of multi-modal distributions of the coupling energy along the alchemical path. A novel soft-core function applied to the overall solute–solvent interaction energy rather than individual interatomic pair potentials critical for this result is also presented. Because it does not require modifications of core force and energy routines, the soft-core formulation can be easily deployed in molecular dynamics simulation codes. We illustrate the method by applying it to the estimation of the hydration free energy in water droplets of compounds of varying size and complexity. In each case, we show that convergence of the hydration free energy is achieved rapidly. This work paves the way for the ongoing development of more streamlined algorithms to estimate free energies of molecular binding with explicit solvation.
Quintuple AISI 1010 carbon steel core coil for highly focused transcranial magnetic stimulation in small animals
Authors: Carmona Ivan C. , Kumbhare Deepak , Baron Mark S. , Hadimani Ravi L.
Published: February 2021

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique used to regulate the synaptic activity of neurons in the brain, improving the functionality of connecting regions and bringing effective treatment to different neurological and psychiatric disorders. The TMS induced E-field needs to be focal enough to avoid unwanted side effects caused by stimulation of the regions adjacent to the target. Attempts at TMS in small animals like rodents are highly constrained, since most of these studies use commercial equipment intended for humans, with power and coil geometries not designed for small animals. Using finite element modeling in ANSYS Maxwell, the present work shows the design and evaluation of customized arrays of two and five dual-winding solenoids, including a ferromagnetic core, to restrict the stimulation to areas as small as 1 mm2. Each solenoid is made with 50 turns of a wire with thickness = 1 mm, height = 25.4 mm and elliptical top-view cross section. Ferromagnetic cores with V-shape tip sharpening were included, using AISI 1010 carbon steel of 2 T of saturation flux density (Bsat) at 4×104 A/m, and an initial relative permeability µr=667.75. Electric fields and magnetic flux densities were calculated around 4.00 mm below the coil (vertical distance from the top of the scalp to the cortical layer 5/6 in adult rats) with peak currents of 10kA, in a single non-repetitive pulse at 2.5kHz. The achieved 100V/m in a small area of 1 mm2 suggests the suitability of the coil for in vivo experimentation in rodents. Future works will seek to improve the duration of the pulses for repetitive TMS with pulse shaping techniques and validate the novel coil with in vivo experiments in rat models.
Corrigendum to: Phosphatidic acid binds to and regulates guanine nucleotide exchange factor 8 (GEF8) activity in Arabidopsis
Authors: Cao Chunyan , Wang Peipei , Song Hongdi , Jing Wen , Shen Like , Zhang Qun , Zhang Wenhua
Published: February 2021

Phosphatidic acid (PA) forms part of plant lipid metabolism and is a signalling molecule used in response to various external stresses. Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) activate small GTPase ROPs, serving as molecular switches in a wide range of signalling pathways. However, the interaction between PA and GEFs in plants has not yet been reported. Here we show that PA bound specifically to GEF8 by using fat-Western blot and isothermal titration calorimetry assays. A C-terminal truncation of GEF8 exhibited strong PA binding, and mutation of lysines 13 and 18 in GEF8 PRONE domain caused a total loss of binding to PA. Two ROPs, ROP7 and ROP10, were identified as preferred substrates of GEF8 by pull-down and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. GEF8 activity towards ROP7, but not ROP10, was stimulated by PA both in vitro and in cells. Moreover, the PA- or ABA-induced activation of GEF8 was completely lost in the mutant GEF8, which did not bind to PA. Together, these findings identify a direct interconnection between PA-mediated GEFs activity and small GTPase signalling in plants and provide evidence for a synergistic activation of GEF8 by direct PA-binding to its PRONE domain.
The endpoint theorem
*
Authors: Scott Susan M , Whale Ben E
Published: February 2021

The endpoint theorem links the existence of a sequence (curve), without accumulation points, in a manifold to the existence of an open embedding of that manifold so that the image of the given sequence (curve) has a unique endpoint. It plays a fundamental role in the theory of the abstract boundary as it implies that there is always an abstract boundary point to represent the endpoint of such sequences and curves. The endpoint theorem will be of interest to researchers analysing specific spacetimes as it shows how to construct a chart in the original manifold which contains the sequence (curve). In particular, it has application to the study of singularities predicted by the singularity theorems.
High-accuracy differential resonant pressure sensor with linear fitting method
Authors: Han Xiangguang , Zhao Libo , Wang Jiuhong , Wang Li , Huang Mimi , Chen Cuilan , Yang Ping , Li Zhikang , Zhu Nan , Wang Songli , Yan Xin , Wang Yonglu , Wang Hongyan , Wu Yongshun , Chen Yao , Jiang Zhuangde
Published: February 2021

A high-accuracy differential resonant pressure sensor with two similar resonators is proposed using the linear fitting method to guarantee its output linearity without polynomial compensation. Results reveal that the nonlinearity of the differential resonant pressure sensor is largely dependent on the tensile/compressive sensor pressure–stress ratio c when two similar resonators are used separately as compressive and tensile elements. Nonlinearity decreases sharply with an appropriate ratio c. A theoretical model is proposed to obtain minimal nonlinearity and shows satisfactory agreement with the simulation results. The impact factors of ratio c are analyzed to facilitate adjustments with the designed value. Moreover, micromachining methods are used to fabricate sensing chips. Experiment results show that the nonlinearity and measurement sensitivity of the proposed differential resonant pressure sensor are ±0.02% FS and 35.5 Hz kPa−1 with the linear fitting method in a pressure range of 0–200 kPaA and temperature range of −40 °C to +40 °C. The differential linear fitting method largely decreases compensation complexity without polynomial fitting for high-precision pressure measurement.
Facile depositing strategy to fabricate a hetero-affinity hybrid film for improving gas-sensing performance
Authors: Ye Zongbiao , Yang Wenyao , Yuan Zhen , Zhang Kun , Tai Huiling
Published: February 2021

A novel co-spray method was proposed to fabricate a reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) hybrid sensing device utilizing immiscible solution for ammonia detection at room temperature. The spectrum and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) results revealed uniformly crimped morphology and favorable π-π interaction for the hybrid film. The hybrid film-based sensor showed obviously enhanced ammonia sensing performance, such as increased response, reduced response time, and reinforced sensitivity, in comparison to bare rGO, P3HT, and traditional rGO/P3HT layered film-based sensors, which could be attributed to an adsorption energy barrier and the p-n heterojunction effect. The synergetic strengthened sensing mechanism is discussed. Meanwhile, recovery ratio was introduced to evaluate the abnormal baseline drift induced high-response behavior. The excellent sensing properties of the hybrid sensor indicate that the co-spray method could be an alternative process for the preparation of hetero-affinity hybrid films or functional devices.
One step assembly of ginsenoside Rb1-based nanovehicles with fast cellular transport in photothermal-chemical combined cancer therapy
Authors: Luo Zhong , An Jinxia , Shi Wenjie , Li Chaoqi , Gao Hui
Published: February 2021

Nowadays, the research of photothermal-chemical co-therapy provides new ideas for the treatment of cancer. However, the harsh photothermal temperature hinders the clinical development of photothermal therapy. To ensure low-temperature photothermal-chemical combined therapy, a safe and feasible drug delivery system is highly desirable. Herein, through one step co-precipitation method, ginsenoside Rb1-based nanovehicles composed of the hydrophobic drug doxorubicin, the photochemical reagent Cypate and the heat shock protein inhibitor gambogic acid was prepared, resulting from the amphiphilicity and membrane permeability of Rb1. Encouragingly, this platform exhibited excellent biocompatibility and rapid cellular uptake, both of which led to significant and irreversible death of breast cancer cells under the trigger of short-term near-infrared light.
MoS2/Epitaxial graphene layered electrodes for solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Amjadipour Mojtaba , Bradford Jonathan , Zebardastan Negar , Motta Nunzio , Iacopi Francesca
Published: February 2021

The potential of transition metal dichalcogenides such as MoS2 for energy storage has been significantly limited so far by the lack of conductivity and structural stability. Employing highly conductive, graphitic materials in combination with transition metal dichalcogenides can address this gap. Here, we explore the use of a layered electrode structure for solid-state supercapacitors, made of MoS2 and epitaxial graphene (EG) on cubic silicon carbide for on-silicon energy storage. We show that the energy storage of the solid-state supercapacitors can be significantly increased by creating layered MoS2/graphene electrodes, yielding a substantial improvement as compared to electrodes using either EG or MoS2 alone. We conclude that the conductivity of EG and the growth morphology of MoS2 on graphene play an enabling role in the successful use of transition metal dichalcogenides for on-chip energy storage.
A new implementation of Kundt’s tube: 3D-printed low-cost set-up using ultrasonic speakers
Authors: Haverkamp Nils , Havemann Judith , Holz Christoph , Ubben Malte , Schlummer Paul , Pusch Alexander
Published: February 2021

Kundt’s tube is a popular experiment commonly used in schools, in which standing sound waves are made visible inside a glass tube. A fine powder is stirred up in areas of high sound particle velocities, so that one can measure the wavelength of the sound waves by examining the patterns created. In this way, the ‘invisible’ can be made visible.

However, when looking at educational contexts, Kundt’s tube is an experiment with several shortcomings—despite its popularity and prevalence: The glass tube is big, expensive and fragile. Additionally, during the experiment itself, the sound tends to be quite loud due to the high sound pressure needed so that communicating during the experiment becomes hard or even impossible.

In this article, we propose a silent and low-cost alternative to commonly used setups which can easily be constructed by using 3D-printed parts as well as readily available ultrasonic transmitters. This makes Kundt’s tube even implementable as an experiment done by students themselves.
Low-dose PET image noise reduction using deep learning: application to cardiac viability FDG imaging in patients with ischemic heart disease
Authors: Ladefoged Claes Nøhr , Hasbak Philip , Hornnes Charlotte , Højgaard Liselotte , Andersen Flemming Littrup
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Cardiac [18F]FDG-PET is widely used for viability testing in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease. Guidelines recommend injection of 200–350 MBq [18F]FDG, however, a reduction of radiation exposure has become increasingly important, but might come at the cost of reduced diagnostic accuracy due to the increased noise in the images. We aimed to explore the use of a common deep learning (DL) network for noise reduction in low-dose PET images, and to validate its accuracy using the clinical quantitative metrics used to determine cardiac viability in patients with ischemic heart disease. Methods. We included 168 patients imaged with cardiac [18F]FDG-PET/CT. We simulated a reduced dose by keeping counts at thresholds 1% and 10%. 3D U-net with five blocks was trained to de-noise full PET volumes (128 × 128 × 111). The low-dose and de-noised images were compared in Corridor4DM to the full-dose PET images. We used the default segmentation of the left ventricle to extract the quantitative metrics end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from the gated images, and FDG defect extent from the static images. Results. Our de-noising models were able to recover the PET signal for both the static and gated images in either dose-reduction. For the 1% low-dose images, the error is most pronounced for EDV and ESV, where the average underestimation is 25%. No bias was observed using the proposed DL de-noising method. De-noising minimized the outliers found for the 1% and 10% low-dose measurements of LVEF and extent. Accuracy of differential diagnosis based on LVEF threshold was highly improved after de-noising. Conclusion. A significant dose reduction can be achieved for cardiac [18F]FDG images used for viability testing in patients with ischemic heart disease without significant loss of diagnostic accuracy when using our DL model for noise reduction. Both 1% and 10% dose reductions are possible with clinically quantitative metrics comparable to that obtained with a full dose.
Electron collision cross section set for N2 and electron transport in N2, N2/He, and N2/Ar
Authors: Kawaguchi S , Takahashi K , Satoh K
Published: February 2021

Electron collision cross section set for N2 is proposed. The proposed set consists of vibrational elastic momentum transfer cross section and cross sections for 31 rotational excitation, 29 rotational deexcitation, 10 vibrational excitation, 17 electronic excitation, 2 neutral dissociation, and 5 ionization collision processes. Electron transport coefficients in N2, N2/He, and N2/Ar are calculated by Monte Carlo method with considering anisotropic inelastic electron scattering and partitioning of the residual energy after the ionization collision on the basis of experimental results. The reliability of the proposed electron collision cross section set is demonstrated by comparing the calculated and measured electron transport coefficients in a wide range of reduced electric fields, E/N (E: electric field strength, N: number density of gas molecules). Comparison of the values of the electron transport coefficients in N2 calculated from eight individual cross section sets partly provided on LXCat with the measured values is also carried out. Furthermore, the effect of anisotropic inelastic electron scattering on the electron transport coefficients is examined. The electron transport coefficients in N2 are found to be affected by considering anisotropic electron scattering with increasing E/N values, and the longitudinal third-order transport coefficient is found to be sensitive to considering anisotropic electron scattering even at middle E/N values.
Preparation and verification of two-mode mechanical entanglement through pulsed optomechanical measurements
Authors: Neveu P , Clarke J , Vanner M R , Verhagen E
Published: February 2021

We propose a protocol how to generate and verify bipartite Gaussian entanglement between two mechanical modes coupled to a single optical cavity, by means of short optical pulses and measurement. Our protocol requires neither the resolved sideband regime, nor low thermal phonon occupancy, and allows the generation and verification of quantum entanglement in less than a mechanical period of motion. Entanglement is generated via effective two-mode mechanical squeezing through conditioning position measurements. We study the robustness of entanglement to experimental deviations in mechanical frequencies and optomechanical coupling rates.
Direct control of high magnetic fields for cold atom experiments based on NV centers
Authors: Hesse Alexander , Köster Kerim , Steiner Jakob , Michl Julia , Vorobyov Vadim , Dasari Durga , Wrachtrup Jörg , Jendrzejewski Fred
Published: February 2021

In ultracold quantum gases, the interactions between the individual atoms can be controlled by applying magnetic bias fields. As magnetic field fluctuations limit the precision here, typically a feedback loop needs to be employed to regulate the current through a pair of Helmholtz coils. No commercially available magnetic field sensor allows to measure large fields directly with high enough precision, leading to many unsatisfactory solutions being used in experiments. Here, we demonstrate a direct magnetic field stabilization in a regime previously not accessible, using NV centers as the magnetic field sensor. This allows us to measure and stabilize fields of 4.66 mT down to 12 nT RMS noise over the course of 24 h, measured on a 1 Hz bandwidth. We achieve a control of better than 1 ppm after 20 min of integration time, ensuring high long-term stability for experiments. This approach extends direct magnetic field control to strong magnetic fields, which could enable new precise quantum simulations in this regime.
Klein tunneling through the trapezoidal potential barrier in graphene: conductance and shot noise
Authors: Paraoanu Gheorghe Sorin
Published: February 2021

When a single-layer graphene sheet is contacted with metallic electrodes, tunnel barriers are formed as a result of the doping of graphene by the metal in the contact region. If the Fermi energy level is modulated by a gate voltage, the phenomenon of Klein tunneling results in specific features in the conductance and noise. Here we obtain analytically exact solutions for the transmission and reflection probability amplitudes using a trapezoidal potential barrier, allowing us to calculate the differential conductance and the Fano factor for a graphene sheet in the ballistic regime. We put in evidence an unexpected global symmetry—the transmission probability is the same for energies symmetric with respect to half of the barrier height. We outline a proposal for the experimental verification of these ideas using realistic sample parameters.
Structural, electronic, bonding and optical properties of LiBaPO4: A comparative study of monoclinic and trigonal phases
Authors: Mehmood Memoona , Rasul Muhammad Nasir , Hussain Altaf , Rafiq Muhammad Amir , Khan Muhammad Nadeem , Iqbal Faisal
Published: February 2021

Crystal structure, electronic, bonding and optical properties of monoclinic and trigonal phases of LiBaPO4compound have been explored using the density functional theory based orthogonalized linear combination of atomic orbitals method. The outcomes of band structure and density of states reveal the insulating direct band gap (Eg= 4.62 eV) and semiconducting indirect band gap (Eg= 1.12 eV) natures of monoclinic and trigonal phases respectively. The highest bond order and shortest bond length of P–O bond disclose its highest strength over Ba–O and Li–O bonds in both phases of LiBaPO4. with %BO values of 53.20 and 59.34 in M-LiBaPO4and T-LiBaPO4respectively. Optical properties in the form of dielectric function, refractive index, optical conductivity and electron energy loss function have been comprehensively described. Dielectric studies demonstrate that the trigonal phase may find its use as a photovoltaic material for solar cell applications.
LAMOST/HRS spectroscopic analysis of two new Li-rich giants
Authors: Zhou Ze-Ming , Shi Jian-Rong , Yan Hong-Liang , Hou Yong-Hui , Zhang Kai , Gao Qi , Xu Xiao-Dong , Yuan Hai-Long , Zhou Yu-Tao , Pan Kaike , Sang Zi-Ye , Zhao Yong-Heng
Published: February 2021

Two Li-rich candidates, TYC 1338–1410–1 and TYC 2825–596–1, were observed by the new high-resolution echelle spectrograph, LAMOST/HRS. Based on their high-resolution and high-signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) spectra, we derived stellar parameters and abundances of 14 important elements for the two candidates. The stellar parameters and lithium abundances indicate that they are Li-rich K-type giants, and having A(Li)NLTE of 1.77 and 2.91 dex, respectively. Our analysis suggests that TYC 1338–1410–1 is probably a red giant branch (RGB) star at the bump stage, while TYC 2825–596–1 is most likely to be a core helium-burning red clump (RC) star. The line profiles of both spectra indicate that the two Li-rich giants are slow rotators and do not show infrared (IR) excess. We conclude that engulfment is not the lithium enrichment mechanism for either star. The enriched lithium of TYC 1338–1410–1 could be created via the Cameron-Fowler mechanism, while the lithium excess in TYC 2825–596–1 could be associated with either non-canonical mixing processes or He-flash.
Absolute physical parameters of three poorly studied detached eclipsing binaries
Authors: Yang Dao-Ye , Li Li-Fang , Han Quan-Wang
Published: February 2021

The photometric and spectroscopic data for three double-lined detached eclipsing binaries were collected from the photometric and spectral surveys. The light and radial velocity curves of each binary system were simultaneously analyzed using Wilson-Devinney (WD) code, and the absolute physical and orbital parameters of these binaries were derived. The masses of both components of ASASSN-V J063123.82+192341.9 were found to be M
1 = 1.088 ± 0.016 and M
2 = 0.883 ± 0.016 M
⊙; those of ASAS J011416+0426.4 were determined to be M
1 = 0.934 ± 0.046 and M
2 = 0.754 ± 0.043 M
⊙; and those of MW Aur were derived to be M
1 = 2.052 ± 0.196 and M
2 = 1.939 ± 0.193 M
⊙. Finally, the evolutionary status of these detached binaries was discussed based on their absolute parameters and the theoretical stellar models.