bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast‐field‐cycling NMR at very low magnetic fields: water molecular dynamic biomarkers of glioma cell invasion and migration
Authors: Petit Manuel , Leclercq Maxime , Pierre Sandra , Ruggiero Maria Rosaria , El Atifi Michèle , Boutonnat Jean , Fries Pascal H. , Berger François , Lahrech Hana
Published: December 2021

Our objective was to study NMR relaxometry of glioma invasion/migration at very low field (<2 mT) by fast‐field‐cycling NMR (FFC‐NMR) and to decipher the pathophysiological processes of glioma that are responsible for relaxation changes in order to open a new diagnostic method that can be extended to imaging. The phenotypes of two new glioma mouse models, Glio6 and Glio96, were characterized by T2w‐MRI, HE histology, Ki‐67 immunohistochemistry (IHC) and CXCR4 RT‐qPCR, and were compared with the U87 model. R1 dispersions of glioma tissues were acquired at low field (0.1 mT‐0.8 T) ex vivo and were fitted with Lorentzian and power‐law models to extract FFC biomarkers related to the molecular dynamics of water. In order to decipher relaxation changes, three main invasion/migration pathophysiological processes were studied: hypoxia, H2O2 function and the water‐channel aquaporin‐4 (AQP4). Glio6 and Glio96 were characterized with invasion/migration phenotype and U87 with high cell proliferation as a solid glioma. At very low field, invasion/migration versus proliferation was characterized by a decrease in the relaxation‐rate constant (ΔR1 ≈ −32% at 0.1 mT) and correlation time (≈−40%). These decreases corroborated the AQP4‐IHC overexpression (Glio6/Glio96: +92%/+46%), suggesting rapid transcytolemmal water exchange, which was confirmed by the intracellular water‐lifetime τIN decrease (ΔτIN ≈ −30%). In functional experiments, AQP4 expression, τIN and the relaxation‐rate constant at very low field were all found to be sensitive to hypoxia and to H2O2 stimuli. At very low field the role of water exchanges in relaxation modulation was confirmed, and for the first time it was linked to the glioma invasion/migration and to its main pathophysiological processes: hypoxia, H2O2 redox signaling and AQP4 expression. The method appears appropriate to evaluate the effect of drugs that can target these pathophysiological mechanisms. Finally, FFC‐NMR operating at low field is demonstrated to be sensitive to invasion glioma phenotype and can be straightforwardly extended to FFC‐MRI as a new cancer invasion imaging method in the clinic.
Extraosseous Ewing sarcoma in children and adolescents: A retrospective series from a referral pediatric oncology center
Authors: Livellara Virginia , Bergamaschi Luca , Puma Nadia , Chiaravalli Stefano , Podda Marta , Casanova Michela , Gasparini Patrizia , Pecori Emilia , Alessandro Ombretta , Nigro Olga , Sironi Giovanna , Gattuso Giovanna , Terenziani Monica , Spreafico Filippo , Meazza Cristina , Biassoni Veronica , Schiavello Elisabetta , Massimino Maura , Luksch Roberto , Ferrari Andrea
Published: December 2021

Background

Extraosseous Ewing sarcoma is a rare entity and less is known about its clinical behavior and optimal treatment than for its counterpart in bone. This study is a retrospective analysis on a cohort of patients <21 years treated according to a “soft tissue sarcoma approach.”

Methods

The “extraosseous” origin of the tumor was established on radiological findings, based on the lack of any bone involvement. Patients were treated using a multimodality approach including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. All patients received chemotherapy with alkylating agents and anthracyclines for 25 weeks (nine courses). Radiotherapy (45–54.8 Gy) was required for all cases except those who had an initial R0 resection of tumors smaller than 5 cm.

Results

Fifty‐seven patients (age 2–20 years, median 14) were treated from 1990 to 2020. Ten‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 77.5% and 85.5% in patients with localized disease, and 11.1% and 29.6% in those with metastatic disease (p < .001) (follow‐up 5–349 months, median 107 months). In patients with localized disease, the most recent IVADo‐IVE regimen achieved excellent survivals, that is, 10‐year EFS 95.5%.

Conclusions

Our study showed that satisfactory results were achieved in patients with localized extraosseous Ewing sarcoma treated with a tailored approach derived from soft tissue sarcoma protocols, which was less intensive and shorter as compared to the standards utilized for the management of bone Ewing sarcoma. Our study suggests that the extraskeletal site might be considered as a variable to stratify patients and modulate treatment intensity accordingly in Ewing sarcoma protocol.
Immunomodulatory effects of polysaccharides from marine algae for treating cancer, infectious disease, and inflammation
Authors: Hwang Juyoung , Yadav Dhananjay , Lee Peter CW , Jin Jun‐O
Published: December 2021

A significant rise in the occurrence and severity of adverse reactions to several synthetic drugs has fueled considerable interest in natural product‐based therapeutics. In humans and animals, polysaccharides from marine microalgae and seaweeds have immunomodulatory effects. In addition, these polysaccharides may possess antiviral, anticancer, hypoglycemic, anticoagulant, and antioxidant properties. During inflammatory diseases, such as autoimmune diseases and sepsis, immunosuppressive molecules can serve as therapeutic agents. Similarly, molecules that participate in immune activation can induce immune responses against cancer and infectious diseases. We aim to discuss the chemical composition of the algal polysaccharides, namely alginate, fucoidan, ascophyllan, and porphyran. We also summarize their applications in the treatment of cancer, infectious disease, and inflammation. Recent applications of nanoparticles that are based on algal polysaccharides for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases have also been addressed. In conclusion, these applications of marine algal polysaccharides could provide novel therapeutic alternatives for several diseases.
Association of COVID‐19 antigenicity with the development of antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody vasculitis
Authors: Felzer Jamie R. , Fogwe Delvise T. , Samrah Shaher , Michet Clement J. , Specks Ulrich , Baqir Misbah , Kubbara Aahd F.
Published: December 2021

Inflammatory processes, such as an infection or drug reaction, can cause antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV). Although quite rare, AAV may occur with SARS‐coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) antigenic exposure, either from infection or immunization. We present two cases of AAV: one that developed after COVID‐19 infection presenting as diffuse alveolar haemorrhage and another that developed shortly after vaccination, presenting as granulomatous pulmonary nodules. Both patients improved with supportive care and immunosuppressive therapies. This adverse event appears to be a very rare complication of COVID‐19 infection or vaccination. Early diagnosis of AAV is important because immunosuppressive therapy may improve patient outcomes.
Efficient All‐Inorganic Sb2S3 Solar Cells with Matched Energy Levels Using Sb2Se3 as Hole Transport Layers
Authors: Deng Hui , Chen Siwei , Ishaq Muhammad , Cheng Yingshun , Sun Quanzhen , Lin Xiao , Zheng Qiao , Zhang Caixia , Cheng Shuying
Published: December 2021

Sb2S3 has emerged as a promising light‐absorbing material due to its nontoxicity, low cost, high stability, and absorption coefficient. However, the absorption spectrum ranges and back‐contact barrier between Sb2S3 and Au strongly limit the device performance. p‐type Sb2Se3 has a similar lattice structure and properties as Sb2S3, obtaining absorption expansion and ohmic back contact. Herein, efficient all‐inorganic planar Sb2S3 solar cells with the addition of Sb2Se3 layers are fabricated. The functions of Sb2Se3 as cooperative absorber (400 nm) and hole transport layers (HTL, 80 nm) are further explored. Systematic characterizations indicate that the junction quality and depletion widths of the device with the addition of Sb2Se3 are improved by forming a p–i–n structure. As a result, the all‐inorganic Sb2S3 solar cell with a Sb2Se3 HTL greatly increases the power conversion efficiency from 2.7% to 5.8% and the fill factor from 40% to 55.4%. The additional Sb2Se3/Au interface with matched energy‐level alignments reduces the back‐contact barrier and facilitates hole transport and collection. The present design and methods promote the development of Sb2S3 solar cells.
A Multi‐Port Current‐Limiting Hybrid DC Circuit Breaker Based on Thyristors
Authors: Xue Shimin , Chen Xiao , Liu Baibing , Chen Shuo , Chen Wenjie , Zhang Junting
Published: December 2021

Multi‐port hybrid DC circuit breakers (MP‐HCBs) are rapidly developing due to their obvious advantages in economy compared to traditional two‐port hybrid circuit breakers (HCBs). However, most of the existing MP‐HCB topologies do not have the current‐limiting capability, and a large number of insulated‐gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) are still needed in their main breakers. In response to the problems, a multi‐port current‐limiting hybrid DC circuit breaker (MP‐CLHCB) based on thyristors is proposed in this paper. MP‐CLHCB uses low‐cost thyristors instead of IGBTs, and suppresses the rise of fault current through current‐limiting branch. In an attempt to prevent the MP‐CLHCB from reclosing in a permanent fault and causing damage to the DC grid again, an adaptive reclosing scheme is also proposed. In this paper, the topology, operation stages, theoretical derivation, and parameter design of the MP‐CLHCB are provided. Finally, the performance of the MP‐CLHCB is verified and compared through simulations in PSCAD/EMTDC. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Process mining applications in the healthcare domain: A comprehensive review
Authors: Guzzo Antonella , Rullo Antonino , Vocaturo Eugenio
Published: December 2021

Process mining (PM) is a well‐known research area that includes techniques, methodologies, and tools for analyzing processes in a variety of application domains. In the case of healthcare, processes are characterized by high variability in terms of activities, duration, and involved resources (e.g., physicians, nurses, administrators, machineries, etc.). Besides, the multitude of diseases that the patients housed in healthcare facilities suffer from makes medical contexts highly heterogeneous. As a result, understanding and analyzing healthcare processes are certainly not trivial tasks, and administrators and doctors look for tools and methods that can concretely support them in improving the healthcare services they are involved in. In this context, PM has been increasingly used for a wide range of applications as reported in some recent reviews. However, these reviews mainly focus on discussion on applications related to the clinical pathways, while a systematic review of all possible applications is absent. In this article, we selected 172 papers published in the last 10 years, that present applications of PM in the healthcare domain. The objective of this study is to help and guide researchers interested in the medical field to understand the main PM applications in the healthcare, but also to suggest new ways to develop promising and not yet fully investigated applications. Moreover, our study could be of interest for practitioners who are considering applications of PM, who can identify and choose PM algorithms, techniques, tools, methodologies, and approaches, toward what have been the experiences of success.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Health Care

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Key Design Issues in Data Mining
An analytical approach of nonlinear buckling behavior of longitudinally compressed carbon nanotube‐reinforced (CNTR) cylindrical shells with CNTR stiffeners in thermal environment
Authors: Dong Dang Thuy , Nam Vu Hoai , Phuong Nguyen Thi , Ly Le Ngoc , Duc Vu Minh , Van Tien Nguyen , Minh Tran Quang , Hung Vu Tho , Quan Pham Hong
Published: December 2021

Nonlinear buckling and postbuckling of longitudinally compressed carbon nanotube‐reinforced (CNTR) cylindrical shells stiffened by longitudinal or circumferential CNTR stiffeners in thermal environments surrounded by elastic medium are presented in the present study. Five linear distributions of CNT are considered for the shell‐stiffener structure system and they are modeled by innovation homogenization technique for CNTR stiffeners. Based on the classical Donnell thin shell theory with von Karman's nonlinearities and the Galerkin procedure, the governing equations can be built to analyze the critical buckling compression and postbuckling compression‐deflection and compression‐shortening behavior. The noticeable effects of volume fraction of CNTs, shell‐foundation interaction stiffnesses, uniformly distributed temperature, and geometric properties of stiffened cylindrical shells on the critical buckling compression and compression‐deflection and compression‐shortening postbuckling behaviors of stiffened CNTR cylindrical shells are obtained and remarked in numerical examinations.
Next-to-leading-order QCD corrections to a vector bottomonium radiative decay into a charmonium
Authors: Zhang Yu-Dong , Feng Feng , Sang Wen-Long , Zhang Hong-Fei
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Within the framework of nonrelativistic QCD (NRQCD) factorization, we calculate the next-to-leading-order (NLO) perturbative corrections to the radiative decay Υ → ηc(χcJ) + γ. Both the helicity amplitudes and the helicity decay widths are obtained. It is the first computation for the processes involving both bottomonium and charmonium at two-loop accuracy. By employing the Cheng-Wu theorem, we are able to convert most of complex-valued master integrals (MIs) into real-valued MIs, which makes the numerical integration much efficient. Our results indicate the $$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_s\right) $$
O

α
s

corrections are moderate for ηc and χc2 production, and are quite marginal for χc0 and χc1 production. It is impressive to note the NLO corrections considerably reduce the renormalization scale dependence in both the decay widths and the branching fractions for χcJ, and slightly improve that for ηc. With the NRQCD matrix elements evaluated via the Buchmüller-Tye potential model, we find the decay width for ηc production is one-order-of-magnitude larger than χcJ production, which may provide a good opportunity to search for Υ → ηc + γ in experiment. In addition, the decay width for χc1 production is several times larger than those for χc0,2. Finally, we find the NLO NRQCD prediction for the branching fraction of Υ → χc1 + γ is only half of the lower bound of the experimental data measured recently by Belle. Moreover, there exists serious contradiction between theory and experiment for Υ → ηc + γ. The discrepancies between theory and experiment deserve further research efforts.
Correlations Between Root Metabolomics and Bacterial Community Structures in the Phragmites australis Under Acid Mine Drainage-Polluted Wetland Ecosystem
Authors: Kalu Chimdi M. , Ogola Henry J. O. , Selvarajan Ramganesh , Tekere Memory , Ntushelo Khayalethu
Published: December 2021

Despite root microecology playing critical role in plant growth and fidelity, relatively few studies have focused on the link between the microbial communities and root metabolome in the aquatic macrophytes under heavy metal (HM) pollution. Using high-throughput metagenomic sequencing, targeted metabolomics and community-level physiological profile analyses, we investigated the symbiotic associations between Phragmites australis with rhizospheric bacterial communities under differing acid mine drainage (AMD) pollution. Results indicated that AMD pollution and root localization significantly affected root metabolome profiles. Higher accumulation of adenosine monophosphate, inosine, methionine, carnitine and dimethylglycine were observed in the rhizosphere under AMD than non-AMD habitat. Overall, the bacterial diversity and richness, and functional (metabolic) diversity were lower under high-AMD pollution. While non-AMD site was enriched with members of phylum Firmicutes, Proteobacteria were the most abundant taxa in the rhizosphere and endosphere under AMD-polluted sites. Further, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (Rhizobium, Delftia, Bradyrhizobium, and Mesorhizobium) and metal-tolerant bacteria (Bacillus, Arthrobacter, Massilia and Methylocystis) were most abundant in AMD-polluted than non-AMD habitat. Finally, pH, TDS (total dissolved solids), Cu, Cr, Fe, and Zn content were the key environmental factors that strongly contributed to the spatial perturbation of rhizospheric metabolites, proteobacterial and acidobacterial taxa. Overall, the study linked the differential endospheric and rhizospheric bacterial community and metabolite profiles in P. australis under AMD environment and provided insights into HM adaptability and phytoremediation potential.
Tibial slope in the posterolateral quadrant with and without ACL injury
Authors: Korthaus A. , Krause M. , Pagenstert G. , Warncke M. , Brembach F. , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Kolb J. P.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

An increased tibial slope is a risk factor for rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. In addition, a tibial bone bruise or posterior lateral impression associated with slope changes also poses chronic ligamentous instability of the knee joint associated with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. In the majority of cases, the slope is measured in one plane X-ray in the lateral view. However, this does not sufficient represent the complex anatomy of the tibial plateau and especially for the posterolateral quadrant. Normal values from a “healthy” population are necessary to understand if stability of the knee joint is negatively affected by an increasing slope in the posterolateral area. Until now there are no data about the physiological slope in the posterolateral quadrant of the tibial plateau.

Materials and methods

In 116 MRI scans of patients without ligamentous lesions and 116 MRI scans with an ACL rupture, tibial slope was retrospectively determined using the method described by Hudek et al. Measurements were made in the postero-latero-lateral (PLL) and postero-latero-central (PLC) segments using the 10-segment classification. In both segments, the osseous as well as the cartilaginous slope was measured. Measurements were performed by two independent surgeons.

Results

In the group without ligamentous injury the mean bony PLL slope was 5.8° ± 4.8° and the cartilaginous PLL slope was 6.7° ± 4.8°. In the PLC segment the mean bony slope was 6.6° ± 5.0° and the cartilaginous slope was 9.4° ± 5.7°. In the cohort with ACL rupture, the bony and cartilaginous slope in both PLL and PCL were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in the group without ACL injury (bony PLL 9.8° ± 4.8°, cartilage PLL 10.4° ± 4.7°, bony PLC 10.3° ± 4.8°, cartilage PLL 12.8° ± 4.3°). Measurements were performed independently by two experienced surgeons. There were good inter- (CI 87–98.7%) and good intraobserver (CI 85.8–99.6%) reliability.

Conclusion

The bony and the cartilaginous slope in the posterolateral quadrant of the tibial plateau are different but not independent. Patients with an anterior cruciate ligament injury have a significantly steeper slope in the posterolateral quadrant compared to a healthy group. Our data indicate that this anatomic feature might be a risk factor for a primary ACL injury which has not been described yet.

Level of evidence

III.
Detection of melanoma, breast cancer and head and neck squamous cell cancer sentinel lymph nodes by Tc-99m Tilmanocept (Lymphoseek®)
Authors: Leong Stanley P.
Published: December 2021

Technetium-99m-labeled Tilmanocept or Lymphoseek® (Cardinal Health, Dublin, Ohio) is a soluble, synthetic molecule with a small diameter (7 nm), which is comprised of technetium-99m chelated to a dextran backbone containing multiple units of mannose ligands with a high affinity for CD206, a receptor located on the surface of macrophages and dendritic cells that are found in high concentration in lymph nodes. It enables quick transit from the injection site and rapid lymph node accumulation. The binding of mannose ligand and CD206 results in the internalization of the ligand and receptor into the cell. Once the Technetium-99m-labeled Tilmanocept (Lymphoseek®) reaches the lymph node, it is readily internalized by the macrophages and dendritic cells within the draining lymph nodes. Technetium-99m-labeled Tilmanocept (Lymphoseek®) has been extensively studied as a radioisotope for detection of sentinel lymph nodes in melanoma, breast cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in clinical trials. Based on its safety and ability to detect sentinel lymph nodes satisfactorily, it has been approved by the FDA to use as a radioisotope for preoperative lymphoscintigraphy for identification of sentinel lymph nodes in these types of cancer. Further, the FDA has expanded approval of Technetium-99m-labeled for sentinel lymph node mapping of all solid tumors as well as in pediatric patients.
Distributional Issues in Natural Capital Accounting: An Application to Land Ownership and Ecosystem Services in Scotland
Authors: Atkinson Giles , Ovando Paola
Published: December 2021

Accounting forecosystemsis increasingly central to natural capital accounting. What is missing from this, however, is an answer to questions about how natural capital is distributed. That is, who consumes ecosystem services and who owns or manages the underlying asset(s) that give rise to ecosystem services. In this paper, we examine the significance of the ownership of land on which ecosystem assets (or ecosystem types) is located in the context of natural capital accounting. We illustrate this in an empirical application to two ecosystem services and a range of ecosystem types and land ownership in Scotland, a context in which land reform debates are longstanding. Our results indicate the relative importance of private land in ecosystem service supply, rather than land held by the public sector. We find relative concentration of ownership for land providing comparatively high amounts of carbon sequestration. For air pollution removal, however, the role of smaller to medium sized, mostly privately owned, land holdings closer to urban settlements becomes more prominent. The contributions in this paper, we argue, represent important first steps in anticipating distributional impacts of natural capital (and related) policy in natural capital accounts as well as connecting these frameworks to broader concerns about wealth disparities across and within countries.
Review: chemical approaches toward catalytic lignin degradation
Authors: Gücyeter Sara , Erpelding Richard , Schmidt Magnus S.
Published: December 2021

Lignin is a potentially high natural source of biological aromatic substances. However, decomposition of the polymer has proven to be quite challenging, as the complex bonds are fairly difficult to break down chemically. This article is intended to provide an overview of various recent methods for the catalytic chemical depolymerization of the biopolymer lignin into chemical products. For this purpose, nickel-, zeolite- and palladium-supported catalysts were examined in detail. In order to achieve this, various experiments of the last years were collected, and the efficiency of the individual catalysts was examined. This included evaluating the reaction conditions under which the catalysts work most efficiently. The influence of co-catalysts and Lewis acidity was also investigated. The results show that it is possible to control the obtained product selectivity very well by the choice of the respective catalysts combined with the proper reaction conditions.
Iron chelates in the anticancer therapy
Authors: Szlasa Wojciech , Gachowska Martyna , Kiszka Karolina , Rakoczy Katarzyna , Kiełbik Aleksander , Wala Kamila , Puchała Julia , Chorążykiewicz Katarzyna , Saczko Jolanta , Kulbacka Julita
Published: December 2021

Iron plays a significant role in the metabolism of cancer cells. In comparison with normal cells, neoplastic ones exhibit enhanced vulnerability to iron. Ferric ions target tumor via the ferroptotic death pathway—a process involving the iron-mediated lipid oxidation. Ferric ion occurs in complex forms in the physiological conditions. Apart from iron, ligands are the other factors to affect the biological activity of the iron complexes. In recent decades the role of iron chelates in targeting the growth of the tumor was extensively examined. The ligand may possess a standalone activity to restrict cancer’s growth. However, a wrong choice of the ligand might lead to the enhanced cancer cell’s growth in in vitro studies. The paper aims to review the role of iron complex compounds in the anticancer therapy both in the experimental and clinical applications. The anticancer properties of the iron complex rely both on the stability constant of the complex and the ligand composition. When the stability constant is high, the properties of the drug are unique. However, when the stability constant remains low, both components—ferric ions and ligands, act separately on the cells. In the paper we show how the difference in complex stability implies the action of ligand and ferric ions in the cancer cell. Iron complexation strategy is an interesting attempt to transport the anticancer Fe2+/3+ ions throughout the cell membrane and release it when the pH of the microenvironment changes. Last part of the paper summarizes the results of clinical trials and in vitro studies of novel iron chelates such as: PRLX 93,936, Ferumoxytol, Talactoferrin, DPC, Triapine, VLX600, Tachypyridine, Ciclopiroxamine, Thiosemicarbazone, Deferoxamine and Deferasirox.
Influence of the total concentration and the profile of volatile fatty acids on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) production by mixed microbial cultures
Authors: Bravo-Porras Gloria , Fernández-Güelfo Luis A. , Álvarez-Gallego Carlos J. , Carbú María , Sales Diego , Romero-García Luis I.
Published: December 2021

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) production from lignocellulosic biomass using mixed microbial cultures (MMC) is a potential cheap alternative for reducing the use of petroleum-based plastics. In this study, an MMC adapted to acidogenic effluent from dark fermentation (DF) of exhausted sugar beet cossettes (ESBC) has been tested in order to determine its capability to produce PHAs from nine different synthetic mixtures of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The tests consisted of mixtures of acetic, propionic, butyric, and valeric acids in the range of 1.5–9.0 g/L of total acidity and with three different valeric:butyric ratios (10:1, 1:1, and 1:10). Experimental results have shown a consistent preference of the MMC for the butyric and valeric acids as carbon source instead other shorter acids (propionic or acetic) in terms of PHA production yield (estimated in dry cell weight basis), with a maximum value of 23% w/w. Additionally, valeric-rich mixtures have demonstrated to carry out a fast degradation process but with poor final PHA production compared with high butyric mixtures. Finally, high initial butyric and valeric concentrations (1.1 g/L and 4.1 g/L) have demonstrated to be counterproductive to PHA production.
Impacts of Personalized Sensor Feedback Regarding Exposure to Environmental Stressors
Authors: Becker Anna Maria , Marquart Heike , Masson Torsten , Helbig Carolin , Schlink Uwe
Published: December 2021

Feedback on personal exposure to air pollution, noise or extreme temperatures through wearable sensors or sensors installed at home or in the workplace can offer information that might motivate behaviours to mitigate exposure. As personal measurement devices are becoming increasingly accessible, it is important to evaluate the effects of such sensors on human perception and behaviour. We conducted a systematic literature research and identified 33 studies, analysing the effects of personal feedback on air pollution, noise and temperatures. Feedback was given through reports including different forms of visualization, in-person or over the telephone, or directly on the sensor or through a phone app. The exposure feedback led to behaviour changes particularly for noise and temperature feedback while findings on behaviour adaptation to avoid air pollution were mixed. Most studies reported increased awareness and knowledge from receiving exposure feedback. Many participants in studies on air pollution reported low levels of self-efficacy regarding exposure mitigation. For a better understanding of the effects of personal exposure feedback, more studies are required, particularly providing feedback from wearable sensors measuring outdoor air pollution, noise and temperature.
Zonal Structure of Tropical Pacific Surface Salinity Anomalies Affects ENSO Intensity and Asymmetry
Authors: Guan Cong , Tian Feng , McPhaden Michael J. , Wang Fan , Hu Shijian , Zhang Rong‐Hua
Published: December 2021

Previous studies have revealed the potential importance of salinity in El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) asymmetry, but the responsible mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigate how the zonal structure of surface salinity anomalies affects ENSO intensity and asymmetry by modifying freshwater flux in ocean general circulation model simulations. Results show that the amplitudes of El Niño and La Niña are both highly sensitive to zonal patterns of salinity anomalies, with the strongest sea surface temperature change occurring when maximum salinity anomalies are located near 170°W. Furthermore, the effect of salinity anomalies in the central Pacific on El Niño warming is larger than those in the western Pacific on La Niña cooling. Thus, the asymmetric salinity anomalies strengthen the temperature asymmetry between El Niño and La Niña. Temperature budget analysis shows that vertical mixing and entrainment due to salinity‐induced changes in stratification are a major response to different zonal patterns of freshwater flux forcing.
Formation of a Displaced Plasma Wake at Neptune's Moon Triton
Authors: Simon Sven , Addison Peter , Liuzzo Lucas
Published: December 2021

A prominent feature of the interaction between a planetary moon and its magnetospheric environment is the formation of a wake cavity in the downstream hemisphere, characterized by a significant decrease of the incident plasma density. Using an analytical model of Triton's sub‐Alfvénic interaction with Neptune's magnetosphere, we demonstrate that this moon's wake may be rotated away from its downstream hemisphere into a region that would be accessible to the undisturbed upstream flow. Due to the strong tilt of Neptune's magnetospheric field and the low Alfvénic Mach number of the plasma, one of Triton's Alfvén wings can penetrate into the upstream region and intercept the impinging plasma long before it reaches the moon. The interaction with this upstream wing causes the flow to be deflected toward Triton at a steep angle before being absorbed, thereby generating a wake cavity that is significantly displaced with respect to the moon's geometric plasma shadow. Along the downstream‐facing wing, the flow is deflected away from Triton and therefore unable to refill the displaced wake. Since the ionospheric Pedersen conductance greatly exceeds the Alfvén conductance, this asymmetric flow deflection is particularly intense at Triton: when the plasma encounters the wings, it is channeled toward or away from the moon along the axes of the wing tubes. The deflection of the streamlines away from their upstream direction peaks in the range of plasma parameters found along Triton's orbit. Therefore, the displaced wake may be a persistent feature of this moon's plasma interaction and observable during future flybys.
Processes Governing the Seasonal Evolution of Mixed Layers in the Red Sea
Authors: Krokos G. , Cerovečki I. , Papadopoulos V. P. , Hendershott M. C. , Hoteit I.
Published: December 2021

The processes governing the seasonal evolution of the oceanic mixed layer temperature (MLT) and salinity (MLS) in the Red Sea (RS) are analyzed using the outputs of a high‐resolution (1/100°) ocean general circulation model for 2001 to 2015, forced by a high‐resolution (5 km) regional atmospheric reanalysis. We quantify the roles of atmospheric forcing and the advective, diffusive, and entrainment processes in the seasonal variability of mixed layer (ML) properties by analyzing the closed and complete potential temperature and salinity budgets integrated over the ML depth. The seasonal evolution of the ML density is predominantly driven by the MLT, which is dominated by the air–sea heat exchange. The seasonal evolution of MLS is predominantly driven by the advection of fresher waters from the Gulf of Aden, whereas atmospheric forcing governs its gradual increase along the basin. The spatial distribution of strong mesoscale circulation and semipermanent eddies is imprinted on all processes, whereas advective fluxes tend to follow meandering currents around the periphery of mesoscale eddies. Entrainment processes affect the ML density through the reemergence of heat and salt stored below the ML. Entrainment is especially important in the northern parts of the RS, where increased salinity preconditions the upper layers for ML deepening and denser water formation.
Dynamical Downscaling of Near‐Term (2026–2035) Climate Variability and Change for the Main Hawaiian Islands
Authors: Fandrich K. M. , Timm O. Elison , Zhang C. , Giambelluca T. W.
Published: December 2021

Natural climate variability poses a limit to the confidence in regional climate projections, particularly for the near‐term. Therefore, the next decades are of importance for regional impact studies and the development of regional adaptation plans. This article presents results from an ensemble of regional climate model simulations (years 1996–2005 and 2026–2035) that are used to examine the effects of both anthropogenic forcing and natural variability associated with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) on near‐term climate projections for the Hawaiian Islands. The Community Earth System Model Large Ensemble (CESM‐LE) is used in conjunction with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model for downscaling. The climate responses to the PDO and anthropogenic forcing are isolated and analyzed separately. In response to anthropogenic forcing, significant increases in surface air temperature, of ∼0.8 K, are projected at low elevations. Stronger warming, of up to 1.3 K, is seen at higher elevation areas. Future climate simulations show significant increases in wet season rainfall, of ∼10%–20%, along the windward slopes of Big Island and Maui. Rainfall patterns during the positive PDO phase are projected to reverse in sign, leading to drier conditions, by ∼10%–30%, at many locations. Future climate simulations show daily rainfall extremes will increase, by up to ∼10%–15%, at many locations. Daily temperature extremes are also projected to increase significantly, by up to 1.4 K. Overall, results indicate that natural variability will continue to contribute to uncertainty in near‐term rainfall projections for the Hawaiian Islands, masking the forced signal.
Pleistocene Megaflood Discharge in Grand Coulee, Channeled Scabland, USA
Authors: Lehnigk K. E. , Larsen I. J.
Published: December 2021

Bedrock erosion and canyon formation during extreme floods have dramatically altered landscapes on Earth and Mars. Grand Coulee was carved by outburst floods from Pleistocene glacial Lake Missoula and is the largest canyon in the Channeled Scabland, a megaflood‐scoured landscape in the northwestern USA. Quantifying paleo‐discharge is required to understand how landscapes evolve in response to extreme events, but there are few constraints on the magnitude of the floods that incised Grand Coulee; hence, we used hydraulic modeling and geologic evidence to quantify paleo‐flood discharges during different phases of canyon incision. When upper Grand Coulee was incising by headward waterfall retreat, the paleo‐discharge was 2.6 × 106 m3 s−1, which produced shear stresses great enough to cause the waterfall to retreat via toppling of basalt columns. The largest possible flood through upper Grand Coulee, a Missoula flood which raised glacial Lake Columbia to a stage of 750 m, produced a modeled discharge of 7.6 × 106 m3 s−1. The discharges associated with waterfall retreat and drainage of glacial Lake Columbia are >80% and ∼50% lower, respectively, than the 14–17 × 106 m3 s−1 discharge predicted by assuming the present‐day topography was inundated to the elevation of high‐water marks. Due to bedrock incision, high‐water marks may overestimate paleo‐flow depth in canyons carved by floods, hence bedrock erosion should be considered when estimating paleo‐discharge in flood‐carved canyons. Our results indicate that outburst floods with discharges and flow depths much lower than those required to inundate high‐water marks are capable of carving deep canyons.
Diffuse Whistler‐Mode Waves Detected by Kaguya in the Lunar Polar Region
Authors: Nakagawa T. , Takahashi F. , Shimizu H. , Saito Y.
Published: December 2021

The solar wind particles reflected by the lunar magnetic field are the major energy source of electromagnetic wave activities, such as the 100 s magnetohydrodynamic waves and the 1 Hz whistler‐mode waves generated by protons and the non‐monochromatic whistler‐mode waves generated by mirror‐reflected electrons. Kaguya found a new type of whistler‐mode waves at 100 km altitude above the polar regions of the Moon with a broad frequency range of 1–16 Hz. The waves appear diffuse in both the time and frequency domains, and their occurrence is less sensitive to the magnetic connection to the lunar surface. The polarization is right‐handed with respect to the background magnetic field, and the wave number vector is nearly parallel to the magnetic field perpendicular to the solar wind flow. The diffuse waves are thought to be generated by the solar wind ions reflected by the lunar magnetic field through cyclotron resonance. The resonant ions are expected to have a velocity component parallel to the magnetic field larger than the solar wind bulk speed; however, such ions were not always simultaneously detected by Kaguya. The waves may have been generated above the dayside of the Moon and then propagated along the magnetic field being convected by the solar wind to reach the polar regions to be detected by Kaguya.
Taste function in children: normative values and associated factors
Authors: van den Brink Mirjam , IJpma Irene , Fiocco Marta , Tissing Wim J. E. , Havermans Remco C.
Published: December 2021

Background

Although less frequent than in adults, taste loss also occurs in childhood. “Taste Strips” are frequently used for diagnosing taste dysfunction; however, normative values are lacking for children. In this study, we will create normative values for the “Taste Strips” in children.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 609 children aged 6–15 years. “Taste Strips” were used to determine sweet, sour, salty, and bitter taste scores by a non-forced procedure. The 10th percentile was used to distinguish normal taste function from a reduced sense of taste. Multivariable generalized linear models (GLM) were estimated to study the effect of age (group), sex, and 6‐n‐propylthiouracil (PROP) status on taste function.

Results

Taste function changed with age, allowing for a distinction of three age groups: (I) 6–7 years, (II) 8–9 years, and (III) 10–15 years. Normative values were created for the age groups and boys and girls separately. Additionally, GLM showed a significant effect of (1) age (group) on sweet, salty, bitter, and total taste scores; (2) sex on sweet, sour, and total taste scores; and (3) PROP status on total taste scores.

Conclusions

This study provided normative values for the “Taste Strips” in children, highlighting age- and sex-related differences.

Impact

Taste dysfunction can be harmful and impacts quality of life, a topic that became increasingly important since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although taste dysfunction is thought to be rare in childhood, the detrimental impact of such dysfunction might be large, as children’s eating habits are strongly influenced by input from the chemical senses.

Measuring taste function may elucidate the relationship between taste dysfunction and disease, fostering the development of more appropriate supportive strategies. However, adequate tools are lacking for children.

Normative values of the “Taste Strips” are now available for children, which bolster the clinical utility of this test.
Potential of [11C]UCB-J as a PET tracer for islets of Langerhans
Authors: Puuvuori Emmi , Rokka Johanna , Carlsson Per-Ola , Li Zhanchun , Eriksson Jonas , Eriksson Olof
Published: December 2021

Biomarkers for the measurement of islets of Langerhans could help elucidate the etiology of diabetes. Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 A (SV2A) is a potential marker reported to be localized in the endocrine pancreas. [11C]UCB-J is a novel positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer that binds to SV2A and was previously evaluated as a synaptic marker in the central nervous system. Here, we evaluated whether [11C]UCB-J could be utilized as a PET tracer for the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas by targeting SV2A. The mRNA transcription of SV2A was evaluated in human isolated islets of Langerhans and exocrine tissue. In vitro autoradiography was performed on pancreas and brain sections from rats and pigs, and consecutive sections were immunostained for insulin. Sprague–Dawley rats were examined with PET-MRI and ex vivo autoradiography at baseline and with administration of levetiracetam (LEV). Similarly, pigs were examined with dynamic PET-CT over the pancreas and brain after administration of [11C]UCB-J at baseline and after pretreatment with LEV. In vivo radioligand binding was assessed using a one-compartment tissue model. The mRNA expression of SV2A was nearly 7 times higher in endocrine tissue than in exocrine tissue (p < 0.01). In vitro autoradiography displayed focal binding of [11C]UCB-J in the pancreas of rats and pigs, but the binding pattern did not overlap with the insulin-positive areas or with ex vivo autoradiography. In rats, pancreas binding was higher than that in negative control tissues but could not be blocked by LEV. In pigs, the pancreas and brain exhibited accumulation of [11C]UCB-J above the negative control tissue spleen. While brain binding could be blocked by pretreatment with LEV, a similar effect was not observed in the pancreas. Transcription data indicate SV2A to be a valid target for imaging islets of Langerhans, but [11C]UCB-J does not appear to have sufficient sensitivity for this application.
Enhancement of intercellular interaction between iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells and activated endothelial cells using cell surface modification with functional oligopeptides
Authors: Goel Isha , Noiri Makoto , Yamauchi Yuka , Kato Koichi , Chung Ung-il , Teramura Yuji
Published: December 2021

Stroke activated Endothelial Cells recruit leucocytes for further necrosis. Esbp-PEG-lipid modified cells can bind to these ECs for a rather protective effect and reduced leucocyte binding.
Modeling SARS-CoV-2 RNA degradation in small and large sewersheds
Authors: McCall Camille , Fang Zheng N. , Li Dongfeng , Czubai Andrew J. , Juan Andrew , LaTurner Zachary W. , Ensor Katherine , Hopkins Loren , Bedient Philip B. , Stadler Lauren B.
Published: December 2021

Hydrological model demonstrated a reduction in wastewater travel time by more than 60% when using a novel metric for placement of upstream samplers within a large sewershed, thus reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA degradation.
Exploring the molecular electronic device applications of synthetically versatile silicon pincer complexes as charge transport and electroluminescent layers
Authors: Kocherga Margaret , Boyle Kevin M. , Merkert Jon , Schmedake Thomas A. , Walter Michael G.
Published: December 2021

Hexacoordinate silicon pincer complexes offer promising charge transport and electroluminescent layers for high performance molecular electronic devices. Tuning the structure of the ligands affords good control of the silicon pincer's properties.
Highly sensitive detection of phosphate using well-ordered crystalline cobalt oxide nanoparticles supported by multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Sari Shaimah Rinda , Tsushida Masayuki , Sato Tetsuya , Tominaga Masato
Published: December 2021

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles modified electrodes with great sensing properties for easy determination of phosphate ions have been developed.
Trigonelline hydrochloride conjugated onto PEGylated nanodiamonds for a selective encapsulation efficiency and controlled release for the inhibition of collagen fibrillation
Authors: Rasheeda K. , Inbasekar Chandrasekar , Fathima Nishter Nishad
Published: December 2021

Recently, researchers are involved in finding a cure for fibrotic disorders, which are an acute disease.
Developing electropositive citric acid–polyethylenimine carbon quantum dots with high biocompatibility and labeling performance for mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Jiang Bo , Yang Hui , Guo Ying , Liu Cong , Song Hua , Zhou Panpan , Zhang Haiwei , Zhou Kangxin , Guo Yong , Chen Hongwei
Published: December 2021

The positive CQD has good biocompatibility (≤800 μg mL−1) and labelling performance for mesenchymal stem cell in vitro and in vivo.
Construction of triblock copolyesters via one-step switchable terpolymerization of epoxides, phthalic anhydride and ε-caprolactone using dual urea/organic base catalysts
Authors: Lin Limiao , Chen Xin , Xiang Huanxin , Chang Min , Xu Yonghang , Zhao Hongting , Meng Yuezhong
Published: December 2021

A cost-effective and efficient system of ureas/organic bases toward the controlled self-switchable copolymerization of epoxide/PA/CL to obtain well-defined triblock polyesters.
Promoting photocatalytic CO2 reduction through facile electronic modification of N-annulated perylene diimide rhenium bipyridine dyads
Authors: Koenig Josh D. B. , Piers Warren E. , Welch Gregory C.
Published: December 2021

Seven N-annulated perylene diimide tethered rhenium (2,2′-bipyridine) supramolecular dyads are evaluated as photocatalysts for the reduction for carbon dioxide, highlighting the importance of photoexcitation pathway and electronic driving-force.
Achieving a blue-excitable yellow-emitting Ca-LMOF phosphor via water induced phase transformation
Authors: Wu Zhao-Feng , Tan Bin , Fu Zhi-Hua , Velasco Ever , Liu Xing-Wu , Teat Simon J. , Zhu Kun , Xing Kai , Huang Xiao-Ying , Li Jing
Published: December 2021

The first blue-excitable calcium-based LMOF yellow phosphor is achieved via water induced phase transformation. The compound with high luminescence quantum efficiency can be coated directly onto a commercial blue LED chip to fabricate a white LED.
Nickel/Brønsted acid dual-catalyzed regio- and enantioselective hydrophosphinylation of 1,3-dienes: access to chiral allylic phosphine oxides
Authors: Long Jiao , Li Yuqiang , Zhao Weining , Yin Guoyin
Published: December 2021

Asymmetric hydrophosphinylation of 1,3-dienes with phosphine oxides using an inexpensive chiral catalyst has been demonstrated, providing access to chiral allylic phosphine oxides with broad substrate scope and high regio- and enantioselectivity.
Modulating the catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles using amine-terminated ligands
Authors: Zhang Jiangjiang , Huang Zhentao , Xie Yangzhouyun , Jiang Xingyu
Published: December 2021

Surface ligand engineering can precisely modulate the catalytic activity of nanozymes from inactive to highly active.