bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Matrix Rheology on Stress Concentration in Embedded Brittle Clasts
Authors: Ioannidi Paraskevi Io , Bogatz Kyle , Reber Jacqueline E.
Published: February 2022

Frictional failure is the dominant deformation mechanism for rocks in the upper crust while in the middle crust rocks begin to deform viscously. Within this transition, brittle and viscous phases coexist, forming semi‐frictional materials. While semi‐frictional deformation on large scales might play an important role in understanding the transition between earthquakes and slow slip/creep, it can also be observed at smaller scales. Here, we use field observations of the Papoose Flat pluton in eastern California to study deformation of heterogeneous materials during shearing. Clast concentration varies between 2% and 12% by area. Field and microscopic observations show that the matrix deforms viscously, while the clasts fail in a brittle manner. We systematically document clast concentration and spacing with respect to clast fracturing and observe increasing frictional failure of clasts with increasing clast concentration. To test which matrix viscosities impose enough stresses on the clasts to lead to frictional deformation, we complement field observations with 2D numerical models. Maps with 7% by area randomly placed circular clasts are created and deformed under simple shear kinematic conditions. We test different matrix viscosities, from constant low and high viscosity (1017 and 1019 Pa.s, respectively), to dislocation creep for granite. Clasts in the vicinity of other clasts are affected by stresses around their neighbors. This effect decreases with increasing clast distance. Our field observations and numerical results suggest that the viscous phase can impose significant stresses onto the brittle phase, causing failure even at very low clast concentrations and in the absence of clast‐clast interactions.
Updating Dating Helps Tackle Deep-Time Quandaries
Authors: Tripathy-Lang Alka
Published: February 2022

Geochronologists are finding fresh approaches to familiar methodologies, especially by zapping rocks with lasers to tackle classic Precambrian problems.
Cullin 4b-RING ubiquitin ligase targets IRGM1 to regulate Wnt signaling and intestinal homeostasis
Authors: Fan Yujia , Huo Xiaohan , Guo Beibei , Zhang Xiaohui , Yang Yang , Lian Jiabei , Meng Xinyuan , Shao Yiwen , Zou Yongxin , Guo Haiyang , Wang Haitao , Sun Gongping , Dou Hao , Wang Jinshen , Shao Changshun , Gong Yaoqin , Hu Huili
Published: February 2022

Hierarchical organization of intestine relies on the self-renewal and tightly regulated differentiation of intestinal stem cells (ISCs). Although signals like Wnt are known to sustain the continued intestinal renewal by maintaining ISCs activity and lineage commitment, molecular mechanisms underlying ISCs ‘stemness’ and supportive niche have not been well understood. Here, we found that CUL4B-RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL4B) regulates intestinal homeostasis by targeting immunity-related GTPase family M member 1 (IRGM1) for proteasomal degradation. CUL4B was mainly expressed at ISCs zone. Deletion of Cul4b led to reduced self-renewal of ISCs and a decreased lineage differentiation towards secretory progenitors through downregulated Wnt signals. Besides, Cul4b-null mice exhibited impaired Paneth cells number and structure. Mechanistically, CRL4B complex were associated with WD40 proteins and targeted IRGM1 at K270 for ubiquitination and proteosomal degradation. Impaired intestinal function caused by CUL4B deletion was rescued by down-regulation of its substrate IRGM1. Our results identified CUL4B as a novel regulator of ISCs and revealed a new 26 S proteasome degradation mechanism in intestine self-renewal and lineage commitment.
Cell surface nucleolin is a novel ADAMTS5 receptor mediating endothelial cell apoptosis
Authors: Kirman Dogan Can , Renganathan Bhuvanasundar , Chui Wai Kit , Chen Ming Wei , Kaya Neslihan Arife , Ge Ruowen
Published: February 2022

A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with ThromboSpondin motif (ADAMTS) 5 functions as an anti-angiogenic and anti-cancer protein independent of its metalloproteinase activity. Both full-length ADAMTS5 and TS5-p45, the autocatalytically cleaved C-terminal 45 kDa truncate of ADAMTS5, inhibits angiogenesis, and induces endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis. However, how ADAMTS5 triggers EC apoptosis remains unclear. This work shows that caspase-8 (Cas-8) and caspase-9 (Cas-9) are involved in TS5-p45-induced EC apoptosis. We identify cell surface nucleolin (NCL) as a novel high-affinity receptor for TS5-p45 in ECs, mediating TS5-p45’s cell surface binding and pro-apoptotic function. We show that the central RNA-binding domain (RBD) of NCL is essential and sufficient for its binding to TS5-p45. Upon interacting with EC surface NCL, TS5-p45 is internalized through clathrin- and caveolin-dependent endocytosis and trafficked to the nucleus via late endosomes (LEs). We demonstrate that the nuclear trafficking of TS5-p45 is important for its pro-apoptotic activity as disruption of LE membrane integrity with an endosomolytic peptide suppressed both nuclear trafficking and pro-apoptotic activity of TS5-p45. Through cell surface biotinylation, we revealed that cell surface NCL shuttles extracellular TS5-p45 to the nucleus to mediate apoptosis. Furthermore, blocking the importin α1/ß1 receptor hindered the nuclear trafficking of TS5-p45, suggesting the involvement of the nuclear importing machinery for this nuclear translocation. RNA-seq identified many apoptosis-related genes that are differentially expressed at least two-fold in TS5-p45-treated ECs, with 10 of them qRT-PCR-validated and at least 5 of these genes potentially contributing to TS5-p45-NCL-induced apoptosis. Altogether, our work identifies NCL as a novel cell surface receptor for ADAMTS5 and demonstrates the critical role of NCL-mediated internalization and nuclear trafficking for ADAMTS5-induced EC apoptosis. These findings reveal novel mechanistic insights of the secreted metalloproteinase ADAMTS5 in angiogenesis inhibition.
Integrative molecular and clinical profiling of acral melanoma links focal amplification of 22q11.21 to metastasis
Authors: Farshidfar Farshad , Rhrissorrakrai Kahn , Levovitz Chaya , Peng Cong , Knight James , Bacchiocchi Antonella , Su Juan , Yin Mingzhu , Sznol Mario , Ariyan Stephan , Clune James , Olino Kelly , Parida Laxmi , Nikolaus Joerg , Zhang Meiling , Zhao Shuang , Wang Yan , Huang Gang , Wan Miaojian , Li Xianan , Cao Jian , Yan Qin , Chen Xiang , Newman Aaron M. , Halaban Ruth
Published: February 2022

Acral melanoma, the most common melanoma subtype among non-White individuals, is associated with poor prognosis. However, its key molecular drivers remain obscure. Here, we perform integrative genomic and clinical profiling of acral melanomas from 104 patients ﻿treated in North America (n = 37) or China (n = 67). We find that recurrent, late-arising focal amplifications of cytoband 22q11.21 are a leading determinant of inferior survival, strongly associated with metastasis, and linked to downregulation of immunomodulatory genes associated with response to immune checkpoint blockade. Unexpectedly, LZTR1 – a known tumor suppressor in other cancers – is a key candidate oncogene in this cytoband. Silencing of LZTR1 in melanoma cell lines causes apoptotic cell death independent of major hotspot mutations or melanoma subtypes. Conversely, overexpression of LZTR1 in normal human melanocytes initiates processes associated with metastasis, including anchorage-independent growth, formation of spheroids, and an increase in MAPK and SRC activities. Our results provide insights into the etiology of acral melanoma and implicate LZTR1 as a key tumor promoter and therapeutic target.
Robust growth of two-dimensional metal dichalcogenides and their alloys by active chalcogen monomer supply
Authors: Zuo Yonggang , Liu Can , Ding Liping , Qiao Ruixi , Tian Jinpeng , Liu Chang , Wang Qinghe , Xue Guodong , You Yilong , Guo Quanlin , Wang Jinhuan , Fu Ying , Liu Kehai , Zhou Xu , Hong Hao , Wu Muhong , Lu Xiaobo , Yang Rong , Zhang Guangyu , Yu Dapeng , Wang Enge , Bai Xuedong , Ding Feng , Liu Kaihui
Published: February 2022

The precise precursor supply is a precondition for controllable growth of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Although great efforts have been devoted to modulating the transition metal supply, few effective methods of chalcogen feeding control were developed. Here we report a strategy of using active chalcogen monomer supply to grow high-quality TMDs in a robust and controllable manner, e.g., MoS2 monolayers perform representative photoluminescent circular helicity of ~92% and electronic mobility of ~42 cm2V−1s−1. Meanwhile, a uniform quaternary TMD alloy with three different anions, i.e., MoS2(1-x-y)Se2xTe2y, was accomplished. Our mechanism study revealed that the active chalcogen monomers can bind and diffuse freely on a TMD surface, which enables the effective nucleation, reaction, vacancy healing and alloy formation during the growth. Our work offers a degree of freedom for the controllable synthesis of 2D compounds and their alloys, benefiting the development of high-end devices with desired 2D materials.
Biosynthetic gene cluster profiling predicts the positive association between antagonism and phylogeny in Bacillus
Authors: Xia Liming , Miao Youzhi , Cao A’li , Liu Yan , Liu Zihao , Sun Xinli , Xue Yansheng , Xu Zhihui , Xun Weibing , Shen Qirong , Zhang Nan , Zhang Ruifu
Published: February 2022

Understanding the driving forces and intrinsic mechanisms of microbial competition is a fundamental question in microbial ecology. Despite the well-established negative correlation between exploitation competition and phylogenetic distance, the process of interference competition that is exemplified by antagonism remains controversial. Here, we studied the genusBacillus, a commonly recognized producer of multifarious antibiotics, to explore the role of phylogenetic patterns of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in mediating the relationship between antagonism and phylogeny. Comparative genomic analysis revealed a positive association between BGC distance and phylogenetic distance. Antagonistic tests demonstrated that the inhibition phenotype positively correlated with both phylogenetic and predicted BGC distance, especially for antagonistic strains possessing abundant BGCs. Mutant-based verification showed that the antagonism was dependent on the BGCs that specifically harbored by the antagonistic strain. These findings highlight that BGC-phylogeny coherence regulates the positive correlation between congeneric antagonism and phylogenetic distance, which deepens our understanding of the driving force and intrinsic mechanism of microbial interactions.
Chemical medium-range order in a medium-entropy alloy
Authors: Wang Jing , Jiang Ping , Yuan Fuping , Wu Xiaolei
Published: February 2022

High-/medium-entropy alloys (H/MEA) have the inherent local chemical order. Yet, as a structural link between the incipient short-range order and mature long-range counterpart, the chemical medium-range order (CMRO) is conjectural and remains open questions as to if, and what kind of, CMRO would be produced and if CMRO is mechanically stable during plastic deformation. Here, we show compelling evidences for CMRO in an Al9.5CrCoNi MEA. Specifically, the electron diffraction under both [$$112$$
112
] and [$$013$$
013
] zone axis show the definite spots for CMRO of lattice periodicity. CMRO entities are seen directly of medium-ranged in sizes by using dark-field imaging, along with the tendency towards like-pair avoidance and unlike-pair preference based on atomic-resolution EDS mapping. These findings substantiate CMRO with a realistic structural picture in view of crystal periodicity and chemical species occupation, shedding light on understanding the microstructural link at an extended length scale beyond the short-range order.
The feasibility of pragmatic influenza vaccine randomized controlled real-world trials in Denmark and England
Authors: Nealon Joshua , Modin Daniel , Ghosh Rebecca E. , Rudin Deborah , Gislason Gunnar , Booth Helen P. , Jensen Jens Ulrik Stæhr , Williams Rachael , Shepherd Hilary , Yelland Eleanor , Bricout Helene , Chaves Sandra S. , Biering-Sørensen Tor
Published: February 2022

We estimated the frequency of non-specific influenza-associated clinical endpoints to inform the feasibility of pragmatic randomized controlled trials (RCT) assessing relative vaccine effectiveness (rVE). Hospitalization rates of respiratory, cardiovascular and diabetic events were estimated from Denmark and England’s electronic databases and stratified by age, comorbidity and influenza vaccination status. We included a seasonal average of 4.5 million Danish and 7.2 million English individuals, 17 and 32% with comorbidities. Annually, approximately 1% of Danish and 0.5% of English individuals were hospitalized for selected events, ~50% of them respiratory. Hospitalization rates were 40–50-fold and 2–10-fold higher in those >50 years and with comorbidities, respectively. Our findings suggest that a pragmatic RCT using non-specific endpoints is feasible. However, for outcomes with rates <2.5%, it would require randomization of ~100,000 participants to have the power to detect a rVE difference of ~13%. Targeting selected groups (older adults, those with comorbidities) where frequency of events is high would improve trial efficiency.
Ancient DNA and deep population structure in sub-Saharan African foragers
Authors: Lipson Mark , Sawchuk Elizabeth A. , Thompson Jessica C. , Oppenheimer Jonas , Tryon Christian A. , Ranhorn Kathryn L. , de Luna Kathryn M. , Sirak Kendra A. , Olalde Iñigo , Ambrose Stanley H. , Arthur John W. , Arthur Kathryn J. W. , Ayodo George , Bertacchi Alex , Cerezo-Román Jessica I. , Culleton Brendan J. , Curtis Matthew C. , Davis Jacob , Gidna Agness O. , Hanson Annalys , Kaliba Potiphar , Katongo Maggie , Kwekason Amandus , Laird Myra F. , Lewis Jason , Mabulla Audax Z. P. , Mapemba Fredrick , Morris Alan , Mudenda George , Mwafulirwa Raphael , Mwangomba Daudi , Ndiema Emmanuel , Ogola Christine , Schilt Flora , Willoughby Pamela R. , Wright David K. , Zipkin Andrew , Pinhasi Ron , Kennett Douglas J. , Manthi Fredrick Kyalo , Rohland Nadin , Patterson Nick , Reich David , Prendergast Mary E.
Published: February 2022

Multiple lines of genetic and archaeological evidence suggest that there were major demographic changes in the terminal Late Pleistocene epoch and early Holocene epoch of sub-Saharan Africa1–4. Inferences about this period are challenging to make because demographic shifts in the past 5,000 years have obscured the structures of more ancient populations3,5. Here we present genome-wide ancient DNA data for six individuals from eastern and south-central Africa spanning the past approximately 18,000 years (doubling the time depth of sub-Saharan African ancient DNA), increase the data quality for 15 previously published ancient individuals and analyse these alongside data from 13 other published ancient individuals. The ancestry of the individuals in our study area can be modelled as a geographically structured mixture of three highly divergent source populations, probably reflecting Pleistocene interactions around 80–20 thousand years ago, including deeply diverged eastern and southern African lineages, plus a previously unappreciated ubiquitous distribution of ancestry that occurs in highest proportion today in central African rainforest hunter-gatherers. Once established, this structure remained highly stable, with limited long-range gene flow. These results provide a new line of genetic evidence in support of hypotheses that have emerged from archaeological analyses but remain contested, suggesting increasing regionalization at the end of the Pleistocene epoch.
Designing of two dimensional lanthanum cobalt hydroxide engineered high performance supercapacitor for longer stability under redox active electrolyte
Authors: Bailmare Deepa B. , Tripathi Prashant , Deshmukh Abhay D. , Gupta Bipin Kumar
Published: February 2022

Redox active electrolyte supercapacitors differ significantly from the conventional electrolytes based storage devices but face a long term stability issue which requires a different approach while designing the systems. Here, we show the change in layered double hydroxides (LDHs) systems with rare earth elements (lanthanum) can drastically influence the stability of two dimensional LDH systems in redox electrolyte. We find that the choice of rare earth element (lanthanum) having magnetic properties and higher thermal and chemical stability has a profound effect on the stability of La–Co LDHs electrode in redox electrolyte. The fabricated hybrid device with rare earth based positive electrode and carbon as negative electrode having redox electrolyte leads to long stable high volumetric/gravimetric capacity at high discharge rate, demonstrates the importance of considering the rare earth elements while designing the LDH systems for redox active supercapacitor development.
Survival Genie, a web platform for survival analysis across pediatric and adult cancers
Authors: Dwivedi Bhakti , Mumme Hope , Satpathy Sarthak , Bhasin Swati S. , Bhasin Manoj
Published: February 2022

The genomics data-driven identification of gene signatures and pathways has been routinely explored for predicting cancer survival and making decisions related to targeted treatments. A large number of packages and tools have been developed to correlate gene expression/mutations to the clinical outcome but lack the ability to perform such analysis based on pathways, gene sets, and gene ratios. Furthermore, in this single-cell omics era, the cluster markers from cancer single-cell transcriptomics studies remain an underutilized prognostic option. Additionally, no bioinformatics online tool evaluates the associations between the enrichment of canonical cell types and survival across cancers. Here we have developed Survival Genie, a web tool to perform survival analysis on single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data and a variety of other molecular inputs such as gene sets, genes ratio, tumor-infiltrating immune cells proportion, gene expression profile scores, and tumor mutation burden. For a comprehensive analysis, Survival Genie contains 53 datasets of 27 distinct malignancies from 11 different cancer programs related to adult and pediatric cancers. Users can upload scRNA-seq data or gene sets and select a gene expression partitioning method (i.e., mean, median, quartile, cutp) to determine the effect of expression levels on survival outcomes. The tool provides comprehensive results including box plots of low and high-risk groups, Kaplan–Meier plots with univariate Cox proportional hazards model, and correlation of immune cell enrichment and molecular profile. The analytical options and comprehensive collection of cancer datasets make Survival Genie a unique resource to correlate gene sets, pathways, cellular enrichment, and single-cell signatures to clinical outcomes to assist in developing next-generation prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Survival Genie is open-source and available online at https://bbisr.shinyapps.winship.emory.edu/SurvivalGenie/.
High stability microwave discharge ion sources
Authors: Neri L. , Celona L.
Published: February 2022

A new plasma heating mechanism for Microwave Discharge Ion Sources (MDIS) was discovered. Unprecedented beam stability was observed during the commissioning of the Proton Source for the European Spallation Source (PS-ESS) where several thousand source configurations were tested using a custom software tool. Data analysis and plasma simulation revealed that the new behaviour is generated by a completely new plasma heating schema activated by a precise magnetic configuration peculiarity. The stability showed in this configuration, denominated High Stability Microwave Discharge Ion Source (HSMDIS), is excellent and the emittance of the produced beam is lower than produced by standard MDIS configuration. High linearity between power and beam current was observed making easier the use of the source. This new mode of operation can be easily implemented in all existing sources.
Segmentation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and surrounding vessels in CT images using deep convolutional neural networks and texture descriptors
Authors: Mahmoudi Tahereh , Kouzahkanan Zahra Mousavi , Radmard Amir Reza , Kafieh Raheleh , Salehnia Aneseh , Davarpanah Amir H. , Arabalibeik Hossein , Ahmadian Alireza
Published: February 2022

Fully automated and volumetric segmentation of critical tumors may play a crucial role in diagnosis and surgical planning. One of the most challenging tumor segmentation tasks is localization of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Exclusive application of conventional methods does not appear promising. Deep learning approaches has achieved great success in the computer aided diagnosis, especially in biomedical image segmentation. This paper introduces a framework based on convolutional neural network (CNN) for segmentation of PDAC mass and surrounding vessels in CT images by incorporating powerful classic features, as well. First, a 3D-CNN architecture is used to localize the pancreas region from the whole CT volume using 3D Local Binary Pattern (LBP) map of the original image. Segmentation of PDAC mass is subsequently performed using 2D attention U-Net and Texture Attention U-Net (TAU-Net). TAU-Net is introduced by fusion of dense Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) and LBP descriptors into the attention U-Net. An ensemble model is then used to cumulate the advantages of both networks using a 3D-CNN. In addition, to reduce the effects of imbalanced data, a multi-objective loss function is proposed as a weighted combination of three classic losses including Generalized Dice Loss (GDL), Weighted Pixel-Wise Cross Entropy loss (WPCE) and boundary loss. Due to insufficient sample size for vessel segmentation, we used the above-mentioned pre-trained networks and fine-tuned them. Experimental results show that the proposed method improves the Dice score for PDAC mass segmentation in portal-venous phase by 7.52% compared to state-of-the-art methods in term of DSC. Besides, three dimensional visualization of the tumor and surrounding vessels can facilitate the evaluation of PDAC treatment response.
Prognostic signature based on m6A-related lncRNAs to predict overall survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Qiong , Chen Lei , Miao Dongliu , Jin Yiqi , Zhu Zhigang
Published: February 2022

A growing body of evidence indicates that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in the progression of PDAC and the treatment response of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In this study, we identified m6A-related lncRNAs to reveal their association with PDAC in prognosis and tumor immune environment. A prognostic signature based on 9 m6A-related lncRNAs was established, and the high-risk patients exhibited a significantly worse prognosis than low-risk patients. The predictive capacity was confirmed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and an independent validation cohort. Correlation analyses revealed that m6A-related lncRNA signature was significantly associated with the number of somatic mutations, immunocyte infiltration, immune function, immune checkpoints, tumor microenvironment (TME) score, and sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. Consequently, we constructed a highly accurate nomogram for improving clinical applicability of signature and exhibited superior predictive accuracy than both the signature and tumor stage. In conclusion, our proposed m6A-related lncRNA signature is a potential indicator predictive of prognosis and immunotherapeutic responses in PDAC patients.
Ibrutinib reverses IL-6-induced osimertinib resistance through inhibition of Laminin α5/FAK signaling
Authors: Li Li , Li Zhujun , Lu Conghua , Li Jianghua , Zhang Kejun , Lin Caiyu , Tang Xiaolin , Liu Zhulin , Zhang Yimin , Han Rui , Wang Yubo , Feng Mingxia , Zhuang Yuan , Hu Chen , He Yong
Published: February 2022

Osimertinib, a 3rd generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), is the first-line standard-of-care for EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, while acquired drug resistance will inevitably occur. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a keystone cytokine in inflammation and cancer, while its role in osimertinib efficacy was unknown. Here we show that clinically, plasma IL-6 level predicts osimertinib efficacy in EGFR mutant NSCLC patients. Highly increased IL-6 levels are found in patients with acquired resistance to osimertinib. Addition of IL-6 or exogenous overexpression of IL-6 directly induces osimertinib resistance. Proteomics reveals LAMA5 (Laminin α5) and PTK2, protein tyrosine kinase 2, also called focal adhesion kinase (FAK), are activated in osimertinib-resistant cells, and siRNA knockdown of LAMA5 or PTK2 reverses IL-6-mediated osimertinib resistance. Next, using a large-scale compound screening, we identify ibrutinib as a potent inhibitor of IL-6 and Laminin α5/FAK signaling, which shows synergy with osimertinib in osimertinib-resistant cells with high IL-6 levels, but not in those with low IL-6 levels. In vivo, this combination inhibits tumor growth of xenografts bearing osimertinib-resistant tumors. Taken together, we conclude that Laminin α5/FAK signaling is responsible for IL-6-induced osimertinib resistance, which could be reversed by combination of ibrutinib and osimertinib.
Simultaneous dimensionality reduction and integration for single-cell ATAC-seq data using deep learning
Authors: Kopp Wolfgang , Akalin Altuna , Ohler Uwe
Published: February 2022

Advances in single-cell technologies enable the routine interrogation of chromatin accessibility for tens of thousands of single cells, elucidating gene regulatory processes at an unprecedented resolution. Meanwhile, size, sparsity and high dimensionality of the resulting data continue to pose challenges for its computational analysis, and specifically the integration of data from different sources. We have developed a dedicated computational approach: a variational auto-encoder using a noise model specifically designed for single-cell ATAC-seq (assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing) data, which facilitates simultaneous dimensionality reduction and batch correction via an adversarial learning strategy. We showcase its benefits for detailed cell-type characterization on individual real and simulated datasets as well as for integrating multiple complex datasets.
Non-target impacts of fungicide disturbance on phyllosphere yeasts in conventional and no-till management
Authors: Noel Zachary A , Longley Reid , Benucci Gian Maria Niccolò , Trail Frances , Chilvers Martin I , Bonito Gregory
Published: February 2022

Fungicides reduce fungal pathogen populations and are essential to food security. Understanding the impacts of fungicides on crop microbiomes is vital to minimizing unintended consequences while maintaining their use for plant protection. However, fungicide disturbance of plant microbiomes has received limited attention, and has not been examined in different agricultural management systems. We used amplicon sequencing of fungi and prokaryotes in maize and soybean microbiomes before and after foliar fungicide application in leaves and roots from plots under long-term no-till and conventional tillage management. We examined fungicide disturbance and resilience, which revealed consistent non-target effects and greater resiliency under no-till management. Fungicides lowered pathogen abundance in maize and soybean and decreased the abundance of Tremellomycetes yeasts, especially Bulleribasidiaceae, including core microbiome members. Fungicide application reduced network complexity in the soybean phyllosphere, which revealed altered co-occurrence patterns between yeast species of Bulleribasidiaceae, and Sphingomonas and Hymenobacter in fungicide treated plots. Results indicate that foliar fungicides lower pathogen and non-target fungal abundance and may impact prokaryotes indirectly. Treatment effects were confined to the phyllosphere and did not impact belowground microbial communities. Overall, these results demonstrate the resilience of no-till management to fungicide disturbance, a potential novel ecosystem service provided by no-till agriculture.
Excited-state proton transfer in a 2-aminopyridine dimer: a surface hopping study
Authors: Ray Jyotirmoy , Ramesh Sai G
Published: February 2022

The role of a charge transfer state and NH bond vibrational excitation on the excited state intermolecular proton transfer in the 2-aminopyridine dimer is studied using the fewest-switches surface hopping method at the XMS-CASPT2 and TDDFT levels.
Comment on “Foliar application of nanoparticles: mechanisms of absorption, transfer, and multiple impacts” by J. Hong, C. Wang, D. C. Wagner, J. L. Gardea-Torresdey, F. He and C. M. Rico, Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021, 8, 1196–1210, DOI: 10.1039/D0EN01129K
Authors: Husted Søren , Møs Pauline , Tougaard Stine Le , Pinna Andrea , Minutello Francesco
Published: February 2022

The number of original papers, reviews and perspectives within the area of phyto-nanotechnology is virtually exploding.
Curdlan acetate fibres with low degrees of substitution fabricated via a continuous process of chemical modification and wet spinning using an ionic liquid
Authors: Suzuki Shiori , Togo Azusa , Kimura Satoshi , Iwata Tadahisa
Published: February 2022

Curdlan was acetylated with a low degree of substitution (DS), and the reaction solution was subjected to wet spinning. The curdlan acetate fibres showed the changes in the crystalline structure and the wet-to-dry tenacity at the DS exceeding 0.8.
Making waves: how ultrasound-targeted drug delivery is changing pharmaceutical approaches
Authors: Delaney Lauren J. , Isguven Selin , Eisenbrey John R. , Hickok Noreen J. , Forsberg Flemming
Published: February 2022

A review article regarding ultrasound-triggered drug delivery, highlighting exciting clinical trials and new applications for this modality.
Improving the temperature-sensing performance of the SrZn0.33Nb0.67O3:Pr3+ phosphor via Ga3+ doping
Authors: Cui Yan , Gao Yan , Meng Zhichao , Hu Tao , Chen Yeqing , Chen Yan , Zeng Qingguang
Published: February 2022

This work highlights a novel optical thermometric phosphor SrZn0.33Nb0.67O3:Pr3+ as well as its remarkably improved temperature-sensing performance via Ga3+ doping.
Modulating the growth of chemically deposited ZnO nanowires and the formation of nitrogen- and hydrogen-related defects using pH adjustment
Authors: Villafuerte José , Sarigiannidou Eirini , Donatini Fabrice , Kioseoglou Joseph , Chaix-Pluchery Odette , Pernot Julien , Consonni Vincent
Published: February 2022

The effects of pH on the chemical bath deposition of ZnO nanowires are investigated in detail with a special emphasis on the physicochemical processes in solution and the incorporation of nitrogen- and hydrogen-related defects.
Smart poly(amidoamine) dendron-functionalized magnetic graphene oxide for cancer therapy
Authors: Ramezanpour Azar , Karami Kazem , Kharaziha Mahshid , Bayat Parvaneh , Jamshidian Nasrin
Published: February 2022

A novel multicomponent magnetic nanocomposite whose drug release behavior is pH and temperature dependent.
Crystal structure dependent cation exchange reactions in Cu2−xS nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Lihui , Kong Zhenzhen , Tao Hengcong , Hu Haifeng , Gao Jing , Li Guohua
Published: February 2022

The crystal structure of starting Cu2−xS templates dramatically affect their cation exchange reaction dynamics and pathways.
Molecular engineering of excited-state process for multicolor microcrystalline lasers
Authors: Yin Fan , De Jianbo , Huang Han , Li Yuan , Liu Meihui , Li Shuai , Gu Chunling , Yao Jiannian , Liao Qing , Fu Hongbing
Published: February 2022

We realize multicolor microcrystalline lasers by engineering the excited-state overlap between the stimulated emission and triplet absorption based on the organic molecular design. These molecules possessing both high gain and potential high carrier transport behaviors can be attractive candidates for the electrically pumped organic laser.
A luminescent Tb3+ cholate hydrogel-based multi-functionalized platform for Hg2+ and NO2 detection
Authors: Yuan Jiaxin , Shen Ao , Hao Xiaohui , Du Man , Du Xiaoyu , Ma Shufeng , Li Mengwen , Zhang Lifeng , Yang Yunxu
Published: February 2022

Hg2+ and NO2 were detected by utilizing the property of S-PB to sensitizeTb3+ by energy transfer in sodium cholate hydrogel.
Introduction to the themed collection on sustainable polymers
Authors: Buchard Antoine , Junkers Tanja
Published: February 2022

Antoine Buchard and Tanja Junkers introduce the Polymer Chemistry themed collection on Sustainable Polymers.
Polymeric dipicolylamine based mass tags for mass cytometry
Authors: Zhang Yefeng , Liu Peng , Majonis Daniel , Winnik Mitchell A.
Published: February 2022

A new type of metal-chelating polymer with pendant dipicolylamine chelators that bind rhenium and platinum has been developed for mass cytometry applications.
Investigations on sub-structures within cavities of surface imprinted polymers using AFM and PF-QNM
Authors: Werner Martin , Glück Matthias S. , Bräuer Birgit , Bismarck Alexander , Lieberzeit Peter A.
Published: February 2022

Peak-Force QNM AFM shows that adhesion of bacteria imprints differs from those of the polymer surface. It also reveals fine structures of bacteria surfaces transferred to imprints in both thin films and microparticles.
Interface temperature evolution exposed to arc discharges occurred on the uniform moist pollution layer of composite insulators based on interface fibre Bragg gratings
Authors: Hao Yanpeng , Bi Jikai , Wang Quan , Yang Lin
Published: February 2022

Arc discharges of moist polluted composite insulators pose a serious threat to the stable operation of transmission line. However, there is no effective detection technology for arc discharges. The evolution mechanism of interface temperature accompanied by arc discharges is not clear. In this paper, a 10 kV composite insulator with quasi‐distributed fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) embedded at the insulator core‐housing interface was developed. The temperature calibration experiment of interface FBGs, and the arc discharges experiment of the uniform moist polluted composite insulator were conducted. Applied voltage was controlled to get the continuous arc with an arc time of 46 s and the intermittent arc with an arc time of 8 s. Exposed to the two types of surface arcs, the interface temperature evolution was explored. A new phenomenon of the sharp drop of the interface temperature was observed: the interface temperature first drops sharply and then rises rapidly during the continuous arc. Test results show that quasi‐distributed FBGs are valid for detecting the two types of surface arcs by interface temperature rise. This paper provides a technical means to evaluate the state of surface discharges and insulating properties of composite insulators.
Geometric programming solution of second degree difficulty for carbon ejection controlled reliable smart production system
Authors: Kugele Andreas Se Ho , Ahmed Waqas , Sarkar Biswajit
Published: February 2022

Smart manufacturing systems should always aim to be fully sustainable while simultaneously being as reliable as possible which is difficult to reach. Furthermore, climate change especially by carbon emission in the industry is a significant topic and carbon emission should be controlled and reduced to save the environment. Contributing towards a greener environment in a positive manner is done by reducing the number of insufficient items that are produced in a smart production system which also can be reached with higher reliability in the system. Therefore, this study models a smart reliable production system with controlled carbon ejection. To solve the proposed smart production system in this study, a geometric programming approach with a degree of difficulty level two is used which results in optimum results that are quasi-closed. Furthermore, numerical experiments are conducted to validate the proposed model and prove that by using a higher degree geometric programming approach, an optimal solution is found. The numerical results do not only show optimal solutions but also that the smart production system with controlled carbon ejection is reliable.
Treatment of Atypical Clots
Authors: Ageno Walter
Published: February 2022

The term unusual site thrombosis refers to the occurrence of venous thromboembolism outside of the lower limbs and the pulmonary arteries. Unusual site thrombosis can virtually affect any venous segment, with the most common and/or clinically relevant sites including the upper limbs veins, the retinal veins, the splanchnic veins and the cerebral veins. Clinical features are obviously heterogeneous, while many predisposing factors are common, though with different prevalence among the various disorders. Antithrombotic therapy is prescribed to most patients, but the type, intensity, and duration of treatment vary both within and among patient groups. Increasing evidence is supporting the use of the direct oral anticoagulants in patients with upper limb deep vein thrombosis, cerebral vein thrombosis, and with splanchnic vein thrombosis. This article will review available evidence on the treatment of venous thrombosis occurring in unusual sites.
Sport mit Knieprothese – Wieviel Sport ist möglich und was gilt es zu beachten ?
Authors: Hanreich Carola , Springer Bernhard , Waldstein Wenzel , Rueckl Kilian , Bechler Ulrich , Boettner Friedrich
Published: February 2022

Mit dem demografischen Wandel der Patientenpopulation, die einen Kniegelenkersatz erhält, verändern sich die Ansprüche der Patienten. Jüngere Patienten möchten sich nach Implantation
einer Knietotalendoprothese (K-TEP) sportlich betätigen und zählen auf die Langlebigkeit des Implantates. Die Literatur zeigt, dass Patienten sowohl prä- als auch postoperativ vorwiegend
Sportarten der Kategorie Low Impact ausüben. Ein gewisser Prozentsatz praktiziert mit entsprechender Vorerfahrung auch High-Impact-Sportarten. In der operativen Versorgung kann durch
konforme Implantate die Punktbelastung der Polyethylenoberfläche verringert werden, durch eine adäquate Komponentenausrichtung erhöhter Stress an der medialen
Knochen-Implantat-Schnittstelle vermieden und durch die Vermeidung eines Retropatellarersatzes eine stärkere Belastung in tiefer Kniebeuge ermöglicht werden.

Eine K-TEP sollte heutzutage kein absolutes Hindernis für High-Impact-Sportarten wie Tennis, Golf oder Skifahren sein. Viel mehr als implantatspezifische Faktoren scheinen jedoch
patientenspezifische Faktoren ausschlaggebend zu sein, insbesondere das präoperative Aktivitätslevel und die präoperativen Sportgewohnheiten. Die vorliegende Übersichtsarbeit gibt Einblick
in das tatsächliche Sportverhalten von K-TEP-Patienten, beschreibt die biomechanischen Belastungsmuster am Kniegelenk bei diversen Sportarten und fasst die wichtigsten Aspekte in der
Versorgung von sportlich aktiven Patienten mit einer K-TEP zusammen.
Das Wichtigste auf einen Blick – Vertrag Ergotherapie
Authors: Mischner Julia Marlene
Published: February 2022

Am 15. Dezember 2021 kam das Schiedsverfahren um den Vertrag für die ambulante Ergotherapie in Deutschland zu einem Ergebnis: Seit 1. Januar 2022 gilt der neue Vertrag Ergotherapie mit dem GKV-Spitzenverband. ergopraxis hat die wichtigsten Neuerungen zusammengefasst.
Die Rechtsfrage: Welche Folgen hat das neue Infektions-schutzgesetz?
Authors: Schlegel Thomas
Published: February 2022

„Das Infektionsschutzgesetz wurde aufgrund der Coronalage geändert. Ab dem 16. März 2022 gelten für Gesundheitseinrichtungen neue Regeln. Welche Konsequenzen ergeben sich daraus für Therapiepraxen – sofern vom Bundesland nicht anders entschieden?“

Therapeut aus Baden-Württemberg
Push-Out Bond Strength of EndoSeal Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and AH Plus Sealers after Using Three Different Irrigation Protocols
Authors: Rifaat Shimaa , Rahoma Ahmed , Alkhalifa Fatimah , AlQuraini Ghofran , Alsalman Zahraa , Alwesaibi Zahraa , Taymour Noha
Published: February 2022

Objective The current study was designed to assess the bonding strength of EndoSeal MTA and AH Plus sealers after using three irrigation protocols as follows: (1) 17% Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, (2) 7% maleic acid, and (3) 37% phosphoric acid.

Materials and Methods Push-out bond strength was evaluated for 60 middle root slices of 1-mm thickness each. They were horizontally cut from freshly extracted single-rooted human teeth. A hole in the root canal was made using a carbide round bur of 1.1 mm in diameter in a middle third root slice. Specimens were dipped in 2.5% NaOCl, and then they were grouped into three groups; G1: 17% EDTA, G2: 7% maleic acid, and G3: 37% phosphoric acid as a final irrigant for 3 minutes. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups, according to the type of sealer, either EndoSeal MTA or AH Plus.

Statistical Analysis After the full set of the sealer, the bond strength was evaluated with the push-out test by applying a force to each slice using a plunger with a 1-mm diameter. The one-way Tukey's post hoc test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, and Student's t-test were utilized to gather data and statistically evaluate it.

Results The irrigation protocol used exhibited significant influence on the bond strength of EndoSeal MTA and AH Plus sealers. AH Plus sealer subgroups showed the highest bond strength with 7% maleic acid, followed by 37% phosphoric acid, and 17% EDTA. While in the EndoSeal MTA sealer subgroups, the highest bond strength was shown with the 17% EDTA followed by 7% maleic acid and 37% phosphoric acid, respectively.

Conclusion The present study revealed that the type of the final irrigant significantly impacts the bond strength of the sealer used. The AH Plus sealer bond strength was improved by using the 7% maleic acid as a final irrigant. In contrast, the EndoSeal MTA sealer showed the best results with the 17% EDTA as a final irrigant.
Determinants of Compliance for Breast and Cervical Cancers Screening among Female Police Personnel of Mumbai, India—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kulkarni Vasundhara Y. , Mishra Gauravi A. , Pimple Sharmila A. , Patil Anil S. , Bajpai Jyoti , TS Shylasree
Published: February 2022

Introduction Women working in police force have unique and vital role to play in law enforcement. Although these women have established a secured place for themselves in the police force, they are exposed to several behavioral and health risks apart from job stress. All these can have potentially serious consequences on their well-being.

Objectives To determine the compliance to breast and uterine cervical cancers screening and identify predictors of participation in breast and cervical cancers screening among women police personnel.

Materials and Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted among the Mumbai police personnel during the period 2019 to 2021. All women working for Mumbai police work force in 12 zones were invited to participate in the study. Temporary clinics for screening were set up in different police stations and eligible participants were enrolled after obtaining written informed consent. This was followed by sociodemographic and risk factor assessment, health education program, screening for common cancers conducted by trained primary health workers (breast by clinical breast examination and uterine cervix by visual inspection with 5% acetic acid). Screen positives were referred according to predefined referral criteria for further investigations and management.

Results A total of 3,017 police women were contacted, among them, 2,629 (87.14%) were eligible for screening, 2,609 (99.24%) participated in health education, and 1,839 (69.95%) complied for breast or cervical cancer screening. Further, compliance for screening of breast and uterine cervix were 1,837 (91.67%) and 1,297 (64.72%). A total of 256 (13.94%) and 217 (11.81%) police women were screen positives for breast and cervical cancers. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, women younger than 50 years, those who were not married or were widowed or separated, postmenopausal women, and those who did not have shift duties had higher compliance for breast and cervix cancers screening.

Conclusion Good participation for breast and cervical cancers screening was seen among the women police personnel. This study has demonstrated that awareness and screening by simple low-cost methods for breast and cervical cancers screening is easily implementable and can be replicated among the women police force in different states of India.
Disability and Mortality in Convulsive Status Epilepticus in Children at 3 Months' Follow-Up: A Prospective Study from India
Authors: Pathania Vansha , Guglani Vishal , Azad Chandrika , Jain Suksham , Kaur Ravinder , Singh Dharmendra Kumar
Published: February 2022

Background Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) is a common neurological emergency with high mortality, morbidity, and poor quality of life. There is a paucity of follow-up studies from developing nations in pediatric age group.

Objectives This article looks for clinico-etiological profile of CSE and estimates the immediate and short-term mortality in children with CSE and its predictive factors.

Methodology This prospective longitudinal study was done at a tertiary care institute of Northern India. The patients between the ages of 1 and 16 years with CSE were enrolled after informed consent, they were observed in the hospital, and survived patients were followed till 3 months after discharge.

Results A total of 200 patients (58% males) were enrolled. Acute symptomatic (63.5%) was the most common etiology. Twenty-five (12.5%) patients died during hospital stay; at discharge, 160 (80%) had good recovery and rest had a varying range of disability. The predictive factors for poor outcome were female gender, duration of CSE > 1 hour at presentation, generalized seizures, Glasgow Coma Scale < 8 at presentation, refractory status epilepticus, need for critical care support, and acute symptomatic etiology. On follow-up, two patients died at 1-month and one at 3-month follow-up, the cause of death was probably seizures in two patients and feed aspiration in one patient. Seven patients deteriorated from good recovery scoring to moderate disability during the time interval between first and second follow-up, none of them reported apparent repeat seizures.

Conclusion Pediatric CSE is associated with immediate poor outcome; risk of death and new disabilities persist after discharge thus proper follow-up is essential.