bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of systemic levels of TNF-alpha and complement pathway activity on outcomes of VEGF inhibition in neovascular AMD
Authors: Khan Adnan H. , Pierce Charles O. , De Salvo Gabriella , Griffiths Helen , Nelson Marie , Cree Angela J. , Menon Geeta , Lotery Andrew J.
Published: November 2021

Background/Objectives

Systemic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activated complement components affect the risk and/or progression of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study investigated the effect of serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and complement pathway activity on the clinical response to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition in neovascular AMD.

Methods

Sixty-five patients with a new diagnosis of neovascular AMD were observed over a six-month period in a single-centre, longitudinal cohort study. At each visit, the visual acuity score (VAS), central macular thickness (CMT), serum levels of CRP, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-8), and complement pathway activity were measured. Participant DNA samples were sequenced for six complement pathway single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with AMD.

Results

A statistically significant difference in VAS was observed for serum levels of TNF-α only: there was a gain in VAS (from baseline) of 1.37 for participants below the 1st quartile of mean concentration compared to a reduction of 2.71 for those above the 3rd quartile. Statistical significance was maintained after Bonferroni correction (P value set at <0.006). No significant differences in CMT were observed. In addition, statistically significant differences, maintained after Bonferroni correction, were observed in serum complement activity for participants with the following SNPs: CFH region (rs1061170), SERPING1 (rs2511989) and CFB (rs641153). Serum complement pathway components did not significantly affect VAS.

Conclusions

Lower serum TNF-α levels were associated with an increase in visual acuity after anti-VEGF therapy. This suggests that targeting pro-inflammatory cytokines may augment treatment for neovascular AMD.
Deficiency of TET3 leads to a genome-wide DNA hypermethylation episignature in human whole blood
Authors: Levy Michael A. , Beck David B. , Metcalfe Kay , Douzgou Sofia , Sithambaram Sivagamy , Cottrell Trudie , Ansar Muhammad , Kerkhof Jennifer , Mignot Cyril , Nougues Marie-Christine , Keren Boris , Moore Hannah W. , Oegema Renske , Giltay Jacques C. , Simon Marleen , van Jaarsveld Richard H. , Bos Jessica , van Haelst Mieke , Motazacker M. Mahdi , Boon Elles M. J. , Santen Gijs W. E. , Ruivenkamp Claudia A. L. , Alders Marielle , Luperchio Teresa Romeo , Boukas Leandros , Ramsey Keri , Narayanan Vinodh , Schaefer G. Bradley , Bonasio Roberto , Doheny Kimberly F. , Stevenson Roger E. , Banka Siddharth , Sadikovic Bekim , Fahrner Jill A.
Published: November 2021

TET3 encodes an essential dioxygenase involved in epigenetic regulation through DNA demethylation. TET3 deficiency, or Beck-Fahrner syndrome (BEFAHRS; MIM: 618798), is a recently described neurodevelopmental disorder of the DNA demethylation machinery with a nonspecific phenotype resembling other chromatin-modifying disorders, but inconsistent variant types and inheritance patterns pose diagnostic challenges. Given TET3’s direct role in regulating 5-methylcytosine and recent identification of syndrome-specific DNA methylation profiles, we analyzed genome-wide DNA methylation in whole blood of TET3-deficient individuals and identified an episignature that distinguishes affected and unaffected individuals and those with mono-allelic and bi-allelic pathogenic variants. Validation and testing of the episignature correctly categorized known TET3 variants and determined pathogenicity of variants of uncertain significance. Clinical utility was demonstrated when the episignature alone identified an affected individual from over 1000 undiagnosed cases and was confirmed upon distinguishing TET3-deficient individuals from those with 46 other disorders. The TET3-deficient signature - and the signature resulting from activating mutations in DNMT1 which normally opposes TET3 - are characterized by hypermethylation, which for BEFAHRS involves CpG sites that may be biologically relevant. This work expands the role of epi-phenotyping in molecular diagnosis and reveals genome-wide DNA methylation profiling as a quantitative, functional readout for characterization of this new biochemical category of disease.
Beyond the standard quantum limit for parametric amplification of broadband signals
Authors: Renger M. , Pogorzalek S. , Chen Q. , Nojiri Y. , Inomata K. , Nakamura Y. , Partanen M. , Marx A. , Gross R. , Deppe F. , Fedorov K. G.
Published: November 2021

The low-noise amplification of weak microwave signals is crucial for countless protocols in quantum information processing. Quantum mechanics sets an ultimate lower limit of half a photon to the added input noise for phase-preserving amplification of narrowband signals, also known as the standard quantum limit (SQL). This limit, which is equivalent to a maximum quantum efficiency of 0.5, can be overcome by employing nondegenerate parametric amplification of broadband signals. We show that, in principle, a maximum quantum efficiency of unity can be reached. Experimentally, we find a quantum efficiency of 0.69 ± 0.02, well beyond the SQL, by employing a flux-driven Josephson parametric amplifier and broadband thermal signals. We expect that our results allow for fundamental improvements in the detection of ultraweak microwave signals.
Room temperature XFEL crystallography reveals asymmetry in the vicinity of the two phylloquinones in photosystem I
Authors: Keable Stephen M. , Kölsch Adrian , Simon Philipp S. , Dasgupta Medhanjali , Chatterjee Ruchira , Subramanian Senthil Kumar , Hussein Rana , Ibrahim Mohamed , Kim In-Sik , Bogacz Isabel , Makita Hiroki , Pham Cindy C. , Fuller Franklin D. , Gul Sheraz , Paley Daniel , Lassalle Louise , Sutherlin Kyle D. , Bhowmick Asmit , Moriarty Nigel W. , Young Iris D. , Blaschke Johannes P. , de Lichtenberg Casper , Chernev Petko , Cheah Mun Hon , Park Sehan , Park Gisu , Kim Jangwoo , Lee Sang Jae , Park Jaehyun , Tono Kensuke , Owada Shigeki , Hunter Mark S. , Batyuk Alexander , Oggenfuss Roland , Sander Mathias , Zerdane Serhane , Ozerov Dmitry , Nass Karol , Lemke Henrik , Mankowsky Roman , Brewster Aaron S. , Messinger Johannes , Sauter Nicholas K. , Yachandra Vittal K. , Yano Junko , Zouni Athina , Kern Jan
Published: November 2021

Photosystem I (PS I) has a symmetric structure with two highly similar branches of pigments at the center that are involved in electron transfer, but shows very different efficiency along the two branches. We have determined the structure of cyanobacterial PS I at room temperature (RT) using femtosecond X-ray pulses from an X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) that shows a clear expansion of the entire protein complex in the direction of the membrane plane, when compared to previous cryogenic structures. This trend was observed by complementary datasets taken at multiple XFEL beamlines. In the RT structure of PS I, we also observe conformational differences between the two branches in the reaction center around the secondary electron acceptors A1A and A1B. The π-stacked Phe residues are rotated with a more parallel orientation in the A-branch and an almost perpendicular confirmation in the B-branch, and the symmetry breaking PsaB-Trp673 is tilted and further away from A1A. These changes increase the asymmetry between the branches and may provide insights into the preferential directionality of electron transfer.
Subjective well-being in non-obese individuals depends strongly on body composition
Authors: Chlabicz Małgorzata , Dubatówka Marlena , Jamiołkowski Jacek , Sowa Paweł , Łapińska Magda , Raczkowski Andrzej , Łaguna Wojciech , Moniuszko-Malinowska Anna M. , Waszkiewicz Napoleon , Kowalska Irina , Kamiński Karol A.
Published: November 2021

While obesity has been correlated with welfare in the general population, there is not much data on the influence of body composition on welfare among the non-obese adult individuals. In this study, a total of 726 non-obese individuals from the general population were analyzed. The mean age was 46.8 ± 15.4 years and 42.1% of participants were male. The anthropometric measurements and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) were done. The mean value for the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was 23.09 ± 5.43, for Euro Quality of Life Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) was 78.0 ± 14.5, and for the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was 6.7 ± 6.6. On the SWLS, the higher waist-hip ratio had a negative impact even after adjusting for age, gender, and concomitant diseases. EQ-VAS was inversely associated with android fat distribution and directly associated with muscle mass. BDI value was inversely associated with lower muscle mass, especially in lower limbs. The well-being of women was mainly associated with the distribution of adipose tissue and less with the distribution of muscle tissue—abdominal fat distribution has a particularly negative impact on well-being among women. In contrast, men’s well-being depends more on muscle mass and to a lesser extent on the distribution of fat tissue—a positive significant effect has lean mass and a circumference of thigh below gluteal fold.
Unraveling genetics of semi-determinacy and identification of markers for indeterminate stem growth habit in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Ambika  , Hegde Venkatraman , Nimmy M. S. , Bharadwaj C. , Tripathi Shailesh , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Kumar Rajendra
Published: November 2021

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is predominantly an indeterminate plant and tends to generate vegetative growth when the ambient is conducive for soil moisture, temperature and certain other environmental conditions. The semi-determinate (SDT) types are comparatively early, resistant to lodging and found to be similar in their yield potential to indeterminate (IDT) lines. Indeterminate and semi-determinate genotypes are found to be similar during early stage, which makes it difficult to distinguish between them. Thus, there is a need to identify molecular markers linked either to indeterminate or semi-determinate plant types. The present study was carried out to study the genetics of semi-determinacy and identify molecular markers linked to stem growth habit. The study was undertaken in the cross involving BG 362(IDT) × BG 3078-1(SDT). All F1 plants were indeterminate, which indicates that indeterminate stem type is dominant over semi-determinate. In further advancement to F2 generation, F2 plants are segregated in the ratio of 3(Indeterminate): 1(Semi-determinate) that indicates that the IDT and SDT parents which are involved in the cross differed for a single gene. The segregation pattern observed in F2 is confirmed in F3 generation. The parental polymorphic survey was undertaken for molecular analysis using total of 245 SSR markers, out of which 41 polymorphic markers were found to distinguish the parents and were utilized for bulked segregant analysis (BSA). The segregation pattern in F2 indicates that the IDT (Indeterminate) and SDT (Semi-determinate) parents which are involved in the cross differed for single gene. The segregation pattern of F2 and F3 derived from the cross BG 362 (IDT) × BG 3078-1 (SDT) confirmed the genotypic structure of the newly found SDT genotype BG 3078-1 as dt1dt1Dt2Dt2. Three SSR markers TA42, Ca_GPSSR00560 and H3DO5 were found to be putatively linked to Dt1 locus regulating IDT stem growth habit. Our results indicate that the SSR markers identified for Dt1 locus helps to differentiate stem growth habit of chickpea in its early growth stage itself and can be efficiently utilized in Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) for changed plant type in chickpea.
Compositional assessment of bone by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Unal Mustafa , Ahmed Rafay , Mahadevan-Jansen Anita , Nyman Jeffry S.
Published: November 2021

Raman spectroscopy (RS) is used to analyze the physiochemical properties of bone because it is non-destructive and requires minimal sample preparation.
Increasing membrane permeability of carboxylic acid-containing drugs using synthetic transmembrane anion transporters
Authors: Salam Rayhanus , Chowdhury Surid Mohammad , Marshall Sarah R. , Gneid Hassan , Busschaert Nathalie
Published: November 2021

Simple 1,3-diphenylureas are capable of transporting carboxylic acid-based drugs across phospholipid bilayers without affecting the permeability of other physiological anions such as chloride.
Metal and metal oxide amorphous nanomaterials towards electrochemical applications
Authors: Han Xiao , Wu Geng , Du Junyi , Pi Jinglin , Yan Muyu , Hong Xun
Published: November 2021

Amorphous nanomaterials have aroused extensive interest due to their unique properties. Their performance is highly related with their distinct atomic arrangements, which have no long-range order but possess short- to medium-range order.
C–H Electrophilic (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylation of (hetero)arenes with a newly designed reagent
Authors: Nobile Enzo , Castanheiro Thomas , Besset Tatiana
Published: November 2021

A new electrophilic (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylating reagent was easily prepared and offered a versatile tool for the synthesis of PhSO2CF2S-containing molecules.
The mechanism of organic radical oxidation catalysed by gold nanoparticles
Authors: Shcherbakov Viacheslav , Denisov Sergey A. , Mostafavi Mehran
Published: November 2021

The catalytic effect of AuNPs for alpha-isopropyl radical oxidation to acetone and acetanilide hydroxylation in the presence of oxygen.
Immobilization of molecular catalysts on solid supports via atomic layer deposition for chemical synthesis in sustainable solvents
Authors: Ayare Pooja J. , Gregory Shawn A. , Key Ryan J. , Short Andrew E. , Tillou Jake G. , Sitter James D. , Yom Typher , Goodlett Dustin W. , Lee Dong-Chan , Alamgir Faisal M. , Losego Mark D. , Vannucci Aaron K.
Published: November 2021

Atomic layer deposition immobilizes molecular catalysts on solid supports, which prevents molecular deactivation pathways and leads to longer catalyst lifetimes in high aqueous content solvents.
Structural insights into the interactions of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 with chromatin
Authors: Iragavarapu Akhil Gargey , Yao Liqi , Kasinath Vignesh
Published: November 2021

Polycomb repressive complexes are a family of chromatin modifier enzymes which are critical for regulating gene expression and maintaining cell-type identity. The reversible chemical modifications of histone H3 and H2A by the Polycomb proteins are central to its ability to function as a gene silencer. PRC2 is both a reader and writer of the tri-methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) which serves as a marker for transcription repression, and heterochromatin boundaries. Over the last few years, several studies have provided key insights into the mechanisms regulating the recruitment and activation of PRC2 at Polycomb target genes. In this review, we highlight the recent structural studies which have elucidated the roles played by Polycomb cofactor proteins in mediating crosstalk between histone post-translational modifications and the recruitment of PRC2 and the stimulation of PRC2 methyltransferase activity.
Regulation and functional role of the electron transport chain supercomplexes
Authors: Cogliati Sara , Cabrera-Alarcón Jose Luis , Enriquez Jose Antonio
Published: November 2021

Mitochondria are one of the most exhaustively investigated organelles in the cell and most attention has been paid to the components of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) in the last 100 years. The ETC collects electrons from NADH or FADH2 and transfers them through a series of electron carriers within multiprotein respiratory complexes (complex I to IV) to oxygen, therefore generating an electrochemical gradient that can be used by the F1-F0-ATP synthase (also named complex V) in the mitochondrial inner membrane to synthesize ATP. The organization and function of the ETC is a continuous source of surprises. One of the latest is the discovery that the respiratory complexes can assemble to form a variety of larger structures called super-complexes (SCs). This opened an unexpected level of complexity in this well-known and fundamental biological process. This review will focus on the current evidence for the formation of different SCs and will explore how they modulate the ETC organization according to the metabolic state. Since the field is rapidly growing, we also comment on the experimental techniques used to describe these SC and hope that this overview may inspire new technologies that will help to advance the field.
Validation scheme for solar coronal models: Constraints from multi-perspective observations in EUV and white light
Authors: Wagner A. , Asvestari E. , Temmer M. , Heinemann S. G. , Pomoell J.
Published: November 2021

Context. In this paper, we present a validation scheme to investigate the quality of coronal magnetic field models, which is based on comparisons with observational data from multiple sources.

Aims. Many of these coronal models may use a range of initial parameters that produce a large number of physically reasonable field configurations. However, that does not mean that these results are reliable and comply with the observations. With an appropriate validation scheme, which is the aim of this work, the quality of a coronal model can be assessed.

Methods. The validation scheme was developed with the example of the EUropean Heliospheric FORecasting Information Asset (EUHFORIA) coronal model. For observational comparison, we used extreme ultraviolet and white-light data to detect coronal features on the surface (open magnetic field areas) and off-limb (streamer and loop) structures from multiple perspectives (Earth view and the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory – STEREO). The validation scheme can be applied to any coronal model that produces magnetic field line topology.

Results. We show its applicability by using the validation scheme on a large set of model configurations, which can be efficiently reduced to an ideal set of parameters that matches best with observational data.

Conclusions. We conclude that by using a combined empirical visual classification with a mathematical scheme of topology metrics, a very efficient and objective quality assessment for coronal models can be performed.
A Finite Element Parametric Study of Reinforced Concrete Horizontally Circular Deep Beams
Authors: Talal A. A. , Khaleel W. H. , Hassan B. N. , Abdul-Razzaq K. S. , Dawood A. A.
Published: November 2021

A parametric study of twenty-five reinforced concrete ring deep beams using finite element analysis is presented in this study. This paper took into account the kind of loading (partial and complete), the diameter, depth, and width of the ring beam, as well as the NO. of supports. When compared to equivalent concentrated central loading, acting a central partial distributed loading of 25-100 percent of the length of span increased capacity of load by about 3-80 percent while decreasing max. deflection and moments of torsion by about 4-14 percent and 1-9 percent, respectively. Decreases in load capacity of about 10-33 percent were observed when beam diameter was increased by 20-80%, while deflection and moments of torsion increased by about 30-145 percent and 8-23 percent, respectively. When the depth of the beam was increased by 12-50 percent, the capacity of load and moments of torsion increased by about 15-61 percent, while deflection reduced by about 8-21 percent. When the circular beam width was increased by 40-160 percent, the capacity of load, deflection, and moments of torsion increased by about 142-690 percent, 26-62 percent, and 137-662 percent, respectively. Finally, when the NO. of supports increased by 25-150 percent, the capacity of load increased by about 70-380 percent, while the deflection and moments of torsion decreased by about 27-71 percent and 16-72 percent, respectively.
Behaviour of One-Way Reinforcement Concrete Cantilever Slabs with Circle Openings
Authors: Yaseen Aws N. , Al-Ahmed Ali H. Ali
Published: November 2021

Sometimes there is in need to make openings in the slabs, and this greatly effects on the strength of the structural element. Therefore, this research studies the behaviour of one-way reinforcement concrete cantilever slabs and the extent of their effect and resistance. The number of openings, their location and sizes are the main parameters that have been studied. A comparison was made between four slabs with openings and a fifth reference model (solid slab). After conducting laboratory tests, differences were found in their behaviour and resistance. The decrease in the ultimate load reached 31.5%, while the deflection rate was a decrease between 3.2% and 62.7%. It was also found that the location and number of openings affected the behaviour of the slab.
Topographic and Hydrologic Analyses using Geographic Information System (GIS): A Case Study of Karbala City-Iraq
Authors: Maarez Habeeb Ghdhaib , Jaber Hussein Sabah
Published: November 2021

Analyses are the power point of GIS because GIS can process and analyze different data such as spatial and attribute data, leading to obtaining new results for supporting decision-makers. This research aims to study two types of advanced analyses include; topographic and hydrologic analyses for the western part of Karbala in Iraq using GIS. The topographic analysis aims to know surface terrain and obtain the results of digital maps that show the simulation of the study area based on some methods and tools in GIS after creating DEM for study area from field survey methods such as slope, aspect, hill shades, and contour maps. After that, hydrologic analysis is done based on DEM of the study area, where this analysis gives digital maps that show the main and minor hydrological properties of the region, such as flow direction, flow accumulation, stream order, and basin maps. These analyses are very important for making decisions in studying the topographic and hydrologic properties of any region in Iraq, and the GIS technique offers a save in time, cost and efforts.
Development of a substorms catalog including the MPB observed at Panagjurishte station, Bulgaria
Authors: Guineva Veneta , Werner Rolf , Lubchich Andris , Atanassov Atanas , Bojilova Rumiana , Raykova Lyubomira , Valev Dimitar , Despirak Irina
Published: November 2021

In this work the first results of the creation of a substorms catalog including the mid-latitude positive bays (MPB) registered at the Bulgarian station Panagjurishte (∼37° GMLat, ∼97° GMLon) are presented. MPB index characterizes the mid-latitude effect of substorm, which developed at auroral latitudes, and it is associated with the substorm current wedge.

The work went in several lines. First, the catalog design and content were taken. Second, tools of data processing have been developed. Third, substorms during two months, namely January and February 2013 were identified. And finally, data processing was implemented and the characteristics of the positive bays were determined.

The obtained data and their visualizations were put in a convenient folder and file structure, ftp positioned.
Lidar for atmospheric transparency monitoring
Authors: Shevtsov Boris , Bychkov Vasily , Perezhogin Andrey , Seredkin Ilya
Published: November 2021

The transparency of the atmosphere affects the quality of astronomical observations and optical communications, but above all, it directly controls the fluxes of radiation, which is of particular interest for the study of weather and climate changes. The transparency of the atmosphere also affects the success of observing thermospheric lidar reflections. Since they are a consequence of the high transparency of the atmosphere, the reflections can be used as characteristics of atmospheric transparency.
Observations of resonant scattering in the thermosphere and upper mesosphere in the winter season of 2021
Authors: Bychkov Vasily , Seredkin Ilia , Dmitriev Alexei
Published: November 2021

An analysis of the Kamchatka lidar station data obtained in January-February 2021 is presented. Pronounced light scattering layers at altitudes of 300 km have been detected. Layers at these heights appear during precipitation of electrons with energies of about 300 eV. Analysis of the lidar data showed that increased light scattering was observed at the heights of the mesosphere, accompanied by an increase in the ionospheric parameter fmin. It was concluded that the observed aerosol formations in the mesopause region could be caused by precipitation of charged particles with energies of ∼ 500 keV. Aerosol formations in the area of 60-75 km should be recognized as imaginary. This is a manifestation of resonant scattering by excited ions of atomic nitrogen
Generation of equations for shell models of turbulence in the Maple system
Authors: Feshchenko Liubov , Vodinchar Gleb
Published: November 2021

The paper describes a technology for the automated compilation of equations for shell models of turbulence in the computer algebra system Maple. A general form of equations for the coefficients of nonlinear interactions is given, which will ensure that the required combination of quadratic invariants and power-law solutions is fulfilled in the model. Described the codes for the Maple system allowing to generate and solve systems of equations for the coefficients. The proposed technology allows you to quickly and accurately generate classes of shell models with the desired properties.
Estimation earthquake occurrence probability in Kamchatka region based on seismological and complex of ionospheric precursors
Authors: Boganov Vadim , Pavlov Aleksey
Published: November 2021

In this paper the authors present the method of estimation of a region, waiting period and probability of strong earthquakes with KS ≥ 13.5 (M ≥ 6.0) in Kamchatka region based on the combination of mid-term and short-term predictive signs accompanying earthquake formation. The seismological predictive parameter ξP was taken as a mid-term precursor. It was calculated on the basis of the probabilistic model of seismic regime. A complex of ionospheric parameters was considered as short-term predictive signs with an earthquake waiting period of up to 5 days. It includes the K-layer, the sporadic Es layer of the r type, the critical frequency foF2, and the frequency stratification of the F2 layer. The probabilities of strong earthquakes with KS ≥ 13.5 (M ≥ 6.0) that occurred over the period 2019–2021 in an expected zone, determined by the parameter ξP, were estimated on the basis of Bayes method provided that a complex of anomalous parameters of the ionosphere was identified.
Facilitated Tenon-Free Conjunctival Autograft Preparation and Limited Tenon Removal Technique in Pterygium Surgery
Authors: Ucar Fikret , Seyrek Lutfi , Cetinkaya Servet , Ture Huseyin , Kadioglu Ekrem
Published: November 2021

Background The main complication of primary pterygium surgery is the recurrence of the pterygium. In the present study, we aimed to compare a classical technique and facilitated tenon-free conjunctival autograft preparation and a limited tenon removal technique in pterygium surgery in terms of recurrence rate, complications, and operation duration.

Material and Methods This is a retrospective, comparative, observational study. Group 1 comprised 120 eyes of 115 patients who underwent pterygium excision with a new facilitated tenon-free conjunctival-limbal autograft preparation and limited tenon removal technique between May 2017 and October 2019. Group 2 comprised 117 eyes of 113 patients who underwent pterygium excision with a conventional conjunctival-limbal autograft technique between January 2016 and May 2017.

Results The mean follow-up time after surgery was 18.2 ± 5.8 months in group 1 and 19.1 ± 6.3 months in group 2 (p = 0.25). The mean operation duration was 5.54 ± 1.22 (4 – 7) minutes in group 1 and 8.23 ± 1.26 (8 – 10) minutes in group 2 (p = 0.02). Flap edema was present in 33 eyes (28.2%) in group 2 and in 11 eyes (9.16%) in group 1. Flap edema was significantly higher in group 2 (p < 0.001). At the end of the 1-year follow-up of the patients, we observed recurrence in only one (0.83%) eye in group 1 and 14 (11.96%) eyes in group 2. The recurrence rate of group 1 was significantly less than that of group 2 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions The simplified technique of tenon-free conjunctival autograft preparation and limited tenon removal yielded better clinical outcomes without serious complications. Additionally, this technique shortened the surgical time and reduced surgeon-dependent factors.
Quality Requirements for gynecological ultrasound examinations of DEGUM level II – Recommendations of the Sections/Working Groups Gynecology and Obstetrics of DEGUM, ÖGUM and SGUM
Authors: Hoopmann Markus , Tutschek Boris , Merz Eberhard , Eichhorn Karl-Heinz , Kagan Karl Oliver , Heling Kai-Sven , Faber Renaldo , Rempen Andreas , Kaehler Christiane , Manegold-Brauer Gwendolin , Helmy Samir , Klaritsch Philipp , Grab Dieter
Published: November 2021

Gynecological sonography is the central and most frequently used technical examination method used by gynecologists. Its focus is on the clarification of masses of the uterus and the adnexa, fertility diagnosis, clarification of bleeding disorders and chronic and acute pelvic problems, pelvic floor and incontinence diagnosis as well as the differential diagnosis of disturbed early pregnancy. The indication for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, preoperative planning and postoperative controls are largely based on the findings of gynecological sonography. These examinations are particularly dependent on the experience of the examiner.

Based on the proven multi-stage concept of obstetric diagnostics, gynecological sonography should primarily be performed by an experienced and specialized examiner in patients for whom the initial gynecological examinations have not yet led to a sufficient assessment of the findings. So that the expert status required for this has an objective basis, the Gynecology and Obstetrics Section of DEGUM in cooperation with ÖGUM and SGUM implemented the option of acquiring DEGUM Level II for gynecological sonography. The effectiveness of the care in the multi-level concept depends on the quality of the ultrasound examination at level I. Quality requirements for the basic examination and the differentiation between the basic and further examination have therefore already been defined by DEGUM/ÖGUM. The present work is intended to set out quality requirements for gynecological sonography of DEGUM level II and for the correspondingly certified gynecologists.

Common pathologies from gynecological sonography and requirements for imaging and documentation are described.
Bidomain modeling of electrical and mechanical properties of cardiac tissue
Authors: Roth Bradley J.
Published: November 2021

Throughout the history of cardiac research, there has been a clear need to establish mathematical models to complement experimental studies. In an effort to create a more complete picture of cardiac phenomena, the bidomain model was established in the late 1970s to better understand pacing and defibrillation in the heart. This mathematical model has seen ongoing use in cardiac research, offering mechanistic insight that could not be obtained from experimental pursuits. Introduced from a historical perspective, the origins of the bidomain model are reviewed to provide a foundation for researchers new to the field and those conducting interdisciplinary research. The interplay of theory and experiment with the bidomain model is explored, and the contributions of this model to cardiac biophysics are critically evaluated. Also discussed is the mechanical bidomain model, which is employed to describe mechanotransduction. Current challenges and outstanding questions in the use of the bidomain model are addressed to give a forward-facing perspective of the model in future studies.
Coupled Helmholtz equations: Chirped solitary waves
Authors: Saha Naresh , Roy Barnana , Khare Avinash
Published: November 2021

We investigate the existence and stability properties of chirped gray and anti-dark solitary waves within the framework of a coupled cubic nonlinear Helmholtz equation in the presence of self-steepening and a self-frequency shift. We show that for a particular combination of self-steepening and a self-frequency shift, there is not only chirping but also chirp reversal. Specifically, the associated nontrivial phase has two intensity dependent terms: one varies as the reciprocal of the intensity, while the other, which depends on non-Kerr nonlinearities, is directly proportional to the intensity. This causes chirp reversal across the solitary wave profile. A different combination of non-Kerr terms leads to chirping but no chirp reversal. The influence of a nonparaxial parameter on physical quantities, such as intensity, speed, and pulse width of the solitary waves, is studied as well. It is found that the speed of the solitary waves can be tuned by altering the nonparaxial parameter. Stable propagation of these nonparaxial solitary waves is achieved by an appropriate choice of parameters.
Bifurcation analysis of multistability of synchronous states in the system of two delay-coupled oscillators
Authors: Adilova A. B. , Balakin M. I. , Gerasimova S. A. , Ryskin N. M.
Published: November 2021

Systems of mutually coupled oscillators with delay coupling are of great interest for various applications in electronics, laser physics, biophysics, etc. Time delay usually originates from the finite speed of propagation of the coupling signal. In this paper, we present the results of detailed bifurcation analysis of two delay-coupled limit-cycle (Landau–Stuart) oscillators. First, we study the simplified case when the delay time is much smaller than the oscillation build-up time. When the coupling signal propagates between the two counterparts, it acquires a phase shift, which strongly affects the synchronization pattern. Depending on this phase shift, the system may demonstrate the behavior typical for either dissipative or conservative (reactive) coupling. We examine stability of the in-phase and anti-phase synchronous states and reveal the complicated pattern of the synchronization domains on the frequency mismatch—coupling strength parameter plane paying a special attention to the mechanisms of appearance and disappearance of the phase multistability. We demonstrate that taking into account reactive phase nonlinearity the coupling signal acquires an additional phase shift, which depends on the signal intensity. We also examine the more complicated case of finite delay time. The increase of the reactive nonlinearity parameter and the delay time leads to transformations of synchronization domains similar to those that occur when the phase shift increases. For the bifurcation analysis, we employ XPPAUT and DDEBifTool package and verify the results by direct numerical integration.
Origin and structure of electromagnetic generator regions at the edge of the electron diffusion region
Authors: Payne D. S. , Farrugia C. J. , Torbert R. B. , Germaschewski K. , Rogers A. R. , Argall M. R.
Published: November 2021

During the process of magnetic reconnection, converging magnetic fields transfer some of the stored magnetic energy into plasma energy. Simulations and spacecraft data suggest that at the edges of the electron diffusion region, “generators” can form where the local electromagnetic field gains energy from the plasma. We use a 2D Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation and Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft data to investigate the electron dynamics and energy budget of these generators. PIC simulation results suggest that these generators form where the electron population begins to remagnetize, while still not being fully frozen in to the magnetic fields. Super-Alfvénic electrons locally lose bulk kinetic energy to Hall electric fields along the outflow axis and to the out-of-plane reconnection electric field as they become remagnetized. These “partial” remagnetization regions also exhibit signatures of irreversible dissipation in MMS data, such as electron enthalpy flux and enhanced electron thermal energy density as remagnetized electrons scatter away from the neutral line within the Hall field structures of the exhaust.
Role of hydrogen and proton transportation in Earth’s deep mantle
Authors: Hu Qingyang , Mao Ho-kwang
Published: November 2021

Hydrogen (H) is the most abundant element in the known universe, and on the Earth’s surface it bonds with oxygen to form water, which is a distinguishing feature of this planet. In the Earth’s deep mantle, H is stored hydroxyl (OH−) in hydrous or nominally anhydrous minerals. Despite its ubiquity on the surface, the abundance of H in the Earth’s deep interior is uncertain. Estimates of the total H budget in the Earth’s interior have ranged from less than one hydrosphere, which assumes an H-depleted interior, to hundreds of hydrospheres, which assumes that H is siderophile (iron-loving) in the core. This discrepancy raises the questions of how H is stored and transported in the Earth’s deep interior, the answers to which will constrain its behavior in the deep lower mantle, which is defined as the layer between 1700 km depth and the core–mantle boundary.
Development of platinum-group-metals-containing high entropy alloys with outstanding thermal capability and hot hardness
Authors: Tsao Te-Kang , Sheikh Saad , Murakami Hideyuki
Published: November 2021

Four equi- or near equi-molar platinum-group-metals-containing high entropy alloys (PGM-HEAs) have been developed with the aim to identify promising materials for ultra-high temperature applications. Experimental results indicate that IrNiPtRh and IrNiPtRhCo HEAs can form single phase fcc solid-solution, while secondary phases are also formed within the fcc matrix in IrNiPtRhAg0.5 and IrNiPtRhAl0.5 alloys, which are identified as (Ag, Pt)-rich fcc2 and (Pt, Ni)3Al-L12 phases, respectively. For mechanical performance, the room to high temperature hardness of PGM-HEAs is outstanding, especially for IrNiPtRhAl0.5, which shows significantly improved hot hardness than those of Ni-based superalloys, such as IN718 and Udimet 720Li, at temperatures above 800 °C, while it also exhibits much higher melting tolerance. It is related to the contributions from the advantages of platinum-group-metals, strong solution hardening, and L12 precipitation strengthening, thus providing superior resistance against thermal softening. It is believed that the current findings will shed light toward a promising research direction for ultrahigh-temperature applications, which is hard to achieve for the traditional platinum-group-alloys. In addition, the design space of compositionally complex alloys for future investigations would be significantly broadened.
Spherical vs non-spherical and symmetry-preserving vs symmetry-breaking densities of open-shell atoms in density functional theory
Authors: Chowdhury Shah Tanvir ur Rahman , Perdew John P.
Published: November 2021

The atomization energies of molecules from first-principles density functional approximations improve from the local spin-density approximation to the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) generalized gradient approximation (GGA) to the strongly constrained and appropriately normed (SCAN) meta-GGA, and their sensitivities to non-spherical components of the density increase in the same order. Thus, these functional advances increase density sensitivity and imitate the exact constrained search over correlated wavefunctions better than that over ensembles. The diatomic molecules studied here, singlet C2 and F2 plus triplet B2 and O2, have cylindrically symmetric densities. Because the densities of the corresponding atoms are non-spherical, the approximate Kohn–Sham potentials for the atoms have a lower symmetry than that of the external (nuclear) potential so that the non-interacting wavefunctions are not eigenstates of the square of total orbital angular momentum, breaking a symmetry that yields a feature of the exact ground-state density. That spatial symmetry can be preserved by a non-self-consistent approach in which a self-consistent equilibrium-ensemble calculation is followed by integer re-occupation of the Kohn–Sham orbitals as the first of several steps. The symmetry-preserving approach is different from symmetry restoration based on projection. First-step space- (and space-spin-) symmetry preservation in atoms is shown to have a small effect on the atomization energies of molecules, quantifying earlier observations by Fertig and Kohn. Thus, the standard Kohn–Sham way of calculating atomization energies, with self-consistent symmetry breaking to minimize the energy, is justified at least for the common cases where the molecules cannot break symmetry. Unless symmetry breaking is allowed in the molecule, SCAN strongly underestimates the atomization energy of strongly correlated singlet C2.
An ocean yet to be discovered: increasing systematic knowledge of Indo-Pacific
Authors: Paz-Sedano Sofía , Wilson Nerida G. , Carmona Leila , Gosliner Terrence M. , Pola Marta
Published: November 2021

Numerous faunistic and ecological studies have been conducted throughout the Indo-Pacific Ocean to assess its biodiversity. Despite the abundance of research, studies on the species that inhabit the Indo-Pacific are still necessary due to its extent and high species richness. The major species richness of the genus Okenia Menke, 1830 (Nudibranchia, Goniodorididae) is found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, including 38 of 60 valid species. Nevertheless, this number does not represent the real biodiversity, since at least 20 more species are already reported in field-guides as undescribed species belonging to this genus. The systematics of the genus Okenia are still unclear since it has been the subject of only a few and incomplete studies. In the present paper, we describe five new Okenia species from the coastlines of Japan, Mozambique and Australia: Okenia aurorapapillata sp. nov., Okenia elisae sp. nov., Okenia nakanoae sp. nov., Okenia siderata sp. nov. and Okenia tenuifibrata sp. nov. Moreover, anatomical details not previously described of Okenia atkinsonorum, Okenia barnardi, Okenia cf. echinata, Okenia hallucigenia, Okenia hiroi, Okenia japonica, Okenia pellucida, Okenia pilosa and Okenia rhinorma are provided. New partial sequences of standard markers (COI, 16S rRNA and H3) were obtained and a phylogenetic analysis that included all species with available data was performed. ZOOBANK urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:28AE2536-A264–4194–8AE3-C430620572E7
Rotavirus surveillance informs diarrhoea disease burden in the WHO Western-Pacific region
Authors: Donato Celeste M , Thomas Sarah , Covea Sokoveti , T Ratu Felisita , Sahu Khan Aalisha , Rafai Eric , Bines Julie E
Published: November 2021

The surveillance of enteric pathogens is critical in assessing the burden of diarrhoeal disease and informing vaccine programs. Surveillance supported by the World Health Organization in Fiji, Vietnam, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and the Philippines previously focussed on rotavirus. There is potential to expand surveillance to encompass a variety of enteric pathogens to inform vaccine development for norovirus, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Shigella.
Pacific Regional Infectious Disease Association (PRIDA): capacity-building for microbiology and infectious disease across the Pacific
Authors: Oakley Tessa , Marr Ian , Townell Nikki , Heney Claire , Jackson Wendy , Evans Margie , Hall Bev , Allen Colleen , Chaw Khin , Ferguson John
Published: November 2021

PRIDA is an Australian based network of medical and scientific specialists, combining expertise in microbiology laboratory development, infection control, management of infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship. PRIDA focuses on grassroots support for Pacific and Southeast Asian sites through the establishment of long-term mentoring relationships with front line health care workers. With an emphasis on bench level training for scientists and bedside development for clinicians, PRIDA has advanced testing capacity, infection control and antimicrobial stewardship in the Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, and PNG. Understanding the need to upskill HCWs in the Pacific, PRIDA has expanded into areas of formal education opportunities with development of online microbiology diplomas, for pathologists, physicians, and scientists. Concurrent design of multidisciplinary virtual video conferenced microbiology rounds provides teaching opportunities in real time and improvement in daily patient care. From its origin of volunteerism, PRIDA has attracted funding through partnership with larger organisations and are currently involved in sponsored AMR projects in the Pacific.
Air pollution interacts with genetic risk to influence cortical networks implicated in depression
Authors: Li Zhi , Yan Hao , Zhang Xiao , Shah Shefali , Yang Guang , Chen Qiang , Han Shizhong , Zhang Dai , Weinberger Daniel R. , Yue Weihua , Tan Hao Yang
Published: November 2021

Significance

Air pollution is ubiquitous and may increase neuropsychiatric risk, including for depression. However, the neural underpinnings and whether this environmental risk acts independently or interactively with genetic risk mechanisms are not well understood. In healthy individuals exposed to significant air pollution, we find that combined high air pollution exposures and relatively high polygenic risk for depression disproportionately augmented stress-related effects on brain circuitry. The coexpression of depression-associated genes across the brain tracked corresponding brain connectivity, driven by individuals with higher polygenic risk and with higher exposures to air pollution. These findings add to the mechanistic understanding of brain processes implicated in how individuals with high genetic risk for depression may be particularly vulnerable to the brain effects of air pollution.
Modular origins of high-amplitude cofluctuations in fine-scale functional connectivity dynamics
Authors: Pope Maria , Fukushima Makoto , Betzel Richard F. , Sporns Olaf
Published: November 2021

Significance

Brain regions engage in complex patterns of activation over time. Relating these patterns to neural processing is a central challenge in cognitive neuroscience. Recent work has identified brief intermittent bursts of brain-wide signal cofluctuations, called events, and shown that events drive functional connectivity. The origins of events are unclear. Here, we address this gap in knowledge by implementing computational models of neural oscillators coupled by anatomical connections derived from maps of the human cerebral cortex. Analysis of the emerging large-scale brain dynamics reveals brief episodes with high system-wide signal amplitudes. Simulated events closely correspond to those seen recently in empirical recordings. Notably, simulated events are significantly aligned with underlying structural modules, thus suggesting an important role of modular network organization.
Stochastic chromatin packing of 3D mitotic chromosomes revealed by coherent X-rays
Authors: Sung Daeho , Lim Chan , Takagi Masatoshi , Jung Chulho , Lee Heemin , Cho Do Hyung , Shin Jae-Yong , Ahn Kangwoo , Hwang Junha , Nam Daewoong , Kohmura Yoshiki , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Noh Do Young , Imamoto Naoko , Jeon Jae-Hyung , Song Changyong
Published: November 2021

Significance

The structural link between meter-long DNA molecules and chromosomes a few microns in size and their highly space-effective and fault-free packing and unpacking mechanisms remain a puzzle. This research addressed this fundamental issue by resolving a three-dimensional (3D) structure of human chromosomes using cryogenic coherent X-ray diffraction tomography. Structures of metaphase chromosomes, preserved in a frozen hydrated condition, with quantitative details on 3D electron density distributions were obtained at nanometer-scale resolution. The geometrical analysis of the 3D structures with the statistical modeling unveils that the stochastic process is the essence of the structure formation. While supporting the structural analysis, molecular dynamics simulations further elucidate the critical role of short-range attraction between chromatins and DNA-binding proteins in forming micrometer-sized chromosomes.