bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Less surgical site infections in neurosurgery during COVID-19 times—one potential benefit of the pandemic?
Authors: Chacón-Quesada T. , Rohde V. , von der Brelie C.
Published: March 2021

Hygiene measures were intensified when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Patient contacts were limited to a minimum. Visitors were either not allowed for a certain period or limited for the rest of the time. The hospital staff began to wear masks and gloves continuously. Clinical examinations and routine wound controls were also performed under intensified hygiene standards. These circumstances result in a limitation of direct physical interactions between the nursing staff, the physicians and the patients. We analyzed to what extent the intensification of hygiene measures affects the rate of surgical site infections (SSI) after neurosurgical procedures. The rate of SSI during the 6-month interval after the beginning of COVID-19 measures was compared with the SSI rate before. The numbers of the period before COVID-19 were analyzed as mean values resulting from the analysis of two separate time periods each consisting of 6 months. The spectrum of surgical procedures was compared. Patient-related risk factors for SSIs were noted. Microorganisms were analyzed. We focused on SSIs occurring at a maximum of 60 days after the primary surgery. Overall, in the two respective 6-month periods before COVID-19, a mean of 1379 patients was surgically treated in our institution. After the beginning of COVID-19 (starting from 04/2020) our surgical numbers dropped by 101, resulting in a total number of 1278 patients being operated after 03/2020 until 09/2020. The SSI rate was 3.6% (03/2019–09/2019, 50 SSIs) and 2.2% (09/2019–03/2020, 29 SSIs), resulting in a mean of 2.9% before COVID-19 began. After the beginning of COVID-19 hygiene measures, this rate dropped to 1.4% (16 SSIs) resembling a significant reduction (p=0.003). Risk factors for the development of SSI were present in 81.3% of all patients. Pre- and post-COVID-19 patient groups had similar baseline characteristics. The same holds true when comparing the percentage of cranial and spinal procedures pre- and post-COVID-19 (p=0.91). Comparing the numbers (p=0.28) and the species (p=0.85) of microorganisms (MO) causing SSI, we found a similar distribution. Despite equal demographics and characteristics of SSI, the rate of SSI dropped substantially. This argues for an effective reduction of postoperative SSI resulting from the implementation of strict hygiene measures being established after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We therefore advocate continuing with strict and intensive hygiene measures in the future.
A case with hepatic immune-related adverse events caused by nivolumab exhibiting impaired accumulation of regulatory T cells
Authors: Sekai Ikue , Hagiwara Satoru , Watanabe Tomohiro , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: March 2021

Systemic administration of anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) antibody (Ab) has achieved remarkable success in metastatic cancers. The blockade of PD-1-mediated signaling pathways sometimes cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs) due to restored anti-cancer as well as anti-self immunity. Although the liver is a preferential organ for irAEs, the immuno-pathogenesis underlying hepatic irAEs has been poorly understood. We describe a 57-year-old man with Stage IV lung cancer who underwent the first-line regimen composed of carboplatin and paclitaxel. Nivolumab treatment (3.2 mg/kg, every 3 weeks) was initiated when the disease progressed after the first chemotherapy. Sequential occurrence of irAEs involving the multiorgan systems was observed. He developed hepatic irAEs (Grade 3) after endocrine, lung, and cutaneous irAEs. Lobular hepatitis characterized by predominant infiltration of CD8+ T cells was seen in the liver biopsy specimens. Interestingly, defective accumulation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3) was evident in this case with hepatic irAEs as compared with typical cases with autoimmune hepatitis. This case suggests that hepatic irAEs are characterized not only by lobular infiltration of CD8+ T cells but also by defective accumulation of FOXP3+ Tregs.
Equivalent Scalar Stress Formulation Taking into Account Non-Resolved Turbulent Scales
Authors: Konnigk Lucas , Torner Benjamin , Bruschewski Martin , Grundmann Sven , Wurm Frank-Hendrik
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Cardiovascular engineering includes flows with fluid-dynamical stresses as a parameter of interest. Mechanical stresses are high-risk factors for blood damage and can be assessed by computational fluid dynamics. By now, it is not described how to calculate an adequate scalar stress out of turbulent flow regimes when the whole share of turbulence is not resolved by the simulation method and how this impacts the stress calculation.

Methods

We conducted direct numerical simulations (DNS) of test cases (a turbulent channel flow and the FDA nozzle) in order to access all scales of flow movement. After validation of both DNS with literature und experimental data using magnetic resonance imaging, the mechanical stress is calculated as a baseline. Afterwards, same flows are calculated using state-of-the-art turbulence models. The stresses are computed for every result using our definition of an equivalent scalar stress, which includes the influence from respective turbulence model, by using the parameter dissipation. Afterwards, the results are compared with the baseline data.

Results

The results show a good agreement regarding the computed stress. Even when no turbulence is resolved by the simulation method, the results agree well with DNS data. When the influence of non-resolved motion is neglected in the stress calculation, it is underpredicted in all cases.

Conclusion

With the used scalar stress formulation, it is possible to include information about the turbulence of the flow into the mechanical stress calculation even when the used simulation method does not resolve any turbulence.
The close relation between border and Pommaret marked bases
Authors: Bertone Cristina , Cioffi Francesca
Published: March 2021

Given a finite order ideal $${\mathcal {O}}$$
O
in the polynomial ring $$K[x_1,\ldots , x_n]$$

K
[

x
1

,
…
,

x
n

]

over a field K, let $$\partial {\mathcal {O}}$$

∂
O

be the border of $${\mathcal {O}}$$
O
and $${\mathcal {P}}_{\mathcal {O}}$$

P
O

the Pommaret basis of the ideal generated by the terms outside $${\mathcal {O}}$$
O
. In the framework of reduction structures introduced by Ceria, Mora, Roggero in 2019, we investigate relations among $$\partial {\mathcal {O}}$$

∂
O

-marked sets (resp. bases) and $${\mathcal {P}}_{\mathcal {O}}$$

P
O

-marked sets (resp. bases). We prove that a $$\partial {\mathcal {O}}$$

∂
O

-marked set B is a marked basis if and only if the $${\mathcal {P}}_{\mathcal {O}}$$

P
O

-marked set P contained in B is a marked basis and generates the same ideal as B. Using a functorial description of these marked bases, as a byproduct we obtain that the affine schemes respectively parameterizing $$\partial {\mathcal {O}}$$

∂
O

-marked bases and $${\mathcal {P}}_{\mathcal {O}}$$

P
O

-marked bases are isomorphic. We are able to describe this isomorphism as a projection that can be explicitly constructed without the use of Gröbner elimination techniques. In particular, we obtain a straightforward embedding of border schemes in affine spaces of lower dimension. Furthermore, we observe that Pommaret marked schemes give an open covering of Hilbert schemes parameterizing 0-dimensional schemes without any group actions. Several examples are given throughout the paper.
On formal ethics versus inclusive moral deliberation
Authors: Hoffmann Christian Herzog né
Published: March 2021

In this article, I will advocate caution against a formalization of ethics by showing that it may produce and perpetuate unjustified power imbalances, disadvantaging those without a proper command of the formalisms, and those not in a position to decide on the formalisms’ use. My focus rests mostly on ethics formalized for the purpose of implementing ethical evaluations in computer science–artificial intelligence, in particular—but partly also extends to the project of applying mathematical rigor to moral argumentation with no direct intention to automate moral deliberation. Formal ethics of the latter kind can, however, also be seen as a facilitator of automated ethical evaluation. I will argue that either form of formal ethics presents an obstacle to inclusive and fair processes for arriving at a society-wide moral consensus. This impediment to inclusive moral deliberation may prevent a significant portion of society from acquiring a deeper understanding of moral issues. However, I will defend the view that such understanding supports genuine and sustained moral progress. From this, it follows that formal ethics is not per se supportive of moral progress. I will illustrate these arguments by practical examples of manifest asymmetric relationships of power primarily from the domain of autonomous vehicles as well as on more visionary concepts, such as artificial moral advisors. As a result, I will show that in these particular proposed use-cases of formal ethics, machine ethics risks to run contrary to their proponents’ proclaimed promises of increasing the rigor of moral deliberation and even improving human morality on the whole. Instead, I will propose that inclusive discourse about automating ethical evaluations, e.g., in autonomous vehicles, should be conducted with unrelenting transparency about the limitations of implementations of ethics. As an outlook, I will briefly discuss uses formal ethics that are more likely to avoid discrepancies between the ideal of inclusion and the challenge from power asymmetries.Please check and confirm that the authors and their respective affiliations have been correctly identified and amend if necessary.I confirm.Author names: Please confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). I confirm. Kindly check and confirm the country name for the affiliation [1] is correct.I confirm.
Measuring Ambient Ocean Sound During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tyack Peter , Miksis-Olds Jennifer , Ausubel Jesse , Urban Jr. Edward
Published: March 2021

An expanded nonmilitary hydrophone network provides new opportunities to understand the variability and trends of ocean sound and the effects of sound on marine organisms.
Is hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy a cause of sustained ventricular arrhythmias in humans?
Authors: Nadarajah R. , Patel P. A. , Tayebjee M. H.
Published: March 2021

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is most commonly secondary to sustained ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). This review aimed to evaluate if left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) secondary to systemic hypertension in humans is an isolated risk factor for ventricular arrhythmogenesis. Animal models of hypertensive LVH have shown changes in ion channel function and distribution, gap junction re-distribution and fibrotic deposition. Clinical data has consistently exhibited an increase in prevalence and complexity of non-sustained VAs on electrocardiographic monitoring. However, there is a dearth of trials suggesting progression to sustained VAs and SCD, with extrapolations being confounded by presence of co-existent asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD). Putatively, this lack of data may be due to the presence of more homogenous distribution of pathophysiological changes seen in those with hypertensive LVH versus known pro-arrhythmic conditions such as HCM and myocardial infarction. The overall impression is that sustained VAs in the context of hypertensive LVH are most likely to be precipitated by other causes such as CAD or electrolyte disturbance.
80 Years of vision: preventing blindness from retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Wood Edward H. , Chang Emmanuel Y. , Beck Kinley , Hadfield Brandon R. , Quinn Amy R. , Harper Clio Armitage
Published: March 2021

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the leading yet preventable causes of childhood blindness worldwide. The purpose of this review is to provide a practical template for observational and treatment methods in order to reduce the overall incidence of any ROP and to improve both short-term and long-term outcomes once Type 1 ROP (treatable ROP) develops.
Robust and ultralow-energy-threshold ignition of a lean mixture by an ultrashort-pulsed laser in the filamentation regime
Authors: Zang Hongwei , Li Helong , Zhang Wei , Fu Yao , Chen Shanming , Xu Huailiang , Li Ruxin
Published: March 2021

Laser ignition (LI) allows for precise manipulation of ignition timing and location and is promising for green combustion of automobile and rocket engines and aero-turbines under lean-fuel conditions with improved emission efficiency; however, achieving completely effective and reliable ignition is still a challenge. Here, we report the realization of igniting a lean methane/air mixture with a 100% success rate by an ultrashort femtosecond laser, which has long been regarded as an unsuitable fuel ignition source. We demonstrate that the minimum ignition energy can decrease to the sub-mJ level depending on the laser filamentation formation, and reveal that the resultant early OH radical yield significantly increases as the laser energy reaches the ignition threshold, showing a clear boundary for misfire and fire cases. Potential mechanisms for robust ultrashort LI are the filamentation-induced heating effect followed by exothermal chemical reactions, in combination with the line ignition effect along the filament. Our results pave the way toward robust and efficient ignition of lean-fuel engines by ultrashort-pulsed lasers.
A model for the fragmentation kinetics of crumpled thin sheets
Authors: Andrejevic Jovana , Lee Lisa M. , Rubinstein Shmuel M. , Rycroft Chris H.
Published: March 2021

As a confined thin sheet crumples, it spontaneously segments into flat facets delimited by a network of ridges. Despite the apparent disorder of this process, statistical properties of crumpled sheets exhibit striking reproducibility. Experiments have shown that the total crease length accrues logarithmically when repeatedly compacting and unfolding a sheet of paper. Here, we offer insight to this unexpected result by exploring the correspondence between crumpling and fragmentation processes. We identify a physical model for the evolution of facet area and ridge length distributions of crumpled sheets, and propose a mechanism for re-fragmentation driven by geometric frustration. This mechanism establishes a feedback loop in which the facet size distribution informs the subsequent rate of fragmentation under repeated confinement, thereby producing a new size distribution. We then demonstrate the capacity of this model to reproduce the characteristic logarithmic scaling of total crease length, thereby supplying a missing physical basis for the observed phenomenon.
Engineered yeast genomes accurately assembled from pure and mixed samples
Authors: Collins Joseph H. , Keating Kevin W. , Jones Trent R. , Balaji Shravani , Marsan Celeste B. , Çomo Marina , Newlon Zachary J. , Mitchell Tom , Bartley Bryan , Adler Aaron , Roehner Nicholas , Young Eric M.
Published: March 2021

Yeast whole genome sequencing (WGS) lacks end-to-end workflows that identify genetic engineering. Here we present Prymetime, a tool that assembles yeast plasmids and chromosomes and annotates genetic engineering sequences. It is a hybrid workflow—it uses short and long reads as inputs to perform separate linear and circular assembly steps. This structure is necessary to accurately resolve genetic engineering sequences in plasmids and the genome. We show this by assembling diverse engineered yeasts, in some cases revealing unintended deletions and integrations. Furthermore, the resulting whole genomes are high quality, although the underlying assembly software does not consistently resolve highly repetitive genome features. Finally, we assemble plasmids and genome integrations from metagenomic sequencing, even with 1 engineered cell in 1000. This work is a blueprint for building WGS workflows and establishes WGS-based identification of yeast genetic engineering.
Deciphering the state of immune silence in fatal COVID-19 patients
Authors: Bost Pierre , De Sanctis Francesco , Canè Stefania , Ugel Stefano , Donadello Katia , Castellucci Monica , Eyal David , Fiore Alessandra , Anselmi Cristina , Barouni Roza Maria , Trovato Rosalinda , Caligola Simone , Lamolinara Alessia , Iezzi Manuela , Facciotti Federica , Mazzariol Annarita , Gibellini Davide , De Nardo Pasquale , Tacconelli Evelina , Gottin Leonardo , Polati Enrico , Schwikowski Benno , Amit Ido , Bronte Vincenzo
Published: March 2021

Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, COVID-19 appeared as a unique disease with unconventional tissue and systemic immune features. Here we show a COVID-19 immune signature associated with severity by integrating single-cell RNA-seq analysis from blood samples and broncho-alveolar lavage fluids with clinical, immunological and functional ex vivo data. This signature is characterized by lung accumulation of naïve lymphoid cells associated with a systemic expansion and activation of myeloid cells. Myeloid-driven immune suppression is a hallmark of COVID-19 evolution, highlighting arginase-1 expression with immune regulatory features of monocytes. Monocyte-dependent and neutrophil-dependent immune suppression loss is associated with fatal clinical outcome in severe patients. Additionally, our analysis shows a lung CXCR6+ effector memory T cell subset is associated with better prognosis in patients with severe COVID-19. In summary, COVID-19-induced myeloid dysregulation and lymphoid impairment establish a condition of ‘immune silence’ in patients with critical COVID-19.
Author Correction: Continuous moulting by Antarctic krill drives major pulses of carbon export in the north Scotia Sea, Southern Ocean
Authors: Manno C. , Fielding S. , Stowasser G. , Murphy E. J. , Thorpe S. E. , Tarling G. A.
Published: March 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22037-y
Higher-order mode supercontinuum generation in dispersion-engineered liquid-core fibers
Authors: Scheibinger Ramona , Lüpken Niklas M. , Chemnitz Mario , Schaarschmidt Kay , Kobelke Jens , Fallnich Carsten , Schmidt Markus A.
Published: March 2021

Supercontinuum generation enabled a series of key technologies such as frequency comb sources, ultrashort pulse sources in the ultraviolet or the mid-infrared, as well as broadband light sources for spectroscopic methods in biophotonics. Recent advances utilizing higher-order modes have shown the potential to boost both bandwidth and modal output distribution of supercontinuum sources. However, the strive towards a breakthrough technology is hampered by the limited control over the intra- and intermodal nonlinear processes in the highly multi-modal silica fibers commonly used. Here, we investigate the ultrafast nonlinear dynamics of soliton-based supercontinuum generation and the associated mode coupling within the first three lowest-order modes of accurately dispersion-engineered liquid-core fibers. By measuring the energy-spectral evolutions and the spatial distributions of the various generated spectral features polarization-resolved, soliton fission and dispersive wave formation are identified as the origins of the nonlinear broadening. Measured results are confirmed by nonlinear simulations taking advantage of the accurate modeling capabilities of the ideal step-index geometry of our liquid-core platform. While operating in the telecommunications domain, our study allows further advances in nonlinear switching in emerging higher-order mode fiber networks as well as novel insights into the sophisticated nonlinear dynamics and broadband light generation in pre-selected polarization states.
Anisotropic ferroelectric distortion effects on the RKKY interaction in topological crystalline insulators
Authors: Cheraghchi Hosein , Yarmohammadi Mohsen
Published: March 2021

Manipulation of electronic and magnetic properties of topological materials is a topic of much interest in spintronic and valleytronic applications. Perturbation tuning of multiple Dirac cones on the (001) surface of topological crystalline insulators (TCIs) is also a related topic of growing interest. Here we show the numerical evidence for the ferroelectric structural distortion effects on the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interaction between two magnetic impurity moments on the SnTe (001) and related alloys. The mirror symmetry breaking between Dirac cones induced by the ferroelectric distortion could be divided into various possible configurations including the isotropically gapped, coexistence of gapless and gapped, and anisotropically gapped phases. Based on the retarded perturbed Green’s functions of the generalized gapped Dirac model, we numerically find the RKKY response for each phase. The distortion-induced symmetry breaking constitutes complex and interesting magnetic responses between magnetic moments compared to the pristine TCIs. In the specific case of coexisted gapless and gapped phases, a nontrivial behavior of the RKKY interaction is observed, which has not been seen in other Dirac materials up until now. For two impurities resided on the same sublattices, depending on the distortion strength, magnetic orders above of a critical impurity separation exhibit irregular ferromagnetic ⇔ antiferromagnetic phase transitions. However, independent of the impurity separation and distortion strength, no phase transition emerges for two impurities resided on different sublattices. This essential study sheds light on magnetic properties of Dirac materials with anisotropic mass terms and also makes TCIs applications relatively easy to understand.
Preliminary evidence of acylated ghrelin association with depression severity in postmenopausal women
Authors: Naufel Maria Fernanda , Pedroso Amanda Paula , Oyama Lila Missae , Telles Mônica Marques , Hachul Helena , Ribeiro Eliane Beraldi
Published: March 2021

We have previously shown increased depression and anxiety scores in postmenopausal overweight women, when compared to overweight premenopausal women. The mechanisms responsible for these alterations are not understood. Although ghrelin involvement in mood modulation has been suggested, its role is still ambiguous and has not been evaluated in postmenopause. Here we investigated the association of ghrelin with depression and anxiety symptoms in postmenopausal women. Fifty-five postmenopausal women with depression symptoms, who were not in use of hormones or antidepressants, were included in the study. Depression symptoms were evaluated by Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and anxiety symptoms were evaluated by Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Women were allocated into three groups, according to BDI classification of mild, moderate, or severe depression symptoms. Anthropometric, biochemical and hormonal parameters were analyzed. Total and acylated ghrelin levels were higher in the severe depression than in the mild depression group. Multivariate regression analyses showed positive associations of BDI scores with acylated ghrelin and BMI, and of PHQ-9 scores with acylated ghrelin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). BAI scores associated positively with waist-to-hip ratio. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of an association between acylated ghrelin and the severity of depression symptoms in postmenopausal women. This association may reflect either a physiological response aimed at fighting against depression symptoms or a causal factor of this mental disorder.
High-wearable EEG-based distraction detection in motor rehabilitation
Authors: Apicella Andrea , Arpaia Pasquale , Frosolone Mirco , Moccaldi Nicola
Published: March 2021

A method for EEG-based distraction detection during motor-rehabilitation tasks is proposed. A wireless cap guarantees very high wearability with dry electrodes and a low number of channels. Experimental validation is performed on a dataset from 17 volunteers. Different feature extractions from spatial, temporal, and frequency domain and classification strategies were evaluated. The performances of five supervised classifiers in discriminating between attention on pure movement and with distractors were compared. A k-Nearest Neighbors classifier achieved an accuracy of 92.8 ± 1.6%. In this last case, the feature extraction is based on a custom 12 pass-band Filter-Bank (FB) and the Common Spatial Pattern (CSP) algorithm. In particular, the mean Recall of classification (percentage of true positive in distraction detection) is higher than 92% and allows the therapist or an automated system to know when to stimulate the patient’s attention for enhancing the therapy effectiveness.
Pennes’ bioheat equation vs. porous media approach in computer modeling of radiofrequency tumor ablation
Authors: Tucci Claudio , Trujillo Macarena , Berjano Enrique , Iasiello Marcello , Andreozzi Assunta , Vanoli Giuseppe Peter
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to compare three different heat transfer models for radiofrequency ablation of in vivo liver tissue using a cooled electrode and three different voltage levels. The comparison was between the simplest but less realistic Pennes’ equation and two porous media-based models, i.e. the Local Thermal Non-Equilibrium (LTNE) equations and Local Thermal Equilibrium (LTE) equation, both modified to take into account two-phase water vaporization (tissue and blood). Different blood volume fractions in liver were considered and the blood velocity was modeled to simulate a vascular network. Governing equations with the appropriate boundary conditions were solved with Comsol Multiphysics finite-element code. The results in terms of coagulation transverse diameters and temperature distributions at the end of the application showed significant differences, especially between Pennes and the modified LTNE and LTE models. The new modified porous media-based models covered the ranges found in the few in vivo experimental studies in the literature and they were closer to the published results with similar in vivo protocol. The outcomes highlight the importance of considering the three models in the future in order to improve thermal ablation protocols and devices and adapt the model to different organs and patient profiles.
The response regulator Skn7 of Aspergillus fumigatus is essential for the antifungal effect of fludioxonil
Authors: Schruefer Sebastian , Böhmer Isabella , Dichtl Karl , Spadinger Anja , Kleinemeier Christoph , Ebel Frank
Published: March 2021

Aspergillus fumigatus is an important fungal pathogen that represents a major threat for severely immunocompromised patients. Cases of invasive aspergillosis are associated with a high mortality rate, which reflects the limited treatment options that are currently available. The development of novel therapeutic approaches is therefore an urgent task. An interesting compound is fludioxonil, a derivative of the bacterial secondary metabolite pyrrolnitrin. Both agents possess potent antimicrobial activity against A. fumigatus and trigger a lethal activation of the group III hybrid histidine kinase TcsC, the major sensor kinase of the High Osmolarity Glycerol (HOG) pathway in A. fumigatus. In the current study, we have characterized proteins that operate downstream of TcsC and analyzed their roles in the antifungal activity of fludioxonil and in other stress situations. We found that the SskA-SakA axis of the HOG pathway and Skn7 can independently induce an increase of the internal glycerol concentration, but each of these individual responses amounts for only half of the level found in the wild type. The lethal fludioxonil-induced ballooning occurs in the sskA and the sakA mutant, but not in the skn7-deficient strain, although all three strains show comparable glycerol responses. This indicates that an elevated osmotic pressure is necessary, but not sufficient and that a second, decisive and Skn7-dependent mechanism mediates the antifungal activity. We assume that fludioxonil triggers a reorganization in the fungal cell wall that reduces its rigidity, which in combination with the elevated osmotic pressure executes the lethal expansion of the fungal cells. Two findings link Skn7 to the cell wall of A. fumigatus: (1) the fludioxonil-induced massive increase in the chitin content depends on Skn7 and (2) the skn7 mutant is more resistant to the cell wall stressor Calcofluor white. In conclusion, our data suggest that the antifungal activity of fludioxonil in A. fumigatus relies on two distinct and synergistic processes: A high internal osmotic pressure and a weakened cell wall. The involvement of Skn7 in both processes most likely accounts for its particular importance in the antifungal activity of fludioxonil.
Unveiling Tatun volcanic plumbing structure induced by post-collisional extension of Taiwan mountain belt
Authors: Huang Hsin-Hua , Wu E.-S. , Lin C.-H. , Ko J. Y.-T. , Shih M.-H. , Koulakov I.
Published: March 2021

The Tatun Volcanic Group (TVG) is proximal to the metropolis of Taipei City (population of ca. 7 million) and has long been a major concern due to the potential risks from volcanic activity to the population and critical infrastructure. While the TVG has been previously considered a dormant or extinct volcano, recent evidence suggests a much younger age of the last eruption event (~ 6000 years) and possible existence of a magma reservoir beneath the TVG. However, the location, dimension, and detailed geometry of the magma reservoir and plumbing system remains largely unknown. To examine the TVG volcanic plumbing structure in detail, the local P-wave travel time data and the teleseismic waveform data from a new island-wide Formosa Array Project are combined for a 3D tomographic joint inversion. The new model reveals a magma reservoir with a notable P-wave velocity reduction of 19% (ca. ~ 19% melt fraction) at 8–20 km beneath eastern TVG and with possible northward extension to a shallower depth near where active submarine volcanoes that have been detected. Enhanced tomographic images also reveal sporadic magmatic intrusion/underplating in the lower crust of Husehshan Range and northern Taiwan. These findings suggest an active volcanic plumbing system induced by post-collisional extension associated with the collapse of the orogen.
Synthesis and design of Ag–Fe bimetallic nanoparticles as antimicrobial synergistic combination therapies against clinically relevant pathogens
Authors: Padilla-Cruz A. L. , Garza-Cervantes J. A. , Vasto-Anzaldo X. G. , García-Rivas Gerardo , León-Buitimea A. , Morones-Ramírez J. R.
Published: March 2021

The inappropriate use of antibiotics and the inadequate control of infections have led to the emergence of drug-resistant strains. In recent years, metallo-pharmaceutics and metallic nanoparticles have been proposed as potential alternative antimicrobials due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Moreover, recent findings have shown that combinations of transition metal compounds can exhibit synergistic antimicrobial properties. Therefore, the synthesis and design of bimetallic nanoparticles is a field worth exploring to harness the interactions between groups of metals and organic complex structures found in different microbial targets, towards the development of more efficient combinatorial antimicrobials composed of synergistic metals. In this study, we present a green synthesis of Ag–Fe bimetallic nanoparticles using an aqueous extract from the leaves of Gardenia jasminoides. The characterization of the nanoparticles demonstrated that the synthesis methodology produces homogenously distributed core–shell Ag–Fe structures with spherical shapes and average diameter sizes of 13 nm (± 6.3 nm). The Ag–Fe bimetallic nanoparticles showed magnetic and antimicrobial properties; the latter were evaluated against six different, clinically relevant multi-drug-resistant microbial strains. The Ag–Fe bimetallic nanoparticles exhibited an antimicrobial (bactericidal) synergistic effect between the two metals composing the bimetallic nanoparticles compared to the effects of the mono-metallic nanoparticles against yeast and both Gram-positive and Gram-negative multidrug-resistant bacteria. Our results provide insight towards the design of bimetallic nanoparticles, synthesized through green chemistry methodologies, to develop synergistic combinatorial antimicrobials with possible applications in both industrial processes and the treatment of infections caused by clinically relevant drug-resistant strains.
The number of household members as a risk factor for peptic ulcer disease
Authors: Yim Mi Hong , Kim Keun Ho , Lee Bum Ju
Published: March 2021

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is caused by many sociodemographic and economic risk factors other than H. pylori infection. However, no studies reported an association between PUD and the number of household members. We showed the number of family members affected by PUD based on sex in a Korean population. This cross-sectional study used 1998–2009 data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Multiple binary logistic regression models adjusted for confounders were constructed to analyze the association of PUD with the number of household members. The number of household members was associated with PUD, age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, glucose, location (urban/rural), income, education level, stress, current drinking, and smoking in both sexes. Men with other household members had a higher PUD risk compared to men or women living alone (reference), and the opposite was observed for women. Men with 4 household members had a higher PUD risk than men living alone in the model adjusted for age, BMI, income, location, education, and stress (OR = 2.04 [95% CI 1.28–3.27], p value = .003). Women with more than 6 household members had a lower PUD risk than women living alone in the adjusted model (OR = 0.50 [0.33–0.75], p value = .001). Women with more household members had a lower PUD risk. However, more men had PUD than women regardless of the number of household members.
Introduction to the Book
Authors: Shaik S. , Stuyver T.
Published: March 2021

This introductory chapter describes briefly the various topics and the scope of the book, with an aim of unifying it and giving it a coherent structure. The introduction to the book ends with a list of abbreviations and glossary of terms that appear throughout the book. The aim is to unify the acronyms, and wherever possible also the mathematical symbols used throughout the book.
Mechanical properties of cell- and microgel bead-laden oxidized alginate-gelatin hydrogels
Authors: Distler T. , Kretzschmar L. , Schneidereit D. , Girardo S. , Goswami R. , Friedrich O. , Detsch R. , Guck J. , Boccaccini A. R. , Budday S.
Published: March 2021

Cell containing hydrogels represent a key strategy in tissue engineering. Complex mechanical analyses show that the stiffness significantly drops for high concentrations of cells and microgel-bead fillers in non-fibrous alginate-based hydrogels.
New solvents for metal extraction – NADES. Prediction and optimization of efficient extraction of selected metals by ICP-MS/MS
Authors: Osowska Natalia , Paduszyński Kamil , Matczuk Magdalena , Ruzik Lena
Published: March 2021

Natural deep eutectic solvents as alternative metal extractants – a study of property prediction and protocol optimization.
Synthesis and characterization of new Na+ complexes of N-benzyl cyclic peptoids and their role in the ring opening polymerization of l-lactide
Authors: D'Amato Assunta , Schettini Rosaria , Pierri Giovanni , Izzo Irene , Grisi Fabia , Tedesco Consiglia , De Riccardis Francesco , Costabile Chiara
Published: March 2021

Na+ complexes of cyclic peptoid were employed for the first time as catalyst for the l-lactide polymerization.
Simultaneously monitoring endogenous MAPK members in single living cells by multi-channel fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Deng Liyun , Huang Xiangyi , Dong Chaoqing , Ren Jicun
Published: March 2021

A new strategy for in situ and simultaneously monitoring endogenous MAPK kinases in single living cells based on a multi-channel FCS system and affinity fluorescent probes is developed.
PD-L1 aptamer isolation via Modular-SELEX and its applications in cancer cell detection and tumor tissue section imaging
Authors: Li Jiyuan , Ren Xijiao , Zhao Jiaxing , Lou Xinhui
Published: March 2021

The PD-L1 aptamer was isolated via Modular-SELEX and successfully used for cancer cell detection and the imaging of tumor tissue sections.
Carbon–nitrogen conjugate-composited Cu1.8S with enhanced peroxidase-like activity for the colorimetric detection of hydrogen peroxide and glutathione
Authors: Li Nianlu , Zhu Mingquan , Feng Zhenyu , Lu Wenhui , Chen Jing , Zhan Jinhua
Published: March 2021

In this work, cystine–glucose Maillard conjugates were composited with Cu1.8S microspheres (Cu1.8S–cgmc) to achieve higher sensitivity for the colorimetric analysis.
Color-tunable ultralong room temperature phosphorescence from EDTA
Authors: Zheng Haoyue , Wang Yanying , Cao Peisheng , Wu Peng
Published: March 2021

Unexpected ultralong room-temperature phosphorescence (τ = ∼0.5 s) was observed from EDTA, the most well-known chelating agent.
Electrochemical activation induced multi-valence variation of (NH4)2V4O9 as a high-performance cathode material for zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Gan Zhiwei , Chen Lineng , Xiong Fangyu , Cai Xinyin , Cui Wenjun , Sang Xiahan , An Qinyou , Wu Liming
Published: March 2021

Electrochemical activation of (NH4)2V4O9 has been found in the first charging process. After this activation, a high capacity (477 mA h g−1 at 50 mA g−1) and stable cycling life (97.7% retention after 5000 cycles at 15 A g−1) have been achieved.
Selective methanethiol-to-olefins conversion over HSSZ-13 zeolite
Authors: Yu Miao , Tormene Nicoló , Bolshakov Aleksei , Mezari Brahim , Liutkova Anna , Kosinov Nikolay , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: March 2021

We demonstrated that methanethiol can be selectively converted to light olefins over 8MR zeolites which provides clues about the reaction mechanism of MTH chemistry.
Elucidating pore chemistry within metal–organic frameworks via single crystal X-ray diffraction; from fundamental understanding to application
Authors: Albalad Jorge , Sumby Christopher J. , Maspoch Daniel , Doonan Christian J.
Published: March 2021

The application of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to diverse chemical sectors is aided by their crystallinity, which permits the use of X-ray crystallography to characterise their pore chemistry and provides invaluable insight into their properties.
Resolving the F2 bond energy discrepancy using coincidence ion pair production (cipp) spectroscopy
Authors: Matthíasson Kristján , Kvaran Ágúst , Garcia Gustavo A. , Weidner Peter , Sztáray Bálint
Published: March 2021

Coincidence ion pair production (cipp) spectra of F2 were recorded on the DELICIOUS III coincidence spectrometer in the one-photon excitation region of 125 975–126 210 cm−1.
A kinetics study on hydrogen abstraction reactions of cyclopentane by hydrogen, methyl, and ethyl radicals
Authors: Chen Wenqi , Guo Xuan , Chen Lifang , Zhang Ruiming , Li Yan , Feng Haisong , Xu Xuefei , Zhang Xin
Published: March 2021

Hydrogen abstraction reactions of (cyclo)alkanes by radicals play a fundamental role in both combustion and atmospheric chemistry.
Insight into the mechanism of intense NIR-to-red upconversion luminescence in Er3+ doped and Er3+–Yb3+ co-doped SrF2 nanoparticles
Authors: Zeng Qingling , He Wenxiang , Luan Fangfei , Yan Yu , Du Hongli , Fu Juan , Guo Dongcai
Published: March 2021

SrF2:Yb3+,Er3+ NPs were synthesized by the hydrothermal method and their luminescence mechanism was discussed in detail, which provided a theoretical basis for further understanding the properties of the materials.
Enhanced photocatalytic performance of rhodamine B and enrofloxacin by Pt loaded Bi4V2O11: boosted separation of charge carriers, additional superoxide radical production, and the photocatalytic mechanism
Authors: Zhao Yanjun , Liu Xintong , Gu Shaonan , Liu Jiemin
Published: March 2021

The Effect of Pt for producing additional superoxide radicals, and the photocatalytic mechanism.
Light-induced assembly and disassembly of polymers with PdnL2n-type network junctions
Authors: Li Ru-Jin , Pezzato Cristian , Berton Cesare , Severin Kay
Published: March 2021

A metastable-state photoacid can be used for the light-controlled assembly and disassembly of polymer networks containing PdnL2n network junctions.
A sub-Neptune and a non-transiting Neptune-mass companion unveiled by ESPRESSO around the bright late-F dwarf HD 5278 (TOI-130)
Authors: Sozzetti A. , Damasso M. , Bonomo A. S. , Alibert Y. , Sousa S. G. , Adibekyan V. , Zapatero Osorio M. R. , González Hernández J. I. , Barros S. C. C. , Lillo-Box J. , Stassun K. G. , Winn J. , Cristiani S. , Pepe F. , Rebolo R. , Santos N. C. , Allart R. , Barclay T. , Bouchy F. , Cabral A. , Ciardi D. , Di Marcantonio P. , D’Odorico V. , Ehrenreich D. , Fasnaugh M. , Figueira P. , Haldemann J. , Jenkins J. M. , Latham D. W. , Lavie B. , Lo Curto G. , Lovis C. , Martins C. J. A. P. , Mégevand D. , Mehner A. , Micela G. , Molaro P. , Nunes N. J. , Oshagh M. , Otegi J. , Pallé E. , Poretti E. , Ricker G. , Rodriguez D. , Seager S. , Suárez Mascareño A. , Twicken J. D. , Udry S.
Published: March 2021

Context. Transiting sub-Neptune-type planets, with radii approximately between 2 and 4 R⊕, are of particular interest as their study allows us to gain insight into the formation and evolution of a class of planets that are not found in our Solar System.

Aims. We exploit the extreme radial velocity (RV) precision of the ultra-stable echelle spectrograph ESPRESSO on the VLT to unveil the physical properties of the transiting sub-Neptune TOI-130 b, uncovered by the TESS mission orbiting the nearby, bright, late F-type star HD 5278 (TOI-130) with a period of Pb = 14.3 days.

Methods. We used 43 ESPRESSO high-resolution spectra and broad-band photometry information to derive accurate stellar atmospheric and physical parameters of HD 5278. We exploited the TESS light curve and spectroscopic diagnostics to gauge the impact of stellar activity on the ESPRESSO RVs. We performed separate as well as joint analyses of the TESS photometry and the ESPRESSO RVs using fully Bayesian frameworks to determine the system parameters.

Results. Based on the ESPRESSO spectra, the updated stellar parameters of HD 5278 are Teff = 6203 ± 64 K, log g = 4.50 ± 0.11 dex, [Fe/H] = −0.12 ± 0.04 dex, M⋆ = 1.126−0.035+0.036 M⊙, and R⋆ = 1.194−0.016+0.017 R⊙. We determine HD 5278 b’s mass and radius to be Mb = 7.8−1.4+1.5 M⊕ and Rb = 2.45 ± 0.05R⊕. The derived mean density, ϱb = 2.9−0.5+0.6 g cm−3, is consistent with the bulk composition of a sub-Neptune with a substantial (~ 30%) water mass fraction and with a gas envelope comprising ~17% of the measured radius. Given the host brightness and irradiation levels, HD 5278 b is one of the best targetsorbiting G-F primaries for follow-up atmospheric characterization measurements with HST and JWST. We discover a second, non-transiting companion in the system, with a period of Pc = 40.87−0.17+0.18 days and a minimum mass of Mc sin ic = 18.4−1.9+1.8 M⊕. We study emerging trends in parameters space (e.g., mass, radius, stellar insolation, and mean density) of the growing population of transiting sub-Neptunes, and provide statistical evidence for a low occurrence of close-in, 10 − 15M⊕ companions around G-F primaries with Teff ≳ 5500 K.
The ultrafast Kerr effect in anisotropic and dispersive media
Authors: Huber Lucas , Maehrlein Sebastian F. , Wang Feifan , Liu Yufeng , Zhu X.-Y.
Published: March 2021

The ultrafast optical Kerr effect (OKE) is widely used to investigate the structural dynamics and interactions of liquids, solutions, and solids by observing their intrinsic nonlinear temporal responses through nearly collinear four-wave mixing. Non-degenerate mixing schemes allow for background free detection and can provide information on the interplay between a material’s internal degrees of freedom. Here, we show a source of temporal dynamics in the OKE signal that is not reflective of the internal degrees of freedom but arises from a group index and momentum mismatch. It is observed in two-color experiments on condensed media with sizable spectral dispersion, a common property near an optical resonance. In particular, birefringence in crystalline solids is able to entirely change the character of the OKE signal via the off-diagonal tensor elements of the nonlinear susceptibility. We develop a detailed description of the phase-mismatched ultrafast OKE and show how to extract quantitative information on the spectrally resolved birefringence and group index from time-resolved experiments in one and two dimensions.
Direct mapping of temperature-difference-induced potential variation under non-thermal equilibrium
Authors: Komatsubara Yuki , Ishibe Takafumi , Miyato Yuji , Sakane Shunya , Nakamura Yoshiaki
Published: March 2021

It is expected to develop the measurement system to obtain physical/chemical information with nanoscale space resolution related to the non-thermal equilibrium phenomena. In this study, we developed controlled temperature-gradient kelvin force microscopy (T-KFM) to measure the temperature difference (ΔT)-induced vacuum level variation under non-thermal equilibrium. Therein, the biggest issue, difficulty in applying the large ΔT in narrow space (∼100 μm), was solved by introducing “heating and cooling systems” in T-KFM; one sample side is heated using a ceramic heater and the other side is cooled using liquid nitrogen. Using T-KFM, the space distribution of ΔT-induced vacuum level variation was well observed on the scale of hundreds of nanometers in a polycrystalline ZnO film with nanostructures. The obtained image of the ΔT-induced vacuum level variation can reflect a distribution of the thermal properties such as the thermal resistance and thermoelectromotive force. This pronounced technique for obtaining surface potential under T-gradient helps us to comprehend the non-thermal equilibrium phenomena.
Tuning capillary flow in porous media with hierarchical structures
Authors: Suo Si , Gan Yixiang
Published: March 2021

Immiscible fluid–fluid displacement in porous media is of great importance in many engineering applications, such as enhanced oil recovery, agricultural irrigation, and geologic CO2 storage. Fingering phenomena, induced by the interface instability, are commonly encountered during displacement processes and somehow detrimental since such hydrodynamic instabilities can significantly reduce displacement efficiency. In this study, we report a possible adjustment in pore geometry, which aims to suppress the capillary fingering in porous media with hierarchical structures. Through pore-scale simulations and theoretical analysis, we demonstrate and quantify the combined effects of wettability and hierarchical geometry on displacement patterns, showing a transition from fingering to compact mode. Our results suggest that with a higher porosity of the second-order porous structure, the displacement can stay compact across a wider range of wettability conditions. Combined with our previous work on viscous fingering in such media, we can provide a complete insight into the fluid-fluid displacement control in hierarchical porous media, across a wide range of flow conditions from capillary- to viscous-dominated modes. The conclusions of this work can benefit the design of microfluidic devices and tailoring porous media for better fluid displacement efficiency at the field scale.