bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis in Germany − What are the challenges?
Authors: Meyerhoff P. , Manekeller S. , Saleh N. , Boesecke C. , Schlabe S. , Wasmuth J.C. , van Bremen K. , Eis-Hübinger A.M. , von Fischer-Treuenfeld J. , Menting T. , Rockstroh J.K. , Schwarze-Zander C.
Published: March 2021

Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (R-PEP) including wound treatment, vaccination and application of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is essential in preventing rabies mortality. Today, Germany is officially declared free from terrestrial rabies and rabies is only found in bats. However, physicians in A&E Departments are frequently consulted on the need for R-PEP. We retrospectively analysed patients who received R-PEP at the A&E Department of the University Hospital Bonn between 01.01.2013 and 30.06.2019. Demographic data, travel history, clinical and laboratory findings, previous rabies vaccinations and R-PEP vaccination regimen were recorded. During the study period, 90 patients received R-PEP at the University Hospital Bonn, in 10 cases without indication for R-PEP. Altogether, we found deviations from R-PEP guidelines in 51% (n = 41/80). Infiltration of RIG was missed in 12 patients and incorrectly administrated in 24 patients. Furthermore, vaccination scheme was incorrect in 11 patients. Correct wound washing and documentation of tetanus status was missing in 14% and 63% of patients, respectively. Despite rabies elimination in Germany patients frequently seek advice for R-PEP, the majority returning from foreign travel. Our data show that there is a high need for education on indication for R-PEP before and after travel and for implementation of precise R-PEP guidelines in daily clinical practice.
The multisystem nature of isomerism: left isomerism complicated by Abernethy malformation and portopulmonary hypertension
Authors: Ringle Megan L. , Loomba Rohit , Dykes John C. , Khan Danyal , Schidlow David , Wernovsky Gil
Published: March 2021

Isomerism, also referred to as “heterotaxy” is a complex set of anatomic and functional perturbations. One of the most obvious manifestations of isomerism is the disturbance of organ arrangement, such that the thoracic organs are no longer asymmetric on the left and right. We report the case of a 14-year-old female in whom exercise-induced dyspnea led to a late diagnosis of left isomerism complicated by Abernethy malformation and portopulmonary hypertension. A comprehensive evaluation revealed two anatomic left lungs and hyparterial bronchi, bilateral left atria, an interrupted inferior caval vein with azygos continuation, multiple spleens, sinus node dysfunction, hepatic hypertrophy with focal nodular hyperplasia, and absence of the portal vein. Pulmonary vasodilator therapy was initiated resulting in clinical improvement. This case exhibits unique features including a late diagnosis of isomerism with Abernethy malformation and portopulmonary hypertension. The patient’s presentation, medical workup, and future treatment emphasise the importance of multidisciplinary care in children with complex multisystem disease. We review the multiple cardiac and extracardiac manifestations of isomerism.
Validation of chip grafting inoculation assay to assess the resistance of Solanum species against phytoplasma
Authors: Akhtar Khalid Pervaiz , Ullah Najeeb , Saleem Muhammad Yussouf
Published: March 2021

Big bud caused by several different phytoplasmas is an emerging threat to tomato production worldwide. The development of resistant varieties would be an effective approach to manage this problem, but it requires an appropriate screening technique. Recently, we have described a simple and efficient chip graft inoculation assay (CGIA) for the first time to screen tomato germplasm against Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus. The present study was conducted to first validate the CGIA for phytoplasma transmission, then to assess the resistance of 74 genotypes belonging to different Solanum species against 16SrII-D phytoplasma. CGIA success rate and phytoplasma transmission was 100% since all the grafts survived and phytoplasma was detected in these plants using nested polymerase chain reaction. No genotype was found resistant as all the grafted plants showed typical disease symptoms. In addition to phytoplasma transmission, CGIA can be used for better understanding the plant–phytoplasma interactions and biology of phytoplasmas in tomato.
Color Projection in the Rorschach Test
Authors: Aoki Sanae , Kogayu Nobuo
Published: March 2021

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to examine the basic features of Color Projection (CP). This study examined how CP appeared in relation to card, position, location, development quality, form quality, determinants, contents, special scores, and projected colors. Japanese adult psychiatric patients participated in the study. A total of 68 CP responses in 37 protocols were collected from over 1,500 Rorschach protocols. The results indicated that almost 60% of CP were in response to Card I or VI, which suggests that CP may be an initial shock reaction to achromatic colors and shading. Moreover, almost all CP were shown with the card in the original position, and more than half of CP were shown with W and DQo. This suggests that coping strategies when using CP may consist of changing recognitions rather than changing behaviors. On the other hand, these results also show that almost 30% of CP responses were scored MOR, and some CP responses were changed to colors that are generally considered to be less beautiful or undesirable in Japan. Therefore, in conclusion, it is possible that the current interpretive hypothesis of denial of unpleasant feelings may not be characteristic of all CP responses.
A Machine Learning Technique for Spatial Interpolation of Solar Radiation Observations
Authors: Leirvik Thomas , Yuan Menghan
Published: March 2021

This study applies statistical methods to interpolate missing values in a data set of radiative energy fluxes at the surface of Earth. We apply Random Forest (RF) and seven other conventional spatial interpolation models to a global Surface Solar Radiation (SSR) data set. We apply three categories of predictors: climatic, spatial, and time series variables. Although the first category is the most common in research, our study shows that it is actually the last two categories that are best suited to predict the response. In fact, the best spatial variable is almost 40 times more important than the best climatic variable in predicting SSR. Furthermore, the 10‐fold cross validation shows that the RF has a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 10.2 Wm−2 and a standard deviation of 1.5 Wm−2. On the other hand, the average MAE of the conventional interpolation methods is 21.3 Wm−2, which is more than twice as large as the RF method, in addition to an average standard deviation of 6.4 Wm−2, which is more than four times larger than the RF standard deviation. This highlights the benefits of using machine learning in environmental research.
Dams and Climate Interact to Alter River Flow Regimes Across the United States
Authors: Chalise Dol Raj , Sankarasubramanian A. , Ruhi Albert
Published: March 2021

Storing and managing river flows through reservoirs could dampen or increase climate‐induced fluctuations in streamflow, but interactions between the effects of dams and climate are poorly understood. Here, we examined how dam properties control different facets of flow alteration across the coterminous United States (CONUS), and compared alteration trends between dam‐affected and reference stream gages. We quantified departures from the natural flow regime using 730 stations with long‐term daily discharge data. Dam size and purpose explained high variation in flow alteration, and alteration was particularly severe in water‐stressed regions. Importantly, regulation of river flows by dams often dampened climate‐driven alteration (48% of the flow metrics), particularly in watersheds with positive flow trends; while worsening climatic impacts in other cases (44%), or even having dual effects (8%). Our results show that dam and climate impacts on streamflow need to be assessed jointly, and based on a diverse range of flow regime facets (e.g., event magnitude and duration, frequency, and timing) instead of mean annual flows only. By pairing the USGS streamflow records available from upstream and downstream of 209 dams across the CONUS, we advance the notion that dams amplify flow alteration, but also ameliorate some flow alteration metrics. Understanding such potential and limitations is important in light of climate non‐stationarity and a new wave of damming in developing economies, and will be key to further advancing environmental flow science into the future.
The Characteristics of Summer Descending Sporadic E Layer Observed With the Ionosondes in the China Region
Authors: Qiu Lihui , Zuo Xiaomin , Yu Tao , Sun Yangyi , Liu Huixin , Sun Lingfeng , Zhao Biqiang
Published: March 2021

This work statistically analyzed the characteristics of the summer descending sporadic E layers (Es) recorded at four Chinese ionospheric sounding stations of Sanya (109.4°E, 18.3°N, and I: 24.1°), Wuhan (114.4°E, 30.5°N, and I: 45.5°), Beijing (116.2°E, 40.3°N, and I: 58.7°), Mohe (122.5°E, 52.0°N, and I: 69.6°), and simulated the vertical ion convergence derived from the Horizontal Wind Model (HWM14) for the period from June 1, 2014 to August 31, 2017. Both observations and simulations show that a daytime Es layer starting at ∼120 km in the morning descends to ∼100 km in the afternoon. In addition, the descending rate of the Es layer has obvious altitude and latitude dependence. The Es layer descends faster (∼2.1 km/h) at higher altitudes (above 110 km), and meanwhile, it descends relatively slowly (∼1.5 km/h) at low altitudes (below 110 km). The mean descending rate (∼1.5–1.8 km/h) of the Es layers gradually increases from Sanya to Mohe. It is undoubtedly that the wind shear convergence nodes controlled by the atmospheric tides can drive the Es layer to move downwards. However, the simulation results in this paper show that the wind shear convergence nodes and the Es layer traces do not overlap completely, especially in the vertical direction, which suggests that wind shear cannot fully explain the details of Es layer evolution. We should pay attention to the combined effect of wind shear and metallic ion density in future research, especially in the details of the evolution of Es layer in the vertical direction.
Precursory Slow Slip and Foreshocks on Rough Faults
Authors: Cattania Camilla , Segall Paul
Published: March 2021

Foreshocks are not uncommon prior to large earthquakes, but their physical mechanism remains controversial. Two interpretations have been advanced: (1) foreshocks are driven by aseismic nucleation and (2) foreshocks are cascades, with each event triggered by earlier ones. Here, we study seismic cycles on faults with fractal roughness at wavelengths exceeding the nucleation length. We perform 2‐D quasi‐dynamic, elastic simulations of frictionally uniform rate‐state faults. Roughness leads to a range of slip behavior between system‐size ruptures, including widespread creep, localized slow slip, and microseismicity. These processes are explained by spatial variations in normal stress (σ) caused by roughness: regions with low σ tend to creep, while high σ regions remain locked until they break seismically. Foreshocks and mainshocks both initiate from the rupture of locked asperities, but mainshocks preferentially start on stronger asperities. The preseismic phase is characterized by feedback between creep and foreshocks: episodic seismic bursts break groups of nearby asperities, causing creep to accelerate, which in turns loads other asperities leading to further foreshocks. A simple analytical treatment of this mutual stress transfer, confirmed by simulations, predicts slip velocities and seismicity rates increase as 1/t, where t is the time to the mainshock. The model reproduces the observed migration of foreshocks toward the mainshock hypocenter, foreshock locations consistent with static stress changes, and the 1/t acceleration in stacked catalogs. Instead of interpreting foreshocks as either driven by coseismic stress changes or by creep, we propose that earthquake nucleation on rough faults is driven by the feedback between the two.
Heterogeneity of Aftershock Productivity Along the Mainshock Ruptures and Its Advantage in Improving Short‐Term Aftershock Forecast
Authors: Guo Yicun , Zhuang Jiancang , Zhang Huai
Published: March 2021

This study introduces an improved hypocentral version of the space‐time Epidemic‐Type Aftershock Sequence (ETAS) model, entitled as the 3D‐finite source (3D‐FS) ETAS model, and applies it to the analysis of the Southern California earthquake catalog. By stochastic reconstruction, we are able to reconstruct the patterns of aftershock productivity density along the mainshock ruptures. Detailed analysis of the productivity patterns reveals that: (1) Directly triggered aftershocks make up 21% to 41% of all earthquakes within the mainshock rupture areas, and show significant spatial heterogeneity and temporal migrations; (2) Major aftershocks tend to locate in low productivity areas, at the edges of clusters formed by small aftershocks; (3) Large slip areas are depleted of aftershocks, over 60% of all productivity distributes in areas with slip less than 0.3 times of the maximum slip, and the trajectory of the productivity pattern on the fault plane demonstrates apparent compensation to coseismic slip. We relate the difference in triggering abilities of four mainshocks to the heat flow in corresponding regions. Simulation results suggest that the 3D‐FS ETAS model has apparent advantages of improving the performance of short‐term aftershock forecast. Moreover, the later aftershocks are more correlated with the locations of subsequent events than earlier aftershocks, suggesting that the migration of aftershocks is important for mitigating aftershock hazard.
The Seismo‐Acoustics of Submarine Volcanic Eruptions
Authors: Tepp Gabrielle , Dziak Robert P.
Published: March 2021

Many of the world’s volcanoes are hidden beneath the ocean’s surface where eruptions are difficult to observe. However, seismo‐acoustic signals produced by these eruptions provide a useful means of identifying active submarine volcanism. A literature survey revealed reports of 119 seismo‐acoustically recorded submarine eruptions since 1939. Submarine eruptions have been recorded in all major tectonic settings, with a range of geochemistries, and at a variety of water depths, but the reports are dominated by eruptions in the Pacific and at only a few locations. Many of the reports offer little detail, with over half of the observations made from distances >500 km, and only about half were confirmed as eruptions by non‐seismo‐acoustic evidence. The reported seismo‐acoustic signals cover a wide variety of processes, including earthquakes, explosions, various types of tremor, signals related to lava extrusion, and landslides. Recorded signals can sometimes be difficult to classify or confidently associate with an eruption, although there has been progress in this regard. Real‐time monitoring of submarine eruptions has been on‐going for several decades on regional and global scales with growing interest and effort in local networks. Real‐time networks are complemented by short‐term instrument deployments that often give more detailed insights into the dynamics and processes of submarine eruptions. Thorough seismo‐acoustic monitoring and study has increased our understanding of submarine eruptions, especially of deep‐sea volcanoes and spreading centers. Despite this, there are still many outstanding questions that need to be addressed for submarine volcanoes to be as well understood and monitored as their terrestrial counterparts.
Out‐of‐Sequence Backthrusting Since the Middle Pleistocene Revealed by the Jiangnanmiao Thrust Fault Along the Northern Tian Shan, China
Authors: Hu Guiming , Chen Jie , Zhang Weiheng , Di Ning , Li Yuehua , Li Sheng‐Hua
Published: March 2021

Tectonic wedge systems are important structures found in foreland fold‐and‐thrust belts all over the world. Although the shortening is accommodated by the backthrusts and forethrusts through a wedge tip, few works have analyzed in detail the geometry and kinematics of the surface traces and outcrops of these backthrusts. Our work focuses on the hinterland‐migrating Jiangnanmiao (JNM) Thrust Fault in the northern Tian Shan. Based on interpretations of Google Earth images, detailed geologic and geomorphic mapping, differential GPS measurements, and optically stimulated luminescence dating of offset alluvial fan and terrace surfaces, we determine the spatial extent, fault‐plane geometry, and slip rate of the JNM fault and the Qingshuihe (QSH) tectonic wedge system. Our study indicates that (i) the JNM fault is the surface‐fault trace of a bedding‐parallel backthrust, which is controlled by the QSH tectonic wedge; (ii) the QSH tectonic wedge forms by the coeval activity of the lower Southern Junggar Thrust ramp forethrusts and the north‐dipping JNM backthrust that steps up from the upper Eocene detachment; (iii) the dip‐slip rate of the JNM backthrust is ∼0.4 mm/yr and constant during ∼270–11 Kyr, and seems to increase to ∼0.8 mm/yr in the Holocene. Our study highlights the QSH wedge is a Holocene tectonically active, out‐of‐sequence thrust system, which takes up a non‐negligible portion of the total deformation across the northern Tian Shan and has a potential seismic hazard.
UV-C irradiation is highly effective in inactivating SARS-CoV-2 replication
Authors: Biasin Mara , Bianco Andrea , Pareschi Giovanni , Cavalleri Adalberto , Cavatorta Claudia , Fenizia Claudio , Galli Paola , Lessio Luigi , Lualdi Manuela , Tombetti Enrico , Ambrosi Alessandro , Redaelli Edoardo Maria Alberto , Saulle Irma , Trabattoni Daria , Zanutta Alessio , Clerici Mario
Published: March 2021

The potential virucidal effects of UV-C irradiation on SARS-CoV-2 were experimentally evaluated for different illumination doses and virus concentrations (1000, 5, 0.05 MOI). At a virus density comparable to that observed in SARS-CoV-2 infection, an UV-C dose of just 3.7 mJ/cm2 was sufficient to achieve a more than 3-log inactivation without any sign of viral replication. Moreover, a complete inactivation at all viral concentrations was observed with 16.9 mJ/cm2. These results could explain the epidemiological trends of COVID-19 and are important for the development of novel sterilizing methods to contain SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Identification of risk factors for retinal vascular events in a population-based cross-sectional study in Rumoi, Japan
Authors: Kinouchi Reiko , Ishiko Satoshi , Hanada Kazuomi , Hayashi Hiroki , Mikami Daiki , Yoshida Akitoshi
Published: March 2021

We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study in Japan to identify risk factors for retinal vascular events separately by gender. Forty years or older participants were recruited. Fundus photographs were taken, and lifestyle and health characteristics were determined through a questionnaire and physical examinations. We compared the group of those who had retinal vascular events and those who did not. A total of 1689 participants (964 men) were deemed eligible for the study and retinal vascular events were seen in 59 subjects (3.7% of the men, 3.2% of the women). Self-reported diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with the vascular events in each gender [odds ratio (OR) = 6.97, 6.19 (men, women); 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.02–15.9, 2.25–17.0; p < 0.001]. Higher systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.01–1.04; p = 0.006) and lower frequency of meat consumption (OR = 0.73; 95% CI 0.54–0.99; p = 0.04) were independently associated with the vascular events in men. In women, while vascular events were associated with self-reported hypertension (OR = 2.64; 95% CI 1.03–6.74; p = 0.04), no association was seen with systolic blood pressure. Women with hypertension may need extra care, not only for blood pressure.
Experimental modulation of Interleukin 1 shows its key role in chronic kidney disease progression and anemia
Authors: Bandach Inbar , Segev Yael , Landau Daniel
Published: March 2021

Inflammation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is mostly due to activation of the innate immune system, in which Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a key player. Anemia of CKD may also be due to erythropoietin (EPO) resistance, clinically associated with inflammation. IL-1 receptor antagonist knockout (RaKO) mice show arthritis and excessive inflammation. Inhibition of IL-1 was shown to be beneficial in many inflammatory conditions, but its role in CKD and anemia is unknown. Here, we report that enhanced inflammation in RaKO mice with CKD provoked both higher degrees of renal insufficiency and anemia in comparison to wild-type CKD, in association with a downregulation of renal hypoxia inducible factor-2 (HIF2) as well as decreased bone marrow EPO-receptor (EPOR) and transferrin receptor (TFR). In contrast, administration of P2D7KK, an anti-IL1b monoclonal antibody, to CKD mice results in a lower grade of systemic inflammation, better renal function and blunted anemia. The latter was associated with upregulation of renal HIF-2α, bone marrow EPO-R and TFR. Altogether, this supports the key role of inflammation, and IL-1 particularly, in CKD progression and anemia. Novel treatments to reduce inflammation through this and other pathways, may improve renal function, attenuate the anemic state or increase the response to exogenous EPO.
Association of arsenic-induced cardiovascular disease susceptibility with genetic polymorphisms
Authors: Al-Forkan Mohammad , Wali Fahmida Binta , Khaleda Laila , Alam Md. Jibran , Chowdhury Rahee Hasan , Datta Amit , Rahman Md. Zillur , Hosain Nazmul , Maruf Mohammad Fazle , Chowdhury Muhammad Abdul Quaium , Hasan N. K. M. Mirazul , Shawon Injamamul Ismail , Raqib Rubhana
Published: March 2021

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) exposure has been reported to have an impact on cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, there is not much known about the cardiac tissue injury of CVD patients in relation to iAs exposure and potential role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes related to iAs metabolism, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation which may play important roles in such CVD cases. In this dual center cross-sectional study, based on the exclusion and inclusion criteria, we have recruited 50 patients out of 270, who came from known arsenic-affected and- unaffected areas of mainly Chittagong, Dhaka and Rajshahi divisions of Bangladesh and underwent open-heart surgery at the selected centers during July 2017 to June 2018. We found that the patients from arsenic affected areas contained significantly higher average iAs concentrations in their urine (6.72 ± 0.54 ppb, P = 0.028), nail (529.29 ± 38.76 ppb, P < 0.05) and cardiac tissue (4.83 ± 0.50 ppb, P < 0.05) samples. Patients’ age, sex, BMI, hypertension and diabetes status adjusted analysis showed that patients from arsenic-affected areas had significantly higher iAs concentration in cardiac tissue (2.854, 95%CI 1.017–8.012, P = 0.046) reflecting higher cardiac tissue injury among them (1.831, 95%CI 1.032–3.249, P = 0.039), which in turn allowed the analysis to assume that the iAs exposure have played a vital role in patients’ disease condition. Adjusted analysis showed significant association between urinary iAs concentration with AA (P = 0.012) and AG (P = 0.034) genotypes and cardiac iAs concentration with AA (P = 0.017) genotype of AS3MT rs10748835. The AG genotype of AS3MT rs10748835 (13.333 95%CI 1.280–138.845, P = 0.013), AA genotype of NOS3 rs3918181 (25.333 95%CI 2.065–310.757, P = 0.002), GG genotype of ICAM1 rs281432 (12.000 95%CI 1.325–108.674, P = 0.010) and AA genotype of SOD2 rs2758331 (13.333 95%CI 1.280–138.845, P = 0.013) were found significantly associated with CVD patients from arsenic-affected areas. Again, adjusted analysis showed significant association of AA genotype of AS3MT rs10748835 with CVD patients from arsenic affected areas. In comparison to the reference genotypes of the selected SNPs, AA of AS3MT 10748835, AG of NOS3 rs3918181 and AC of rs3918188, GG of ICAM1 rs281432, TT of VCAM1 rs3176867, AA of SOD2 rs2758331 and GT of APOE rs405509 significantly increased odds of cardiac tissue injury of CVD patients from arsenic affected areas. The results showed that the selected SNPs played a susceptibility role towards cardiac tissue iAs concentration and injury among CVD patients from iAs affected areas.
The macroscopic shape of assemblies formed from microparticles based on host–guest interaction dependent on the guest content
Authors: Itami Takahiro , Hashidzume Akihito , Kamon Yuri , Yamaguchi Hiroyasu , Harada Akira
Published: March 2021

Biological macroscopic assemblies have inspired researchers to utilize molecular recognition to develop smart materials in these decades. Recently, macroscopic self-assemblies based on molecular recognition have been realized using millimeter-scale hydrogel pieces possessing molecular recognition moieties. During the study on macroscopic self-assembly based on molecular recognition, we noticed that the shape of assemblies might be dependent on the host–guest pair. In this study, we were thus motivated to study the macroscopic shape of assemblies formed through host–guest interaction. We modified crosslinked poly(sodium acrylate) microparticles, i.e., superabsorbent polymer (SAP) microparticles, with β-cyclodextrin (βCD) and adamantyl (Ad) residues (βCD(x)-SAP and Ad(y)-SAP microparticles, respectively, where x and y denote the mol% contents of βCD and Ad residues). Then, we studied the self-assembly behavior of βCD(x)-SAP and Ad(y)-SAP microparticles through the complexation of βCD with Ad residues. There was a threshold of the βCD content in βCD(x)-SAP microparticles for assembly formation between x = 22.3 and 26.7. On the other hand, the shape of assemblies was dependent on the Ad content, y; More elongated assemblies were formed at a higher y. This may be because, at a higher y, small clusters formed in an early stage can stick together even upon collisions at a single contact point to form elongated aggregates, whereas, at a smaller y, small clusters stick together only upon collisions at multiple contact points to give rather circular assemblies. On the basis of these observations, the shape of assembly formed from microparticles can be controlled by varying y.
Specific modulation of corticomuscular coherence during submaximal voluntary isometric, shortening and lengthening contractions
Authors: Glories Dorian , Soulhol Mathias , Amarantini David , Duclay Julien
Published: March 2021

During voluntary contractions, corticomuscular coherence (CMC) is thought to reflect a mutual interaction between cortical and muscle oscillatory activities, respectively measured by electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG). However, it remains unclear whether CMC modulation would depend on the contribution of neural mechanisms acting at the spinal level. To this purpose, modulations of CMC were compared during submaximal isometric, shortening and lengthening contractions of the soleus (SOL) and the medial gastrocnemius (MG) with a concurrent analysis of changes in spinal excitability that may be reduced during lengthening contractions. Submaximal contractions intensity was set at 50% of the maximal SOL EMG activity. CMC was computed in the time–frequency domain between the Cz EEG electrode signal and the unrectified SOL or MG EMG signal. Spinal excitability was quantified through normalized Hoffmann (H) reflex amplitude. The results indicate that beta-band CMC and normalized H-reflex were significantly lower in SOL during lengthening compared with isometric contractions, but were similar in MG for all three muscle contraction types. Collectively, these results highlight an effect of contraction type on beta-band CMC, although it may differ between agonist synergist muscles. These novel findings also provide new evidence that beta-band CMC modulation may involve spinal regulatory mechanisms.
Global analysis of lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation in wheat root
Authors: Bo Feng , Shengdong Li , Zongshuai Wang , Fang Cao , Zheng Wang , Chunhua Gao , Geng Li , Ling’an Kong
Published: March 2021

Lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation (Khib) is a novel naturally occurring post-translational modification. The system Khib identification at proteomics level has been performed in various species and tissues to characterize the role of Khib in biological activities. However, the study of Khib in plant species is relatively less. In the present study, the first plant root tissues lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylome analysis was performed in wheat with antibody immunoprecipitation affinity, high resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomics and bioinformatics analysis. In total, 6328 Khib sites in 2186 proteins were repeatedly identified in three replicates. These Khib proteins showed a wide subcellular location distribution. Function and pathways characterization of these Khib proteins indicated that many cellular functions and metabolism pathways were potentially affected by this modification. Protein and amino acid metabolism related process may be regulated by Khib, especially ribosome activities and proteins biosynthesis process. Carbohydrate metabolism and energy production related processes including glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation pathways were also affected by Khib modification. Besides, root sulfur assimilation and transformation related enzymes exhibited Khib modification. Our work illustrated the potential regulation role of Khib in wheat root physiology and biology, which could be used as a useful reference for Khib study in plant root.
N-Bridged Co–N–Ni: new bimetallic sites for promoting electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Pei Jiajing , Wang Tao , Sui Rui , Zhang Xuejiang , Zhou Danni , Qin Fengjuan , Zhao Xu , Liu Qinghua , Yan Wensheng , Dong Juncai , Zheng Lirong , Li Ang , Mao Junjie , Zhu Wei , Chen Wenxing , Zhuang Zhongbin
Published: March 2021

An atomically dispersed catalyst (Co–N–Ni/NPCNSs), which features Co–N–Ni bimetallic sites connected by a N bridge between Co and Ni, serves as a new active site for boosting the CO2RR performance at a low overpotential.
Fucoidan: a promising agent for brain injury and neurodegenerative disease intervention
Authors: Wang Yingying , Wang Qianqian , Han Xiao , Ma Yingchao , Zhang Zhenkun , Zhao Liang , Guan Fangxia , Ma Shanshan
Published: March 2021

Fucoidan exerts a neuroprotective function on neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction and microglial activation, while activating neurite outgrowth and the cholinergic system.
Drug-guided screening for pancreatic lipase inhibitors in functional foods
Authors: Zhang Lujia , Zheng Jinkai , Ma Mingzhe , Zhao Yue , Song Jia , Chen Xin , Cao Wanxiu , He Xiao , Xue Changhu , Tang Qingjuan
Published: March 2021

A novel drug-guided screening strategy for safe functional compounds in food. Pancreatic lipase inhibitors derived from natural foods with a similar mechanism to orlistat. 20 potential inhibitors were screened from 57 328 molecules of the CNPD efficiently.
Direct laser writing for cardiac tissue engineering: a microfluidic heart on a chip with integrated transducers
Authors: Jayne Rachael K. , Karakan M. Çağatay , Zhang Kehan , Pierce Noelle , Michas Christos , Bishop David J. , Chen Christopher S. , Ekinci Kamil L. , White Alice E.
Published: March 2021

We developed an organ-on-a-chip platform with integrated stimulators and sensors. The platform is fabricated using direct laser writing (DLW) and allows for generation and study of functional 3D cardiac microtissues in controlled microenvironments.
Icebreaker-inspired Janus nanomotors to combat barriers in the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents
Authors: Zhang Zhanlin , Zhang Dandan , Qiu Bo , Cao Wenxiong , Liu Yuan , Liu Qingjie , Li Xiaohong
Published: March 2021

Cancer chemotherapy remains challenging to pass through various biological and pathological barriers such as blood circulation, tumor infiltration and cellular uptake before the intracellular release of antineoplastic agents.
Silver nanoparticle induced toxicity and cell death mechanisms in embryonic zebrafish cells
Authors: Quevedo Ana C. , Lynch Iseult , Valsami-Jones Eugenia
Published: March 2021

From their first contact with continuously cultured ZF4 cells, 10, 30 and 100 nm PVP-capped AgNPs induce receptor mediated endocytotic processes, cellular repair mechanisms, and at higher doses, cell death via autophagy, apoptosis or necrosis.
Oxygen tolerant, photoinduced controlled radical polymerization approach for the synthesis of giant amphiphiles
Authors: Theodorou Alexis , Mandriotis Petros , Anastasaki Athina , Velonia Kelly
Published: March 2021

New families of amphiphilic protein–polymer bioconjugates readily synthesized via an oxygen tolerant, photoinduced RDRP approach.
A data-driven XRD analysis protocol for phase identification and phase-fraction prediction of multiphase inorganic compounds
Authors: Lee Jin-Woong , Park Woon Bae , Kim Minseuk , Pal Singh Satendra , Pyo Myoungho , Sohn Kee-Sun
Published: March 2021

A CNN model with 6 convolution layers is used for phase identification.
Effects of a context-based approach with prediction–observation–explanation on conceptual understanding of the states of matter, heat and temperature
Authors: Karsli Baydere Fethiye
Published: March 2021

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the Context-Based Approach (CBA) enriched by Prediction–Observation–Explanation (POE) on 5th grade students’ conceptual understanding of the States of Matter, Heat and Temperature. In this study, quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were employed. The quantitative element used a quasi-experimental design involving a non-equivalent pretest–posttest control group. This research was performed with a total number of 38 (Ncontrol group = 18,Nexperimental group = 20) 5th grade students (aged 10 to 11 years) in a school in a village located in the East Blacksea region in the 2016–2017 academic year. In the study, a two-tier concept questionnaire entitled ‘the States of Matter, Heat and Temperature (SMHTQ)’ and a semi-structured interview were used as data collection tools. In the experimental group, the topics were taught using the CBA enriched with the POE strategy while in the control group the topics were taught using the 5E teaching model (Engage–Explore–Explain–Elaborate–Evaluate) of the constructivist approach. The results indicated that the CBA enriched with the POE strategy was more effective in improving students’ conceptual understanding and reducing students’ alternative concepts than the 5E teaching model on the States of Matter, Heat and Temperature concepts. The results of the study provided helpful information for science teachers and researchers in science/chemistry education since the teaching materials used enriched the learning environment. Similar studies can be applied to different and wider sample groups and concepts.
Electrogenerated chemiluminescence detection of single entities
Authors: Zhao Wei , Chen Hong-Yuan , Xu Jing-Juan
Published: March 2021

We summarize the history and recent development that has been made in the ECL detection of single entities.
Characterizing viscoelastic properties of synthetic and natural fibers and their coatings with a torsional pendulum
Authors: Keshavarz Bavand , Zarket Brady , Amin Samiul , Rughani Ronak , Muthukrishnan Sivaramakrishnan , Holten-Andersen Niels , McKinley Gareth H.
Published: March 2021

Free oscillations of synthetic and natural fibers in a torsional pendulum setup enable us to characterize the viscoelastic properties of soft fibers and their bulk viscoelastic coatings in a quantitative manner.
A nano-integrated microfluidic biochip for enzyme-based point-of-care detection of creatinine
Authors: Li Jianyong , Li Zhenhua , Dou Yanzhi , Su Jing , Shi Jiye , Zhou Yi , Wang Lihua , Song Shiping , Fan Chunhai
Published: March 2021

A nano-integrated portable enzymatic microfluidic electrochemical biochip was developed for single-step point-of-care testing of creatinine.
Biaryl sulfonamides as cisoid azosteres for photopharmacology
Authors: Kobauri Piermichele , Szymanski Wiktor , Cao Fangyuan , Thallmair Sebastian , Marrink Siewert J. , Witte Martin D. , Dekker Frank J. , Feringa Ben L.
Published: March 2021

Biaryl sulfonamides are excellent candidates for the azologization approach that yields photoswitchable drugs more active in their metastable cis state, compared to the stable trans state.
Boosting the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance of monolayer C2N coupled with MoSi2N4: density-functional theory calculations
Authors: Zeng Jian , Xu Liang , Yang Youwen , Luo Xin , Li Hong-Ju , Xiong S. X. , Wang Ling-Ling
Published: March 2021

C2N/MoSi2N4 is shown to be a perfect photocatalyst for splitting water to create hydrogen.
Distance dependent types of coupling of chemical micro-oscillators immersed in a water-in-oil microemulsion
Authors: Mallphanov Ilya L. , Vanag Vladimir K.
Published: March 2021

A system of micro-spheres immersed in a water-in-oil microemulsion (ME) is studied both theoretically and experimentally.
Catalyst carbonylation: a hidden, but essential, step in reaction initiation
Authors: Alfonso Nicolas , Do Van K. , Chavez Anthony J. , Chen Yuhao , Williams Travis J.
Published: March 2021

This minireview documents cases where catalyst carbonylation can be detrimental, beneficial, or even essential in the activation and lifecycle of catalysis for hydrogen transfer reactions.
Substitutional effects in TiFe for hydrogen storage: a comprehensive review
Authors: Dematteis Erika M. , Berti Nicola , Cuevas Fermin , Latroche Michel , Baricco Marcello
Published: March 2021

TiFe-based alloys are key materials for large-scale applications based on solid-state hydrogen storage. A comprehensive overview is here provided on chemical substitutions in TiFe for tuning at will their reversible hydrogen storage properties.
12-state multi-level cell storage implemented in a 128 Mb phase change memory chip
Authors: Song Zhitang , Cai Daolin , Cheng Yan , Wang Lei , Lv Shilong , Xin Tianjiao , Feng Gaoming
Published: March 2021

128 Mb Phase Change Memory (PCM) chips show potential for many applications in artificial intelligence.
Atomic-level engineering of two-dimensional electrocatalysts for CO2reduction
Authors: Shao Wei , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: March 2021

Atomic-level engineering strategies in 2D electrocatalysts for the CO2RR.
Graphene nanogaps for the directed assembly of single-nanoparticle devices
Authors: Cully John J. , Swett Jacob L. , Willick Kyle , Baugh Jonathan , Mol Jan A.
Published: March 2021

Manipulating matter at the nanoscale has long been a central challenge in the field of nanoscience. Here, we employ graphene nanogaps as a platform for the dielectrophoretic capture of single nanoparticles to form hybrid low-dimensional devices.
Introduction to advances in plasmonics and its applications
Authors: Alvarez-Puebla Ramon A. , Li Jian-Feng , Ling Xing Yi
Published: March 2021

Ramon A. Alvarez-Puebla, Jian-Feng Li and Xing Yi Ling introduce the Nanoscale themed collection on advances in plasmonics and its applications.
Three-dimensional porous copper-decorated bismuth-based nanofoam for boosting the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formate
Authors: Zhang Yingchun , Cao Changsheng , Wu Xin-Tao , Zhu Qi-Long
Published: March 2021

A Cu-decorated Bi/Bi2O3 nanofoam with a 3D porous network structure was assembled, which exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance toward electrocatalytic CO2 reduction owing to the optimized morphology and electronic structure.
AIE polymers in sensing, imaging and theranostic applications
Authors: Hu Rong , Yang Xinzhe , Qin Anjun , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2021

This review summarizes the progress of AIE polymers in sensing, imaging and theranostic applications in the recent 3 years, and the perspective and future development of AIE polymers are discussed briefly.
Innovative strategies of hydrogen peroxide-involving tumor therapeutics
Authors: Zhang Yunxiu , Zhang Jianhong , Jia Qingyan , Ge Jiechao , Wang Pengfei
Published: March 2021

In this review, we summarized and discussed the recent advances and future prospects of H2O2-involving therapeutic methods for anticancer applications.
A bifunctional iminophosphorane squaramide catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of hydroquinazolinesviaintramolecular aza-Michael reaction to α,β-unsaturated esters
Authors: Su Guanglong , Thomson Connor J. , Yamazaki Ken , Rozsar Daniel , Christensen Kirsten E. , Hamlin Trevor A. , Dixon Darren J.
Published: March 2021

The activation of both aromatic and aliphatic ureas as N-centered nucleophiles in intramolecular Michael addition reactions to α,β-unsaturated esters was achieved under bifunctional iminophosphorane squaramide superbase catalysis.
The jet collimation profile at high resolution in BL Lacertae
Authors: Casadio C. , MacDonald N. R. , Boccardi B. , Jorstad S. G. , Marscher A. P. , Krichbaum T. P. , Hodgson J. A. , Kim J.-Y. , Traianou E. , Weaver Z. R. , Gómez Garrido M. , González García J. , Kallunki J. , Lindqvist M. , Sánchez S. , Yang J. , Zensus J. A.
Published: March 2021

Context. Controversial studies on the jet collimation profile of BL Lacertae (BL Lac), the eponymous blazar of the BL Lac objects class, complicate the scenario in this already puzzling class of objects. Understanding the jet geometry in connection with the jet kinematics and the physical conditions in the surrounding medium is fundamental for better constraining the formation, acceleration, and collimation mechanisms in extragalactic jets.

Aims. With the aim of investigating the jet geometry in the innermost regions of the BL Lac jet, and resolving the controversy, we explore the radio jet in this source using high-resolution millimeter-wave VLBI data.

Methods. We collect 86 GHz GMVA and 43 GHz VLBA data to obtain stacked images that we use to infer the jet collimation profile by means of two comparable methods. We analyze the kinematics at 86 GHz, and we discuss it in the context of the jet expansion. Finally, we consider a possible implication of the Bondi sphere in shaping the jet of BL Lac.

Results. The jet in BL Lac expands with an overall conical geometry. A higher expanding rate region is observed between ∼5 and 10 pc (de-projected) from the black hole. Such a region is associated with the decrease in brightness usually observed in high-frequency VLBI images of BL Lac. The jet retrieves the original jet expansion around 17 pc, where the presence of a recollimation shock is supported by both the jet profile and the 15 GHz kinematics (MOJAVE survey). The change in the jet expansion profile occurring at ∼5 pc could be associated with a change in the external pressure at the location of the Bondi radius (∼3.3 × 105RS).
The double signature of local cosmic-ray acceleration in star-forming regions
Authors: Padovani Marco , Marcowith Alexandre , Galli Daniele , Hunt Leslie K. , Fontani Francesco
Published: March 2021

Context.Recently, there has been an increased interest in the study of the generation of low-energy cosmic rays (< 1 TeV) in shocks situated on the surface of a protostar or along protostellar jets. These locally accelerated cosmic rays offer an attractive explanation for the high levels of non-thermal emission and ionisation rates observed close to these sources.

Aims.The high ionisation rate observed in some protostellar sources is generally attributed to shock-generated UV photons. The aim of this article is to show that when synchrotron emission and a high ionisation rate are measured in the same spatial region, a locally shock-accelerated cosmic-ray flux is sufficient to explain both phenomena.

Methods.We assume that relativistic protons and electrons are accelerated according to the first-order Fermi acceleration mechanism, and we calculate their emerging fluxes at the shock surface. These fluxes are used to compute the ionisation rate and the non-thermal emission at centimetre wavelengths. We then apply our model to the star-forming region OMC-2 FIR 3/FIR 4. Using a Bayesian analysis, we constrain the parameters of the model and estimate the spectral indices of the non-thermal radio emission, the intensity of the magnetic field, and its degree of turbulence.

Results.We demonstrate that the local cosmic-ray acceleration model makes it possible to simultaneously explain the synchrotron emission along the HOPS 370 jet within the FIR 3 region and the ionisation rate observed near the FIR 4 protocluster. In particular, our model constrains the magnetic field strength (∼250−450 μG), its turbulent component (∼20−40 μG), and the jet velocity in the shock reference frame for the three non-thermal sources of the HOPS 370 jet (between 350 km s−1and 1000 km s−1).

Conclusions.Beyond the modelling of the OMC-2 FIR 3/FIR 4 system, we show how the combination of continuum observations at centimetre wavelengths and molecular transitions is a powerful new tool for the analysis of star-forming regions: These two types of observations can be simultaneously interpreted by invoking only the presence of locally accelerated cosmic rays, without having to resort to shock-generated UV photons.
Plant morphological traits and competition index comparisons of three invasive and native submerged plants
Authors: Huang Xiaolong , Yu Jinlei , Liu Shuailing , Xie Hongmin , He Hu , Li Kuanyi
Published: March 2021

The submerged species Carolina fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana) has attracted considerable attention in Lake Taihu Basin (LTB), China. This species was widely used as a garden plant until 2016, when it was identified as invasive. In this study, we conducted a mesocosm experiment to compare the morphological traits, includingtotal dry mass, shoot/root (S/R) ratio, relative growth rate (RGR) and competition index log response ratio (ln RR), of C. caroliniana and two frequently co-occurring native submerged plants, water thyme (Hydrilla verticillata) and Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum). The results demonstrated that C. caroliniana did not show more advantageous traits (higher total dry mass, S/R ratio and RGR) or have a lower ln RR than H. verticillata or M. spicatum. We provide a counterexample to commonly accepted thought in which the successful invasion of invasive species may not be explained by outcompeting native plants. Other biotic or abiotic factors that determine the successful invasion of C. caroliniana must be studied further.
Habitat use of the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) and marbled eel (Anguilla marmorata) in the large subtropical Pearl River
Authors: Shuai Fangmin , Li Xinhui , Yang Wanling , Chen Weitao , Lek Sovan
Published: March 2021

Anguilla spp. are catadromous fish and with a high economic value in Asia. The Pearl River is the largest river in southern China and is an important area for wild populations of Anguilla spp. However, until now, there has been little research on the eel's population structure and habitat use in the Pearl River. This study analyzed the population structure and habitat use characteristics of the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) and the marbled eel (Anguilla marmorata) in the Pearl River based on data collected from 2015 to 2018. A total of 181 Japanese eels and 56 marbled eels were collected, over half of which were middle-sized eels between 255 and 600 mm in length. Although they are sister species, Japanese eels mainly inhabit complex river habitats characterized by high river fractals and coefficients of fluvial facies, while marbled eels mainly inhabit wider and deeper river sections. The impact of physical environmental factors (such as river fractals, coefficients of fluvial facies and river width) on the distribution of these two species is greater than the impact of small-scale water quality environmental factors (such as DO concentration, temperature and clarity). The results of this study showed that wild Anguilla spp. resources in the Pearl River were extremely low and there was an urgent need for conservation and management of eel resources in south China.