bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction‐Free Quantum Spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Yu , Cai Yu-Jie , Li Xing-Tong , Huang Kun , Liu Jin-Ming , Wu E
Published: May 2021

Interaction‐free measurement (IFM)‐based single‐photon interference is developed as a powerful platform for revealing object information in quantum metrology, where the presence of a sample is identified without photon “touching” in an interferometer. Herein, a method of obtaining the spectroscopic properties with interaction‐free quantum spectroscopy (IFQS) based on the spectrum‐correlated photon pairs by the spontaneous parametric down‐conversion (SPDC) is proposed and implemented. Infrared signal photons around 1557 nm from the SPDC pairs are sent to a Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI), which contains a semitransparent sample in one of the arms. The transmission spectrum of the sample is characterized by recording the coincidence detection of the spectrum‐correlated near‐infrared heralding photons around 808 nm from the SPDC. The IFQS can not only distinguish the existence of the sample but also recognize the sample by its transmission spectrum without interaction. The approach unlocks the potential to facilitate the applications of correlation‐based quantum spectroscopy and reduce the power‐induced optical damage of fragile materials.
Nonequilibrium Induced by Reservoirs: Physico‐Mathematical Models and Numerical Tests
Authors: Klein Rupert , Ebrahimi Viand Roya , Höfling Felix , Delle Site Luigi
Published: May 2021

In a recently proposed computational model of open molecular systems out of equilibrium the action of different reservoirs enters as a linear sum into the Liouville‐type evolution equations for the open system's statistics. The linearity of the coupling is common to different mathematical models of open systems and essentially relies on neglecting the feedback of the system onto the reservoir due to their interaction. In this paper, the range of applicability of the computational model is tested with a linear coupling to two different reservoirs, which induces a nonequilibrium situation. To this end, the density profiles of Lennard–Jones liquids in large thermal gradients are studied using nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations with open boundaries. The authors put in perspective the formulation of an extension of the mathematical model that can account for nonlinear effects.
Explaining the Fill‐Factor and Photocurrent Losses of Nonfullerene Acceptor‐Based Solar Cells by Probing the Long‐Range Charge Carrier Diffusion and Drift Lengths
Authors: Tokmoldin Nurlan , Vollbrecht Joachim , Hosseini Seyed Mehrdad , Sun Bowen , Perdigón‐Toro Lorena , Woo Han Young , Zou Yingping , Neher Dieter , Shoaee Safa
Published: May 2021

Organic solar cells (OSC) nowadays match their inorganic competitors in terms of current production but lag behind with regards to their open‐circuit voltage loss and fill‐factor, with state‐of‐the‐art OSCs rarely displaying fill‐factor of 80% and above. The fill‐factor of transport‐limited solar cells, including organic photovoltaic devices, is affected by material and device‐specific parameters, whose combination is represented in terms of the established figures of merit, such as θ and α. Herein, it is demonstrated that these figures of merit are closely related to the long‐range carrier drift and diffusion lengths. Further, a simple approach is presented to devise these characteristic lengths using steady‐state photoconductance measurements. This yields a straightforward way of determining θ and α in complete cells and under operating conditions. This approach is applied to a variety of photovoltaic devices—including the high efficiency nonfullerene acceptor blends—and show that the diffusion length of the free carriers provides a good correlation with the fill‐factor. It is, finally, concluded that most state‐of‐the‐art organic solar cells exhibit a sufficiently large drift length to guarantee efficient charge extraction at short circuit, but that they still suffer from too small diffusion lengths of photogenerated carriers limiting their fill factor.
Spin Effect on Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Li Jisi , Ma Jingjing , Ma Ziang , Zhao Erling , Du Kun , Guo Jiaxin , Ling Tao
Published: May 2021

Oxygen involved reactions, including oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reactions (OERs), play a key role in electrochemical energy devices, such as fuel cells and metal–air batteries. Recent theoretical calculations and experimental investigations reveal that the energy loss in ORR/OER is closely related to the triplet O2 generation/conversion step. However, the spin‐related phenomena have long been neglected in understanding of the ORR/OER mechanism. This review highlights recent advances in understanding and application of the spin‐related effect in oxygen electrocatalysis. It is demonstrated that the exchange interaction in magnetic catalysts can build a spin‐selective channel to filter the electron spins with appropriate orientation in the O2 generation/conversion step during ORR/OER. It is believed that the introduction of spin effect can establish a more comprehensive understanding of oxygen electrocatalysis and assist designing more reactive oxygen electrocatalysts.
Green Inks for the Fabrication of Organic Solar Cells: A Case Study on PBDTTPD:PC61BM Bulk Heterojunctions
Authors: Sprau Christian , Cruz Ana Milena , Bautista Lorenzo , Molina Laura , Wagner Michael , Chochos Christos L. , Della Pirriera Mónica , Colsmann Alexander
Published: May 2021

Nonhalogenated ecofriendly solvents are an important asset to avoid costly safety precautions during the fabrication of organic solar cells by printing. Yet, in the past, the quest for suitable nontoxic solvents has widely used empirical approaches. Herein, a comprehensive solubility study is rolled out embracing Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs), tailoring of binary solvents and rational choices of solvent additives, identifying ecofriendly solvents or solvent combinations for the deposition of poly‐benzodithophene‐thienopyrroledione (PBDTTPD)/fullerene thin‐film blends. A particular challenge is the low polymer solubility even in common halogenated solvents. Following the HSPs, initially, a list of suitable solvent candidates is identified which are tested toward their applicability in solar cell fabrication. Among the shortlisted solvents, significant differences between p‐xylene and o‐xylene are observed, which can be compensated using solvent additives. The ecofriendly green solvent eucalyptol in combination with benzaldehyde and p‐anisaldehyde in a ternary solvent mixture gives rise to decent solar cell performances. Solar cells are produced with power conversion efficiencies matching those conventionally fabricated from state‐of‐the‐art halogenated solvents comprising chlorobenzene and chloronaphthalene. Notably, the Hansen solubility approach provides an initial choice of solvents, but comes to its limits in predicting the best micromorphology formation, or if solvents react with the organic semiconductors.
In Situ Growth of Transition Metal Nanoparticles on Aluminosilicate Minerals for Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Mei Jun , Bai Juan , Ayoko Godwin A. , Peng Hong , Liao Ting , Sun Ziqi
Published: May 2021

Earth‐abundant and environmentally friendly aluminosilicate minerals can be one of the promising alternatives to develop cost‐effective energy conversion and storage devices. Herein, in situ growth of transition metal nanoparticles is proposed to modify two commonly available feldspar minerals, albite and microcline, for promoting electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction activity via a one‐step thermal reduction strategy. Three types of transition metal nanoparticles, namely, Ni, Co, and Fe, are selected to modify the albite or microcline surfaces. As expected, these modified products deliver enhanced catalytic activities compared to the pristine minerals. Particularly, Co‐modified microcline (C‐KASO) demonstrates the best performance that even outperforms the commercial RuO2 catalyst. This design by coupling low‐cost aluminosilicate minerals with active transition metal nanoparticles offers a new insight into directly utilizing the natural abundant resources to address the current energy crisis.
Perspectives of Perovskites for Solar Thermochemical Splitting of CO2 or H2O Molecules
Authors: Boretti Alberto
Published: May 2021

Solar thermochemical splitting cycles (TSCs) are a promising technology for producing renewable hydrogen, or hydrocarbon fuels, from a feedstock of H2O, or H2O and CO2, and solar energy. At present, perovskites materials have been only investigated in isolation for potential use in high‐temperature two‐step TSC. Their ability in isolation to gain or lose oxygen at different temperatures and their heating duties for CO2 or H2O are not satisfactory arguments in favor of or against the specific use. The design, prototyping, and testing of a specific solar receiver/reactor for the production of CO or H2 are necessary to prove the technology.
Dual‐Responsive Soft Actuators with Integrated Sensing Function Based on 1T‐MoS2 Composite
Authors: Ji Qixiao , Jing Zhuang , Shen Jinjie , Hu Ying , Chang Longfei , Lu Luhua , Liu Muye , Liu Jiaqin , Wu Yucheng
Published: May 2021

Developing a multiresponsive and multifunctional soft actuator that can output mechanical deformation is crucial to the fields of soft robotics and wearable devices. Herein, a 2D metallic molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)‐based soft actuator with dual‐response and self‐sensing function is designed and fabricated. By using the outstanding photothermal property of 1T phase MoS2, good electrical property and network structure of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), hygroscopic expansion of paper, and thermal expansion of polyimide (PI), the MoS2‐based actuator can respond to external voltage and light stimulation and produce rapid and large bending deformation. In addition, the actuator can be used as a flexible strain sensor to realize real‐time sensing of bending deformation by using piezoresistive property of the MoS2–CNT composite film. Based on this soft actuator, a flexible mechanical gripper that can manipulate soft objects with irregular shape and intelligent wearable gloves that can automatically close to block the light irradiation are made. Furthermore, combined with the sensing feature of this MoS2‐based actuator, the gripper with integrated sensing function is also developed. These results indicate the great prospect of the MoS2‐based actuator in intelligent soft mechanical devices, robots, and wearable systems.
Multimaterial Pneumatic Soft Actuators and Robots through a Planar Laser Cutting and Stacking Approach
Authors: Luo Yichi , Zou Jiang , Gu Guoying
Published: May 2021

Pneumatic soft robotic systems show remarkable potentials in producing versatile locomotion and manipulations, owing to their flexibility in structural design and material selections. However, fabrication of pneumatic soft robotic systems with complex 3D structures and material distribution still remains elusive. Herein, a mode‐free fabrication approach, called planar laser cutting and stacking fabrication (PLCSF), is proposed to create pneumatic soft robotic systems with multi‐material and complex structure, which involves the following steps: 1) slicing the 3D model of desired pneumatic soft robotic systems into 2D layers; 2) fabricating each layer via laser cutting corresponding 2D membrane; 3) stacking all layers together to finish the fabrication. With the PLCSF approach, various prevalent pneumatic soft actuators are fabricated with complex structures (including fiber‐reinforced and pneu‐net) and different actuation modes (such as bending, elongation, twisting, abduction, contraction, and grabbing). The scalability of the PLCSF approach to fabricate multiple degrees‐of‐freedom (DOFs) pneumatic soft actuators with integrated structures, such as twisting‐bending pneumatic soft actuators for delivering and bending‐elongation‐bending pneumatic soft actuators for crawling, is also demonstrated. It is further demonstrated that the PLCSF approach also enables creating a bio‐inspired soft hand with nine DOFs, capable of various dexterous motions and manipulations.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Benzannulations: Mechanism and Synthetic Utility
Authors: Sharique Mohammed , Tambar Uttam K.
Published: May 2021

Aromatic compounds are ubiquitous in pharmaceutical agents and other functional materials. Therefore, synthetic methods to construct highly functionalized aromatic frameworks have attracted considerable attention, especially when utilizing acyclic precursors instead of pre‐existing benzenoid cores. A plethora of methods exist in the literature for the construction of substituted aromatic products by using transition metal catalysis and base‐promoted benzannulation reactions starting from acyclic precursors. In recent years, organocatalytic approaches such as N‐heterocyclic carbene catalysis have emerged as effective tools for the efficient and regioselective construction of highly functionalized aryl rings under metal‐free and mild reaction conditions. The fundamental objective of this minireview is to highlight the synthetic potential of NHC‐catalyzed benzannulations for the generation of aromatic rings with complex substitution patterns and to discuss these reactions from the perspective of their mechanistic design.
Rhodium‐terpyridine Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation of Aromatic Nitro Compounds in Water
Authors: Liu Yuxuan , Miao Wang , Tang Weijun , Xue Dong , Xiao Jianliang , Wang Chao , Li Changzhi
Published: May 2021

A rhodium terpyridine complex catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes to anilines with i‐PrOH as hydrogen source and water as solvent has been developed. The catalytic system can work at a substrate/catalyst (S/C) ratio of 2000, with a turnover frequency (TOF) up to 3360 h−1, which represents one of the most active catalytic transfer hydrogenation systems for nitroarene reduction. The catalytic system is operationally simple and the protocol could be scaled up to 20 gram scale. The water‐soluble catalyst bearing a carboxyl group could be recycled 15 times without significant loss of activity.
Critical comments on publications by S. Hoffmann and N. Vogt on historical novae/supernovae and their candidates
Authors: Neuhäuser Ralph , Neuhäuser Dagmar L.
Published: May 2021

We critically discuss recent articles by S. Hoffmann and N. Vogt on historical novae and supernovae (SNe) as well as their list of “24 most promising events” “with rather high probability to be a nova” (Hoffmann et al., AN, 2020, 341, 79 (P3)). Their alleged positional accuracy of previously suggested historical nova/SN records is based on inhomogeneous datasets (Vogt et al.), but then used for the nova search in Hoffmann et al., AN, 2020, 341, 79 (P3). Their claim that previously only “point coordinates” for nova/SN candidates were published, is fabricated. Their estimate of expected nova detection rates is off by a factor of 10 due to mis‐calculation. They accept counterparts down to 4–7 mag at peak, which is against the consensus for the typical limit of naked‐eye discovery. When they discuss previously suggested identifications of historical novae, which they all doubt, they do not present new facts (Hoffmann, MNRAS, 2019, 490, 4194 (P2)). Their catalog of “24 most promising events” for novae (Hoffmann et al., AN, 2020, 341, 79 (P3)) neglects important recent literature (e.g. Pankenier et al., Archeoastronomy in East Asia, New York, Cambria, 2008 and Stephenson and Green, JHA, 2009, 40, 31), the claimed methods are not followed, etc. At least half of their short‐list candidates were and are to be considered comets. For many of the others, duration of more than one night and/or a precise position is missing and/or the sources were treated mistakenly. Two “highlights,” a fabricated SN AD 667–8 and a presumable recurrent nova in AD 891, are already rejected in detail in Neuhäuser et al., MNRAS, 2021a, 501, L1—in both cases, all evidence speaks in favor of comets. There remains only one reliable case, where close to one (possible) historically reported position, a nova shell was already found (AD 1437, Shara et al., Nature, 2017b, 548, 558). Since the proposed positional search areas are not justified due to unfounded textual interpretations (e.g. in fact comets), misunderstandings of historical Chinese astronomy (e.g. incorrect asterism), follow‐up observations cannot be recommended.
Design and strategy for spectrofluorimetric determination of tranexamic acid in its authentic form and pharmaceutical preparations: application to spiked human plasma
Authors: Anwer Ebtehal F. , Nour El‐Deen Deena A. M. , Omar Mahmoud A.
Published: May 2021

A creative, very sensitive and noncomplicated spectrofluorimetric technique was established and further validated to determine tranexamic acid in both its authentic form and its pharmaceutical preparation dosage forms. In the introduced technique, a reaction was found between the aliphatic primary amino group of tranexamic acid and ninhydrin/phenylacetaldehyde reagents in the presence of Torell and Steinhagen buffer pH 7.0, which led to the production of a highly fluorescent product; fluorescence intensity was measured at 475 nm after excitation at 391 nm. A calibration curve was drawn with a linear range of 0.3–2 μg/ml. Limit of detection and limit of quantification values were 0.051 and 0.155 μg/ml respectively. The introduced technique was validated based on the International Council for Harmonisation guidelines and agreed for determination of tranexamic acid in its pharmaceutical formulation. Finally, this simple method was also applied for determination of tranexamic acid in spiked human plasma.
Personality profile of individual sports champions
Authors: Piepiora Paweł
Published: May 2021

Background

Research on personality in sport is popular because it allows you to forecast the greediness of actions in sports competition situations. The purpose of this paper is to determine which personality traits characterize individual sports champions.

Materials and Methods

The subjects of the research were Polish athletes (N = 600) between 20 and 29 years of age from 20 individual sports disciplines (each n = 30). Then, a sample of champions (n = 56) and other individual disciplines athletes (n = 544) was selected from the study population. The Big Five model was used to examine their personality (NEO‐FFI).

Results

Individual sports champions were characterized by a lower level of neuroticism, a higher level of extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness in relation to other athletes.

Conclusion

Each sports discipline is characterized by slightly different psychological requirements for athletes. The undertaken sports activity shapes the personality, and the shaped personality traits have an impact on taking solutions in the starting situation. The level of intensity of neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness may determine the result in competition in individual sports.
Task‐induced brain functional connectivity as a representation of schema for mediating unsupervised and supervised learning dynamics in language acquisition
Authors: Akama Hiroyuki , Yuan Yixin , Awazu Shunji
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Based on the schema theory advanced by Rumelhart and Norman, we shed light on the individual variability in brain dynamics induced by hybridization of learning methodologies, particularly alternating unsupervised learning and supervised learning in language acquisition. The concept of “schema” implies a latent knowledge structure that a learner holds and updates as intrinsic to his or her cognitive space for guiding the processing of newly arriving information.

Methods

We replicated the cognitive experiment of Onnis and Thiessen on implicit statistical learning ability in language acquisition but included additional factors of prosodic variables and explicit supervised learning. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed to identify the functional network connections for schema updating by alternately using unsupervised and supervised artificial grammar learning tasks to segment potential words.

Results

Regardless of the quality of task performance, the default mode network represented the first stage of spontaneous unsupervised learning, and the wrap‐up accomplishment for successful subjects of the whole hybrid learning in concurrence with the task‐related auditory language networks. Furthermore, subjects who could easily “tune” the schema for recording a high task precision rate resorted even at an early stage to a self‐supervised learning, or “superlearning,” as a set of different learning mechanisms that act in synergy to trigger widespread neuro‐transformation with a focus on the cerebellum.

Conclusions

Investigation of the brain dynamics revealed by functional connectivity imaging analysis was able to differentiate the synchronized neural responses with respect to learning methods and the order effect that affects hybrid learning.
Sequential induction chemotherapy plus intensity‐modulated radiotherapy versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: the three‐year report of a phase II, single center, randomized, non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Yang Zhining , Cai Zeman , Cai Qingxin , Hong Yingji , Zhang Cuidai , Huang Kaichun , Lin Zhixiong , Li Mei
Published: May 2021

To compare the efficacy and safety of induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) alone versus concurrent CCRT in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA‐NPC). Patients with newly diagnosed stage III to IVB nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) were randomized to receive IC plus IMRT (IC+RT arm), or concurrent chemotherapy plus IMRT (CCRT arm), using a random number table. Both treatment arms received the same chemotherapy regimen. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS). Secondary end points included overall survival (OS), locoregional recurrence‐free survival (LRRFS), distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS), treatment response, and acute treatment toxicities. From June 2013 to September 2018, a total of 204 patients histologically diagnosed with LA‐NPC were enrolled in the study, with 102 patients randomly assigned to each arm. After a median follow‐up duration of 45 months (range 4 to 84 months), the 3‐year PFS, OS, LRRFS and DMFS were 72.2%, 87.8%, 92.3%, and 82.7% in the IC+RT arm, compared with 82.6%, 92.8%, 94.7%, and 88.2% in the CCRT arm. No statistical difference for PFS, OS, LRRFS, DMFS, or treatment response was observed between the two arms (p > 0.05). The incidences of leukopenia (p = 0.008) and anemia (p = 0.015) were significantly higher in patients in the CCRT arm than those in the IC+RT arm. Compared to CCRT, IC plus IMRT alone provided similarly favorable treatment outcomes in terms of PFS, OS, LRRFS, and DMFS for patients with LA‐NPC, but resulted in fewer incidences of leukopenia and anemia.
Spatial cytotoxic and memory T cells in tumor predict superior survival outcomes in patients with high‐grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhang Guodong , Xu Qing , Zhang Xiangyun , Yang Moran , Wang Yiying , He Mengdi , Lu Jiaqi , Liu Haiou
Published: May 2021

Although the association between tumor‐infiltrating CD3+ T and CD8+ T cells and superior survival in high‐grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) has been observed, the different spatial localization of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) possesses heterogeneous effects. We performed localized measurements in 260 HGSOC from 2 independent cohorts represented in tissue microarray format to determine the localized expression pattern and clinical significance of CD3+ T, CD8+ T, and CD45RO+ cells in HGSOC. Different density of spatial localization of CD3+ T, CD8+ T, and CD45RO+ cells exhibited heterogeneous association with OS. The combination of the center of the tumor and invasive margin localized CD8+T cells (CD8CT&IM) with the same margin localized CD45RO (CD45ROCT&IM) was the most robust prognostic predictor. Immune score (IS) was constructed by integrating FIGO stage with CD8CT&IM and CD45ROIM&CT and had the best prognostic value in HGSOC. The low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐IS groups were observed in 44.7%, 41.6%, and 13.7% of patients, respectively. Low‐IS identified patients were at higher risk of death compared to high‐IS identified patients (HR = 12.426; 95% CI 5.317–29.039, p < 0.001); meanwhile, we evaluate the RMSTs over 10 years of follow‐up and obtained RMST values of 104.09 months (95% CI 96.31–111.87 months) in the high‐IS group, 75.26 months (95% CI 59.92–90.60 months) in the intermediate‐IS group, and 48.68 months (95%CI 38.82–58.54 months) in the low‐IS group. In general, spatial localization can modulate the clinical effects of TILs in HGSOC. Thus, the spatial expression of CD8 and CD45RO could aid clinicians to determine the follow‐up plan of patients with HGSOC.
Urticaria as a manifestation of hyperthyroidism
Authors: Womack Nicholas , Jude Edward
Published: May 2021

In clinically euthyroid patients presenting with urticaria, a trial period of withholding antithyroid medications can be exercised. In clinically hyperthyroid patients, antithyroid medications may be stopped with close observation of response.
From cranial nerve palsy to seizures—All the signs that lead to secondary Fahr’s syndrome
Authors: Pereira Gabriela Sobreira , Ferreira Ana , Castro Laura , Fernandes Magda , Cotter Jorge
Published: May 2021

Neuroimaging scan and calcium/phosphorus metabolism evaluation should be considered in patients with new onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, to provide an earliest detection of pathological and metabolic alterations, such as Fahr's syndrome.
Unrecognized perforation into the anterior interventricular vein complicating PCI for anterior STEMI: An unexpected detour
Authors: Rothstein Eric S. , Frampton Jennifer , Devries James T. , Young Michael N.
Published: May 2021

Large iatrogenic coronary artery perforations require rapid management; however, operators must be able to recognize guidewire perforation into cardiac veins in order to avoid causing further complications with standard salvage strategies.
Epstein–Barr virus positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma transformed into angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma after treatment
Authors: Wang Chaoyu , Gong Yi , Jiang Qingming , Liang Xiping , Chen Rui
Published: May 2021

Angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL) is the subtype of mature T‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Compared with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), AITL patients are frequently accompanied with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. To date, there is no report on the subsequent development of AITL in patients with EBV‐positive DLBCL. We performed a rare case of EBV‐positive AITL developing one year after initial diagnosis of EBV‐positive DLBCL. The patient showed poor response to the chemotherapy regimen, and poor survival.
Lump at the back of my tongue. The lingual thyroid–A case report and narrative review of literature
Authors: Jabbour Joe , Agostinho Nelson , Bains Harinder K. , Earls Peter , Killen Louise , Perera Ruwan , Sirigiri Ranga , Ridha Hayder
Published: May 2021

Although the ectopic thyroid in adults is rarely symptomatic, biochemistry and imaging workup are essential. Treatment modality of choice is dependent on patient factors, institution factors and surgeon factors. The mainstay treatment involves hormone suppression treatment with exogenous thyroid hormone. If medical management is unsuccessful, surgical excision requires an experienced team including an anaesthetist and otolaryngologist. Anaesthetic considerations are important because intubation may be a potentially difficult procedure secondary to potential serious obstruction of the upper airway. We present a case report and narrative review of the literature regarding lingual thyroid workup and management.
Successful catheter ablation approach above the aortic sinus cusp eliminating a ventricular arrhythmia arising from the myocardial crescent beneath the interleaflet triangle: Late gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging assessment
Authors: Kiuchi Kunihiko , Izawa Yu , Toh Hiroyuki , Takami Mitsuru , Fukuzawa Koji , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: May 2021

A 61‐year‐old female with 50 000 ventricular premature contractions and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction of 35% was referred to our center. Although the origin was considered to originate from the junction between the left and right coronary cusp, a single radiofrequency application above the aortic sinus cusp could eliminate it. LGE‐MRI was able to reveal the exact location of the single RF lesion.
A case report on serendipitous diagnosis of wilson’s disease in a child with brucellosis and pseudomonal infection
Authors: Malbul Kiran , Katwal Srijana , Khetan Saurav , Aryal Nirjala
Published: May 2021

Wilson's disease can have varied clinical manifestations and initial presentation can be misleading as in our case. Our case depicts the necessity of suspicion of WD in variable presentation of liver disorders, especially in pediatrics population.
Primary breast lymphoma initially diagnosed as invasive ductal carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Uenaka Natsuki , Yamamoto Shinya , Sato Seiya , Kudo Takamichi , Adachi Shoko , Narui Kazutaka , Tanabe Mikiko , Yamada Akimitsu , Ishikawa Takashi , Endo Itaru
Published: May 2021

A malignant tumor in the breast may not be conclusive of breast cancer. It is important to keep the possibility of primary breast lymphoma in rare scenarios. For the diagnosis of primary breast lymphoma, immunohistochemical staining is necessary.
Identification and Rational Engineering of a High Substrate‐Tolerant Leucine Dehydrogenase Effective for the Synthesis of L‐tert‐Leucine
Authors: Meng Xiangqi , Yang Lin , Liu Yan , Wang Hualei , Shen Yaling , Wei Dongzhi
Published: May 2021

The asymmetric synthesis of chiral amino acids by leucine dehydrogenases has great potential for industrialization; however, the inhibitory effect of high‐concentration substrates limits its large‐scale application. Herein, using structure‐guided genome mining based on sequence‐structure prediction of substrate tolerance and specificity, a novel leucine dehydrogenase (LaLeuDH) from Labrenzia aggregate was identified and characterized, which exhibited the highest substrate tolerance and excellent activity to trimethyl pyruvate, even at 1.5 M concentration. Moreover, based on coenzyme binding structural information and sequence alignment, directed evolution of LaLeuDH was performed to increase affinity for NADH. The obtained variant D153 N/H191 N resulted in 25‐fold improved affinity for NADH, with 50‐fold enhanced catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of 40464.6 mM−1 s−1. Finally, through a combination of the above two strategies, as high as 1.5 M substrate could be completely converted in 18 h without coenzyme addition, demonstrating that this engineered enzyme has promising prospects for industrialization.
Einfluss von Randspalt und Randabweiser auf die Fluiddynamik einer Messzelle zur HETP‐Bestimmung
Authors: Plate Dominik , Brinkmann Jost Henning , Grünewald Marcus
Published: May 2021

Der Scale‐up strukturierter Packungskolonnen ist ein zeit‐ und kostenintensiver Prozess. Um den Aufwand zur Ermittlung packungsspezifischer Kennzahlen zu reduzieren, wurde eine Messzelle für strukturierte Packungen entwickelt. Diese ermöglicht es charakteristische Bestandteile einer Packungskolonne im Labor‐Maßstab abzubilden. Im Rahmen dieses Beitrages wird der Einfluss der bei Packungskolonnen üblichen Randabweiser und des Abstands zwischen Wand und Packung auf die Fluiddynamik in der Messzelle untersucht.
Synthesis of Chimeric Thiazolo‐Nootkatone Derivatives as Potent Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Alkhaibari Ibrahim S. , Raj K. C. Hansa , Alnufaie Rawan , Gilmore David , Alam Mohammad A.
Published: May 2021

Nootkatone, an approved insecticide, is a well‐known natural product from grapefruit. A series of fused‐thiazole derivatives of nootkatone have been synthesized, and these new compounds were tested against several strains of bacteria. Some of these compounds are found to be potent antimicrobial agents against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values as low as 1.56 μg/mL. The lead compound is bactericidal and very potent against S. aureus persisters. These compounds are nontoxic to human cancer cell lines at 10 μm concentration.
Neuropeptides as potential modulators of behavioral transitions in the ant Cataglyphis nodus
Authors: Habenstein Jens , Thamm Markus , Rössler Wolfgang
Published: May 2021

Age‐related behavioral plasticity is a major prerequisite for the ecological success of insect societies. Although ecological aspects of behavioral flexibility have been targeted in many studies, the underlying intrinsic mechanisms controlling the diverse changes in behavior along the individual life history of social insects are not completely understood. Recently, the neuropeptides allatostatin‐A, corazonin, and tachykinin have been associated with the regulation of behavioral transitions in social insects. Here, we investigated changes in brain localization and expression of these neuropeptides following major behavioral transitions in Cataglyphis nodus ants. Our immunohistochemical analyses in the brain revealed that the overall branching pattern of neurons immunoreactive (ir) for the three neuropeptides is largely independent of the behavioral stages. Numerous allatostatin‐A‐ and tachykinin‐ir neurons innervate primary sensory neuropils and high‐order integration centers of the brain. In contrast, the number of corazonergic neurons is restricted to only four neurons per brain hemisphere with cell bodies located in the pars lateralis and axons extending to the medial protocerebrum and the retrocerebral complex. Most interestingly, the cell‐body volumes of these neurons are significantly increased in foragers compared to freshly eclosed ants and interior workers. Quantification of mRNA expression levels revealed a stage‐related change in the expression of allatostatin‐A and corazonin mRNA in the brain. Given the presence of the neuropeptides in major control centers of the brain and the neurohemal organs, these mRNA‐changes strongly suggest an important modulatory role of both neuropeptides in the behavioral maturation of Cataglyphis ants.
Attention differentially modulates multiunit activity in the lateral geniculate nucleus and V1 of macaque monkeys
Authors: Shah Shraddha , Mancarella Marc , Hembrook‐Short Jacqueline R. , Mock Vanessa L. , Briggs Farran
Published: May 2021

Attention promotes the selection of behaviorally relevant sensory signals from the barrage of sensory information available. Visual attention modulates the gain of neuronal activity in all visual brain areas examined, although magnitudes of gain modulations vary across areas. For example, attention gain magnitudes in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and primary visual cortex (V1) vary tremendously across fMRI measurements in humans and electrophysiological recordings in behaving monkeys. We sought to determine whether these discrepancies are due simply to differences in species or measurement, or more nuanced properties unique to each visual brain area. We also explored whether robust and consistent attention effects, comparable to those measured in humans with fMRI, are observable in the LGN or V1 of monkeys. We measured attentional modulation of multiunit activity in the LGN and V1 of macaque monkeys engaged in a contrast change detection task requiring shifts in covert visual spatial attention. Rigorous analyses of LGN and V1 multiunit activity revealed robust and consistent attentional facilitation throughout V1, with magnitudes comparable to those observed with fMRI. Interestingly, attentional modulation in the LGN was consistently negligible. These findings demonstrate that discrepancies in attention effects are not simply due to species or measurement differences. We also examined whether attention effects correlated with the feature selectivity of recorded multiunits. Distinct relationships suggest that attentional modulation of multiunit activity depends upon the unique structure and function of visual brain areas.
Online psychological counselling during lockdown reduces anxiety symptoms and negative affect: Insights from Italian framework
Authors: Carbone Giuseppe Alessio , Zarfati Alessandro , Nicoli Maria Sole , Paulis Andrea , Tourjansky Gaia , Valenti Giulia , Valenti Enrico Maria , Massullo Chiara , Farina Benedetto , Imperatori Claudio
Published: May 2021

Several studies have shown how COrona VIrus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and the consequent isolation and quarantine measures could affect physical and mental well‐being. Therefore, the increased request for support and assistance represents a critical challenge for clinicians requiring a reorganization of care systems. In this regard, online counselling has been identified as a useful tool in providing psychological assistance and support. Thus, the main purpose of the current study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of a single online counselling session in reducing psychopathological symptoms (i.e., state anxiety and negative affect) and increasing individual well‐being and positive affect during the first Italian lockdown. Fifty‐three subjects were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive an online counselling session [Online Counselling Group (OCG) = 26] or to act as controls [Waiting List Group (WLG) = 27]. In the post‐assessment, compared to WLG, the OCG showed a significant decrease in negative affect (18.04 ± 6.30 vs. 30.26 ± 8.61; F1:47 = 29.45; p < .001; dppc2 = .92) and state anxiety (36.65 ± 8.35 vs. 48.04 ± 11.51; F1:47 = 17.86; p < .001; dppc2 = .49). Taking into account the cyclical nature of COVID‐19, with the possibility of new peaks and waves, it would be appropriate to consider the versatility and usefulness of online psychological counselling in the management of COVID‐19‐related distress.
Numerical investigation of the plasma processes for propellant heating in electrothermal plasma thruster for nanosatellites
Authors: Ivanov Stoil , Kolev Stanimir , Kiss'ovski Zhivko
Published: May 2021

Numerical investigation of the plasma processes in a cylindrical chamber with small dimensions of a novel microwave electrothermal plasma thruster for nanosatellites has been conducted. The absorbed microwave power from the electrons in the plasma column of the surface wave discharge is included in the computational model as a heat source with Gaussian distribution. The computational model takes into account the elastic and inelastic collisions of the electrons with the atoms in the ground state and two excited states (−s, −p) and the processes of recombination and deactivation of the plasma species in the volume and on the walls of the chamber. The computational model includes the flow of neutral gas and the processes in the plasma for effective heating of neutral particles by collisions not only with electrons but also with ions. Selected combinations of input power and propellant mass flow rates are used as initial parameters for the numerical investigation. The results show that at higher mass flow rates the heating of the neutral gas is more effective and at power levels of 4 W and propellant mass flow rate of 3 mg/s the electrothermal plasma thruster demonstrates effective performance and thrust levels in the order of 1 mN.
Retracted: Synchrophasor data transfer tool IEEE C37.118.2—Implementation and study of measurement standard for a futuristic substation automation
Authors: Sasikala R , Meenakumari R
Published: May 2021

Sasikala R, Meenakumari R. Synchrophasor data transfer tool IEEE C37.118.2–Implementation and study of measurement standard for a futuristic substation automation, International Journal of Communication Systems 2021, (https://doi.org/10.1002/dac.4759). The above article published online on 05 May 2021 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the Editor and John Wiley and Sons Ltd. Following publication, it has come to our attention that the people named as the Guest Editors of the Special Issue were being impersonated by a fraudulent entity and the articles were not reviewed in line with the journal's peer review standards. The Editor has determined that the articles do not meet the required scholarly standards of the journal, and therefore has taken the decision to retract the article. We did not find any evidence of misconduct by the authors. The authors have been informed of the decision to retract.
Size‐asymmetric competition among snails disrupts production of human‐infectious Schistosoma mansoni cercariae
Authors: Civitello David J. , Hartman Rachel B.
Published: May 2021

Parasites can harm hosts and influence populations, communities, and ecosystems. However, parasites are reciprocally affected by population‐ and community‐level dynamics. Understanding feedbacks between infection dynamics and larger‐scale epidemiological and ecological processes could improve predictions and reveal novel control methods. We evaluated how exploitative resource competition among hosts, a fundamental aspect of population biology, influences within‐host infection dynamics of the widespread human parasite Schistosoma mansoni in its intermediate host, Biomphalaria glabrata. We added size‐dependent consumption of shared resources to a parameterized bioenergetics model to predict a priori the growth, parasite production, and survival of an infected focal host coexisting with an uninfected conspecific competitor in an experiment that varied competitor size. The model quantitatively anticipated that competitors disrupt growth and parasite production and that these effects increase with competitor size. Fitting the model to these data improved its match to host survivorship. Thus, resource competition alters infection dynamics, there are strong size asymmetries in these effects, and size‐asymmetric resource competition effects on infection dynamics can be accurately predicted by bioenergetics theory. More broadly, this framework can assess parasite transmission and control in other contexts, such as in resource competitive host communities, or in response to eutrophication, food supplementation, or culling.
PD‐1 blocking antibodies moonlighting as killers
Authors: Leitner Judith , Battin Claire , Grabmeier‐Pfistershammer Katharina , Steinberger Peter
Published: May 2021

Therapeutic antibodies that block PD‐1‐mediated inhibition of T cells have revolutionized cancer therapy. Murine cancer models are an essential tool for testing the efficacy of PD‐1 blockers alone or in combination with other treatments. Depending on the isotype of the antibody and the host species, blocking antibodies can also exert cytotoxic activity towards cells expressing the target molecule. In the current issue of the European Journal of Immunology [Eur. J. Immunol. 2021. 51: 1473–1481], Polesso et al. demonstrate that depletion of PD‐1+ T cells by “blocking” PD‐1 antibodies can greatly impact the outcome of preclinical immunotherapy experiments. Whereas some PD‐1 antibodies promoted activation and proliferation of PD‐1‐expressing murine T cells, the authors report that administration of a particular PD‐1 antibody can result in a significant loss of antigen‐specific CD8 T cells in different in vivo models. These findings once more highlight that a comprehensive characterization of antibodies is warranted to avoid misinterpretation of immunotherapy studies.
Transport properties of imidazolium based ionic liquid electrolytes from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Yang Moon Young , Merinov Boris V. , Zybin Sergey V. , Goddard William A. , Mok Eun Kyung , Hah Hoe Jin , Han Hyea Eun , Choi Young Cheol , Kim Seung Ha
Published: May 2021

Ionic liquids (ILs) are promising electrolytes for high‐performance Li‐ion batteries (LIBs), which can significantly improve the safety and energy storage capacity. Although extensive experimental and computational studies have reported, further exploration is needed to understand the properties of IL systems, their microscopic structures and dynamics, and the behavior of Li ions in ILs. We report here results of molecular dynamics simulations as a function of electric field for Li diffusion in two IL systems, [EMIM][TFSI] and [BMIM][TFSI] doped with various concentrations of LiTFSI. We find that the migration of each individual Li ion depends largely on its micro‐environment, leading to differences by factors of up to 100 in the diffusivity. The structural and dynamical properties indicate that Li diffusion is affected significantly by the coordination and interaction with the oxygen species in the TFSI anions. Moreover, the IL cations also contribute to the Li diffusion mechanism by attenuating the Li–TFSI interaction.
The Sit Up Squat Stand test and Hand Grip Strength: What is the role of tests of muscle power in risk assessment in Anorexia Nervosa?
Authors: Etemadi Sara , Sun Grey Xiaoliai , Leung Sum‐Ping , Siddique Arshad , Cooper Steven , Ezenwa Nwabunma Christiana , Treasure Janet , Robinson Paul
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To investigate the validity and reliability of two variants of the Sit Up Squat Stand Test (SUSS) and Hand Grip Strength (HGS) in predicting BMI and BMI risk level in hospitalised patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN).

Methods

25 inpatients with AN were tested roughly weekly for up to 16 weeks. Muscle power was assessed by two independent researchers.

Results

Intra‐class coefficients (ICCs) indicated high Inter‐Rater Reliability (IRR) for the HGS (10 participants). Cohen's Kappa showed moderate IRR for the SUSS test (25 participants). Stepwise multiple regression showed that the SUSS tests plus HGS predicted BMI and BMI risk level explaining about two‐third of the variance. Each test individually had lower predictive value. There was a little difference between the two versions of the SUSS tested.

Conclusions

HGS and SUSS are valid and reliable measurements of muscle power in AN. Together, the SUSS tests and the HGS represent a useful and effective measure of muscle power and hence one aspect of physical risk in Anorexia Nervosa. In the light of Covid restrictions, the SUSS test is one way that physical state can be monitored on video link in a way that is hard to falsify.
The effect of anthocyanins supplementation on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Sangsefidi Zohreh Sadat , Mozaffari‐Khosravi Hassan , Sarkhosh‐Khorasani Sahar , Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh
Published: May 2021

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to assess effect of consuming anthocyanins (ACNs; pure ACNs or products containing ACNs) on liver enzymes levels including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT). Although no significant impact was detected on the liver enzymes, a significant reduction was observed on ALT (WMD = −4.932 U/L, 95% CI = −9.848 to −0.015, p = .049) and AST (WMD = −3.464 U/L, 95% CI = −6.034 to −0.894, p = .008) in the studies that examined them as primary outcomes. A significant decrease was found on AST among the healthy subjects (WMD = −4.325 U/L, 95% CI = −8.516 to −0.134, p = .043) and in the studies that used products containing ACNs as intervention (WMD = −2.201 U/L, 95% CI = −4.275 to −0.127, p = .037). Although no significant relation was detected between ACNs dosage and the liver enzymes, significant associations were found between the duration of trial with ALT (ALT: slope: 0.09, 95% CI = 0.040 to 0.139, p = .0003) and AST (slope: 0.076, 95% CI = 0.037 to 0.115, p = .0001). In conclusion, although ACNs had no significant effect on the liver enzymes, a significant decrease was discovered on ALT and AST in the studies that evaluated them as primary outcomes. A significant reduction was observed in AST in the healthy individuals and in the studies used products containing ACNs as intervention. Significant relations were also found between the duration of trial with ALT and AST. Further studies are required to confirm these results.