bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Extended Arm of Reich Foreign Policy’? Literary Internationalism, Cultural Diplomacy and the First German PEN Club in the Weimar Republic
Authors: Windsor Tara Talwar
Published: January 2021

This article examines the first German PEN Club (established in 1924) as a semi-formal agent of cultural diplomacy after the First World War. It shows that leading figures in the German PEN negotiated a role in the International PEN which blended PEN's ostensibly non-political literary internationalism with the national interests of the young Weimar Republic. It explores their mutually expedient relationship with the German Foreign Ministry their efforts to influence state cultural diplomacy and their use of the International PEN framework to test alternative visions of international order. The article complicates the notion that PEN was an ‘instrument’ or ‘extended arm’ of foreign policy by underlining the agency of PEN intellectuals and by showing how PEN was part of a wider search for new ways to shape international affairs and find ideological compromise in an era often seen through a dominant lens of confrontation and polarisation.
The number of maximum primitive sets of integers
Authors: Liu Hong , Pach Péter Pál , Palincza Richárd
Published: January 2021

A set of integers is primitive if it does not contain an element dividing another. Let f(n) denote the number of maximum-size primitive subsets of {1,…,2n}. We prove that the limit α = limn→∞f(n)1/n exists. Furthermore, we present an algorithm approximating α with (1 + ε) multiplicative error in N(ε) steps, showing in particular that α ≈ 1.318. Our algorithm can be adapted to estimate the number of all primitive sets in {1,…,n} as well.

We address another related problem of Cameron and Erdős. They showed that the number of sets containing pairwise coprime integers in {1,…n} is between ${2^{\pi (n)}} \cdot {e^{(1/2 + o(1))\sqrt n }}$ and ${2^{\pi (n)}} \cdot {e^{(2 + o(1))\sqrt n }}$. We show that neither of these bounds is tight: there are in fact ${2^{\pi (n)}} \cdot {e^{(1 + o(1))\sqrt n }}$ such sets.
Ligation of patent ductus arteriosus through anterior thoracotomy in preterm infants: a 10-year experience
Authors: Selcuk Arif , Cicek Murat , Yurdakok Okan , Kilic Yigit , İzgi Coskun Filiz , Erdem Hasan , Saritas Turkay , Hekim Yilmaz Emine , Korun Oktay , Altin H. Firat , Sasmazel Ahmet , Aydemir Numan A.
Published: January 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study is to report on the short-term and mid-term outcomes of preterm infants who underwent patent ductus arteriosus ligation through anterior mini-thoracotomy.

Methods:

Data for 103 preterm infants who underwent patent ductus arteriosus clipping through an anterior mini-thoracotomy at the 2nd intercostal space between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups according to their weight at the time of surgery. The complications, morbidity, and mortality rates of each group were compared at postoperative day 30 and at the end of 1 year after surgery.

Results:

During the operation, the median weight of the patients was 900 g (IQR 800–1125 g), the median age was 21 days (IQR 14.5–29 days). The lowest body weight was 460 g. In three patients (3%), there was intraoperative bleeding from the patent ductus arteriosus that required transition to median sternotomy. In one patient (1%) a residual patent ductus arteriosus that required reoperation was observed. Twelve patients (12%) died in the first 30 days postoperatively. Six patients (6%) died between the postoperative day 30 and 1 year. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of mortality, morbidity, and complication between the groups.

Conclusions:

Based on our observations of over a hundred preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus over a decade, ligation through anterior mini-thoracotomy is the main surgical procedure of choice for this patient group in our clinic. Our findings demonstrate the safety of this approach and we believe that it can be successfully replicated in other institutions.
Heart failure in an elderly man: where is that coronary?
Authors: Sang Charlie J. , Clarkson Stephen A. , Jackson Elizabeth A. , Al Solaiman Firas , Cribbs Marc G.
Published: January 2021

Anomalous coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery are uncommon causes of heart failure in the adult population. This case demonstrates the unusual presentation in a patient with anomalous right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery and discusses the complex pathophysiology of this lesion and the role of guideline-directed medical therapy in the management of these patients.
Circumaortic double left innominate vein: a rare echocardiographic diagnosis confirmed during congenital heart surgery
Authors: Dalby Stephen T. , Daily Joshua A. , Greiten Lawrence E.
Published: January 2021

We report a case of a newborn infant with coarctation of the aorta and hypoplastic transverse aortic arch who was found to have a circumaortic double left innominate vein on echocardiography. This exceedingly rare finding was important for surgical planning and was confirmed during congenital heart surgery.
Perception of adults toward electronic cigarettes: a cross-sectional study from Jordan
Authors: Barakat Muna , Assaf Areej M. , Al-Qudah Raja’a , Thiab Samar , Alhamed Manar , Al-Obaidi Hala J. , Jirjees Feras J. , Basheti Iman
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

The rate of Jordanian tobacco smokers has been reported to be one of the highest rates in the world. The electronic cigarette (E-cig) has become an option, or an alternative, to tobacco cigarette smoking. This study was aimed to measure the perception of Jordanian adults toward E-cig use.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study design was used. A self-administered survey was developed and validated to solicit anonymous responses from the study participants. A convenience sample (n = 984) was recruited electronically through social media platforms. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were completed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results:

More than half of the participants (53%) were females, and almost all participants had heard about E-cig (99.2%), mainly from their friends (40%) and social media (34.5%). About half of the participants were nonsmokers and around one-third of them (33.1%) were current E-cig users. The majority of the participating E-cig users had replaced tobacco with E-cig (56.4%)/All the E-cig users reported positive beliefs toward the E-cig as a safer alternative for tobacco smoking. About 45% of participants believed that the E-cig is helpful in tobacco smoking cessation, but should be highly regulated.

Conclusion:

This study illustrated a significant prevalence of E-cig usage among Jordanian adults. E-cig users perceived E-cig as a safer and cheaper alternative to tobacco smoking and that it helps in tobacco smoking cessation. However, health awareness campaigns are needed for the entire Jordanian community about E-cig use, related emerging health findings, and how to promote tobacco smoking cessation.
Environmental Public Interest Litigation in China: A Critical Examination
Authors: Xie Lei , Xu Lu
Published: January 2021

Environmental public interest litigation (EPIL) by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) emerged in China over the last decade amidst the growing focus on environmental issues and the increasing political need to bring greater public participation to the area. This article examines the current practice of EPIL by NGOs in order to understand the potential flaws and deficiencies of NGO participation in this relatively new field of environmental litigation. The article sets out by exploring EPIL as a legal pathway for the public to become involved in China's environmental governance. It then analyzes the legal provision of environmental litigation in China before critically examining several instances of EPIL initiated by NGOs between 2015 and 2019. The article finds that NGOs show weaknesses in their current EPIL practice, including in case selection and litigation risk assessment, but are willing to test and potentially expand the scope of EPIL into new areas of environmental protection such as noise pollution and renewable energy. It concludes that these weaknesses and strengths of NGO involvement in EPIL reflect the constantly evolving landscape of environmental governance and environmental litigation in China.
Impacts of Saharan Mineral Dust on Air‐Sea Interaction over North Atlantic Ocean Using a Fully Coupled Regional Model
Authors: Chen Shu‐Hua , Huang Chu‐Chun , Kuo Yi‐Chun , Tseng Yu‐Heng , Gu Yu , Earl Kenneth , Chen Chih‐Ying , Choi Yonghan , Liou Kuo‐Nan
Published: January 2021

This study examines the modifications of air‐sea coupling processes by dust‐radiation‐cloud interactions over the North Atlantic Ocean using a high‐resolution coupled atmosphere‐wave‐ocean‐dust (AWOD) regional model. The dust‐induced mechanisms that are responsible for changes of sea surface temperature (SST) and latent and sensible heat fluxes (LHF/SHF) are also examined. Two 3‐month numerical experiments are conducted, and they differ only in the activation and deactivation of dust‐radiation‐cloud interactions. Model results show that the dust significantly reduces surface downward radiation fluxes (SDRF) over the ocean with the maximum change of 20–30 W m−2. Over the dust plume region, the dust effect creates a low‐pressure anomaly and a cyclonic circulation anomaly, which drives a positive wind stress curl anomaly, thereby reducing sea surface height and mixed layer depth. However, the SST change by dust, ranging from −0.5 to 0.5 K, has a great spatial variation which differs from the dust plume shape. Dust cools SST around the West African coast, except under the maximum dust plume ridge, and extends westward asymmetrically along the northern and southern edges of the dust plume. Dust unexpectedly warms SST over a large area of the western tropical North Atlantic and north of the dust plume. These SST changes are controlled by different mechanisms. Unlike the SST change pattern, the LHF and SHF changes are mostly reduced underneath the dust plume region, though they are different in detail due to different dominant factors, and increased south of the dust plume over the tropic.
High Resolution WRF Simulations for the Tel‐Aviv Metropolitan Area Reveal the Urban Fingerprint in the Sea‐Breeze Hodograph
Authors: Avisar D. , Pelta R. , Chudnovsky A. , Rostkier‐Edelstein D.
Published: January 2021

We implement and verify for the first time four Weather Research and Forecasting model urban configurations, focused on the coastal metropolitan area of Tel‐Aviv (MTA) using updated landuse and morphological maps. We analyze the mesoscale summertime flow and the urban canopy (UC) role in the occurrence of different hodograph dynamics observed within MTA at night. These events may be significant in air quality research. The four configurations—bulk (MM), single‐layer (SLUCM), multilayer (BEP), and BEP coupled with the building energy model—reproduce the observed diurnal temperature and wind cycles, with similar 10‐m wind direction bias and RMSE (15° and ∼30°, respectively), with preference for MM and SLUCM at night. However, the SLUCM shows the lowest skill for the 10‐m wind speed (WS) (bias and RMSE 1 m s−1), and the BEP shows the largest underestimation of the 2‐m temperature, ∼−2.5 °C. In the SLUCM, the WS increases over an UC and with increasing building heights. These results call for a reexamination of the SLUCM WS parameterization. The simulations show that at night, a convergence line (CL) builds up with the urban heat island, downstream of the NW flow. West of the CL, the wind continues flowing from the sea, and rotates anticlockwise to form a nonelliptical sea‐breeze hodograph. Removing MTA UC restores an elliptical hodograph. East of the CL, the UC supports an elliptical hodograph with a clockwise rotation through the NE sector, previously reported as dynamically unstable. We expect such wind hodograph dynamics within similar coastal metropolitan areas.
Altered offspring neurodevelopment in an arginine vasopressin preeclampsia model
Authors: Gumusoglu Serena Banu , Chilukuri Akanksha Sri Satya , Hing Benjamin Wen Qing , Scroggins Sabrina Marie , Kundu Sreelekha , Sandgren Jeremy Anton , Santillan Mark Kharim , Santillan Donna Ann , Grobe Justin Lewis , Stevens Hanna Elizabeth
Published: January 2021

Preeclampsia is a severe gestational hypertensive condition linked to child neuropsychiatric disorders, although underlying mechanisms are unclear. We used a recently developed, clinically relevant animal model of preeclampsia to assess offspring. C57BL/6J mouse dams were chronically infused with arginine vasopressin (AVP) or saline (24 ng/h) throughout pregnancy. Adult offspring were behaviorally tested (Y-maze, open field, rotarod, social approach, and elevated plus maze). Offspring brain was assessed histologically and by RNA sequencing. Preeclampsia-exposed adult males exhibited increased anxiety-like behavior and social approach while adult females exhibited impaired procedural learning. Adult AVP-exposed males had reduced total neocortical volume. Adult AVP-exposed females had increased caudate–putamen volume, increased caudate–putamen cell number, and decreased excitatory synapse density in hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), CA1, and CA3. At postnatal day 7 (P7), AVP-exposed male and female offspring both had smaller neocortex. At P7, AVP-exposed males also had smaller caudate–putamen volume, while females had increased caudate–putamen volume relative to neocortical size. Similar to P7, E18 AVP-exposed offspring had smaller dorsal forebrain, mainly in reduced intermediate, subventricular, and ventricular zone volume, particularly in males. Decreased volume was not accounted for by cell size or cerebrovascular vessel diameter changes. E18 cortical RNAseq revealed 49 differentially-expressed genes in male AVP-exposed offspring, over-representing cytoplasmic translation processes. In females, 31 genes were differentially-expressed, over-representing collagen-related and epithelial regulation pathways. Gene expression changes in E18 AVP-exposed placenta indicated potential underlying mechanisms. Deficits in behavior and forebrain development in this AVP-based preeclampsia model were distinctly different in males and females, implicating different neurobiological bases.
The lived experience of performing a periodontal treatment in the context of general dentistry
Authors: Milosavljevic Aleksandar , Wolf Eva , Englander Magnus , Stavropoulos Andreas , Götrick Bengt
Published: January 2021

Aim

To describe what characterises the lived experience of performing a periodontal treatment in the context of general dentistry.

Materials and methods

Three dental hygienists from general dentistry in Sweden, were purposively selected as participants and interviewed. The participants described a situation in which they had performed a periodontal treatment. The descriptions were analysed using the descriptive phenomenological psychological method.

Results

The general meaning structure of the lived experience of performing a periodontal treatment comprised five constituents, (a) an established treatment routine, (b) importance of oral hygiene, (c) self-awareness and motivation of the patient, (d) support and doubt, and (e) mechanical infection control. The periodontal treatment is perceived as being set prior to its commencement and as following established routines, in which the patients’ oral hygiene is experienced as a crucial part. The patients’ self-awareness and a supportive clinician are seen as important factors in motivating the patient towards positive behavioural change, although there is a presence of doubt in patients’ ability to maintain this positive change. Mechanical infection control is perceived as successful but sometimes difficult to perform.

Conclusions

Important, patient-related, factors are constituting the phenomenon of performing a periodontal treatment but an experience that the pre-existing standardised workflow influences patient management was also present.
Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein is an endogenous β-arrestin-2-selective allosteric modulator of AT1 receptor counteracting vascular injury
Authors: Fu Yi , Huang Yaqian , Yang Zhao , Chen Yufei , Zheng Jingang , Mao Chenfeng , Li Zhiqing , Liu Zhixin , Yu Bing , Li Tuoyi , Wang Meili , Xu Chanjuan , Zhou Yiwei , Zhao Guizhen , Jia Yiting , Guo Wei , Jia Xin , Zhang Tao , Li Li , Liu Ziyi , Guo Shengchao , Ma Mingliang , Zhang Heng , Liu Bo , Du Junbao , Wang Wengong , Tang Chaoshu , Gao Pei , Xu Qingbo , Wang Xian , Liu Jianfeng , Sun Jinpeng , Kong Wei
Published: January 2021

Compelling evidence has revealed that biased activation of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, including angiotensin II (AngII) receptor type 1 (AT1) signaling, plays pivotal roles in vascular homeostasis and injury, but whether a clinically relevant endogenous biased antagonism of AT1 signaling exists under physiological and pathophysiological conditions has not been clearly elucidated. Here, we show that an extracellular matrix protein, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), acts as an endogenous allosteric biased modulator of the AT1 receptor and its deficiency is clinically associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development. COMP directly interacts with the extracellular N-terminus of the AT1 via its EGF domain and inhibits AT1-β-arrestin-2 signaling, but not Gq or Gi signaling, in a selective manner through allosteric regulation of AT1 intracellular conformational states. COMP deficiency results in activation of AT1a-β-arrestin-2 signaling and subsequent exclusive AAA formation in response to AngII infusion. AAAs in COMP–/– or ApoE–/– mice are rescued by AT1a or β-arrestin-2 deficiency, or the application of a peptidomimetic mimicking the AT1-binding motif of COMP. Explorations of the endogenous biased antagonism of AT1 receptor or other GPCRs may reveal novel therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
A data reduction and compression description for high throughput time-resolved electron microscopy
Authors: Datta Abhik , Ng Kian Fong , Balakrishnan Deepan , Ding Melissa , Chee See Wee , Ban Yvonne , Shi Jian , Loh N. Duane
Published: January 2021

Fast, direct electron detectors have significantly improved the spatio-temporal resolution of electron microscopy movies. Preserving both spatial and temporal resolution in extended observations, however, requires storing prohibitively large amounts of data. Here, we describe an efficient and flexible data reduction and compression scheme (ReCoDe) that retains both spatial and temporal resolution by preserving individual electron events. Running ReCoDe on a workstation we demonstrate on-the-fly reduction and compression of raw data streaming off a detector at 3 GB/s, for hours of uninterrupted data collection. The output was 100-fold smaller than the raw data and saved directly onto network-attached storage drives over a 10 GbE connection. We discuss calibration techniques that support electron detection and counting (e.g., estimate electron backscattering rates, false positive rates, and data compressibility), and novel data analysis methods enabled by ReCoDe (e.g., recalibration of data post acquisition, and accurate estimation of coincidence loss).
Excitonic density wave and spin-valley superfluid in bilayer transition metal dichalcogenide
Authors: Bi Zhen , Fu Liang
Published: January 2021

Artificial moiré superlattices in 2d van der Waals heterostructures are a new venue for realizing and controlling correlated electronic phenomena. Recently, twisted bilayer WSe2 emerged as a new robust moiré system hosting a correlated insulator at moiré half-filling over a range of twist angle. In this work, we present a theory of this insulating state as an excitonic density wave due to intervalley electron–hole pairing. We show that exciton condensation is strongly enhanced by a van Hove singularity near the Fermi level. Our theory explains the remarkable sensitivity of the insulating gap to the vertical electric field. In contrast, the gap is weakly reduced by a perpendicular magnetic field, with quadratic dependence at low field. The different responses to electric and magnetic field can be understood in terms of pair-breaking versus non-pair-breaking effects in a BCS analog of the system. We further predict superfluid spin transport in this electrical insulator, which can be detected by optical spin injection and spatial-temporal imaging.
Genomic epidemiology of the early stages of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Russia
Authors: Komissarov Andrey B. , Safina Ksenia R. , Garushyants Sofya K. , Fadeev Artem V. , Sergeeva Mariia V. , Ivanova Anna A. , Danilenko Daria M. , Lioznov Dmitry , Shneider Olga V. , Shvyrev Nikita , Spirin Vadim , Glyzin Dmitry , Shchur Vladimir , Bazykin Georgii A.
Published: January 2021

The ongoing pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 presents novel challenges and opportunities for the use of phylogenetics to understand and control its spread. Here, we analyze the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in Russia in March and April 2020. Combining phylogeographic analysis with travel history data, we estimate that the sampled viral diversity has originated from at least 67 closely timed introductions into Russia, mostly in late February to early March. All but one of these introductions were not from China, suggesting that border closure with China has helped delay establishment of SARS-CoV-2 in Russia. These introductions resulted in at least 9 distinct Russian lineages corresponding to domestic transmission. A notable transmission cluster corresponded to a nosocomial outbreak at the Vreden hospital in Saint Petersburg; phylodynamic analysis of this cluster reveals multiple (2-3) introductions each giving rise to a large number of cases, with a high initial effective reproduction number of 3.0 [1.9, 4.3].
Surface chemistry-mediated modulation of adsorbed albumin folding state specifies nanocarrier clearance by distinct macrophage subsets
Authors: Vincent Michael P. , Bobbala Sharan , Karabin Nicholas B. , Frey Molly , Liu Yugang , Navidzadeh Justin O. , Stack Trevor , Scott Evan A.
Published: January 2021

Controlling nanocarrier interactions with the immune system requires a thorough understanding of the surface properties that modulate protein adsorption in biological fluids, since the resulting protein corona redefines cellular interactions with nanocarrier surfaces. Albumin is initially one of the dominant proteins to adsorb to nanocarrier surfaces, a process that is considered benign or beneficial by minimizing opsonization or inflammation. Here, we demonstrate the surface chemistry of a model nanocarrier can be engineered to stabilize or denature the three-dimensional conformation of adsorbed albumin, which respectively promotes evasion or non-specific clearance in vivo. Interestingly, certain common chemistries that have long been considered to convey stealth properties denature albumin to promote nanocarrier recognition by macrophage class A1 scavenger receptors, providing a means for their eventual removal from systemic circulation. We establish that the surface chemistry of nanocarriers can be specified to modulate adsorbed albumin structure and thereby tune clearance by macrophage scavenger receptors.
Single-cell transcriptomic reveals molecular diversity and developmental heterogeneity of human stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte lineage cells
Authors: Chamling Xitiz , Kallman Alyssa , Fang Weixiang , Berlinicke Cynthia A. , Mertz Joseph L. , Devkota Prajwal , Pantoja Itzy E. Morales , Smith Matthew D. , Ji Zhicheng , Chang Calvin , Kaushik Aniruddha , Chen Liben , Whartenby Katharine A. , Calabresi Peter A. , Mao Hai-Quan , Ji Hongkai , Wang Tza-Huei , Zack Donald J.
Published: January 2021

Injury and loss of oligodendrocytes can cause demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. To improve our understanding of human oligodendrocyte development, which could facilitate development of remyelination-based treatment strategies, here we describe time-course single-cell-transcriptomic analysis of developing human stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte-lineage-cells (hOLLCs). The study includes hOLLCs derived from both genome engineered embryonic stem cell (ESC) reporter cells containing an Identification-and-Purification tag driven by the endogenous PDGFRα promoter and from unmodified induced pluripotent (iPS) cells. Our analysis uncovers substantial transcriptional heterogeneity of PDGFRα-lineage hOLLCs. We discover sub-populations of human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (hOPCs) including a potential cytokine-responsive hOPC subset, and identify candidate regulatory genes/networks that define the identity of these sub-populations. Pseudotime trajectory analysis defines developmental pathways of oligodendrocytes vs astrocytes from PDGFRα-expressing hOPCs and predicts differentially expressed genes between the two lineages. In addition, pathway enrichment analysis followed by pharmacological intervention of these pathways confirm that mTOR and cholesterol biosynthesis signaling pathways are involved in maturation of oligodendrocytes from hOPCs.
Long-term single-cell imaging and simulations of microtubules reveal principles behind wall patterning during proto-xylem development
Authors: Schneider René , Klooster Kris van’t , Picard Kelsey L. , van der Gucht Jasper , Demura Taku , Janson Marcel , Sampathkumar Arun , Deinum Eva E. , Ketelaar Tijs , Persson Staffan
Published: January 2021

Plants are the tallest organisms on Earth; a feature sustained by solute-transporting xylem vessels in the plant vasculature. The xylem vessels are supported by strong cell walls that are assembled in intricate patterns. Cortical microtubules direct wall deposition and need to rapidly re-organize during xylem cell development. Here, we establish long-term live-cell imaging of single Arabidopsis cells undergoing proto-xylem trans-differentiation, resulting in spiral wall patterns, to understand microtubule re-organization. We find that the re-organization requires local microtubule de-stabilization in band-interspersing gaps. Using microtubule simulations, we recapitulate the process in silico and predict that spatio-temporal control of microtubule nucleation is critical for pattern formation, which we confirm in vivo. By combining simulations and live-cell imaging we further explain how the xylem wall-deficient and microtubule-severing KATANIN contributes to microtubule and wall patterning. Hence, by combining quantitative microscopy and modelling we devise a framework to understand how microtubule re-organization supports wall patterning.
Proliferative polyploid cells give rise to tumors via ploidy reduction
Authors: Matsumoto Tomonori , Wakefield Leslie , Peters Alexander , Peto Myron , Spellman Paul , Grompe Markus
Published: January 2021

Polyploidy is a hallmark of cancer, and closely related to chromosomal instability involved in cancer progression. Importantly, polyploid cells also exist in some normal tissues. Polyploid hepatocytes proliferate and dynamically reduce their ploidy during liver regeneration. This raises the question whether proliferating polyploids are prone to cancer via chromosome missegregation during mitosis and/or ploidy reduction. Conversely polyploids could be resistant to tumor development due to their redundant genomes. Therefore, the tumor-initiation risk of physiologic polyploidy and ploidy reduction is still unclear. Using in vivo lineage tracing we here show that polyploid hepatocytes readily form liver tumors via frequent ploidy reduction. Polyploid hepatocytes give rise to regenerative nodules with chromosome aberrations, which are enhanced by ploidy reduction. Although polyploidy should theoretically prevent tumor suppressor loss, the high frequency of ploidy reduction negates this protection. Importantly, polyploid hepatocytes that undergo multiple rounds of cell division become predominantly mononucleated and are resistant to ploidy reduction. Our results suggest that ploidy reduction is an early step in the initiation of carcinogenesis from polyploid hepatocytes.
Genome-wide meta-analysis of muscle weakness identifies 15 susceptibility loci in older men and women
Authors: Jones Garan , Trajanoska Katerina , Santanasto Adam J. , Stringa Najada , Kuo Chia-Ling , Atkins Janice L. , Lewis Joshua R. , Duong ThuyVy , Hong Shengjun , Biggs Mary L. , Luan Jian’an , Sarnowski Chloe , Lunetta Kathryn L. , Tanaka Toshiko , Wojczynski Mary K. , Cvejkus Ryan , Nethander Maria , Ghasemi Sahar , Yang Jingyun , Zillikens M. Carola , Walter Stefan , Sicinski Kamil , Kague Erika , Ackert-Bicknell Cheryl L. , Arking Dan E. , Windham B. Gwen , Boerwinkle Eric , Grove Megan L. , Graff Misa , Spira Dominik , Demuth Ilja , van der Velde Nathalie , de Groot Lisette C. P. G. M. , Psaty Bruce M. , Odden Michelle C. , Fohner Alison E. , Langenberg Claudia , Wareham Nicholas J. , Bandinelli Stefania , van Schoor Natasja M. , Huisman Martijn , Tan Qihua , Zmuda Joseph , Mellström Dan , Karlsson Magnus , Bennett David A. , Buchman Aron S. , De Jager Philip L. , Uitterlinden Andre G. , Völker Uwe , Kocher Thomas , Teumer Alexander , Rodriguéz-Mañas Leocadio , García Francisco J. , Carnicero José A. , Herd Pamela , Bertram Lars , Ohlsson Claes , Murabito Joanne M. , Melzer David , Kuchel George A. , Ferrucci Luigi , Karasik David , Rivadeneira Fernando , Kiel Douglas P. , Pilling Luke C.
Published: January 2021

Low muscle strength is an important heritable indicator of poor health linked to morbidity and mortality in older people. In a genome-wide association study meta-analysis of 256,523 Europeans aged 60 years and over from 22 cohorts we identify 15 loci associated with muscle weakness (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People definition: n = 48,596 cases, 18.9% of total), including 12 loci not implicated in previous analyses of continuous measures of grip strength. Loci include genes reportedly involved in autoimmune disease (HLA-DQA1p = 4 × 10−17), arthritis (GDF5p = 4 × 10−13), cell cycle control and cancer protection, regulation of transcription, and others involved in the development and maintenance of the musculoskeletal system. Using Mendelian randomization we report possible overlapping causal pathways, including diabetes susceptibility, haematological parameters, and the immune system. We conclude that muscle weakness in older adults has distinct mechanisms from continuous strength, including several pathways considered to be hallmarks of ageing.
An antibonding valence band maximum enables defect-tolerant and stable GeSe photovoltaics
Authors: Liu Shun-Chang , Dai Chen-Min , Min Yimeng , Hou Yi , Proppe Andrew H. , Zhou Ying , Chen Chao , Chen Shiyou , Tang Jiang , Xue Ding-Jiang , Sargent Edward H. , Hu Jin-Song
Published: January 2021

In lead–halide perovskites, antibonding states at the valence band maximum (VBM)—the result of Pb 6s-I 5p coupling—enable defect-tolerant properties; however, questions surrounding stability, and a reliance on lead, remain challenges for perovskite solar cells. Here, we report that binary GeSe has a perovskite-like antibonding VBM arising from Ge 4s-Se 4p coupling; and that it exhibits similarly shallow bulk defects combined with high stability. We find that the deep defect density in bulk GeSe is ~1012 cm−3. We devise therefore a surface passivation strategy, and find that the resulting GeSe solar cells achieve a certified power conversion efficiency of 5.2%, 3.7 times higher than the best previously-reported GeSe photovoltaics. Unencapsulated devices show no efficiency loss after 12 months of storage in ambient conditions; 1100 hours under maximum power point tracking; a total ultraviolet irradiation dosage of 15 kWh m−2; and 60 thermal cycles from −40 to 85 °C.
Simulating the fabrication of aluminium oxide tunnel junctions
Authors: Cyster M. J. , Smith J. S. , Vogt N. , Opletal G. , Russo S. P. , Cole J. H.
Published: January 2021

Aluminium oxide (AlOx) tunnel junctions are important components in a range of nanoelectric devices including superconducting qubits where they can be used as Josephson junctions. While many improvements in the reproducibility and reliability of qubits have been made possible through new circuit designs, there are still knowledge gaps in the relevant materials science. A better understanding of how fabrication conditions affect the density, uniformity, and elemental composition of the oxide barrier may lead to the development of lower noise and more reliable nanoelectronics and quantum computers. In this paper, we use molecular dynamics to develop models of Al–AlOx–Al junctions by iteratively growing the structures with sequential calculations. With this approach, we can see how the surface oxide grows and changes during the oxidation simulation. Dynamic processes such as the evolution of a charge gradient across the oxide, the formation of holes in the oxide layer, and changes between amorphous and semi-crystalline phases are observed. Our results are widely in agreement with previous work including reported oxide densities, self-limiting of the oxidation, and increased crystallinity as the simulation temperature is raised. The encapsulation of the oxide with metal evaporation is also studied atom by atom. Low density regions at the metal–oxide interfaces are a common feature in the final junction structures which persists for different oxidation parameters, empirical potentials, and crystal orientations of the aluminium substrate.
Publisher Correction: Preliminarily comparative performance of removing bisphenol-S by ferrate oxidation and ozonation
Authors: Zhang Shaoqing , Jiang Jia-Qian , Petri Michael
Published: January 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41545-021-00100-x.
Ti3+ in corundum traces crystal growth in a highly reduced magma
Authors: Oliveira Beñat , Griffin William L. , Gain Sarah E. M. , Saunders Martin , Shaw Jeremy , Toledo Vered , Afonso Juan Carlos , O’Reilly Suzanne Y.
Published: January 2021

Aggregates of corundum crystals with skeletal to hopper morphology occur in pyroclastic rocks erupted from Cretaceous basaltic volcanoes on Mt Carmel, N. Israel. The rapid growth of the crystals trapped volumes of the parental Al2O3-supersaturated melt; phenocrysts of tistarite (Ti2O3) in the trapped melts indicate crystallization at oxygen fugacities 6–7 log units below the Iron-Wüstite buffer (fO2 = ΔIW − 6 to − 7), induced by fluxes of mantle-derived CH4-H2 fluids. Cathodoluminescence images reveal growth zoning within the individual crystals of the aggregates, related to the substitution of Ti3+ in the corundum structure. Ti contents are < 0.3 wt% initially, then increase first linearly, then exponentially, toward adjacent melt pockets to reach values > 2 wt%. Numerical modelling indicates that the first skeletal crystals grew in an open system, from a moving magma. The subsequent linear increase in Ti reflects growth in a partially closed system, with decreasing porosity; the exponential increase in Ti close to melt pockets reflects closed-system growth, leading to dramatic increases in incompatible-element concentrations in the residual melts. We suggest that the corundum aggregates grew in melt/fluid conduits; diffusion modelling implies timescales of days to years before crystallization was terminated by explosive eruption. These processes probably operate in explosive volcanic systems in several tectonic settings.
A room-temperature ultrasonic hydrogen sensor based on a sensitive layer of reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Zhang Xue-Yu , Ma Ren-Hao , Li Ling-Sheng , Fan Li , Yang Yue-Tao , Zhang Shu-Yi
Published: January 2021

It is challenging to increase the sensitivity of a hydrogen sensor operating at room temperature due to weak sorption and tiny mass of hydrogen. In this work, an ultrasonic sensor is presented for detecting hydrogen, which is composed of a 128° YX-LiNbO3 substrate and a reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sensitive layer with a platinum catalyzer. By optimizing the depositing parameters of RGO and platinum, a considerably high sensitivity is achieved at room temperature. A frequency shift of 308.9 kHz is obtained in 100 ppm hydrogen mixed with argon, and a frequency shift of 24.4 kHz is obtained in 1000 ppm hydrogen mixed in synthetic air. It is demonstrated that in addition to strong sorption of the sensitive layer, the coaction of mass load and conductivity variation is key to high sensitivity of the sensor. By establishing the original conductivity of the sensitive layer within the “conductivity window” for enhancing electrical response, we improve the sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor, which is available for detecting hydrogen with an extremely low concentration of 5 ppm.
Clinical manifestations of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in Japan from the Japan Renal Biopsy Registry: age stratification and comparison with minimal change disease
Authors: Ozeki Takaya , Maruyama Shoichi , Imasawa Toshiyuki , Kawaguchi Takehiko , Kitamura Hiroshi , Kadomura Moritoshi , Katafuchi Ritsuko , Oka Kazumasa , Yokoyama Hitoshi , Sugiyama Hitoshi , Sato Hiroshi
Published: January 2021

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a serious condition leading to kidney failure. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of FSGS and its differences compared with minimal change disease (MCD) using cross-sectional data from the Japan Renal Biopsy Registry. In Analysis 1, primary FSGS (n = 996) were stratified by age into three groups: pediatric (< 18 years), adult (18–64 years), and elderly (≥ 65 years), and clinical characteristics were compared. Clinical diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome (NS) was given to 73.5% (97/132) of the pediatric, 41.2% (256/622) of the adult, and 65.7% (159/242) of the elderly group. In Analysis 2, primary FSGS (n = 306) and MCD (n = 1303) whose clinical diagnosis was nephrotic syndrome (NS) and laboratory data were consistent with NS, were enrolled. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to elucidate the variables which can distinguish FSGS from MCD. On multivariable analysis, higher systolic blood pressure, higher serum albumin, lower eGFR, and presence of hematuria associated with FSGS. In Japanese nationwide registry, primary FSGS patients aged 18–64 years showed lower rate of NS than those in other ages. Among primary nephrotic cases, FSGS showed distinct clinical features from MCD.
Extreme miniaturization of a new amniote vertebrate and insights into the evolution of genital size in chameleons
Authors: Glaw Frank , Köhler Jörn , Hawlitschek Oliver , Ratsoavina Fanomezana M. , Rakotoarison Andolalao , Scherz Mark D. , Vences Miguel
Published: January 2021

Evolutionary reduction of adult body size (miniaturization) has profound consequences for organismal biology and is an important subject of evolutionary research. Based on two individuals we describe a new, extremely miniaturized chameleon, which may be the world’s smallest reptile species. The male holotype ofBrookesia nanasp. nov. has a snout–vent length of 13.5 mm (total length 21.6 mm) and has large, apparently fully developed hemipenes, making it apparently the smallest mature male amniote ever recorded. The female paratype measures 19.2 mm snout–vent length (total length 28.9 mm) and a micro-CT scan revealed developing eggs in the body cavity, likewise indicating sexual maturity. The new chameleon is only known from a degraded montane rainforest in northern Madagascar and might be threatened by extinction. Molecular phylogenetic analyses place it as sister toB. karchei, the largest species in the clade of miniaturizedBrookesiaspecies, for which we resurrectEvoluticaudaAngel, 1942 as subgenus name. The genetic divergence ofB. nanasp. nov. is rather strong (9.9‒14.9% to all otherEvoluticaudaspecies in the 16S rRNA gene). A comparative study of genital length in Malagasy chameleons revealed a tendency for the smallest chameleons to have the relatively largest hemipenes, which might be a consequence of a reversed sexual size dimorphism with males substantially smaller than females in the smallest species. The miniaturized males may need larger hemipenes to enable a better mechanical fit with female genitals during copulation. Comprehensive studies of female genitalia are needed to test this hypothesis and to better understand the evolution of genitalia in reptiles.
Optically transparent and very thin structure against electromagnetic pulse (EMP) using metal mesh and saltwater for shielding windows
Authors: Phan Duy Tung , Jung Chang Won
Published: January 2021

An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) with high energy can damage electronic equipment instantly within a wide range of thousands of kilometers. Generally, a metal plate placed inside a thick concrete wall is used against an EMP, but it is not suitable for an EMP shielding window, which requires not only strong shielding effectiveness (SE) but also optical transparency (OT). In this paper, we propose a very thin and optically transparent structure with excellent SE for EMP shielding window application. The proposed structure consists of a saltwater layer held between two glass substrates and two metal mesh layers on the outside of the glass, with a total thickness of less than 1.5 cm. The SE and OT of the structure are above 80 dB and 45%, respectively, which not only meet the requirement of EMP shielding for military purposes but also retain the procedure of good observation. Moreover, the OT of the structure can be significantly improved using only one metal mesh film (MMF) layer, while the SE is still maintained high to satisfy the required SE for home applicants. With the major advantages of low cost, optical transparency, strong SE, and flexible performance, the proposed structure can be considered a good solution for transparent EMP shielding windows.
The impact of point defects in n-type GaN layers on thermal decomposition of InGaN/GaN QWs
Authors: Grabowski Mikolaj , Grzanka Ewa , Grzanka Szymon , Lachowski Artur , Smalc-Koziorowska Julita , Czernecki Robert , Hrytsak Roman , Moneta Joanna , Gawlik Grzegorz , Turos Andrzej , Leszczyński Mike
Published: January 2021

The aim of this paper is to give an experimental evidence that point defects (most probably gallium vacancies) induce decomposition of InGaN quantum wells (QWs) at high temperatures. In the experiment performed, we implanted GaN:Si/sapphire substrates with helium ions in order to introduce a high density of point defects. Then, we grew InGaN QWs on such substrates at temperature of 730 °C, what caused elimination of most (but not all) of the implantation-induced point defects expanding the crystal lattice. The InGaN QWs were almost identical to those grown on unimplanted GaN substrates. In the next step of the experiment, we annealed samples grown on unimplanted and implanted GaN at temperatures of 900 °C, 920 °C and 940 °C for half an hour. The samples were examined using Photoluminescence, X-ray Diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy. We found out that the decomposition of InGaN QWs started at lower temperatures for the samples grown on the implanted GaN substrates what provides a strong experimental support that point defects play important role in InGaN decomposition at high temperatures.
Dental microwear texture analysis as a tool for dietary discrimination in elasmobranchs
Authors: McLennan Laura J. , Purnell Mark A.
Published: January 2021

As abundant and widespread predators, elasmobranchs play influential roles in food-web dynamics of marine communities. Clearly, these trophic interactions have significant implications for fisheries management and marine conservation, yet elasmobranch diet is relatively understudied; for the majority of species little or no quantitative dietary data exist. This reflects the difficulties of direct observation of feeding and stomach contents analysis in wild elasmobranchs. Here, by quantifying the 3D surface textures that develop on tooth surfaces as a consequence of feeding, we show that tooth microwear varies with diet in elasmobranchs, providing a new tool for dietary analysis. The technique can be applied to small samples and individuals with no gut contents, and thus offers a way to reduce the impact on wild elasmobranch populations of analysing their dietary ecology, especially relevant in conservation of endangered species. Furthermore, because microwear accumulates over longer periods of time, analysis of texture overcomes the ‘snapshot bias’ of stomach contents analysis. Microwear texture analysis has the potential to be a powerful tool, complementing existing techniques such as stable isotope analysis, for dietary analysis in living and extinct elasmobranchs.
Morphological variables associated with ruptured basilar tip aneurysms
Authors: Zhang Jian , Can Anil , Lai Pui Man Rosalind , Mukundan Srinivasan , Castro Victor M. , Dligach Dmitriy , Finan Sean , Gainer Vivian S. , Shadick Nancy A. , Savova Guergana , Murphy Shawn N. , Cai Tianxi , Weiss Scott T. , Du Rose
Published: January 2021

Morphological factors of intracranial aneurysms and the surrounding vasculature could affect aneurysm rupture risk in a location specific manner. Our goal was to identify image-based morphological parameters that correlated with ruptured basilar tip aneurysms. Three-dimensional morphological parameters obtained from CT-angiography (CTA) or digital subtraction angiography (DSA) from 200 patients with basilar tip aneurysms diagnosed at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital between 1990 and 2016 were evaluated. We examined aneurysm wall irregularity, the presence of daughter domes, hypoplastic, aplastic or fetal PCoAs, vertebral dominance, maximum height, perpendicular height, width, neck diameter, aspect and size ratio, height/width ratio, and diameters and angles of surrounding parent and daughter vessels. Univariable and multivariable statistical analyses were performed to determine statistical significance. In multivariable analysis, presence of a daughter dome, aspect ratio, and larger flow angle were significantly associated with rupture status. We also introduced two new variables, diameter size ratio and parent-daughter angle ratio, which were both significantly inversely associated with ruptured basilar tip aneurysms. Notably, multivariable analyses also showed that larger diameter size ratio was associated with higher Hunt-Hess score while smaller flow angle was associated with higher Fisher grade. These easily measurable parameters, including a new parameter that is unlikely to be affected by the formation of the aneurysm, could aid in screening strategies in high-risk patients with basilar tip aneurysms. One should note, however, that the changes in parameters related to aneurysm morphology may be secondary to aneurysm rupture rather than causal.