bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observed and Simulated Variability of Droplet Spectral Dispersion in Convective Clouds Over the Amazon
Authors: Hernández Pardo Lianet , Machado Luiz A. T. , Morrison Hugh , Cecchini Micael A. , Andreae Meinrat O. , Pöhlker Christopher , Pöschl Ulrich , Rosenfeld Daniel , Vendrasco Eder P. , Voigt Christiane , Wendisch Manfred , Pöhlker Mira L.
Published: September 2021

In this study, the variability of the spectral dispersion of droplet size distributions (DSDs) in convective clouds is investigated. Analyses are based on aircraft measurements of growing cumuli near the Amazon basin, and on numerical simulations of an idealized ice‐free cumulus. In cleaner clouds, the relative dispersion , defined as the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean value of the droplet diameter, is negatively correlated with the ratio of the cloud water content () to the adiabatic liquid water content (), while no strong correlation between and is seen in polluted clouds. Bin microphysics numerical simulations suggest that these contrasting behaviors are associated with the effect of collision‐coalescence in cleaner clouds, and secondary droplet activation in polluted clouds, in addition to the turbulent mixing of parcels that experienced different paths within the cloud. Collision‐coalescence simultaneously broadens the DSDs and decreases , explaining the inverse relationship between and in cleaner clouds. Secondary droplet activation broadens the DSDs but has little direct impact on . The combination of a rather modest DSD broadening due to weak collision‐coalescence with enhanced droplet activation in both diluted and highly undiluted cloud regions may contribute to maintain a relatively uniform within polluted clouds. These findings can be useful for parameterizing the shape parameter () of gamma DSDs in bulk microphysics cloud‐resolving models. It is shown that emulating the observed relationship improves the estimation of the collision‐coalescence rate in bulk microphysics simulations compared to the bin simulations.
A Modeling Framework for Estimating Ionospheric HF Absorption Produced by Solar Flares
Authors: Chakraborty S. , Baker J. B. H. , Fiori R. A. D. , Ruohoniemi J. M. , Zawdie K. A.
Published: September 2021

Over‐the‐Horizon communication is strongly dependent on the state of the ionosphere, which is susceptible to solar flares. Trans‐ionospheric high frequency (HF, 3–30 MHz) signals can experience strong attenuation following a solar flare that lasts typically for an hour, commonly referred to as shortwave fadeout (SWF). In this study, we examine the role of dispersion relation and collision frequency formulations on the estimation of SWF in riometer observations using a new physics‐based model framework. The new framework first uses modified solar irradiance models incorporating high‐resolution solar flux data from the GOES satellite X‐ray sensors as input to compute the enhanced ionization produced during a flare event. The framework then uses different dispersion relation and collision frequency formulations to estimate the enhanced HF absorption. The modeled HF absorption is compared with riometer data to determine which formulation best reproduces the observations. We find the Appleton‐Hartree dispersion relation in combination with the averaged collision frequency profile reproduces riometer observations with an average skill score of 0.4, representing 40% better forecast ability than the existing D‐region Absorption Prediction model. Our modeling results also indicate that electron temperature plays an important role in controlling HF absorption. We suggest that adoption of the Appleton‐Hartree dispersion relation in combination with the averaged collision frequency be considered for improved forecasting of ionospheric absorption following solar flares.
Evaluating Streamwater Dissolved Organic Carbon Dynamics in Context of Variable Flowpath Contributions With a Tracer‐Based Mixing Model
Authors: Saiers James E. , Fair Jennifer H. , Shanley James B. , Hosen Jacob , Matt Serena , Ryan Kevin A. , Raymond Peter A.
Published: September 2021

This study focuses on characterizing the contributions of key terrestrial pathways that deliver dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to streams during hydrological events and on elucidating factors governing variation in water and DOC fluxes from these pathways. We made high‐frequency measurements of discharge, specific conductance (SC), and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) during 221 events recorded over 2 years within four Vermont (USA) watersheds that range in area from 0.4 to 139 km2. Using the SC measurements, together with statistical information on discharge, we separated the event hydrographs into contributions from three terrestrial pathways, which we refer to as riparian quickflow, subsurface quickflow, and slow‐flow groundwater. The pathway discharges were used as input to a mixing model that closely approximated sub‐hourly streamwater DOC concentrations as measured with the FDOM sensors. Subsurface quickflow, comprised of pre‐event water, was the leading contributor to streamwater DOC fluxes, while riparian quickflow, comprised of event water, was the second‐leading contributor to streamwater DOC fluxes, despite comprising the smallest proportion of streamflow yield among the three end‐member pathways. Fixed‐effects regression analysis revealed that the relationship between DOC fluxes from the end‐member pathways and event magnitude was consistent across the four watersheds. This analysis also showed that DOC fluxes from the quickflow pathways increased significantly with temperature and varied inversely, but weakly, with catchment antecedent wetness. We believe that our approach, which leverages in‐stream sensors that enable high‐frequency measurements over extended periods, may be applicable for evaluating controls on DOC export from other watersheds within and beyond our study region.
Age- and weight group-specific weight gain patterns in children and adolescents during the 15 years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Vogel Mandy , Geserick Mandy , Gausche Ruth , Beger Christoph , Poulain Tanja , Meigen Christof , Körner Antje , Keller Eberhard , Kiess Wieland , Pfäffle Roland
Published: September 2021

Background/Objectives

There is a concern that measures aiming to limit a further spread of COVID-19, e.g., school closures and social distancing, cause an aggravation of the childhood obesity epidemic. Therefore, we compared BMI trends during the 15 years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Subjects/Methods

To assess the change in weight dynamics during the first months of COVID-19, we compared the trends of 3-month change in BMI-SDS (ΔBMI-SDS) and the proportions of children showing a high positive (HPC) or high negative (HNC) weight change between 2005 and 2019 and the respective changes from 2019 (pre-pandemic) to 2020 (after the onset of anti-pandemic measures) in more than 150,000 children (9689 during the pandemic period). The period of 3 months corresponds approximately to the first lockdown period in Germany.

Results

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we found a substantial weight gain across all weight and age groups, reflected by an increase in the 3-month change in BMI-SDS (β = 0.05,p < 0.001), an increase in the proportion of children showing HPC (OR = 1.4,p < 0.001), and a decrease in the proportion of children showing HNC (OR = 0.7,p < 0.001). Besides, we found the same trends since 2005 on a low but stable level with a yearly increase of ΔBMI-SDS byβ = 0.001 (p < 0.001), the odds of HPC increased by ORhigh_pos = 1.01 (p < 0.001), and the odds of HNC decreased by ORhigh_neg = 0.99 (p < 0.001). These rather small effects accumulated toβ = 0.02, ORhigh_pos = 1.14, and ORhigh_pos = 0.85 over the whole period 2005–2019. Alarmingly, both the long-term and the short-term effects were most pronounced in the obese subgroup.

Conclusions

There are positive dynamics in different measures of weight change, indicating a positive trend in weight gain patterns, especially within the group of children with obesity. These dynamics are likely to be escalated by COVID-19-related measures. Thus, they may lead to a significant further aggravation of the childhood obesity pandemic.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: CircHAS2 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells by regulating PPM1E mediated by hsa-miR-944
Authors: Ma Shuo , Gu Xinliang , Shen Lei , Chen Yinhao , Qian Chen , Shen Xianjuan , Ju Shaoqing
Published: September 2021

Gastric cancer (GC) is considered one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of endogenous noncoding RNAs, which can be used as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for many tumors. However, the role and potential regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs in GC remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that a specific circRNA, circHAS2, was upregulated in GC tissues and cells and was positively correlated with tumor metastasis. In vitro experiments demonstrated that circHAS2 knockdown or the addition of hsa-miR-944 mimics inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of GC cells and affected the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In addition, hsa-miR-944 interacted with protein phosphatase, Mg2+/Mn2+-dependent 1E (PPM1E), and was found to be a target gene of circHAS2. The upregulation of PPM1E reversed the effects of circHAS2 knockout on GC cells. The circHAS2/hsa-miR-944/PPM1E axis may be involved in the progression of GC; thus, circHAS2 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for GC.
Orexin receptors 1 and 2 in serotonergic neurons differentially regulate peripheral glucose metabolism in obesity
Authors: Xiao Xing , Yeghiazaryan Gagik , Hess Simon , Klemm Paul , Sieben Anna , Kleinridders André , Morgan Donald A. , Wunderlich F. Thomas , Rahmouni Kamal , Kong Dong , Scammell Thomas E. , Lowell Bradford B. , Kloppenburg Peter , Brüning Jens C. , Hausen A. Christine
Published: September 2021

The wake-active orexin system plays a central role in the dynamic regulation of glucose homeostasis. Here we show orexin receptor type 1 and 2 are predominantly expressed in dorsal raphe nucleus-dorsal and -ventral, respectively. Serotonergic neurons in ventral median raphe nucleus and raphe pallidus selectively express orexin receptor type 1. Inactivation of orexin receptor type 1 in serotonin transporter-expressing cells of mice reduced insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obesity, mainly by decreasing glucose utilization in brown adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Selective inactivation of orexin receptor type 2 improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in obese mice, mainly through a decrease in hepatic gluconeogenesis. Optogenetic activation of orexin neurons in lateral hypothalamus or orexinergic fibers innervating raphe pallidus impaired or improved glucose tolerance, respectively. Collectively, the present study assigns orexin signaling in serotonergic neurons critical, yet differential orexin receptor type 1- and 2-dependent functions in the regulation of systemic glucose homeostasis.
Functional characterization of T2D-associated SNP effects on baseline and ER stress-responsive β cell transcriptional activation
Authors: Khetan Shubham , Kales Susan , Kursawe Romy , Jillette Alexandria , Ulirsch Jacob C. , Reilly Steven K. , Ucar Duygu , Tewhey Ryan , Stitzel Michael L.
Published: September 2021

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have linked single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at >250 loci in the human genome to type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. For each locus, identifying the functional variant(s) among multiple SNPs in high linkage disequilibrium is critical to understand molecular mechanisms underlying T2D genetic risk. Using massively parallel reporter assays (MPRA), we test thecis-regulatory effects of SNPs associated with T2D and altered in vivo islet chromatin accessibility in MIN6 β cells under steady state and pathophysiologic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress conditions. We identify 1,982/6,621 (29.9%) SNP-containing elements that activate transcription in MIN6 and 879 SNP alleles that modulate MPRA activity. Multiple T2D-associated SNPs alter the activity of short interspersed nuclear element (SINE)-containing elements that are strongly induced by ER stress. We identify 220 functional variants at 104 T2D association signals, narrowing 54 signals to a single candidate SNP. Together, this study identifies elements driving β cell steady state and ER stress-responsive transcriptional activation, nominates causal T2D SNPs, and uncovers potential roles for repetitive elements in β cell transcriptional stress response and T2D genetics.
Sub-diffraction error mapping for localisation microscopy images
Authors: Marsh Richard J. , Costello Ishan , Gorey Mark-Alexander , Ma Donghan , Huang Fang , Gautel Mathias , Parsons Maddy , Cox Susan
Published: September 2021

Assessing the quality of localisation microscopy images is highly challenging due to the difficulty in reliably detecting errors in experimental data. The most common failure modes are the biases and errors produced by the localisation algorithm when there is emitter overlap. Also known as the high density or crowded field condition, significant emitter overlap is normally unavoidable in live cell imaging. Here we use Haar wavelet kernel analysis (HAWK), a localisation microscopy data analysis method which is known to produce results without bias, to generate a reference image. This enables mapping and quantification of reconstruction bias and artefacts common in all but low emitter density data. By avoiding comparisons involving intensity information, we can map structural artefacts in a way that is not adversely influenced by nonlinearity in the localisation algorithm. The HAWK Method for the Assessment of Nanoscopy (HAWKMAN) is a general approach which allows for the reliability of localisation information to be assessed.
Two-dimensional monolayer salt nanostructures can spontaneously aggregate rather than dissolve in dilute aqueous solutions
Authors: Zhao Wenhui , Sun Yunxiang , Zhu Weiduo , Jiang Jian , Zhao Xiaorong , Lin Dongdong , Xu Wenwu , Duan Xiangmei , Francisco Joseph S. , Zeng Xiao Cheng
Published: September 2021

It is well known that NaCl salt crystals can easily dissolve in dilute aqueous solutions at room temperature. Herein, we reported the first computational evidence of a novel salt nucleation behavior at room temperature, i.e., the spontaneous formation of two-dimensional (2D) alkali chloride crystalline/non-crystalline nanostructures in dilute aqueous solution under nanoscale confinement. Microsecond-scale classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that NaCl or LiCl, initially fully dissolved in confined water, can spontaneously nucleate into 2D monolayer nanostructures with either ordered or disordered morphologies. Notably, the NaCl nanostructures exhibited a 2D crystalline square-unit pattern, whereas the LiCl nanostructures adopted non-crystalline 2D hexagonal ring and/or zigzag chain patterns. These structural patterns appeared to be quite generic, regardless of the water and ion models used in the MD simulations. The generic patterns formed by 2D monolayer NaCl and LiCl nanostructures were also confirmed by ab initio MD simulations. The formation of 2D salt structures in dilute aqueous solution at room temperature is counterintuitive. Free energy calculations indicated that the unexpected spontaneous salt nucleation behavior can be attributed to the nanoscale confinement and strongly compressed hydration shells of ions.
Gut microbiota and metabolites of α-synuclein transgenic monkey models with early stage of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yan Yaping , Ren Shuchao , Duan Yanchao , Lu Chenyu , Niu Yuyu , Wang Zhengbo , Inglis Briauna , Ji Weizhi , Zheng Yun , Si Wei
Published: September 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease. However, it is unclear whether microbiota and metabolites have demonstrated changes at early PD due to the difficulties in diagnosis and identification of early PD in clinical practice. In a previous study, we generated A53T transgenic monkeys with early Parkinson’s symptoms, including anxiety and cognitive impairment. Here we analyzed the gut microbiota by metagenomic sequencing and metabolites by targeted gas chromatography. The gut microbiota analysis showed that the A53T monkeys have higher degree of diversity in gut microbiota with significantly elevated Sybergistetes, Akkermansia, and Eggerthella lenta compared with control monkeys. Prevotella significantly decreased in A53T transgenic monkeys. Glyceric acid, L-Aspartic acid, and p-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid were significantly elevated, whereas Myristic acid and 3-Methylindole were significantly decreased in A53T monkeys. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) (KO0131) and the oxidative phosphorylation reaction (KO2147) were significantly increased in metabolic pathways of A53T monkeys. Our study suggested that the transgenic A53T and α-syn aggregation may affect the intestine microbiota and metabolites of rhesus monkeys, and the identified five compositional different metabolites that are mainly associated with mitochondrial dysfunction may be related to the pathogenesis of PD.
Preparation of hexagonal nanoporous Al2O3/TiO2/TiN as a novel photodetector with high efficiency
Authors: Elsayed Asmaa M. , Rabia Mohamed , Shaban Mohamed , Aly Arafa H. , Ahmed Ashour M.
Published: September 2021

The unique optical properties of metal nitrides enhance many photoelectrical applications. In this work, a novel photodetector based on TiO2/TiN nanotubes was deposited on a porous aluminum oxide template (PAOT) for light power intensity and wavelength detection. The PAOT was fabricated by the Ni-imprinting technique through a two-step anodization method. The TiO2/TiN layers were deposited by using atomic layer deposition and magnetron sputtering, respectively. The PAOT and PAOT/TiO2/TiN were characterized by several techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The PAOT has high-ordered hexagonal nanopores with dimensions ~ 320 nm pore diameter and ~ 61 nm interpore distance. The bandgap of PAOT/TiO2 decreased from 3.1 to 2.2 eV with enhancing absorption of visible light after deposition of TiN on the PAOT/TiO2. The PAOT/TiO2/TiN as photodetector has a responsivity (R) and detectivity (D) of 450 mAW-1 and 8.0 × 1012 Jones, respectively. Moreover, the external quantum efficiency (EQE) was 9.64% at 62.5 mW.cm−2 and 400 nm. Hence, the fabricated photodetector (PD) has a very high photoelectrical response due to hot electrons from the TiN layer, which makes it very hopeful as a broadband photodetector.
Predictive modelling of level IIb lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Hyunwoo , Son Nak-Hoon , Lee Sung Hwa , Kim Dongwook , Kim Hyung Jun , Cha In-ho , Nam Woong
Published: September 2021

The aim of the present study was to examine the conditions, characteristics, and risk factors of level IIb lymph node metastases in oral squamous cell carcinoma and to formulate surgical criteria for level IIb lymph node dissection. We analyzed clinical and pathological records for 541 oral squamous carcinoma patients in relation to level IIb metastasis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to detect risk factors for level IIb lymph node metastasis; a predictive model was built based on multivariate analysis and tested in a validation group. Univariate and multivariate analyses using the training group indicated that level IIa metastasis and Lymphovascular permeation (LVP) were two independent risk factors for level IIb lymph node metastasis. This model was built and tested in a validation group, the area under the curve being 0.697 (P < .0.001). The model’s sensitivity was 66.7% and specificity was 77.4%. Nomogram incorporating validated variables was developed for level IIb metastasis prediction. Expected survival probabilites were analysed to specify significance of model's variable on patients’ overall survival and recurrence. Level IIb dissection should be performed in patients with level IIa metastasis and LVP. However, thorough consideration of the oncologic safety of omitting level IIb dissection is compulsory.
Ultra-high-resolution computed tomography shows changes in the lungs related with airway hyperresponsiveness in a murine asthma model
Authors: Jung Jae-Woo , Oh Jung Suk , Bae Boram , Ahn Yoon Hae , Kim Lucy Wooyeon , Choi Jiwoong , Kim Hye-Young , Kang Hye-Ryun , Lee Chang Hyun
Published: September 2021

In vivo presentation of airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) at the different time points of the allergic reaction is not clearly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate how AHR manifests in the airway and the lung parenchyma in vivo following exposure to different stimuli and in the early and late phases of asthma after allergen exposure. Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma model was established using 6-week female BALB/c mice. Enhanced pause was measured with a non-invasive method to assess AHR. The dynamic changes of the airway and lung parenchyma were evaluated with ultra-high-resolution computed tomography (128 multi-detector, 1024 × 1024 matrix) for 10 h. While the methacholine challenge showed no grossly visible changes in the proximal airway and lung parenchyma despite provoking AHR, the OVA challenge induced significant immediate changes manifesting as peribronchial ground glass opacities, consolidations, air-trapping, and paradoxical proximal airway dilatations. After resolution of immediate response, multiple episodes of AHRs occurred with paradoxical proximal airway dilatation and peripheral air-trapping in late phase over a prolonged time period in vivo. Understanding of airflow limitation based on the structural changes of asthmatic airway would be helpful to make an appropriate drug delivery strategy for the treatment of asthma.
Relativistic nucleon–nucleon potentials in a spin-dependent three-dimensional approach
Authors: Hadizadeh M. R. , Radin M. , Nazari F.
Published: September 2021

The matrix elements of relativistic nucleon–nucleon (NN) potentials are calculated directly from the nonrelativistic potentials as a function of relative NN momentum vectors, without a partial wave decomposition. To this aim, the quadratic operator relation between the relativistic and nonrelativistic NN potentials is formulated in momentum-helicity basis states. It leads to a single integral equation for the two-nucleon (2N) spin-singlet state, and four coupled integral equations for two-nucleon spin-triplet states, which are solved by an iterative method. Our numerical analysis indicates that the relativistic NN potential obtained using CD-Bonn potential reproduces the deuteron binding energy and neutron-proton elastic scattering differential and total cross-sections with high accuracy.
The effect of blue light filtering lenses on speed perception
Authors: Ali Adiba , Roy Maitreyee , Alzahrani Hind Saeed , Khuu Sieu K.
Published: September 2021

Blue-light filtering lenses (BFLs) are marketed to protect the eyes from blue light that may be hazardous to the visual system. Because BFLs attenuate light, they reduce object contrast, which may impact visual behaviours such as the perception of object speed which reduces with contrast. In the present study, we investigated whether speed perception is affected by BFLs. Using a two-interval forced-choice procedure in conjunction with Method of Constant Stimuli, participants (n = 20) judged whether the perceived speed of a moving test stimulus (1.5–4.5°/s) viewed through a BFL was faster than a reference stimulus (2.75°/s) viewed through a clear lens. This procedure was repeated for 3 different BFL brands and chromatic and achromatic stimuli. Psychometric function fits provided an estimate of the speed at which both test and reference stimuli were matched. We find that the perceived speed of both chromatic and achromatic test stimuli was reduced by 6 to 20% when viewed through BFLs, and lenses that attenuated the most blue-light produced the largest reductions in perceived speed. Our findings indicate that BFLs whilst may reduce exposure to hazardous blue light, have unintended consequences to important visual behaviours such as motion perception.
Hunting dogs bark differently when they encounter different animal species
Authors: Policht Richard , Matějka Ondřej , Benediktová Kateřina , Adámková Jana , Hart Vlastimil
Published: September 2021

Previous studies have shown that vocalizations of dogs can provide information to human companions. While acoustic signals of dogs have been intensively studied during the last decade, barking during hunting activities remains unstudied. The experiences of hunters indicate that owners can recognize what animal species has been found based on the bark of their dog. Such a phenomenon has never been tested before. We tested such an ability by comparing barks that were produced when dogs encountered four different animal species: wild boar, red fox, rabbit and fowl. Classification results of a discrimination analysis showed, that based on barks of dachshunds and terriers, it is possible to categorize towards which animal species barks were produced. The most distinctive barks were produced during encounters with the most dangerous of these animals, the wild boar. On the contrary, barks evoked by red fox encounters were classified similarly as those towards other smaller and non-dangerous animals like rabbits and fowl. Although the red fox represents a potentially dangerous species, the barking provoked was not classified with a much higher result than barking at animals that pose no threat. This might indicate that the key parameter could be the body size of the animal the dog meets. We further tested whether the degree of threat from the species of animal the dog encounters is reflected in the structure of the acoustic parameters based on the valence-arousal model. We found that barks produced in contact with a wild boar showed significantly lower frequency parameters and longest duration compared to other barks. According to these results, it seems that the variability of barking depending on the species of animal a dog encounters is an expression of the dogʼs inner state rather than functionally reference information.
Exploring the best monochromatic energy level in dual energy spectral imaging for coronary stents after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Liu Qian , Wang Yajuan , Qi Haicheng , Yu Yaohui , Xing Yan
Published: September 2021

In this study, the optimal monochromatic energy level in dual-energy spectral CT required for imaging coronary stents after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was explored. Thirty-five consecutive patients after PCI were examined using the dual-energy spectral CT imaging mode. The original images were reconstructed at 40–140 keV (10-keV interval) monochromatic levels. The in-stent and out-stent CT values at each monochromatic level were measured to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for the vessel and the CT value difference between the in-stent and out-stent lumen (dCT (in–out)), which reflects the artificial CT number increase due to the beam hardening effect caused by the stents. The subjective image quality of the stent and in-stent vessel was evaluated by two radiologists using a 5-point scale. With the increase in energy level, the CT value, SNR, CNR, and dCT (in–out) all decreased. At 80 keV, the mean CT value in-stent reached (345.24 ± 93.43) HU and dCT (in–out) started plateauing. In addition, the subjective image quality of the stents and vessels peaked at 80 keV. The 80 keV monochromatic images are optimal for imaging cardiac patients with stents after PCI, balancing the enhancement and SNR and CNR in the vessels while minimizing the beam hardening artifacts caused by the stents.
Innovative functional polymerization of pyrrole-N-propionic acid onto WS2 nanotubes using cerium-doped maghemite nanoparticles for photothermal therapy
Authors: Levin Tzuriel , Lampel Yakir , Savyon Gaya , Levy Esthy , Harel Yifat , Elias Yuval , Sinvani Moshe , Nachman Iftach , Lellouche Jean-Paul
Published: September 2021

Tungsten disulfide nanotubes (WS2-NTs) were found to be very active for photothermal therapy. However, their lack of stability in aqueous solutions inhibits their use in many applications, especially in biomedicine. Few attempts were made to chemically functionalize the surface of the NTs to improve their dispersability. Here, we present a new polymerization method using cerium-doped maghemite nanoparticles (CM-NPs) as magnetic nanosized linkers between the WS2-NT surface and pyrrole-N-propionic acid monomers, which allow in situ polymerization onto the composite surface. This unique composite is magnetic, and contains two active entities for photothermal therapy—WS2 and the polypyrrole. The photothermal activity of the composite was tested at a wavelength of 808 nm, and significant thermal activity was observed. Moreover, the polycarboxylated polymeric coating of the NTs enables effective linkage of additional molecules or drugs via covalent bonding. In addition, a new method was established for large-scale synthesis of CM-NPs and WS2-NT-CM composites.
“Ancient DNA” reveals that the scientific name for an extinct tortoise from Cape Verde refers to an extant South American species
Authors: Kehlmaier Christian , López-Jurado Luis F. , Hernández-Acosta Nayra , Mateo-Miras Antonio , Fritz Uwe
Published: September 2021

We examined the type material of the extinct tortoise species Geochelone atlantica López-Jurado, Mateo and García-Márquez, 1998 from Sal Island, Cape Verde, using aDNA approaches and AMS radiocarbon dating. High-quality mitochondrial genomes obtained from the three type specimens support that all type material belongs to the same individual. In phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial genomes of all species groups and genera of extant and some recently extinct tortoises, the type material clusters within the extant South American red-footed tortoise Chelonoidis carbonarius (Spix, 1824). Our radiocarbon date indicates that the tortoise from which the type series of G. atlantica originates was still alive during 1962 and 1974. These results provide firm evidence that the type material of G. atlantica does not belong to the Quaternary tortoise bones excavated on Sal Island in the 1930s, as originally thought. Thus, the extinct tortoise species remains unstudied and lacks a scientific name, and the name G. atlantica has to be relegated into the synonymy of C. carbonarius. The circumstances that led to this confusion currently cannot be disentangled.
Applicant hierarchical fuzzy controller for concentration control of simulated moving bed
Authors: Xie Chaofan , Tang Yang-jie
Published: September 2021

Simulated moving bed (SMB) is a kind of continuous process which can increase the efficiency of adsorbents in the adsorbent bed. It contains several sectors of flow rate, the switching time of valves and many other possible influencing variables, moreover, these parameters are highly sensitive, so it is very difficult to achieve precise prediction and control. Model predictive control and PID controller are often used in industrial system. Model predictive control needs a lot of accurate industry experience data, and PID controller depends on the selection of control parameters. Therefore, SMB needs an intelligent controller to bypass those complex mechanisms and parameter adjustment processes. This paper we propose the hierarchical fuzzy controller fuzzy controller which is applied to the SMB system to observe the final concentration. Compared with the PID and MPC controller, it is found that the hierarchical fuzzy controller can control good without knowing the system parameters too accurately.
ZrN-ZrOxNy vs ZrO2-ZrOxNy coatings deposited via unbalanced DC magnetron sputtering
Authors: Cubillos Gloria I. , Romero Eduard , Umaña-Perez Adriana
Published: September 2021

ZrN-ZrO$${ }_{x}$$

x

N$${ }_{y}$$

y

and ZrO$${ }_{2}$$

2

-ZrO$${ }_{x}$$

x

N$${ }_{y}$$

y

coatings were deposited on 316L stainless steel substrates via the unbalanced DC magnetron sputtering technique in order to improve their corrosion resistance and evaluate their possible use as a coating biocompatible with bone cells. The composition, structure, morphology, and corrosion resistance were studied by sum means of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), x-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The corrosion resistance was evaluated in 3.5 wt.% NaCl using potentiodynamic polarization (PL) and electrochemical impedance techniques (EIS). The ZrN-ZrO$${ }_{x}$$

x

N$${ }_{y}$$

y

and ZrO$${ }_{2}$$

2

-ZrO$${ }_{x}$$

x

N$${ }_{y}$$

y

coatings exhibited barrier-type protection of the substrate against corrosion. The growth of mouse osteoblast cells was evaluated in the coating that exhibited the greatest resistance to corrosion, ZrO$${ }_{2}$$

2

-ZrO$${ }_{x}$$

x

N$${ }_{y}$$

y

, finding that the cell viability was maintained, so this material can be considered to be a candidate for use in osteosynthesis processes.
Isolation and engineering of a Listeria grayi bacteriophage
Authors: Erickson Stephen , Paulson John , Brown Matthew , Hahn Wendy , Gil Jose , Barron-Montenegro Rocío , Moreno-Switt Andrea I. , Eisenberg Marcia , Nguyen Minh M.
Published: September 2021

The lack of bacteriophages capable of infecting the Listeria species, Listeria grayi, is academically intriguing and presents an obstacle to the development of bacteriophage-based technologies for Listeria. We describe the isolation and engineering of a novel L. grayi bacteriophage, LPJP1, isolated from farm silage. With a genome over 200,000 base pairs, LPJP1 is the first and only reported jumbo bacteriophage infecting the Listeria genus. Similar to other Gram-positive jumbo phages, LPJP1 appeared to contain modified base pairs, which complicated initial attempts to obtain genomic sequence using standard methods. Following successful sequencing with a modified approach, a recombinant of LPJP1 encoding the NanoLuc luciferase was engineered using homologous recombination. This luciferase reporter bacteriophage successfully detected 100 stationary phase colony forming units of both subspecies of L. grayi in four hours. A single log phase colony forming unit was also sufficient for positive detection in the same time period. The recombinant demonstrated complete specificity for this particular Listeria species and did not infect 150 non-L. grayi Listeria strains nor any other bacterial genus. LPJP1 is believed to be the first reported lytic bacteriophage of L. grayi as well as the only jumbo bacteriophage to be successfully engineered into a luciferase reporter.
Ruminant fat intake improves gut microbiota, serum inflammatory parameter and fatty acid profile in tissues of Wistar rats
Authors: de Brito Medeiros Larissa , Alves Susana Paula Almeida , de Bessa Rui José Branquinho , Soares Juliana Késsia Barbosa , Costa Camila Neves Meireles , de Souza Aquino Jailane , Guerra Gerlane Coelho Bernardo , de Souza Araújo Daline Fernandes , Toscano Lydiane Tavares , Silva Alexandre Sérgio , Alves Adriano Francisco , Lemos Mateus Lacerda Pereira , de Araujo Wydemberg José , de Medeiros Ariosvaldo Nunes , de Oliveira Celso José Bruno , de Cassia Ramos do Egypto Queiroga Rita
Published: September 2021

This study tested the hypothesis that naturally and industrially produced trans-fatty acids can exert distinct effects on metabolic parameters and on gut microbiota of rats. Wistar rats were randomized into three groups according to the diet: CONT-control, with 5% soybean oil and normal amount of fat; HVF-20% of hydrogenated vegetable fat (industrial); and RUM-20% of ruminant fat (natural). After 53 days of treatment, serum biochemical markers, fatty acid composition of liver, heart and adipose tissue, histology and hepatic oxidative parameters, as well as gut microbiota composition were evaluated. HVF diet intake reduced triglycerides (≈ 39.39%) and VLDL levels (≈ 39.49%). Trans-fatty acids levels in all tissue were higher in HVF group. However, RUM diet intake elevated amounts of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (≈ 14.7%) compared to CONT, but not to HVF. Furthermore, RUM intake led to higher concentrations of stearic acid and conjugated linoleic acid in all tissue; this particular diet was associated with a hepatoprotective effect. The microbial gut communities were significantly different among the groups. Our results show that ruminant fat reversed the hepatic steatosis normally caused by high fat diets, which may be related to the remodelling of the gut microbiota and its anti-inflammatory potential.
Cardiorespiratory performance and locomotor function of patients with anorectal malformations
Authors: Arneitz Christoph , Windhaber Jana , Flucher Christina , Gasparella Paolo , Amerstorfer Eva , Huber-Zeyringer Andrea , Castellani Christoph , Singer Georg , Till Holger
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to assess whether adolescents following anorectal malformation repair have a decreased cardiorespiratory performance capacity and impaired motor skills. All eligible children treated for ARMs between 2000 and 2014 were invited to participate in a prospective study consisting of a clinical examination, evaluation of Bowel function and Quality of Life, spirometry, spiroergometry and assessment of the motor activity. The results were compared to a healthy age- and sex-matched control group. There was no statistically significant difference in height, weight, BMI, muscle mass or body fat percentage between the study and the control group. Nine out of 18 patients (50%) had an excellent functional outcome with a normal Bowel Function Score. Spirometry revealed no significant differences between ARM patients and controls, four patients showed a ventilation disorder. Spiroergometry revealed a significantly lower relative performance capacity and the overall rating of the motor activity test showed significantly decreased grades in ARM patients. ARM patients were affected by an impaired cardiopulmonary function and decreased motor abilities. Long-term examinations consisting of routine locomotor function evaluation and spiroergometry are advisable to detect impaired cardiopulmonary function and to prevent a progression of associated complications and related impaired quality of life.
Functional diversity outperforms taxonomic diversity in revealing short-term trampling effects
Authors: Li Wei , He Shuqiang , Cheng Xiping , Zhang Mingqiang
Published: September 2021

Alpine grasslands harbor diverse groups of flora and fauna, provide important ecosystem functions, and yield essential ecosystem goods and services, especially for the development of nature-based tourism. However, they are experiencing increasing anthropogenic perturbations such as tourist trampling. Although negative effects of tourist trampling on alpine vegetation have been frequently reported, previous studies have focused mainly on changes in taxonomic diversity after trampling, and rarely provide a mechanistic elucidation of trampling effects from a trait-based perspective. The present study evaluates the impacts of simulated trampling on taxonomic and functional diversity of a typical alpine grassland community in Shangri-La, China using a standardized protocol. The results showed that although taxonomic diversity was not statistically significantly affected by trampling, some functional attributes responded rapidly to trampling disturbance. Specifically, functional divergence decreased with an increase in trampling intensity, and characteristics of community-weighted mean trait values changed towards shorter species with reduced leaf area and lower leaf dry matter content. Such strong shifts in functional attributes may further affect ecosystem goods and services provided by alpine grasslands. Our inclusion of functional diversity in the analysis thus adds an important caution to previous studies predominantly focusing on taxonomic diversity, and it is urgent to keep alpine grasslands well managed and ecologically coherent so that their valuable functions and services can be safeguarded.
Galvanic current dosage and bacterial concentration are determinants of the bactericidal effect of percutaneous needle electrolysis: an in vitro study
Authors: García-Vidal José Antonio , Salinas Jesús , Escolar-Reina Pilar , Cuello Francisco , Ortega Nieves , de Dios Berná-Mestre Juan , López-Nicolás Manuel , Valera-Garrido Fermín , Medina-Mirapeix Francesc
Published: September 2021

Percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) is a physiotherapy technique that has been shown to be effective in different pathologies such as tendinopathies or mammary fistula. For many years, theoretical bactericidal and germicidal effects have been attributed to this type of galvanic currents, partly explained by the changes in pH that it generates. However, these effects have not yet been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bactericidal effect and the changes in pH caused by PNE. S. aureus were prepared in two different solutions (TSB and saline solution) and in different concentrations (from 9 to 6 Log10 CFU/mL). Bacteria were treated with three experimental PNE doses to assess bacterial death levels and the changes caused to the pH of the medium. The viable cell count showed that all experimental PNE doses had a bactericidal effect against a high concentration (9 Log10 CFU/mL) of S. aureus in saline solution (p < 0.001). Furthermore, we found that when the concentration of bacteria decreased, a lower dose of galvanic current generated the same effect as a higher dose. Changes in pH were registered only in experiments performed with saline solution. PNE had a bactericidal effect against S. aureus and the level of this effect was mainly modulated by the solution, the bacterial concentration and the dose. Changes affecting pH were modulated by the type of solution and there was no relationship between this and bacterial death.
Intriguing spin–lattice interactions in EuTiO3
Authors: Bussmann-Holder Annette , Liarokapis Efthymios , Roleder Krystian
Published: September 2021

During the last decade the cubic perovskite oxide EuTiO3 (ETO) has attracted enormous novel research activities due to possible multiferroicity, hidden magnetism far above its Néel temperature at TN = 5.5 K, structural instability at TS = 282 K, possible application as magneto-electric optic device, and strong spin–lattice coupling. Here we address a novel highlight of this compound by showing that well below TS a further structural phase transition occurs below 210 K without the application of an external magnetic field, and by questioning the assumed tetragonal symmetry of the structure below TS where tiny deviations from true tetragonality are observed by birefringence and XRD measurements. It is suggested that the competition in the second nearest neighbor spin–spin interaction modulated by the lattice dynamics is at the origin of these new observations.
Genetic mutation and biological pathway prediction based on whole slide images in breast carcinoma using deep learning
Authors: Qu Hui , Zhou Mu , Yan Zhennan , Wang He , Rustgi Vinod K. , Zhang Shaoting , Gevaert Olivier , Metaxas Dimitris N.
Published: September 2021

Breast carcinoma is the most common cancer among women worldwide that consists of a heterogeneous group of subtype diseases. The whole-slide images (WSIs) can capture the cell-level heterogeneity, and are routinely used for cancer diagnosis by pathologists. However, key driver genetic mutations related to targeted therapies are identified by genomic analysis like high-throughput molecular profiling. In this study, we develop a deep-learning model to predict the genetic mutations and biological pathway activities directly from WSIs. Our study offers unique insights into WSI visual interactions between mutation and its related pathway, enabling a head-to-head comparison to reinforce our major findings. Using the histopathology images from the Genomic Data Commons Database, our model can predict the point mutations of six important genes (AUC 0.68–0.85) and copy number alteration of another six genes (AUC 0.69–0.79). Additionally, the trained models can predict the activities of three out of ten canonical pathways (AUC 0.65–0.79). Next, we visualized the weight maps of tumor tiles in WSI to understand the decision-making process of deep-learning models via a self-attention mechanism. We further validated our models on liver and lung cancers that are related to metastatic breast cancer. Our results provide insights into the association between pathological image features, molecular outcomes, and targeted therapies for breast cancer patients.
Identification of multi-concentration aromatic fragrances with electronic nose technology using a support vector machine
Authors: Kim Sun-Tae , Choi Il-Hwan , Li Hui
Published: September 2021

The responses of an e-nose to 4 aromas are normalized to eliminate the concentration effect. The model trained by a SVM can accurately classify unknown samples.
Ultrafast anisotropic exciton dynamics in a water-soluble ionic carbon nitride photocatalyst
Authors: Li Chunyu , Adler Christiane , Krivtsov Igor , Mitoraj Dariusz , Leiter Robert , Kaiser Ute , Beranek Radim , Dietzek Benjamin
Published: September 2021

Ultrafast transient absorption anisotropy is applied to study the ultrafast charge transfer dynamics in a water soluable ionic carbon nitride.
Efficient asymmetric syntheses of α-quaternary lactones and esters through chiral bifunctional sulfide-catalyzed desymmetrizing bromolactonization of α,α-diallyl carboxylic acids
Authors: Hiraki Mana , Okuno Ken , Nishiyori Ryuichi , Noser Ahmed A. , Shirakawa Seiji
Published: September 2021

Efficient asymmetric syntheses of α-quaternary lactones and esters were achieved via the chiral bifunctional sulfide-catalyzed desymmetrizing bromolactonization of α,α-diallyl carboxylic acids.
PET-RAFT single unit monomer insertion of β-methylstyrene derivatives: RAFT degradation and reaction selectivity
Authors: Zhang Lei , Liu Ruizhe , Lin Shiyang , Xu Jiangtao
Published: September 2021

Reversible addition/fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) single unit monomer insertion of β-methylstyrene derivatives revealed significant degradation of products, which can be suppressed by selecting appropriate RAFT agents.
Photoswitches for controllable RNA binding: a future approach in the RNA-targeting therapy
Authors: Berdnikova Daria V.
Published: September 2021

This highlight outlines the still underexplored field of noncovalent photoswitchable binders for RNA. Main challenges and prospective applications of the photoswitchable ligands in the RNA-targeting therapy are discussed.
2,2′-Bipyridine-α,α′-trifluoromethyl-diol ligand: synthesis and application in the asymmetric Et2Zn alkylation of aldehydes
Authors: Lauzon Samuel , Ollevier Thierry
Published: September 2021

A chiral 2,2′-bipyridine ligand (1) bearing α,α′-trifluoromethyl-alcohols at 6,6′-positions was designed in five steps affording either the R,R or S,S enantiomer with excellent stereoselectivities, i.e. 97% de, >99% ee and >99.5% de, >99.5% ee, respectively.
Dioxygenation of unprotected mesoionic N-heterocyclic olefins
Authors: Liang Qiuming , Hayashi Kasumi , Li Longfei , Song Datong
Published: September 2021

We report the clean dioxygenation of mNHOs with molecular dioxygen under ambient conditions.
Regularized dynamical decoupling noise spectroscopy – a decoherence descriptor for radicals in glassy matrices
Authors: Soetbeer Janne , Ibáñez Luis Fábregas , Berkson Zachariah , Polyhach Yevhen , Jeschke Gunnar
Published: September 2021

A noise spectrum captures the decoherence-inducing spin environment fluctuations and thus provides a quantitative decoherence description.
The stress deformation response influenced by the chain rigidity for mesostructures in diblock copolymers
Authors: Chen Gaohang , Zhang Hui , Lu Teng , Jiang Ying
Published: September 2021

A self-consistent field theory formalism based on the wormlike chain model is developed to investigate the stress–strain relation for mesostructures in diblock copolymers under the influence of chain rigidity.