bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating buccal and occlusal dental microwear with isotope analyses for a complete paleodietary reconstruction of Holocene populations from Hungary
Authors: Hernando Raquel , Gamarra Beatriz , McCall Ashley , Cheronet Olivia , Fernandes Daniel , Sirak Kendra , Schmidt Ryan , Lozano Marina , Szeniczey Tamás , Hajdu Tamás , Bárány Annamária , Kalli András , Tutkovics Eszter K. , Köhler Kitti , Kiss Krisztián , Koós Judit , Csengeri Piroska , Király Ágnes , Horváth Antónia , Hajdu Melinda L. , Tóth Krisztián , Patay Róbert , Feeney Robin N. M. , Pinhasi Ron
Published: March 2021

Dietary reconstruction is used to make inferences about the subsistence strategies of ancient human populations, but it may also serve as a proxy to characterise their diverse cultural and technological manifestations. Dental microwear and stable isotope analyses have been shown to be successful techniques for paleodietary reconstruction of ancient populations but, despite yielding complementary dietary information, these techniques have rarely been combined within the same study. Here we present for the first time a comprehensive approach to interpreting ancient lifeways through the results of buccal and occlusal microwear, and δ13C and δ15N isotope analyses applied to the same individuals of prehistoric populations of Hungary from the Middle Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age periods. This study aimed to (a) assess if the combination of techniques yields a more precise assessment of past dietary and subsistence practices, and (b) contribute to our understanding of the dietary patterns of the prehistoric Hungarian populations. Overall, no correlations between microwear and δ13C and δ15N isotope variables were observed, except for a relationship between nitrogen and the vertical and horizontal index. However, we found that diachronic differences are influenced by the variation within the period. Particularly, we found differences in microwear and isotope variables between Middle Neolithic sites, indicating that there were different dietary practices among those populations. Additionally, microwear results suggest no changes in the abrasiveness of the diet, neither food processing methods, despite higher C4plant resource consumption shown by carbon isotopic signal. Thus, we demonstrate that the integration of dental microwear and carbon and nitrogen stable isotope methodologies can provide complementary information for making inferences about paleodietary habits.
Perceptual judgments of duration of parabolic motions
Authors: Jörges Björn , La Scaleia Barbara , López-Moliner Joan , Lacquaniti Francesco , Zago Myrka
Published: March 2021

In a 2-alternative forced-choice protocol, observers judged the duration of ball motions shown on an immersive virtual-reality display as approaching in the sagittal plane along parabolic trajectories compatible with Earth gravity effects. In different trials, the ball shifted along the parabolas with one of three different laws of motion: constant tangential velocity, constant vertical velocity, or gravitational acceleration. Only the latter motion was fully consistent with Newton’s laws in the Earth gravitational field, whereas the motions with constant velocity profiles obeyed the spatio-temporal constraint of parabolic paths dictated by gravity but violated the kinematic constraints. We found that the discrimination of duration was accurate and precise for all types of motions, but the discrimination for the trajectories at constant tangential velocity was slightly but significantly more precise than that for the trajectories at gravitational acceleration or constant vertical velocity. The results are compatible with a heuristic internal representation of gravity effects that can be engaged when viewing projectiles shifting along parabolic paths compatible with Earth gravity, irrespective of the specific kinematics. Opportunistic use of a moving frame attached to the target may favour visual tracking of targets with constant tangential velocity, accounting for the slightly superior duration discrimination.
Bayes Factors show evidence against systematic relationships between the anchoring effect and the Big Five personality traits
Authors: Schindler Sebastian , Querengässer Jan , Bruchmann Maximilian , Bögemann Nele Johanna , Moeck Robert , Straube Thomas
Published: March 2021

Examining personality traits as predictors of human behaviour is of high interest. There are several but inconclusive reported relationships of personality and the susceptibility to the “anchoring effect”, a tendency to adjust estimates towards a given anchor. To provide an answer to variably reported links between personality traits and the anchoring effect, we collected data from 1000 participants in the lab and validated typical anchoring effects and representative personality scores of the sample. Using Bayesian statistical data analyses, we found evidence for the absence of a relationship between anchoring effects and personality scores. We, therefore, conclude that there are no specific personality traits that relate to a higher susceptibility to the anchoring effect. The lack of a relationship between personality and the susceptibility to the anchoring effect might be due to the specific anchoring design, be limited to specific cognitive domains, or the susceptibility to anchors might reflect no reliable individual cognitive phenomena. In the next step, studies should examine the reliability of anchoring effects on the individual level, and testing relationships of individual traits and anchoring effects for other types of anchors, anchoring designs, or cognitive domains.
Inferring ecosystem networks as information flows
Authors: Li Jie , Convertino Matteo
Published: March 2021

The detection of causal interactions is of great importance when inferring complex ecosystem functional and structural networks for basic and applied research. Convergent cross mapping (CCM) based on nonlinear state-space reconstruction made substantial progress about network inference by measuring how well historical values of one variable can reliably estimate states of other variables. Here we investigate the ability of a developed optimal information flow (OIF) ecosystem model to infer bidirectional causality and compare that to CCM. Results from synthetic datasets generated by a simple predator-prey model, data of a real-world sardine-anchovy-temperature system and of a multispecies fish ecosystem highlight that the proposed OIF performs better than CCM to predict population and community patterns. Specifically, OIF provides a larger gradient of inferred interactions, higher point-value accuracy and smaller fluctuations of interactions and $$\alpha$$
α
-diversity including their characteristic time delays. We propose an optimal threshold on inferred interactions that maximize accuracy in predicting fluctuations of effective $$\alpha$$
α
-diversity, defined as the count of model-inferred interacting species. Overall OIF outperforms all other models in assessing predictive causality (also in terms of computational complexity) due to the explicit consideration of synchronization, divergence and diversity of events that define model sensitivity, uncertainty and complexity. Thus, OIF offers a broad ecological information by extracting predictive causal networks of complex ecosystems from time-series data in the space-time continuum. The accurate inference of species interactions at any biological scale of organization is highly valuable because it allows to predict biodiversity changes, for instance as a function of climate and other anthropogenic stressors. This has practical implications for defining optimal ecosystem management and design, such as fish stock prioritization and delineation of marine protected areas based on derived collective multispecies assembly. OIF can be applied to any complex system and used for model evaluation and design where causality should be considered as non-linear predictability of diverse events of populations or communities.
Bevacizumab plus capecitabine as later-line treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer refractory to irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and fluoropyrimidines
Authors: Bang Yeong Hak , Kim Jeong Eun , Lee Ji Sung , Kim Sun Young , Kim Kyu-Pyo , Kim Tae Won , Hong Yong Sang
Published: March 2021

There is an unmet medical need for later-line treatment options for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Considering that, beyond progression, co-treatment with bevacizumab and cytotoxic chemotherapy showed less toxicity and a significant disease control rate, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of capecitabine and bevacizumab. This single-center retrospective study included 157 patients between May 2011 and February 2018, who received bevacizumab plus capecitabine as later-line chemotherapy after progressing with irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and fluoropyrimidines. The study treatment consisted of bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg on day 1 and capecitabine 1,250 mg/m2 orally (PO) twice daily on day 1 to 14, repeated every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). The median PFS was 4.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.9–5.3). The median overall survival (OS) was 9.7 months (95% CI 8.3–11.1). The overall response rate was 14% (22/157). Patients who had not received prior targeted agents showed better survival outcomes in the multivariable analysis of OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.59, 95% CI 0.43–0.82, P = 0.002) and PFS (HR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.43–0.85, P = 0.004). Bevacizumab plus capecitabine could be a considerably efficacious option for patients with mCRC refractory to prior standard treatments.
Associations between second to fourth digit ratio, cortisol, vitamin D, and body composition among Polish children
Authors: Pruszkowska-Przybylska Paulina , Sitek Aneta , Rosset Iwona , Sobalska-Kwapis Marta , Słomka Marcin , Strapagiel Dominik , Żądzińska Elżbieta , Morling Niels
Published: March 2021

Associations between body characteristics (body composition: fat mass, muscle mass, cell, and water mass as well as body proportion—BMI), the 2D:4D digit ratio, and the concentrations of cortisol and vitamin (25-OH)D among Polish children have not been studied before. A total of 133 (73 girls and 60 boys) healthy Polish children aged 7–11 years were examined. The investigation was divided into three parts: measuring (the length of the second and fourth fingers in both hands, body composition, and body height and mass), questionnaires (socioeconomic status), and laboratory investigations (25-OH vitamin D and cortisol concentrations in saliva measured with ELISA methods). Boys with digit ratios below 1 had lower vitamin D concentration than those with digit ratios equal to or higher than 1 (Z = − 2.33; p = 0.019). Only boys with the male-typical pattern of 2D:4D digit ratio tended to have a lower 25-OH vitamin D concentration in saliva. Thus, it might indicate an effect of prenatal programming on the concentrations of steroid hormones in later life. Neither vitamin D, 2D:4D digit ratio nor the cortisol level was associated with the body components or proportions. More studies are needed to evaluate the molecular and genetic background of this phenomenon.
The deep and slow breathing characterizing rest favors brain respiratory-drive
Authors: Girin Baptiste , Juventin Maxime , Garcia Samuel , Lefèvre Laura , Amat Corine , Fourcaud-Trocmé Nicolas , Buonviso Nathalie
Published: March 2021

A respiration-locked activity in the olfactory brain, mainly originating in the mechano-sensitivity of olfactory sensory neurons to air pressure, propagates from the olfactory bulb to the rest of the brain. Interestingly, changes in nasal airflow rate result in reorganization of olfactory bulb response. By leveraging spontaneous variations of respiratory dynamics during natural conditions, we investigated whether respiratory drive also varies with nasal airflow movements. We analyzed local field potential activity relative to respiratory signal in various brain regions during waking and sleep states. We found that respiration regime was state-specific, and that quiet waking was the only vigilance state during which all the recorded structures can be respiration-driven whatever the respiratory frequency. Using CO2-enriched air to alter respiratory regime associated to each state and a respiratory cycle based analysis, we evidenced that the large and strong brain drive observed during quiet waking was related to an optimal trade-off between depth and duration of inspiration in the respiratory pattern, characterizing this specific state. These results show for the first time that changes in respiration regime affect cortical dynamics and that the respiratory regime associated with rest is optimal for respiration to drive the brain.
Reducing the foot trajectory variabilities during walking through vibratory stimulation of the plantar surface of the foot
Authors: Yamashita Shun , Igarashi Kotaro , Ogihara Naomichi
Published: March 2021

Variabilities or fluctuations in foot clearance are considered as a risk factor for falls during walking in older adults. The present study aimed to investigate whether the foot trajectory variability can be reduced by applying vibratory stimulation to the foot's plantar surface during walking. Ten healthy adults were asked to walk on a treadmill with vibratory shoes, and body kinematics were measured. Changes in the mean absolute deviations of the foot trajectory and joint and trunk angles were compared between the periods of applied or absent vibratory stimulus. Our results demonstrated that toe trajectory variability in the swing phase was significantly smaller when a vibratory stimulus was applied. Applying vibratory stimulus to the soles of the forefoot could potentially be used to reduce foot trajectory variability, which could reduce the risk of trips and associated falls during walking in older adults.
Amyloid related cerebral microbleed and plasma Aβ40 are associated with cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Tsai Hsin-Hsi , Tsai Li-Kai , Lo Yen-Ling , Lin Chin-Hsien
Published: March 2021

Cerebral microbleeds (MBs) have been found in patients with cognitive decline. We aimed to examine whether MBs are associated with motor or cognitive decline in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). We enrolled 135 PD patients and 34 healthy controls. All participants underwent brain MRI and plasma biomarker assays, including tau, Aβ42, Aβ40, and α-synuclein. PD with dementia (PDD) was operationally defined as Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score < 26 and advanced motor stage was defined as Hoehn-Yahr stage ≥ 3 during “on” status. The association between MBs and disease severity was examined using multivariate logistic regression models. More lobar MBs were observed in PD patients than controls (20.7% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.031). PDD patients had more lobar MBs (33.3% vs. 15.6%, p = 0.034), more white matter hyperintensity (p = 0.021) and reduced hippocampal volume (p = 0.001) than PD with normal cognition. The presence of lobar MB (odds ratio = 2.83 [95% confidence interval 1.04–7.70], p = 0.042) and severe white matter hyperintensity (3.29 [1.21–8.96], p = 0.020) was independently associated with PDD after adjusting for vascular risk factors and other confounders. Furthermore, plasma Aβ40 levels were associated the MMSE score (p = 0.004) after adjusting for age and sex. Our findings demonstrated that lobar MBs, reduced hippocampal volume, and elevated plasma Aβ40 levels are associated with PDD.
Direct PCR amplification from saliva sample using non-direct multiplex STR kits for forensic DNA typing
Authors: Shrivastava Pankaj , Jain Toshi , Kumawat R. K.
Published: March 2021

Due to its proficiency to provide the most discriminating results for forensic applications, medical research and anthropological studies, multiplex PCR based STR analysis has been established as the most efficient technique in the forensic DNA analysis. Several multiplex amplification kits based on 4, 5 and 6 dyes chemistry are commercially available and used in forensic DNA typing across the globe. These multiplex PCR systems are routinely used for amplification of multiple STR loci (Autosomal, Y and/or X STR’s) in the DNA extracted from various biological samples. In the routine forensic DNA testing, DNA profile obtained is compared with the DNA profile of the reference sample, which takes a certain turnaround time and employs costly lab resources. Successive development in forensic DNA typing have resulted in advent of improved multiplex kits which have reduced the effective analysis time, cost and minimized the number of steps required in comparison to conventional forensic DNA typing. Specialized direct amplification compatible multiplex kits are also available nowadays. These kits are relatively costlier but still require few pre-processing steps, which does not make them worth the hefty cost. Herein, this study, we have used non-direct multiplex STR kits to assess their efficacy for direct amplification. In the present study, 103 saliva samples were directly amplified without any pre-treatment of the samples using thirteen non-direct multiplex kits (4 dyes, 5 dyes and 6 dyes chemistry based) for forensic DNA typing. Here, we report a validated direct PCR amplification protocol from the reference saliva samples by omitting DNA extraction and quantification steps, which resulted in 80% reduction of the turnaround time. The developed protocol is cost effective, time efficient and it does not compromise with the quality of DNA profiles. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report for direct amplification of DNA with the most commonly used non-direct multiplex STR kits without any pre-treatment of the sample. Complete DNA profiles matching all the essential quality parameters were obtained successfully from all the tested samples.
Direct correlation of local fluence to single-pulse ultrashort laser ablated morphology
Authors: Sakurai Haruyuki , Konishi Kuniaki , Tamaru Hiroharu , Yumoto Junji , Kuwata-Gonokami Makoto
Published: March 2021

Basic studies on ultrafast laser ablation processes are important for expanding their utility. In particular, understanding the ablated morphology in relation to the incident pulse is critical for micromachining, and an important benchmark for simulations. However, current morphological analyses rely on vast simplifications of experimental conditions, such as a singular fluence value to reduce a unique beam profile, or the maximum crater depth or diameter to describe the ablated morphology. Here, we develop a morphology analysis method in which we take the full two-dimensional information of both the input beam profile and the ablated morphology, and spatially correlate the two without data reduction. We show, using sapphire as a benchmark material, that this serves as a robust way to extract well-studied values and dependencies, such as the ablation threshold, and also as a way to probe the spatial independence of the process. We anticipate that our findings will modernize current study techniques to meet the demand for increased, high-quality data such as that required for artificial intelligence-based analysis.
Intrinsic differences and realistic perspectives of lithium-sulfur and magnesium-sulfur batteries
Authors: Bieker Georg , Küpers Verena , Kolek Martin , Winter Martin
Published: March 2021

Following in the footsteps of lithium-sulfur batteries, magnesium-sulfur batteries offer a high theoretical energy content and are composed of cheap and more environmentally-friendly electrode materials. In comparison to lithium-sulfur, however, current magnesium-sulfur batteries suffer from higher overpotentials at the magnesium anode and the sulfur cathode, lower material utilization and reversibility at the sulfur cathode, and an excessive demand of electrolyte. Here, a side-by-side comparison of the processes at the two metal anodes and at the sulfur cathode in Li+- or Mg2+-based electrolytes highlights how most of the challenges facing magnesium-sulfur batteries are intrinsically rooted in the nature of the magnesium species, requiring different research directions than lithium-sulfur batteries. An evaluation of the energy content and the corresponding costs on a practical cell stack level illustrates the importance of overcoming these challenges.
Engineering the Architecture of 3D Graphene-based Macrostructures
Authors: Chandrasekaran S. , Cerón M. R. , Worsley M. A.
Published: March 2021

Graphene aerogels are promising materials for the next generation of energy and environmental technologies. They exhibit good electrical conductivity, large surface areas, extraordinary mechanical properties, and as composites can possess a wide range of novel functionalities. However, in order to truly harness their potential, one must understand how the design and assembly of these 3D graphene networks impact their final properties. In this chapter, we explore the various types of graphene-based aerogels reported to date and how their architecture impacts their ultimate performance.
Flexible 3D Graphene-based Electrodes for Ultrahigh Performance Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Faxing
Published: March 2021

Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are widely known for their high energy density, large output voltage, long lifespan, lightweight, and environmentally benign operation. However, owing to the ever-increasing demand for flexible and wearable electronics, there is a growing need to develop bendable LIBs without sacrificing their power density or cycle life. To this end, 3D graphene-based macrostructures (GBMs) are being actively pursued as next-generation, high-performance flexible electrode materials due to their exceptional structural flexibility and superior mechanical properties. This chapter, therefore, aims at summarizing the recent advances in the design and fabrication of 3D GBMs-based high-performance foldable and stretchable electrodes for applications in LIBs.
3D Graphene-based Materials for Enhancing the Energy Density of Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Faisal Shaikh Nayeem , Shabnam Luba , Aziz Shazed , Dalal Md Habibullah , Islam Md Monirul , Hassan Mahbub , Islam Mohammad Saiful
Published: March 2021

The abundance of sodium in the Earth's crust as well as its high energy density make sodium ion batteries (SIBs) an excellent alternative to lithium ion batteries for large-scale energy storage applications. The performance and widespread deployment of SIBs are highly dependent on the electrode materials and electrode design principles. Recently, three-dimensional graphene-based macrostructures have been demonstrated as a promising new class of electrode materials due to their interconnected porosity and many intriguing physiochemical properties. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the most significant advancements in 3D graphene-based anodes and cathodes for applications in SIBs. In addition, existing challenges and commercial opportunities towards the development of next generation of 3D graphene-based electrodes for future large-scale applications in SIBs are also presented.
3D GBM-supported Transition Metal Oxide Nanocatalysts and Heteroatom-doped 3D Graphene Electrocatalysts for Potential Application in Fuel Cells
Authors: Wang Chen , Li Zhongfang , Wang Likai , Niu Xueliang , Zhang Shenzhi , Liu Yuepeng
Published: March 2021

Owing to the advantages of the large specific surface area, high electron conductivity, more defects, active sites and enhanced mass transfer, cost-effective three-dimensional graphene-based macrostructures (3D GBMs) materials have been widely used in the construction of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts for fuel cells and replace current Pt-based precious metal catalysts. This chapter summarizes the recent progress in 3D GBM catalysts designed and developed for fuel cell applications, which include the three-dimensional graphene (3D G), heteroatom-doped 3D G, 3D G supported transition metal macrocyclic compounds, 3D transition metal/N codoped graphene (3D M-Nx/G, M: Fe, Co, etc.) and 3D G supported transition metal oxide nanocatalysts.
Fuelling the Hydrogen Economy with 3D Graphene-based Macroscopic Assemblies
Authors: Ho Wingkei , Lin Jinliang
Published: March 2021

The utilisation of hydrogen as an alternative fuel presents a potential solution for energy shortage, fossil fuel usage and environmental pollution. Two challenges, namely, the generation and storage of hydrogen, must be addressed before the large-scale utilisation of hydrogen as renewable energy can be achieved. Considerable efforts have been dedicated to exploring novel materials that can solve these issues. Moreover, the recent focus on different types of carbon materials as a general platform for various composites has inspired many possibilities in the energy and environmental sectors. The graphene surface has been modified and dimension-tailored functional graphene structures for the application of hydrogen storage and production. Among these structures, carbon-based macroscopic materials with a 3D porous network have elicited increasing attention in the energy and environment fields. Compared to carbon nanotube-based 3D architectures, graphene-based 3D materials exhibit more advantages, including easy preparation, high efficiency and inexpensive production for economical devices. In the current work, the relationship between the properties of 3D materials and their performance in hydrogen storage and production is discussed. The synthesis and evaluation methods for hydrogen storage and production present promising strategies for further investigations.
Harvesting Solar Energy by 3D Graphene-based Macroarchitectures
Authors: Wang Xianbao , Guo Zhenzhen , Yu Fang , Ming Xin
Published: March 2021

Solar steam generation (SSG) systems, utilizing abundantly available solar energy and self-floating photothermal materials, hold tremendous potential for sterilization of waste and seawater desalination in a sustainable manner. Attributing to their ultralow density, intense porosity, exceptional optical absorption colossal thermal conductivity, extraordinary flexibility, and superior durability, 3D graphene-based macrostructures (GBMs) have recently garnered tremendous scientific attention to generate solar steam with remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency. Therefore, the current chapter has been conceived to provide an overview of the latest development in 3D GBMs-mediated SSG systems.
3D Graphene-based Macrostructures as Superabsorbents for Oils and Organic Solvents
Authors: Yousefi Nariman
Published: March 2021

With frequent occurrence of oil spill incidents and accidental leakage of organic solvents, the development of highly efficient and environmentally friendly absorbents with both hydrophobic and oleophilic properties have become a top priority. This chapter collates the current state-of-the-art on the development and application of ultralight and mechanically resilient 3D GBMs for the selective absorption of a broad variety of oils and organic solvents, with an emphasis on underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, it highlights the fundamental knowledge gaps in the domain and lays out novel strategic research guidelines, all of which would promote further progress in this rapidly evolving cross-disciplinary field of current global interest.
3D Graphene-based Macroassemblies for On-site Detection of Environmental Contaminants
Authors: Timsorn Kriengkri , Wongchoosuk Chatchawal
Published: March 2021

3D graphene-based macroassemblies (GBMs) are widely developed for environmental applications due to their unique physicochemical properties, including large surface area, high electrical conductivity, large elastic strain, high porosity, remarkable mechanical stiffness and high charge transfer rate. In this chapter, we discuss 3D GBM-based gas sensors, biosensors and soil sensors for monitoring the quality of air, water and land.
Graphene-based Macroassemblies as Highly Efficient and Selective Adsorbents for Postcombustion CO2 Capture
Authors: Chowdhury Shamik , Balasubramanian Rajasekhar
Published: March 2021

As atmospheric CO2 concentrations continue to rise rapidly in response to increased combustion of fossil fuels, the development of robust adsorbents for the selective capture of CO2 from the flue gas stream of fossil-fired power plants appears critically important from the perspective of climate change mitigation. Attributing to their enormous specific surface area, intense porosity, physically linked permeable networks and high-class sturdiness among others, three-dimensional (3D) graphene-based macromolecular assemblies (GMAs) hold significant promise for CO2 adsorption and separation applications. The current chapter outlines the recent advancements toward the exploration of 3D GMAs as a new class of adsorbent for postcombustion carbon capture. In addition, the numerous surface modification schemes that are actively pursued to enrich the CO2 adsorption capacity of 3D GMAs are comprehensively examined. Finally, associated challenges are pointed out and strategic research guidelines are proposed, with an eye on the foreseeable future.
Artificial Photosynthesis by 3D Graphene-based Composite Photocatalysts
Authors: Zhu Zan , Chen Jianping , Wang Wei-Ning
Published: March 2021

The importance of photocatalytic reduction of CO2 in the presence of water to either renewable fuels (e.g., methane and methanol) or valuable chemicals (e.g., formaldehyde and formic acid) by harnessing solar energy is increasingly being recognized to simultaneously address our impending global energy and environmental crises in an economically sustainable manner. 3D graphene-based composites (GBCs) hold great promise as effective catalyst supports for such artificial photosynthesis applications, offering long optical path lengths for greater light absorption and rapid spatial separation of the photogenerated charge carriers. This chapter would target this aspect among others, with an objective to provide a systematic overview of the recent progress in the development and application of 3D GBC-based photocatalysts for CO2 reduction to solar fuels. Furthermore, it would segregate and identify the key gaps in the specific domain knowledge, and lay out novel strategic research guidelines for making further advances in this promising approach to a hitherto sustainable development.
Non-linear dynamics and self-similarity in the rupture of ultra-thin viscoelastic liquid coatings
Authors: Martínez-Calvo A. , Moreno-Boza D. , Sevilla A.
Published: March 2021

The influence of viscoelasticity on the dewetting of ultrathin polymer films is unraveled by means of theory and numerical simulations in the inertialess limit.
Poroelastic shape relaxation of hydrogel particles
Authors: Louf Jean-François , Datta Sujit S.
Published: March 2021

We describe a straightforward way to determine the poroelastic diffusion coefficient of a hydrogel particle by first indenting itviaswelling in a granular packing, and then monitoring how its indented shape relaxes after it is removed.
Indium metal–organic frameworks based on pyridylcarboxylate ligands and their potential applications
Authors: Zhang Bin , Wang Weize , Liu Bo , Hou Lei
Published: March 2021

This review focuses on the recent developments in the field of In-MOFs constructed from pyridylcarboxylate ligands, including their synthesis, crystal structures, stability and potential applications.
Conquering the crystallinity conundrum: efforts to increase quality of covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Bourda Laurens , Krishnaraj Chidharth , Van Der Voort Pascal , Van Hecke Kristof
Published: March 2021

In this review, the challenges of COF synthesis are tackled. Discussion of mechanistic studies and improved synthetic methods pave the way for high quality materials and an increased understanding of the underlying chemistry.
A novel PVDF hybrid membrane with excellent active–passive integrated antifouling and antibacterial properties based on a PDA guiding effect
Authors: Ni Xing-Xing , Li Jian-Hua , Yu Lu-Ping
Published: March 2021

A novel PVDF hybrid membrane with excellent active–passive integrated antifouling and antibacterial properties is fabricated. A PDA guiding effect is created and directed toward AgNP and l-cysteine formation, and the performance of the entire membrane structure is enhanced greatly.
A post-functionalization toolbox for diazonium (electro)-grafted surfaces: review of the coupling methods
Authors: Gautier Christelle , López Isidoro , Breton Tony
Published: March 2021

Tailored 2D-nanomaterials can be prepared from diazonium electrografted surfaces through a wide range of post-functionalization approaches.
Porous fibres of a polymer blend for broadband microwave absorption
Authors: Bora Pritom J. , Khanum Khadija K. , Ramesh Riya K. , Vinoy K. J. , Ramamurthy Praveen C.
Published: March 2021

Porous polyvinyl butyral and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)polystyrene sulfonate fibers (porous PPPS-f) and non-porous PPPS-f solid fibres were fabricated via electrospinning. The microwave absorption characteristics were investigated for single and bi-layered structures.
Graphene oxide-derived carbonaceous sensor: turn-off fluorescence sensor for nanomolar detection of ruthenium ions in aqueous medium
Authors: Belinda Asha Jeyaraj , Karthik Murugan , Suresh Palaniswamy
Published: March 2021

A novel covalently modified graphene oxide has been synthesised and demonstrated as a carbonaceous chemosensor for the selective detection of Ru(iii) in complete water medium.
A green electrolysis of silver-decorated MoS2 nanocomposite with an enhanced antibacterial effect and low cytotoxicity
Authors: Xu Qilan , Liu Yuhui , Cai Ling , Cao Yue , Chen Feng , Zhou Liuzhu , Zhu Ping , Jiang Huijun , Jiang Qiao-Yan , Sun Yang , Chen Jin
Published: March 2021

Silver-doped molybdenum sulfide (Ag@MoS2) nanocomposites with enhanced antibacterial activity and low toxicity.
Recent advances in the synthesis of pyrido[1,2-a]indoles
Authors: Yao Yunxin , Alami Mouad , Hamze Abdallah , Provot Olivier
Published: March 2021

This review deals with the different accesses leading to the pyrido[1,2-a]indole nucleus in the last 20 years.
iTRAQ-based proteomic and physiological analyses of broccoli sprouts in response to exogenous melatonin with ZnSO4 stress
Authors: Yin Yongqi , Liu Yin , Cheng Chao , Yang Zhengfei , Luo Zhenlan , Fang Weiming
Published: March 2021

Exogenous melatonin (10 μM) enhances ZnSO4 (4 mM) stress tolerance and regulates the isothiocyanate content of broccoli sprouts.
In situ formation of highly exposed NiPS3 nanosheets on nickel foam as an efficient 3D electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Fang Liang , Xie Yanping , Guo Peiyin , Zhu Jingpei , Xiao Shuhui , Sun Shujie , Zi Wei , Zhao Hongbin
Published: March 2021

Vertical NiPS3 nanosheets in situ grown on conducting nickel foam were fabricated by a facile one-step chemical vapor transport method and used as an efficient bifunctional catalyst for overall water splitting.
Soft Matter Emerging Investigators 2021
Authors: Pochan Darrin
Published: March 2021

This themed collection of Soft Matter highlights the work of emerging investigators in the field of soft matter. Editor-in-Chief Darrin Pochan introduces the issue.
Exploring the structural changes in nitrogen-fixing microorganisms of rhizosheath during the growth of Stipagrostis pennata in the desert
Authors: Tian Yongzhi , Ma Xiaolin , Li Yuanting , Cheng Cong , An Dengdi , Ge Fengwei
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Rhizosheath is an adaptive feature for the survival of Stipagrostis pennata in desert systems. Although microorganisms play important ecological roles in promoting the nitrogen cycle of rhizosheath, the diversity and function of nitrogen-fixing microorganism communities have not been fully understood.

Materials and methods: Therefore, the aim of the present study is to explore the nitrogen fixation ability of rhizosheaths and the changes in abundance of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms at different growth periods of S. pennata. We sequenced the nifH gene through sequencing to identify the structure and diversity of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms of S. pennata at different growth periods of rhizosheaths.

Results: A total of 1256 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified by nifH sequence and distributed in different growth periods. There were five OTUs distributed in each sample at the same time, and the abundance and diversity of microorganisms in fruit period were much higher than those in other periods. Mainly four phyla were involved, among which Proteobacteria was the most abundant in all groups.

Conclusions: In general, the present study investigated the abundance and characteristics of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms of rhizosheaths in different growth periods of S. pennata. It also may elucidate and indicate that the structure of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms of rhizosheaths in different growth periods of S. pennata had changed.
In Deutschland erworbene West-Nil-Virusinfektion bei einem nierentransplantierten Patienten
Authors: Karrasch Matthias , Pein Ulrich , Fritz Annekathrin , Lange Danica , Moritz Stefan , Amann Kerstin , Schmidt-Chanasit Jonas , Cadar Daniel , Tappe Dennis , Gabriel Martin
Published: March 2021

Einleitung Das West-Nil-Virus (WNV) ist ein weit verbreitetes Flavivirus, das hauptsächlich zwischen Vögeln von verschiedenen Mückenarten (z. B. Culex, Aedes) übertragen wird, aber auch auf Säugetiere einschließlich Menschen übertragen werden kann. Das Krankheitsspektrum reicht von asymptomatischen Infektionen bis hin zu infektiöser Enzephalitis. Risikofaktoren für schwere Erkrankungen sind Alter, Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen und ein immungeschwächter Zustand.

Anamnese und klinischer Befund Hier berichten wir über einen 60-jährigen männlichen Patienten, der 2 Jahre nach seiner Nierentransplantation aufgrund einer hypertensiven Nephropathie mit schwerem Fieber an das Universitätsklinikum Halle (Saale) überwiesen wurde.

Untersuchungen und Diagnose Es konnte zunächst kein Infektionsfokus gefunden werden. Am 6. Tag im Verlauf seiner Krankheit entwickelte der Patient neurologische Symptome, sodass der Verdacht auf eine virale Enzephalitis gestellt wurde.

Therapie und Verlauf Die im Raum stehende virale Enzephalitis wurde mit Aciclovir parenteral anbehandelt. Nach initialer Reduktion der Immunsuppression wurde eine koinzidente Funktionsverschlechterung des Nierentransplantats mit Methylprednisolon behandelt. Eine WNV-Infektion wurde aufgrund kürzlich aufgetretener Fälle bei Menschen in der näheren Umgebung der Stadt Leipzig vermutet. Es konnte WNV der Linie 2 im Urin des Patienten durch RT-PCR und im Verlauf eine Serokonversion von anti-WNV-IgM zu anti-WNV-IgG nachgewiesen werden. Die Behandlung mit Aciclovir wurde u. a. daraufhin abgebrochen. Der Patient erholte sich vollständig und die transplantierte Niere erlangte wieder eine angemessene Funktion. Die Biopsie des Transplantats zeigte keine relevante Abstoßung.

Folgerung Dieser Fall unterstreicht die Notwendigkeit, seltenere Krankheitsursachen wie die WNV-Infektion insbesondere in Risikogruppen zu berücksichtigen. WNV kann mittels PCR im Blut und Liquor früh im Verlauf der Infektion nachgewiesen werden, wird aber auch über einen längeren Zeitraum im Urin ausgeschieden. Eine Serokonversion zu anti-WNV-IgG und -IgM kann gezeigt werden, aber die serologische Kreuzreaktivität in der Flavivirus-Familie muss berücksichtigt werden.
Diagnostik und Therapie neuropathischer Schmerzen
Authors: Fabig Sophie-Charlotte , Kersebaum Dilara , Sendel Manon , Gierthmühlen Janne , Baron Ralf
Published: March 2021

Die Ätiologie neuropathischer Schmerzen gründet auf einer Schädigung des somatosensorischen Systems. Sie unterscheiden sich von nozizeptiven Schmerzen, bei welchen das somatosensorische System intakt ist, nicht nur in ihrer Schmerzqualität, sondern auch in ihrer Therapie. Periphere neuropathische Schmerzen, beispielsweise aufgrund einer Polyneuropathie, werden von zentralen neuropathischen Schmerzen, beispielsweise als Folge eines Schlaganfalls abgegrenzt. Bei der Diagnostik neuropathischer Schmerzen, wird zwischen „sicheren“, „wahrscheinlichen“, „möglichen“ und „unwahrscheinlichen“ neuropathischen Schmerzen unterschieden. Eine gründliche Anamnese, welche durch Fragebögen ergänzt werden kann, und körperliche Untersuchung sind bei der Diagnostik erforderlich. Zum Erkennen der „Positiv“- und „Negativsymptome“, welche für neuropathische Schmerzen charakteristisch sind, kann man sich einfacher „Bedside-Tools“ bedienen. Für die Sicherung der Diagnose können die Quantitative Sensorische Testung (QST), Methoden der Bildgebung und der klassischen Elektrophysiologie sowie die Hautbiopsie und weitere spezialisierte Methoden eingesetzt werden. Das Ansprechen neuropathischer Schmerzen auf klassische Analgetika ist in der Regel schlecht. Daher werden als Medikamente erster Wahl Antikonvulsiva und Antidepressiva eingesetzt. Auch topisch applizierte Substanzen wie Capsaicin oder Lidocain und niedrigpotente Opioide finden in der Therapie neuropathischer Schmerzen häufig ihre Anwendung. Oft ist eine Kombination mehrerer Substanzen erforderlich. Die Trigeminusneuralgie sowie der zentrale Schmerz nach Schlaganfall oder bei Multipler Sklerose weisen Besonderheiten in ihrer Diagnostik und Therapie auf, welchen in Exkursen Aufmerksamkeit gewidmet werden soll.
Current Challenges for Education and Training in Transanal Surgery
Authors: Costedio Meagan
Published: March 2021

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a technique that was introduced in the 1980s for improved exposure to upper rectal polyps. This technique, though initially difficult to master due to new skill acquisition for surgeons, has spared many patients proctectomy. There are many benign indications for transanal endoscopic surgery which has led to in vivo operating room training with fewer undesirable effects to the patient. With the explosion of laparoscopic technology this transanal technique is no longer limited to intraluminal pathology, but is now being used to remove the entire rectum. In transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME), benign indications are less common, translating to potentially more severe oncologic patient consequences during the early phase of adoption. For this reason, strict training criteria consensus guidelines have been developed by the experts in taTME. The current consensus statements agree that training surgeons should have performed a minimum of 10 laparoscopic TME procedures and should have some experience with transanal surgery. Surgeons need to attend a formal training course and should start clinically on benign or early malignant pathology without threated circumferential resection margins. Surgeons also need to have their first cases proctored until deemed proficient by the proctor and monitor their morbidity, oncologic, and functional outcomes prospectively.
Role of Digital Resources in Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery Training
Authors: Paine Heidi , Chand Manish
Published: March 2021

Laparoscopic techniques have become the standard for many benign and malignant colorectal pathologies. Recently, the application of robotic-assisted technologies has been, and continues to be, explored. These new technologies require different skill sets and bring novel training challenges, and today's trainees must demonstrate competence in more techniques than ever. Compounding this is the reducing time spent operating in current training programs due to caps on working hours and service pressures.

The need for adjunctive training strategies outside the operating room has prompted development of multimedia and digital resources to build the cognitive skills crucial in both nontechnical and technical aspects of surgery. Many are based on principles of cognitive task analysis, breaking down operations, and key decisions into nodal points to be mentally rehearsed. Resources built on this technique have shown improvements in both operative and nonoperative skills, suggesting these resources can advance trainees along the learning curve in minimally invasive surgical techniques.

More work to fully elucidate the clinical benefits of such resources is required before their role as a substitute for lost operative training hours can be established. Despite this, alongside other developing technologies such as simulation, they are a promising addition to the armamentarium of the modern-day colorectal trainee.
Correction to: Beyond the Annual and Aggregate Measurement of Household Inequality: The Case Study of Lake Naivasha Basin, Kenya
Authors: Sassi Maria , Trital Gopal , Bhattacharjee Poushali
Published: March 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41287-021-00394-0
Turbulence time scale equally important as intensity to wind turbine power generation
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: March 2021

Measurements of a model wind turbine confirm previous results from the field
Influence of the spin pumping induced inverse spin Hall effect on spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance measurements
Authors: Liu Qi , Zhang Y. , Sun L. , Miao Bingfeng , Wang X. R. , Ding H. F.
Published: March 2021

Spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR) has been widely used to determine the spin–orbit torque (SOT) efficiency in ferromagnet/heavy-metal bilayer systems. The flow of a radio frequency current through heavy-metal generates an oscillating SOT and Oersted field, resulting in the resonance of the adjacent ferromagnetic layer and subsequent dc voltage due to the rectification effect. The dynamics of the ferromagnet, however, also pumps a spin current back into the heavy-metal. Wherein, an additional contribution to the dc voltage arises from the inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE). The spin pumping-induced ISHE (SP-ISHE) and ST-FMR voltages typically have identical symmetry. In this work, we develop a method to quantitatively obtain the SP-ISHE voltage from the ST-FMR signal in the Py(Ni80Fe20)/Pt bilayer. We find it has the opposite sign to the symmetric component of ST-FMR voltage. After this correction, both the damping-like and field-like-torque efficiency in the Py/Pt bilayer are further estimated through the Py-thickness-dependent measurements.
Formation of beams with nonuniform polarisation of radiation in a cw waveguide terahertz laser
Authors: Gurin O.V. , Degtyarev A.V. , Dubinin N.N. , Legenkiy M.N. , Maslov V.A. , Muntean K.I. , Ryabykh V.N. , Senyuta V.S.
Published: March 2021

A method for obtaining non-Gaussian light beams with azimuthal field polarisation in a waveguide quasi-optical cavity is described. The method is based on the employment of polarisation-selective diffraction structures as laser mirrors. Efficient excitation of such beams at the output from an optically pumped waveguide HCOOH laser (λ = 0.4326 mm) with an inhomogeneous reflecting input and semitransparent output mirrors is confirmed theoretically and experimentally.