bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Dioxide Ice Glaciers at the South Pole of Mars
Authors: Smith I. B. , Schlegel N.‐J. , Larour E. , Isola I. , Buhler P. B. , Putzig N. E. , Greve R.
Published: April 2022

Massive, kilometer thick deposits of carbon dioxide (CO2) ice have been detected at the south polar cap of Mars by radar investigations. These deposits are divided into several units that are separated by thin water ice bounding layers. Recent studies investigated the accumulation history of CO2 ice and found that the deposits most likely formed during several episodes in the past, when Martian obliquity was much lower than now. Those studies, while able to predict total volumes of CO2 ice consistent with those observed, did not attempt to explain the anomalous three‐dimensional distribution (thickness or extent) of CO2 ice or the ice's offset from the topographic high of the polar cap. In this paper we use a combination of feature analysis and numerical modeling to demonstrate that the CO2 deposits flow as glaciers and that glacial flow distributes the ice into its current position. Further, this distribution allows the ice to survive during high obliquity excursions.
ToxPi*GIS Toolkit: creating, viewing, and sharing integrative visualizations for geospatial data using ArcGIS
Authors: Fleming Jonathon , Marvel Skylar W. , Supak Stacy , Motsinger-Reif Alison A. , Reif David M.
Published: April 2022

Background

Presenting a comprehensive picture of geographic data comprising multiple factors is an inherently integrative undertaking. Visualizing such data in an interactive form is essential for public sharing and geographic information systems (GIS) analysis. The Toxicological Prioritization Index (ToxPi) framework offers a visual analytic integrating data that is compatible with geographic data. ArcGIS is a predominant geospatial software available for presenting and communicating geographic data, yet to our knowledge there is no methodology for integrating ToxPi profiles into ArcGIS maps.

Objective

We introduce an actively developed suite of software, the ToxPi*GIS Toolkit, for creating, viewing, sharing, and analyzing interactive ToxPi profiles in ArcGIS to allow for new GIS analysis and an avenue for providing geospatial results to the public.

Methods

The ToxPi*GIS Toolkit is a collection of methods for creating interactive feature layers that contain ToxPi profiles. It currently includes an ArcGIS Toolbox (ToxPiToolbox.tbx) for drawing location-specific ToxPi profiles in a single feature layer, a collection of modular Python scripts that create predesigned layer files containing ToxPi feature layers from the command line, and a collection of Python routines for useful data manipulation and preprocessing. We present workflows documenting ToxPi feature layer creation, sharing, and embedding for both novice and advanced users looking for additional customizability.

Results

Map visualizations created with the ToxPi*GIS Toolkit can be made freely available on public URLs, allowing users without ArcGIS Pro access or expertise to view and interact with them. Novice users with ArcGIS Pro access can create de novo custom maps, and advanced users can exploit additional customization options. The ArcGIS Toolbox provides a simple means for generating ToxPi feature layers. We illustrate its usage with current COVID-19 data to compare drivers of pandemic vulnerability in counties across the United States.

Significance

The integration of ToxPi profiles with ArcGIS provides new avenues for geospatial analysis, visualization, and public sharing of multi-factor data. This allows for comparison of data across a region, which can support decisions that help address issues such as disease prevention, environmental health, natural disaster prevention, chemical risk, and many others. Development of new features, which will advance the interests of the scientific community in many fields, is ongoing for the ToxPi*GIS Toolkit, which can be accessed from www.toxpi.org.
Increased apoptotic sensitivity of glioblastoma enables therapeutic targeting by BH3-mimetics
Authors: Koessinger Anna L. , Cloix Catherine , Koessinger Dominik , Heiland Dieter Henrik , Bock Florian J. , Strathdee Karen , Kinch Kevin , Martínez-Escardó Laura , Paul Nikki R. , Nixon Colin , Malviya Gaurav , Jackson Mark R. , Campbell Kirsteen J. , Stevenson Katrina , Davis Sandeep , Elmasry Yassmin , Ahmed Asma , O’Prey Jim , Ichim Gabriel , Schnell Oliver , Stewart William , Blyth Karen , Ryan Kevin M. , Chalmers Anthony J. , Norman Jim C. , Tait Stephen W. G.
Published: April 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent malignant primary brain tumour in adults. GBM typically has a poor prognosis, mainly due to a lack of effective treatment options leading to tumour persistence or recurrence. We investigated the therapeutic potential of targeting anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins in GBM. Levels of anti-apoptotic BCL-xL and MCL-1 were consistently increased in GBM compared with non-malignant cells and tissue. Moreover, we found that relative to their differentiated counterparts, patient-derived GBM stem-like cells also displayed higher expression of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members. High anti-apoptotic BCL-xL and MCL-1 expression correlated with heightened susceptibility of GBM to BCL-2 family protein-targeting BH3-mimetics. This is indicative of increased apoptotic priming. Indeed, GBM displayed an obligate requirement for MCL-1 expression in both tumour development and maintenance. Investigating this apoptotic sensitivity, we found that sequential inhibition of BCL-xL and MCL-1 led to robust anti-tumour responses in vivo, in the absence of overt toxicity. These data demonstrate that BCL-xL and MCL-1 pro-survival function is a fundamental prerequisite for GBM survival that can be therapeutically exploited by BH3-mimetics.
Long noncoding RNA CASC7 is a novel regulator of glycolysis in oesophageal cancer via a miR-143-3p-mediated HK2 signalling pathway
Authors: Sun Wei , Wang Dao , Zu Yukun , Deng Yu
Published: April 2022

Long noncoding RNAs have been proven to play a crucial role in many tumours. Here, we explored the role of the lncRNA cancer susceptibility candidate 7 (CASC7) in oesophageal cancer. LncRNA CASC7 was identified in our database analysis, and we found that it was significantly higher in oesophageal tumour tissue than in normal tissue and that high expression of lncRNA CASC7 predicted a poor prognosis. Furthermore, we verified through cell experiments that low expression of lncRNA CASC7 in oesophageal cancer cells significantly inhibited tumour proliferation, which could be explained by the effect of lncRNA CASC7 on aerobic glycolysis. Next, we found that the expression of CASC7 and hexokinase 2 (HK2) in oesophageal cancer was positively correlated in database analysis, and this conclusion was further verified in cell experiments. To determine the mechanism, we found that miR-143-3p can bind to both lncRNA CASC7 and HK2. In clinical specimens, we also found high expression of lncRNA CASC7 in tumours, and the expression levels of lncRNA CASC7 and HK2 were positively correlated. In conclusion, downregulating lncRNA CASC7 could inhibit tumour proliferation by reducing glycolysis through the miR-143-3p/HK2 axis.
Coacervation in polyzwitterion-polyelectrolyte systems and their potential applications for gastrointestinal drug delivery platforms
Authors: Margossian Khatcher O. , Brown Marcel U. , Emrick Todd , Muthukumar Murugappan
Published: April 2022

Traditionally, complex coacervation is regarded as a process whereby two oppositely charged polyelectrolytes self-assemble into spherical droplets. Here, we introduce the polyzwitterionic complex, “pZC”, formed by the liquid-liquid phase separation of a polyzwitterion and a polyelectrolyte, and elucidate a mechanism by which such complexes can assemble using theory and experimental evidence. This system exhibits orthogonal phase behavior-it remains intact in acidic conditions, but disassembles as the pH increases, a process governed by the acid-base equilibria of the constituent chains. We relate the observed phase behavior to physiological conditions within the gastrointestinal tract with a simulation of the gastroduodenal junction, and demonstrate using video microscopy the viability of polyzwitterionic coacervates as technologies for the pH-triggered release of cargo. Such a system is envisaged to tackle imminent problems of drug transport via the oral route and serve as a packaging solution to increase uptake efficiency.
Bloom helicase mediates formation of large single–stranded DNA loops during DNA end processing
Authors: Xue Chaoyou , Salunkhe Sameer J. , Tomimatsu Nozomi , Kawale Ajinkya S. , Kwon Youngho , Burma Sandeep , Sung Patrick , Greene Eric C.
Published: April 2022

Bloom syndrome (BS) is associated with a profoundly increased cancer risk and is caused by mutations in the Bloom helicase (BLM). BLM is involved in the nucleolytic processing of the ends of DNA double–strand breaks (DSBs), to yield long 3′ ssDNA tails that serve as the substrate for break repair by homologous recombination (HR). Here, we use single–molecule imaging to demonstrate that BLM mediates formation of large ssDNA loops during DNA end processing. A BLM mutant lacking the N–terminal domain (NTD) retains vigorous in vitro end processing activity but fails to generate ssDNA loops. This same mutant supports DSB end processing in cells, however, these cells do not form RAD51 DNA repair foci and the processed DSBs are channeled into synthesis–dependent strand annealing (SSA) instead of HR–mediated repair, consistent with a defect in RAD51 filament formation. Together, our results provide insights into BLM functions during homologous recombination.
Spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking in a random driven chemical system
Authors: Piñeros William D. , Tlusty Tsvi
Published: April 2022

Living systems have evolved to efficiently consume available energy sources using an elaborate circuitry of chemical reactions which, puzzlingly, bear a strict restriction to asymmetric chiral configurations. While autocatalysis is known to promote such chiral symmetry breaking, whether a similar phenomenon may also be induced in a more general class of configurable chemical systems—via energy exploitation—is a sensible yet underappreciated possibility. This work examines this question within a model of randomly generated complex chemical networks. We show that chiral symmetry breaking may occur spontaneously and generically by harnessing energy sources from external environmental drives. Key to this transition are intrinsic fluctuations of achiral-to-chiral reactions and tight matching of system configurations to the environmental drives, which together amplify and sustain diverged enantiomer distributions. These asymmetric states emerge through steep energetic transitions from the corresponding symmetric states and sharply cluster as highly-dissipating states. The results thus demonstrate a generic mechanism in which energetic drives may give rise to homochirality in an otherwise totally symmetrical environment, and from an early-life perspective, might emerge as a competitive, energy-harvesting advantage.
A novel belief rule base expert system with interval-valued references
Authors: Sun Chao , Yang Ruohan , He Wei , Zhu Hailong
Published: April 2022

As an essential parameter in the belief rule base (BRB), referential values refer to evaluation criteria for describing attributes using quantitative data or linguistic terms, the rationality and preciseness of which are important to the modeling accuracy. At present, the studies on referential values of BRB are mainly related to single-valued data. However, due to the inherent uncertainty, ambiguity, and vagueness of expert knowledge, the single-valued references provided by experts cannot represent qualitative information adequately. In this paper, a novel BRB with interval-valued references (BRB-IR) is proposed, in which qualitative knowledge and quantitative data can be integrated to construct models. First, the interval-valued referential values provided by experts are optimized by a nonlinear optimization algorithm to obtain the optimal referential values. Furthermore, other model parameters are optimized by the projection covariance matrix adaptation evolutionary strategy (P-CMA-ES) algorithm. Finally, a case study for pipeline leak detection is constructed to verify the model's effectiveness, and the results show that the proposed BRB-IR is more effective and characterizes expert knowledge better than the classical BRB using single-valued references.
Learning aerodynamics with neural network
Authors: Peng Wenhui , Zhang Yao , Laurendeau Eric , Desmarais Michel C.
Published: April 2022

We propose a neural network (NN) architecture, the Element Spatial Convolution Neural Network (ESCNN), towards the airfoil lift coefficient prediction task. The ESCNN outperforms existing state-of-the-art NNs in terms of prediction accuracy, with two orders of less parameters. We further investigate and explain how the ESCNN succeeds in making accurate predictions with standard convolution layers. We discover that the ESCNN has the ability to extract physical patterns that emerge from aerodynamics, and such patterns are clearly reflected within a layer of the network. We show that the ESCNN is capable of learning the physical laws and equation of aerodynamics from simulation data.
Development of polarization modulator using MXene thin film
Authors: Tiu Zian Cheak , Tan Sin Jin , Yusoff N. , Ahmad Harith
Published: April 2022

In this work, polarization modulator utilizing MXene material, namely Nb2C is demonstrated. S band signal is injected into Nb2C thin film and is modulated by 1400 nm laser diode. A total of 39.81° of polarization rotation is attained when the pump power is increased to 223 mW. The rotation of light is due to thermo-optic effect. The efficiency of polarization modulator is calculated at 0.1974°/mW.
Identification of vaginal microbiome associated with IVF pregnancy
Authors: Lledo B. , Fuentes A. , Lozano F. M. , Cascales A. , Morales R. , Hortal M. , Sellers F. , Palacios-Marques A. , Bermejo R. , Quereda F. , Martínez-Escoriza J. C. , Bernabeu R. , Bernabeu A.
Published: April 2022

The factors that cause a preterm birth (PTB) are not completely understood up to date. Moreover, PTB is more common in pregnancies achieved by in-vitro fertilization (IVF) than in spontaneous pregnancies. Our aim was to compare the composition of vaginal microbiome at 12 weeks of gestation between women who conceived naturally or through IVF in order to study whether IVF PTB-risk could be related to vaginal microbiome composition. We performed an observational, prospective and multicentre study among two public hospitals and a fertility private clinic in Spain. Vaginal swabs from 64 pregnant women at 12 weeks of gestation were collected to analyse the microbiome composition by sequencing the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA. Our results showed that the vaginal microbiome signature at 12 weeks of pregnancy was different from women who conceived naturally or through IVF. The beta diversity and the genus composition were different between both cohorts. Gardnerella, Neisseria, Prevotella, and Staphylococcus genus were enriched genus in the vaginal microbiome from the IVF group, allowing us to create a balance model to predict both cohorts. Moreover, at species level the L. iners abundance was higher and L. gasseri was lower in the IVF group. As a conclusion, our findings were consistent with a proposed framework in which IVF pregnancy are related to risk for preterm birth (PTB) suggesting vaginal microbiome could be the reason to the relation between IVF pregnancy and risk for PTB.
A FEN 1-assisted swing arm DNA walker for electrochemical detection of ctDNA by target recycling cascade amplification
Authors: Wang Dongmei , Zhou Huan , Shi Yundong , Sun Wanjun
Published: April 2022

A highly sensitive and one-step method for ctDNA detection by combining a FEN 1-assisted DNA walker, and CHA was developed.
Constructing a multienzyme cascade redox-neutral system for the synthesis of halogenated indoles
Authors: Qi Siyu , Tan Zhuotao , Na Qi , Zhang Xiaowang , Xu Mengjiao , Zhuang Wei , Li Ming , Ying Hanjie , Ouyang Pingkai , Zhu Chenjie
Published: April 2022

A novel multienzyme cascade redox-neutral system for the synthesis of halogenated indoles from amino alcohols.
Connection of Ru nanoparticles with rich defects enables the enhanced electrochemical reduction of nitrogen
Authors: Tang Xingrui , Tian Xiuquan , Zhou Li , Yang Fan , He Rong , Zhao Xu , Zhu Wenkun
Published: April 2022

Constructing defects through the connection of Ru nanoparticles boosts their catalytic performance towards the electrochemical reduction of nitrogen.
Laser pulses into bullets: tabletop shock experiments
Authors: Dlott Dana D.
Published: April 2022

A tabletop pulsed laser can launch a hypervelocity flyer plate to create high temperatures and pressures in a nanosecond in an array of solid or liquid samples.
Predicting Coulomb explosion fragment angular distributions using molecular ground-state vibrational motion
Authors: Minion Louis , Lee Jason W. L. , Burt Michael
Published: April 2022

The outcomes of laser-induced Coulomb explosions can be predicted and matched to experiments using the computed vibrational motion of a target molecule.
Catalytic amination of lactic acid using Ru–zeolites
Authors: Shah Meera A. , Khalil Ibrahim , Tallarico Sofia , Donckels T. , Eloy Pierre , Debecker Damien P. , Oliverio Manuela , Dusselier Michiel
Published: April 2022

Ru supported on zeolite catalysts: a case study for the direct amination of biobased alpha-hydroxy acids into alpha-amino acids.
Interpenetrated N-rich MOF derived vesicular N-doped carbon for high performance lithium ion battery
Authors: Zhao Yun-Xiu , Sun Yuan-Wei , Li Jun , Wang Su-Na , Li Da-Cheng , Dou Jian-Min , Zhong Ming , Ma Hui-Yan , Li Yun-Wu , Xu Li-Qiang
Published: April 2022

MOF-derived vesicle-like N-doped carbon presents high reversible capacity, high rate capability and ultralong cycle life as LIB anode. Theoretical calculation verifies the experimental results.
Recent developments in first-row transition metal complex-catalyzed CO2 hydrogenation
Authors: Das Chandan , Grover Jagrit , Tannu  , Das Ayon , Maiti Debabrata , Dutta Arnab , Lahiri Goutam Kumar
Published: April 2022

First-row transition metal catalyzed CO2 hydrogenation heralds a new dawn in CO2 managment technology.
A novel solution cathode glow discharge geometry for improved coupling to optical emission spectrometry
Authors: Hazel Nicholas , Orejas Ibanez Jaime , Ray Steven
Published: April 2022

The Solution-Cathode Glow-Discharge (SCGD) is an atmospheric pressure glow discharge used for atomic emission spectrometry that is sustained between a metallic pin-anode and a liquid cathode, which is also the sample solution.
Role of urea on the structural, textural, and optical properties of macroemulsion-assisted synthesized holey ZnO nanosheets for photocatalytic applications
Authors: Andriani Amelia , Benu Didi Prasetyo , Megantari Vetty , Yuliarto Brian , Mukti Rino Rakhmata , Ide Yusuke , Chowdhury Silvia , Amin Mohammed A. , Kaneti Yusuf Valentino , Suendo Veinardi
Published: April 2022

The photocatalytic activity of holey ZnO nanosheets was observed using time-dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy with photodegradation kinetic determined from the PL intensity decay follows the first-order reaction kinetic.
Phase-controlled solvothermal syntheses and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of nickel sulfide nanoparticles obtained from 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane nickel(ii) acetylacetonatedithiolate
Authors: Singh Ayushi , Singh Amita , Kociok-Köhn Gabriele , Chauhan Ratna , Gosavi Suresh W. , Singh Anar , Singh Ashish Kumar , Kumar Abhinav , Muddassir Mohd.
Published: April 2022

New heteroleptic Ni(ii)dppe dithiolate synthesized and used as a single source precursor for nickel sulfides utilized as electrocatalyst for OER.
Semi-syntheses and interrogation of indole-substituted Aspidosperma terpenoid alkaloids
Authors: Kang Jinfeng , Lewis Todd R. , Gardner Alex , Andrade Rodrigo B. , Wang Rongsheng E.
Published: April 2022

Aspidosperma terpenoid alkaloids can be quickly prepared using semisynthesis from naturally sourced tabersonine, featuring multiple oxygen-based substituents on the indole ring such as hydroxy and methoxy groups for cancer-targeted SAR studies.
A bioorthogonal chemical reporter for the detection and identification of protein lactylation
Authors: Sun Yanan , Chen Yanchi , Peng Tao
Published: April 2022

YnLac is an alkynyl-functionalized l-lactate analogue that is metabolically incorporated into l-lactylated proteins in live cells, enabling the fluorescence detection and proteomic identification of novel l-lactylated proteins.
The role of supramolecular interactions and pyridine groups in the (photo)electrocatalytic properties of a non-precious Co-based MOF
Authors: Alfonso-Herrera Luis A. , Rivera-Villanueva Jose M. , Sánchez-Vázquez Mario , González-Araiza Daniel , Torres-Martínez Leticia M. , Mora-Hernandez J. Manuel
Published: April 2022

The coordination of the functional groups is a useful parameter to control the electronic density of linkers, thus decreasing the HOMO orbital energy and generating lower energetic bandgaps.
Data‐model driven rescheduling considering both rotor angle stability and transient voltage stability constraints
Authors: Wang Tianjing , Tang Yong
Published: April 2022

Facing the problem of workforce and time costs caused by the rescheduling of large‐scale power grids with renewable energy penetration, and the lack of parallel control research on rotor angle instability and transient voltage instability, a rescheduling method based on trajectory sensitivity and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is proposed to meet the requirements of rotor angle stability and transient voltage stability at the same time. By introducing the process of rescheduling to meet the transient stability constraint, the Markov decision‐making process of rescheduling is first constructed. Then, a simple dominant instability type identification method is proposed according to the occurrence time, location, voltage pattern, and position of the oscillation centre. Moreover, a rescheduling strategy is formulated based on the dominant instability mode identification, trajectory sensitivity calculation, actionable device selection, action amount computation, and action of the device. Next, according to the improved distributed distributive deep deterministic policy gradients (D4PG), a DRL model is established to map the action to actionable generator pairs and capacitors/reactors, so as to realize parallel rescheduling of rotor angle instability and transient voltage instability. Finally, the improved New England 39‐bus system and an actual power grid are used to verify the effectiveness and advantages of the method.
Robust control for techno‐economic efficient energy management of fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles
Authors: Ramadan Haitham S. , Hassan Islam A. , Alhelou Hassan Haes
Published: April 2022

The design of an efficient techno‐economic autonomous fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle (FCHEV) is a crucial challenge. This paper investigates the design of a near optimal PI controller for an automated FCHEV, where autonomy is expressed as efficient and robust tracking of a given reference speed trajectory without driver's intervention. An impartial comparison is introduced to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed metaheuristic‐based optimal controllers in enhancing the system dynamic performance. The comprehensive optimization performance indicator is considered as a function of the vehicle dynamic characteristics while determining the optimal controller gains. In this paper, the proposed effective up‐to‐date metaheuristic techniques are the grey wolf optimization (GWO) as well as the artificial bee colony (ABC). Using MATLABTM/Simulink, numerical simulations clearly illustrate the efficiency of near‐optimal gains in the optimized tuning methodologies and the fixed manual one in realizing adequate velocity tracking. The simulation results demonstrate the superiority of both ABC and GWO rather than the manual controller for driving cycles of high acceleration and deceleration levels. In absence of these latter, the manual defined gain controller is considered sufficient. Through a comprehensive sensitivity analysis, the robustness of both metaheuristic‐based controllers is verified under diverse driving cycles of different operation features and nature. Despite GWO results in better dynamic characteristics, the ABC provides more economical feature with about 1.5% compared to manual system in extra urban driving cycle. However, manual‐controller has the minimum fuel cost under the United States driving cycle developed by the environmental protection agency as a New York city cycle (US EPA NYCC) and urban driving cycle (ECE). Ecologically, electric vehicles have an environmentally friendly effect especially when driven with green hydrogen. Autonomous vehicles, involving velocity control systems, would raise car share and provide more comfort.
KMT-2021-BLG-0240: Microlensing event with a deformed planetary signal
Authors: Han Cheongho , Kim Doeon , Yang Hongjing , Gould Andrew , Jung Youn Kil , Albrow Michael D. , Chung Sun-Ju , Hwang Kyu-Ha , Lee Chung-Uk , Ryu Yoon-Hyun , Shin In-Gu , Shvartzvald Yossi , Yee Jennifer C. , Zang Weicheng , Cha Sang-Mok , Kim Dong-Jin , Kim Seung-Lee , Lee Dong-Joo , Lee Yongseok , Park Byeong-Gon , Pogge Richard W. ,   (The KMTNet Collaboration)
Published: April 2022

Aims. The light curve of the microlensing event KMT-2021-BLG-0240 exhibits a short-lasting anomaly with complex features near the peak at the 0.1 mag level from a single-lens single-source model. We conducted modeling of the lensing light curve under various interpretations to reveal the nature of the anomaly.

Methods. It is found that the anomaly cannot be explained with the usual model based on a binary-lens (2L1S) or a binary-source (1L2S) interpretation. However, a 2L1S model with a planet companion can describe part of the anomaly, suggesting that the anomaly may be deformed by a tertiary lens component or a close companion to the source. From the additional modeling, we find that all the features of the anomaly can be explained with either a triple-lens (3L1S) model or a binary-lens binary-source (2L2S) model. However, it is difficult to validate the 2L2S model because the light curve does not exhibit signatures induced by the source orbital motion and the ellipsoidal variations expected by the close separation between the source stars according to the model. We, therefore, conclude that the two interpretations cannot be distinguished with the available data, and either can be correct.

Results. According to the 3L1S solution, the lens is a planetary system with two sub-Jovian-mass planets in which the planets have masses of 0.32–0.47 MJ and 0.44–0.93 MJ, and they orbit an M dwarf host. According to the 2L2S solution, on the other hand, the lens is a single planet system with a mass of ~0.21 MJ orbiting a late K-dwarf host, and the source is a binary composed of a primary of a subgiant or a turnoff star and a secondary of a late G dwarf. The distance to the planetary system varies depending on the solution: ~7.0 kpc according to the 3L1S solution and ~6.6 kpc according to the 2L2S solution.
Patientsʼ Perception of COVID-19 Preventive Measures in Ophthalmology: Satisfaction and Impact on Glaucoma Care and Follow-up
Authors: Gillmann Kevin , Greppi Cécilia
Published: April 2022

Purpose In response to the spread of COVID-19 in Switzerland, ophthalmology practices implemented a variety of preventive measures in order to minimise the risk of contamination to
their patients and staff. Yet, some studies suggested that over a quarter of all glaucoma patients never returned to the clinic after the first lockdown eased. This raises the question of
the factors influencing Patientsʼ likelihood to keep their appointments in this COVID-19 era. The aim of this study was therefore to assess ophthalmology Patientsʼ perception of COVID-19
preventive measures, as well as their impact on glaucoma Patientsʼ clinic attendance and follow-up.

Methods This was a prospective study based on primary data collected from 12 private ophthalmology clinics in French-speaking Switzerland. A web-based patient experience
questionnaire was designed to assess Patientsʼ appreciation of the preventive measures in place at their eye care provider as well as their intention to attend further follow-up
appointments. These measures were made on modified 10-point Likert scales. Every patient who attended an appointment at one of the participating clinics on randomly selected dates in October
2020 was offered voluntary enrolment into the study.

Results In all, 118 surveys were completed and analysed. The mean age of respondents was 57.8 ± 18.0 years, 59.3% were female, and 71.2% were Swiss nationals. Fifty-four (45.8%) of
them suffered from glaucoma. Overall, patients were highly satisfied with the measures in place to safeguard them from COVID-19 infection, with a mean score of 9.29 ± 1.35. This was higher
amongst Swiss nationals (9.55 ± 0.77) than foreigners (8.65 ± 2.09). On average, responders expressed a 90.2 ± 17.5 percent likelihood to keep their follow-up appointment. The figure went
down to 88.5 ± 19.9 percent amongst glaucoma patients (p = 0.58), and 86.3 ± 22.1 percent amongst glaucoma patients aged 65 and over (p = 0.29). Interestingly, older glaucoma Patientsʼ
satisfaction with preventive measures in place strongly correlated with their likelihood to keep follow-up appointments (r = 0.72). The correlation was moderate amongst all glaucoma patients
(r = 0.46) and weak amongst all respondents (r = 0.38) and those over 65 (r = 0.44).

Conclusions The present research highlights the importance of Patientsʼ perception on COVID-19 preventive measures in place in ophthalmology clinics, which was directly associated
with their likelihood to keep follow-up appointments. Vulnerable subgroups of patients were more likely to miss their follow-up appointments altogether, and their decision to attend was more
strongly influenced by their perceived risk of contracting COVID-19. This suggests a role for telemedicine in more vulnerable patients suffering from progressive diseases such as
glaucoma.
Simultaneous Management of Retinal Detachment and Aphakia with Pars Plana Vitrectomy, Silicone Oil Tamponade and Retropupillary Iris-Claw Intraocular Lens Implantation in
Patients with Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Hsin Safia , Stappler Theodor , Potic Jelena , Wolfensberger Thomas J. , Konstantinidis Lazaros
Published: April 2022

Background Marfan Syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease with multiple ocular abnormalities including ectopia lentis and a high incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
(RRD). The management of RRD may be challenging in cases of aphakic patients with Marfan.

Purpose To report on the management of four cases of simultaneous RRD and aphakia with vitrectomy, silicone oil tamponade, and retropupillary iris-claw intraocular lens (IOL)
implantation in patients with Marfan that have been operated at the Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital between 2019 and 2020.

History and Signs Ages at presentation were 20, 30, 32, and 31 years, respectively. All patients had a history of extraction of a dislocated lens. None of the patients had a previous
posterior vitrectomy. Two patients had records of previous measurements for IOL calculation by optical biometry (IOL Master, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) about 1 year prior to the
RRD development. In two cases, measurements for IOL calculation by optical biometry were based on the contralateral eye.

Therapy and Outcome All patients underwent 23 G vitrectomy, peripheral iridotomy, and retropupillary iris-claw IOL. No intraoperative complications were encountered. All patients had
silicone oil tamponade, one of which required heavy silicone oil. Silicone oil was removed 3 months following primary surgery. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. The single surgery anatomic
success rate was 100%. All patients had visual acuity of at least 0.8 at the last follow-up (1.25, 1.0, 0.8, and 0.8 respectively). The targeted refractive results were accurately achieved
in all four cases postoperatively. One patient presented ocular hypertension 2 weeks after surgery due to presumed steroid response and was managed conservatively. None of the patients had
silicone oil migration into the anterior chamber.

Conclusion Retropupillary iris-claw IOL implantation in cases of RRD and aphakia creates a barrier to tamponades from the posterior segment, effectively preventing them from entering
the anterior segment of the eye. Therefore, the management of aphakia and retinal detachment with simultaneous vitrectomy and a retropupillary iris-claw IOL may be a successful strategy in
reducing postoperative complications in patients with Marfan syndrome.
Intraocular Pressure in Eyes with Intraocular Lens Dislocation and Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome
Authors: Schuknecht Angelika , Wachtl Josephine , Fleischhauer Johannes , Kniestedt Christoph
Published: April 2022

Purpose To investigate intraocular pressure in eyes with intraocular lens subluxation and pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

Methods In this retrospective study conducted at one eye centre (tazz) in Zurich, Switzerland, we reviewed 85 eyes with intraocular lens subluxation and pseudoexfoliation syndrome.
Intraocular lens exchange was carried out by two surgeons between 03/2016 and 12/2019 (45 months). Information on baseline characteristics and diagnosis of glaucoma was recorded. Intraocular
pressure and best-corrected visual acuity were analysed preoperatively and at five time points up to 12 months after lens exchange. Data on antiglaucomatous medication was collected before
surgery and at two different time points after surgery. Postoperative pressure lowering procedures and complications were further analysed.

Results This study includes 85 pseudoexfoliation eyes with intraocular lens subluxation. The mean interval between cataract surgery and lens exchange was 8.9 ± 5.2 years. Intraocular
pressure elevation in the event of intraocular lens subluxation was found in 54% (46/85) of eyes. Mean intraocular pressure decreased from 22.9 ± 9.4 mmHg preoperatively to 15.2 ± 3.4 mmHg
at follow-up 12 months after lens exchange (p < 0.001). Postoperative topical antiglaucomatous drug requirements were comparable to preoperative levels (p = 0.520). Less systemic
acetazolamide was required 12 months postoperatively (p = 0.018). A pressure lowering procedure was required in seven (8%) eyes in the postoperative period due to persistence of high
intraocular pressure. Intermittent increase or persistence of high intraocular pressure occurred in 13 (15%) eyes.

Conclusion This study emphasises the connection between acute pressure elevation and intraocular lens subluxation in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Intraocular pressure
decreases after lens exchange and decrease sustains for a postoperative period of 12 months. Postoperative pressure lowering procedures were not required in the majority of eyes. We
therefore conclude that intraocular lens exchange is efficient in the management of lens subluxation and pressure elevation in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome.
Structural, Microvascular, and Functional Findings Associated with Fovea Plana
Authors: Jung Sascha Mathias , Valmaggia Christophe , Türksever Cengiz , Todorova Margarita G.
Published: April 2022

Purpose To analyse structural (OCT), microvascular (OCTA), and functional changes (BCVA, mfERG) associated with fovea plana and to compare it to healthy controls.

Methods A retrospective observational study was performed on 13 patients (26 eyes; aged 34.46 y ± 20.26) with a clinical picture of fovea plana and 15 controls (30 eyes; aged:
41.47 y ± 14.03).

Results In fovea plana, BCVA ranged from 0.25 to 1.0, with a spherical error of − 5.5 to + 18.0 dpt. Posterior segment changes included elevated papillomacular retinal fold, uveal
effusion syndrome, crowded optic discs, and hypopigmented fundus. OCTA imaging of the superficial (FAZ-S), intermediate (FAZ-I), and deep foveal avascular zone (FAZ-D) confirmed absence of
foveal avascular zone (FAZ-S in 13 eyes, FAZ-I in 21 eyes, and FAZ-D in 10 eyes). Fovea plana patients had a significantly smaller FAZ-S, FAZ-I, and FAZ-D than controls (p < 0.001).
Within the fovea plana group, a smaller FAZ-S correlated with reduced BCVA (p = 0.004) and with reduced mfERGs in zones 1 and 2 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.017). Also, a smaller FAZ-D showed
positive correlations with the mfERG, with statistically significant values in zones 1 and 2 (p = 0.003 and p = 0.017).

Conclusion In conclusion, our results confirm an altered structural, microvascular, and functional pattern in patients with a clinical picture of fovea plana. As documented by the
functional microvascular interactions in our study, the developmental arrest in foveation reflects the functional maturation by means of visual acuity and central retinal function.
Nicht organische Sehstörungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Sisera Lorena , Patzelt Sarah , Gerth-Kahlert Christina
Published: April 2022

Hintergrund Funktionelle Sehstörungen stellen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen eine wichtige, aber auch herausfordernde Differenzialdiagnose dar. Charakteristisch ist die Diskrepanz
zwischen der Symptomatik und den objektiven Befunden. Ziel unserer Arbeit war die Datenanalyse der Patienten, die aufgrund der Diagnose „funktionelle Sehstörungen“ an unserer Klinik betreut
wurden.

Patienten und Methoden Es erfolgte eine retrospektive Datenanalyse: Alter < 18 Jahre, Diagnose „funktionelle Sehstörung“ 2011 bis 2020. Anamnestische und klinische Daten wurden
aus der Patientenakte extrahiert. Zusätzlich wurden die Eltern bzw. die Patienten mittels eines Fragebogens nach den aktuellen Beschwerdebildern kontaktiert. Die Studie wurde von der
kantonalen Ethikkommission Zürich (KEK Nr. 2020-01268) bewilligt.

Resultate Es wurden insgesamt 92 Patienten identifiziert, wobei eine Analyse bei 53% (49/92; 32 weiblich, 17 männlich) bei vorliegendem Consent erfolgen konnte. Das Alter betrug
3 bis 18 Jahre (median 10,5 Jahre) mit einem Follow-up von 1 bis 58 Monaten (median 7 Monate). Die häufigsten Symptome waren bilaterale Visusminderung (55%) und/oder Verschwommensehen (18%)
mit Kopfschmerzen (35%), Motilitätsschmerz (14%), Photophobie (4%), Schwindel (4%) und Unwohlsein (2%). Eine Reduktion des Fern- (22/49 bilateral, 9/49 unilateral) und Nahvisus (24/49
bilateral, 3/49 unilateral) wurde dokumentiert. Die subjektive Visusminderung war in 20% der Patienten bei der Testung nicht mehr nachweisbar. Eine psychologische Belastung war in 13/49
Patienten dokumentiert. Befeuchtende Augentropfen (18/49), Brillenordination (15/49) oder keine Therapie (20/49) wurde empfohlen. Eine subjektive und/oder objektive Besserung bestand beim
Follow-up in 49% (24/49). Der Fragebogen wurde in 86% beantwortet: keine vollständige Remission der visuellen Symptomatik (10/42), Remission innerhalb 1 Woche (14/41), 1 Monat (3/41), 2 – 6
Monate (8/41), 1 Jahr (6/41). Es lag keine Korrelation zwischen der Dauer der visuellen Symptome und dem Alter bei Beginn oder dem Geschlecht vor. Die Beratung an unserer Klinik wurde als
„unterstützend und hilfreich“ in 31/42 Patienten angegeben.

Fazit Die psychosoziale und psychologische Komponente sollte trotz geringem Vorkommen bei der Anamneseerhebung nicht vernachlässigt werden.
Acute Serous Retinal Detachment after the Same Operating Session of Uncomplicated Cataract Surgeries: A Case Series
Authors: Bravetti Giorgio Enrico , Fraboni Emanuela , Bravetti Giacomo Edoardo , Bravetti Giorgio Oddo
Published: April 2022

Purpose To report four cases of acute serous retinal detachment (ASRD) after the same operating session of uncomplicated cataract surgeries.

Methods In this case series, data of patients who developed ASRD after uncomplicated phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation during the same operating session were
collected. Diagnosis was made on the first postoperative day, when all patients had a very low best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), despite a good aspect of the anterior segment, without
significant keratopathy and with only trace cells in the anterior chamber. Spectral-domain optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT) revealed serous retinal detachment with subretinal fluid
accumulation in the macular area. Patients received a parabulbar injection of 40 mg/mL triamquinolone in addition to usual the postoperative topical treatment of 0.1% dexamethasone and 0.3%
netilmicin eye drops. Patients were examined postoperatively on days 1, 3, 7, and 1 month. BCVA and central foveal thickness (CFT) measured by SD-OCT were evaluated at each visit. A
relationship between demographics, preoperative ocular conditions, systemic diseases, parameters of surgery, and the development of ASRD was analyzed.

Results After a single operating session of 10 uneventful cataract surgeries, operated by the same expert surgeon, on postoperative day 1, ASRD was detected in 4 patients (3 male, 1
female; mean age 71 ± 4.1 years). Preoperatively, the mean BCVA was 0.6 ± 0.1 decimals and mean CFT was 191.3 ± 13.7 µm. On the first postoperative day, mean BCVA was 0.01 ± 0.1 decimals,
and all eyes had serous retinal detachment, with a mean CFT of 682.0 ± 97.4 µm. On the following visits, BCVA improved and CFT reduced significantly. On day 7, BCVA was at least 0.7 decimals
in all eyes, with complete reabsorption of subretinal fluid. At 1 month, mean BCVA was 1.0 ± 0.0 decimals and no eye had recurrence of serous retinal detachment, with a mean CFT of
202.3 ± 26.7 µm. No relevant data were found on other parameters investigated.

Conclusion Acute serous retinal detachment is a rare event that can occur after uncomplicated phacoemulsification, which in our cases, resolved in a few days without recurrence.
Difficulties in the Management of Placenta Accreta Spectrum in Hospitals with Limited Resources
Authors: Aguilera Lorgio Rudy , Mojica-Palacios Luz Mariana , Urquizu Federico , Gorena Mirko , Tinajeros Guzmán Freddy , Vergara Galliadi Lina María , Hidalgo Alejandra , Nieto-Calvache Albaro José
Published: April 2022

Objective Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a serious diseases, and the recommendation is that the treatment is conducted in centers of excellence. Such hospitals are not easy to find in low- and middle-income countries. We seek to describe the process of prenatal diagnosis, surgical management, and postnatal histological analysis in a low-income country referral hospital with limited resources.

Methods A descriptive, retrospective study was carried out including patients with a pre- or intraoperative diagnosis of PAS. The clinical results of the patients were studied as well as the results of the prenatal ultrasound and the correlation with the postnatal pathological diagnosis.

Results In total, 129 patients were included. Forty-eight of them had a prenatal PAS ultrasound diagnosis (37.2%). In the remaining 81 (62.8%), the diagnosis was intraoperative.

Although hysterectomy was performed in all cases, one-third of the patients (31%) did not have a histological study of the uterus. In 40% of the patients who had a histological study, PAS was not reported by the pathologist.

Conclusion The frequency of prenatal diagnosis and the availability of postnatal histological studies were very low in the studied population. Surgical skill, favored by a high flow of patients, is an important factor to avoid complications in settings with limited resources.
Tracing fracture in stretchy, disordered materials
Authors: Piccone Ashley
Published: April 2022

Mesoscopic computer simulations inform the fracture process in soft network materials, such as biological fibers and synthetic polymers
Impact of the chemical vapor transport agent on polymorphism in the quasi-1D NbS3 system
Authors: Bloodgood Matthew A. , Ghafouri Yassamin , Wei Pingrong , Salguero Tina T.
Published: April 2022

The discovery of another monoclinic polymorph in the niobium trisulfide system expands the structural possibilities for quasi-1D transition metal trichalcogenide materials. We describe here NbS3-VI prepared by chemical vapor transport (CVT) using ammonium chloride as the transport agent rather than the typical iodine or excess chalcogen. This example establishes precedent for transport agent control over CVT product polymorphism, thereby opening an alternative avenue for structural engineering. The single crystal x-ray diffraction structure of NbS3-VI shows that this polymorph unexpectedly incorporates features of both NbS3-IV and NbS3-V; specifically, NbS3-VI contains corrugated chains with paired Nb–Nb and uniform chains with unpaired, equidistant Nb centers. We also use single crystal x-ray diffraction to compare NbS3-VI with (Nb0.6Ti0.4)S3, which contains solely uniform chains with slightly shorter metal–metal distances than those of uniform NbS3-VI chains.
Acoustic phonons and elastic stiffnesses from Brillouin scattering of CdPS3
Authors: Reed Bryan W. , Koski Kristie J.
Published: April 2022

We report Brillouin light scattering measurements of monoclinic CdPS3, a 2D layered cadmium chalcogenophosphate. By measurement of over 400 spectra in different orientations and scattering geometries, acoustic phonons are measured to determine the 13 elastic stiffness coefficients, along with longitudinal and transverse sound velocities from Brillouin frequency shifts. Because the sample was polycrystalline with a high density of planar defects, it was not possible to assign a crystal orientation to each spectrum. Instead, we determined the anisotropy in the material properties through statistical analysis, treating each spectrum as coming from a randomly sampled crystal orientation. Values of the Voigt–Reuss averages for the bulk modulus, Young’s modulus, the shear modulus, and Poisson’s ratio are calculated from measured stiffnesses. This work demonstrates analysis of elastic properties of a polycrystalline, monoclinic 2D layered material through statistical analysis of a significant number of spectra.
Late stage coarsening kinetics induced by a phase-dependent mobility: A phase field study of FeCr in the spinodal regime
Authors: Simeone D. , Garcia P. , Tissot O. , Luneville L.
Published: April 2022

An efficient algorithm is presented in this work to compute the late stage coarsening kinetics within the phase-field framework. Microstructures resulting from off-critical quenches over large time periods have been simulated in the FeCr system, which exhibits substantial variations in atomic mobilities between the Fe-matrix and Cr-rich precipitates. To understand the impact of such a phase-dependent mobility on the microstructure, 2D simulations have been performed in the spinodal regime using a constant, symmetric, and phase-dependent mobility. Detailed analyses of these simulations highlight the fact that the more realistic situation where atomic mobility is non-uniform induces a competition between coalescence and coarsening of precipitates. We use these simulations to shed light upon previously published numerical and experimental results.
Lattice Boltzmann simulations of plasma wakefield acceleration
Authors: Parise G. , Cianchi A. , Del Dotto A. , Guglietta F. , Rossi A. R. , Sbragaglia M.
Published: April 2022

We explore a novel simulation route for Plasma Wakefield Acceleration (PWFA) by using the computational method known as the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM). LBM is based on a discretization of the continuum kinetic theory while assuring the convergence toward hydrodynamics for coarse-grained fields (i.e., density, velocity, etc.). LBM is an established numerical analysis tool in computational fluid dynamics, able to efficiently bridge between kinetic theory and hydrodynamics, but its application in the context of PWFA has never been investigated so far. This paper takes a step forward to fill this gap. Results of LBM simulations for PWFA are discussed and compared with those of a code (Architect) implementing a Cold Fluid (CF) model for the plasma. In the hydrodynamic framework, we discuss the importance of regularization effects related to diffusion properties intrinsic of the LBM, allowing to go beyond the CF approximations. Issues on computational efficiency are also addressed.