bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA) Simulations for Seoul, Korea
Authors: Oak Yujin J. , Park Rokjin J. , Jo Duseong S. , Hodzic Alma , Jimenez Jose L. , Campuzano‐Jost Pedro , Nault Benjamin A. , Kim Hwajin , Kim Hyeonmin , Ha Eunjo S. , Song Chang‐Keun , Yi Seung‐Muk , Diskin Glenn S. , Weinheimer Andrew J. , Blake Donald R. , Wisthaler Armin , Shim Mihee , Shin Yoonmi
Published: January 2022

Organic aerosols (OA) represent a significant fraction of total submicron particulate matter (PM1) concentrations globally, including densely populated megacities such as Seoul. However, scientific understanding of the atmospheric formation and removal processes of OA, especially for secondary organic aerosols (SOA), is still highly uncertain. In this study, we examine the characteristics of SOA formation in Seoul during spring‐summer 2016 and fall‐winter 2017/2018, using airborne and ground observations along with a 3‐D global chemical transport model, GEOS‐Chem. We use four different SOA schemes in the model, including simplified and complex volatility‐based frameworks, and evaluate them by comparing the simulations with the observations to examine how our scientific understanding embedded in each SOA scheme affects the observed biases. Our analysis of the model performance of each scheme also provides the most suitable approach in simulating SOA in a typical urban environment. Comparisons of the simulated versus observed OA concentrations show that model biases range from −72% to +118%, with considerable variability among different schemes and seasons. We find that the inclusion of semi/intermediate volatile precursors, in addition to the traditional precursors, and chemical aging (functionalization) are important factors to simulate surface SOA concentrations in Seoul. However, a comparison of observed and simulated SOA/∆CO enhancement ratios suggests that most schemes underpredict SOA aging in upper levels in the boundary layer. We also find that the simplified SOA scheme can reproduce observed OA but often shows overestimation in surface air, indicating that uncertainties exist in bottom‐up emissions and precursor parameterization in Seoul.
An Assessment of Nonhydrostatic and Hydrostatic Dynamical Cores at Seasonal Time Scales in the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM)
Authors: Liu W. , Ullrich P. A. , Guba O. , Caldwell P. M. , Keen N. D.
Published: January 2022

In global atmospheric modeling, the differences between nonhydrostatic (NH) and hydrostatic (H) dynamical cores are negligible in dry simulations when grid spacing is larger than 10 km. However, recent studies suggest that those differences can be significant at far coarser resolution when moisture is included. To better understand how NH and H differences manifest in global fields, we perform and analyze an ensemble of 28 and 13 km seasonal simulations with the NH and H dynamical cores in the Energy Exascale Earth System Model global atmosphere model, where the differences between H and NH configurations are minimized. A set of idealized rising bubble experiments is also conducted to further investigate the differences. Although NH and H differences are not significant in global statistics and zonal averages, significant differences in precipitation amount and patterns are observed in parts of the tropics. The most prominent differences emerge near India and the Western Pacific in the boreal summer, and the central‐southern Indian Ocean and Pacific in the boreal winter. Tropical differences influence surrounding regions through modification of the regional circulation and can propagate to the extratropics, leading to significant temperature and geopotential differences over the middle to high latitudes. While the dry bubble experiments show negligible deviation between H and NH dynamics until grid spacing is below 6.25 km, precipitation amount and vertical velocity are different in the moist case even at 25 km resolution.
Tectono‐Metamorphic Evolution of the Northern Dom Feliciano Belt Foreland, Santa Catarina, Brazil: Implications for Models of Subduction‐Driven Orogenesis
Authors: Percival Jack James , Konopásek Jiří , Anczkiewicz Robert , Ganerød Morgan , Sláma Jiří , de Campos Roberto Sacks , Bitencourt Maria de Fátima
Published: January 2022

The Dom Feliciano Belt in southern Brazil and Uruguay represents the western half of a Neoproterozoic orogenic belt located in the southern portion of the South Atlantic Neoproterozoic Orogenic System. Current interpretations are divided as to the nature of orogenesis in this belt, in part owing to lacking geochronological constraints. Metamorphosed and deformed supracrustal sequences of the Brusque Complex in the northern Dom Feliciano Belt, representing part of the orogenic foreland, record the onset and duration of crustal thickening. Structural analysis and pressure–temperature estimates indicate that the complex reached peak regional metamorphic conditions of 540–570°C and 5.5–6.7 kbar during thrusting and burial, consistent with orogenic metamorphism and early crustal thickening. Garnet–whole rock Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd isochron ages date this event to between circa 660–650 Ma. Ar–Ar dating of mica suggests thrust‐controlled exhumation and partial cooling by circa 635 Ma, and that localized deformation occurred into the late Ediacaran. Our results show that the orogenic foreland reached metamorphic conditions typical for crustal thickening 20–30 million years prior to the onset of massive magmatic activity in the hinterland. Such a delay is typical of hot, internal parts of orogens, which supports interpretations that hinterland magmatism in the northern Dom Feliciano Belt represents post‐collisional magmatism and not arc magmatism above a subduction zone. Instead, we suggest that orogenesis in the northern Dom Feliciano Belt was initiated by rift‐basin inversion driven by far‐field forces transmitted through the crust in an intracontinental rift or back‐arc rift setting.
A New Explanation for Organics on a Mars Rock That Fell to Earth
Authors: Smith Derek
Published: January 2022

Organic molecules on a Martian meteorite have fueled nearly 30 years of scientific debate. New evidence suggests they were formed by Martian processes, offering more support for a once habitable environment on the Red Planet.
Combination therapy targeting Erk1/2 and CDK4/6i in relapsed refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Adamia Sophia , Bhatt Shruti , Wen Kenneth , Chyra Zuzana , Fell Geoffrey G. , Tai Yu-Tzu , Pioso Marisa S. , Abiatari Ivane , Letai Anthony , Dorfman David M. , Hideshima Teru , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: January 2022

Oncogenic activated RAS mutations have been detected in 50% of de novo and 70% of relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Translocation t(11;14) involving IgH/CCDN1 and overexpression of cyclin-Ds are early events in MM pathogenesis, enhancing uncontrolled MM cell growth. We hypothesized that targeting both RAS/MAPK pathway molecules including Erk1/2 along with cyclin-Ds enhances MM cytotoxicity and minimizes side effects. Recent studies have demonstrated the high potency of Erk1/2 and CDK4/6 inhibitors in metastatic relapsed cancers, and here we tested anti-MM effects of the Erk1/2 + CDK4/6 inhibitor combination. Our studies showed strong synergistic (IC < 0.5) cytotoxicity of Erk1/2i + CDK4/6i in MM-cells. Erk1/2i + CDK4/6i treatment in a dose-dependent manner arrested MM-cells in the G0/G1 phase and activated mitochondrial apoptotic signaling. Our studies showed that Erk1/2i + CDK4/6i treatment-induced inhibition of key target molecules in Erk1/2 and CDK4/6 signaling, such as c-myc, p-RSK, p-S6, p-RB, and E2F1, suggesting on-target activity of these inhibitors. We identified Erk1/2i + CDK4/6i treatment associated five-gene signature which includes SNRPB and SLC25A5; these genes are involved in RNA processing and mitochondrial metabolism, respectively. Overall, our studies provide the preclinical framework for Erk1/2i + CDK4/6i combination clinical trials to target Ras+CDK pathways to improve patient outcome in MM.
Structural effects of 3D printing resolution on the gauge factor of microcrack-based strain gauges for health care monitoring
Authors: Shin Sanghun , Ko Byeongjo , So Hongyun
Published: January 2022

Measurements of physiological parameters such as pulse rate, voice, and motion for precise health care monitoring requires highly sensitive sensors. Flexible strain gauges are useful sensors that can be used in human health care devices. In this study, we propose a crack-based strain gauge fabricated by fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based three-dimensional (3D)-printing. The strain gauge combined a 3D-printed thermoplastic polyurethane layer and a platinum layer as the flexible substrate and conductive layer, respectively. Through a layer-by-layer deposition process, self-aligned crack arrays were easily formed along the groove patterns resulting from stress concentration during stretching motions. Strain gauges with a 200-µm printing thickness exhibited the most sensitive performance (~442% increase in gauge factor compared with that of a flat sensor) and the fastest recovery time (~99% decrease in recovery time compared with that of a flat sensor). In addition, 500 cycling tests were conducted to demonstrate the reliability of the sensor. Finally, various applications of the strain gauge as wearable devices used to monitor human health and motion were demonstrated. These results support the facile fabrication of sensitive strain gauges for the development of smart devices by additive manufacturing.
Imaging atomic-scale chemistry from fused multi-modal electron microscopy
Authors: Schwartz Jonathan , Di Zichao Wendy , Jiang Yi , Fielitz Alyssa J. , Ha Don-Hyung , Perera Sanjaya D. , El Baggari Ismail , Robinson Richard D. , Fessler Jeffrey A. , Ophus Colin , Rozeveld Steve , Hovden Robert
Published: January 2022

Efforts to map atomic-scale chemistry at low doses with minimal noise using electron microscopes are fundamentally limited by inelastic interactions. Here, fused multi-modal electron microscopy offers high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) recovery of material chemistry at nano- and atomic-resolution by coupling correlated information encoded within both elastic scattering (high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF)) and inelastic spectroscopic signals (electron energy loss (EELS) or energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX)). By linking these simultaneously acquired signals, or modalities, the chemical distribution within nanomaterials can be imaged at significantly lower doses with existing detector hardware. In many cases, the dose requirements can be reduced by over one order of magnitude. This high SNR recovery of chemistry is tested against simulated and experimental atomic resolution data of heterogeneous nanomaterials.
Phase-field framework with constraints and its applications to ductile fracture in polycrystals and fatigue
Authors: Xue Fei , Cheng Tian-Le , Lei Yinkai , Wen You-Hai
Published: January 2022

Modeling of ductile fracture in polycrystalline structures is challenging, since it requires integrated modeling of cracks, crystal plasticity, and grains. Here we extend the typical phase-field framework to the situations with constraints on the order parameters, and formulate two types of phase-field models on ductile fracture. The Type-I model incorporates three sets of order parameters, which describe the distributions of cracks, plastic strain, and grains, respectively. Crystal plasticity is employed within grain interiors accommodated by J2 plasticity at grain boundaries. The applications of the Type-I model to single crystals and bicrystals demonstrate the influences of grain orientations and grain boundaries on crack growth. In the Type-II model, J2 plasticity is assumed for the whole system and grain structures are neglected. Taking advantage of the efficiency of the fast Fourier transform, our Type-II model is employed to study low cycle fatigue. Crack closure and striation-like patterning of plastic strain are observed in the simulations. Crack growth rate is analyzed as a function of the J-integral, and the simulated fatigue life as a function of plastic strain agrees with the Coffin–Manson relation without a priori assumption.
Flexible computational photodetectors for self-powered activity sensing
Authors: Zhang Dingtian , Fuentes-Hernandez Canek , Vijayan Raaghesh , Zhang Yang , Li Yunzhi , Park Jung Wook , Wang Yiyang , Zhao Yuhui , Arora Nivedita , Mirzazadeh Ali , Do Youngwook , Cheng Tingyu , Swaminathan Saiganesh , Starner Thad , Andrew Trisha L. , Abowd Gregory D.
Published: January 2022

Conventional vision-based systems, such as cameras, have demonstrated their enormous versatility in sensing human activities and developing interactive environments. However, these systems have long been criticized for incurring privacy, power, and latency issues due to their underlying structure of pixel-wise analog signal acquisition, computation, and communication. In this research, we overcome these limitations by introducing in-sensor analog computation through the distribution of interconnected photodetectors in space, having a weighted responsivity, to create what we call a computational photodetector. Computational photodetectors can be used to extract mid-level vision features as a single continuous analog signal measured via a two-pin connection. We develop computational photodetectors using thin and flexible low-noise organic photodiode arrays coupled with a self-powered wireless system to demonstrate a set of designs that capture position, orientation, direction, speed, and identification information, in a range of applications from explicit interactions on everyday surfaces to implicit activity detection.
How to build Hamiltonians that transport noncommuting charges in quantum thermodynamics
Authors: Yunger Halpern Nicole , Majidy Shayan
Published: January 2022

Noncommuting conserved quantities have recently launched a subfield of quantum thermodynamics. In conventional thermodynamics, a system of interest and an environment exchange quantities—energy, particles, electric charge, etc.—that are globally conserved and are represented by Hermitian operators. These operators were implicitly assumed to commute with each other, until a few years ago. Freeing the operators to fail to commute has enabled many theoretical discoveries—about reference frames, entropy production, resource-theory models, etc. Little work has bridged these results from abstract theory to experimental reality. This paper provides a methodology for building this bridge systematically: we present a prescription for constructing Hamiltonians that conserve noncommuting quantities globally while transporting the quantities locally. The Hamiltonians can couple arbitrarily many subsystems together and can be integrable or nonintegrable. Our Hamiltonians may be realized physically with superconducting qudits, with ultracold atoms, and with trapped ions.
Intertwined Weyl phases emergent from higher-order topology and unconventional Weyl fermions via crystalline symmetry
Authors: Rui W. B. , Zheng Zhen , Hirschmann Moritz M. , Zhang Song-Bo , Wang Chenjie , Wang Z. D.
Published: January 2022

We discover three-dimensional intertwined Weyl phases, by developing a theory to create topological phases. The theory is based on intertwining existing topological gapped and gapless phases protected by the same crystalline symmetry. The intertwined Weyl phases feature both unconventional Weyl semimetallic (monopole charge>1) and higher-order topological phases, and more importantly, their exotic intertwining. While the two phases are independently stabilized by the same symmetry, their intertwining results in the specific distribution of them in the bulk. The construction mechanism allows us to combine different kinds of unconventional Weyl semimetallic and higher-order topological phases to generate distinct phases. Remarkably, on 2D surfaces, the intertwining causes the Fermi-arc topology to change in a periodic pattern against surface orientation. This feature provides a characteristic and feasible signature to probe the intertwining Weyl phases. Moreover, we provide guidelines for searching candidate materials, and elaborate on emulating the intertwined double-Weyl phase in cold-atom experiments.
3′mRNA sequencing reveals pro-regenerative properties of c5ar1 during resolution of murine acetaminophen-induced liver injury
Authors: Gonther Sina , Bachmann Malte , Goren Itamar , Huard Arnaud , Weigert Andreas , Köhl Jörg , Mühl Heiko
Published: January 2022

Murine acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury (ALI) serves as paradigmatic model for drug-induced hepatic injury and regeneration. As major cause of ALI, acetaminophen overdosing is a persistent therapeutic challenge with N-acetylcysteine clinically used to ameliorate parenchymal necrosis. To identify further treatment strategies that serve patients with poor N-acetylcysteine responses, hepatic 3′mRNA sequencing was performed in the initial resolution phase at 24 h/48 h after sublethal overdosing. This approach disclosed 45 genes upregulated (≥5-fold) within this time frame. Focusing on C5aR1, we observed in C5aR1-deficient mice disease aggravation during resolution of intoxication as evidenced by increased liver necrosis and serum alanine aminotransferase. Moreover, decreased hepatocyte compensatory proliferation and increased caspase-3 activation at the surroundings of necrotic cores were detectable in C5aR1-deficient mice. Using a non-hypothesis-driven approach, herein pro-regenerative/-resolving effects of C5aR1 were identified during late acetaminophen-induced ALI. Data concur with protection by the C5a/C5aR1-axis during hepatectomy and emphasize the complex role of inflammation during hepatic regeneration and repair.
Restricted valency (NPNA)n repeats and junctional epitope-based circumsporozoite protein vaccines against Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Langowski Mark D. , Khan Farhat A. , Savransky Sofya , Brown Dallas R. , Balasubramaniyam Arasu , Harrison William B. , Zou Xiaoyan , Beck Zoltan , Matyas Gary R. , Regules Jason A. , Miller Robin , Soisson Lorraine A. , Batchelor Adrian H. , Dutta Sheetij
Published: January 2022

The Circumsporozoite Protein (CSP) of Plasmodium falciparum contains an N-terminal region, a conserved Region I (RI), a junctional region, 25–42 copies of major (NPNA) and minor repeats followed by a C-terminal domain. The recently approved malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01 contains NPNAx19 and the C-terminal region of CSP. The efficacy of RTS,S against natural infection is low and short-lived, and mapping epitopes of inhibitory monoclonal antibodies may allow for rational improvement of CSP vaccines. Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) was used here to display the junctional epitope (mAb CIS43), Region I (mAb 5D5), NPNAx5, and NPNAx20 epitope of CSP (mAbs 317 and 580). Protection studies in mice revealed that Region I did not elicit protective antibodies, and polyclonal antibodies against the junctional epitope showed equivalent protection to NPNAx5. Combining the junctional and NPNAx5 epitopes reduced immunogenicity and efficacy, and increasing the repeat valency to NPNAx20 did not improve upon NPNAx5. TMV was confirmed as a versatile vaccine platform for displaying small epitopes defined by neutralizing mAbs. We show that polyclonal antibodies against engineered VLPs can recapitulate the binding specificity of the mAbs and immune-focusing by reducing the structural complexity of an epitope may be superior to immune-broadening as a vaccine design approach. Most importantly the junctional and restricted valency NPNA epitopes can be the basis for developing highly effective second-generation malaria vaccine candidates.
Extended interval BNT162b2 vaccination enhances peak antibody generation
Authors: Parry Helen , Bruton Rachel , Stephens Christine , Bentley Christopher , Brown Kevin , Amirthalingam Gayatri , Hallis Bassam , Otter Ashley , Zuo Jianmin , Moss Paul
Published: January 2022

The BNT162b2 vaccine is highly effective against COVID-19 infection and was delivered with a 3-week time interval in registration studies1. However, many countries extended this interval to accelerate population coverage with a single vaccine. It is not known how immune responses are influenced by delaying the second dose. We provide the assessment of immune responses in the first 14 weeks after standard or extended-interval BNT162b2 vaccination and show that delaying the second dose strongly boosts the peak antibody response by 3.5-fold in older people. This enhanced antibody response may offer a longer period of clinical protection and delay the need for booster vaccination. In contrast, peak cellular-specific responses were the strongest in those vaccinated on a standard 3-week vaccine interval. As such, the timing of the second dose has a marked influence on the kinetics and magnitude of the adaptive immune response after mRNA vaccination in older people.
Gene therapy of prostate cancer using liposomes containing perforin expression vector driven by the promoter of prostate-specific antigen gene
Authors: Mizutani Kosuke , Kawakami Kyojiro , Fujita Yasunori , Kato Taku , Takai Manabu , Kato Daiki , Iinuma Koji , Koie Takuya , Ito Masafumi
Published: January 2022

Perforin secreted from cytotoxic lymphocytes plays a critical role in cancer immunosurveillance. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of liposomes containing perforin expression vector driven by the promotor of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The anti-tumor effect of perforin was analyzed using prostate cancer (PC) PC-3 cells in which perforin expression was controlled by Tet-on system (PC-3PRF cells). Liposomes encapsulating PSA promoter-driven perforin expression vector (pLipo) were constructed for its specific expression in PC. The anti-tumor effect of pLipo was evaluated in vitro using docetaxel-resistant PC 22Rv1 PC cell line, 22Rv1DR, and PC-3 cells in the presence of human peripheral blood mono nuclear cells (PBMCs) and also in vivo using male nude mice bearing 22Rv1DR cell-derived tumor xenograft. Induction of perforin significantly inhibited growth of PC-3PRF cells. Treatment with pLipo induced perforin expression in 22Rv1DR cells expressing PSA but not in PC-3 cells lacking it. Treatment with pLipo at a low concentration was prone to inhibit growth of both cell lines and significantly inhibited growth of 22Rv1DR cells when co-incubated with PBMCs. The combined use of pLipo at a high concentration with PBMCs showed nearly complete inhibition of 22Rv1DR cell growth. Intravenous administration of pLipo via tail vein increased the level of perforin in tumor and serum and significantly decreased the tumor volume. Our results suggest that liposome-mediated PC-specific expression of perforin could be a novel therapy for advanced PC.
Genomic and functional characterization of bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacteria isolated from Boza, a traditional cereal-based beverage
Authors: Queiroz Luciano Lopes , Hoffmann Christian , Lacorte Gustavo Augusto , de Melo Franco Bernadette Dora Gombossy , Todorov Svetoslav Dimitrov
Published: January 2022

Boza is a traditional low-alcohol fermented beverage from the Balkan Peninsula, frequently explored as a functional food product. The product is rich in Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and some of them can produce bacteriocins. In this study, a sample of Boza from Belogratchik, Bulgaria, was analyzed for the presence of bacteriocinogenic LAB, and after analyses by RAPD-PCR, three representative isolates were characterized by genomic analyses, using whole genome sequencing. Isolates identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus ST75BZ and Pediococcus pentosaceus ST87BZ contained operons encoding for bacteriocins pediocin PA-1 and penocin A, while isolate identified as Pediococcus acidilactici ST31BZ contained only the operon for pediocin PA-1 and a CRISPR/Cas system for protection against bacteriophage infection. The antimicrobial activity of bacteriocins produced by the three isolates was inhibited by treatment of the cell-free supernatants with proteolytic enzymes. The produced bacteriocins inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, Enterococcus spp. and some Lactobacillus spp., among other tested species. The levels of bacteriocin production varied from 3200 to 12,800 AU/ml recorded against L. monocytogenes 104, 637 and 711, measured at 24 h of incubation at 37 °C. All bacteriocins remained active after incubation at pH 2.0–10.0. The activity mode of the studied bacteriocins was bactericidal, as determined against L. monocytogenes 104, 637 and 711. In addition, bactericidal activity was demonstrated using a cell leakage β-galactosidase assay, indicating a pore formation mechanism as a mode of action. The present study highlights the importance of combining genomic analyses and traditional microbiological approaches as way of characterizing microbial interactions in fermented foods.
Therapeutic enzyme engineering using a generative neural network
Authors: Giessel Andrew , Dousis Athanasios , Ravichandran Kanchana , Smith Kevin , Sur Sreyoshi , McFadyen Iain , Zheng Wei , Licht Stuart
Published: January 2022

Enhancing the potency of mRNA therapeutics is an important objective for treating rare diseases, since it may enable lower and less-frequent dosing. Enzyme engineering can increase potency of mRNA therapeutics by improving the expression, half-life, and catalytic efficiency of the mRNA-encoded enzymes. However, sequence space is incomprehensibly vast, and methods to map sequence to function (computationally or experimentally) are inaccurate or time-/labor-intensive. Here, we present a novel, broadly applicable engineering method that combines deep latent variable modelling of sequence co-evolution with automated protein library design and construction to rapidly identify metabolic enzyme variants that are both more thermally stable and more catalytically active. We apply this approach to improve the potency of ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC), a urea cycle enzyme for which loss of catalytic activity causes a rare but serious metabolic disease.
The effect of lack of ANC visit and unwanted pregnancy on home child-birth in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Damtie Yitayish , Kefale Bereket , Yalew Melaku , Arefaynie Mastewal , Addisu Elsabeth , Birhan Tesfaye , Cherie Nigus , Adane Bezawit , Melese Wolde , Bitew Gedamnesh , Tadesse Erkihun , Dewau Reta , Andualem Atsedemariam
Published: January 2022

Although extensive efforts were made to improve maternal and child health, the magnitude of home child-birth is considerably high in Ethiopia. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to estimate the effect of lack of ANC visit and unwanted pregnancy on home child-birth among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. International databases, including Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, PubMed, Global Health, HINARI, and CINAHL were searched systematically to identify studies reporting the prevalence of home child-birth and its association with lack of ANC visit and unwanted pregnancy among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. STATA/SE version-14 was used to analyze the data and Der Simonian and Liard's method of random effect model was used to estimate the pooled effects. The heterogeneity between study and publication bias was assessed by using I-squared statistics and Egger's test respectively. A total of 19 studies with 25,228 study participants were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of home child-birth among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia was 55.3%. Sever heterogeneity was exhibited among the included studies (I2 = 99.8, p = 0.000). The odds of home child-birth among mothers who have no ANC visit was 3.64 times higher compared to their counterparts [OR = 3.64, 95%, CI: (1.45, 9.13)]. There was significant heterogeneity among the included studies (I2 = 94%, p = 0.000). However, there was no statistical evidence of publication bias in the pooled effect of lack of ANC visit on home child-birth (P = 0.302). Women who experienced unwanted pregnancy were 3.02 times higher to give birth at home compared to women with a wanted pregnancy [OR = 3.02, 95%CI: (1.19, 7.67)]. Severe heterogeneity was exhibited (I2 = 93.1%, p = 0.000) but, there was no evidence of significant publication bias in the pooled effect of unwanted pregnancy on home child-birth (P = 0.832). The proportion of home child-birth among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia remains high. Lack of ANC visit and unwanted pregnancy had a significant effect on the practice of home child-birth. Strengthening behavioral change communication programs should be the primary focus area to improve institutional delivery service utilization among women with lack of ANC visit and unwanted pregnancy.
Infection dynamics of COVID-19 virus under lockdown and reopening
Authors: Svoboda Jakub , Tkadlec Josef , Pavlogiannis Andreas , Chatterjee Krishnendu , Nowak Martin A.
Published: January 2022

Motivated by COVID-19, we develop and analyze a simple stochastic model for the spread of disease in human population. We track how the number of infected and critically ill people develops over time in order to estimate the demand that is imposed on the hospital system. To keep this demand under control, we consider a class of simple policies for slowing down and reopening society and we compare their efficiency in mitigating the spread of the virus from several different points of view. We find that in order to avoid overwhelming of the hospital system, a policy must impose a harsh lockdown or it must react swiftly (or both). While reacting swiftly is universally beneficial, being harsh pays off only when the country is patient about reopening and when the neighboring countries coordinate their mitigation efforts. Our work highlights the importance of acting decisively when closing down and the importance of patience and coordination between neighboring countries when reopening.
Design and implementation of a terahertz lens-antenna for a photonic integrated circuits based THz systems
Authors: Al-Daffaie Shihab , Jumaah Alaa Jabbar , Rubio Verónica Laín , Kusserow Thomas
Published: January 2022

A new integrated lens-antenna is designed and implemented for a nanocontact based terahertz (THz) photomixer. The new design replaces the standard conventional bulky silicon lens, which normally no THz photomixer can avoid. The Fresnel Zone Plate is used to design the new lens-antenna and is simulated by the MIT open-source tool called Meep. The final design showed, with only two simple fabrication technology processing steps (standard optical lithography) that the lens-antenna can be monolithically integrated with the THz nanophotomixer. With its compact design, the THz measurements showed a comparable behavior to the conventional bulky silicon lens, therefore it would be ready for photonic integrated circuits based THz systems.
Biomarker selection and a prospective metabolite-based machine learning diagnostic for lyme disease
Authors: Kehoe Eric R. , Fitzgerald Bryna L. , Graham Barbara , Islam M. Nurul , Sharma Kartikay , Wormser Gary P. , Belisle John T. , Kirby Michael J.
Published: January 2022

We provide a pipeline for data preprocessing, biomarker selection, and classification of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LCMS) serum samples to generate a prospective diagnostic test for Lyme disease. We utilize tools of machine learning (ML), e.g., sparse support vector machines (SSVM), iterative feature removal (IFR), andk-fold feature ranking to select several biomarkers and build a discriminant model for Lyme disease. We report a 98.13% test balanced success rate (BSR) of our model based on a sequestered test set of LCMS serum samples. The methodology employed is general and can be readily adapted to other LCMS, or metabolomics, data sets.
Underactuated USV path following mechanism based on the cascade method
Authors: Lin Mingzhen , Zhang Zhiqiang , Pang Yandong , Lin Hongsheng , Ji Qing
Published: January 2022

The path following control under disturbance was studied for an underactuated unmanned surface vehicle (USV) subject to the rudder angle and velocity constraints. For this reason, a variable look-ahead integral line-of-sight (LOS) guidance law was designed on the basis of the disturbance estimation and compensation, and a cascade path following control system was created following the heading control law based on the model prediction. Firstly, the guidance law was designed using the USV three-degree-of-freedom (DOF) motion model and the LOS method, while the tracking error state was introduced to design the real-time estimation of disturbance observer and compensate for the influence of ocean current. Moreover, the stability of the system was analyzed. Secondly, sufficient attention was paid to the rudder angle and velocity constraints and the influence of system delay and other factors in the process of path following when the heading control law was designed with the USV motion response model and the model predictive control (MPC). The moving horizon optimization strategy was adopted to achieve better dynamic performance, effectively overcome the influence of model and environmental uncertainties, and further prove the stability of the control law. Thirdly, a simulation experiment was carried out to verify the effectiveness and advancement of the proposed algorithm. Fourthly, the “Sturgeon 03” USV was used in the lake test of the proposed control algorithm to prove its feasibility in the engineering practices.
Multiphase arterial spin labeling imaging to predict early recurrent ischemic lesion in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Nam Ki-Woong , Kim Chi Kyung , Yoon Byung-Woo , Hwang Inpyeong , Sohn Chul-Ho
Published: January 2022

In acute ischemic stroke (AIS), the hemodynamics around the lesion are important because they determine the recurrence or prognosis of the disease. This study evaluated the effects of perfusion deficits in multiphase arterial spin labeling (ASL) and related radiological parameters on the occurrence of early recurrent ischemic lesions (ERILs) in AIS. We assessed AIS patients who underwent multiphase ASL within 24 h of symptom onset and follow-up diffusion-weighted imaging within 7 days. ASL perfusion deficit, arterial transit artifact (ATA), and intra-arterial high-intensity signal (IAS) were manually rated as ASL parameters. A total of 134 patients were evaluated. In the multivariable analyses, ASL perfusion deficit [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.82, 95% confidence interval = 1.27–6.27] was positively associated with ERIL. Furthermore, when ATA was accompanied, the ASL perfusion deficit was not associated with ERIL occurrence. Meanwhile, IAS showed a synergistic effect with ASL perfusion deficit on the occurrence of ERIL. In conclusion, we demonstrated the association between perfusion deficits in multiphase ASL with ERIL in patients with AIS. This close association was attenuated by ATA and was enhanced by IAS. ASL parameters may help identify high-risk patients of ERIL occurrence during the acute period.
Copy number alterations analysis of primary tumor tissue and circulating tumor cells from patients with early-stage triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Silvestri Marco , Dugo Matteo , Vismara Marta , De Cecco Loris , Lanzoni Davide , Vingiani Andrea , Folli Secondo , De Santis Maria Carmen , de Braud Filippo , Pruneri Giancarlo , Di Cosimo Serena , Cappelletti Vera
Published: January 2022

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by clinical aggressiveness, lack of recognized target therapy, and a dismal patient prognosis. Several studies addressed genomic changes occurring during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) focusing on somatic variants, but without including copy number alterations (CNAs). We analyzed CNA profiles of 31 TNBC primary tumor samples before and after NAC and of 35 single circulating tumor cells (CTCs) collected prior, during and after treatment by using next-generation sequencing targeted profile and low-pass whole genome sequencing, respectively. In pre-treatment tissue samples, the most common gains occurred on chromosomes 1, 2 and 8, and SOX11 and MYC resulted the most altered genes. Notably, amplification of MSH2 (4/4 versus 0/12, p < 0.01) and PRDM1 and deletion of PAX3 (4/4 versus 1/12, p < 0.01) significantly characterized primary tumors of patients with pathological complete response. All patients with paired pre- and post-NAC samples reported a change in post-treatment CNAs compared to baseline, despite they showed at least one common alteration. CNAs detected after treatment involved genes within druggable pathways such as EGFR, cell cycle process and Ras signaling. In two patients, CTCs shared more alterations with residual rather than primary tumor involving genes such as MYC, BCL6, SOX2, FGFR4. The phylogenetic analysis of CTCs within a single patient revealed NAC impact on tumor evolution, suggesting a selection of driver events under treatment pressure. In conclusion, our data showed how chemoresistance might arise early from treatment-induced selection of clones already present in the primary tumor, and that the characterization of CNAs on single CTCs informs on cancer evolution and potential druggable targets.
The relationship between running distance and coaches’ perception of team performance in professional soccer player during multiple seasons
Authors: Ponce-Bordón J. C. , García-Calvo T. , Candela-Guardiola J. M. , Serpiello F. R. , del Campo R. López , Resta R. , Pulido J. J.
Published: January 2022

This study analyzed how the physical movement profile of soccer matches evolved throughout a season by assessing the variability of different metrics depending on the season phase. In addition, the evolution of running distances was investigated in the relation to the team performance based on the coaches’ perception. Games from four consecutives Spanish LaLiga seasons (n = 1520) were recorded using an optical tracking system (i.e., ChyronHego). Total distance (TD), distance covered between 14 and 21 km h−1 (MIRD), 21–24 km h−1 (HIRD), and > 24 km h−1 (VHIRD) were analyzed, as well as the number of efforts between 21 and 24 km h−1 (Sp21) and > 24 km h−1 (Sp24). Seasons were divided into four phases (P): P1 (matches 1–10), P2 (11–19), P3 (20–29), and P4 (30–38). Linear mixed models revealed that soccer players covered significantly greater distances and completed a higher number of sprints in P2 and P3. Also, team performance evaluated by soccer coaches was positively related to TD, HIRD, VHIRD and Sp21 in P1. A negative relationship was observed between team performance and distance covered at speeds below 21 km h−1 in P2 and P3. Team performance was negatively related to TD, MIRD, and HIRD, and Sp21 in P4. As conclusion, the team performance perceived by coaches is related to the movement profile throughout a season, and it significantly influences the evolution of soccer players’ movement profiles. Specifically, it seems that the players of the best teams have the best physical performance at the beginning of the season with respect to the rest of the phases.
The vibration response mechanism of a blade disk rotor system under the coupling effects of cracks and aerodynamic forces
Authors: Yang J. , Xie J. , Wang T. , Yang F. , Chen J.
Published: January 2022

The important role of a dynamic model is to study the response characteristics of a system under different parameters or fault states. These response characteristics can be used in many aspects, such as condition monitoring and fault diagnosis. Usually, the response characteristics can be obtained through numerical analysis, but we do not know why such characteristics appear, which hinders our understanding and utilization of vibration. The innovation of this paper is to reasonably explain why such response characteristics appear. First, a simplified dynamic model of a typical blade disk rotor system is constructed by using the classical continuous parameter modeling method. Based on the dynamic model, for two structural forms of moving and stationary blades, the typical characteristics of the vibration response under the actions of aerodynamic force and blade cracks are analyzed by means of numerical solution. Then, from the perspective of kinematics and dynamics, the internal mechanism between the vibration responses and the excitations is revealed. Finally, based on Number Theory, the response characteristics and mechanisms of typical structures are summarized, and the general laws of responses with general structural forms are established.
Machine learning-based approaches for identifying human blood cells harboring CRISPR-mediated fetal chromatin domain ablations
Authors: Li Yi , Zaheri Shadi , Nguyen Khai , Liu Li , Hassanipour Fatemeh , Pace Betty S. , Bleris Leonidas
Published: January 2022

Two common hemoglobinopathies, sickle cell disease (SCD) and β-thalassemia, arise from genetic mutations within the β-globin gene. In this work, we identified a 500-bp motif (Fetal Chromatin Domain, FCD) upstream of human ϒ-globin locus and showed that the removal of this motif using CRISPR technology reactivates the expression of ϒ-globin. Next, we present two different cell morphology-based machine learning approaches that can be used identify human blood cells (KU-812) that harbor CRISPR-mediated FCD genetic modifications. Three candidate models from the first approach, which uses multilayer perceptron algorithm (MLP 20-26, MLP26-18, and MLP 30-26) and flow cytometry-derived cellular data, yielded 0.83 precision, 0.80 recall, 0.82 accuracy, and 0.90 area under the ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve when predicting the edited cells. In comparison, the candidate model from the second approach, which uses deep learning (T2D5) and DIC microscopy-derived imaging data, performed with less accuracy (0.80) and ROC AUC (0.87). We envision that equivalent machine learning-based models can complement currently available genotyping protocols for specific genetic modifications which result in morphological changes in human cells.
Simultaneous measurement of two biological signals using a multi-layered polyvinylidene fluoride sensor
Authors: Manh Long-Nguyen , Li Jinghua , Kweon Hyunkyu , Chae Younghun
Published: January 2022

Cardiovascular and deep breathing diseases can be detected by measuring human signals such as heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure, which are important physiological parameters for accessing the state of the body. However, conventionally, heart and respiration rates are monitored using different sensors, which is cumbersome and can further increase the psychological burden on patients. To address these issues, this report proposes a sensor consisting of two stacked elements that can simultaneously measure heart and respiration rates. The two signals received can be expressed separately as heart and respiration rates after signal processing. The two stacked elements are composed of polyvinylidene fluoride thin film bonded to a polydimethylsiloxane substrate. One element (element 1) measures movement related to the heart, and the other (element 2) measures movement related to breathing. Elements 1 and 2 were experimentally observed to have sensitivities of 0.163 V/N and 0.209 V/N, respectively. In addition, the proposed system was compared with a commercial digital heart rate and respiration rate measurement instrument and was verified to be effective for simultaneous measurement of human vital signals with multiple sensors. In addition, the proposed system is flexible, lightweight, and inexpensive, making it convenient and economical.
High expression of tight junction protein 1 as a predictive biomarker for bladder cancer grade and staging
Authors: Lee Yi-Chen , Tsai Kuo-Wang , Liao Jia-Bin , Kuo Wei-Ting , Chang Yu-Chan , Yang Yi-Fang
Published: January 2022

Tight junction proteins 1–3 (TJP1–3) are components of tight junctions that can link transmembrane proteins to the actin cytoskeleton, and their incidence directly correlates to metastasis. However, the role of the TJP family in bladder cancer has not been adequately evaluated. In this study, we evaluated the genetic changes, mRNA and protein expressions of the target genes of the TJP family in bladder cancer patients using online database and immunohistochemistry, respectively. We found that TJP1 was amplified in bladder cancer tissue and that the protein expression levels were significantly associated with age (p = 0.03), grade (p = 0.007), and stage (p = 0.011). We also examined the correlation between TJP1 and other high-frequency mutation genes using TIMER. TJP1 mRNA levels were positively correlated with TTN and RYR3 mRNA levels in bladder cancer tissue. Taken together, TJP1 expression is associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with bladder cancer and can be a useful predictive biomarker for bladder cancer staging.
Remote ortho-C–H functionalization via medium-sized cyclopalladation
Authors: Mingo Mario Martínez , Rodríguez Nuria , Arrayás Ramón Gómez , Carretero Juan C.
Published: January 2022

Remote ortho-C–H bond activation via seven- or eight-membered metalacycles is particularly challenging and remains rare. This highlight provides an overview of recent advances using palladium catalysis, with an emphasis on mechanistic details.
An indole-based fluorescent chemosensor targeting the autophagosome
Authors: Park Sun Young , Kim Kyutae , Cho Dong-Hyung , Jo Eun-Young , Kang Chulhun , Lee Min Hee
Published: January 2022

An indole-based fluorescent chemosensor was developed for the selective imaging of autophagosomes in live cells. It appears as puncta in the fluorescence confocal images and co-localizes with autophagosomes.
Organic radical reactions confined to containers in supramolecular systems
Authors: Wang Rui , Rebek Julius , Yu Yang
Published: January 2022

Organic radical transformations confined to containers in supramolecular systems are highlighted.
Revisiting the roles of salinity, temperature and water activity in phase selection during calcium sulfate precipitation
Authors: Reigl Selina , Van Driessche Alexander E. S. , Mehringer Johannes , Koltzenburg Sebastian , Kunz Werner , Kellermeier Matthias
Published: January 2022

Phase selection during precipitation of calcium sulfate is known to be influenced by various parameters. Here we demonstrate that the relative level of supersaturation determines whether more or less hydrated crystalline phases are formed.
Realization of 18.97% theoretical efficiency of 0.9 μm thick c-Si/ZnO heterojunction ultrathin-film solar cells via surface plasmon resonance enhancement
Authors: Zhao Fei , Lin Jiangchuan , Lei Zhenhua , Yi Zao , Qin Feng , Zhang Jianguo , Liu Li , Wu Xianwen , Yang Wenxing , Wu Pinghui
Published: January 2022

We propose an ultrathin-film c-silicon (silicon is 0.9 μm)/ZnO heterojunctions solar cells. It has been found that the average absorption in the wavelength range from 300 to 1400 nm reaches 93.16%. The short circuit current density (Jsc) reached 41.94 mA cm−2. The efficiency of the solar cell reaches 18.97%.
Metal-nanocluster science and technology: my personal history and outlook
Authors: Negishi Yuichi
Published: January 2022

This personal account describes my motivation for each previous subject on metal nanoclusters, what type of research I want to perform, and how I consider the outlook of the field.
Accelerated automated screening of viscous graphene suspensions with various surfactants for optimal electrical conductivity
Authors: Bash Daniil , Chenardy Frederick Hubert , Ren Zekun , Cheng Jayce J , Buonassisi Tonio , Oliveira Ricardo , Kumar Jatin N , Hippalgaonkar Kedar
Published: January 2022

We robotically produce 288, full-factorial sampled, unique graphene-based drop-casted films, perform automated computer-vision detection followed by thickness and electrical conductivity measurements minimizing human time to ∼17% of the workflow.
High performance gas diffusion layers with added deterministic structures
Authors: Csoklich Christoph , Schmidt Thomas J. , Büchi Felix N.
Published: January 2022

Gas diffusion layers with added deterministic structures direct water and enhance gas transport, improving fuel cell performance by up to 20%.