bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 20-core copper(i) nanocluster as electron–hole recombination inhibitor on TiO2 nanosheets for enhancing photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Cao Yun-Dong , Hao Hui-Ping , Liu Hua-Shi , Yin Di , Wang Ming-Liang , Gao Guang-Gang , Fan Lin-Lin , Liu Hong
Published: September 2021

An atomic-precise 20-core copper(i)-alkynyl nanocluster has been synthesized. The cluster can be uniformly modified on the surface of TiO2-NS to form the Z-scheme heterostructures, thus promoting the photocatalytic HER performance.
Coordination-directed self-assembly of molecular motors: towards a two-wheel drive nanocar
Authors: Li Menglian , Li Shaorui , Zhang Kexin , Chi Xin , Zhou Hang , Xu Hai-Bing , Zhang Yuexing , Li Quan , Wang Dong , Zeng Ming-Hua
Published: September 2021

A visible light driven and chemical responsive nanocar was facilely prepared via the coordination-directed assembly of AgI and molecular motors.
Heterologous expression of a single fungal HR-PKS leads to the formation of diverse 2-alkenyl-tetrahydropyrans in model fungi
Authors: Lyu Hai-Ning , Zhang Jinyu , Zhou Shuang , Liu Hong-Wei , Zhuang Wen-Ying , Li Shu-Ming , Yin Wen-Bing
Published: September 2021

We present the first example that a single fungal HR-PKS could synthesize multiple complicated compounds.
Rational design of cell active C2-modified DGJ analogues for the inhibition of human α-galactosidase A (GALA)
Authors: Ashmus Roger A. , Wang Yang , González-Cuesta Manuel , King Dustin T. , Tiet Ben , Gilormini Pierre-André , García Fernández José M. , Ortiz Mellet Carmen , Britton Robert , Vocadlo David J.
Published: September 2021

A selective inhibitor of GALA reduces Gb3 levels by over half within Fabry disease patient fibroblasts.
Unlocking the potential of furan-based poly(ester amide)s: an investigation of crystallization, molecular dynamics and degradation kinetics of novel poly(ester amide)s based on renewable poly(propylene furanoate)
Authors: Papadopoulos Lazaros , Klonos Panagiotis A. , Kluge Marcel , Zamboulis Alexandra , Terzopoulou Zoi , Kourtidou Dimitra , Magaziotis Andreas , Chrissafis Konstantinos , Kyritsis Apostolos , Bikiaris Dimitrios N. , Robert Tobias
Published: September 2021

In this work, novel polyester amides (PEAs) based on renewable poly(propylene furanoate) (PPF) were prepared via traditional melt polycondensation utilizing a preformed symmetric amido diol (AD) containing two internal amide bonds.
Direct synthesis via RAFT of amphiphilic diblock polyelectrolytes facilitated by the use of a polymerizable ionic liquid as a monomer
Authors: Guzik Aleksander , Raffa Patrizio
Published: September 2021

A novel method to prepare amphiphilic block polyelectrolytes with a strongly hydrophobic block under homogeneous conditions is presented here.
ATRP-based synthesis of a pH-sensitive amphiphilic block polymer and its self-assembled micelles with hollow mesoporous silica as DOX carriers for controlled drug release
Authors: Qi Xiuxiu , Yan Hongmei , Li Yingxue
Published: September 2021

A pH-sensitive core–shell nanoparticle (HMS@C18@PSDMA-b-POEGMA) was developed via a self-assembly process as the carrier of anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) for drug loading and controlled release.
The sustainable cycle of a new cacao-based bioplastic: from manufacturing to exploitable biodegradation products
Authors: Almeida Allan Calmont de Andrade , Pontes João Guilherme de Moraes , Alvarenga Gabriel Rodrigues , Finocchio Henrique , Fill Taicia Pacheco
Published: September 2021

The exponential growth of plastic consumption in the last decade became a large economic and ecological issue; therefore, strategies have been used to mitigate the environmental impacts, including the manufacture of biodegradable bio-based plastics.
Activator free diastereoselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition: a quick access to coumarin based spiro multi heterocyclic adducts
Authors: Thadem Nagender , Rajesh Manda , Das Saibal
Published: September 2021

A formal diastereoselective decarboxylative 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylide and coumarins is achieved for the synthesis of spiro multi heterocyclic adducts without engaging any catalyst or activator in good yields.
Investigating conjugated polymer nanoparticle formulations for lateral flow immunoassays
Authors: Schüller Moritz , Meister Annette , Green Mark , Dailey Lea Ann
Published: September 2021

Conjugated polymer nanoparticles are sensitive signal transducers in lateral flow immunoassays.
Aminomalononitrile inspired prebiotic chemistry as a novel multicomponent tool for the synthesis of imidazole and purine derivatives with anti-influenza A virus activity
Authors: Bizzarri Bruno Mattia , Fanelli Angelica , Botta Lorenzo , De Angelis Marta , Palamara Anna Teresa , Nencioni Lucia , Saladino Raffaele
Published: September 2021

Amino imidazole carbonitrile derivatives decorated with α-amino acid side-chains have been synthesized by a multicomponent microwave assisted reaction inspired by the prebiotic chemistry of aminomalononitrile for generating high chemical diversity.
Validation of an insertion-engineered isoprene synthase as a strategy to functionalize terpene synthases
Authors: Gonzalez-Esquer C. Raul , Ferlez Bryan , Weraduwage Sarathi M. , Kirst Henning , Lantz Alexandra T. , Turmo Aiko , Sharkey Thomas D. , Kerfeld Cheryl A.
Published: September 2021

“Insertion-engineering” approach allows for the modification of αβ terpene synthases.
Recent progress and future challenges in the supramolecular polymerization of metal-containing monomers
Authors: Bäumer Nils , Matern Jonas , Fernández Gustavo
Published: September 2021

In this perspective article, we highlight recent significant advances in the self-assembly of metal-containing monomers and discuss their implications for future research.
Strong anisotropic hydrogels with ion transport capability via reswelling contrast of two oriented polymer networks
Authors: Cui Wei , Pi Menghan , Zhu Ruijie , Xiong Zetao , Ran Rong
Published: September 2021

The reswelling disparity of two polymer components with contrasting persistence lengths leads to the formation of anisotropic hydrogels with soft/stiff hybridized structures, resulting in high mechanical strength and ion transport capability.
Facile fabrication of degradable polyurethane thermosets with high mechanical strength and toughness via the cross-linking of triple boron–urethane bonds
Authors: Bao Chunyang , Zhang Xuhao , Yu Pengdong , Li Qingzhong , Qin Yusheng , Xin Zhirong
Published: September 2021

Polyurethane thermosets with ultrahigh mechanical strength and toughness are fabricated by cross-linking isocyanate-terminated PU prepolymers with boric acids. The poly(boron-urethanes) can fully degrade into linear PU oligomers under acid solution.
ROS-sensitive micelles for controlled delivery of antibiotics to combat intracellular Staphylococcus aureus-associated infections
Authors: Qiao Jing , Cui Shuolin , Xiong May P.
Published: September 2021

Bacteria can evade the immune system once they are engulfed by phagocytic host cells.
Correction: Electrochemical gating enhances nearfield trapping of single metalloprotein junctions
Authors: Aragonès Albert C. , Domke Katrin F.
Published: September 2021

Correction for ‘Electrochemical gating enhances nearfield trapping of single metalloprotein junctions’ by Albert C. Aragonès et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d1tc01535d.
LRRK2 along the Golgi and lysosome connection: a jamming situation
Authors: Piccoli Giovanni , Volta Mattia
Published: September 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder, clinically characterized by bradykinesia, rigidity, and resting tremor. Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a large, multidomain protein containing two enzymatic domains. Missense mutations in its coding sequence are amongst the most common causes of familial PD. The physiological and pathological impact of LRRK2 is still obscure, but accumulating evidence supports a role for LRRK2 in membrane and vesicle trafficking, mainly functioning in the endosome-recycling system, (synaptic) vesicle trafficking, autophagy, and lysosome biology. LRRK2 binds and phosphorylates key regulators of the endomembrane systems and is dynamically localized at the Golgi. The impact of LRRK2 on the Golgi may reverberate throughout the entire endomembrane system and occur in multiple intersecting pathways, including endocytosis, autophagy, and lysosomal function. This would lead to overall dysregulation of cellular homeostasis and protein catabolism, leading to neuronal dysfunction and accumulation of toxic protein species, thus underlying the possible neurotoxic effect of LRRK2 mutations causing PD.
Studying bacterial chemosensory array with CryoEM
Authors: Qin Zhuan , Zhang Peijun
Published: September 2021

Bacteria direct their movement in respond to gradients of nutrients and other stimuli in the environment through the chemosensory system. The behavior is mediated by chemosensory arrays that are made up of thousands of proteins to form an organized array near the cell pole. In this review, we briefly introduce the architecture and function of the chemosensory array and its core signaling unit. We describe the in vivo and in vitro systems that have been used for structural studies of chemosensory array by cryoEM, including reconstituted lipid nanodiscs, 2D lipid monolayer arrays, lysed bacterial ghosts, bacterial minicells and native bacteria cells. Lastly, we review recent advances in structural analysis of chemosensory arrays using state-of-the-art cryoEM and cryoET methodologies, focusing on the latest developments and insights with a perspective on current challenges and future directions.
Mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle cell investment and phenotypic diversification in vascular diseases
Authors: Worssam Matthew D. , Jørgensen Helle F.
Published: September 2021

In contrast with the heart, the adult mammalian vasculature retains significant remodelling capacity, dysregulation of which is implicated in disease development. In particular, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play major roles in the pathological vascular remodelling characteristic of atherosclerosis, restenosis, aneurysm and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Clonal lineage tracing revealed that the VSMC-contribution to disease results from the hyperproliferation of few pre-existing medial cells and suggested that VSMC-derived cells from the same clone can adopt diverse phenotypes. Studies harnessing the powerful combination of lineage tracing and single-cell transcriptomics have delineated the substantial diversity of VSMC-derived cells in vascular lesions, which are proposed to have both beneficial and detrimental effects on disease severity. Computational analyses further suggest that the pathway from contractile VSMCs in healthy arteries to phenotypically distinct lesional cells consists of multiple, potentially regulatable, steps. A better understanding of how individual steps are controlled could reveal effective therapeutic strategies to minimise VSMC functions that drive pathology whilst maintaining or enhancing their beneficial roles. Here we review current knowledge of VSMC plasticity and highlight important questions that should be addressed to understand how specific stages of VSMC investment and phenotypic diversification are controlled. Implications for developing therapeutic strategies in pathological vascular remodelling are discussed and we explore how cutting-edge approaches could be used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying VSMC regulation.
Single-molecule mRNA and translation imaging in neurons
Authors: Mitchell Jessica , Chao Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2021

Memory-relevant neuronal plasticity is believed to require local translation of new proteins at synapses. Understanding this process has necessitated the development of tools to visualize mRNA within relevant neuronal compartments. In this review, we summarize the technical developments that now enable mRNA transcripts and their translation to be visualized at single-molecule resolution in both fixed and live cells. These tools include single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) to visualize mRNA in fixed cells, MS2/PP7 labelling for live mRNA imaging and SunTag labelling to observe the emergence of nascent polypeptides from a single translating mRNA. The application of these tools in cultured neurons and more recently in whole brains promises to revolutionize our understanding of local translation in the neuronal plasticity that underlies behavioural change.
Regulation of retrotransposition in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lee Seung Cho , Martienssen Robert A.
Published: September 2021

Plant genomes are largely comprised of retrotransposons which can replicate through ‘copy and paste' mechanisms. Long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons are the major class of retrotransposons in plant species, and importantly they broadly affect the expression of nearby genes. Although most LTR retrotransposons are non-functional, active retrotranspositions have been reported in plant species or mutants under normal growth condition and environmental stresses. With the well-defined reference genome and numerous mutant alleles, Arabidopsis studies have significantly expanded our understanding of retrotransposon regulation. Active LTR retrotransposon loci produce virus-like particles to perform reverse transcription, and their complementary DNA can be inserted into new genomic loci. Due to the detrimental consequences of retrotransposition, plants like animals, have developed transcriptional and post-transcriptional silencing mechanisms. Recently several different genome-wide techniques have been developed to understand LTR retrotransposition in Arabidopsis and different plant species. Transposome, methylome, transcriptome, translatome and small RNA sequencing data have revealed how host silencing mechanisms can affect multiple steps of retrotransposition. These recent advances shed light on future mechanistic studies of retrotransposition as well as retrotransposon diversity.
Correlative nanophotonic approaches to enlighten the nanoscale dynamics of living cell membranes
Authors: Winkler Pamina M. , García-Parajo María F.
Published: September 2021

Dynamic compartmentalization is a prevailing principle regulating the spatiotemporal organization of the living cell membrane from the nano- up to the mesoscale. This non-arbitrary organization is intricately linked to cell function. On living cell membranes, dynamic domains or ‘membrane rafts' enriched with cholesterol, sphingolipids and other certain proteins exist at the nanoscale serving as signaling and sorting platforms. Moreover, it has been postulated that other local organizers of the cell membrane such as intrinsic protein interactions, the extracellular matrix and/or the actin cytoskeleton synergize with rafts to provide spatiotemporal hierarchy to the membrane. Elucidating the intricate coupling of multiple spatial and temporal scales requires the application of correlative techniques, with a particular need for simultaneous nanometer spatial precision and microsecond temporal resolution. Here, we review novel fluorescence-based techniques that readily allow to decode nanoscale membrane dynamics with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution and single-molecule sensitivity. We particularly focus on correlative approaches from the field of nanophotonics. Notably, we introduce a versatile planar nanoantenna platform combined with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to study spatiotemporal heterogeneities on living cell membranes at the nano- up to the mesoscale. Finally, we outline remaining future technological challenges and comment on potential directions to advance our understanding of cell membrane dynamics under the influence of the actin cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix in uttermost detail.
Solar Orbiter observations of the Kelvin-Helmholtz waves in the solar wind
Authors: Kieokaew R. , Lavraud B. , Yang Y. , Matthaeus W. H. , Ruffolo D. , Stawarz J. E. , Aizawa S. , Foullon C. , Génot V. , Pinto R. F. , Fargette N. , Louarn P. , Rouillard A. , Fedorov A. , Penou E. , Owen C. J. , Horbury T. S. , O’Brien H. , Evans V. , Angelini V.
Published: September 2021

Context.The Kelvin-HeImholtz (KH) instability is a nonlinear shear-driven instability that develops at the interface between shear flows in plasmas. KH waves have been inferred in various astrophysical plasmas, and have been observed in situ at the magnetospheric boundaries of solar-system planets and through remote sensing at the boundaries of coronal mass ejections.

Aims.KH waves are also expected to develop at flow shear interfaces in the solar wind. While they were hypothesized to play an important role in the mixing of plasmas and in triggering solar wind fluctuations, their direct and unambiguous observation in the solar wind was still lacking.

Methods.We report in situ observations of quasi-periodic magnetic and velocity field variations plausibly associated with KH waves using Solar Orbiter during its cruise phase. They are found in a shear layer in the slow solar wind in the close vicinity of the heliospheric current sheet. An analysis was performed to derive the local configuration of the waves. A 2D magnetohydrodynamics simulation was also set up with approximate empirical values to test the stability of the shear layer. In addition, magnetic spectra of the event were analyzed.

Results.We find that the observed conditions satisfy the KH instability onset criterion from the linear theory analysis, and its development is further confirmed by the simulation. The current sheet geometry analyses are found to be consistent with KH wave development, albeit with some limitations likely owing to the complex 3D nature of the event and solar wind propagation. Additionally, we report observations of an ion jet consistent with magnetic reconnection at a compressed current sheet within the KH wave interval. The KH activity is found to excite magnetic and velocity fluctuations with power law scalings that approximately followk−5/3andk−2.8in the inertial and dissipation ranges, respectively. Finally, we discuss reasons for the lack of in situ KH wave detection in past data.

Conclusions.These observations provide robust evidence of KH wave development in the solar wind. This sheds new light on the process of shear-driven turbulence as mediated by the KH waves with implications for the driving of solar wind fluctuations.
The contribution by luminous blue variable stars to the dust content of the Magellanic Clouds
Authors: Agliozzo C. , Phillips N. , Mehner A. , Baade D. , Scicluna P. , Kemper F. , Asmus D. , de Wit W.-J. , Pignata G.
Published: September 2021

Context. Previous studies have concluded that low- and intermediate-mass stars cannot account for the interstellar dust yield in the Magellanic Clouds inferred from far-infrared and sub-millimetre observations.

Aims. Luminous blue variable stars (LBVs) form dust as a result of episodic, violent mass loss. To investigate their contribution as dust producers in the Magellanic Clouds, we analyse 31 confirmed and candidate LBVs from a recent census.

Methods. We built a maximally complete multi-wavelength dataset of these sources from archival space telescope images and catalogues from near-infrared to millimetre wavelengths. We also present new Very Large Telescope VISIR observations of three sources in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). We review the LBV classification on the basis of the infrared spectral energy distribution. To derive characteristic dust parameters, we fitted the photometry resulting from a stacking analysis, which consists of co-adding images of the same wavelength band of several targets to improve the signal-to-noise. For comparison we also stacked the images of low- and intermediate-mass evolved stars in the LMC.

Results. We find four classes of sources: (1) LBVs showing mid-infrared dust emission plus near-infrared free-free emission from an ionised stellar wind (Class 1a) or only mid-infrared dust emission (Class 1b); (2) LBVs with a near-infrared excess due to free-free emission only (Class 2); (3) objects with an sgB[e] classification in the literature, displaying a distinctive hot dust component; and (4) objects with no detected stellar winds and no circumstellar matter in their SEDs. From the stacking analysis of the 18 Class 1 and 2 objects in the LMC, we derived an integrated dust mass of 0.11−0.03+0.06 M⊙. This is two orders of magnitude larger than the value inferred from stacking 1342 extreme-asymptotic giant branch stars. The dust mass of individual LBVs does not correlate with the stellar parameters, possibly suggesting that the dust production mechanism is independent of the initial stellar mass or that the stars have different evolutionary histories. The total dust yield from LBVs over the age of the LMC is ∼104 − 105 M⊙. The one order of magnitude uncertainty is mainly due to uncertainties of the LBV population, star formation history, and initial mass function.

Conclusions. LBVs are potentially the second most important source of dust in normal galaxies. The role of dust destruction in LBV nebulae by a possible subsequent supernova (SN) blast wave has yet to be determined. Recent theoretical developments in the field of dust processing by SN shocks highlight the potential survival of dust grains from the pre-existing circumstellar nebula.
Geometry versus growth
Authors: Ruiz-Zapatero Jaime , Stölzner Benjamin , Joachimi Benjamin , Asgari Marika , Bilicki Maciej , Dvornik Andrej , Giblin Benjamin , Heymans Catherine , Hildebrandt Hendrik , Kannawadi Arun , Kuijken Konrad , Tröster Tilman , van den Busch Jan Luca , Wright Angus H.
Published: September 2021

We carry out a multi-probe self-consistency test of the flat Lambda Cold Dark Matter (ΛCDM) model with the aim of exploring potential causes of the reported tensions between high- and low-redshift cosmological observations. We divide the model into two theory regimes determined by the smooth background (geometry) and the evolution of matter density fluctuations (growth), each governed by an independent set of ΛCDM cosmological parameters. This extended model is constrained by a combination of weak gravitational lensing measurements from the Kilo-Degree Survey, galaxy clustering signatures extracted from Sloan Digital Sky Survey campaigns and the Six-Degree Field Galaxy Survey, and the angular baryon acoustic scale and the primordial scalar fluctuation power spectrum measured in Planck cosmic microwave background (CMB) data. For both the weak lensing data set individually and the combined probes, we find strong consistency between the geometry and growth parameters, as well as with the posterior of standard ΛCDM analysis. In the non-split analysis, for which one single set of parameters was used, tension in the amplitude of matter density fluctuations as measured by the parameter S8 persists at around 3σ, with a 1.5% constraint of S8 = 0.776−0.008+0.016
for the combined probes. We also observe a less significant preference (at least 2σ) for higher values of the Hubble constant,
H0 = 70.5−1.5+0.7 km s−1 Mpc−1, as well as for lower values of the total matter density parameter Ωm = 0.289−0.005+0.007
compared to the full Planck analysis. Including the subset of the CMB information in the probe combination enhances these differences rather than alleviate them, which we link to the discrepancy between low and high multipoles in Planck data. Our geometry versus growth analysis does not yet yield clear signs regarding whether the origin of the discrepancies lies in ΛCDM structure growth or expansion history but holds promise as an insightful test for forthcoming, more powerful data.
SUPER
Authors: Cicone C. , Mainieri V. , Circosta C. , Kakkad D. , Vietri G. , Perna M. , Bischetti M. , Carniani S. , Cresci G. , Harrison C. , Mannucci F. , Marconi A. , Piconcelli E. , Puglisi A. , Scholtz J. , Vignali C. , Zamorani G. , Zappacosta L. , Arrigoni Battaia F.
Published: September 2021

We present the discovery of copious molecular gas in the halo of cid_346, a z = 2.2 quasar studied as part of the SINFONI survey for Unveiling the Physics and Effect of Radiative feedback (SUPER). New Atacama Compact Array (ACA) CO(3−2) observations detect a much higher flux (by a factor of 14 ± 5) than measured on kiloparsec scales (r ≲ 8 kpc) using previous snapshot Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array data. Such additional CO(3−2) emission traces a structure that extends out to r ∼ 200 kpc in projected size, as inferred through direct imaging and confirmed by an analysis of the uv visibilities. This is the most extended molecular circumgalactic medium (CGM) reservoir that has ever been mapped. It shows complex kinematics, with an overall broad line profile (FWHM = 1000 km s−1) that is skewed towards redshifted velocities up to at least v ∼ 1000 km s−1. Using the optically thin assumption, we estimate a strict lower limit for the total molecular CGM mass observed by ACA of MmolCGM > 1010 M⊙. There is however room for up to MmolCGM ∼ 1.7 × 1012 M⊙, once optically thick CO emission with αCO = 3.6 M⊙ (K km s−1 pc2)−1 and L′CO(3−2)/L′CO(1−0) = 0.5 are assumed. Since cid_346 hosts quasar-driven ionised outflows and since there is no evidence of merging companions or an overdensity, we suggest that outflows may have played a crucial rule in seeding metal-enriched, dense gas on halo scales. However, the origin of such an extended molecular CGM remains unclear.
Influence of process temperature on fatigue crack growth rate of copper in equal channel angular pressing
Authors: Abbasi Kaveh , Vakili-Azghandi Mojtaba , Shirazi Ali
Published: September 2021

The mechanical properties including Vickers hardness, tensile properties and fatigue crack growth rate and also, the microstructure of pure copper severely deformed by the ECAP in different temperatures, were studied in the present work. The equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) is a process applied to make fine grains microstructure. On the other hand, high temperature provides an opportunity for recrystallization of materials and reduces required force for ECAP at the same time. In this paper we have tried to find optimized temperature to perform ECAP effectively and reduce required force. The results indicated that the grains size can reduce from 18.2 to 2.7 µm by ECAP process. This study shows that because of the recrystallization phenomenon and reducing the effect of stress concentration and increasing the number of grain boundaries, the fatigue crack growth rate can decrease significantly. Also, it was found that the major improvement in tensile properties in all the temperature conditions and due to the applied simple shear to the copper, all the ECAPed specimens have demonstrated an enhanced hardness and resistance to fatigue crack growth. Although, these improvements decrease when the temperature increases. Finally, the SEM images of the fatigue fraction sections revealed three areas including, crack initiation, stable crack growth, and final fracture zone. It seems that the final fracture appeared to be a ductile fracture in the ECAP copper sample.
SARS-CoV-2 Infektionen während Reisen mit Bahn und Bus. Ein
systematisches Review epidemiologischer Studien
Authors: Heinrich Joachim , Zhao Tianyu , Quartucci Caroline , Herbig Britta , Nowak Dennis
Published: September 2021

Ziel Das Ziel dieses Reviews ist es, epidemiologische Studien zum
Ansteckungsrisiko mit SARS-CoV-2 bei Reisen mit Bahn und Bus zu identifizieren
und kritisch auch im Hinblick auf die Übertragbarkeit für
Deutschland zu bewerten.

Methodik Systematisches Review basierend auf der Suche in zwei
elektronischen Datenbanken (PubMed, Web of Science) nach dem Prinzip der
„Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and
Meta-analysis“ (PRISMA) nach epidemiologischen Studien zu SARS-CoV-2
bzw. COVID-19 und Reisen mit der Bahn oder im Bus.

Ergebnisse Die Suche in den beiden elektronischen Datenbanken lieferte 746
Publikationen. Davon erfüllten 55 die Auswahlkriterien und wurden in die
Volltextrecherche einbezogen. Schließlich konnten 5
Originalpublikationen zur Beantwortung der Frage nach SARS-CoV-2-Infektionen im
Zusammenhang mit Fernreisen per Bahn und 4 mit Bezug auf Busreisen herangezogen
werden. Die Studien sind sehr heterogen und beziehen sich fast
ausschließlich auf Fernreisen in China. Sie zeigen konsistent ein
Ansteckungsrisiko, wenn infizierte Personen im gleichen Waggon oder Bus ohne
Mund-Nasen Bedeckung (MNB) mitreisen. Das Risiko ist dabei nicht
beschränkt auf jene Reisenden, die in unmittelbarer Nähe zu dem
infizierten Mitreisenden sitzen. Trotz aller Unterschiede zwischen Reisen mit
Bahn und Bus in China und Deutschland besteht kein grundsätzlicher
Zweifel daran, dass die berichteten Ergebnisse aus China in qualitativer
Hinsicht auch auf Deutschland zu übertragen sind. Allerdings muss
berücksichtigt werden, dass die Ergebnisse der drei
Schlüsselpublikationen überwiegend die Zeit vor dem Lockdown in
China ohne die strikte Verwendung von MNB einschlossen. Somit bleibt die Frage,
ob die Ergebnisse unter den gegenwärtigen Bedingungen mit MNB und
virulenteren Virusmutationen ähnlich wären. Es wurde keine
einzige Studie im Zusammenhang mit der Infektion bei Nutzung des
öffentlichen Personennahverkehrs gefunden.

Schlussfolgerungen Es gibt verschiedene Hinweise dafür, dass
Reisen mit der Bahn mit einem deutlich niedrigeren Infektionsrisiko verbunden
ist im Vergleich zum Ansteckungsrisiko im häuslichen Umfeld. Wegen
fehlender Beobachtungsdaten wird man das Infektionsrisiko bei Fernreisen mit Bus
und bei Nutzung des öffentlichen Personennahverkehrs auf der Grundlage
des Luftaustausches im Fahrgastinnenraum, der Reisedauer, des Abstandes zu
anderen Fahrgästen und letztendlich der Fahrgastdichte modellhaft
abschätzen müssen.
Climate Change and Obesity
Authors: Koch Christian A. , Sharda Pankaj , Patel Jay , Gubbi Sriram , Bansal Rashika , Bartel Michael J.
Published: September 2021

Global warming and the rising prevalence of obesity are well described challenges
of current mankind. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic arose as a new
challenge. We here attempt to delineate their relationship with each other from
our perspective. Global greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil
fuels have exponentially increased since 1950. The main contributors to such
greenhouse gas emissions are manufacturing and construction, transport,
residential, commercial, agriculture, and land use change and forestry, combined
with an increasing global population growth from 1 billion in 1800 to 7.8
billion in 2020 along with rising obesity rates since the 1980s. The current
Covid-19 pandemic has caused some decline in greenhouse gas emissions by
limiting mobility globally via repetitive lockdowns. Following multiple
lockdowns, there was further increase in obesity in wealthier populations,
malnutrition from hunger in poor populations and death from severe infection
with Covid-19 and its virus variants. There is a bidirectional relationship
between adiposity and global warming. With rising atmospheric air temperatures,
people typically will have less adaptive thermogenesis and become less
physically active, while they are producing a higher carbon footprint. To reduce
obesity rates, one should be willing to learn more about the environmental
impact, how to minimize consumption of energy generating carbon dioxide and
other greenhouse gas emissions, and to reduce food waste. Diets lower in meat
such as a Mediterranean diet, have been estimated to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by 72%, land use by 58%, and energy consumption by
52%.
Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Insulin Levels and Insulin Resistance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Li Yan , Xu Zhenbin
Published: September 2021

Insulin resistance (IR) is a pivotal process in various metabolic diseases. The well-known treatment is lifestyle modification and medication therapy, which may result in poor compliance and side effects. Melatonin has been suggested to have a role in glucose metabolism, yet the results across studies have been inconsistent. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to evaluate the effects of melatonin supplementation on insulin levels and IR. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov, and identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published prior to August 2020. Articles were reviewed, selected and extracted by two reviewers independently. In total, 8 RCTs of 376 participants were included. Data were pooled using a random-effects model, with mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Our results showed that melatonin administration significantly reduced insulin levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI). We conclude that melatonin ameliorated hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and insulin sensitivity, and the results are an update of a previous meta-analysis. Although more investigations are required, we clearly provide evidence for the use of melatonin as an adjuvant treatment for metabolic disorders involving IR.
Comparative Profiling of Salivary Cortisol and Salivary DHEA-S Among
Healthy Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women
Authors: Sundararajan Aarthi , Vora Kranti , Saiyed Shahin , Natesan Senthilkumar
Published: September 2021

During pregnancy, circulatory cortisol levels increase, remaining steady over the
second-third trimester. In contrast, profile of salivary cortisol during
pregnancy is debatable, more influenced by factors like time of sample
collection in the day. Circulatory DHEA-S decrease by at least 50% over
the second-third trimester of pregnancy. However, profile of salivary DHEA-S is
unclear. Objective was to determine changes in salivary cortisol and DHEA-S in
healthy pregnant women, compared to non-pregnant women during late morning-early
afternoon sampling to avoid fluctuations associated with other times. Pregnant
women in their second-third trimester prospectively (n=500) and
non-pregnant women (n=133) were enrolled in study with informed consent.
Live birth outcome with no pregnancy complications and≥2.5 Kg
infant birth weight were included. Concentrations of salivary cortisol and
DHEA-S were determined through ELISA assays. Compared to non-pregnant women,
pregnant women demonstrated significant increases in salivary cortisol [median
(interquartile range)=4.2 (5.1) nmol/l vs. 17.2 (13.9)
nmol/l, p<0.001] and salivary DHEA-S median (interquartile
range)=2.7 (2.9) nmol/l vs. 3.8 (3.2) nmol/l,
p<0.001). Consistently, quartile scores representing higher levels of
salivary cortisol and DHEA-S concentrations demonstrated significant association
with pregnancy. Quartile scores representing higher salivary
cortisol/DHEA-S ratio demonstrated significant association with
pregnancy. Study suggests the indicated time range of saliva sampling might best
parallel the established profile of circulatory cortisol in pregnant women.
However, unlike cortisol, study indicates that the salivary DHEA-S profile is
distinct from the well-known profile of circulatory DHEA-S during pregnancy. A
combinatorial approach involving both salivary and circulatory compartments
could provide comprehensive picture of DHEA-S and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal
axis during pregnancy.
Metastatic Risk Profile of Microscopic Lymphatic and Venous Invasion
in Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Machens Andreas , Lorenz Kerstin , Weber Frank , Dralle Henning
Published: September 2021

The metastatic risk profile of microscopic lymphatic and venous invasion in
medullary thyroid cancer is ill-defined. This evidence gap calls for evaluation
of the suitability of microscopic lymphatic and venous invasion at thyroidectomy
for prediction of lymph node and distant metastases in medullary thyroid cancer.
In this study of 484 patients with medullary thyroid cancer who had≥5
lymph nodes removed at initial thyroidectomy, microscopic lymphatic and venous
invasion were significantly associated with greater primary tumor size (27.6 vs.
14.5 mm, and 30.8 vs. 16.2 mm) and more frequent lymph node
metastasis (97.0 vs. 25.9%, and 85.2 vs. 39.5%) and distant
metastasis (25.0 vs. 5.1%, and 32.8 vs. 7.3%). Prediction of
lymph node metastases by microscopic lymphatic invasion was better than
prediction of distant metastases by microscopic venous invasion regarding
sensitivity (97.0 vs. 32.8%) and positive predictive value (58.4 vs.
39.2%); comparable regarding negative predictive value (98.5 vs.
90.5%) and accuracy (80.4 vs. 85.1%); and worse regarding
specificity (74.1 vs. 92.7%). On multivariable logistic regression,
microscopic lymphatic invasion predicted lymph node metastasis better (odds
ratio [OR] 65.6) than primary tumor size (OR 4.6 for
tumors>40 mm and OR 2.7 for tumors 21–40 mm,
relative to tumors≤20 mm), whereas primary tumor size was better
in predicting distant metastasis (OR 8.3 for tumors>40 mm and OR
3.9 for tumors 21–40 mm, relative to
tumors≤20 mm) than microscopic venous invasion (OR 3.2). These
data show that lymphatic invasion predicts lymph node metastases better in
medullary thyroid cancer than venous invasion heralds distant metastases.
Downregulation of miR-519d-3p is Associated with Poor Outcomes and
Facilitates Tumor Progression in Papillary Thyroid Cancer by Regulating
FOXQ1
Authors: Li Pihong , Pan Xiaoyu , Zheng Zhouci , Sun Yihan , Han Yifan , Dong Jianda , Lu Mingdong
Published: September 2021

MicroRNA-519d-3p (miR-519d-3p) has emerged as a tumor suppressor in several human
cancers. But whether miR-519d-3p is involved in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC)
remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the potential relevance of
miR-miR-519d-3p in PTC. A retrospective study of 119 PTCs was carried out. The
RT-qPCR analysis was used to measure the expression of miR-519d-3p and FOXQ1 in
PTC tissues and cells. Chi-square test, Kaplan–Meier curve analysis, and
multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the clinical and
prognostic value of miR-519d-3p in PTC. Then cellular experiments were used to
explore its biological effects on PTC cells. Finally, the Pearson correlation
coefficient, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and rescue experiments were used to
analyze the association between miR-519d-3p and FOXQ1. miR-519d-3p was
significantly downregulated in PTC tissues and cell lines. The decreased
expression of miR-519d-3p was associated with reduced overall survival and
progression-free survival of patients. The proliferative, migratory, and
invasive abilities of cells were blocked or elevated after upregulation or
downregulation of miR-519d-3p, while FOXQ1 reversed these cellular behaviors
caused after upregulation or knockdown of miR-519d-3p. In conclusion,
miR-519d-3p was downregulated in PTC and associated with OS and PFS of patients.
MiR-519d-3p may be a tumor-inhibiting miRNA in PTC, and that
miR-519d-3p/FOXQ1 axis mediated PTC tumor progression from cell
proliferation, migration, and invasion in PTC cells.
The endoscopic ultrasound features of pancreatic fluid collections and their impact on therapeutic decisions: an interobserver agreement study
Authors: Fabbri Carlo , Baron Todd H. , Gibiino Giulia , Arcidiacono Paolo Giorgio , Binda Cecilia , Anderloni Andrea , Rizzatti Gianenrico , Pérez-Miranda Manuel , Lisotti Andrea , Correale Loredana , Gornals Joan B. , Tarantino Ilaria , Petrone Maria Chiara , Cecinato Paolo , Fusaroli Pietro , Larghi Alberto
Published: September 2021

Background A validated classification of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) morphological characteristics and consequent therapeutic intervention(s) in pancreatic and peripancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) is lacking. We performed an interobserver agreement study among expert endosonographers assessing EUS-related PFC features and the therapeutic approaches used.

Methods 50 EUS videos of PFCs were independently reviewed by 12 experts and evaluated for PFC type, percentage solid component, presence of infection, recognition of and communication with the main pancreatic duct (MPD), stent choice for drainage, and direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) performance and timing. The Gwet’s AC1 coefficient was used to assess interobserver agreement.

Results A moderate agreement was found for lesion type (AC1, 0.59), presence of infection (AC1, 0.41), and need for DEN (AC1, 0.50), while fair or poor agreements were stated for percentage solid component (AC1, 0.15) and MPD recognition (AC1, 0.31). Substantial agreement was rated for ability to assess PFC–MPD communication (AC1, 0.69), decision between placing a plastic versus lumen-apposing metal stent (AC1, 0.62), and timing of DEN (AC1, 0.75).

Conclusions Interobserver agreement between expert endosonographers regarding morphological features of PFCs appeared suboptimal, while decisions on therapeutic approaches seemed more homogeneous. Studies to achieve standardization of the diagnostic endosonographic criteria and therapeutic approaches to PFCs are warranted.
Two-parameter localization for eigenfunctions of a Schrödinger operator in balls and spherical shells
Authors: Jia Chen , Zhang Zhimin , Zhao Lewei
Published: September 2021

Here, we investigate the two-parameter high-frequency localization for the eigenfunctions of a Schrödinger operator with a singular inverse square potential in high-dimensional balls and spherical shells as the azimuthal quantum number l and the principal quantum number k tend to infinity simultaneously, while keeping their ratio as a constant, generalizing the classical one-parameter localization for Laplacian eigenfunctions [B.-T. Nguyen and D. S. Grebenkov, SIAM J. Appl. Math. 73, 780–803 (2013)]. We prove that the eigenfunctions in balls are localized around an intermediate sphere whose radius is increasing with respect to the l–k ratio. The eigenfunctions decay exponentially inside the localized sphere and decay polynomially outside. Furthermore, we discover a novel phase transition for the eigenfunctions in spherical shells as the l–k ratio crosses a critical value. In the supercritical case, the eigenfunctions are localized around a sphere between the inner and outer boundaries of the spherical shell. In the critical case, the eigenfunctions are localized around the inner boundary. In the subcritical case, no localization could be observed, giving rise to localization breaking.
Discrete cosine and sine transforms generalized to honeycomb lattice II. Zigzag boundaries
Authors: Hrivnák Jiří , Motlochová Lenka
Published: September 2021

The discrete cosine and sine transforms are generalized to a triangular fragment of the honeycomb lattice with zigzag boundaries. The zigzag honeycomb point sets are constructed by subtracting the weight lattice from the refined root lattice points of the crystallographic root system A2. The two-variable (anti)symmetric orbit functions of the Weyl group of A2, discretized simultaneously on the triangular fragments of the root and weight lattices, induce a novel parametric family of zigzag extended Weyl and Hartley orbit functions. As specific linear combinations of the original orbit functions, the zigzag extended orbit functions retain the Neumann and Dirichlet boundary conditions. Three types of discrete complex Fourier–Weyl transforms and real-valued Hartley–Weyl transforms are detailed. The corresponding unitary transform matrices and interpolating behavior of the discrete transforms are exemplified.
RF sheath induced sputtering on Proto-MPEX. I. Sheath equivalent dielectric layer for modeling the RF sheath
Authors: Beers C. J. , Green D. L. , Lau C. , Myra J. R. , Rapp J. , Younkin T. R. , Zinkle S. J.
Published: September 2021

The pulsed linear plasma device Prototype Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment (Proto-MPEX) uses a radio frequency (RF) helicon antenna with an aluminum nitride ceramic window for plasma production. The RF sheath created under the helicon antenna is sufficient to cause ion impact energies to be greater than the sputtering threshold of the AlN helicon window material and for impurities to be created. Here, we investigate the RF sheath on the inner diameter of the helicon window and its impact on the impurity production rates in Proto-MPEX. Three models—a 3D COMSOL finite element RF model of the Proto-MPEX helicon region, a rectified DC sheath potential model, and the 3D Global Impurity TRansport code—are coupled together to study impurity production and transportation. This novel method of impurity generation and transport modeling spans length scales ranging from the sheath (millimeters or less) up to the full device (meters) and can be applied to other radio frequency sources and antennas in a wide range of plasma physics studies, including basic plasmas, low-temperature processing plasmas, plasma thrusters, and fusion plasmas.
Multiple-gas cooling method for constant-pressure heat capacity measurement of liquid metals using aerodynamic levitator
Authors: Sun Yifan , Muta Hiroaki , Ohishi Yuji
Published: September 2021

Until now, heat capacity measurements performed with levitation techniques have required accurate knowledge of the sample’s emissivity beforehand. For a sample levitated using an aerodynamic levitator, it experiences both radiative and forced convective heat loss. The sample’s emissivity only allows for the calculation of the radiative heat loss term, and a model has yet to be developed to accurately describe the total combined heat loss for aerodynamic levitation (ADL). In this study, we will introduce a novel multiple-gas cooling method for heat capacity measurement for ADL where two types of inert levitation gases (Ar and Kr) with different thermal conductivities were used to generate two cooling curves for the same sample. For samples being cooled at different cooling rates, the total heat loss is the same. The radiative heat loss was expressed using Stefan–Boltzmann’s law, and the convective heat loss using Ranz–Marshall’s equation. The two independent parameters (i.e., emissivity and heat capacity) of one given sample could then be solved using the two independent cooling curves. The heat capacities of gold, copper, nickel, iron, and palladium around the melting point were measured using this method. The multiple-gas cooling method for heat capacity measurement introduced in this study is the first heat capacity measurement method available for ADL and can be performed for materials with unknown emissivity. This newly developed method is important for the study of the thermophysical properties of high-temperature liquids, especially molten oxides with low electrical conductivity.
Piezoelectric effect and polarization switching in Al1−xScxN
Authors: Wang Haochen , Adamski Nicholas , Mu Sai , Van de Walle Chris G.
Published: September 2021

Aluminum nitride is piezoelectric and exhibits spontaneous polarization along the c axis, but the polarization cannot be switched by applying an electric field. Adding Sc to AlN enhances the piezoelectric properties and can make the alloy ferroelectric. We perform a detailed first-principles analysis of spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization. Comparisons between explicit supercell calculations show that the virtual crystal approximation produces accurate results for polarization but falls short in describing the phase stability of the alloy. We relate the behavior of the piezoelectric constant e33 to the microscopic behavior of the internal displacement parameter u, finding that the internal-strain contribution dominates in the Sc-induced enhancement. The value of u increases with scandium concentration, bringing the alloy locally closer to a layered hexagonal structure. Our approach allows us to calculate the ferroelectric switching barrier, which we analyze as a function of Sc concentration and temperature based on the Ginzburg–Landau theory.