bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical modification of betel nut husk prepared by sodium hydroxide for methylene blue adsorption
Authors: Novera Tamanna Mamun , Tabassum Mumtahina , Bardhan Mondira , Islam Md. Azharul , Islam Md. Atikul
Published: April 2021

In recent years, different biomaterials have garnered more research attention due to their usefulness as adsorbents. The present study focuses on a chemical treatment process to improve the adsorption capacity of betel nut husk fibers for a textile effluent (methylene blue). The fibers of chemically modified material were assessed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analyzer to determine the existing surface functional groups and surface area, respectively. Parameters including contact time, dye concentration, temperature, effects of pH and desorption efficiency were also evaluated to identify optimum adsorption performance. Adsorption followed the Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo-first-order kinetics, indicating physisorption was responsible for adsorption and its occurrence on multilayers. Adsorption capacity was 149.921 mg/g, 149.874 mg/g and 145.462 mg/g at 30, 40 and 50, respectively, and was best at 30 °C. ΔH° was found to be − 1.494 which suggests adsorption is exothermic in nature and thus satisfying the findings that the physical process of adsorption took place in this study.
The #orthorexia community on Instagram
Authors: Valente Martina , Renckens Sophie , Bunders-Aelen Joske , Syurina Elena V.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This mixed-methods study delved into the relationship between orthorexia nervosa (ON) and Instagram.

Methods

Two quantitative data sources were used: content analysis of pictures using #orthorexia (n = 3027), and an online questionnaire investigating the experience of ON and the use of Instagram of people sharing ON-related content on Instagram (n = 185). Following, interviews (n = 9) were conducted with people posting ON-related content on Instagram and self-identifying as having (had) ON.

Results

People who share ON-related content on Instagram were found to be primarily young women (questionnaire = 95.2% females, mean age 26.2 years; interviews = 100% females, mean age 28.4 years), who were found to be heavy social media users and favor Instagram over other platforms. Questionnaire respondents agreed in defining ON as an obsession with a diet considered healthy, with bio-psycho-social negative consequences, though those who self-identified as having (had) ON were more likely to point out the negative impairments of ON. Interviewees deemed Instagram partially responsible for the development of ON. Instead, they agreed that Instagram encourages problem realization. Content analysis showed that ON is encoded in pictures of ‘food’, ‘people’, ‘text’ and ‘other.’ Interviewees revealed that they started posting to recover, share information, help others, and they felt inspired to post by other accounts. A sense of belonging to the #orthorexia community emerged, where people share values and ideals, and seek validation from others.

Conclusion

Conversations around #orthorexia on Instagram generate supportive communities aiding recovery. Individuals use Instagram for helping others and themselves recovering from ON. Understanding how people help each other, manage their health, cope with symptoms, and undertake recovery can inform the implementation of therapeutic interventions for ON.

Level of evidence

Level III, evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies.
“I would sooner die than give up”: Huxley and Darwin's deep disagreement
Authors: Winsor Mary P.
Published: April 2021

Thomas Henry Huxley and Charles Darwin discovered in 1857 that they had a fundamental disagreement about biological classification. Darwin believed that the natural system should express genealogy while Huxley insisted that classification must stand on its own basis, independent of evolution. Darwin used human races as a model for his view. This private and long-forgotten dispute exposes important divisions within Victorian biology. Huxley, trained in physiology and anatomy, was a professional biologist while Darwin was a gentleman naturalist. Huxley agreed with John Stuart Mill's rejection of William Whewell's sympathy for Linnaeus. The naturalists William Sharp Macleay, Hugh Strickland, and George Waterhouse worked to distinguish two kinds of relationship, affinity and analogy. Darwin believed that his theory could explain the difference. Richard Owen introduced the distinction between homology and analogy to anatomists, but the word homology did not enter Darwin's vocabulary until 1848, when he used the morphological concept of archetype in his work on Cirripedia. Huxley dropped the word archetype when Richard Owen linked it to Plato's ideal forms, replacing it with common plan. When Darwin wrote in theOrigin of Speciesthat the word plan gives no explanation, he may have had Huxley in mind. Darwin's preposterous story in theOriginabout a bear giving birth to a kangaroo, which he dropped in the second edition, was in fact aimed at Huxley.
Solving knapsack problems using a binary gaining sharing knowledge-based optimization algorithm
Authors: Agrawal Prachi , Ganesh Talari , Mohamed Ali Wagdy
Published: April 2021

This article proposes a novel binary version of recently developed Gaining Sharing knowledge-based optimization algorithm (GSK) to solve binary optimization problems. GSK algorithm is based on the concept of how humans acquire and share knowledge during their life span. A binary version of GSK named novel binary Gaining Sharing knowledge-based optimization algorithm (NBGSK) depends on mainly two binary stages: binary junior gaining sharing stage and binary senior gaining sharing stage with knowledge factor 1. These two stages enable NBGSK for exploring and exploitation of the search space efficiently and effectively to solve problems in binary space. Moreover, to enhance the performance of NBGSK and prevent the solutions from trapping into local optima, NBGSK with population size reduction (PR-NBGSK) is introduced. It decreases the population size gradually with a linear function. The proposed NBGSK and PR-NBGSK applied to set of knapsack instances with small and large dimensions, which shows that NBGSK and PR-NBGSK are more efficient and effective in terms of convergence, robustness, and accuracy.
Wire-in-Wire TiO2/C Nanofibers Free-Standing Anodes for Li-Ion and K-Ion Batteries with Long Cycling Stability and High Capacity
Authors: Su Die , Pei Yi , Liu Li , Liu Zhixiao , Liu Junfang , Yang Min , Wen Jiaxing , Dai Jing , Deng Huiqiu , Cao Guozhong
Published: April 2021

Wearable and portable mobile phones play a critical role in the market, and one of the key technologies is the flexible electrode with high specific capacity and excellent mechanical flexibility. Herein, a wire-in-wire TiO2/C nanofibers (TiO2 ww/CN) film is synthesized via electrospinning with selenium as a structural inducer. The interconnected carbon network and unique wire-in-wire nanostructure cannot only improve electronic conductivity and induce effective charge transports, but also bring a superior mechanic flexibility. Ultimately, TiO2 ww/CN film shows outstanding electrochemical performance as free-standing electrodes in Li/K ion batteries. It shows a discharge capacity as high as 303 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1 after 6000 cycles in Li half-cells, and the unique structure is well-reserved after long-term cycling. Moreover, even TiO2 has a large diffusion barrier of K+, TiO2 ww/CN film demonstrates excellent performance (259 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1 after 1000 cycles) in K half-cells owing to extraordinary pseudocapacitive contribution. The Li/K full cells consisted of TiO2 ww/CN film anode and LiFePO4/Perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride cathode possess outstanding cycling stability and demonstrate practical application from lighting at least 19 LEDs. It is, therefore, expected that this material will find broad applications in portable and wearable Li/K-ion batteries.
The delirium screening tool 4AT in routine clinical practice: prediction of mortality, sensitivity and specificity
Authors: Evensen Sigurd , Hylen Ranhoff Anette , Lydersen Stian , Saltvedt Ingvild
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Delirium is common and associated with poor outcomes, partly due to underdetection. We investigated if the delirium screening tool 4 A’s test (4AT) score predicts 1 year mortality and explored the sensitivity and specificity of the 4AT when applied as part of a clinical routine.

Methods

Secondary analyses of a prospective study of 228 patients acutely admitted to a Medical Geriatric Ward. Physicians without formal training conducted the index test (the 4AT); a predefined cut-off ≥ 4 suggested delirium. Reference standard was delirium diagnosed by two geriatricians using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5). We calculated hazard ratios (HR) using Cox regression based on the groups 4AT = 0, 1–3, 4–7 and ≥ 8, first unadjusted, then adjusted for the covariates age, comorbidity, and personal activities of daily living. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC).

Results

Mean age of patients was 86.6 years, 139 (61.0%) were female, 78 (34.2%) had DSM-5 delirium; of these, 56 had 4AT-delirium. 1 year mortality was 27.6% (63 patients). Compared to 4AT score 0, the group 4AT ≥ 8 had increased 1 year mortality (HR 2.86, 95% confidence interval 1.28–6.37, p = 0.010). The effect was reduced in multiadjusted analyses (HR 1.69, 95% confidence interval 0.70–4.07, p = 0.24). Sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were 0.72, 0.84, and 0.88, respectively.

Conclusions

4AT ≥ 8 indicates increased mortality, but the effect was reduced in multiadjusted analyses. 4AT had acceptable sensitivity and specificity when applied as a clinical routine.
One Size Does Not Fit All: Individuality and Perceptions of Improvement and Satisfaction Among TE Students
Authors: Koenig Eric , Guertler Katherine
Published: April 2021

Academic self-regulation is a key factor for motivation and learning achievement. Yet with the large range of individual factors, this is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. This study of L2 Technical English students at two German universities explored learners’ expectations and motivations, in particular regarding self-regulation and self-efficacy via the individual’s time investment in self-led study. In an initial survey, learners (N=1646) reported on their English skill levels and anticipated learning habits. Complementarily, the retrospective survey investigated learners’ (N=796) actual behavior during the course, their perceptions of language skill improvement, and their satisfaction. The initial survey indicates a clear understanding that time investment in self-regulated study will lead to greater improvement, an outcome confirmed in the retrospective survey. Additionally, students who invested more time in their coursework were more satisfied with their achievement, although most learners acknowledge they should have studied more. The results verify that learners recognize the nexus between self-regulation and language skill improvement, yet university students are not satisfied with their capacity to self-regulate their language learning strategies. While differences in students’ skill levels and academic self-efficacy result in divergent degrees of progress, students of all types report benefits to their language skills when motivated to self-regulated study.
Evaluation of multi-asset investment strategies with digital assets
Authors: Petukhina Alla , Sprünken Erin
Published: April 2021

The drastic growth of the cryptocurrencies market capitalization boosts investigation of their diversification benefits in portfolio construction. In this paper with a set of classical and modern measurement tools, we assess the out-of-sample performance of eight portfolio allocation strategies relative to the naive 1/N rule applied to traditional and crypto-assets investment universe. Evaluated strategies include a range from classical Markowitz rule to the recently introduced LIBRO approach (Trimborn et al. in Journal of Financial Econometrics 1–27, 2019). Furthermore, we also compare three extensions for strategies with respect to input estimators applied. The results show that in the presence of alternative assets, such as cryptocurrencies, mean–variance strategies underperform the benchmark portfolio. In contrast, CVaR optimization tends to outperform the benchmark as well as geometric optimization, although we find a strong dependence of the former’s success on trading costs. Furthermore, we find evidence that liquidity-bounded strategies tend to perform very well. Thus, our findings underscore the non-normal distribution of returns and the necessity to control for liquidity constraints at alternative asset markets.
High‐Resolution 3‐D Shear Wave Velocity Model of Northern Taiwan via Bayesian Joint Inversion of Rayleigh Wave Ellipticity and Phase Velocity With Formosa Array
Authors: Liu Cheng‐Nan , Lin Fan‐Chi , Huang Hsin‐Hua , Wang Yu , Berg Elizabeth M. , Lin Cheng‐Horng
Published: April 2021

The Formosa array, with 137 broadband seismometers and ∼5 km station spacing, was deployed recently in Northern Taiwan. Here by using eight months of continuous ambient noise records, we construct the first high‐resolution three‐dimensional (3‐D) shear wave velocity model of the crust in the area. We first calculate multi‐component cross‐correlations to extract robust Rayleigh wave signals. We then determine phase velocity maps between 3 and 10 s periods using Eikonal tomography and measure Rayleigh wave ellipticity at each station location between 2 and 13 s periods. For each location, we jointly invert the two types of Rayleigh wave measurements with a Bayesian‐based inversion method for a one‐dimensional shear wave velocity model. All piecewise continuous one‐dimensional models are then used to construct the final 3‐D model. Our 3‐D model reveals upper crustal structures that correlate well with surface geological features. Near the surface, the model delineates the low‐velocity Taipei and Ilan Basins from the adjacent fast‐velocity mountainous areas, with basin geometries consistent with the results of previous geophysical exploration and geological studies. At a greater depth, low velocity anomalies are observed associated with the Linkou Tableland, Tatun Volcano Group, and a possible dyke intrusion beneath the Southern Ilan Basin. The model also provides new geometrical constraints on the major active fault systems in the area, which are important to understand the basin formation, orogeny dynamics, and regional seismic hazard. The new 3‐D shear wave velocity model allows a comprehensive investigation of shallow geologic structures in the Northern Taiwan.
Spatial Distribution of Dissolved Methane Over Extreme Oceanographic Gradients in the Subtropical Eastern South Pacific (17° to 37°S)
Authors: Farías L. , Troncoso M. , Sanzana K. , Verdugo J. , Masotti I.
Published: April 2021

Methane (CH4) is one of the most powerful greenhouse gases with the capacity to influence the Earth's radiative budget as well as contribute to atmospheric chemistry. Natural oceanic production makes up to ∼4% of the overall global CH4 emissions, however, there is uncertainty around the accuracy of this value due to a lack of accurate measurements. Such is the case in the Subtropical Eastern South Pacific Ocean (SESP), a region with pronounced chlorophyll‐a and oxygen gradients, which in turn affect the microbial CH4 cycling. This study was conducted during spring‐summer (2014–2016) in the SESP. The region (∼17°–37°S/71°–110°W) is separated into (i) eutrophic, (ii) mesotrophic, and (iii) oligotrophic areas, according to oceanographic and biogeochemical criteria. The SESP presents high CH4 zonal variability with levels ranging from 0.63 to 33.4 nmol L−1, corresponding to 29% and 1,423% saturation, respectively. High CH4 concentrations (>1,000% saturation) are observed in the narrow eutrophic area subjected to coastal upwelling. These conditions clearly differ to those observed in the extended oligotrophic subtropical gyre (∼100% saturation). Furthermore, CH4 also tends to accumulate in the mesotrophic area (with upto 1,423% saturation), where oceanographic conditions as stratification, mesoscale eddies and island mass effect could trigger the presence of a microbial biomass that may be able to induce CH4 regeneration. The CH4 efflux is estimated to be between 0.13 and 19.1 µmol m−2 d−1 (mean ± SD = 4.72 ± 4.67) and the SESP has an emission rate of ∼87.9 Gg CH4 yr−1.
APOE2 mitigates disease-related phenotypes in an isogenic hiPSC-based model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Brookhouser Nicholas , Raman Sreedevi , Frisch Carlye , Srinivasan Gayathri , Brafman David A.
Published: April 2021

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified polymorphism in the Apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) to be the most prominent risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Compared to individuals homozygous for the APOE3 variant, individuals with the APOE4 variant have a significantly elevated risk of AD. On the other hand, longitudinal studies have shown that the presence of the APOE2 variant reduces the lifetime risk of developing AD by 40 percent. While there has been significant research that has identified the risk-inducing effects of APOE4, the underlying mechanisms by which APOE2 influences AD onset and progression have not been extensively explored. In this study, we utilize an isogenic human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based system to demonstrate that conversion of APOE3 to APOE2 greatly reduced the production of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides in hiPSC-derived neural cultures. Mechanistically, analysis of pure populations of neurons and astrocytes derived from these neural cultures revealed that mitigating effects of APOE2 are mediated by cell autonomous and non-autonomous effects. In particular, we demonstrated the reduction in Aβ is potentially driven by a mechanism related to non-amyloidogenic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP), suggesting a gain of the protective function of the APOE2 variant. Together, this study provides insights into the risk-modifying effects associated with the APOE2 allele and establishes a platform to probe the mechanisms by which APOE2 enhances neuroprotection against AD.
Peptidomimetic inhibitor of L-plastin reduces osteoclastic bone resorption in aging female mice
Authors: Aljohani Hanan , Stains Joseph P. , Majumdar Sunipa , Srinivasan Deepa , Senbanjo Linda , Chellaiah Meenakshi A.
Published: April 2021

L-plastin (LPL) was identified as a potential regulator of the actin-bundling process involved in forming nascent sealing zones (NSZs), which are precursor zones for mature sealing zones. TAT-fused cell-penetrating small molecular weight LPL peptide (TAT- MARGSVSDEE, denoted as an inhibitory LPL peptide) attenuated the formation of NSZs and impaired bone resorption in vitro in osteoclasts. Also, the genetic deletion of LPL in mice demonstrated decreased eroded perimeters and increased trabecular bone density. In the present study, we hypothesized that targeting LPL with the inhibitory LPL peptide in vivo could reduce osteoclast function and increase bone density in a mice model of low bone mass. We injected aging C57BL/6 female mice (36 weeks old) subcutaneously with the inhibitory and scrambled peptides of LPL for 14 weeks. Micro-CT and histomorphometry analyses demonstrated an increase in trabecular bone density of femoral and tibial bones with no change in cortical thickness in mice injected with the inhibitory LPL peptide. A reduction in the serum levels of CTX-1 peptide suggests that the increase in bone density is associated with a decrease in osteoclast function. No changes in bone formation rate and mineral apposition rate, and the serum levels of P1NP indicate that the inhibitory LPL peptide does not affect osteoblast function. Our study shows that the inhibitory LPL peptide can block osteoclast function without impairing the function of osteoblasts. LPL peptide could be developed as a prospective therapeutic agent to treat osteoporosis.
Regional heritability mapping identifies several novel loci (STAT4, ULK4, and KCNH5) for primary biliary cholangitis in the Japanese population
Authors: Gervais Olivier , Ueno Kazuko , Kawai Yosuke , Hitomi Yuki , Aiba Yoshihiro , Ueta Mayumi , Nakamura Minoru , Tokunaga Katsushi , Nagasaki Masao
Published: April 2021

While the advent of GWAS more than a decade ago has ushered in remarkable advances in our understanding of complex traits, the limitations of single-SNP analysis have also led to the development of several other approaches. Simulation studies have shown that the regional heritability mapping (RHM) method, which makes use of multiple adjacent SNPs jointly to estimate the genetic effect of a given region of the genome, generally has higher detection power than single-SNP GWAS. However, thus far its use has been mostly limited to agricultural settings, and its potential for the discovery of new genes in human diseases is yet to be fully exploited. In this study, by applying the RHM method to primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in the Japanese population, we identified three novel loci (STAT4, ULK4, and KCNH5) at the genome-wide significance level, two of which (ULK4 and KCNH5) have not been found associated with PBC in any population previously. Notably, these genes could not be detected by using conventional single-SNP GWAS, highlighting the potential of the RHM method for the detection of new susceptibility loci in human diseases. These findings thereby provide strong empirical evidence that RHM is an effective and practical complementary approach to GWAS in this context. Also, liver tissue mRNA microarray analysis revealed higher gene expression levels in ULK4 in PBC patients (P < 0.01). Lastly, we estimated the common SNP heritability of PBC in the Japanese population (0.210 ± 0.026).
Nanometer-size Na cluster formation in micropore of hard carbon as origin of higher-capacity Na-ion battery
Authors: Youn Yong , Gao Bo , Kamiyama Azusa , Kubota Kei , Komaba Shinichi , Tateyama Yoshitaka
Published: April 2021

Development of high-energy-density anode is crucial for practical application of Na-ion battery as a post Li-ion battery. Hard carbon (HC), though a promising anode candidate, still has bottlenecks of insufficient capacity and unclear microscopic picture. Usage of the micropore has been recently discussed, however, the underlying sodiation mechanism is still controversial. Herein we examined the origin for the high-capacity sodiation of HC, based on density functional theory calculations. We demonstrated that nanometer-size Na cluster with 3–6 layers is energetically stable between two sheets of graphene, a model micropore, in addition to the adsorption and intercalation mechanisms. The finding well explains the extended capacity over typical 300 mAhg−1, up to 478 mAhg−1 recently found in the MgO-templated HC. We also clarified that the MgO-template can produce suitable nanometer-size micropores with slightly defective graphitic domains in HC. The present study considerably promotes the atomistic theory of sodiation mechanism and complicated HC science.
Targets identified from exercised heart: killing multiple birds with one stone
Authors: Wang Hongyun , Xie Yuling , Guan Longfei , Elkin Kenneth , Xiao Junjie
Published: April 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of mortality worldwide, which are mainly driven by factors such as aging, sedentary lifestyle, and excess alcohol use. Exercise targets several molecules and protects hearts against many of these physiological and pathological stimuli. Accordingly, it is widely recognized as an effective therapeutic strategy for CVD. To investigate the molecular mechanism of exercise in cardiac protection, we identify and describe several crucial targets identified from exercised hearts. These targets include insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1)-phosphatidylinositol 3 phosphate kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ), cardiac microRNAs (miRNAs, miR-222 and miR-17-3p etc.), exosomal-miRNAs (miR-342, miR-29, etc.), Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and nuclear factor erythroid 2‑related factor/metallothioneins (Nrf2/Mts). Targets identified from exercised hearts can alleviate injury via multiple avenues, including: (1) promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation; (2) facilitating cardiomyocyte growth and physiologic hypertrophy; (3) elevating the anti-apoptotic capacity of cardiomyocytes; (4) improving vascular endothelial function; (5) inhibiting pathological remodeling and fibrosis; (6) promoting extracellular vesicles (EVs) production and exosomal-molecules transfer. Exercise is one treatment (‘stone’), which is cardioprotective via multiple avenues (‘birds’), and is considered ‘killing multiple birds with one stone’ in this review. Further, we discuss the potential application of EV cargos in CVD treatment. We provide an outline of targets identified from the exercised heart and their mechanisms, as well as novel ideas for CVD treatment, which may provide novel direction for preclinical trials in cardiac rehabilitation.
Lipid nanoparticle encapsulated nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccines elicit polyfunctional HIV-1 antibodies comparable to proteins in nonhuman primates
Authors: Saunders Kevin O. , Pardi Norbert , Parks Robert , Santra Sampa , Mu Zekun , Sutherland Laura , Scearce Richard , Barr Maggie , Eaton Amanda , Hernandez Giovanna , Goodman Derrick , Hogan Michael J. , Tombacz Istvan , Gordon David N. , Rountree R. Wes , Wang Yunfei , Lewis Mark G. , Pierson Theodore C. , Barbosa Chris , Tam Ying , Matyas Gary R. , Rao Mangala , Beck Zoltan , Shen Xiaoying , Ferrari Guido , Tomaras Georgia D. , Montefiori David C. , Weissman Drew , Haynes Barton F.
Published: April 2021

The development of an effective AIDS vaccine remains a challenge. Nucleoside-modified mRNAs formulated in lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNP) have proved to be a potent mode of immunization against infectious diseases in preclinical studies, and are being tested for SARS-CoV-2 in humans. A critical question is how mRNA-LNP vaccine immunogenicity compares to that of traditional adjuvanted protein vaccines in primates. Here, we show that mRNA-LNP immunization compared to protein immunization elicits either the same or superior magnitude and breadth of HIV-1 Env-specific polyfunctional antibodies. Immunization with mRNA-LNP encoding Zika premembrane and envelope or HIV-1 Env gp160 induces durable neutralizing antibodies for at least 41 weeks. Doses of mRNA-LNP as low as 5 μg are immunogenic in macaques. Thus, mRNA-LNP can be used to rapidly generate single or multi-component vaccines, such as sequential vaccines needed to protect against HIV-1 infection. Such vaccines would be as or more immunogenic than adjuvanted recombinant protein vaccines in primates.
Dynamic control of spin-wave propagation
Authors: Toedt Jan-Niklas , Hansen Wolfgang
Published: April 2021

In this work we present a method to dynamically control the propagation of spin-wave packets. By altering an external magnetic field the refraction of the spin wave at a temporal inhomogeneity is enabled. Since the inhomogeneity is spatially invariant, the spin-wave impulse remains conserved while the frequency is shifted. We demonstrate the stopping and rebound of a traveling Backward-Volume type spin-wave packet.
Role of a thrombin generation assay in the prediction of infection severity
Authors: Elad Boaz , Avraham Gilat , Schwartz Naama , Elias Adi , Elias Mazen
Published: April 2021

Thrombin plays a central role in sepsis pathophysiology. The correlation of thrombin generation (TG) assays with infection severity and prognosis, and whether it can be used as a clinical tool, have been poorly explored and are the subjects of our research. We recruited 130 patients with systemic infection between 2016 and 2019. Patients were divided according to infection severity by using the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and quickSOFA (qSOFA) scores. The hemostatic state was analyzed by Calibrated Automated Thrombogram. The primary end points were TG values and the secondary end point was in-hospital mortality. Patients with qSOFA ≥ 2 had a longer lag time (5.6 vs. 4.6 min) and time to peak (8 vs. 6.9 min) than those with lower scores (p = 0.014 and 0.01, respectively). SOFA ≥ 2 had a longer lag time (5.2 vs. 4.3 min), time to peak (7.5 vs. 6.7 min) and lower endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) (1834 vs. 2015 nM*min), p = 0.008, 0.019, and 0.048, respectively. Patients who died (11) had lower ETP (1648 vs. 1928 nM*min) and peak height (284 vs. 345 nM), p = 0.034 and 0.012, respectively. In conclusion TG assays may be a valuable tool in predicting infection severity and prognosis.
Insights into intrauterine growth restriction based on maternal and umbilical cord blood metabolomics
Authors: Moros Georgios , Boutsikou Theodora , Fotakis Charalambos , Iliodromiti Zoe , Sokou Rozeta , Katsila Theodora , Xanthos Theodoros , Iacovidou Nicoletta , Zoumpoulakis Panagiotis
Published: April 2021

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a fetal adverse condition, ascribed by limited oxygen and nutrient supply from the mother to the fetus. Management of IUGR is an ongoing challenge because of its connection with increased fetal mortality, preterm delivery and postnatal pathologies. Untargeted nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) metabolomics was applied in 84 umbilical cord blood and maternal blood samples obtained from 48 IUGR and 36 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) deliveries. Orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) followed by pathway and enrichment analysis generated classification models and revealed significant metabolites that were associated with altered pathways. A clear association between maternal and cord blood altered metabolomic profile was evidenced in IUGR pregnancies. Increased levels of the amino acids alanine, leucine, valine, isoleucine and phenylalanine were prominent in IUGR pregnancies indicating a connection with impaired amino acid metabolism and transplacental flux. Tryptophan was individually connected with cord blood discrimination while 3-hydroxybutyrate assisted only maternal blood discrimination. Lower glycerol levels in IUGR samples ascribed to imbalance between gluconeogenesis and glycolysis pathways, suggesting poor glycolysis. The elevated levels of branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine) in intrauterine growth restricted pregnancies were linked with increased insulin resistance.
Endovascular repair and open repair surgery of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms cause drastically different types of spinal cord injury
Authors: Awad Hamdy , Tili Esmerina , Nuovo Gerard , Kelani Hesham , Ramadan Mohamed Ehab , Williams Jim , Binzel Katherine , Rajan Jayanth , Mast David , Efanov Alexander A. , Rasul Kareem B. , Moore Sarah , Basso Michele , Mikhail Adel , Eltobgy Mostafa , Malbrue Raphael A. , Bourekas Eric , Oglesbee Michael , Bergdall Valerie , Knopp Michael , Michaille Jean-Jacques , El-Sayed Hosam
Published: April 2021

Both endovascular repair (EVR) and open repair (OR) surgery of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms cause spinal cord (SC) injury that can lead to paraparesis or paraplegia. It has been assumed that mechanisms responsible for SC damage after EVR are similar to those after OR. This pilot study compared the pathophysiology of SC injury after EVR versus OR using a newly developed EVR dog model. An increasing number of stents similar to those used in patients were inserted in the aorta of three dogs to ensure thoracic or thoracic plus lumbar coverage. The aorta of OR dogs was cross-clamped for 45 min. Behavior assessment demonstrated unique patterns of proprioceptive ataxia and evolving paraparesis in EVR versus irreversible paraplegia in OR. MRI showed posterior signal in lumbar SC after EVR versus central cord edema after OR. Histopathology showed white matter edema in L3–L5 localized to the dorsal column medial lemniscus area associated with loss of myelin basic protein but not neurons after EVR, versus massive neuronal loss in the gray matter in L3–L5 after OR. Metabolome analysis demonstrates a distinctive chemical fingerprint of cellular processes in both interventions. Our results call for the development of new therapeutics tailored to these distinct pathophysiologic findings.
Solution-processed near-infrared Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 photodetectors with enhanced chalcopyrite crystallization and bandgap grading structure via potassium incorporation
Authors: Kim Joo-Hyun , Han Hyemi , Kim Min Kyu , Ahn Jongtae , Hwang Do Kyung , Shin Tae Joo , Min Byoung Koun , Lim Jung Ah
Published: April 2021

Although solution-processed Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 (CIGS) absorber layers can potentially enable the low-cost and large-area production of highly stable electronic devices, they have rarely been applied in photodetector applications. In this work, we present a near-infrared photodetector functioning at 980 nm based on solution-processed CIGS with a potassium-induced bandgap grading structure and chalcopyrite grain growth. The incorporation of potassium in the CIGS film promotes Se uptake in the bulk of the film during the chalcogenization process, resulting in a bandgap grading structure with a wide space charge region that allows improved light absorption in the near-infrared region and charge carrier separation. Also, increasing the Se penetration in the potassium-incorporated CIGS film leads to the enhancement of chalcopyrite crystalline grain growth, increasing charge carrier mobility. Under the reverse bias condition, associated with hole tunneling from the ZnO interlayer, the increasing carrier mobility of potassium-incorporated CIGS photodetector improved photosensitivity and particularly external quantum efficiency more than 100% at low light intensity. The responsivity and detectivity of the potassium-incorporated CIGS photodetector reach 1.87 A W−1 and 6.45 $$\times$$
×
 1010 Jones, respectively, and the − 3 dB bandwidth of the device extends to 10.5 kHz under 980 nm near-infrared light.
Quantitative salivary gland SPECT/CT using deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Park Junyoung , Lee Jae Sung , Oh Dongkyu , Ryoo Hyun Gee , Han Jeong Hee , Lee Won Woo
Published: April 2021

Quantitative single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) using Tc-99m pertechnetate aids in evaluating salivary gland function. However, gland segmentation and quantitation of gland uptake is challenging. We develop a salivary gland SPECT/CT with automated segmentation using a deep convolutional neural network (CNN). The protocol comprises SPECT/CT at 20 min, sialagogue stimulation, and SPECT at 40 min post-injection of Tc-99m pertechnetate (555 MBq). The 40-min SPECT was reconstructed using the 20-min CT after misregistration correction. Manual salivary gland segmentation for %injected dose (%ID) by human experts proved highly reproducible, but took 15 min per scan. An automatic salivary segmentation method was developed using a modified 3D U-Net for end-to-end learning from the human experts (n = 333). The automatic segmentation performed comparably with human experts in voxel-wise comparison (mean Dice similarity coefficient of 0.81 for parotid and 0.79 for submandibular, respectively) and gland %ID correlation (R2 = 0.93 parotid, R2 = 0.95 submandibular) with an operating time less than 1 min. The algorithm generated results that were comparable to the reference data. In conclusion, with the aid of a CNN, we developed a quantitative salivary gland SPECT/CT protocol feasible for clinical applications. The method saves analysis time and manual effort while reducing patients’ radiation exposure.
Multinucleation associated DNA damage blocks proliferation in p53-compromised cells
Authors: Hart Madeleine , Adams Sophie D. , Draviam Viji M.
Published: April 2021

Nuclear atypia is one of the hallmarks of cancers. Here, we perform single-cell tracking studies to determine the immediate and long-term impact of nuclear atypia. Tracking the fate of newborn cells exhibiting nuclear atypia shows that multinucleation, unlike other forms of nuclear atypia, blocks proliferation in p53-compromised cells. Because ~50% of cancers display compromised p53, we explored how multinucleation blocks proliferation. Multinucleation increases 53BP1-decorated nuclear bodies (DNA damage repair platforms), along with a heterogeneous reduction in transcription and protein accumulation across the multi-nucleated compartments. Multinucleation Associated DNA Damage associated with 53BP1-bodies remains unresolved for days, despite an intact NHEJ machinery that repairs laser-induced DNA damage within minutes. Persistent DNA damage, a DNA replication block, and reduced phospho-Rb, reveal a novel replication stress independent cell cycle arrest caused by mitotic lesions. These findings call for segregating protective and prohibitive nuclear atypia to inform therapeutic approaches aimed at limiting tumour heterogeneity.
Environmentally relevant concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles pose negligible risk to marine microbes
Authors: Dedman Craig J. , King Aaron M. , Christie-Oleza Joseph A. , Davies Gemma-Louise
Published: April 2021

Exposure of Prochlorococcus cultures to research-grade and extracted nano-sized TiO2 at environmentally-relevant and supra-environmental concentrations (1 μg L−1 to 100 mg L−1) results in initial cell decline, followed by full population recovery.
Dual information encryption of carbon dots endowed with recoverable functions after interception
Authors: Yang Chen , Li Ru , Zhang Jun , Cao Zhi-Kai , Liu Chun-Li , Zhang Meng , Han Wen-Peng , Ramakrishna Seeram , Long Yun-Ze
Published: April 2021

Hiding real information in deluded information can mislead others.
Biological activity of bis(pyrazolylpyridine) and terpiridine Os(ii) complexes in the presence of biocompatible ionic liquids
Authors: Petrović Angelina Z. , Ćoćić Dušan C. , Bockfeld Dirk , Živanović Marko , Milivojević Nevena , Virijević Katarina , Janković Nenad , Scheurer Andreas , Vraneš Milan , Bogojeski Jovana V.
Published: April 2021

New bis(pyrazolylpyridine) Os(ii) complexes showing possible biological activity with diverse modes of action in the presence of biocompatible ionic liquids as non-toxic cosolvents for sparingly soluble complexes.
A lateral flow strip for on-site detection of tobramycin based on dual-functional platinum-decorated gold nanoparticles
Authors: Jin Xin , Chen Luo , Zhang Yuting , Wang Xiaoli , Zhou Nandi
Published: April 2021

A lateral flow strip for tobramycin can provide on-demand dual-detection modes based on the optical and catalytic properties of Au@Pt NPs.
High efficiency rare sperm separation from biopsy samples in an inertial focusing device
Authors: Feng Haidong , Jafek Alex , Samuel Raheel , Hotaling James , Jenkins Timothy G. , Aston Kenneth I. , Gale Bruce K.
Published: April 2021

A high separation efficiency, high recovery separation process is proposed for sperm retrieval. A sperm separation principle is proposed based on sperm alignment in inertial flow.
Electron beam induced modification of ZIF-8 membrane permeation properties
Authors: Miao Yurun , Lee Dennis T. , Dorneles de Mello Matheus , Abdel-Rahman Mohammed K. , Corkery Peter , Boscoboinik J. Anibal , Fairbrother D. Howard , Tsapatsis Michael
Published: April 2021

Modification of the gas permeation properties of ZIF-8 membranes using electron beam irradiation is reported.
Role of lone-pair electrons in determining the thermal transport behavior of LiAsS2: first-principles investigation
Authors: Liang Guojun , Li Shijun , Li Yanlu , Wei Lei , Zhao Xian
Published: April 2021

As3+ cations possessing stereochemically active lone pairs (SALPs) lead to high SHG coefficients of nonlinear-optical crystal LiAsS2, but the role of SALPs in determining the thermal transport behavior of LiAsS2 is still unknown.
Ultrathin 1T/2H mixed phase MoS2 decorated TiO2 nanorod arrays for effective photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zheng Lingcheng , Zhang Rui , Chang Fangjin , Liu Mei , Deng Jiale , Hu Jintao , He Jie , Feng Deqiang , Gao Juan , Chen Changzhao , Li Yang , Cheng Yahui
Published: April 2021

Mixed phase MoS2 boosts photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, and the controllable phase transformation of MoS2 from the mixed phase to the 2H phase is observed.
Understanding the magnetization blocking mechanism in N23−-radical-bridged dilanthanide single-molecule magnets
Authors: Nguyen Giang T. , Ungur Liviu
Published: April 2021

Two blocking energy barriers observed experimentally are confirmed by ab initio calculations. The blocking energy barrier of the Tb complexes that is approximately twice as large as that of the Dy analogues is explained.
Chemo- and regioselective nucleophilic hydrofunctionalization of unactivated aliphatic alkenes under transition-metal-free catalysts
Authors: Zhan Ying , Zhao Yao , Du Qiang , Rui Jiacheng , Chen Rizhi , Zheng Xintao , Wu Xiaojin
Published: April 2021

A transition-metal-free-catalyzed nucleophilic hydrofunctionalization of both terminal and internal unactivated aliphatic alkenes has been developed for the construction of structurally complex β-substituted aliphatic amides.
Catalyst-free photoinduced selective oxidative C(sp3)–C(sp3) bond cleavage in arylamines
Authors: Zhou Jingwei , Wang Songping , Duan Wentao , Lian Qi , Wei Wentao
Published: April 2021

By introducing a polar atom at the γ-position of amine, the site-selective oxidative cleavage of the saturated C–C single bond in arylamines can be easily achieved by simple visible light irradiation with O2 as a benign oxidant and catalyst free.
Facile development of microstructure-engineered, ligand-chelated SiO2–ZrO2 composite membranes for molecular separations
Authors: Lawal Sulaiman O. , Nagasawa Hiroki , Tsuru Toshinori , Kanezashi Masakoto
Published: April 2021

This work demonstrates that conversion of ligand–Si–Zr composite with polymer-like gas permeation behviour into rigid structures displaying silica-like permeation behaviour is easily achieved by a thermal radical crosslinking.
Perpendicularly magnetized Co/Pd-based magneto-resistive heterostructures on flexible substrates
Authors: Hassan M. , Laureti S. , Rinaldi C. , Fagiani F. , Varotto S. , Barucca G. , Schmidt N. Y. , Varvaro G. , Albrecht M.
Published: April 2021

Flexible PMA spin-valve thin film stacks with a high magneto-electric robustness aginst bending were obtained on large-area substrates by using an effective and versatile Au-mediated transfer and bonding strategy.
Magnetic properties of two GdIIIFeIII4 metallacrowns and strategies for optimizing the magnetocaloric effect of this topology
Authors: Salerno Elvin V. , Kampf Jeff W. , Pecoraro Vincent L. , Mallah Talal
Published: April 2021

Two Gd3+ [12-MCFeIII(N)shi-4] metallacrowns are analyzed for magnetic properties, and calculations concerning the magnetic exchange parameters of this topology are considered.
Widening the applications of the Just-Dip-It approach: a solid contact screen-printed ion-selective electrode for the real-time assessment of pharmaceutical dissolution testing in comparison to off-line HPLC analysis
Authors: Kelani Khadiga M. , Badran Osama M. , Rezk Mamdouh R. , Elghobashy Mohamed R. , Eid Sherif M.
Published: April 2021

For the widening of Just-Dip-It approach, screen-printed ion-selective electrodes were used for providing real-time monitoring of the time-dependent chemical processes during dissolution testing. This is advantageous over the traditional HPLC method.
Nonlinear photoelasticity of rubber-like soft materials: comparison between theory and experiment
Authors: Sun Danqi , Lu Tongqing , Wang Tiejun
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we review Treloar's and Arruda's models of nonlinear photoelasticity for rubber-like materials and compare the two models with experimental data. We find that when the deformation is large compared with the limiting stretch of the material, Arruda's model (using non-Gaussian chain assumption) fits the experimental data much better than Treloar's model (using Gaussian chain assumption).
Strategy for distributed controller defence: Leveraging controller roles and control support groups to maintain or regain control in cyber‐adversarial power systems
Authors: Hossain‐McKenzie Shamina , Raghunath Kaushik , Davis Katherine , Etigowni Sriharsha , Zonouz Saman
Published: April 2021

Distributed controllers play a prominent role in electric power grid operation. The coordinated failure or malfunction of these controllers is a serious threat, where the resulting mechanisms and consequences are not yet well‐known and planned against. If certain controllers are maliciously compromised by an adversary, they can be manipulated to drive the system to an unsafe state. The authors present a strategy for distributed controller defence (SDCD) for improved grid tolerance under conditions of distributed controller compromise. The work of the authors’ first formalises the roles that distributed controllers play and their control support groups using controllability analysis techniques. With these formally defined roles and groups, the authors then present defence strategies for maintaining or regaining system control during such an attack. A general control response framework is presented here for the compromise or failure of distributed controllers using the remaining, operational set. The SDCD approach is successfully demonstrated with a 7‐bus system and the IEEE 118‐bus system for single and coordinated distributed controller compromise; the results indicate that SDCD is able to significantly reduce system stress and mitigate compromise consequences.
SASO: Joint 3D semantic‐instance segmentation via multi‐scale semantic association and salient point clustering optimization
Authors: Tan Jingang , Chen Lili , Wang Kangru , Li Jiamao , Zhang Xiaolin
Published: April 2021

Jointly performing semantic and instance segmentation of 3D point cloud remains a challenging task. In this work, a novel framework called joint 3D semantic‐instance segmentation via multi‐scale Semantic Association and Salient point clustering Optimization was proposed to tackle this problem. Inspired by the inherent correlation among objects in semantic space, a Multi‐scale Semantic Association (MSA) module to explore the constructive effect of the context information for semantic segmentation is designed. For instance, segmentation, different from previous works utilising clustering only in inference procedure, a Salient Point Clustering Optimization (SPCO) module is put forward to introduce the clustering algorithm into the training phase, which impels the network to focus on points that are difficult to be distinguished. Furthermore, affected by the inherent structure of indoor scenes, the problem of uneven distribution of categories has rarely been considered in the previous work, but it significantly limits the performance of 3D scene perception. To address the issue, an adaptive Water Filling Sampling (WFS) algorithm to balance the category distribution of training data is presented. Extensive experiments on a variety of changing datasets show that the authors’ method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art methods in both tasks of semantic segmentation and instance segmentation.