bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae)
Authors: Weigmann Simon , Ebert David A. , Séret Bernard
Published: June 2021

Recent sampling efforts and examinations of museum material provided evidence for a complex of species within Acroteriobatus leucospilus (Norman, 1926). The present manuscript contains a redescription of A. leucospilus involving the syntypes and additional material, as well as formal descriptions of two new species of Acroteriobatus Giltay, 1928. All specimens of both new species were found in the western Indian Ocean. Individuals of the first new species, hereafter referred to as Acroteriobatus andysabini sp. nov., were identified originating from Madagascar, and specimens of the second new species, hereafter referred to as Acroteriobatus stehmanni sp. nov., were only found off Socotra Islands at the junction between the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. Both new species appear to be endemic to the respective region and allopatric to A. leucospilus and occur in coastal waters to at least 80 m and 43 m depth, respectively. They differ from A. leucospilus in a number of characteristics including the maximum size and coloration in fresh. Acroteriobatus andysabini sp. nov. is a large species growing to more than 100 cm total length (TL) and with elongated bluish-gray spots on snout giving “stripe-nosed” appearance; numerous small bluish-gray spots on pectoral, pelvic, dorsal, and caudal fins; brown spots on trunk and fin bases; lateral tail folds striped orange and white; and ventral surface largely white but with a V-shape pattern of faint to dark speckled black spots on snout tip. Acroteriobatus stehmanni sp. nov. is a small species growing to ~62 cm TL and with sparse patterning with small bluish-gray circular spots confined to snout tip, posterior pectoral-fin margins, a pair on midbody, and few on posterior pelvic-fin margins, rather indistinct small to larger dark brown spots, and lateral tail folds and ventral surface white. Acroteriobatus leucospilus is a medium-sized species growing to ~96 cm TL and with patterning similar to A. andysabini sp. nov. but ventral surface uniformly white and lateral tail folds white or striped blue and brown. Taxonomical differences include nasal lamellae counts (42–48 in A. andysabini sp. nov. vs. 43–48 in A. stehmanni sp. nov. vs. 37–41 in A. leucospilus), snout angle (76–85° vs. 71–77° vs. 68–81°), and dorsal head length (24.2–33.5% vs. 17.2–22.8% TL vs. 24.0–29.2% TL). A key to the species of Acroteriobatus is given for the first time.
Profiling heterogenous sizes of circulating tumor microemboli to track therapeutic resistance and prognosis in advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Yang , Yuan Jiajia , Li Yanyan , Li Xue , Yang Ying , Li Jian , Li Yilin , Shen Lin
Published: June 2021

Circulating tumor microemboli (CTM) aggregated by ≥ 2 circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are more migratory than single CTCs. Aside from the plasticity in their molecular characteristics, which have been considered tumor migration, CTM also possesses high size heterogeneity. This study, therefore, systematically investigated the heterogeneous sizes of CTM and their involvement in therapeutic resistance in 114 patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC) using a pre-established surface molecule-independent subtraction enrichment (SE)-iFISH strategy. CTM, which was pre-therapeutically detected in 33.3% of GC patients, can further form in another 34.78% of patients following chemo-/targeted therapies. The presence of CTM is relevant to liver metastasis as well as higher CTC levels (≥ 5/6 mL). Further size-based profiling of GC-CTM revealed that CTM with 2 CTCs (CTM2) was the dominant subtype, accounting for 50.0% of all detected GC-CTMs. However, CTM with 3–4 CTCs (CTM3–4) specifically associates with chemo-/targeted therapeutic resistance and inferior prognosis. Patients with ≥ 1 CTM3–4/6 mL have shorter median progression-free survival and median overall survival. Unlike CTM2 and CTM3–4, which are detectable in pre-therapy and post-therapy, larger aggregated CTM≥5 (CTM with ≥ 5 CTCs) was only intra-therapeutically detected in four HER2+ GC patients, of which three experienced liver metastases. Obtained results suggested that the cluster size of GC-CTM should be dynamically profiled beyond pre-therapeutic whole CTM enumeration in terms of chemo-/targeted resistance or metastasis monitoring. GC-CTM3–4 could be a potential indicator of therapeutic resistance, while the dynamic presence of GC-CTM≥5 implies liver metastasis in HER2+ GC patients.
Laboratory-Scale Processing and Performance Assessment of Ti–Ta High-Temperature Shape Memory Spring Actuators
Authors: Paulsen A. , Dumlu H. , Piorunek D. , Langenkämper D. , Frenzel J. , Eggeler G.
Published: June 2021

Ti75Ta25 high-temperature shape memory alloys exhibit a number of features which make it difficult to use them as spring actuators. These include the high melting point of Ta (close to 3000 °C), the affinity of Ti to oxygen which leads to the formation of brittle α-case layers and the tendency to precipitate the ω-phase, which suppresses the martensitic transformation. The present work represents a case study which shows how one can overcome these issues and manufacture high quality Ti75Ta25 tensile spring actuators. The work focusses on processing (arc melting, arc welding, wire drawing, surface treatments and actuator spring geometry setting) and on cyclic actuator testing. It is shown how one can minimize the detrimental effect of ω-phase formation and ensure stable high-temperature actuation by fast heating and cooling and by intermediate rejuvenation anneals. The results are discussed on the basis of fundamental Ti–Ta metallurgy and in the light of Ni–Ti spring actuator performance.
Introducing 3D-potting: a novel production process for artificial membrane lungs with superior blood flow design
Authors: Hesselmann Felix , Focke Jannis M. , Schlanstein Peter C. , Steuer Niklas B. , Kaesler Andreas , Reinartz Sebastian D. , Schmitz-Rode Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich , Jansen Sebastian V. , Arens Jutta
Published: June 2021

Currently, artificial-membrane lungs consist of thousands of hollow fiber membranes where blood flows around the fibers and gas flows inside the fibers, achieving diffusive gas exchange. At both ends of the fibers, the interspaces between the hollow fiber membranes and the plastic housing are filled with glue to separate the gas from the blood phase. During a uniaxial centrifugation process, the glue forms the “potting.” The shape of the cured potting is then determined by the centrifugation process, limiting design possibilities and leading to unfavorable stagnation zones associated with blood clotting. In this study, a new multiaxial centrifugation process was developed, expanding the possible shapes of the potting and allowing for completely new module designs with potentially superior blood flow guidance within the potting margins. Two-phase simulations of the process in conceptual artificial lungs were performed to explore the possibilities of a biaxial centrifugation process and determine suitable parameter sets. A corresponding biaxial centrifugation setup was built to prove feasibility and experimentally validate four conceptual designs, resulting in good agreement with the simulations. In summary, this study shows the feasibility of a multiaxial centrifugation process allowing greater variety in potting shapes, eliminating inefficient stagnation zones and more favorable blood flow conditions in artificial lungs.

Graphic abstract
Using green infrastructure to stimulate discourse with and for planning practice: experiences with fuzzy concepts from a pan-European, a national and a local perspective
Authors: Hansen Rieke , van Lierop Martina , Rolf Werner , Gantar Damjana , Šuklje Erjavec Ina , Rall Emily Lorance , Pauleit Stephan
Published: June 2021

Concepts such as green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and ecosystem services gained popularity in recent discourses on urban planning. Despite their recognition as innovative concepts, all of them share a degree of ambiguity. Fuzziness can be a weakness but also an opportunity to shape novel concepts together with the stakeholders that are supposed to implement them in the planning practice. The paper traces concept development processes of green infrastructure through transdisciplinary knowledge exchange in three different projects, a European and a national research project and a local city-regional project as part of an EU regional cooperation project. In all projects, the green infrastructure concept evolved in different stages. Stakeholder involvement during these stages span from consultation to co-creation. The cases reveal two different approaches: concepts that are developed “for planning practice” might be based on a plethora of insight via consultation, while those “with planning practice” foster co-creation and might result in high acceptance among the involved stakeholders. Depending on the purpose of the novel concept, each approach can be beneficial and result in practice-related and operational products, such as guidance documents or planning strategies. However, the cases also show that in any new context an exchange about fuzzy concepts is not only needed but also a chance to stimulate cooperation and joint understanding about urban challenges and how to address them.
Biomarker Risk Score Algorithm and Preoperative Stratification of Patients with Pancreatic Cystic Lesions
Authors: Yip-Schneider Michele T. , Wu Huangbing , Allison Hannah R. , Easler Jeffrey J. , Sherman Stuart , Al-Haddad Mohammad A. , Dewitt John M. , Schmidt Max C.
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND:

Pancreatic cysts are incidentally detected in up to 13% of patients undergoing radiographic imaging. Of the most frequently encountered types, mucin-producing (mucinous) pancreatic cystic lesions may develop into pancreatic cancer, while nonmucinous ones have little or no malignant potential. Accurate preoperative diagnosis is critical for optimal management, but has been difficult to achieve, resulting in unnecessary major surgery. Here, we aim to develop an algorithm based on biomarker risk scores to improve risk stratification.

STUDY DESIGN:

Patients undergoing surgery and/or surveillance for a pancreatic cystic lesion, with diagnostic imaging and banked pancreatic cyst fluid, were enrolled in the study after informed consent (n = 163 surgical, 67 surveillance). Cyst fluid biomarkers with high specificity for distinguishing nonmucinous from mucinous pancreatic cysts (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], glucose, carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA], amylase, cytology, and DNA mutation) were selected. Biomarker risk scores were used to design an algorithm to predict preoperative diagnosis. Performance was tested using surgical (retrospective) and surveillance (prospective) cohorts.

RESULTS:

In the surgical cohort, the biomarker algorithm outperformed the preoperative clinical diagnosis in correctly predicting the final pathologic diagnosis (91% vs 73%; p < 0.000001). Specifically, nonmucinous serous cystic neoplasms (SCN) and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) were correctly classified more frequently by the algorithm than clinical diagnosis (96% vs 30%; p < 0.000008 and 92% vs 69%; p = 0.04, respectively). In the surveillance cohort, the algorithm predicted a preoperative diagnosis with high confidence based on a high biomarker score and/or consistency with imaging from ≥1 follow-up visits.

CONCLUSIONS:

A biomarker risk score-based algorithm was able to correctly classify pancreatic cysts preoperatively. Importantly, this tool may improve initial and dynamic risk stratification, reducing overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis.
Discussing Challenges in Diagnosis of Tuberculous Meningitis and Neurosarcoidosis
Authors: Santos Alba , Desgranges Florian , Jovanovic Marina , Anichini Angelica , Kritikos Antonios , Dunet Vincent , Brouland Jean Philippe , Théaudin Marie , Pot Caroline , Du Pasquier Renaud , Pantazou Vasiliki
Published: June 2021

Isolated chronic granulomatous meningitis remains a diagnostic challenge for the physician. Symptoms are often nonspecific and ancillary tests have low-sensitivity rates, which may delay targeted treatment and lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Here, we discuss the challenges in diagnosing and treating patients with chronic meningitis by reporting two cases of previously healthy patients who presented with granulomatous meningitis on brain biopsy.
Evaluation of screening strategies for pulmonary tuberculosis among hospitalized patients in a low-burden setting: cost-effectiveness of GeneXpert MTB/RIF compared to smear microscopy
Authors: Hickey Andrew J. , Cummings Matthew J. , Zafari Zafar , Louh Irene K. , Li Jianhua , O’Donnell Max R.
Published: June 2021

Objective:

Hospitalized patients undergoing evaluation for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) require airborne isolation while testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) to reduce risk of nosocomial transmission. GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) is more rapid and accurate than sputum smear microscopy, but it is not routinely used to ‘rule out’ infectious pulmonary TB among hospitalized patients in the United States. We sought to evaluate the diagnostic performance and cost-effectiveness of Xpert-based TB evaluation.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized adults evaluated for pulmonary TB at a large academic medical center in New York from 2010 to 2017. Using propensity score matching, we compared hospital length-of-stay among patients undergoing conventional smear-based TB evaluation to a control group with non-TB pneumonia. We performed a probabilistic cost-effectiveness analysis to compare Xpert-based versus conventional TB evaluation.

Results:

In total 1,421 patients were evaluated for TB with airborne isolation and sputum testing; mycobacterial culture was positive for MTB in 49 (3.4%). Conventional TB evaluation was associated with an increase of 4.4 hospital days compared to propensity-matched controls. Xpert-based testing strategies dominated conventional TB evaluation with a cost savings of $5,947 (95% CI, $1,156–$12,540) and $4,445 (95% CI, $696–$9,526) per patient depending on the number of Xpert tests performed (1 vs 2, respectively) and assumptions about the reduction of length of stay achieved.

Conclusions:

In the evaluation of hospitalized patients for pulmonary TB, Xpert-based testing has superior diagnostic performance and is likely cost-effective compared to smear microscopy due to reduced hospital length-of-stay associated with more rapid test results.
Leave no one behind? Transitioning from the military to civilian life in New Zealand
Authors: Cardow Andrew , Imbeau Jean-Sebastien , Apiata Bill Willie , Martin Jenny
Published: June 2021

Transition from the military environment into a civilian environment is a topic that has seen increasing attention within the last two decades. There is, in the literature, a clearly articulated issue that transition from the military to the civilian world is somewhat different to transitioning from school to work, or from career to career, or from work to retirement. Many, but not all, of the extant examples regarding military transition are case studies, focus groups or small-scale qualitative surveys. The following article details a large-scale survey that took place in New Zealand in 2019. From just over 1400 responses, a wide range of information was gathered. The aim of the survey was to uncover the experiences of military who had undergone transition within New Zealand. In this respect, the survey was exploratory. We report here the qualitative results that expand the existing body of knowledge of military transition. Our results are in line with international results and demonstrate that a large majority of respondents had a less than desirable transition experience. The contribution made therefore is a reinforcement that current practice in this area is needing a great deal of attention. The following outlines the experiences our New Zealand-based respondents had and how this mirrors the extant international literature. As this was the first survey of its kind to attract large numbers of respondents within New Zealand, the results and discussion that follow present aspects of transition that the Ministry of Defence and the New Zealand Defence Force may wish to consider when planning future transition programmes.
On the frequency of Friday the thirteenth
Authors: Stanley P.
Published: June 2021

This article begins with a new look at earlier work on this topic and continues with the presentation of a graphical technique for the determination of the months of a year for which the 13th is a Friday.

It might be thought that the likelihood of the 13 th day of a month being a Friday is the same as that of the 13th being any other day, but this is not so. The full day/date repeat cycle is 400 years, this being the interval between century years which are leap years. The outcome of an extraordinary counting exercise some 50 years ago by a 13-year-old Eton schoolboy, S. R. Baxter [1, 2], was to show that, over this period, the 13th of a month will be a Friday at least once more than any other day. Of necessity, Baxter’s calculation was intricate and an independent confirmation was undertaken as a matter of interest. The 400-year period beginning 1 March 2014 was considered. The work is described in four stages.
DNA methylation in stress and depression: from biomarker to therapeutics
Authors: Sales Amanda J. , Guimarães Francisco S. , Joca Sâmia R.L.
Published: June 2021

Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation (DNAm) have been associated with stress responses and increased vulnerability to depression. Abnormal DNAm is observed in stressed animals and depressed individuals. Antidepressant treatment modulates DNAm levels and regulates gene expression in diverse tissues, including the brain and the blood. Therefore, DNAm could be a potential therapeutic target in depression. Here, we reviewed the current knowledge about the involvement of DNAm in the behavioural and molecular changes associated with stress exposure and depression. We also evaluated the possible use of DNAm changes as biomarkers of depression. Finally, we discussed current knowledge limitations and future perspectives.
Performance, carcass traits and meat quality of lambs fed with different roughage: concentrate ratios associated with variable physically effective neutral detergent fibre content
Authors: Queiroz L. de O. , Barbosa A. M. , Mourão G. B. , Fonseca M. A. , Pinto L. F. B. , da Silva Júnior J. M. , Silva T. M. , Lima A. G. V. O. , Bezerra L. R. , Oliveira R. L.
Published: June 2021

This study evaluated the effect of roughage:concentrate (R:C) ratio associated with a variable particle size of physically effective neutral detergent fibre (peNDF8) in the forage (Tifton-85 hay) on the performance, carcass traits and meat quality of lambs. Seventy-two 4-month-old, non-castrated Santa Ines male lambs (23.5 ± 2.32 kg BW) were distributed in a completely randomized design, in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement [two peNDF8 hay particle sizes (13 and 6 mm) and two R:C ratios (700:300 and 500:500 g/kg DM total)]. DMI, DM, NFC and TDN digestibility's, N-intake and N-faecal excretion were affected by the R:C ratio (P < 0.05). However, the N-retained was not affected by the studied variables (P > 0.05). It was observed an interaction (P < 0.05) between the peNDF8 and R:C ratios for final BW, average daily gain (ADG), colour parameters and pH 24 h. The lower roughage ratio provided greater (P < 0.05) concentrations of C14:1, C16:1–cis9, C18:1–cis9, ΣMUFA, Σn–6:Σn–3 and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic index, enzymatic activity Δ9desaturase-C16 and -C18. Lambs fed a lower roughage diet had improved performance and feed efficiency, however, presented reduced polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) concentrations in the meat, especially Σn–3 family. Higher roughage diet and larger peNDF8 particle size improved the concentrations of PUFA while decreased Σn–6:Σn–3 ratio in meat. Larger peNDF8 particle size associated with higher roughage proportion, have reduced animal performance however, it increased protein concentration, a* and C* colour parameter without affecting fatty acids profile of Longissimus lumborum muscle.
THE EFFECTS OF TALKER VARIABILITY AND FREQUENCY OF EXPOSURE ON THE ACQUISITION OF SPOKEN WORD KNOWLEDGE
Authors: Uchihara Takumi , Webb Stuart , Saito Kazuya , Trofimovich Pavel
Published: June 2021

Eighty Japanese learners of English as a foreign language encountered 40 target words in one of four experimental conditions (three encounters, six encounters, three encounters with talker variability, and six encounters with talker variability). A picture-naming test was conducted three times (pretest, immediate posttest, and delayed posttest) and elicited speech samples were scored in terms of form-meaning connection (spoken form recall) and word stress accuracy (stress placement accuracy and vowel duration ratio). Results suggested that frequency of exposure consistently promoted the recall of spoken forms, whereas talker variability was more closely related to the enhancement of word stress accuracy. These findings shed light on how input quantity (frequency) and quality (variability) affect different stages of lexical development and provide implications for vocabulary teaching.
From Power Balance to Dominant Faction in Xi Jinping's China
Authors: Choi Eun Kyong , Givens John Wagner , MacDonald Andrew
Published: June 2021

Many China watchers argue that Xi Jinping has concentrated power in his own hands in a manner unprecedented since the death of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. This article tests the extent of Xi's power consolidation by comparing the strength of his faction during his time in power to similar periods under his two immediate predecessors, Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao. Furthermore, we investigate whether a dominant faction is emerging under Xi Jinping, replacing the power balancing between factions that was the norm throughout the reform era. Analysing factional affiliations of Chinese leaders in the top four ranks, we find that Xi has formed a dominant faction. Through statistical analysis of the promotion chances of provincial leaders, we find that Xi has been unusually successful when compared to previous leaders at promoting his clients. This suggests that Xi has boosted the power of his faction by elevating provincial leaders to an extent not seen since the death of Mao and Deng.
Molecular basis of resistance to bensulfuron-methyl and cross-resistance patterns to ALS-inhibiting herbicides in Ludwigia prostrata
Authors: Deng Wei , Yang Mengting , Duan Zhiwen , Peng Cheng , Xia Zhiming , Yuan Shuzhong
Published: June 2021

Ludwigia prostrata is a problematic weed in rice fields in China, where acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides (e.g., bensulfuron-methyl) are widely used for the management of broadleaf weeds. Recently, an L. prostrata biotype (JS-R) that failed to be controlled with ALS-inhibiting herbicides was found in Jiangsu Province, China. This study aims to determine the level and molecular mechanism of resistance to bensulfuron-methyl in this JS-R biotype and to evaluate its spectrum of cross-resistance to other ALS-inhibiting herbicides. The dose–response assays indicated that the JS-R L. prostrata biotype had evolved 21.2-fold resistance to bensulfuron-methyl compared with the susceptible biotype (JS-S). ALS gene sequencing revealed that a nucleotide mutation (CCA to TCA) at codon 197, resulting in a Pro-197-Ser mutation, was detected in the resistant plants. Moreover, while the JS-R biotype contained the Pro-197-Ser resistance mutation and showed cross-resistance to pyrazosulfuron-ethyl (12.0-fold), it was sensitive to penoxsulam, bispyribac-sodium, and imazethapyr, which may serve as alternative herbicides to control the resistant L. prostrata biotype. This is the first confirmation of an L. prostrata biotype resistant to bensulfuron-methyl due to a Pro-197-Ser resistance mutation in the ALS gene.
Study of Optimal Perimetric Testing In Children (OPTIC): developing consensus and setting research priorities for perimetry in the management of children with glaucoma
Authors: Patel Dipesh E. , Cumberland Phillippa M. , Walters Bronwen C. , Abbott Joseph , Brookes John , Edmunds Beth , Khaw Peng Tee , Lloyd Ian Christopher , Papadopoulos Maria , Sung Velota , Cortina-Borja Mario , Rahi Jugnoo S. ,   For the OPTIC Study Group, Khaw Peng Tee , Walters Bronwen , Cumberland Phillippa , Russell-Eggitt Isabelle , Timms Christine , Brookes John , Moore Anthony , Papadopoulos Maria , Garway-Heath David , Viswanathan Ananth , Liasis Alki , Crabb David , Cortina-Borja Mario , Patel Dipesh , Rahi Jugnoo
Published: June 2021

Background

Perimetry is important in the management of children with glaucoma, but there is limited evidence-based guidance on its use. We report an expert consensus-based study to update guidance and identify areas requiring further research.

Methods

Experts were invited to participate in a modified Delphi consensus process. Panel selection was based on clinical experience of managing children with glaucoma and UK-based training to minimise diversity of view due to healthcare setting. Questionnaires were delivered electronically, and analysed to establish ‘agreement’. Divergence of opinions was investigated and resolved where possible through further iterations.

Results

7/9 experts invited agreed to participate. Consensus (≥5/7 (71%) in agreement) was achieved for 21/26 (80.8%) items in 2 rounds, generating recommendations to start perimetry from approximately 7 years of age (IQR: 6.75–7.25), and use qualitative methods in conjunction with automated reliability indices to assess test quality. There was a lack of agreement about defining progressive visual field (VF) loss and methods for implementing perimetry longitudinally.

Panel members highlighted the importance of informing decisions based upon individual circumstances—from gauging maturity/capability when selecting tests and interpreting outcomes, to accounting for specific clinical features (e.g. poor IOP control and/or suspected progressive VF loss) when making decisions about frequency of testing.

Conclusions

There is commonality of expert views in relation to implementing perimetry and interpreting test quality in the management of children with glaucoma. However, there remains a lack of agreement about defining progressive VF loss, and utilising perimetry over an individuals’ lifetime, highlighting the need for further research.
Longitudinal sampling of external mucosae in farmed European seabass reveals the impact of water temperature on bacterial dynamics
Authors: Rosado Daniela , Xavier Raquel , Cable Jo , Severino Ricardo , Tarroso Pedro , Pérez-Losada Marcos
Published: June 2021

Fish microbiota are intrinsically linked to health and fitness, but they are highly variable and influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors. Water temperature particularly limits bacterial adhesion and growth, impacting microbial diversity and bacterial infections on the skin and gills. Aquaculture is heavily affected by infectious diseases, especially in warmer months, and industry practices often promote stress and microbial dysbiosis, leading to an increased abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria. In this regard, fish mucosa health is extremely important because it provides a primary barrier against pathogens. We used 16 rRNA V4 metataxonomics to characterize the skin and gill microbiota of the European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax, and the surrounding water over 12 months, assessing the impact of water temperature on microbial diversity and function. We show that the microbiota of external mucosae are highly dynamic with consistent longitudinal trends in taxon diversity. Several potentially pathogenic genera (Aliivibrio, Photobacterium, Pseudomonas, and Vibrio) were highly abundant, showing complex interactions with other bacterial genera, some of which with recognized probiotic activity, and were also significantly impacted by changes in temperature. The surrounding water temperature influenced fish microbial composition, structure and function over time (days and months). Additionally, dysbiosis was more frequent in warmer months and during transitions between cold/warm months. We also detected a strong seasonal effect in the fish microbiota, which is likely to result from the compound action of several unmeasured environmental factors (e.g., pH, nutrient availability) beyond temperature. Our results highlight the importance of performing longitudinal studies to assess the impact of environmental factors on fish microbiotas.
Rapid ultra-sensitive diagnosis of clostridium difficile infection using a SERS-based lateral flow assay
Authors: Hassanain Waleed A. , Spoors Julia , Johnson Christopher L. , Faulds Karen , Keegan Neil , Graham Duncan
Published: June 2021

Duplex SERS-based lateral flow testing for C. diff bacterial infection using new biomarker, SlpA, and ToxB within 20 minutes.
Necklace-like ultrathin silver telluride nanowire films and their reversible structural phase transition
Authors: Sheng Si-Zhe , Xu Jie , He Zhen , Wang Jin-Long , Liu Jian-Wei
Published: June 2021

Novel necklace-like Ag2Te nanowires with reversible structural phase transition at low temperature have been synthesized by a one-pot method. The assembled necklace-like Ag2Te nanowire film can be applied in electronic sensor devices.
One high-nuclearity Eu18 nanoring with rapid ratiometric fluorescence response to dipicolinic acid (an anthrax biomarker)
Authors: Ma Yanan , Yang Xiaoping , Xiao Zhiyin , Liu Xiaoming , Shi Dongliang , Niu Mengyu , Schipper Desmond
Published: June 2021

One 18-metal Eu(iii) nanoring was constructed by using two types of polydentate organic ligands, and it shows a rapid ratiometric fluorescence response to 2,6-dipicolinic acid with high sensitivity and selectivity.
Organelle-targeted photothermal agents for cancer therapy
Authors: Hwang Eunbin , Jung Hyo Sung
Published: June 2021

This feature article summarizes the recent advances in organelle-targeted PTT agents over the past ten years.
Optical properties and energy transfer processes in Tb3+-doped ZnSe quantum dots
Authors: Ca N. X. , Vinh N. D. , Do P. V. , Hien N. T. , Hoa V. X. , Tan P. M.
Published: June 2021

Tb3+-Doped ZnSe quantum dots (QDs) with a Tb content in the range of 0.5–7% were successfully synthesized by a wet chemical method.
Designing excitonic circuits for the Deutsch–Jozsa algorithm: mitigating fidelity loss by merging gate operations
Authors: Castellanos Maria A. , Willard Adam P.
Published: June 2021

Precisely arranged sets of dye molecules can utilized as elementary quantum computing elements. Here, we consider two different strategies for designing these excitonic circuits for a 2-qubit multi-step quantum algorithm.
Correction: Thermoelectric properties of CZTS thin films: effect of Cu–Zn disorder
Authors: Isotta E. , Syafiq U. , Ataollahi N. , Chiappini A. , Malerba C. , Luong S. , Trifiletti V. , Fenwick O. , Pugno N. M. , Scardi P.
Published: June 2021

Correction for ‘Thermoelectric properties of CZTS thin films: effect of Cu–Zn disorder’ by E. Isotta et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d1cp01327k.
Metallaphotoredox catalysis for multicomponent coupling reactions
Authors: Lu Fu-Dong , He Gui-Feng , Lu Liang-Qiu , Xiao Wen-Jing
Published: June 2021

The key advances in the field of metallaphotoredox-catalyzed multicomponent couplings in recent years are highlighted in this review. To better meet the needs of modern chemistry, further research outlooks were also proposed.
Temperature field regulation of a droplet using an acoustothermal heater
Authors: Li Liqiang , Wu Eryong , Jia Kun , Yang Keji
Published: June 2021

We develop a method to regulate the temperature field of a droplet: spatial modulation of heat sources and thermal conduction by a travelling SAW. Three phases of distribution can be derived by a synergy of energy dissipation and acoustic vortexes.
Correction: The pan-cancer analysis of the two types of uterine cancer uncovered clinical and prognostic associations with m6A RNA methylation regulators
Authors: Zou Zhilin , Zhou Shuguang , Liang Guosheng , Tang Zhenye , Li Kai , Tan Shuzhen , Zhang Xiangsheng , Zhu Xiao
Published: June 2021

Correction for ‘The pan-cancer analysis of the two types of uterine cancer uncovered clinical and prognostic associations with m6A RNA methylation regulators’ by Zhilin Zou et al., Mol. Omics, 2021, 17, 438–453, DOI: 10.1039/d0mo00113a.
Photoluminescence investigations of sulfur quantum dots synthesized by a bubbling-assisted strategy
Authors: Liu Shuo , Wang Henggang , Feng Anrui , Chang Jianyu , Zhang Chuanchuan , Shi Yu-e , Zhai Yongqing , Biju Vasudevanpillai , Wang Zhenguang
Published: June 2021

The photoluminescence mechanisms of S-dots were revealed by the bubbling-assisted synthesis and spectroscopic study. The emission color of the S-dots depends on the size, and the emission efficiency is affected by the surface sulfur species.
Graphene composite 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic sodium salts with a honeycomb structure as a high performance anode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Xu Mengqian , Zhao Jianjun , Chen Jun , Chen Kang , Zhang Qian , Zhong Shengwen
Published: June 2021

PTCDA-Na-Gcomposite material with honeycomb structure, large specific surface area, more exposed active sites and large conductivity is prepared, showing superior energy storage behaviors compared withPTCDA-Naand previously reported sodium carboxylic acid salts.
D–A dyads and A–D–A triads based on ferrocene: push–pull dyes with unusual behaviours in solution
Authors: Noirbent Guillaume , Brunel Damien , Bui Thanh-Tuân , Péralta Sébastien , Aubert Pierre-Henri , Gigmes Didier , Dumur Frédéric
Published: June 2021

Ferrocene has been extensively used for the design of chromophores with reversible electrochemical properties.
Construction of a 2D/2D heterojunction via integrating MoS2 on Co-doped g-C3N4 to improve photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation
Authors: Tian Shaopeng , Ren Huaping , Peng Jianhong , Miao Zongcheng
Published: June 2021

Schematic of the photocatalytic mechanism of the MoS2/CoCN-3 composite with enhanced photocatalytic properties for hydrogen evolution.
LDH-doped electrospun short fibers enable dual drug loading and multistage release for chemotherapy of drug-resistant cancer cells
Authors: Ma Yupei , Li Du , Xiao Yunchao , Ouyang Zhijun , Shen Mingwu , Shi Xiangyang
Published: June 2021

LDH-incorporated PLGA short nanofibers can be loaded with dual drugs for multistage release and chemotherapy of drug-resistant cancer cells.
Cellulose acetate/fiber paper composite membrane for separation of an oil-in-water emulsion
Authors: Lei Jun , Guo Zhiguang , Liu Weimin
Published: June 2021

The cellulose composite membrane combines the advantages of cellulose acetate and cellulose filter paper with good antifouling performance and excellent mechanical properties.
Structures and absolute configurations of phomalones from the coral-associated fungus Parengyodontium album sp. SCSIO 40430
Authors: Wang Lu , Huang Yanbing , Zhang Liping , Liu Zhiwen , Liu Wei , Xu Huixin , Zhang Qingbo , Zhang Haibo , Yan Yan , Liu Zhiyong , Zhang Tianyu , Zhang Wenjun , Zhang Changsheng
Published: June 2021

Coral-associated microorganisms are likely to play an important role in host defense by the production of antimicrobials, such as enantiomeric mixture of phomalones.
Iron(ii) pillared-layer responsive frameworks via “kagomé dual” (kgd) supramolecular tessellations
Authors: Xue Shufang , Wang Liang , Naik Anil D. , Oláh Julianna , Robeyns Koen , Rotaru Aurelian , Guo Yunnan , Garcia Yann
Published: June 2021

FeII supramolecular metal organic framework was constructed by supramolecular tessellation. Guest respiration provides dual channel for optical and magnetic sensing based on allosteric effect.
Thermo-osmotic ionogel enabled high-efficiency harvesting of low-grade heat
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Yuchen , Zhang Zimeng , Liu Ruochen , Qiu Jingjing , Wang Shiren
Published: June 2021

A new thermo-osmotic approach demonstrated a revolutionary peak efficiency of 11.17% in harvesting low-grade heat for power generation.
High-temperature all-organic energy storage dielectric with the performance of self-adjusting electric field distribution
Authors: Liu Guang , Feng Yu , Zhang Tiandong , Zhang Changhai , Chi Qingguo , Zhang Yongquan , Zhang Yue , Lei Qingquan
Published: June 2021

The PC/PVDF composite is an all-organic dielectric with self-adjustable electric field distribution. When the PC layer is on the outside, it can effectively reduce the current density and improve the temperature stability of the dielectric.
Constructing a photo-enzymatic cascade reaction and itsin situmonitoring: enzymes hierarchically trapped in titania meso-porous MOFs as a new photosynthesis platform
Authors: Guo Junli , Yang Lingling , Zhao Chenxi , Gao Zhida , Song Yan-Yan , Schmuki Patrik
Published: June 2021

A photocatalysis-enzyme coupled system represents a most promising approach towards artificial photosynthesis and a direct use of solar energy for the synthesis of specific organic molecules or fuel.
A robust CRISPR–Cas12a biosensor coated with metal–organic framework
Authors: Sha Lingjun , Han Yiwei , Wang Minghui , Wu Shuai , Yang Jie , Li Genxi
Published: June 2021

A protective coating strategy based on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has been proposed to preserve the bioactivity of the Cas12a/crRNA complex.
A switchable multimode microlaser based on an AIE microsphere
Authors: Song Fengyan , Zhang Chunhuan , Dong Haiyun , Fan Yuqin , Wu Ming-Yu , Shan Guogang , Lai Puxiang , Gao Hui , Zhao Yong Sheng , Chen Sijie
Published: June 2021

A wavelength-switchable microlaser can be easily fabricated using environment-sensitive aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) as the optical gain material.
Dual synergistic modulation of photo-induced electron transfer processes between molecules and gold nanopillars for ultrasensitive plasmon-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Ansah Iris B. , Aranda Daniel , Jung Ho Sang , Park Sung-Gyu , Kang Mijeong , Otero Juan C. , Kim Dong-Ho
Published: June 2021

We present a new chemical method to further intensify surface-enhanced Raman scattering by concurrently using electrical and molecular enhancers to induce charge transfer-based resonance processes.
Serum HBV pregenomic RNA exhibited opposite associations with NKdim and NKbright cell immunity in treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Gu Yurong , Huang Zexuan , Li Xiaoyan , Chen Youming , Liao Chunhong , Bi Yanhua , Huang Yuehua
Published: June 2021

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) is a new biomarker that reflects HBV replication, but its relationship with natural killer (NK) cell immunity in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is unknown. We assessed serum HBV pgRNA levels in 323 CHB patients by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, assessed cytokine production and activation and inhibitory markers of NK cells by flow cytometry, and measured serum cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Among the different CHB phases, the serum HBV pgRNA level was highest in the immune-tolerant (IT) and immune-active (IA) phases. Regarding NK and NKdim cells, HBV pgRNA was negatively associated with frequencies, but positively associated with NKp44 and NKp46 expression (activation markers). Regarding NKbright cells, serum HBV pgRNA was positively associated with frequency and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) expression (inhibitory marker), but negatively associated with NKp44 and NKp46. Serum HBV pgRNA was not associated with NKp30 (activation marker) on NK cells or subsets. Lastly, serum HBV pgRNA was positively correlated with the levels of serum IL-7 and IL-12P40 (NK cell-promoting cytokines) and negatively correlated with serum prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level (which negatively regulates NK cells). In conclusion, we found varied relationships between serum HBV pgRNA and NK cells and subsets, indicating that HBV pgRNA may play a complicated role in NK cell-related immunity, providing new information on HBV and host immunity.
Evaluation of anticancer effects of Juniperus communis extract on hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Huang Nan-Chieh , Huang Ru-Lai , Huang Xiao-Fan , Chang Kai-Fu , Lee Chien-Ju , Hsiao Chih-Yen , Lee Shan-Chih , Tsai Nu-Man
Published: June 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and accounts for the fourth leading cause of all cancer deaths. Scientific evidence has found that plant extracts seem to be a reliable choice due to their multitarget effects against HCC. Juniperus communis has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and its anticancer properties have been reported. As a result, the purpose of the study was to investigate the anticancer effect and mechanism of J. communis extract (JCo extract) on HCC in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we found that JCo extract inhibited the growth of human HCC cells by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, extensive apoptosis and suppressing metastatic protein expressions in HCC cells. Moreover, the combinational treatment of JCo and VP-16 was found to enhance the anticancer effect, revealing that JCo extract might have the potential to be utilized as an adjuvant to promote HCC treatment. Furthermore, in vivo study, JCo extract significantly suppressed HCC tumor growth and extended the lifespan with no or low systemic and pathological toxicity. JCo extract significantly up-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and tumor suppressor p53, suppressed VEGF/VEGFR autocrine signaling, down-regulated cell cycle regulatory proteins and MMP2/MMP9 proteins. Overall, our results provide a basis for exploiting JCo extract as a potential anticancer agent against HCC.
An Objective Approach Toward Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder
Authors: Maggu Akshay R. , Overath Tobias
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In the field of audiology, auditory processing disorder (APD) continues to be a topic of ongoing debate for clinicians and scientists alike, both in terms of theory and clinical practice. In the current viewpoint, we first lay out the main issues that are central to the controversy surrounding APD, and then suggest a framework toward their resolution.

Method

The current viewpoint is informed by reviewing existing studies in the field of APD to better understand the issues contributing to the controversies in APD.

Results

We found that, within the current definition of APD, the two main issues that make the APD diagnosis controversial are (a) comorbidity with other disorders and (b) the lack of domain specificity. These issues remain unresolved, especially with the use of the existing behavioral APD test batteries. In this viewpoint, we shed light on how they can be mitigated by implementing the administration of an objective, physiological test battery.

Conclusions

By administering an objective test battery, as proposed in this viewpoint, we believe that it will be possible to achieve a higher degree of specificity to the auditory domain that will not only contribute towards clinical practice but also contribute towards strengthening APD as a theoretical construct.
ALMA Lensing Cluster Survey: A spectral stacking analysis of [C II] in lensed z ∼ 6 galaxies
Authors: Jolly Jean-Baptiste , Knudsen Kirsten , Laporte Nicolas , Richard Johan , Fujimoto Seiji , Kohno Kotaro , Ao Yiping , Bauer Franz E. , Egami Eiichi , Espada Daniel , Dessauges-Zavadsky Miroslava , Magdis Georgios , Schaerer Daniel , Sun Fengwu , Valentino Francesco , Wang Wei-Hao , Zitrin Adi
Published: June 2021

Context. The properties of galaxies at redshift z > 6 hold the key to our understanding of the early stages of galaxy evolution and can potentially identify the sources of the ultraviolet radiation that give rise to the epoch of reionisation. The far-infrared cooling line of [C II] at 158 μm is known to be bright and correlate with the star formation rate (SFR) of low-redshift galaxies, and hence is also suggested to be an important tracer of star formation and interstellar medium properties for very high-redshift galaxies.

Aims. With the aim to study the interstellar medium properties of gravitationally lensed galaxies at z > 6, we search for [C II] and thermal dust emission in a sample of 52 z ∼ 6 galaxies observed by the ALMA Lensing Cluster Survey.

Methods. We perform our analysis using LINESTACKER, stacking both [C II] and continuum emission. The target sample is selected from multiple catalogues, and the sample galaxies have spectroscopic redshift or low-uncertainty photometric redshifts (σz < 0.02) in nine galaxy clusters. Source properties of the target galaxies are either extracted from the literature or computed using spectral energy distribution fitting. Both weighted-average and median stacking are used, on both the full sample and three sub-samples.

Results. Our analyses find no detection of either [C II] or continuum. An upper limit on L[CII] is derived, implying that [C II] remains marginally consistent for low-SFR z > 6 galaxies but likely is under-luminous compared to the local L[CII]-SFR relationship. We discuss potential biases and possible physical effects that may be the cause of the non-detection. Further, the upper limit on the dust continuum implies that less than half of the star formation is obscured.
The slope of the low-energy spectrum of prompt gamma-ray burst emission
Authors: Toffano M. , Ghirlanda G. , Nava L. , Ghisellini G. , Ravasio M. E. , Oganesyan G.
Published: June 2021

The prompt emission spectra from gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are often fitted with the empirical “Band” function, namely two smoothly connected power laws. The typical slope of the low-energy (sub-MeV) power law is αBand ≃ −1. In a small fraction of long GRBs this power law splits into two components such that the spectrum presents, in addition to the typical ∼MeV νFν peak, a break at the order of a few keV or hundreds of keV. The typical power law slopes below and above the break are −0.6 and −1.5, respectively. If the break is a common feature, the value of αBand could be an “average” of the spectral slopes below and above the break in GRBs fitted with Band function. We analyze the spectra of 27 (9) bright long (short) GRBs detected by the Fermi satellite, finding a low-energy break between 80 keV and 280 keV in 12 long GRBs, but in none of the short events. Through spectral simulations we show that if the break is moved closer (farther) to the peak energy, a harder (softer) αBand is found by fitting the simulated spectra with the Band function. The hard average slope αBand ≃ −0.38 found in short GRBs suggests that the break is close to the peak energy. We show that for 15 long GRBs best fitted by the Band function only, the break could be present but not identifiable in the Fermi/GBM spectrum, because either at low energies, close to the detector limit (αBand ≲ −1), or in the proximity of the energy peak (αBand ≳ −1). A spectrum with two breaks could be typical of GRB prompt emission, albeit hard to identify with current detectors. Instrumental design such as that conceived for the THESEUS space mission, extending from 0.3 keV to several MeV and featuring a larger effective area with respect to Fermi/GBM, could reveal a larger fraction of GRBs with spectral energy breaks.