bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Local‐Scale Orography and Urban Heat Island on the Initiation of a Record‐Breaking Rainfall Event
Authors: Wu Yali , Sun Juanzhen , Ying Zhuming , Xue Lulin , Chen Dehui , Lin Wenshi
Published: August 2021

A record‐breaking rainfall event was initiated between the urban heat island (UHI) and a small trumpet‐shaped mountain (Huadu Mountain) to its north in Guangzhou City at midnight of May 6, 2017. Numerically simulating the convection initiation (CI) was challenging due to insufficient model resolution and inaccurate boundary layer parameterization, this study therefore examined the pre‐convective mesoscale processes based on their four‐dimensional analyses obtained through data assimilation of radar and surface observations using the four‐dimensional Variational Doppler Radar Analysis System (VDRAS). Results suggested that the Huadu Mountain to the north of Guangzhou City played a crucial role in the CI through orographic blocking and nighttime cooling. Dynamically, the mountain blocked the upstream airflow causing an accumulation of water vapor in boundary layers; thermally, the large near‐surface temperature gradients between the mountain and its southern foot area induced northerly downslope winds and low‐level convergences and updrafts. The downslope winds enhanced the accumulation of boundary‐layer water vapor, which was then transported to higher altitudes over the CI region by the updrafts, thus resulting in the formation and growth of cloud water above the altitude of 1 km. In addition to the mountain, the UHI also played an important role by increasing the magnitude of the low‐level convergence and influencing its horizontal distribution. These findings urge attentions to the critical roles of small‐scale orography and its interaction with urban underlying surface in initiating local rainstorm events.
Direct evidence for dynamics of cell heterogeneity in watercored apples: turgor-associated metabolic modifications and within-fruit water potential gradient unveiled by single-cell analyses
Authors: Wada Hiroshi , Nakata Keisuke , Nonami Hiroshi , Erra-Balsells Rosa , Tatsuki Miho , Hatakeyama Yuto , Tanaka Fukuyo
Published: August 2021

Watercore is a physiological disorder in apple (Malus × domesticaBorkh.) fruits that appears as water-soaked tissues adjacent to the vascular core, although there is little information on what exactly occurs at cell level in the watercored apples, particularly from the viewpoint of cell water relations. By combining picolitre pressure-probe electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (picoPPESI-MS) with freezing point osmometry and vapor pressure osmometry, changes in cell water status and metabolisms were spatially assayed in the same fruit. In the watercored fruit, total soluble solid was lower in the watercore region than the normal outer parenchyma region, but there was no spatial difference in the osmotic potentials determined with freezing point osmometry. Importantly, a disagreement between the osmotic potentials determined with two methods has been observed in the watercore region, indicating the presence of significant volatile compounds in the cellular fluids collected. In the watercored fruit, cell turgor varied across flesh, and a steeper water potential gradient has been established from the normal outer parenchyma region to the watercore region, retaining the potential to transport water to the watercore region. Site-specific analysis using picoPPESI-MS revealed that together with a reduction in turgor, remarkable metabolic modifications through fermentation have occurred at the border, inducing greater production of watercore-related volatile compounds, such as alcohols and esters, compared with other regions. Because alcohols including ethanol have low reflection coefficients, it is very likely that these molecules would have rapidly penetrated membranes to accumulate in apoplast to fill. In addition to the water potential gradient detected here, this would physically contribute to the appearance with high tissue transparency and changes in colour differences. Therefore, it is concluded that these spatial changes in cell water relations are closely associated with watercore symptoms as well as with metabolic alterations.
Turn-key mapping of cell receptor force orientation and magnitude using a commercial structured illumination microscope
Authors: Blanchard Aaron , Combs J. Dale , Brockman Joshua M. , Kellner Anna V. , Glazier Roxanne , Su Hanquan , Bender Rachel L. , Bazrafshan Alisina S. , Chen Wenchun , Quach M. Edward , Li Renhao , Mattheyses Alexa L. , Salaita Khalid
Published: August 2021

Many cellular processes, including cell division, development, and cell migration require spatially and temporally coordinated forces transduced by cell-surface receptors. Nucleic acid-based molecular tension probes allow one to visualize the piconewton (pN) forces applied by these receptors. Building on this technology, we recently developed molecular force microscopy (MFM) which uses fluorescence polarization to map receptor force orientation with diffraction-limited resolution (~250 nm). Here, we show that structured illumination microscopy (SIM), a super-resolution technique, can be used to perform super-resolution MFM. Using SIM-MFM, we generate the highest resolution maps of both the magnitude and orientation of the pN traction forces applied by cells. We apply SIM-MFM to map platelet and fibroblast integrin forces, as well as T cell receptor forces. Using SIM-MFM, we show that platelet traction force alignment occurs on a longer timescale than adhesion. Importantly, SIM-MFM can be implemented on any standard SIM microscope without hardware modifications.
Circulating trophoblast cell clusters for early detection of placenta accreta spectrum disorders
Authors: Afshar Yalda , Dong Jiantong , Zhao Pan , Li Lei , Wang Shan , Zhang Ryan Y. , Zhang Ceng , Yin Ophelia , Han Christina S. , Einerson Brett D. , Gonzalez Tania L. , Zhang Huirong , Zhou Anqi , Yang Zhuo , Chou Shih-Jie , Sun Na , Cheng Ju , Zhu Henan , Wang Jing , Zhang Tiffany X. , Lee Yi-Te , Wang Jasmine J. , Teng Pai-Chi , Yang Peng , Qi Dongping , Zhao Meiping , Sim Myung-Shin , Zhe Ruilian , Goldstein Jeffrey D. , Williams John , Wang Xietong , Zhang Qingying , Platt Lawrence D. , Zou Chang , Pisarska Margareta D. , Tseng Hsian-Rong , Zhu Yazhen
Published: August 2021

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a high-risk obstetrical condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Current clinical screening modalities for PAS are not always conclusive. Here, we report a nanostructure-embedded microchip that efficiently enriches both single and clustered circulating trophoblasts (cTBs) from maternal blood for detecting PAS. We discover a uniquely high prevalence of cTB-clusters in PAS and subsequently optimize the device to preserve the intactness of these clusters. Our feasibility study on the enumeration of cTBs and cTB-clusters from 168 pregnant women demonstrates excellent diagnostic performance for distinguishing PAS from non-PAS. A logistic regression model is constructed using a training cohort and then cross-validated and tested using an independent cohort. The combined cTB assay achieves an Area Under ROC Curve of 0.942 (throughout gestation) and 0.924 (early gestation) for distinguishing PAS from non-PAS. Our assay holds the potential to improve current diagnostic modalities for the early detection of PAS.
Diffusion-mediated HEI10 coarsening can explain meiotic crossover positioning in Arabidopsis
Authors: Morgan Chris , Fozard John A. , Hartley Matthew , Henderson Ian R. , Bomblies Kirsten , Howard Martin
Published: August 2021

In most organisms, the number and distribution of crossovers that occur during meiosis are tightly controlled. All chromosomes must receive at least one ‘obligatory crossover’ and crossovers are prevented from occurring near one another by ‘crossover interference’. However, the mechanistic basis of this phenomenon of crossover interference has remained mostly mysterious. Using quantitative super-resolution cytogenetics and mathematical modelling, we investigate crossover positioning in the Arabidopsis thaliana wild-type, an over-expressor of the conserved E3 ligase HEI10, and a hei10 heterozygous line. We show that crossover positions can be explained by a predictive, diffusion-mediated coarsening model, in which large, approximately evenly-spaced HEI10 foci grow at the expense of smaller, closely-spaced clusters. We propose this coarsening process explains many aspects of Arabidopsis crossover positioning, including crossover interference. Consistent with this model, we also demonstrate that crossover positioning can be predictably modified in vivo simply by altering HEI10 dosage, with higher and lower dosage leading to weaker and stronger crossover interference, respectively. As HEI10 is a conserved member of the RING finger protein family that functions in the interference-sensitive pathway for crossover formation, we anticipate that similar mechanisms may regulate crossover positioning in diverse eukaryotes.
Grassland ecological compensation policy in China improves grassland quality and increases herders’ income
Authors: Hou Lingling , Xia Fang , Chen Qihui , Huang Jikun , He Yong , Rose Nathan , Rozelle Scott
Published: August 2021

Many countries have undertaken large and high-profile payment-for-ecosystem-services (PES) programs to sustain the use of their natural resources. Nevertheless, few studies have comprehensively examined the impacts of existing PES programs. Grassland Ecological Compensation Policy (GECP) is one of the few pastorally focused PES programs with large investments and long duration, which aim to improve grassland quality and increase herder income. Here we present empirical evidence of the effects of GECP on grassland quality and herder income. Through a thorough and in-depth econometric analysis of remote sensing and household survey data, we find that, although GECP improves grassland quality (albeit to only a small extent) and has a large positive effect on income, it exacerbates existing income inequality among herders within their local communities. The analysis demonstrates that the program has induced herders to change their livestock production behavior. Heterogeneity analysis emphasizes the importance of making sure the programs are flexible and are adapted to local resource circumstances.
Future global urban water scarcity and potential solutions
Authors: He Chunyang , Liu Zhifeng , Wu Jianguo , Pan Xinhao , Fang Zihang , Li Jingwei , Bryan Brett A.
Published: August 2021

Urbanization and climate change are together exacerbating water scarcity—where water demand exceeds availability—for the world’s cities. We quantify global urban water scarcity in 2016 and 2050 under four socioeconomic and climate change scenarios, and explored potential solutions. Here we show the global urban population facing water scarcity is projected to increase from 933 million (one third of global urban population) in 2016 to 1.693–2.373 billion people (one third to nearly half of global urban population) in 2050, with India projected to be most severely affected in terms of growth in water-scarce urban population (increase of 153–422 million people). The number of large cities exposed to water scarcity is projected to increase from 193 to 193–284, including 10–20 megacities. More than two thirds of water-scarce cities can relieve water scarcity by infrastructure investment, but the potentially significant environmental trade-offs associated with large-scale water scarcity solutions must be guarded against.
The six steps of the complete F1-ATPase rotary catalytic cycle
Authors: Sobti Meghna , Ueno Hiroshi , Noji Hiroyuki , Stewart Alastair G.
Published: August 2021

F1Fo ATP synthase interchanges phosphate transfer energy and proton motive force via a rotary catalysis mechanism. Isolated F1-ATPase catalytic cores can hydrolyze ATP, passing through six intermediate conformational states to generate rotation of their central γ-subunit. Although previous structural studies have contributed greatly to understanding rotary catalysis in the F1-ATPase, the structure of an important conformational state (the binding-dwell) has remained elusive. Here, we exploit temperature and time-resolved cryo-electron microscopy to determine the structure of the binding- and catalytic-dwell states of Bacillus PS3 F1-ATPase. Each state shows three catalytic β-subunits in different conformations, establishing the complete set of six states taken up during the catalytic cycle and providing molecular details for both the ATP binding and hydrolysis strokes. We also identify a potential phosphate-release tunnel that indicates how ADP and phosphate binding are coordinated during synthesis. Overall these findings provide a structural basis for the entire F1-ATPase catalytic cycle.
A new BiofilmChip device for testing biofilm formation and antibiotic susceptibility
Authors: Blanco-Cabra Núria , López-Martínez Maria José , Arévalo-Jaimes Betsy Verónica , Martin-Gómez María Teresa , Samitier Josep , Torrents Eduard
Published: August 2021

Currently, three major circumstances threaten the management of bacterial infections: increasing antimicrobial resistance, expansion of chronic biofilm-associated infections, and lack of an appropriate approach to treat them. To date, the development of accelerated drug susceptibility testing of biofilms and of new antibiofouling systems has not been achieved despite the availability of different methodologies. There is a need for easy-to-use methods of testing the antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria that form biofilms and for screening new possible antibiofilm strategies. Herein, we present a microfluidic platform with an integrated interdigitated sensor (BiofilmChip). This new device allows an irreversible and homogeneous attachment of bacterial cells of clinical origin, even directly from clinical specimens, and the biofilms grown can be monitored by confocal microscopy or electrical impedance spectroscopy. The device proved to be suitable to study polymicrobial communities, as well as to measure the effect of antimicrobials on biofilms without introducing disturbances due to manipulation, thus better mimicking real-life clinical situations. Our results demonstrate that BiofilmChip is a straightforward tool for antimicrobial biofilm susceptibility testing that could be easily implemented in routine clinical laboratories.
Driving regeneration, instead of healing, in adult mammals: the decisive role of resident macrophages through efferocytosis
Authors: Rabiller Lise , Robert Virginie , Arlat Adèle , Labit Elodie , Ousset Marielle , Salon Marie , Coste Agnès , Da Costa-Fernandes Léa , Monsarrat Paul , Ségui Bruno , André Mireille , Guissard Christophe , Renoud Marie-Laure , Silva Marine , Mithieux Gilles , Raymond-Letron Isabelle , Pénicaud Luc , Lorsignol Anne , Casteilla Louis , Dromard Berthézène Cécile , Cousin Béatrice
Published: August 2021

Tissue repair after lesion usually leads to scar healing and thus loss of function in adult mammals. In contrast, other adult vertebrates such as amphibians have the ability to regenerate and restore tissue homeostasis after lesion. Understanding the control of the repair outcome is thus a concerning challenge for regenerative medicine. We recently developed a model of induced tissue regeneration in adult mice allowing the comparison of the early steps of regenerative and scar healing processes. By using studies of gain and loss of function, specific cell depletion approaches, and hematopoietic chimeras we demonstrate here that tissue regeneration in adult mammals depends on an early and transient peak of granulocyte producing reactive oxygen species and an efficient efferocytosis specifically by tissue-resident macrophages. These findings highlight key and early cellular pathways able to drive tissue repair towards regeneration in adult mammals.
Metagenomes, metatranscriptomes and microbiomes of naturally decomposing deadwood
Authors: Tláskal Vojtěch , Brabcová Vendula , Větrovský Tomáš , López-Mondéjar Rubén , Monteiro Lummy Maria Oliveira , Saraiva João Pedro , da Rocha Ulisses Nunes , Baldrian Petr
Published: August 2021

Deadwood represents significant carbon (C) stock in a temperate forests. Its decomposition and C mobilization is accomplished by decomposer microorganisms – fungi and bacteria – who also supply the foodweb of commensalist microbes. Due to the ecosystem-level importance of deadwood habitat as a C and nutrient stock with significant nitrogen fixation, the deadwood microbiome composition and function are critical to understanding the microbial processes related to its decomposition. We present a comprehensive suite of data packages obtained through environmental DNA and RNA sequencing from natural deadwood. Data provide a complex picture of the composition and function of microbiome on decomposing trunks of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in a natural forest. Packages include deadwood metagenomes, metatranscriptomes, sequences of total RNA, bacterial genomes resolved from metagenomic data and the 16S rRNA gene and ITS2 metabarcoding markers to characterize the bacterial and fungal communities. This project will be of use to microbiologists, environmental biologists and biogeochemists interested in the microbial processes associated with the transformation of recalcitrant plant biomass.
The mapping of cortical activation by near-infrared spectroscopy might be a biomarker related to the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms
Authors: Donadel Daniela Gabiatti , Zortea Maxciel , Torres Iraci L. S. , Fregni Felipe , Caumo Wolnei
Published: August 2021

The delta value of oxyhemoglobin (Δ-HbO) determined by functional near-infrared spectroscopy at prefrontal cortex (PFC) and motor cortex (MC) based on primary (25 °C) and secondary (5 °C) thermal stimuli presented a larger peak latency at left MC in fibromyalgia than in controls. The difference between HbO concentration 15 s after the thermal stimuli ending and HbO concentration before the thermal stimuli onset (Δ-HbO*) at left PFC increased 47.82% in fibromyalgia and 76.66% in controls. This value had satisfactory discriminatory properties to differentiate cortical activation in fibromyalgia versus controls. A receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis showed the Δ-HbO* cutoffs of − 0.175 at left PFC and − 0.205 at right PFC offer sensitivity and specificity of at least 80% in screening fibromyalgia from controls. In fibromyalgia, a ROC analysis showed that these cutoffs could discriminate those with higher disability due to pain and more severe central sensitization symptoms (CSS). The ROC with the best discriminatory profile was the CSS score with the Δ-HbO* at left PFC (area under the curve = 0.82, 95% confidence interval = 0.61–100). These results indicate that cortical activation based on Δ-HbO* at left PFC might be a sensitive marker to identify fibromyalgia subjects with more severe clinical symptoms.
Impact of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis on critically ill patients in Korea: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Park Youngmok , Yong Seung Hyun , Leem Ah Young , Kim Song Yee , Lee Sang Hoon , Chung Kyungsoo , Kim Eun Young , Jung Ji Ye , Kang Young Ae , Park Moo Suk , Kim Young Sam , Lee Su Hwan
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the impact of bronchiectasis on patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at a hospital in Korea. Patients with bronchiectasis were diagnosed using results of chest computed tomography performed before ICU admission. The severity of bronchiectasis was based on the number of affected lobes, and patients with ≥ 3 bronchiectatic lobes were classified into the severe bronchiectasis group. Overall, 823 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 66.0 ± 13.9 years, and 63.4% were men. Bronchiectasis and severe bronchiectasis were present in 148 (18.0%) and 108 (13.1%) patients, respectively. The increase in the number of bronchiectatic lobes was related to the rise in ICU mortality (P for trend = 0.012) and in-hospital mortality (P for trend = 0.004). Patients with severe bronchiectasis had higher odds for 28-day mortality [odds ratio (OR) 1.122, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.024–1.230], ICU mortality (OR 1.119, 95% CI 1.023–1.223), and in-hospital mortality (OR 1.208, 95% CI 1.092–1.337). The severe bronchiectasis group showed lower overall survival (log-rank P < 0.001), and the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.535 (95% CI 1.178–2.001). Severe bronchiectasis had a negative impact on all-cause mortality during ICU and hospital stays, resulting in a lower survival rate.
Identification, mapping and relative quantitation of SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycopeptides by Mass-Retention Time Fingerprinting
Authors: Chalk Rod , Greenland William E. P. , Moreira Tiago , Coker Jesse , Mukhopadhyay Shubhashish M. M. , Williams Eleanor , Manning Charlotte , Bohstedt Tina , McCrorie Rama , Fernandez-Cid Alejandra , Burgess-Brown Nicola A.
Published: August 2021

We describe an analytical method for the identification, mapping and relative quantitation of glycopeptides from SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. The method may be executed using a LC-TOF mass spectrometer, requires no specialized knowledge of glycan analysis and exploits the differential resolving power of reverse phase HPLC. While this separation technique resolves peptides with high efficiency, glycans are resolved poorly, if at all. Consequently, glycopeptides consisting of the same peptide bearing different glycan structures will all possess very similar retention times and co-elute. Rather than a disadvantage, we show that shared retention time can be used to map multiple glycan species to the same peptide and location. In combination with MSMS and pseudo MS3, we have constructed a detailed mass-retention time database for Spike glycopeptides. This database allows any accurate mass LC-MS laboratory to reliably identify and quantify Spike glycopeptides from a single overnight elastase digest in less than 90 minutes.
Reducing crystallinity in solid polymer electrolytes for lithium-metal batteries via statistical copolymerization
Authors: St-Onge Vincent , Cui Mengyang , Rochon Sylviane , Daigle Jean-Christophe , Claverie Jerome P.
Published: August 2021

The discovery that polyethylene oxide promotes ionic conductivity led to the development of solid polymer electrolytes. However, their conductivity is severely reduced by crystallinity. Here, statistical copolymerization is used to design macromolecular architectures where crystallinity is disrupted by a minimal amount of non-ethylene oxide comonomer units. Using the Flory exclusion model, we demonstrate that polymers containing 18 mol% comonomer and 18 wt% LiTFSI are devoid of crystallinity. A 10 mol% comonomer content is sufficient to reach a conductivity of 0.3 × 10−4 S cm−1at 25 °C. The Li+transference number is 0.6, indicating that the comonomer units not only limit the crystallinity but also weaken the strength of the Li+coordination to the polymer. The resulting solid polymer electrolyte is effective in an all-solid LFP|Li-metal battery operating at 25 °C, demonstrating that statistical copolymerization is an efficient tool for polymer electrolyte design.
Charge-transfer crystal with segregated packing structure constructed with hexaarylbenzene and tetracyanoquinodimethane
Authors: Ando Rempei , Jin Mingoo , Ito Hajime
Published: August 2021

Charge-transfer (CT) crystals bearing segregated domains between the hexaarylbenzene and TCNQ are a promising platform for developing new organic functional solid-state materials.
Label-free methods for opticalin vitrocharacterization of protein–protein interactions
Authors: Soltermann Fabian , Struwe Weston B. , Kukura Philipp
Published: August 2021

Protein–protein interactions are involved in the regulation and function of the majority of cellular processes.
Improving the single-molecule magnet properties of two pentagonal bipyramidal Dy3+compounds by the introduction of both electron-withdrawing and -donating groups
Authors: Zhu Li , Dong Yubao , Yin Bing , Ma Pengtao , Li Dongfeng
Published: August 2021

Modifying the electron withdrawing F atoms on the pyridine rings and the electron donating –CH3groups on the phenolic hydroxyl rings to improve the SMM behavior of two mononuclear Dy3+compounds obtained from the ligand H2bmbpen-F.
Reversible hydrogen adsorption at room temperature using a molybdenum–dihydrogen complex in the solid state
Authors: Uchida Kaiji , Kishimoto Naoki , Noro Shin-ichiro , Iguchi Hiroaki , Takaishi Shinya
Published: August 2021

Reversible hydrogen adsorption at ambient temperature was realized using molybdenum complex, [Mo(PCy3)2(CO)3], in the solid state.
A new strategy for improving the electrochemical performance of perovskite cathodes: pre-calcining the perovskite oxide precursor in a nitrogen atmosphere
Authors: Chen Jing , Zhao Zhenxiang , Feng Yu , Sun Xuzhuo , Li Bo , Wan Dongjin , Tan Yuan
Published: August 2021

This study demonstrates a new strategy to further improve the oxygen non-stoichiometry (δ) and electrocatalytic activity of cathode by pre-calcining the perovskite oxide precursor in nitrogen atmosphere.
Di- and tri-component spinel ferrite nanocubes: synthesis and their comparative characterization for theranostic applications
Authors: Silvestri Niccolò , Gavilán Helena , Guardia Pablo , Brescia Rosaria , Fernandes Soraia , Samia Anna Cristina S. , Teran Francisco J. , Pellegrino Teresa
Published: August 2021

Mixed transition metals ferrites nanocubes are here prepared. Their magnetic properties are evaluated to assess their applicability as theranostic tools for magnetic hyperthermia treatment, magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic particles imaging.
Simple and high-yield preparation of carbon-black-supported ∼1 nm platinum nanoclusters and their oxygen reduction reactivity
Authors: Kawawaki Tokuhisa , Shimizu Nobuyuki , Funai Kanako , Mitomi Yusuke , Hossain Sakiat , Kikkawa Soichi , Osborn D. J. , Yamazoe Seiji , Metha Gregory F. , Negishi Yuichi
Published: August 2021

This work established a simple method for the size-selective synthesis of a series of ligand-protected platinum nanoclusters with superior oxygen reduction reactivity.
Structural determination of a metastable Ag27 nanocluster and its transformations into Ag8 and Ag29 nanoclusters
Authors: Zhu Chen , Duan Tengfei , Li Hao , Wei Xiao , Kang Xi , Pei Yong , Zhu Manzhou
Published: August 2021

The atomically precise structure of a metastable nanocluster, Ag27H11(SPhMe2)12(DPPM)6, was determined, and its transformations into size-reduction Ag8 and size-growth Ag29 nanoclusters have been mapped out.
The Mizoroki–Heck reaction initiated formal C(sp3)–H arylation of carbonyl compounds
Authors: Jiang Nan-Quan , Li Hai-Yan , Cai Zhong-Jian , Ji Shun-Jun
Published: August 2021

This work described a Mizoroki–Heck reaction initiated formal C(sp3)–H arylation of α-methylcinnamaldehydes under phosphane-free conditions.
Push–pull thiophene-based small molecules with donor and acceptor units of varying strength for photovoltaic application: beyond P3HT and PCBM
Authors: Marinelli Martina , Candini Andrea , Monti Filippo , Boschi Alex , Zangoli Mattia , Salatelli Elisabetta , Pierini Filippo , Lanzi Massimiliano , Zanelli Alberto , Gazzano Massimo , Di Maria Francesca
Published: August 2021

Here is reported the synthesis of a family of thiophene-based heptamers alternating electron donor (D) and acceptor (A) units in a D–A′–D–A–D–A′–D sequence. Their multiple roles as active materials in BHJ solar cells are presented.
Comprehensively enhanced energy-storage properties in (Pb1−3x/2Lax)(Zr0.995Ti0.005)O3antiferroelectric ceramicsviacomposition optimization
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Yang Tongqing , Gong Weiping
Published: August 2021

An ultra-highWrecof 12.3 J cm−3andηof 84% are achieved simultaneously in PbZrO3-based ceramicsviacomposition optimization.
MalDroid: Secure DL‐enabled intelligent malware detection framework
Authors: Haq Ikram Ul , Khan Tamim Ahmed , Akhunzada Adnan , Liu Xuan
Published: August 2021

Nowadays, smartphones are provided with an abundance of capabilities. During the last decade, the availability of smartphone users and online mobile payment services and applications have substantially grown. Besides, the Android infotainment market is exponentially growing and thus potentially becoming a primary target for cyber adversaries and attackers. Likewise, varied Android vulnerability exploitation and targeted pervasive malware sophisticated attacks are also becoming a hot spot for both industry and academia. The authors present a secure by design efficient and intelligent Android detection framework against prevalent, sophisticated and persistent malware threats and attacks. A novel and highly proficient Cuda‐enabled multi‐class malware threat detection and identification Deep Learning (DL)‐driven mechanism that leverages ConvLSTM2D and CNN has been proposed. The devised approach has been extensively evaluated on publicly available state‐of‐the‐art datasets of Android applications (i.e. Android Malware Dataset (AMD), Androzoo). Standard and extended assessment metrics have been employed to thoroughly evaluate the proposed technique. Moreover, the performance of the proposed algorithm has been verified both with the constructed hybrid DL‐driven algorithms and current benchmarks. Additionally, the proposed scheme is cross validated to explicitly show unbiased results.
Strategic PMU placement to alleviate power system vulnerability against cyber attacks
Authors: Khare Gaurav , Mohapatra Abheejeet , Singh Sri Niwas
Published: August 2021

A strategic phasor measurement unit (PMU) placement scheme is proposed in this work to reduce the cyber vulnerability of the power system against cyber attacks. A multi‐stage PMU placement strategy is developed to alleviate the power system vulnerability against the possible false data injection attacks using the forward dynamic programming to distribute the capital cost of PMUs over a time horizon. An index is also proposed to quantify the vulnerability of the nodes of a grid against false data injection attacks. This index is useful in selecting the optimal set of candidate buses for PMUs placement and prioritising the candidate buses for PMUs placement in a specific deployment stage. The proposed scheme will also ensure the critical observability of the grid in its first stage and increment in observability levels in subsequent stages. Simulation results are provided for IEEE 14‐bus, IEEE 39‐bus, and IEEE 118‐bus test systems, considering the impact of zero injection buses (ZIBs) on optimisation process, to justify the effectiveness of the proposed index and PMUs placement approach.
Generation of mean flows in rotating anisotropic turbulence: The case of solar near-surface shear layer
Authors: Barekat A. , Käpylä M. J. , Käpylä P. J. , Gilson E. P. , Ji H.
Published: August 2021

Context.Results from helioseismology indicate that the radial gradient of the rotation rate in the near-surface shear layer (NSSL) of the Sun is independent of latitude and radius. Theoretical models using the mean-field approach have been successful in explaining this property of the NSSL, while global direct or large-eddy magnetoconvection models have so far been unable to reproduce this.

Aims.We investigate the reason for this discrepancy by measuring the mean flows, Reynolds stress, and turbulent transport coefficients under conditions mimicking those in the solar NSSL.

Methods.Simulations with as few ingredients as possible to generate mean flows were studied. These ingredients are inhomogeneity due to boundaries, anisotropic turbulence, and rotation. The parameters of the simulations were chosen such that they matched the weakly rotationally constrained NSSL. The simulations probe locally Cartesian patches of the star at a given depth and latitude. The depth of the patch was varied by changing the rotation rate such that the resulting Coriolis numbers covered the same range as in the NSSL. We measured the turbulent transport coefficient relevant for the nondiffusive (Λ-effect) and diffusive (turbulent viscosity) parts of the Reynolds stress and compared them with predictions of current mean-field theories.

Results.A negative radial gradient of the mean flow is generated only at the equator where meridional flows are absent. At other latitudes, the meridional flow is comparable to the mean flow corresponding to differential rotation. We also find that the meridional components of the Reynolds stress cannot be ignored. Additionally, we find that the turbulent viscosity is quenched by rotation by about 50% from the surface to the bottom of the NSSL.

Conclusions.Our local simulations do not validate the explanation for the generation of the NSSL from mean-field theory where meridional flows and stresses are neglected. However, the rotational dependence of the turbulent viscosity in our simulations agrees well with theoretical predictions. Moreover, our results agree qualitatively with global convection simulations in that an NSSL can only be obtained near the equator.
Follow-up of non-transiting planets detected by Kepler
Authors: Lillo-Box J. , Millholland S. , Laughlin G.
Published: August 2021

Context. The direct detection of new extrasolar planets from high-precision photometry data is commonly based on the observation of the transit signal of the planet as it passes in front of its star. Close-in planets, however, leave additional imprints in the light curve even if they do not transit. These are the so-called phase curve variations that include ellipsoidal, reflection and beaming effects.

Aims. In a previous paper, we scrutinized the Kepler database looking for these phase variations from non-transiting planets. They found 60 candidates whose signals were compatible with planetary companions. In this paper, we perform a ground-based follow-up of a subsample of these systems with the aim of confirming and characterizing these planets and thus validating the detection technique.

Methods. We used the CAFE and HERMES instruments to monitor the radial velocity (RV) of ten non-transiting planet candidates along their orbits. We additionally used AstraLux to obtain high-resolution images of some of these candidates to discard blended binaries that contaminate the Kepler light curves by mimicking planetary signals.

Results. Among the ten systems, we confirm three new hot-Jupiters (KIC 8121913 b, KIC 10068024 b, and KIC 5479689 b) with masses in the range 0.5–2 MJup and set mass constraints within the planetary regime for the other three candidates (KIC 8026887 b, KIC 5878307 b, and KIC 11362225 b), thus strongly suggestive of their planetary nature.

Conclusions. For the first time, we validate the technique of detecting non-transiting planets via their phase curve variations. We present the new planetary systems and their properties. We find good agreement between the RV-derived masses and the photometric masses in all cases except KIC 8121913 b, which shows a significantly lower mass derived from the ellipsoidal modulations than from beaming and RV data.
Morley finite element method for the von Kármán obstacle problem
Authors: Carstensen Carsten , Gaddam Sharat , Nataraj Neela , Pani Amiya K. , Shylaja Devika
Published: August 2021

This paper focusses on the von Kármán equations for the moderately large deformation of a very thin plate with the convex obstacle constraint leading to a coupled system of semilinear fourth-order obstacle problem and motivates its nonconforming Morley finite element approximation. The first part establishes the well-posedness of the von Kármán obstacle problem and also discusses the uniqueness of the solution under an a priori and an a posteriori smallness condition on the data. The second part of the article discusses the regularity result of Frehse from 1971 and combines it with the regularity of the solution on a polygonal domain. The third part of the article shows an a priori error estimate for optimal convergence rates for the Morley finite element approximation to the von Kármán obstacle problem for small data. The article concludes with numerical results that illustrates the requirement of smallness assumption on the data for optimal convergence rate.
Cardiovascular Effects Induced by Fruit Peels from Passiflora edulis in Hypertensive Rats and Fingerprint Analysis by HPLC-ESI-MSn spectrometry
Authors: Cabral Bárbara , Gonçalves Tays Amanda Felisberto , Abreu Lucas Silva , Andrade Anderson Wilbur Lopes , de Azevedo Fátima de Lourdes Assunção Araújo , de Castro Francker Duarte , Tavares Josean Fechine , Guerra Gerlane Coelho Bernardo , de Rezende Adriana Augusto , de Medeiros Isac Almeida , Zucolotto Silvana Maria
Published: August 2021

Hypertension is a chronic disease and a global health problem. Due to its high prevalence, it constitutes the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Fruit peels from Passiflora edulis fo. flavicarpa are rich in bioactive natural compounds that may have action in hypertension. This study aimed to perform a fingerprinting analysis of Passiflora edulis fruit peel extract and evaluate its actions on the cardiovascular system in an in vivo model. The extract was obtained from the dried and powdered fruit peels of Passiflora edulis. Glycoside flavonoids were identified in the extract by HPLC-ESI-MSn. The extract showed a significant hypotensive effect after 28 days of treatment and improved vascular function in the mesenteric artery. This effect was verified by decreased vascular hypercontractility and increased vasorelaxant in response to sodium nitroprusside and acetylcholine. There was also a decrease in
endothelial dysfunction, which can be attributed to nitric oxideʼs increased bioavailability. Thus, we hypothesize that all these effects contributed to a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance, leading to a significant hypotensive effect. These results are novel for fruit peels from P. edulis. Also, there was a decrease in plasma and cardiac malondialdehyde levels and an increase in glutathione, suggesting a reduction in oxidative stress, as well as an increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 in the plasma. This study demonstrated that the extract can be a new source of raw material to be applied as food or medicine adjuvant for treating hypertension.
COVID-19-assoziierte Koagulopathie
Authors: Nopp Stephan , Ay Cihan
Published: August 2021

Was ist neu?

Häufigkeit thrombotischer Ereignisse COVID-19 ist deutlich mit einem erhöhten Thromboserisiko assoziiert. 5–11 % der PatientInnen auf Normalstationen und 18–28 % der intensivpflichtigen PatientInnen entwickeln eine venöse Thromboembolie. Auch das Risiko für arterielle thromboembolische Ereignisse ist erhöht: ungefähr 3 % der COVID-19-PatientInnen auf einer Intensivstation erleiden einen Herzinfarkt, Schlaganfall oder eine systemische Embolie. Zusätzlich zum prothrombotischen Zustandsbild ist auch das Blutungsrisiko erhöht (3,9 % bei hospitalisierten PatientInnen). Für ambulant betreute oder bereits wieder entlassene PatientInnen dürfte das Thromboserisiko gering sein.

Pathomechanismus: Koagulopathie Bei COVID-19 besteht ein prothrombotisches Zustandsbild, hervorgerufen durch ein Zusammenspiel aus Infektionserreger, Inflammation und dem Gerinnungssystem. Die sich potenzierenden Effekte verursachen eine Endothelaktivierung, die Ausschüttung proinflammatorischer Zytokine und eine Kettenreaktion im Gerinnungssystem. Laborchemisch imponieren bei der COVID-19-assoziierten Koagulopathie ein stark erhöhtes D-Dimer, hohes Fibrinogen, eine verlängerte Prothrombinzeit sowie eine verminderte Thrombozytenanzahl. Das überproportional hohe Auftreten von Lungenembolien lässt eine teilweise pulmonale Thrombenentstehung vermuten, welche auf Basis der entkoppelten Inflammation entsteht. Die Aktivierung des Gerinnungssystems durch COVID-19 kann sich auch prognostisch zunutze gemacht werden, um Morbidität und Letalität anhand von Gerinnungsparametern abzuschätzen.

Therapie und Thromboseprophylaxe Aufgrund des hohen thrombotischen Risikos ist eine prophylaktische Antikoagulation, bevorzugt mit niedermolekularem Heparin, bei allen hospitalisierten PatientInnen indiziert. Lediglich über die Dosierung herrscht Unklarheit. Neue randomisiert-kontrollierte Studien zeigen erste Signale: eine therapeutische oder intermediäre Antikoagulation scheint keinen Vorteil gegenüber einer Standardprophylaxe für intensivpflichtige PatientInnen zu bringen. Es ist jedoch möglich, dass eine therapeutische Dosierung, eingesetzt auf Normalstationen bei PatientInnen mit (noch) moderatem Verlauf, zu einem besseren Outcome führt. Für ambulant betreute oder bereits entlassene PatientInnen ist die Evidenz nach wie vor gering. In beiden Fällen ist keine routinemäßige Antikoagulation empfohlen. Bei niedrigem Blutungsrisiko kann jedoch eine Thromboseprophylaxe erwogen werden.
Eine Kurzversion des Fragebogens zur Beurteilung des eigenen Körpers (FBeK): Ergebnisse aus klinischen und bevölkerungsrepräsentativen Stichproben
Authors: Schmalbach Bjarne , Altmann Uwe , Peitsch-Vuorilehto Helena , Brähler Elmar , Strauß Bernhard
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund Ziel der Studie war die Entwicklung und Evaluation einer 9 Item- Kurzversion des Fragebogens zur Beurteilung des eigenen Körpers (FBeK-9).

Methode Auf der Basis einer Repräsentativerhebung aus dem Jahr 1996 wurde zunächst ein 15-Item_Version des FBeK erstellt, die in einer bevölkerungsrepräsentativen Stichprobe (N=2510) und in drei klinischen Gruppen, nämlich Patienten mit depressiven Störungen (N=106), Patienten mit Essstörungen (N=107) und Patienten mit Schmerzstörungen (N=90) überprüft wurde. Weiterhin wurden depressive Symptome, Angstsymptome und Schmerzbeeinträchtigung mit Selbst-Ratings (PHQ-9, PHQ-4, PDI) erhoben. Die Auswahl der Items und Evaluation der Faktorenstruktur erfolgte mit explorativen und konfirmatorischen Faktorenanalysen (EFA und CFA) und führte zur Entwicklung des FBeK-9 als neue Kurzform. Für Geschlecht, Altersgruppen und Störungsgruppe wurden die drei FBeK-9 Skalen auf Messinvarianz getestet. Schließlich wurden die konvergente Validität untersucht und Normwerte berechnet.

Ergebnisse Die Modelle der konfirmatorischen Faktorenanalyse wiesen in allen vier Stichproben akzeptable Fitindizes auf ((CFI) =0,982,(ω ) =0,020). Die Skalen „Unsicherheit/ Missempfinden“, „Attraktivität/Selbstvertrauen“ sowie „Akzentuierung des Körpers/Sensibilität“ hatten eine akzeptable Reliabilität (ω=0,707) und korrelierten in erwarteter Weise mit depressiven Symptomen, Angstsymptomen und Schmerzbeeinträchtigung. Auch zeigten sich erwartungskonforme Mittelwertunterschiede beim Vergleich der vier Stichproben. Messinvarianz wurde für Alter und Geschlecht gezeigt.

SchlussfolgerungAuch die Kurzform des FBeK, der FBeK-9 stellt ein reliables, valides und effizientes Instrument dar, welches in klinischen und nicht-klinischen Stichproben zur Untersuchung des subjektiven Körpererlebens eingesetzt werden kann. Für die Kurzform sind noch weitere Prüfungen der Validität notwendig.
Decreased Native T1 Values and Impaired Myocardial Contractility in Anabolic Steroid Users
Authors: de Souza Francis Ribeiro , dos Santos Marcelo Rodrigues , Rochitte Carlos Eduardo , dos Santos Rafael Parenquine , Jordão Camila Paixão , Leite Ivanhoe Stuart , da Fonseca Guilherme Wesley Peixoto , Fonseca Rafael Almeida , de Oliveira Tiago Franco , Yonamine Maurício , Pereira Rosa Maria Rodrigues , Negrão Carlos Eduardo , Alves de Nazaré Nunes Maria Janieire
Published: August 2021

Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse leads to myocardial toxicity. Human studies are conflicting about the myocardial fibrosis in AAS users. We evaluated cardiac tissue characterization, left ventricle (LV) function, and cardiac structure by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Twenty strength-trained AAS users (AASU) aged 29±5 yr, 20 strength-trained AAS nonusers (AASNU), and 7 sedentary controls (SC) were enrolled. Native T1 mapping, late-gadolinium enhancement (LGE), extracellular volume (ECV), and myocardial strain were evaluated. AASU showed lower Native T1 values than AASNU (888±162 vs. 1020±179 ms p=0.047). Focal myocardial fibrosis was found in 2 AASU. AASU showed lower LV radial strain (30±8 vs. 38±6%, p<0.01), LV circumferential strain (–17±3 vs. −20±2%, p<0.01), and LV global longitudinal strain (–17±3 vs. –20±3%, p<0.01) than AASNU by CMR. By echocardiography, AASU demonstrated lower 4-chamber longitudinal strain than AASNU (–15±g3 vs. –18±2%, p=0.03). ECV was similar among AASU, AASNU, and SC (28±10 vs. 28±7 vs. 30±7%, p=0.93). AASU had higher LV mass index than AASNU and SC (85±14 vs. 64±8 vs. 58±5 g/m2, respectively, p<0.01). AAS abuse may be linked to decreased myocardial native T1 values, impaired myocardial contractility, and focal fibrosis. These alterations may be associated with maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy in young AAS users.
Functional Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome: An Approach to Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Lovelock Thomas , Claydon Matthew , Dean Anastasia
Published: August 2021

Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES) is an uncommon syndrome that predominantly affects young athletes. Functional PAES is a subtype of PAES without anatomic entrapment of the popliteal artery. Patients with functional PAES tend to be younger and more active than typical PAES patients. A number of differential diagnoses exist, the most common of which is chronic exertional compartment syndrome. There is no consensus regarding choice of investigation for these patients. However, exercise ankle-brachial indices and magnetic resonance imaging are less invasive alternatives to digital subtraction angiography. Patients with typical symptoms that are severe and repetitive should be considered for intervention. Surgical intervention consists of release of the popliteal artery, either via a posterior or medial approach. The Turnipseed procedure involves a medial approach with a concomitant release of the medial gastrocnemius and soleal fascia, the medial tibial attachments of the soleus and excision of the proximal third of the plantaris muscle. Injection of botulinum A toxin under electromyographic guidance has recently shown promise as a diagnostic and/or therapeutic intervention in small case series. This review provides relevant information for the clinician investigating and managing patients with functional PAES.
Natural Products as a Source of Inspiration for Novel Inhibitors of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs) Formation
Authors: Velichkova Stefaniya , Foubert Kenn , Pieters Luc
Published: August 2021

Protein glycation, a post-translational modification found in biological systems, is often associated with a core defect in glucose metabolism. In particular, advanced glycation endproducts are complex heterogeneous sugar-derived protein modifications implicated in the progression of pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetic complications, skin diseases, rheumatism, hypertension, and neurodegenerative diseases. Undoubtedly, there is the need to expand the knowledge about antiglycation agents that can offer a therapeutic approach in preventing and treating health issues of high social and economic importance. Although various compounds have been under consideration, little data from clinical trials are available, and there is a lack of approved and registered antiglycation agents. Next to the search for novel synthetic advanced glycation endproduct inhibitors, more and more the efforts of scientists are focusing on researching antiglycation compounds from
natural origin. The main purpose of this review is to provide a thorough overview of the state of scientific knowledge in the field of natural products from plant origin (e.g., extracts and pure compounds) as inhibitors of advanced glycation endproduct formation in the period between 1990 and 2019. Moreover, the objectives of the summary also include basic chemistry of AGEs formation and classification, pathophysiological significance of AGEs, mechanisms for inhibiting AGEs formation, and examples of several synthetic anti-AGEs drugs.