bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dendrite-Free and Stable Lithium Metal Battery Achieved by a Model of Stepwise Lithium Deposition and Stripping
Authors: Liu Tiancun , Wang Jinlong , Xu Yi , Zhang Yifan , Wang Yong
Published: August 2021

Highlights

A facile method is adopted to obtain cucumber-like lithiophilic composite skeleton.

Massive lithiophilic sites in cucumber-like lithiophilic composite skeleton can promote and guide uniform Li depositions.

A unique model of stepwise Li deposition and stripping is determined.

The uncontrolled formation of lithium (Li) dendrites and the unnecessary consumption of electrolyte during the Li plating/stripping process have been major obstacles in developing safe and stable Li metal batteries. Herein, we report a cucumber-like lithiophilic composite skeleton (CLCS) fabricated through a facile oxidation-immersion-reduction method. The stepwise Li deposition and stripping, determined using in situ Raman spectra during the galvanostatic Li charging/discharging process, promote the formation of a dendrite-free Li metal anode. Furthermore, numerous pyridinic N, pyrrolic N, and CuxN sites with excellent lithiophilicity work synergistically to distribute Li ions and suppress the formation of Li dendrites. Owing to these advantages, cells based on CLCS exhibit a high Coulombic efficiency of 97.3% for 700 cycles and an improved lifespan of 2000 h for symmetric cells. The full cells assembled with LiFePO4 (LFP), SeS2 cathodes and CLCS@Li anodes demonstrate high capacities of 110.1 mAh g−1 after 600 cycles at 0.2 A g−1 in CLCS@Li|LFP and 491.8 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 1 A g−1 in CLCS@Li|SeS2. The unique design of CLCS may accelerate the application of Li metal anodes in commercial Li metal batteries.
Das Ende des Politischen? Demokratische Politik und Künstliche Intelligenz
Authors: Koster Ann-Kathrin
Published: August 2021

In jüngster Zeit findet innerhalb der politiktheoretischen Forschung eine vermehrte Auseinandersetzung mit algorithmenbasierten Systemen statt. Diese ist geprägt von der Behauptung einer neuen algorithmischen Regierungsweise, die aufgrund ihrer reduktionistisch-formalen Logik sowohl plurale Sinnzusammenhänge untergräbt als auch die individuelle Entfaltung reflexiver Urteilsbildung unterminiert. Entgegen dieser Annahmen argumentiert der vorliegende Beitrag, dass der Einsatz dieser digitalen Technologien im politischen Kontext nicht zwangsläufig in eine post-politische Verfasstheit von Gesellschaft münden muss. Algorithmische Systeme lassen sich als spezifische epistemische Verfahren verstehen, deren operativer Gebrauch symbolischer Inputs zwar einer schließenden, ontologisierenden Logik folgt und für sich genommen kontingenzreduzierende und latent anti-politische Wirkungen zeitigt. Demokratische Gesellschaften zeichnen sich aber hinsichtlich ihrer kontingenztheoretischen Verfahren gerade dadurch aus, dass ihre befragende Logik eine Inkorporation solcher Ontologisierungen ermöglicht. Es geht dann vielmehr darum, die Bedingungen ihrer Politisierung in den Blick zu nehmen.
Endogenous Deficiency of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Induces the Downregulation ofTryptophan Hydroxylase-2Expression in Raphe Nuclei of Rapid Ejaculator Rats
Authors: Huang Yuanyuan , Peng Dangwei , Geng Hao , Dai Yutian , Jiang Hui , Zhang Xiansheng
Published: August 2021

Background

Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common ejaculatory disorders. Recent studies have suggested a close relationship between the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) system and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), raising the question of whether BDNF plays a role in ejaculation regulation. To our knowledge, no previous studies have explored BDNF level of the central nervous system in ejaculatory disorders. At the same time, the interaction of central BDNF and 5-HT systems has not been undertaken in ejaculation regulation field.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between BDNF and 5-HT levels in raphe nuclei which contains the serotonergic neurons in a rat animal model with different ejaculatory behavior.

Methods

Eighteen male rats were selected and classified as “sluggish,” “normal,” and “rapid” ejaculators on the basis of ejaculation frequency during copulatory behavioral testing. BDNF and 5-HT levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-Time Quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses were used to measure the mRNA level of Tryptophan Hydroxylase-2 (TPH2) gene and the expression of TPH2 protein (the rate-limiting enzyme in central 5-HT synthesis) in raphe nuclei, respectively.

Outcomes

Male rat sexual behavior, the levels of BDNF and 5-HT in raphe nuclei of rats with different ejaculatory behavior, the mRNA level of gene encoding TPH2 and the expression of TPH2 protein in raphe nuclei.

RESULTS

The primary finding of our study was that BDNF concentration was significantly decreased in raphe nuclei of rapid ejaculators. There was a strong positive correlation between the levels of BDNF and 5-HT (r = 0.944, P < .001). Further results showed that decreased TPH2 gene expression accompanied by TPH2 protein was shown in rapid ejaculators with lower BDNF level.

Clinical Implications

With refinement of current knowledge, BDNF may eventually serve as a promising biomarker in patients with PE.

Strengths & Limitations

There are no previous studies examining the interaction of the brain BDNF and 5-HT in ejaculation regulation field. The main limitation is the limited sample size.

CONCLUSION

BDNF may act via increasing the synthesis of central 5-HT in the process of ejaculation regulation. Our results suggest lack of endogenous BDNF induces the downregulation of TPH2 gene expression and the decrease of 5-HT synthesis in raphe nuclei of rapid ejaculator rats.
An integrative review and practical guide to team development interventions for translational science teams: One size does not fit all
Authors: Begerowski Sydney R. , Traylor Allison M. , Shuffler Marissa L. , Salas Eduardo
Published: August 2021

As the need to tackle complex clinical and societal problems rises, researchers are increasingly taking on a translational approach. This approach, which seeks to integrate theories, methodologies, and frameworks from various disciplines across a team of researchers, places emphasis on translation of findings in order to offer practical solutions to real-world problems. While translational research leads to a number of positive outcomes, there are also a multitude of barriers to conducting effective team science, such as effective coordination and communication across the organizational, disciplinary, and even geographic boundaries of science teams. Given these barriers to success, there is a significant need to establish team interventions that increase science team effectiveness as translational research becomes the new face of science. This review is intended to provide translational scientists with an understanding of barriers to effective team science and equip them with the necessary tools to overcome such barriers. We provide an overview of translational science teams, discuss barriers to science team effectiveness, demonstrate the lacking state of current interventions, and present recommendations for improving interventions in science teams by applying best practices from the teams and groups literature across the four phases of transdisciplinary research.
Serologic Status and SARS-CoV-2 Infection over 6 Months of Follow Up in Healthcare Workers in Chicago: A Cohort Study
Authors: Wilkins John T. , Hirschhorn Lisa R. , Gray Elizabeth L. , Wallia Amisha , Carnethon Mercedes , Zembower Teresa R. , Ho Joyce , DeYoung Benjamin J. , Zhu Alex , Rasmussen-Torvik Laura J. , Taiwo Babafemi , Evans Charlesnika T.
Published: August 2021

Objective:

To determine the changes in severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) serologic status and SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in healthcare workers (HCWs) over 6-months of follow-up.

Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Setting and participants:

HCWs in the Chicago area.

Methods:

Cohort participants were recruited in May and June 2020 for baseline serology testing (Abbott anti-nucleocapsid IgG) and were then invited for follow-up serology testing 6 months later. Participants completed monthly online surveys that assessed demographics, medical history, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and exposures to SARS-CoV-2. The electronic medical record was used to identify SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity during follow-up. Serologic conversion and SARS-CoV-2 infection or possible reinfection rates (cases per 10,000 person days) by antibody status at baseline and follow-up were assessed.

Results:

In total, 6,510 HCWs were followed for a total of 1,285,395 person days (median follow-up, 216 days). For participants who had baseline and follow-up serology checked, 285 (6.1%) of the 4,681 seronegative participants at baseline seroconverted to positive at follow-up; 138 (48%) of the 263 who were seropositive at baseline were seronegative at follow-up. When analyzed by baseline serostatus alone, 519 (8.4%) of 6,194 baseline seronegative participants had a positive PCR after baseline serology testing (4.25 per 10,000 person days). Of 316 participants who were seropositive at baseline, 8 (2.5%) met criteria for possible SARS-CoV-2 reinfection (ie, PCR positive >90 days after baseline serology) during follow-up, a rate of 1.27 per 10,000 days at risk. The adjusted rate ratio for possible reinfection in baseline seropositive compared to infection in baseline seronegative participants was 0.26 (95% confidence interval, 0.13–0.53).

Conclusions:

Seropositivity in HCWs is associated with moderate protection from future SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Cobalamin and folate status in women during early pregnancy in Bhaktapur, Nepal
Authors: Schwinger Catherine , Sharma Shakun , Chandyo Ram K. , Hysing Mari , Kvestad Ingrid , Ulak Manjeswori , Ranjitkar Suman , Shrestha Merina , Shrestha Laxman P. , McCann Adrian , Ueland Per M. , Strand Tor A.
Published: August 2021

The demand for cobalamin (vitamin B12) and folate is increased during pregnancy, and deficiency during pregnancy may lead to complications and adverse outcomes. Yet, the status of these micronutrients is unknown in many populations. We assessed the concentration of cobalamin, folate and their functional biomarkers, total homocysteine (tHcy) and methylmalonic acid (MMA), in 561 pregnant women enrolled in a community-based randomised controlled trial in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Plasma concentrations of cobalamin, folate, tHcy and MMA were measured and a combined indicator of vitamin B12 status (3cB12) was calculated. We report mean or median concentrations and the prevalence of deficiency according to commonly used cut-offs, and assessed their association with indicators of socio-economic status, and maternal and dietary characteristics by linear regression. Among the women at gestational week less than 15, deficiencies of cobalamin and folate were seen in 24 and 1 %, respectively. Being a vegetarian was associated with lower plasma cobalamin, and a higher socio-economic status was associated with a better micronutrient status. We conclude that cobalamin deficiency defined by commonly used cut-offs was common in Nepalese women in early pregnancy. In contrast, folate deficiency was rare. As there is no consensus on cut-off points for vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy, future studies are needed to assess the potential functional consequences of these low values.
The GLINT South testbed for nulling interferometry with photonics: Design and on-sky results at the Anglo-Australian Telescope
Authors: Lagadec T. , Norris B. , Gross S. , Arriola A. , Gretzinger T. , Cvetojevic N. , Martinod M.-A. , Jovanovic N. , Withford M. , Tuthill P.
Published: August 2021

In 1978, Bracewell suggested the technique of nulling interferometry to directly image exoplanets which would enable characterisation of their surfaces, atmospheres, weather, and possibly determine their capacity to host life. The contrast needed to discriminate starlight reflected by a terrestrial-type planet from the glare of its host star lies at or beyond a forbidding$10^{-10}$for an exo-Earth in the habitable zone around a Sun-like star at near-infrared wavelengths, necessitating instrumentation with extremely precise control of the light. Guided Light Interferometric Nulling Technology (GLINT) is a testbed for new photonic devices conceived to overcome the challenges posed by nulling interferometry. At its heart, GLINT employs a single-mode nulling photonic chip fabricated by direct-write technology to coherently combine starlight from an arbitrarily large telescope at 1 550 nm. It operates in combination with an actuated segmented mirror in a closed-loop control system, to produce and sustain a deep null throughout observations. The GLINT South prototype interfacesthe 3.9-m Anglo-Australian Telescope and was tested on a sample of bright Mira variable stars. Successful and continuous starlight injection into the photonic chip was achieved. A statistical model of the data was constructed, enabling a data reduction algorithm to retrieve contrast ratios of about$10^{-3}$. As a byproduct of this analysis, stellar angular diameters that were below the telescope diffraction limit($\sim$100 mas) were recovered with1$\sigma$accuracy and shown to be in agreement with literature values despite working in the seeing-limited regime. GLINT South serves as a demonstration of the capability of direct-write photonic technology for achieving coherent, stable nulling of starlight, which will encourage further technological developments towards the goal of directly imaging exoplanets with future large ground based and space telescopes.
Conservation status and recovery of Podocarpus angustifolius: a threatened tree of Cuba
Authors: Testé Ernesto , Hernández Majela , Bécquer Eldis R. , Valle Oliver , González-Torres Luis R.
Published: August 2021

The recovery of species’ populations is one of the most challenging tasks in conservation, which is why species recovery is most likely to be successful if it involves as many stakeholders as possible. Podocarpus angustifolius, a tree endemic to Cuba, is potentially threatened by overexploitation, deforestation and expansion of exotic species. In December of 2017, in two protected areas containing the only known subpopulations of this species, we recorded the geographical position, height, and diameter at breast height of each individual, and calculated the extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO). We recorded a total of 575 individuals, 174 of which were adult (defined as ≥ 6 m height on the basis of the occurrence of reproductive structures), and most of which occurred in Lomas de Banao Ecological Reserve. The EOO and AOO were 125.8 km2 and 6.0 km2, respectively. All P. angustifolius that remain in the wild are within two protected areas, either in rainforest relicts or in coffee plantations. The size structure indicates a growing population. Based on our findings we recommend that P. angustifolius should be recategorized from Vulnerable (on the IUCN Red List) and Critically Endangered (on the national Red List) to Endangered, based on criterion D (small population size). We recommend the continued reinforcement of the population at Topes de Collantes Natural Protected Landscape and the continued engagement of local stakeholders for the long-term conservation of this species.
Dynamics and path tracking of continuum robotic arms using data-driven identification tools
Authors: Parvaresh Aida , Moosavian S. Ali A.
Published: August 2021

In this paper, forward/inverse dynamics of a continuum robotic arm is developed using a data-driven approach, which could tackle uncertainties and extreme nonlinearities to obtain reliable solutions. By establishing a direct mapping between the actuator and task spaces, the unnecessary mappings of actuator-to-configuration then configuration-to-task are eliminated, to reduce extra computational cost. The proposed approach is validated through simulation (based on Cosserat rod theory) and experimental tests on RoboArm. Next, path tracking in the presence/absence of obstacles as well as load carrying maneuver are investigated. Finally, the obtained results concerning repeatability, scalability, and disturbance rejection performance of the approach are discussed.
Tracking linear deformable objects using slicing method
Authors: Rastegarpanah Alireza , Howard Rhys , Stolkin Rustam
Published: August 2021

In this paper, an efficient novel method for tracking the linear deformable objects (LDOs) in real time is proposed. The method is developed based on recursively slicing a pointcloud into smaller pointclouds with sufficiently small variance. The performance of this method is investigated through a series of experiments with various camera resolutions in simulation when a robot end effector tracking an LDO using an RGBD camera, and in real word when the camera tracks a rope during a swing. The performance of the proposed method is compared with another state-of-the-art technique and the outcome is reported here.
Spiritual care needs and their associated influencing factors among elderly patients with moderate-to-severe chronic heart failure in China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang ZhangYi , Wang Zhao , Wang Yue , Xiao LuWei , Zhao HaoMei , Li XueChun , Zhang SiAi , Pang XiaoLi
Published: August 2021

Background

The significance of spiritual care needs among chronic diseases patients has been emphasized across countries and cultures in many studies. However, there were few studies on spiritual care needs among elderly patients with moderate-to-severe chronic heart failure (CHF) in China.

Objective

To investigate spiritual care needs and associated influencing factors among elderly patients with moderate-to-severe CHF, and to examine the relationships among spiritual care needs, self-perceived burden, symptom management self-efficacy, and perceived social support.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was implemented, and the STROBE Checklist was used to report the study. A convenience sample of 474 elderly patients with moderate-to-severe CHF were selected from seven hospitals in Tianjin, China. The sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, the Spiritual Needs Questionnaire Scale, the Self-Perceived Burden Scale, the Self-efficacy for Symptom Management Scale, and the Perceived Social Support Scale were used. Descriptive statistics, univariate, multiple linear regression, and Pearson's correlation analysis were used to analyze data.

Results

The total score of spiritual care needs among 474 elderly patients with moderate-to-severe CHF was 37.95 ± 14.71, which was moderate. Religious belief, educational background, self-perceived burden, symptom management self-efficacy, and perceived social support were the main factors affecting spiritual care needs, and spiritual care needs were negatively correlated with self-perceived burden (r = −0.637, p < 0.01) and positively correlated with symptom management self-efficacy (r = 0.802, p < 0.01) and social support (r = 0.717, p < 0.01).

Significance of results

The spiritual care needs of elderly patients with moderate-to-severe CHF were moderate, which were influenced by five factors. It is suggested that clinical nurses, families, and society should take targeted spiritual care measures to improve patients’ symptom management self-efficacy and perceived social support from many aspects, and reduce self-perceived burden to meet their spiritual care needs and improve the quality and satisfaction of spiritual care in nursing practice.
Mind the Compliance Gap: How Insights from International Human Rights Mechanisms Can Help to Implement the Convention on Biological Diversity
Authors: Koh Niak Sian , Ituarte-Lima Claudia , Hahn Thomas
Published: August 2021

Humanity is at a crossroads in addressing biodiversity loss. Several assessments have reported on the weak compliance with the Aichi Biodiversity Targets by the parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). To address this lack of compliance, the challenges in implementing and enforcing CBD obligations must be understood. Key implementation challenges of the CBD are identified through a content analysis of policy documents, multi-stakeholder interviews, and participant observation at the recent CBD Conference of the Parties. Building on this analysis, the article explores the extent to which the review mechanisms of international human rights law, with their various strategies for eliciting compliance, can help to improve CBD mechanisms. The findings of this article reveal insights that the CBD can draw from international human rights law to address these compliance challenges, such as facilitating the participation of civil society organizations to provide specific input, and engaging independent biodiversity experts to assess implementation. The article concludes that insights from human rights review mechanisms are useful for improving the emerging peer review mechanism of the CBD, which is important for strengthening accountability within the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) control in postharvest wheat stubble in the Central Great Plains
Authors: Kumar Vipan , Liu Rui , Jhala Amit J. , Jha Prashant , Manuchehri Misha
Published: August 2021

Late-season control of Palmer amaranth in postharvest wheat stubble is important for reducing the seedbank. Our objectives were to evaluate the efficacy of late-season postemergence herbicides for Palmer amaranth control, shoot dry biomass, and seed production in postharvest wheat stubble. Field experiments were conducted at Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center near Hays, KS, during 2019 and 2020 growing seasons. The study site had a natural seedbank of Palmer amaranth. Herbicide treatments were applied 3 wk after wheat harvest when Palmer amaranth plants had reached the inflorescence initiation stage. Palmer amaranth was controlled by 96% to 98% 8 wk after treatment and shoot biomass as well as seed production was prevented when paraquat was applied alone or when mixed with atrazine, metribuzin, flumioxazin, 2,4-D, sulfentrazone, pyroxasulfone + sulfentrazone, or flumioxazin + metribuzin, and with glyphosate + dicamba, glyphosate + 2,4-D, saflufenacil + 2,4-D, glufosinate + dicamba + glyphosate, and glufosinate + 2,4-D + glyphosate. Palmer amaranth was controlled by 89% to 93% with application of glyphosate, glufosinate, dicamba + 2,4-D, saflufenacil + atrazine, and saflufenacil + metribuzin resulting in Palmer amaranth shoot biomass of 15 to 56 g m−2 and production of 1,080 to 7,040 seeds m−2. Palmer amaranth control was less than 86% with application of dicamba, 2,4-D, dicamba + atrazine, and saflufenacil resulting in Palmer amaranth shoot biomass of 38 to 47 g m−2 and production of 3,110 to 6,190 seeds m−2. Palmer amaranth was controlled 63% and 72%, shoot biomass was 178 and 161 g m−2, and seed production was 35,180 and 39,510 seeds m−2, respectively, with application of 2,4-D + bromoxynil + fluroxypyr, and bromoxynil + pyrasulfotole + atrazine. Growers should use these effective postemergence herbicide mixes for Palmer amaranth control to prevent seed prevention postharvest in wheat stubble.
Numerical and Analytical Study of Electron Plasma Waves in Nonthermal Vasyliunas‐Cairns Distributed Plasmas
Authors: Rehman Aman ur , Shahzad Muhammad A. , Mahmood Shahzad , Bilal Muhammad
Published: August 2021

The Poison‐Vlasov model in plasma kinetic theory is taken into account to study the propagation of electron plasma waves (or Langmuir waves) in hot, un‐magnetized Vasyliunas‐Cairns distributed plasmas (VCDPs). The longitudinal dielectric plasma response function is obtained for such nonthermal plasmas. The Landau damping rate of Langmuir waves (LWs) in nonthermal VCDP, which propagates with a phase speed greater than the effective thermal speed of the electrons, is also studied. The real and imaginary parts of the wave frequency are investigated analytically as well as numerically and a comparison between the numerical and analytical results is presented. The finding reveals that the dispersion curve and damping rate of the wave are significantly influenced by the simultaneous presence of two nonthermality parameters, that is, ′′ and ′′ (spectral index) in the hybrid (Vasyliunas‐Cairns) distributed plasmas. It is discussed that results are quite distinctive from that obtained in nonthermal plasmas that have sole presence of either of the nonthermality parameters ′′ or super‐thermality spectral index ′′ in Cairns or kappa distributed electron plasmas, respectively. The more realistic form of 3D and reduced 1D distribution function of VCDP has been used to analyze LWs in describing nonthermal plasmas with more energetic electron in VCDP case.
Distribution of Rayleigh Wave Microseisms Constrained by Multiple Seismic Arrays
Authors: Wang Ziying , Niu Fenglin , Huang Jianping , Li Zhenchun , Chen Haichao
Published: August 2021

Microseisms are the most energetic signals of Earth's ambient noise field. Locating the sources of microseisms helps us to understand arrivals on noise cross‐correlation functions (NCFs) and the asymmetric amplitude of Rayleigh waves on the positive and negative parts of the NCFs. Using a dense broadband seismic array in eastern China, we investigated temporal and spatial characteristics of Rayleigh wave microseisms in the frequency range of 45–155 mHz by conducting beamforming and Rayleigh wave amplitude‐azimuth variation analyses. Seasonal variations of incident direction are clearly observable at the primary microseisms frequency band (45–95 mHz) but are less prominent at the secondary microseisms frequency band (95–155 mHz). The beamforming and amplitude‐azimuth variation analyses also indicated that microseisms arriving at the array are dominantly from five back azimuthal bands. To locate the source areas of the observed microseisms, we combined noise data from two additional arrays in southern California and employed a multi‐array beamforming technique to constrain plausible microseisms' source areas. We found that microseisms of the five azimuthal bands were excited at the Southern Ocean, western coast of Europe, coastal areas of the North Pacific Ocean, the Kerguelen Islands in the southern Indian Ocean, and the Polynesia islands in the South Pacific Ocean, respectively.
RAC1 plays an essential role in estrogen receptor alpha function in breast cancer cells
Authors: Sun Jun , Gaidosh Gabriel , Xu Ye , Mookhtiar Adnan , Man Na , Cingaram Pradeep Reddy , Blumenthal Ezra , Shiekhattar Ramin , Goka Erik T. , Nimer Stephen D. , Lippman Marc E.
Published: August 2021

The activity of Rho family GTPase protein, RAC1, which plays important normal physiological functions, is dysregulated in multiple cancers. RAC1 is expressed in both estrogen receptor alpha (ER)-positive and ER-negative breast cancer (BC) cells. However, ER-positive BC is more sensitive to RAC1 inhibition. We have determined that reducing RAC1 activity, using siRNA or EHT 1864 (a small molecule Rac inhibitor), leads to rapid ER protein degradation. RAC1 interacts with ER within the ER complex and RAC1 localizes to chromatin binding sites for ER upon estrogen treatment. RAC1 activity is important for RNA Pol II function at both promoters and enhancers of ER target genes and ER-regulated gene transcription is blocked by EHT 1864, in a dose-dependent manner. Having identified that RAC1 is an essential ER cofactor for ER protein stability and ER transcriptional activity, we report that RAC1 inhibition could be an effective therapeutic approach for ER-positive BC.
Detection of clinical progression through plasma ctDNA in metastatic melanoma patients: a comparison to radiological progression
Authors: Marsavela Gabriela , McEvoy Ashleigh C. , Pereira Michelle R. , Reid Anna L. , Al-Ogaili Zeyad , Warburton Lydia , Khattak Muhammad A. , Abed Afaf , Meniawy Tarek M. , Millward Michael , Ziman Melanie R. , Calapre Leslie , Gray Elin S.
Published: August 2021

Background

The validity of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) as an indicator of disease progression compared to medical imaging in patients with metastatic melanoma requires detailed evaluation.

Methods

Here, we carried out a retrospective ctDNA analysis of 108 plasma samples collected at the time of disease progression. We also analysed a validation cohort of 66 metastatic melanoma patients monitored prospectively after response to systemic therapy.

Results

ctDNA was detected in 62% of patients at the time of disease progression. For 67 patients that responded to treatment, the mean ctDNA level at progressive disease was significantly higher than at the time of response (P < 0.0001). However, only 30 of these 67 (45%) patients had a statistically significant increase in ctDNA by Poisson test. A validation cohort of 66 metastatic melanoma patients monitored prospectively indicated a 56% detection rate of ctDNA at progression, with only two cases showing increased ctDNA prior to radiological progression. Finally, a correlation between ctDNA levels and metabolic tumour burden was only observed in treatment naïve patients but not at the time of progression in a subgroup of patients failing BRAF inhibition (N = 15).

Conclusions

These results highlight the low efficacy of ctDNA to detect disease progression in melanoma when compared mainly to standard positron emission tomography imaging.
A common limiter circuit for opioid choice and relapse identified in a rodent addiction model
Authors: Heinsbroek Jasper A. , Giannotti Giuseppe , Mandel Mitchel R. , Josey Megan , Aston-Jones Gary , James Morgan H. , Peters Jamie
Published: August 2021

Activity in numerous brain regions drives heroin seeking, but no circuits that limit heroin seeking have been identified. Furthermore, the neural circuits controlling opioid choice are unknown. In this study, we examined the role of the infralimbic cortex (IL) to nucleus accumbens shell (NAshell) pathway during heroin choice and relapse. This model yielded subpopulations of heroin versus food preferring rats during choice, and choice was unrelated to subsequent relapse rates to heroin versus food cues, suggesting that choice and relapse are distinct behavioral constructs. Supporting this, inactivation of the IL with muscimol produced differential effects on opioid choice versus relapse. A pathway-specific chemogenetic approach revealed, however, that the IL-NAshell pathway acts as a common limiter of opioid choice and relapse. Furthermore, dendritic spines in IL-NAshell neurons encode distinct aspects of heroin versus food reinforcement. Thus, opioid choice and relapse share a common addiction-limiting circuit in the IL-NAshell pathway.
EEG beta-modulations reflect age-specific motor resource allocation during dual-task walking
Authors: Protzak Janna , Gramann Klaus
Published: August 2021

The parallel execution of two motor tasks can lead to performance decrements in either one or both of the tasks. Age-related declines can further magnify the underlying competition for cognitive resources. However, little is known about the neural dynamics underlying motor resource allocation during dual-task walking. To better understand motor resource conflicts, this study investigated sensorimotor brain rhythms in younger and older adults using a dual-task protocol. Time-frequency data from two independent component motor clusters were extracted from electroencephalography data during sitting and walking with an additional task requiring manual responses. Button press-related desynchronization in the alpha and beta frequency range were analyzed for the impact of age (< 35 years, ≥ 70 years) and motor task (sitting, walking). Button press-related desynchronization in the beta band was more pronounced for older participants and both age groups demonstrated less pronounced desynchronizations in both frequency bands during walking compared to sitting. Older participants revealed less power modulations between sitting and walking, and less pronounced changes in beta and alpha suppression were associated with greater slowing in walking speed. Our results indicate age-specific allocations strategies during dual-task walking as well as interdependencies of concurrently performed motor tasks reflected in modulations of sensorimotor rhythms.
White matter tract-specific alterations in patients with primary restless legs syndrome
Authors: Park Hea Ree , Kim Hye Ryun , Oh Seunghwan , Seong Joon-Kyung , Joo Eun Yeon
Published: August 2021

Prior diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have investigated white matter (WM) changes in patients with primary restless legs syndrome (RLS), but the results were inconsistent. Here, we proposed using tract-specific statistical analysis (TSSA) to find alterations in specific WM tracts to clarify the pathophysiological mechanisms of RLS. We enrolled 30 patients with RLS and 31 age- and sex- matched controls who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging, neuropsychological tests, and polysomnography. Fractional anisotropy (FA) maps obtained from whole-brain diffusion tensor imaging and TSSA were used to localize WM changes in patients with RLS. Subsequently, a comparison of FA values for each tract between patients and controls was performed. The associations between FA values and clinical, polysomnographic, and neuropsychological parameters in RLS patients were assessed. RLS patients demonstrated decreased FA values in the left corticospinal tract (CST) and cingulum, and in the right anterior thalamic radiation (ATR) and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFO). Patients’ attention/executive function and visual memory scores positively correlated with FA values in the right ATR, and anxiety levels negatively correlated with FA values in the right IFO. Additionally, the number of periodic leg movements and movement arousal index were negatively correlated with FA values in the left CST. The TSSA method identified previously unknown tract-specific alterations in patients with RLS and significant associations with distinct clinical manifestations of RLS.
Visual predictions, neural oscillations and naïve physics
Authors: Saurels Blake W. , Hohaia Wiremu , Yarrow Kielan , Johnston Alan , Arnold Derek H.
Published: August 2021

Prediction is a core function of the human visual system. Contemporary research suggests the brain builds predictive internal models of the world to facilitate interactions with our dynamic environment. Here, we wanted to examine the behavioural and neurological consequences of disrupting a core property of peoples’ internal models, using naturalistic stimuli. We had people view videos of basketball and asked them to track the moving ball and predict jump shot outcomes, all while we recorded eye movements and brain activity. To disrupt people’s predictive internal models, we inverted footage on half the trials, so dynamics were inconsistent with how movements should be shaped by gravity. When viewing upright videos people were better at predicting shot outcomes, at tracking the ball position, and they had enhanced alpha-band oscillatory activity in occipital brain regions. The advantage for predicting upright shot outcomes scaled with improvements in ball tracking and occipital alpha-band activity. Occipital alpha-band activity has been linked to selective attention and spatially-mapped inhibitions of visual brain activity. We propose that when people have a more accurate predictive model of the environment, they can more easily parse what is relevant, allowing them to better target irrelevant positions for suppression—resulting in both better predictive performance and in neural markers of inhibited information processing.
Multi-loop atomic Sagnac interferometry
Authors: Schubert Christian , Abend Sven , Gersemann Matthias , Gebbe Martina , Schlippert Dennis , Berg Peter , Rasel Ernst M.
Published: August 2021

The sensitivity of light and matter-wave interferometers to rotations is based on the Sagnac effect and increases with the area enclosed by the interferometer. In the case of light, the latter can be enlarged by forming multiple fibre loops, whereas the equivalent for matter-wave interferometers remains an experimental challenge. We present a concept for a multi-loop atom interferometer with a scalable area formed by light pulses. Our method will offer sensitivities as high as $$2\times 10^{-11}$$

2
×

10

-
11

 rad/s at 1 s in combination with the respective long-term stability as required for Earth rotation monitoring.
Decision making based on hybrid modeling approach applied to cellulose acetate based historical films conservation
Authors: Al Mohtar Abeer , Pinto Moisés L. , Neves Artur , Nunes Sofia , Zappi Daniele , Varani Gabriele , Ramos Ana Maria , Melo Maria João , Wallaszkovits Nadja , Lahoz Rodrigo Juan Ignacio , Herlt Kerstin , Lopes João
Published: August 2021

Preserving culture heritage cellulose acetate-based historical films is a challenge due to the long-term instability of these complex materials and a lack of prediction models that can guide conservation strategies for each particular film. In this work, a cellulose acetate degradation model is proposed as the basis for the selection of appropriate strategies for storage and conservation for each specimen, considering its specific information. Due to the formulation complexity and diversity of cellulose acetate-based films produced over the decades, we hereby propose a hybrid modeling approach to describe the films degradation process. The problem is addressed by a hybrid model that uses as a backbone a first-principles based model to describe the degradation kinetics of the pure cellulose diacetate polymer. The mechanistic model was successfully adapted to fit experimental data from accelerated aging of plasticized films. The hybrid model considers then the specificity of each historical film via the development of two chemometric models. These models resource on gas release data, namely acetic acid, and descriptors of the films (manufacturing date, AD-strip value and film type) to assess the current polymer degradation state and estimate the increase in the degradation rate. These estimations are then conjugated with storage conditions (e.g., temperature and relative humidity, presence of adsorbent in the film’s box) and used to feed the mechanistic model to provide the required time degradation simulations. The developed chemometric models provided predictions with accuracy more than 87%. We have found that the storage archive as well as the manufacturing company are not determining factors for conservation but rather the manufacturing date, off gas data as well as the film type. In summary, this hybrid modeling was able to develop a practical tool for conservators to assess films conservation state and to design storage and conservation policies that are best suited for each cultural heritage film.
The impact of blood type on the mortality of patients with severe abdominal trauma: a multicenter observational study
Authors: Takayama Wataru , Endo Akira , Murata Kiyoshi , Hoshino Kota , Kim Shiei , Shinozaki Hiroharu , Harada Keisuke , Nagano Hiroaki , Hagiwara Masahiro , Tsuchihashi Atsuhito , Shimada Nagato , Kitamura Naomi , Kuramoto Shunsuke , Otomo Yasuhiro
Published: August 2021

Few studies have investigated the relationship between blood type and trauma outcomes according to the type of injury. We conducted a retrospective multicenter observational study in twelve emergency hospitals in Japan. Patients with isolated severe abdominal injury (abbreviated injury scale for the abdomen ≥ 3 and that for other organs < 3) that occurred between 2008 and 2018 were divided into four groups according to blood type. The association between blood type and mortality, ventilator-free days (VFD), and total transfusion volume were evaluated using univariate and multivariate regression models. A total of 920 patients were included, and were divided based on their blood type: O, 288 (31%); A, 345 (38%); B, 186 (20%); and AB, 101 (11%). Patients with type O had a higher in-hospital mortality rate than those of other blood types (22% vs. 13%, p < 0.001). This association was observed in multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.48 [1.25–2.26], p = 0.012). Furthermore, type O was associated with significantly higher cause-specific mortalities, fewer VFD, and larger transfusion volumes. Blood type O was associated with significantly higher mortality and larger transfusion volumes in patients with isolated severe abdominal trauma.
Experimental and molecular dynamics studies of an ultra-fast sequential hydrogen plasma process for fabricating phosphorene-based sensors
Authors: Rajabali M. , Asgharyan H. , Naeini V. Fadaei , Boudaghi A. , Zabihi B. , Foroutan M. , Mohajerzadeh S.
Published: August 2021

Low concentration phosphorene-based sensors have been fabricated using a facile and ultra-fast process which is based on an exfoliation-free sequential hydrogen plasma treatment to convert the amorphous phosphorus thin film into mono- or few-layered phosphorene sheets. These sheets have been realized directly on silicon substrates followed by the fabrication of field-effect transistors showing the low leakage current and reasonable mobility for the nano-sensors. Being capable of covering the whole surface of the silicon substrate, red phosphorus (RP) coated substrate has been employed to achieve large area phosphorene sheets. Unlike the available techniques including mechanical exfoliation, there is no need for any exfoliation and/or transfer step which is significant progress in shortening the device fabrication procedure. These phosphorene sheets have been examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy and atomic-force microscopy (AFM). Electrical output in different states of the crystallization as well as its correlation with the test parameters have been also extensively used to examine the evolution of the phosphorene sheets. By utilizing the fabricated devices, the sensitivity of the phosphorene based-field effect transistors to the soluble L-Cysteine in low concentrations has been studied by measuring the FET response to the different concentrations. At a gate voltage of − 2.5 V, the range of 0.07 to 0.60 mg/ml of the L-Cysteine has been distinguishably detected presenting a gate-controlled sensor for a low-concentration solution. A reactive molecular dynamics simulation has been also performed to track the details of this plasma-based crystallization. The obtained results showed that the imparted energy from hydrogen plasma resulted in a phase transition from a system containing red phosphorus atoms to the crystal one. Interestingly and according to the simulation results, there is a directional preference of crystal growth as the crystalline domains are being formed and RP atoms are more likely to re-locate in armchair than in zigzag direction.
Multi-qubit correction for quantum annealers
Authors: Ayanzadeh Ramin , Dorband John , Halem Milton , Finin Tim
Published: August 2021

We present multi-qubit correction (MQC) as a novel postprocessing method for quantum annealers that views the evolution in an open-system as a Gibbs sampler and reduces a set of excited states to a new synthetic state with lower energy value. After sampling from the ground state of a given (Ising) Hamiltonian, MQC compares pairs of excited states to recognize virtual tunnels—i.e., a group of qubits that changing their states simultaneously can result in a new state with lower energy value—and successively converges to the ground state. Experimental results using D-Wave 2000Q quantum annealers demonstrate that MQC finds samples with notably lower energy values and improves the reproducibility of results when compared to recent hardware/software advances in the realm of quantum annealing, such as spin-reversal transforms, classical postprocessing techniques, and increased inter-sample delay between successive measurements.
No species-level losses of s2m suggests critical role in replication of SARS-related coronaviruses
Authors: Gilbert Clément , Tengs Torstein
Published: August 2021

The genetic element s2m has been acquired through horizontal transfer by many distantly related viruses, including the SARS-related coronaviruses. Here we show that s2m is evolutionarily conserved in these viruses. Though several lineages of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) devoid of the element can be found, these variants seem to have been short lived, indicating that they were less evolutionary fit than their s2m-containing counterparts. On a species-level, however, there do not appear to be any losses and this pattern strongly suggests that the s2m element is essential to virus replication in SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses. Further experiments are needed to elucidate the function of s2m.
Fractional model for MHD flow of Casson fluid with cadmium telluride nanoparticles using the generalized Fourier’s law
Authors: Sheikh Nadeem Ahmad , Ching Dennis Ling Chuan , Khan Ilyas , Sakidin Hamzah Bin , Jamil Muhammad , Khalid Hafiz Usman , Ahmed Nisar
Published: August 2021

The present work used fractional model of Casson fluid by utilizing a generalized Fourier’s Law to construct Caputo Fractional model. A porous medium containing nanofluid flowing in a channel is considered with free convection and electrical conduction. A novel transformation is applied for energy equation and then solved by using integral transforms, combinedly, the Fourier and Laplace transformations. The results are shown in form of Mittag-Leffler function. The influence of physical parameters have been presented in graphs and values in tables are discussed in this work. The results reveal that heat transfer increases with increasing values of the volume fraction of nanoparticles, while the velocity of the nanofluid decreases with the increasing values of volume fraction of these particles.
Biofilm viscoelasticity and nutrient source location control biofilm growth rate, migration rate, and morphology in shear flow
Authors: Nguyen Hoa , Ybarra Abraham , Başağaoğlu Hakan , Shindell Orrin
Published: August 2021

We present a numerical model to simulate the growth and deformation of a viscoelastic biofilm in shear flow under different nutrient conditions. The mechanical interaction between the biofilm and the fluid is computed using the Immersed Boundary Method with viscoelastic parameters determined a priori from measurements reported in the literature. Biofilm growth occurs at the biofilm-fluid interface by a stochastic rule that depends on the local nutrient concentration. We compare the growth, migration, and morphology of viscoelastic biofilms with a common relaxation time of 18 min over the range of elastic moduli 10–1000 Pa in different nearby nutrient source configurations. Simulations with shear flow and an upstream or a downstream nutrient source indicate that soft biofilms grow more if nutrients are downstream and stiff biofilms grow more if nutrients are upstream. Also, soft biofilms migrate faster than stiff biofilms toward a downstream nutrient source, and although stiff biofilms migrate toward an upstream nutrient source, soft biofilms do not. Simulations without nutrients show that on the time scale of several hours, soft biofilms develop irregular structures at the biofilm-fluid interface, but stiff biofilms deform little. Our results agree with the biophysical principle that biofilms can adapt to their mechanical and chemical environment by modulating their viscoelastic properties. We also compare the behavior of a purely elastic biofilm to a viscoelastic biofilm with the same elastic modulus of 50 Pa. We find that the elastic biofilm underestimates growth rates and downstream migration rates if the nutrient source is downstream, and it overestimates growth rates and upstream migration rates if the nutrient source is upstream. Future modeling can use our comparison to identify errors that can occur by simulating biofilms as purely elastic structures.