bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glial‐derived neurotrophic factor in human airway smooth muscle
Authors: Bhallamudi Sangeeta , Roos Benjamin B. , Teske Jacob J. , Wicher Sarah A. , McConico Andrea , M. Pabelick Christina , Sathish Venkatachalem , Prakash Y. S.
Published: June 2021

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells modulate the local airway milieu via production of inflammatory mediators and growth factors including classical neurotrophins, such as brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family of ligands (GFLs) are nonclassical neurotrophins and their role in the airway is barely understood. The major GFLs, GDNF and Neurturin (NRTN) bind to GDNF family receptor (GFR) α1 and α2 respectively that pair with Ret receptor to accomplish signaling. In this study, we found GDNF is expressed in human lung and increased in adult asthma, while human ASM expresses GDNF and its receptors. Accordingly, we used human ASM cells to test the hypothesis that ASM expression and autocrine signaling by GFLs regulate [Ca2+]i. Serum‐deprived ASM cells from non‐asthmatics were exposed to 10 ng/ml GDNF or NRTN for 15 min (acute) or 24 h (chronic). In fura‐2 loaded cells, acute GDNF or NRTN alone induced [Ca2+]i responses, and further enhanced responses to 1 µM ACh or 10 µM histamine. Ret inhibitor (SPP86; 10 µM) or specific GDNF chelator GFRα1‐Fc (1 µg/ml) showed roles of these receptors in GDNF effects. In contrast, NRTN did not enhance [Ca2+]i response to histamine. Furthermore, conditioned media of nonasthmatic and asthmatic ASM cells showed GDNF secretion. SPP86, Ret inhibitor and GFRα1‐Fc chelator markedly decreased [Ca2+]i response compared with vehicle, highlighting autocrine effects of secreted GDNF. Chronic GDNF treatment increased histamine‐induced myosin light chain phosphorylation. These novel data demonstrate GFLs particularly GDNF/GFRα1 influence ASM [Ca2+]i and raise the possibility that GFLs are potential targets of airway hyperresponsiveness.
Pharmacokinetics of Ruxolitinib in HIV Suppressed Individuals on Antiretroviral Agent Therapy from the ACTG A5336 Study
Authors: Hurwitz Selwyn J. , Tao Sijia , Gavegnano Christina , Jiang Yong , Tressler Randall L. , Tsibris Athe , del Rio Carlos , Overton Edgar T. , Lederman Michael M. , Kantor Amy , Moser Carlee , Kohler James J. , Lennox Jeffrey , Marconi Vincent C. , Flexner Charles W. , Schinazi Raymond F.
Published: June 2021

Ruxolitinib is a US Food and Drug Administration–approved orally administered Janus kinase (1/2) inhibitor that reduces cytokine‐induced inflammation. As part of a randomized, phase 2, open‐label trial, ruxolitinib (10 mg twice daily) was administered to HIV‐positive, virologically suppressed individuals (33 men, 7 women) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for 5 weeks. Herein, we report the population PK subsequently determined from this study. Plasma concentrations of ruxolitinib (294 samples) and antiretroviral agents were measured at week 1 (N = 39 participants) and week 4 or 5 (N = 37). Ruxolitinib PK was adequately described with a 2‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination with distribution volumes normalized to mean body weight (91.5 kg) and a separate typical clearance for participants administered efavirenz (a known cytochrome P450 3A4 inducer). Participants administered an ART regimen with efavirenz had an elevated typical apparent oral clearance versus the integrase inhibitor regimen group (22.5 vs 12.9 L/hr; N = 14 vs 25). Post hoc predicted apparent oral clearance was likewise more variable and higher (P < .0001) in those administered efavirenz. There was  an ≈25% variation in ruxolitinib plasma exposures between week 1 and week 4/5. ART plasma concentrations resembled those from PK studies without ruxolitinib. Therefore, integrase inhibitor–based ART regimens may be preferred over efavirenz‐based regimens when ruxolitinib is administered to HIV‐positive individuals.
Acquiring new complex endoscopic skills: Experience from the development of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in Malaysia
Authors: Ho Shiaw Hooi , Nik Arsyad Nik M A , Lau Peng Choong , Jamaludin Fadhil H , Mahadeva Sanjiv
Published: June 2021

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has rapidly gained popularity as an effective treatment modality for achalasia. However, POEM services in the South East Asian region are not widely available due to either a lack of expertise or interest. In this article, we describe how a POEM service can be developed through a combination of networking with regional experts, having prior experience of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), attending animal model workshops, collaborating with upper gastrointestinal surgeons, and working together in a multidisciplinary team. A total of 68 POEM procedures have been performed since 2015, with a 94.1% technical and 93.4% clinical success rate, and a 21.5% minor complication rate. We believe that our model may be useful for other Endoscopy Units in the region, which are performing advanced therapeutic endoscopy, to develop a POEM service too.
Evaluation of a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay‐based high‐throughput SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen assay for the diagnosis of COVID‐19: The VITROS® SARS‐CoV‐2 Antigen Test
Authors: Matsuzaki Nanako , Orihara Yuta , Kodana Masahiro , Kitagawa Yutaro , Matsuoka Masaru , Kawamura Rieko , Takeuchi Shinichi , Imai Kazuo , Tarumoto Norihito , Maesaki Shigefumi , Maeda Takuya
Published: June 2021

A high‐throughput, fully automated antigen detection test for SARS‐CoV‐2 is a viable alternative to reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) for mass screening during outbreaks. In this study, we compared RT‐qPCR for viral load and the VITROS® SARS‐CoV‐2 Antigen Test with reference to the results of the LUMIPULSE® SARS‐CoV‐2 Ag Test. Of 128 nasopharyngeal swab specimens taken from patients suspected of being infected with SARS‐CoV‐2, 49 were positive and 79 were negative according to RT‐qPCR. Consistent dose‐dependent detection with VITROS® assay was successfully achieved when using nasopharyngeal swab specimens with Ct values of 32.0 or lesser, whereas the CLEIA‐based LUMIPULSE® assay was able to detect lower viral loads compared with the VITROS® assay. Our results show that the performance of the VITROS® assay was satisfactory for the diagnosis of contagious COVID‐19 patients in the clinical setting.

Highlights The performance of the VITROS® SARS‐CoV‐2 Antigen Test was sufficient for the diagnosis of contagious COVID‐19. This test showed high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 in samples with a Ct value of 32 or less.
Specific allelic discrimination of N501Y and other SARS‐CoV‐2 mutations by ddPCR detects B.1.1.7 lineage in Washington State
Authors: Perchetti Garrett A. , Zhu Haiying , Mills Margaret G. , Shrestha Lasata , Wagner Cassia , Bakhash Shah Mohamed , Lin Michelle J. , Xie Hong , Huang Meei‐Li , Mathias Patrick , Bedford Trevor , Jerome Keith R. , Greninger Alexander L. , Roychoudhury Pavitra
Published: June 2021

Real‐time epidemiological tracking of variants of concern (VOCs) can help limit the spread of more contagious forms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), such as those containing the N501Y mutation. Typically, genetic sequencing is required to be able to track VOCs in real‐time. However, sequencing can take time and may not be accessible in all laboratories. Genotyping by RT‐ddPCR offers an alternative to rapidly detect VOCs through discrimination of specific alleles such as N501Y, which is associated with increased transmissibility and virulence. Here we describe the first cases of the B.1.1.7 lineage of SARS‐CoV‐2 detected in Washington State by using a combination of reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), RT‐ddPCR, and next‐generation sequencing. We initially screened 1035 samples positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 by our CDC‐based laboratory‐developed assay using ThermoFisher's multiplex RT‐PCR COVID‐19 assay over four weeks from late December 2020 to early January 2021. S gene target failures (SGTF) were subsequently assayed by RT‐ddPCR to confirm four mutations within the S gene associated with the B.1.1.7 lineage: a deletion at amino acid (AA) 69‐70 (ACATGT), deletion at AA 145, (TTA), N501Y mutation (TAT), and S982A mutation (GCA). All four targets were detected in two specimens; follow‐up sequencing revealed a total of 9 mutations in the S gene and phylogenetic clustering within the B.1.1.7 lineage. Next, we continued screening samples for SGTF detecting 23 additional B.1.1.7 variants by RT‐ddPCR and confirmed by sequencing. As VOCs become increasingly prevalent, molecular diagnostic tools like RT‐ddPCR can be utilized to quickly, accurately, and sensitively distinguish more contagious lineages of SARS‐CoV‐2.
Multivariate analysis of hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering microscopy images
Authors: Chitra Ragupathy Imaiyan , Schweikhard Volker , Zumbusch Andreas
Published: June 2021

Coherent Raman scattering microscopy is an attractive new technology for label‐free imaging. Both coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy offer the possibility to record hyperspectral imaging data. While for the analysis of spontaneous Raman microscopy data multivariate methods are nowadays routinely employed, until to date most of the coherent Raman imaging data are interpreted using univariate data analysis. In this work, we report a quantitative comparison of the performance of different multivariate methods used for the analysis of hyperspectral SRS data from different model samples. Our data show for all samples that multivariate methods outperform univariate analysis. Using metrics to quantify method performance, we find that of the methods tested, multivariate curve resolution (MCR) gives the best results. We show that the combination with a selection of essential components based on first‐order autocorrelation, gives a simple workflow for the MCR‐based analysis of hyperspectral coherent Raman imaging data.
Classification of vine‐shoots for use as enological additives
Authors: Cebrián‐Tarancón Cristina , Fernández‐Roldán Francisco , Alonso Gonzalo L , Salinas Rosario M
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Toasted vine shoots have recently been proposed as enological additives with the aim of improving the sensorial profile of wines. However, so far, there is no simple method for classifying vine shoots for this innovative enological practice. In this study, therefore, an enological aptitude classification for toasted vine shoots has been proposed for the first time. Moreover, given the need for quick techniques to be used in wineries to determine the main phenolic compounds of vine shoots, near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been calibrated and validated.

RESULTS

By means of a detailed statistical analysis, an enological classification of toasted vine shoots has been proposed based on their total polyphenol index and (+)‐catechin, (−)‐epicatechin, ellagic acid, and trans‐resveratrol. Moreover, the NIR methodology that was developed showed good validation statistics and acceptable accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

This work proposes the first enological toasted vine‐shoot classification and it provides a tool for rapid screening, mainly of phenolic compounds, in toasted vine shoots. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Isolation of diterpenes from Araucaria sp Brazilian brown propolis and development of a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography method for its analysis
Authors: Santos Mario Ferreira Conceição , Oliveira Larissa Costa , Ribeiro Victor Pena , Soares Marisi Gomes , Morae Gabriel de Oliveira Isac , Sartori Alan Giovanini de Oliveira , Rosalen Pedro Luiz , Bastos Jairo Kenupp , de Alencar Severino Matias , Veneziani Rodrigo Cassio Sola , Ambrósio Sérgio Ricardo
Published: June 2021

Propolis comprises a complex resinous product composed of plant's parts or exudates, pollen, bee wax, and enzymes. Brazilian brown propolis from Araucaria sp displays several biological activities. Considering the lack of validated analytical methods for its analysis, we are reporting the development of a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector method to analyze Araucaria brown propolis. The crude propolis were extracted and chromatographed, furnishing six main diterpenes. The isolated standards were used to draw the analytical curves, allowing the studies of selectivity, precision, accuracy, recovery, robustness, the determination of limits of detection and limits of quantification. The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% acetic acid in water and acetonitrile, using an octadecylsilane column, 1 mL/min flow rate and detection at 200 or 241 nm. Relative standard deviation values obtained for intra‐day and inter‐day precision were lower than 4% for all diterpenes. From the five parameters for robustness, wavelength detection and flow rate were the critical ones. Limits of detection and quantification ranged from 0.808 to 10.359 μg/mL and from 2.448 to 31.392 μg/mL, respectively. The recoveries were between 105.03 and 108.13%, with relative standard deviation values around 5.0%. The developed method is precise, sensitive, and reliable for analyzing Araucaria brown propolis.
Correlation Between QElaXto Techniques and Supersonic Imagine for Liver Stiffness Quantification in Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Garcovich Matteo , Faccia Mariella , Di Stasio Enrico , Riccardi Laura , Zocco Maria A. , Ainora Maria E. , Vecchio Fabio M. , Mingrone Geltrude , Gasbarrini Antonio , Pompili Maurizio
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Intersystem variability in liver stiffness (LS) quantification with ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) precludes direct comparison of results obtained with different equipment. The aim of this study was to investigate the agreement between point‐SWE and 2‐dimensional‐SWE with Esaote‐MyLab 9 (p‐QElaXto and 2D‐QElaXto, respectively) and 2D‐SWE with SuperSonic Imagine (SSI) in order to assess specific LS thresholds for fibrosis staging with QElaXto techniques, using SSI as a reference standard.

Methods

A total of 235 compensated chronic liver disease (CLD) patients without comorbidities potentially affecting LS were enrolled in the study. Among them, 101 patients underwent also liver biopsy. Agreement between the equipment was assessed with Pearson coefficient and Bland–Altman analysis, while cut‐off values were calculated with receiver operating characteristics analysis.

Results

Correlation between 2D‐QElaXto and p‐QElaXto with SSI resulted very good (r = 0.898 and r = 0.866), especially in precirrhotic stages, with a mean difference between LS values of −1.3 kPa for 2D‐QElaXto and −0.6 kPa for p‐QElaXto compared with SSI. Cut‐off thresholds for diagnosing fibrosis ≥F2, ≥F3, and F4 in non‐HBV‐related CLD were, respectively, 5.5, 8.0, and 10.6 kPa for 2D‐QElaXto and 6.1, 8.1, and 11.7 kPa for p‐QElaXto. All three SWE techniques were effective in differentiating significant fibrosis ≥F2 from mild or absent fibrosis in the subgroup of patients submitted to biopsy and showed good feasibility.

Conclusions

Correlation between QElaXto techniques and SSI in LS measurements is very good. Our study identifies for the first time cut‐off thresholds for fibrosis staging in non‐HBV‐related CLD using two QElaXto techniques.
Oxidation of C5 esters: Influence of the position of the ester function
Authors: Dayma Guillaume , Thion Sébastien , Lailliau Maxence , Serinyel Zeynep , Dagaut Philippe
Published: June 2021

The oxidation of esters has been extensively studied over the past 15 years, mainly focusing on methyl‐ and ethyl‐esters. Recently, the oxidation of esters produced from higher alcohols has received more and more attention. In this work, we report experiments and modeling on the oxidation of a series of four esters with five carbon atoms, namely, methyl butanoate, ethyl propanoate, propyl acetate, and butyl formate. The oxidation of these esters was performed in a jet‐stirred reactor under the same experimental conditions (τ = 700 ms, p = 10 atm, φ = 1, and Xfuel, initial = 1000 ppm). The mole fraction profiles obtained from these experiments were used to develop a unique detailed kinetic mechanism for the oxidation of these four esters, which performs well against our experimental data and on data from the literature. Although these esters are isomers, this work highlights the influence of the position of the ester function in terms of global reactivity and product distribution. In particular, this comparison shows the strong impact of the nature of the products (i.e., acid + alkene) formed by the different molecular decomposition reactions during the oxidation process of these esters.
Do different political connections affect financial reporting quality differently? Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Hoang Khanh , Tran Thanh Tat , Tran Hien Thi Thu , Le Anh Quoc
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates the impacts of four distinct types of political connection on financial reporting quality (FRQ) using a unique sample of Malaysian listed firms during 2002–2016. Using a battery of regression techniques, we show that political connections associate with lower FRQ only in firms connected to the government through government‐linked investments and politically connected directors. However, the impact is absent in firms connected via personal relationships such as family members of the leading politicians and crony capitalists. We suggest that corporate FRQ varies across different categories of political connection and support the resource dependence theory.
Major prize will allow nonprofit to advance better depression care
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: June 2021

A nonpartisan policy organization that seeks to make Texas a national leader in treating persons with mental health needs will now be able to take a dramatic step in that direction.
Majority of employers see MH as significant workplace issue
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: June 2021

New research from The Hartford, a leading provider of workers' compensation and disability insurance, found 70% of employers now recognize employee mental health is a significant workplace issue, and 72% said stigma associated with mental illness prevents U.S. workers from seeking help.
A modified composite right/left‐handed unit cell for multiband applications
Authors: Mazani Zahra , Abdipour Abdolali , Afrooz Kambiz
Published: June 2021

A new planar 3‐band composite right/left‐handed (CRLH) unit cell is presented using an interdigital capacitor, two grounded stubs and etching a defected ground structure on the ground plane. A 3‐band filter is designed using this CRLH unit cell. In addition, with nonlinear dispersion relation of the 3‐band unit cell, it can be used as a hexa‐band quarter wave impedance transformer. Using this functionality, a planar hexa‐band power splitter is designed with relatively good performance. A fabricated prototype of the power divider is measured and the experimental results indicate that the power divider achieved better than 10 dB of return loss and the insertion loss is better than 6 dB over six‐frequency bands.
Marmoset brain segmentation from deconvolved magnetic resonance images and estimated label maps
Authors: Bazzi Farah , Mescam Muriel , Diab Ahmad , Falou Omar , Amoud Hassan , Basarab Adrian , Kouamé Denis
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The proposed method aims to create label maps that can be used for the segmentation of animal brain MR images without the need of a brain template. This is achieved by performing a joint deconvolution and segmentation of the brain MR images.

Methods

It is based on modeling locally the image statistics using a generalized Gaussian distribution (GGD) and couples the deconvolved image and its corresponding labels map using the GGD‐Potts model. Because of the complexity of the resulting Bayesian estimators of the unknown model parameters, a Gibbs sampler is used to generate samples following the desired posterior probability.

Results

The performance of the proposed algorithm is assessed on simulated and real MR images by the segmentation of enhanced marmoset brain images into its main compartments using the corresponding label maps created. Quantitative assessment showed that this method presents results that are comparable to those obtained with the classical method—registering the volumes to a brain template.

Conclusion

The proposed method of using labels as prior information for brain segmentation provides a similar or a slightly better performance compared with the classical reference method based on a dedicated template.
Orally administered oxygen nanobubbles enhance tumor response to sonodynamic therapy
Authors: Owen Joshua , Logan Keiran , Nesbitt Heather , Able Sarah , Vasilyeva Alexandra , Bluemke Emma , Kersemans Veerle , Smart Sean , Vallis Katherine A. , McHale Anthony P. , Callan John F. , Stride Eleanor
Published: June 2021

Suspensions of oxygen‐filled bubbles are under active investigation as potential means of relieving tissue hypoxia. Intravenous administration of large quantities of bubbles is, however, undesirable. Previous work by the authors has demonstrated that tumor oxygen levels can be increased following oral administration of phospholipid stabilized oxygen nanobubbles. The aim of this study was to determine whether this would enhance the efficacy of sonodynamic therapy (SDT), which is known to be inhibited in hypoxic tissue. Experiments were conducted in a murine model of pancreatic cancer. Animals were treated with SDT (intratumoural injection of 1 mM Rose Bengal followed by exposure to 1 MHz ultrasound, 0.1 kHz pulse repetition frequency, 30% duty cycle, 3.5 W cm−2 for 3.5 minutes) either with or without a prior gavage of oxygen bubbles. A statistically significant reduction in the rate of tumor growth was observed in the groups receiving oxygen nanobubbles either 5 or 20 minutes before SDT. Separate measurements of tumor oxygen using a fiber optic probe and expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)1α following tumor excision, confirmed the change in tumor oxygen levels. These findings offer a potentially promising new approach to relieving tissue hypoxia in order to facilitate cancer therapy.
Intensive nutrition support may benefit patients with a rare mitochondrial disorder
Authors: Kasti Arezina , Nikolaki Maroulla , Pyrousis Ioannis , Synodinou Kalliopi , Oikonomopoulos Nikolaos , Triantafyllou Konstantinos
Published: June 2021

Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalopathy (MNGIE) is a rare, inherited, multisystemic autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the nuclear TYMP gene. This syndrome is characterized by ptosis, external ophthalmoplegia, gastrointestinal dysmotility, cachexia, peripheral neuropathy, and leukoencephalopathy. Our case illustrates a patient diagnosed with MNGIE and cachexia who has benefited from the initiation and maintenance of parenteral nutrition. We highlight the benefits of receiving long‐term supplementary home parenteral nutrition under close monitoring for patients with this neurogastrointestinal disease in order to gain weight and maintain good health.
Prevalence of prescription opioid use during pregnancy in eight US health plans during 2001–2014
Authors: Pocobelli Gaia , Dublin Sascha , Bobb Jennifer F. , Albertson‐Junkans Ladia , Andrade Susan , Cheetham T. Craig , Salgado Gladys , Griffin Marie R. , Raebel Marsha A. , Smith David , Li De‐Kun , Pawloski Pamala A. , Toh Sengwee , Taylor Lockwood , Hua Wei , Horn Pamela , Trinidad James P. , Boudreau Denise M.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To estimate prevalence of prescription opioid use during pregnancy in eight US health plans during 2001–2014.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study of singleton live birth deliveries. Maternal characteristics were ascertained from health plan and/or birth certificate data and opioids dispensed during pregnancy from health plan pharmacy records. Prevalence of prescription opioid use during pregnancy was calculated for any use, cumulative days of use, and number of dispensings.

Results

We examined prevalence of prescription opioid use during pregnancy in each health plan. Tennessee Medicaid had appreciably greater prevalence of use compared to the seven other health plans. Thus, results for the two groups were reported separately. In the seven health plans (n = 587 093 deliveries), prevalence of use during pregnancy was relatively stable at 9%–11% throughout 2001–2014. In Tennessee Medicaid (n = 256 724 deliveries), prevalence increased from 29% in 2001 to a peak of 36%–37% in 2004–2010, and then declined to 28% in 2014. Use for ≥30 days during pregnancy was stable at 1% in the seven health plans and increased from 2% to 7% in Tennessee Medicaid during 2001–2014. Receipt of ≥5 opioid dispensings during pregnancy increased in the seven health plans (0.3%–0.6%) and Tennessee Medicaid (3%–5%) during 2001–2014.

Conclusion

During 2001–2014, prescription opioid use during pregnancy was more common in Tennessee Medicaid (peak prevalence in late 2000s) compared to the seven health plans (relatively stable prevalence). Although a small percentage of women had opioid use during pregnancy for ≥30 days or ≥ 5 dispensings, they represent thousands of women during 2001–2014.
A conditional female lethal system for genetic suppression of the global fruit crop pest Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Li Fang , Yamamoto Akihiko , Belikoff Esther J , Berger Amy , Griffith Emily H , Scott Maxwell J
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931, Diptera: Drosophilidae) is a global pest of soft‐skinned fruits such as blueberries, cherries and raspberries. Also known as spotted‐wing drosophila, D. suzukii is native to Asia but is now widely distributed in the Americas and Europe, and presents a serious challenge for growers. Genetic control strategies offer an environmentally friendly approach for the control of D. suzukii.

RESULTS

In this study, we developed transgenic strains of D. suzukii that carry dominant conditional female lethal transgenes. When raised in the absence of tetracycline, female D. suzukii die. We show that repeated releases of an excess of transgenic males can suppress D. suzukii populations in laboratory cage trials.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the transgenic strain could provide an effective approach for control of this invasive pest of soft‐skinned fruits.
Hydrogen‐Related Defects in Insulators
Authors: Kolkovsky Vladimir
Published: June 2021

It is shown that the introduction of hydrogen by a dc H plasma treatment leads to the appearance of negatively charged defects in amorphous Al2O3 and SiO2 and positively charged defects in amorphous HfO2. The concentration of the defects increases with increasing temperature of the dc H plasma treatment between 50 and 100 °C, and the defects appear in all samples independently on their growth conditions and the thickness of the insulators. The origin of the defects is discussed with an emphasis on the existence of interstitial hydrogen in the insulators.
Mössbauer Study of BaTh2Fe4As4(N0.7O0.3)2
Authors: Pohjonen Reijo , Lindén Johan Kaarle Mikael , Li Bai-Zhuo , Cao Guang-Han
Published: June 2021

A superconductive BaTh2Fe4As4(N0.7O0.3)2 oxypnictide sample is synthesized using a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction route. X‐ray diffraction followed by Rietveld analysis is used for checking the phase content. 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy in transmission geometry is used for characterizing the hyperfine parameters of the iron site. Owing to the slightly deformed tetrahedral As coordination around Fe, the quadrupole coupling constant of Fe is nonzero, but small. This is visible in particular below 80 K. Judging by the consistency two Debye temperatures of 352 and 369 K values obtained using the total absorption and the second‐order Doppler shift, a harmonic approximation for the phonon spectra can be assumed.
Effect of Cap Thickness on InAs/InP Quantum Dots Grown by Droplet Epitaxy in Metal–Organic Vapor Phase Epitaxy
Authors: Sala Elisa M. , Godsland Max , Trapalis Aristotelis , Heffernan Jon
Published: June 2021

InAs quantum dots (QDs) are grown on bare InP(001) via droplet epitaxy (DE) in metal–organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE). Capping layer engineering, used to control QD size and shape, is explored for DE QDs in MOVPE. The method allows for the tuning of the QD emission over a broad range of wavelengths, ranging from the O‐ to the L‐band. The effect of varying the InP capping layer is investigated optically by macro‐ and micro‐photoluminescence (PL, µPL) and morphologically by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A strong 500 nm blueshift of the QD emission wavelength is observed when the capping layer is reduced from 20 to 8 nm, which is reflected by a clear size reduction of the buried QDs.
Aperiodic sampled‐data controller design for stochastic Markovian jump systems and its application
Authors: Yang Te , Wang Zhen , Huang Xia , Xia Jianwei , Chen Guoliang
Published: June 2021

In this paper, aperiodic sampled‐data controller design problem is solved for stochastic Markovian jump systems (SMJSs). By introducing mode‐dependent one‐sided loop‐based Lyapunov functional and mode‐dependent two‐sided loop‐based Lyapunov functional and using Itô formula, two different stochastic stability conditions for SMJSs under aperiodic sampled‐data control are presented, respectively. Based on these two stability conditions, corresponding mode‐dependent aperiodic sampled‐data controller is designed for SMJSs. Finally, practical aircraft model are applied to illustrate the effectiveness of the method. It is also shown that mode‐dependent two‐sided loop‐based Lyapunov functional can obtain a larger upper bound of the sampling interval than mode‐dependent one‐sided loop‐based Lyapunov functional.
Biodegradable Polyurethane Solid‐Solid Phase Change Materials
Authors: Oktay Burcu , Kayaman‐Apohan Nilhan
Published: June 2021

Polyurethane based phase change material (PCM) was prepared using polyethylene glycol (PEG), isophoronediisocyanate and octadecanol via a two‐step process. PEG and octadecanol served as phase change components. The structural characterization of PCM was performed by ATR‐FTIR and 1H‐NMR spectroscopies. The latent heat, phase change temperature and thermal stability of PCM were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The results show that PCM has an excellent energy storage capacity, suitable phase transition temperatures and great thermal stability at 100 °C without leakage. PEG/octadecanol polyurethane PCM reached 126 and 95 J/g enthalpy values. To investigate the efficiency of the PCM in a biodegradable polymeric support, blend films were prepared by mixing PEG/octadecanol polyurethane with the PLA. Films exhibited high light transmission. Elongation at break increased compared with pure PLA from 6 % to 87 %. In addition, tensile strength and modules of PLA/PEG‐octadecanol PCM decreased. Water contact angle values of the films increased to 66 and 70° with adding polyurethane PCM. In conclusion, PLA/PCMs exhibited high thermal energy storage property and suitable phase change temperature as good as the PEG/octadecanol polyurethane PCM. Therefore, PLA/PCMs can be used in ranges between 10 and 55° C.
“Turn‐on” Fluorescence Chemosensor Based Probing of Cu2+ with Excellent Sensitivity: Experimental Study, DFT Calculations and Application in Living Cells and Natural Waters
Authors: Savran Tahir , Nihan Karuk Elmas Sukriye , Akin Geyik Gonul , Bostanci Aykut , Aydin Duygu , Nur Arslan Fatma , Sadi Gökhan , Yilmaz Ibrahim
Published: June 2021

Developing selective, precise, and rapid determination methods for Cu2+ sensing is of great significance for biological systems, public health, and environmental protection. Hence, a new coumarin‐based fluorescent chemosensor 3‐((E)‐(((E)‐3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazono) methyl)‐7‐(diethylamino)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one (HBAC) for Cu2+ sensing in MeOH:H2O (80 : 20, v:v, pH=7 PBS buffer) media has been constructed. HBAC responded to Cu2+ with high selectivity and exhibited a relatively low LOD of 7.0 nM and ∼22‐fold fluorescent enhancement at 461 nm with the addition of Cu2+ (0.0‐5.0 μM). The reaction mechanism of the HBAC‐Cu2+ system has been fully examined by MALDI‐TOF‐MS, FT‐IR, and time dependent‐density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations. The sensing mechanism was occurred due to the chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) and inhibition of PET phenomena. Furthermore, the chemosensor HBAC for Cu2+ sensing in living systems and natural spring water samples has been successfully utilized, suggesting that the prepared HBAC is an appropriate chemosensor for examining Cu2+ in biological and environmental systems.
In Situ Construction of Porous g‐C3N4 Isotype Heterojunction/BiOBr Nanosheets Ternary Composite Catalyst for Highly Efficient Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Jiang Tingshun , Han Hui , Dong Mingfeng , Zhao Qian
Published: June 2021

In this study, the composite catalysts with the heterojunction between DUPG and BiOBr were used to degrade methyl orange (MO), and a g‐C3N4‐based ternary composite catalyst was developed. In our previous work, we prepared a D‐C3N4/U‐C3N4 isotype heterojunction with ordered mesoporous (DUPG) by co‐mixed calcination and hard template method. On this basis, we prepared DUPG/BiOBr nanoparticle uniformly distributed on DUPG nanosheets by coprecipitation self‐assembly method. The hybrids form a tightly coupled heterojunction that enhances the photoactivity and photostability of the DUPG/BiOBr composites. The results show that this tight coupling is beneficial, which facilitates the charge transfer between DUPG and BiOBr, thus promoting the effective separation of photogenerated electron hole pairs. Under visible light irradiation, the methyl orange conversion of the sample has higher photocatalytic reduction activity than BiOBr and DUPG, and its excellent photocatalytic activity is improved by light‐harvesting ability, increased specific surface area, active species and target pollution.
Ambipolar Field‐Effect Transistor Based on CH3NH3PbI3 Microwires
Authors: Gao Jinghan , Lv Qianrui
Published: June 2021

Organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskites are promising semiconductors for high‐performance field‐effect transistors because of their excellent charge carrier transport, but hybrid perovskites used in field‐effect transistors are not diverse enough and the field‐effect performances are always not satisfactory at room temperature and in the dark and air. Herein, we prepared CH3NH3PbI3 microwires through a transformation from CH3NH3PbI3 bulk single crystals and fabricated ambipolar field‐effect transistors based on them. At room temperature and in the dark and air, the field‐effect mobility can reach to 1.8×10−3 cm2V−1 s−1, which is two orders of magnitude higher than that of CH3NH3PbI3 polycrystalline film based field‐effect transistors under the same condition, indicating that CH3NH3PbI3 microwires have potential for use in ambipolar transistors.
On Thiol‐Ene Radical Coupling Reaction when Synthesis of ABCL2Type Heteroarm Star Copolymer Containing PDPA Arm
Authors: Wang Xin , Liu Yuyang , Yan Lei
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we designed novel ABCL2‐type heteroarm star copolymers, where A, B and C are poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL), poly(2‐(diisopropylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PDPA) and poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) arms, respectively, and L is 4‐([2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine]‐4′‐yl) phenyl (Tpyp) ligand group. In the final synthesis step, thiol‐ene radical coupling was used to link PMPC chain onto PCL/PDPA copolymer to form a heteroarm star copolymer. However, it was found that the presence of the PDPA block with tertiary amine moieties led the thiol‐ene radical coupling not to be achieved easily in common conditions. Herein we focus on investigating the photoinitiated thiol‐ene coupling reaction. Finally, we achieve the reaction via selecting appropriate solvent. It is expected that the exploration can broaden application of thiol‐ene radical reaction in synthesis of polymer architectures.
Reversible Photoswitchable Inhibitors Enable Wavelength‐Selective Regulation of Out‐of‐Equilibrium Bi‐enzymatic Systems
Authors: Teders Michael , Murray Nicholas R. , Huck Wilhelm T. S.
Published: June 2021

The construction of synthetic enzymatic reaction networks can provide new insights into the design principles of living systems. However, the programmable connection of enzymes into a wide range of network topologies has been challenging due to the lack of a general strategy enabling a reversible activity regulation of individual network enzymes. Here, we exploit a general and modular strategy based on the external regulation of enzymes using light and photoswitchable inhibitors (PIs) that enables the bottom‐up construction and control of enzymatic systems studied under out‐of‐equilibrium conditions. Upon synthesis and incorporation of potent photoswitchable trypsin inhibitors (Tr‐PIs), the output of several functional enzymatic systems could be photoregulated using 390/460 nm light as a trigger signal. In addition, the wavelength‐selective control over the activity of two enzymes within a functional bi‐enzymatic system was achieved using a suitable combination of two PIs.
Synthesis of Thiodisaccharides Bearing N‐Acetylhexosamine Residues: Challenges, Achievements and Perspectives
Authors: Cristófalo Alejandro E. , Cano María Emilia , Uhrig María Laura
Published: June 2021

Carbohydrate‐protein interactions are involved in a myriad of biological processes. Thus, glycomimetics have arisen as one of the most promising synthetic targets to that end. Within the broad variety of glycomimetics, thiodisaccharides have proven to be excellent tools to study these processes, and even more, some of them unveiled interesting biological activities. This review brings together research made on the introduction of N‐acetylhexosamine residues into thiodisaccharides to date, passing through classic substitution (as SN2, thioglycosylation and ring‐opening reactions) and addition (as thiol‐ene coupling and Michael‐type additions) reactions. Recent and interesting developments regarding addition reactions to vinyl azides, cross‐coupling reactions and novel chemoenzymatic methods are also discussed.
A thermoelastic micro‐elongated layer under the effect of gravity in the context of the dual‐phase lag model
Authors: Othman Mohamed I. A. , Atwa Sarhan Y. , Eraki Ebtesam E. M. , Ismail Mohamed F.
Published: June 2021

This paper aims to present a Lord‐Shulman theory of one relaxation time and the dual‐phase‐lag model of two‐relaxation times to study the effect of gravity on both the micro‐elongated thermoelasticity layer and the elastic layer in the above. The normal mode analysis was used to obtain the expressions of the displacement components, the micro‐elongational scalar, and the stress components. Comparisons between the physical quantities were getting numerically and epitomized graphically. The results depict the effect of the presence and absence of gravity and the relaxation times on all the physical quantities.
Breeding history and husbandry of the Superb Bird‐of‐paradise (Lophorina superba)
Authors: Rimlinger David , Theule Jessica , Bass Kelly
Published: June 2021

The Superb Bird‐of‐paradise (Lophorina superba) has been bred in captivity for more than 50 years but has not been well documented. San Diego Zoo began efforts to breed the Superb Bird‐of‐paradise in the late 1960s. Through the years, behavioral observations by animal staff have led to improvements in husbandry techniques which have led to increased reproductive success. Enclosure setup and pair management are particularly important. The ability to maintain breeding pairs in adjacent enclosures, in which the male can maintain visual contact with the female, establish a territory, be given access to a female for copulation and then be separated again has proven paramount for nesting success. Additionally, diet and planned timing of introduction have played a beneficial role for successful breeding year after year.
Matching in $$ pp\to t\overline{t}W/Z/h+ $$ jet SMEFT studies
Authors: Goldouzian Reza , Kim Jeong Han , Lannon Kevin , Martin Adam , Mohrman Kelci , Wightman Andrew
Published: June 2021

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the impact of extra radiation on predictions of $$ pp\to \mathrm{t}\overline{\mathrm{t}}\mathrm{X},\mathrm{X}=\mathrm{h}/{\mathrm{W}}^{\pm }/\mathrm{Z} $$
pp
→
t

t
¯

X
,
X
=
h
/

W
±

/
Z
processes within the dimension-6 SMEFT framework. While full next-to-leading order calculations are of course preferred, they are not always practical, and so it is useful to be able to capture the impacts of extra radiation using leading-order matrix elements matched to the parton shower and merged. While a matched/merged leading-order calculation for $$ \mathrm{t}\overline{\mathrm{t}}\mathrm{X} $$
t

t
¯

X
is not expected to reproduce the next-to-leading order inclusive cross section precisely, we show that it does capture the relative impact of the EFT effects by considering the ratio of matched SMEFT inclusive cross sections to Standard Model values, $$ {\sigma}_{\mathrm{SM}\mathrm{EFT}}\left(\mathrm{t}\overline{\mathrm{t}}\mathrm{X}+\mathrm{j}\right)/{\sigma}_{\mathrm{SM}}\left(\mathrm{t}\overline{\mathrm{t}}\mathrm{X}+\mathrm{j}\right)\equiv \mu $$

σ
SMEFT

t

t
¯

X
+
j

/

σ
SM

t

t
¯

X
+
j

≡
μ
. Furthermore, we compare leading order calculations with and without extra radiation and find several cases, such as the effect of the operator $$ \left({\varphi}^{\dagger }i{\overleftrightarrow{D}}_{\mu}\varphi \right)\left(\overline{t}{\gamma}^{\mu }t\right) $$

φ
†

i

D
↔

μ

φ

t
¯

γ
μ

t

on $$ \mathrm{t}\overline{\mathrm{t}}\mathrm{h} $$
t

t
¯

h
and $$ \mathrm{t}\overline{\mathrm{t}}\mathrm{W} $$
t

t
¯

W
, for which the relative cross section prediction increases by more than 10% — significantly larger than the uncertainty derived by varying the input scales in the calculation, including the additional scales required for matching and merging. Being leading order at heart, matching and merging can be applied to all operators and processes relevant to $$ pp\to \mathrm{t}\overline{\mathrm{t}}\mathrm{X},\mathrm{X}=\mathrm{h}/{\mathrm{W}}^{\pm }/\mathrm{Z}+\mathrm{jet} $$
pp
→
t

t
¯

X
,
X
=
h
/

W
±

/
Z
+
jet
, is computationally fast and not susceptible to negative weights. Therefore, it is a useful approach in $$ \mathrm{t}\overline{\mathrm{t}}\mathrm{X} $$
t

t
¯

X
+ jet studies where complete next-to-leading order results are currently unavailable or unwieldy.
Page curve from non-Markovianity
Authors: Su Kaixiang , Zhang Pengfei , Zhai Hui
Published: June 2021

Abstract

In this paper, we use the exactly solvable Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model to address the issue of entropy dynamics when an interacting quantum system is coupled to a non-Markovian environment. We find that at the initial stage, the entropy always increases linearly matching the Markovian result. When the system thermalizes with the environment at a sufficiently long time, if the environment temperature is low and the coupling between system and environment is weak, then the total thermal entropy is low and the entanglement between system and environment is also weak, which yields a small system entropy in the long-time steady state. This manifestation of non-Markovian effects of the environment forces the entropy to decrease in the later stage, which yields the Page curve for the entropy dynamics. We argue that this physical scenario revealed by the exact solution of the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model is universally applicable for general chaotic quantum many-body systems and can be verified experimentally in near future.
Constructing illoyal algebra-valued models of set theory
Authors: Löwe Benedikt , Paßmann Robert , Tarafder Sourav
Published: June 2021

An algebra-valued model of set theory is calledloyal to its algebraif the model and its algebra have the same propositional logic; it is calledfaithfulif all elements of the algebra are truth values of a sentence of the language of set theory in the model. We observe that non-trivial automorphisms of the algebra result in models that are not faithful and apply this to construct three classes of illoyal models: tail stretches, transposition twists, and maximal twists.
Equivalence à la Mundici for commutative lattice-ordered monoids
Authors: Abbadini Marco
Published: June 2021

We provide a generalization of Mundici’s equivalence between unital Abelian lattice-ordered groups and MV-algebras: the category ofunital commutative lattice-ordered monoidsis equivalent to the category ofMV-monoidal algebras. Roughly speaking, unital commutative lattice-ordered monoids are unital Abelian lattice-ordered groups without the unary operation$$x \mapsto -x$$x↦-x. The primitive operations are$$+$$+,$$\vee $$∨,$$\wedge $$∧, 0, 1,$$-1$$-1. A prime example of these structures is$$\mathbb {R}$$R, with the obvious interpretation of the operations. Analogously, MV-monoidal algebras are MV-algebras without the negation$$x \mapsto \lnot x$$x↦¬x. The primitive operations are$$\oplus $$⊕,$$\odot $$⊙,$$\vee $$∨,$$\wedge $$∧, 0, 1. A motivating example of MV-monoidal algebra is the negation-free reduct of the standard MV-algebra$$[0, 1]\subseteq \mathbb {R}$$[0,1]⊆R. We obtain the original Mundici’s equivalence as a corollary of our main result.
„Wut im Ohr“: Misophonie
Authors: Schwemmle C. , Arens C.
Published: June 2021

Die Misophonie ist eine Intoleranz auf bestimmte Alltagsgeräusche. Hierbei fungieren als „Trigger“ „menschliche Körpergeräusche“, z. B. Schlucken/Schmatzen/Atemgeräusche oder Geräusche, die von Menschen, aber nicht vom menschlichen Körper erzeugt werden (z. B. Klicken Kugelschreiberknopf), ferner Tier‑/Maschinengeräusche. Die Betroffenen verspüren sofort eine negativ-emotionale Reaktion wie Wut, Aggression, Ekel u.a. Objektivierbare Veränderungen sind Herzfrequenzerhöhung und Blutdruckveränderungen. Die emotionale Reaktion ist individuell und hängt z. B. von Geräuschart, persönlicher Vorerfahrung, sozialem Kontext oder psychologischem Profil ab. Die Misophonie ist bisher als Krankheit nicht definiert und keinem offiziellen Diagnosesystem zugeordnet, sie scheint eine eigenständige Störung zu sein: Assoziationen bestehen u. a. mit Aufmerksamkeits‑/Zwangsstörungen, Tinnitus, Hyperakusis, Autismus-Spektrum-Krankheiten. Definitionskriterien wurden 2013 veröffentlicht; verschiedene, validierte Fragebögen wurden bisher zur Misophonieausprägung entwickelt. Studien mit funktionellen MRT-Untersuchungen des Kopfes zeigten eine übermäßige Aktivierung des anterioren Inselkortex (AIC) und seiner benachbarten Regionen, die für Emotionsverarbeitung/-regulation verantwortlich sind. Bisher gibt es keine randomisierten kontrollierten Studien zur Therapie. Einzelne Publikationen beschreiben kognitive Verhaltensinterventionen, Retrainingtherapien und Schallmaskierungssysteme. Zur Triggerreduktion werden Ohrstöpsel/Musikkopfhörer verwendet. Auch HNO-Ärzte können mit Misophoniepatienten konfrontiert werden, z. B. zur Klärung des Hörvermögens oder Beratung von Therapiemöglichkeiten. Der Bericht stellt eine Übersicht des aktuellen Wissensstands zur Misophonie sowie ihrer Diagnostik und Therapie dar.