bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent frontiers in solar energy storage via nanoparticles enhanced phase change materials: Succinct review on basics, applications, and their environmental aspects
Authors: Tony Maha A.
Published: March 2021

Modern so‐called renewable energy storage technologies are actually broadening concerns over future sustainability awareness for facing the fossil fuel scarcity crisis. We need to be more innovative in using and storing the free‐cost energy sources that are essentially needed to be adopted in our modern societies. Several initiatives have been addressed for renewable energy storing capabilities. Recently, one of the areas gaining scientists attention is the solar energy storage via phase change materials (PCMs). PCMs are those materials that signified by storing surplus solar energy and releasing the accumulated energy collected when it is in deficiency for its later use in which they are situated. This ambition is based on capturing the heat provided by the solar field for useful utility applications, such as power production, solar cooling, and domestic water heating. This review is aiming to assist the researchers by providing an overview of PCMs basics, classifications and their technological applications. Additionally, a detailed information and literature reviewed toward enhancing the thermal conductivity of PCMs' systems via numerous nanomaterials additions are discussed and their various thermal energy storage applications are overviewed. The pros and cons of nanoadditives PCM are also discussed. Future perspectives and PCMs trends are provided.
Determination of Effective Albumin in Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis: Clinical and Prognostic Implications
Authors: Baldassarre Maurizio , Naldi Marina , Zaccherini Giacomo , Bartoletti Michele , Antognoli Agnese , Laggetta Maristella , Gagliardi Martina , Tufoni Manuel , Domenicali Marco , Waterstradt Katja , Paterini Paola , Baldan Anna , Leoni Simona , Bartolini Manuela , Viale Pierluigi , Trevisani Franco , Bernardi Mauro , Caraceni Paolo
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims

Circulating albumin in cirrhosis can be dysfunctional because of accumulating structural damages, leading to the concept of effective albumin concentration (eAlb), referring to the albumin portion presenting structural and functional integrity. We aimed to estimate eAlb in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and analyze its relationships with albumin function and clinical outcomes as compared to total albumin concentration (tAlb).

Approach and Results

We evaluated 319 patients with cirrhosis hospitalized for acute decompensation (AD) with and without acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) and 18 age‐ and sex‐comparable outpatients with compensated cirrhosis. tAlb was quantified by standard assay, whereas eAlb was estimated combining liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry and standard methods. Albumin binding and detoxification efficiency were evaluated by electron paramagnetic resonance analysis. Circulating albumin in patients with decompensated cirrhosis displayed multiple structural abnormalities, with reversible oxidation and glycation being the most frequent. As a result, eAlb progressively declined with the worsening of cirrhosis and was superior to tAlb in stratifying patients between compensated cirrhosis, AD, and ACLF, as well as patients with and without complications. Moreover, eAlb, but not tAlb, was closely associated with binding capacities in ACLF. Finally, eAlb at admission predicted the occurrence of ACLF within 30 days and mortality at 90 days better than tAlb.

Conclusions

This large, observational study provides the evidence in patients with decompensated cirrhosis that eAlb can be quantified and differentiated from tAlb routinely measured in clinical practice. As compared to tAlb, eAlb is more closely associated with disease severity and albumin dysfunction and carries a greater prognostic power. These results prompt future research assessing eAlb as a biomarker for predicting prognosis and treatment response.
Stress‐Responsive Gene FK506‐Binding Protein 51 Mediates Alcohol‐Induced Liver Injury Through the Hippo Pathway and Chemokine (C‐X‐C Motif) Ligand 1 Signaling
Authors: Kusumanchi Praveen , Liang Tiebing , Zhang Ting , Ross Ruth Ann , Han Sen , Chandler Kristina , Oshodi Adepeju , Jiang Yanchao , Dent Alexander L. , Skill Nicholas J. , Huda Nazmul , Ma Jing , Yang Zhihong , Liangpunsakul Suthat
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims

Chronic alcohol drinking is a major risk factor for alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD). FK506‐binding protein 51 (FKBP5), a cochaperone protein, is involved in many key regulatory pathways. It is known to be involved in stress‐related disorders, but there are no reports regarding its role in ALD. This present study aimed to examine the molecular mechanism of FKBP5 in ALD.

Approach and Results

We found a significant increase in hepatic FKBP5 transcripts and protein expression in patients with ALD and mice fed with chronic‐plus‐single binge ethanol. Loss of Fkbp5 in mice protected against alcohol‐induced hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant reduction of Transcriptional enhancer factor TEF‐1 (TEA) domain transcription factor 1 (Tead1) and chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 1 (Cxcl1) mRNA in ethanol‐fed Fkbp5−/−
mice. Ethanol‐induced Fkbp5 expression was secondary to down‐regulation of methylation level at its 5′ untranslated promoter region. The increase in Fkbp5 expression led to induction in transcription factor TEAD1 through Hippo signaling pathway. Fkbp5 can interact with yes‐associated protein (YAP) upstream kinase, mammalian Ste20‐like kinase 1 (MST1), affecting its ability to phosphorylate YAP and the inhibitory effect of hepatic YAP phosphorylation by ethanol leading to YAP nuclear translocation and TEAD1 activation. Activation of TEAD1 led to increased expression of its target, CXCL1, a chemokine‐mediated neutrophil recruitment, causing hepatic inflammation and neutrophil infiltration in our mouse model.

Conclusions

We identified an FKBP5‐YAP‐TEAD1‐CXCL1 axis in the pathogenesis of ALD. Loss of FKBP5 ameliorates alcohol‐induced liver injury through the Hippo pathway and CXCL1 signaling, suggesting its potential role as a target for the treatment of ALD.
Diagnostic analysis of lupus anticoagulant using clot waveform analysis in activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged cases: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Kanouchi Kazunori , Narimatsu Hiroto , Shirata Toru , Morikane Keita
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims

Hemophilia was diagnosed in precedence research of clot waveform analysis (CWA) using the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). In patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), lupus anticoagulant (LA) causes an increase in APTT, suggesting that the waveform would probably be distorted. Therefore, we evaluated using clinical samples. CWA may be useful low cost for clinical detection of LA. We assessed the clinical value of CWA for detection of LA and coagulation using clinical blood samples collected from patients with a prolonged APTT.

Methods

We used patient samples inspected between April 2011 and March 2013 in Yamagata University Hospital. CWA was performed using the ACL TOP coagulation analyzer, and the associated software program was used to calculate APTT clotting endpoints. An atypical peak was defined as a derivative plot that did not conform to the normal S‐shaped clot reaction curve.

Results

In total, 162 patients, including 66 men and 96 women, with an average age of 46 years (range: 24‐89 years) were included. We also collected control samples from unmatched healthy donors. All 162 patients were divided according to medication history or condition into the following five groups: heparin (n = 20), warfarin (n = 23), hepatic dysfunction (n = 13), normal (n = 20), and LA‐positive antiphospholipid syndrome (APS; n = 86). Twenty healthy individuals were included as controls.

Eighty patients had an atypical peak. Among all, 78 patients (90.6%) were LA‐positive, and 2 patients (2.5%) were treated with warfarin. The remaining two patients had prothrombin time international normalized ratios (PT‐INR) >4.0 while taking warfarin. Those who were APS LA positive with thrombosis and without thrombosis had split the reaction of clotting time, deceleration/acceleration time (D/A) ratio of 2.36 (1.99,3.24) vs 2.34 (2.04,2.86), respectively.

Conclusion

The significant atypical peak and D/A ratio extension may be explained by the clotting waveforms observed specifically in patients with LA‐positive APS.
Pegilodecakin as monotherapy or in combination with anti‐PD‐1 or tyrosine kinase inhibitor in heavily pretreated patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma: Final results of cohorts A, G, H and I of IVY Phase I study
Authors: Tannir Nizar M. , Papadopoulos Kyriakos P. , Wong Deborah J. , Aljumaily Raid , Hung Annie , Afable Manuel , Kim Jong Seok , Ferry David , Drakaki Alexandra , Bendell Johanna , Naing Aung
Published: March 2021

Interleukin (IL)‐10 has anti‐inflammatory and CD8+ T‐cell‐stimulating properties. Pegilodecakin (pegylated recombinant human IL‐10) induces intratumoral antigen‐specific CD8 + T‐cells and upregulates IFNγ and major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) I and II. Pegilodecakin has single‐agent activity with manageable toxicity in advanced renal cell carcinama (aRCC) (data cutoff 24 March 2016). Pegilodecakin with pembrolizumab or nivolumab revealed clinical activity in aRCC (data cutoff 1 July 2018). Here, we report for the first time the results of pegilodecakin+ pazopanib, and final results for monotherapy and long‐term follow‐up with pegilodecakin + anti‐programmed cell death 1 (anti‐PD‐1) inhibitors (data cutoff 19 February 2019). Phase 1/1b multi‐cohort dose escalation IVY study enrolled 353 patients. Sixty‐six patients with aRCC were treated with pegilodecakin alone or with pazopanib or anti‐PD‐1 inhibitor in cohorts A, G, H and I (data cutoff 19 February 2019). Primary endpoints included safety and tolerability. Secondary endpoint was tumor response by immune‐related response criteria (irRC). Pegilodecakin plus nivolumab or pembrolizumab yielded median progression‐free survival (mPFS) of 13.9 months and 6‐month PFS probability of 60%, 76% 1‐year overall survival (OS) probability and 61% 2‐year OS probability. Pegilodecakin monotherapy produced mPFS of 1.8 months, 6‐month PFS probability 25%, 1‐year OS 50%, and 2‐year OS 17%. Median OS was not reached in both combinations. Objective response rates (ORRs) were 33% with pazopanib and 43% with anti‐PD‐1. Most common Grade 3/4 treatment‐related adverse events included anemia, thrombocytopenia and hypertriglyceridemia. In these heavily pretreated renal cell carcinama cohorts of IVY, pegilodecakin+anti‐PD‐1 inhibitor showed promising clinical activity. Safety profile of pegilodecakin alone and with anti‐PD‐1 inhibitors was consistent as previously reported.
Screening candidate genes related to volatile synthesis in shiitake mushrooms and construction of regulatory networks to effectively improve mushroom aroma
Authors: Li Wen , Chen Wan‐Chao , Wang Jin‐Bin , Feng Jie , Wu Di , Zhang Zhong , Zhang Jing‐Song , Yang Yan
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Metabolite formation is a physiological stress response during the growth and development of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes). The characteristic flavor metabolites are important quality components in shiitake mushrooms. To investigate the formation mechanisms of characteristic flavor metabolites, transcriptome analyses were performed on shiitake mushrooms harvested at different growth stages.

RESULTS

In total, 30 genes related to the synthesis of characteristic volatiles of mushrooms were identified via screening. Through KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment analysis of the selected genes and correlation analyses of gene expressions, the main volatile synthesis pathways were determined as histidine metabolism, glutathione metabolism and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Gene cluster and correlation analyses were performed to clarify the combined effects of different genes in the enzymatic reactions. Further, a correlation network of candidate genes was built based on the gene expression levels.

CONCLUSION

The activities of flavor synthases and the content of characteristic flavor metabolites were analyzed; the enzyme activity changes and metabolic product distribution sites were clarified. A synthesis and regulation network was constructed for the candidate genes and characteristic volatiles, and information was obtained for 16 hub genes. Moreover, it was essential to identify and characterize the key genes and synthases involved in the synthesis of the characteristic volatiles of mushrooms. This information provides us with a better understanding of the biosynthesis and regulation of the volatiles, which will lay the foundation for improving the quality of shiitake mushrooms. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Laparoscopic Living Donor Right Hepatectomy Regarding the Anatomical Variation of the Portal Vein: A Propensity Score–Matched Analysis
Authors: Rhu Jinsoo , Kim Mi Seung , Choi Gyu‐Seong , Kim Jong Man , Kwon Choon Hyuck David , Joh Jae‐Won
Published: March 2021

This study is designed to analyze the feasibility of laparoscopic living donor right hemihepatectomy in living donors with portal vein variation. Living donor liver transplantation cases using a right liver graft during the period of January 2014 to September 2019 were included. Computed tomographic angiographies of the donor were 3‐dimensionally reconstructed, and the anatomical variation of the portal vein was classified. To reduce selection bias, a 1:1 ratio propensity score–matched analysis between the laparoscopy group and the open group was performed. Surgical and recovery‐related outcomes as well as portal vein complication‐free survival, graft survival, and overall survival rates were analyzed. After matching, 171 cases in each group from 444 original cases were compared. The laparoscopy group had a shorter operation time (P < 0.001), a smaller number of additional opioids required by the donor (P < 0.001), and a shorter hospital stay (P < 0.001). There were no differences in the portal vein complication‐free survival (P = 0.16), graft survival (P = 0.26), or overall survival rates (P = 0.53). Although portal vein complication‐free survival was inferior in portal veins other than type I (P = 0.01), the laparoscopy group showed similar portal vein complication‐free survival regardless of the anatomical variation of portal vein (P = 0.35 in type I and P = 0.30 in other types). Laparoscopic living donor right hemihepatectomy can be performed as safely as open surgery regardless of the anatomical variation of the portal vein.
Market entry strategy in the presence of market spillovers and efficiency differentiation
Authors: Wu Xiangxiang , Zha Yong , Li Linzi , Yu Yugang
Published: March 2021

Firms form various alliances or use brand extensions to enter new markets in order to improve their operational efficiency and create a positive spillover. However, they do not always know the implications of these strategies for market entry and multimarket competition because the sale of products in one market can have negative spillover effects on product sales in other markets. We present an analytical framework to examine whether and how (i.e., by choosing alliance entry or independent entry) competing firms should enter a market in a situation where market spillovers occur when a firm enters a spillover‐producing market to sell products that may increase or decrease the consumers' willingness to pay for products in the primary market. Our analysis shows that the operational efficiency (or quality differentiation ability) of firms in a spillover‐producing market varies, and hence, the impact of market spillovers differs for firms. We identify the key factors, such as bargaining power, brand value difference in the primary market, and the extent of efficiencies and spillovers, that determine the firms benefitting from the different entry strategies. Specifically, we show that firms would be more willing to choose an alliance strategy to enter a spillover‐producing market if the negative spillover is small and alliance efficiency is high. In contrast, if an alliance entry is not favored, the firms' relative operational efficiency is crucial for them to decide whether to enter the market independently under moderate spillover conditions. Finally, we show the implications of market entry strategies for managers.
Evaluating appointment postponement in scheduling patients at a diagnostic clinic
Authors: Kiani Mahsa , Eksioglu Burak , Isik Tugce , Thomas Alexandria , Gilpin John
Published: March 2021

Diagnostic clinics are among healthcare facilities that suffer from long waiting times which can worsen medical outcomes and increase patient no‐shows. Reducing waiting times without significant capital investments is a challenging task. We tackle this challenge by proposing a new appointment scheduling policy that does not require significant investments for diagnostic clinics. The clinic in our study serves outpatients, inpatients, and emergency patients. Emergency patients must be seen on arrival, and inpatients must be given next day appointments. Outpatients, however, can be given later appointments. The proposed policy takes advantage of this by allowing the postponement of the acceptance of appointment requests from outpatients. The appointment scheduling process is modeled as a two‐stage stochastic programming problem where a portion of the clinic capacity is allocated to inpatients and emergency patients in the first stage. In the second stage, outpatients are scheduled based on their priority classes. After a detailed analysis of the solutions obtained from the two‐stage stochastic model, we develop a simple, non‐anticipative policy for patient scheduling. We evaluate the performance of this proposed, easy‐to‐implement policy in a simulation study which shows significant improvements in outpatient indirect waiting times.
L‐arginine as a potential GLP‐1‐mediated immunomodulator of Th17‐related cytokines in people with obesity and asthma
Authors: Liao Shu‐Yi , Linderholm Angela , Showalter Megan R. , Chen Ching‐Hsien , Fiehn Oliver , Kenyon Nicholas J.
Published: March 2021

Obesity is considered as a risk factor for COVID‐19 with insulin resistance and increased production of inflammatory cytokines as likely mechanisms. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) agonists and inhaled nitric oxide are proposed therapeutic approaches to treat COVID‐19 because of their broad anti‐inflammatory effects. One approach that might augment GLP‐1 levels would be dietary supplementation with L‐arginine. Beyond cytokines, multiple studies have started to investigate the relationship between new‐onset diabetes and COVID‐19. In a posthoc analysis of a randomized, placebo‐controlled human clinical trial of L‐arginine supplementation in people with asthma and predominantly with obesity, the results showed that 12 weeks of continuous L‐arginine supplementation significantly decreased the level of IL‐21 (p = 0.02) and increased the level of insulin (p = 0.02). A high arginine level and arginine/ADMA ratio were significantly associated with lower CCL‐20 and TNF‐αlevels. The study also showed that L‐arginine supplementation reduces cytokine levels and improves insulin deficiency or resistance, both are two big risk factors for COVID‐19 severity and mortality. Given its safety profile and ease of accessibility, L‐arginine is an attractive potential therapeutic option that allows for a cost‐effective way to improve outcomes in patients. An expedition of further investigation or clinical trials to test these hypotheses is needed.
Receptors in host pathogen interactions between human cytomegalovirus and the placenta during congenital infection
Authors: Singh Krishneel , Hamilton Stuart T. , Shand Antonia W. , Hannan Natalie J. , Rawlinson William D.
Published: March 2021

Cellular receptors in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) mother to child transmission play an important role in congenital infection. Placental trophoblast cells are a significant cell type in placental development, placental functional processes, and in HCMV transmission. Different cells within the placental floating and chorionic villi present alternate receptors for HCMV cell entry. Syncytiotrophoblasts present neonatal Fc receptors that bind and transport circulating maternal immunoglobulin G across the placental interface which can also be bound to HCMV virions, facilitating viral entry into the placenta and foetal circulation. Cytotrophoblast express HCMV receptors including integrin‐α1β1, integrin‐αVβ3, epidermal growth factor receptor and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor alpha. The latter interacts with HCMV glycoprotein‐H, glycoprotein‐L and glycoprotein‐O (gH/gL/gO) trimers (predominantly in placental fibroblasts) and the gH/gL/pUL128, UL130‐UL131A pentameric complex in other placental cell types. The pentameric complex allows viral tropism of placental trophoblasts, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, leukocytes and monocytes. This review outlines HCMV ligands and target receptor proteins in congenital HCMV infection.
Surface treatment and adhesion strength of aluminum foil for lithium‐ion battery package
Authors: Chen Xinjie , Shen Chaoyuan , Xia Xufeng , Xu Shiai
Published: March 2021

In this study, an environmentally friendly cerium (Ce) conversion coating was deposited onto the surface of aluminum (Al) foil for preparing the packaging material of lithium‐ion batteries, and its morphology, composition, and formation mechanisms were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The packaging material consisting of six layers was prepared by hot pressing using casting polypropylene (CPP) as the inner layer and maleic anhydride (MAH) grafted polypropylene (mPP) as the inner adhesive. The adhesion properties of untreated and Ce‐treated Al foils were characterized by T‐peeling test. The results show that Ce conversion coating is mainly composed of cerium dioxide (CeO2) and cerium sesquioxide (Ce2O3), and Ce treatment leads to a significant increase in the adhesive strength between Al foil and mPP.
Fully Controllable Structural Phase Transition in Thermomechanical Molecular Crystals with a Very Small Thermal Hysteresis
Authors: Duan Yulong , Semin Sergey , Tinnemans Paul , Xu Jialiang , Rasing Theo
Published: March 2021

The construction of a practical crystalline molecular machine faces two challenges: to realize a collective molecular movement, and to amplify this movement into a precisely controlled mechanical response in real time and space. Thermosalient single crystals display cooperative molecular movements that are converted to strong macroscopic mechanical responses or shape deformations during temperature‐induced structural phase transitions. However, these collective molecular movements are hard to control once initiated, and often feature thermal hystereses that are larger than 10 °C, which greatly hamper their practical applications. Here, it is demonstrated that the phase boundaries of the thermomechanical molecular crystal based on a fluorenone derivative 4‐DBpFO can be used to finely control its structural phase transition. When this phase transition is triggered at two opposite crystal faces, it is accompanied by two parallel phase boundaries that can be temperature controlled to move forward, backward, or to halt, benefitting from the stored elastic energy between the parallel boundaries. Moreover, the thermal hysteresis is greatly decreased to 2–3 °C, which allows for circular heating/cooling cycles that can produce a continuous work output.
Highly‐Dispersed Submicrometer Single‐Crystal Nickel‐Rich Layered Cathode: Spray Synthesis and Accelerated Lithium‐Ion Transport
Authors: Leng Jin , Wang Jiapei , Peng Wenjie , Tang Zilong , Xu Shengming , Liu Yong , Wang Jiexi
Published: March 2021

For conventional polycrystalline Ni‐rich cathode material consisting of numerous primary particles in disordered orientation, the crystal anisotropy in charge/discharge process results in the poor rate capability and rapid capacity degradation. In this work, highly‐dispersed submicron single‐crystal LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (SC‐NCA) cathode is efficiently prepared by spray pyrolysis (SP) technique followed by a simple solid‐state lithiation reaction. Porous Ni0.8Co0.15Al0.05Ox precursor prepared via SP exhibits high chemical activity for lithiation reaction, enabling the fabrication of single‐crystal cathode at a relatively low temperature. In this way, the contradiction between high crystallinity and cation disordering is well balanced. The resulted optimized SC‐NCA shows polyhedral single‐crystal morphology with moderate grain size (≈1 μm), which are beneficial to shortening the Li+ diffusion path and improving the structural stability. As cathode for lithium ion batteries, SC‐NCA delivers a high discharge capacity of 202 and 140 mAh g−1 at 0.1 and 10 C, respectively, and maintains superior capacity retention of 161 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 1C. No micro‐crack is observed in the cycled SC‐NCA particles, indicating such single‐crystal morphology can greatly relieve the anisotropic micro‐strain. This effective, continuous and adaptable strategy for preparing single‐crystal Ni‐rich cathode without any additive may accelerate their practical application.
Nonspherical Metal‐Based Nanoarchitectures: Synthesis and Impact of Size, Shape, and Composition on Their Biological Activity
Authors: Zare Ehsan Nazarzadeh , Zheng Xuanqi , Makvandi Pooyan , Gheybi Homa , Sartorius Rossella , Yiu Cynthia K. Y. , Adeli Mohsen , Wu Aimin , Zarrabi Ali , Varma Rajender S. , Tay Franklin R.
Published: March 2021

Metal‐based nanoentities, apart from being indispensable research tools, have found extensive use in the industrial and biomedical arena. Because their biological impacts are governed by factors such as size, shape, and composition, such issues must be taken into account when these materials are incorporated into multi‐component ensembles for clinical applications. The size and shape (rods, wires, sheets, tubes, and cages) of metallic nanostructures influence cell viability by virtue of their varied geometry and physicochemical interactions with mammalian cell membranes. The anisotropic properties of nonspherical metal‐based nanoarchitectures render them exciting candidates for biomedical applications. Here, the size‐, shape‐, and composition‐dependent properties of nonspherical metal‐based nanoarchitectures are reviewed in the context of their potential applications in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, as well as, in regenerative medicine. Strategies for the synthesis of nonspherical metal‐based nanoarchitectures and their cytotoxicity and immunological profiles are also comprehensively appraised.
Dimensional Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Nanostructures for MicroRNA Profiling
Authors: Li Chen , Li Si , Qu Aihua , Xu Chuanlai , Xu Liguang , Kuang Hua
Published: March 2021

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum is an ultrasensitive quantitative tool for molecular fingerprinting and is very suitable for the analyzing and detecting trace substances, including low‐abundance miRNAs. Researchers have already investigated the effects of nanomaterial‐based SERS profiling on miRNA. As review herein, these SERS‐active nanostructures can be generally classified into 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D nanostructures according to their distinct structure. These SERS‐active structures with differential structural dimensions exhibit differences in terms of detection performance which can be attributed to the unique nanomaterials involved and the overall design of the SERS nanostructures. In this review the authors focus on the design of SERS nanostructures in previous research, the advantages and disadvantages in miRNA profiling of the different dimensional nanostructures are analyzed, and some design principles to develop guidelines, to fabricate more effective SERS nano‐sensors with ultra‐high sensitivity and high levels accuracy are summarized, thereby promoting the practical application of miRNA profiling by SERS technology in complex life systems.
Effect of pre‐coating lightweight aggregates on the self‐compacting concrete
Authors: Vahabi Mir Yashar , Tahmouresi Behzad , Mosavi Hossein , Fakhretaha Aval Siavash
Published: March 2021

The porous lightweight aggregates adversely affect fresh properties of concrete, including slump and disruption of pumping concrete. Besides, this type of concrete is very susceptible to shrinkage cracking. In this study, two types of lightweight aggregates were used with a combination of two types of coating, including hydrophobic polymers ‐polyvinyl acetate and styrene‐butadiene rubber coatings. The coatings were applied in single and double layers. For the fresh concrete, the fresh properties of concrete, including slump flow, T50, flow time, and L‐Box were evaluated and for the hardened concrete, compressive strength, flexural strength, tensile strength, water absorption and shrinkage was studied. It was seen that the slump flow of coated lightweight aggregates increased by 10%, and also coating process reduced the water absorption of the aggregates up to 82%. The compressive strength increased by up to 21% for the coated aggregates. Scanning electron microscopy was also used to investigate the microstructure of the mortar‐aggregate interface. Microstructural images showed a uniform and dense interfacial zone of cementitious matrix‐aggregate for coated lightweight aggregates. Moreover, an improvement of 50–150 μm in the interfacial zone's thickness was seen for coated aggregates compared to uncoated aggregates.
Local Nets of Von Neumann Algebras in the Sine–Gordon Model
Authors: Bahns Dorothea , Fredenhagen Klaus , Rejzner Kasia
Published: March 2021

The Haag–Kastler net of local von Neumann algebras is constructed in the ultraviolet finite regime of the Sine–Gordon model, and its equivalence with the massive Thirring model is proved. In contrast to other authors, we do not add an auxiliary mass term, and we work completely in Lorentzian signature. The construction is based on the functional formalism for perturbative Algebraic Quantum Field Theory together with estimates originally derived within Constructive Quantum Field Theory and adapted to Lorentzian signature. The paper extends previous work by two of us.
The mineralosphere—interactive zone of microbial colonization and carbon use in grassland soils
Authors: Boeddinghaus Runa S. , Marhan Sven , Gebala Aurelia , Haslwimmer Heike , Vieira Selma , Sikorski Johannes , Overmann Jörg , Soares Margarida , Rousk Johannes , Rennert Thilo , Kandeler Ellen
Published: March 2021

To improve our understanding of early microbial colonization of pristine minerals and their group-specific C utilization, we exposed minerals (illite/goethite/quartz) amended with artificial root exudates (ARE, glucose, and citric acid) in grassland soils for a period of 24 weeks. FTIR spectra indicated that mineral-associated ARE were used within the first 2 weeks of exposure and were replaced by other carbohydrates derived from living or dead cells as well as soil-borne C sources transported into the mineralosphere after heavy rain events. Fungi and Gram-positive bacteria incorporated ARE-derived C more rapidly than Gram-negative bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria presumably profited indirectly from the ARE by cross-feeding on mineral-associated necromass of fungi and Gram-positive bacteria. The Gram-negative bacterial phyla Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes, Gemmatimonadetes, Armatimonadetes, and Chloroflexi showed a positive correlation with Gram-negative PLFA abundances. After 24 weeks of exposure in the grassland soils, abundances of soil microorganisms in the mineralosphere reached only 3.1% of the population density in soil. In conclusion, both bacteria and fungi slowly colonize new surfaces such as pristine minerals, but quickly assimilate artificial root exudates, creating an active microbial community in the mineralosphere.
Sex differences in workload-indexed blood pressure response and vascular function among professional athletes and their utility for clinical exercise testing
Authors: Bauer Pascal , Kraushaar Lutz , Dörr Oliver , Nef Holger , Hamm Christian W. , Most Astrid
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Sex differences in blood pressure (BP) regulation at rest have been attributed to differences in vascular function. Further, arterial stiffness predicts an exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise (BPR) in healthy young adults. However, the relationship of vascular function to the workload-indexed BPR and potential sex differences in athletes are unknown.

Methods

We examined 47 male (21.6 ± 1.7 years) and 25 female (21.1 ± 2 years) athletes in this single-center pilot study. We assessed vascular function at rest, including systolic blood pressure (SBP). Further, we determined the SBP/W slope, the SBP/MET slope, and the SBP/W ratio at peak exercise during cycling ergometry.

Results

Male athletes had a lower central diastolic blood pressure (57 ± 9.5 vs. 67 ± 9.5 mmHg, p < 0.001) but a higher central pulse pressure (37 ± 6.5 vs. 29 ± 4.7 mmHg, p < 0.001), maximum SBP (202 ± 20 vs. 177 ± 15 mmHg, p < 0.001), and ΔSBP (78 ± 19 vs. 58 ± 14 mmHg, p < 0.001) than females. Total vascular resistance (1293 ± 318 vs. 1218 ± 341 dyn*s/cm5, p = 0.369), pulse wave velocity (6.2 ± 0.85 vs. 5.9 ± 0.58 m/s, p = 0.079), BP at rest (125 ± 10/76 ± 7 vs. 120 ± 11/73.5 ± 8 mmHg, p > 0.05), and the SBP/MET slope (5.7 ± 1.8 vs. 5.1 ± 1.6 mmHg/MET, p = 0.158) were not different. The SBP/W slope (0.34 ± 0.12 vs. 0.53 ± 0.19 mmHg/W) and the peak SBP/W ratio (0.61 ± 0.12 vs. 0.95 ± 0.17 mmHg/W) were markedly lower in males than in females (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Male athletes displayed a lower SBP/W slope and peak SBP/W ratio than females, whereas the SBP/MET slope was not different between the sexes. Vascular functional parameters were not able to predict the workload-indexed BPR in males and females.
Preclinical experience with a novel single-port platform for transoral surgery
Authors: Funk Emily K. , Weissbrod Philip , Horgan Santiago , Orosco Ryan K. , Califano Joseph A.
Published: March 2021

Background

We investigated a novel minimally invasive surgical platform for use in the oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx for single-port transoral surgery used in concert with standard transoral laryngeal and pharyngeal instrumentation.

Methods

The preclinical investigational device by Fortimedix Surgical B.V. (Netherlands) features two channels for manually controlled flexible articulating surgical instruments. A third central channel accepts both rigid and flexible endoscopes. The system is coupled to a standard laryngoscope for transoral access. In three cadaver models, we evaluated the surgical capabilities using wristed grasping instruments, microlaryngeal scissors, monopolar cautery, and a laser fiber sheath. Procedures were performed within the oropharynx, supraglottis, glottis, subglottis, and hypopharynx.

Results

Within the oropharynx, we found adequate strength, range of motion, and dexterity to perform lateral oropharyngectomy and tongue base resection. Within the larynx, visualization was achieved with a variety of instruments including a flexible, 0° and 30° rigid endoscope. The glottis, supraglottis, pyriform sinuses, post-cricoid space, and esophageal inlet were readily accessible. Visualization and manipulation of grasping, laser, and monopolar cautery instruments were also possible within the subglottis. Instrument reach and accuracy facilitated completion of a delicate micro-flap on the true vocal fold. Other procedures included vocal fold resection, cricopharyngeal myotomy, and resection of subglottic mucosa.

Conclusions

From this initial proof of concept experience with this novel platform, we found a wide range of procedures within the oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx to be feasible. Further work is needed to evaluate its applicability to the clinical setting. The ability of this platform to be used with conventional instrumentation may provide an opportunity for complex transoral surgery to be performed in a facile manner at greatly reduced cost.
Artificial Intelligence, 3D Documentation, and Rock Art—Approaching and Reflecting on the Automation of Identification and Classification of Rock Art Images
Authors: Horn Christian , Ivarsson Oscar , Lindhé Cecilia , Potter Rich , Green Ashely , Ling Johan
Published: March 2021

Rock art carvings, which are best described as petroglyphs, were produced by removing parts of the rock surface to create a negative relief. This tradition was particularly strong during the Nordic Bronze Age (1700–550 BC) in southern Scandinavia with over 20,000 boats and thousands of humans, animals, wagons, etc. This vivid and highly engaging material provides quantitative data of high potential to understand Bronze Age social structures and ideologies. The ability to provide the technically best possible documentation and to automate identification and classification of images would help to take full advantage of the research potential of petroglyphs in southern Scandinavia and elsewhere. We, therefore, attempted to train a model that locates and classifies image objects using faster region-based convolutional neural network (Faster-RCNN) based on data produced by a novel method to improve visualizing the content of 3D documentations. A newly created layer of 3D rock art documentation provides the best data currently available and has reduced inscribed bias compared to older methods. Several models were trained based on input images annotated with bounding boxes produced with different parameters to find the best solution. The data included 4305 individual images in 408 scans of rock art sites. To enhance the models and enrich the training data, we used data augmentation and transfer learning. The successful models perform exceptionally well on boats and circles, as well as with human figures and wheels. This work was an interdisciplinary undertaking which led to important reflections about archaeology, digital humanities, and artificial intelligence. The reflections and the success represented by the trained models open novel avenues for future research on rock art.
Effect of cooling rate on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a low-carbon low-alloyed steel
Authors: Wang Hongcai , Cao Lijie , Li Yujiao , Schneider Mike , Detemple Eric , Eggeler Gunther
Published: March 2021

Heavy plate steels with bainitic microstructures are widely used in industry due to their good combination of strength and toughness. However, obtaining optimal mechanical properties is often challenging due to the complex bainitic microstructures and multiple phase constitutions caused by different cooling rates through the plate thickness. Here, both conventional and advanced microstructural characterization techniques which bridge the meso- and atomic-scales were applied to investigate how microstructure/mechanical property-relationships of a low-carbon low-alloyed steel are affected by phase transformations during continuous cooling. Mechanical tests show that the yield strength increases monotonically when cooling rates increase up to 90 K/s. The present study shows that this is associated with a decrease in the volume fraction of polygonal ferrite (PF) and a refinement of the substructure of degenerated upper bainite (DUB). The fine DUB substructures feature C-rich retained austenite/martensite-austenite (RA/M-A) constitutes which decorate the elongated micrograin boundaries in ferrite. A further increase in strength is observed when needle-shaped cementite precipitates form during water quenching within elongated micrograins. Pure martensite islands on the elongated micrograin boundaries lead to a decreased ductility. The implications for thick section plate processing are discussed based on the findings of the present work.
The aging effect in evolving scientific citation networks
Authors: Hu Feng , Ma Lin , Zhan Xiu-Xiu , Zhou Yinzuo , Liu Chuang , Zhao Haixing , Zhang Zi-Ke
Published: March 2021

The study of citation networks is of interest to the scientific community. However, the underlying mechanism driving individual citation behavior remains imperfectly understood, despite the recent proliferation of quantitative research methods. Traditional network models normally use graph theory to consider articles as nodes and citations as pairwise relationships between them. In this paper, we propose an alternative evolutionary model based on hypergraph theory in which one hyperedge can have an arbitrary number of nodes, combined with an aging effect to reflect the temporal dynamics of scientific citation behavior. Both theoretical approximate solution and simulation analysis of the model are developed and validated using two benchmark datasets from different disciplines, i.e. publications of the American Physical Society (APS) and the Digital Bibliography & Library Project (DBLP). Further analysis indicates that the attraction of early publications will decay exponentially. Moreover, the experimental results show that the aging effect indeed has a significant influence on the description of collective citation patterns. Shedding light on the complex dynamics driving these mechanisms facilitates the understanding of the laws governing scientific evolution and the quantitative evaluation of scientific outputs.
How Billionaires Explain Their Philanthropy: A Mixed-Method Analysis of the Giving Pledge Letters
Authors: Schmitz Hans Peter , Mitchell George E. , McCollim Elena M.
Published: March 2021

This study investigates a discourse about billionaire philanthropy established in letters submitted by 187 of 209 signatories of the Giving Pledge. The philanthropy of the wealthy is gaining increasing public attention and is subject to growing criticism, which demands additional study of how the wealthy collectively explain their generosity. The mixed-method analysis finds a strong emphasis on education and health causes and identifies two distinct and coherent rationales for being generous. The majority of letters express a social–normative rationale, consisting of two prevailing explanations: an expressed gratitude and desire to “give back” (1) and references to family upbringing as a socializing force (2). A minority of letters articulate a personal–consequentialist rationale, highlighting three separate explanations: a large inheritance may harm offspring (1), giving as personal gratification (2), and an acknowledgment of excess wealth with no better use (3). An expressed desire to have impact and make a difference appears in both rationales. The overall dominance of a social–normative rationale projects a discourse emphasizing benevolence as well as a narrative in which billionaires are an exceptionally productive and grateful subset of society. While previous studies have primarily focused on identifying individual psychological motives, this study shows how the Giving Pledge letters reflect a philanthropic discourse among the wealthy going back to Andrew Carnegie’s Gospel of Wealth.
Meanings of democracy: mapping lay perceptions on scholarly norms
Authors: Welzel Christian
Published: March 2021

I am grateful for the honor to write this comment because it gave me the opportunity to read this truly exquisite compilation of works collected under the editorship of Osterberg-Kaufmann, Stark and Mohamad-Klotzbach. The focus of the special section is on new frontiers in the empirical investigation of citizens’ subjective understandings of democracy. It is a methodologically and phenomenologically diverse, and yet thematically cohesive, assemblage of studies that comes at due time and in which the various pieces indeed speak to each other. The compendium covers a significant portion of the innovations going on in the field of measuring lay perceptions of democracy across cultures.

To me, the key point is how lay perceptions of democracy map on scholarly norms and where and why mismatches between lay perceptions and scholarly norms exist and what the implications of such mismatches are in terms of global regime-culture coevolution. My comments to the individual articles in the special issue are framed within this broader question. I am phrasing my reflections in a more brainstorming manner, rather than systematically going through each contribution in a point-by-point style. For this reason, my discussion will not address each contribution equally but rather in terms of what I feel should loom large on our research agenda. In a nutshell, I am advocating a decidedlyculturaltheory of autocracy-vs-democracy—cultural in the sense that we need to triangulate people’s support for and their notions of democracy in the context of encultured values.
Downgrade of cardiac defibrillator devices to pacemakers in elderly heart failure patients: clinical considerations and the importance of shared decision-making
Authors: Groenveld H. F. , Coster J. E. , van Veldhuisen D. J. , Rienstra M. , Blaauw Y. , Maass A. H.
Published: March 2021

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators are implanted on a large scale in patients with heart failure (HF) for the prevention of sudden cardiac death. There are different scenarios in which defibrillator therapy is no longer desired or indicated, and this is occurring increasingly in elderly patients. Usually device therapy is continued until the device has reached battery depletion. At that time, the decision needs to be made to either replace it or to downgrade to a pacing-only device. This decision is dependent on many factors, including the vitality of the patient and his/her preferences, but may also be influenced by changes in recommendations in guidelines. In the last few years, there has been an increased awareness that discussions around these decisions are important and useful. Advanced care planning and shared decision-making have become important and are increasingly recognised as such. In this short review we describe six elderly patients with HF, in whose cases we discussed these issues, and we aim to provide some scientific and ethical rationale for clinical decision-making in this context. Current guidelines advocate the discussion of end-of-life options at the time of device implantation, and physicians should realise that their choices influence patients’ options in this critical phase of their illness.
Contact stiffness and damping of spiral bevel gears under transient mixed lubrication conditions
Authors: Wang Zongzheng , Pu Wei , Pei Xin , Cao Wei
Published: March 2021

Existing studies primarily focus on stiffness and damping under full-film lubrication or dry contact conditions. However, most lubricated transmission components operate in the mixed lubrication region, indicating that both the asperity contact and film lubrication exist on the rubbing surfaces. Herein, a novel method is proposed to evaluate the time-varying contact stiffness and damping of spiral bevel gears under transient mixed lubrication conditions. This method is sufficiently robust for addressing any mixed lubrication state regardless of the severity of the asperity contact. Based on this method, the transient mixed contact stiffness and damping of spiral bevel gears are investigated systematically. The results show a significant difference between the transient mixed contact stiffness and damping and the results from Hertz (dry) contact. In addition, the roughness significantly changes the contact stiffness and damping, indicating the importance of film lubrication and asperity contact. The transient mixed contact stiffness and damping change significantly along the meshing path from an engaging-in to an engaging-out point, and both of them are affected by the applied torque and rotational speed. In addition, the middle contact path is recommended because of its comprehensive high stiffness and damping, which maintained the stability of spiral bevel gear transmission.