bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecophenotypic plasticity in shell growth direction of asari clamRuditapes philippinarum
Authors: Tomiyama Takeshi
Published: June 2021

Asari clam (or Manila clam)Ruditapes philippinarumis an important bivalve for local fisheries. This species exhibits a large variation in shell morphology, and the shell roundness tends to be greater in more unsuitable habitats. To test whether the increments in shell size parameters (length, height and width) were affected solely by environmental conditions or by internal factors such as initial shell shapes or growth rate, a field caging experiment was conducted at two different sites of unsuitable and suitable habitats in Matsukawaura Lagoon, Japan, where shell shapes of wild clams were significantly different between the habitats. In the experiment, clams were released from the two sites to the same site or to the other site and were re-collected after 3, 6 and 12 months of caging. Caged clams originating from unsuitable habitats and released to suitable habitats showed a reduction in shell height relative to shell length, while clams from suitable habitats introduced to unsuitable habitats showed marked increases in both shell height and width. Generalized linear mixed models suggested that the increase in shell height was affected largely by the release habitat (environment) whereas the increase in shell width was affected largely by the individual growth rate. These results suggest that marginal growths in shell height and width respond differently to external and internal factors of clams, resulting in plasticity in their shell shapes according to the environments to which they are translocated.
Learning-based simulation and modeling of unorganized chaining behavior using data generated from 3D human motion tracking
Authors: Malviya Abhinav , Kala Rahul
Published: June 2021

The paper models the unorganized chaining behavior, where humans need to walk in a chain due to a constrained environment. Detection and tracking are done using a 3D LiDAR, which has the challenges of environmental noises, uncontrolled environment, and occlusions. The Kalman filter is used for tracking. The trajectories are analyzed and used to train a behavioral model. The modeling has applications in socialistic robot motion planning and simulations. Based on the results, we conclude that the trajectory prediction by our approach is more socialistic and has a lesser error when compared to the artificial potential field method.
COVID-19 pandemic as a risk factor for the reactivation of herpes viruses
Authors: Maldonado M. D. , Romero-Aibar J. , Pérez-San-Gregorio M. A.
Published: June 2021

The appearance on the skin of herpes virus lesions, concomitantly with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, leads us to suspect an underlying infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Diagnostic reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction tests and immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG seroconversion studies have therefore been carried out. We present three cases of herpes virus infections in immunocompetent patients: one of the infections was herpes simplex 1 in a 40-year-old woman, and the other two were herpes varicella-zoster infections in a 62-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman. The patients were in the care of the southern health district of Seville of the SAS (Andalusian Health Service) during the Spanish state of alarm over the COVID-19 pandemic. The SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed in only one of the three cases. In this study, we briefly review the etiopathogenic role of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, whereby immunodeficiencies are generated that favour the appearance of other viral infections, such as herpes virus infections.
Fast sparse image reconstruction method in through-the-wall radars using limited memory Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno algorithm
Authors: Mwisomba Candida , Abdalla Abdi T. , Amour Idrissa , Mkemwa Florian , Maiseli Baraka
Published: June 2021

Compressed sensing allows recovery of image signals using a portion of data – a technique that has drastically revolutionized the field of through-the-wall radar imaging (TWRI). This technique can be accomplished through nonlinear methods, including convex programming and greedy iterative algorithms. However, such (nonlinear) methods increase the computational cost at the sensing and reconstruction stages, thus limiting the application of TWRI in delicate practical tasks (e.g. military operations and rescue missions) that demand fast response times. Motivated by this limitation, the current work introduces the use of a numerical optimization algorithm, called Limited Memory Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (LBFGS), to the TWRI framework to lower image reconstruction time. LBFGS, a well-known Quasi-Newton algorithm, has traditionally been applied to solve large scale optimization problems. Despite its potential applications, this algorithm has not been extensively applied in TWRI. Therefore, guided by LBFGS and using the Euclidean norm, we employed the regularized least square method to solve the cost function of the TWRI problem. Simulation results show that our method reduces the computational time by 87% relative to the classical method, even under situations of increased number of targets or large data volume. Moreover, the results show that the proposed method remains robust when applied to noisy environment.
The Face of the Problem: How Subordinates Shield Executives from Blame
Authors: Croco Sarah E. , McDonald Jared , Turitto Candace
Published: June 2021

Though avoiding blame is often a goal of elected officials, there are relatively few empirical examinations of how citizens assign blame during controversies. We are particularly interested in how this process works when an executive has been caught in a lie. Using two survey experiments, we examine whether subordinates can shield executives when they act as the face of a crisis. We first leverage a real-life situation involving the family separation crisis at the US–Mexico border in 2018. Respondents who read that Donald Trump falsely claimed he could not end the practice of family separation disapprove of his dishonesty. Yet this cost disappears when Trump’s then-Secretary of Homeland Security, Kirstjen Nielsen, is the primary official discussed in news stories. We then replicate these findings in a fictional scenario involving a city mayor, showing that the mayor is partially shielded from negative appraisals when the city manager lies on his behalf.
Tumor microenvironment and radioresistance
Authors: Suwa Tatsuya , Kobayashi Minoru , Nam Jin-Min , Harada Hiroshi
Published: June 2021

Metastasis is not the result of a random event, as cancer cells can sustain and proliferate actively only in a suitable tissue microenvironment and then form metastases. Since Dr. Stephen Paget in the United Kingdom proposed the seed and soil hypothesis of cancer metastasis based on the analogy that plant seeds germinate and grow only in appropriate soil, considerable attention has focused on both extracellular environmental factors that affect the growth of cancer cells and the tissue structure that influences the microenvironment. Malignant tumor tissues consist of not only cancer cells but also a wide variety of other cells responsible for the inflammatory response, formation of blood vessels, immune response, and support of the tumor tissue architecture, forming a complex cellular society. It is also known that the amounts of oxygen and nutrients supplied to each cell differ depending on the distance from tumor blood vessels in tumor tissue. Here, we provide an overview of the tumor microenvironment and characteristics of tumor tissues, both of which affect the malignant phenotypes and radioresistance of cancer cells, focusing on the following keywords: diversity of oxygen and nutrient microenvironment in tumor tissue, inflammation, immunity, and tumor vasculature.
Hypoxic–ischemic injury causes functional and structural neurovascular degeneration in the juvenile mouse retina
Authors: Zaitoun Ismail S. , Shahi Pawan K. , Suscha Andrew , Chan Kore , McLellan Gillian J. , Pattnaik Bikash R. , Sorenson Christine M. , Sheibani Nader
Published: June 2021

Ischemic stroke is a major cause of long-term disabilities, including vision loss. Neuronal and blood vessel maturation can affect the susceptibility of and outcome after ischemic stroke. Although we recently reported that exposure of neonatal mice to hypoxia–ischemia (HI) severely compromises the integrity of the retinal neurovasculature, it is not known whether juvenile mice are similarly impacted. Here we examined the effect of HI injury in juvenile mice on retinal structure and function, in particular the susceptibility of retinal neurons and blood vessels to HI damage. Our studies demonstrated that the retina suffered from functional and structural injuries, including reduced b-wave, thinning of the inner retinal layers, macroglial remodeling, and deterioration of the vasculature. The degeneration of the retinal vasculature associated with HI resulted in a significant decrease in the numbers of pericytes and endothelial cells as well as an increase in capillary loss. Taken together, these findings suggest a need for juveniles suffering from ischemic stroke to be monitored for changes in retinal functional and structural integrity. Thus, there is an emergent need for developing therapeutic approaches to prevent and reverse retinal neurovascular dysfunction with exposure to ischemic stroke.
Unsteady hybrid-nanofluid flow comprising ferrousoxide and CNTs through porous horizontal channel with dilating/squeezing walls
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Arshad Hamna , Ramzan Muhammad , Shah Zahir , Kumam Poom
Published: June 2021

The key objective of the present research is to examine the hybrid magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) nanofluid (Carbon-nanotubes and ferrous oxide–water) CNT–Fe3O4/H2 flow into a horizontal parallel channel with thermal radiation through squeezing and dilating porous walls. The parting motion is triggered by the porous walls of the channel. The fluid flow is time-dependent and laminar. The channel is asymmetric and the upper and lower walls are distinct in temperature and are porous. With the combination of nanoparticles of Fe3O4 and single and multi-wall carbon nanotubes, the hybrid nanofluid principle is exploited. By using the similarity transformation, the set of partial differential equations (PDEs) of this mathematical model, governed by momentum and energy equations, is reduced to corresponding ordinary differential equations (ODEs). A very simple numerical approach called the Runge–Kutta system of order four along with the shooting technique is used to achieve the solutions for regulating ODEs. MATLAB computing software is used to create temperature and velocity profile graphs for various emerging parameters. At the end of the manuscript, the main conclusions are summarized. Through different graphs, it is observed that hybrid-nanofluid has more prominent thermal enhancement than simple nanofluid. Further, the single-wall nanotubes have dominated impact on temperature than the multi-wall carbon nanotubes. From the calculations, it is also noted that Fe2O3–MWCNT–water has an average of 4.84% more rate of heat transfer than the Fe2O3–SWCNT–water. On the other hand, 8.27% more heat flow observed in Fe2O3–SWCNT–water than the simple nanofluid. Such study is very important in coolant circulation, inter-body fluid transportation, aerospace engineering, and industrial cleaning procedures, etc.
Nostalgia enhances detection of death threat: neural and behavioral evidence
Authors: Yang Ziyan , Sedikides Constantine , Izuma Keise , Wildschut Tim , Kashima Emiko S. , Luo Yu L. L. , Chen Jun , Cai Huajian
Published: June 2021

An experiment examined the potency of nostalgia—a sentimental longing for one’s past—to facilitate detection of death-related stimuli, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and behavioral techniques (i.e., judgmental accuracy, reaction times). We hypothesized and found that, at the neural level, nostalgic (relative to control) participants evinced more intense activation in right amygdala in response to death-related (vs. neutral) words. We also hypothesized and found that, at the behavioral level, nostalgic (relative to control) participants manifested greater accuracy in judging whether two death-related (vs. neutral) words belonged in the same category. Exploratory analyses indicated that nostalgic (relative to control) participants did not show faster reaction times to death-related (vs. neutral) words. In all, nostalgia appeared to aid in death threat detection. We consider implications for the relevant literatures.
Environmental DNA reveals arboreal cityscapes at the Ancient Maya Center of Tikal
Authors: Lentz David L. , Hamilton Trinity L. , Dunning Nicholas P. , Tepe Eric J. , Scarborough Vernon L. , Meyers Stephanie A. , Grazioso Liwy , Weiss Alison A.
Published: June 2021

Tikal, a major city of the ancient Maya world, has been the focus of archaeological research for over a century, yet the interactions between the Maya and the surrounding Neotropical forests remain largely enigmatic. This study aimed to help fill that void by using a powerful new technology, environmental DNA analysis, that enabled us to characterize the site core vegetation growing in association with the artificial reservoirs that provided the city water supply. Because the area has no permanent water sources, such as lakes or rivers, these reservoirs were key to the survival of the city, especially during the population expansion of the Classic period (250–850 CE). In the absence of specific evidence, the nature of the vegetation surrounding the reservoirs has been the subject of scientific hypotheses and artistic renderings for decades. To address these hypotheses we captured homologous sequences of vascular plant DNA extracted from reservoir sediments by using a targeted enrichment approach involving 120-bp genetic probes. Our samples encompassed the time before, during and after the occupation of Tikal (1000 BCE–900 CE). Results indicate that the banks of the ancient reservoirs were primarily fringed with native tropical forest vegetation rather than domesticated species during the Maya occupation.
African forest elephant movements depend on time scale and individual behavior
Authors: Beirne Christopher , Houslay Thomas M. , Morkel Peter , Clark Connie J. , Fay Mike , Okouyi Joseph , White Lee J. T. , Poulsen John R.
Published: June 2021

The critically endangered African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) plays a vital role in maintaining the structure and composition of Afrotropical forests, but basic information is lacking regarding the drivers of elephant movement and behavior at landscape scales. We use GPS location data from 96 individuals throughout Gabon to determine how five movement behaviors vary at different scales, how they are influenced by anthropogenic and environmental covariates, and to assess evidence for behavioral syndromes—elephants which share suites of similar movement traits. Elephants show some evidence of behavioral syndromes along an ‘idler’ to ‘explorer’ axis—individuals that move more have larger home ranges and engage in more ‘exploratory’ movements. However, within these groups, forest elephants express remarkable inter-individual variation in movement behaviours. This variation highlights that no two elephants are the same and creates challenges for practitioners aiming to design conservation initiatives.
Pre-motor versus motor cerebral cortex neuromodulation for chronic neuropathic pain
Authors: Lavrov Igor , Latypov Timur , Mukhametova Elvira , Lundstrom Brian N. , Sandroni Paola , Lee Kendall , Klassen Bryan , Stead Matt
Published: June 2021

Electrical stimulation of the cerebral cortex (ESCC) has been used to treat intractable neuropathic pain for nearly two decades, however, no standardized approach for this technique has been developed. In order to optimize targeting and validate the effect of ESCC before placing the permanent grid, we introduced initial assessment with trial stimulation, using a temporary grid of subdural electrodes. In this retrospective study we evaluate the role of electrode location on cerebral cortex in control of neuropathic pain and the role of trial stimulation in target-optimization for ESCC. Location of the temporary grid electrodes and location of permanent electrodes were evaluated in correlation with the long-term efficacy of ESCC. The results of this study demonstrate that the long-term effect of subdural pre-motor cortex stimulation is at least the same or higher compare to effect of subdural motor or combined pre-motor and motor cortex stimulation. These results also demonstrate that the initial trial stimulation helps to optimize permanent electrode positions in relation to the optimal functional target that is critical in cases when brain shift is expected. Proposed methodology and novel results open a new direction for development of neuromodulation techniques to control chronic neuropathic pain.
In vitro safety evaluation of rare earth-lean alloys for permanent magnets manufacturing
Authors: Rumbo Carlos , Espina Cristina Cancho , Gassmann Jürgen , Tosoni Olivier , Barros García Rocío , Martín Sonia Martel , Tamayo-Ramos Juan Antonio
Published: June 2021

Due to their exceptional physico-chemical and magnetic characteristics, rare earth (RE) permanent magnets are applied in multiple critical technologies. However, several environmental and economic difficulties arising from obtaining RE elements have prompted the search of alternatives with acceptable magnetic properties but containing a lower percentage of these elements in their composition. The aim of this work was to perform a preliminary toxicological evaluation of three forms of newly developed RE-lean alloys (one NdFeTi and two NdFeSi alloys) applying different in vitro assays, using as a benchmark a commercial NdFeB alloy. Thus, the effects of the direct exposure to powder suspensions and to their derived leachates were analysed in two model organisms (the A549 human cell line and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae) applying both viability and oxidative stress assays. Moreover, the impact of the alloy leachates on the bioluminescence of Vibrio fischeri was also investigated. The obtained data showed that only the direct interaction of the alloys particulates with the applied organisms resulted in harmful effects, having all the alloys a comparable toxicological potential to that presented by the reference material in the conditions tested. Altogether, this study provides new insights about the safety of NdFeTi and NdFeSi alloys.
Toxicity evaluation of ConvitVax breast cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Duarte C. María A. , Carballo O. Jeismar M. , De Gouveia Yetsenia M. , García Angie , Ruiz Diana , Gledhill Teresa , González-Marcano Eglys , Convit Ana F.
Published: June 2021

ConvitVax is a personalized vaccine for the treatment of breast cancer, composed of autologous tumor cells, bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and low concentrations of formalin. Previous pre-clinical studies show that this therapy induces a potent activation of the immune system and achieves an effective response against tumor cells, reducing the size of the tumor and decreasing the percentage of immunosuppressive cells. In the present study, we evaluate the toxicity of ConvitVax in healthy BALB/c mice to determine potential adverse effects related to the vaccine and each of its components. We used standard guidelines for pain, discomfort and distress recognition, continuously evaluated the site of the injection, and completed blood and urine clinical tests. Endpoint necropsy was performed, measuring the weight of organs and processing liver, kidney, thymus and lung for histological examination. Results show that the vaccine in its therapeutic dose, at 3 times its therapeutic concentration, and its individual components did not cause death or behavioral or biological changes, including any abnormalities in whole-body or organ weights, and tissue damage. These results support the safety of ConvitVax with minimal to no side-effects.
Socioeconomic position links circulatory microbiota differences with biological age
Authors: Craven Hannah , McGuinness Dagmara , Buchanan Sarah , Galbraith Norman , McGuinness David H. , Jones Brian , Combet Emilie , Mafra Denise , Bergman Peter , Ellaway Anne , Stenvinkel Peter , Ijaz Umer Z. , Shiels Paul G.
Published: June 2021

Imbalanced nutrition is associated with accelerated ageing, possibly mediated by microbiota. An analysis of the circulatory microbiota obtained from the leukocytes of participants in the MRC Twenty-07 general population cohort was performed. We now report that in this cohort, the most biologically aged exhibit a significantly higher abundance of circulatory pathogenic bacteria, including Neisseria, Rothia and Porphyromonas, while those less biologically aged possess more circulatory salutogenic (defined as being supportive of human health and wellbeing) bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae UCG-004 and Kocuria. The presence of these salutogenic bactreria is consistent with a capacity to metabolise and produce Nrf2 agonists. We also demonstrate that associated one carbon metabolism, notably betaine levels, did not vary with chronological age, but displayed a difference with socioeconomic position (SEP). Those at lower SEP possessed significantly lower betaine levels indicative of a poorer diet and poorer health span and consistent with reduced global DNA methylation levels in this group. Our data suggest a clear route to improving age related health and resilience based on dietary modulation of the microbiota.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance demonstrates structural cardiac changes following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
Authors: Radunski Ulf K. , Kluwe Johannes , Klein Malte , Galante Antonio , Lund Gunnar K. , Sinning Christoph , Bohnen Sebastian , Tahir Enver , Starekova Jitka , Bannas Peter , Stehning Christian , Adam Gerhard , Lohse Ansgar W. , Blankenberg Stefan , Muellerleile Kai , Benten Daniel
Published: June 2021

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) reduces portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis. The exact cardiac consequences of subsequent increase of central blood volume are unknown. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is the method of choice for quantifying cardiac volumes and ventricular function. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of TIPS on the heart using CMR, laboratory, and imaging cardiac biomarkers. 34 consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis were evaluated for TIPS. Comprehensive CMR with native T1 mapping, transthoracic echocardiography, and laboratory biomarkers were assessed before and after TIPS insertion. Follow-up (FU) CMR was obtained in 16 patients (47%) 207 (170–245) days after TIPS. From baseline (BL) to FU, a significant increase of all indexed cardiac chamber volumes was observed (all P < 0.05). Left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic mass index increased significantly from 45 (38–51) to 65 (51–73) g/m2 (P =  < 0.01). Biventricular systolic function, NT-proBNP, high-sensitive troponin T, and native T1 time did not differ significantly from BL to FU. No patient experienced cardiac decompensation following TIPS. In conclusion, in patients without clinically significant prior heart disease, increased cardiac preload after TIPS resulted in increased volumes of all cardiac chambers and eccentric LV hypertrophy, without leading to cardiac impairment during follow-up in this selected patient population.
Pharmacologic modulation of 5-fluorouracil by folinic acid and high-dose pyridoxine for treatment of patients with digestive tract carcinomas
Authors: Machover David , Almohamad Wathek , Castagné Vincent , Desterke Christophe , Gomez Léa , Gaston-Mathé Yann , Boucheix Claude , Goldschmidt Emma
Published: June 2021

Supplementation of cancer cells exposed to 5-fluorouracil (FUra) and folinic acid (FA) with high concentration pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, the cofactor of vitamin B6, potentiates the cytotoxicity of FUra in a synergistic interaction mode. We report a pilot study in 13 patients with previously untreated advanced carcinoma of the digestive tract to assess the impact of high-dose pyridoxine (PN) on the antitumor activity of regimens comprising FUra and FA. Five patients had colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC); 5 had pancreas adenocarcinoma (PC); and 3 had squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (EC). Patients with CRC and with PC received oxaliplatin, irinotecan, FUra and FA, and patients with EC had paclitaxel, carboplatin, FUra and FA. PN iv from 1000 to 3000 mg/day preceded each administration of FA and FUra. Eleven patients responded. Two patients with CRC attained CRs and 3 had PRs with reduction rates ≥ 78%. Two patients with PC attained CRs, and 2 had PRs with reduction rates ≥ 79%. Responders experienced disappearance of most metastases. Of 3 patients with EC, 2 attained CRs. Median time to attain a response was 3 months. Unexpected toxicity did not occur. Results suggest that high-dose vitamin B6 enhances antitumor potency of regimens comprising FUra and FA.
Monocyte Distribution Width (MDW) as novel inflammatory marker with prognostic significance in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Riva Giovanni , Castellano Sara , Nasillo Vincenzo , Ottomano Anna Maria , Bergonzini Giuliano , Paolini Ambra , Lusenti Beatrice , Milić Jovana , De Biasi Sara , Gibellini Lara , Cossarizza Andrea , Busani Stefano , Girardis Massimo , Guaraldi Giovanni , Mussini Cristina , Manfredini Rossella , Luppi Mario , Tagliafico Enrico , Trenti Tommaso
Published: June 2021

Monocyte Distribution Width (MDW), a new cytometric parameter correlating with cytomorphologic changes occurring upon massive monocyte activation, has recently emerged as promising early biomarker of sepsis. Similar to sepsis, monocyte/macrophage subsets are considered key mediators of the life-threatening hyper-inflammatory disorder characterizing severe COVID-19. In this study, we longitudinally analyzed MDW values in a cohort of 87 COVID-19 patients consecutively admitted to our hospital, showing significant correlations between MDW and common inflammatory markers, namely CRP (p < 0.001), fibrinogen (p < 0.001) and ferritin (p < 0.01). Moreover, high MDW values resulted to be prognostically associated with fatal outcome in COVID-19 patients (AUC = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.66–0.87, sensitivity 0.75, specificity 0.70, MDW threshold 26.4; RR = 4.91, 95% CI: 1.73–13.96; OR = 7.14, 95% CI: 2.06–24.71). This pilot study shows that MDW can be useful in the monitoring of COVID-19 patients, as this innovative hematologic biomarker is: (1) easy to obtain, (2) directly related to the activation state of a fundamental inflammatory cell subset (i.e. monocytes, pivotal in both cytokine storm and sepsis immunopathogenesis), (3) well correlated with clinical severity of COVID-19-associated inflammatory disorder, and, in turn, (4) endowed with relevant prognostic significance. Additional studies are needed to define further the clinical impact of MDW testing in the management of COVID-19 patients.
Variable-rate in corn sowing for maximizing grain yield
Authors: da Silva Eder Eujácio , Baio Fábio Henrique Rojo , Kolling Daniel Fernando , Júnior Renato Schneider , Zanin Alex Rogers Aguiar , Neves Danilo Carvalho , Fontoura João Vítor Pereira Ferreira , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo
Published: June 2021

Sowing density is one of the most influential factors affecting corn yield. Here, we tested the hypothesis that, according to soil attributes, maximum corn productivity can be attained by varying the seed population. Specifically, our objectives were to identify the soil attributes that affect grain yield, in order to generate a model to define the optimum sowing rate as a function of the attributes identified, and determine which vegetative growth indices can be used to predict yield most accurately. The experiment was conducted in Chapadão do Céu-GO in 2018 and 2019 at two different locations. Corn was sown as the second crop after the soybean harvest. The hybrids used were AG 8700 PRO3 and FS 401 PW, which have similar characteristics and an average 135-day cropping cycle. Tested sowing rates were 50, 55, 60, and 65 thousand seeds ha−1. Soil attributes evaluated included pH, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, organic matter, clay content, cation exchange capacity, and base saturation. Additionally, we measured the correlation between the different vegetative growth indices and yield. Linear correlations were obtained through Pearson’s correlation network, followed by path analysis for the selection of cause and effect variables, which formed the decision trees to estimate yield and seeding density. Magnesium and apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) were the most important soil attributes for determining sowing density. Thus, the plant population should be 56,000 plants ha−1 to attain maximum yield at ECa values > 7.44 mS m−1. In addition, the plant population should be 64,800 plants ha−1 at values < 7.44 mS m−1 when magnesium levels are greater than 0.13 g kg−1, and 57,210 plants ha−1 when magnesium content is lower. Trial validation showed that the decision tree effectively predicted optimum plant population under the local experimental conditions, where yield did not significantly differ among populations.
Nanoscale spatial dependence of avidity in an IgG1 antibody
Authors: Jendroszek Agnieszka , Kjaergaard Magnus
Published: June 2021

Antibodies are secreted proteins that are crucial to recognition of pathogens by the immune system and are also efficient pharmaceuticals. The affinity and specificity of target recognition can increase remarkably through avidity effects, when the antibody can bind a multivalent antigen through more than one epitope simultaneously. A key goal of antibody engineering is thus to optimize avidity, but little is known about the nanoscale spatial dependence of avidity in antibodies. Here, we develop a set of anti-parallel coiled-coils spanning from 7 to 20 nm and validate their structure using biophysical techniques. We use the coiled-coils to control the spacing between two epitopes, and measure how antigen spacing affects the stability of the bivalent antibody:antigen complex. We find a maximal avidity enhancement at a spacing of 13 nm. In contrast to recent studies, we find the avidity to be relatively insensitive to epitope spacing near the avidity maximum as long as it is within the spatial tolerance of the antibody. We thus only see a ~ twofold variation of avidity in the range from 7 to 20 nm. The coiled-coil systems developed here may prove a useful protein nanocaliper for profiling the spatial tolerance and avidity profile of bispecific antibodies.
Development of pattern recognition based on nanosheet–DNA probes and an extendable DNA library
Authors: Qi Jiawei , Rao Pinhua , Wang Lele , Xu Li , Wen Yanli , Liang Wen , Yang Zhenzhou , Yang Xue , Zhu Changfeng , Liu Gang
Published: June 2021

We designed a pattern recognition based on nanosheet materials and a DNA library based on binary coding.
Designing a cross-linked redox network for a mediated enzyme-based electrode
Authors: Hossain Motaher M. , Morshed Jannatul , Tsujimura Seiya
Published: June 2021

A bio-conjugated redox network matrix based on glucose dehydrogenase, thionine (diamine-containing mediator), and epoxy crosslinker is developed on a glassy carbon electrode through covalent bonding with one-pot crosslinking.
Engineering an Fe2O3/FeS hybrid catalyst from a deep eutectic solvent for highly efficient electrocatalytic N2 fixation
Authors: Chen Tingting , Ying Hao , Zhang Chenyun , Bi Jiahui , Li Zhonghao , Hao Jingcheng
Published: June 2021

A hybrid catalyst of crystalline Fe2O3 with amorphous FeS was designed by a DES approach along with a subsequent annealing process, achieving a high-efficiency NRR electrocatalyst.
Cp*Co(iii)-catalyzed C–H amination/annulation cascade of sulfoxonium ylides with anthranils for the synthesis of indoloindolones
Authors: Aher Yogesh N. , Pawar Amit B.
Published: June 2021

An efficient synthesis of indoloindolones has been developed via [4+1] C–H amination/annulation cascade of sulfoxonium ylides with anthranils using inexpensive and air stable [Cp*Co(CO)I2] catalyst.
Molecular dynamics simulations of simplified sodium borosilicate glasses: the effect of composition on structure and dynamics
Authors: Sahu Pooja , Ali Sk. Musharaf , Shenoy K. T. , Mohan Sadhana , Arvind A. , Sugilal G. , Kaushik C. P.
Published: June 2021

The fusion of valuable material properties has led to the acceptance of sodium borosilicate (NBS) glasses for nuclear waste immobilization.
Anion⋯anion (MX3−)2 dimers (M = Zn, Cd, Hg; X = Cl, Br, I) in different environments
Authors: Wysokiński Rafał , Zierkiewicz Wiktor , Michalczyk Mariusz , Scheiner Steve
Published: June 2021

MX3− (M = Zn, Cd, Hg; X = Cl, Br, I) ions can engage with one another in one of two different modes, despite their strong mutual coulombic repulsion. Noncovalently bonded stacked dimers of like-charged monomers are stabilized by the spodium bonds.
Encapsulation of ginger oleoresin in co-crystallized sucrose: development, characterization and storage stability
Authors: Rai Kapil , Chhanwal Narayansing , Shah Nirali N. , Singhal Rekha S.
Published: June 2021

Ginger oleoresin was emulsified with gum acacia and encapsulated in a sucrose matrix by co-crystallization for its protection and as a mode of flavour delivery. Physical characterization and storage studies under different conditions were performed.
Grape seed proanthocyanidins reduced the overweight of C57BL/6J mice through modulating adipose thermogenesis and gut microbiota
Authors: Du Haiping , Wang Qi , Li Ting , Ren Daoyuan , Yang Xingbin
Published: June 2021

Activating the thermogenic function of adipocytes is an attractive therapeutic strategy against obesity and its associated metabolic complications.
Photoredox synthesis of functionalized quinazolines via copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidative Csp2–H annulation of amidines with terminal alkynes
Authors: Charpe Vaibhav Pramod , Ragupathi Ayyakkannu , Sagadevan Arunachalam , Hwang Kuo Chu
Published: June 2021

We demonstrate a simple CuCl-catalyzed C–H annulation of amidines with terminal alkynes to form functionalized quinazolines at RT. This photochemical method is a mild process, highly efficient, and practically applicable to the synthesis of anticancer agents.
Tilt and shift polymorphism in molecular perovskites
Authors: Burger Stefan , Grover Shivani , Butler Keith T. , Boström Hanna L. B. , Grau-Crespo Ricardo , Kieslich Gregor
Published: June 2021

Tilt and shift polymorphism in molecular perovskites is introduced, categorising irreversible perovskite-to-perovskite phase transitions in a concise concept.
Emerging polymer electrodes for aqueous energy storage
Authors: Wang Xinlei , Zhou Jie , Tang Weihua
Published: June 2021

The state-of-the-art research development of emerging polymer electrode materials for aqueous batteries is overviewed. Guidance is provided on structural design and energy storage performance.
Fe–N–C single-atom catalysts with an axial structure prepared by a new design and synthesis method for ORR
Authors: Liu Fan , Yan Ning , Zhu Guangqi , Liu Zigeng , Ma Shenqian , Xiang Guolei , Wang Songrui , Liu Xingjiang , Wang Wei
Published: June 2021

FePc powder sublimates losing H atoms to form unstable fragments at 450 °C which self-assemble to form units with a double-layer structure. The self-assembly units are driven by argon gas at 70 °C to where the substrate is located and crystallize to form Fe-N5/C@G catalyst.
Quantitative and systematic designing of fluorophores enables ultrasensitive distinguishing carbonyls
Authors: Shi Lei , Yan Chenxu , Li Yunyu , Yang Lixiang , Mao Wenle , Xia Wei , Zhang Lingfan , Chen Yu , Zhang Wenqing
Published: June 2021

The well explored fluorescent reagent NH-4 could exhibit a high fluorescence yield and excellent reactivity towards carbonyl species, which opened up a new efficient way to develop fluorophores for the determination of trace molecules.
A novel colorimetric immunoassay for sensitive monitoring of ochratoxin A based on an enzyme-controlled citrate-iron(iii) chelating system
Authors: Lai Wenqiang , Guo Jiaqing , Qiao Zuqin , Chen Xuwei , Wang Shuhan , Wu Luxi , Cai Quanying , Ye Shuai , Lin Youxiu , Tang Dianping
Published: June 2021

Schematic illustration of an enzyme-controlled citrate-iron(iii) chelating system-based colorimetric immunoassay for sensitive determination of ochratoxin A.
A computational prospective on isoform-selective CB2 inhibitors
Authors: Zhao Yi , Wang Ying , Wang Huibin , Hu Baichun , Luo Zhaohu , Zhang Fengjiao
Published: June 2021

The strategy of enlarging the molecular size, increasing hydrogen bond interactions with the key residues of CB2, and furthering geometric distribution of hydrophobic groups would improve the selectivity towards CB2 receptor.
Achieving highly efficient and selective cesium extraction using 1,3-di-octyloxycalix[4]arene-crown-6 in n-octanol based solvent system: experimental and DFT investigation
Authors: Patra Kankan , Sadhu Biswajit , Sengupta Arijit , Patil C. B. , Mishra R. K. , Kaushik C. P.
Published: June 2021

Separation scheme was developed for selective extraction of long-lived fission product 137Cs using substituted calix crown 6 ether from aqueous acidic solution.
Gold nanoclusters as a GSH activated mitochondrial targeting photosensitizer for efficient treatment of malignant tumors
Authors: Fan Chen , Zhai Shuyang , Hu Wei , Chi Siyu , Song Dan , Liu Zhihong
Published: June 2021

This is the first example of mitochondrial targeting Au NCs capable of improving the efficiency of photodynamic therapy. Mito-Au25@MnO2 can be activated by consuming GSH and elevating oxidation pressure in cancer cells.
Low‐light image enhancement based on exponential Retinex variational model
Authors: Chen Xinyu , Li Jinjiang , Hua Zhen
Published: June 2021

Aiming at the problems of residual noise, low contrast, and limited detail information caused by low‐light images, this paper proposes a new Retinex variational model. According to Retinex theory, it is necessary to estimate the illumination and reflectance components decomposed from the original image. In order to better maintain the edge information, texture richness, and prevent artefacts, the exponential forms of local variation deviation and total variation are used as illumination prior and reflectance prior, respectively, and mixed norms are used to constrain them, so as to deal with the illumination information and texture details of the image more effectively, and then use the bright channel prior to improve the colour reproduction sense of the original image, thereby constructing the objective function, and finally using the alternating iterative optimization method to find the optimal solution to the proposed model. Experiments show that compared with other existing image enhancement methods, the method proposed here improves the contrast of the image, overcomes the phenomenon of halo artefacts and colour distortion, is more consistent with human vision, and produces better results in terms of quantitative performance.
A review on key challenges in intelligent vehicles: Safety and driver‐oriented features
Authors: Hu Lin , Zhou Xiqin , Zhang Xin , Wang Fang , Li Qiqi , Wu Wenguang
Published: June 2021

The huge advantages of intelligent vehicles (IVs) in improving road safety and operating efficiency have become a research focus in the industry. IVs have made significant progress in recent years, but it is still face great challenges in order to be accepted by users on a large scale. In this regard, the authors propose that the research of IVs can be developed along the lines of safety, comfort and economy, gradually overcoming existing dilemmas. First of all, security is the most basic requirement of IVs. The authors sort out the key technologies and challenges of the basic architecture of IVs, and propose existing attack and defences strategies for IVs information security technology. Secondly, comfort is more about people's subjective feelings. From two aspects of physiological comfort and psychological comfort, the paper studies the anthropomorphic decision‐making to overcome the mechanized speed control, human computer interaction design, personalized driving style and ethical decision‐making methods. Then, aiming at the micro‐ and macro‐levels of economy, it outlines technologies such as economic driving behavioural, collaborative control of people, vehicles and roads and IVs sharing. Finally, the authors summarized the challenges and future development directions in the three stages of IVs development.
Rheuma und Impfen
Authors: Kneitz Christian
Published: June 2021

Patienten mit rheumatischen Erkrankungen sind durch Infektionen besonders gefährdet. Impfungen sind geeignet, dieses Risiko zu vermindern. Aktuelle Empfehlungen nationaler (STIKO und Wagner et al.) sowie internationaler Gremien (EULAR) stellen eine Basis für die sichere und effektive Anwendung von Impfungen dar. Wichtige neue Entwicklungen, wie die sequenzielle Impfung gegen Pneumokokken oder die Zulassung eines Impfstoffs gegen Herpes Zoster, verbessern die Möglichkeiten eines effektiven Infektionsschutzes. Besonders zu beachten sind die aktuellen Empfehlungen zur Anwendung von Lebendimpfstoffen wie der MMR-Impfung bei Patienten unter immunsuppressiver Therapie.
Erwartungen von Patient*innen mit unspezifischen Kreuzschmerzen an die physiotherapeutische Behandlung im ambulanten Setting
Authors: Butry Lionel , Förster Annemarie , Thiel Christian , Kopkow Christian
Published: June 2021

Hintergrund Physiotherapeutische Behandlungen sollten die Erwartungen von Patient*innen berücksichtigen. Es ist unklar, welche Erwartungen Menschen mit unspezifischen Kreuzschmerzen an die physiotherapeutische Behandlung in Deutschland haben.

Ziel Ermittlung der Erwartungen von erwachsenen Patient*innen mit unspezifischen Kreuzschmerzen bezüglich physiotherapeutischer Therapieziele und -inhalte in Deutschland.

Methode Im Rahmen einer Querschnittsstudie wurden Patient*innen mit unspezifischen Kreuzschmerzen mittels Fragebogen befragt. Es wurden Erfahrungen mit der bisherigen physiotherapeutischen Behandlung und Erwartungen an die Therapieinhalte mit einer 6-Punkte-Likert-Skala, Erwartungen an den posttherapeutischen Gesundheitszustand mit einer numerischen Rating-Skala (NRS) erhoben.

Ergebnisse In die deskriptive Analyse flossen 224 Datensätze ein. Die Befragten stimmten eher bis sehr zu, eine klinische Untersuchung, gemeinsame Zielsetzung, Edukation über die Ursache des Gesundheitsproblems, den Beschwerdeverlauf und das Selbstmanagement zu erwarten. Nach Behandlungsabschluss erwarteten sie eine niedrige Schmerzintensität, eine geringe Einschränkung der ADL und beruflichen Teilhabe sowie keine Einschränkung der sozialen Teilhabe.

Schlussfolgerung Patient*innen mit unspezifischen Kreuzschmerzen haben hohe Erwartungen an den posttherapeutischen Gesundheitszustand. Es gibt eindeutige Erwartungen an Therapieinhalte.
Infektionen an der Hand – eine Übersichtsarbeit
Authors: Bickert Berthold , Müller Camillo T. , Harhaus Leila
Published: June 2021

Diese Arbeit gibt einen Überblick über die Häufigkeit, Art und Ursache von Infektionen an der Hand sowie Risikofaktoren für und Differenzialdiagnosen zu Handinfektionen.
Indikationen und Grenzen der konservativen Therapie bei Infektionen an der Hand
Authors: Schwalfenberg Nico , Richter Martin
Published: June 2021

Die Behandlung von Infektionen der Hand ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil des handchirurgischen Alltags. Trotz der Entwicklung verschiedener Antibiotikapräparate bleibt die Operation ein wichtiger Teil der Therapie. Jedoch kann in ausgewählten Fällen eine konservative Therapie indiziert sein, solange eine konsequente Kontrolle gewährleistet ist. Zielführend ist eine sorgfältige Untersuchung und für die Kalkulation des Erregerspektrums eine genaue Anamnese inkl. Beruf, Hobby, Mensch-Tierkontakt, Auslandsaufenthalt und Nebenerkrankungen. Neben der Wahl des geeigneten Antibiotikums sind eine zeitlich limitierte Immobilisation, körperliche Schonung, Verbandanlage und eine Schmerztherapie wichtige Bestandteile der konservativen Therapie. Für die Therapieentscheidung ist die Art der Infektion und die Beachtung der Vorerkrankungen des Patienten wichtig, da bei Immunsuppression mit einer erhöhten Gefahr für Komplikationen, Mischinfektionen und atypischen Erregern gerechnet werden muss. Klassische Indikationen für eine konservative Therapie stellen das Erysipel, die lokale begrenzte Phlegmone mit Lymphangitis, Frühstadien des Panaritiums und der Paronychie dar. Weitere seltenere Indikation sind u. a. Schweinerotlauf, digitale Herpesinfektion und Pilzinfektionen. Nicht geeignet sind in der Regel eine Symptomdauer über 2 Tage, Abszesse, ausgedehnte Phlegmonen (v. a. der Beugesehnenscheide), nekrotisierende Fasziitiden und Gelenkempyeme.
Bildgebende Diagnostik erregerbedingter Entzündungen der Hand
Authors: Fodor Stefan Georg , Christopoulos Georgios , Mühldorfer-Fodor Marion , Lehmkuhl Lukas
Published: June 2021

Die klinischen Zeichen einer Infektion an der Hand können anfangs oder beim chronischen Verlauf subtil sein. Aber auch bei einem fortgeschrittenen Befund ist oft schwer abzuschätzen, inwieweit Weichteile, Gelenke und Knochen betroffen sind. Der folgende Artikel zeigt die diagnostischen Möglichkeiten der radiologischen Bildgebung. Die Röntgenaufnahme der betroffenen Region stellt die Basisdiagnostik dar. Die Sonografie gibt Aufschluss über eine Abszess- und Ergussbildung zur Abgrenzung gegenüber diffusen Flüssigkeitseinlagerungen. Beide stehen in der Regel zeitnah zur Verfügung. Bei chronischen Prozessen und unklaren Befunden kommt die MRT zum Einsatz, bei knöcherner Beteiligung und Verdacht auf eine Osteomyelitis bei liegenden Implantaten liefert die CT wichtige Informationen.