bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical demonstration of a capacitive rotor for generation of alternating current from mechanical motion
Authors: Haimov Ehud , Chapman Aidan , Bresme Fernando , Holmes Andrew S. , Reddyhoff Tom , Urbakh Michael , Kornyshev Alexei A.
Published: June 2021

Innovative concepts and materials are enabling energy harvesters for slower motion, particularly for personal wearables or portable small-scale applications, hence contributing to a future sustainable economy. Here we propose a principle for a capacitive rotor device and analyze its operation. This device is based on a rotor containing many capacitors in parallel. The rotation of the rotor causes periodic capacitance changes and, when connected to a reservoir-of-charge capacitor, induces alternating current. The properties of this device depend on the lubricating liquid situated between the capacitor’s electrodes, be it a highly polar liquid, organic electrolyte, or ionic liquid – we consider all these scenarios. An advantage of the capacitive rotor is its scalability. Such a lightweight device, weighing tens of grams, can be implemented in a shoe sole, generating a significant power output of the order of Watts. Scaled up, such systems can be used in portable wind or water turbines.
Timing of iceberg scours and massive ice-rafting events in the subtropical North Atlantic
Authors: Condron Alan , Hill Jenna C.
Published: June 2021

High resolution seafloor mapping shows extraordinary evidence that massive (>300 m thick) icebergs once drifted >5,000 km south along the eastern United States, with >700 iceberg scours now identified south of Cape Hatteras. Here we report on sediment cores collected from several buried scours that show multiple plow marks align with Heinrich Event 3 (H3), ~31,000 years ago. Numerical glacial iceberg simulations indicate that the transport of icebergs to these sites occurs during massive, but short-lived, periods of elevated meltwater discharge. Transport of icebergs to the subtropics, away from deep water formation sites, may explain why H3 was associated with only a modest increase in ice-rafting across the subpolar North Atlantic, and implies a complex relationship between freshwater forcing and climate change. Stratigraphy from subbottom data across the scour marks shows there are additional features that are both older and younger, and may align with other periods of elevated meltwater discharge.
Ceramide structure dictates glycosphingolipid nanodomain assembly and function
Authors: Arumugam Senthil , Schmieder Stefanie , Pezeshkian Weria , Becken Ulrike , Wunder Christian , Chinnapen Dan , Ipsen John Hjort , Kenworthy Anne K. , Lencer Wayne , Mayor Satyajit , Johannes Ludger
Published: June 2021

Gangliosides in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells are essential for many cellular functions and pathogenic interactions. How gangliosides are dynamically organized and how they respond to ligand binding is poorly understood. Using fluorescence anisotropy imaging of synthetic, fluorescently labeled GM1 gangliosides incorporated into the plasma membrane of living cells, we found that GM1 with a fully saturated C16:0 acyl chain, but not with unsaturated C16:1 acyl chain, is actively clustered into nanodomains, which depends on membrane cholesterol, phosphatidylserine and actin. The binding of cholera toxin B-subunit (CTxB) leads to enlarged membrane domains for both C16:0 and C16:1, owing to binding of multiple GM1 under a toxin, and clustering of CTxB. The structure of the ceramide acyl chain still affects these domains, as co-clustering with the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein CD59 occurs only when GM1 contains the fully saturated C16:0 acyl chain, and not C16:1. Thus, different ceramide species of GM1 gangliosides dictate their assembly into nanodomains and affect nanodomain structure and function, which likely underlies many endogenous cellular processes.
Future climate change shaped by inter-model differences in Atlantic meridional overturning circulation response
Authors: Bellomo Katinka , Angeloni Michela , Corti Susanna , von Hardenberg Jost
Published: June 2021

In climate model simulations of future climate change, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is projected to decline. However, the impacts of this decline, relative to other changes, remain to be identified. Here we address this problem by analyzing 30 idealized abrupt-4xCO2climate model simulations. We find that in models with larger AMOC decline, there is a minimum warming in the North Atlantic, a southward displacement of the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone, and a poleward shift of the mid-latitude jet. The changes in the models with smaller AMOC decline are drastically different: there is a relatively larger warming in the North Atlantic, the precipitation response exhibits a wet-get-wetter, dry-get-drier pattern, and there are smaller displacements of the mid-latitude jet. Our study indicates that the AMOC is a major source of inter-model uncertainty, and continued observational efforts are needed to constrain the AMOC response in future climate change.
Symmetry-enforced topological nodal planes at the Fermi surface of a chiral magnet
Authors: Wilde Marc A. , Dodenhöft Matthias , Niedermayr Arthur , Bauer Andreas , Hirschmann Moritz M. , Alpin Kirill , Schnyder Andreas P. , Pfleiderer Christian
Published: June 2021

Despite recent efforts to advance spintronics devices and quantum information technology using materials with non-trivial topological properties, three key challenges are still unresolved1–9. First, the identification of topological band degeneracies that are generically rather than accidentally located at the Fermi level. Second, the ability to easily control such topological degeneracies. And third, the identification of generic topological degeneracies in large, multisheeted Fermi surfaces. By combining de Haas–van Alphen spectroscopy with density functional theory and band-topology calculations, here we show that the non-symmorphic symmetries10–17 in chiral, ferromagnetic manganese silicide (MnSi) generate nodal planes (NPs)11,12, which enforce topological protectorates (TPs) with substantial Berry curvatures at the intersection of the NPs with the Fermi surface (FS) regardless of the complexity of the FS. We predict that these TPs will be accompanied by sizeable Fermi arcs subject to the direction of the magnetization. Deriving the symmetry conditions underlying topological NPs, we show that the 1,651 magnetic space groups comprise 7 grey groups and 26 black-and-white groups with topological NPs, including the space group of ferromagnetic MnSi. Thus, the identification of symmetry-enforced TPs, which can be controlled with a magnetic field, on the FS of MnSi suggests the existence of similar properties—amenable for technological exploitation—in a large number of materials.
Exploring the relation between mortality and left ventricular structure and function in stable hemodialysis treated patients, a longitudinal multicenter cohort study
Authors: Chisavu Lazar A. , Apostol Adrian , Pop Gheorghe N. , Ivan Viviana , Schiller Oana , Bob Flaviu , Marc Luciana , Mihaescu Adelina , Gadalean Florica , Grosu Iulia , Timar Bogdan , Schiller Adalbert
Published: June 2021

Left ventricular (LV) structure and function anomalies are frequent during the CKD continuum and are associated with increased risk of mortality. Cross section and longitudinal ultrasound data are available for advanced CKD and transition to ESKD. Less information is available about LV changes during stable, long-term hemodialysis (HD) treatment. All stable HD patients from 9 HD centers (1034 patients, 671 males, age 58.71 ± 12.94 years) have been enrolled in January 2015. The cohort was followed-up for 4 years, kidney transplantation or death. Yearly, two-dimensional and M-mode continuous and Pulse Doppler echocardiography were performed. During the follow-up, the prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities significantly increased (p < 0.0001), coronary artery disease (CAD) from 73.5 to 88.8%, peripheral artery disease (PAD) from 29 to 40.9%, cerebral vascular disease (CVD) from 20.4 to 30.8%, heart valves calcification (VC) from 65.6 to 89.3% and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) from 67.6 to 76.5%. The mortality risk increased with the presence of CAD (1.59-fold), PAD (1.61-fold), CVD (1.59-fold), and VC (1.77-fold). Mortality risk was increased in those with LVEF < 50% (LVEF 40–49% 1.5-fold and LVEF < 40% 2.3 fold). Among the survivors of the first year, LVEF varied (> 5% decrease, > 5% increase and ± 5% variations). More than 5% increase of LVEF was associated with higher mortality risk (crude 1.5-fold, adjusted 1.43-fold) compared to stationary EF (p = 0.001). Cardiovascular disease progresses during stable long-term HD therapy and increases mortality risk. HF becomes highly prevalent but only HF with decreased LVEF < 50% is associated with increased risk of mortality.
Application of the random forest algorithm to Streptococcus pyogenes response regulator allele variation: from machine learning to evolutionary models
Authors: Buckley Sean J. , Harvey Robert J. , Shan Zack
Published: June 2021

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a globally significant bacterial pathogen. The GAS genotyping gold standard characterises the nucleotide variation of emm, which encodes a surface-exposed protein that is recombinogenic and under immune-based selection pressure. Within a supervised learning methodology, we tested three random forest (RF) algorithms (Guided, Ordinary, and Regularized) and 53 GAS response regulator (RR) allele types to infer six genomic traits (emm-type, emm-subtype, tissue and country of sample, clinical outcomes, and isolate invasiveness). The Guided, Ordinary, and Regularized RF classifiers inferred the emm-type with accuracies of 96.7%, 95.7%, and 95.2%, using ten, three, and four RR alleles in the feature set, respectively. Notably, we inferred the emm-type with 93.7% accuracy using only mga2 and lrp. We demonstrated a utility for inferring emm-subtype (89.9%), country (88.6%), invasiveness (84.7%), but not clinical (56.9%), or tissue (56.4%), which is consistent with the complexity of GAS pathophysiology. We identified a novel cell wall-spanning domain (SF5), and proposed evolutionary pathways depicting the ‘contrariwise’ and ‘likewise’ chimeric deletion-fusion of emm and enn. We identified an intermediate strain, which provides evidence of the time-dependent excision of mga regulon genes. Overall, our workflow advances the understanding of the GAS mga regulon and its plasticity.
Analysis of spatiotemporal changes of agricultural land after the Second World War in Czechia
Authors: Zelinka Vít , Zacharová Johana , Skaloš Jan
Published: June 2021

The term Sudetenland refers to large regions of the former Czechoslovakia that had been dominated by Germans. German population was expelled directly after the Second World War, between 1945 and 1947. Almost three million people left large areas in less than two years. This population change led to a break in the relationship between the people and the landscape. The aim of the study is to compare the trajectories of these changes in agricultural landscapes in lower and higher altitudes, both in depopulated areas and areas with preserved populations. This study included ten sites in the region of Northern Bohemia in Czechia (18,000 ha in total). Five of these sites represent depopulated areas, and the other five areas where populations remained preserved. Changes in the landscape were assessed through a bi-temporal analysis of land use change by using aerial photograph data from time hoirzons of 2018 and 1953. Land use changes from the 1950s to the present are corroborated in the studied depopulated and preserved areas mainly by the trajectory of agricultural land to forest. The results prove that both population displacement and landscape type are important factors that affect landscape changes, especially in agricultural landscapes.
Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with listening to preferred music on memory in older adults
Authors: Chow Ricky , Noly-Gandon Alix , Moussard Aline , Ryan Jennifer D. , Alain Claude
Published: June 2021

Listening to autobiographically-salient music (i.e., music evoking personal memories from the past), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have each been suggested to temporarily improve older adults’ subsequent performance on memory tasks. Limited research has investigated the effects of combining both tDCS and music listening together on cognition. The present study examined whether anodal tDCS stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (2 mA, 20 min) with concurrent listening to autobiographically-salient music amplified subsequent changes in working memory and recognition memory in older adults than either tDCS or music listening alone. In a randomized sham-controlled crossover study, 14 healthy older adults (64–81 years) participated in three neurostimulation conditions: tDCS with music listening (tDCS + Music), tDCS in silence (tDCS-only), or sham-tDCS with music listening (Sham + Music), each separated by at least a week. Working memory was assessed pre- and post-stimulation using a digit span task, and recognition memory was assessed post-stimulation using an auditory word recognition task (WRT) during which electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. Performance on the backwards digit span showed improvement in tDCS + Music, but not in tDCS-only or Sham + Music conditions. Although no differences in behavioural performance were observed in the auditory WRT, changes in neural correlates underlying recognition memory were observed following tDCS + Music compared to Sham + Music. Findings suggest listening to autobiographically-salient music may amplify the effects of tDCS for working memory, and highlight the potential utility of neurostimulation combined with personalized music to improve cognitive performance in the aging population.
Two-sided matching based on I-BTM and LSGDM applied to high-level overseas talent and job fit problems
Authors: Yang Qing , You Xinshang , Zhang Yiye
Published: June 2021

With the increasing number of overseas talent tasks in China, overseas talent and job fit are significant issues that aim to improve the utilization of this key human resource. Many studies based on fuzzy sets have been conducted on this topic. Among the many fuzzy set methods, intuitionistic fuzzy sets are usually utilized to express and handle the evaluation information. In recent years, various intuitionistic fuzzy decision-making methods have been rapidly developed and used to solve evaluation problems, but none of them can be used to solve the person-job fit problem with intuitionistic best-worst method (BWM) and TOPSIS methods considering large-scale group decision making (LSGDM) and evaluator social network relations (SNRs). Therefore, to solve problems of intuitionistic fuzzy information analysis and the LSGDM for high-level overseas talent and job fit, we construct a new hybrid two-sided matching method named I-BTM and an LSGDM method considering SNRs. On the one hand, to express the decision-making information more objectively and reasonably, we combine the BWM and TOPSIS in an intuitionistic environment. Additionally, we develop the LSGDM with optimized computer algorithms, where the evaluators’ attitudes are expressed by hesitant fuzzy language. Finally, we build a model of high-level overseas talent and job fit and establish a mutual criteria system that is applied to a case study to illustrate the efficiency and reasonableness of the model.
A novel automated SARS-CoV-2 saliva PCR test protects a global asymptomatic workforce
Authors: Carter Nikki , Clausen Maryam , Halpin Rebecca A. , Blackmore Colin , Cai Kang , Delpuech Oona , Kohlmann Alexander , Magnusson Otto , March Ruth , O’Neill Daniel , Prakash Kasthuri , Sherwood James , Sundin Tabetha , Swift Jason , Tarakameh Azar , Wijdicks Marilou , Wise Daniel , Fidock Mark
Published: June 2021

Regular PCR testing of nasopharyngeal swabs from symptomatic individuals for SARS-CoV-2 virus has become the established method by which health services are managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses such as AstraZeneca have also prioritised voluntary asymptomatic testing to keep workplaces safe and maintain supply of essential medicines to patients. We describe the development of an internal automated SARS-CoV-2 testing programme including the transformative introduction of saliva as an alternative sample type.
Assessment with clinical data of a coupled bio-hemodynamics numerical model to predict leukocyte adhesion in coronary arteries
Authors: Ciri Umberto , Bennett Ruth L. , Bhui Rita , Molony David S. , Samady Habib , Meyer Clark A. , Hayenga Heather N. , Leonardi Stefano
Published: June 2021

Numerical simulations of coupled hemodynamics and leukocyte transport and adhesion inside coronary arteries have been performed. Realistic artery geometries have been obtained for a set of four patients from intravascular ultrasound and angiography images. The numerical model computes unsteady three-dimensional blood hemodynamics and leukocyte concentration in the blood. Wall-shear stress dependent leukocyte adhesion is also computed through agent-based modeling rules, fully coupled to the hemodynamics and leukocyte transport. Numerical results have a good correlation with clinical data. Regions where high adhesion is predicted by the simulations coincide to a good approximation with artery segments presenting plaque increase, as documented by clinical data from baseline and six-month follow-up exam of the same artery. In addition, it is observed that the artery geometry and, in particular, the tortuosity of the centerline are a primary factor in determining the spatial distribution of wall-shear stress, and of the resulting leukocyte adhesion patterns. Although further work is required to overcome the limitations of the present model and ultimately quantify plaque growth in the simulations, these results are encouraging towards establishing a predictive methodology for atherosclerosis progress.
Premature ventricular contraction increases the risk of heart failure and ventricular tachyarrhythmia
Authors: Kim Yun Gi , Choi Yun Young , Han Kyung-Do , Min Kyoung Jin , Choi Ha Young , Shim Jaemin , Choi Jong-Il , Kim Young-Hoon
Published: June 2021

Premature ventricular contraction (PVC), a common arrhythmia affecting 1–2% of the general population, has been considered to have a benign clinical course. However, people with PVC often develop heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia. We aimed to clarify the risk of heart failure and lethal ventricular arrhythmias in people with PVC. The Korean National Health Insurance Service database was used for this study. People who underwent nationwide health check-ups in 2009 were enrolled in this study and clinical follow-up data until December 2018 were analyzed. Newly diagnosed PVC in 2009 (≥ 1 inpatient or outpatient claim) were identified and cumulative incidence of heart failure (≥ 1 inpatient claim) and ventricular arrhythmias (≥ 1 inpatient or outpatient claim) were compared. A total of 4515 people were first diagnosed with PVC in 2009 among 9,743,582 people without prior history of PVC, heart failure, or ventricular arrhythmias. People with newly diagnosed PVC in 2009 had a significantly higher incidence of heart failure compared to those without PVC [adjusted hazard ratio (HR)  1.371; 95% confidence interval (CI)  1.177–1.598; p  < 0.001]. Significant interaction was observed between age and PVC with young age people at greater risk of developing heart failure for having PVC. The incidence of ventricular arrhythmia was also significantly increased in people with PVC (HR  5.588; 95% CI  4.553–6.859; p  < 0.001). Age and chronic kidney disease had significant interactions with PVC. In conclusion, the incidence of heart failure and ventricular arrhythmia was significantly increased in people with PVC. Outpatient follow-up of people with PVC can be helpful to detect early signs of heart failure or advanced forms of ventricular arrhythmia.
Individual and community level factors associated with unintended pregnancy among pregnant women in Ethiopia
Authors: Zeleke Liknaw Bewket , Alemu Addisu Alehegn , Kassahun Eskeziaw Abebe , Aynalem Bewket Yeserah , Hassen Hamid Yimam , Kassa Getachew Mullu
Published: June 2021

Unintended pregnancy is among the major challenges of public health and a major reproductive health issue, due to its implications on the health, economic and social life of a woman and her family mainly in low and middle-income countries, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. The study aimed to assess unintended pregnancy and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia using multilevel analysis from the EDHS 2016. We used the data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey, comprised of 1122 pregnant women. The prevalence of unintended pregnancy was determined through descriptive statistics and multilevel logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with unintended pregnancy. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 in the selected model were considered as significantly associated and an adjusted odds ratio was used to determine the strength and direction of the association. The prevalence of unintended pregnancy was 29.7% (CI 27.0%, 32.4%), of which 20.4% were mistimed and 9.3% unwanted. Being multi-para and fertility preference to have no more child were associated with a higher risk of unintended pregnancy whereas husbands' polygamy relation, having no women autonomy, and living in Afar and Somali regions showed a less likely risk of experiencing an unintended pregnancy. This study showed that the proportion of women who experienced unintended pregnancy is considerably high. Parity, fertility preference, polygamy relation, women autonomy, and region were identified factors associated with unintended pregnancy. Therefore, policymakers at all levels, reproductive health experts, and concerned organizations should emphasize minimizing unintended pregnancy targeting the regional variation at large. Researchers have to explore the regional variations through a qualitative study.
Learning curve evaluation upskilling retinal imaging using smartphones
Authors: Jansen Linus G. , Shah Payal , Wabbels Bettina , Holz Frank G. , Finger Robert P. , Wintergerst Maximilian W. M.
Published: June 2021

Smartphone-based fundus imaging (SBFI) is a low-cost approach for screening of various ophthalmic diseases and particularly suited to resource limited settings. Thus, we assessed how best to upskill alternative healthcare cadres in SBFI and whether quality of obtained images is comparable to ophthalmologists. Ophthalmic assistants and ophthalmologists received a standardized training to SBFI (Heine iC2 combined with an iPhone 6) and 10 training examinations for capturing central retinal images. Examination time, total number of images, image alignment, usable field-of-view, and image quality (sharpness/focus, reflex artifacts, contrast/illumination) were analyzed. Thirty examiners (14 ophthalmic assistants and 16 ophthalmologists) and 14 volunteer test subjects were included. Mean examination time (1st and 10th training, respectively: 2.17 ± 1.54 and 0.56 ± 0.51 min, p < .0001), usable field-of-view (92 ± 16% and 98 ± 6.0%, p = .003) and image quality in terms of sharpness/focus (p = .002) improved by the training. Examination time was significantly shorter for ophthalmologists compared to ophthalmic assistants (10th training: 0.35 ± 0.21 and 0.79 ± 0.65 min, p = .011), but there was no significant difference in usable field-of-view and image quality. This study demonstrates the high learnability of SBFI with a relatively short training and mostly comparable results across healthcare cadres. The results will aid implementing and planning further SBFI field studies.
Influence of lens opacities and cataract severity on quantitative fundus autofluorescence as a secondary outcome of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Reiter Gregor S. , Schwarzenbacher Luca , Schartmüller Daniel , Röggla Veronika , Leydolt Christina , Menapace Rupert , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula , Sacu Stefan
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of age-related lens opacities and advanced cataract, quantified by LOCS III grading, on quantitative autofluorescence (qAF) measurements in patients before and after cataract surgery. Images from a randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of femtosecond-laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) on retinal thickness were analyzed post-hoc. One-hundred and twenty eyes from 60 consecutive patients with age-related cataract were included and assessed with qAF and optical coherence tomography (OCT) before, 1, 3 and 6 weeks after cataract surgery (randomized 1:1 to FLACS or phacoemulsification). LOCS III grading was performed before surgery. Pre- to post-surgical qAF values, as well as the impact of LOCS III gradings, surgery technique, gender, axial length and age on post-surgery qAF values was investigated using generalized linear mixed models. For this analysis, 106 eyes from 53 patients were usable. No difference in qAF was found between FLACS and phacoemulsification (p > 0.05) and results were pooled for the total cohort. Mean pre-surgical qAF was 89.45 ± 44.9 qAF units, with a significant mean increase of 178.4–191.6% after surgery (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between the three follow-up visits after surgery (p > 0.05). Higher LOCS III cortical opacity quantifications were associated with a significantly greater increase in qAF after surgery (estimate: 98.56, p = 0.006) and nuclear opacities showed a trend toward an increased change (estimate: 48.8, p = 0.095). Considerable interactions were identified between baseline qAF and cortical opacities, nuclear opacities and posterior subcapsular opacities, as well as nuclear opacities and cortical opacities (p = 0.012, p = 0.064 and p = 0.069, respectively). Quantitative autofluorescence signals are significantly reconstituted after cataract surgery and LOCS III gradings are well associated with post-surgical qAF values. Careful consideration of age-related lens opacities is vital for the correct interpretation of qAF, especially in retinal diseases affecting the elderly.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03465124.
Cancer-specific immune evasion and substantial heterogeneity within cancer types provide evidence for personalized immunotherapy
Authors: Thelen Martin , Wennhold Kerstin , Lehmann Jonas , Garcia-Marquez Maria , Klein Sebastian , Kochen Elena , Lohneis Philipp , Lechner Axel , Wagener-Ryczek Svenja , Plum Patrick Sven , Velazquez Camacho Oscar , Pfister David , Dörr Fabian , Heldwein Matthias , Hekmat Khosro , Beutner Dirk , Klussmann Jens Peter , Thangarajah Fabinshy , Ratiu Dominik , Malter Wolfram , Merkelbach-Bruse Sabine , Bruns Christiane Josephine , Quaas Alexander , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Schlößer Hans A.
Published: June 2021

The immune response against cancer is orchestrated by various parameters and site-dependent specificities have been poorly investigated. In our analyses of ten different cancer types, we describe elevated infiltration by regulatory T cells as the most common feature, while other lymphocyte subsets and also expression of immune-regulatory molecules on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes showed site-specific variation. Multiparametric analyses of these data identified similarities of renal and liver or lung with head and neck cancer. Co-expression of immune-inhibitory ligands on tumor cells was most frequent in colorectal, lung and ovarian cancer. Genes related to antigen presentation were frequently dysregulated in liver and lung cancer. Expression of co-inhibitory molecules on tumor-infiltrating T cells accumulated in advanced stages while T-cell abundance was related to enhanced expression of genes related to antigen presentation. Our results promote evaluation of cancer-specific or even personalized immunotherapeutic combinations to overcome primary or secondary resistance as major limitation of immune-checkpoint inhibition.
Analytical applications of single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: a comprehensive and critical review
Authors: Bolea Eduardo , Jimenez Maria S. , Perez-Arantegui Josefina , Vidal Juan C. , Bakir Mariam , Ben-Jeddou Khaoula , Gimenez-Ingalaturre Ana C. , Ojeda David , Trujillo Celia , Laborda Francisco
Published: June 2021

Real-world applications of single-particle ICP-MS are comprehensively and critically reviewed.
An integrating strategy for serum metabolomics and microarray analysis to expand the understanding of diet-induced obesity
Authors: Liu Wuping , Xu Jingjing , Dai Tao , Shen Guiping , Feng Jianghua
Published: June 2021

Obesity is a key component of metabolic syndrome and is precipitated by complex interactions between multiple environmental and genetic factors.
Single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation of tetrathiafulvalene-based hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks
Authors: Gao Xiang-Yu , Li Yu-Lin , Liu Tian-Fu , Huang Xin-Song , Cao Rong
Published: June 2021

A TTF-based HOF undergoes SCSC transformation into another two isomers in different solvents.
Phenothiazine functional materials for organic optoelectronic applications
Authors: Gangadhar Palivela Siva , Reddy Govind , Prasanthkumar Seelam , Giribabu Lingamallu
Published: June 2021

This prospective provides a brief overview of the working principles of various optoelectronic devices and the structure–property relationships in phenothiazine.
Immobilising molecular Ru complexes on a protective ultrathin oxide layer of p-Si electrodes towards photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Laurans Maxime , Wells Jordann A. L. , Ott Sascha
Published: June 2021

Ruthenium complexes extract electrons from illuminated p-type Si through a native SiOx layer with a photovoltage of 570 mV.
Preparation and characterization of nanofibrous metal–organic frameworks as efficient catalysts for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates in solvent-free conditions
Authors: Mirzaei Razieh , Bahadori Mehrnaz , Kardanpour Reihaneh , Rafiei Sara , Tangestaninejad Shahram , Moghadam Majid , Mirkhani Valiollah , Mohammadpoor-Baltork Iraj , Mirazimi Seyed Erfan
Published: June 2021

Environmental concerns, particularly global warming, represent serious threats to public health globally.
2D coordination polymer-derived CoSe2–NiSe2/CN nanosheets: the dual-phase synergistic effect and ultrathin structure to enhance the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Jiang Weifeng , Sun Jianpeng , Lu Kebin , Jiang Chuanhai , Xu Huakai , Huang Zhaodi , Cao Ning , Dai Fangna
Published: June 2021

A two-step method to synthesize 2D ultrathin dual-phase composites (CoSe2–NiSe2/CN) with large specific surface area, abundant catalytically active sites and synergistic effects which can significantly enhance the catalytic activity of the HER.
Bimetallic copper/cobalt-cocatalyzed double aerobic phenol oxidation/cyclization toward π-extended benzofuro[2,3-b]indoles as electron donors for electroluminescence
Authors: Bashir Muhammad Adnan , Zhang Yulong , Yu Huaibin , Wang Bofei , Zhao Weining , Zhong Fangrui
Published: June 2021

π-Extended benzofuro[2,3-b]indoles were efficiently constructed from readily available p-hydroquinone esters and indoles via aerobic oxidation.
A dithizone-anchored silica gel surface, {SiO2}@DZ for the selective sample cleanup of Gd(iii) amidst Fe(iii), Th(iv), and Ce(iv) employing ion pair complexation
Authors: Sarkar Rimi , Mondal Sneha , Hansda Biswajit , Chatterjee Mousumi , Mandal Bhabatosh
Published: June 2021

Sorption–desorption equilibration, {extractor-HOMO}:{H3O}++ {metal-species}n+⇄ {extractor-HOMO}:{metal-species}n++ {H3O}+, an eventual ion-pair complexation controlled by {H3O}+.
Zwitterions: promising interfacial/doping materials for organic/perovskite solar cells
Authors: Chen Qiaoyun , Yang Xudong , Zhou Yi , Song Bo
Published: June 2021

This review summarizes the recent progress in zwitterionic materials through the concepts of interfacial dipoles and passivating defects.
Highly selective detection of TNP over other nitro compounds in water: the role of selective host–guest interactions in Zr-NDI MOF
Authors: Radha Govu , Leelasree T. , Muthukumar D. , Pillai Renjith S. , Aggarwal Himanshu
Published: June 2021

A fluorescent Zr-NDI based MOF shows the selective sensing of TNP in water, over other classes of nitro compounds. DFT studies reveal favourable host–guest interactions behind this phenomenon.
An amphiphilic B,O-chelated aza-BODIPY dye: synthesis, pH-sensitivity, and aggregation behaviour in a H2O/DMSO mixed solvent
Authors: Lei Bin , Pan Hongfei , Zhang Yongjie , Ren Xiang-Kui , Chen Zhijian
Published: June 2021

A new amphiphilic B,O-chelated aza-BODIPY dye with pH sensitivity and J-type aggregation properties in H2O/DMSO is reported.
Accelerating the optimization of enzyme-catalyzed synthesis conditions via machine learning and reactivity descriptors
Authors: Wan Zhongyu , Wang Quan-De , Liu Dongchang , Liang Jinhu
Published: June 2021

Enzyme-catalyzed synthesis reactions are of crucial importance for a wide range of applications.
Moduli and modes in the Mikado model
Authors: Baumgarten Karsten , Tighe Brian P.
Published: June 2021

We determine how low frequency vibrational modes control the elastic shear modulus of Mikado networks, a minimal mechanical model for semi-flexible fiber networks.
Increased susceptibility to dextran sulfate-induced mucositis of iron-overload β-thalassemia mice, another endogenous cause of septicemia in thalassemia
Authors: Visitchanakun Peerapat , Panpetch Wimonrat , Saisorn Wilasinee , Chatthanathon Piraya , Wannigama Dhammika Leshan , Thim-uam Arthid , Svasti Saovaros , Fucharoen Suthat , Somboonna Naraporn , Leelahavanichkul Asada
Published: June 2021

Enterocyte damage and gut dysbiosis are caused by iron-overload in thalassemia (Thl), possibly making the gut vulnerable to additional injury. Hence, iron-overload in the heterozygous β-globin deficient (Hbbth3/+) mice were tested with 3% dextran sulfate solution (DSS).

With 4 months of iron-gavage, iron accumulation, gut-leakage (fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-dextran), endotoxemia, and tight junction injury) in Thl mice were more prominent than WT mice. Additionally, DSS-induced mucositis in iron-overloaded mice from Thl group was also more severe than the WT group as indicated by mortality, liver enzyme, colon injury (histology and tissue cytokines), serum cytokines, and gut-leakage (FITC-dextran, endotoxemia, bacteremia, and the detection of Green-Fluorescent Producing Escherichia coli in the internal organs after an oral administration). However, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG attenuated the disease severity of DSS in iron-overloaded Thl mice as indicated by mortality, cytokines (colon tissue and serum), gut-leakage (FITC-dextran, endotoxemia, and bacteremia) and fecal dysbiosis (microbiome analysis). Likewise, Lactobacillus conditioned media (LCM) decreased inflammation (supernatant IL-8 and cell expression of TLR-4, nuclear factor κB (NFκB), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)) and increased transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in enterocytes (Caco-2 cells) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS plus ferric ion.

In conclusion, in the case of iron-overloaded Thl, there was a pre-existing intestinal injury that wask more vulnerable to DSS-induced bacteremia (gut translocation). Hence, the prevention of gut-derived bacteremia and the monitoring on gut-leakage might be beneficial in patients with thalassemia.
Protein cages as building blocks for superstructures
Authors: Sun Ruoxuan , Lim Sierin
Published: June 2021

Proteins naturally self‐assemble to function. Protein cages result from the self‐assembly of multiple protein subunits that interact to form hollow symmetrical structures with functions that range from cargo storage to catalysis. Driven by self‐assembly, building elegant higher‐order superstructures with protein cages as building blocks has been an increasingly attractive field in recent years. It presents an engineering challenge not only at the molecular level but also at the supramolecular level. The higher‐order constructs are proposed to provide access to diverse functional materials. Focussing on design strategy as a perspective, current work on protein cage supramolecular self‐assembly are reviewed from three principles that are electrostatic, metal‐ligand coordination and inherent symmetry. The review also summarises possible applications of the superstructure architecture built using modified protein cages.
Deception electronic counter‐countermeasure applicable to multiple jammer sources in distributed multiple‐radar system
Authors: Zhao Shanshan , Liu Ziwei
Published: June 2021

Deception jamming poses a fatal threat to the radar performance, and its jamming performance has been greatly improved through networking. However, available deception electronic counter‐countermeasure (ECCM) methods are mostly developed in the scenario of a single jamming source. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop deception ECCM methods that can counter multiple jammers. This work proposes a deception jamming discrimination method applicable to multiple jammer sources in distributed multiple‐radar system, based on the correlation coefficient between different target‐received signal vectors. The false targets generated by one jammer are highly correlated, while a radar target is uncorrelated with either other radar targets or false targets. For the estimated correlation coefficient, the Fisher z‐transformation is applied to determine the correlation between targets with the Z‐test. Since the jammer usually generates multiple false targets at once to enhance its deceptions, a target can be judged as a false target when multiple targets are highly correlated with it; otherwise a radar target is declared. More importantly, compared with existing methods, no prior information is required here. Simulation results corroborate the feasibility of the proposed discrimination method and its performance due to the influence of jamming‐to‐noise ratio. The spatial correlation of radar targets and geometry conditions are covered.
Coprime array‐adaptive beamforming via atomic‐norm‐based sparse recovery
Authors: Cheng Yun , Zhang Xinyu , Liu Tianpeng , Shi Junpeng , Liu Zhen , Hu Panhe , Li Xiang
Published: June 2021

Coprime arrays (CPAs) have been found to be an effective configuration for adaptive beamforming (ABF). However, most ABF methods for CPAs are embedded with the spatial spectrum estimation technique, and therefore they usually deteriorate in the case of low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), especially without prior information of interferences. To address this issue, a robust ABF method for CPAs via atomic‐norm‐based sparse recovery is proposed. This method begins with initialised virtual array interpolation to avoid aperture loss caused by ‘holes’, which is subsequently transformed to a matrix completion and denoising issue via a Toeplitz step. With the matrix’s Hermitian Toeplitz structure and the intrinsic sparsity of interferences, sparse recovery for the interference covariance matrix is introduced by subtracting the target signal and noise from the received signal and implemented by atomic‐norm minimisation. Concretely, this non‐convex process is decomposed into two convex steps and solved iteratively. Unlike previous methods, this method can interpolate the virtual array and estimate the steering vector of the target and the noise power simultaneously; consequently, the interference‐plus‐noise covariance matrix is reconstructed with merely some trivial entry selections without the need for the spatial spectrum. Furthermore, the optimality conditions and boundedness in this method are proven theoretically. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and its advantages over previous methods under those non‐ideal conditions.
ELISa: A new tool for fast modelling of eclipsing binaries
Authors: Čokina Michal , Fedurco Miroslav , Parimucha Štefan
Published: June 2021

Context. We present a new, fast, and easy to use tool for modelling light and radial velocity curves of close eclipsing binaries with built-in methods for solving an inverse problem.

Aims. The main goal of ELISa (Eclipsing binary Learning and Interactive System) is to provide an acceptable compromise between computational speed and precision during the fitting of light curves and radial velocities of eclipsing binaries. The package is entirely written in the Python programming language in a modular fashion, making it easy to install, modify, and run on various operating systems.

Methods. ELISa implements Roche geometry and the triangulation process to model a surface of the eclipsing binary components, where the surface parameters of each surface element are treated separately. Surface symmetries and approximations based on the similarity between surface geometries were used to reduce the runtime during light curve calculation significantly. ELISa implements the least square trust region reflective algorithm and Markov-chain Monte Carlo optimisation methods to provide the built-in capability to determine parameters of the binary system from photometric observations and radial velocities.

Results. The precision and speed of the light curve generator were evaluated using various benchmarks. We conclude that ELISa maintains an acceptable level of accuracy to analyse data from ground-based and space-based observations, and it provides a significant reduction in computational time compared to the current widely used tools for modelling eclipsing binaries.
HOLISMOKES
Authors: Bayer J. , Huber S. , Vogl C. , Suyu S. H. , Taubenberger S. , Sluse D. , Chan J. H. H. , Kerzendorf W. E.
Published: June 2021

We investigate strongly gravitationally lensed type II supernovae (LSNe II) for time-delay cosmography, incorporating microlensing effects; this expands on previous microlensing studies of type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). We use the radiative-transfer code TARDIS to recreate five spectra of the prototypical SN 1999em at different times within the plateau phase of the light curve. The microlensing-induced deformations of the spectra and light curves are calculated by placing the SN into magnification maps generated with the code GERLUMPH. We study the impact of microlensing on the color curves and find that there is no strong influence on them during the investigated time interval of the plateau phase. The color curves are only weakly affected by microlensing due to the almost achromatic behavior of the intensity profiles. However, the lack of nonlinear structure in the color curves during the plateau phase of type II-plateau supernovae makes time-delay measurements more challenging compared to SN Ia color curves, given the possible presence of differential dust extinction. Therefore, we further investigate SN phase inference through spectral absorption lines under the influence of microlensing and Gaussian noise. As the spectral features shift to longer wavelengths with progressing time after explosion, the measured wavelength of a specific absorption line provides information on the epoch of the SN. The comparison between retrieved epochs of two observed lensing images then gives the time delay of the images. We find that the phase retrieval method that uses spectral features yields accurate delays with uncertainties of ≲2 days, making it a promising approach.
Solar prominence diagnostics from non-LTE modelling of Mg II h&k line profiles
Authors: Peat A. W. , Labrosse N. , Schmieder B. , Barczynski K.
Published: June 2021

Aims. We investigate a new method to for obtaining the plasma parameters of solar prominences observed in the Mg II h&k spectral lines by comparing line profiles from the IRIS satellite to a bank of profiles computed with a one-dimensional non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE) radiative transfer code.

Methods. Using a grid of 1007 one-dimensional non-LTE radiative transfer models, some including a prominence-corona transition region (PCTR), we carry out this new method to match computed spectra to observed line profiles while accounting for line core shifts not present in the models. The prominence observations were carried out by the IRIS satellite on 19 April 2018.

Results. The prominence is very dynamic with many flows, including a large arm extending from the main body seen near the end of the observation. This flow is found to be redshifted, as is the prominence overall. The models are able to recover satisfactory matches in areas of the prominence where single line profiles are observed. We recover: mean temperatures of 6000–50 000 K; mean pressures of 0.01–0.5 dyne cm−2; column masses of 3.7 × 10−8–5 × 10−4 g cm−2; a mean electron density of 7.3 × 108–1.8 × 1011 cm−3; and an ionisation degree nHII/nHI = 0.03 − 4500. The highest values for the ionisation degree are found in areas where the line of sight crosses mostly plasma from the PCTR, correlating with high mean temperatures and correspondingly no Hα emission.

Conclusions. This new method naturally returns information on how closely the observed and computed profiles match, allowing the user to identify areas where no satisfactory match between models and observations can be obtained. The inclusion of the PCTR was found to be important when fitting models to data as regions where satisfactory fits were found were more likely to contain a model encompassing a PCTR. The line core shift can also be recovered from this new method, and it shows a good qualitative match with that of the line core shift found by the quantile method. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the approach to line core shifts in the new method.
Psyche und Rheuma
Authors: Unger Leonore
Published: June 2021

Psychische Störungen sind bei rheumatischen Erkrankungen häufig und beide beeinflussen sich gegenseitig.
Die Spül-Saug-Drainage zur Therapie der septischen Tenosynovialitis der Fingerbeugesehnen
Authors: Pillukat Thomas , Rahimli M. , Windolf J. , van Schoonhoven Jörg
Published: June 2021

Hintergrund/Ziel Die septische Tenosynovialitis der Beugesehnenscheiden erfordert eine dringliche Behandlung, um Sehnennekrosen und den Verlust von Fingern zu verhindern. Gegenstand des vorliegenden Artikels ist die Behandlung durch Revision und postoperativ kontinuierliche Spülung über eine geschlossene Spül-Saug-Drainage.

Patienten und Methoden Vom 1.1.2007 bis zum 31.12.2016 wurden 54 Patienten mit septischer Tenosynovialitis einer Beugesehnenscheide mit einer Spül-Saug-Drainage behandelt. Zusätzlich zur Auswertung der Krankenakten (betroffener Finger, betroffene Hand, Dauer des stationären Aufenthaltes, notwendige Revisionsoperationen) konnten 33 Patienten (19 Männer und 14 Frauen) mit einem Durchschnittsalter von 51 (8–85) Jahren nach durchschnittlich 21 (4–38) Monaten nachuntersucht werden. Dabei wurden die Beweglichkeit des betroffenen Fingers/Daumens (Abstand der Fingerkuppe zur distalen Hohlhandbeugefurche beim Faustschluss, resp. der Kapandji-Index), die Grobkraft/Spitzgriffkraft prozentual zur unverletzten Gegenseite, die Schmerzen mittels numerischer Ratingskala (NRS) und der DASH-Score erfasst. Das Gesamtergebnis wurde mittels des Bewertungsschemas von Buck-Gramcko für Beugesehnenrekonstruktionen beurteilt.

Ergebnisse Der Krankenhausaufenthalt dauerte im Durchschnitt 9 (3–26) Tage. Elfmal war eine Revision erforderlich, 3-mal davon eine Neuanlage der Spül-Saug-Drainage, 2-mal eine Strahlresektion und einmal eine Amputation in Höhe des Mittelgelenkes. Die nachuntersuchten Patienten wiesen im Mittel eine Grobkraft von 84 (23–163) % der nicht betroffenen Gegenseite auf. Der Ruheschmerz betrug durchschnittlich 0,2 (0–4), der Belastungsschmerz 1,2 (0–8) auf der NRS, der DASH-Score 16,8 (0–58) Punkte. Nach dem Bewertungssystem für Beugesehnenfunktionen war ein Ergebnis unbefriedigend, eines befriedigend, 5 gut und 26 sehr gut.

Schlussfolgerungen Die kontinuierliche Spülung über eine Spül-Saug-Drainage bei der septischen Tenosynovialitis der Beugesehnenscheiden ist ein erfolgreiches Verfahren mit niedriger Amputationsrate. Die funktionellen Ergebnisse sind überwiegend gut und sehr gut.