bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High velocity impact on a thin (non-Newtonian) fluid layer
Authors: Veltkamp B. , Velikov K.P. , Bonn D.
Published: November 2022

During the high velocity impact of an object on a solid covered with a thin fluid layer, a lubricated contact exists within the short time in which the liquid is squeezed out from the contact. This is important for e.g. the grip of shoes on wet surfaces. We experimentally study the squeeze flow of such layers and find that the amount of viscous dissipation determines how much fluid remains in the contact after the kinetic energy of the impacting object is absorbed. For impacts with sufficient amount of kinetic energy, it is possible to completely drain a Newtonian or shear thinning fluid from the contact on a short time scale. Viscoelastic liquids, however, cannot be drained by increasing impact velocity, because of the fluids’ elastic tendency to retract back into the contact after rapid squeezing. This explains why the presence of polymeric fluids can lead to extreme slipperiness of surfaces. Furthermore, we show that all our experimental results agree with the predictions given by hydrodynamic theory applied to the fluid flow in the gap.
Strong couplings for static locally tree-like random graphs
Authors: Olvera-Cravioto Mariana
Published: November 2022

We provide a general purpose result for the coupling of exploration processes of random graphs, both undirected and directed, with their local weak limits when this limit is a marked Galton–Watson process. This class includes in particular the configuration model and the family of inhomogeneous random graphs with rank-1 kernel. Vertices in the graph are allowed to have attributes on a general separable metric space and can potentially influence the construction of the graph itself. The coupling holds for any fixed depth of a breadth-first exploration process.
A DOMAIN WITH NONPLURISUBHARMONIC d-BALANCED SQUEEZING FUNCTION
Authors: GUPTA NAVEEN
Published: November 2022

In this note, we give an example of a domain whose d-balanced squeezing function is nonplurisubharmonic.
Why Do Unsuccessful Companies Survive? U.S. Airlines, Aircraft Leasing, and GE, 2000–2008
Authors: Dissanaike Gishan , Jayasekera Ranadeva , Meeks Geoff
Published: November 2022

Warren Buffett famously commented that the U.S. airline industry had made zero profit in its first nine decades. Subsequently, between the millennium and the Great Financial Crisis the airlines in total lost almost $60 billion. Yet no major airline was liquidated or taken over in those nine years. Financial support was repeatedly provided by GE, the conglomerate supplier of leasing finance, engines, and servicing. The article offers a historical perspective on the factors behind this relationship between GE and airlines. It outlines the benefits or costs to GE, airline shareholders, and passengers; the relevance of the model for other industries; and implications for different notions of efficiency.
Institutional Independence and Accountability of the Judiciary
Authors:   The Rt Hon The Lord Burnett of Maldon
Published: November 2022

It is an honour to have been asked to give this Lionel Cohen Lecture deferred from 2020 when the covid pandemic was sweeping the world. It is a great pleasure to be with you at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Managing ideational complexity in public policies: the case of public research funding
Authors: Lepori Benedetto , Reale Emanuela , Cocos Marta
Published: November 2022

This article examines how ideational complexity, i.e. the lasting presence of alternative policy frames in a policy domain, can be managed without leading to overt conflicts. By leveraging insights from the organisational literature, we suggest that, in most cases, alternative frames are kept apart within distinct policy instruments, while hybrid instruments are established only when required by the nature of the problem. We provide illustrative examples of how these strategies are employed in the case of public grant schemes for research funding. Our findings suggest that a) composite instrument mixes are an important resource to deal with ideational complexity, and b) the design of the instruments’ delivery package, and specifically its procedural and organisational dimensions, plays a central role in avoiding conflicts between policy frames. Accordingly, our analysis advances the unexplored issue of how the coexistence of alternative policy frames impacts policy implementation.
Revisiting variable-value population principles
Authors: Bossert Walter , Cato Susumu , Kamaga Kohei
Published: November 2022

We examine a general class of variable-value population principles. Our particular focus is on the extent to which such principles can avoid the repugnant and sadistic conclusions. We show that if a mild limit property is imposed, avoidance of the repugnant conclusion implies the sadistic conclusion. This result generalizes earlier observations by showing that they apply to a substantially larger class of principles. Our second theorem states that, under the limit property, the axiom of mere addition also conflicts with avoidance of the repugnant conclusion. This result is a consequence of a similar observation that appears in the earlier literature.
A JACKKNIFE LAGRANGE MULTIPLIER TEST WITH MANY WEAK INSTRUMENTS
Authors: Matsushita Yukitoshi , Otsu Taisuke
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes a jackknife Lagrange multiplier (JLM) test for instrumental variable regression models, which is robust to (i) many instruments, where the number of instruments may increase proportionally with the sample size, (ii) arbitrarily weak instruments, and (iii) heteroskedastic errors. In contrast to Crudu, Mellace, and Sándor (2021, Econometric Theory 37, 281–310) and Mikusheva and Sun (2021, Review of Economic Studies 89, 2663–2686), who proposed jackknife Anderson–Rubin tests that are also robust to (i)–(iii), we modify a score statistic by jackknifing and construct its heteroskedasticity robust variance estimator. Compared to the Lagrange multiplier tests by Kleibergen (2002, Econometrica 70, 1781–1803) and Moreira (2001, Tests with Correct Size when Instruments Can Be Arbitrarily Weak, Working paper) and their modification for many instruments by Hansen, Hausman, and Newey (2008, Journal of Business & Economic Statistics 26, 398–422), our JLM test is robust to heteroskedastic errors and may circumvent a possible decrease in the power function. Simulation results illustrate the desirable size and power properties of the proposed method.
Existence and stability of singular patterns in a fractional Ginzburg–Landau equation with a mean field
Authors: GAO MIN , WINTER MATTHIAS , YANG WEN
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we consider the existence and stability of singular patterns in a fractional Ginzburg–Landau equation with a mean field. We prove the existence of three types of singular steady-state patterns (double fronts, single spikes, and double spikes) by solving their respective consistency conditions. In the case of single spikes, we prove the stability of single small spike solution for sufficiently large spatial period by studying an explicit non-local eigenvalue problem which is equivalent to the original eigenvalue problem. For the other solutions, we prove the instability by using the variational characterisation of eigenvalues. Finally, we present the results of some numerical computations of spike solutions based on the finite difference methods of Crank–Nicolson and Adams–Bashforth.
A case of infective endocarditis in an 8-year-old boy 3 months after transcatheter atrial septal defect closure using Figulla Flex II occluder
Authors: Toyoshima Yuka , Tanaka Toshikatsu , Matsuhisa Hironori
Published: November 2022

Infective endocarditis is a rare complication of atrial septal defect closure using transcatheter procedure. We report about infective endocarditis in an 8-year-old boy 3 months after transcatheter closure using a Figulla Flex II atrial septal defect occluder. Transesophageal echocardiography showed vegetation attached to the left atrium side of the device. Device removal and atrial septal defect closure were performed. The device was less endothelialized on the left than on the right atrium side. Therefore, insufficient endothelialization may cause infective endocarditis.
Financing the low-carbon transition: the impact of financial frictions on clean investment
Authors: Schuldt Hendrik , Lessmann Kai
Published: November 2022

Carbon pricing aims to shift the risk-adjusted returns on investment in favor of green technologies vis-‘a-vis fossil investment, relying on efficient capital markets to redirect investment accordingly. Capital markets with financial frictions can distort this transmission of climate policy. This study analyses the impact of emission taxes on mitigation and low-carbon investment in the presence of financial frictions. We develop a two-sector environmental dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model calibrated to the Euro Area, to simulate an economic transition in line with the EU climate targets. Financial frictions dampen the response of the economy to the carbon tax such that the emissions target will be missed by 11 percentage points. Moreover, the adverse effects of financial frictions increase when climate policy is delayed. We further identify a volume and a risk effect that drive the impact of a financial wealth shock and an uncertainty shock on emission intensity.
¡Míranos! a comprehensive preschool obesity prevention programme in low-income Latino children: 1-year results of a clustered randomised controlled trial
Authors: Yin Zenong , Liang Yuanyuan , Howard Jeffrey T , Errisuriz Vanessa , Estrada Vanessa Marie , Martinez Cristina , Li Shiyu , Ullevig Sarah Lynn , Sosa Erica , Olmstead Todd , Small Sharon , Ward Dianne Stanton , Parra-Medina Deborah
Published: November 2022

Objective:

To test a culturally tailored obesity prevention intervention in low-income, minority preschool age children.

Design:

A three-group clustered randomised controlled trial.

Setting:

Twelve Head Start centres were randomly assigned to a centre-based intervention, a combined centre- and home-based intervention, or control using a 1:1:1 ratio. The centre-based intervention modified centre physical activity and nutrition policies, staff practices, and child behaviours, while the home-based intervention supported parents for obesity prevention at home.

Study outcomes:

The primary end point was change in children’s BMI (kg/m2) at post-test immediately following completion of the 8-month intervention. Secondary end points included standardised scores for BMI (BMIz) and body weight (WAZ), and BMI percentiles (BMI pctl).

Participants:

Three-year-old children enrolled in Head Start in San Antonio, Texas, with written parent consent (n 325), 87 % Latino, 57 % female with mean age (sd) of 3·58 years (0·29).

Results:

Change in BMI at post-test was 1·28 (0·97), 1·28 (0·87) and 1·41 (0·71) in the centre + home-based intervention, centre-based intervention and control, respectively. There was no significant difference in BMI change between centre + home-based intervention and control or centre-based intervention and control at post-test. BMIz (adjusted difference –0·12 (95 % CI, –0·24, 0·01), P = 0·06) and WAZ (adjusted difference, –0·09 (–0·17, –0·002), P = 0·04) were reduced for children in centre + home-based intervention compared with control group.

Conclusions:

There was no reduction in BMI at post-test in children who received the intervention. Findings shed light on methodological challenges in childhood obesity research and offer future directions to explore health equity-oriented obesity prevention.
Crop physiological considerations for combining variable-density planting to optimize seed costs and weed suppression
Authors: Ethridge Sandra R. , Locke Anna M. , Everman Wesley J. , Jordan David L. , Leon Ramon G.
Published: November 2022

High crop densities are valuable to increase weed suppression, but growers might be reluctant to implement this practice due to increased seed cost. Because it is also possible to lower planting densities in areas with no or low weed interference risk, the area allocated to each planting density must be optimized considering seed cost and productivity per plant. In this study, the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] were characterized in response to low planting densities and arrangements. The results were used to develop a bioeconomic model to optimize the area devoted to high- and low-density plantings to increase weed suppression without increasing seed cost. Physiological differences seen in each crop varied with the densities tested; however, maize was the only crop that had differences in yield (per area) between densities. When a model to optimize low and high planting densities was used, maize and cotton showed the most plasticity in yield per planted seed (g seed−1) and area of low density to compensate for high-density area unit. Maize grown at 75% planting density compared with the high-planting density (200%) increased yield (g seed−1) by 229%, return by 43%, and profit by 79% while decreasing the low-density area needed to compensate for high-density area. Cotton planted at 25% planting density compared with the 200% planting density increased yield (g seed−1) by 1,099%, return by 46%, and profit by 62% while decreasing the low-density area needed to compensate for high-density area. In contrast, the high morphological plasticity of soybean did not translate into changes in area optimization, as soybean maintained return, profit, and a 1:1 ratio for area compensation. This optimization model could allow for the use of variable planting at large scales to increase weed suppression while minimizing costs to producers.
A Day in the Life Used to Be 17 Hours
Authors: Shepherd Emily
Published: November 2022

The Moon was a lot closer to Earth 2.46 billion years ago, and the shorter distance contributed to shorter days.
A Statistical Analysis of Multiple Characteristics of Subauroral Polarization Streams During 15 Intense Magnetic Storms
Authors: Ross Jack R. , Huang Chao‐Song
Published: November 2022

Subauroral polarization streams (SAPS) are persistent westward plasma drift equatorward of the auroral oval in the dusk‐midnight sector during geomagnetic storms. Past research has studied the dependence of SAPS latitude on Dst and the seasonal and diurnal variations of SAPS. However, other characterizations of the SAPS structure are largely unexplored. In this study, a new method is developed for SAPS determination which does not require manual analysis. The method is then applied to 15 intense magnetic storms between 2000 and 2015 using data measured by the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program satellites, and the SAPS are characterized at every hour of the storm by (a) magnetic latitude, (b) peak velocity, (c) average velocity, and (d) the integration of velocity over the width of the SAPS, denoted Area. The following statistical analysis of these results demonstrates that all four characteristics have strong correlations with Dst and weak‐to‐moderate correlations with the interplanetary magnetic field. SAPS local time dependence and main phase dependence are derived as well. Finally, a qualitative observation is discussed wherein Area varies with IMF Bz before Dst even begins to show evidence of a magnetic storm. These relationships provide new insight into SAPS evolution and its dependence on solar wind and magnetic activity.
Impact of Parametrizing Microphysical Processes in the Jet and Vortex Phase on Contrail Cirrus Properties and Radiative Forcing
Authors: Bier A. , Burkhardt U.
Published: November 2022

Contrail ice nucleation and ice crystal loss during the vortex phase control ice crystal numbers in young contrails and can have a strong impact on the properties and the life cycle of contrail cirrus. For current soot number emissions, ice nucleation is controlled by the number of emitted soot particles and atmospheric conditions while the vortex phase loss depends predominantly on the nucleated ice crystal numbers and the ambient relative humidity. Initial ice crystal numbers after the vortex phase are close to the emitted soot particle number only for very low ambient temperatures (<210 K) and for highly ice‐supersaturated conditions. Higher temperatures and lower relative humidities lead to significantly decreased ice crystal numbers. Global climate model simulations show that initial contrail ice crystal numbers per fuel mass are on average 50%–65% decreased relative to the soot number emission index in the extratropics and more in tropics. In the extratropics, this is mainly caused by a high ice crystal loss during the vortex phase and in the (sub)tropics and at lower flight levels by decreased ice nucleation. Simulated ice crystal numbers per newly formed contrail length agree well with in situ measurements over central Europe within the variability of present‐day soot number emissions. Our estimated global mean contrail cirrus radiative forcing (RF) for the year 2006 is 44 (31–49) mWm−2, around 22% lower than estimated in a previous study. When reducing soot number emissions by 80%, RF decreases by 41%, slightly less than suggested by a recent study.
Estimation of Sea Spray Aerosol Surface Area Over the Southern Ocean Using Scattering Measurements
Authors: Moore Kathryn A. , Alexander Simon P. , Humphries Ruhi S. , Jensen Jorgen , Protat Alain , Reeves J. Michael , Sanchez Kevin J. , Kreidenweis Sonia M. , DeMott Paul J.
Published: November 2022

This study focuses on methods to estimate dry marine aerosol surface area (SA) from bulk optical measurements. Aerosol SA is used in many models' ice nucleating particle (INP) parameterizations, as well as influencing particle light scattering, hygroscopic growth, and reactivity, but direct observations are scarce in the Southern Ocean (SO). Two campaigns jointly conducted in austral summer 2018 provided co‐located measurements of aerosol SA from particle size distributions and lidar to evaluate SA estimation methods in this region. Mie theory calculations based on measured size distributions were used to test a proposed approximation for dry aerosol SA, which relies on estimating effective scattering efficiency (Q) as a function of Ångström exponent (å). For distributions with dry å < 1, Q = 2 was found to be a good approximation within ±50%, but for distributions with dry å > 1, an assumption of Q = 3 as in some prior studies underestimates dry aerosol SA by a factor of 2 or more. We propose a new relationship between dry å and Q, which can be used for −0.2 < å < 2, and suggest å = 0.8 as the cutoff between primary and secondary marine aerosol‐dominated distributions. Application of a published methodology to retrieve dry marine aerosol SA from lidar extinction profiles overestimated aerosol SA by a factor of 3–5 during these campaigns. Using Microtops aerosol optical thickness measurements, we derive alternative lidar conversion parameters from our observations, applicable to marine aerosol over the SO.
Male-selective effects of oxytocin agonism on alcohol intake: behavioral assessment in socially housed prairie voles and involvement of RAGE
Authors: Potretzke Sheena , Zhang Yangmiao , Li Ju , Fecteau Kristopher M. , Erikson David W. , Hibert Marcel , Ryabinin Andrey E.
Published: November 2022

Targeting the oxytocin (OXT) peptide system has emerged as a promising new approach for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, further advancements in this development depend on properly modeling various complex social aspects of AUD and its treatment. Here we examined behavioral and molecular underpinnings of OXT receptor (OXTR) agonism in prairie voles, a rodent species with demonstrated translational validity for neurobiological mechanisms regulating social affiliations. To further improve translational validity of these studies, we examined effects of intranasal (IN) OXT administration in male and female prairie voles socially housed in the presence of untreated cagemates. IN OXT selectively inhibited alcohol drinking in male, but not female, animals. Further, we confirmed that exogenously administered OXT penetrates the prairie vole brain and showed that Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products assists this penetration after IN, but not intraperitoneal (IP), OXT administration. Finally, we demonstrated that IP administration of LIT-001, a small-molecule OXTR agonist, inhibits alcohol intake in male, but not female, prairie voles socially housed in the presence of untreated cagemates. Taken together, results of this study support the promise of selectively targeting OXTR for individualized treatment of AUD.
Reviewing the epidemiology of head and neck cancer: definitions, trends and risk factors
Authors: Gormley Mark , Creaney Grant , Schache Andrew , Ingarfield Kate , Conway David I.
Published: November 2022

Introduction Head and neck cancer appears to be increasing in incidence, with potential changes in aetiology proposed. This paper aims to provide a narrative overview of the epidemiological literature to describe the disease burden and trends in terms of incidence and mortality both in the UK and globally and to review the evidence on current risk factors.

Methods A search was performed on multiple databases (PubMed and Epistemonikos), applying filters to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses which investigated head and neck cancer incidence, mortality and risk factors. International and UK cancer registries and sources were searched for incidence and mortality data.

Results Multiple definitions of head and neck cancer are employed in epidemiology. Globally, incidence rates have increased in recent decades, largely driven by oropharyngeal cancer. Mortality rates over the last decade have also started to rise, reflecting the disease incidence and static survival rates. Major risk factors include tobacco smoking alone and in combination with alcohol consumption, betel chewing (particularly in Southeast Asian populations) and the human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal cancer.

Conclusions These epidemiological data can inform clinical and preventive service planning for head and neck cancer.
Data-driven discovery of 2D materials by deep generative models
Authors: Lyngby Peder , Thygesen Kristian Sommer
Published: November 2022

Efficient algorithms to generate candidate crystal structures with good stability properties can play a key role in data-driven materials discovery. Here, we show that a crystal diffusion variational autoencoder (CDVAE) is capable of generating two-dimensional (2D) materials of high chemical and structural diversity and formation energies mirroring the training structures. Specifically, we train the CDVAE on 2615 2D materials with energy above the convex hull ΔHhull < 0.3 eV/atom, and generate 5003 materials that we relax using density functional theory (DFT). We also generate 14192 new crystals by systematic element substitution of the training structures. We find that the generative model and lattice decoration approach are complementary and yield materials with similar stability properties but very different crystal structures and chemical compositions. In total we find 11630 predicted new 2D materials, where 8599 of these have ΔHhull < 0.3 eV/atom as the seed structures, while 2004 are within 50 meV of the convex hull and could potentially be synthesised. The relaxed atomic structures of all the materials are available in the open Computational 2D Materials Database (C2DB). Our work establishes the CDVAE as an efficient and reliable crystal generation machine, and significantly expands the space of 2D materials.
Global soil moisture data fusion by Triple Collocation Analysis from 2011 to 2018
Authors: Xie Qiuxia , Jia Li , Menenti Massimo , Hu Guangcheng
Published: November 2022

Surface Soil Moisture (SSM) information is needed for agricultural water resource management, hydrology and climate analysis applications. Temporal and spatial sampling by the space-borne instruments designed to retrieve SSM is, however, limited by the orbit and sensors of the satellites. We produced a Global Daily-scale Soil Moisture Fusion Dataset (GDSMFD) with 25 km spatial resolution (2011~2018) by applying the Triple Collocation Analysis (TCA) and Linear Weight Fusion (LWF) methods. Using five metrics, the GDSMFD was evaluated against in-situ soil moisture measurements from ten ground observation networks and compared with the prefusion SSM products. Results indicated that the GDSMFD was consistent with in-situ soil moisture measurements, the minimum of root mean square error values of GDSMFD was only 0.036 cm3/cm3. Moreover, the GDSMFD had a good global coverage with mean Global Coverage Fraction (GCF) of 0.672 and the maximum GCF of 0.837. GDSMFD performed well in accuracy and global coverage fraction, making it valuable in applications to the global climate change monitoring, drought monitoring and hydrological monitoring.
Suture trabeculotomy ab interno for secondary glaucoma in Japanese patients with Val30Met hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis
Authors: Kawaji Takahiro , Sato Tomoki
Published: November 2022

We retrospectively evaluated surgical outcomes of suture trabeculotomy (SLOT) ab interno for secondary glaucoma in 18 eyes of 12 patients with hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis with Val30Met mutation. SLOT ab interno was performed between May 2015 and January 2020. All the participants were followed up for at least 12 months. The primary outcome measure was Kaplan–Meier survival. Failure of this treatment was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) of ≥ 22 mmHg and a < 20% IOP reduction with or without medication or as additional operations needed to reduce IOP. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 3.5 years (1.2–6.1 years). The SLOT ab interno procedure alone was performed in 17 eyes (94%). Fifteen eyes (83%) had a 360° incision made in Schlemm’s canal and 3 eyes (17%) had a 180° incision performed. Cumulative survival values were 0.83, 0.63, and 0.22 at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Ten eyes (56%) needed additional surgery, such as repeated SLOT ab interno, Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation, or MicroPulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation. Our results here, as well as our previous results with trabeculectomy, suggest that SLOT ab interno may not have a sufficiently long-term effect on secondary glaucoma because of ATTRv amyloidosis.
Ultra-wide-field fundus photography compared to ophthalmoscopy in diagnosing and classifying major retinal diseases
Authors: Midena E. , Marchione G. , Di Giorgio S. , Rotondi G. , Longhin E. , Frizziero L. , Pilotto E. , Parrozzani R. , Midena G.
Published: November 2022

To analyze the performance of ultra-wide-field (UWF) fundus photography compared with ophthalmoscopy in identifying and classifying retinal diseases. Patients examined for presumed major retinal disorders were consecutively enrolled. Each patient underwent indirect ophthalmoscopic evaluation, with scleral depression and/or fundus biomicroscopy, when clinically indicated, and mydriatic UWF fundus imaging by means of CLARUS 500™ fundus camera. Each eye was classified by a clinical grader and two image graders in the following groups: normal retina, diabetic retinopathy, vascular abnormalities, macular degenerations and dystrophies, retinal and choroidal tumors, peripheral degenerative lesions and retinal detachment and myopic alterations. 7024 eyes of new patients were included. The inter-grader agreement for images classification was perfect (kappa = 0.998, 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI) = 0.997–0.999), as the two methods concordance for retinal diseases diagnosis (kappa = 0.997, 95%CI = 0.996–0.999) without statistically significant difference. UWF fundus imaging might be an alternative to ophthalmoscopy, since it allows to accurately classify major retinal diseases, widening the range of disorders possibly diagnosed with teleophthalmology. Although the clinician should be aware of the possibility that a minority of the most peripheral lesions may be not entirely visualized, it might be considered a first line diagnostic modality, in the context of a full ophthalmological examination.
Numerical and experimental evaluation of ultrasound-assisted convection enhanced delivery to transfer drugs into brain tumors
Authors: Boroumand Ahmad , Mehrarya Mehrnoush , Ghanbarzadeh-Dagheyan Ashkan , Ahmadian Mohammad Taghi
Published: November 2022

Central Nervous System (CNS) malignant tumors are a leading cause of death worldwide with a high mortality rate. While numerous strategies have been proposed to treat CNS tumors, the treatment efficacy is still low mainly due to the existence of the Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB). BBB is a natural cellular layer between the circulatory system and brain extracellular fluid, limiting the transfer of drug particles and confining the routine treatment strategies in which drugs are released in the blood. Consequently, direct drug delivery methods have been devised to bypass the BBB. However, the efficiency of these methods is not enough to treat deep and large brain tumors. In the study at hand, the effect of focused ultrasound (FUS) waves on enhancing drug delivery to brain tumors, through ultrasound-assisted convection-enhanced delivery (UCED), has been investigated. First, brain mimicking gels were synthesized to mimic the CNS microenvironment, and the drug solution was injected into them. Second, FUS waves with the resonance frequency of 1.1 MHz were applied to the drug injected zone. Next, a finite element (FE) model was developed to evaluate the pre-existing equation in the literature for describing the drug delivery via acoustic streaming in brain tissue. Experimental results showed that the FUS transducer was able to enhance the drug volume distribution up to 500% relative to convection-enhanced delivery alone (CED). Numerical analysis showed that the FE model could replicate the experimental penetration depths with a mean difference value of less than 21%, and acoustic streaming plays a significant role in UCED. Therefore, the results of this study could open a new way to develop FE models of the brain to better evaluate the UCED and reduce the costs of conducting clinical and animal studies.
Modification of corn starch by thermal-ultrasound treatment in presence of Arabic gum
Authors: Golkar Abdolkhalegh , Milani Jafar Mohammadzadeh , Motamedzadegan Ali , Kenari Reza Esmaeilzadeh
Published: November 2022

This research extends the effects of a thermal-ultrasound treatment (at 25, 45, and 65 °C for 30 and 60 min) on the physicochemical, structural, and pasting properties of corn starch in presence of Arabic gum. Treated samples had lower leached amylose compared with corn starch, but it was non-significant (p < 0.05). In comparison to alone corn starch and a combination of Arabic gum, thermal-ultrasound treatment increased the swelling power and solubility of samples. Treatment significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the syneresis of treated starch gels, especially at a temperature of < 45 °C, but paste clarity was increased at the higher temperature (65 °C). The enthalpy of treated samples was in the range 15.20–16.37 J/g. Sonication at 65 °C for 60 min had the most destructive effect on corn starch granules, but at 30 min granules were swollen only. FT-IR spectra of samples confirmed the physical modification of thermal-ultrasound treatment. The relative crystallinity index of samples changed in the range 21.88–35.42% and decreased with rising time and temperature. Sonication at 45 °C for 30 and 60 min produced starch-gum mixtures with different pasting properties. Thermal-ultrasound treatment in presence of gum can be a viable technique to modify starches with different functionality.
The Staphylococcus aureus cell division protein, DivIC, interacts with the cell wall and controls its biosynthesis
Authors: Tinajero-Trejo Mariana , Carnell Oliver , Kabli Azhar F. , Pasquina-Lemonche Laia , Lafage Lucia , Han Aidong , Hobbs Jamie K. , Foster Simon J.
Published: November 2022

Bacterial cell division is a complex, dynamic process that requires multiple protein components to orchestrate its progression. Many division proteins are highly conserved across bacterial species alluding to a common, basic mechanism. Central to division is a transmembrane trimeric complex involving DivIB, DivIC and FtsL in Gram-positives. Here, we show a distinct, essential role for DivIC in division and survival of Staphylococcus aureus. DivIC spatially regulates peptidoglycan synthesis, and consequently cell wall architecture, by influencing the recruitment to the division septum of the major peptidoglycan synthetases PBP2 and FtsW. Both the function of DivIC and its recruitment to the division site depend on its extracellular domain, which interacts with the cell wall via binding to wall teichoic acids. DivIC facilitates the spatial and temporal coordination of peptidoglycan synthesis with the developing architecture of the septum during cell division. A better understanding of the cell division mechanisms in S. aureus and other pathogenic microorganisms can provide possibilities for the development of new, more effective treatments for bacterial infections.
Development of microglia-targeting adeno-associated viral vectors as tools to study microglial behavior in vivo
Authors: Okada Yukihiro , Hosoi Nobutake , Matsuzaki Yasunori , Fukai Yuuki , Hiraga Akito , Nakai Junichi , Nitta Keisuke , Shinohara Yoichiro , Konno Ayumu , Hirai Hirokazu
Published: November 2022

Here we describe the microglia-targeting adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors containing a 1.7-kb putative promoter region of microglia/macrophage-specific ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), along with repeated miRNA target sites for microRNA (miR)-9 and miR-129-2-3p. The 1.7-kb genomic sequence upstream of the start codon in exon 1 of the Iba1 (Aif1) gene, functions as microglia preferential promoter in the striatum and cerebellum. Furthermore, ectopic transgene expression in non-microglial cells is markedly suppressed upon adding two sets of 4-repeated miRNA target sites for miR-9 and miR-129-2-3p, which are expressed exclusively in non-microglial cells and sponged AAV-derived mRNAs. Our vectors transduced ramified microglia in healthy tissues and reactive microglia in lipopolysaccharide-treated mice and a mouse model of neurodegenerative disease. Moreover, live fluorescent imaging allowed the monitoring of microglial motility and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Thus, microglia-targeting AAV vectors are valuable for studying microglial pathophysiology and therapies, particularly in the striatum and cerebellum.
Niclosamide targets the dynamic progression of macrophages for the resolution of endometriosis in a mouse model
Authors: Zhao Liang , Shi Mingxin , Winuthayanon Sarayut , MacLean James A. , Hayashi Kanako
Published: November 2022

Due to the vital roles of macrophages in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, targeting macrophages could be a promising therapeutic direction. Here, we investigated the efficacy of niclosamide for the resolution of a perturbed microenvironment caused by dysregulated macrophages in a mouse model of endometriosis. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed the heterogeneity of macrophages including three intermediate subtypes with sharing characteristics of traditional “small” or “large” peritoneal macrophages (SPMs and LPMs) in the peritoneal cavity. Endometriosis-like lesions (ELL) enhanced the differentiation of recruited macrophages, promoted the replenishment of resident LPMs, and increased the ablation of embryo-derived LPMs, which were stepwise suppressed by niclosamide. In addition, niclosamide restored intercellular communications between macrophages and B cells. Therefore, niclosamide rescued the perturbed microenvironment in endometriosis through its fine regulations on the dynamic progression of macrophages. Validation of similar macrophage pathogenesis in patients will further promote the clinical usage of niclosamide for endometriosis treatment.
GPR55 in B cells limits atherosclerosis development and regulates plasma cell maturation
Authors: Guillamat-Prats Raquel , Hering Daniel , Derle Abhishek , Rami Martina , Härdtner Carmen , Santovito Donato , Rinne Petteri , Bindila Laura , Hristov Michael , Pagano Sabrina , Vuilleumier Nicolas , Schmid Sofie , Janjic Aleksandar , Enard Wolfgang , Weber Christian , Maegdefessel Lars , Faussner Alexander , Hilgendorf Ingo , Steffens Sabine
Published: November 2022

Dissecting the pathways regulating the adaptive immune response in atherosclerosis is of particular therapeutic interest. Here we report that the lipid G-protein-coupled receptor GPR55 is highly expressed by splenic plasma cells (PCs), upregulated in mouse spleens during atherogenesis and human unstable or ruptured compared to stable plaques.Gpr55-deficient mice developed larger atherosclerotic plaques with increased necrotic core size compared to their corresponding controls. Lack of GPR55 hyperactivated B cells, disturbed PC maturation and resulted in IgG overproduction. B-cell-specificGpr55depletion or adoptive transfer ofGpr55-deficient B cells was sufficient to promote plaque development and elevated IgG titers. In vitro, the endogenous GPR55 ligand lysophsophatidylinositol (LPI) enhanced PC proliferation, whereas GPR55 antagonism blocked PC maturation and increased their mitochondrial content. Collectively, these discoveries provide previously undefined evidence for GPR55 in B cells as a key modulator of the adaptive immune response in atherosclerosis.
Coil spring-powered pump with inertial microfluidic chip for size-based isolation and enrichment of biological cells
Authors: Gwak Hogyeong , Ha Seong Min , Song Jae-Woo , Hyun Kyung-A. , Jung Hyo-Il
Published: November 2022

Coil spring-powered device for circulating biomarker isolation.
Sticktight-inspired PEGylation for low-fouling coatings
Authors: Zhao Kaijie , Li Mengqi , Zhang Peiyu , Cui Jiwei
Published: November 2022

We report the influence of PEG molecular architectures on low-fouling coatings, where the increase in the number of arms results in an improved antifouling performance.
Visible-light-induced Mn(0)-catalyzed direct C-3 mono-, di- and perfluoroalkylation reactions of 2H-indazoles
Authors: Laru Sudip , Bhattacharjee Suvam , Hajra Alakananda
Published: November 2022

A general and efficient method for visible-light driven fluoroalkylation reactions such as mono-, difluoromethylation and perfluoroalkylation at the C-3 position of 2H-indazoles using the Mn2(CO)10 photocatalyst has been developed.
Electronic properties of lithium-ion conductive amorphous lithium phosphorus oxynitride
Authors: Nakayama Futa , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Yoshikawa Keisuke , Yamamoto Satoshi , Sakakura Miyuki , Ohnishi Tsuyoshi , Iriyama Yasutoshi
Published: November 2022

Electronic properties (VBM, CBM, EF) of LiPON are clarified based on the composition and chemical bonding state.
Excited state dynamics and conjugation effects of the photoisomerization reactions of dihydroazulene
Authors: Hillers-Bendtsen Andreas Erbs , Kjeldal Frederik Ørsted , Ree Nicolai , Matito Eduard , Mikkelsen Kurt V.
Published: November 2022

Herein, we present an investigation of the excited state dynamics of the dihydroazulene photoswitch and its photoinduced reaction to vinylheptafulvene.
1H chemical shift anisotropy: a high sensitivity solid-state NMR dynamics probe for surface studies?
Authors: Southern Scott A. , Liu Da-Jiang , Chatterjee Puranjan , Li Yuting , Perras Frédéric A.
Published: November 2022

Solid-state NMR probes of dynamics often require the use of isotopic enrichment, which limits their scope. Proton chemical shift anisotropy can provide a sensitive alternative in certain cases.
Photochemically deoxygenating gels for triplet–triplet annihilation photon-upconversion performed under air
Authors: Zhou Hongqi , Lin Jinxiong , Wan Shigang , Lu Wei
Published: November 2022

Efficient triplet–triplet annihilation photon upconversion (TTA-UC) could be achieved under air in photochemically deoxygenating gels which can serve as a scavenger for sensitized singlet oxygen.
Mesoporous multi-valence manganese oxides composite nanotubes boosting long-life lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhou Junxiang , Feng Bo , Kong Xiangze , Li Lei , Li Zhiqiang , Tian Xiaoxia , Feng Mingde , Qu Shaobo , Wang Jiafu
Published: November 2022

Multi-component nano-oxide composite materials may present special synergistic effects as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
Pit-embellished low-valent metal active sites customize CO2photoreduction to methanol
Authors: Zhao Wei , Ding Miao , Yang Pengxin , Wang Qiang , Zhang Kaifu , Zhan Xiaowen , Yu Yu , Luo Qiquan , Gao Shan , Yang Jinlong , Xie Yi
Published: November 2022

Controllable adjustment of low-valent metal active sites near the pits can promote the WO3−xsurface charge delocalization, which dominates the formation of *CHO intermediates, thus customizing a unique reaction pathway for CO2reduction to CH3OH.
Single cell-asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation/ICP-time of flight-mass spectrometry (sc-AF4/ICP-ToF-MS): an efficient alternative for the cleaning and multielemental analysis of individual cells
Authors: Chronakis Michail Ioannis , von der Au Marcus , Meermann Björn
Published: November 2022

A new approach relying on AF4 for gentle on-line removal of the ionic background from cells during single cell-ICP-ToF-MS analysis was developed. In a first proof-of-concept study the new approach was applied for the analysis of yeast cells.
Differential roles of transcriptional and translational negative autoregulations in protein dynamics
Authors: Ryzowicz Christopher , Yildirim Necmettin
Published: November 2022

Cells respond to external stimuli to produce specific biological outcomes utilizing a wide variety of mechanisms that often leads to protein regulations.
Cu and Si co-doping on TiO2 nanosheets to modulate reactive oxygen species for efficient photocatalytic methane conversion
Authors: Ma Jun , Low Jingxiang , Wu Di , Gong Wanbing , Liu Hengjie , Liu Dong , Long Ran , Xiong Yujie
Published: November 2022

The Cu and Si co-doping could rationally regulate the electronic structure of TiO2 nanosheets and maneuver the reactive oxygen species for methane activation, which achieves significant photocatalytic methane conversion into ethane.
Ultra-small porous WN/W2C nanoparticles for sustained hydrogen production by a polyoxometalate-intercalated pyrolysis strategy
Authors: Zhu Ying , Zheng Haiyan , Liu Xinyan , Sun Chunyi , Dong Man , Wang Xinlong , Su Zhongmin
Published: November 2022

Designing low-cost, stable and earth-abundant transition metal-based electrocatalysts to replace Pt-based catalysts is of significant importance for green and sustainable energy technologies.
Effect of introducing a cyclobutylmethyl group into an onium cation on the thermodynamic properties of ionic clathrate hydrates
Authors: Azuma Sakura , Shimada Jin , Tsunashima Katsuhiko , Sugahara Takeshi , Hirai Takayuki
Published: November 2022

Cyclic hydrocarbon groups in phosphonium cations can be one of the options for tuning the equilibrium temperature of ionic clathrate hydrates.
An antibacterial chitosan-based hydrogel as a potential degradable bio-scaffold for alveolar ridge preservation
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyu , Liu Congrui , Han Yijun , Li Can , Liu Sida , Li Xiaoyan , Zhao Guoqing , Jiang Yanyan
Published: November 2022

An antibacterial chitosan-based composite hydrogel was successfully prepared and provided a new strategy for alveolar ridge preservation.
Examining computationally the structural, elastic, optical, and electronic properties of CaQCl3 (Q = Li and K) chloroperovskites using DFT framework
Authors: Husain Mudasser , Rahman Nasir , Albalawi Hind , Ezzine Safa , Amami Mongi , Zaman Tahir , Rehman Altaf Ur , Sohail Mohammad , Khan Rajwali , Khan Abid Ali , Tahir  , Khan Aurangzeb
Published: November 2022

This study presents the investigations of structural, elastic, optical, and electronic properties of CaQCl3 (Q = Li and K) chloroperovskites for the first time using the DFT framework.
Investigation of multiple commercial electrocatalysts and electrocatalyst degradation for fuel cells in real vehicles
Authors: He Wenhui , Xiang Yanjuan , Xin Mudi , Qiu Limei , Dong Wenyan , Zhao Wenhui , Diao Yuxia , Zheng Aiguo , Xu Guangtong
Published: November 2022

The coalescence of Pt nanoparticles during operation in a real vehicle is considered to be the main reason to weaken the ORR. The trajectories of oriented attachment were disclosed by observing the coalescence events of Pt NPs using in situ TEM.
Radiolabelling small and biomolecules for tracking and monitoring
Authors: Edelmann Martin R.
Published: November 2022

Common positions for the incorporation of the radioisotopes carbon-14, sulfur-35, or tritium in oligonucleotides with the example of the two nucleotides thymidine as pyrimidine base and adenosine as purine base.
In situ fabrication of a novel CdS/ZnIn2S4/g-C3N4 ternary heterojunction with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance
Authors: Li Jingzhe , Chen Yue , Zhu Liezhen , Liao Linfa , Wang Xinmao , Xu Xun , Qiu Lingfang , Xi Jiangbo , Li Ping , Duo Shuwang
Published: November 2022

A novel ternary photocatalyst CdS/ZnIn2S4/g-C3N4 was designed and constructed by a calcination and two-step in situ deposition method with high-efficiency visible-light photocatalytic performance.
Improved citric acid-derived carbon dots synthesis through microwave-based heating in a hydrothermal pressure vessel
Authors: M. Jorns , S. Strickland , M. Mullins , D. Pappas
Published: November 2022

Carbon dots (CDs) synthesis from citric acid, ethylenediamine, and formamide by microwave-assisted hydrothermal carbonization in a pressurized vessel.
Correction: Mechanism and principle of doping: realizing of silver incorporation in CdS thin film via doping concentration effect
Authors: Najm A. S. , Aljuhani Abdulwahab , Naeem Hasanain Salah , Sopian K. , Ismail Raid A. , Holi Araa Mebdir , Sabri Laith S. , Abdullah AL-Zahrani Asla , Rasheed Rashed Taleb , Moria Hazim
Published: November 2022

Correction for ‘Mechanism and principle of doping: realizing of silver incorporation in CdS thin film via doping concentration effect’ by A. S. Najm et al., RSC Adv., 2022, 12, 29613–29626, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA04790J.
A binder-free facile synthetic approach for amorphous, hydrous nickel copper phosphate thin film electrode preparation and its application as a highly stable cathode for hybrid asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Pujari Sachin S. , Kadam Sujit A. , Ma Yuan-Ron , Jadhav Satish B. , Kumbhar Sambhaji S. , Bhosale Shraddha B. , Patil Vinod V. , Gunjakar Jayavant L. , Lokhande Chandrakant D. , Patil Umakant M.
Published: November 2022

A facile and binder-free synthesis of amorphous nickel–copper phosphate thin film electrodes with nickel: copper variation by SILAR method for application as a cathode in hybrid supercapacitors.