bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence to the food-based Japanese dietary guidelines and prevalence of poor oral health-related quality of life among older Japanese adults in the Kyoto–Kameoka study
Authors: Watanabe Daiki , Kurotani Kayo , Yoshida Tsukasa , Nanri Hinako , Watanabe Yuya , Date Heiwa , Itoi Aya , Goto Chiho , Ishikawa-Takata Kazuko , Kikutani Takeshi , Yoshida Mitsuyoshi , Fujita Hiroyuki , Yamada Yosuke , Kimura Misaka ,   Kyoto-Kameoka Study Group
Published: August 2021

Although better diet quality is inversely related to the risk of geriatric disorders, the association of adherence to dietary guidelines with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is unclear. We aimed to investigate this association in older Japanese adults. This cross-sectional study included 7984 Japanese participants aged ≥ 65 years from the population-based Kyoto–Kameoka study. Dietary intake was estimated using a validated self-administered FFQ. The scores for adherence to the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top (range: 0 (worst) to 80 (best)) were calculated. These scores were stratiﬁed into quartiles (Qs). Poor OHRQoL was defined as a score ≤ 50 using a 12-item Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index. The OR and 95 % CI were calculated using multivariable logistic regression and the spline model. Higher adherence score was associated with a lower prevalence of poor OHRQoL (Q1–Q4:36·0 %, 32·1 %, 27·9 % and 25·1 %, respectively). An inverse association was found between the score for adherence to the food-based Japanese dietary guidelines and the OR of poor OHRQoL among all the participants (Q1: reference; Q2: OR, 0·87 (95 % CI: 0·75, 1·00); Q3: OR, 0·77 (95 % CI: 0·66, 0·90); Q4: OR, 0·72 (95 % CI: 0·62, 0·85); Pfor trend < 0·001). These relationships were similar to the results in the spline model. Higher adherence to the food-based Japanese dietary guidelines is inversely associated with the prevalence of poor OHRQoL in older adults. Our results may provide useful insights to improve and maintain oral health.
Short-range attraction and oviposition stimulant of a biocontrol agent, Galerucella placida Baly (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) toward weed leaf surface waxes
Authors: Koner Anamika , Das Swati , Mobarak Syed Husne , Barik Anandamay
Published: August 2021

Two Polygonaceae weeds, Rumex dentatus L. and Polygonum glabrum Willd. are abundant in wheat- and rice-fields, respectively, in India. Galerucella placida Baly (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a biocontrol agent of these two weeds. The importance of long-chain alkanes and free fatty acids present in leaf surface waxes of these weeds was assessed as short-range attractant and ovipositional stimulant in G. placida females. Extraction, TLC, GC-MS and GC-FID analyses demonstrated 19 n-alkanes from n-C14 to n-C35 and 14 free fatty acids from C12:0 to C22:0 in leaf surface waxes. Hentriacontane was predominant among alkanes in both weeds, while oleic acid and docosanoic acid were predominant among free fatty acids in R. dentatus and P. glabrum, respectively. Females of G. placida were attracted toward one leaf equivalent surface wax of both weeds against the control solvent (petroleum ether) in a short Y-tube olfactometer bioassay. But, the insect could not differentiate between one leaf equivalent surface wax of R. dentatus and P. glabrum, indicating that both weed leaves were equally attractive in females. A synthetic blend of either 2.44, 35.57 and 23.58 μg ml−1 of octadecane, heptacosane and nonacosane, respectively, resembling the amounts present in one leaf equivalent surface wax of R. dentatus or 4.08, 19.54 and 23.58 μg ml−1 of octadecane, palmitoleic acid and docosanoic acid, respectively, resembling the amounts present in one leaf equivalent surface wax of P. glabrum acted as short-range attractant and ovipositional stimulant in G. placida. These results could be a basis for host plant specificity of the biocontrol agent.
Investigating racing thoughts via ocular temporal windows: deficits in the control of automatic perceptual processes
Authors: Polgári Patrik , Weiner Luisa , Causin Jean-Baptiste , Bertschy Gilles , Giersch Anne
Published: August 2021

Background

Racing thoughts have been found in several states of bipolar disorder (BD), but also in healthy populations with subclinical mood alterations. The evaluation of racing thoughts relies on subjective reports, and objective measures are sparse. The current study aims at finding an objective neuropsychological equivalent of racing thoughts in a mixed group of BD patients and healthy controls by using a bistable perception paradigm.

Method

Eighty-three included participants formed three groups based on participants' levels of racing thoughts reported via the Racing and Crowded Thoughts Questionnaire. Participants reported reversals in their perception during viewing of the bistable Necker cube either spontaneously, while asked to focus on one interpretation of the cube, or while asked to accelerate perceptual reversals. The dynamics of perceptual alternations were studied both at a conscious level (with manual temporal windows reflecting perceptual reversals) and at a more automatic level (with ocular temporal windows derived from ocular fixations).

Results

The rate of windows was less modulated by attentional conditions in participants with racing thoughts, and most clearly so for ocular windows. The rate of ocular windows was especially high when participants with racing thoughts were asked to focus on one interpretation of the Necker cube and when they received these instructions for the first time.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that in subjects with racing thoughts automatic perceptual processes escape cognitive control mechanisms. Racing thoughts may involve not only conscious thought mechanisms but also more automatic processes.
Neuropsychological Phenotypes in Pediatric Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Schraegle William A. , Nussbaum Nancy L. , DeLeon Rosario C. , Titus Jeffrey B.
Published: August 2021

Objective:

Adults with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) have been found to have a fairly characteristic pattern of neuropsychological performance, but there is considerably less research and more variability in findings with children. Because the cognitive domains included in most studies with children have been limited, the current study attempted to better characterize the cognitive phenotype of children with TLE using a broader neuropsychological battery.

Methods:

The study included 59 children with TLE (59% male) age 7 to 16 (M = 12.67; SD = 3.12) who underwent comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. Patient results were grouped into cognitive domains (reasoning, language, visuoperceptual, verbal memory, executive function, and motor function) based upon their test performance. These factor scores were subjected to Ward’s hierarchical clustering method with squared Euclidean distance.

Results:

Cluster analysis revealed three distinct cognitive profiles: (1) normal functioning (20% of sample); (2) delayed verbal memory and motor weaknesses (61% of the sample); and (3) global impairment (19% of the sample). Cluster 3 had longer epilepsy duration and a higher incidence of hippocampal sclerosis (HS) compared to Cluster 1 (p < .05). There were no significant differences among the three cluster groups on demographic characteristics or remaining clinical characteristics.

Conclusions:

Children with TLE present with distinct cognitive phenotypes ranging from average performance to global impairment. Results partially support previous hypotheses highlighting the cumulative neurobiological burden on the developing brain in the context of chronic epilepsy and provide a preliminary framework for the cognitive domains most vulnerable to the TLE disease process.
Microscopy and Histochemistry of Leaves and Stems of Baccharis Subgenus Coridifoliae (Asteraceae) Through LM and SEM-EDS
Authors: Paes de Almeida Valter , Heiden Gustavo , Raman Vijayasankar , Novatski Andressa , Bussade Julia Emilia , Farago Paulo Vitor , Manfron Jane
Published: August 2021

This research reports for the first time the anatomical characteristics of all species belonging to Baccharis subgenus Coridifoliae (Asteraceae). The anatomy and micro-morphology of aerial vegetative organs of ten species: B. albilanosa, B. artemisioides, B. bicolor, B. coridifolia, B. erigeroides, B. napaea, B. ochracea, B. pluricapitulata, B. scabrifolia, and B. suberectifolia are investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy. The number of secretory ducts, crystal morphology, presence or absence of conical nonglandular trichomes, leaves cross-section shape, margin morphology, anticlinal epidermal cell walls shape, and cuticle structure were identified as characters with diagnostic value for species. Similarity cluster analysis allows the formation of three groups based on a percentage of similarity between 45 and 84%. Some species showed differential characteristics as the presence of up to four secretory ducts in the midrib in B. albilanosa; smooth cuticles onboth sides of the leaf epidermis in B. erigeroides; flat midrib shape on both sides of the leaves in B. napaea; and convex–flat midrib shape in B. suberectifolia. The remaining species can be differentiated by a set of anatomical features. Anatomical and histochemical characteristics of stems and leaves provided data to support species identification.
Comparing Perceptual Speed Between Educational Contexts
Authors: Gnambs Timo , Scharl Anna , Rohm Theresa
Published: August 2021

Abstract. Perceptual speed is a basic component of cognitive functioning that allows people to efficiently process novel visual stimuli and quickly react to them. In educational studies, tests measuring perceptual speed are frequently developed using students from regular schools without considering students with special educational needs. Therefore, it is unclear whether these instruments allow valid comparisons between different school tracks. The present study on N = 3,312 students from the National Educational Panel Study evaluated differential item functioning (DIF) of a short test of perceptual speed between four school tracks in Germany (special, basic, intermediate, and upper secondary schools). Bayesian Rasch Poisson counts modeling identified negligible DIF that did not systematically disadvantage specific students. Moreover, the test reliabilities were comparable between school tracks. These results highlight that perceptual speed can be comparably measured in special schools, thus enabling educational researchers to study schooling effects in the German educational system.
Multifractal Analysis of a Seismic Moment Distribution Obtained From InSAR Inversion
Authors: Saylor Cameron , Rundle John B. , Donnellan Andrea
Published: August 2021

Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) interferograms contain valuable information about the fault systems hidden beneath the surface of the Earth. In a new approach, we aim to fit InSAR ground deformation data using a distribution of multiple seismic point sources whose parameters are found by a genetic algorithm. The resulting source distribution could provide another useful tool in solving the difficult problem of accurately mapping earthquake faults. We apply the algorithm to an ALOS‐2 InSAR interferogram and perform a multifractal analysis on the resulting distribution, finding that it exhibits multifractal properties. We report first results and discuss advantages and disadvantages of this approach.
Identifying the Drivers of Modeling Uncertainties in Isoprene Emissions: Schemes Versus Meteorological Forcings
Authors: Cao Yang , Yue Xu , Lei Yadong , Zhou Hao , Liao Hong , Song Yu , Bai Jianhui , Yang Yang , Chen Lei , Zhu Jia , Ma Yimian , Tian Chenguang
Published: August 2021

Isoprene dominates global biogenic volatile organic compounds and has significant impacts on atmospheric chemistry. Global simulations of isoprene emissions show large uncertainties in both the trend and interannual variability. Here, we explored the uncertainties of simulated isoprene emissions during 1982–2015 using the Yale Interactive terrestrial Biosphere model, which is implemented with two emission schemes (PS_BVOC and Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature [MEGAN]) and driven by two long‐term reanalysis meteorology (WFDEI and Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications [MERRA]). Model evaluations show that both PS_BVOC and MEGAN schemes capture reasonable spatial patterns of the global isoprene emissions. The averaged fluxes from simulations using two meteorological forcings show isoprene trends of 0.69 Tg C m2 a−1 with PS_BVOC scheme but −0.22 Tg C m2 a−1 with MEGAN scheme. Such opposite trend is mainly because PS_BVOC considers both CO2 fertilization and inhibition effects to isoprene while the MEGAN scheme implements CO2 inhibition effect alone. Meanwhile, the averaged fluxes from simulations using two schemes yield interannual variability of 1.59% with WFDEI and 2.06% with MERRA reanalyses. Such discrepancies are mainly attributed to the larger variability in MERRA data. On the global scale, differences in schemes are the main driver of uncertainties in isoprene trends. In contrast, differences in meteorological forcings dominate the uncertainties in the interannual variability of isoprene emissions. Our sensitivity experiments reveal the key sources of modeling uncertainties, which are vital for the improvement of parameterizations and future projections of isoprene emissions.
Observation of Terrestrial Gamma‐Ray Flashes at Mid Latitude
Authors: Maiorana C. , Marisaldi M. , Füllekrug M. , Soula S. , Lapierre J. , Mezentsev A. , Skeie C. A. , Heumesser M. , Chanrion O. , Østgaard N. , Neubert T. , Reglero V.
Published: August 2021

We present a sample of Terrestrial Gamma‐ray Flashes (TGFs) observed at mid latitudes by the Atmosphere Space Interaction Monitor (ASIM). The events were detected between June 2018 and August 2020 in the latitude bands between 35° and 51° in both hemispheres, which we hereafter refer to as “mid latitudes.” The sample includes the first observations above and consists of 14 events clustered in four geographical regions: north‐west Atlantic and eastern USA; Mediterranean Sea; the ocean around South Africa; and north‐eastern China and Siberia. We examine the characteristics of each event, both standalone and in the context of the global ASIM TGF data set, and we find that our sample is consistent with the global population concerning the number of counts, but shows significantly shorter durations. We analyze the meteorological context and the general evolution of the parent storms and we show that the storms are not extreme in terms of total duration and extension. Whenever possible, we also include the radio sferics and the peak current of the parent stroke. Finally, we present an estimation of the TGF occurrence rate at mid latitudes, based on ASIM's exposure, the local flash rate and tropopause altitude, and we show that it is outside but very close to two standard deviation from the rate of production at tropical latitudes, corrected by the higher atmospheric absorption of higher latitudes. This means that atmospheric absorption plays a major role in the detection of TGFs at mid latitudes, but we cannot rule out other factors.
Impoverishing Roots Will Improve Wheat Yield and Profitability Through Increased Water and Nitrogen Use Efficiencies
Authors: Woo D. K. , Riley W. J. , Paez‐Garcia A. , Marklein A. R. , Mekonnen Z. A. , Liu X. , Ma X. , Blancaflor E. , Wu Y.
Published: August 2021

More than a 60% increase in crop production is required by the 2050's to feed a growing world population. Understanding how plant functional traits and field management affect crop yields has the potential to improve agricultural productivity, minimize economic and environmental losses, and maximize food security. We explored the influence of winter wheat root characteristics and management on winter wheat growth, yield, and profit using a mechanistic and well‐tested ecosystem and crop model, ecosys. We applied and further tested ecosys at an agricultural farm growing winter wheat in Ardmore, Oklahoma, United States. The model accurately predicted observed shoot carbon ( = 0.95), soil moisture ( = 0.67), soil temperature ( = 0.91), and yield (percent error = 17%). Numerical optimization experiments were conducted to explore potential improvements of winter wheat yield and profit by modifying root characteristics, including root radius and root:shoot carbon transfer conductance, and fertilizer inputs. Our results show the potential for simultaneously improving winter wheat yields and profits. The optimum conditions were found to be in the range of root radius between 0.1 and 0.3 mm, carbon transfer conductance between 0.004 and 0.01 , and the currently applied fertilizer rate of 112 kg . Under these conditions, improvements in yields and profits of up to approximately 25% and 110%, respectively, were modeled compared to those under baseline root traits. These improvements were achieved by impoverishing root structures, thereby increasing nutrient allocation to grains. Our results also demonstrate and motivate model structures that integrate the complex network of plant physiology, soil nutrient biogeochemistry, hydrology, and management.
New View of Expanding Perspectives in the Geosciences
Authors: Basilio Humberto
Published: August 2021

Earth and environmental sciences have some of the least diverse racial and ethnic representation in academia. To face profound future challenges, the fields need to address the inequities of the past and how they inform the present.
Constraints on the Cycling of Iron Isotopes From a Global Ocean Model
Authors: König D. , Conway T. M. , Ellwood M. J. , Homoky W. B. , Tagliabue A.
Published: August 2021

Although iron (Fe) is a key regulator of primary production over much of the ocean, many components of the marine iron cycle are poorly constrained, which undermines our understanding of climate change impacts. In recent years, a growing number of studies (often part of GEOTRACES) have used Fe isotopic signatures (δ56Fe) to disentangle different aspects of the marine Fe cycle. Characteristic δ56Fe endmembers of external sources and assumed isotopic fractionation during biological Fe uptake or recycling have been used to estimate relative source contributions and investigate internal transformations, respectively. However, different external sources and fractionation processes often overlap and act simultaneously, complicating the interpretation of oceanic Fe isotope observations. Here we investigate the driving forces behind the marine dissolved Fe isotopic signature (δ56Fediss) distribution by incorporating Fe isotopes into the global ocean biogeochemical model PISCES. We find that distinct external source endmembers acting alongside fractionation during organic complexation and phytoplankton uptake are required to reproduce δ56Fediss observations along GEOTRACES transects. δ56Fediss distributions through the water column result from regional imbalances of remineralization and abiotic removal processes. They modify δ56Fediss directly and transfer surface ocean signals to the interior with opposing effects. Although attributing crustal compositions to sedimentary Fe sources in regions with low organic carbon fluxes improves our isotope model, δ56Fediss signals from hydrothermal or sediment sources cannot be reproduced accurately by simply adjusting δ56Fe endmember values. This highlights that additional processes must govern the exchange and/or speciation of Fe supplied by these sources to the ocean.
New Metrics for Assessing the State Performance in Combating the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Li Yun , Rice Megan , Li Moming , Du Chengan , Xin Xin , Wang Zifu , Shi Xun , Yang Chaowei
Published: August 2021

Previous research has noted that many factors greatly influence the spread of COVID‐19. Contrary to explicit factors that are measurable, such as population density, number of medical staff, and the daily test rate, many factors are not directly observable, for instance, culture differences and attitudes toward the disease, which may introduce unobserved heterogeneity. Most contemporary COVID‐19 related research has focused on modeling the relationship between explicitly measurable factors and the response variable of interest (such as the infection rate or the death rate). The infection rate is a commonly used metric for evaluating disease progression and a state's mitigation efforts. Because unobservable sources of heterogeneity cannot be measured directly, it is hard to incorporate them into the quantitative assessment and decision‐making process. In this study, we propose new metrics to study a state's performance by adjusting the measurable county‐level covariates and unobservable state‐level heterogeneity through random effects. A hierarchical linear model (HLM) is postulated, and we calculate two model‐based metrics—the standardized infection ratio (SDIR) and the adjusted infection rate (AIR). This analysis highlights certain time periods when the infection rate for a state was high while their SDIR was low and vice versa. We show that trends in these metrics can give insight into certain aspects of a state's performance. As each state continues to develop their individualized COVID‐19 mitigation strategy and ultimately works to improve their performance, the SDIR and AIR may help supplement the crude infection rate metric to provide a more thorough understanding of a state's performance.
SOX10 ablation severely impairs the generation of postmigratory neural crest from human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Lai Xingqiang , Liu Jia , Zou Zhengwei , Wang Yina , Wang Ye , Liu Xiao , Huang Weijun , Ma Yuanchen , Chen Qian , Li Fugui , Wu Guifu , Li Weiqiang , Wang Weijia , Yuan Yong , Jiang Boxiong
Published: August 2021

Animal studies have indicated that SOX10 is one of the key transcription factors regulating the proliferation, migration and differentiation of multipotent neural crest (NC), and mutation of SOX10 in humans may lead to type 4 Waardenburg syndrome (WS). However, the exact role of SOX10 in human NC development and the underlying molecular mechanisms of SOX10-related human diseases remain poorly understood due to the lack of appropriate human model systems. In this study, we successfully generated SOX10-knockout human induced pluripotent stem cells (SOX10−/− hiPSCs) by the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool. We found that loss of SOX10 significantly inhibited the generation of p75highHNK1+/CD49D+ postmigratory neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) and upregulated the cell apoptosis rate during NC commitment from hiPSCs. Moreover, we discovered that both the neuronal and glial differentiation capacities of SOX10−/− NCSCs were severely compromised. Intriguingly, we showed that SOX10−/− hiPSCs generated markedly more TFAP2C+nonneural ectoderm cells (NNE) than control hiPSCs during neural crest differentiation. Our results indicate that SOX10 is crucial for the transition of premigratory cells to migrating NC and is vital for NC survival. Taken together, these results provide new insights into the function of SOX10 in human NC development, and the SOX10-knockout hiPSC lines may serve as a valuable cell model to study the pathogenesis of SOX10-related human neurocristopathies.
YWHAZ interacts with DAAM1 to promote cell migration in breast cancer
Authors: Mei Jie , Liu Yan , Yu Xinqian , Hao Leiyu , Ma Tao , Zhan Qiang , Zhang Yan , Zhu Yichao
Published: August 2021

Dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (DAAM1) is a critical driver in facilitating metastasis in breast cancer (BrCa). However, molecular mechanisms for the regulation of DAAM1 activation are only partially elucidated. In this research, the expression levels of YWHAZ and DAAM1 were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining in BrCa tissues. The functional roles of tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein zeta (YWHAZ)–DAAM1 axis and their regulator microRNA-613 (miR-613) in BrCa cells and associated molecular mechanisms were demonstrated in vitro. As results, the expression levels of DAAM1 and YWHAZ were significantly upregulated in BrCa tissues compared with normal tissues and remarkably associated with poor prognosis. Besides, DAAM1 and YWHAZ were positively correlated with each other in BrCa tissues. YWHAZ interacted and colocalized with DAAM1 in BrCa cells, which was essential for DAAM1-mediated microfilament remodeling and RhoA activation. Moreover, miR-613 directly targeted both YWHAZ and DAAM1, contributing to inhibiting BrCa cells migration via blocking the complex of YWHAZ–DAAM1. To sum up, these data reveal that YWHAZ regulates DAAM1 activation, and the YWHAZ–DAAM1 complex is directly targeted by the shared post-transcriptional regulator miR-613.
The PEMDAC phase 2 study of pembrolizumab and entinostat in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma
Authors: Ny Lars , Jespersen Henrik , Karlsson Joakim , Alsén Samuel , Filges Stefan , All-Eriksson Charlotta , Andersson Bengt , Carneiro Ana , Helgadottir Hildur , Levin Max , Ljuslinder Ingrid , Olofsson Bagge Roger , Sah Vasu R. , Stierner Ulrika , Ståhlberg Anders , Ullenhag Gustav , Nilsson Lisa M. , Nilsson Jonas A.
Published: August 2021

Preclinical studies have suggested that epigenetic therapy could enhance immunogenicity of cancer cells. We report the results of the PEMDAC phase 2 clinical trial (n = 29; NCT02697630) where the HDAC inhibitor entinostat was combined with the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma (UM). The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR), and was met with an ORR of 14%. The clinical benefit rate at 18 weeks was 28%, median progression free survival was 2.1 months and the median overall survival was 13.4 months. Toxicities were manageable, and there were no treatment-related deaths. Objective responses and/or prolonged survival were seen in patients with BAP1 wildtype tumors, and in one patient with an iris melanoma that exhibited a UV signature. Longer survival also correlated with low baseline ctDNA levels or LDH. In conclusion, HDAC inhibition and anti-PD1 immunotherapy results in durable responses in a subset of patients with metastatic UM.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT02697630 (registered 3 March 2016). EudraCT registration number: 2016–002114-50.
Intravital imaging of islet Ca2+ dynamics reveals enhanced β cell connectivity after bariatric surgery in mice
Authors: Akalestou Elina , Suba Kinga , Lopez-Noriega Livia , Georgiadou Eleni , Chabosseau Pauline , Gallie Alasdair , Wretlind Asger , Legido-Quigley Cristina , Leclerc Isabelle , Salem Victoria , Rutter Guy A.
Published: August 2021

Bariatric surgery improves both insulin sensitivity and secretion and can induce diabetes remission. However, the mechanisms and time courses of these changes, particularly the impact on β cell function, are difficult to monitor directly. In this study, we investigated the effect of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) on β cell function in vivo by imaging Ca2+ dynamics in islets engrafted into the anterior eye chamber. Mirroring its clinical utility, VSG in mice results in significantly improved glucose tolerance, and enhanced insulin secretion. We reveal that these benefits are underpinned by augmented β cell function and coordinated activity across the islet. These effects involve changes in circulating GLP-1 levels which may act both directly and indirectly on the β cell, in the latter case through changes in body weight. Thus, bariatric surgery leads to time-dependent increases in β cell function and intra-islet connectivity which are likely to contribute to diabetes remission.
Measuring dimensionality and purity of high-dimensional entangled states
Authors: Nape Isaac , Rodríguez-Fajardo Valeria , Zhu Feng , Huang Hsiao-Chih , Leach Jonathan , Forbes Andrew
Published: August 2021

High-dimensional entangled states are promising candidates for increasing the security and encoding capacity of quantum systems. While it is possible to witness and set bounds for the entanglement, precisely quantifying the dimensionality and purity in a fast and accurate manner remains an open challenge. Here, we report an approach that simultaneously returns the dimensionality and purity of high-dimensional entangled states by simple projective measurements. We show that the outcome of a conditional measurement returns a visibility that scales monotonically with state dimensionality and purity, allowing for quantitative measurements for general photonic quantum systems. We illustrate our method using two separate bases, the orbital angular momentum and pixels bases, and quantify the state dimensionality by a variety of definitions over a wide range of noise levels, highlighting its usefulness in practical situations. Importantly, the number of measurements needed in our approach scale linearly with dimensions, reducing data acquisition time significantly. Our technique provides a simple, fast and direct measurement approach.
Observation of the modification of quantum statistics of plasmonic systems
Authors: You Chenglong , Hong Mingyuan , Bhusal Narayan , Chen Jinnan , Quiroz-Juárez Mario A. , Fabre Joshua , Mostafavi Fatemeh , Guo Junpeng , De Leon Israel , León-Montiel Roberto de J. , Magaña-Loaiza Omar S.
Published: August 2021

For almost two decades, researchers have observed the preservation of the quantum statistical properties of bosons in a large variety of plasmonic systems. In addition, the possibility of preserving nonclassical correlations in light-matter interactions mediated by scattering among photons and plasmons stimulated the idea of the conservation of quantum statistics in plasmonic systems. It has also been assumed that similar dynamics underlie the conservation of the quantum fluctuations that define the nature of light sources. So far, plasmonic experiments have been performed in nanoscale systems in which complex multiparticle interactions are restrained. Here, we demonstrate that the quantum statistics of multiparticle systems are not always preserved in plasmonic platforms and report the observation of their modification. Moreover, we show that optical near fields provide additional scattering paths that can induce complex multiparticle interactions. Remarkably, the resulting multiparticle dynamics can, in turn, lead to the modification of the excitation mode of plasmonic systems. These observations are validated through the quantum theory of optical coherence for single- and multi-mode plasmonic systems. Our findings unveil the possibility of using multiparticle scattering to perform exquisite control of quantum plasmonic systems.
Distribution and orientation of nerve fibers and myelin assembly in a brain section retrieved by small-angle neutron scattering
Authors: Maiti Santanu , Frielinghaus Henrich , Gräßel David , Dulle Martin , Axer Markus , Förster Stephan
Published: August 2021

The structural connectivity of the brain has been addressed by various imaging techniques such as diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWMRI) or specific microscopic approaches based on histological staining or label-free using polarized light (e.g., three-dimensional Polarized Light Imaging (3D-PLI), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)). These methods are sensitive to different properties of the fiber enwrapping myelin sheaths i.e. the distribution of myelin basic protein (histology), the apparent diffusion coefficient of water molecules restricted in their movements by the myelin sheath (DWMRI), and the birefringence of the oriented myelin lipid bilayers (3D-PLI, OCT). We show that the orientation and distribution of nerve fibers as well as myelin in thin brain sections can be determined using scanning small angle neutron scattering (sSANS). Neutrons are scattered from the fiber assembly causing anisotropic diffuse small-angle scattering and Bragg peaks related to the highly ordered periodic myelin multilayer structure. The scattering anisotropy, intensity, and angular position of the Bragg peaks can be mapped across the entire brain section. This enables mapping of the fiber and myelin distribution and their orientation in a thin brain section, which was validated by 3D-PLI. The experiments became possible by optimizing the neutron beam collimation to highest flux and enhancing the myelin contrast by deuteration. This method is very sensitive to small microstructures of biological tissue and can directly extract information on the average fiber orientation and even myelin membrane thickness. The present results pave the way toward bio-imaging for detecting structural aberrations causing neurological diseases in future.
Bias in Zipf’s law estimators
Authors: Pilgrim Charlie , Hills Thomas T
Published: August 2021

The prevailing maximum likelihood estimators for inferring power law models from rank-frequency data are biased. The source of this bias is an inappropriate likelihood function. The correct likelihood function is derived and shown to be computationally intractable. A more computationally efficient method of approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) is explored. This method is shown to have less bias for data generated from idealised rank-frequency Zipfian distributions. However, the existing estimators and the ABC estimator described here assume that words are drawn from a simple probability distribution, while language is a much more complex process. We show that this false assumption leads to continued biases when applying any of these methods to natural language to estimate Zipf exponents. We recommend that researchers be aware of the bias when investigating power laws in rank-frequency data.
Effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on keratinocytes derived from human hypertrophic scars
Authors: Cui Hui Song , Joo So Young , Cho Yoon Soo , Park Ji Heon , Ro Yu Mi , Kim June-Bum , Seo Cheong Hoon
Published: August 2021

Hypertrophic scars represent a common complication in burn patients. In addition to cosmetic defects, they may cause serious sensory abnormalities such as pain and itching, severe dysfunction depending on the site, and emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression. The present study aimed to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying the use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in keratinocytes. Keratinocytes derived from hypertrophic scar tissue were cultured and expression of proliferation markers (keratin 5 and 14), activation markers (keratin 6 and 17), differentiation markers (keratin 1, 10, and involucrin), apoptosis factors (Bax, Bcl2, and Caspase 14), and proliferation/differentiation regulators (p21 and p27) was investigated to compared with that of those in keratinocytes derived from normal skin tissue. Scar-derived keratinocytes were treated with extracorporeal shock waves under 1000 impulses at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mJ/mm2. Shock waves altered the molecular pattern of proliferation, activation, differentiation, and apoptosis, as well as proliferation/ differentiation regulators, including Bax, Bcl2, ASK1, p21, p27, and Notch1. In summary, we show that extracorporeal shock wave therapy regulates the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes derived from hypertrophic scar to maintain normal epidermal integrity.
ANFIS-Net for automatic detection of COVID-19
Authors: Al-ali Afnan , Elharrouss Omar , Qidwai Uvais , Al-Maaddeed Somaya
Published: August 2021

Among the most leading causes of mortality across the globe are infectious diseases which have cost tremendous lives with the latest being coronavirus (COVID-19) that has become the most recent challenging issue. The extreme nature of this infectious virus and its ability to spread without control has made it mandatory to find an efficient auto-diagnosis system to assist the people who work in touch with the patients. As fuzzy logic is considered a powerful technique for modeling vagueness in medical practice, an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) was proposed in this paper as a key rule for automatic COVID-19 detection from chest X-ray images based on the characteristics derived by texture analysis using gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) technique. Unlike the proposed method, especially deep learning-based approaches, the proposed ANFIS-based method can work on small datasets. The results were promising performance accuracy, and compared with the other state-of-the-art techniques, the proposed method gives the same performance as the deep learning with complex architectures using many backbone.
Identification of potential autoantigens in anti-CCP-positive and anti-CCP-negative rheumatoid arthritis using citrulline-specific protein arrays
Authors: Poulsen Thomas B. G. , Damgaard Dres , Jørgensen Malene M. , Senolt Ladislav , Blackburn Jonathan M. , Nielsen Claus H. , Stensballe Allan
Published: August 2021

The presence or absence of autoantibodies against citrullinated proteins (ACPAs) distinguishes two main groups of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with different etiologies, prognoses, disease severities, and, presumably, disease pathogenesis. The heterogeneous responses of RA patients to various biologics, even among ACPA-positive patients, emphasize the need for further stratification of the patients. We used high-density protein array technology for fingerprinting of ACPA reactivity. Identification of the proteome recognized by ACPAs may be a step to stratify RA patients according to immune reactivity. Pooled plasma samples from 10 anti-CCP-negative and 15 anti-CCP-positive RA patients were assessed for ACPA content using a modified protein microarray containing 1631 different natively folded proteins citrullinated in situ by protein arginine deiminases (PADs) 2 and PAD4. IgG antibodies from anti-CCP-positive RA plasma showed high-intensity binding to 87 proteins citrullinated by PAD2 and 99 proteins citrullinated by PAD4 without binding significantly to the corresponding native proteins. Curiously, the binding of IgG antibodies in anti-CCP-negative plasma was also enhanced by PAD2- and PAD4-mediated citrullination of 29 and 26 proteins, respectively. For only four proteins, significantly more ACPA binding occurred after citrullination with PAD2 compared to citrullination with PAD4, while the opposite was true for one protein. We demonstrate that PAD2 and PAD4 are equally efficient in generating citrullinated autoantigens recognized by ACPAs. Patterns of proteins recognized by ACPAs may serve as a future diagnostic tool for further subtyping of RA patients.
Ultrasound-assisted extraction of protein from Bombay locusts and its impact on functional and antioxidative properties
Authors: Kingwascharapong Passakorn , Chaijan Manat , Karnjanapratum Supatra
Published: August 2021

Impact of ultrasound-assisted process (UAP) on yield, functional properties, antioxidant properties and molecular characteristics of protein extracted from Bombay locusts (BL) (Patanga succinta L.) was studied. Different conditions of UAP were implemented for different amplitudes (40–60%) and times (10–30 min) during aqueous extraction. Notably, UAP could enhance yield and protein recovery, compared with those from typical process (TP) (continuously stirred at 100 rpm at room temperature for 1 h). UAP conditions used governed the change of surface hydrophobicity and free α-amino content of BL. UAP could improve solubility of BL, especially at pH levels higher than 2. UAP had no significant (p > 0.05) detrimental effects on foaming capacity and stability of BL. Nevertheless, UAP, particularly at 50–60% amplitudes, affected the emulsion activity and stability of BL. UAP provided BL with high radical scavenging activities and good electron donating ability, especially that from 60% amplitude for 20 min (UAP-60/20). UAP-60/20 showed the impact on change of isoelectric point and molecular characteristic monitored by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) of BL, compared to those from TP. In addition, BL was also an excellent source of both essential and nonessential amino acids. Therefore, UAP potentially enhanced BL extraction efficiency, resulting the BL with good functional and antioxidative properties.
Oceanic phytoplankton are a potentially important source of benzenoids to the remote marine atmosphere
Authors: Rocco Manon , Dunne Erin , Peltola Maija , Barr Neill , Williams Jonathan , Colomb Aurélie , Safi Karl , Saint-Macary Alexia , Marriner Andrew , Deppeler Stacy , Harnwell James , Law Cliff , Sellegri Karine
Published: August 2021

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes can contribute to hydroxyl reactivity and secondary aerosol formation in the atmosphere. These aromatic hydrocarbons are typically classified as anthropogenic air pollutants, but there is growing evidence of biogenic sources, such as emissions from plants and phytoplankton. Here we use a series of shipborne measurements of the remote marine atmosphere, seawater mesocosm incubation experiments and phytoplankton laboratory cultures to investigate potential marine biogenic sources of these compounds in the oceanic atmosphere. Laboratory culture experiments confirmed marine phytoplankton are a source of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes and in mesocosm experiments their sea-air fluxes varied between seawater samples containing differing phytoplankton communities. These fluxes were of a similar magnitude or greater than the fluxes of dimethyl sulfide, which is considered to be the key reactive organic species in the marine atmosphere. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes fluxes were observed to increase under elevated headspace ozone concentration in the mesocosm incubation experiments, indicating that phytoplankton produce these compounds in response to oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that biogenic sources of these gases may be sufficiently strong to influence atmospheric chemistry in some remote ocean regions.
Energetic isomers of bridged oxadiazole nitramines: the effect of asymmetric heterocyclics on stability and energetic properties
Authors: Liao Sicheng , Liu Tianlin , Zhou Zhiyu , Wang Kangcai , Song Siwei , Zhang Qinghua
Published: August 2021

A series of asymmetric oxadiazole nitramine compounds were designed and synthesized, and a comparative study of detonation, sensitivity, and thermal properties of three oxadiazole nitramine isomers is made.
Nanoscale imaging of the simultaneous occlusion of nanoplastics and glyphosate within soil minerals
Authors: Chi Jialin , Yin Yafei , Zhang Wenjun , Putnis Christine V. , Wang Lijun
Published: August 2021

Functional nanoplastics (PSFG) complexed with glyphosate (PMG) are occluded within the model minerals calcite and iron hydroxide through growing hillocks and particle aggregation, respectively, thus limiting their soil migration and plant uptake.
iR drop in scanning electrochemical cell microscopy
Authors: Blount Brandon , Juarez Gabriel , Wang Yufei , Ren Hang
Published: August 2021

An analytical method to assess and compensate for the iR drop in SECCM is presented.
Melt-quenched vanadium pentoxide-stabilized chitosan nanohybrids for efficient hydrazine detection
Authors: Singh Jay , Singh Kshitij RB , Kumar Manish , Verma Rahul , Verma Ranjana , Malik Priya , Srivastava Saurabh , Singh Ravindra Pratap , Kumar Devendra
Published: August 2021

This study reports the synthesis of melt-quenched and hydrothermally derived V2O5 (n-V2O5) ex situ grafted onto the chitosan biopolymer as an organic–inorganic nanohybrid material for the determination of N2H4.
Aggregation-induced emission luminogen with excellent triplet–triplet upconversion efficiency for highly efficient non-doped blue organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Han Pengbo , Lin Chengwei , Wang Kaojin , Qiu Yanping , Wu Haozhong , Qin Anjun , Ma Dongge , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: August 2021

Highly efficient non-doped blue TTU-OLEDs were realized based on the AIEgens with excellent emission and upconversion efficiency in the film states.
A safe and robust dual-network hydrogel electrolyte coupled with multi-heteroatom doped carbon nanosheets for flexible quasi-solid-state zinc ion hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Wu Dandan , Ji Chenchen , Mi Hongyu , Guo Fengjiao , Cui Haonan , Qiu Pengtao , Yang Nianjun
Published: August 2021

A κ-CG/PAAm/Zn(CF3SO3)2 hydrogel electrolyte was constructed, which displays high ionic conductivity and satisfactory mechanical properties. The quasi-solid-state ZHSC based on ACNS and the as-designed hydrogel shows excellent cycling stability and a superior energy density.
Recent advances in phosphorus containing noble metal electrocatalysts for direct liquid fuel cells
Authors: Zhang Jiachen , Wu Li , Xu Lin , Sun Dongmei , Sun Hanjun , Tang Yawen
Published: August 2021

Here, we summarize our previous efforts and reports from other groups on P containing noble metal catalysts for direct liquid fuel cells, including synthetic methods, composition, shape and electrochemical performance.
Visible-light mediated stereospecific C(sp2)–H difluoroalkylation of (Z)-aldoximes
Authors: Wang Qian , Gong Haiying , Zhang Yifang , Peng Yi , Chen Hua , Li Mingjie , Deng Hongmei , Hao Jian , Wan Wen
Published: August 2021

A visible light mediated stereospecific C(sp2)–H difluoroalkylation of (Z)-aldoximes to (E)-difluoroalkyated ketoximes has been described. A preliminary mechanism study showed that a difluoromethyl radical via an SET pathway was involved.
Lipid polymer hybrid nanocarriers as a combinatory platform for different anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs supported by computational studies
Authors: Abdel-Bar Hend Mohamed , Abdallah Inas A. , Fayed Marwa A. A. , Moatasim Yassmin , Mostafa Ahmed , El-Behairy Mohammed Farrag , Elimam Hanan , Elshaier Yaseen A. M. M. , Abouzid Khaled A. M.
Published: August 2021

Drug repurposing approach to combat SARS-CoV-2: lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPH) for the delivery of azithromycin or niclosamide in combination with piroxicam.
3-Hydroxyflavone derivatives: promising scaffolds for fluorescent imaging in cells
Authors: Zhao Xueke , Li Xiang , Liang Shuyu , Dong Xiongwei , Zhang Zhe
Published: August 2021

Considering that biological macromolecules offer hydrophobic microenvironment, 3HF is a promising scaffold for the development of fluorescent imaging in cells.
Controllable light-induced droplet evaporative crystallization
Authors: Li Dongliang , Jiao Long , Chen Rong , Zhu Xun , Ye Dingding , Yang Yang , Li Wei , Li Haonan , Liao Qiang
Published: August 2021

A controllable and flexible light strategy is proposed to manipulate the droplet evaporative crystallization.
Understanding the discharge behavior of an ultra-high-purity Mg anode for Mg–air primary batteries
Authors: Chen Xingrui , Jia Yonghui , Shi Zhiming , Le Qichi , Li Jingren , Zhang Mingxing , Liu Ming , Atrens Andrej
Published: August 2021

This work used both experiments and modeling methods to understand some critical issues of ultra-high-purity (UHP) Mg discharge behavior for Mg–air primary batteries.
One-dimensional conductive metal–organic framework nanorods: a highly selective electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction to hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Deng Zhiqin , Ma Chaoqun , Yan Shihai , Dong Kai , Liu Qian , Luo Yonglan , Liu Yang , Du Juan , Sun Xuping , Zheng Baozhan
Published: August 2021

Mn–TCNQ acts as an efficient electrocatalyst to boost 2e− oxygen reduction reaction, capable of achieving an outstanding H2O2 selectivity over 98% and a high H2O2 yield of 142.6 ppm h−1 in an alkaline medium.
Highly selective CO2separation from a CO2/C2H2mixture using a diamine-appended metal–organic framework
Authors: Choi Doo San , Kim Dae Won , Kang Dong Won , Kang Minjung , Chae Yun Seok , Hong Chang Seop
Published: August 2021

A diamine-appended metal–organic framework displays a top-tier CO2/C2H2selectivity, a record-high CO2adsorption capacity, and recyclability.
NiMnOx/TiN/CC electrode with a branch–leaf structure: a novel approach to improve the performance of supercapacitors with high mass loading of amorphous metal oxides
Authors: Tu Huayao , Shi Dong , Liang Zhenyan , Jiang Hehe , Kong Zhen , Zhang Kang , Shao Yongliang , Wu Yongzhong , Hao Xiaopeng
Published: August 2021

Based on the synergistic effect, a branch–leaf structure electrode under a high mass loading is constructed to improve the rate performance and capacitance of the electrode and further a supercapacitor device with high energy is achieved.