bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward Accurate Physics‐Based Specifications of Neutral Density Using GNSS‐Enabled Small Satellites
Authors: Sutton Eric K. , Thayer Jeffrey P. , Pilinski Marcin D. , Mutschler Shaylah M. , Berger Thomas E. , Nguyen Vu , Masters Dallas
Published: May 2021

Satellite‐atmosphere interactions cause large uncertainties in low‐Earth orbit determination and prediction. Thus, knowledge of and the ability to predict the space environment, most notably thermospheric mass density, are essential for operating satellites in this domain. Recent progress has been made toward supplanting the existing empirical, operational methods with physics‐based data‐assimilative models by accounting for the complex relationship between external drivers such as solar irradiance, Joule, and particle heating, and their response in the upper atmosphere. Simultaneously, a new era of CubeSat constellations is set to provide data with which to calibrate our upper‐atmosphere models at higher spatial resolution and temporal cadence. With this in mind, we provide an initial method for converting precision orbit determination solutions from global navigation satellite system enabled CubeSats into timeseries of thermospheric mass density. This information is then fused with a physics‐based, data‐assimilative technique to provide calibrated model densities.
Overweight and obesity at age 19 after pre-natal famine exposure
Authors: Lumey L. H. , Ekamper Peter , Bijwaard Govert , Conti Gabriella , van Poppel Frans
Published: May 2021

Background

Weight for height has been used in the past as an indicator of obesity to report that prenatal exposure to the Dutch famine of 1944–1945 determined subsequent obesity. Further evaluation is needed as unresolved questions remain about the possible impact of social class differences in fertility decline during the famine and because being overweight is now defined by a Body Mass Index (BMI: kg/m2) from 25 to <30 and obesity by a BMI of 30 or more.

Methods

We studied heights and weights of 371,100 men in the Netherlands born between 1943 and 1947 and examined for military service at age 19. This group includes men with and without prenatal exposure to the Dutch famine.

Results

There was a 1.3-fold increase in the risk of being overweight or obese in young adults at age 19 after prenatal famine exposure in early gestation. The increase was only seen in sons of manual workers born in the large cities of Western Netherlands and not among those born in smaller cities or rural areas in the West. Social class differentials in fertility decline during the famine did not bias study results.

Conclusions

The long-term adverse impact of prenatal famine on later life type 2 diabetes and mortality through age 63 is already showing at age 19 in this population as a significant increase in overweight risk.
Enhanced differentiation of functional human T cells in NSGW41 mice with tissue-specific expression of human interleukin-7
Authors: Coppin Emilie , Sundarasetty Bala Sai , Rahmig Susann , Blume Jonas , Verheyden Nikita A. , Bahlmann Franz , Ravens Sarina , Schubert Undine , Schmid Janine , Ludwig Stefan , Geissler Katharina , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando , von Kaisenberg Constantin , Groten Tanja , Platz Alexander , Naumann Ronald , Ludwig Barbara , Prinz Immo , Waskow Claudia , Krueger Andreas
Published: May 2021

Humanized mouse models have become increasingly valuable tools to study human hematopoiesis and infectious diseases. However, human T-cell differentiation remains inefficient. We generated mice expressing human interleukin-7 (IL-7), a critical growth and survival factor for T cells, under the control of murine IL-7 regulatory elements. After transfer of human cord blood-derived hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, transgenic mice on the NSGW41 background, termed NSGW41hIL7, showed elevated and prolonged human cellularity in the thymus while maintaining physiological ratios of thymocyte subsets. As a consequence, numbers of functional human T cells in the periphery were increased without evidence for pathological lymphoproliferation or aberrant expansion of effector or memory-like T cells. We conclude that the novel NSGW41hIL7 strain represents an optimized mouse model for humanization to better understand human T-cell differentiation in vivo and to generate a human immune system with a better approximation of human lymphocyte ratios.
Altered dynamics of the prefrontal networks are associated with the risk for postpartum psychosis: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Sambataro Fabio , Cattarinussi Giulia , Lawrence Andrew , Biaggi Alessandra , Fusté Montserrat , Hazelgrove Katie , Mehta Mitul A. , Pawlby Susan , Conroy Susan , Seneviratne Gertrude , Craig Michael C. , Pariante Carmine M. , Miele Maddalena , Dazzan Paola
Published: May 2021

Postpartum psychosis (PP) is a severe mental disorder that affects women in the first few weeks after delivery. To date there are no biomarkers that distinguish which women at risk (AR) develop a significant psychiatric relapse postpartum. While altered brain connectivity may contribute to the risk for psychoses unrelated to the puerperium, this remains unexplored in PP. We followed up 32 AR and 27 healthy (HC) women from pregnancy to 8-week postpartum. At this point, we classified women as AR-unwell (n = 15) if they had developed a psychiatric relapse meeting DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, or impacting on daily functioning and requiring treatment, or AR-well (n = 17) if they remained asymptomatic. Women also underwent an fMRI scan at rest and during an emotional-processing task, to study within- and between-networks functional connectivity. Women AR, and specifically those in the AR-well group, showed increased resting connectivity within an executive network compared to HC. During the execution of the emotional task, women AR also showed decreased connectivity in the executive network, and altered emotional load-dependent connectivity between executive, salience, and default-mode networks. AR-unwell women particularly showed increased salience network-dependent modulation of the default-mode and executive network relative to AR-well, who showed greater executive network-dependent modulation of the salience network. Our finding that the executive network and its interplay with other brain networks implicated in goal-directed behavior are intrinsically altered suggest that they could be considered neural phenotypes for postpartum psychosis and help advance our understanding of the pathophysiology of this disorder.
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells regulate the immunosuppressive functions of PD-1−PD-L1+ Bregs through PD-L1/PI3K/AKT/NF-κB axis in breast cancer
Authors: Liu Min , Wei Feng , Wang Jian , Yu Wenwen , Shen Meng , Liu Ting , Zhang Dong , Wang Yang , Ren Xiubao , Sun Qian
Published: May 2021

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous group of myeloid cells that are closely related to tumor immune escape, but the mechanism by which MDSCs regulate B cells has not been elucidated. Our previous studies revealed that breast cancer-derived MDSCs could induce a group of PD-1−PD-L1+Bregs with immunosuppressive functions. Here, we reported that blocking PD-1/PD-L1 interaction between MDSCs and B cells could reverse the immunosuppressive functions of PD-1−PD-L1+Bregs. The activation of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway is essential for PD-1−PD-L1+Bregs to exert immunosuppressive effects. MDSCs activated the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway in B cells via the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. Furthermore, inhibition of PD-1/PD-L1 or PI3K/AKT signaling suppressed both tumor growth and the immunosuppressive functions of PD-1−PD-L1+Bregs. Dual suppression of PD-1/PD-L1 and PI3K/AKT exerted better antitumor effect. Finally, MDSCs and PD-1−PD-L1+Bregs were colocalized in breast cancer tissues and PD-1−PD-L1+Bregs were positively correlated with poor prognosis. Thus, MDSC-educated PD-1−PD-L1+Bregs and their regulatory mechanisms could contribute to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Our study proposes a novel mechanism for MDSC-mediated regulation of B cell immunity, which might shed new light on tumor immunotherapy.+
Combined laser-based X-ray fluorescence and particle-induced X-ray emission for versatile multi-element analysis
Authors: Puyuelo-Valdes Pilar , Vallières Simon , Salvadori Martina , Fourmaux Sylvain , Payeur Stephane , Kieffer Jean-Claude , Hannachi Fazia , Antici Patrizio
Published: May 2021

Particle and radiation sources are widely employed in manifold applications. In the last decades, the upcoming of versatile, energetic, high-brilliance laser-based sources, as produced by intense laser–matter interactions, has introduced utilization of these sources in diverse areas, given their potential to complement or even outperform existing techniques. In this paper, we show that the interaction of an intense laser with a solid target produces a versatile, non-destructive, fast analysis technique that allows to switch from laser-driven PIXE (Particle-Induced X-ray Emission) to laser-driven XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) within single laser shots, by simply changing the atomic number of the interaction target. The combination of both processes improves the retrieval of constituents in materials and allows for volumetric analysis up to tens of microns and on cm2 large areas up to a detection threshold of ppms. This opens the route for a versatile, non-destructive, and fast combined analysis technique.
Relationship between markers of inflammation and hemodynamic stress and death in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Zelniker Thomas A. , Kaya Ziya , Gamerdinger Eva , Spaich Sebastian , Stiepak Jan , Giannitsis Evangelos , Katus Hugo A. , Preusch Michael R.
Published: May 2021

Biomarkers that reflect hemodynamic stress, inflammation, extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, and endothelial dysfunction may improve risk stratification and add valuable pathobiological insight in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). In total, 120 patients with OHCA who survived at least 48 h after return of spontaneous circulation were consecutively included in the present analysis. Concentrations of 30 biomarkers were measured simultaneously using a multi-panel biomarker assay. Cox regression models were adjusted for age, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate, lactate concentration, bystander resuscitation, initial cardiac rhythm, and type of targeted temperature management. Overall, 57 patients (47.5%) had a favorable neurological outcome (Cerebral Performance Category ≤ 2) at 30 days, while palliative care was initiated in 49 patients (40.8%), and 52 patients (43.3%) died. After correction for multiple testing with Bonferroni-Holm, 8 biomarkers (including Angiopoietin-2, Procalcitonin, Resistin, IL-4Rα, MMP-8, TNFα, Renin, and IL-1α) were significantly associated with all-cause death. After multivariable adjustment, only angiopoietin-2 (Adjusted (Adj) hazard ratio (HR) per 1-unit increase in standardized biomarker concentrations 1.52 (95% CI 1.16–1.99)) and renin (Adj HR 1.32 (95% CI 1.06–1.65) remained independently associated with an increased risk of death. The discriminatory performance indicated good performance for angiopoietin-2 (area under the curve (AUC): 0.75 (95% CI 0.66–0.75) and was significantly higher (P = 0.011) as compared with renin (AUC: 0.60, 95% CI 0.50–0.60). In conclusion, angiopoietin-2 was significantly associated with all-cause mortality in patients with OHCA who survived the first 48 h and may prove to be useful for risk stratification of these patients.
Effect of pore diameter on the elution behavior of analytes from thermoresponsive polymer grafted beads packed columns
Authors: Nagase Kenichi , Umemoto Yuta , Kanazawa Hideko
Published: May 2021

Temperature-responsive chromatography using thermoresponsive polymers is innovative and can control analyte retention via column temperature. Analyte elution behavior in this type of chromatography depends on the modified thermoresponsive polymer and the structure of the base materials. In the present study, we examine the effect of the pore diameter of silica beads on analyte elution behavior in temperature-responsive chromatography. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-n-butyl methacrylate) hydrogel was applied to beads of various pore sizes: 7, 12, and 30 nm. Almost the same amount of copolymer hydrogel was applied to all beads, indicating that the efficiency of copolymer modification was independent of pore size. Analyte retention on prepared beads in a packed column was observed using steroids, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates as analytes. Analyte retention times increased with temperature on packed columns of 12- and 30-nm beads, whereas the column packed with 7-nm beads exhibited decreased retention times with increasing temperature. The difference in analyte elution behavior among the various pore sizes was attributed to analyte diffusion into the bead pores. These results demonstrate that bead pore diameter determines temperature-dependent elution behavior.
Hypoperfusion of the infrapatellar fat pad and its relationship to MRI T2* relaxation time changes in a 5/6 nephrectomy model
Authors: Huang Guo-Shu , Peng Yi-Jen , Hsu Yu-Juei , Lee Herng-Sheng , Chang Yue-Cune , Chiang Shih-Wei , Hsu Yi-Chih , Liu Ying-Chun , Lin Ming-Huang , Wang Chao-Ying
Published: May 2021

The purpose of present study was to longitudinally investigate the alterations in infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) vascularity in 5/6 nephrectomized rats by using dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI and IPFP degeneration by using MRI T2* relaxation time. Twelve male Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to a control group and a 5/6 nephrectomy CKD group. The right knees of all rats were longitudinally scanned by 4.7 T MRI, and serial changes in the IPFP were assessed at 0, 8, 16, 30, and 44 weeks by DCE-MRI (parameters A, kel and kep) and MRI T2* mapping. After MRI measurements, knee specimens were obtained and evaluated histologically. The CKD group had IPFPs with lower blood volume A and lower permeability kep values from 16 weeks (p < 0.05), lower venous washout kel value from 30 weeks (p < 0.001), and significantly higher T2* values reflecting adipocyte degeneration beginning at 16 weeks (p < 0.05). The histopathological results confirmed the MRI findings. Hypoperfusion and adipocytes degeneration related to CKD were demonstrated in a rodent 5/6 nephrectomy model. DCE parameters and MRI T2* can serve as imaging biomarkers of fat pad degeneration during CKD progression.
Evolution of kaiA, a key circadian gene of cyanobacteria
Authors: Dvornyk Volodymyr , Mei Qiming
Published: May 2021

The circadian system of cyanobacteria is built upon a central oscillator consisting of three genes, kaiA, kaiB, and kaiC. The KaiA protein plays a key role in phosphorylation/dephosphorylation cycles of KaiC, which occur over the 24-h period. We conducted a comprehensive evolutionary analysis of the kaiA genes across cyanobacteria. The results show that, in contrast to the previous reports, kaiA has an ancient origin and is as old as cyanobacteria. The kaiA homologs are present in nearly all analyzed cyanobacteria, except Gloeobacter, and have varying domain architecture. Some Prochlorococcales, which were previously reported to lack the kaiA gene, possess a drastically truncated homolog. The existence of the diverse kaiA homologs suggests significant variation of the circadian mechanism, which was described for the model cyanobacterium, Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942. The major structural modifications in the kaiA genes (duplications, acquisition and loss of domains) have apparently been induced by global environmental changes in the different geological periods.
Analysis of microbiota in the stomach and midgut of two penaeid shrimps during probiotic feeding
Authors: Imaizumi Kentaro , Tinwongger Sasiwipa , Kondo Hidehiro , Hirono Ikuo
Published: May 2021

In mammals, the intestine harbors numerous bacteria that play an important role in health. Intestinal microbiota have also been thought to be an important factor in the health of shrimp. However, the barrier systems of the digestive tracts of shrimp seem to be different from those of mammals. In this study, we analyzed the bacterial composition in the stomach and midgut of two species of shrimp during administration of a probiotic, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain TOA5001 by analysis of 16S rRNA genes with Illumina sequencing technology. Whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei were observed under laboratory conditions and kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus were observed in an aquaculture farm. The diversities of bacteria in the stomachs of both shrimps were significantly higher than those in the midgut. Also, the microbiota changed during probiotic feeding. Feeding whiteleg shrimp the probiotic after being challenged with an acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND)-causing strain of Vibrio parahaemolyticus increased their survival compared to the control group, which suggested that the probiotic prevented AHPND. These results appear to show that a probiotic can affect the microbiota throughout digestive tract of penaeid shrimps and that probiotic can have a role in preventing disease.
QUBO formulations for training machine learning models
Authors: Date Prasanna , Arthur Davis , Pusey-Nazzaro Lauren
Published: May 2021

Training machine learning models on classical computers is usually a time and compute intensive process. With Moore’s law nearing its inevitable end and an ever-increasing demand for large-scale data analysis using machine learning, we must leverage non-conventional computing paradigms like quantum computing to train machine learning models efficiently. Adiabatic quantum computers can approximately solve NP-hard problems, such as the quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO), faster than classical computers. Since many machine learning problems are also NP-hard, we believe adiabatic quantum computers might be instrumental in training machine learning models efficiently in the post Moore’s law era. In order to solve problems on adiabatic quantum computers, they must be formulated as QUBO problems, which is very challenging. In this paper, we formulate the training problems of three machine learning models—linear regression, support vector machine (SVM) and balanced k-means clustering—as QUBO problems, making them conducive to be trained on adiabatic quantum computers. We also analyze the computational complexities of our formulations and compare them to corresponding state-of-the-art classical approaches. We show that the time and space complexities of our formulations are better (in case of SVM and balanced k-means clustering) or equivalent (in case of linear regression) to their classical counterparts.
Two-step machine learning method for the rapid analysis of microvascular flow in intravital video microscopy
Authors: Mahmoud Ossama , El-Sakka Mahmoud , Janssen Barry G. H.
Published: May 2021

Microvascular blood flow is crucial for tissue and organ function and is often severely affected by diseases. Therefore, investigating the microvasculature under different pathological circumstances is essential to understand the role of the microcirculation in health and sickness. Microvascular blood flow is generally investigated with Intravital Video Microscopy (IVM), and the captured images are stored on a computer for later off-line analysis. The analysis of these images is a manual and challenging process, evaluating experiments very time consuming and susceptible to human error. Since more advanced digital cameras are used in IVM, the experimental data volume will also increase significantly. This study presents a new two-step image processing algorithm that uses a trained Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to functionally analyze IVM microscopic images without the need for manual analysis. While the first step uses a modified vessel segmentation algorithm to extract the location of vessel-like structures, the second step uses a 3D-CNN to assess whether the vessel-like structures have blood flowing in it or not. We demonstrate that our two-step algorithm can efficiently analyze IVM image data with high accuracy (83%). To our knowledge, this is the first application of machine learning for the functional analysis of microvascular blood flow in vivo.
Metformin improves the outcomes in Chinese invasive breast cancer patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hui Tianli , Shang Chao , Yang Liu , Wang Meiqi , Li Ruoyang , Song Zhenchuan
Published: May 2021

Early reports indicate that metformin, a clinical drug administered to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), was found to be associated with a better prognosis of cancer. The objective of this study was retrospectively analyzed the effect of metformin on the outcomes of Chinese breast cancer patients with T2DM. A total of 3757 primary invasive breast cancer patients who underwent surgery from January 2010 to December 2013 were enrolled. According to the medication treatment, all the patients were divided as non-diabetes group, metformin group and insulin group. The follow-up data for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were obtained from 3553 patients (median follow up of 85 months) and estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method followed by a log-rank test. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied. The results showed that there was a significant survival difference among non-diabetes group, metformin group and insulin group, 5-year DFS was 85.8%, 96.1%, 73.0%, and 5-year OS was 87.3%, 97.1%, 73.3% respectively (P < 0.05). Prognostic analysis showed metformin was significantly associated with better DFS and OS. Our results suggested that metformin may have a good effect on the survival of invasive breast cancer patients with T2DM.
Portrait of DNA methylated genes predictive of poor prognosis in head and neck cancer and the implication for targeted therapy
Authors: Hier Jessica , Vachon Olivia , Bernstein Allison , Ibrahim Iman , Mlynarek Alex , Hier Michael , Alaoui-Jamali Moulay A. , Maschietto Mariana , da Silva Sabrina Daniela
Published: May 2021

In addition to chronic infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) and exposure to environmental carcinogens, genetic and epigenetic factors act as major risk factors for head and neck cancer (HNC) development and progression. Here, we conducted a systematic review in order to assess whether DNA hypermethylated genes are predictive of high risk of developing HNC and/or impact on survival and outcomes in non-HPV/non-tobacco/non-alcohol associated HNC. We identified 85 studies covering 32,187 subjects where the relationship between DNA methylation, risk factors and survival outcomes were addressed. Changes in DNA hypermethylation were identified for 120 genes. Interactome analysis revealed enrichment in complex regulatory pathways that coordinate cell cycle progression (CCNA1, SFN, ATM, GADD45A, CDK2NA, TP53, RB1andRASSF1). However, not all these genes showed significant statistical association with alcohol consumption, tobacco and/or HPV infection in the multivariate analysis. Genes with the most robust HNC risk association includedTIMP3, DCC, DAPK, CDH1, CCNA1, MGMT, P16, MINT31, CD44, RARβ. From these candidates, we further validated CD44 at translational level in an independent cohort of 100 patients with tongue cancer followed-up beyond 10 years. CD44 expression was associated with high-risk of tumor recurrence and metastasis (P = 0.01) in HPV-cases. In summary, genes regulated by methylation play a modulatory function in HNC susceptibility and it represent a critical therapeutic target to manage patients with advanced disease.
Author Correction: Comparing supervised and unsupervised approaches to emotion categorization in the human brain, body, and subjective experience
Authors: Azari Bahar , Westlin Christiana , Satpute Ajay B. , Hutchinson J. Benjamin , Kragel Philip A. , Hoemann Katie , Khan Zulqarnain , Wormwood Jolie B. , Quigley Karen S. , Erdogmus Deniz , Dy Jennifer , Brooks Dana H. , Barrett Lisa Feldman
Published: May 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Ultrasensitive and ratiometric two-photon fluorescence imaging of Golgi polarity during drug-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Wang Hui , Dong Mingyan , Wang Hongtong , Huang Fang , Li Ping , Zhang Wei , Zhang Wen , Tang Bo
Published: May 2021

The TP-Golgi probe was used for two-photon ratiometric fluorescence imaging of Golgi polarity with a large Stokes shift and excellent sensitivity. Golgi polarity was found to be significantly increased in mice with drug-induced AKI.
A palate of fluorescent corannulene derivatives: synthesis, spectroscopic properties, and bio-imaging application
Authors: Wang Yali , Jiang Haiyan , Liu Xueling , Xu Jun , Gao Yan , Finney Nathaniel S.
Published: May 2021

We describe here “labeling” corannulene with fluorophores that provide both fluorescence and cell permeability, and which are suitable for cell imaging. We also report highly-efficient energy transfer from corannulene to the attached fluorophores.
Achieving solubility alteration with functionalized polydimethylsiloxane for improving the viscosity of supercritical CO2 fracturing fluids
Authors: Liu Bin , Wang Yanling , Liang Lei , Zeng Yijin
Published: May 2021

Thickened carbon dioxide flow state.
Access to 3,3-disubstituted oxindoles via microwave-assisted Cannizzaro and aldol reactions of formaldehyde with isatins and their imines
Authors: Huang Xuan , Wang Hongling , Cao Qingxiang , Li Yong , Zhang Junmin
Published: May 2021

The reaction proceeds with the assistance of microwave heating in a mild base. Formaldehyde behaves as both a reductant (via a Cannizzaro process with isatin) and an electrophile.
Brønsted acid-promoted hydroamination of unsaturated hydrazones: access to biologically important 5-arylpyrazolines
Authors: He Han , Xu Ning , Zhang Honglin , Chen Bin , Hu Zhengnan , Guo Kang , Chun Jianlin , Cao Shujun , Zhu Yingguang
Published: May 2021

An efficient, chemo- and regioselective Brønsted acid-promoted hydroamination reaction of hydrazone-tethered olefins towards 5-arylpyrazolines was developed.
Orbital chemistry of high valence band convergence and low-dimensional topology in PbTe
Authors: Brod Madison K. , Snyder G. Jeffrey
Published: May 2021

The tight-binding method provides insight into the orbital interactions that lead to the exceptional thermoelectric performance of PbTe. Using this framework, we can predict strategies to achieve enhanced thermoelectric performance in new alloys.
Real-time monitoring of electrochemical carbon corrosion in alkaline media
Authors: Ji Sang Gu , Kim Haesol , Lee Woong Hee , Oh Hyung-Suk , Choi Chang Hyuck
Published: May 2021

Carbon monoxide as a corrosion marker that enables real-time monitoring of electrochemical carbon corrosion in a wide range of electrolyte pH, even in neutral and alkaline media, where the typical carbon dioxide marker is transformed to (bi)carbonate anions.
Correction: Engineering Cu2−xS-conjugated upconverting nanocomposites for NIR-II light-induced enhanced chemodynamic/photothermal therapy of cancer
Authors: Du Kaimin , Zhao Shuang , Feng Jing , Gao Xuan , Liu Kai , Wang Xiaozhen , Zhang Manli , Li Yao , Lu Yu , Zhang Hongjie
Published: May 2021

Correction for ‘Engineering Cu2−xS-conjugated upconverting nanocomposites for NIR-II light-induced enhanced chemodynamic/photothermal therapy of cancer’ by Kaimin Du et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d1tb00337b.
Stable quantum dots/polymer matrix and their versatile 3D printing frameworks
Authors: Xu Ruda , Qiao Chen , Xia Min , Bai Bing , Li Yuemei , Liu Jia , Liu Jiajia , Rong Hongpan , Xu Meng , Zhang Jiatao
Published: May 2021

Stable and flexible QDs/polymer frameworks are fabricated by direct-ink-writing 3D printing. Such programmable hierarchical composites retain the optical performance of QDs and offer a constructive way to create a wider range of QD applications.
Multi-functional logic circuits composed of ultra-thin electrolyte-gated transistors with wafer-scale integration
Authors: Yu Ji-Man , Lee Chungryeol , Han Joon-Kyu , Han Seong-Joo , Lee Geon-Beom , Im Sung Gap , Choi Yang-Kyu
Published: May 2021

Wafer-scale integration of electrolyte gated transistors is demonstrated by using iCVD. A solid-state pEGDMA was used as a gate electrolyte, and it configures multi-functional logic circuits, such as inverter, NAND, and NOR with high performance.
In memoriam Alasdair James Campbell (11 May 1961–27 February 2021)
Authors: Wade Jessica , Higgins Stuart G. , Heutz Sandrine , Lidzey David G. , Fuchter Matthew J. , Stingelin Natalie
Published: May 2021

Celebrating the life of Alasdair Campbell.
Efficacy of Computer-Based Noise Desensitization Training in Children With Speech-in-Noise Deficits
Authors: Kumar Prawin , Singh Niraj Kumar , Hussain Reesha Oovattil
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Auditory training is known to improve the speech-perception-in-noise (SPIN) skills in children with auditory processing disorders (APDs); however, conventional non–computer-based trainings are dreary and nonmotivating. This study intended to develop a computer-based noise desensitization training module in Indian English and test the efficacy of the same in children with APD having SPIN deficits. There are no such modules available at present to be used in Indian children.

Method

The module incorporated words-in-noise training, with monosyllables and trisyllables as target words in the presence of speech-shaped noise as well as multitalker babble at different signal-to-noise ratios ranging from +20 to −4 dB SNR. The study included 20 children with SPIN deficits diagnosed with APD and who were recruited randomly to the experimental group who received the training (
n
= 10;
M
age
= 11.1 years) and to the control group who did not receive any training (
n
= 10;
M
age
= 11.4 years). The outcome measures included behavioral measures and electrophysiological measures (auditory long latency responses for speech in quiet and noise).

Results

Compared to children in the control group, children in the experimental group exhibited improvements in the SPIN scores as well as temporal processing measures after training. Dichotic consonant–vowel tests and auditory memory and sequencing tests did not yield significant improvement post training. Also, auditory long latency responses in quiet and noise revealed significant reduction in the amplitudes after training. No significant difference was noted in the latencies of auditory long latency responses post training. Control group participants did not show any significant difference in any of the measures between the initial and follow-up evaluations.

Conclusions

The developed training module was successful in fetching improvements in behavioral and electrophysiological measures. It would be a great addition to the evidence-based rehabilitation support inventory for children with SPIN deficits in India.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14551041
Dual‐curl antennas for broadband circular polarisation
Authors: Hirose K. , Nakatsu M. , Nakano H.
Published: May 2021

A novel dual‐wire antenna to obtain wideband circular polarisation is proposed. The antenna consists of curl elements with a balanced feed above a ground plane. Using the moment method, an antenna with balanced feedlines having two sources is analysed first. Analysis reveals that the antenna shows a 3 dB axial‐ratio bandwidth of 36%. Next, an antenna with quasi‐balanced feedlines having one source to simplify the feed system is investigated. It is found both numerically and experimentally that the axial‐ratio bandwidth remains unchanged, and a VSWR of less than two is obtained.
Unified multimode modelling, stability analysis, and reinforced sliding‐mode design of high‐order buck/boost DC–DC converters for DC energy systems
Authors: Dong Chaoyu , Jiang Wentao , Wang Zhishuang , Jiang Fuxin , Jia Hongjie
Published: May 2021

Unified modelling, analysis, and reinforced sliding‐mode design of a high‐order buck/boost converter are proposed for DC energy systems. The high voltage gain with low current stress on the converter’s circuit components will noticeably improve its performance in DC energy systems. The mathematical model of this multimode converter is established by deploying the averaging state‐space modelling approach and a duty‐ratio constraint‐deriving method. According to the unified multimode model, a reinforced sliding‐mode controller is proposed for this converter, and the sliding surface is designed using the estimated load information. A complete stability analysis of the reinforced sliding‐mode regulated converter system is also carried out. In addition, a hardware‐based comparison study involving the proposed controller and an existing robust sliding‐mode controller is provided to validate the effectiveness of the unified workflow involving modelling, analysis, and regulation design.
Mobility of charge carriers in mineral oil and ester fluids
Authors: Xue Qingjiang , Timoshkin Igor , Wilson Mark P. , Given Martin , MacGregor Scott J.
Published: May 2021

New, more stringent environmental requirements for electrical insulation liquids have led to the development of novel, more environment‐friendly liquid dielectrics. Ester fluids, introduced several decades ago, provide a viable alternative to traditional mineral insulating liquids. In order to expand the practical applications of these novel dielectric fluids, their dielectric and electrical parameters should be established. One of the critical parameters that affects and governs the development of pre‐breakdown processes in insulating liquids is the mobility of charge carriers. In the present paper, the mobility of charge carriers in commercially available synthetic and natural insulating ester fluids and in a mineral insulating oil were obtained using two methods, the time of flight and the space charge saturation current methods. The mobility was obtained for a wide range of electrical field magnitudes. It was found that the mobility of charge carriers is greater in the mineral oil than in both, the natural and synthetic, ester fluids. It was also established that the mobility is higher for higher applied electric field. The results of this work will help in characterizing liquid dielectrics and in optimizing high‐voltage systems in which liquid dielectrics, including natural and synthetic ester fluids, are used.
Fault diagnosis of an induction motor using data fusion based on neural networks
Authors: Jorkesh Saeid , Poshtan Javad
Published: May 2021

In this paper, neural network‐based data fusion is used to detect fault and isolate stator winding short circuit, outer bearing race, and broken rotor bar defects in an induction motor. In addition, the robustness of the proposed method against the disturbance introduced by the coupled pump's unbalanced power source and dry running is investigated. First, three‐phase current and voltage signals are separated by means of independent component analysis (ICA), then extracted features are combined by adopting neural networks, and finally, the system's health condition is evaluated. Experimental results indicate that data fusion based on neural networks can evaluate with high reliability the system's health condition and provide better robustness in the presence of disturbances.
Une expérience d’enseignement par Internet sur le MOOC "Préparation à l'entrée dans l'enseignement supérieur"
Authors: Monna Gilbert
Published: May 2021

Le but est de présenter un MOOC de préparation en mathématiques à l’enseignement supérieur et d’en analyser diverses utilisations. Après un exposé des motivations de sa création et la description du contenu, on décrit les différentes sessions qui ont déjà eu lieu. On examine ensuite les nombres d’inscrits aux différentes sessions ainsi que celui des certificats de réussite délivrés lord des sessions d’été, avant d’analyser les résultats aux QCM et aux devoirs en correction par les pairs. Après une brève description de deux expériences pédagogiques, on termine par un aperçu de la portée internationale du MOOC.
Impact d’une visite adaptée à «la Cité des Sciences» sur les conceptions de l’Univers d’élèves sourds
Authors: Chebbi Kaouthar Lamouchi , Ben Mohamed Basma
Published: May 2021

Accéder à la connaissance scientifique est un droit humain et dans le contexte d’une école inclusive qui prend en compte la spécificité de chacun, rien n’empêche les jeunes sourds de comprendre les notions scientifiques enseignées. Or cela n’est pas aussi simple dans la réalité des institutions scolaires tunisiennes. Dans notre étude, nous nous intéressons à l’enseignement des sciences en général et à l’astronomie en particulier, dans le cas d’élèves sourds. Pour cela, nous avons exploré des conceptions en astronomie de 16 élèves sourds (16-19 ans), qui ont étudié des notions d’astronomie au lycée, avant et après une visite adaptée à la Cité des Sciences de Tunis. Nos résultats révèlent qu’après enseignement leurs connaissances en astronomies ne montrent pas de traces d’enseignement et leurs conceptions de l’Univers sont locales et pauvres en informations. Une visite adaptée à la Cité des Sciences a permis d’enrichir leurs connaissances et de faire évoluer les conceptions de certains d’entre eux.
Cu(I)–Bis(phosphine) Dioxides as Catalysts for the Enantioselective α-Arylation of Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Orlandi Manuel , Escudero-Casao Margarita , Licini Giulia
Published: May 2021

The transition-metal-catalyzed α-arylation of carbonyl compounds was first reported by Buchwald and Hartwig in 1997. This transformation has been used and studied extensively over the last two decades. Enantioselective variants were also developed that allow for controlling the product stereochemistry. However, these suffer several limitations in the context of formation of tertiary stereocenters. Presented here is our group’s contribution to this research area. The chiral Cu-bis(phosphine) dioxides catalytic system that we reported allowed accessing the enantioselective α-arylation of ketones that were not suitable for this transformation before in good yields and er up to 97.5:2.5. Preliminary insight and speculation concerning the reaction mechanism involving the unusual pairing of bis(phosphine) dioxides with transition-metal catalysts is also given.

1 Introduction

2 State of the Art

3 Enantioselective α-Arylation of Acyclic Ketones

4 Summary and Conclusions
Methylglyoxal Drives a Distinct, Nonclassical Macrophage Activation Status
Authors: Tsokanos Foivos-Filippos , Muley Carolin , Khani Sajjad , Hass Daniela , Fleming Thomas , Wolff Gretchen , Bartelt Alexander , Nawroth Peter , Herzig Stephan
Published: May 2021

Metabolic complications in diabetic patients are driven by a combination of increased levels of nutrients and the presence of a proinflammatory environment. Methylglyoxal (MG) is a toxic byproduct of catabolism and has been strongly associated with the development of such complications. Macrophages are key mediators of inflammatory processes and their contribution to the development of metabolic complications has been demonstrated. However, a direct link between reactive metabolites and macrophage activation has not been demonstrated yet. Here, we show that acute MG treatment activated components of the p38 MAPK pathway and enhanced glycolysis in primary murine macrophages. MG induced a distinct gene expression profile sharing similarities with classically activated proinflammatory macrophages as well as metabolically activated macrophages usually found in obese patients. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a set of 15 surface markers specifically upregulated in MG-treated macrophages, thereby establishing a new set of targets for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes under high MG conditions, including diabetes. Overall, our study defines a new polarization state of macrophages that may specifically link aberrant macrophage activation to reactive metabolites in diabetes.
Comparison between MRI and Arthroscopy of the Wrist for the Assessment of Posttraumatic Lesions of Intrinsic Ligaments and the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex
Authors: De Santis Sergio , Cozzolino Roberto , Luchetti Riccardo , Cazzoletti Lucia
Published: May 2021

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been considered the most appropriate examination for wrist ligament injuries diagnosis, but it frequently fails to assess the intrinsic ligament lesion. Therefore, wrist arthroscopy is required to enhance and define the diagnosis.

Purpose We compare the MRI imaging with wrist arthroscopy for intrinsic wrist ligaments (scapholunate [SL] and lunotriquetral [LT]) and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries detection.

Patients and Methods From 2007 to 2014, 532 patients affected by suspected SL, LT, and TFCC posttraumatic ligament injury have been investigated by 1.5-Tesla MRI and wrist arthroscopy. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were adopted. Only for SL ligament injury, the arthroscopic findings of complete (stage IV) and partial (stages I–III) SL ligament injury were compared with MRI findings. Statistical analysis, including sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and the diagnostic odds ratio, was used to compare MRI with arthroscopic findings.

Results A total of 146 patients were accepted in the study. In 68 cases of arthroscopic SL ligament lesion, MRI confirmed the diagnosis only in 50% of the cases. In partial SL lesions, MRI was positive in 24.3% and in complete SL lesions, MRI was positive in 80.6% of the cases. In 10 cases of arthroscopic LT ligament lesion, MRI was positive in 30.0% of the cases. In 33 patients with arthroscopic TFCC lesion, MRI was positive in 66.7% of the cases.

Conclusion 1.5-T MRI demonstrated to fail in confirming the lesion of SL, LP, and TFCC ligaments respectively in 50, 70, and 33.3% of the cases positive at arthroscopy. In complete SL ligament lesion, MRI reaches a higher sensitivity than in partial lesion. Arthroscopy remains the best method to demonstrate the ligament lesion and obtain more information regarding the extent and quality of the ligament damage.

Level of Evidence This is a Level II, retrospective comparative study.
Use of Tendon Allograft for Recurrent Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Instability in Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Christie Brian M. , Fox Paige M.
Published: May 2021

Background Subluxation of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon can be a challenging problem to the surgeon, with no options described for failure following autologous reconstruction. It is our intention to provide guidance on technique by describing our experience in a 20-year-old male with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome.

Case Description The patient presented with pain and snapping of the ECU tendon, and failed both immobilization and ECU reconstruction with autologous extensor retinaculum. A gracilis tendon allograft was used to reconstruct the ECU sheath, in addition to ulnar groove deepening. At 1-year follow-up, the patient had no pain and the ECU was stable without recurrent subluxation.

Literature Review To the authors' knowledge, the use of tendon allograft for stabilization of recurrent ECU subluxation following surgical repair or reconstruction has not been previously described in the medical literature.

Clinical Relevance Utilization of tendon allograft is a viable technique to stabilize the ECU tendon while minimizing the risk in relying on compromised autologous tissue. This report represents the first account of successful reconstruction following failed autologous reconstruction.
Controlling the symmetry of cadmium arsenide films by epitaxial strain
Authors: Pardue Tyler N. , Goyal Manik , Guo Binghao , Salmani-Rezaie Salva , Kim Honggyu , Heinonen Olle , Johannes Michelle D. , Stemmer Susanne
Published: May 2021

Epitaxial strains offer unique opportunities to obtain topological states in thin films and heterostructures that do not exist in their bulk counterparts. Here, we investigate the point group symmetries of coherently strained films of cadmium arsenide (Cd3As2), a prototype three-dimensional Dirac semimetal, by convergent beam electron diffraction. We report a loss of the fourfold rotational axis and adoption of the orthorhombic mmm point group in (112)-oriented films under biaxial compressive stress. (001)-oriented Cd3As2 films that are under a small biaxial tensile stress retain the fourfold rotational symmetry that protects the bulk nodes but adopt the non-centrosymmetric 4mm point group symmetry. This, in turn, suggests that (001) films adopt a different crystal structure in biaxial tension, one that differs in the arrangement of the ordered Cd vacancies that are an inherent feature of the crystal structure of Cd3As2 and that are key to its nodal electronic structure. Density functional theory calculations confirm the experimental findings of the stability of the non-centrosymmetric structure under biaxial tension, whereas the centrosymmetric structure is stable under biaxial compression. The results show that bulk Cd3As2 is already close to structural instability and showcase the extraordinary tunability of the topological states of Cd3As2.
Joint simulation machining study of inducer based on MAX-PAC and VERICUT
Authors: Li Zixuan , He Yun , Cao Zheng , Lei Xuelin , Zhang Hang , Zhong Lei
Published: May 2021

The inducer is a part with a complex curved structure and is widely used in the energy, aerospace and petrochemical industries. To improve the efficiency of the inducer machining, a 5-axis machining path was prepared using the CNC machining programming software NREC MAX-PAC. The NC code was exported to VERICUT CNC simulation software through a customized post-processing program by IMSpost to verify the validity of the CNC program. Compared with the original machining time, the actual machining time is now shortened by 43.18% after optimization, which realizes the efficient milling of complex inducer structure.
Vehicle-train-bridge coupled vibration of the road-rail bridge
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Wang Dongqi , An Huifeng , Tian Zibo
Published: May 2021

For the vehicle-bridge coupled vibration of road-rail bridge, the difference of the dynamic responses of the bridge between only considering the vehicle or train loads and considering the vehicle and train load together, needs to be studied. In this paper, taking the Binzhou road-rail steel truss bridge as an example, the motion equations of bridge, car and train are established respectively, through the interaction among the three subsystems, the three subsystems are coupled. The dynamic responses of the whole system only considering the vehicle or train loads and considering the vehicle and train load together are analyzed. The results show that the dynamic response under the vehicle and train loads is not a simple superposition of that under the vehicle or train load separately. And the peak dynamic responses at different positions doesn’t appear under one certain condition. Therefore, different conditions need to be considered when the road-rail bridge is designed.