bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global trends in clinical trials involving pluripotent stem cells: a systematic multi-database analysis
Authors: Deinsberger Julia , Reisinger David , Weber Benedikt
Published: September 2020

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) hold great potential for novel therapeutic approaches to regenerate or replace functionally impaired tissues. Since the introduction of the induced pluripotent stem cell technology in 2006, the number of scientific publications on this topic has constantly been increasing. However, so far no therapy based on PSCs has found its way into routine clinical use. In this study, we examined research trends related to clinical trials involving PSCs based on data obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, the ICTRP database from the World Health Organization, as well as from a search of all individual databases that are included in the ICTRP using a multistep search algorithm. Following a stringent inclusion/exclusion procedure 131 studies remained that could be classified as clinical trials involving PSCs. The magnitude of these studies (77.1%) was observational, which implies that no cells were transplanted into patients, and only a minority of studies (22.9%) were of an interventional study type. The number of clinical trials involving induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs, 74.8%) was substantially higher than the one involving embryonic stem cells (ESCs, 25.2%). However, the picture changes completely when focusing on interventional studies, where in the majority (73.3%) of cases ESCs were used. Interestingly, also the study duration was significantly shorter for interventional versus observational trials (p = 0.002). When focusing on the geographical study regions, it became obvious that the greatest part of all observational trials was performed in the USA (41.6%) and in France (16.8%), while the magnitude of interventional studies was performed in Asian countries (China 36.7%, Japan 13.3%, South Korea 10.0%) and in the field of ophthalmology. In summary, these results indicate that only a limited number of trials were focusing on the actual transplantation of PSCs into patients in a rather narrow field of diagnoses. The future will tell us, if the iPSC technology will ultimately overcome the current challenges and will finally make its way into routine clinical use.
Ehrlichia chaffeensis and E. canis hypothetical protein immunoanalysis reveals small secreted immunodominant proteins and conformation-dependent antibody epitopes
Authors: Luo Tian , Patel Jignesh G. , Zhang Xiaofeng , Walker David H. , McBride Jere W.
Published: September 2020

Immunomolecular characterization of Ehrlichia chaffeensis (E. ch.) and E. canis (E. ca.) has defined protein orthologs, including tandem repeat proteins (TRPs) that have immunodominant linear antibody epitopes. In this study, we combined bioinformatic analysis and cell-free protein expression to identify undiscovered immunoreactive E. ch. and E. ca. hypothetical proteins. Antigenicity of the E. ch. and E. ca. ORFeomes (n = 1105 and n = 925, respectively) was analyzed by the sequence-based prediction model ANTIGENpro, and we identified ~250 ORFs in each respective ORFeome as highly antigenic. The hypothetical proteins (E. ch. n = 93 and E. ca. n = 98) present in the top 250 antigenic ORFs were further investigated in this study. By ELISA, 46 E. ch. and 30 E. ca. IVTT-expressed hypothetical proteins reacted with antibodies in sera from naturally E. ch.-infected patients or E. ca.-infected dogs. Moreover, 15 E. ch. and 16 E. ca. proteins consistently reacted with a panel of sera from patients or dogs, including many that revealed the immunoreactivity of “gold standard” TRPs. Antibody epitopes in most (>70%) of these proteins exhibited partial or complete conformation-dependence. The majority (23/31; 74%) of the major immunoreactive proteins identified were small (≤250 aa), and 20/31 (65%) were predicted to be secreted effectors. Unlike the strong linear antibody epitopes previously identified in TRP and OMP orthologs, there were contrasting differences in the E. ch. and E. ca. antigenic repertoires, epitopes and ortholog immunoreactivity. This study reveals numerous previously undefined immunodominant and subdominant antigens, and illustrates the breadth, complexity, and diversity of immunoreactive proteins/epitopes in Ehrlichia.
Factors controlling accumulation of organic carbon in a rift-lake, Oligocene Vietnam
Authors: Rizzi M. , Hovikoski J. , Schovsbo N. H. , Therkelsen J. , Olivarius M. , Nytoft H. P. , Nga L. H. , Thuy N. T. T. , Toan D. M. , Bojesen-Koefoed J. , Petersen H. I. , Nielsen L. H. , Abatzis I. , Korte C. , Fyhn M. B. W.
Published: September 2020

Understanding of the processes of petroleum source rock (SR) accumulation in lacustrine rift basins and the behavior of lake systems as long-term carbon sinks is fragmentary. Investigation of an 800 m thick (500 m core and ~ 300 m outcrop), deep-lacustrine, Oligocene section in Vietnam, provides a rare insight into the controls and deposition of organic carbon (OC) and SR formation in continental rift basins. A multidisciplinary dataset, combining elemental data, inorganic and organic geochemistry with sedimentology, shows that the richest alginite-prone, sapropelic SR developed during periods of relative tectonic quiescence characterized by moderate primary productivity in a mainly dysoxic lacustrine basin. Increased rift activity and further development of graben morphology intensified water column stratification and anoxia, which hindered nutrient recycling. Sapropelic organic matter (OM) continued to accumulate, but with increasing amorphous OM content and decreasing total OC values. Periods of increased seasonality were characterized by thermocline weakening, enhanced mixing of water columns, increased primary productivity and diatom blooming. The results suggest that a change from dysoxia towards anoxia or extreme primary productivity does not necessarily enhance OC burial and SR quality. External nutrient input from a phosphate-rich hinterland is sufficient for sapropel formation, whereas the main limiting factor is methanogenesis.
An algorithm to quantify intratumor heterogeneity based on alterations of gene expression profiles
Authors: Li Mengyuan , Zhang Zhilan , Li Lin , Wang Xiaosheng
Published: September 2020

Intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) is a biomarker of tumor progression, metastasis, and immune evasion. Previous studies evaluated ITH mostly based on DNA alterations. Here, we developed a new algorithm (DEPTH) for quantifying ITH based on mRNA alterations in the tumor. DEPTH scores displayed significant correlations with ITH-associated features (genomic instability, tumor advancement, unfavorable prognosis, immunosuppression, and drug response). Compared to DNA-based ITH scores (EXPANDS, PhyloWGS, MATH, and ABSOLUTE), DEPTH scores had stronger correlations with antitumor immune signatures, cell proliferation, stemness, tumor advancement, survival prognosis, and drug response. Compared to two other mRNA-based ITH scores (tITH and sITH), DEPTH scores showed stronger and more consistent associations with genomic instability, unfavorable tumor phenotypes and clinical features, and drug response. We further validated the reliability and robustness of DEPTH in 50 other datasets. In conclusion, DEPTH may provide new insights into tumor biology and potential clinical implications for cancer prognosis and treatment.
Work function seen with sub-meV precision through laser photoemission
Authors: Ishida Y. , Jung J. K. , Kim M. S. , Kwon J. , Kim Y. S. , Chung D. , Song I. , Kim C. , Otsu T. , Kobayashi Y.
Published: September 2020

Electron emission can be utilised to measure the work function of the surface. However, the number of significant digits in the values obtained through thermionic-, field- and photo-emission techniques is typically just two or three. Here, we show that the number can go up to five when angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) is applied. This owes to the capability of ARPES to detect the slowest photoelectrons that are directed only along the surface normal. By using a laser-based source, we optimised our setup for the slow photoelectrons and resolved the slowest-end cutoff of Au(111) with the sharpness not deteriorated by the bandwidth of light nor by Fermi-Dirac distribution. The work function was leveled within  ±0.4 meV at least from 30 to 90 K and the surface aging was discerned as a meV shift of the work function. Our study opens the investigations into the fifth significant digit of the work function.
Fatty acids as biomimetic replication agents for luminescent metal–organic framework patterns
Authors: Hafner Michael R. , Carraro Francesco , Brandner Lea A. , Maniam Sivakumar , Grenci Gianluca , Ljubojevic-Holzer Senka , Bischof Helmut , Malli Roland , Borisov Sergey M. , Doonan Christian , Falcaro Paolo
Published: September 2020

Insoluble fatty acids that trigger the growth of luminescent MOFs on fingerprint residues were employed for the precise positioning of MOFs.
A three-dimensional multipedal DNA walker for the ultrasensitive detection of tumor exosomes
Authors: Wang Huizhen , Wan Kejing , Zhou Yue , He Xiaoxiao , He Dinggeng , Cheng Hong , Huang Jin , Jia Ruichen , Wang Kemin
Published: September 2020

Herein, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) multipedal DNA walker based on aptamer-binding for ultrasensitive exosome sensing.
Selective ring-rearrangement or ring-closing metathesis of bicyclo[3.2.1]octenes
Authors: Semenova Evgeniya , Lahtigui Ouidad , Scott Sarah K. , Albritton Matthew , Abboud Khalil A. , Ghiviriga Ion , Roitberg Adrian E. , Grenning Alexander J.
Published: September 2020

Explored was the competitive ring-closing metathesis vs. ring-rearrangement metathesis of bicyclo[3.2.1]octenes prepared by a simple and convergent synthesis from bicyclic alkylidenemalononitriles and allylic electrophiles.
Symmetry breaking of the bending mode of CO2 in the presence of Ar
Authors: Gartner T. A. , Barclay A. J. , McKellar A. R. W. , Moazzen-Ahmadi N.
Published: September 2020

The weak infrared spectrum of CO2–Ar corresponding to the (0111) ← (0110) hot band of CO2 is detected in the region of the carbon dioxide ν3 fundamental vibration, using a tunable OPO laser source to probe a pulsed supersonic slit jet expansion.
Entropy deepens loading chemical potentials of small alcohols by narrow carbon nanotubes
Authors: Barria-Urenda Mateo , Garate Jose Antonio
Published: September 2020

Small alcohol confinement within narrow carbon nanotubes has been extensively and systematically studied via rigorous free-energy calculations.
Hydrophobic solvation increases thermal conductivity of water
Authors: López-Bueno Carlos , Suárez-Rodríguez Manuel , Amigo Alfredo , Rivadulla Francisco
Published: September 2020

The rearrangement of the H-bond network in bulk water induced by a small concentration of ethanol is not only reflected in the frequency of the libration band of water, but also in a surprising increase of its thermal conductivity.
Simulations of X-ray absorption spectroscopy and energetic conformation of N-heterocyclic carbenes on Au(111)
Authors: Crasto de Lima F. , Fazzio A. , McLean A. B. , Miwa R. H.
Published: September 2020

We have performed first-principles total energy calculations to investigate the stable energetic conformations and simulations of the X-ray absorption spectroscopy of N-heterocyclic carbenes.
Dinuclear gold(i) complexes: from bonding to applications
Authors: A. C. A. Bayrakdar Tahani , Scattolin Thomas , Ma Xinyuan , Nolan Steven P.
Published: September 2020

The last two decades have seen a veritable explosion in the use of gold(i) complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and phosphine (PR3) ligands.
Bistable spin-crossover in a new series of [Fe(BPP-R)2]2+ (BPP = 2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine; R = CN) complexes
Authors: Senthil Kumar Kuppusamy , Del Giudice Nicolas , Heinrich Benoît , Douce Laurent , Ruben Mario
Published: September 2020

Abrupt and hysteretic (bistable) spin-crossover (SCO) characteristics of the Fe(BPP-CN)2(X)2—X = BF4 (1a–d) or ClO4 (2)—family of complexes are reported.
Systematic evaluation of the electronic effect of aluminum-containing ligands in iridium–aluminum and rhodium–aluminum bimetallic complexes
Authors: Charles R. Malcolm , Taylor Natalie S. , Mercado Angel A. , Frost Connor E. , Yokley Timothy W. , Eckenhoff William T. , Schley Nathan D. , DeYonker Nathan J. , Brewster Timothy P.
Published: September 2020

A library of heterobimetallic complexes are investigated to determine the electron donor power of an aluminum-containing ligand on a late transition metal.
Photoinduced synergistic cytotoxicity towards cancer cells via Ru(ii) complexes
Authors: Han Zhong , Chen Yuncong , Wang Yanjun , Shi Xiangchao , Yuan Hao , Bai Yang , Chen Zhongyan , Fang Hongbao , He Weijiang , Guo Zijian
Published: September 2020

Ru complexes have been recognized as excellent anticancer candidates.
Metal–organic frameworks: advanced tools for multicomponent reactions
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Mohammad Ali , Mirhosseini-Eshkevari Boshra , Tavakoli Mona , Zamani Farzad
Published: September 2020

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) offering abundant catalytic sites in highly ordered crystalline skeletons have recently received considerable attention as green platforms for multicomponent reactions, which are discussed in this review.
Multiplexed analysis of neural cytokine signaling by a novel neural cell–cell interaction microchip
Authors: Abdullah Mohammed A. A. , Amini Nooshin , Yang Liwei , Paluh Janet L. , Wang Jun
Published: September 2020

A neural cell–cell interaction microchip evaluates 10 cytokines released by neural stem cells and their morphology and biomarker expression.
Low-temperature H2S gas sensor based on spherical Ag3PO4-doped SnO2
Authors: Sun Mojie , Zhang Zhenye , Wang Shijie , Zhang Shiyuan , Wang Ruiting , Song Xiaochen
Published: September 2020

An efficient method for detecting H2S gas at low temperatures using micrometer-sized spherical Ag3PO4-doped SnO2materials synthesized by hydrothermal and chemical precipitation methods is reported.
Structure of the flavonoid catechin in solution: NMR and quantum chemical investigations
Authors: Da Silva Haroldo C. , Da Silva Anna N. R. , Da Rocha Theo L. S. , Hernandes Isabel S. , Dos Santos Hélio F. , De Almeida Wagner B.
Published: September 2020

DFT-PCM statistical index scan curves and 1H-NMR profiles reveal conformational changes when a solid catechin sample is dissolved in acetone solvent.
Exploring the novel green eutectic solvent for the synthesis of 4-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-2-pyridinyl-2H-1,2,-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide 1,1-dioxide with benzoic acid cocrystal using a co-grinding technique
Authors: Solaimalai Rajalakshmi , Shinde Gajanan , Dharamsi Abhay , Kokare Chandrakant
Published: September 2020

In the present study, the suitability of a green eutectic solvent, a mixture of menthol and camphor for cocrystal synthesis has been investigated to improve the biopharmaceutical properties of poorly water-soluble drugs.
Stabilization and isolation of radical cation and dication salts of a tetrathiafulvalene derivative functionalized with amino groups
Authors: Li Xiang , Liu Yu-Han , Zhu Guang-Zhou , Gao Feng
Published: September 2020

The radical cation and dication salts of a tetrathiafulvalene derivative functionalized with amino groups have been stabilized and isolated by chemical oxidation. Comprehensive research on their structure–property relationship was fully performed.
C(sp2)–H functionalization in non-aromatic azomethine-based heterocycles
Authors: Akulov Alexey A. , Varaksin Mikhail V. , Mampuys Pieter , Charushin Valery N. , Chupakhin Oleg N. , Maes Bert U. W.
Published: September 2020

This review highlights the advances in the direct C(sp2)–H functionalization of cyclic aldimines, aldohydrazones, and aldonitrones since 2008.
Tracking down the brominated single electron oxidants in recent organic red-ox transformations: photolysis and photocatalysis
Authors: Talukdar Ranadeep
Published: September 2020

A review on the wide range of organic and inorganic brominated compounds, which have been extensively used as oxidants in many organic photo-redox transformations in recent years, an area of sublime interest because of greener and milder approaches.
The base-induced regioselective radical arylation of 3-aminochromone with aryl hydrazine
Authors: Murugesh Nithya , Karvembu Ramasamy , Vedachalam Seenuvasan
Published: September 2020

A simple and efficient direct radical C-2 arylation of 3-aminochromone derivatives with aryl hydrazine under basic conditions is described.
A pyridinium anionic ring-opening reaction applied to the stereodivergent syntheses of Piperaceae natural products
Authors: Primdahl Karoline G. , Nolsøe Jens M. J. , Aursnes Marius
Published: September 2020

Expanding the scope of a pyridinium ring-opening reaction, a practical oxidation protocol has been devised to access isomerically pure bromodiene esters. The utility is demonstrated in a divergent strategy to obtain two natural TRPV1 agonist motifs.
Command-destruct thermosets via photoinduced thiol-catalyzed β-scission of acyclic benzylidene acetals
Authors: Walker William D. , Sandoz Michael J. , Roland Samuel , Buster Tony M. , Newman John K. , Patton Derek L.
Published: September 2020

Photoinduced thiol-catalyzed hydrogen abstraction and β-scission of acyclic benzylidene acetals is demonstrated as a new route to “command-destruct” polymer thermosets.
Small molecule ERK5 kinase inhibitors paradoxically activate ERK5 signalling: be careful what you wish for…
Authors: Cook Simon J. , Tucker Julie A. , Lochhead Pamela A.
Published: September 2020

ERK5 is a protein kinase that also contains a nuclear localisation signal and a transcriptional transactivation domain. Inhibition of ERK5 has therapeutic potential in cancer and inflammation and this has prompted the development of ERK5 kinase inhibitors (ERK5i). However, few ERK5i programmes have taken account of the ERK5 transactivation domain. We have recently shown that the binding of small molecule ERK5i to the ERK5 kinase domain stimulates nuclear localisation and paradoxical activation of its transactivation domain. Other kinase inhibitors paradoxically activate their intended kinase target, in some cases leading to severe physiological consequences highlighting the importance of mitigating these effects. Here, we review the assays used to monitor ERK5 activities (kinase and transcriptional) in cells, the challenges faced in development of small molecule inhibitors to the ERK5 pathway, and classify the molecular mechanisms of paradoxical activation of protein kinases by kinase inhibitors.
Dynamics of the RNA polymerase I TFIIF/TFIIE-like subcomplex: a mini-review
Authors: Knutson Bruce A. , McNamar Rachel , Rothblum Lawrence I.
Published: September 2020

RNA polymerase I (Pol I) is the most specialized eukaryotic Pol. It is only responsible for the synthesis of pre-ribosomal RNA (rRNA), the precursor of 18S, 5.8S and 28S rRNA, the most abundant cellular RNA types. Aberrant Pol I transcription is observed in a wide variety of cancers and its down-regulation is associated with several genetic disorders. The regulation and mechanism of Pol I transcription is increasing in clarity given the numerous high-resolution Pol I structures that have helped bridge seminal genetic and biochemical findings in the field. Here, we review the multifunctional roles of an important TFIIF- and TFIIE-like subcomplex composed of the Pol I subunits A34.5 and A49 in yeast, and PAF49 and PAF53 in mammals. Recent analyses have revealed a dynamic interplay between this subcomplex at nearly every step of the Pol I transcription cycle in addition to new roles in chromatin traversal and the existence of a new helix-turn-helix (HTH) within the A49/PAF53 linker domain that expands its dynamic functions during the Pol I transcription process.
To be more precise: the role of intracellular trafficking in development and pattern formation
Authors: York Harrison M. , Coyle Joanne , Arumugam Senthil
Published: September 2020

Living cells interpret a variety of signals in different contexts to elucidate functional responses. While the understanding of signalling molecules, their respective receptors and response at the gene transcription level have been relatively well-explored, how exactly does a single cell interpret a plethora of time-varying signals? Furthermore, how their subsequent responses at the single cell level manifest in the larger context of a developing tissue is unknown. At the same time, the biophysics and chemistry of how receptors are trafficked through the complex dynamic transport network between the plasma membrane–endosome–lysosome–Golgi–endoplasmic reticulum are much more well-studied. How the intracellular organisation of the cell and inter-organellar contacts aid in orchestrating trafficking, as well as signal interpretation and modulation by the cells are beginning to be uncovered. In this review, we highlight the significant developments that have strived to integrate endosomal trafficking, signal interpretation in the context of developmental biology and relevant open questions with a few chosen examples. Furthermore, we will discuss the imaging technologies that have been developed in the recent past that have the potential to tremendously accelerate knowledge gain in this direction while shedding light on some of the many challenges.
Activation of STAT transcription factors by the Rho-family GTPases
Authors: Corry Jessica , Mott Helen R. , Owen Darerca
Published: September 2020

The Rho-family of small GTPases are biological molecular switches that are best known for their regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Through their activation and stimulation of downstream effectors, the Rho-family control pathways involved in cellular morphology, which are commonly activated in cancer cell invasion and metastasis. While this makes them excellent potential therapeutic targets, a deeper understanding of the downstream signalling pathways they influence will be required for successful drug targeting. Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) are a family of transcription factors that are hyper-activated in most cancer types and while STATs are widely understood to be activated by the JAK family of kinases, many additional activators have been discovered. A growing number of examples of Rho-family driven STAT activation, largely of the oncogenic family members, STAT3 and STAT5, are being identified. Cdc42, Rac1, RhoA, RhoC and RhoH have all been implicated in STAT activation, contributing to Rho GTPase-driven changes in cellular morphology that lead to cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis. This highlights the importance and therapeutic potential of the Rho-family as regulators of non-canonical activation of STAT signalling.
Finite‐time super twisting sliding mode controller based on higher‐order sliding mode observer for real‐time trajectory tracking of a quadrotor
Authors: Tripathi Vibhu Kumar , Kamath Archit Krishna , Behera Laxmidhar , Verma Nishchal K. , Nahavandi Saeid
Published: September 2020

The main focus of this study is to develop a finite‐time super‐twisting sliding mode control strategy for the quadrotor based on a higher‐order sliding mode observer (HOSMO). 12 state variables are required to describe the motion of the quadrotor, of which six state variables, namely the position, altitude, and orientation, are assumed to be obtained from the sensors. The remaining state variables, i.e. the linear and angular velocities, are determined using the HOSMO. Besides, the HOSMO aids in determining the unknown bounded lumped disturbances acting on the quadrotor. The output of the HOSMO is utilised for implementing the finite‐time super‐twisting sliding mode controller (FTSTSMC). The proposed FTSTSMC ensures finite‐time convergence of tracking error with chattering attenuation. The chattering analysis for a super‐twisting algorithm is presented in this work. Moreover, the overall system stability is investigated using the Lyapunov theory, and an expression for the time of convergence of the tracking and estimation error is presented. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is established using numerical simulations and its performance is compared to a finite‐time sliding mode observer coupled with a combination of proportional–integral–derivative and continuous sliding‐mode controller. This is then validated in real‐time using the DJI Matrice 100.
The interacting nature of dwarf galaxies hosting superluminous supernovae
Authors: Ørum Simon Vanggaard , Ivens David Lykke , Strandberg Patrick , Leloudas Giorgos , Man Allison W. S. , Schulze Steve
Published: September 2020

Context. Type I superluminous supernovae (SLSNe I) are rare, powerful explosions whose mechanism and progenitors remain elusive. Several studies have shown a preference for SLSNe I to occur in low-metallicity, actively star-forming dwarf galaxies.

Aims. We investigate whether the host galaxies of SLSNe I show increased evidence for interaction. Galaxy interaction can trigger star formation and provide favourable conditions for these exceptional explosions to take place.

Methods. Based on SLSN host galaxy images obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), we narrowed down a sample of 42 images obtained in the rest-frame ultraviolet over the redshift range between 0 <  z <  2. The number of host galaxy companions was measured by counting the number of objects detected within a given projected radius from the host. As a comparison, we used two different Monte Carlo-based methods to estimate the expected average number of companion objects in the same HST images, as well as a sample of 32 dwarf galaxies that have hosted long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs).

Results. About 50% of SLSN I host galaxies have at least one major companion (within a flux ratio of 1:4) within 5 kpc. The average number of major companions per SLSN I host galaxy is 0.70−0.14+0.19. Our two Monte Carlo comparison methods yield a lower number of companions for random objects of similar brightness in the same image or for the SLSN host after randomly redistributing the sources in the same image. The Anderson-Darling test shows that this difference is statistically significant (p-value < 10−3) independent of the redshift range. The same is true for the projected distance distribution of the companions. The SLSN I hosts are, thus, found in areas of their images, where the object number density is greater than average. The SLSN I hosts have more companions than GRB hosts (0.44−0.13+0.25 companions per host distributed over 25% of the hosts) but the difference is not statistically significant. The difference between their separations is, however, marginally significant with SLSN companions being closer, on average, than those of GRBs.

Conclusions. The dwarf galaxies hosting SLSNe I are often part of interacting systems. This suggests that SLSNe I progenitors are formed after a recent burst of star formation. Low metallicity alone cannot explain this tendency.
Kinematic signatures of nuclear discs and bar-driven secular evolution in nearby galaxies of the MUSE TIMER project
Authors: Gadotti Dimitri A. , Bittner Adrian , Falcón-Barroso Jesús , Méndez-Abreu Jairo , Kim Taehyun , Fragkoudi Francesca , de Lorenzo-Cáceres Adriana , Leaman Ryan , Neumann Justus , Querejeta Miguel , Sánchez-Blázquez Patricia , Martig Marie , Martín-Navarro Ignacio , Pérez Isabel , Seidel Marja K. , van de Ven Glenn
Published: September 2020

The central regions of disc galaxies hold clues to the processes that dominate their formation and evolution. To exploit this, the TIMER project has obtained high signal-to-noise and spatial resolution integral-field spectroscopy data of the inner few kpc of 21 nearby massive barred galaxies, which allows studies of the stellar kinematics in their central regions with unprecedented spatial resolution. We confirm theoretical predictions of the effects of bars on stellar kinematics and identify box/peanuts through kinematic signatures in mildly and moderately inclined galaxies, finding a lower limit to the fraction of massive barred galaxies with box/peanuts at ∼62%. Further, we provide kinematic evidence of the connection between barlenses, box/peanuts, and bars. We establish the presence of nuclear discs in 19 galaxies and show that their kinematics are characterised by near-circular orbits with low pressure support and that they are fully consistent with the bar-driven secular evolution picture for their formation. In fact, we show that these nuclear discs have, in the region where they dominate, larger rotational support than the underlying main galaxy disc. In addition, we define a kinematic radius for the nuclear discs and show that it relates to bar radius, ellipticity and strength, and bar-to-total ratio. Comparing our results with photometric studies of galaxy bulges, we find that careful, state-of-the-art galaxy image decompositions are generally able to discern nuclear discs from classical bulges if the images employed have high enough physical spatial resolution. In fact, we show that nuclear discs are typically identified in such image decompositions as photometric bulges with (near-)exponential profiles. However, we find that the presence of composite bulges (galaxies hosting both a classical bulge and a nuclear disc) can often be unnoticed in studies based on photometry alone and suggest a more stringent threshold to the Sérsic index to identify galaxies with pure classical bulges.
Investigation of the weldability of AISI304 and AISI1030 steels welded by friction welding
Authors: Teker Tanju , Karakurt Eyyüp Murat , Özabaci Murat , Güleryüz Yaşar
Published: September 2020

In this study, the effect of rotational speed on the microstructure and weldability of AISI1030 steel and AISI304 stainless steel welded by friction welding method were investigated experimentally. The weld joints were manufactured with rotational speed (1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, and 2000 rev/min.), friction pressure (40 MPa), forging pressure (60 MPa), forging time (4 s), and friction time (6 s). After the FW process, the microstructures of the weld interfaces were analyzed by optic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, elemental mapping, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Moreover, the weld strength was analyzed by tensile test, and the fracture behavior was investigated with scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that increased rotational speed had a significant effect on the microstructure and weldability.
Universalité de la saveur leptonique
Authors: Becirevic Damir , Leroy Olivier , Polci Francesco , Wormser Guy
Published: September 2020

Des résultats récents semblent suggérer que les trois leptons chargés (l’électron, le muon et le tau) ne se comporteraient pas de la même façon vis-à-vis de l’interaction faible, l’une des quatre forces fondamentales. S’ils sont confirmés, ces soupçons pourraient être une indication de nouveaux phénomènes fondamentaux.

Cet article fait le point sur ce questionnement qui intrigue et excite le monde de la physique des particules aujourd’hui, en testant l’universalité de la saveur des leptons dans la désintégration des mésons B.
Faire des bulles, tout un art, toute une science
Authors: Fusier Pierre-Yves , Graner François , Restagno Frédéric , Rio Emmanuelle , Shoaib Umar , Vallet Olivier
Published: September 2020

Quoi de commun entre un marionnettiste et une doctorante en physique, un couple de clowns et une physico-chimiste des matériaux, une vidéaste et un hydrodynamicien ? Une passion commune pour les films, bulles et mousses de savon, et une volonté tenace de construire l’interface artscience pour que les deux parties en retirent des idées fructueuses.

Un atelier « Spectacle vivant et sciences » a réuni des artistes et des chercheurs en octobre 2017, et à nouveau en novembre 2019 au Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, à l’Université Paris-Saclay.

Accrochez-vous, ça va buller...
Withdrawn: Optimal cap setting and pricing in supply chains under vertical-horizontal cooperation and cap-and-trade regulation
Authors: Li Hui , Shang Meng , Qin Xiao-hui , Li Rou , Tan Yong
Published: September 2020

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the authors, who did not approve the publication in a supplementary issue.
The Publisher apologizes for the inconvenience this is causing.
Carta Interpretativa do Solo do Mioceno da Charneca do Ribatejo
Authors: Neves Nuno , Afonso Teresa , Ferreira Alfredo Gonçalves , Gonçalves Ana Cristina , Ribeiro Nuno , Dias Susana
Published: September 2020

O solo é um factor fundamental na sustentabilidade de um sistema florestal. As cartas interpretativas de uso do solo indicam a sua adequação a uma dada utilização. Este potencial pode ser avaliado com recurso a características-diagnóstico de cada unidade de solo, que pela sua presença ou ausência influenciam o seu potencial produtivo. O objectivo deste estudo foi o desenvolvimento de um modelo de adequação de uma característica diagnóstico (FERREIRA et al., 2001), de aptidão potencial do solo para o sobreiro, em ambiente de sistemas de informação geográfica, considerando como variáveis independentes, a topografia e a perda e deposição potencial de solo, expressas através dos índices de Erosão Hídrica Estrutural (EHE) e de Deposição Estrutural Potencial (DEP). Esta metodologia permitiu a obtenção de uma carta interpretativa do solo, discriminando a referida classe em cinco. A análise estatística evidencia aderência do modelo à realidade utilizando como indicador o peso anidro de cortiça por unidade de área descortiçada (PCM2), dando origem a uma carta com mais detalhe.
Frühes interdisziplinäres Assessment zur Sekundärprävention chronischer Schmerzen
Authors: Kaiser Ulrike , Lindena Gabriele ,   PAIN2020
Published: September 2020

Schmerz ist ein multikausales biopsychosoziales Phänomen. Das bedeutet für eine angemessene Versorgung ein entsprechendes interdisziplinäres Vorgehen in Diagnostik und Therapie. Faktoren, die bei bestehenden Schmerzen zu einer Chronifizierung beitragen können, sollten frühzeitig im Versorgungsalltag berücksichtigt werden. Dafür sind sektorenübergreifende Vernetzungen sowie interdisziplinäre Versorgungsangebote von großer Bedeutung.
COVID-19-assoziierte Pneumonie trotz persistierend negativen PCR-Tests aus oropharyngealen Abstrichen
Authors: Hornuss D. , Laubner K. , Monasterio C. , Thimme R. , Wagner D.
Published: September 2020

Anamnese und klinischer Befund Ein 46-jähriger Bauarbeiter stellte sich bei seit ca. 7 Tagen bestehender Infektsymptomatik mit Fieber und teilweise produktivem Husten sowie 2-maliger orthotstatischer Synkope in der Notaufnahme vor. Ambulant war bereits eine orale antibiotische Therapie über 5 Tage mit Sultamicillin durch den Hausarzt eingeleitet worden, die zu keiner Beschwerdebesserung führte. In der klinischen Untersuchung zeigten sich hypertone Blutdruckwerte bei bekannter arterieller Hypertonie, ansonsten unauffällige Vitalparameter sowie pulmonal feinblasige Rasselgeräusche links basal.

Untersuchungen und Diagnose Laborchemisch präsentierten sich erhöhte Werte für LDH sowie pro-BNP und CRP bei normwertigen Leukozyten und normwertigem Procalcitonin. Bei Verdacht auf Pneumonie wurde zunächst ein konventionelles Röntgenbild der Lunge durchgeführt, das laterale Verschattungen in beiden Lungen zeigte, verdächtig auf eine atypische Pneumonie. Bei initial negativem Rachenabstrich trotz typischer klinischer, radiologischer und laborchemischer Konstellation erfolgte ein erneuter tiefer Rachenabstrich auf SARS-CoV-2, welcher ebenfalls negativ ausfiel. In der nachgeschalteten CT-Untersuchung des Thorax zeigten sich für COVID-19 typische bipulmonale laterale milchglasartige Infiltrate, woraufhin ein dritter Rachenabstrich durchgeführt wurde, der erneut negativ blieb. Nach Asservierung und PCR-Analyse von Sputum konnte schließlich der Nachweis von SARS-CoV-2 erbracht und die Diagnose einer COVID-19-assoziierten Pneumonie gesichert werden.

Therapie und Verlauf Es erfolgte die stationäre Aufnahme zur Infekt- und Synkopen-Abklärung. Bei zunächst noch ausstehendem Ergebnis des Rachenabstrichs auf SARS-CoV-2 wurde der Patient prophylaktisch isoliert. Bei Verdacht auf eine mögliche bakteriell-superinfizierte Pneumonie wurde eine intravenöse antibiotische Therapie mit Ampicillin/Sulbactam eingeleitet, welche nach 3 Tagen bei fehlenden Hinweisen auf bakterielle Erreger beendet wurde. Nach Diagnosesicherung erfolgte bei bereits eingetretener klinischer Rekonvaleszenz keine antivirale Therapie. Der Patient wurde 17 Tage nach initialem Symptombeginn ohne weitere Quarantäne-Auflagen nach Hause entlassen.

Folgerung Die Kasuistik beschreibt einen Fall von COVID-19, bei dem trotz typischer klinischer Symptomatik sowie typischen radiologischen und laborchemischen Befunden ein Virusnachweis in mehrfach korrekt durchgeführten tiefen Rachenabstrichen nicht möglich war. Erst eine Sputum-Analyse erbrachte den Nachweis der viralen RNA und sicherte die Diagnose. Bei begründetem klinischem Verdacht auf COVID-19 sollte daher bei negativen Rachenabstrichen zum sicheren Ausschluss eine Analyse von tiefen Atemwegssekreten (Sputum, bronchoalveoläre Lavage, Trachealsekret) oder Stuhl erfolgen.
Double Heterozygous Mutations (Cys247Tyr and 252delAsn) Cause Factor XII Deficiency in a Chinese Family
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhang Haiyue , Liu Siqi , Ye Jiajia
Published: September 2020

Objective To study the molecular basis of human coagulation factor XII (FXII) deficiency in a Chinese family.

Methods Routine blood coagulation indexes were detected by a one-stage clotting method, whereas FXII antigen was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. DNA sequencing was applied to find mutations in the F12 gene. Bioinformatics and conservative analyses were performed to analyze possible effects of the mutation.

Results The proband had significantly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (141.9 seconds), and her FXII clotting activity was decreased to 5%. Genetic analysis revealed that the propositus carried a heterozygous missense mutation c.797G > A in exon 8 resulting in Cys247Tyr and deletion mutation c.809_811delACA in exon 9 resulting in 252delAsn. Bioinformatics results indicated that the mutation had affected the function of the protein.

Conclusion The c.797G > A heterozygous missense variation and the c.809_811delACA heterozygous deletion variation are associated with decreased FXII levels in this family, of which c.797G > A is first reported in the world.
TIS – Talking in Symbols. Development of a Tool for Nonverbal
Communication after Language Barriers in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Weiler-Wichtl Liesa J. , Fohn-Erhold Verena , Schlifelner Juliana , Fries Jonathan , Bauer Erwin K. , Schwarzinger Agathe , Kienesberger Anita , Leiss Ulrike
Published: September 2020

Language barriers have been reported to have a detrimental effect on various
outcomes in paediatric care, such as therapy adherence, and may even cause
medical treatment errors. To address this issue, we developed a set of 63 cards
with which a wide range of specific messages can be conveyed nonverbally in a
clinical context. The conceptualization of the tool involved multiple phases. In
Study 1, we held a workshop with 11 children and adolescents between 8 and 19
years that had received treatment for oncological conditions to gain an
understanding of the specific challenges. In Study 2, we presented a first
prototype to 3 children and 14 adults; participants were asked to rate the cards
on multiple dimensions. Based on information from the previous trials, we
developed a second prototype and asked 10 children and 7 adults to rate the
cards on multiple dimensions. In this multidisciplinary approach in addition to
our experts of clinical psychology we involved patient advocators and graphic
designers in the process to achieve high feasibility and comprehensibility;
based on the workshop, expert consensus surveys, data gathered in evaluation,
all prototypes and the final card set were developed in close collaboration.
Participants had little difficulty interpreting the cards and rated the
information content as adequate. Importantly, a majority of participants
indicated that they would keep using the tool during their stay at the hospital.
Overall, the evaluation implied high acceptance and usability. The final card
set is a promising communication tool in clinical paediatric settings with
various language barriers. Further research should address how patient outcomes
are impacted by using the tool.
Single Center Outcome of Multiple Births in the Premature and Very Low Birth Weight Cohort in Singapore
Authors: Anand Amudha Jayanthi , Sabapathy Karthik , Sriram Bhavani , Rajadurai Victor Samuel , Agarwal Pratibha Keshav
Published: September 2020

Objective The aim of this study is to compare neonatal mortality and morbidity in multiple and singleton preterm/very low birthweight (PT/VLBW) multiethnic Asian infants.

Study Design Cohort study of 676 singleton and 299 multiple PT/VLBW infants born between 2008 and 2012 at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, the largest tertiary perinatal center in Singapore with further stratification by gestational ages 23 to 25 (Group 1), 26 to 28 (Group 2), and ≥29 (Group 3) weeks. Outcome measures included predischarge mortality and major neonatal morbidity.

Results Overall survival to discharge was comparable for singletons 611/676 (90%) and multiples 273/299 (91%). Use of assisted reproductive technologies (47 vs. 4%), antenatal steroids (80 vs. 68%), and delivery by cesarean section (84 vs. 62%) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in multiples while pregnancy induced hypertension (8.7 vs. 31.6%, p < 0.001) and maternal chorioamnionitis (31 vs. 41%, p < 0.01) were seen less commonly compared with singleton pregnancies. Survival was comparable between singletons and multiples except for a lower survival in multiples in Group 2 (81.7 vs. 92.4%, p = 0.007). Major neonatal morbidities were comparable for multiples and singletons in the overall cohort. Presence of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (HsPDA) requiring treatment (88.9 vs. 72.5%), air leaks (33 vs. 14.6%, p = 0.02), NEC (30 vs. 14.6%, p = 0.04), and composite morbidity (86 vs. 66%, p = 0.031) were significantly higher in multiples in Group 1. A significantly higher incidence of HsPDA (68.1 vs. 52.4%, p = 0.008) was also observed in multiples in Group 2. Multiple pregnancy was not an independent predictor of an adverse outcome on regression analysis (OR: 0.685, 95% confidence interval: 0.629–2.02) even in GA ≤25 weeks.

Conclusion Neonatal mortality and morbidity were comparable in our cohort of PT/VLBW singletons and multiple births, but preterm multiple births ≤25 weeks had a higher incidence of neonatal morbidity.

Key Points
Opportunity to improve thin film solar cell performance identified
Authors: Johnson-Groh Mara
Published: September 2020

Resolving carrier compensation and fluctuating potentials can further increase the performance of cadmium-telluride thin film solar cells.
Design and development of ultrasonic bipolar square-wave pulser for non-destructive testing of concrete structures
Authors: Jain Harshit , Tarpara Eaglekumar G. , Patankar V. H.
Published: September 2020

This paper provides design and development details of the generation of bipolar High Voltage (HV) square wave pulses for the excitation of low frequency ultrasonic transducers. Such a circuit is required for the purpose of ultrasonic inspection of components, particularly where high energy is required to insonify the attenuative medium, such as concrete. A HV (±350 V) square wave pulse has been generated by an ultrafast complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) pair, which is driven by high speed MOSFET drivers. The generated bipolar square wave pulse has been utilized to energize a 108 kHz ultrasonic transducer to operate in the pulse-echo mode for the evaluation of a concrete test block. The receiver amplifier filters the received low-amplitude echo signals, which are reflected back from a discontinuity, and amplifies further for signal to noise ratio enhancement. The pulser board designed has been tested and evaluated for its functionality to measure ultrasonic velocity in the highly attenuative concrete medium up to a depth of 1 m. The measured value of acoustic velocity was compared with the value obtained from the commercially available ultrasonic pulse velocity instrument, and the values obtained are within ±5%.
Decay for turbulent solutions of the magneto-hydrodynamic equations in an exterior domain
Authors: Liu Zhaoxia , Han Pigong
Published: September 2020

By using the spectral analysis method and establishing some new inequalities, we address the decay properties of the energy of turbulent solutions to the non-stationary magneto-hydrodynamic equations in exterior domains. Our results reveal that the L2-decay rate of each turbulent solution is generally determined by its linear part.
Resurgence and holonomy of the ϕ2k model in zero dimension
Authors: Fauvet Frédéric , Menous Frédéric , Quéva Julien
Published: September 2020

We describe the resurgence properties of some partition functions corresponding to field theories in dimension 0. We show that these functions satisfy linear differential equations with polynomial coefficients and then use elementary stability results for holonomic functions to prove resurgence properties, enhancing the previously known results on growth estimates for the formal series involved, which had been obtained through a delicate combinatorics.
Alternative cleaning and dust detection method for PV modules and its application
Authors: Fan Zhongyao , Wang Mingxue , Mu Juan , Yi JinYin
Published: September 2020

An efficient cleaning method is crucial for the power production and equipment reliability of a Photovoltaic (PV) system. This paper presents an alternative cleaning and dust detection method for PV modules. Instead of monitoring the difference between the real and theoretical power production of PV modules, this method analyzes the soiling loss by alternatively cleaning two panels at the beginning of the cleaning period. When the loss reaches the cleaning cost, a cleaning reminder is generated while considering the weather forecast. The efficacy of the proposed theoretical model is established based on 1-year data collected in the Shandong PV system. Annual production improvement of more than 1.33% is achieved with a net return of more than 0.78% on the deduction of cleaning cost, which is equal to $1363/GWh economic benefit per year.
Complexes and compensation in degenerately donor doped GaN
Authors: Baker Jonathon N. , Bowes Preston C. , Harris Joshua S. , Collazo Ramón , Sitar Zlatko , Irving Douglas L.
Published: September 2020

Gallium nitride is an increasingly technologically relevant material system. While donor doping GaN to low and intermediate dopant concentrations using silicon and germanium has become routine, compensation mechanisms activate under very high donor doping, limiting the maximum electron concentration achievable with either dopant in the degenerate doping regime. This effect, and how it differs between the two dopants, is investigated by hybrid functional density functional theory calculations and grand canonical thermodynamics models and is found to be due to the onset of multi-member Ga vacancy-donor substitutional complexes under degenerate doping conditions. The differing energetics of Ge- and Si-related complexes leads to different responses, ultimately making Ge the more effective donor in degenerate conditions.