bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of two different transarterial chemoembolization protocols using Lipiodol and degradable starch microspheres in therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective trial
Authors: Vogl T. J. , Langenbach M. C. , Hammerstingl R. , Albrecht M. H. , Chatterjee A. R. , Gruber-Rouh T.
Published: May 2021

Background

This prospective randomized trial is designed to compare the performance of conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) using Lipiodol-only with additional use of degradable starch microspheres (DSM) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in BCLC-stage-B based on metric tumor response.

Methods

Sixty-one patients (44 men; 17 women; range 44–85) with HCC were evaluated in this IRB-approved HIPPA compliant study. The treatment protocol included three TACE-sessions in 4-week intervals, in all cases with Mitomycin C as a chemotherapeutic agent. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed prior to the first and 4 weeks after the last TACE. Two treatment groups were determined using a randomization sheet: In 30 patients, TACE was performed using Lipiodol only (group 1). In 31 cases Lipiodol was combined with DSMs (group 2). Response according to tumor volume, diameter, mRECIST criteria, and the development of necrotic areas were analyzed and compared using the Mann–Whitney-U, Kruskal–Wallis-H-test, and Spearman-Rho. Survival data were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier estimator.

Results

A mean overall tumor volume reduction of 21.45% (± 62.34%) was observed with an average tumor volume reduction of 19.95% in group 1 vs. 22.95% in group 2 (p = 0.653). Mean diameter reduction was measured with 6.26% (± 34.75%), for group 1 with 11.86% vs. 4.06% in group 2 (p = 0.678). Regarding mRECIST criteria, group 1 versus group 2 showed complete response in 0 versus 3 cases, partial response in 2 versus 7 cases, stable disease in 21 versus 17 cases, and progressive disease in 3 versus 1 cases (p = 0.010). Estimated overall survival was in mean 33.4 months (95% CI 25.5–41.4) for cTACE with Lipiosol plus DSM, and 32.5 months (95% CI 26.6–38.4), for cTACE with Lipiodol-only (p = 0.844), respectively.

Conclusions

The additional application of DSM during cTACE showed a significant benefit in tumor response according to mRECIST compared to cTACE with Lipiodol-only. No benefit in survival time was observed.
Transient disease dynamics across ecological scales
Authors: Tao Yun , Hite Jessica L. , Lafferty Kevin D. , Earn David J. D. , Bharti Nita
Published: May 2021

Analyses of transient dynamics are critical to understanding infectious disease transmission and persistence. Identifying and predicting transients across scales, from within-host to community-level patterns, plays an important role in combating ongoing epidemics and mitigating the risk of future outbreaks. Moreover, greater emphases on non-asymptotic processes will enable timely evaluations of wildlife and human diseases and lead to improved surveillance efforts, preventive responses, and intervention strategies. Here, we explore the contributions of transient analyses in recent models spanning the fields of epidemiology, movement ecology, and parasitology. In addition to their roles in predicting epidemic patterns and endemic outbreaks, we explore transients in the contexts of pathogen transmission, resistance, and avoidance at various scales of the ecological hierarchy. Examples illustrate how (i) transient movement dynamics at the individual host level can modify opportunities for transmission events over time; (ii) within-host energetic processes often lead to transient dynamics in immunity, pathogen load, and transmission potential; (iii) transient connectivity between discrete populations in response to environmental factors and outbreak dynamics can affect disease spread across spatial networks; and (iv) increasing species richness in a community can provide transient protection to individuals against infection. Ultimately, we suggest that transient analyses offer deeper insights and raise new, interdisciplinary questions for disease research, consequently broadening the applications of dynamical models for outbreak preparedness and management.
Disabled Women, Care Regimes, and Institutionalised Homophobia: a Case Study From Poland
Authors: Wołowicz Agnieszka , Król Agnieszka , Struzik Justyna
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The intersection of non-heterosexuality, gender and disability became a prolific field of research among both queer, crip and disability studies scholars, though focusing mainly on Western regions. The article discusses how women narrate their everyday intimate and care-related experiences situated in ableist and heteronormative regimes of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The aim of this article is to scrutinise the care regimes as experienced, navigated and reported by non-heterosexual women with disabilities in Poland, a country characterized by institutionalisation, lack of individualised disability support, and state homophobia.

Methods

The study is based on qualitative methods, namely semi-structured, in-depth interviews. We conducted interviews with 11 non-heterosexual disabled women living in Poland. The sampling was based on three criteria: gender, self-identification as a disabled person, and experience with being in a same-sex relationship (8 out of 11 participants were in a homosexual relationship during the time of the interview). All eleven participants identified as non-heterosexual women (most as lesbians, one as bisexual and one as pansexual) and had a congenital physical disability (including cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy). None of the interviewees had an intellectual disability.

Results

By tackling care regimes, our analysis explores women’s experiences in the context of discursive confusions resulting from being at the intersection of often-contradictory local narrations on gender, disability, and sexuality. We identified three intertwined processes to understand and explore how care regimes work in Poland: (1) the separateness between queer and disabled policies and discourses, (2) the co-opting/obscuring of homosexual relations between women by category of care, (3) familiarisation of care and its consequences for non-heterosexuality.

Policy Implication

We suggest that social support systems must better address the needs of non-heterosexual women with disabilities which are profoundly impacted by structural, political and cultural constraints and possibilities.
Promise and performance of agricultural nutrient management policy: Lessons from the Baltic Sea
Authors: Thorsøe Martin Hvarregaard , Andersen Mikael Skou , Brady Mark V. , Graversgaard Morten , Kilis Emils , Pedersen Anders Branth , Pitzén Samuli , Valve Helena
Published: May 2021

Following decades of international collaboration to restore the Baltic Sea, we provide an assessment of the domestic implementation of measures agreed to limit diffuse agricultural pollution and the patterns of policy instruments applied. Despite the Helsinki Convention being unusually specific in detailing what measures countries should introduce, we find many shortcomings. These are most pronounced in the larger countries (Poland, Germany and Russia), while smaller countries perform better, notably Sweden and Estonia. The patterns of policy instruments applied differ, influenced by domestic politics. The limited use of complementary policy instruments suggests that other priorities overrule full and effective implementation, with engagement mirroring the advantages that a restored Baltic Sea can bring to countries. Using the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development to support farmers in managing nutrients, particularly advisory services and investments in modern manure management technologies, represents a significant opportunity for reducing agricultural pollution in most countries.
Dissolution Rates of Allophane With Variable Fe Contents: Implications for Aqueous Alteration and the Preservation of X-Ray Amorphous Materials on Mars
Authors: Ralston S. J. , Hausrath Elisabeth M. , Tschauner Oliver , Rampe Elizabeth , Peretyazhko Tanya S. , Christoffersen Roy , Defelice Chris , Lee Hyejeong
Published: May 2021

Recent measurements from Mars document X-ray amorphous/nano-crystalline materials in multiple locations across the planet. Despite their prevalence, however, little is known about these materials or what their presence implies for the history of Mars. The X-ray amorphous component of the martian soil in Gale crater has an X-ray diffraction pattern that can be fit partially with allophane (approximately Al2O3⋅(SiO2)1.3–2⋅(H2O)2.5–3), and the low-temperature water-release data are consistent with allophane. The chemical data from Gale crater suggest that other silicate materials similar to allophane, such as Fe-substituted allophane (approximately (Fe2O3)0.01–0.5(Al2O3)0.5–0.99⋅(SiO2)2⋅3H2O), may also be present. In order to investigate the properties of these potential poorly crystalline components of the martian soil, Fe-free allophane (Fe:Al = 0), Fe-poor allophane (Fe:Al = 1:99), and Fe-rich allophane (Fe:Al = 1:1) were synthesized and then characterized using electron microscopy and Mars-relevant techniques, including infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and evolved gas analysis. Dissolution experiments were performed under acidic (initial pH values pH0= 3.01, pH0= 5.04), near-neutral (pH0= 6.99), and alkaline (pH0= 10.4) conditions in order to determine dissolution kinetics and alteration phases for these poorly crystalline materials. Dissolution rates (rdiss), based on the rate of Si release into solution, show that these poorly crystalline materials dissolve approximately an order of magnitude faster than crystalline phases with similar compositions at all pH conditions. For Fe-free allophane, logrdiss= –10.65–0.15 × pH; for Fe-poor allophane, logrdiss= –10.35–0.22 × pH; and for Fe-rich allophane, logrdiss= –11.46–0.042 × pH at 25°C, whererdisshas the units of mol m–2 s–1. The formation of incipient phyllosilicate-like phases was detected in Fe-free and Fe-rich allophane reacted in aqueous solutions with pH0= 10.4 (steady-state pH ≈ 8). Mars-analog instrument analyses demonstrate that Fe-free allophane, Fe-poor allophane, and Fe-rich allophane are appropriate analogs for silicate phases in the martian amorphous soil component. Therefore, similar materials on Mars must have had limited interaction with liquid water since their formation. Combined with chemical changes expected from weathering, such as phyllosilicate formation, the rapid alteration of these poorly crystalline materials may be a useful tool for evaluating the extent of aqueous alteration in returned samples of martian soils.
The moduli space of Harnack curves in toric surfaces
Authors: Alberto Olarte Jorge
Published: May 2021

In 2006, Kenyon and Okounkov Kenyon and Okounkov [12] computed the moduli space of Harnack curves of degree d in

${\mathbb {C}\mathbb {P}}^2$

. We generalise their construction to any projective toric surface and show that the moduli space

${\mathcal {H}_\Delta }$

of Harnack curves with Newton polygon

$\Delta $

is diffeomorphic to

${\mathbb {R}}^{m-3}\times {\mathbb {R}}_{\geq 0}^{n+g-m}$

, where

$\Delta $

has m edges, g interior lattice points and n boundary lattice points. This solves a conjecture of Crétois and Lang. The main result uses abstract tropical curves to construct a compactification of this moduli space where additional points correspond to collections of curves that can be patchworked together to produce a curve in

${\mathcal {H}_\Delta }$

. This compactification has a natural stratification with the same poset as the secondary polytope of

$\Delta $

.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardiiCNCM I-1079 supplementation in finishing male pigs helps to cope with heat stress through feeding behaviour and gut microbiota modulation
Authors: Labussière Etienne , Achard Caroline , Dubois Serge , Combes Sylvie , Castex Mathieu , Renaudeau David
Published: May 2021

Pigs subjected to heat stress (HS) decrease their feed intake and growth. The objectives of the experiment were to determine the effects of live yeast (LY) supplementation (Saccharomyces cerevisiae var boulardiiCNCM I-1079) on feeding behaviour, energy metabolism and faecal microbiota composition of finishing boars (n10) housed in a respiration chamber at thermoneutrality (7 d at 22°C) or during HS (seven plus six days at 28°C). Dietary LY supplementation increased DM intake (P= 0·01) whatever the ambient temperature, whereas HS decreased feed intake whatever the dietary supplementation (P= 0·01). Dietary LY supplementation increased the number of meals (P= 0·02). Energy retention was higher with dietary LY supplementation (P< 0·01) but decreased during HS (P< 0·01). The skin temperature of the supplemented pigs was lower at thermoneutrality and increased during HS to a lesser extent than that of non-supplemented pigs (P< 0·01). Faecal microbiota composition was determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Treponema, Christensenellaceae R-7,Ruminococcaceae UCG-002, Rikenellaceae RC9, Clostridium sensu stricto 1andRomboutsiagenera and some bacteria belonging toAlloprevotella,OxalobacterandAnaeroplasmagenera were more abundant under HS. LY supplementation attenuated HS effects onRomboutsiaabundance, while decreasing the abundance of some bacteria fromRuminoccocus,Coprococcus,PeptococcusandOxalobactergenera and increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria fromLactococcusandSubdoligranulumgenera. Our results suggest that higher level of the keystone speciesRuminococcus bromiiat thermoneutrality may be one of the causes for higher energy retention observed under subsequent HS.
Association between selenium intake, diabetes and mortality in adults: findings from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2014
Authors: Hoque Bushra , Shi Zumin
Published: May 2021

Se is a trace mineral that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the association between Se intake, diabetes, all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a representative sample of US adults. Data from 18 932 adults who attended the 2003–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analysed. Information on mortality was obtained from the US mortality registry updated to 2015. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression were used. Cross-sectionally, Se intake was positively associated with diabetes. When comparing the extreme quartiles of Se intake, the OR for diabetes was 1·44 (95 % CI 1·09, 1·89). During a mean of 6·6 years follow-up, there were 1627 deaths (312 CVD, 386 cancer). High intake of Se was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality. When comparing the highest with the lowest quartiles of Se intake, the hazard ratios for all-cause, CVD mortality, cancer mortality and other mortality were 0·77 (95 % CI 0·59, 1·01), 0·62 (95 % CI 0·35, 1·13), 1·42 (95 % CI 0·78, 2·58) and 0·60 (95 % CI 0·40, 0·80), respectively. The inverse association between Se intake and all-cause mortality was only found among white participants. In conclusion, Se intake was positively associated with diabetes but inversely associated with all-cause mortality. There was no interaction between Se intake and diabetes in relation to all-cause mortality.
Effects of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Structural Organization of Hepatocyte Chromatin: Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix Analysis
Authors: Paunovic Jovana , Vucevic Danijela , Radosavljevic Tatjana , Vukomanovic Djurdjevic Biserka , Stankovic Sanja , Pantic Igor
Published: May 2021

Gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) analysis is a contemporary and innovative computer-based algorithm that can be used for the quantification of subtle changes in a cellular structure. In this work, we use this method for the detection of discrete alterations in hepatocyte chromatin distribution after in vivo exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). The study was performed on 40 male, healthy C57BL/6 mice divided into four groups: three experimental groups that received different doses of IONPs and 1 control group. We describe the dose-dependent reduction of chromatin textural uniformity measured as GLCM angular second moment. Similar changes were detected for chromatin textural uniformity expressed as the value of inverse difference moment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the impact of iron-based nanomaterials on hepatocyte GLCM parameters. Also, this is the first study to apply discrete wavelet transform analysis, as a supplementary method to GLCM, for the assessment of hepatocyte chromatin structure in these conditions. The results may present the useful basis for future research on the application of GLCM and DWT methods in pathology and other medical research areas.
A novel 4-DOF wide-range tunable frequency selective surface using an origami “eggbox” structure
Authors: Cui Yepu , Bahr Ryan , Rijs Samantha Van , Tentzeris Manos
Published: May 2021

Shape-changing mechanical metamaterials have drawn the attention of researchers toward the development of continuous-range tunable frequency selective surfaces (FSSs). In this paper, a novel tunable FSS utilizing an origami-inspired “eggbox” structure is presented featuring four-degrees of freedom that can change the frequency response of two orthogonal linear polarizations. The centrosymmetric “eggbox” structure can be folded or rotated along two axes that lead to unprecedented reconfigurability compared to traditional Miura-Ori-based structures which have fewer degrees of control. The utilized cross-shaped dipole FSS element shows enhanced bandwidth, support for orthogonal linear polarization, and ease of fabrication. The prototype is fabricated using a low-cost fully additive inkjet printing process with silver nanoparticle conductive ink. The outcome of this study shows a 25% frequency tunable range over two polarization directions. The design can be an ideal spatial filtering candidate for advanced ultra-wideband terrestrial and space applications.
Full‐Depth Scalings for Isopycnal Eddy Mixing Across Continental Slopes Under Upwelling‐Favorable Winds
Authors: Wei Huaiyu , Wang Yan
Published: May 2021

Mesoscale eddy mixing profoundly modulates the ocean tracer budgets, and is typically parameterized via the isopycnal eddy diffusivity in ocean climate models. However, relatively little is known about the magnitude/structure of isopycnal eddy diffusivity across continental slopes, which hinders the understanding and prediction of shelf‐open ocean exchanges. In this study, we quantify the isopycnal eddy diffusivity in a suite of eddy‐resolving, process‐oriented simulations of mesoscale turbulence over continental slopes under upwelling‐favorable winds, a configuration that commonly arises around the margins of subtropical gyres. Cross‐shore eddy diffusivity is found to be suppressed in the upper open ocean occupied by strong alongshore flows, but enhanced at depths where alongshore flows are weakened, a finding that is consistent with the enhancement of eddy mixing near the steering level. Over continental slopes, eddy diffusivity also strengthens at mid‐depths, but almost vanishes near the seafloor. To theoretically constrain the simulated eddy fluxes, we examine the scaling of eddy diffusivity proposed by Ferrari and Nikurashin (2010, https://doi.org/10.1175/2010JPO4278.1), which accounts for the suppression of eddy mixing induced by the relative propagation of eddies to the mean flow. We show that, apart from the mean‐flow suppression effect, the eddy anisotropy effect induced by steep topography shapes both the horizontal and vertical structures of cross‐shore eddy diffusivity. Finally, we propose prospective closures of the eddy propagation speed and eddy anisotropy effect over continental slopes using the large‐scale flow and bathymetric quantities. This work offers a basis upon which a “slope‐aware” parameterization of mesoscale eddy mixing can be developed.
Prevalence of and factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder among French university students 1 month after the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Wathelet Marielle , Fovet Thomas , Jousset Améliane , Duhem Stéphane , Habran Enguerrand , Horn Mathilde , Debien Christophe , Notredame Charles-Edouard , Baubet Thierry , Vaiva Guillaume , D’Hondt Fabien
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine measures have sparked debate regarding their traumatic nature. This cross-sectional study reports the prevalence rate of probable post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) and associated factors among French university students. A total of 22,883 students completed the online questionnaire. The prevalence rate of probable PTSD, assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, was 19.5% [19.0–20.0]. Female (1.32 [1.21–1.45]) or non-binary gender (1.76 [1.35–2.31]), exposure to a non-COVID-19-related traumatic event (3.37 [3.08–3.67]), having lived through quarantine alone (1.22 [1.09–1.37]), poor quality of social ties (2.38 [2.15–2.62]), loss of income (1.20 [1.09–1.31]), poor quality housing (1.90 [1.59–2.26]), low-quality of the information received (1.50 [1.35–1.66]) and a high level of exposure to COVID-19 (from 1.38 [1.24–1.54] to 10.82 [2.33–76.57] depending on the score) were associated with PTSD. Quarantine was considered potentially traumatic by 78.8% of the students with probable PTSD. These findings suggest the pandemic context and lockdown measures could have post-traumatic consequences, stimulating debate on the nosography of PTSD.
FORTIS: a live-cell assay to monitor AMPA receptors using pH-sensitive fluorescence tags
Authors: Calleja-Felipe María , Wojtas Magdalena Natalia , Diaz-González Marta , Ciceri Dalila , Escribano Raúl , Ouro Alberto , Morales Miguel , Knafo Shira
Published: May 2021

The real-time live fluorescent monitoring of surface AMPA receptors (AMPARs) could open new opportunities for drug discovery and phenotypic screening concerning neuropsychiatric disorders. We have developed FORTIS, a tool based on pH sensitivity capable of detecting subtle changes in surface AMPARs at a neuronal population level. The expression of SEP-GluA1 or pHuji-GluA1 recombinant AMPAR subunits in mammalian neurons cultured in 96-well plates enables surface AMPARs to be monitored with a microplate reader. Thus, FORTIS can register rapid changes in surface AMPARs induced by drugs or genetic modifications without having to rely on conventional electrophysiology or imaging. By combining FORTIS with pharmacological manipulations, basal surface AMPARs, and plasticity-like changes can be monitored. We expect that employing FORTIS to screen for changes in surface AMPARs will accelerate both neuroscience research and drug discovery.
FLT3 mutated acute myeloid leukemia: 2021 treatment algorithm
Authors: Daver Naval , Venugopal Sangeetha , Ravandi Farhad
Published: May 2021

Approximately 30% of patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) harbor mutations in the fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene. While the adverse prognostic impact of FLT3-ITDmut in AML has been clearly proven, the prognostic significance of FLT3-TKDmut remains speculative. Current guidelines recommend rapid molecular testing for FLT3mut at diagnosis and earlier incorporation of targeted agents to achieve deeper remissions and early consideration for allogeneic stem cell transplant (ASCT). Mounting evidence suggests that FLT3mut can emerge at any timepoint in the disease spectrum emphasizing the need for repetitive mutational testing not only at diagnosis but also at each relapse. The approval of multi-kinase FLT3 inhibitor (FLT3i) midostaurin with induction therapy for newly diagnosed FLT3mut AML, and a more specific, potent FLT3i, gilteritinib as monotherapy for relapsed/refractory (R/R) FLT3mut AML have improved outcomes in patients with FLT3mut AML. Nevertheless, the short duration of remission with single-agent FLT3i’s in R/R FLT3mut AML in the absence of ASCT, limited options in patients refractory to gilteritinib therapy, and diverse primary and secondary mechanisms of resistance to different FLT3i’s remain ongoing challenges that compel the development and rapid implementation of multi-agent combinatorial or sequential therapies for FLT3mut AML.
Human stem cells harboring a suicide gene improve the safety and standardisation of neural transplants in Parkinsonian rats
Authors: de Luzy Isabelle R. , Law Kevin C. L. , Moriarty Niamh , Hunt Cameron P. J. , Durnall Jennifer C. , Thompson Lachlan H. , Nagy Andras , Parish Clare L.
Published: May 2021

Despite advancements in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) differentiation protocols to generate appropriate neuronal progenitors suitable for transplantation in Parkinson’s disease, resultant grafts contain low proportions of dopamine neurons. Added to this is the tumorigenic risk associated with the potential presence of incompletely patterned, proliferative cells within grafts. Here, we utilised a hPSC line carrying a FailSafeTM suicide gene (thymidine kinase linked to cyclinD1) to selectively ablate proliferative cells in order to improve safety and purity of neural transplantation in a Parkinsonian model. The engineered FailSafeTM hPSCs demonstrated robust ventral midbrain specification in vitro, capable of forming neural grafts upon transplantation. Activation of the suicide gene within weeks after transplantation, by ganciclovir administration, resulted in significantly smaller grafts without affecting the total yield of dopamine neurons, their capacity to innervate the host brain or reverse motor deficits at six months in a rat Parkinsonian model. Within ganciclovir-treated grafts, other neuronal, glial and non-neural populations (including proliferative cells), were significantly reduced—cell types that may pose adverse or unknown influences on graft and host function. These findings demonstrate the capacity of a suicide gene-based system to improve both the standardisation and safety of hPSC-derived grafts in a rat model of Parkinsonism.
Quantized spin Hall conductance in a magnetically doped two dimensional topological insulator
Authors: Shamim Saquib , Beugeling Wouter , Shekhar Pragya , Bendias Kalle , Lunczer Lukas , Kleinlein Johannes , Buhmann Hartmut , Molenkamp Laurens W.
Published: May 2021

Soon after the discovery of the quantum spin Hall effect, it has been predicted that a magnetic impurity in the presence of strong Coulomb interactions will destroy the quantum spin Hall effect. However, the fate of the quantum spin Hall effect in the presence of magnetic impurities has not yet been experimentally investigated. Here, we report the successful experimental demonstration of a quantized spin Hall resistance in HgTe quantum wells dilutely alloyed with magnetic Mn atoms. These quantum wells exhibit an inverted band structure that is very similar to that of the undoped material. Micron sized devices of (Hg,Mn)Te quantum well (in the topological phase) show a quantized spin Hall resistance of h/2e2 at low temperatures and zero magnetic field. At finite temperatures, we observe signatures of the Kondo effect due to interaction between the helical edge channels and magnetic impurities. Our work lays the foundation for future investigations of magnetically doped quantum spin Hall materials towards the realization of chiral Majorana fermions.
Salting-out effect promoting highly efficient ambient ammonia synthesis
Authors: Wang Mengfan , Liu Sisi , Ji Haoqing , Yang Tingzhou , Qian Tao , Yan Chenglin
Published: May 2021

The electroreduction of nitrogen to ammonia offers a promising alternative to the energy-intensive Haber–Bosch process. Unfortunately, the reaction suffers from low activity and selectivity, owing to competing hydrogen evolution and the poor accessibility of nitrogen to the electrocatalyst. Here, we report that deliberately triggering a salting-out effect in a highly concentrated electrolyte can simultaneously tackle the above challenges and achieve highly efficient ammonia synthesis. The solute ions exhibit strong affinity for the surrounding H2O molecules, forming a hydration shell and limiting their efficacy as both proton sources and solvents. This not only effectively suppresses hydrogen evolution but also ensures considerable nitrogen flux at the reaction interface via heterogeneous nucleation of the precipitate, thus facilitating the subsequent reduction process in terms of both selectivity and activity. As expected, even when assembled with a metal-free electrocatalyst, a high Faradaic efficiency of 71 ± 1.9% is achieved with this proof-of-concept system.
Modularity and composite diversity affect the collective gathering of information online
Authors: Pescetelli Niccolò , Rutherford Alex , Rahwan Iyad
Published: May 2021

Many modern interactions happen in a digital space, where automated recommendations and homophily can shape the composition of groups interacting together and the knowledge that groups are able to tap into when operating online. Digital interactions are also characterized by different scales, from small interest groups to large online communities. Here, we manipulate the composition of groups based on a large multi-trait profiling space (including demographic, professional, psychological and relational variables) to explore the causal link between group composition and performance as a function of group size. We asked volunteers to search news online under time pressure and measured individual and group performance in forecasting real geo-political events. Our manipulation affected the correlation of forecasts made by people after online searches. Group composition interacted with group size so that composite diversity benefited individual and group performance proportionally to group size. Aggregating opinions of modular crowds composed of small independent groups achieved better forecasts than aggregating a similar number of forecasts from non-modular ones. Finally, we show differences existing among groups in terms of disagreement, speed of convergence to consensus forecasts and within-group variability in performance. The present work sheds light on the mechanisms underlying effective online information gathering in digital environments.
Systemic metastasis-targeted nanotherapeutic reinforces tumor surgical resection and chemotherapy
Authors: Xu Minjun , Hu Kaili , Liu Yipu , Huang Yukun , Liu Shanshan , Chen Yu , Wang Dayuan , Zhou Songlei , Zhang Qian , Mei Ni , Lu Huiping , Li Fengan , Gao Xiaoling , Chen Jun
Published: May 2021

Failure of conventional clinical therapies such as tumor resection and chemotherapy are mainly due to the ineffective control of tumor metastasis. Metastasis consists of three steps: (i) tumor cells extravasate from the primary sites into the circulation system via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), (ii) the circulating tumor cells (CTCs) form “micro-thrombi” with platelets to evade the immune surveillance in circulation, and (iii) the CTCs colonize in the pre-metastatic niche. Here, we design a systemic metastasis-targeted nanotherapeutic (H@CaPP) composed of an anti-inflammatory agent, piceatannol, and an anti-thrombotic agent, low molecular weight heparin, to hinder the multiple steps of tumor metastasis. H@CaPP is found efficiently impeded EMT, inhibited the formation of “micro-thrombi”, and prevented the development of pre-metastatic niche. When combined with surgical resection or chemotherapy, H@CaPP efficiently inhibits tumor metastasis and prolonged overall survival of tumor-bearing mice. Collectively, we provide a simple and effective systemic metastasis-targeted nanotherapeutic for combating tumor metastasis.
Neratinib plus trastuzumab is superior to pertuzumab plus trastuzumab in HER2-positive breast cancer xenograft models
Authors: Veeraraghavan Jamunarani , Gutierrez Carolina , Sethunath Vidyalakshmi , Mehravaran Sepideh , Giuliano Mario , Shea Martin J. , Mitchell Tamika , Wang Tao , Nanda Sarmistha , Pereira Resel , Davis Robert , Goutsouliak Kristina , Qin Lanfang , De Angelis Carmine , Diala Irmina , Lalani Alshad S. , Nagi Chandandeep , Hilsenbeck Susan G. , Rimawi Mothaffar F. , Osborne C. Kent , Schiff Rachel
Published: May 2021

Lapatinib (L) plus trastuzumab (T), with endocrine therapy for estrogen receptor (ER)+ tumors, but without chemotherapy, yielded meaningful response in HER2+ breast cancer (BC) neoadjuvant trials. The irreversible/pan-HER inhibitor neratinib (N) has proven more potent than L. However, the efficacy of N+T in comparison to pertuzumab (P) + T or L + T (without chemotherapy) remains less studied. To address this, mice bearing HER2+ BT474-AZ (ER+) cell and BCM-3963 patient-derived BC xenografts were randomized to vehicle, N, T, P, N+T, or P+T, with simultaneous estrogen deprivation for BT474-AZ. Time to tumor regression/progression and incidence/time to complete response (CR) were determined. Changes in key HER pathway and proliferative markers were assessed by immunohistochemistry and western blot of short-term-treated tumors. In the BT474-AZ model, while all N, P, T, N + T, and P + T treated tumors regressed, N + T-treated tumors regressed faster than P, T, and P + T. Further, N + T was superior to N and T alone in accelerating CR. In the BCM-3963 model, which was refractory to T, P, and P + T, while N and N + T yielded 100% CR, N + T accelerated the CR compared to N. Ki67, phosphorylated (p) AKT, pS6, and pERK levels were largely inhibited by N and N + T, but not by T, P, or P + T. Phosphorylated HER receptor levels were also markedly inhibited by N and N + T, but not by P + T or L + T. Our findings establish the efficacy of combining N with T and support clinical testing to investigate the efficacy of N + T with or without chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting for HER2+ BC.
Dataset of low global warming potential refrigerant refrigeration system for fault detection and diagnostics
Authors: Sun Jian , Im Piljae , Bae Yeonjin , Munk Jeff , Kuruganti Teja , Fricke Brian
Published: May 2021

HVAC and refrigeration system fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) has attracted extensive studies for decades; however, FDD of supermarket refrigeration systems has not gained significant attention. Supermarkets consume around 50 kWh/ft2 of electricity annually. The biggest consumer of energy in a supermarket is its refrigeration system, which accounts for 40%–60% of its total electricity usage and is equivalent to about 2%–3% of the total energy consumed by commercial buildings in the United States. Also, the supermarket refrigeration system is one of the biggest consumers of refrigerants. Reducing refrigerant usage or using environmentally friendly alternatives can result in significant climate benefits. A challenge is the lack of publicly available data sets to benchmark the system performance and record the faulted performance. This paper identifies common faults of supermarket refrigeration systems and conducts an experimental study to collect the faulted performance data and analyze these faults. This work provides a foundation for future research on the development of FDD methods and field automated FDD implementation.
New insights on interpersonal violence in the Late Pleistocene based on the Nile valley cemetery of Jebel Sahaba
Authors: Crevecoeur Isabelle , Dias-Meirinho Marie-Hélène , Zazzo Antoine , Antoine Daniel , Bon François
Published: May 2021

The remains of 61 individuals buried in the cemetery of Jebel Sahaba (site 117) offer unique and substantial evidence to the emergence of violence in the Nile Valley at the end of the Late Pleistocene. Excavated and assessed in the 1960s, some of the original findings and interpretations are disputed. A full reanalysis of the timing, nature and extent of the violence was conducted through the microscopic characterization of the nature of each osseous lesion, and the reassessment of the archaeological data. Over 100 previously undocumented healed and unhealed lesions were identified on both new and/or previously identified victims, including several embedded lithic artefacts. Most trauma appears to be the result of projectile weapons and new analyses confirm for the first time the repetitive nature of the interpersonal acts of violence. Indeed, a quarter of the skeletons with lesions exhibit both healed and unhealed trauma. We dismiss the hypothesis that Jebel Sahaba reflects a single warfare event, with the new data supporting sporadic and recurrent episodes of inter-personal violence, probably triggered by major climatic and environmental changes. At least 13.4 ka old, Jebel Sahaba is one of the earliest sites displaying interpersonal violence in the world.
Investigating the relationship between women’s experience of intimate partner violence and utilization of maternal healthcare services in India
Authors: Paul Pintu , Mondal Dinabandhu
Published: May 2021

The utilization of maternal healthcare services is a key measure to reduce the incidence of maternal mortality. This study aims to examine the relationship between women’s exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and the utilization of maternal healthcare services, using a large-scale nationally representative data among Indian women. Data for this study were drawn from the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), which is collected during 2015–2016. In order to analyze, we utilized 24,882 currently married women aged 15–49 years who had at least one living child in the past five years preceding the survey. Women’s experience of IPV, which is manifested in various forms of physical, emotional, and/or sexual violence perpetrated by the partner, was considered as the key explanatory variable. Adequate antenatal care (ANC) [four or more ANC visits], delivery assistance by the skilled health provider, and postnatal care (PNC) within two days of delivery were used as outcome variables for assessing the utilization of maternal healthcare services. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, Pearson’s chi-square test, and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used in this study. Approximately 26% of the sample women (currently married) experienced any form of IPV in the past year. Bivariate analyses show that the utilization of all three components of maternal healthcare services was lower among women who experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence, as compared to those who did not face any violence perpetrated by the partner. Multivariate analysis indicates that women’s exposure to IPV was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of adequate ANC utilization (Adjusted Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.90, 95% CI 0.84–0.97), even after controlling for socio-demographic characteristics. However, IPV had no significant relationship with skilled delivery assistance and unexpectedly a positive association with PNC usage (Adjusted OR: 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.16) in the adjusted analysis. Our study suggests formulating strategies toward the prevention of husband-perpetrated violence against women and targeting women who experienced spousal violence to improve their utilization of maternal healthcare services.
A heterogeneous subcontinental mantle under the African–Arabian Plate boundary revealed by boron and radiogenic isotopes
Authors: Agostini Samuele , Di Giuseppe Paolo , Manetti Piero , Doglioni Carlo , Conticelli Sandro
Published: May 2021

The northern and northwestern margins of the Arabian Plate are a locus of a diffuse and long-lasting (early Miocene to Pleistocene) Na-alkali basaltic volcanism, sourced in the asthenosphere mantle. The upwelling asthenosphere at the Africa–Arabia margin produces very limited magma volumes in the axial zone. Therefore, portions of hot, fertile mantle continue their eastward migration and are stored at shallower depths under the 100-km thick Arabian lithosphere, which is much thinner than the African one (≈175 km): this causes the occurrence and 20-Ma persistence of magma supply under the study area. Erupted basalts sampled a continuous variation of the mantle source, with a striking correlation among temperature, pressure and isotopic composition shifting between two end members: a 100 km-deep, more depleted source, and a 60 km-deep, more enriched one. In particular, we observed an unusual variation in boron isotopes, which in the oceanic domain does not vary between more depleted and more enriched mantle sources. This study shows that, at least in the considered region, subcontinental mantle is more heterogeneous than the suboceanic one, and able to record for very long times recycling of shallow material.
Evolution of opposing regulatory interactions underlies the emergence of eukaryotic cell cycle checkpoints
Authors: Hernansaiz-Ballesteros Rosa D. , Földi Csenge , Cardelli Luca , Nagy László G. , Csikász-Nagy Attila
Published: May 2021

In eukaryotes the entry into mitosis is initiated by activation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which in turn activate a large number of protein kinases to induce all mitotic processes. The general view is that kinases are active in mitosis and phosphatases turn them off in interphase. Kinases activate each other by cross- and self-phosphorylation, while phosphatases remove these phosphate groups to inactivate kinases. Crucial exceptions to this general rule are the interphase kinase Wee1 and the mitotic phosphatase Cdc25. Together they directly control CDK in an opposite way of the general rule of mitotic phosphorylation and interphase dephosphorylation. Here we investigate why this opposite system emerged and got fixed in almost all eukaryotes. Our results show that this reversed action of a kinase-phosphatase pair, Wee1 and Cdc25, on CDK is particularly suited to establish a stable G2 phase and to add checkpoints to the cell cycle. We show that all these regulators appeared together in LECA (Last Eukaryote Common Ancestor) and co-evolved in eukaryotes, suggesting that this twist in kinase-phosphatase regulation was a crucial step happening at the emergence of eukaryotes.
Complex network model indicates a positive effect of inspiratory muscles pre-activation on performance parameters in a judo match
Authors: Cirino Carolina , Gobatto Claudio A. , Pinto Allan S. , Torres Ricardo S. , Hartz Charlini S. , Azevedo Paulo H. S. M. , Moreno Marlene A. , Manchado-Gobatto Fúlvia B.
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the effects of inspiratory muscle pre-activation (IMPA) on the interactions among the technical-tactical, physical, physiological, and psychophysiological parameters in a simulated judo match, based on the centrality metrics by complex network model. Ten male athletes performed 4 experimental sessions. Firstly, anthropometric measurements, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and global strenght of the inspiratory muscles were determined. In the following days, all athletes performed four-minute video-recorded judo matches, under three conditions: without IMPA(CON), after IMPAat 15% (IMPA15), and at 40% (IMPA40) of MIP using an exerciser device. Blood lactate, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were monitored, and the technical-tactical parameters during the match were related to offensive actions and the time-motion. Based on the complex network, graphs were constructed for each scenario (CON, IMPA15, and IMPA40) to investigate the Degree and Pagerank centrality metrics. IMPA40 increased the connectivity of the physical and technical-tactical parameters in complex network and highlighted the combat frequency and average combat time in top-five ranked nodes. IMPA15 also favoured the interactions among the psychophysiological, physical, and physiological parameters. Our results suggest the positive effects of the IMPA, indicating this strategy to prepare the organism (IMPA15) and to improve performance (IMPA40) in judo match.
Activity in the brain’s valuation and mentalizing networks is associated with propagation of online recommendations
Authors: Baek Elisa C. , O’Donnell Matthew Brook , Scholz Christin , Pei Rui , Garcia Javier O. , Vettel Jean M. , Falk Emily B.
Published: May 2021

Word of mouth recommendations influence a wide range of choices and behaviors. What takes place in the mind of recommendation receivers that determines whether they will be successfully influenced? Prior work suggests that brain systems implicated in assessing the value of stimuli (i.e., subjective valuation) and understanding others’ mental states (i.e., mentalizing) play key roles. The current study used neuroimaging and natural language classifiers to extend these findings in a naturalistic context and tested the extent to which the two systems work together or independently in responding to social influence. First, we show that in response to text-based social media recommendations, activity in both the brain’s valuation system and mentalizing system was associated with greater likelihood of opinion change. Second, participants were more likely to update their opinions in response to negative, compared to positive, recommendations, with activity in the mentalizing system scaling with the negativity of the recommendations. Third, decreased functional connectivity between valuation and mentalizing systems was associated with opinion change. Results highlight the role of brain regions involved in mentalizing and positive valuation in recommendation propagation, and further show that mentalizing may be particularly key in processing negative recommendations, whereas the valuation system is relevant in evaluating both positive and negative recommendations.
Pt and CoB trilayer Josephson $$\pi $$ junctions with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Satchell N. , Mitchell T. , Shepley P. M. , Darwin E. , Hickey B. J. , Burnell G.
Published: May 2021

We report on the electrical transport properties of Nb based Josephson junctions with Pt/Co$$_{68}$$

68

B$$_{32}$$

32

/Pt ferromagnetic barriers. The barriers exhibit perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, which has the main advantage for potential applications over magnetisation in-plane systems of not affecting the Fraunhofer response of the junction. In addition, we report that there is no magnetic dead layer at the Pt/Co$$_{68}$$

68

B$$_{32}$$

32

interfaces, allowing us to study barriers with ultra-thin Co$$_{68}$$

68

B$$_{32}$$

32

. In the junctions, we observe that the magnitude of the critical current oscillates with increasing thickness of the Co$$_{68}$$

68

B$$_{32}$$

32

strong ferromagnetic alloy layer. The oscillations are attributed to the ground state phase difference across the junctions being modified from zero to $$\pi $$
π
. The multiple oscillations in the thickness range $$0.2~\leqslant ~d_\text {CoB}~\leqslant ~1.4$$

0.2

⩽

d
CoB

⩽

1.4

 nm suggests that we have access to the first zero-$$\pi $$
π
and $$\pi $$
π
-zero phase transitions. Our results fuel the development of low-temperature memory devices based on ferromagnetic Josephson junctions.