bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning-based prediction of COVID-19 diagnosis based on symptoms
Authors: Zoabi Yazeed , Deri-Rozov Shira , Shomron Noam
Published: January 2021

Effective screening of SARS-CoV-2 enables quick and efficient diagnosis of COVID-19 and can mitigate the burden on healthcare systems. Prediction models that combine several features to estimate the risk of infection have been developed. These aim to assist medical staff worldwide in triaging patients, especially in the context of limited healthcare resources. We established a machine-learning approach that trained on records from 51,831 tested individuals (of whom 4769 were confirmed to have COVID-19). The test set contained data from the subsequent week (47,401 tested individuals of whom 3624 were confirmed to have COVID-19). Our model predicted COVID-19 test results with high accuracy using only eight binary features: sex, age ≥60 years, known contact with an infected individual, and the appearance of five initial clinical symptoms. Overall, based on the nationwide data publicly reported by the Israeli Ministry of Health, we developed a model that detects COVID-19 cases by simple features accessed by asking basic questions. Our framework can be used, among other considerations, to prioritize testing for COVID-19 when testing resources are limited.
Reciprocal interactions between tumour cell populations enhance growth and reduce radiation sensitivity in prostate cancer
Authors: Paczkowski Marcin , Kretzschmar Warren W. , Markelc Bostjan , Liu Stanley K. , Kunz-Schughart Leoni A. , Harris Adrian L. , Partridge Mike , Byrne Helen M. , Kannan Pavitra
Published: January 2021

Intratumoural heterogeneity (ITH) contributes to local recurrence following radiotherapy in prostate cancer. Recent studies also show that ecological interactions between heterogeneous tumour cell populations can lead to resistance in chemotherapy. Here, we evaluated whether interactions between heterogenous populations could impact growth and response to radiotherapy in prostate cancer. Using mixed 3D cultures of parental and radioresistant populations from two prostate cancer cell lines and a predator-prey mathematical model to investigate various types of ecological interactions, we show that reciprocal interactions between heterogeneous populations enhance overall growth and reduce radiation sensitivity. The type of interaction influences the time of regrowth after radiation, and, at the population level, alters the survival and cell cycle of each population without eliminating either one. These interactions can arise from oxygen constraints and from cellular cross-talk that alter the tumour microenvironment. These findings suggest that ecological-type interactions are important in radiation response and could be targeted to reduce local recurrence.
Temperature modulates stress response in mainstream anammox reactors
Authors: Niederdorfer Robert , Hausherr Damian , Palomo Alejandro , Wei Jing , Magyar Paul , Smets Barth F. , Joss Adriano , Bürgmann Helmut
Published: January 2021

Autotrophic nitrogen removal by anaerobic ammonium oxidizing (anammox) bacteria is an energy-efficient nitrogen removal process in wastewater treatment. However, full-scale deployment under mainstream conditions remains challenging for practitioners due to the high stress susceptibility of anammox bacteria towards fluctuations in dissolved oxygen (DO) and temperature. Here, we investigated the response of microbial biofilms with verified anammox activity to DO shocks under 20 °C and 14 °C. While pulse disturbances of 0.3 mg L−1 DO prompted only moderate declines in the NH4+ removal rates, 1.0 mg L−1 DO led to complete but reversible inhibition of the NH4+ removal activity in all reactors. Genome-centric metagenomics and metatranscriptomics were used to investigate the stress response on various biological levels. We show that temperature regime and strength of DO perturbations induced divergent responses from the process level down to the transcriptional profile of individual taxa. Community-wide gene expression differed significantly depending on the temperature regime in all reactors, and we found a noticeable impact of DO disturbances on genes involved in transcription, translation, replication and posttranslational modification at 20 °C but not 14 °C. Genome-centric analysis revealed that different anammox species and other key biofilm taxa differed in their transcriptional responses to distinct temperature regimes and DO disturbances.
Whole-genome sequencing reveals sex determination and liver high-fat storage mechanisms of yellowstripe goby (Mugilogobius chulae)
Authors: Cai Lei , Liu Guocheng , Wei Yuanzheng , Zhu Yabing , Li Jianjun , Miao Zongyu , Chen Meili , Yue Zhen , Yu Lujun , Dong Zhensheng , Ye Huixin , Sun Wenjing , Huang Ren
Published: January 2021

As a promising novel marine fish model for future research on marine ecotoxicology as well as an animal model of human disease, the genome information of yellowstripe goby (Mugilogobius chulae) remains unknown. Here we report the first annotated chromosome-level reference genome assembly for yellowstripe goby. A 20.67-cM sex determination region was discovered on chromosome 5 and seven potential sex-determining genes were identified. Based on combined genome and transcriptome data, we identified three key lipid metabolic pathways for high-fat accumulation in the liver of yellowstripe goby. The changes in the expression patterns of MGLL and CPT1 at different development stage of the liver, and the expansion of the ABCA1 gene, innate immune gene TLR23, and TRIM family genes may help in balancing high-fat storage in hepatocytes and steatohepatitis. These results may provide insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms of sex determination and high-fat storage in the liver of marine fishes.
Integrated molecular characterisation of the MAPK pathways in human cancers reveals pharmacologically vulnerable mutations and gene dependencies
Authors: Sinkala Musalula , Nkhoma Panji , Mulder Nicola , Martin Darren Patrick
Published: January 2021

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are crucial regulators of the cellular processes that fuel the malignant transformation of normal cells. The molecular aberrations which lead to cancer involve mutations in, and transcription variations of, various MAPK pathway genes. Here, we examine the genome sequences of 40,848 patient-derived tumours representing 101 distinct human cancers to identify cancer-associated mutations in MAPK signalling pathway genes. We show that patients with tumours that have mutations within genes of the ERK-1/2 pathway, the p38 pathways, or multiple MAPK pathway modules, tend to have worse disease outcomes than patients with tumours that have no mutations within the MAPK pathways genes. Furthermore, by integrating information extracted from various large-scale molecular datasets, we expose the relationship between the fitness of cancer cells after CRISPR mediated gene knockout of MAPK pathway genes, and their dose-responses to MAPK pathway inhibitors. Besides providing new insights into MAPK pathways, we unearth vulnerabilities in specific pathway genes that are reflected in the re sponses of cancer cells to MAPK targeting drugs: a revelation with great potential for guiding the development of innovative therapies.
Magnetotransport of dirty-limit van Hove singularity quasiparticles
Authors: Xu Yang , Herman František , Granata Veronica , Destraz Daniel , Das Lakshmi , Vonka Jakub , Gerber Simon , Spring Jonathan , Gibert Marta , Schilling Andreas , Zhang Xiaofu , Li Shiyan , Fittipaldi Rosalba , Fischer Mark H. , Vecchione Antonio , Chang Johan
Published: January 2021

Tuning of electronic density-of-states singularities is a common route to unconventional metal physics. Conceptually, van Hove singularities are realized only in clean two-dimensional systems. Little attention has therefore been given to the disordered (dirty) limit. Here, we provide a magnetotransport study of the dirty metamagnetic system calcium-doped strontium ruthenate. Fermi liquid properties persist across the metamagnetic transition, but with an unusually strong variation of the Kadowaki-Woods ratio. This is revealed by a strong decoupling of inelastic electron scattering and electronic mass inferred from density-of-state probes. We discuss this Fermi liquid behavior in terms of a magnetic field tunable van Hove singularity in the presence of disorder. More generally, we show how dimensionality and disorder control the fate of transport properties across metamagnetic transitions.
Inert-living matter, when cells and beads play together
Authors: Nagarajan Usharani , Beaune Grégory , Lam Andy Y. W. , Gonzalez-Rodriguez David , Winnik Françoise M. , Brochard-Wyart Françoise
Published: January 2021

While both active and granular matter have been extensively studied, here we investigate what happens when we mix the two of them, in a model system combining microparticles and cell assemblies. On a substrate covered with polystyrene or silica microparticles, we notice two regimes in the spreading of a cell aggregate: light particles are pushed by the cells and form a ring, which bonds to the substrate by adhesion forces that oppose spreading, while for heavy particles, the cell monolayer spreads above the particle bed. In both cases, cell activity is transmitted to inert beads, leading to the formation of cell-microparticle aggregates, which flicker and diffuse. We then study the formation and the spreading of hybrid aggregates of microparticles and living cells and observe phase separations and jamming transitions. Our study may have implications on processes such as cancer metastasis and development, and may guide cancer therapies based on inert particles.
Large characteristic lengths in 3D chiral elastic metamaterials
Authors: Frenzel Tobias , Hahn Vincent , Ziemke Patrick , Schneider Jonathan Ludwig Günter , Chen Yi , Kiefer Pascal , Gumbsch Peter , Wegener Martin
Published: January 2021

Three-dimensional (3D) chiral mechanical metamaterials enable behaviors not accessible in ordinary materials. In particular, a coupling between displacements and rotations can occur, which is symmetry-forbidden without chirality. In this work, we solve three open challenges of chiral metamaterials. First, we provide a simple analytical model, which we use to rationalize the design of the chiral characteristic length. Second, using rapid multi-photon multi-focus 3D laser microprinting, we manufacture samples with more than 105 micrometer-sized 3D chiral unit cells. This number surpasses previous work by more than two orders of magnitude. Third, using analytical and numerical modeling, we realize chiral characteristic lengths of the order of ten unit cells, changing the sample-size dependence qualitatively and quantitatively. In the small-sample limit, the twist per axial strain is initially proportional to the sample side length, reaching a maximum at the characteristic length. In the thermodynamic limit, the twist per axial strain is proportional to the square of the characteristic length. We show that chiral micropolar continuum elasticity can reproduce this behavior.
Microstructural degradation during the storage of biomass pellets
Authors: Cutz Luis , Tiringer Urša , Gilvari Hamid , Schott Dingena , Mol Arjan , de Jong Wiebren
Published: January 2021

The use of biomass pellets as a source of renewable energy has increased in recent times. However, pellet storage during transportation can compromise their properties, due to fluctuating temperature and humid environments. Here, we show that extended storage of one month at 40 °C and 85% relative humidity causes significant biomass pellet degradation. This was evidenced by higher pellet porosity, weight gain, increased inclusion body formation and creation of an internal network of cracks. We quantify the inclusion and pore growth processes at the surface and within the pellets, which has implications for subsequent thermochemical conversion. The global bioenergy transition may depend upon biomass pellets, and this study shows that storage conditions are critical in the supply chain, so to maintain their quality. Without the development of stronger policies to avoid premature degradation of biomass pellets, they may not realize their full potential as a bioenergy source.
Impact of orbitally-driven seasonal insolation changes on Afro-Asian summer monsoons through the Holocene
Authors: Wu Chi-Hua , Tsai Pei-Chia
Published: January 2021

Understanding what drives a shift of the Afro–Asian summer monsoons from the continents to oceanic regions provides valuable insight into climate dynamics, changes, and modeling. Here we use data–model synthesis to focus on the differential seasonal responses of solar insolation and monsoons to orbital changes in the Holocene. We observe coordinated and stepwise seasonal evolution of summer monsoons across the mid-Holocene, suggesting the strengthening of the midlatitude jet stream as a bridge in the upper troposphere. Prior to the mid-Holocene, insolation had decreased considerably in early summer; the continental monsoons migrated southeastward, which corresponded to a more pronounced rainy season in coastal East Asia. In late summer, insolation did not decrease until the mid-Holocene. The continued weakening of the continental monsoons, combined with weakened insolation, rapidly enhanced the intrinsic dynamics over East Asia–Western North Pacific and accelerated a large-scale migration of the monsoon, suggesting orbital control of seasonal diversity.
The radius of the umbrella cloud helps characterize large explosive volcanic eruptions
Authors: Constantinescu Robert , Hopulele-Gligor Aurelian , Connor Charles B. , Bonadonna Costanza , Connor Laura J. , Lindsay Jan M. , Charbonnier Sylvain , Volentik Alain C. M.
Published: January 2021

Eruption source parameters (in particular erupted volume and column height) are used by volcanologists to inform volcanic hazard assessments and to classify explosive volcanic eruptions. Estimations of source parameters are associated with large uncertainties due to various factors, including complex tephra sedimentation patterns from gravitationally spreading umbrella clouds. We modify an advection-diffusion model to investigate this effect. Using this model, source parameters for the climactic phase of the 2450 BP eruption of Pululagua, Ecuador, are different with respect to previous estimates (erupted mass: 1.5–5 × 1011 kg, umbrella cloud radius: 10–14 km, plume height: 20–30 km). We suggest large explosive eruptions are better classified by volume and umbrella cloud radius instead of volume or column height alone. Volume and umbrella cloud radius can be successfully estimated from deposit data using one numerical model when direct observations (e.g., satellite images) are not available.
Surfactant-functionalised magnetic ferum oxide coupled with high performance liquid chromatography for the extraction of phenol
Authors: Beh Shiuan Yih , Md Saleh Noorashikin , Asman Saliza
Published: January 2021

Figure shows the schematic extraction procedure of the developed magnetic adsorbent for simple and fast extraction of phenol from environmental water samples.
Development of a monoclonal antibody-based immunochromatographic strip for the rapid detection of tigecycline in human serum
Authors: Lu Qianqian , Xu Xinxin , Song Shanshan , Wu Aihong , Liu Liqiang , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai
Published: January 2021

A gold labelled immunochromatographic assay was developed to detect tigecycline (TGC) in human serum. And a quantitative determination of TGC was obtained with a cLOD of 15.03 ng mL−1.
Facile synthesis of biomass waste-derived fluorescent N, S, P co-doped carbon dots for detection of Fe3+ ions in solutions and living cells
Authors: Wang Weixia , Chen Jie , Wang Dake , Shen Yanmei , Yang Like , Zhang Tuo , Ge Jia
Published: January 2021

Fluorescent carbon dots from biomass waste were applied for the detection of Fe3+ ions.
0D ultrafine ruthenium quantum dot decorated 3D porous graphitic carbon nitride with efficient charge separation and appropriate hydrogen adsorption capacity for superior photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: An Pengfei , Zhu Weihao , Qiao Luying , Sun Shichao , Xu Yuyan , Jiang Deli , Chen Min , Meng Suci
Published: January 2021

Ultrafine Ru quantum dot decorated 3D porous g-C3N4 (U-Ru/3DpCN) photocatalysts were prepared. The optimal photocatalyst U-1Ru/3DpCN achieves an excellent H2 evolution of 2945.47 μmol g−1 h−1 under visible light with a high AQE of 9.5% at 420 nm.
Advances in magnetic films of epsilon-iron oxide toward next-generation high-density recording media
Authors: Tokoro Hiroko , Namai Asuka , Ohkoshi Shin-ichi
Published: January 2021

Recent developments in magnetic films composed of epsilon-iron oxide are introduced. The film performance is studied and improved toward the next-generation of high-density magnetic recording media.
Tungsten oxides: green and sustainable heterogeneous nanocatalysts for the synthesis of bioactive heterocyclic compounds
Authors: Siddiqui T. A. J. , Shaikh Shoyebmohamad F. , Totawar Balaji B. , Dumpala Madhuri , Ubaidullah Mohd , Thamer Badr M. , Mane Rajaram S. , Al-Enizi Abdullah M.
Published: January 2021

Tungsten oxide (WO3) as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst was prepared via a simple hydrothermal route for the synthesis of a wide range of bioactive heterocyclic compounds.
Effect of aromatic ring substituents on the ability of catechol to produce brown carbon in iron(iii)-catalyzed reactions
Authors: Chin Henry , Hopstock Katherine S. , Fleming Lauren T. , Nizkorodov Sergey A. , Al-Abadleh Hind A.
Published: January 2021

Our previous work demonstrated formation of highly insoluble and strongly light-absorbing organic particles in reactions between catechol or guaiacol with Fe(iii) under pH = 3 conditions characteristic of aerosol liquid water.
Polyoxometalates (POMs): from electroactive clusters to energy materials
Authors: Horn Michael R. , Singh Amandeep , Alomari Suaad , Goberna-Ferrón Sara , Benages-Vilau Raúl , Chodankar Nilesh , Motta Nunzio , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , MacLeod Jennifer , Sonar Prashant , Gomez-Romero Pedro , Dubal Deepak
Published: January 2021

Polyoxometalates as anionic molecular metal oxides clusters with open frameworks and rich redox chemistry have outstanding versatility in energy conversion and storage research.
l-Tyrosine derived fluorescent molecular probes as solvent mediated flip-flop halide (iodide/fluoride) sensors and reversible chromogenic pH indicators
Authors: Kumar Navnita , Mandal Sanjay K.
Published: January 2021

We report the use of l-tyrosine derived probes (H2Tyr-4-nitro/H2Tyr-3-nitro) for solvent mediated differential flip-flop sensing of fluoride and iodide and as reversible optical pH indicators.
Hydride-induced Meisenheimer complex formation reflects activity of nitro aromatic anti-tuberculosis compounds
Authors: Liu Rui , Markley Lowell , Miller Patricia A. , Franzblau Scott , Shetye Gauri , Ma Rui , Savková Karin , Mikušová Katarína , Lee Bei Shi , Pethe Kevin , Moraski Garrett C. , Miller Marvin J.
Published: January 2021

The formation efficiency of hydride-induced Meisenheimer complexes of nitroaromatic compounds is consistent with their anti-TB activities exemplied by MDL860 and benzothiazol N-oxide (BTO) analogs.
Liquid–liquid interfaces: a unique and advantageous environment to prepare and process thin films of complex materials
Authors: Zarbin Aldo J. G.
Published: January 2021

This review summarizes the recent progress in a novel route to both synthesize and process complex and multi-component materials as thin films, based on interfaces between immiscible liquids, highlighting different materials and applications.
Electroreduction of nitrogen to ammonia on nanoporous gold
Authors: Ma Haibin , Chen Zhiwen , Wang Zhili
Published: January 2021

Nanoporous gold as a highly efficient electrochemical nitrogen reduction catalyst.
Recent advances in colour-tunable soft actuators
Authors: Nie Mingzhe , Huang Chao , Du Xuemin
Published: January 2021

This review summarizes the recent advances of colour-tunable soft actuators, with emphasis on their colour-change mechanisms and highlighting their applications.
Synthesis of the hyper-branched core tetrasaccharide motif of chloroviruses
Authors: Mishra Bijoyananda , Manmode Sujit , Walke Gulab , Chakraborty Saptashwa , Neralkar Mahesh , Hotha Srinivas
Published: January 2021

Synthesis of conserved tetrasaccharide motif of chloroviruses was accomplished under silver-assisted gold-catalyzed Glycosidation conditions.
Thermodynamic and kinetic studies of hydride transfer from Hantzsch ester under the promotion of organic bases
Authors: Li Zhen , Yang Jin-Dong , Cheng Jin-Pei
Published: January 2021

Thermodynamics and kinetics for base-promoted hydride transfer (BPHyT) were investigated with Hantzsch ester and acridinium derivatives as model compounds.
The spatial organization of trace silver atoms on a DNA template
Authors: Ma Jinliang , Niu Huawei , Gu Shaobin
Published: January 2021

This review summarized the direct link between the silver atom organization on the DNA secondary structure and the performance of AgNCs, providing an all-round support for understanding the origin of DNA/AgNCs.
Ultra-small Fe3O4 nanodots encapsulated in layered carbon nanosheets with fast kinetics for lithium/potassium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Peng Qianqian , Guo Chuan , Qi Shuo , Sun Weiwei , Lv Li-Ping , Du Fei-Hu , Wang Baofeng , Chen Shuangqiang , Wang Yong
Published: January 2021

Ultra-small Fe3O4 nanodots encapsulated in layered carbon nanosheet nanocomposites were synthesized, showing fast reaction kinetics, high conductivity, and robust stability.
A review on the structural dependent optical properties and energy transfer of Mn4+ and multiple ion-codoped complex oxide phosphors
Authors: Gao Meng , Pan Yuexiao , Jin Yitian , Lin Jun
Published: January 2021

This review provides insight into the optical properties of Mn4+ and the energy tranfer process in multiple ions codoped luminescence materials.
Morphological and mechanical properties of biodegradable poly(glycolic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) blends with in situ compatibilization
Authors: Wang Rong , Sun Xiaojie , Chen Lanlan , Liang Wenbin
Published: January 2021

A novel biodegradable poly(glycolic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PGA/PBAT) material with enhanced toughness through in situ compatibilization was prepared.
Tunable ductility of a nano-network from few-layered graphene bonded with benzene: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Shi Jiao , Zhang Jia-Long , Ji Jia-Xing , Song Bo
Published: January 2021

The ductility of the corrugated sandwich carbon nano-network is tunable and higher than that of the pristine graphene.
Hierarchical self-assembly of discrete bis-[2]pseudorotaxane metallacycle with bis-pillar[5]arene via host–guest interactions and their redox-responsive behaviors
Authors: Wu Gui-Yuan , Liang Chao , Hu Yi-Xiong , Wang Xu-Qing , Yin Guang-Qiang , Lu Zhou
Published: January 2021

We presented a new family of supramolecular polymers cross-linked by bis-[2]pseudorotaxane metallacycles with interesting redox-responsive behavior.
Growth mode and strain effect on relaxor ferroelectric domains in epitaxial 0.67Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.33PbTiO3/SrRuO3 heterostructures
Authors: Belhadi Jamal , Gabor Urška , Uršič Hana , Daneu Nina , Kim Jieun , Tian Zishen , Koster Gertjan , Martin Lane W. , Spreitzer Matjaž
Published: January 2021

Strain engineering in epitaxial PMN–33PT films revealed an evolution from a butterfly-shaped diffraction for mildly strained films, evidencing the stabilization of relaxor domains, to disc-shaped diffraction patterns for high compressive strains.
Traceless solid-phase synthesis and β-turn propensity of 1,3-thiazole-based peptidomimetics
Authors: Abdildinova Aizhan , Gong Young-Dae
Published: January 2021

The design and solid-phase synthesis of 1,3-thiazole-based peptidomimetic molecules is described.
CO2 capture enhancement in MOFs via the confinement of molecules
Authors: Cotlame-Salinas Vanesa del C. , López-Olvera Alfredo , Islas-Jácome Alejandro , González-Zamora Eduardo , Ibarra Ilich A.
Published: January 2021

This review focuses on exploring a new approach to improve the CO2 adsorption properties of MOFs by confining small amounts of molecules with different nature, such as: water, alcohols, amines, and even aromatic molecules.
Stabilization of hydrated AcIII cation: the role of superatom states in actinium-water bonding
Authors: Gao Yang , Grover Payal , Schreckenbach Georg
Published: January 2021

The stable 9-coordinated complex adopts a closed-shell 18-electron configuration of a 1S21P61D10 jellium state, while potential 10-coordinated complexes need to overcome an energy barrier (>0.10 eV) caused by hydrogen bonding to convert to 9-coordination.
Transport of neutral and charged nanorods across varying-section channels
Authors: Malgaretti Paolo , Harting Jens
Published: January 2021

We study the dynamics of neutral and charged rods embedded in varying-section channels.
Multi-functional photocatalytic activity of transition-metal tetraaza[14]annulene frameworks
Authors: Zhang Wenqing , Bu Hongxia , Wang Juan , Zhao Lanling , Qu Yuanyuan , Zhao Mingwen
Published: January 2021

Multi-functional catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are highly desired in the development of renewable energy conversion and storage technologies.
Cobalt-doped porphyrin-based porous organic polymer-modified separator for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Hu Shunyou , Yi Mingjie , Huang Xiyan , Wu Dong , Lu Beibei , Wang Tiansheng , Li Na , Zhu Zhenye , Liu Xiangli , Zhang Jiaheng
Published: January 2021

PTPPCo/MWCNT inhibits the “shuttle effect” and enhances the reaction kinetics for high-performance Li–S batteries.
Multifunctional oligomer sponge for efficient solar water purification and oil cleanup
Authors: Zhao Qi , Huang Zhongming , Wan Yingpeng , Tan Jihua , Cao Chen , Li Shengliang , Lee Chun-Sing
Published: January 2021

A DPP-2T embedded sponge (DES) is explored as a solar evaporator to achieve a high evaporation rate of 2.60 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun illumination and has good oil absorption capacity.
Designed protein- and peptide-based hydrogels for biomedical sciences
Authors: Ahn Wonkyung , Lee Jong-Hwan , Kim Soo Rin , Lee Jeewon , Lee Eun Jung
Published: January 2021

Hydrogels designed using protein or peptide as building blocks possess biocompatibility, biodegradability, structural designability, stimuli-responsiveness, and bio-functionality, constituting attractive qualities in biomedical applications.
Influence of the metal phthalocyanine molecular orientation on charge separation at the organic donor/acceptor interface
Authors: Lim Heeseon , Yang Sena , Lee Sang-Hoon , Lee Jung-Yong , Lee Yeunhee , Situmorang Andres Bethavan , Kim Yong-Hyun , Kim Jeong Won
Published: January 2021

To achieve highly efficient organic photovoltaics, control of the molecular orientation is one of the prime important factors, for the interfacial dipole orientation and energy offset at the donor/acceptor interface influence the device performance.
Total internal reflection ellipsometry for kinetics-based assessment of bovine serum albumin immobilization on ZnO nanowires
Authors: Plikusiene Ieva , Maciulis Vincentas , Graniel Octavio , Bechelany Mikhael , Balevicius Saulius , Vertelis Vilius , Balevicius Zigmas , Popov Anton , Ramanavicius Arunas , Ramanaviciene Almira
Published: January 2021

The properties of the ZnO-NWs were investigated by utilizing spectroscopic ellipsometry under TIRE configuration during real-time measurement of covalent BSA immobilization.
A straightforward approach for high-end anti-counterfeiting applications based on NIR laser-driven lanthanide doped luminescent glasses
Authors: Vahedigharehchopogh Naji , Kıbrıslı Orhan , Erol Erdinç , Çelikbilek Ersundu Miray , Ersundu Ali Erçin
Published: January 2021

Emission color tuning of Ho3+/Tm3+/Yb3+ doped glass patterns via focusing and defocusing the laser beam.
LncRNA NEAT1 promotes glioma cancer progression via regulation of miR-98-5p/BZW1
Authors: Li Yabin , Wang Xirui , Zhao Zhihuang , Shang Jinxing , Li Gang , Zhang Ruijian
Published: January 2021

Background: Glioma is the most common malignant tumor in the human central nervous system. Long noncoding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) promotes oncogenesis in various tumors. In the present study, we aimed to examine the role of NEAT1 in altering the properties of gliomas.

Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR technology was used to determine the expression levels of relevant genes in tumor tissues and cell lines. The protein expression levels were validated by Western blotting. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were used to test the cell proliferation ability. A luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the interactions of the genes. Tumor xenografts were used to detect the role of NEAT1 in gliomas in vivo.

Results: We demonstrated that NEAT1 up-regulated glioma cells and negatively correlated with miR-98-5p in glioma tissues. A potential binding region between NEAT1 and miR-98-5p was confirmed by dual-luciferase assays. NEAT1 knockdown inhibited glioma cell proliferation. The inhibition of miR-98-5p rescued the knockdown of NEAT1 in glioma cells. Basic leucine zipper and W2 domain containing protein 1 (BZW1) was identified as a direct target of miR-98-5p. We also identified that BZW1 was positively correlated with NEAT1 in glioma tissues. NEAT1 knockdown inhibited glioma cell proliferation in vivo via miR-98-5p/BZW1.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that NEAT1 plays an oncogenic function in glioma progression. Targeting NEAT1/miR-98-5p/BZW1 may be a novel therapeutic treatment approach for glioma patients.
Prognostic value of Ki-67 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yulin , Yue Liang , Li Yanqing , Zhang Qinxiu , Liang Xin
Published: January 2021

The prognostic value of Ki-67 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) was controversial according to previous studies. We aimed to clarify the association between K-67 expression and survival in NPC through meta-analysis. We conducted a meta-analysis to explore the potential prognostic effect of Ki-67 on overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) in NPC. A total of 13 studies comprising 1314 NPC patients were included. High Ki-67 expression was associated with poor OS (hazard ratio [HR]= 2.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]= 1.97–3.71, P<0.001), DFS (HR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.49–2.50, P<0.001), and LRFS (HR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.11–3.12, P=0.019). However, there was no significant association between Ki-67 and DMFS (HR = 1.37, 95% CI = 0.78–2.38, P=0.270). Furthermore, the prognostic role of Ki-67 was maintained throughout different sample sizes, analyses of HR, and study designs for OS and DFS in various subgroups. Elevated Ki-67 expression is a reliable prognostic factor for poorer survival outcomes in NPC.
Changes in the expression and functional activities of Myosin II isoforms in human hyperplastic prostate
Authors: He Weixiang , Wang Xiao , Zhan Daxing , Li Mingzhou , Wang Qian , Liu Jianmin , Liu Daoquan , Fu Xun , Qian Qiaofeng , Li Yan , Chen Ping , Zeng Guang , Wang Xinghuan , DiSanto Michael E. , Zhang Xinhua
Published: January 2021

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease among aging males with the etiology remaining unclear. We recently found myosin II was abundantly expressed in rat and cultured human prostate cells with permissive roles in the dynamic and static components. The present study aimed to explore the expression and functional activities of myosin II isoforms including smooth muscle (SM) myosin II (SMM II) and non-muscle myosin II (NMM II) in the hyperplastic prostate. Human prostate cell lines and tissues from normal human and BPH patients were used. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Masson’s trichrome, immunohistochemical staining, in vitro organ bath, RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western-blotting were performed. We further created cell models with NMM II isoforms silenced and proliferation, cycle, and apoptosis of prostate cells were determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry. Hyperplastic prostate SM expressed more SM1 and LC17b isoforms compared with their alternatively spliced counterparts, favoring a slower more tonic-type contraction and greater force generation. For BPH group, blebbistatin (BLEB, a selective myosin II inhibitor), exhibited a stronger effect on relaxing phenylephrine (PE) pre-contracted prostate strips and inhibiting PE-induced contraction. Additionally, NMMHC-A and NMMHC-B were up-regulated in hyperplastic prostate with no change in NMMHC-C. Knockdown of NMMHC-A or NMMHC-B inhibited prostate cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, with no changes in cell cycle. Our novel data demonstrate that expression and functional activities of myosin II isoforms are altered in human hyperplastic prostate, suggesting a new pathological mechanism for BPH. Thus, the myosin II system may provide potential new therapeutic targets for BPH/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
Attentive generative adversarial network for removing thin cloud from a single remote sensing image
Authors: Chen Hui , Chen Rong , Li Nannan
Published: January 2021

Land‐surface observation is easily affected by the light transmission and scattering of semi‐transparent clouds, high or low, resulting in blurring and reduced contrast of ground objects. To improve the visual appearance of remote sensing images, the authors present a deep learning method for thin cloud removal using a new attentive generative adversarial network without prior knowledge or assumptions, which copes with thin clouds that are unevenly distributed on different images and learns the attention map with weighted information about spatial features. Such a spatial attention model can endow each pixel with the global spatial context information. Consequently, the generative network focuses on the thin cloud regions to generate better local image restoration, and the discriminative network can evaluate the local consistency of the repaired regions. The experimental results show that this method is superior to state‐of‐the‐art methods in recovering detailed texture information.
Evaluation principle and method of horizontal grounding electrode based on time‐varying impedance
Authors: Cao Xiaobin , Wei Ming , Wang Manxiang , Liu Jiacai , Li Ruifang , Yang Lin
Published: January 2021

The length of the horizontal grounding electrode is usually extended to decrease the impulse grounding resistance. In this paper, the mechanism for influencing the effective length is revealed by studying the dispersal process of a horizontal electrode and a method for determining the length is proposed. Firstly, the impulse current and the response voltage are measured at different positions. The results are used to analyse the time‐varying characteristics of the impedance in the dispersal process, the mechanism and the factors influencing the effective length. Furthermore, the current propagation process is divided into a wave head process and a wave tail process. The variation rule and influencing factors of the transient impedance are determined. The wave head impedance acts as a dynamic process from the injection impedance to the wave tail impedance, and the injection impedance is not affected by the length of the grounding electrode. The wave tail impedance is constant and is equal to the DC steady‐state impedance. It is proposed that the effective length is caused by two different dispersal processes and it is obtained when the tail impedance is equal to the impulse grounding resistance. These results are highly significant for optimizing the grounding device.
A new strategy for treatment of Anosmia and Ageusia in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Hosseini Asiyeh , Mirmahdi Esmaeil , Moghaddam Mina Akbari
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The sudden onset of smell and taste loss has been reported as a symptom related to COVID-19. There is new evidence for the loss of smell and taste as a symptom of COVID-19 infection. Objectives: This study aims to examine the influence of coffee on the smell and taste of patients with Covid-19. Methods: In order to investigate the effect of coffee consumption on the taste and smell of COVID-19 patients, we attempted to sample in 20 provinces of the country, COVID-19 patients were separated by gender and underlying and non-underlying disease, doses of 15–20 mg for non-underlying patients and 25–30 mg for underlying patients. The reason for determining this amount of coffee is that every coffee we want to prepare needs a scoop of 14 g of coffee, which we determine. For some people, it was determined 14 g and for some people 28 g of coffee was determined due to consumed in two cups of coffee. Results: Patients with COVID-19 had reversibility on the first and second day. It was clear that there is a small gap between the proportion of recovered patients in the underlying and non-underlying patients, but due to the high volume of observations, this small difference is evident. Discussion: The effectiveness time of coffee is debatable by prescribing its amount. The time efficiency of improving the sense of smell and taste with coffee consumption was lower in non-background patients than in patients. Conclusions: Anosmia and Ageusia are more prevalent in COVID-19 patients. Caffeine in coffee reduced the reversibility of the sense of smell and taste of people with COVID-19. It was concluded that the chances of recovery are higher for those who do not have the underlying disease than for the other groups and for those who suffer from all three types of the underlying disease than for the other groups.
Feierlichkeiten mit Folgen: Fieber, Dyspnoe und Thoraxschmerz
Authors: Punzet Marit , Bayer Michael , Schoch Otto
Published: January 2021

Anamnese Wir berichten von einem 35-jährigen Patienten, welcher sich nach einer Feier in der Notaufnahme vorstellte. Initial bestanden Fieber, Dyspnoe und Thoraxschmerzen. Am Vorabend versuchte der alkoholisierte Mann mit einer öligen Brennpaste Feuer zu spucken.

Untersuchung und Diagnostik Es zeigt sich ein reduzierter, febriler, aber kreislaufstabiler Patient. Im Labor imponierten erhöhte Entzündungsparameter. Aufgrund des Befundes im konventionellen Röntgen-Thorax ergänzten wir ein CT-Thorax, das vor allem im Mittellappen streifige Opazitäten zeigte.

Diagnose Aufgrund der Anamnese, Klinik und Diagnostik gingen wir von einer Feuerschlucker-Pneumonie aus.

Therapie und Verlauf Unter einer Therapie mit Co-Amoxicillin i. v., Inhalation mit Ipratropiumbromid, Salbutamol, Sauerstoff und symptomatischer Therapie konnte eine Besserung und Entlassung nach 3 Tagen erreicht werden.

Folgerung Durch Aspiration der Brennpaste kam es zu einer lipoiden Pneumonie. Es sind bisher wenige Fälle beschrieben, jedoch waren Anamnese, Symptome sowie die Diagnostik passend für dieses Krankheitsbild. Eine Antibiotikatherapie oder Steroidgabe ist primär nicht eindeutig indiziert, zur Prophylaxe einer Superinfektion können Antibiotika sinnvoll sein.
Normative decomposition of the profit bridge into the impact of changes in marketing variables
Authors: Smith Tim J.
Published: January 2021

A set of definitions and equations for measuring the impact of changes in quantity sold, price, variable costs, and mix between two time periods on the business’s profitability are provided. The recommended decomposition of the changes in profit is then compared with four other seemingly rational decompositions using hypothetical two-product firms. The comparisons demonstrate the importance of using a proper decomposition in constructing a measurement of the impacts of changes in quantity sold, price, variable costs, and mix on the profitability over other formulations and prior art. This normative decomposition of the profit bridge measuring the impact of changes in marketing activities is used as part of the intelligence mosaic in executive and investor decision-making.
Semi-automatic mapping of pre-census enumeration areas and population sampling frames
Authors: Qader Sarchil , Lefebvre Veronique , Tatem Andrew , Pape Utz , Himelein Kristen , Ninneman Amy , Bengtsson Linus , Bird Tomas
Published: January 2021

Enumeration Areas (EAs) are the operational geographic units for the collection and dissemination of census data and are often used as a national sampling frame for various types of surveys. In many poor or conflict-affected countries, EA demarcations are incomplete, outdated, or missing. Even for countries that are stable and prosperous, creating and updating EAs is one of the most challenging yet essential tasks in the preparation for a national census. Commonly, EAs are created by manually digitising small geographic units on high-resolution satellite imagery or physically walking the boundaries of units, both of which are highly time, cost, and labour intensive. In addition, creating EAs requires considering population and area size within each unit. This is an optimisation problem that can best be solved by a computer. Here, for the first time, we produce a semi-automatic mapping of pre-defined census EAs based on high-resolution gridded population and settlement datasets and using publicly available natural and administrative boundaries. We demonstrate the approach in generating rural EAs for Somalia where such mapping is not existent. In addition, we compare our automated approach against manually digitised EAs created in urban areas of Mogadishu and Hargeysa. Our semi-automatically generated EAs are consistent with standard EAs, including having identifiable boundaries for field teams to follow on the ground, and appropriate sizing and population for coverage by an enumerator. Furthermore, our semi-automated urban EAs have no gaps, in contrast, to manually drawn urban EAs. Our work shows the time, labour and cost-saving value of automated EA delineation and points to the potential for broadly available tools suitable for low-income and data-poor settings but applicable to potentially wider contexts.
Exploring the foundations of tonality: statistical cognitive modeling of modes in the history of Western classical music
Authors: Harasim Daniel , Moss Fabian C. , Ramirez Matthias , Rohrmeier Martin
Published: January 2021

Tonality is one of the most central theoretical concepts for the analysis of Western classical music. This study presents a novel approach for the study of its historical development, exploring in particular the concept of mode. Based on a large dataset of approximately 13,000 musical pieces in MIDI format, we present two models to infer both the number and characteristics of modes of different historical periods from first principles: a geometric model of modes as clusters of musical pieces in a non-Euclidean space, and a cognitively plausible Bayesian model of modes as Dirichlet distributions. We use the geometric model to determine the optimal number of modes for five historical epochs via unsupervised learning and apply the probabilistic model to infer the characteristics of the modes. Our results show that the inference of four modes is most plausible in the Renaissance, that two modes–corresponding to major and minor–are most appropriate in the Baroque and Classical eras, whereas no clear separation into distinct modes is found for the 19th century.
Correction: Information: a missing component in understanding and mitigating social epidemics
Authors: Magarey Roger D. , Trexler Christina M.
Published: January 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-020-00690-w
Breaking of integrability and conservation leading to Hamiltonian chaotic system and its energy-based coexistence analysis
Authors: Qi Guoyuan , Gou Ting , Hu Jianbing , Chen Guanrong
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a four-dimensional conservative system of Euler equations producing the periodic orbit is constructed and studied. The reason that a conservative system often produces periodic orbit has rarely been studied. By analyzing the Hamiltonian and Casimir functions, three invariants of the conservative system are found. The complete integrability is proved to be the mechanism that the system generates the periodic orbits. The mechanism route from periodic orbit to conservative chaos is found by breaking the conservation of Casimir energy and the integrability through which a chaotic Hamiltonian system is built. The observed chaos is not excited by saddle or center equilibria, so the system has hidden dynamics. It is found that the upgrade in the Hamiltonian energy level violates the order of dynamical behavior and transitions from a low or regular state to a high or an irregular state. From the energy bifurcation associated with different energy levels, rich coexisting orbits are discovered, i.e., the coexistence of chaotic orbits, quasi-periodic orbits, and chaotic quasi-periodic orbits. The coincidence between the two-dimensional diagram of maximum Lyapunov exponents and the bifurcation diagram of Hamiltonian energy is observed. Finally, field programmable gate array implementation, a challenging task for the chaotic Hamiltonian conservative system, is designed to be a Hamiltonian pseudo-random number generator.
A SIRD epidemic model with community structure
Authors: Yang Jin-Xuan
Published: January 2021

The study of epidemics spreading with community structure has become a hot topic. The classic SIR epidemic model does not distinguish between dead and recovered individuals. It is inappropriate to classify dead individuals as recovered individuals because the real-world epidemic spread processes show different recovery rates and death rates in different communities. In the present work, a SIRD epidemic model with different recovery rates is proposed. We pay more attention to the changes in the number of dead individuals. The basic reproductive number is obtained. The stationary solutions of a disease-free state and an endemic state are given. We show that quarantining communities can decrease the basic reproductive number, and the total number of dead individuals decreases in a disease-free steady state with an increase in the number of quarantined communities. The most effective quarantining strategy is to preferentially quarantine some communities/cities with a greater population size and a fraction of initially infected individuals. Furthermore, we show that the population flows from a low recovery rate and high population density community/city/country to some high recovery rate and low population density communities/cities/countries, which helps to reduce the total number of dead individuals and prevent the prevalence of epidemics. The numerical simulations on the real-world network and the synthetic network further support our conclusions.