bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a permanent vacuum hollow prism air refractometer for use in dimensional metrology
Authors: Kruger O. , Chetty N.
Published: April 2021

Refractive index measurements are required when light is used as the basis of a measurement system. In dimensional metrology, refractive index measurements are used to compensate for the change in the speed of light. This is crucial because the SI unit for the metre is defined as the speed of light in a vacuum. Air refractometers are the most accurate way to measure the speed of light in air. Many research works to date have been performed to measure the refractive index of air using refractometers. This research uses a commercial prism as the vacuum etalon instead of the tube that is used most often. This novelty and newness of our research were to focus on the design, fabrication and testing of a refractometer which uses a permanent vacuum for ease of use but that will still have the same accuracy of other refractometers currently in use. Modifications to existing designs improved the long-term stability compared to other prism refractometers and are also potentially more accurate than tube refractometers. The results achieved with this permanent vacuum refractometer are accurate to 8.4 × 10–8, which compares favourably with other refractometers on accuracy. It also has the added advantage that it does not require a vacuum pump, and with added laser path improved long term stability but still portable and robust enough to use in everyday applications.
Diagnostic accuracy of the 1,3-beta-d-glucan test and lactate dehydrogenase for pneumocystis pneumonia in non-HIV patients
Authors: Sun Ruixue , Lv Dan , Xiao Meng , Zhang Li , Xu Jun , Yu Xuezhong , Zhu Huadong , Yang Jing
Published: April 2021

We evaluated the serum levels of (1–3)-beta-d-glucan (BG) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a tool to support pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) diagnostic procedures in non-HIV patients. We retrospectively collected non-HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) patients presenting clinical features of PCP between April 1st, 2013, and December 31st, 2018. A total of 225 included patients were tested for Pneumocystis jirovecii by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and methenamine silver staining. Based on different exclusion criteria, 179 cases were included in the BG group, and 196 cases were included in the LDH group. In each group, cases with positive immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy and PCR were considered proven PCP, while cases with only positive PCR were considered probable PCP. Fifty patients with negative IF and PCR results and proven to be non-PCP infection were chosen randomly as the control group. The cut-off levels of BG and LDH to distinguish non-PCP from probable PCP were 110 pg/mL and 296 U/L with 88% sensitivity and 86% specificity, and 66% sensitivity and 88% specificity, respectively. The cut-off levels of BG and LDH to distinguish non-PCP from proven PCP were 285.8 pg/mL and 379 U/L with 92% sensitivity and 96% specificity, and 85% sensitivity and 77% specificity, respectively. The cut-off levels of BG and LDH to distinguish non-PCP from proven/probable PCP were 144.1 pg/mL and 363 U/L with 90% sensitivity, 86% specificity and 80% sensitivity, 76% specificity respectively. BG and LDH are reliable indicators for detecting P. jirovecii infection in HIV-uninfected immunocompromised patients.
Comparison of natural orifice specimen extraction surgery and conventional laparoscopic-assisted resection in the treatment effects of low rectal cancer
Authors: Zhu Yihao , Xiong Huan , Chen Yinggang , Liu Zheng , Jiang Zheng , Huang Rui , Gao Feng , Zhang Qian , Wang Meng , Jin Yinghu , Qiao Tianyu , Ma Tianyi , Hu Hanqing , Wang Xishan , Tang Qingchao , Wang Guiyu
Published: April 2021

Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) is an intra-abdominal procedure that does not require an auxiliary incision to take a surgical sample from the abdominal wall through the natural orifice, but there are few systematic clinical studies on it. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of NOSES. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and follow-up of 165 patients with low rectal cancer who underwent NOSES or conventional laparoscopic surgery at our center from January 2013 to June 2015. From the perioperative data and postoperative follow-up results of both groups, patients in the NOSES group had less intraoperative bleeding (49.3 ± 55.8 ml vs. 75.1 ± 57.3 ml, p = 0.02), shorter postoperative gastrointestinal recovery (42.3 ± 15.5 h vs. 50.1 ± 17.0 h, p = 0.01), less postoperative analgesic use (35.6% vs. 57.6%, p = 0.02), lower postoperative pain scores, lower rate of postoperative complications (6.8% vs. 25.4%, p = 0.01), better satisfaction of the image and cosmesis of the abdominal wall postoperatively, and higher quality of life. Moreover, there was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between two groups. Overall, NOSES is a safe and reliable minimally invasive surgical technique for patients with low rectal cancer.
Slow viral propagation during initial phase of infection leads to viral persistence in mice
Authors: Xu Haifeng C. , Wang Ruifeng , Shinde Prashant V. , Walotka Lara , Huang Anfei , Poschmann Gereon , Huang Jun , Liu Wei , Stühler Kai , Schaal Heiner , Bergthaler Andreas , Pandyra Aleksandra A. , Hardt Cornelia , Lang Karl S. , Lang Philipp A.
Published: April 2021

Immune evasion of pathogens can modify the course of infection and impact viral persistence and pathology. Here, using different strains of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) model system, we show that slower propagation results in limited type I interferon (IFN-I) production and viral persistence. Specifically, cells infected with LCMV-Docile exhibited reduced viral replication when compared to LCMV-WE and as a consequence, infection with LCMV-Docile resulted in reduced activation of bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and IFN-I production in vitro in comparison with LCMV-WE. In vivo, we observed a reduction of IFN-I, T cell exhaustion and viral persistence following infection of LCMV-Docile but not LCMV-WE. Mechanistically, block of intracellular protein transport uncovered reduced propagation of LCMV-Docile when compared to LCMV-WE. This reduced propagation was critical in blunting the activation of the innate and adaptive immune system. When mice were simultaneously infected with LCMV-Docile and LCMV-WE, immune function was restored and IFN-I production, T cell effector functions as well as viral loads were similar to that of mice infected with LCMV-WE alone. Taken together, this study suggests that reduced viral propagation can result in immune evasion and viral persistence.
Carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan coating on multilayered emulsions for improved bioavailability and targeted delivery of curcumin
Authors: Wang Lu-Hui , Xiao Jun-Xia , Li Xiao-Dan , Huang Guo-Qing
Published: April 2021

Curcumin was entrapped in multilayered emulsions to increase its stability and bioavailability.
Diabetes diminishes a typical metabolite of litchi pericarp oligomeric procyanidins (LPOPC) in urine mediated by imbalanced gut microbiota
Authors: Li Xiaopeng , Sui Yong , Xie Bijun , Sun Zhida , Li Shuyi
Published: April 2021

Short chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria reduced significantly in high-fat and STZ-induced diabetic rats. And the unbalanced gut microbiota may be responsible for the drop of shikimic acid in urine, a typical metabolite of LPOPC.
Reactivity of N-acyl hydrazone probes with the mammalian proteome
Authors: Shaw Tyler A. , Powdrill Megan H. , Sherratt Allison R. , Garland Keira , Li Bin-Jie , Beauchemin André M. , Pezacki John Paul
Published: April 2021

Small molecule probes with distinct reactivities are useful tools for the identification and characterization of protein modifications and function.
Dual-stimuli pseudorotaxane switches under kinetic control
Authors: Gaedke Marius , Hupatz Henrik , Schröder Hendrik V. , Suhr Simon , Hoffmann Kurt F. , Valkonen Arto , Sarkar Biprajit , Riedel Sebastian , Rissanen Kari , Schalley Christoph A.
Published: April 2021

Dual-stimuli pseudorotaxane switches: Threaded complexes dissociate upon deprotonation or oxidation. A mechanical bond changes the influence of a ‘speed bump’ on the outcome of a switching event.
ALMA observations of doubly deuterated water: inheritance of water from the prestellar environment
Authors: Jensen S. S. , Jørgensen J. K. , Kristensen L. E. , Coutens A. , van Dishoeck E. F. , Furuya K. , Harsono D. , Persson M. V.
Published: April 2021

Context. Establishing the origin of the water D/H ratio in the Solar System is central to our understanding of the chemical trail of water during the star and planet formation process. Recent modeling suggests that comparisons of the D2O/HDO and HDO/H2O ratios are a powerful way to trace the chemical evolution of water and, in particular, determine whether the D/H ratio is inherited from the molecular cloud or established locally.

Aims. We seek to determine the D2O column density and derive the D2O/HDO ratios in the warm region toward the low-mass Class 0 sources B335 and L483. The results are compared with astrochemical models and previous observations to determine their implications for the chemical evolution of water.

Methods. We present ALMA observations of the D2O 11,0–10,1 transition at 316.8 GHz toward B335 and L483 at ≲0.′′5 (≲100 au) resolution, probing the inner warm envelope gas. The column densities of D2O, HDO, and H218O are determined by synthetic spectrum modeling and direct Gaussian fitting, under the assumption of a single excitation temperature and similar spatial extent for the three water isotopologs.

Results. D2O is detected toward both sources in the inner warm envelope. The derived D2O/HDO ratio is (1.0 ± 0.2) × 10−2 for L483 and (1.4 ± 0.1) × 10−2 for B335. These values indicate that the D2O/HDO ratio is higher than the HDO/H2O ratios by a factor of ≳2 toward both sources.

Conclusions. The high D2O/HDO ratios are a strong indication of chemical inheritance of water from the prestellar phase down to the inner warm envelope. This implies that the local cloud conditions in the prestellar phase, such as temperatures and timescales, determine the water chemistry at later stages and could provide a source of chemical differentiation in young systems. In addition, the observed D2O/H2O ratios support an observed dichotomy in the deuterium fractionation of water toward isolated and clustered protostars, namely, a higher D/H ratio toward isolated sources.
Prävention des Typ-2-Diabetes
Authors: Fritsche Andreas , Icks Andrea , Schulze Matthias , Szendrödi Julia
Published: April 2021

Forschende des DZD (Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung) arbeiten daran, die unterschiedlichen Untergruppen des Diabetes und Prädiabetes zu identifizieren und für diese Untergruppen jeweils eine passende Vorbeugung zu entwickeln. Das zentrale Thema und Motto des Forschungsschwerpunkts Prävention des Typ-2-Diabetes ist es, die Hindernisse auf dem Weg hin zu einer erfolgreichen Diabetesprävention zu überwinden. Im Einzelnen werden grundlegende Mechanismen, die für Präventionsprozesse wesentlich sind, untersucht und diese in klinischen Studien getestet. Außerdem wird Prävention in die gesundheitliche Versorgung implementiert, unter Berücksichtigung der Patientenperspektive und wirtschaftlicher Aspekte. Somit verbinden sich Grundlagenforschung, klinische Forschung und Versorgungsforschung auf dem Gebiet der Prävention.
Nicht-kleinzelliges Lungenkarzinom mit MET-Veränderungen
Authors: Kretzschmar Alexander
Published: April 2021

Bei Patienten mit einem nicht-kleinzelligen Lungenkarzinom (NSCLC) mit MET-Amplifikation wird das mediane Gesamtüberleben (OS) nach bisheriger Datenlage durch Immuncheckpoint-Inhibitoren (ICI) im Vergleich zu einer Chemotherapie verlängert. Eine neue Kohortenstudie einer Kölner Arbeitsgruppe weist nun darauf hin, dass der Benefit einer ICI-Therapie nicht für NSCLC-Patienten mit einer Mutation am MET Exon 14 (METex14) besteht.
Einfluss von Genetik und Epigenetik auf die Entstehung von Diabetes
Authors: Beckers Johannes , Hrabě de Angelis Martin , Schürmann Annette
Published: April 2021

Genetische Prädisposition, Ernährung und körperliche Aktivität sind Faktoren, die das Auftreten eines Typ-2-Diabetes beeinflussen. In dem Forschungsschwerpunkt (Academy) „Einfluss von Genetik und Epigenetik auf die Entstehung von Diabetes“ suchen Forschende des DZD (Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung) nach Genen, die für den Stoffwechsel wichtig sind. Ist die Wirkung dieser Gene aufgrund von Mutationen gestört, so kann dies zu einem erhöhten Diabetes-Risiko führen. Doch nicht nur der genetische Code selbst beeinflusst das Diabetes-Risiko. Auch der Lebensstil kann Einfluss darauf nehmen, in welchem Ausmaß bestimmte Gene abgelesen werden (Epigenetik). Aktuelle Untersuchungen zeigen, dass sich bereits einige Jahre vor der Diagnose eines Typ-2-Diabetes bei den Betroffenen epigenetische Veränderungen in Blutzellen und in den Langerhans-Inseln der Bauchspeicheldrüse feststellen lassen.
Pembrolizumab neuer Erstlinien-Standard
Authors: Kretzschmar Alexander
Published: April 2021

Die auf dem ASCO-GI 2021 vorgestellten Daten zur Studie KEYNOTE-177 haben beim metastasierten Kolorektalkarzinom (mCRC) mit hochfrequenter Mikrosatelliten-Instabilität (MSI-H) oder Mismatch-Reparatur-Defizienz (dMMR) zu einem Paradigmenwechsel geführt. Pembrolizumab erwies sich hier in der Erstlinientherapie im Vergleich zu einer Chemotherapie-Doublette als überlegen. Die Bestimmung von MSI-H/dMMR sollte daher routinemäßig durchgeführt werden.
Folgeerkrankungen des Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Herzig Stephan , Thorand Barbara , Peters Annette , Ziegler Dan
Published: April 2021

Diabetes kann zu verschiedenen schwerwiegenden Komplikationen führen wie kardiovaskuläre Komorbiditäten, Neuropathie, Retinopathie, Nephropathie, nicht-alkoholische Fettlebererkrankungen (NAFLD) und auch Krebs. Um solche Folgen künftig vermeiden bzw. hinauszögern zu können, gilt es zu erkennen, welche Patienten ein besonders hohes Risiko für Komplikationen haben. Ziel des Forschungsschwerpunkts „Folgeerkrankungen des Diabetes“ ist es, neue Wege zur Prävention, zur verbesserten Behandlung oder sogar zur Heilung von Folgeerkrankungen von Typ-1- und Typ-2-Diabetes zu erforschen. Die DZD-Forschenden vermuten, dass häufige diabetische Langzeitkomplikationen auf einer dysfunktionalen Verstoffwechslung von Glukose und Lipiden in den frühen Stadien der Krankheitsmanifestation beruhen, was zur Bildung toxischer Metabolite und oxidativem Stress, Carbonyl-Stress und Entzündungsreaktionen führt. Dies kann wiederum die DNA schädigen und langfristig die Organfunktion beeinträchtigen.
Rescue Thrombectomy for Early Hepatic Artery Thrombosis Using Stent Retriever in a Child Post Combined Deceased Donor Liver and Renal Transplant
Authors: Yadav Manish Kumar , Unni Madhavan , Ali Shabeer , Rather Shiraz Ahmed , Venugopal B.
Published: April 2021

We report this case of a 5-year-old child post combined liver and renal transplant for primary hyperoxaluria. Patient developed hepatic artery thrombosis on day 3 posttransplant that was managed by reexploration and reanastomosis of the hepatic artery. On day 4, the patient again developed hepatic artery thrombosis that failed to revascularize by surgical exploration and reanastomosis. Tissue plasminogen activator was injected into the hepatic artery intraoperatively to lyse any clot; however, no revascularization could be achieved. Subsequently, catheter angiogram confirmed no flow in the hepatic artery. A4 × 22 mm revive stent retriever was deployed across the site of occlusion and retrieved after 5 minutes of indwell time. Two such passes were made and complete recanalization of the hepatic artery was achieved. The hepatic artery remained patent as confirmed on serial Doppler images post intervention.
Prospective Analysis of Coagulopathy Associated with Isolated Traumatic Brain Injury and Clinical Outcome
Authors: Krishna Gopal , Aggarwal Varun , Singh Ishwar
Published: April 2021

Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects the coagulation pathway in a distinct way than does extracranial trauma. The extent of coagulation abnormalities varies from bleeding diathesis to disseminated thrombosis.

Design Prospective study.

Methods The study included 50 patients of isolated TBI with cohorts of moderate (MHI) and severe head injury (SHI). Coagulopathy was graded according to the values of parameters in single laboratory. The incidence of coagulopathy according to the severity of TBI and correlation with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) score, platelets, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), D-dimer, and fibrinogen was observed. The comparison was also made between expired and discharged patients within each group. It also compared coagulation derailments with clinical presentation (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS]) and outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS]).

Results Road traffic accident was the primary (72%) mode of injury. Fifty-two percent had MHI and rest had SHI. Eighty-four percent of cases were managed conservatively. The mean GCS was 12.23 and 5.75 in MHI and SHI, respectively. Sixty-two percent of MHI and 96% of the patients with SHI had coagulation abnormalities. On statistical analysis, DIC score (p < 0.001) strongly correlated with the severity of head injury and GOS. PT and APTT were also significantly associated with the severity of TBI. In patients with moderate TBI, D-dimer and platelet counts showed association with clinical outcome. Fibrinogen levels did not show any statistical significance. The mean platelet counts remained normal in both the groups of TBI. The mean GOS was 1.54 and 4.62 in SHI and MHI, respectively.

Conclusion Coagulopathy is common in isolated TBI. The basic laboratory parameters are reliable predictors of coagulation abnormalities in TBI. Coagulopathy is directly associated with the severity of TBI, GCS, and poor outcome.
Atypical Moyamoya Disease Associated with Midaortic Syndrome
Authors: Bhargava Nishant , Singh Vivek , Sahu Chandradev
Published: April 2021

We report a case of a 4-year-old boy who presented with moyamoya disease associated with midaortic syndrome. He had been treated for severe persistent hypertension until he suffered multiple episodes of seizure and cerebral ischemic attack. Cerebral angiography showed bilateral terminal internal carotid artery stenosis. Angiographic survey showed severe stenosis of abdominal aorta and bilateral proximal renal arteries. This is a very rare report of moyamoya disease with midaortic syndrome.
Restoration-as-development? Contesting Aspirational Politics Regarding the Restoration of Wildlife Corridors in the Kilombero Valley, Tanzania
Authors: Matejcek Astrid , Verne Julia
Published: April 2021

Due to recent land-use change, wildlife migration through the Kilombero Valley has almost come to a standstill. In line with global restoration efforts, the African Wildlife Foundation has thus been given the task of implementing the Restoration Opportunity Assessment Methodology (ROAM), recently developed by IUCN and the World Resources Institute to foster the restoration of wildlife corridors in the area. Designed as a collaborative endeavour, it is in processes such as these that the aspirations of global restoration policies are confronted with specific local contexts. By focusing on specific situations and encounters, especially regarding the participatory aspects of the project, we illustrate how global policy aspirations are appropriated, partly contested and partly played along with, before finally turning into something of an illusion. This way, this article not only questions the more optimistic claims made for ‘conservation-as-development’, it also argues that a better understanding of the plurality of local aspirations and the ways in which they interact with the project’s goals is needed if global policy aspirations are to be realized more successfully.
Nanoparticles labeled with antibodies hit their target
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: April 2021

A proof of principle experiment uses electron microscopy to prove nanoparticles reach their antigen targets in vivo, which could help treat cancers.
Electron microscopy of antibody-conjugated, lutetium-177 lanthanide gold-coated nanoparticles: Proof of concept of targeted loci—A potential theranostic agent
Authors: Kogos Benjamin , Cohen-Gould Leona , Rodriguez-Rodriguez Cristina , Sossi Vesna , Sobol Nicholas , Johnson Richard , Miller Douglas C. , Robertson J. David , Pevsner Paul H.
Published: April 2021

Following murine injection, the ultrastructural loci of nanoparticles (NPs) containing lutetium-177 (Lu-177) conjugated to an anti-thrombomodulin antibody (mAb-201b) were determined. The results confirmed prior work localizing NPs using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scans. The in vivo pharmacokinetics of these NPs were also identified. mAb-201b antibodies are primarily attracted to the thrombomodulin, a membrane protein in the endothelium of the lung vasculature. SPECT images demonstrated NPs in the lungs, liver, spleen, and proximal small bowel. Prior injection of clodronate liposomes reduced the number of circulating macrophages, which, in turn, reduced NP phagocytosis. At 24 h after injection of NPs and after final SPECT imaging, the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys were harvested for transmission electron microscopy. Although some NPs were found in all four organs, 85% of the injected dose was localized in type I and type II pneumocytes. Small concentrations were found in secondary lysosomes in hepatocytes, in splenic macrophages, and in an intravascular macrophage in a kidney. Importantly, there was no apoptosis or necrosis in any of the tissues, highlighting the relative safety of the radionuclide NP, whose primary interaction with non-targeted organs/tissues is in the filtration process. In addition to validating the biodistribution results of the SPECT scans carried out in our prior work, this study is proof of principle that NPs conjugated with appropriate antibodies can target specific antigens in vivo. From a theranostic perspective, these results suggest that radioactive nanoconjugates labeled with proper antigens should be able to target and destroy a variety of cancers with minimal harm to the surrounding healthy cells.
Lachnellula willkommii (European larch canker).
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: April 2021

The European larch canker pathogen, L. willkommii, is apparently native to Japan, but established in Europe, where it became well known due to its damage to plantations of exotic and native Larix species, beginning in the nineteenth century. It attacks and spreads among the various species of Larix once it has been introduced. It was detected as an invasive to North America on two occasions; once in the northeastern USA in the 1920s (Hahn and Ayres, 1936) and once in the eastern maritime provinces of Canada in the 1980s (Magasi and Pond, 1982). Efforts to prevent its introduction across natural barriers include regulation and restriction of trade and transport of susceptible species and bark-bearing products made from them. Control by destruction of infected plants or plant parts is often made difficult by the size of the trees concerned (Tegethoff, 1965). Local spread of the fungus between trees appears to depend on dissemination and survival of airborne ascospores. Climatic conditions of humidity and temperature appear to limit natural spread from regions of establishment (Ostaff, 1985).
Ismāʿīl al-Qasṛī, Kubrawiyya, and Sufi Genealogies: “Deep-Dark Transmissions” in Medieval Iran
Authors: Kars Aydogan
Published: April 2021

This paper sheds light on Ismāʿīl al-Qasṛī, his scholarly and pietist networks, Sufi genealogy, and its later transmission. Other than his debated role in Najm al-Dīn Kubrā's initiation into Sufism, very little is known on this understudied yet significant Sufi from Khuzistan. The paper argues that Ismāʿīl al-Qasṛī and his western Iranian Sufi genealogy was the primary, rather than secondary, initiatory chain claimed by Kubrā, his associates, and the later heritage. Besides, al-Qasṛī's robe continued to be transmitted beyond Kubrā's Sufi chain, and received multiple names in the absence of a prominent, eponymous master to claim it. Also introducing the figures in al-Qasṛī's, and hence Kubrā's, spiritual genealogy, the paper discovers the overlooked yet decisive impact of Iranian masters, most notably the famous pietist of the Fars area, Abū Isḥāq al-Kāzarūnī, on Sufism in the later tradition.
High-power Yb:YAG thin-rod amplifier for use in a regenerative amplifier based on dual-slab Yb:KGW crystals
Authors: Lee Byunghak , Jeong Bosu , Kim Jun Wan , Sall Elena G , Kim Chur , Park Seolwon , Heo Duchang , Chizhov Sergey A , Yang Juhee , Yashin Vladimir E , Kim Guang-Hoon
Published: April 2021

We present a hybrid chirped pulse amplification femtosecond laser amplification system with which to realize a Yb:KGW regenerative amplifier (RGA) and a Yb:YAG thin-rod amplifier. The combination of RGA based on dual Yb:KGW crystals and a thin-rod Yb:YAG amplifier with a high gain brings about output power up to 46 W before and 29.2 W after pulse compression down to 277 fs at a repetition rate of 200 kHz. The gain-narrowing effect was complemented by a combination of different types of gain-medium amplification. The results show that the output power of a Yb:KGW-based amplifier can be amplified simply by using a Yb:YAG thin-rod amplifier while suppressing the broadening of the pulse duration by gain narrowing.
Encapsulating silica into PAA/FGODs/PPy for conductive hydrogels
Authors: Yang Yongqiang , Wang Qun , Wu Xiaochen , Wang Qinsheng
Published: April 2021

Hydrogels crosslinked by polyacrylic acid (PAA) own good mechanical properties and strong tensile strength, can remain stable during long-term cycling and do not fail due to fracture. As a model of electrode active materials, nano silica was encapsulated into a composite hydrogel of functional graphene quantum dots (FGQDs), polypyrrole (PPy) and PAA to obtain a FGQDs/PAA/Si/PPy hydrogel. The nanostructure and conductivity of FGQDs/PAA/Si/PPy hydrogels were analysed, and the hydrogels were promising as aqueous binders.
The Effect of Deposition Time on The Properties of FeCrAl Coating on Molybdenum Alloy
Authors: Xi Sha , An Geng , Zhang Xiao , Liu Ren-Zhi , Wu Ji-Na , Zhou Sha
Published: April 2021

The FeCrAl coating was deposited on the surface of Molybdenum alloy by unbalanced magnetron sputtering, and the effect of deposition time on the composition, microstructure and properties of the coating was investigated. Characterized by XRD, SEM, German Standard (VDI3198(1991), indentation method) and ASTM C633-01 standard tensile analysis, the results show that the coating phase prepared at different deposition time is FeCrNi solid solution with BCC structure and the microstructure is ridge structure. With the increase of deposition time, the ridge structure on the surface of the film is more uniform, and its thickness increased from 21.6μm to 42.3μm. When the coating thickness is 42.3μm, the average bonding strength between the coating and the substrate is 39.7MPa, which meets the preparation requirements of the molybdenum alloy surface coating.
Progress and challenges in finite element simulation of nanoindentation of ion-irradiated materials
Authors: Shui Shengjie
Published: April 2021

In recent decades, nanoindentation technology has been recognized as an effective method to test the mechanical properties of materials at the micro-nano scale. It is widely used in various fields of material science and is currently used in the testing of mechanical properties of ion-irradiated materials. New phenomenon and problems by the combination of nanoindentation technology and ion irradiation have been discovered. The finite element method is a numerical simulation method suitable for simulating this physical process. Using finite element simulation, we can develop a deeper understanding of the physical process. This article reviews some studies on the measurement of the mechanical properties of ion-irradiated materials with nanoindentation technology and their simulations, summarizes the characteristics of the current theoretical model, and discusses the key physical problems encountered in the simulation process and current solutions in order to support further analysis of the nanoindentation mechanism of ion-irradiated materials.
Organic Molecules: Desirable Candidates for NIR-II Window Bioimaging
Authors: Liu Zeyu , Xiao Wei , Wang Ruiyu
Published: April 2021

The second near infrared (NIR-II) window in optical wavelength of 1000–1700 nm have become a hot topic in bioimaging, especially in vivo imaging. Compared to the first near infrared (NIR-I) window (700-900 nm), NIR-II fluorescence imaging has advantages including low auto-fluorescence, high signal-to-background ratio, deep penetration, and high resolution. Among many fluorescence imaging constracting agents, organic probe has benefits of low toxicity, easy structure tunability, high excretion rate, and good biocompatibility. Meanwhile, conjugated polymer nanoparticles can also be used in photoacoustic imaging. This review focuses on recent progress in development of NIR-II probe in optical imaging and photoacoustic imaging.
Increasing the Theoretical Efficiency of The Spark-Ignition Engine Cycle by Adding Inert Gas at Part-Load
Authors: Paluch Maciej , Noga Marcin , Lisowska Aleksandra
Published: April 2021

The article presents calculations of the theoretical efficiency of the spark ignition engine cycle. Calculations of the efficiency of the Otto cycle were carried out with the use of throttling to a certain value of manifold vacuum in relation to atmospheric pressure, which is to simulate the operation of a real engine in the partial load range. The determined efficiency is the benchmark for determining the efficiency of the same cycle with a decreasing of throttling by adding an inert gas in the form of argon. This approach, apart from limiting the pumping work in the comparative cycle, increases the isentropic exponent in the compression and expansion processes, and thus translates into an increase in the efficiency of the considered cycle. The calculations were performed for various ranges of throttling pressure with the use of air and air with argon addition. The results are compiled in the form of a 3D diagram, taking into account the limiting ranges of throttling pressures and maintaining the ratio of argon mass to air mass at a certain level not exceeding 20% of the air mass involved in the process. Up to about 5.4% increase in the cycle efficiency was observed with an argon addition of 20% by weight. The obtained results are the basis for conducting research on a real object.
Introductions about Microstrip Couplers and Power Splitters
Authors: Bao Hongyu
Published: April 2021

Microstrip couplers and power splitters are widely used electrical components in the field of microwave technology, which has the function of dividing one wave into multiple waves with same magnitudes but different phases. In this essay, 5 typical types of couplers and power splitters are introduced, with their applications, layout designs, effect on the wave, advantages and weaknesses. Couplers and power splitters are labelled with their output wave phase differences and their voltage magnitude transfer ratio. In this essay, all the couplers introduced are 3dB couplers, which means that the output voltage is decreased by 3dB. The Wilkinson power splitter has an output phase difference of 0 degree, the monolithic multilayer 2-line microstrip directional coupler, the Lange coupler, the microstrip branch-line coupler have output phase difference of 90 degrees, and the planar Marchand balun has output phase difference of 180 degrees. The microstrip rat-race coupler has 2 divider modes and 1 combiner mode, where in the divider mode the phase difference could be set as 0 degree or 180 degrees. Therefore, in the design of microwave circuits, the type of coupler should be carefully chosen according to the working characteristics, the structure features and the working conditions of couplers.
The association of in-utero exposure to ambient fine particulate air pollution with low birth weight in India
Authors: Goyal Nihit , Canning David
Published: April 2021

A growing body of research indicates that in-utero exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a risk factor for low birth weight (LBW). However, research on India, where the high and rising level of ambient air pollution is a significant health concern, is limited. In this study, we analyze the association between ambient PM2.5 and LBW in India. We match data on birth weight from the National Family and Health Survey (NFHS) conducted in India in 2015–16 with high-resolution spatial data on annual ambient PM2.5 concentration to calculate in-utero exposure based on the residential location of each child. We estimate the association of in-utero exposure to ambient PM2.5 with birth weight and LBW, after adjusting for child level, maternal, and household level characteristics that predict birth weight. In our sample (n = 149 416), in comparison to the reference category of in-utero PM2.5 level less than 26.7 µg m−3, the adjusted OR of LBW increases non-linearly from 1.098 (95% CI: 0.954, 1.263) for children in the exposure band 39.3–44.7 µg m−3 (i.e., the fourth octile) to 1.241 (95% CI: 1.065, 1.447) for those in the exposure band 44.7–51.6 µg m−3 (i.e., the fifth octile) and 1.405 (95% CI: 1.126,1.753) for those with in-utero PM2.5 level greater than 77.3 µg m−3 (i.e., the last octile). Our findings show that exposure to ambient PM2.5 is strongly associated with LBW in India and suggest that policies that improve air quality may be necessary for achieving the World Health Assembly target of 30% reduction in LBW by 2025.
Growing mining contribution to Colombian deforestation
Authors: González-González Andrés , Clerici Nicola , Quesada Benjamin
Published: April 2021

Tropical deforestation is mainly driven by agricultural expansion, land grabbing, illegal logging, urbanization, cattle ranching as well as mining. However, extraction of minerals and its impacts in high biodiversity regions are still poorly known, particularly in Colombia, a tropical megadiverse hotspot. Here, using high-resolution datasets of forest cover changes and detailed geospatial mining data for Colombia, we show a growing contribution of legal mining to national deforestation: 3.4% over the 2001–2018 period, with a peak at 5.6% in 2017. During this period, around 121 819 ha have been deforested inside legal mining concessions, and an estimation of over 400 000 ha deforested by both legal and illegal. Gold and coal are the most important legally-mined materials in Colombia associated to deforestation, particularly in the recent years with 511% and 257% tree cover loss increases respectively (average over 2016–2018 compared to 2001–2015 average of mined material deforestation average). Three Colombian departments summed out ∼70% of the national deforestation occurring in legal concessions: in 2018, up to 23% of deforestation in Antioquia was taking place in legal mines (gold producer). Finally, we found that only 1% (respectively, 3%) of the concessions contribute to 60% (>90%) of the legal mining-related deforestation, mainly driven by large clearings to agriculture. Environmental law enforcement, monitoring activities and engaging the mining industry in effective forest conservation and landscape restoration strategies are urgently needed in Colombia for preserving biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Virus recognition with terahertz radiation: drawbacks and potentialities
Authors: Di Fabrizio Marta , Lupi Stefano , D’Arco Annalisa
Published: April 2021

Virus sensing is earning great interest for recognition of dangerous and widely spread diseases, such as influenza A (virus subtypes H1N1, H3N2 etc), severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome etc. Many molecular and biological techniques have been developed and adopted for virus detection purposes. These techniques show some drawbacks concerning long collection time and data analysis, sensitivity, safety, costs etc. Therefore, new sensing approaches have been proposed for overcoming these limitations. In this short-review, we explore the emerging and challenging terahertz radiation technology and its applications to virus high-sensitivity remote-sensing devices.
Benchmarking association analyses of continuous exposures with RNA-seq in observational studies
Authors: Sofer Tamar , Kurniansyah Nuzulul , Aguet François , Ardlie Kristin , Durda Peter , Nickerson Deborah A , Smith Joshua D , Liu Yongmei , Gharib Sina A , Redline Susan , Rich Stephen S , Rotter Jerome I , Taylor Kent D
Published: April 2021

Large datasets of hundreds to thousands of individuals measuring RNA-seq in observational studies are becoming available. Many popular software packages for analysis of RNA-seq data were constructed to study differences in expression signatures in an experimental design with well-defined conditions (exposures). In contrast, observational studies may have varying levels of confounding transcript-exposure associations; further, exposure measures may vary from discrete (exposed, yes/no) to continuous (levels of exposure), with non-normal distributions of exposure. We compare popular software for gene expression—DESeq2, edgeR and limma—as well as linear regression-based analyses for studying the association of continuous exposures with RNA-seq. We developed a computation pipeline that includes transformation, filtering and generation of empirical null distribution of association P-values, and we apply the pipeline to compute empirical P-values with multiple testing correction. We employ a resampling approach that allows for assessment of false positive detection across methods, power comparison and the computation of quantile empirical P-values. The results suggest that linear regression methods are substantially faster with better control of false detections than other methods, even with the resampling method to compute empirical P-values. We provide the proposed pipeline with fast algorithms in an R package Olivia, and implemented it to study the associations of measures of sleep disordered breathing with RNA-seq in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.
MAP3K4 kinase activity dependent control of mouse gonadal sex determination
Authors: Shendy Noha A M , Broadhurst Amber L , Shoemaker Kristin , Read Robert , Abell Amy N
Published: April 2021

Sex determination requires the commitment of bipotential gonads to either a testis or an ovarian fate. Gene deletion of the kinase Map3k4 results in gonadal sex reversal in XY mice, and transgenic re-expression of Map3k4 rescues the sex reversal phenotype. Map3k4 encodes a large, multi-functional protein possessing a kinase domain and several, additional protein–protein interaction domains. Although MAP3K4 plays a critical role in male gonadal sex determination, it is unknown if the kinase activity of MAP3K4 is required. Here, we use mice expressing full-length, kinase-inactive MAP3K4 from the endogenous Map3k4 locus to examine the requirement of MAP3K4 kinase activity in sex determination. Although homozygous kinase-inactivation of MAP3K4 (Map3k4KI/KI) is lethal, a small fraction survive to adulthood. We show Map3k4KI/KI adults exhibit a 4:1 female-biased sex ratio. Many adult Map3k4KI/KI phenotypic females have a Y chromosome. XY Map3k4KI/KI adults with sex reversal display female mating behavior, but do not give rise to offspring. Reproductive organs are overtly female, but there is a broad spectrum of ovarian phenotypes, including ovarian absence, primitive ovaries, reduced ovarian size, and ovaries having follicles in all stages of development. Further, XY Map3k4KI/KI adults are smaller than either male or female Map3k4WT/WT mice. Examination of the critical stage of gonadal sex determination at E11.5 shows that loss of MAP3K4 kinase activity results in the loss of Sry expression in XY Map3k4KI/KI embryos, indicating embryonic male gonadal sex reversal. Together, these findings demonstrate the essential role for kinase activity of MAP3K4 in male gonadal sex determination.
Frailty in elderly inpatients with cardiovascular disease: an exploration of associated factors
Authors: Meng Hong-Yan , Xi Jing , Li Meng-Li , Liu Min-Jing , Wang Li
Published: April 2021

Aims

Older patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are more likely to develop frailty. Few studies have investigated frailty status, and its multiple associated factors, in this population. The aim of the present study was to explore frailty status, and its multidimensional associated factors, in elderly inpatients with CVDs.

Methods and results

In this cross-sectional study, 1021 inpatients with CVDs aged ≥60 years old were recruited through convenience sampling from multiple hospitals in Suzhou, China. The FRAIL scale was used to assess frailty. A self-designed questionnaire gathered sociodemographic, clinical, and health-related information related to the physiological, psychological, and social dimensions of frailty. Among the 629 elderly inpatients with CVDs (73.64 ± 7.93 years old) who met inclusion criteria and completed the assessments, 176 (28.0%) were classified as frail. Univariate analyses demonstrated that the proportion of frailty was significantly associated with multiple factors. Logistic regression analysis indicated that, compared to their counterparts, the risk of frailty was higher in participants with cardiac function classes II, III, and IV [odds ratio (OR) = 1.866, 3.393, and 6.351, respectively]; average and bad mastication function (OR = 2.534 and 2.945, respectively); and often or always using walking aids (OR = 2.713). Conversely, the risk of frailty was lower in participants with good nutritional status (OR = 0.879) and regular exercise habits (OR = 0.573), as compared with their counterparts.

Conclusion

Frailty in elderly inpatients with CVDs is common and associated with multiple physiological factors including cardiac function, mastication function, nutritional status, use of walking aids, and regular exercise habits.
Application of a bioinformatic pipeline to RNA-seq data identifies novel virus-like sequence in human blood
Authors: Melnick Marko , Gonzales Patrick , LaRocca Thomas J , Song Yuping , Wuu Joanne , Benatar Michael , Oskarsson Björn , Petrucelli Leonard , Dowell Robin D , Link Christopher D , Prudencio Mercedes
Published: April 2021

Numerous reports have suggested that infectious agents could play a role in neurodegenerative diseases, but specific etiological agents have not been convincingly demonstrated. To search for candidate agents in an unbiased fashion, we have developed a bioinformatic pipeline that identifies microbial sequences in mammalian RNA-seq data, including sequences with no significant nucleotide similarity hits in GenBank. Effectiveness of the pipeline was tested using publicly available RNA-seq data and in a reconstruction experiment using synthetic data. We then applied this pipeline to a novel RNA-seq dataset generated from a cohort of 120 samples from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and controls, and identified sequences corresponding to known bacteria and viruses, as well as novel virus-like sequences. The presence of these novel virus-like sequences, which were identified in subsets of both patients and controls, were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. We believe this pipeline will be a useful tool for the identification of potential etiological agents in the many RNA-seq datasets currently being generated.
QTL × environment interactions underlie ionome divergence in switchgrass
Authors: Zhang Li , MacQueen Alice , Bonnette Jason , Fritschi Felix B , Lowry David B , Juenger Thomas E
Published: April 2021

Ionomics measures elemental concentrations in biological organisms and provides a snapshot of physiology under different conditions. In this study, we evaluate genetic variation of the ionome in outbred, perennial switchgrass in three environments across the species’ native range, and explore patterns of genotype-by-environment interactions. We grew 725 clonally replicated genotypes of a large full sib family from a four-way linkage mapping population, created from deeply diverged upland and lowland switchgrass ecotypes, at three common gardens. Concentrations of 18 mineral elements were determined in whole post-anthesis tillers using ion coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These measurements were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) with and without QTL-by-environment interactions (QTLxE) using a multi-environment QTL mapping approach. We found that element concentrations varied significantly both within and between switchgrass ecotypes, and GxE was present at both the trait and QTL level. Concentrations of 14 of the 18 elements were under some genetic control, and 77 QTL were detected for these elements. Seventy-four percent of QTL colocalized multiple elements, half of QTL exhibited significant QTLxE, and roughly equal numbers of QTL had significant differences in magnitude and sign of their effects across environments. The switchgrass ionome is under moderate genetic control and by loci with highly variable effects across environments.
Neutral and adaptive population structure of pink abalone (Haliotis corrugata): fishery management implications
Authors: Alberto Mares-Mayagoitia Jorge , De-Anda-Montañez Juan A , Perez-Enriquez Ricardo , Mejía-Ruíz Paulina , Gutiérrez-González José Luis , Valenzuela-Quiñonez Fausto
Published: April 2021

The accurate definition of population units (stocks) and local adaptation are the cornerstones of fishery management. Unfortunately, this knowledge is unknown mainly for abalone species in the Northeast Pacific, where stocks have failed to recover. The pink abalone (Haliotis corrugata) is a fishing resource on the western coast of the Baja California Peninsula (BCP) and is currently catalogued as diminished with a recovery trending pattern. This research determined if the biological units matched the administrative and stock assessment units along the west coast of the BCP and the implications for fishery management. To test this hypothesis, a double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing approach was used to generate 1 733 neutral and 6 putative outlier loci for population genomic analysis. Neutral markers detected a smooth partition in two regional groups, the southern (San Juanico, La Bocana, Bahía Asunción, Puerto Escondido, Punta Eugenia, and Natividad Island) and northern regions (Cedros Island, Faro San José, San Jerónimo Island, and Guadalupe Island). Putative outlier loci indicated evident differentiation of those groups. The population subdivision at 28° latitude with both marker types was related to a biogeographic boundary. Results did not support the current administrative zones of pink abalone fisheries and contrasted with genetic homogeneity reports in the region.