bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology‐Engineering Construction of Anti‐Aggregated Co/N‐Doped Hollow Carbon from Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Efficient Biomass Upgrading
Authors: Wu Yaohui , Wang Li , Chen Liyu , Li Yingwei , Shen Kui
Published: February 2023

The controlled pyrolysis of metal/carbon‐containing precursors is commonly used for fabricating multifunctional metal/carbon‐based catalysts, nevertheless, the inevitable agglomeration of these precursors in pyrolysis is extremely negative for efficient catalysis. This study reports the first example of suppressing the interfacial fusion and agglomeration of metal/carbon‐based catalyst in its pyrolysis‐involved fabrication process by developing a facile morphology‐engineering strategy. Metal‐organic framework precursors are chosen as a proof of concept and five Co/N‐doped hollow carbons with different morphologies (rhombic dodecahedron, cube, plate, interpenetration twin, and rod) are synthesized via the pyrolysis of their corresponding core‐shell ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67 precursors. It is demonstrated that the interpenetration twin precursor shows the minimum interfacial contact of interparticles due to its partly‐concave morphology with abundant facets, which endows it with the best resistibility from interfacial fusion and thus aggregation of interparticles during pyrolysis. Benefiting from its unique anti‐aggregated structure with high specific surface area, abundant fully‐exposed active sites, and good dispersibility, the resultant 36‐facet Co/N‐doped hollow carbon exhibit remarkably improved catalytic property for biomass upgrading as compared with its aggregated counterparts. This study highlights the crucial role of engineering morphology to prevent metal/carbon‐containing precursors from detrimental agglomeration during pyrolysis, demonstrating a new approach to constructing anti‐aggregated metal/carbon‐based catalysts.
Customizing Metal‐Organic Frameworks by Lego‐Brick Strategy for One‐Step Purification of Ethylene from a Quaternary Gas Mixture
Authors: Sun Haoran , Chen Fuqiang , Chen Rundao , Li Jiaqi , Guo Lidong , Liu Ying , Shen Fuxing , Yang Qiwei , Zhang Zhiguo , Ren Qilong , Bao Zongbi
Published: February 2023

One‐step purification of ethylene (C2H4) from a quaternary gas mixture of C2H6/C2H4/C2H2/CO2 by adsorption is a promising separation process, yet developing adsorbents that synergistically capture various gas impurities remains challenging. Herein, a Lego‐brick strategy is proposed to customize pore chemistry in a unified framework material. The ethane‐selective MOF platform is further modified with customized binding sites to specifically adsorb acetylene and carbon dioxide, thus one‐step purification of C2H4 with high productivity of polymer‐grade product (134 mol kg−1) is achieved on the assembly of porous coordination polymer‐2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (PCP‐FDCA) and PCP‐5‐aminoisophthalic acid (IPA‐NH2). Computational studies verify that the low‐polarity surface of this MOFs‐based platform provides a delicate environment for C2H6 recognition, and the specific binding sites (FDCA and IPA‐NH2) exhibit favorable trapping of C2H2 and CO2 via CHδ+···Oδ− and Cδ+···Nδ− electrostatic interactions, respectively. The proposed Lego‐brick strategy to customize binding sites within the MOFs structure provides new ideas for the design of adsorbents for compounded separation tasks.
A Universal Room‐Temperature 3D Printing Approach Towards porous MOF Based Dendrites Inhibition Hybrid Solid‐State Electrolytes
Authors: Li Changgang , Deng Shuolei , Feng Wenhao , Cao Yaowen , Bai Jiaxuan , Tian Xiaocong , Dong Yifan , Xia Fan
Published: February 2023

Hybrid solid‐state electrolytes (HSSEs) provide new opportunities and inspiration for the realization of safer, higher energy‐density metal batteries. The innovative application of 3‑dimensional printing in the electrochemical field, especially in solid‐state electrolytes, endows energy storage devices with fascinating characteristics. In this paper, effective dendrite‐inhibited PEO/MOFs HSSEs is innovatively developed through universal room‐temperature 3‑dimensional printing (RT‐3DP) strategy. The prepared HSSEs display enhanced dendrite inhibition due to the porous MOF filler promoting homogeneity of lithium deposition and the formation of C‐OCO3Li, ROLi, LiF mesophases, which further improve the migration of Li+ in PEO chain and comprehensive performances. This universal strategy realizes the fabrication of different slurry components (PEO with ZIF‐67, MOF‐74, UIO‐66, ZIF‐8 fillers) HSSEs at RT environment, providing new inspirations for the exploration of next‐generation advanced solid‐state batteries.
Approaches to standardising the magnetic resonance image analysis of equine tendon lesions
Authors: Doll Carla Ulrike , Bohner Melanie , Berner Dagmar , Buettner Kathrin , Horstmeier Carolin , Winter Karsten , Burk Janina
Published: February 2023

Background

Low‐field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has gained increasing importance to monitor equine tendon lesions. Comparing results between studies and cases is hampered, because image analysis approaches vary strongly. This study aimed to improve reliability, comparability and time efficiency of quantitative MRI image analysis.

Methods

Induced tendon lesions were studied over a 24‐week period with 10 follow‐up MRI examinations. Signal intensities (SIs) of tendons, tendon lesions, cortical bone and background, as well as lesion cross‐sectional areas (CSAs) were measured. Lesion SI standardisation with different formulas was evaluated, using histological findings as reference. Different types of region of interest (ROI) for lesion SI measurement were compared. Lesion CSA measurement at different levels was evaluated, using the calculated total lesion volume as reference. Subjective lesion identification and manual CSA and SI measurements were compared to an automated, algorithm‐based approach.

Results

Lesion SI standardised using a quotient of lesion and background or cortical bone SI, correlated best with histologically determined lesion severity. Lesion SI in circular ROIs correlated strongly with lesion SI in free‐hand whole‐lesion ROIs. The level of the maximum lesion CSA shifted over time; the CSA maximum correlated strongly with lesion volume. In sequences with short acquisition time, algorithm‐based automated lesion detection showed almost perfect agreement with subjective lesion identification. Automated measurement of CSA and SI was also feasible, with stronger correlation and better agreement with the manually obtained data for the SI than for the CSA.

Conclusion

Our study may provide guidance for MRI image analysis of tendon healing. Reliable image analysis can be performed time‐efficiently, particularly regarding lesion SI quantification.
High-Speed All-Optical Neural Interfaces with 3D Temporally Focused Holography
Authors: Oldenburg Ian Antón , Bounds Hayley Anne , Pégard Nicolas C.
Published: February 2023

Understanding brain function requires technologies that can monitor and manipulate neural activity with cellular resolution and millisecond precision in three dimensions across large volumes. These technologies are best designed using interdisciplinary approaches combining optical techniques with reporters and modulators of neural activity. While advances can be made by separately improving optical resolution or opsin effectiveness, optimizing both systems together matches the strengths and constraints of different approaches to create a solution optimized for the needs of neuroscientists. To achieve this goal, we first developed a new multiphoton photoexcitation method, termed 3D-Scanless Holographic Optogenetics with Temporal focusing (3D-SHOT), that enables simultaneous photoactivation of arbitrary sets of neurons in 3D. Our technique uses point-cloud holography to place multiple copies of a temporally focused disc, matched to the dimensions of a neuron’s cell body, anywhere within the operating volume of the microscope. However, since improved placement of light, on its own, is not sufficient to allow precise control of neural firing patterns, we also developed and tested optogenetic actuators ST-ChroME and ST-eGtACR1 that fully leverage the new experimental capabilities of 3D-SHOT. The synergy of fast opsins matched with our technology allows reliable, precisely timed control of evoked action potentials and enables on-demand read-write operations with unprecedented precision. In this chapter, we review the steps necessary to implement 3D-SHOT and provide a guide to selecting ideal opsins that will work with it. Such collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches will be essential to develop the experimental capabilities needed to gain causal insight into the fundamental principles of the neural code underlying perception and behavior.
Dimension of the Singular Set
Authors: Velichkov Bozhidar
Published: February 2023

In this chapter, we prove Theorem 1.4. As in the original work of Weiss (see [52]), we will use the so-called Federer’s dimension reduction principle, which first appeared in [32].
Blow-Up Sequences and Blow-Up Limits
Authors: Velichkov Bozhidar
Published: February 2023

Let D be an open set in
$$\mathbb {R}^d$$

ℝ

d

and
$$u:D\to \mathbb {R}$$

u
:
D
→
ℝ
be a (non-negative) local minimizer of
$$\mathcal F_\Lambda $$

ℱ

Λ

in D
Heterotic de Sitter beyond modular symmetry
Authors: Leedom Jacob M. , Righi Nicole , Westphal Alexander
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We study the vacua of 4dheterotic toroidal orbifolds using effective theories consisting of an overall Kähler modulus, the dilaton, and non-perturbative corrections to both the superpotential and Kähler potential that respect modular invariance. We prove three de Sitter no-go theorems for several classes of vacua and thereby substantiate and extend previous conjectures. Additionally, we provide evidence that extrema of the scalar potential can occur inside the PSL(2, ℤ) fundamental domain of the Kähler modulus, in contradiction of a separate conjecture. We also illustrate a loophole in the no-go theorems and determine criteria that allow for metastable de Sitter vacua. Finally, we identify inherently stringy non-perturbative effects in the dilaton sector that could exploit this loophole and potentially realize de Sitter vacua.
Inverse of Divergence and Homogenization of Compressible Navier–Stokes Equations in Randomly Perforated Domains
Authors: Bella Peter , Oschmann Florian
Published: February 2023

We analyze the behavior of weak solutions to compressible viscous fluid flows in a bounded domain in$${{\,\mathrm{{\mathbb {R}}}\,}}^3$$R3, randomly perforated by tiny balls with random size. Assuming the radii of the balls scale like$$\varepsilon ^\alpha $$εα,$$\alpha > 3$$α>3, with$$\varepsilon $$εdenoting the average distance between the balls, the problem homogenize to the same limiting equation. Our main contribution is a construction of the Bogovskiĭ operator, uniformly in$$\varepsilon $$ε, without any assumptions on the minimal distance between the balls.
A random analogue of Gilbreath’s conjecture
Authors: Chase Zachary
Published: February 2023

A well-known conjecture of Gilbreath, and independently Proth from the 1800s, states that if $$a_{0,n} = p_n$$

a

0
,
n

=

p
n

denotes the nth prime number and $$a_{i,n} = |a_{i-1,n}-a_{i-1,n+1}|$$

a

i
,
n

=

|

a

i
-
1
,
n

-

a

i
-
1
,
n
+
1

|

for $$i, n \ge 1$$

i
,
n
≥
1

, then $$a_{i,1} = 1$$

a

i
,
1

=
1

for all $$i \ge 1$$

i
≥
1

. It has been postulated repeatedly that the property of having $$a_{i,1} = 1$$

a

i
,
1

=
1

for i large enough should hold for any choice of initial $$(a_{0,n})_{n \ge 1}$$

(

a

0
,
n

)

n
≥
1

provided that the gaps $$a_{0,n+1}-a_{0,n}$$

a

0
,
n
+
1

-

a

0
,
n

are not too large and are sufficiently random. We prove (a precise form of) this postulate.
Conspecific scent marks may influence underground site selection by a fossorial reptile
Authors: Recio Pablo , Rodríguez-Ruiz Gonzalo , Sannolo Marco , Cuervo José Javier , López Pilar , Martín José
Published: February 2023

Conspecific cues often provide social information on habitat quality that is considered when deciding to settle at a specific site. The type of sensory cues useful for this will depend on the environment. For amphisbaenians, reptiles adapted to an underground life with highly reduced sight, chemoreception is especially useful to recognize conspecifics. Here, we first analyzed the lipophilic compounds from precloacal gland secretions of the amphisbaenian Blanus cinereus, showing that there were sex- and size-related variations in the proportions of the three major compounds. Then, we tested in the laboratory whether there was an underground site selection based on conspecific chemical cues (substrate scent marks) in two different contexts. In loose substrates, both male and female amphisbaenians tended to choose first the scent-marked substrates more often when the individual that produced the scent, independently of its sex, was relatively larger than the focal individual. In contrast, inside semi-permanent galleries, males, but not females, chose the scent-marked gallery more often when the scent donor, independently of its sex, was relatively smaller. These results suggest that the proportions of compounds in scent marks may allow amphisbaenians to estimate the body size of the producer and that this information affects their site selection decisions. However, the different substrate-dependent responses suggest a different meaning and usefulness of scent marks depending on the context.

Significance statement

The presence of your conspecific in a site may indicate that this is a “quality” site to live in. If you are blind and live underground, smell is one of the best options for detecting conspecifics and assessing how good are your surroundings. Here, we test whether a blind amphisbaenian reptile that spends its life buried in sandy substrates uses conspecific chemical stimuli to choose where to settle. We found that this decision is influenced by the microhabitat type, sex, and the size difference between the individual that sniffs and the producer of the scent. Amphisbaenians seem to detect and assess conspecific traits based on the differences in compounds in their odors. Therefore, using conspecific scent to assess habitat quality may help fossorial animals to live underground.
Congenital lung abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging: the CLAM study
Authors: Elders Bernadette B. L. J. , Kersten Casper M. , Hermelijn Sergei M. , Wielopolski Piotr A. , Tiddens Harm A. W. M. , Schnater J. Marco , Ciet Pierluigi
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Follow-up of congenital lung abnormalities (CLA) is currently done with chest computer tomography (CT). Major disadvantages of CT are exposure to ionizing radiation and need for contrast enhancement to visualise vascularisation. Chest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be a safe alternative to image CLA without using contrast agents. The objective of this cohort study was to develop a non-contrast MRI protocol for the follow-up of paediatric CLA patients, and to compare findings on MRI to postnatal CT in school age CLA patients.

Methods

Twenty-one CLA patients, 4 after surgical resection and 17 unoperated (mean age 12.8 (range 9.4–15.9) years), underwent spirometry and chest MRI. MRI was compared to postnatal CT on appearance and size of the lesion, and lesion associated abnormalities, such as hyperinflation and atelectasis.

Results

By comparing school-age chest MRI to postnatal CT, radiological appearance and diagnostic interpretation of the type of lesion changed in 7 (41%) of the 17 unoperated patients. In unoperated patients, the relative size of the lesion in relation to the total lung volume remained stable (0.9% (range − 6.2 to + 6.7%), p = 0.3) and the relative size of lesion-associated parenchymal abnormalities decreased (− 2.2% (range − 0.8 to + 2.8%), p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Non-contrast-enhanced chest MRI was able to identify all CLA-related lung abnormalities. Changes in radiological appearance between MRI and CT were related to CLA changes, patients’ growth, and differences between imaging modalities. Further validation is needed for MRI to be introduced as a safe imaging method for the follow-up of paediatric CLA patients.

Key Points

• Non-contrast-enhanced chest MRI is able to identify anatomical lung changes related to congenital lung abnormalities, including vascularisation.

• At long-term follow-up, the average size of congenital lung abnormalities in relation to normal lung volume remains stable.

• At long-term follow-up, the average size of congenital lung abnormalities associated parenchymal abnormalities such as atelectasis in relation to normal lung volume decreases.
Impact on touch DNA of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer used in COVID-19 prevention
Authors: Bini Carla , Giorgetti Arianna , Fazio Giulia , Amurri Sara , Pelletti Guido , Pelotti Susi
Published: February 2023

In the last years, forensic research has been focused on touch DNA in order to improve its evidential value in criminal activity investigations as well as to understand the variables impacting touch DNA. One of the emerging variables is represented by the use of alcohol-based sanitizers, which was suggested for hand hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aims of the present study were to assess the effect of a hand sanitizer on touch DNA deposition, transfer, and recovery and also to evaluate STR typing success, quality of DNA profiles, and personal identification. Before and after the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, 20 volunteers deposited on glass surfaces 120 fingerprints, containing skin-derived or salivary DNA. Samples were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR (q-PCR), and 76 samples yielding > 15 pg/μl were typed for 21 autosomal STRs by GlobalFiler® PCR Amplification Kit. DNA profiles were classified into single source, mixed, and inconclusive profiles, and a LR assessment was performed by comparison to the reference samples using LRmix Studio software. After the use of hand sanitizer, samples yielded lower quantities of recovered transferred DNA, especially considering samples containing salivary DNA (p < 0.05 by Friedman test). All the 76 amplified samples (63.3% of the total) showed at least 10 typed loci, and 83–100% of profiles were consistent with the reference ones on the basis of a LR value ≥ 106. Results showed that, although the hand sanitizer reduces the DNA recovering, touch DNA samples might still be useful for forensic personal identification even when hand sanitizers are used.
An automatic quality evaluation procedure for third-party daily rainfall observations and its application over Australia
Authors: Li Ming , Shao Quanxi , Dabrowski Joel Janek , Rahman Ashfaqur , Powell Andrea , Henderson Brent , Hussain Zachary , Steinle Peter
Published: February 2023

Third-party rainfall observations could provide an improvement of the current official observation network for rainfall monitoring. Although third-party weather stations can provide large quantities of near-real-time rainfall observations at fine temporal and spatial resolutions, the quality of these data is susceptible due to variations in quality control applied and there is a need to provide greater confidence in them. In this study, we develop an automatic quality evaluation procedure for daily rainfall observations collected from third-party stations in near real time. Australian Gridded Climate Data (AGCD) and radar Rainfields data have been identified as two reliable data sources that can be used for assessing third-party observations in Australia. To achieve better model interpretability and scalability, these reference data sources are used to provide separate tests rather than a complex single test on a third-party data point. Based on the assumption that the error of a data source follows a Gaussian distribution after a log-sinh transformation, each test issues a p-value-based confidence score as a measure of quality and the confidence of the third-party data observation. The maximum of confidence scores from individual tests is used to merge these tests into a single result which provides overall assessment. We validate our method with synthetic datasets based on high-quality rainfall observations from 100 Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) of Australia stations across Australia and apply it to evaluate real third-party rainfall observations owned by the Department of Primary Industries and regional development (DPIRD) of Western Australia. Our method works well with the synthetic datasets and can detect 76.7% erroneous data while keeping the false alarm rate as low as 1.7%. We also discuss the possibility of using other reference datasets, such as numerical weather prediction data and satellite rainfall data.
Correlation between kidney function and mortality in pyogenic spondylodiscitis: the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as new predictive parameter?
Authors: Lenz Maximilian , Harland Arne , Egenolf Philipp , Horbach Maximilian , von Hodenberg Clara , Brinkkoetter Paul T. , Benzing Thomas , Eysel Peer , Scheyerer Max J.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Pyogenic spondylodiscitis is a severe medical condition, often requiring surgical intervention. Numerous risk factors are known, such as obesity, neurological impairment and old age. In-hospital mortality remains high, therefore other factors may be contributing to the increased mortality. To evaluate kidney function as a risk factor for increased morbidity of pyogenic spondylodiscitis, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was correlated with the patients' clinical course.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 366 patients and 255 were included for analysis. Clinical, laboratory and surgical data were recorded with a minimum follow-up of three months. For clinical outcome measurement, mortality, length of stay and perioperative complications were analysed.

Results

The study included 255 patients (173 men, 82 women; mean age 66.3 years). Patients with a GFR < 59 mL/min spent an average of 5 days longer in the hospital than those with a GFR ≥ 60 mL/min (p = 0.071). The mortality rate increased significantly with a decrease in GFR: A GFR of 30–59 mL/min had a mortality rate of 17.6%, whereas a GFR of < 29 mL/min had one of 30.4% (p = 0.003). Patients with impaired GFR showed an increased rate of postoperative complications (OR 4.7 p = 0.002) and higher rate of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (OR 8.7 p =  < 0.001).

Discussion

Preoperative GFR values showed a significant correlation with in-hospital mortality in patients with spondylodiscitis, when graded according to the KDIGO stages. Furthermore, a GFR of < 29 ml/mL contributes to a longer ICU stay, postoperative complications and a longer total hospital stay. Therefore, the preoperative GFR could be a marker of kidney function and as a valuable predictive risk factor regarding the clinical in-hospital course of patients suffering from pyogenic spondylodiscitis.
Validity of the short musculoskeletal function assessment questionnaire in patients with a spine fracture
Authors: Blixt Simon , Mukka Sebastian , Försth Peter , Westin Olof , Gerdhem Paul
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to validate the use of the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire in patients with a spine fracture.

Methods

Cross-sectional cohort of individuals that had sustained a spine fracture (C1-L5) one year earlier. Patients were asked to fill out SMFA, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EQ-5D-3L and EQ-VAS. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rho) was used to assess convergent validity for each patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). Bland–Altman plots were used to assess PROM agreement.

Results

82 patients completed all questionnaires. The correlations between SMFA Dysfunction and Bother indices and ODI were 0.89 and 0.86, with EQ-5D-3L index 0.89 and 0.80, and with EQ-VAS 0.80 and 0.73, respectively. The correlation for separate categories of the SMFA dysfunction index (daily activities, emotional status, arm and hand function, mobility) ranged between 0.71–0.87 for ODI, 0.72–0.84 for EQ-5D-3L index, and 0.67–0.77 for EQ-VAS. A selection of the ten items of SMFA that had the highest correlations with ODI resulted in a correlation of 0.91. The agreements between SMFA indices and ODI in Bland–Altman plots were good with small differential biases and minimal proportional biases, but worse for SMFA and EQ-5D-3L index and EQ-VAS.

Conclusion

The SMFA indices are highly correlated with ODI in patients with a spine fracture. The Dysfunction index and Bother index, or selected SMFA items, may be used to assess outcome in patients with spine fractures as an alternative to ODI.
Post-translational modifications on the metal-sequestering protein calprotectin
Authors: Nolan Elizabeth M. , Peet Janet J. Y.
Published: February 2023

Human calprotectin (CP, S100A8/S100A9 oligomer) is an abundant neutrophil protein that contributes to innate immunity by sequestering nutrient metal ions in the extracellular space. This process starves invading microbial pathogens of essential metal nutrients, which can inhibit growth and colonization. Over the past decade, fundamental and clinical studies have revealed that the S100A8 and S100A9 subunits of CP exhibit a variety of post-translational modifications (PTMs). This review summarizes PTMs on the CP subunits that have been detected and highlights two recent studies that evaluated the structural and functional consequences of methionine and cysteine oxidation on CP. Collectively, these investigations indicate that the molecular speciation of extracellular CP is complex and composed of multiple proteoforms. Moreover, PTMs may impact biological function and the lifetime of the protein. It is therefore important that post-translationally modified CP species receive consideration and integration into the current working model for how CP functions in nutritional immunity.
Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model of Brain Delivery of Plasma Protein Bound Drugs
Authors: Pardridge William M.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model is developed that focuses on the kinetic parameters of drug association and dissociation with albumin, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP), and brain tissue proteins, as well as drug permeability at the blood–brain barrier, drug metabolism, and brain blood flow.

Goal

The model evaluates the extent to which plasma protein-mediated uptake (PMU) of drugs by brain influences the concentration of free drug both within the brain capillary compartment in vivo and the brain compartment. The model also studies the effect of drug binding to brain tissue proteins on the concentration of free drug in brain.

Methods

The steady state and non-steady state PBPK models are comprised of 11–12 variables, and 18–23 parameters, respectively. Two model drugs are analyzed: propranolol, which undergoes modest PMU from the AGP-bound pool, and imipramine, which undergoes a high degree of PMU from both the albumin-bound and AGP-bound pools in plasma.

Results

The free propranolol concentration in brain is under-estimated 2- to fourfold by in vitro measurements of free plasma propranolol, and the free imipramine concentration in brain is under-estimated by 18- to 31-fold by in vitro measurements of free imipramine in plasma. The free drug concentration in brain in vivo is independent of drug binding to brain tissue proteins.

Conclusions

In vitro measurement of free drug concentration in plasma under-estimates the free drug in brain in vivo if PMU in vivo from either the albumin and/or the AGP pools in plasma takes place at the BBB surface.
Solar energy conversion by photosystem II: principles and structures
Authors: Shevela Dmitry , Kern Jan F. , Govindjee Govindjee , Messinger Johannes
Published: February 2023

Photosynthetic water oxidation by Photosystem II (PSII) is a fascinating process because it sustains life on Earth and serves as a blue print for scalable synthetic catalysts required for renewable energy applications. The biophysical, computational, and structural description of this process, which started more than 50 years ago, has made tremendous progress over the past two decades, with its high-resolution crystal structures being available not only of the dark-stable state of PSII, but of all the semi-stable reaction intermediates and even some transient states. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on PSII with emphasis on the basic principles that govern the conversion of light energy to chemical energy in PSII, as well as on the illustration of the molecular structures that enable these reactions. The important remaining questions regarding the mechanism of biological water oxidation are highlighted, and one possible pathway for this fundamental reaction is described at a molecular level.
Spatial and cross-sectoral input spillover effects: the case of the Italian tourism industry
Authors: Emili Silvia , Galli Federica
Published: February 2023

The aim of this paper is to extend the literature on multisectoral industries productivity such as tourism by simultaneously analysing the multidimensional nature of the Italian tourism sector in the period 2011–2020, considering both cross-sectoral and spatial spillover effects. To further improve our analysis, we consider two fundamental features for policy decisions: high spatial detail of analysis and the multipurpose nature of the tourism industry. Empirical findings confirm the hypotheses that the productivity level of the Italian tourism industry depends on its ability to make to most of the different input factors coming from different sectors and on (positive and negative) input spillovers.
High-temperature Corrosion of ~ 30 Pct Porous FeCr Stainless Steels in Air: Long-Term Evaluation Up to Breakaway
Authors: Koszelow D. , Makowska M. , Drewniak A. , Cempura G. , Jasiński P. , Molin S.
Published: February 2023

In this work, a long-term (up to 6000 hours) corrosion evaluation of three porous (~ 30 pct of initial porosity) ferritic iron-chromium alloys with different Cr contents (20, 22, and 27 wt pct of Cr) was carried out at 600 °C, 700 °C, 800 °C, and 900 °C in air. Mass gain measurements and SEM analyses revealed that at temperatures above 600 °C, all alloys exhibit breakaway corrosion, whereas at 600 °C, none of the alloys were heavily oxidized even after 6000 hours. Based on the results, the diffusion character of the corrosion of porous chromia-forming alloys was identified. The microstructure changes at high temperatures in porous alloys containing 22 wt pct of Cr were determined in detail by transmission electron microscopy. The proposed prediction model indicated that the lifetimes of the Fe20Cr and Fe22Cr alloys were determined as 1250 hours (± 535 hours) and 1460 hours (± 640 hours), respectively. It is in agreement with the long-term oxidation experiment. For the Fe27Cr alloy, the deviation between predicted and observed lifetimes occurs. The proposed model allows for qualitative estimation of the porous alloys’ lifetime with experimentally validated accuracy.
Ignaz Moscheles and the Changing World of Musical Europe
Authors: Kroll Mark
Published: February 2023

The first full-length study devoted to Ignaz Moscheles (1794-1870), pianist, conductor and composer.
High magnetic field neutron stars and magnetars in binary systems
Authors: Popov Sergei B.
Published: February 2023

Situation with highly magnetized neutron stars in binary systems is not yet certain. On the one hand, all best studied magnetars seem to be isolated objects. On the other, there are many claims based on model-dependent analysis of spin properties or/and luminosity of neutron stars in X-ray binaries in favour of large fields. In addition, there are a few results suggesting a magnetar-like activity of neutron stars in close binary systems. Most of theoretical considerations do not favour even existence, not speaking about active decay, of magnetar-scale fields in neutron stars older than ∼106 yrs. However, alternative scenarios of the field evolution exist. I provide a brief review of theoretical and observational results related to the presence of neutron stars with large magnetic field in binaries and discuss perspectives of future studies.
North Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Size and Storm Surge Reconstructions From 1950‐Present
Authors: Gori Avantika , Lin Ning , Schenkel Benjamin , Chavas Daniel
Published: February 2023

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are one of the greatest threats to coastal communities along the US Atlantic and Gulf coasts due to their extreme wind, rainfall and storm surge. Analyzing historical TC climatology and modeling TC hazards can provide valuable insight to planners and decision makers. However, detailed TC size information is typically only available from 1988 onward, preventing accurate wind, rainfall, and storm surge modeling for TCs occurring earlier in the historical record. To overcome temporally limited TC size data, we develop a database of size estimates that are based on reanalysis data and a physics‐based model. Specifically, we utilize ERA5 reanalysis data to estimate the TC outer size, and a physics‐based TC wind model to estimate the radius of maximum wind. We evaluate our TC size estimates using two high‐resolution wind data sets as well as Best Track information for a wide variety of TCs. Using the estimated size information plus the TC track and intensity, we reconstruct historical storm tides from 1950 to 2020 using a basin‐scale hydrodynamic model and show that our reconstructions agree well with observed peak storm tide and storm surge. Finally, we demonstrate that incorporating an expanded set of historical modeled storm tides beginning in 1950 can enhance our understanding of US coastal hazard. Our newly developed database of TC sizes and associated storm tides/surges can aid in understanding North Atlantic TC climatology and modeling TC wind, storm surge, and rainfall hazard along the US Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
Your smile won’t affect me: Association between childhood maternal antipathy and adult neural reward function in a transdiagnostic sample
Authors: Seitz Katja I. , Ueltzhöffer Kai , Rademacher Lena , Paulus Frieder M. , Schmitz Marius , Herpertz Sabine C. , Bertsch Katja
Published: February 2023

Aberrant activation in the ventral striatum (VS) during reward anticipation may be a key mechanism linking adverse childhood experiences (ACE) to transdiagnostic psychopathology. This study aimed to elucidate whether retrospectively reported ACE, specifically maternal antipathy, relate to monetary and social reward anticipation in a transdiagnostic adult sample. A cross-sectional neuroimaging study was conducted in 118 participants with varying levels of ACE, including 25 participants with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 32 with major depressive disorder (MDD), 29 with somatic symptom disorder (SSD), and 32 healthy volunteers (HVs). Participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during a monetary and social incentive delay task, and completed a self-report measure of ACE, including maternal antipathy. Neural correlates of monetary and social reward anticipation and their association with ACE, particularly maternal antipathy, were analyzed. Participants showed elevated activation in brain regions underlying reward processing, including the VS, only while anticipating social, but not monetary rewards. Participants reporting higher levels of maternal antipathy exhibited reduced activation in the brain reward network, including the VS, only during social, but not monetary reward anticipation. Group affiliation moderated the association between maternal antipathy and VS activation to social reward anticipation, with significant associations found in participants with PTSD and HVs, but not in those with MDD and SSD. Results were not associated with general psychopathology or psychotropic medication use. Childhood maternal antipathy may confer risk for aberrant social reward anticipation in adulthood, and may thus be considered in interventions targeting reward expectations from social interactions.
Socio-economic and ethnic disparities in childhood cancer survival, Yorkshire, UK
Authors: Cromie K. J. , Hughes N. F. , Milner S. , Crump P. , Grinfeld J. , Jenkins A. , Norman P. D. , Picton S. V. , Stiller C. A. , Yeomanson D. , Glaser A. W. , Feltbower R. G.
Published: February 2023

Background

Establishing the existence of health inequalities remains a high research and policy agenda item in the United Kingdom. We describe ethnic and socio-economic differences in paediatric cancer survival, focusing specifically on the extent to which disparities have changed over a 20-year period.

Methods

Cancer registration data for 2674 children (0–14 years) in Yorkshire were analysed. Five-year survival estimates by ethnic group (south Asian/non-south Asian) and Townsend deprivation fifths (I–V) were compared over time (1997–2016) for leukaemia, lymphoma, central nervous system (CNS) and other solid tumours. Hazard ratios (HR: 95% CI) from adjusted Cox models quantified the joint effect of ethnicity and deprivation on mortality risk over time, framed through causal interpretation of the deprivation coefficient.

Results

Increasing deprivation was associated with significantly higher risk of death for children with leukaemia (1.11 (1.03–1.20)) and all cancers between 1997 and 2001. While we observed a trend towards reducing differences in survival over time in this group, a contrasting trend was observed for CNS tumours whereby sizeable variation in outcome remained for cases diagnosed until 2012. South Asian children with lymphoma had a 15% reduced chance of surviving at least 5 years compared to non-south Asian, across the study period.

Discussion

Even in the United Kingdom, with a universally accessible healthcare system, socio-economic and ethnic disparities in childhood cancer survival exist. Findings should inform where resources should be directed to provide all children with an equitable survival outcome following a cancer diagnosis.
S100 family proteins are linked to organoid morphology and EMT in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Low Ronnie Ren Jie , Fung Ka Yee , Gao Hugh , Preaudet Adele , Dagley Laura F. , Yousef Jumana , Lee Belinda , Emery-Corbin Samantha J. , Nguyen Paul M. , Larsen Rune H. , Kershaw Nadia J. , Burgess Antony W. , Gibbs Peter , Hollande Frédéric , Griffin Michael D. W. , Grimmond Sean M. , Putoczki Tracy L.
Published: February 2023

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a continuum that includes epithelial, partial EMT, and mesenchymal states, each of which is associated with cancer progression, invasive capabilities, and ultimately, metastasis. We used a lineage-traced sporadic model of pancreatic cancer to generate a murine organoid biobank from primary and secondary tumors, including sublines that underwent partial EMT and complete EMT. Using an unbiased proteomics approach, we found that organoid morphology predicts the EMT state, and the solid organoids are associated with a partial EMT signature. We also observed that exogenous TGFβ1 induces solid organoid morphology that is associated with changes in the S100 family, complete EMT, and the formation of high-grade tumors. S100A4 may be a useful biomarker for predicting EMT state, disease progression, and outcome in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Harnessing epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity to boost cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Gu Yuanzhuo , Zhang Zhengkui , ten Dijke Peter
Published: February 2023

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is a powerful option for cancer treatment. Despite demonstrable progress, most patients fail to respond or achieve durable responses due to primary or acquired ICB resistance. Recently, tumor epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) was identified as a critical determinant in regulating immune escape and immunotherapy resistance in cancer. In this review, we summarize the emerging role of tumor EMP in ICB resistance and the tumor-intrinsic or extrinsic mechanisms by which tumors exploit EMP to achieve immunosuppression and immune escape. We discuss strategies to modulate tumor EMP to alleviate immune resistance and to enhance the efficiency of ICB therapy. Our discussion provides new prospects to enhance the ICB response for therapeutic gain in cancer patients.
Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives for UV-selective and visibly transparent dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Wulansari Arum Dista , Hayati Dini , Long Dang Xuan , Choi Kyungah , Hong Jongin
Published: February 2023

Naturally abundant dyes are very attractive for the development of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, such as caffeic acid (CA), ferulic acid (FA), and p-coumaric acid (PA), were considered for the selective harvesting of ultraviolet A (UVA) (315–400 nm) photons. Their spectroscopic and electrochemical properties were investigated both theoretically and experimentally. They were further successfully adopted as photosensitizers in UV-selective and visibly transparent DSSCs, which exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 0.22–0.38% under AM (air mass) 1.5G (global) illumination (100 mW/cm2) and 3.40–3.62% under UVA irradiation (365 nm, 115.22 mW/cm2), with a corresponding visible light transmittance (VLT) of 49.07–43.72% and a general color rendering index (Ra) of 93–90.
CT-based assessment of sarcopenia for differentiating wild-type from mutant-type gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Authors: Yi Xiaoping , Zhou Gaofeng , Fu Yan , Wu Jinchun , Chen Changyong , Zai Hongyan , He Qiongzhi , Pang Peipei , Zhou Haiyan , Gong Guanghui , Lei Tianxiang , Tan Fengbo , Liu Heli , Li Bin , Chen Bihong T.
Published: February 2023

Non-invasive prediction for KIT/PDGFRA status in GIST is a challenging problem. This study aims to evaluate whether CT based sarcopenia could differentiate KIT/PDGFRA wild-type gastrointestinal stromal tumor (wt-GIST) from the mutant-type GIST (mu-GIST), and to evaluate genetic features of GIST. A total of 174 patients with GIST (wt-GIST = 52) were retrospectively identified between January 2011 to October 2019. A sarcopenia nomogram was constructed by multivariate logistic regression. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by discrimination, calibration curve, and decision curve. Genomic data was obtained from our own specimens and also from the open databases cBioPortal. Data was analyzed by R version 3.6.1 and clusterProfiler (http://cbioportal.org/msk-impact). There were significantly higher incidence (75.0% vs. 48.4%) and more severe sarcopenia in patients with wt-GIST than in patients with mu-GIST. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that sarcopenia score (fitted based on age, gender and skeletal muscle index), and muscle fat index were independent predictors for higher risk of wt-GIST (P < 0.05 for both the training and validation cohorts). Our sarcopenia nomogram achieved a promising efficiency with an AUC of 0.879 for the training cohort, and 0.9099 for the validation cohort with a satisfying consistency in the calibration curve. Favorable clinical usefulness was observed using decision curve analysis. The additional gene sequencing analysis based on both our data and the external data demonstrated aberrant signal pathways being closely associated with sarcopenia in the wt-GIST. Our study supported the use of CT-based assessment of sarcopenia in differentiating the wt-GIST from the mu-GIST preoperatively.
Folate receptor targeted nanoparticles containing niraparib and doxorubicin as a potential candidate for the treatment of high grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Wang Lucy , Evans James C. , Ahmed Lubabah , Allen Christine
Published: February 2023

Combination chemotherapy is an established approach used to manage toxicities while eliciting an enhanced therapeutic response. Delivery of drug combinations at specific molar ratios has been considered a means to achieve synergistic effects resulting in improvements in efficacy while minimizing dose related adverse drug reactions. The benefits of this approach have been realized with the FDA approval of Vyxeos®, the first liposome formulation to deliver a synergistic drug combination leading to improved overall survival against standard of care. In the current study, we demonstrate the synergistic potential of the PARP inhibitor niraparib and doxorubicin for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Through in vitro screening in a panel of ovarian cancer cell lines, we find that niraparib and doxorubicin demonstrate consistent synergy/additivity at the majority of evaluated molar ratio combinations. Further to these findings, we report formulation of a nanoparticle encapsulating our identified synergistic combination. We describe a rational design process to achieve highly stable liposomes that are targeted with folate to folate-receptor-alpha, which is known to be overexpressed on the surface of ovarian cancer cells. With this approach, we aim to achieve targeted delivery of niraparib and doxorubicin at a pre-determined synergistic molar ratio via increased receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Cluster-based psychological phenotyping and differences in anxiety treatment outcomes
Authors: Taylor Veronique A. , Roy Alexandra , Brewer Judson A.
Published: February 2023

The identification of markers of mental health illness treatment response and susceptibility using personalized medicine has been elusive. In the context of psychological treatment for anxiety, we conducted two studies to identify psychological phenotypes with distinct characteristics related to: psychological intervention modalities (mindfulness training/awareness), mechanism of action (worry), and clinical outcome (generalized anxiety disorder scale scores). We also examined whether phenotype membership interacted with treatment response (Study 1) and mental health illness diagnosis (Studies 1–2). Interoceptive awareness, emotional reactivity, worry, and anxiety were assessed at baseline in treatment-seeking individuals (Study 1, n = 63) and from the general population (Study 2, n = 14,010). In Study 1, participants were randomly assigned to an app-delivered mindfulness program for anxiety for two months or treatment as usual. Changes in anxiety were assessed 1 and 2 months post-treatment initiation. In studies 1–2, three phenotypes were identified: ‘severely anxious with body/emotional awareness’ (cluster 1), ‘body/emotionally unaware’ (cluster 2), and ‘non-reactive and aware’ (cluster 3). Study 1’s results revealed a significant treatment response relative to controls (ps < 0.001) for clusters 1 and 3, but not for cluster 2. Chi-square analyses revealed that phenotypes exhibited significantly different proportions of participants with mental health diagnoses (studies 1–2). These results suggest that psychological phenotyping can bring the application of personalized medicine into clinical settings.

Registry name and URL: Developing a novel digital therapeutic for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03683472?term=judson+brewer&draw=1&rank=1.

Trial registration: Registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03683472) on 25/09/2018.