bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitbetreuung und Einbeziehung von Angehörigen in Comprehensive Cancer Centern – eine Erhebung der AG Palliativmedizin der von der Deutschen Krebshilfe geförderten Onkologischen Spitzenzentren
Authors: Oechsle Karin , Theißen Tabea , Heckel Maria , Schwenzitzki Lisa , Ullrich Anneke , Ostgathe Christoph
Published: August 2021

Einleitung Eine leitliniengerechte onkologische Versorgung umfasst nicht nur die frühzeitige palliativmedizinische Mitbetreuung unheilbar erkrankter Patienten, sondern auch die Mitbetreuung ihrer Angehörigen. Untersuchungen zur Umsetzung im klinischen Alltag in Deutschland fehlen.

Methoden Die AG Palliativmedizin im Netzwerk der von der Deutschen Krebshilfe geförderten Onkologischen Spitzenzentren (CCC) führte mit einem selbstgestalteten Fragebogen eine systematische Erfassung aller Angebote in den CCC/in der spezialisierten Palliativversorgung (SPV) im CCC/lokal außerhalb des CCC an allen Standorten durch.

Ergebnisse Gut etabliert in den 17 CCC/in der SPV sind die psychoonkologische (100 %/94 %), sozialrechtliche (94 %/100 %) und seelsorgerische Beratung der Angehörigen (je 94 %) sowie Angebote für Kinder erkrankter Eltern (88 %/100 %) und Informationsmaterialien (je 88 %). Häufiger als im restlichen CCC werden in der SPV pflegerische Schulungen (77 %/94 %) und Familienkonferenzen (59 %/88 %) durchgeführt. SOPs sind mit 23 %/18 % selten etabliert, ebenso wie Screenings der Angehörigenbedürfnisse (0/24 %). Trauer- und Selbsthilfegruppen sind mit je 82 % häufiger außerhalb der CCC verfügbar. Die psychoonkologische/sozialrechtliche Beratung und Angebote für Kinder erkrankter Eltern (je 94 %) wurden als am wichtigsten für ein CCC eingeschätzt. Für die SPV waren es zudem die pflegerische Schulung sowie Informationsmaterialien (je 94 %). SOPs wurden mit 47 %/41 % als sehr/extrem wichtig betrachtet, und Screenings der Angehörigenbedürfnisse mit 53 %/65 %.

Schlussfolgerung Psychosoziale/seelsorgerische Beratung der Angehörigen sowie Angebote für Kinder erkrankter Eltern sind in den CCC entsprechend ihrer Bedeutung gut etabliert, in der SPV auch pflegerische Schulungen und Familienkonferenzen. SOPs zur Mitbetreuung und Einbeziehung von Angehörigen sowie Screenings der Angehörigenbedürfnisse müssen dringend implementiert werden.
Revisiting the Heck Reaction for Fluorous Materials Applications
Authors: Swager Timothy M. , Yoshinaga Kosuke
Published: August 2021

Installing fluoroalkyl chains on a molecule by the Heck reaction is a versatile method to transform the molecule’s properties that enable unique materials applications. This work further expands the scope of this reaction to thiophenes, which were able to undergo further functionalization and polymerization, highlighting the potential of these molecules in conjugated organic materials.
South Asian Declaration—Consensus Guidelines for COVID-19 Vaccination in Cancer Patients
Authors: Thirumalairaj Raja , Parikh Purvish M. , Agarwal Amit , Singh Randeep , Krishnamurthy Arvind , Desai Sharad S. , Maheshwari Amita , Mehta Prashant , Ghafur Abdul , Somashekhar S. P. , Iqbal Ahamed , Savant Dhairyasheel N. , Hussain Syed Md Akram , Bhatt Amit , Wangdi Tashi , Bajpai Jyoti , Ranade Anantbhushan A. , Babu K. Govind , Bapna Ajay , Biswas Ghanshyam , Malhotra Hemant , Krishna M. Vamshi , Baral Rajendra Prasad , Vashishtha Rajesh , Safi Ahmad Javid , Agarwal Sharmila , Agarwal J. P. , Rathnam Krishna Kumar , Mohapatra P. N. , Kumar Rajeev Vijay , Rajappa Senthil , Limaye Sewanti Atul , Vora Amish , Reddy Vijay A.P. , Parekh Bhavesh B. , Rath G. K.
Published: August 2021

We provide the South Asian Declaration, containing the consensus guidelines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in cancer patients.
The Effect of Reducing the Bone to Cast Distance in an Equine Transfixation Pin Cast: An Ex Vivo Biomechanical Study
Authors: Bernath Caroline M. , Valet Sebastian , Rossignol Fabrice , Weisse Bernhard , Fürst Anton E. , Kümmerle Jan M.
Published: August 2021

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of reducing the bone to cast distance on the resistance of the pin to cyclic loading in equine transfixation pin casts.

Study Design Eleven pairs of cadaveric equine third metacarpal bones were prepared and one 6.3/8.0 mm transfixation pin was placed in standard fashion 10 mm proximal to the distal physeal scar into each bone. One metacarpus of each pair was tested with a distance of 10 mm (10 mm group) and the contralateral metacarpus with a distance of 20 mm (20 mm group) between the outer cortex of the bone and the fixation of the pin. Eight pairs were tested using a simplified test set-up in which the pins were fastened at both ends to polyoxymethylene-copolymer sleeves. The pins of the remaining three pairs of bones were incorporated into a fibreglass cast. All specimens were tested under cyclic loading until failure of the pin in axial compression.

Results All pins failed uni- or bilaterally at clinically relevant load levels. Pins of the 10 mm group endured significantly (p < 0.05) higher load levels and total number of cycles until failure compared with the pins of the 20 mm group.

Conclusion The distance between the bone surface and the cast at the location of pin insertion has a significant effect on resistance of the pins to cyclic loading. Therefore, the amount of padding applied underneath an equine transfixation pin cast can have an influence on the overall stability and durability of the construct.
Research on slipping-pattern recognition and positioning error compensation of wheeled robot
Authors: Chen Yanchao , Ren Chunhua , Liu Hao , Gu Chenyang
Published: August 2021

The autonomous navigation and positioning system is one of the key equipment in industrial automation production. Due to slippage, the odometer (OD) data cannot reflect the real rotation of the wheeled robot, which may cause the unmanned robot to deviate from the preset route. To solve this problem, the integration of the strap-down inertial navigation system (SINS) and the OD is used, and a novel slipping recognition algorithm based on neural network learning and an error compensation method is proposed to improve the navigation accuracy when skidding. First, the output data of the SINS and OD are studied and features are extracted for neural network learning. After training and modeling, the state of the robot slipping can be identified quickly and effectively. Second, different models are designed to compensate the errors of the different slip patterns. Experimental results show that the comprehensive recognition rate of five modes within 1 s is better than 98.9%. After compensation, the positioning errors of the left and right slip modes have been reduced to 15 mm and the positioning errors of the both side and locked slip modes have been reduced to 40 mm. Compared with before compensation, the errors are reduced to less than 6%.
Improved uniformity and threshold voltage in NbOx-ZrO2 selectors
Authors: Chen Ao , He Yuli , Ma Guokun , Zhang Ziqi , Ji Jie , Wan Jingshu , Zhang Jianqiang , Wan Houzhao , Tao Li , Rao Yiheng , Shen Liangpin , Wang Hanbin , Zhang Jun , Wang Yi , Chang Ting-Chang , van Aken Peter A. , Wang Hao
Published: August 2021

Selectors with an excellent performance exhibit great potential to achieve a high integration density and contribute to the design of peripheral systems. However, the uniformity and stability need to be optimized. We demonstrate a high-performance ZrO2/NbOx threshold switching selector that exhibits a low-threshold voltage, ultra-high uniformity, and excellent voltage stability. The oxygen storage properties of the tunneling layer cause a thinner NbO2 region and optimize the performance, which is confirmed by thermal simulations and compositional analyses. The conduction mechanism of the OFF state is fit and verified to be Schottky emission. Compared with the reference device, the tunneling device has a smaller Schottky distance, which indicates a thinner NbO2 region. This work provides an effective method to improve the performance of the selector and understand its physical mechanism.
SOLPS-ITER validation with TCV L-mode discharges
Authors: Wensing M. , Reimerdes H. , Février O. , Colandrea C. , Martinelli L. , Verhaegh K. , Bagnato F. , Blanchard P. , Vincent B. , Perek A. , Gorno S. , de Oliveira H. , Theiler C. , Duval B. P. , Tsui C. K. , Baquero-Ruiz M. , Wischmeier M. ,   TCV Team,   MST1 Team
Published: August 2021

This work presents a quantitative test of SOLPS-ITER simulations against tokamak à configuration variable (TCV) L-mode experiments. These simulations account for drifts, currents, kinetic neutrals, and carbon impurities providing the most complete edge transport simulations for TCV to date. The comparison is performed on nominally identical discharges carried out to assess the effectiveness of TCV's divertor baffles in the framework of the European Plasma Exhaust program and employs numerous edge diagnostics providing a detailed code-experiment benchmark for TCV. The simulations show a qualitative consistency, but the quantitative differences remain, which are assessed herein. It is found that, for a given separatrix density, the simulations most notably yield a colder, and denser, divertor state with a higher divertor neutral pressure than measured.
Effects of tip clearance size on vortical structures and turbulence statistics in tip-leakage flows: A direct numerical simulation study
Authors: Shang Wenqiang , Li Dong , Luo Kun , Fan Jianren , Liu Jianhua
Published: August 2021

Direct numerical simulations of the tip-leakage flow, generated by a gap between a straight National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics 0012 hydrofoil and the end wall of a channel, have been performed to investigate the effects of tip clearance size on vortical structures and turbulence statistics. The tip-leakage vortex, tip separation vortex, and induced vortex are the predominant vortical structures in tip-leakage flow for a relatively large gap (3.33%Ca), while the reverse flow vortex dominates the tip clearance region for smaller gaps (1.67%Ca), where Ca is the truncated chord length of the hydrofoil. Detailed analysis of turbulence statistics reveals that the tip-leakage vortex is caused by the rollup of the tip-leakage jet, while the spanwise inflow interacting with the sidewall of the hydrofoil leads to the formation of a reverse flow vortex. The turbulent kinetic energy contours show an arc-shaped distribution on the suction side of the hydrofoil, but their locations are significantly affected by the tip clearance size. In addition, the investigation of tip-leakage loss indicates that increasing the size of the tip clearance can reduce the tip-leakage loss across the hydrofoil. This can be attributed to the dominant vortical structures in the tip-leakage flow.
Thermochemical effects on hypersonic shock waves interacting with weak turbulence
Authors: Huete C. , Cuadra A. , Vera M. , Urzay J.
Published: August 2021

The interaction between a weakly turbulent free stream and a hypersonic shock wave is investigated theoretically by using linear interaction analysis (LIA). The formulation is developed in the limit in which the thickness of the thermochemical nonequilibrium region downstream of the shock, where relaxation toward vibrational and chemical equilibrium occurs, is assumed to be much smaller than the characteristic size of the shock wrinkles caused by turbulence. Modified Rankine–Hugoniot jump conditions that account for dissociation and vibrational excitation are derived and employed in a Fourier analysis of a shock interacting with three-dimensional isotropic vortical disturbances. This provides the modal structure of the post-shock gas arising from the interaction, along with integral formulas for the amplification of enstrophy, concentration variance, turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and turbulence intensity across the shock. In addition to confirming known endothermic effects of dissociation and vibrational excitation in decreasing the mean post-shock temperature and velocity, these LIA results indicate that the enstrophy, anisotropy, intensity, and TKE of the fluctuations are much more amplified through the shock than in the thermochemically frozen case. In addition, the turbulent Reynolds number is amplified across the shock at hypersonic Mach numbers in the presence of dissociation and vibrational excitation, as opposed to the attenuation observed in the thermochemically frozen case. These results suggest that turbulence may persist and get augmented across hypersonic shock waves despite the high post-shock temperatures.
Evaluation of helicopter net-gunning to capture wild fallow deer (
Authors: Bengsen Andrew J. , Hampton Jordan O. , Comte Sébastien , Freney Sean , Forsyth David M.
Published: August 2021

Context Safe and effective capture methods are crucial for improving our understanding and management of many wildlife species. The adaptation of established capture methods to novel situations requires critical evaluation because differences in environmental conditions and species’ susceptibility to trauma and capture myopathy can produce unexpected outcomes. Helicopter net-gunning has been a valuable tool for capturing wild deer in New Zealand and the Americas, but there are no practical records of its use in Australia and only one report of it being used to capture three fallow deer (Dama dama) elsewhere. Aims The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a helicopter-based net-gun capture technique for wild fallow deer by quantifying the efficacy of the technique and the frequency of injuries and deaths. Methods We captured fallow deer over two 3-day operations at a 135 km2 site in eastern Australia. We collected data on operational efficiency and variables expected to affect animal health and welfare, such as injuries and the duration of stressful procedures. We used GPS tracking collars with an accelerometer and a mortality-sensing function to monitor post-release survival and activity of fallow deer. Key results In total, 127 deer were targeted for capture, with nets fired at 64 deer (50%) and 27 deer captured (21%). Mortality within 30 days of capture was zero. Mean chase time was 2 min 46 s and mean total time from start of chase until release was 11 min 19 s. No animals were severely injured or euthanased, but hyperthermia was observed in 33% of captured animals. Conclusions Helicopter net-gunning was an effective and safe method for capturing wild fallow deer when compared with alternative methods. Implications We recommend that researchers consider using helicopter net-gunning to capture fallow deer in Australia and elsewhere, and other deer species in Australia.
Inactivation of Hedgehog signal transduction in adult astrocytes results in region-specific blood–brain barrier defects
Authors: Wang Hui , Xu Zhiyan , Xia Ziyue , Rallo Michael , Duffy Andrew , Matise Michael P.
Published: August 2021

Significance

Several signaling pathways have been implicated in regulating blood–brain/spinal cord barrier (BBB) properties in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS). However, it has become clear that the role of the Sonic hedgehog pathway has not been accurately defined. The current work addresses this issue by demonstrating that the pathway is required in protoplasmic astrocytes to maintain specific BBB characteristics in select regions of the CNS. In contrast to prior studies, we find that astrocytic, and not endothelial cell, Hedgehog signal transduction is required to maintain BBB properties through an effect on transcytosis but not paracellular diffusion. Our discovery raises the possibility that targeted inhibition of the pathway to achieve transient BBB permeability could be exploited for therapeutic purposes.
Droplet tilings for rapid exploration of spatially constrained many-body systems
Authors: Molina Anton , Kumar Shailabh , Karpitschka Stefan , Prakash Manu
Published: August 2021

Significance

Advances in material fabrication have made it possible to produce materials with an increasing range of geometries, including those with no precedent in nature. However, the relationships between geometry and state or the dynamics governing transitions between states in condensed material systems are not well understood and remain difficult to observe. Here, we use evaporating liquid droplets with a capacity for motion in response to long-range vapor-mediated interactions to create a new class of condensed matter system. The role of long-range interactions is understood by developing a simple, numerical model. A key feature of this system is the ability to rapidly fabricate nearly any 2D pattern and observe the motion of interacting elements at the macroscale.
Counting equilibria of large complex systems by instability index
Authors: Ben Arous Gérard , Fyodorov Yan V. , Khoruzhenko Boris A.
Published: August 2021

Significance

This paper sheds light on the phase portrait structure of a “minimal model” for a large nonlinear system of many randomly interacting degrees of freedom equipped with a stability feedback mechanism. In this way, it significantly extends local stability analysis of large complex systems, which was undertaken by Robert May in 1972. We show that the transition from stability to instability is characterized by the exponential explosion in the number of unstable equilibria, with drastically reduced probability of finding truly locally attracting equilibria. At the same time, we demonstrate abundance of equilibria with a large proportion of stable directions, which arguably can slow down the system dynamics for sufficiently long time and induce aging effects.
Two-dimensional electronic–vibrational sum frequency spectroscopy for interactions of electronic and nuclear motions at interfaces
Authors: Deng Gang-Hua , Qian Yuqin , Zhang Tong , Han Jian , Chen Hanning , Rao Yi
Published: August 2021

Significance

Electronic–vibrational couplings are pivotal in many photo-induced processes at interfaces and surfaces. Two-dimensional electronic–vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy is a unique tool to decipher electronic–vibrational couplings for excited states of molecules at interfaces and surfaces, enabling the correlation of photo-induced electronic–vibrational manifolds with their subsequent time evolution of high-frequency vibrational modes. This technique is especially powerful to monitor ultrafast processes such as charge transfer, energy transfer, proton transfer, and proton-coupled charge transfer at interfaces and surfaces on a real-time basis.
An in vivo selection-derived
d
-peptide for engineering erythrocyte-binding antigens that promote immune tolerance
Authors: Loftis Alexander R. , Zhang Genwei , Backlund Coralie , Quartararo Anthony J. , Pishesha Novalia , Hanna Cameron C. , Schissel Carly K. , Garafola Daniel , Loas Andrei , Collier R. John , Ploegh Hidde , Irvine Darrell J. , Pentelute Bradley L.
Published: August 2021

Significance

Erythrocyte-bound antigens can drive immune tolerance in an antigen-specific fashion. Exploiting this phenomenon, we developed a general strategy to promote antigen-specific tolerance by engineering peptide and protein antigens to bind erythrocytes. Here, we showed that a fully
d
-chiral peptide library can be selected in vivo for the de novo discovery of a robust erythrocyte binder, which we attached to peptide and protein antigens. An administration of engineered peptide and protein antigens mitigated antigen-specific inflammatory responses, suggesting the generalizability of this immune tolerance-induction strategy and validating our in vivo ligand selection technique.
Mitochondrial fatty acid utilization increases chromatin oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Menendez-Montes Ivan , Abdisalaam Salim , Xiao Feng , Lam Nicholas T. , Mukherjee Shibani , Szweda Luke I. , Asaithamby Aroumougame , Sadek Hesham A.
Published: August 2021

The inability of adult mammalian cardiomyocytes to proliferate underpins the development of heart failure following myocardial injury. Although the newborn mammalian heart can spontaneously regenerate for a short period of time after birth, this ability is lost within the first week after birth in mice, partly due to increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production which results in oxidative DNA damage and activation of DNA damage response. This increase in ROS levels coincides with a postnatal switch from anaerobic glycolysis to fatty acid (FA) oxidation by cardiac mitochondria. However, to date, a direct link between mitochondrial substrate utilization and oxidative DNA damage is lacking. Here, we generated ROS-sensitive fluorescent sensors targeted to different subnuclear compartments (chromatin, heterochromatin, telomeres, and nuclear lamin) in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes, which allowed us to determine the spatial localization of ROS in cardiomyocyte nuclei upon manipulation of mitochondrial respiration. Our results demonstrate that FA utilization by the mitochondria induces a significant increase in ROS detection at the chromatin level compared to other nuclear compartments. These results indicate that mitochondrial metabolic perturbations directly alter the nuclear redox status and that the chromatin appears to be particularly sensitive to the prooxidant effect of FA utilization by the mitochondria.
SARS-CoV-2 escape from a highly neutralizing COVID-19 convalescent plasma
Authors: Andreano Emanuele , Piccini Giulia , Licastro Danilo , Casalino Lorenzo , Johnson Nicole V. , Paciello Ida , Dal Monego Simeone , Pantano Elisa , Manganaro Noemi , Manenti Alessandro , Manna Rachele , Casa Elisa , Hyseni Inesa , Benincasa Linda , Montomoli Emanuele , Amaro Rommie E. , McLellan Jason S. , Rappuoli Rino
Published: August 2021

Significance

This work shows that, under strong immune pressure, SARS-CoV-2 can use mutations in both the N-terminal domain and the receptor-binding domain to escape potent polyclonal neutralizing responses. Indeed, after a long period under immune selective pressure, SARS-CoV-2 evolved to evade the immunity of a potent polyclonal serum from a COVID-19 convalescent donor. Only three mutations were sufficient to generate this escape variant. The new virus was resistant to 70% of the neutralizing antibodies tested and had a decreased susceptibility to all convalescent sera. Our data predict that, as the immunity in the population increases, following infection and vaccination, new variants will emerge, and therefore vaccines and monoclonal antibodies need to be developed to address them.
Benzofuran sulfonates and small self-lipid antigens activate type II NKT cells via CD1d
Authors: Almeida Catarina F. , Smith Dylan G. M. , Cheng Tan-Yun , Harpur Chris M. , Batleska Elena , Nguyen-Robertson Catriona V. , Nguyen Tram , Thelemann Tamara , Reddiex Scott J. J. , Li Shihan , Eckle Sidonia B. G. , Van Rhijn Ildiko , Rossjohn Jamie , Uldrich Adam P. , Moody D. Branch , Williams Spencer J. , Pellicci Daniel G. , Godfrey Dale I.
Published: August 2021

Significance

Whereas T cells are known to recognize peptides, vitamin B metabolites, or lipid antigens, we identify several nonlipidic small molecules classified as pentamethylbenzofuransulfonates (PBFs) that activate a population of CD1d-restricted natural killer T (NKT) cells. This represents a breakthrough in the field of NKT cell biology. This study also reveals a previously unknown population of PBF-reactive NKT cells in healthy individuals with stereotyped receptors that paves the way for future studies of the role of these cells in immunity, including sulfa drug hypersensitivity.
Band gaps of crystalline solids from Wannier-localization–based optimal tuning of a screened range-separated hybrid functional
Authors: Wing Dahvyd , Ohad Guy , Haber Jonah B. , Filip Marina R. , Gant Stephen E. , Neaton Jeffrey B. , Kronik Leeor
Published: August 2021

Significance

Density functional theory (DFT) is successful in predicting a wide variety of material properties, but its use for electronic and optical properties has been hampered by its poor prediction of the band gap of a material. Here we provide a method, within the rigorous framework of generalized Kohn–Sham theory, that can accurately predict the band gap of a material, to within experimental uncertainty, using a specific class of density functionals called range-separated hybrid functionals. This method employs an orbital localization procedure to nonempirically select system-specific parameters of the hybrid functional. We expect the approach to be useful in predicting other electronic and optical properties of interest.
Metabolism drives demography in an experimental field test
Authors: Schuster Lukas , Cameron Hayley , White Craig R. , Marshall Dustin J.
Published: August 2021

Significance

Biology has long-standing rules about how metabolism and demography should covary. These rules connect physiology to ecology but remarkably, these rules have only ever been tested indirectly. Using a model marine invertebrate, we created experimental field populations that varied in metabolic rate but not body size. We show that metabolism qualitatively affects population growth and carrying capacity in ways predicted by theory but that scaling relationships for these parameters, as well as estimates of energy use at carrying capacity, depart from classic predictions. That metabolism affects demography in ways that depart from canonical theory has important implications for predicting how populations may respond to global change and size-selective harvesting.
Electrochemical implications of modulating the solvation shell around redox active organic species in aqueous organic redox flow batteries
Authors: Sharma Kritika , Sankarasubramanian Shrihari , Parrondo Javier , Ramani Vijay
Published: August 2021

Significance

The development of cost-effective batteries for long-duration grid scale energy storage will be accelerated using frameworks to rapidly screen and select battery components. Herein, we show that the solvent reorganization energy calculated from the Born equation (with reference to an electrolyte’s composition) is predictive of the electrolytes’ device level performance. This descriptor was found to correlate with key transport and kinetic properties over a range of electrolyte compositions and pH values, succinctly capturing the multicomponent interactions between the electrolyte salts and solvent. This enables the initial high-throughput screening of electrolyte candidates with minimal experimentation. Applied to aqueous redox flow batteries employing organic redox active species, we predict high-performance electrolyte compositions, enabling significantly enhanced device performance.
The trisulfur radical ion S
3
•−
controls platinum transport by hydrothermal fluids
Authors: Pokrovski Gleb S. , Kokh Maria A. , Desmaele Elsa , Laskar Clément , Bazarkina Elena F. , Borisova Anastassia Y. , Testemale Denis , Hazemann Jean-Louis , Vuilleumier Rodolphe , Ferlat Guillaume , Saitta Antonino Marco
Published: August 2021

Significance

Platinum group elements (PGE) are highly valued by many industrial applications, serve as important geochemical tracers of planetary processes, and are among eagerly sought natural resources of critical trace metals. We show here that aqueous sulfur-bearing fluids play a far more important role than believed in many natural and technological processes in which PGE are involved. This role is essentially ensured by the radical sulfur ion S
3
•−
that forms extremely stable and soluble complexes with both Pt
II
and Pt
IV
. By enabling enhanced dissolution, transport, and precipitation of Pt, these species may be key players in PGE transfer, fractionation, and accumulation in the Earth’s crust. They may also offer novel opportunities for optimizing ore processing and nanomaterial synthesis.
SAMD9L autoinflammatory or ataxia pancytopenia disease mutations activate cell-autonomous translational repression
Authors: Russell Amanda J. , Gray Paul E. , Ziegler John B. , Kim Yae Jean , Smith Sandy , Sewell William A. , Goodnow Christopher C.
Published: August 2021

Significance

The experiments here advance understanding of the function of the SAMD9L gene and protein in innate immune mechanisms in resisting virus infection and in the pathogenesis of inflammatory, hematological, and neurological disorders. The clinical syndrome defined in two children with de novo truncating
SAMD9L
mutations expands the phenotypes in this newly recognized autoinflammatory disorder. Analysis of cells expressing normal or mutant SAMD9L reveals the protein represses protein translation, with the truncating mutations greatly exaggerating this activity. The experiments find equally potent gain of function caused by the truncating mutations or a recurrent missense mutation associated with clinically milder ataxia and pancytopenia syndromes, demonstrating that diverse clinical manifestations can arise from mutations that appear cell-biologically equivalent.
Aspects of proportions in Indian traditional domestic architecture
Authors: Dhileep M. , Ramya K. M. , Kurian Babu
Published: August 2021

Indian traditional architectural practice ‘Vastusastra’ (Vāstuśāstra) recommends some particular ratios as auspicious for the proportioning of domestic buildings. Similar ratios are found in some ancient buildings belonging to the classical ages in other parts of the world. Recent studies conducted by Dhileep, Kottuppillil, and Kurian [2019. “Orientation and Proportion in Indian Traditional Domestic Architecture.” Interdisciplinary Science Reviews 44 (1): 97–109], show that the square and the rectangle formed by the basic auspicious ratio (breadth:length) are geometrically related to a circle with a diameter equal to the length of the rectangle. The mathematical aspects behind these geometrical relationships and other ratio groups given in ‘Vastusastra’ (Vāstuśāstra) are investigated in this paper. The study reveals that the auspicious ratios help to convert the area of a circle to a rectangle and vice versa, without any loss in accuracy, while using the methods of their age. The traditional social practices are incorporated into these ratios and are modified adequately to fit into the traditional engineering practice.
Positive mass theorems for asymptotically hyperbolic Riemannian manifolds with boundary
Authors: Chruściel Piotr T , Galloway Gregory J
Published: August 2021

We prove positive mass theorems for asymptotically hyperbolic (AH) and asymptotically locally hyperbolic Riemannian manifolds with black-hole-type boundaries.
Diamond quantum thermometry: from foundations to applications
Authors: Fujiwara Masazumi , Shikano Yutaka
Published: August 2021

Diamond quantum thermometry exploits the optical and electrical spin properties of colour defect centres in diamonds and, acts as a quantum sensing method exhibiting ultrahigh precision and robustness. Compared to the existing luminescent nanothermometry techniques, a diamond quantum thermometer can be operated over a wide temperature range and a sensor spatial scale ranging from nanometres to micrometres. Further, diamond quantum thermometry is employed in several applications, including electronics and biology, to explore these fields with nanoscale temperature measurements. This review covers the operational principles of diamond quantum thermometry for spin-based and all-optical methods, material development of diamonds with a focus on thermometry, and examples of applications in electrical and biological systems with demand-based technological requirements.
Au-assisted polymerization of conductive poly(N-phenylglycine) as high-performance positive electrodes for asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Li Min , Luo Yunyun , Jia Chen , Huang Mimi , Yu Mingzhi , Luo Guoxi , Zhao Libo , Boukherroub Rabah , Jiang Zhuangde
Published: August 2021

Herein, a novel conductive poly(N-phenylglycine) (PNPG) polymer was successfully prepared, by in situ electrochemical polymerization method (+0.75 V versus Ag/AgCl) for 10 min, on flexible stainless-steel plate coated with a thin Au film (Au/SS) to serve as a binder-free pseudocapacitive PNPG/Au/SS electrode for energy storage devices. Compared to the electrode without Au coating, PNPG/Au/SS electrode exhibited better electrochemical performance with larger specific capacitance (495 F g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1), higher rate performance and lower resistance, which are good indications to act as a positive electrode for asymmetric supercapacitor devices. Combined with activated carbon as a negative electrode, an asymmetric supercapacitor device was constructed. It displayed a specific capacitance of 38 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 and an energy density of 5.3 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 250 W kg−1. Experimentally, two asymmetric supercapacitor devices were connected in series to power a home-made windmill continuously for 8 s, revealing the high potential of this novel conductive polymer material for energy storage application.
Front propagation and blocking of reaction–diffusion systems in cylinders
Authors: Guo Hongjun , Forbey Jennifer , Liu Rongsong
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we consider a bistable monotone reaction–diffusion system in cylindrical domains. We first prove the existence of the entire solution emanating from a planar front. Then, it is proved that the entire solution converges to a planar front if the propagation is complete and the domain is bilaterally straight. Finally, we give some geometrical conditions on the domain such that the propagation of the entire solution is complete or incomplete, respectively.
There are no σ-finite absolutely continuous invariant measures for multicritical circle maps
*
Authors: de Faria Edson , Guarino Pablo
Published: August 2021

It is well-known that every multicritical circle map without periodic orbits admits a unique invariant Borel probability measure which is purely singular with respect to Lebesgue measure. Can such a map leave invariant an infinite, σ-finite invariant measure which is absolutely continuous with respect to Lebesgue measure? In this paper, using an old criterion due to Katznelson, we show that the answer to this question is no.
On the Lyapunov instability in Newtonian dynamics
Authors: Burgos J M , Maderna E , Paternain M
Published: August 2021

We prove Lyapunov instability for cases in which the local minimum of the potential energy is reached on a hypersurface of the configuration space. In contrast to the known results in this direction, which hold for potentials satisfying hypotheses on the first non-zero jet, this new result covers several real analytic cases that the previous do not.
The orbital angular momentum of a turbulent atmosphere and its impact on propagating structured light fields
Authors: Klug Asher , Nape Isaac , Forbes Andrew
Published: August 2021

When structured light is propagated through the atmosphere, turbulence results in modal scattering and distortions. An extensively studied example is that of light carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM), where the atmosphere is treated as a phase distortion and numerical tools extract the resulting modal cross-talk. This approach focuses on the light itself, perturbed by the atmosphere, yet does not easily lend itself to physical insights, and fails to ask a pertinent question: where did the OAM that the beam gained or lost come from? Here, we address this by forgoing the beam and instead calculating the OAM of the atmosphere itself. With this intuitive model we are able to draw general conclusions on the impact of atmospheric turbulence on OAM beams, which we confirm experimentally. Our work alters the perspective on this problem, opening new insights into the physics of OAM in turbulence, and is easily extended to other structured light fields through arbitrary aberrations.
Knot probabilities in equilateral random polygons
Authors: Xiong A , Taylor A J , Dennis M R , Whittington S G
Published: August 2021

We consider the probability of knotting in equilateral random polygons in Euclidean three-dimensional space, which model, for instance, random polymers. Results from an extensive Monte Carlo dataset of random polygons indicate a universal scaling formula for the knotting probability with the number of edges. This scaling formula involves an exponential function, independent of knot type, with a power law factor that depends on the number of prime components of the knot. The unknot, appearing as a composite knot with zero components, scales with a small negative power law, contrasting with previous studies that indicated a purely exponential scaling. The methodology incorporates several improvements over previous investigations: our random polygon data set is generated using a fast, unbiased algorithm, and knotting is detected using an optimised set of knot invariants based on the Alexander polynomial.
BestFIT Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial Results: A SMART Approach to Developing Individualized Weight Loss Treatment Sequences
Authors: Sherwood Nancy E , Crain A Lauren , Seburg Elisabeth M , Butryn Meghan L , Forman Evan M , Crane Melissa M , Levy Rona L , Kunin-Batson Alicia S , Jeffery Robert W
Published: August 2021

Background

State-of-the-art behavioral weight loss treatment (SBT) can lead to clinically meaningful weight loss, but only 30–60% achieve this goal. Developing adaptive interventions that change based on individual progress could increase the number of people who benefit.

Purpose

Conduct a Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) to determine the optimal time to identify SBT suboptimal responders and whether it is better to switch to portion-controlled meals (PCM) or acceptance-based treatment (ABT).

Method

The BestFIT trial enrolled 468 adults with obesity who started SBT and were randomized to treatment response assessment at Session 3 (Early TRA) or 7 (Late TRA). Suboptimal responders were re-randomized to PCM or ABT. Responders continued SBT. Primary outcomes were weight change at 6 and 18 months.

Results

PCM participants lost more weight at 6 months (−18.4 lbs, 95% CI −20.5, −16.2) than ABT participants (−15.7 lbs, 95% CI: −18.0, −13.4), but this difference was not statistically significant (−2.7 lbs, 95% CI: −5.8, 0.5, p = .09). PCM and ABT participant 18 month weight loss did not differ. Early and Late TRA participants had similar weight losses (p = .96), however, Early TRA PCM participants lost more weight than Late TRA PCM participants (p = .03).

Conclusions

Results suggest adaptive intervention sequences that warrant further research (e.g., identify suboptimal responders at Session 3, use PCMs as second-stage treatment). Utilizing the SMART methodology to develop an adaptive weight loss intervention that would outperform gold standard SBT in a randomized controlled trial is an important next step, but may require additional optimization work.

Clinical Trial information

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier; NCT02368002
Invited Commentary: The Need for Repeated Measures and Other Methodological Considerations When Investigating Discrimination as a Contributor to Health
Authors: Gaston Symielle A , Jackson Chandra L
Published: August 2021

To determine potential measurement error related to the assessment of lifetime discrimination, Van Dyke et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2022;191(3):370–378) investigated inconsistencies in reporting of racial, socioeconomic status, and sex discrimination over time among Black and White adults enrolled in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study. The authors found that “ever” reports of discrimination (as assessed by the Experiences of Discrimination Scale) decreased over time and that populations who most experience discrimination (i.e., Black/African-American people, younger persons, persons of low socioeconomic status, and women) were often also the most likely to inconsistently report discrimination over the course of the study period (from 1992 to 2010). The authors have raised an important issue related to the potential underestimation of lifetime discrimination that may depend on when discrimination is assessed, as well as the social identity of individuals surveyed. With implications for health inequities, these findings highlight study design and methodological issues that should be addressed to accurately estimate the true burden discrimination places on health. In this commentary, we further illuminate potential methodological challenges and opportunities to consider when investigating the impact of discrimination on health.
Exposures during the prepuberty period and future offspring’s health: evidence from human cohort studies†
Authors: Svanes Cecilie , Bertelsen Randi J , Accordini Simone , Holloway John W , Júlíusson Pétur , Boateng Eistine , Krauss-Etchmann Susanne , Schlünssen Vivi , Gómez-Real Francisco , Skulstad Svein Magne
Published: August 2021

Emerging evidence suggests that exposures in prepuberty, particularly in fathers-to-be, may impact the phenotype of future offspring. Analyses of the RHINESSA cohort find that offspring of father’s exposed to tobacco smoking or overweight that started in prepuberty demonstrate poorer respiratory health in terms of more asthma and lower lung function. A role of prepuberty onset smoking for offspring fat mass is suggested in the RHINESSA and ALSPAC cohorts, and historic studies suggest that ancestral nutrition during prepuberty plays a role for grand-offspring’s health and morbidity. Support for causal relationships between ancestral exposures and (grand-)offspring’s health in humans has been enhanced by advancements in statistical analyses that optimize the gain while accounting for the many complexities and deficiencies in human multigeneration data. The biological mechanisms underlying such observations have been explored in experimental models. A role of sperm small RNA in the transmission of paternal exposures to offspring phenotypes has been established, and chemical exposures and overweight have been shown to influence epigenetic programming in germ cells. For example, exposure of adolescent male mice to smoking led to differences in offspring weight and alterations in small RNAs in the spermatozoa of the exposed fathers. It is plausible that male prepuberty may be a time window of particular susceptibility, given the extensive epigenetic reprogramming taking place in the spermatocyte precursors at this age. In conclusion, epidemiological studies in humans, mechanistic research, and biological plausibility, all support the notion that exposures in the prepuberty of males may influence the phenotype of future offspring.
Towards a comprehensive 3D mapping of tau progression in early Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Khan Ali R , Ottoy Julie , Goubran Maged
Published: August 2021

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Three-dimensional mapping of neurofibrillary tangle burden in the human medial temporal lobe’, by Yushkevich et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awab262).
Functional protection in J20/VLW mice: a model of non-demented with Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology
Authors: Dávila-Bouziguet Eva , Casòliba-Melich Arnau , Targa-Fabra Georgina , Galera-López Lorena , Ozaita Andrés , Maldonado Rafael , Ávila Jesús , Delgado-García José M , Gruart Agnès , Soriano Eduardo , Pascual Marta
Published: August 2021

Alzheimer’s disease comprises amyloid-β and hyperphosphorylated Tau accumulation, imbalanced neuronal activity, aberrant oscillatory rhythms and cognitive deficits. Non-demented with Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology defines a novel clinical entity with amyloid-β and Tau pathologies but preserved cognition. The mechanisms underlying such neuroprotection remain undetermined and animal models of non-demented with Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology are currently unavailable.

We demonstrate that J20/VLW mice (accumulating amyloid-β and hyperphosphorylated Tau) exhibit preserved hippocampal rhythmic activity and cognition, as opposed to J20 and VLW animals, which show significant alterations. Furthermore, we show that the overexpression of mutant human Tau in coexistence with amyloid-β accumulation renders a particular hyperphosphorylated Tau signature in hippocampal interneurons. The GABAergic septohippocampal pathway, responsible for hippocampal rhythmic activity, is preserved in J20/VLW mice, in contrast to single mutants.

Our data highlight J20/VLW mice as a suitable animal model in which to explore the mechanisms driving cognitive preservation in non-demented with Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology. Moreover, they suggest that a differential Tau phosphorylation pattern in hippocampal interneurons prevents the loss of GABAergic septohippocampal innervation and alterations in local field potentials, thereby avoiding cognitive deficits.
Pharmacokinetics of First-Line Drugs in Children With Tuberculosis, Using World Health Organization–Recommended Weight Band Doses and Formulations
Authors: Chabala Chishala , Turkova Anna , Hesseling Anneke C , Zimba Kevin M , van der Zalm Marieke , Kapasa Monica , Palmer Megan , Chirehwa Maxwell , Wiesner Lubbe , Wobudeya Eric , Kinikar Aarti , Mave Vidya , Hissar Syed , Choo Louise , LeBeau Kristen , Mulenga Veronica , Aarnoutse Robb , Gibb Diana , McIlleron Helen
Published: August 2021

Background

Dispersible pediatric fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablets delivering higher doses of first-line antituberculosis drugs in World Health Organization–recommended weight bands were introduced in 2015. We report the first pharmacokinetic data for these FDC tablets in Zambian and South African children in the treatment-shortening SHINE trial.

Methods

Children weighing 4.0–7.9, 8.0–11.9, 12.0–15.9, or 16.0–24.9 kg received 1, 2, 3, or 4 tablets daily, respectively (rifampicin/isoniazid/pyrazinamide [75/50/150 mg], with or without 100 mg ethambutol, or rifampicin/isoniazid [75/50 mg]). Children 25.0–36.9 kg received doses recommended for adults <37 kg (300, 150, 800, and 550 mg/d, respectively, for rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol). Pharmacokinetics were evaluated after at least 2 weeks of treatment.

Results

In the 77 children evaluated, the median age (interquartile range) was 3.7 (1.4–6.6) years; 40 (52%) were male and 20 (26%) were human immunodeficiency virus positive. The median area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 hours for rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol was 32.5 (interquartile range, 20.1–45.1), 16.7 (9.2–25.9), 317 (263–399), and 9.5 (7.5–11.5) mg⋅h/L, respectively, and lower in children than in adults for rifampicin in the 4.0–7.9-, 8–11.9-, and ≥25-kg weight bands, isoniazid in the 4.0–7.9-kg and ≥25-kg weight bands, and ethambutol in all 5 weight bands. Pyrazinamide exposures were similar to those in adults.

Conclusions

Recommended weight band–based FDC doses result in lower drug exposures in children in lower weight bands and in those ≥25 kg (receiving adult doses). Further adjustments to current doses are needed to match current target exposures in adults. The use of ethambutol at the current World Health Organization–recommended doses requires further evaluation.