bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HDAC6 inhibitor WT161 performs anti-tumor effect on osteosarcoma and synergistically interacts with 5-FU
Authors: Sun Jun , Wu Wei , Tang Xiaofeng , Zhang Feifei , Ju Cheng , Liu Renfeng , Liang Yiping , Yu Bo , Lv Bin , Guo Yuhong , Zeng Duo , Tao Xuchang , Wang Min , Zhang Zhiping , Zhang Changhua , Lv Xiao-Bin
Published: April 2021

Background: WT161, as a selective HDAC6 inhibitor, has been shown to play anti-tumor effects on several kinds of cancers. The aim of the present study is to explore the roles of WT161 in osteosarcoma and its underlying mechanisms.

Methods: The anti-proliferative effect of WT161 on osteosarcoma cells was examined using MTT assay and colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometer. The synergistic effect was evaluated by isobologram analysis using CompuSyn software. The osteosarcoma xenograft models were established to evaluate the anti-proliferative effect of WT161 in vivo.

Results: WT161 suppressed the cell growth and induced apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Mechanistically, we found that WT161 treatment obviously increased the protein level of PTEN and decreased the phosphorylation level of protein kinase-B (AKT). More importantly, WT161 showed synergistic inhibition with 5-FU on osteosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions: These results indicate that WT161 inhibits the growth of osteosarcoma through PTEN and has a synergistic efficiency with 5-FU.
A meta-analysis of the activity, stability, and mutational characteristics of temperature-adapted enzymes
Authors: Gault Stewart , Higgins Peter M. , Cockell Charles S. , Gillies Kaitlyn
Published: April 2021

Understanding the characteristics that define temperature-adapted enzymes has been a major goal of extremophile enzymology in recent decades. In the present study, we explore these characteristics by comparing psychrophilic, mesophilic, and thermophilic enzymes. Through a meta-analysis of existing data, we show that psychrophilic enzymes exhibit a significantly larger gap (Tg) between their optimum and melting temperatures compared with mesophilic and thermophilic enzymes. These results suggest that Tg may be a useful indicator as to whether an enzyme is psychrophilic or not and that models of psychrophilic enzyme catalysis need to account for this gap. Additionally, by using predictive protein stability software, HoTMuSiC and PoPMuSiC, we show that the deleterious nature of amino acid substitutions to protein stability increases from psychrophiles to thermophiles. How this ultimately affects the mutational tolerance and evolutionary rate of temperature adapted organisms is currently unknown.
An approach to adaptive filtering with variable step size based on geometric algebra
Authors: Wang Haiquan , He Yinmei , Li Yanping , Wang Rui
Published: April 2021

Recently, adaptive filtering algorithms have attracted much more attention in the field of signal processing. By studying the shortcoming of the traditional real‐valued fixed step size adaptive filtering algorithm, this paper proposed the novel approach to adaptive filtering with variable step size based on Sigmoid function and geometric algebra (GA). First, the proposed approach to adaptive filtering with variable step size based on geometric algebra represents the multi‐dimensional signal as a GA multi‐vector for the vectorization process. Second, the proposed approach to adaptive filtering with variable step size based on geometric algebra solves the contradiction between the steady‐state error and the convergence rate by establishing a non‐linear function relationship between the step size and the error signal. Finally, the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach to adaptive filtering with variable step size based on geometric algebra achieves better performance than that of the existing adaptive filtering algorithms.
Distributed mechanism design for multi‐cell communications aided by multiple reconfigurable intelligent surfaces
Authors: Di Boya
Published: April 2021

Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) has drawn great attention as a promising technique that triggers a revolution in multi‐antenna systems. It can intelligently reconstruct the propagation environments passively without extra hardware or power consumption. In this paper, the multi‐RIS aided downlink multi‐cell communication systems are considered. Adjacent base stations (BSs) are allowed to share and jointly control the same RISs to mitigate the influence brought by the inter‐cell interference. For the sum‐rate maximisation, a distributed negotiation mechanism is designed where each BS only communicates with its neighbours to reach a consensus on the RIS‐based analogue beamforming. Meanwhile, given the incomplete knowledge of other cells, each BS independently optimises its digital beamformer based on its iteratively updated estimates over the other cells without revealing any location and channel information of its own serving users. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme achieves a close performance compared to the centralised scheme, and much better than the traditional no‐RIS system. The influence of the discrete phase shifts and the RIS size on the system performance are also evaluated.
Edge detection by spiral phase contrast imaging at terahertz frequencies
Authors: Liu Hui , Wu Shiyou , Zhao Meng , Zheng Shen , Li Chao , Fang Guangyou
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes the spiral phase contrast (SPC) imaging at terahertz (THz) frequencies to achieve the target edge detection. The THz SPC imaging is built based on a classical 4f imaging system, and a spiral phase plate is placed in the Fourier plane to generate the spiral phase. Owing to the unique nature of the spiral phase, edge detection can be achieved. The THz SPC imaging mechanism is analysed by the scalar diffraction theory, and its corresponding analytic expression is derived. A circle target is simulated and the resultant image shows a remarkable edge detection. A proof‐of‐principle experiment is carried out using our designed THz SPC imaging system and the effectiveness of target edge extraction on the THz images is validated. A circle same as the simulation is imaged firstly, which is consistent with the simulated result. And the letter “Z” with more edges is imaged later. All edges in experiments are extracted perfectly, which are extremely consistent with the THz SPC imaging theory.
A greedy non‐hierarchical grey wolf optimizer for real‐world optimization
Authors: Akbari Ebrahim , Rahimnejad Abolfazl , Gadsden Stephen Andrew
Published: April 2021

Grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm is a new emerging algorithm that is based on the social hierarchy of grey wolves as well as their hunting and cooperation strategies. Introduced in 2014, this algorithm has been used by a large number of researchers and designers, such that the number of citations to the original paper exceeded many other algorithms. In a recent study by Niu et al., one of the main drawbacks of this algorithm for optimizing real‐world problems was introduced. In summary, they showed that GWO's performance degrades as the optimal solution of the problem diverges from 0. In this paper, by introducing a straightforward modification to the original GWO algorithm, that is, neglecting its social hierarchy, the authors were able to largely eliminate this defect and open a new perspective for future use of this algorithm. The efficiency of the proposed method was validated by applying it to benchmark and real‐world engineering problems.
MSAR‐DefogNet: Lightweight cloud removal network for high resolution remote sensing images based on multi scale convolution
Authors: Zhou Ying , Jing Weipeng , Wang Jian , Chen Guangsheng , Scherer Rafal , Damaševičius Robertas
Published: April 2021

High resolution remote sensing image cloud removal can bring a lot of convenience for human activities. However, the existing cloud removal algorithms have a variety of disadvantages. First of all, they have the disadvantages of long computing time and large consumption of computing resources. Secondly, the effect of recovery needs to be improved. In order to improve the above two points, a near real‐time effective algorithm is proposed, namely MSAR‐Defognet (multiple scale attention residual network using for cloud remove), which consumes less computing power and space and has superior cloud removal effect. On the one hand, several different large‐scale filters are chosen to extract the weak information effectively, while can save the computing power and shorten the image processing time. On the other hand, the fine‐grained convolution residual block with channel attention mechanism is used to enhance the network's ability to extract cloud features. In addition, a data set which is closer to the real cloud shape and has higher richness to train the cloud removal network, so that the parameters obtained by training have stronger robustness and can adaptively remove clouds with different thickness. Experiments show that, compared with other advanced network models, the network not only has the advantage of fast processing speed, but also has better image restoration effect in high‐resolution remote sensing image restoration. It can meet the requirements of many hard real‐time tasks, so that remote sensing images can play a greater value for human activities.
A domain‐of‐influence based pricing strategy for task assignment in crowdsourcing package delivery
Authors: Zhou Zhifeng , Chen Rong , Guo Shikai
Published: April 2021

Crowdsourced package delivery has gained great interest from the logistics industry and academe due to its significant economic and environmental impact. However, there are few research achievements about incentive mechanism to motivate people to participate. A novel domain‐of‐influence based pricing strategy for crowdsourced delivery is proposed. The three‐stage package delivery framework is extended with the proposed pricing algorithm, which can iteratively figure out the price that represents a state of balance between the package demand and driver supply. To create better matching, even hyperbolic temporal discounting function is employed to estimate the driver's perceived reward to accept the package. The performance is evaluated using the Jinan dataset and real delivery data. Results show that economic utility and stable assignment rate have been increased by over 9% and over 6%, respectively, while the average delivery time and average delivery price have also been improved.
Complementing assisted pollination with artificial pollination in oil palm crops planted with interspecific hybrids O × G (Elaeis guineensis × Elaeis oleifera): Is it profitable?
Authors: Ruiz-Alvarez Elizabeth , Daza Edison Steve , Caballero-Blanco Kennyher , Mosquera-Montoya Mauricio
Published: April 2021

A total of 70 000 hectares have been dedicated to the cultivation of the interspecific hybrid O × G in Colombia as of 2020. There was a need to introduce what is known as “assisted pollination” for these O × G crops. In 2018, the Colombian Oil Palm Research Center (Cenipalma) released artificial pollination, which consists of applying naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) as a complement to assisted pollination, with the goal of promoting the formation of oil in parthenocarpic fruits. Given the recent introduction of artificial pollination, a research study was proposed with the objective of analyzing the cost-benefit relationship from introducing artificial pollination, both during the cultivation and oil extraction stages. From a methodological point of view, the costs per unit were estimated based on the outcome from plantations in the Colombian Urabá region using two different treatments: the first consists of carrying out assisted pollination during anthesis (applying E. guineensis pollen when the flowers are receptive); the second consists of complementing assisted pollination with NAA application at 7 and 14 days after anthesis. The results indicate that the use of NAA increases net income by 7.7% per hectare of crop. Furthermore, the production costs of a metric ton of palm oil decreases by −9% mainly due to the increase in the oil extraction rate.
Radiographic Results after Vertebral Body Tethering
Authors: Baroncini Alice , Trobisch Per David , Birkenmaier Christof , Da Paz Stephanie , Migliorini Filippo
Published: April 2021

Vertebral body tethering (VBT), otherwise known as fusion-less anterior scoliosis correction (ASC), is a new and increasingly interesting therapeutic option for selected scoliosis patients. The available data on this surgical technique are still limited and guidelines on patient selection or surgical timing are not available. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the available literature on VBT. The analysis was performed in accordance with the PRISMA Statement. Nine studies with data from 175 patients were available. On average, 7.3 vertebrae were instrumented. Surgical time was 230 min and the estimated blood loss 153 ml. The mean correction on the coronal plane was 52%, and there was no significant change in sagittal parameters. The revision rate was 18.9%. The methodological quality assessment with the Coleman score gave unsatisfactory results, so that available data are not sufficient to propose general indications or guidelines to perform
VBT.
Medizinische Rehabilitation bei chronisch entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen: Zugang, Prozess und Ergebnisse
Authors: Raspe Heiner , Langbrandtner Jana , Hüppe Angelika
Published: April 2021

Hintergrund MERCED ist eine randomisierte kontrollierte Versorgungsstudie zu Wirksamkeit und Nutzen einer medizinischen Rehabilitation (MR) bei sozialversicherten Erwerbstätigen mit einer chronisch entzündlichen Darmerkrankung. Im Vergleich zur fortgesetzten Routineversorgung („usual care“) zeigte sich für die Interventionsgruppe (IG) im Mittel 8 Monate nach MR ein moderater, aber klinisch relevanter Zusatznutzen für verschiedene Teilhabe-, klinische und psychologische Parameter. Für die Entwicklung des Erwerbsstatus, der Arbeitsunfähigkeitstage und die subjektive Erwerbsprognose ergaben sich jedoch keine Vorteile gegenüber der Kontrollbedingung.

Methodik Wir nutzten mit Fragebögen erfasste Berichte und Bewertungen der 211 Mitglieder der IG zu ihrem Zugang zur MR, den Reha-Prozessen und deren subjektiven Erfolgen sowie Effekten im prä-post-Vergleich.

Ergebnisse Drei Leistungsangebote der Reha-Kliniken mit Bezug zur Erwerbsfähigkeit und Berufstätigkeit (Beratungen zum Arbeitsplatz, Sozialrecht, Nachsorge) erreichten 33, 48 bzw. 23% der Rehabilitanden. Versicherte mit besonderen beruflichen Belastungen zeigen gleiche Teilnahmehäufigkeit wie solche ohne. Die 3 Angebote erhalten im Vergleich zu 12 anderen auf einer 5-stufigen Skala (1=sehr gut bis 5=sehr schlecht) die schlechteren Beurteilungen (2,3 – 2,5 – 3,0).

Schlussfolgerung Die relative Vernachlässigung des Problemfelds Arbeit und Beruf in der MR kann die beobachtete, i.e.S. ‚sozialmedizinische‘ Ineffektivität der Rehamaßnahmen wenigstens teilweise erklären. Aus den Erfahrungen und Daten von MERCED leiten wir Empfehlungen zur Intensivierung des Zugangs, zu den Prozessen und zur Evaluation einer beruflich stärker orientierten MR ab.
An I(I)/I(III) Catalysis Route to the Heptafluoroisopropyl Group: A Privileged Module in Contemporary Agrochemistry
Authors: Gilmour Ryan , Martín-Heras Víctor , Daniliuc Constantin G.
Published: April 2021

The heptafluoroisopropyl group is emerging as a privileged chemotype in contemporary agrochemistry and features prominently in the current portfolio of leading insecticides. To reconcile the expansive potential of this module with the synthetic challenges associated with preparing crowded, fluorinated motifs, I(I)/I(III) catalysis has been leveraged. Predicated on in situ generation of p-TolIF2, this route enables the direct difluorination of α-trifluoromethyl-β-difluorostyrenes in a single operation. This formal addition of fluorine across the alkene π-bond is efficient (up to 91% yield) and is compatible with a broad range of functional groups. The ArCF(CF3)2 moiety is conformationally preorganised, with the C(sp3)–F bond coplanar to the framework of the aryl ring, thereby minimising 1,3-allylic strain. Moreover, orthogonal multipolar C–F···C=O interactions have been identified in a phthalimide derivative. It is envisaged that this programmed vicinal difluorination enabled by a hypervalent iodine species will find application in functional molecule design in a broader sense.
A New Synthesis Strategy for Rhodanine and Its Derivatives
Authors: Pan Zhenliang , An Wankai , Wu Lulu , Fan Liangxin , Yang Guoyu , Xu Cuilian
Published: April 2021

Rhodanine and its derivatives have been known as privileged structures in pharmacological research because of their wide spectrum of biological activities, but the synthesis method of rhodanine skeleton is limited. In this paper, not only rhodanine skeleton, but also N-aryl rhodanines can be directly prepared via the reaction of thioureas and thioglycolic acid in one step catalyzed by protic acid, which provides a new approach of the synthesis of rhodanine and its derivatives. The developed strategy is straightforward, efficient, atom economical, and convenient in good yields.
Unlocking in COVID Times: The Neurosurgical Way
Authors: Kalra Samir Kumar , Kalra Vandana , Kumar Raj
Published: April 2021

The humankind is facing one of the worst nightmares in the form of the ongoing Corona crisis. The pandemic has spread all across the globe and we are struggling to deal with its might. All nations have made their own strategies to deal with this situation and mainly a phase of lockdown has been the savior in most countries, especially India, where it was enforced early and well in time. After a successful lockdown, there is a phase of unlocking, which is equally important. One should exercise caution in that this should be done gradually and phased, with all the precautions in place and without any complacency. Neurosurgeons are faced with a situation pertaining to those afflicted by posterior fossa lesions with hydrocephalus. They are treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt, but sometimes they develop reverse tentorial herniation. This needs prompt evaluation and intervention and carries a poor prognosis if untreated. Another situation is where bifrontal contusions need decompressive surgery; some patients develop encephaloceles and extradural hematomas following successful surgery and complicate the prognosis. Both situations emerge due to sudden decompression, leading to quick changes in brain pressure and perfusion. The solution is slow and careful decompression, with all precautions in place despite the temptation of eureka moments. A similar response could be desirous over the course of our unlocking period. Hope this wisdom brings us good results in these Corona times.
Long-term Dysphagia following Acoustic Neuroma Surgery: Prevalence, Severity, and Predictive Factors
Authors: Abbas-Kayano Raiene Telassin , Solla Davi Jorge Fontoura , Rabelo Nicollas Nunes , Teles Gomes Marcos de Queiroz , Cabrera Hector Tomas Navarro , Teixeira Manoel J. , Figueiredo Eberval Gadelha
Published: April 2021

Background Acoustic neuroma (AN) may compress the cerebellum and brainstem and may cause dysfunction of bulbar cranial nerves.

Objective To describe swallowing function outcomes in the late postoperative period after AN surgery.

Methods This cohort study included patients operated on between 1999–2014, with a mean follow up of 6.4 ± 4.5 years. The swallowing function was assessed through the functional oral intake scale (FOIS). The primary outcome was defined by scores 5 to 1, which implied oral feeding restriction or adaptation. Risks factors were identified through multivariate logistic regression.

Results 101 patients were evaluated. As many as 46 (45.5%) presented dysphagia on the late postoperative period. Women comprised 77.2%, and the mean age was 47.1 ± 16.0 years (range 19–80). Dysphagic patients presented more type II neurofibromatosis (NF II) (32.6% vs. 10.9%, p = 0.007), larger tumors (3.8 ± 1.1 vs. 3.1 ± 1.0 cm, p < 0.001), partial resection (50.0% vs. 85.5%, p < 0.001) and needed more surgeries (≥2, 39.1% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.019). Important peripheral facial palsy (PFP) (House–Brackmann [HB] grade ≥3) was present before the surgery on 47.5% and worsened on 55.4%. Postoperative PFP (p < 0.001), but not preoperative PFP, was predictive of postoperative dysphagia. On multivariate analysis, the following factors were risk factors for dysphagia: NF II (OR 5.54, p = 0.034), tumor size (each 1 cm, OR 2.13, p = 0.009), partial resection (OR 5.23, p = 0.022) and postoperative HB grade ≥3 (OR 12.99, p = 0.002).

Conclusions Dysphagia after AN surgery is highly correlated to postoperative facial motor function. NF II, tumor size, and extent of resection were also predictive of this morbidity in the late postoperative period.
A Rare Case of Calcifying Pseudoneoplasms of the Neural Axis in Lumbar Spine
Authors: Ravi Venkatesan , Srinath Pammi
Published: April 2021

Calcified pseudoneoplasm of the neural axis (CAPNON) is a very rare, non-neoplastic, calcified pathological entity occurring anywhere in the central nervous system (CNS). Overall, less than 100 cases were reported, of which less than 50% were from the spine. We present a case of a 53-year-old lady with a history of L4–L5 radiculopathy, known case of rheumatoid arthritis, and with no previous history of trauma, tumor or infection. MRI showed calcified intradural mass, extending into the right lateral recess, which was isointense on T1- and T2-weighted sequences. Fenestration on right side along with complete resection of the lesion was done. Mass was found adherent around the dura, extending in to right L5 nerve root foramen, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of CAPNON. At 6 months follow-up, the patient is pain-free with no radicular symptoms. This entity should be taken in as differential in cases of calcified intraspinal and intracranial lesions. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice.
Tratamento da lesão em onda do quadril através da microfratura reversa: Estudo clínico retrospectivo
Authors: De Lazari Leandro Calil , Picado Celso Herminio Ferraz , Garcia Flavio Luis , Garcia Fernando Jorge
Published: April 2021

Objetivo Avaliar o tratamento desta lesão, através da microfratura reversa, que é um procedimento simples e sem aumento de insumos na cirurgia.

Métodos Foram analisados retrospectivamente 19 pacientes submetidos a tratamento da lesão em onda no acetábulo, através da microfratura reversa. Utilizamos a ressonância nuclear magnética (RNM) no momento do diagnóstico e 6 meses após a cirurgia, avaliação funcional pelo Harris Hip Score (HHS) e escala visual e analógica (EVA) da dor no pré-operatório, e 3 e 6 meses após a cirurgia.

Resultado os dados estatísticos mostraram melhora significativa do HHS e EVA da dor após 6 meses da cirurgia. A RNM após 6 meses da cirurgia mostrou que na área que foi submetida à microfratura reversa, a cartilagem se apresentou com as mesmas características visuais que nas áreas sem lesão condral.

Conclusão Concluímos que a microfratura reversa se mostrou eficaz e reprodutível no tratamento da lesão em onda.
Comparação entre viscossuplementação e plasma rico em plaquetas em lesões condrais de joelhos de pacientes jovens
Authors: Danieli Marcus Vinicius , Guerreiro João Paulo Fernandes , Vimercati Telvio Ataide , Mendes Pedro Henrique Favaro , Miyazaki Paulo Raphael Tsutomu Katayama , Cataneo Daniele Cristina
Published: April 2021

Objetivo Comparar o resultado clínico e funcional da aplicação de ácido hialurônico (AH) ou plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) no tratamento de pacientes jovens portadores de lesões condrais em joelhos, sem artrose.

Métodos Avaliação clínica e funcional prospectiva de 30 pacientes adultos jovens, com lesão condral no joelho, submetidos a tratamento conservador, com aplicação de AH ou PRP, com seguimento mínimo de 12 meses. Para avaliação, foi utilizado o Western Ontário and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) e a escala visual analógica (EVA) da dor.

Resultados Avaliado pelo questionário de WOMAC, o grupo PRP mostrou melhora em todos os pontos de avaliação com significância estatística, já o grupo AH não mostrou melhora nos escores. Com relação à EVA, o PRP também mostrou melhora em todos os pontos de avaliação, e o grupo AH mostrou melhora com 6 e 12 meses. Quando comparados, o grupo PRP foi melhor que o grupo AH em todos os pontos de avaliação, de acordo com a escala de WOMAC, e até 6 meses nos resultados da EVA.

Conclusão O PRP obteve melhor resultado clínico e funcional quando aplicado em joelhos com lesões condrais de pacientes jovens, sem artrose, avaliado pelo questionário de WOMAC e pela EVA. Este resultado se manteve até 12 meses.

Nível de evidência Ensaio clínico randomizado (Tipo 2B)
The Outcomes of Radiosurgery for Arteriovenous Malformations—Experience of a Tertiary Cancer Center from India
Authors: Hunugundmath Sanjay M. , Basu Sumit , Zade Bhooshan , Maiya Vikram , Sharma Rahul , Bhanage Ashok , Vatyam Sathiyanarayanan
Published: April 2021

Objectives This article assesses the treatment outcomes in the patients diagnosed with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) treated with stereotactic radiosurgery.

Materials and Methods We retrospectively analyzed 30 patients diagnosed with AVM treated between 2010 and 2018.The median age at presentation was 30 years (range: 14–60 years). The median planning target volume (PTV) was 6.8 mL (range: 0.9–54 mL). The median dose prescribed was 18 Gy (range: 16–24 Gy). Modified radiosurgery-based AVM grading score was calculated for all the patients.

Results The median follow-up of the entire cohort was 60 months (range: 24–96 months). The obliteration rates for patients followed up for 3 and 5 years were 75 and 86.1%, respectively. Age (< 35 years; p = 0.007) and PTV (< 7 mL; p = 0.04), had better obliteration rates. Three patients had hemorrhage, from the AVM after irradiation. None of them were fatal.

Conclusion Stereotactic radiosurgery is a preferred noninvasive treatment modality with acceptable morbidity.
A Pictorial Review on Reversible Splenial Lesions
Authors: Sahu Arpita , Mittal Kartik , Kamath Namita , PG Nandakumar , Sahu Amit
Published: April 2021

Splenium of corpus callosum can be involved in a variety of pathologies causing reversible or irreversible damage. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a useful investigation to evaluate the same. In spite of the differing etiologies implicated, MRI findings can be quite common. We review the reversible causes of diffusion restriction involving the splenium of corpus callosum and highlight the etiopathologic mechanisms implicated in these pathologies. We further discuss these pathologies in entirety with relevant clinical and laboratory findings helping make definitive diagnosis and guiding appropriate management.
Blick nach vorn?
Authors: Herrschelmann Anna
Published: April 2021

Zuweilen denke ich, die Zeitlinie ist verschoben – das hatten wir doch alles schon einmal. So geht es mir aktuell, wenn ich auf die jüngsten Entwicklungen in der Krankenhauslogistik schaue. Erinnern wir uns: Im Lichte der Bedrohungen des Kalten Krieges hatte die Bundesrepublik bereits in den 1960er-Jahren eine groß angelegte Initiative zum Ausbau von Reservekapazitäten für Krankenhäuser und Sanitätslager gestartet. In den nächsten 30 Jahren wurden diese Kapazitäten immer weiter ausgebaut. 1990 – kurz vor der Reform des Zivil- und Katastrophenschutzes in Deutschland – gab es fast 200 sogenannte Zivilschutz-Sanitätslager, in denen Schutzausrüstung, OP-Einrichtungen und verschiedene Medikamente für den Krisenfall lagerten. Diese Lager sowie die zugehörigen Hilfskrankenhäuser wurden nach der Wende Stück für Stück abgebaut. Die militärische Bedrohung wurde als gering eingeschätzt, der Zivil- und Katastrophenschutz komplett neu geordnet.
Auslieferung von Blutprodukten: Optimierung der Versorgungsfahrten eines Blutspendedienstes
Authors: Otten Hubert , Kaffka-Cevani Vanessa , Dobner-Flick Matthias , Tromp Timo , Pauls Robin
Published: April 2021

Im Verlauf eines Logistikprojektes der Hochschule Niederrhein mit dem DRK-Blutspendienst West wurde eine veränderte Planung der regelmäßigen Versorgungsfahrten für einen der Standorte vorgenommen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen Möglichkeiten auf, bisher durchgeführte Touren anzupassen und potenzielle Einsparungen zu erzielen.
Theoretical models of spin-exchange optical pumping: Revisited and reconciled
Authors: Kelley Michele , Branca Rosa Tamara
Published: April 2021

Theoretical models for continuous-flow and stopped-flow spin-exchange optical pumping of 129Xe have long predicted much higher 129Xe polarization values than are measured experimentally, leading to a search for additional depolarization mechanisms. In this work, we show that a misapplication of the general theory of spin-exchange optical pumping along with the incorrect use of previously measured spin-exchange constants has been perpetuated in the past 20 years and is the main cause of the long-held discrepancy between theoretical and experimental 129Xe polarization values. Following the standard theory of spin-exchange optical pumping developed almost 40 years ago by Happer et al., we outline the common mistake made in the application of this theory in modern theoretical models and derive a simplified expression of the spin-exchange cross section that can be used to correctly predict 129Xe polarization values under any set of experimental conditions. We show that the complete expression of the spin-exchange cross section derived using the work of Happer et al. predicts spin-exchange rates tenfold higher than those previously assumed in theoretical models of continuous-flow and stopped-flow spin-exchange optical pumping and can fully rectify the long-standing discrepancy between theoretical and experimental polarization values.
On–off ratio improvement in organic electrochemical transistors from addition of a PMMA layer at the electrolyte dielectric/semiconductor interface
Authors: de Moura Elton A. , Luginieski Marcos , Serbena José P. M. , Seidel Keli F.
Published: April 2021

The high capacitance from an electrolyte dielectric layer used in a thin film transistor architecture results in the development of electrolyte-gated organic field effect transistors (EGOFETs), which are able to operate at lower voltages compared with the commonly organic field effect transistors. When ions diffuse into the semiconductor, changing its conductive properties, the resulting devices are named organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). In this case, an increase in channel conductivity occurs due to ionic doping. Depending on the gate voltage range operation, it is possible to obtain a de-doping process, suitable for achieving a low off-current. In this work, a simple and easy method is proposed based on an additional dielectric layer deposition of poly(methyl methacrylate) at the electrolyte dielectric/semiconductor interface, which provides: (i) good efficiency to block the diffusion of anions into the channel, resulting in an EGOFET for a gate voltage range up to −0.6V and (ii) an improvement in the on–off ratio in approximately three orders of magnitude for OECTs due to the low off-current obtained without promoting ionic de-doping in the channel, for a gate voltage range up to −1.1V. Both modes of operation were obtained in the same transistor structure. In addition, parameters such as field effect mobility, on–off ratio, and threshold voltage were also estimated for different transistor structures and gate voltage ranges.
Tunnel magnetoresistance in magnetic tunnel junctions with FeAlSi electrode
Authors: Akamatsu Shoma , Oogane Mikihiko , Jin Zhenhu , Tsunoda Masakiyo , Ando Yasuo
Published: April 2021

(001)-oriented FeAlSi polycrystalline thin films with a flat surface and B2-ordered structure were grown on thermally oxidized SiO2 substrates using MgO buffer layers. The FeAlSi thin films composition-adjusted to the Sendust alloy exhibited a low coercivity (Hc) after the annealing process. We utilized these films as bottom electrodes of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) and characterized their tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) effect. The TMR effect was 35.9% at room temperature. In addition, the TMR ratio increased to 51.0% when a thin CoFeB layer was inserted into the FeAlSi/MgO interface, without degrading the small switching field of the FeAlSi electrode. These MTJs with a small switching field and relatively high TMR ratio using the FeAlSi electrode are promising for highly sensitive MTJ-based magnetic sensor devices.
Coupled cluster benchmarks of large noncovalent complexes: The L7 dataset as well as DNA–ellipticine and buckycatcher–fullerene
Authors: Ballesteros Francisco , Dunivan Shelbie , Lao Ka Un
Published: April 2021

In this work, benchmark binding energies for dispersion-bound complexes in the L7 dataset, the DNA–ellipticine intercalation complex, and the buckycatcher–C60 complex with 120 heavy atoms using a focal-point method based on the canonical form of second-order Møller−Plesset theory (MP2) and the domain based local pair natural orbital scheme for the coupled cluster with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)] extrapolated to the complete basis set (CBS) limit are reported. This work allows for increased confidence given the agreement with respect to values recently obtained using the local natural orbital CCSD(T) for L7 and the canonical CCSD(T)/CBS result for the coronene dimer (C2C2PD). Therefore, these results can be considered pushing the CCSD(T)/CBS binding benchmark to the hundred-atom scale. The disagreements between the two state-of-the-art methods, CCSD(T) and fixed-node diffusion Monte Carlo, are substantial with at least 2.0 (∼10%), 1.9 (∼5%), and 10.3 kcal/mol (∼25%) differences for C2C2PD in L7, DNA–ellipticine, and buckycatcher–C60, respectively. Such sizable discrepancy above “chemical accuracy” for large noncovalent complexes indicates how challenging it is to obtain benchmark binding interactions for systems beyond small molecules, although the three up-to-date density functionals, PBE0+D4, ωB97M-V, and B97M-V, agree better with CCSD(T) for these large systems. In addition to reporting these values, different basis sets and various CBS extrapolation parameters for Hartree–Fock and MP2 correlation energies were tested for the first time in large noncovalent complexes with the goal of providing some indications toward optimal cost effective routes to approach the CBS limit without substantial loss in quality.
Dielectric elastomer actuators
Authors: Hajiesmaili Ehsan , Clarke David R.
Published: April 2021

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are soft, electrically powered actuators that have no discrete moving parts, yet can exhibit large strains (10%–50%) and moderate stress (∼100 kPa). This Tutorial describes the physical basis underlying the operation of DEA's, starting with a simple linear analysis, followed by nonlinear Newtonian and energy approaches necessary to describe large strain characteristics of actuators. These lead to theoretical limits on actuation strains and useful non-dimensional parameters, such as the normalized electric breakdown field. The analyses guide the selection of elastomer materials and compliant electrodes for DEAs. As DEAs operate at high electric fields, this Tutorial describes some of the factors affecting the Weibull distribution of dielectric breakdown, geometrical effects, distinguishing between permanent and “soft” breakdown, as well as “self-clearing” and its relation to proof testing to increase device reliability. New evidence for molecular alignment under an electric field is also presented. In the discussion of compliant electrodes, the rationale for carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes is presented based on their compliance and ability to maintain their percolative conductivity even when stretched. A procedure for making complaint CNT electrodes is included for those who wish to fabricate their own. Percolative electrodes inevitably give rise to only partial surface coverage and the consequences on actuator performance are introduced. Developments in actuator geometry, including recent 3D printing, are described. The physical basis of versatile and reconfigurable shape-changing actuators, together with their analysis, is presented and illustrated with examples. Finally, prospects for achieving even higher performance DEAs will be discussed.
Oxygen vacancy and photoelectron enhanced flexoelectricity in perovskite SrTiO3 crystal
Authors: Jin Yangshi , Zhang Fan , Zhou Kai , Suen Chun Hung , Zhou X. Y. , Dai Ji-Yan
Published: April 2021

Photo-enhanced flexoelectricity or flexoelectricity-enhanced photovoltaic effect, named photo-flexoelectric, is an interesting topic and has application potential in photo-electro-mechanical devices. However, this effect is far from being well understood. In this work, we demonstrate the photoflexoelectric effect in perovskite-structured SrTiO3 (STO) single crystal and reveal the coupling mechanism between its photovoltaic and flexoelectric effect. Driven by the flexoelectric field, light-induced electrons can tunnel through the Schottky junction at the Au/STO interface, giving rise to enhanced flexoelectricity, i.e., photoflexoelectric effect. Thermal annealing in vacuum induces oxygen vacancies in STO and results in stronger light absorption and enlarged photoflexoelectric effect.
Redox oscillations in 18650-type lithium-ion cell revealed by in operando Compton scattering imaging
Authors: Suzuki Kosuke , Suzuki Shunta , Otsuka Yuji , Tsuji Naruki , Jalkanen Kirsi , Koskinen Jari , Hoshi Kazushi , Honkanen Ari-Pekka , Hafiz Hasnain , Sakurai Yoshiharu , Kanninen Mika , Huotari Simo , Bansil Arun , Sakurai Hiroshi , Barbiellini Bernardo
Published: April 2021

Compton scattering imaging using high-energy synchrotron x rays allows the visualization of the spatiotemporal lithiation state in lithium-ion batteries probed in operando. Here, we apply this imaging technique to the commercial 18650-type cylindrical lithium-ion battery. Our analysis of the line shapes of the Compton scattering spectra taken from different electrode layers reveals the emergence of inhomogeneous lithiation patterns during the charge-discharge cycles. Moreover, these patterns exhibit oscillations in time where the dominant period corresponds to the timescale of the charging curve.
Data capacity scaling of a distributed Rydberg atomic receiver array
Authors: Otto J. Susanne , Hunter Marisol K. , Kjærgaard Niels , Deb Amita B.
Published: April 2021

The data transfer capacity of a communication channel is limited by the Shannon–Hartley theorem and scales as log2(1+SNR) for a single channel with a given power signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We implement an array of atom-optical receivers in a single-input-multi-output configuration by using spatially distributed probe light beams. The data capacity of the distributed receiver configuration is observed to scale as log2(1+N×SNR) for an array consisting of N receivers. Our result is independent of the modulation frequency, and we show that such enhancement of the bandwidth cannot be obtained by a single receiver with a similar level of combined optical power. We investigate both theoretically and experimentally the origins of the single channel capacity limit for our implementation.
Noninvasive high-frequency oscillations riding spikes delineates epileptogenic sources
Authors: Cai Zhengxiang , Sohrabpour Abbas , Jiang Haiteng , Ye Shuai , Joseph Boney , Brinkmann Benjamin H. , Worrell Gregory A. , He Bin
Published: April 2021

Significance

Millions of people affected by epilepsy may undergo surgical resection of the epileptic tissues to stop seizures if such epileptic foci can be accurately delineated. High-frequency oscillations (HFOs), existing in electroencephalography, are highly correlated with epileptic brain, which is promising for guiding successful neurosurgery. However, it is unclear whether and how pathological HFOs can be differentiated to localize the epileptogenic tissues given the presence of various nonepileptic high-frequency activities. Here, we show morphological and source imaging evidence that pathological HFOs can be identified by the concurrence of epileptiform spikes. We describe a framework to delineate the underlying epileptogenicity using this biomarker. Our work may offer translational tools to improve treatments by noninvasively demarking pathological activities and hence epileptic foci.
Patterns of bacterial motility in microfluidics-confining environments
Authors: Tokárová Viola , Sudalaiyadum Perumal Ayyappasamy , Nayak Monalisha , Shum Henry , Kašpar Ondřej , Rajendran Kavya , Mohammadi Mahmood , Tremblay Charles , Gaffney Eamonn A. , Martel Sylvain , Nicolau Dan V. , Nicolau Dan V.
Published: April 2021

Significance

Understanding bacterial movement is crucial for health, agriculture, environment, and industry. Studying the motility of five bacterial species in microfluidic environments showed that bacterial motility behavior is the result of a “tug-of-war” between hydrodynamics and local nanomechanics. In less confining spaces, bacterial motility is governed by hydrodynamics and can be approximately predicted by modeling developed for the simplest species. Conversely, in tightly confining environments, movement is mainly controlled by the steric interactions between flagella and the surrounding walls. Intriguingly, in mesoscale-sized geometries, hydrodynamics and bacterium–wall interactions overlap, either “constructively,” leading to smooth movement in straight channels, or “destructively,” leading to trapping. Our study provides a methodological template for the development of devices for single-cell genomics, diagnostics, or biocomputation.
Heme-binding protein CYB5D1 is a radial spoke component required for coordinated ciliary beating
Authors: Zhao Lijuan , Xie Haibo , Kang Yunsi , Lin Yiwen , Liu Gai , Sakato-Antoku Miho , Patel-King Ramila S. , Wang Bing , Wan Cuihong , King Stephen M. , Zhao Chengtian , Huang Kaiyao
Published: April 2021

Significance

Impairment of the coordinated beating of multiple cilia results in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) phenotypes such as chronic respiratory problems. In this study, we find CYB5D1 is a radial spoke stalk protein that binds heme under oxidizing conditions. Mutation of CYB5D1 in zebrafish and green algae lead to uncoordinated ciliary beating. Importantly, lack of CrCYB5D1 changes the redox state of flagella. Our findings reveal the important role of redox in the coordinated beating of multiple cilia and suggest a possible PCD therapy by modulating the redox poise in cilia.
Scavenging of soluble and immobilized CCL21 by ACKR4 regulates peripheral dendritic cell emigration
Authors: Bastow Cameron R. , Bunting Mark D. , Kara Ervin E. , McKenzie Duncan R. , Caon Adriana , Devi Sapna , Tolley Lynn , Mueller Scott N. , Frazer Ian H. , Harvey Natasha , Condina Mark R. , Young Clifford , Hoffmann Peter , McColl Shaun R. , Comerford Iain
Published: April 2021

Significance

The immune system relies on coordinated interactions between motile cells guided by molecules known as chemokines. However, processes that control chemokine distribution in complex in vivo microenvironments are poorly understood. Dendritic cells in barrier tissues require the chemokine CCL21 to enter lymphatic vessels during tissue egress. Here, we demonstrate that ACKR4 shapes CCL21 distribution in barrier tissues and prevents leakage of CCL21 from the tissue. Without ACKR4, extracellular CCL21 gradients in barrier sites are saturated and nonfunctional, DCs cannot home directly to lymphatic vessels, and excess soluble CCL21 from peripheral tissues pollutes lymph nodes. The results increase understanding of regulation of dendritic cell egress and chemokine distribution in vivo and raise new questions regarding the function of solubilized CCL21.
Blumeria graminis (powdery mildew of grasses and cereals).
Authors: Cowger Christina , Brown James K. M.
Published: April 2021

Powdery mildew is one of the most common and destructive diseases of cereals. Actual losses depend on the time of disease epidemic onset and its severity, and can at the extreme reach up to 60% (James et al., 1991; Oerke et al., 1994). Although it occurs in most, if not all, parts of the world where cereals are grown, powdery mildew is not considered to be a major problem in every region. This disease can be very destructive, but generally seems to cause most damage in temperate latitudes, especially in the northern hemisphere, where wheat and barley are more frequently cultivated (see map in Cowger et al., 2012). However, powdery mildew can also be a limiting factor for cereal production in subtropical and tropical areas. Yield losses by powdery mildews are generally complex to estimate and depend on several factors such as climate, year, cropping system, cereal species and cultivar.
Indigofera tinctoria (true indigo).
Authors: Datiles Marianne Jennifer , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro
Published: April 2021

A datasheet on Indigofera tinctoria covering, as an economically important tree, its taxonomy, importance, silviculture, distribution, biology and ecology, uses, products and pests.
Feeding-induced hepatokine, Manf, ameliorates diet-induced obesity by promoting adipose browning via p38 MAPK pathway
Authors: Wu Tong , Liu Qinhui , Li Yanping , Li Hong , Chen Lei , Yang Xuping , Tang Qin , Pu Shiyun , Kuang Jiangying , Li Rui , Huang Ya , Zhang Jinhang , Zhang Zijing , Zhou Jian , Huang Cuiyuan , Zhang Guorong , Zhao Yingnan , Zou Min , Jiang Wei , Mo Li , He Jinhan
Published: April 2021

Activating beige adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) to increase energy expenditure is a promising strategy to combat obesity. We identified that mesencephalic astrocyte–derived neurotrophic factor (Manf) is a feeding-induced hepatokine. Liver-specific Manf overexpression protected mice against high-fat diet–induced obesity and promoted browning of inguinal subcutaneous WAT (iWAT). Manf overexpression in liver was also associated with decreased adipose inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity and hepatic steatosis. Mechanistically, Manf could directly promote browning of white adipocytes via the p38 MAPK pathway. Blockade of p38 MAPK abolished Manf-induced browning. Consistently, liver-specific Manf knockout mice showed impaired iWAT browning and exacerbated diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis. Recombinant Manf reduced obesity and improved insulin resistance in both diet-induced and genetic obese mouse models. Finally, we showed that circulating Manf level was positively correlated with BMI in humans. This study reveals the crucial role of Manf in regulating thermogenesis in adipose tissue, representing a potential therapeutic target for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Familial thrombocytopenia due to a complex structural variant resulting in a WAC-ANKRD26 fusion transcript
Authors: Wahlster Lara , Verboon Jeffrey M. , Ludwig Leif S. , Black Susan C. , Luo Wendy , Garg Kopal , Voit Richard A. , Collins Ryan L. , Garimella Kiran , Costello Maura , Chao Katherine R. , Goodrich Julia K. , DiTroia Stephanie P. , O’Donnell-Luria Anne , Talkowski Michael E. , Michelson Alan D. , Cantor Alan B. , Sankaran Vijay G.
Published: April 2021

Advances in genome sequencing have resulted in the identification of the causes for numerous rare diseases. However, many cases remain unsolved with standard molecular analyses. We describe a family presenting with a phenotype resembling inherited thrombocytopenia 2 (THC2). THC2 is generally caused by single nucleotide variants that prevent silencing of ANKRD26 expression during hematopoietic differentiation. Short-read whole-exome and genome sequencing approaches were unable to identify a causal variant in this family. Using long-read whole-genome sequencing, a large complex structural variant involving a paired-duplication inversion was identified. Through functional studies, we show that this structural variant results in a pathogenic gain-of-function WAC-ANKRD26 fusion transcript. Our findings illustrate how complex structural variants that may be missed by conventional genome sequencing approaches can cause human disease.