bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Fusobacterium nucleatum and patient prognosis in metastatic colon cancer
Authors: Lee Jii Bum , Kim Kyung-A , Cho Ho Yeon , Kim DooA , Kim Won Kyu , Yong Dongeun , Lee Hyukmin , Yoon Sang Sun , Han Dai Hoon , Han Yoon Dae , Paik Soonmyung , Jang Mi , Kim Han Sang , Ahn Joong Bae
Published: October 2021

Recent evidence suggests that Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) is associated with the development and progression of colorectal cancer. We aimed to delineate the clinical implications of Fn in metastatic colon cancer. We performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using DNA samples from synchronous metastatic colon cancer patients with either formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) archival primary site tumor samples or fresh colon tissues. Progression-free survival (PFS)1 and PFS2 were defined as PFS of first- and second-line palliative settings. qPCR for Fn was successfully performed using 112 samples (FFPE, n = 61; fresh tissue, n = 51). Forty-one and 68 patients had right-sided and left-sided colon cancer, respectively. Patients with Fn enriched right-sided colon cancers had shorter PFS1 (9.7 vs. 11.2 months) than the other subgroups (HR 3.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–11.99; P = 0.04). Fn positive right-sided colon was also associated with shorter PFS2 (3.7 vs. 6.7 months; HR 2.34, 95% CI 0.69–7.91; P = 0.04). In the univariate analysis, PFS1 was affected by differentiation and Fn positive right-sided colon cancer. The multivariate analysis showed that differentiation (HR 2.68, 95% CI 1.40–5.14, P = 0.01) and Fn positive right-sided colon (HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.18–0.88, P = 0.02) were associated with PFS1. Fn enrichment in right sided colon was not associated with overall survival (OS). Fn enrichment has significantly worse prognosis in terms of PFS1 and PFS2 in patients with right-sided metastatic colon cancers.
Development and validation of a neural network for NAFLD diagnosis
Authors: Sorino Paolo , Campanella Angelo , Bonfiglio Caterina , Mirizzi Antonella , Franco Isabella , Bianco Antonella , Caruso Maria Gabriella , Misciagna Giovanni , Aballay Laura R. , Buongiorno Claudia , Liuzzi Rosalba , Cisternino Anna Maria , Notarnicola Maria , Chiloiro Marisa , Fallucchi Francesca , Pascoschi Giovanni , Osella Alberto Rubén
Published: October 2021

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affects about 20–30% of the adult population in developed countries and is an increasingly important cause of hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver ultrasound (US) is widely used as a noninvasive method to diagnose NAFLD. However, the intensive use of US is not cost-effective and increases the burden on the healthcare system. Electronic medical records facilitate large-scale epidemiological studies and, existing NAFLD scores often require clinical and anthropometric parameters that may not be captured in those databases. Our goal was to develop and validate a simple Neural Network (NN)-based web app that could be used to predict NAFLD particularly its absence. The study included 2970 subjects; training and testing of the neural network using a train–test-split approach was done on 2869 of them. From another population consisting of 2301 subjects, a further 100 subjects were randomly extracted to test the web app. A search was made to find the best parameters for the NN and then this NN was exported for incorporation into a local web app. The percentage of accuracy, area under the ROC curve, confusion matrix, Positive (PPV) and Negative Predicted Value (NPV) values, precision, recall and f1-score were verified. After that, Explainability (XAI) was analyzed to understand the diagnostic reasoning of the NN. Finally, in the local web app, the specificity and sensitivity values were checked. The NN achieved a percentage of accuracy during testing of 77.0%, with an area under the ROC curve value of 0.82. Thus, in the web app the NN evidenced to achieve good results, with a specificity of 1.00 and sensitivity of 0.73. The described approach can be used to support NAFLD diagnosis, reducing healthcare costs. The NN-based web app is easy to apply and the required parameters are easily found in healthcare databases.
Direct-current generators based on conductive polymers for self-powered flexible devices
Authors: Meng Yanfang , Zhang Long , Xu Guangyuan , Wang Heling
Published: October 2021

Direct-current generators, especially those based on the Schottky contacts between conductive polymers and metal electrodes, are efficient in converting mechanical stimuli into electrical energy. In contrast to triboelectric and piezoelectric generators, direct-current generators readily produce direct-current outputs and high currents that are crucial for integrating multiple energy-harvesting units in large scale and driving some types of devices. We are focusing on the relationship between Schottky barrier height and performance, systematically investigating the effects of various conductive polymers and electrodes on the outputs by both theoretical simulation and experiments. Tailoring the Schottky barrier height between conductive polymers and metal electrodes is demonstrated a significant approach to design the new DC generators. The preparation method of electrochemical deposition endows the generators flexibility, the linear relationship of current/voltage output vs. strain applied on the generators, combined with the large outputs offer advantages for the generator to work as flexible sensors. Furthermore, a mechanosensation-active matrix array based on direct-current generator for the strain monitoring demonstrated its promising prospects in flexible electronics. The direct-current generators with improved performance could serve as a stream new blood for versatile sensory systems and human–machine interactive interfaces.
In vivo study of light-driven naproxen release from gated mesoporous silica drug delivery system
Authors: Almáši Miroslav , Matiašová Anna Alexovič , Šuleková Monika , Beňová Eva , Ševc Juraj , Váhovská Lucia , Lisnichuk Maksym , Girman Vladimír , Zeleňáková Adriana , Hudák Alexander , Zeleňák Vladimír
Published: October 2021

A drug delivery system based on mesoporous particles MCM-41 was post-synthetically modified by photo-sensitive ligand, methyl-(2E)-3-(4-(triethoxysilyl)-propoxyphenyl)-2-propenoate (CA) and the pores of MCM-41 particles were loaded with Naproxen sodium salt (NAP). The CA was used as a photoactive molecule that can undergo a reversible photo-dimerization by [2π + 2π] cycloaddition when irradiated with UV light of specific wavelengths. Thus, it has a function of gate-keeper that is responsible for opening/closing the pores and minimizing premature release of NAP. The physicochemical properties of the prepared system were studied by infrared spectroscopy (IR), nitrogen adsorption measurements, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The mechanism of the opening/closing pores was confirmed by UV measurements. In vitro and in vivo drug release experiments and the concentration of released NAP was determined by UV spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In vivo drug release in the blood circulatory system of rats has demonstrated the effective photo-cleavage reaction of CA molecules after UV-light stimulation. The localization and morphological changes of the particles were studied in the blood and liver of rats at different time intervals. The particles in the blood have been shown to retain their original rod-like shape, and the particles in the liver have been hydrolysed, which has resulted in spherical shape with a reduced size.
A pyramidal deep learning pipeline for kidney whole-slide histology images classification
Authors: Abdeltawab Hisham , Khalifa Fahmi , Ghazal Mohammed , Cheng Liang , Gondim Dibson , El-Baz Ayman
Published: October 2021

Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer. There are several subtypes of renal cell carcinoma with distinct clinicopathologic features. Among the subtypes, clear cell renal cell carcinoma is the most common and tends to portend poor prognosis. In contrast, clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma has an excellent prognosis. These two subtypes are primarily classified based on the histopathologic features. However, a subset of cases can a have a significant degree of histopathologic overlap. In cases with ambiguous histologic features, the correct diagnosis is dependent on the pathologist’s experience and usage of immunohistochemistry. We propose a new method to address this diagnostic task based on a deep learning pipeline for automated classification. The model can detect tumor and non-tumoral portions of kidney and classify the tumor as either clear cell renal cell carcinoma or clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma. Our framework consists of three convolutional neural networks and the whole slide images of kidney which were divided into patches of three different sizes for input into the networks. Our approach can provide patchwise and pixelwise classification. The kidney histology images consist of 64 whole slide images. Our framework results in an image map that classifies the slide image on the pixel-level. Furthermore, we applied generalized Gauss-Markov random field smoothing to maintain consistency in the map. Our approach classified the four classes accurately and surpassed other state-of-the-art methods, such as ResNet (pixel accuracy: 0.89 Resnet18, 0.92 proposed). We conclude that deep learning has the potential to augment the pathologist’s capabilities by providing automated classification for histopathological images.
Structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties of R2NiMnO6 (R = Eu, Gd, Tb)
Authors: Shinde K. P. , Lee E. J. , Manawan M. , Lee A. , Park S.-Y. , Jo Y. , Ku K. , Kim J. M. , Park J. S.
Published: October 2021

The crystal structure, cryogenic magnetic properties, and magnetocaloric performance of double perovskite Eu2NiMnO6 (ENMO), Gd2NiMnO6 (GNMO), and Tb2NiMnO6 (TNMO) ceramic powder samples synthesized by solid-state method have been investigated. X-ray diffraction structural investigation reveal that all compounds crystallize in the monoclinic structure with a P21/n space group. A ferromagnetic to paramagnetic (FM-PM) second-order phase transition occurred in ENMO, GNMO, and TNMO at 143, 130, and 112 K, respectively. Maximum magnetic entropy changes and relative cooling power with a 5 T applied magnetic field are determined to be 3.2, 3.8, 3.5 J/kgK and 150, 182, 176 J/kg for the investigated samples, respectively. The change in structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric effect attributed to the superexchange mechanism of Ni2+–O–Mn3+ and Ni2+–O–Mn4+. The various atomic sizes of Eu, Gd, and Tb affect the ratio of Mn4+/Mn3+, which is responsible for the considerable change in properties of double perovskite.
Disturbance of phylogenetic layer-specific adaptation of human brain gene expression in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jorge Natasha Andressa Nogueira , Ueberham Uwe , Knobloch Mara , Stadler Peter F. , Fallmann Jörg , Arendt Thomas
Published: October 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with typical neuropathological hallmarks, such as neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, preferentially found at layers III and V. The distribution of both hallmarks provides the basis for the staging of AD, following a hierarchical pattern throughout the cerebral cortex. To unravel the background of this layer-specific vulnerability, we evaluated differential gene expression ofsupragranularandinfragranular layersandsubcortical white matterin both healthy controls and AD patients. We identified AD-associated layer-specific differences involving protein-coding and non-coding sequences, most of those present in thesubcortical white matter, thus indicating a critical role for long axons and oligodendrocytes in AD pathomechanism. In addition, GO analysis identified networks containing synaptic vesicle transport, vesicle exocytosis and regulation of neurotransmitter levels. Numerous AD-associated layer-specifically expressed genes were previously reported to undergo layer-specific switches in recent hominid brain evolution between layers V and III, i.e., those layers that are most vulnerable to AD pathology. Against the background of our previous finding of accelerated evolution of AD-specific gene expression, here we suggest a critical role in AD pathomechanism for this phylogenetic layer-specific adaptation of gene expression, which is most prominently seen in the white matter compartment.
Changes in metabolic syndrome affect the health-related quality of life of community-dwelling adults
Authors: Lin Yi-Hsuan , Chang Hsiao-Ting , Tseng Yen-Han , Chen Harn-Shen , Chiang Shu-Chiung , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Hwang Shinn-Jang
Published: October 2021

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, chronic renal diseases, and all-cause mortality. Furthermore, MetS is associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, the impact of dynamic changes in MetS on changes in the HRQOL was not previously explored. This was an eight-year, prospective cohort study in which 906 middle-aged adults from Shipai, Taipei in northern Taiwan were enrolled during 2009–2010 (baseline). Of those sampled, 427 participants completed the follow-up investigation after 8 years. The HRQOL was measured using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Other variables including age, sex, marital status, level of education, smoking, alcohol consumption, baseline body mass index, and changes in physical activity were adjusted. Compared with adults who never experienced MetS, adults with persistent MetS had a negative change in mental HRQOL (β − 4.20, 95% CI − 7.54 to − 0.86, p = 0.01). The negative changes of persistent MetS on the HRQOL were in the domains of vitality and mental health (β − 4.42, 95% CI − 8.10 to − 0.73 and β − 3.47, 95% CI − 6.90 to − 0.04, respectively). Women and overweight adults were vulnerable to the detrimental effects of persistent MetS. For better HRQOL, more resources should be devoted to reversing MetS in public health.
Molecular rationale for SARS-CoV-2 spike circulating mutations able to escape bamlanivimab and etesevimab monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Laurini Erik , Marson Domenico , Aulic Suzana , Fermeglia Alice , Pricl Sabrina
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this work is to provide an in silico molecular rationale of the role eventually played by currently circulating mutations in the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S-RBDCoV‑2) in evading the immune surveillance effects elicited by the two Eli Lilly LY-CoV555/bamlanivimab and LY-CoV016/etesevimab monoclonal antibodies. The main findings from this study show that, compared to the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, mutations E484A/G/K/Q/R/V, Q493K/L/R, S494A/P/R, L452R and F490S are predicted to be markedly resistant to neutralization by LY-CoV555, while mutations K417E/N/T, D420A/G/N, N460I/K/S/T, T415P, and Y489C/S are predicted to confer LY-CoV016 escaping advantage to the viral protein. A challenge of our global in silico results against relevant experimental data resulted in an overall 90% agreement. Thus, the results presented provide a molecular-based rationale for all relative experimental findings, constitute a fast and reliable tool for identifying and prioritizing all present and newly reported circulating spike SARS-CoV-2 variants with respect to antibody neutralization, and yield substantial structural information for the development of next-generation vaccines and monoclonal antibodies more resilient to viral evolution.
Evolution of MET and NRAS gene amplification as acquired resistance mechanisms in EGFR mutant NSCLC
Authors: Peters T. L. , Patil T. , Le A. T. , Davies K. D. , Brzeskiewicz P. M. , Nijmeh H. , Bao L. , Camidge D. R. , Aisner D. L. , Doebele R. C.
Published: October 2021

EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer patients' disease demonstrates remarkable responses to EGFR-targeted therapy, but inevitably they succumb to acquired resistance, which can be complex and difficult to treat. Analyzing acquired resistance through broad molecular testing is crucial to understanding the resistance mechanisms and developing new treatment options. We performed diverse clinical testing on a patient with successive stages of acquired resistance, first to an EGFR inhibitor with MET gene amplification and then subsequently to a combination EGFR and MET targeted therapies. A patient-derived cell line obtained at the time of disease progression was used to identify NRAS gene amplification as an additional driver of drug resistance to combination EGFR/MET therapies. Analysis of downstream signaling revealed extracellular signal-related kinase activation that could only be eliminated by trametinib treatment, while Akt activation could be modulated by various combinations of MET, EGFR, and PI3K inhibitors. The combination of an EGFR inhibitor with a MEK inhibitor was identified as a possible treatment option to overcome drug resistance related to NRAS gene amplification.
Cross-field optoelectronic modulation via inter-coupled ferroelectricity in 2D In2Se3
Authors: Dutta Debopriya , Mukherjee Subhrajit , Uzhansky Michael , Koren Elad
Published: October 2021

The ability to couple the in-plane (IP) and out-of-plane (OOP) dipole polarizations in ferroelectric In2Se3 makes it a promising material for multimodal memory and optoelectronic applications. Herein, we experimentally demonstrate the cross-field optoelectronic modulation in In2Se3 based field-effect devices. Surface potential measurements of In2Se3 based devices directly reveal the bidirectional dipole locking following high gate voltage pulses. The experimental evidence of hysteretic change in the IP electrical field facilitating a nonvolatile memory switch, was further explored by performing photocurrent measurements. Fabricated photodetectors presented multilevel photocurrent characteristics showing promise for nonvolatile memory and electro-optical applications.
Developmental exposure to non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls promotes sensory deficits and disrupts dopaminergic and GABAergic signaling in zebrafish
Authors: Brun Nadja R. , Panlilio Jennifer M. , Zhang Kun , Zhao Yanbin , Ivashkin Evgeny , Stegeman John J. , Goldstone Jared V.
Published: October 2021

The most abundant polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners found in the environment and in humans are neurotoxic. This is of particular concern for early life stages because the exposure of the more vulnerable developing nervous system to neurotoxic chemicals can result in neurobehavioral disorders. In this study, we uncover currently unknown links between PCB target mechanisms and neurobehavioral deficits using zebrafish as a vertebrate model. We investigated the effects of the abundant non-dioxin-like (NDL) congener PCB153 on neuronal morphology and synaptic transmission linked to the proper execution of a sensorimotor response. Zebrafish that were exposed during development to concentrations similar to those found in human cord blood and PCB contaminated sites showed a delay in startle response. Morphological and biochemical data demonstrate that even though PCB153-induced swelling of afferent sensory neurons, the disruption of dopaminergic and GABAergic signaling appears to contribute to PCB-induced motor deficits. A similar delay was observed for other NDL congeners but not for the potent dioxin-like congener PCB126. The effects on important and broadly conserved signaling mechanisms in vertebrates suggest that NDL PCBs may contribute to neurodevelopmental abnormalities in humans and increased selection pressures in vertebrate wildlife.
Re-pressurized magma at Mt. Etna, Italy, may feed eruptions for years
Authors: De Gori Pasquale , Giampiccolo Elisabetta , Cocina Ornella , Branca Stefano , Doglioni Carlo , Chiarabba Claudio
Published: October 2021

Identifying and monitoring the presence of pressurized magma beneath volcanoes allows for improved understanding of internal dynamics and prediction of eruptions. Here we show with time-repeated tomography clear evidence that fresh melts accumulate since 2019 in three reservoirs located at different depths in the central feeding system. In these three volumes, we observe a significant reduction of seismic wave velocity, an anomaly that has endured for almost two years. Reservoir re-pressurization induced seismicity clusters around the pressurized volumes within high fluid pressure compartments. This indicated a sharp change in volcano behavior, with re-pressurization of the central system replacing two-decade-long, flank collapse-dominated dynamics. The volume where the velocities are altered is remarkable in size, suggesting the injection of new melt, and that erupted lava represents only a small percentage. Our findings suggest that ongoing volcanic recrudescence can persist.
UPLC-Q-TOF-MS based metabolomics study of hawthorn leaves in different geographical regions
Authors: Wang Zi-Yi , Xiong Hui , Duan Li-Ying , Wang Chen-Feng , Du Yi-Long , Hong Xia , Zha Hai-Hong , Pan Hai-Feng
Published: October 2021

The quality evaluation of hawthorn leaves in different geographical regions derived from the dried leaves of Crataegus pinnatifida Bge.
Intrinsically radiopaque and antimicrobial cellulose based surgical sutures from mechanically powerfulAgave sisalanaplant leaf fibers
Authors: Sneha K. R. , Steny P. S. , Sailaja G. S.
Published: October 2021

Intrinsically radiopaque cellulose based surgical suture from Agave sisalana plant leaf fiber holding good mechanical properties and antimicrobial functionality.
A macroporous titanium oxynitride-supported bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst for zinc–air batteries
Authors: Niu Weixing , Guan Yani , Luo Yuhong , Liu Guihua , Li Jingde
Published: October 2021

A macroporous titanium oxynitride-supported bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst was fabricated for the development of rechargeable zinc–air batteries.
Protective effect and mechanism of docosahexaenoic acid on the cognitive function in female APP/PS1 mice
Authors: Bie Nana , Li Jingyao , Li Chenjing , Lian Rui , Qin Liehao , Wang Chunling
Published: October 2021

DHA inhibits the production of Aβ peptide and the phosphorylation level of Tau, thus reducing neuronal damage and improving cognitive function in APP/PS1 mice.
Ultrafine platinum nanoparticles confined in a covalent organic framework for enhanced enzyme-mimetic and electrocatalytic performances
Authors: Zhang Li , Han Chaoqin , Zhang Pu , Fu Wensheng , Nie Yao , Wang Yi
Published: October 2021

Uniformly dispersed ultrafine Pt NPs confined in a TPB–DMTP–COF are effective for both the detection of tannic acid based on their excellent peroxidase-like activity and the electrocatalysis of methanol oxidation.
Designs and understanding of small molecule-based non-fullerene acceptors for realizing commercially viable organic photovoltaics
Authors: Kim Minjun , Ryu Seung Un , Park Sang Ah , Pu Yong-Jin , Park Taiho
Published: October 2021

This review describes the current understandings and the significant features observed in NFA-based OPVs, with a particular focus on photophysical, electrical, and morphological characteristics.
Using thiourea as a catalytic redox-active additive to enhance the performance of pseudocapacitive supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Xue , Gao Lingling , Guo Ruihong , Hu Tuoping , Ma Mingming
Published: October 2021

Thiourea (TU) as a catalytic redox-active additive can greatly enhance the performance of a supercapacitor based on copper nanocrystal@nitrogen-doped carbon composites (Cu@N-C).
Progress in theoretical and experimental investigation on seawater electrolysis: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Bolar Saikat , Shit Subhasis , Chandra Murmu Naresh , Kuila Tapas
Published: October 2021

Investigation on seawater-based electrocatalyst is demanding to enrich the hydrogen economy. The understanding of kinetic, thermodynamic, and the effect of key parameters helps to overcome the difficulties related to sea water electrolysis.
Recent progress in quasi-solid and solid polymer electrolytes for multivalent metal-ion batteries
Authors: Lu Jiahui , Jaumaux Pauline , Wang Tianyi , Wang Chengyin , Wang Guoxiu
Published: October 2021

The increasing urgency of the energy source crisis has accelerated the application of polymers in energy storage for renewable energy.
High-performance flexible and integratable MEG devices from sulfonated carbon solid acids containing strong Brønsted acid sites
Authors: Gao Kun , Sun Jianhan , Lin Xiangyun , Li Yuanyuan , Sun Xiaotong , Chen Nan , Qu Liangti
Published: October 2021

We prepared a flexible membrane using a Brønsted solid acid compounded with PVA and applied it to moist-electric generators.
Extraordinary energy storage performance and thermal stability in sodium niobate-based ceramics modified by the ion disorder and stabilized antiferroelectric orthorhombic R phase
Authors: Kang Ruirui , Wang Zepeng , Yang Weijie , Zhu Xiaopei , Shi Peng , Gao Yangfei , Mao Pu , Zhao Jiantuo , Zhang Lixue , Lou Xiaojie
Published: October 2021

Adopting the chemical modification method to modulate scales to achieve excellent energy storage performance according to the structure–property relationship.
A high-rate capability LiFePO4/C cathode achieved by the modulation of the band structures
Authors: Yang Li , Tian Ye , Chen Jun , Gao Jinqiang , Long Zhen , Deng Wentao , Zou Guoqiang , Hou Hongshuai , Ji Xiaobo
Published: October 2021

To fully harness the rate performance of LiFePO4, a band structure modulation strategy is proposed that simultaneously improves the electronic transfer and ionic transport.
Antibacterial activities of physiologically stable, self-assembled peptide nanoparticles
Authors: Nazeer Nauman , Simmons Jeffrey R. , Rainey Jan K. , Rodriguez-Lecompte Juan Carlos , Ahmed Marya
Published: October 2021

The host defense protein-derived disulfide-linked peptides self-assemble in the form of β-sheets and β-turns, and exhibit concentration-dependent self-assembly in the form of nanospheres, termed as disulfide linked nanospheres (DSNs).
Two-dimensional solid-phase crystallization toward centimeter-scale monocrystalline layered MoTe2via two-step annealing
Authors: Lin Chih-Pin , Hsu Hao-Hua , Huang Jyun-Hong , Kang Yu-Wei , Wu Chien-Ting , Lee Yao-Jen , Cheng Chun-Cheng , Lan Yann-Wen , Chang Wen-Hao , Li Lain-Jong , Hou Tuo-Hung
Published: October 2021

Synthesizing 2D layered MoTe2 with an extremely large grain size toward the centimeter scale is made possible through the 2D solid-phase crystallization (2DSPC) and the two-step annealing (TSA) process.
Antimony trifluoride-incorporated SnO2 for high-efficiency planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhang Li , Li Hui , Zhuang Jing , Luan Yigang , Wu Sixuan , Niu Guosheng , Chu Liang , Cao Xiaofei , Li Xing'ao , Wang Jizheng
Published: October 2021

For the first time, the low-cost material SbF3 was doped into commonly used SnO2 as an electron-transport layer. After SbF3 doping, the optimized PCE of the perovskite solar cell was significantly enhanced from 19.89% to 21.42%.
Enhancement of piezoelectricity in spin-coated Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3-BaTiO3epitaxial films by strain engineering
Authors: Huang Yu , Zhou Zhen , Shu Liang , Cheng Yue-Yu-Shan , Luo Jin , Li Jing-Feng
Published: October 2021

Strain-induced phase boundaries were successfully constructed in the (100-x)% Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3-x%BaTiO3films by elaborately tailoring the film thickness, contributing to the remarkable enhancement of the piezoelectricity of the films.
Crystallization control via a molecular needle knitting strategy for the enhanced emission efficiency and stability of CsPbBr3 films
Authors: Zeng Xiankan , Li Wen , Yan Cheng , Cao Jingjing , Fu Xuehai , Yang Weiqing
Published: October 2021

A molecular needle knitting strategy is proposed to regulate the residual stress release and enhance the overall qualities of CsPbBr3 films, and it is helpful to better understand the mechanism of polymer regulation on perovskite crystallization.
A cusp-core-like challenge for modified Newtonian dynamics
Authors: Eriksen Mikkel H. , Frandsen Mads T. , From Mogens H.
Published: October 2021

We show that modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND) predicts distinct galactic acceleration curve geometries – in the space of total observed centripetal accelerations, gtot, versus the inferred Newtonian acceleration from baryonic matter, gN, which we refer to as g2 space – and corresponding rotation speed curves. MOND modified gravity predicts cored geometries for isolated galaxies, while MOND modified inertia yields neutral geometries (i.e. neither cuspy nor cored), based on a cusp-core classification of galaxy rotation curve geometry in g2 space, rather than on inferred dark matter (DM) density profiles. The classification can be applied both to DM and modified gravity models as well as data and implies a ‘cusp-core’ challenge for MOND from observations (e.g., of cuspy galaxies), which is different from the so-called cusp-core problem of DM. We illustrate this challenge with a number of cuspy and cored galaxies from the SPARC rotation curve database that deviate significantly from the MOND modified gravity and MOND modified inertia predictions.
First observations and performance of the RPW instrument on board the Solar Orbiter mission
Authors: Maksimovic M. , Souček J. , Chust T. , Khotyaintsev Y. , Kretzschmar M. , Bonnin X. , Vecchio A. , Alexandrova O. , Bale S. D. , Bérard D. , Brochot J.-Y. , Edberg N. J. T. , Eriksson A. , Hadid L. Z. , Johansson E. P. G. , Karlsson T. , Katra B. , Krasnoselskikh V. , Krupař V. , Lion S. , Lorfèvre E. , Matteini L. , Nguyen Q. N. , Píša D. , Piberne R. , Plettemeier D. , Rucker H. O. , Santolík O. , Steinvall K. , Steller M. , Štverák Š. , Trávníček P. , Vaivads A. , Zaslavsky A. , Chaintreuil S. , Dekkali M. , Astier P.-A. , Barbary G. , Boughedada K. , Cecconi B. , Chapron F. , Collin C. , Dias D. , Guéguen L. , Lamy L. , Leray V. , Malac-Allain L. R. , Pantellini F. , Parisot J. , Plasson P. , Thijs S. , Fratter I. , Bellouard E. , Danto P. , Julien S. , Guilhem E. , Fiachetti C. , Sanisidro J. , Laffaye C. , Gonzalez F. , Pontet B. , Quéruel N. , Jannet G. , Fergeau P. , Dudok de Wit T. , Vincent T. , Agrapart C. , Pragout J. , Bergerard-Timofeeva M. , Delory G. T. , Turin P. , Jeandet A. , Leroy P. , Pellion J.-C. , Bouzid V. , Recart W. , Kolmašová I. , Krupařová O. , Uhlíř L. , Lán R. , Baše J. , André M. , Bylander L. , Cripps V. , Cully C. , Jansson S.-E. , Puccio W. , Břínek J. , Ottacher H. , Angelini V. , Berthomier M. , Evans V. , Goetz K. , Hellinger P. , Horbury T. S. , Issautier K. , Kontar E. , Le Contel O. , Louarn P. , Martinović M. , Müller D. , O’Brien H. , Owen C. J. , Retino A. , Rodríguez-Pacheco J. , Sahraoui F. , Sanchez L. , Walsh A. P. , Wimmer-Schweingruber R. F. , Zouganelis I.
Published: October 2021

The Radio and Plasma Waves (RPW) instrument on the ESA Solar Orbiter mission is designed to measure in situ magnetic and electric fields and waves from the continuum up to several hundred kHz. The RPW also observes solar and heliospheric radio emissions up to 16 MHz. It was switched on and its antennae were successfully deployed two days after the launch of Solar Orbiter on February 10, 2020. Since then, the instrument has acquired enough data to make it possible to assess its performance and the electromagnetic disturbances it experiences. In this article, we assess its scientific performance and present the first RPW observations. In particular, we focus on a statistical analysis of the first observations of interplanetary dust by the instrument’s Thermal Noise Receiver. We also review the electro-magnetic disturbances that RPW suffers, especially those which potential users of the instrument data should be aware of before starting their research work.
Rotation acceleration of asteroids (10115) 1992 SK, (1685) Toro, and (1620) Geographos due to the YORP effect
Authors: Ďurech J. , Vokrouhlický D. , Pravec P. , Krugly Yu. N. , Kim M.-J. , Polishook D. , Ayvazian V. V. , Bonev T. , Choi Y.-J. , Datashvili D. G. , Donchev Z. , Ehgamberdiev S. A. , Hornoch K. , Inasaridze R. Ya. , Kapanadze G. V. , Kim D.-H. , Kučáková H. , Kusakin A. V. , Kušnirák P. , Lee H.-J. , Molotov I. E. , Moon H.-K. , Mykhailova S. S. , Nikolenko I. V. , Novichonok A. , Oey J. , Omarov Ch. T. , Pollock J. T. , Reva I. V. , Rumyantsev V. V. , Zhornichenko A. A.
Published: October 2021

Context. The rotation state of small asteroids is affected by the Yarkovsky–O’Keefe–Radzievskii–Paddack (YORP) effect, which is a net torque caused by solar radiation directly reflected and thermally reemitted from the surface. Due to this effect, the rotation period slowly changes, which can be most easily measured in light curves because the shift in the rotation phase accumulates over time quadratically.

Aims. By new photometric observations of selected near-Earth asteroids, we want to enlarge the sample of asteroids with a detected YORP effect.

Methods. We collected archived light curves and carried out new photometric observations for asteroids (10115) 1992 SK, (1620) Geographos, and (1685) Toro. We applied the method of light curve inversion to fit observations with a convex shape model. The YORP effect was modeled as a linear change of the rotation frequency υ ≡ dω∕dt and optimized together with other spin and shape parameters.

Results. We detected the acceleration υ = (8.3 ± 0.6) × 10−8 rad d−2 of the rotation for asteroid (10115) 1992 SK. This observed value agrees well with the theoretical value of YORP-induced spin-up computed for our shape and spin model. For (1685) Toro, we obtained υ = (3.3 ± 0.3) × 10−9 rad d−2, which confirms an earlier tentative YORP detection. For (1620) Geographos, we confirmed the previously detected YORP acceleration and derived an updated value of υ with a smaller uncertainty. We also included the effect of solar precession into our inversion algorithm, and we show that there are hints of this effect in Geographos’ data.

Conclusions. The detected change of the spin rate of (10115) 1992 SK has increased the total number of asteroids with YORP detection to ten. In all ten cases, the dω∕dt value is positive, so the rotation of these asteroids is accelerated. It is unlikely to be just a statistical fluke, but it is probably a real feature that needs to be explained.
On the most luminous planetary nebulae of M 31
Authors: Galera-Rosillo Rebeca , Mampaso Antonio , Corradi Romano L. M. , García-Rojas Jorge , Balick Bruce , Jones David , Kwitter Karen B. , Magrini Laura , Villaver Eva
Published: October 2021

Context.The planetary nebula luminosity function (PNLF) is a standard candle that comprises a key rung on the extragalactic distance ladder. The method is based on the empirical evidence that the luminosity function of planetary nebulae (PNe) in the [O III]λ5007 nebular emission line reaches a maximum value that is approximately invariant with population age, metallicity, or host galaxy type. However, the presence of bright PNe in old stellar populations is not easily explained by single-star evolutionary models.

Aims.To gain information about the progenitors of PNe at the tip of the PNLF, we obtained the deepest existing spectra of a sample of PNe in the galaxy M 31 to determine their physico-chemical properties and infer the post-asymptotic giant branch (AGB) masses of their central stars (CSs). Precise chemical abundances allow us to confront the theoretical yields for AGB stellar masses and metallicities expected at the bright end of the PNLF. Central star masses of the sampled PNe provide direct information on the controversial origin of the universal cutoff of the PNLF.

Methods.Using the OSIRIS instrument at the 10.4 m Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), optical spectra of nine bright M 31 PNe were obtained: four of them at the tip of the PNLF, and the other five some 0.5 mag fainter. A control sample of 21 PNe with previous GTC spectra from the literature is also included. We analyze their physical properties and chemical abundances (He, N, O, Ar, Ne, and S), searching for relevant differences between bright PNe and the control samples. The CS masses are estimated with Cloudy modeling using the most recent evolutionary tracks.

Results.The studied PNe show a remarkable uniformity in all their nebular properties, and the brightest PNe show relatively large electron densities. Stellar characteristics also span a narrow range: ⟨L*/L⊙⟩ = 4300 ± 310, ⟨Teff⟩ = 122 000 ± 10 600 K for the CSs of the four brightest PNe, and ⟨L*/L⊙⟩ = 3300 ± 370, ⟨Teff⟩ = 135 000 ± 26 000 K for those in the control set. This groups all the brightest PNe at the location of maximum temperature in the post-AGB tracks for stars with initial massesMi = 1.5M⊙.

Conclusions.These figures provide robust observational constraints for the stellar progenitors that produce the PNLF cutoff in a star-forming galaxy such as M 31, where a large range of initial masses is in principle available. Inconsistency is found, however, in the computed N/O abundance ratios of five nebulae, which are 1.5 to 3 times larger than predicted by the existing nucleosynthesis models for stars of these masses.
CFD evaluation of the influence of the parts of a shell and tube heat exchanger on heat transfer
Authors: Frank Jiří , Volf Michal , Bajić Stefan
Published: October 2021

This article deals with numerical fluid flow and heat transfer simulations of a shell and tube heat exchanger in which cooling water is heated by hot exhaust fumes. This heat exchanger plays a major role in a cogeneration unit, since it is responsible for the effective use of residual heat. The objective of the simulations is to evaluate the effects of various design changes made to the heat exchanger and their influence on the temperature fields and thus on the overall performance and efficiency of the system. In our analysis we looked at the baffles which cause the cross-current flow of water outside the tubes and at the placement of the gas inlet, i.e., on the distribution of the mass flow rate of the exhaust fumes inside these tubes.
An experimental study of the CO2 hydrates production for the long term storage
Authors: Bartoš Ondřej , Hrnčíř Matěj
Published: October 2021

An aim of the paper is to show recent data obtained from a new experimental set-up build for the production of the CO2 gas hydrates. The purpose of the experimental set-up is to analyse the practical aspects of the transformation gaseous CO2 to the hydrates. The deserving effort to decrease impacts of the global warming is containing the more questionable attempt to capture the CO2 produced within the electricity production and to avoid a releasing to the atmosphere. The storage in the form of the gas hydrates present an alternative way to more known technologies involved in the projects of CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage). The production of the gas hydrate is observed in the set-up with simultaneously acquired data of state condition close to the phase boundary. The presented work has two goals, first is the estimation of the transformation efficiency of the CO2 to the hydrates in compare with the theory and second goal is obtaining of the data for new CO2 hydrates production set-up with liquid circulation and possibility to separate pure hydrate. The experimental analysis of the gas hydrates production process can help to estimate the practical aspects of the hydrates production for a possibility of CO2 storage in this form.
Measurement of pressure loss coefficient for nuclear fuel assembly
Authors: Nerud Pavel
Published: October 2021

Design and operation of nuclear reactor is very difficult issue from the engineering and technical point of view. All facilities must be availably designed separately, but with respect to other facilities working in the same system too. In nuclear power plant the key safety factor is the insurance of nuclear fuel assemblies cooling. The basic requirement from this point of view is an pressure loss coefficient assessment for all possible modes of coolant flow. This article describes an experience with measurement of pressure loss coefficient characteristics in Škoda JS.
Parameterized, numerical design of a two-wheel Curtis steam turbine for small scale WHR
Authors: Streit Philipp , Weiß Andreas P.
Published: October 2021

In contrast to the current trend of converting waste heat into electricity in the small power range below 100 kWel by means of an ORC plant, the authors are pursuing the concept of a micro steam power plant equipped with a micro turbine. Water avoids many of the problems often associated with organic working fluids, such as flammability, toxicity, greenhouse gas effect and high fluid costs. However, water vapor makes turbine design more challenging. The physical reasons for this are repeated, and thereby it becomes clear why a velocity compounded two wheel Curtis turbine has been chosen. The used in-house 1D turbine design tool is briefly introduced. More focus is put on the shortcomings of the implemented 1D loss model and their negative impact on the current turbine design. Consequently, the authors continued actual turbine design by a parameterized approach in 3D CAD/CFD. This approach is explained, and finally, the CFD flow field and the performance maps of the designed turbine are discussed. The turbine is currently under construction and will be installed in 2022 in a waste heat recovery (WHR) plant in Nuremberg/Germany.
2022 wird es einen Dreiländer-Kongress in Konstanz geben
Authors: Wiegard-Szramek Ina , Hünninghaus Sarah , von Gliszczynski Anika
Published: October 2021

Die 3 nephrologischen Pflegeverbände aus Österreich, der Schweiz und Deutschland laden Sie zum 12. Dreiländer-Kongress (DLK) vom 17.–19.11.2022 ins Konzil Konstanz ein. Diesmal steht der Kongress unter dem Motto „Nierenersatztherapie – alles ist möglich“.
Nachsorge bei Lebendnierenspendern
Authors: Holzmann-Littig Christopher , Braunisch Matthias Christoph , Kappler Verena , Wen Ming , Hartmann Daniel , Aßfalg Volker , Renders Lutz
Published: October 2021

Die Nachsorge der Lebendnierenspender kann in 3 Phasen unterteilt werden. In der postoperativen Phase, die im Wesentlichen den Klinikaufenthalt umfasst, steht das übliche postoperative Management im Vordergrund. In der Frühphase, die etwa ein Jahr andauert, werden die Weichen für die korrekte Lebensweise gestellt, Lifestyle-Modifikationen durchgeführt, die Entwicklung der Nierenfunktion überwacht und die berufliche Wiedereingliederung des Spenders einschl. psychosozialer Aspekte unterstützt. In der Langzeitphase steht weiterhin die Optimierung aller eine chronische Niereninsuffizienz begünstigenden Faktoren im Vordergrund. Zudem müssen alle Komplikationen einer selten auftretenden, aber möglichen, Nierenfunktionsverschlechterung frühzeitig erkannt und behandelt werden. Spenderinnen, die eine Schwangerschaft planen, müssen über die erhöhten Risiken erneut aufgeklärt werden. Für die jeweiligen Therapie- und Präventionsstrategien stehen die nephrologischen 1, transplantationsmedizinischen 2, 3, hypertensiologischen 4, internistischen 5 und urologischen 6 Leitlinien und Manuale 7 zur Verfügung.
Kurse der Nephrologischen WBS-Ulm
Authors: Bundschu Marion
Published: October 2021

Der Schulungsort ist das Hotel Seligweiler (Seligweiler 1, 89081 Ulm-Seligweiler). Informationen zu den Veranstaltungen finden Sie auf
www.wbs-ulm.de

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Photonic memory with nonlinear plasmonic nanotubes
Authors: Abrashuly Aivar , Valagiannopoulos Constantinos
Published: October 2021

Photonic memory devices are capable of giving different outputs for the same present input, judging from the input’s past values and, in this way, “remembering” what happened the previous times. Nonlinear cylindrical metasurfaces, when fed centrally by line sources of various angular momenta, are found to possess exactly this property, which is called multistability; in particular, they can develop multiple responses in proportion to what the history of excitation intensities is. Interestingly, some of the potential radiation patterns of the considered nanotubes, despite the homogeneous and isotropic nature of the structure, are azimuthally rotated, even for symmetric excitations. Such a feature of several alternative stable solutions with different amplitudes and angular tilts may provide a promising route for designing reconfigurable optical setups with versatile memory and storage utilities.
Facilitating implementation of organs-on-chips by open platform technology
Authors: Vollertsen Anke R. , Vivas Aisen , van Meer Berend , van den Berg Albert , Odijk Mathieu , van der Meer Andries D.
Published: October 2021

Organ-on-chip (OoC) and multi-organs-on-chip (MOoC) systems have the potential to play an important role in drug discovery, disease modeling, and personalized medicine. However, most devices developed in academic labs remain at a proof-of-concept level and do not yet offer the ease-of-use, manufacturability, and throughput that are needed for widespread application. Commercially available OoC are easier to use but often lack the level of complexity of the latest devices in academia. Furthermore, researchers who want to combine different chips into MOoC systems are limited to one supplier, since commercial systems are not compatible with each other. Given these limitations, the implementation of standards in the design and operation of OoCs would strongly facilitate their acceptance by users. Importantly, the implementation of such standards must be carried out by many participants from both industry and academia to ensure a widespread acceptance and adoption. This means that standards must also leave room for proprietary technology development next to promoting interchangeability. An open platform with standardized interfacing and user-friendly operation can fulfill these requirements. In this Perspective article, the concept of an open platform for OoCs is defined from a technical perspective. Moreover, we discuss the importance of involving different stakeholders in the development, manufacturing, and application of such an open platform.
Automatic design of chiral mechanical metamaterials
Authors: Beretta Lorenzo , Bonfanti Silvia , Fiocchi Jacopo , Font-Clos Francesc , Guerra Roberto , Tuissi Ausonio , Zapperi Stefano
Published: October 2021

Automatic design of mechanical metamaterials is key to achieving efficiencies in terms of a desired functionality that can far exceed the rationally designed man-made solutions. Here, we introduce a discrete element model capable of describing the mechanical response of three-dimensional trussed structures under a predetermined external perturbation and coupling it to an optimization algorithm in order to produce chiral mechanical metamaterials, twisting under compression and thus converting linear motion into rotation. By comparing the machine-designed structures with pre-existing human-designed solutions, we show that the former can achieve a much higher efficiency in terms of rotating angle per unit compressive strain. We confirm our results by finite element calculations and by experiments on 3D printed structures. The presented method paves the way to the discovery of novel functional mechanisms that can act over a broad size range, from micro- to macroscales, giving rise to a countless number of possible solutions for functional mechanical metamaterials.