bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Modular Atom Probe Concept: Design, Operational Aspects, and Performance of an Integrated APT-FIB/SEM Solution
Authors: Stender Patrick , Solodenko Helena , Weigel Andreas , Balla Irdi , Schwarz Tim Maximilian , Ott Jonas , Roussell Manuel , Joshi Yug , Duran Rüya , Al-Shakran Mohammad , Jacob Timo , Schmitz Guido
Published: January 2022

Atomic probe tomography (APT) is able to generate three-dimensional chemical maps in atomic resolution. The required instruments for APT have evolved over the last 20 years from an experimental to an established method of materials analysis. Here, we describe the realization of a new modular instrument concept that allows the direct attachment of APT to a dual-beam SEM microscope with the main achievement of fast and direct sample transfer and high flexibility in chamber and component configuration. New operational modes are enabled regarding sample geometry, alignment of tips, and the microelectrode. The instrument is optimized to handle cryo-samples at all stages of preparation and storage. It comes with its own software for evaluation and reconstruction. The performance in terms of mass resolution, aperture angle, and detection efficiency is demonstrated with a few application examples.
Global Validation of SWIM/CFOSAT Wind Waves Against Voluntary Observing Ship Data
Authors: Grigorieva V. G. , Badulin S. I. , Gulev S. K.
Published: January 2022

The article presents a joint analysis of wind and wave characteristics derived from Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) data and measurements of the innovative Ku‐band radar SWIM (Surface Waves Investigation and Monitoring) carried by Chinese‐French Ocean SATellite (CFOSAT). Global distributions of significant wave height and wind speed in both data sets demonstrate good qualitative and quantitative agreement, especially in regions with a high spatio‐temporal density of visual observations. A particular focus is made on discriminating wave systems by joint analysis of separately observed wind sea and swell characteristics in VOS and the partitions of wave spectra measured by SWIM. It is shown that three wave partitions from SWIM cannot be clearly attributed to wind sea, first, and secondary swell systems. The first partition aggregates both wind sea and swell in the operational wavelength range of the SWIM radar, while the second and third partitions fit neither wind sea, nor swell. A comparison of VOS and SWIM data within a 50 km radius and a 30 min time lag shows a very close match for most parameters in terms of mean values, yet with relatively high dispersion of individual measurements.
Multi‐Band Raman Analysis of Radiation Damage in Zircon for Thermochronology: Partial Annealing and Mixed Signals
Authors: Härtel Birk , Jonckheere Raymond , Ratschbacher Lothar
Published: January 2022

Four zircon Raman bands were previously calibrated to give consistent estimates of the accumulated self‐irradiation α‐dose in unannealed volcanic samples. Partial annealing of radiation damage produces inconsistent values because of differences in the relative annealing sensitivities. The damage estimates based on the external rotation band (DER) at ∼356 cm−1 and that based on the ν2(SiO4) band (D2) at ∼438 cm−1 are the most and least sensitive to damage annealing. The D2/DER‐ratio thus provides a numerical estimate of the extent of geologic annealing that a zircon sample has experienced. This ratio characterizes the thermal history of a zircon sample but also its state of radiation damage during the course of its geologic history, and thus the manner in which this state influences other thermochronologic methods. Meaningful interpretation of the zircon Raman age requires that the spectra are free of measurement artifacts. The major artifacts result from micrometer‐scale gradients of the damage densities within a zircon grain due to uranium and thorium zoning. The micrometer‐sized sampled volume may span different densities, producing overlapping spectra, causing apparent peak broadening, overestimated damage densities, and zircon Raman ages. The D3/D2‐ratio of the damage densities calculated from the ν3(SiO4) and ν2(SiO4) bands, most and least affected by overlap, is an efficient indicator of a meaningless signal. It reveals overlap in annealed and unannealed samples, because the used bands have similar responses to annealing. Multi‐band Raman maps can be converted to damage‐ratio maps for screening zircon mounts, and selecting spots for thermochronologic investigations.
How Steady is Interseismic Crustal Deformation in Northeast Japan? Evidence From an Integrated Analysis of Centennial Geodetic Data
Authors: Meneses‐Gutierrez Angela , Segall Paul , Sagiya Takeshi
Published: January 2022

We analyze conventional horizontal geodetic data (triangulation and trilateration) and GPS data from 1890 to 2009 in NE Japan to investigate interseismic deformation over a centennial time scale and to determine if a previously reported decadal strain rate decrease preceding the 2011 Tohoku‐oki earthquake had started prior to the beginning of GPS observations. Analysis of conventional geodetic data shows that the maximum shear strain rate was relatively constant from 1894 to 1984 within one standard deviation, and it is comparable to observations during the GPS era. The conventional geodetic data does not support extrapolation of the strain rate deceleration prior to the 2011 Tohoku‐oki earthquake to epochs before the beginning of GPS observations in the mid‐1990s. Our favored interpretation suggests a transient increase in strain rate followed by a return to the long‐term rate prior to the 2011 earthquake. However, poor temporal resolution and uncertainties in the conventional geodetic data allow for other interpretations, including the possibility of multiple decadal transients during the interseismic period prior to the 1990s. Integration of our results with observations of vertical deformation and physical modeling of mechanical processes at the subduction zone is essential to better understand the tectonic as well as seismological implications of the observations.
Machine Learning Emulation of 3D Cloud Radiative Effects
Authors: Meyer David , Hogan Robin J. , Dueben Peter D. , Mason Shannon L.
Published: January 2022

The treatment of cloud structure in numerical weather and climate models is often greatly simplified to make them computationally affordable. Here we propose to correct the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts 1D radiation scheme ecRad for 3D cloud effects using computationally cheap neural networks. 3D cloud effects are learned as the difference between ecRad's fast 1D Tripleclouds solver that neglects them and its 3D SPARTACUS (SPeedy Algorithm for Radiative TrAnsfer through CloUd Sides) solver that includes them but is about five times more computationally expensive. With typical errors between 20% and 30% of the 3D signal, neural networks improve Tripleclouds' accuracy for about 1% increase in runtime. Thus, rather than emulating the whole of SPARTACUS, we keep Tripleclouds unchanged for cloud‐free parts of the atmosphere and 3D‐correct it elsewhere. The focus on the comparably small 3D correction instead of the entire signal allows us to improve predictions significantly if we assume a similar signal‐to‐noise ratio for both.
Modeling of Drying‐Induced Soil Curling Phenomenon
Authors: Lin Zhu‐Yuan , Tang Chao‐Sheng , Yang Zhan‐Ming , Wang Yi‐Shu , Cheng Qing , Shi Bin
Published: January 2022

Drying‐induced soil curling is commonly observed in nature. In order to investigate the change of water distribution in soil caused by drying and curling, a series of drying tests is performed on thin soil layers in the laboratory. A discrete element model (DEM) is then proposed to simulate soil desiccation curling. The outermost particles are selected as the surface of the model to address the importance of surface evaporation. Moisture distribution change during drying is governed by both surface evaporation and moisture exchange between DEM particles. The results show that the model can capture the main features of the soil curling process from concave curling () to convex curling (). The model enables variation in moisture gradient during the drying process. The trend of the curling development obtained from the model agreed well with the laboratory observation. A newly exposed surfaces in the model can provide a more realistic moisture distribution and influence the curling behavior. Generally, the drying‐induced soil curling process and extent are associated with the change in moisture gradient along the depth. The movement of tensile stress concentration change from the upper layer in the early drying stage to the lower part of the sample in the late drying stage is the intrinsic mechanical factor responsible for the initial concave curling deformation and the subsequent fallback and convex curling phenomenon. Curling deformation in the present model is compared with other existing explanations on desiccation curling. The influences of evaporation rate and hydraulic conductivity on the model performance were also discussed. It is found that a higher evaporation rate and a lower hydraulic conductivity would result in a higher extent of curling during drying.
Extracellular vesicles in ovarian cancer chemoresistance, metastasis, and immune evasion
Authors: Tian Wanjia , Lei Ningjing , Zhou Junying , Chen Mengyu , Guo Ruixia , Qin Bo , Li Yong , Chang Lei
Published: January 2022

Chemoresistance and metastasis are the major challenges for the current ovarian cancer treatment. Understanding the mechanisms of ovarian cancer progression and metastasis is critically important for developing novel therapies. The advances in extracellular vesicles (EVs) research in recent years have attracted extensive attention. EVs contain a variety of proteins, RNAs, DNAs, and metabolites. Accumulating evidence indicates that ovarian cancer cells secrete a large amount of EVs, playing an important role in tumor progression and recurrence. In the microenvironment of ovarian tumor, EVs participate in the information transmission between stromal cells and immune cells, promoting the immune escape of ovarian cancer cells and facilitating cancer metastasis. Here, we review the recent advances of EVs in chemoresistance, mechanisms of metastasis, and immune evasion of ovarian cancer. Furthermore, we also discuss the challenges of EV research and future application of EVs as promising biomarker sources in response to therapy and in therapy-delivery approaches for ovarian cancer patients.
The breast pre-cancer atlas illustrates the molecular and micro-environmental diversity of ductal carcinoma in situ
Authors: Nachmanson Daniela , Officer Adam , Mori Hidetoshi , Gordon Jonathan , Evans Mark F. , Steward Joseph , Yao Huazhen , O’Keefe Thomas , Hasteh Farnaz , Stein Gary S. , Jepsen Kristen , Weaver Donald L. , Hirst Gillian L. , Sprague Brian L. , Esserman Laura J. , Borowsky Alexander D. , Stein Janet L. , Harismendy Olivier
Published: January 2022

Microenvironmental and molecular factors mediating the progression of Breast Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) are not well understood, impeding the development of prevention strategies and the safe testing of treatment de-escalation. We addressed methodological barriers and characterized the mutational, transcriptional, histological, and microenvironmental landscape across 85 multiple microdissected regions from 39 cases. Most somatic alterations, including whole-genome duplications, were clonal, but genetic divergence increased with physical distance. Phenotypic and subtype heterogeneity was frequently associated with underlying genetic heterogeneity and regions with low-risk features preceded those with high-risk features according to the inferred phylogeny. B- and T-lymphocytes spatial analysis identified three immune states, including an epithelial excluded state located preferentially at DCIS regions, and characterized by histological and molecular features of immune escape, independently from molecular subtypes. Such breast pre-cancer atlas with uniquely integrated observations will help scope future expansion studies and build finer models of outcomes and progression risk.
Stem-like breast cancer cells in the activated state resist genetic stress via TGFBI-ZEB1
Authors: Sun Qi , Wang Yufen , Officer Adam , Pecknold Brianna , Lee Garrett , Harismendy Olivier , Desgrosellier Jay S.
Published: January 2022

Breast cancer cells with stem-like properties are critical for tumor progression, yet much about these cells remains unknown. Here, we characterize a population of stem-like breast cancer cells expressing the integrin αvβ3 as transcriptionally related to activated stem/basal cells in the normal human mammary gland. An unbiased functional screen of genes unique to these cells identified the matrix protein TGFBI (BIG-H3) and the transcription factor ZEB1 as necessary for tumorsphere formation. Surprisingly, these genes were not required for cell proliferation or survival, but instead maintained chromosomal stability. Consistent with this finding, CRISPR deletion of either gene synergized with PARP inhibition to deplete αvβ3+ stem-like cells, which are normally resistant to this therapy. Our findings highlight a critical role for TGFBI-ZEB1 protection against genetic stress as a key attribute of activated stem-like cells and suggest that disrupting this ability may enhance their “BRCAness” by increasing sensitivity to PARP inhibitors.
Similar neuronal imprint and no cross-seeded fibrils in α-synuclein aggregates from MSA and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Laferrière Florent , Claverol Stéphane , Bezard Erwan , De Giorgi Francesca , Ichas François
Published: January 2022

Aggregated alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is a principal constituent of Lewy bodies (LBs) and glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) observed respectively inside neurons in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and oligodendrocytes in multiple system atrophy (MSA). Yet, the cellular origin, the pathophysiological role, and the mechanism of formation of these inclusions bodies (IBs) remain to be elucidated. It has recently been proposed that α-syn IBs eventually cause the demise of the host cell by virtue of the cumulative sequestration of partner proteins and organelles. In particular, the hypothesis of a local cross-seeding of other fibrillization-prone proteins like tau or TDP-43 has also been put forward. We submitted sarkosyl-insoluble extracts of post-mortem brain tissue from PD, MSA and control subjects to a comparative proteomic analysis to address these points. Our studies indicate that: (i) α-syn is by far the most enriched protein in PD and MSA extracts compared to controls; (ii) PD and MSA extracts share a striking overlap of their sarkosyl-insoluble proteomes, consisting of a vast majority of mitochondrial and neuronal synaptic proteins, and (iii) other fibrillization-prone protein candidates possibly cross-seeded by α-syn are neither found in PD nor MSA extracts. Thus, our results (i) support the idea that pre-assembled building blocks originating in neurons serve to the formation of GCIs in MSA, (ii) show no sign of amyloid cross-seeding in either synucleinopathy, and (iii) point to the sequestration of mitochondria and of neuronal synaptic components in both LBs and GCIs.
Fishing activity before closure, during closure, and after reopening of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument
Authors: Lynham John
Published: January 2022

Evaluation of the economic impacts of marine protected areas is hampered by the fact that it is impossible to observe what would have happened if the protected area had never been closed to fishing (the counterfactual). Catch reports and vessel tracks are used to perform an analysis of the potential negative economic impacts of establishing the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument (located off the east coast of the United States of America) on three commercially important fisheries that were identified as having potential to be harmed. I conclude that there was little to no negative impact on any of the fisheries. I also test for, but find no evidence of, a Blue Paradox effect. Due to political factors largely unrelated to fisheries status, the protected area was reopened to commercial fishing on June 5th, 2020. I use this event, which was reversed sixteen months later, to test whether there were any economic benefits from reopening. I do not observe an increase in catch, a reduction in distance traveled, or an increase in relative fishing effort inside the protected area (compared to historical trends), consistent with the post-closure findings.
Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
Authors: Fan Guan , Jiang Zhiyuan , Li Jianling , Shi Liu , Gui Chun , Huang Rongjie
Published: January 2022

Hypertension (HTN) is getting more prevalent in China, but the HTN's status in Guangxi remains unclear. Our study started from 2013 to 2015 and was dedicated to better acknowledging the status of HTN in Guangxi. The study enrolled 17,100 residents aged ≥ 15 years across Guangxi, from 2013 to 2015, using a stratified multistage random sampling method. Parameters including blood pressure (BP), height, and weight were measured by validated devices. HTN was defined as the average systolic BP (SBP) ≥ 140 mm Hg and/or average diastolic BP (DBP) ≥ 90 mm Hg, or any usage of antihypertensive medications within two weeks. The awareness, treatment, and control were defined as a self-reported history of HTN, a self-reported current usage of antihypertensive medications, and a BP lower than 140/90 mm Hg, respectively. The age and sex-standardized prevalence, awareness, treatment, control rates of HTN for the population aged ≥ 15 years in Guangxi were 15.80%, 16.48%, 11.99%, 3.62%, respectively. Prevalence and control rates were the same for men and women (P > 0.05), while women’s awareness and treatment rates were higher than those of men (P < 0.05). Zhuang nationality had a higher prevalence than Han (23.50% vs. 20.35%, P < 0.001), while Han had higher awareness, treatment, control rates (37.39% vs. 31.22%, 30.59% vs. 22.37%, 8.99% vs. 4.55%, individually, P < 0.05). HTN was prevalent in Guangxi, while the awareness, treatment, control rates were adverse. Region-specific strategies to intervene in HTN were needed.
The impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy outcomes in a diverse cohort in England
Authors: Wilkinson Michael , Johnstone Edward D. , Simcox Louise E. , Myers Jenny E.
Published: January 2022

There is conflicting evidence regarding the effect of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in pregnancy. Risk factors for COVID-19 overlap with risk factors for pregnancy complications. We aimed to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnancy outcomes. A retrospective interrupted time-series and matched cohort analysis was performed. Singleton pregnancies completed between 1st January 2016 and 31st January 2021 were included. Trends in outcomes were analysed over time. Modelled COVID-19 transmission data were applied to deliveries since 1st January 2020 to assign a risk of COVID-19 to each pregnancy, and incorporated into a regression model of birthweight. Confirmed COVID-19 cases were matched to controls delivered in the pre-pandemic period, and maternal and neonatal outcomes compared. 43,802 pregnancies were included, with 8343 in the model of birthweight. There was no increase in the risk of stillbirth (p = 0.26) or neonatal death (p = 0.64) during the pandemic. There was no association between modelled COVID-19 attack rate (%) in any trimester and birthweight (first trimester p = 0.50, second p = 0.15, third p = 0.16). 214 COVID-positive women were matched to controls. Preterm birth was more common in symptomatic cases (14/62, 22.6%) compared to asymptomatic cases (9/109, 8.3%, p = 0.008) and controls (5/62, 8.1%, p = 0.025). Iatrogenic preterm birth was more common in cases (21/214, 9.8%) than controls (9/214, 4.2%, p = 0.02). All other examined outcomes were similar between groups. There was no significant impact of COVID-19 on the examined birth outcomes available. Symptomatic COVID-19 should be considered a risk factor for preterm birth, possibly due to an increase in iatrogenic deliveries for maternal indications.
Wide-angle broadband antireflection coatings based on boomerang-like alumina nanostructures in visible region
Authors: Omrani MirKazem , Malekmohammad Mohammad , Zabolian Hosein
Published: January 2022

A novel boomerang-like alumina based antireflective coating with ultra-low reflectance has been produced for light incidence angles form 0 up to 45°. Boomerang-like alumina nanostructures have been fabricated on the BK7 glass substrates by dip-coating and surface modification via hot water treatment. To achieve the lowest residual reflectance, the effect of dip-coating rate and hot-water temperature in the treatment process has been investigated and optimized. To further investigate the boomerang-like alumina nanostructure and extract its graded refractive index profile by fitting the measured reflectance spectrum with the simulated one, a simulation based on the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method has been performed. The average reflectance measured at normal incidence for double-sided coated BK7 glass substrates is only 0.3% in the visible spectral region. Considering both sides, the average reflectance of the substrate decreased in the spectral range of 400–700 nm down to 0.4% at incidence angles of 45° by applying the boomerang-like alumina antireflection coatings. The optimized single layer boomerang-like alumina coating on the curved aspheric lens exhibited a low average reflectance of less than 0.14% and an average transmittance of above 99.3% at normal incidence. The presented process is a simple and cost-effective route towards broadband and omnidirectional antireflection coatings, which have promising potential to be applied on substrates having large scales with complex geometric shapes.
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D deficiency is independently associated with cardiac valve calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kim Il Young , Ye Byung Min , Kim Min Jeong , Kim Seo Rin , Lee Dong Won , Kim Hyo Jin , Rhee Harin , Song Sang Heon , Seong Eun Young , Lee Soo Bong
Published: January 2022

Cardiac valve calcification is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Low vitamin D levels are associated with vascular calcification in CKD. However, the association between vitamin D levels and cardiac valve calcification is unknown. A total of 513 patients with pre-dialysis CKD were included in this cross-sectional study. Aortic valve calcification (AVC) and mitral valve calcification (MVC) were assessed using two-dimensional echocardiography. The associations between AVC and MVC and baseline variables were investigated using logistic regression analyses. In multivariable analysis, serum 1,25(OH)2D level was independently associated with AVC (odds ratio [OR], 0.87; P < 0.001) and MVC (OR, 0.92; P < 0.001). Additionally, age, diabetes, coronary heart disease, calcium × phosphate product, and intact parathyroid hormone levels were independently associated with AVC and MVC. Systolic blood pressure was independently associated with AVC. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the best cutoff values of serum 1,25(OH)2D levels for predicting AVC and MVC were ≤ 12.5 and ≤ 11.9 pg/dl, respectively. Serum 1,25(OH)2D deficiency is independently associated with AVC and MVC in patients with CKD, suggesting that serum 1,25(OH)2D level may be a potential biomarker of AVC and MVC in these patients.
Construction of integrative transcriptome to boost systematic exploration of Bougainvillea
Authors: Luo Qi , Chen Ziliang , Xu Tingting , Huang Dangzheng , Hou Haitao , Hong Chenjie , Zhan Fulin , Guo Hangqi , Lin Zhe , Guo Xiaoling , Chen Liang , Ji Zhi-Liang
Published: January 2022

Members of the genus Bougainvillea are rich sources of natural dyes, pigments, and traditional medicines. They are also commonly used as ornamentals in roadside landscape construction. However, the horticultural development of Bougainvillea flowers with extended growth periods and coloration is not always feasible. One reason is limited molecular knowledge and no genomic information for Bougainvillea. Here, we compiled an integrative transcriptome of all expressed transcripts for Bougainvillea × buttiana Miss Manila by integrating 20 Illumina-sequencing RNA transcriptomes. The integrative transcriptome consisted of 97,623 distinct transcripts. Of these, 47,006 were protein-coding, 31,109 were non-coding, and 19,508 were unannotated. In addition, we affirmed that the integrative transcriptome could serve as a surrogate reference to the genome in aiding accurate transcriptome assembly. For convenience, we curated the integrative transcriptome database for Bougainvillea, namely InTransBo, which can be freely accessed at http://www.bio-add.org/InTransBo/index.jsp. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the most comprehensive genomic resource for Bougainvillea up-to-date. The integrative transcriptome helps fill the genomic gap and elucidate the transcriptional nature of Bougainvillea. It may also advance progress in the precise regulation of flowering in horticulture. The same strategy can be readily applied toward the systematic exploration of other plant species lacking complete genomic information.
Co-occurring genomic alterations and immunotherapy efficacy in NSCLC
Authors: Zhang Fan , Wang Jinliang , Xu Yu , Cai Shangli , Li Tao , Wang Guoqiang , Li Chengcheng , Zhao Lei , Hu Yi
Published: January 2022

An oncogene-centric molecular classification paradigm in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been established. Of note, the heterogeneity within each oncogenic driver-defined subgroup may be captured by co-occurring mutations, which potentially impact response/resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We analyzed the data of 1745 NSCLCs and delineated the landscape of interaction effects of common co-mutations on ICI efficacy. Particularly in nonsquamous NSCLC, KRAS mutation remarkably interacted with its co-occurring mutations in TP53, STK11, PTPRD, RBM10, and ATM. Based on single mutation-based prediction models, adding interaction terms (referred to as inter-model) improved discriminative utilities in both training and validation sets. The scores of inter-models exhibited undifferentiated effectiveness regardless of tumor mutational burden and programmed death-ligand 1, and were identified as independent predictors for ICI benefit. Our work provides novel tools for patient selection and insights into NSCLC immunobiology, and highlights the advantage and necessity of considering interactions when developing prediction algorithms for cancer therapeutics.
Oral Processing of Dairy Products
Authors: Sala G. , Scholten E.
Published: January 2022

The composition and colloidal structure of the various types of dairy product are relatively homogeneous because they all consist of the same main building blocks: fat globules, casein micelles and aggregates thereof. However, their textures are different as a result of variations in the concentrations of these building blocks and the interactions among them. These differences in texture strongly affect the oral processing of dairy products: liquid dairy products, such as yogurt, remain in the mouth only briefly, whereas solid dairy products, such as cheese, require a larger effort to be transformed into a bolus that can be safely swallowed. This also means that the initial rheological and tribological properties of these foods have very different roles in their sensory appreciation. This chapter explains the oral processing of different dairy products on the basis of their specific composition, colloidal structure and texture. Although the material properties of some of these products can be directly linked to sensory perception, for others, the transformations occurring in the mouth and the rheological and tribological properties of the bolus must also be taken into consideration in explaining sensory perception.
Oral Processing of Bread
Authors: Gao Jing , Zhou Weibiao
Published: January 2022

Bread is one of the most studied food products in terms of oral processing and there has been a particular focus on understanding the link between the characteristics of bread and the sensory experience. The structure of bread determines its mechanical strength and deformation behaviour, which, in turn, control the perception of texture and swallowing thresholds. Structural–mechanical behaviour–oral processing is a systematic and effective approach to optimizing the design of bread products for specific sensory qualities. By tuning at the structural level, the mechanical properties of bread can be mapped with the comfortable chewing effort and preferred texture experience of different groups of consumers. Bread is heterogenous in nature. Its crumb and crust portions are distinctly different in their physicochemical and textural characteristics. It is therefore important to take both the crumb and crust portions into consideration in oral processing studies of bread. This chapter provides a summary of how the characteristics of bread affect oral processing, including chewing behaviour, bolus formation and texture, saltiness and aroma perception.
Engineered Gold Nanoparticles for Photothermal Applications
Authors: Jones Tabitha , Davison Gemma , Jeong Hyeon-Ho , Lee Tung-Chun
Published: January 2022

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) offer a plethora of unique physiochemical properties, which have led to their widespread popularity. Their ability to efficiently convert light into localized heat at the nanoscale is of particular interest. Recent advances in nanofabrication and chemical synthesis have resulted in an abundance of different Au NPs, ranging from homogeneous nanospheres to complex hybrid nanostructures. In this chapter, we present an overview of the state-of-the-art in thermoplasmonics research and propose a framework for gold nanostructures based on three fundamental structural dimensions (length scale, anisotropy, and complexity) for classifying and designing photothermal Au NPs. We also review representative examples of potential applications of thermoplasmonics in biomedicine, nanofabrication, solar steam generation, catalysis, thermophoresis, and functional materials.
Branched Metallic Nanocrystals: Synthesis, Properties, and Photothermal Applications
Authors: Tang Karen Yuanting , Heng Jerry Zhi Xiong , Win Khin Yin , Tee Si Yin , Li Zibiao , Ye Enyi
Published: January 2022

Branched metallic nanocrystals have an array of useful properties that can be customized through parameters like shape, size, and composition. In most cases, the shape or morphology of a metallic nanostructure plays the most critical role in determining its properties and suitability for certain applications. In recent years, there has been growing interest in using anisotropic metal nanostructures for photothermal applications. This has lead to greater development in their optical properties as well as synthetic methods that are non-toxic and biocompatible. In this book chapter, various traditional and modern synthetic methods to obtain metal nanostructures with branched morphologies will be discussed in detail. The properties of these materials will also be explored, with the focus on optical properties that lead to their photothermal applications. The recent developments of the photothermal applications are also reviewed. And lastly, an outlook on the research area is also presented.
Two-dimensional Nanomaterials and Hybrids
Authors: Yao X. , Guan G. , Han M. Y. , Li Z. , Ye E.
Published: January 2022

Benefiting from the remarkable developments of nanotechnology, a variety of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials (e.g., graphene, molybdenum disulfide, black phosphorous, and so on) and their nanohybrids have been readily produced in previous decades for their fascinating physicochemical properties and innovative applications in various fields. Very significantly, these 2D nanostructured materials have ultrathin thickness and thickness-dependent bandgaps to greatly absorb visible and infrared light for the subsequent generation of considerable heat (i.e., high-efficiency photothermal conversion), which has successfully been utilized in photothermal therapies for ablating tumor cells and pathogenic bacteria. In this chapter, typical 2D nanosystems with excellent photothermal properties are summarized, mainly focusing on the important advances achieved in the past five years. Furthermore, the merits and disadvantages of different types of 2D nanomaterials are discussed at the end of the chapter in terms of their potential for better photothermal applications in future developments.
Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) for Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Zhang Xue-Hao , Xu Yin-Sheng , Qiao Zeng-Ying , Wang Hao
Published: January 2022

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a new kind of porous material. Nano-COFs have a unique structure. They have the characteristics of high stability, adjustable channel structure, and excellent biocompatibility modularity. In addition to adsorption/separation, sensing, catalysis, and energy applications, COFs and their complexes have broad prospects as excellent photothermal therapy carriers in tumor therapy. In this chapter, we present the latest advances in photothermal therapy of cancer based on COFs and its complexes, in order to inspire researchers to make further contributions in this new and promising field.
Stapling of short cell-penetrating peptides for enhanced tumor cell-and-tissue dual-penetration
Authors: Shi Mengzhen , Jiang Zherui , Xiao Yao , Song Yue , Tang Rui , Zhang Ling , Huang Jianfeng , Tian Yuan , Zhou Shaobing
Published: January 2022

Structural reinforcement of short cationic cell penetrating peptides with aromatic cross-links promotes their tumor cell-and-tissue dual-penetration.
Azide–alkyne cycloadditions with an electronically activated alkyne: indole formationvia1-aryl-1,2,3-triazole-derived imino carbenes
Authors: Kachel Stephanie , Jayaraman Arumugam , Okorn Alexander , Krummenacher Ivo , Drescher Regina , Brunecker Carina , Fuchs Sonja , Heß Merlin , Stennett Tom E. , Braunschweig Holger
Published: January 2022

Unprecedented direct indole formation from the thermal reaction of an electron-rich alkyne with aryl azides has been discovered, involving triazole-derived imino carbenes.
Enantioselective reaction of N-cyano imines: decarboxylative Mannich-type reaction with malonic acid half thioesters
Authors: Oyamada Yusuke , Inaba Kazuto , Sasamori Takahiro , Nakamura Shuichi
Published: January 2022

The enantioselective Mannich-type reaction between N-cyano imines with malonic acid half thioesters (MAHTs) was accomplished by using a quinidine-derived chiral squaramide catalyst.
Magnetic properties of coordination clusters with {Mn4} and {Co4} antiferromagnetic cores
Authors: Achilli Simona , Besson Claire , He Xu , Ordejón Pablo , Meyer Carola , Zanolli Zeila
Published: January 2022

Tailoring magnetic properties of antiferromagnetic coordination clusters by changing the inner core.
Origin of the different degradation mechanisms of LNCM and LNCA cathodes in Li-ion batteries
Authors: Kim Yongseon
Published: January 2022

Origin of the different degradation mechanisms of LNCM and LNCA cathodes in Li-ion batteries is investigated.
Revisiting the plasmon radiation damping of gold nanorods
Authors: Yang Yanhe , Xie Hao , You Jian , Ye Weixiang
Published: January 2022

To get a deeper knowledge about the radiation damping of noble metal nanoparticles, we have investigated the radiation damping of particle plasmons in single gold nanorods and derived an analytical formula describing the radiation damping. We have shown that experimental data of radiation damping follows quite well the trend predicted by our theory.
Separation of bio-based glucaric acid via antisolvent crystallization and azeotropic drying
Authors: Choi Hoon , Soland Nathan E. , Buss Bonnie L. , Honeycutt Nora C. , Tomashek Emily G. , Haugen Stefan J. , Ramirez Kelsey J. , Miscall Joel , Tan Eric C. D. , Smith Tyler N. , Saboe Patrick O. , Karp Eric M.
Published: January 2022

A downstream process was developed for producing pure monopotassium glucarate and crystalline glucaric acid from a fermentation broth.
Intrinsic carbon nanotube liquid crystalline elastomer photoactuators for high-definition biomechanics
Authors: Zhang Juzhong , Sun Dandan , Zhang Bin , Sun Qingqing , Zhang Yang , Liu Shuiren , Wang Yaming , Liu Chuntai , Chen Jinzhou , Chen Jingbo , Song Yanlin , Liu Xuying
Published: January 2022

A facile strategy was proposed to prepare intrinsically-photoresponsive elastomer that simultaneously exhibited excellent mechanical toughness, stability and photoresponse. Some high-definition biomechanical applications were successfully demonstrated.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using green tea leaf extract, characterization and evaluation of antimicrobial activity
Authors: Widatalla Hiba Abbas , Yassin Layla Fathi , Alrasheid Ayat Ahmed , Rahman Ahmed Shimaa Abdel , Widdatallah Marvit Osman , Eltilib Sahar Hussein , Mohamed Alaa Abdulmoneim
Published: January 2022

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using green tea leaf extract and were characterized using different analytical techniques. The synthesized nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella spp.
Chimeric nanoparticles for targeting mitochondria in cancer cells
Authors: Bajpai Aman , Desai Nakshi Nayan , Pandey Shalini , Shukla Chinmayee , Datta Bhaskar , Basu Sudipta
Published: January 2022

Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in myriad diseases, including cancer.
A binder jet 3D printed MXene composite for strain sensing and energy storage application
Authors: Li Terek , Chen Tianhao , Shen Xuechen , Shi HaoTian Harvey , Jabari Elahe , Naguib Hani E.
Published: January 2022

For the first time we demonstrate a binder jet printed polymer composite with various end functionalities. MXene nanoparticles are formulated into an ink for printing. The printed part is used both as strain sensor and as capacitor.
Progress toward a biomimetic synthesis of pegaharmaline A
Authors: Liyu Jessica , Kim Shi-Wei , Söhnel Tilo , Sperry Jonathan
Published: January 2022

Efforts to validate the proposed biosynthesis of pegaharmaline A led to the formation of several new heteroaromatic scaffolds.
From nematic shells to nematic droplets: energetics and defect transitions
Authors: He Kunyun , Zhou Ye , Ramezani-Dakhel Hadi , de Pablo Juan J. , Fernandez-Nieves Alberto , Lopez-Leon Teresa
Published: January 2022

We investigate the defect transitions that occur when a nematic shell is transformed into a droplet. Two different scenarios are observed depending on the initial defect structure of the shell, including an abrupt expulsion of the shell inner droplet.
Assembling anisotropic colloids using curvature-mediated lipid sorting
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Singh Anupam , Del Secco Benedetta , Baranov Maksim V. , van den Bogaart Geert , Sacanna Stefano , Thutupalli Shashi
Published: January 2022

Anisotropic colloidal geometry is used to drive lipid sorting in multi-component membranes along the colloids, which are then exploited to create “shape-anisotropic patchy colloids” for directed self-assembly.
Fe doped NiS nanosheet arrays grown on carbon fiber paper for a highly efficient electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Wenrui , Zhao Haofei , Li Hao , Wang Rongming
Published: January 2022

The microstructure and electronic states of Fe–NiS@CFP are systematically investigated, and it exhibits excellent OER catalytic performance.
An exopolysaccharide from Bacillus subtilis alleviates airway inflammatory responses via the NF-κB and STAT6 pathways in asthmatic mice
Authors: Zhang Lingxiu , Yi Huilan
Published: January 2022

Bacillus subtilis is an intestinal probiotic for immune homeostasis and its exopolysaccharide (EPS) is known to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the EPS (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) on airway inflammation in asthmatic mice. Our results showed that EPS treatment of asthmatic mice significantly alleviated pathological damage in the lungs, remarkably decreased the counts of total inflammatory cells including lymphocytes, and eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and reduced indexes of oxidative damage. Moreover, the expression of type II T-helper cell (Th2) cytokines (interleukin- (IL)4 and -5) subsequent to EPS treatment was found to be dramatically down-regulated in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, the EPS treatment reduced JAK1, STAT6 and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression in the lungs of asthmatic mice. Taken together, these results suggest that the EPS from B. subtilis alleviates asthmatic airway inflammation, which involves the reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the down-regulation of the STAT6 and NF-κB inflammatory pathways, which can further reduce Th2 cytokine expression and eosinophilic inflammation. Thus, our findings provide a potential mechanism through which the EPS mitigates asthma, suggesting that the EPS could be a potential source of an anti-asthmatic drug.
Perspectives on Support Material for Referrals to Cochlear Implantation Teams
Authors: Mashal Marjan , Au Agnes , Leigh Jaime , Távora-Vieira Dayse , Wedekind Andre , Pedley Karen , Swiderski Nina , Chester-Browne Ronel , Balke Caroline , Brew Jane , Arkcoll Anthea , Dahm Maria R. , Boisvert Isabelle
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

This study used a collaborative approach to explore the needs, barriers, and facilitators to developing cochlear implant referral information material that would be valuable for hard of hearing adults and referring audiologists.

Method:

During the development of a prototype referral aid to be used within the Australian context, a multistage qualitative study was conducted using a consultative process, informal and semistructured interviews, as well as online surveys. A deductive directed content analysis approach was applied to assess respondents' perspectives. A total of 106 participants (37 hard of hearing adults and 69 audiologists) were involved across the multiple phases of this study.

Results:

Referral practices for the evaluation of cochlear implantation candidacy in Australia are highly inconsistent, supporting the need to streamline referral information. The following facilitators were identified to support the development of referral material: appropriate content, perceived patient benefit, and objectivity. Areas for improvement related to the broadness of the content, impact on professional identity, and accessibility.

Conclusions:

Practical insight from patients and referrers can inform the development of patient-facing material related to cochlear implant referrals. Streamlining information used in educational material could alleviate confusion inherent to varied health literacy levels and support patients in making informed decisions related to pursuing, or not, cochlear implantation candidacy evaluation services.
Reinforcement learning cropping method based on comprehensive feature and aesthetics assessment
Authors: Zhang Yaqing , Li Xueming , Li Xuewei
Published: January 2022

Automatic image cropping can change the composition to improve the aesthetic quality of the images. Most of the existing automatic image cropping methods based on specific features need to generate a large number of candidate cropping windows. It is very time‐consuming and can only produce a limited aspect ratio results. In the face of these situations, a reinforcement learning cropping method based on comprehensive feature and aesthetics assessment is proposed. It does not need to produce a large number of candidate windows. Its gradually cropping mode is more in line with the process of image cropping by human. What is more, the proposed method takes the image aesthetic assessment into consideration. Experimental results show that the proposed method improves the cropping efficiency and achieves excellent cropping effect on the open Flickr Cropping Dataset and CUHK Image Cropping Dataset. The proposed method can overcome the shortages of existing methods.
Coronal magnetic field evolution over cycle 24
Authors: Chifu I. , Inhester B. , Wiegelmann T.
Published: January 2022

Context. The photospheric magnetic field vector is continuously derived from measurements, while reconstruction of the three-dimensional (3D) coronal magnetic field requires modelling with photospheric measurements as a boundary condition. For decades, the cycle variation of the magnetic field in the photosphere has been investigated. Until now, there has been no study of the evolution of the coronal magnetic flux in the corona or of the evolution of solar cycle magnetic free energy.

Aims. The aim of this paper is to analyze the temporal variation of the magnetic field and free magnetic energy in the solar corona for solar cycle 24 and the behavior of the magnetic field in the two hemispheres. We want to investigate whether or not we can obtain better estimates of the magnetic field at Earth using the nonlinear force-free field extrapolation method.

Methods. To model the magnetic field over cycle 24 we apply the nonlinear force-free field (NLFFF) optimization method to the entire set of the synoptic vector magnetic maps derived from observations made using the Heliospheric and Magnetic Imager (HMI) on board Solar Dynamic Observatory (SDO).

Results. From our results, we find that during solar cycle 24, the maximum of the Sun’s dynamics is different than the sunspot number (SSN) maximum peak. The major contribution to the total unsigned flux is provided by the flux coming from the magnetic field structures other than sunspots (MSOS) within latitudes of −30° and +30°. The magnetic flux variation during solar cycle 24 shows a different evolution in the corona than in the photosphere. We find a correlation value of 0.8 between the derived magnetic energy from our model and the flare energy index derived from observations. On average, cycle 24 had a higher number of sunspots in the northern hemisphere (NH) but stronger flux in the southern hemisphere (SH) which could more effectively reach the higher layers of the atmosphere. The coupling between the hemispheres increases with height. The strongest asymmetries in the unsigned magnetic flux are between the two SSN peaks.