bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase contrast imaging measurements and numerical simulations of turbulent density fluctuations in gas-fuelled ECRH discharges in Wendelstein 7-X
Authors: Bähner J.-P. , Alcusón J.A. , Hansen S.K. , von Stechow A. , Grulke O. , Windisch T. , Smith H.M. , Huang Z. , Edlund E.M. , Porkolab M. , Beurskens M.N.A. , Bozhenkov S.A. , Ford O.P. , Vanó L. , Langenberg A. , Pablant N. , Plunk G.G. , Bañón Navarro A. , Jenko F. ,   The W7-X Team
Published: June 2021

The fundamental nature of turbulent density fluctuations in standard Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) stellarator discharges is investigated experimentally via phase contrast imaging (PCI) in combination with gyrokinetic simulations with the code GENE. We find that density fluctuations are ion-temperature-gradient-driven and radially localised in the outer half of the plasma. It is shown that the line-integrated PCI measurements cover the right range of wavenumbers and a favourable toroidal and poloidal location to capture some of the strongest density fluctuations in W7-X. Due to the radial localisation of fluctuations, measured wavenumber–frequency spectra exhibit a dominant phase velocity, which can be related to the$\boldsymbol {E\times B}$rotation velocity at the radial position of a well in the neoclassical radial electric field. The match is robust against variations of heating power and line-integrated density, which is partly due to the localisation of fluctuations and partly due to effects of the radial gradient in the$\boldsymbol {E\times B}$velocity profile on the wavenumber–frequency spectrum. The latter effect is studied with a newly built synthetic PCI diagnostic and global gyrokinetic simulations with GENE-3D.
Matthew Lee Knowles, For Alan Turing. Ledger. Online performance, 17 February 2021.
Authors: McIlwrath James
Published: June 2021

Long-duration performances have been an interest of mine, since finding Morton Feldman's score for String Quartet No 2. Like, I believe, many readers of TEMPO, I enjoy the feeling of immersion in pieces such as Catherine Lamb's Prisma Interius IX, discussed in issue 289 of this publication, or James Week's Windfell, reviewed in issue 291. These works, as pleasurable as they are to listen to, also ask for particular endurance and concentration on the part of the performer.
The Temple Of Aphaia On Aegina: Further Thoughts On The Date Of The Reconstruction
Authors: Gill David W. J.
Published: June 2021

The publication of further ceramic material from the terrace fills surrounding the temple of Aphaia on Aegina brings into question the present date assigned to the reconstruction by the excavation team. The cumulative effect of black-figured, red-figured, and black-glossed pottery, as well as lamps and amphorae from the terrace fills, seems to indicate that the temple may be later than the Persian wars. Much of the late material finds parallels from contexts in the Athenian Agora which are usually thought, on the conventional chronology, to date from the time of the Persian wars. If the revised views of these contexts are taken into account, then the temple of Aphaia may have to be dated lower still.
Obesity and dietary fat influence dopamine neurotransmission: exploring the convergence of metabolic state, physiological stress, and inflammation on dopaminergic control of food intake
Authors: Wallace Conner W. , Fordahl Steve C.
Published: June 2021

The aim of this review is to explore how metabolic changes induced by diets high in saturated fat (HFD) affect nucleus accumbens (NAc) dopamine neurotransmission and food intake, and to explore how stress and inflammation influence this process. Recent evidence linked diet-induced obesity and HFD with reduced dopamine release and reuptake. Altered dopamine neurotransmission could disrupt satiety circuits between NAc dopamine terminals and projections to the hypothalamus. The NAc directs learning and motivated behaviours based on homeostatic needs and psychological states. Therefore, impaired dopaminergic responses to palatable food could contribute to weight gain by disrupting responses to food cues or stress, which impacts type and quantity of food consumed. Specifically, saturated fat promotes neuronal resistance to anorectic hormones and activation of immune cells that release proinflammatory cytokines. Insulin has been shown to regulate dopamine neurotransmission by enhancing satiety, but less is known about effects of diet-induced stress. Therefore, changes to dopamine signalling due to HFD warrant further examination to characterise crosstalk of cytokines with endocrine and neurotransmitter signals. A HFD promotes a proinflammatory environment that may disrupt neuronal endocrine function and dopamine signalling that could be exacerbated by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal and κ-opioid receptor stress systems. Together, these adaptive changes may dysregulate eating by changing NAc dopamine during hedonic versus homeostatic food intake. This could drive palatable food cravings during energy restriction and hinder weight loss. Understanding links between HFD and dopamine neurotransmission will inform treatment strategies for diet-induced obesity and identify molecular candidates for targeted therapeutics.
Expression of lncRNA TINCR in the placenta of patients with pre-eclampsia and its effect on the biological behaviours of trophoblasts
Authors: Qin Li , Yang Qin , Fei Zhiyi , Zhang Dandan
Published: June 2021

To explore the effect of lncRNA TINCR on the biological behaviours of trophoblasts, we detected and analyzed the expression of terminal differentiation-induced non-protein coding RNA (TINCR) in the placenta tissues of pre-eclamptic and non-pre-eclamptic pregnant women. The gain- and loss-of-function of TINCR was performed to examine the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of Htr-8/Svneo cells. The levels of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins, cyclin and Wnt/β-catenin pathway were detected. High expression of lncRNA TINCR appeared in placental tissues of patients with pre-eclampsia. The proliferation, invasion and migration of Htr-8/Svneo cells were promoted by TINCR downregulation; the cells were transited from G0/G1 to S phase; and EMT was promoted and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was activated. In summary, the downregulation of lncRNA TINCR activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and promoted the proliferation, invasion and migration of Htr-8/Svneo cells. This study may provide a theoretical basis for treatment of patients with pre-eclampsia.
Nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratios of 1PN and 2PN zygotes after in vitro fertilization of mouse oocytes
Authors: Okajima Natsumi , Xiao Wei , Lopata Alex , Sankai Tadashi , Yasmin Lubna , Nagai Yasushi , Okamoto Ryota , Tasaki Hidetaka , Otsuki Junko
Published: June 2021

Numerous studies have reported comparisons of the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic (NC) ratio during mitosis. However, little information is known about how the pronuclear size is regulated and determined at the end of meiosis II in mammalian zygotes. The present study aims to analyze the NC ratio of female and male pronuclei, and also to compare the size of single pronuclei using photographs that were obtained during experiments to create chimeric hermaphrodites from 2-cell oocytes. The volume of both the female and the male pronucleus was found to correlate with the volume of the oocyte cytoplasm. The NC ratio of the male pronucleus was greater than that of the female pronucleus. The NC ratio of the average volume of the female and male pronuclei was greater than the NC ratio of the mononucleate oocytes. The occurrence of 1PN oocytes was significantly higher when the volume of cytoplasm was lower than the cut-off value. These results indicated that the NC ratio is retained during pronuclear formation. A higher NC ratio in male compared with the female pronucleus indicated structural and/or molecular difference between the two pronuclei. 1PN formation may occur when sperm enters close to the MII spindle.
Improved efficiencies in the generation of multigene-modified pigs by recloning and using sows as the recipient
Authors: Cho Jongki , Kim Ghangyong , Qamar Ahmad Yar , Fang Xun , Roy Pantu Kumar , Tanga Bereket Molla , Bang Seonggyu , Kim Jong Keun , Galli Cesare , Perota Andrea , Kim Young Tae , Che Jeong-Hwan , Park Chung-Gyu
Published: June 2021

This study was performed to improve production efficiency at the level of recipient pig and donor nuclei of transgenic cloned pigs used for xenotransplantation. To generate transgenic pigs, human endothelial protein C receptor (hEPCR) and human thrombomodulin (hTM) genes were introduced using the F2A expression vector into GalT–/–/hCD55+ porcine neonatal ear fibroblasts used as donor cells and cloned embryos were transferred to the sows and gilts. Cloned fetal kidney cells were also used as donor cells for recloning to increase production efficiency. Pregnancy and parturition rates after embryo transfer and preimplantation developmental competence were compared between cloned embryos derived from adult and fetal cells. Significantly higher parturition rates were shown in the group of sows (50.0 vs. 4.1%), natural oestrus (20.8 vs. 0%), and ovulated ovary (16.7 vs. 5.6%) compared with gilt, induced and non-ovulated, respectively (P < 0.05). When using gilts as recipients, final parturitions occurred in only the fetal cell groups and significantly higher blastocyst rates (15.1% vs. 21.3%) were seen (P < 0.05). Additionally, gene expression levels related to pluripotency were significantly higher in the fetal cell group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, sows can be recommended as recipients due to their higher efficiency in the generation of transgenic cloned pigs and cloned fetal cells also can be recommended as donor cells through correct nuclear reprogramming.
A survey evaluating the spatial and temporal distribution of horseweed (Conyza canadensis) late season in Ohio soybean fields from 2013 to 2017
Authors: Essman Alyssa I. , Loux Mark M. , Lindsey Alexander J. , Ackley Bruce A. , Regnier Emilie E.
Published: June 2021

On-site surveys of weed populations provide information on the relative occurrence and density of weeds that can be useful to growers in that region. Data generated by weed surveys can aid in the management of weed issues by monitoring the movement of problem weeds and forecasting areas susceptible to infestations. Currently, on-site surveys are often performed on a small scale, within single fields or counties. Questionnaire surveys are helpful for assessing relative abundance but do not always provide detailed information on weed distribution in time or space. A survey was conducted annually in Ohio from 2013 through 2017 in 49 counties with soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] production to assess the late-season occurrence of horseweed [Conyza canadensis(L.) Cronquist]. The objectives of this research were to: (1) determine the frequency, level of infestation, and distribution ofC. canadensisin soybean fields in the primary soybean-producing Ohio counties over 5 yr; and (2) identify significant spatial clusters or movement trends over time.Conyza canadensiswas encountered in each county from 2013 through 2017. Spatial cores of interest, or counties identified as having significant levels ofC. canadensisinfestations or a lack thereof relative to surrounding counties, were identified in all years except 2017. The lowest frequency ofC. canadensisencountered at all rating levels occurred in 2017, which coincided with second-highest frequency of infestations (highest density level) among years. There was no distinct distribution or pattern ofC. canadensismovement within the state from year to year, but there was an increase in counties with infestations over time compared with the early years of the survey when many counties had few to no infestations. These results suggest thatC. canadensispersists as a common and troublesome threat to Ohio soybean producers and that growers should continue makingC. canadensismanagement a priority when developing weed control programs.
DICE and the Carbon Budget for Ambitious Climate Targets
Authors: Azar Christian , Johansson Daniel J. A.
Published: June 2021

The Dynamic Integrated Climate‐Economy (DICE) model is one of the most influential Integrated Assessment Models available. Its founder Professor William Nordhaus was recently awarded Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel due to his pioneering work on the economics of climate change. In a recent paper in American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, Nordhaus uses the model to conclude that a 2.5°C target is almost out of reach. In this paper, we update DICE 2016 R2 with state‐of‐the‐art models of the carbon cycle, heat uptake into the oceans, and the role of non‐CO2 forcers. We find that the allowable remaining carbon budget (over the period 2015–2100) to meet a 2.5°C target to be 2,360 GtCO2 whereas the estimate obtained using DICE 2016 R2 is about 460 GtCO2. Nordhaus's estimate of the remaining carbon budget for this target is hence five times lower than estimates made by our updated DICE. We also compare our results with estimates by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and find our results to be in line with the carbon budgets presented in IPCC SR 1.5. We explain the reasons behind the difference between our result and that of Nordhaus and propose that an updated climate module in DICE is warranted.
Dilatancy and Compaction of a Rate‐and‐State Fault in a Poroelastic Medium: Linearized Stability Analysis
Authors: Heimisson Elías Rafn , Rudnicki John , Lapusta Nadia
Published: June 2021

Faults in the crust at seismogenic depths are embedded in a fluid‐saturated, elastic, porous material. Slip on such faults may induce transient pore pressure changes through dilatancy or compaction of the gouge or host rock. However, the poroelastic nature of the crust and the full coupling of inelastic gouge processes and the host rock have been largely neglected in previous analyses. Here, we present a linearized stability analysis of a rate‐and‐state fault at steady‐state sliding in a fully‐coupled poroelastic solid under in‐plane and anti‐plane sliding. We further account for dilatancy of the shear zone and the associated pore pressure changes in an averaged sense. We derive the continuum equivalent of the analysis by Segall and Rice (1995, https://doi.org/10.1029/95jb02403), and highlight a new parameter regime where dilatancy stabilization can act in a highly diffusive solid. Such stabilization is permitted since the time scale of flux through the shear zone and diffusion into the bulk can be very different. A novel aspect of this study involves analyzing the mechanical expansion of the shear layer causing fault‐normal displacements, which we describe by a mass balance of the solid constituent of the gouge. This effect gives rise to a universal stabilization mechanism in both drained and undrained limits. The importance of the mechanism scales with shear‐zone thickness and it is significant for wider shear zones exceeding approximately 1 cm. We hypothesize that this stabilization mechanism may alter and delay an ongoing shear localization process.
Multiple myeloma following an episode of community acquired pneumococcal bacteraemia or meningitis
Authors: GREGERSEN HENRIK , PEDERSEN GITTE , SVENDSEN NICOLAJ , THULSTRUP ANE MARIE , SØRENSEN HENRIK TOFT , CARL SCHØNHEYDER HENRIK
Published: June 2021

The risk of multiple myeloma subsequent to an episode of serious pneumococcal infection has not been ascertained. We identified 328 episodes of community‐acquired pneumococcal bacteraemia and 77 episodes of pneumococcal meningitis in 227,000 persons over 40 years of age in the County of North Jutland, Denmark, in the period 1981 to 1996. The incidence rate of a subsequent diagnosis of multiple myeloma was determined by linkage to the Danish Cancer Registry. During 1,218 patientyears of follow‐up in the bacteraemia cohort, 7 cases of multiple myeloma were diagnosed compared with 0.13 cases expected (standardized incidence ratio (SIR) 53.5, 95% confidence interval 21.4‐111.4). During 444 patient‐years of follow‐up in the meningitis cohort, 4 cases of multiple myeloma were diagnosed compared with 0.05 cases expected (SIR 83.2, 95% confidence interval 22.6‐214.8). Patients who survive an episode of community‐acquired pneumococcal bacteraemia or meningitis are at increased risk of being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, but the absolute risk is low.
Awareness of aerosol-related transmission of COVID-19 among the dentists of Nepal
Authors: Pandey Nashib , Basnet Buddha Bahadur , Koju Sushmit , Khapung Anju , Gupta Alka
Published: June 2021

Objective

To access the awareness of dental practitioners of Nepal towards COVID-19 transmission through aerosols.

Materials and methods

The study involved 384 dentists from all over Nepal and was conducted for a period of 3 months. A self-reported online questionnaire was developed using Google forms and the link was shared. It emphasized the awareness related to the aerosol and ventilation system in their daily practices was prepared. The data were analyzed in Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 software.

Results

The majority of participants were female 52.9% (n = 203) and within the age groups of <30 years 57% (n = 219). Participants from Bagmati Province were 60.4% (n = 232), with least from Sudurpaschim Province 0.5% (n = 2). 60% of participants provided only emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic and few (7%) provided consultations via telephone. The current ventilation system used was a well-ventilated room with open windows 65.4% (n = 251). However, 52.8% (n = 203) preferred specialized operatory incorporating high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and ultraviolet (UV) light. More than 60% of respondents were unaware of the particle size of the aerosol.

Conclusions

The obtained results signify the need for the proper ventilation system with appropriate air filtration systems in dental clinical setups.
Circ-0005105 activates COL11A1 by targeting miR-20a-3p to promote pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression
Authors: Ma Gang , Li Guichen , Fan Wufeng , Xu Yuanhong , Song Shaowei , Guo Kejian , Liu Zhe
Published: June 2021

Growing evidence indicates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are closely involved in tumorigenesis, but the association between circRNAs and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is far from clear. Here, we focused on the functional investigation of circ-0005105, a newly identified circRNA, in PDAC progression. In the present study, we assessed circ-0005105 expression in PDAC tissues and cell lines with quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The biological functions of circ-0005105 in cellular proliferation and invasion were identified through gain- and loss-of-function experiments in vitro and in vivo. The interaction between circ-0005105 and the microRNA (miR)-20a-3p–COL11A1 (collagen type XI alpha 1) axis was examined using luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. We found that circ-0005105 expression was upregulated in both PDAC tissues and cell lines. Higher circ-0005105 expression correlated positively with the malignant clinical phenotype and poor prognosis of patients with PDAC. Gain- and loss-of-function analysis showed that circ-0005105 facilitated both in vitro and in vivo cellular proliferation and invasion. Mechanistically, circ-000510 served as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-20a-3p and indirectly modulated COL11A1 expression, leading to activation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Rescue experiments suggested that the oncogenic activity of circ-0005105 was dependent on the modulation of the miR-20a-3p–COL11A1 axis. More importantly, COL11A1 overexpression was significantly associated with poor prognosis in PDAC, and silencing COL11A1 reduced PDAC cell tumorigenicity and metastasis. Taken together, our findings confirm for the first time that circ-0005105 has critical functions by regulating the miR-20a-3p–COL11A1 axis. In the clinic, circ-0005105 can act as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target in PDAC.
Composite risk and benefit from adjuvant dose-dense chemotherapy in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
Authors: Puglisi Fabio , Gerratana Lorenzo , Lambertini Matteo , Ceppi Marcello , Boni Luca , Montemurro Filippo , Russo Stefania , Bighin Claudia , De Laurentiis Michelino , Giuliano Mario , Bisagni Giancarlo , Durando Antonio , Turletti Anna , Garrone Ornella , Ardizzoni Andrea , Gamucci Teresa , Colantuoni Giuseppe , Gravina Adriano , De Placido Sabino , Cognetti Francesco , Del Mastro Lucia
Published: June 2021

The GIM2 phase III trial demonstrated the benefit of dose-dense chemotherapy in node-positive early breast cancer (eBC). To better define the dose-dense effect in the hormone receptor-positive subgroup, we evaluated its benefit through a composite measure of recurrence risk. We conducted an ancillary analysis of the GIM2 trial evaluating the absolute treatment effect through a composite measure of recurrence risk (CPRS) in patients with hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative eBC. CPRS was estimated through Cox proportional hazards models applied to the different clinicopathological features. The treatment effect was compared to the values of CPRS by using the Sub-population Treatment Effect Pattern Plot (STEPP) process. The Disease-Free Survival (DFS)-oriented STEPP analysis showed distinct patterns of relative treatment effect with respect to CPRS. Overall, 5-year DFS differed across CPRS quartiles ranging from 95.2 to 66.4%. Each CPRS quartile was characterized by a different patients’ composition, especially for age, lymph node involvement, tumor size, estrogen and progesterone receptor expression, and Ki-67. A number needed to treat of 154 and 6 was associated with the lowest and the highest CPRS quartile, respectively. Dose-dense adjuvant chemotherapy showed a consistent benefit in node-positive eBC patients with hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative disease, but its effect varied according to CPRS.
Effectiveness of the Korean National Cancer Screening Program in reducing breast cancer mortality
Authors: Choi Eunji , Jun Jae Kwan , Suh Mina , Jung Kyu-Won , Park Boyoung , Lee Kyeongmin , Jung So-Youn , Lee Eun Sook , Choi Kui Son
Published: June 2021

High incidences of breast cancer (BC) are reported in Asian women in their forties, and it is not clear whether mammographic screening reduces mortality among them. This study evaluated the effect of BC screening on mortality in Korea. We conducted a nationwide prospective cohort study of women invited to the Korean National Cancer Screening Program (KNCSP) between 2002 and 2003 (N = 8,300,682), with data linkage to the Korea Central Cancer Registry and death certificates through 2014 and 2015, respectively. Exposure to mammographic screening was defined using a modified never/ever approach. The primary study outcome was adjusted mortality rate ratio (MRR) for BC among screened and non-screened women estimated by Poisson regression. An adjusted MRR for all cause-death other than BC was examined to account for selection bias in the cohort. BC incidence rates for screened and non-screened women were 84.41 and 82.88 per 100,000 women-years, respectively. BC mortality rates for screened and non-screened women were 5.81 and 13.43 per 100,000 women-years, respectively, with an adjusted MRR for BC of 0.43 (95% CI, 0.41−0.44). The adjusted MRR for all-cause death excluding BC was 0.52 (95% CI, 0.52−0.52). The greatest reduction in BC mortality was noted for women aged 45−54 years, and there was no observable reduction in mortality after the age of 70 years. In conclusion, the KNCSP has been effective in reducing BC mortality among Korean women aged 40−69 years.
Neutron optical test of completeness of quantum root-mean-square errors
Authors: Sponar Stephan , Danner Armin , Ozawa Masanao , Hasegawa Yuji
Published: June 2021

While in classical mechanics the mean error of a measurement is solely caused by the measuring process (or device), in quantum mechanics the operator-based nature of quantum measurements has to be considered in the error measure as well. One of the major problems in quantum physics has been to generalize the classical root-mean-square error to quantum measurements to obtain an error measure satisfying both soundness (to vanish for any accurate measurements) and completeness (to vanish only for accurate measurements). A noise-operator-based error measure has been commonly used for this purpose, but it has turned out incomplete. Recently, Ozawa proposed an improved definition for a noise-operator-based error measure to be both sound and complete. Here, we present a neutron optical demonstration for the completeness of the improved error measure for both projective (or sharp) as well as generalized (or unsharp) measurements.
Chemical profiling of DNA G-quadruplex-interacting proteins in live cells
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyun , Spiegel Jochen , Martínez Cuesta Sergio , Adhikari Santosh , Balasubramanian Shankar
Published: June 2021

DNA–protein interactions regulate critical biological processes. Identifying proteins that bind to specific, functional genomic loci is essential to understand the underlying regulatory mechanisms on a molecular level. Here we describe a co-binding-mediated protein profiling (CMPP) strategy to investigate the interactome of DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) in native chromatin. CMPP involves cell-permeable, functionalized G4-ligand probes that bind endogenous G4s and subsequently crosslink to co-binding G4-interacting proteins in situ. We first showed the robustness of CMPP by proximity labelling of a G4 binding protein in vitro. Employing this approach in live cells, we then identified hundreds of putative G4-interacting proteins from various functional classes. Next, we confirmed a high G4-binding affinity and selectivity for several newly discovered G4 interactors in vitro, and we validated direct G4 interactions for a functionally important candidate in cellular chromatin using an independent approach. Our studies provide a chemical strategy to map protein interactions of specific nucleic acid features in living cells.
High content genome-wide siRNA screen to investigate the coordination of cell size and RNA production
Authors: Müller Micha , Avar Merve , Heinzer Daniel , Emmenegger Marc , Aguzzi Adriano , Pelkmans Lucas , Berry Scott
Published: June 2021

Coordination of RNA abundance and production rate with cell size has been observed in diverse organisms and cell populations. However, how cells achieve such ‘scaling’ of transcription with size is unknown. Here we describe a genome-wide siRNA screen to identify regulators of global RNA production rates in HeLa cells. We quantify the single-cell RNA production rate using metabolic pulse-labelling of RNA and subsequent high-content imaging. Our quantitative, single-cell measurements of DNA, nascent RNA, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and total protein, as well as cell morphology and population-context, capture a detailed cellular phenotype. This allows us to account for changes in cell size and cell-cycle distribution (G1/S/G2) in perturbation conditions, which indirectly affect global RNA production. We also take advantage of the subcellular information to distinguish between nascent RNA localised in the nucleolus and nucleoplasm, to approximate ribosomal and non-ribosomal RNA contributions to perturbation phenotypes. Perturbations uncovered through this screen provide a resource for exploring the mechanisms of regulation of global RNA metabolism and its coordination with cellular states.
A dataset of daily ambulatory psychological and physiological recording for emotion research
Authors: Shui Xinyu , Zhang Mi , Li Zhuoran , Hu Xin , Wang Fei , Zhang Dan
Published: June 2021

To better understand the psychological and physiological basis of human emotion, increasing interest has been drawn towards ambulatory recordings of emotion-related data beyond the laboratories. By employing smartphones-based ambulatory assessment and wrist-worn physiological recording devices, the Daily Ambulatory Psychological and Physiological recording for Emotion Research (DAPPER) dataset provides momentary self-reports and physiological data of people’s emotional experiences in their daily life. The dataset consists of ambulatory psychological recordings from 142 participants and physiological recordings from 88 of them over five days. Both the experience sampling method (ESM) and the day reconstruction method (DRM) were employed to have a comprehensive description of the participants’ daily emotional experiences. Heart rate, galvanic skin response, and three-axis acceleration were recorded during the day time. By including multiple types of physiological and self-report data at a scale of five days with 100+ participants, the present dataset is expected to promote emotion researches in real-life, daily settings.
Acquisition of novel ball-related skills associated with sports experience
Authors: Sekiguchi Hirofumi , Yamanaka Kentaro , Takeuchi Shigeki , Futatsubashi Genki , Kadota Hiroshi , Miyazaki Makoto , Nakazawa Kimitaka
Published: June 2021

Some individuals can quickly acquire novel motor skills, while others take longer. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between neurophysiological state, sports experience, and novel ball-related skill acquisition. We enrolled 28 healthy collegiate participants. The participants’ neurophysiological data (input–output curve of the corticospinal tract) were recorded through transcranial magnetic stimulation. Subsequently, the participants performed a novel motor task (unilateral two-ball juggling) on a different day, after which they reported their previous sports experience (types and years). We found that individuals with more years of experience in ball sports showed faster acquisition of novel ball-related skills. Further, this result was not limited to any single ball sport. Therefore, the acquisition of novel ball-related skills is associated with familiarity with a ball’s nature. Furthermore, gain of the corticospinal tract was negatively and positively correlated with the years of experience in primary ball and non-ball sports (implemented for the longest time in individuals), respectively. These results could be associated with the extent of proficiency in their primary sport. The chosen type of sports (e.g., ball or non-ball) could critically influence the future acquisition of novel motor skills. This study provides important insights regarding how to approach sports and physical activities.
Electrocatalytic performance of NiNH2BDC MOF based composites with rGO for methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Yaqoob Lubna , Noor Tayyaba , Iqbal Naseem , Nasir Habib , Mumtaz Asad
Published: June 2021

Present work comprehensively investigated the electrochemical response of Nickel-2 Aminoterephthalic acid Metal–Organic Framework (NiNH2BDC) and its reduced graphitic carbon (rGO) based hybrids for methanol (CH3OH) oxidation reaction (MOR) in an alkaline environment. In a thorough analysis of a solvothermally synthesized Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and its reduced graphitic carbon-based hybrids, functional groups detection was performed by FTIR, the morphological study by SEM, crystal structure analysis via XRD, and elemental analysis through XPS while electrochemical testing was accomplished by Chronoamperometry (CA), Cyclic Voltametric method (CV), Electrochemically Active Surface Area (EASA), Tafel slope (b), Electron Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Mass Activity, and roughness factor. Among all the fabricated composites, NiNH2BDC MOF/5 wt% rGO hybrid by possessing an auspicious current density (j) of 267.7 mA/cm2at 0.699 V (vs Hg/HgO), a Tafel slope value of 60.8 mV dec−1, EASA value of 15.7 cm2, and by exhibiting resistance of 13.26 Ω in a 3 M CH3OH/1 M NaOH solution displays grander electrocatalytic activity as compared to state-of-the-art platinum-based electrocatalysts.
Association between physical exercise and stroke recurrence among first-ever ischemic stroke survivors
Authors: Hou Lisha , Li Mier , Wang Ju , Li Yawen , Zheng Qianwen , Zhang Lu , Yao Qiang , Zhang Jing , Dong Shuju , Zhou Muke , Zhu Cairong
Published: June 2021

The relationship between exercise and stroke recurrence is controversial. This study was designed to test whether an association exists between exercise and ischemic stroke recurrence in first-ever ischemic stroke survivors. Data were collected from January 2010 to June 2016. Baseline information was obtained during face-to-face interviews, and follow-up phone interviews were conducted every 3 months. Exercise type, frequency, intensity, and duration were recorded. Discrete-time survival analysis was used to determine the relationship between exercise and stroke recurrence. 760 first-ever ischemic stroke survivors who were able to exercise were enrolled. After adjusting for covariates, patients who exercised 3.5–7 h per week and more than 7 h per week had a lower relapse risk than patients who did not exercise (3.5–7: OR 0.415; > 7: OR 0.356). Moreover, if the fluctuation of exercise duration was over 4 h, the patients had a higher risk of stroke recurrence than those with variability of less than 2 h (OR 2.153, P = 0.013). Stroke survivors who engage in long-term regular mild exercise (more than 5 sessions per week and lasting on average 40 min per session) have a lower recurrence rate. Irregular exercise increases the risk of stroke recurrence.
Exploring the chemical space of protein–protein interaction inhibitors through machine learning
Authors: Choi Jiwon , Yun Jun Seop , Song Hyeeun , Kim Nam Hee , Kim Hyun Sil , Yook Jong In
Published: June 2021

Although protein–protein interactions (PPIs) have emerged as the basis of potential new therapeutic approaches, targeting intracellular PPIs with small molecule inhibitors is conventionally considered highly challenging. Driven by increasing research efforts, success rates have increased significantly in recent years. In this study, we analyze the physicochemical properties of 9351 non-redundant inhibitors present in the iPPI-DB and TIMBAL databases to define a computational model for active compounds acting against PPI targets. Principle component analysis (PCA) and k-means clustering were used to identify plausible PPI targets in regions of interest in the active group in the chemical space between active and inactive iPPI compounds. Notably, the uniquely defined active group exhibited distinct differences in activity compared with other active compounds. These results demonstrate that active compounds with regions of interest in the chemical space may be expected to provide insights into potential PPI inhibitors for particular protein targets.
Prospective evaluation of interrater agreement between EEG technologists and neurophysiologists
Authors: Beuchat Isabelle , Alloussi Senubia , Reif Philipp S. , Sterlepper Nora , Rosenow Felix , Strzelczyk Adam
Published: June 2021

We aim to prospectively investigate, in a large and heterogeneous population, the electroencephalogram (EEG)-reading performances of EEG technologists. A total of 8 EEG technologists and 5 certified neurophysiologists independently analyzed 20-min EEG recordings. Interrater agreement (IRA) for predefined EEG pattern identification between EEG technologists and neurophysiologits was assessed using percentage of agreement (PA) and Gwet-AC1. Among 1528 EEG recordings, the PA [95% confidence interval] and interrater agreement (IRA, AC1) values were as follows: status epilepticus (SE) and seizures, 97% [96–98%], AC1 kappa = 0.97; interictal epileptiform discharges, 78% [76–80%], AC1 = 0.63; and conclusion dichotomized as “normal” versus “pathological”, 83.6% [82–86%], AC1 = 0.71. EEG technologists identified SE and seizures with 99% [98–99%] negative predictive value, whereas the positive predictive values (PPVs) were 48% [34–62%] and 35% [20–53%], respectively. The PPV for normal EEGs was 72% [68–76%]. SE and seizure detection were impaired in poorly cooperating patients (SE and seizures; p < 0.001), intubated and older patients (SE; p < 0.001), and confirmed epilepsy patients (seizures; p = 0.004). EEG technologists identified ictal features with few false negatives but high false positives, and identified normal EEGs with good PPV. The absence of ictal features reported by EEG technologists can be reassuring; however, EEG traces should be reviewed by neurophysiologists before taking action.
Genetic variability assessment of 127 Triticum turgidum L. accessions for mycorrhizal susceptibility-related traits detection
Authors: Ganugi Paola , Masoni Alberto , Sbrana Cristiana , Dell’Acqua Matteo , Pietramellara Giacomo , Benedettelli Stefano , Avio Luciano
Published: June 2021

Positive effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)—wheat plant symbiosis have been well discussed by research, while the actual role of the single wheat genotype in establishing this type of association is still poorly investigated. In this work, the genetic diversity of Triticum turgidum wheats was exploited to detect roots susceptibility to AMF and to identify genetic markers in linkage with chromosome regions involved in this symbiosis. A tetraploid wheat collection of 127 accessions was genotyped using 35K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and inoculated with the AMF species Funneliformis mosseae (F. mosseae) and Rhizoglomus irregulare (R. irregulare), and a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) was conducted. Six clusters of genetically related accessions were identified, showing a different mycorrhizal colonization among them. GWAS revealed four significant quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) involved in mycorrhizal symbiosis, located on chromosomes 1A, 2A, 2B and 6A. The results of this work enrich future breeding activities aimed at developing new grains on the basis of genetic diversity on low or high susceptibility to mycorrhization, and, possibly, maximizing the symbiotic effects.
Design and synthesis of a novel nanocomposite based on magnetic dopamine nanoparticles for purification of α-amylase from the bovine milk
Authors: Eivazzadeh-Keihan Reza , Dogari Haniyeh , Ahmadpour Farnoush , Aliabadi Hooman Aghamirza Moghim , Radinekiyan Fateme , Maleki Ali , Fard Leyla Saei , Tahmasebi Behnam , Mojdehi Maryam Faraj Pour , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a novel nanocomposite based on magnetic nanoparticles decorated by dopamine were reported. Three modified magnetic nanocomposites by dopamine were offered with different type of linkers. The mentioned magnetic nanocomposites were applied to separate α-amylase protein from fresh bovine milk. All of the magnetic nanocomposites were characterized and investigated by using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field-emission scanning microscope, X-ray diffraction pattern, and vibrating-sample magnetometer analyses. To investigate the purifying application, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, one-dimensional isoelectric focusing gel electrophoresis, and alpha-amylase activity assay were employed. With paying attention to factors such as yield of purification and concentration of separated protein by each of magnetic nanocomposite, it could be concluded that the length of linkers played an important role in α-amylase protein separation. According to the results, the best separation and purification of α-amylase protein with 49.83% recovery and 40.11-fold purification efficiency was related to longest length linker, 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether, because of considerable conjugation with nanocomposite. Also, docking calculation has shown that the binding energy is − 1.697 kcal/mol and ΔG = − 6.844 kcal/mol which result that the interaction process between dopamine and α-amylase protein is spontaneous.
Efficacy and safety of the application of extensive ablation in patients with atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia (a retrospective study)
Authors: Xu Guangze , Chen Zhikui , Lin Haiyan
Published: June 2021

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) has become the standard effective therapy for supraventricular tachycardia, but the reported success rates of ablation have differed across a large number of single-center studies. The main reason for tachycardia recurrence is accessory pathway (Ap)-mediated tachycardia, and the use of the RFCA strategy may be related to recurrence. This study compared the efficacy and safety of two different RFCA strategies for Ap-mediated tachycardia. We compared patients (group M) who underwent RFCA at multiple sites to patients (group S) who underwent RFCA at a single site during the index procedure for Ap-mediated tachycardia. The efficacy and safety were assessed in the two groups. Follow-up was conducted, and the main complications and the incidence of recurrence after RFCA procedures were recorded. Eight hundred eighty-two patients with 898 Aps were enrolled in group S, and 830 patients with 843 Aps were enrolled in group M. The cumulative number of recurrences (rates) in group M and group S at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th, and 24th months after ablation were 4 (0.5%) and 17 (1.9%), p < 0.05; 5 (0.6%) and 27 (3.0%), p < 0.05; 6 (0.7%) and 34 (3.8%), p < 0.05; 6 (0.7%) and 43 (4.8%), p < 0.05; and 7 (0.8%) and 45 (5.0%), p < 0.05, respectively. Complications of chest pain, overactive vasovagal reaction, steam pop, and angina pectoris were rare in both groups. One patient in group M suffered from myocardial infarction before extensive ablation. No valve damage, cardiac tamponade, or other serious adverse events occurred in either group. The extensive ablation strategy reduced the recurrence rate and the need for subsequent ablation of the Ap without increasing the risk of complications.
Validating the CHARMM36m protein force field with LJ-PME reveals altered hydrogen bonding dynamics under elevated pressures
Authors: Xu You , Huang Jing
Published: June 2021

The pressure-temperature phase diagram is important to our understanding of the physics of biomolecules. Compared to studies on temperature effects, studies of the pressure dependence of protein dynamic are rather limited. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with fine-tuned force fields (FFs) offer a powerful tool to explore the influence of thermodynamic conditions on proteins. Here we evaluate the transferability of the CHARMM36m (C36m) protein force field at varied pressures compared with NMR data using ubiquitin as a model protein. The pressure dependences of J couplings for hydrogen bonds and order parameters for internal motion are in good agreement with experiment. We demonstrate that the C36m FF combined with the Lennard-Jones particle-mesh Ewald (LJ-PME) method is suitable for simulations in a wide range of temperature and pressure. As the ubiquitin remains stable up to 2500 bar, we identify the mobility and stability of different hydrogen bonds in response to pressure. Based on those results, C36m is expected to be applied to more proteins in the future to further investigate protein dynamics under elevated pressures.
A hybrid nanozymes in situ oxygen supply synergistic photothermal/chemotherapy of cancer management
Authors: Zhu Xufeng , Chen Xu , Huo Dongliang , Cen Jieqiong , Jia Zhi , Liu Yanan , Liu Jie
Published: June 2021

Ru@MnO2 hybrid nanozymes catalyze H2O2 to produce oxygen to relieve tumor hypoxia, and then enhance photothermal therapy and chemotherapy.
Advances in super-resolution fluorescence microscopy for the study of nano–cell interactions
Authors: Chen Xi , Wang Yu , Zhang Xuewei , Liu Changsheng
Published: June 2021

The development of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy has overcome the resolution limit of conventional confocal microscopy (∼250 nm), enabling more comprehensive and accurate studies of the behavior of nanomaterials in the intracellular microenvironment.
Synthesis, structure, mobility and memristor properties of tetragonal CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite single crystals
Authors: Cui Jiawen , Fu Xuewei , Zhou Huawei , Yin Jie , Wu Mingxing , Zhang Xianxi
Published: June 2021

We synthesized T-MAPbBr3 SC with the P4/mmm (123) space group. The carrier types under light and dark conditions are holes and electrons, respectively. The memristor based on T-MAPbBr3 SC has a wide and low operating voltage window (0–0.9 V).
New phosphorescent iridium(iii) dipyrrinato complexes: synthesis, emission properties and their deep red to near-infrared OLEDs
Authors: Zhang Hongyang , Wang Haitao , Tanner Kevin , Schlachter Adrien , Chen Zhao , Harvey Pierre D. , Chen Shuming , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: June 2021

A resistance to the bathochromic shift was found in a series of Ir(iii) dipyrrinato phosphors, which show the deep red to near-infrared emissions, and their OLEDs afforded a peak EQE of 2.8%.
Hydrothermal synthesis of hexagonal YMnO3 and YbMnO3 below 250 °C
Authors: Marshall Kenneth P. , Eidem Sigurd O. , Småbråten Didrik R. , Selbach Sverre M. , Grande Tor , Einarsrud Mari-Ann
Published: June 2021

Impact of synthesis parameters on phase purity, microstructure and defect chemistry during the hydrothermal synthesis of h-YMnO3.
Building-up host–guest helicate motifs and chains: a magneto-structural study of new field-induced cobalt-based single-ion magnets
Authors: de Campos Nathália R. , Simosono Cintia A. , Landre Rosa Iara M. , da Silva Rafaela M. R. , Doriguetto Antônio C. , do Pim Walace D. , Gomes Simões Tatiana R. , Valdo Ana Karoline S. M. , Martins Felipe T. , Sarmiento Charlie V. , Nunes Wallace C. , Guedes Guilherme P. , Pedroso Emerson F. , Pereira Cynthia L. M. , Stumpf Humberto O. , Lloret Francesc , Julve Miguel , Marinho Maria Vanda
Published: June 2021

The slow diffusion method affords host–guest systems (1 and 2), while the stirring method results in chains (3 and 4) that behave as field-induced cobalt-based Single-Ion Magnets (SIMs).
Enhancing the thermoelectric properties of SnTe via introducing PbTe@C core–shell nanostructures
Authors: Zhang Jingwen , Li Song , Zhu Zhengyi , Wu Zhenwang , Zhang Jiuxing
Published: June 2021

Introducing 5 wt% amorphous carbon core–shell-coated PbTe nanoparticles in SnTe-based TE materials increases the ZT by approximately 30.3%.
Degradation of atrazine in the electrochemical LED-UV/Cl2 system: the role of ˙OH and Cl˙
Authors: Huang Ying , Li Yangyang , Kong Minghao , Dionysiou Dionysios D. , Lei Lecheng
Published: June 2021

EC/Cl2 can be effective for the degradation of contaminants that are at high C0 and quickly react with Cl˙, while UV-EC/Cl2 can generate ˙OH and reactive chlorine species to efficiently decompose organic contaminants in high-salinity wastewater.
Punicic acid ameliorates obesity and liver steatosis by regulating gut microbiota composition in mice
Authors: Yuan Gaofeng , Tan Meijuan , Chen Xiaoe
Published: June 2021

PUA could ameliorate obesity and liver steatosis in mice induced by HFD via regulating the gut microbiota composition.
Synthesis of IR-emitting HgTe quantum dots using an ionic liquid-based tellurium precursor
Authors: Mirzi Hassan , Fairclough Simon M. , Curry Richard J. , Haigh Sarah J. , Green Mark
Published: June 2021

In this communication, we highlight the use of an ionic liquid-based tellurium precursor in the synthesis of HgTe quantum dots.
Steric effects on the intramolecular charge transfer fluorescence of benzo[b]thiophene-1,1-dioxide bridged macrocages
Authors: Nobuhara Keita , Inagaki Yusuke , Setaka Wataru
Published: June 2021

Steric effects on ICT fluorescence were investigated. The Onsager radii for these BTO2s were increased in the following order: TMSBTO2, non-cage isomers, and caged BTO2s.
Phosphonodithioester-amine coupling in water: a fast reaction to modify the surface of liposomes
Authors: Khalil Montassar , Jeanne Dit Fouque Dany , Berchel Mathieu , Fraix Aurore , Dupont Aurélien , Sortino Salvatore , Memboeuf Antony , Jaffrès Paul-Alain
Published: June 2021

Phosphonodithioester-amine coupling (PAC) is a fast metal-free click reaction with a second order rate constant ofk≈ 8 × 102M−1s−1.
The effects of the chemical composition on the structural, thermodynamic, and mechanical properties of all-inorganic halide perovskites
Authors: Sánchez-Palencia Pablo , García Gregorio , Wahnón Perla , Palacios Pablo
Published: June 2021

A systematicab-initiostudy of all-inorganic perovskites with formula CsPb1−bSnb(I1−xBrx)3 has been performed, elucidating the connection of that composition with their structural, thermodynamics and mechanical properties.