bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive screening for congenital heart defects using a serum metabolomics approach
Authors: Troisi Jacopo , Cavallo Pierpaolo , Richards Sean , Symes Steven , Colucci Angelo , Sarno Laura , Landolfi Annamaria , Scala Giovanni , Adair David , Ciccone Carla , Maruotti Giuseppe M. , Martinelli Pasquale , Guida Maurizio
Published: January 2021

Objective

Heart anomalies represent nearly one‐third of all congenital anomalies. They are currently diagnosed using ultrasound. However, there is a strong need for a more accurate and less operator‐dependent screening method. Here we report a metabolomics characterization of maternal serum in order to describe a metabolomic fingerprint representative of heart congenital anomalies.

Methods

Metabolomic profiles were obtained from serum of 350 mothers (280 controls and 70 cases). Nine classification models were built and optimized. An ensemble model was built based on the results from the individual models.

Results

The ensemble machine learning model correctly classified all cases and controls. Malonic, 3‐hydroxybutyric and methyl glutaric acid, urea, androstenedione, fructose, tocopherol, leucine, and putrescine were determined as the most relevant metabolites in class separation.

Conclusion

The metabolomic signature of second trimester maternal serum from pregnancies affected by a fetal heart anomaly is quantifiably different from that of a normal pregnancy. Maternal serum metabolomics is a promising tool for the accurate and sensitive screening of such congenital defects. Moreover, the revelation of the associated metabolites and their respective biochemical pathways allows a better understanding of the overall pathophysiology of affected pregnancies.
SGLT‐2 inhibitors and the risk of hospitalization for community‐acquired pneumonia: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Brunetti Vanessa C. , Reynier Pauline , Azoulay Laurent , Yu Oriana Hoi Yun , Ernst Pierre , Platt Robert W. , Filion Kristian B.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2i) have been associated with an increased risk of genitourinary tract infections. Through similar biological mechanisms, they may also increase the risk of community‐acquired pneumonia. Our objective was to compare the rate of hospitalization for community‐acquired pneumonia (HCAP) with SGLT‐2i compared to dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4i) among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We used the United Kingdom's Clinical Practice Research Datalink Gold, linked to hospitalization data, to construct a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes. Using a time‐dependent Cox proportional hazards model, we estimated the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for HCAP with current use of SGLT‐2i versus DPP‐4i.

Results

Among 29 896 patients, 705 HCAPs occurred over a mean follow‐up of 1.7 years (SD: 1.2). Incidence rates for SGLT‐2i and DPP‐4i users were 6.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.7, 10.2) and 17.8 (95% CI: 15.3, 20.7) per 1000 person‐years, respectively. Current use of SGLT‐2i was associated with a decreased risk of HCAP compared to current use of DPP‐4i (adjusted HR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.82). However, a comparison of SGLT‐2i versus glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RA) found no difference in risk of HCAP (adjusted HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.44, 1.89).

Conclusions

SGLT‐2i are associated with a decreased rate of HCAP compared to DPP‐4i, but not when compared to GLP‐1 RA, among patients with type 2 diabetes.
Effect of surface treatment on roughness and bond strength of CAD‐CAM multidirectional glass fiber‐reinforced composite resin used for implant‐supported prostheses
Authors: Kürkçüoğlu Işın , Küçükeşmen Hakkı Cenker , Ozkir Serhat Emre , Yilmaz Burak
Published: January 2021

The study evaluated the effect of different surface treatments on the surface roughness of a new‐generation fiber‐reinforced CAD‐CAM composite resin (FRC) and its bond strength to veneered composite resin. Fifty specimens (10 mm × 10 mm × 1 mm) were prepared from FRC blocks (Trinia; Shofu) and embedded in acrylic resin. The specimens were divided into five groups (n = 10) for different surface treatments: nontreated (control), Al2O3 airborne particle abrasion, silica coating (Cojet), acid etching (H2SO4) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) application. Surface roughness (Ra) of the specimens was measured using a profilometer. A veneering composite resin (3 mm in diameter by 4 mm in length) was applied on the specimens. The shear bond strength between the FRC and the veneering resin was measured. A one‐way analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. The differences among the groups were analyzed with Dunn post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Surface treatments increased the surface roughness, and Al2O3 airborne particle abrasion resulted in the highest Ra value followed by H2SO4, Cojet, H2O2 and control group (P < 0.05). The highest shear bond strength was achieved with Al2O3 application (P < 0.05). Cojet and H2O2 applications resulted in higher shear bond strength than the control (P < 0.05). H2SO4 application resulted in lower bond strength than the control (P < 0.05). Surface treatments increased the surface roughness of FRC. Al2O3 and silica coating increased the surface roughness more than the chemical applications. The tested surface treatments can be used to increase the bond strength except for the H2SO4 application. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Maleimide‐acrylate copolymers with pendent catechols: platform for probing adhesion
Authors: Bartucci Matthew A , Savage Alice M , Flanagan David , Morgan Brian F , Beyer Frederick L , Radzinski Scott C , Orlicki Joshua A , Lenhart Joseph L
Published: January 2021

Considerable work has gone into the development of synthetic systems that mimic biological approaches to provide adhesion in a wide range of environments. The catechol group is a workhorse functional group for this approach, capable of promoting adhesion through a number of transient interactions and oxidation states. We previously reported the development of a family of acrylate‐maleimide‐catechol (PAM) copolymers that varied the side chain to govern thermal properties and polarity. Here, we have used aluminium adherends to study the performance of the PAM series in an adhesive application, employing different deposition techniques to access ‘true’ and plasticized Tgs for the material. The polarity and effective Tg of the polymers had little correlation with the observed strength of adhesion, although some conclusions could be drawn about the series based on postmortem analysis and morphology characterization, where side chain assembly led to some periodic organization of the films. Adhesive strength to the adherends was sufficient to overcome the strength of the PAM, leading to a cohesive failure mode. Overall, the study revealed the importance of processing conditions and conditioning in the evaluation of novel polymer compositions. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
One‐step production of polyelectrolyte nanoparticles
Authors: Vauthier Madeline , Serra Christophe Alexandre
Published: January 2021

Neutral polymeric nanoparticles have found many important applications in fields such as drug delivery, biosensing and environmental research. However, charged polymeric nanoparticles have not yet found such success mainly due to the multi‐step and time‐consuming conventional production route. An emulsification–evaporation method was described as a fast and reproducible way to obtain neutral polymeric nanosuspensions. We propose here, for the first time, to extend this method to the one‐step production of negatively charged polymeric nanoparticles. For this purpose, we compared different processes, namely sonication, shear mixing and elongational‐flow micromixing (μRMX), in order to produce polyelectrolyte nanoparticles (PNPs) of poly(styrene sulfonate). We found that only μRMX allowed the production of highly monodispersed PNPs. We also verified the decrease of nanoparticle size (from 300 to 150 nm) and polydispersity index by increasing the emulsification time and decreasing the polymer molecular weight. Finally, we observed and explained the causes of an unusual behavior: the sudden increase of PNP size after a given emulsification time when using μRMX. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Registration of ‘UA248’ cotton cultivar
Authors: Bourland Fred M. , Jones Don C.
Published: January 2021

‘UA248’ (Reg. no. CV‐145, PI 693756) is a conventional cultivar of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) that was released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in March 2020. In 2008, UA48 was crossed with Arkot 0016 with the goal of developing a line having fiber quality of UA48 but with improved yields and broadened adaptation. Over 5 yr of Arkansas tests, lint yields of UA248 were 10–15% higher than UA48 at four locations. Fiber quality of UA248 approaches that of UA48. In most tests, the fiber length, length uniformity, and strength of UA248 exceeded most entries except UA48. Micronaire of UA248 is comparable to DP 393 and finer than UA48. UA248 is an early maturity cultivar but matures slightly later than UA48. UA248 displays high resistance to bacterial blight and is equal to DP 393 in response to other diseases. UA248 combines fiber quality traits comparable to UA48 and enhanced yielding ability.
Registration of wheat germplasm originating from wide crosses with superior agronomic performance and disease resistance
Authors: Abugalieva A. I. , Savin T. V. , Kozhahmetov K. K. , Morgounov A. I.
Published: January 2021

Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing developed bread wheat lines through wide crosses with Aegilops cylindrica Host, Ae. triaristata Willd., Triticum timopheevii (Zhuk.) Zhuk., T. militinae Zhuk. & Migush., T. kiharae Dorof. & Migush., and T. dicoccum (Schrank) Schübl. The best lines went through a multilocational evaluation process and were included in the Facultative and Winter Wheat Observation Nursery and submitted to the USDA for registration. We identified nine superior lines for potential use in research and breeding. The registered winter wheat lines combine the following agronomic traits: ‘Bezostaya‐1’*2/Ae. cylyndrica (KAZ1718, Reg. no. GP‐1056, PI 690701) with resistance to stripe rust, common bunt, and powdery mildew, thicker roots, and long fertile spike; Bezostaya‐1/T. militinae‐6 (KAZ1721‐6, Reg. no. GP‐1057, PI 690702) with resistance to stripe rust and common bunt and superior grain quality; Bezostaya‐1/T. militinae‐4 (KAZ1721‐4, Reg. no. GP‐1058, PI 690703) with resistance to stripe rust and common bunt, longer roots, large grain, high yield, and superior grain quality; and ‘Zhetysu’/T. militinae (KAZ1671, Reg. no. GP‐1059, PI 690704) with resistance to powdery mildew and longer roots. Spring wheat lines combine the following characteristics: ‘Kazakhstanskaya‐25’/T. timopheevii‐1 (KAZ43, Reg. no. GP‐1051, PI 690709) is resistant to stripe rust, is moderately resistant to common bunt, and has longer roots and high grain yield; 6625/T. timopheevii‐2 (KAZ41, Reg. no. GP‐1055, PI 690707) and 6631/T. timopheevii (KAZ44, Reg. no. GP‐1052, PI 690710) are resistant to all rusts and have high grain yield; 6631/T. militinae (KAZ45, Reg. no. GP‐1053, PI 690711) is resistant to leaf and stem rust and has high protein content; and ‘Kazakhstansakaya‐10’/T. dicoccum (KAZ42, Reg. no. GP‐1054, PI 690708) is resistant to leaf and stem rust and common bunt, had the highest grain yield, and has superior bread‐making quality. All germplasm represent new genetic diversity for use in breeding.
Atmospheric‐pressure plasma actuators: Enhancement of the free charges' transport mechanism
Authors: Ricchiuto Anna Chiara , Borghi Carlo Angelo , Cristofolini Andrea , Neretti Gabriele
Published: January 2021

Charge particles can increase the biocidal efficacy of nonthermal plasmas in indirect treatments. The aim of this study is to increase the amount of free charges produced and delivered by a surface dielectric barrier discharge fluid‐dynamics actuator. Different linear actuators and supplying conditions have been considered. Actuators were utilized to produce an ionic wind impinging an insulating target surface. Charged particles' distribution over the target was measured with and without a metallic mesh between the actuator and target itself. Linear actuators have proven to be more effective in charge delivery with respect to an annular one previously studied by our research team. A two‐dimensional electrostatic finite‐element analysis has been carried out to get a better insight into this physical behavior.
Genome‐wide identification of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with malathion resistance in Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Meng Li‐Wei , Yuan Guo‐Rui , Chen Meng‐Ling , Dou Wei , Jing Tian‐Xing , Zheng Li‐Sha , Peng Meng‐Lan , Bai Wen‐Jie , Wang Jin‐Jun
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the regulation of biological processes and have been identified in many species including insects. However, the association between lncRNAs and pesticide resistance in insect species such as Bactrocera dorsalis is unknown.

RESULTS

RNA‐seq was performed on malathion resistant (MR1) and susceptible (MS) strains of B. dorsalis and a total of 6171 lncRNAs transcripts were identified. These included 3728 lincRNAs, 653 antisense lncRNAs, 1402 intronic lncRNAs, and 388 sense lncRNAs. A total of 40 and 52 upregulated lncRNAs were found in females and males of the MR1 strain compared to 54 and 49 in the same sexes of the MS strain, respectively. Twenty‐seven of these lncRNAs showed the same trend of expression in both females and males in the MR1 strain, in which 15 lncRNAs were upregulated and 12 were downregulated. RT‐qPCR results indicated that the differentially expressed lncRNAs were associated with malathion resistance. The lnc15010.10 and lnc3774.2 were highly expressed in the cuticle of the MR1 strain, indicating that these two lncRNAs may be related to malathion resistance. RNAi of lnc3774.2 and a bioassay showed that malathion resistance was possibly influenced by changes in the B. dorsalis cuticle.

CONCLUSION

LncRNAs of B. dorsalis potentially related to the malathion resistance were identified. Two lncRNAs appear to influence malathion resistance via modulating the structure, or components, of the cuticle. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Entomopathogenic nematodes for control of carrot weevil: efficacy and longevity in muck and mineral soils
Authors: Blatt Suzanne , McDonald Mary Ruth , Mlynarek Julia
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Carrot weevil is an important pest throughout carrot‐producing regions in Canada. Pesticides to control carrot weevil adults require application when the majority of adults have emerged and often this occurs after oviposition has already commenced and damage will be realized. One alternative to conventional pesticides are entomopathogenic nematodes. We studied four commercially available entomopathogenic nematode products (Steinernema feltiae, S. carpocapsae, S. kraussei and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) for efficacy against carrot weevil in Nova Scotia and Ontario carrot fields in 2017 and 2018. The longevity and infectivity of the products in fine sandy loam soil (Ontario) and sandy loam soil (Nova Scotia) were evaluated using Galleria mellonella larvae.

RESULTS

In Nova Scotia soils, only S. kraussei when applied twice, showed some efficacy to reduce damage from carrot weevil in 2017. In Ontario, an early application of H. bacteriophora and S. feltiae significantly reduced the percentage of carrots with weevil damage in 2018. Longevity and infectivity of S. carpocapsae and S. feltiae (against G. mellonella) was obtained up to 6 weeks post application in Nova Scotia in 2017. Similarly, S. feltiae showed infectivity up to 9 weeks post application in Ontario and Nova Scotia in 2018.

CONCLUSION

Entomopathogenic products showed an ability to survive and remain infective for up to 9 weeks in soils without irrigation. Timing of application to effect control of carrot weevil requires further study. The influence of soil moisture on the longevity and infectivity of these products is discussed. © 2021 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada International Pest Management Science © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada.
Behavioral and physiological responses of Drosophila melanogaster and D. suzukii to volatiles from plant essential oils
Authors: Wang Qiang , Xu Peng , Sanchez Simon , Duran Phil , Andreazza Felipe , Isaacs Rufus , Dong Ke
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Insects rely on their sense of smell to locate food and hosts, find mates and select sites for laying eggs. Use of volatile compounds, such as essential oils (EOs), to repel insect pests and disrupt their olfaction‐driven behaviors has great practical significance in integrated pest management. However, our knowledge on the olfaction‐based mechanisms of EO repellency is quite limited.

RESULTS

We evaluated the repellency of peppermint oil and nine plant EO components in Drosophila melanogaster, a model insect for olfaction study, and D. suzukii, a major fruit crop pest. All nine volatiles, menthone, (−)‐menthol, menthyl acetate, (R)‐(+)‐limonene, nerol, (+)‐fenchone, (−)‐α‐thujone, camphor, norcamphor and peppermint oil, elicited repellency in D. melanogaster in a dose‐dependent manner. Most of the compounds, except camphor, also elicited repellency in D. suzukii. Menthone, (R)‐(+)‐limonene and (+)‐fenchone were the most potent repellents against D. suzukii. Repellency was reduced or abolished in two D. melanogaster mutants of the odorant receptor co‐receptor (Orco), indicating that the observed repellency is odorant receptor (Or)‐mediated. Repellency by peppermint oil, menthone, (R)‐(+)‐limonene, (−)‐α‐thujone and norcamphor also involves Or‐independent mechanism(s). Single sensillum recording from both species revealed that common and distinct Ors and olfactory receptor neurons were activated by these compounds.

CONCLUSIONS

The tested plant EO components evoke repellency by activating multiple Ors in both Drosophila species. Our study provides a foundation for further elucidation of the mechanism of EOs repellency and species‐specific olfactory adaptations. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Recent Developments of Flexible InGaZnO Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Song Jiaqi , Huang Xiaodong , Han Chuanyu , Yu Yongqin , Su Yantao , Lai Puito
Published: January 2021

Flexible InGaZnO thin‐film transistors (TFTs) have been extensively investigated over the last decade with an aim to transferring electronic devices from rigid substrates to light‐weight, soft and flexible ones. Firstly, an introduction to flexible InGaZnO TFT is provided, where the superiority over its rigid counterparts is illustrated. Then, the TFT structures are exhibited with their primary film layers, and the material choice and process selection are presented for each layer to explain the fabrication of flexible InGaZnO TFTs with high performance. Afterward, the recent advances on the electrical performance of the flexible InGaZnO TFTs achieved by either material optimization or structure innovation are summarized, and their operating principles and improvement mechanisms are clarified. Next, the recent progresses on the mechanical flexibility of flexible InGaZnO TFTs are presented according to improvement methods. All these improvements enable the flexible InGaZnO TFTs to endure smaller bending radius and more bending cycles even under electrical and illumination stresses. In particular, the mechanisms concerning mechanical bending are demonstrated in detail, which successfully explain the bending‐induced instability in electrical characteristics of flexible InGaZnO TFTs in numerous studies. Finally, the challenges in this area are summarized as guidance for future research.
Charge‐Assisted Engineering of Color Centers in Diamond
Authors: Lühmann Tobias , Meijer Jan , Pezzagna Sébastien
Published: January 2021

Owing to its unique optical and spin properties, the nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) center holds the promise of a diamond‐based room‐temperature scalable quantum computer, but the numerous technical and physical issues are not yet overcome, especially the poor N to NV conversion. The NV and other color centers are, however, successfully used as multitasking quantum sensors, and open new routes in quantum sensing technologies. Most recently, several breakthroughs and demonstrations were achieved, shedding a new light on the feasibility of a NV‐based quantum computer. Herein, the recently developed method of charge‐assisted single defect engineering is reviewed. With a controlled charging of the involved species, it modifies the diffusion or kinetics of defect formation and acts as a catalyzer of the NV creation while hindering the formation of competing and perturbing defects such as divacancies or NVH. Very high NV creation yields up to 75% are obtained and the method is suitable to other impurity‐vacancy defects. Furthermore, it has positive consequences on the charge state stability and coherence time of the NV centers, which is as well discussed. Together with the possibility to nowadays deterministically implant single ions, this powerful method brings the scalability of NV qubits closer.
Optimization of Near‐Surface Quantum Well Processing
Authors: Olausson Patrik , Södergren Lasse , Borg Mattias , Lind Erik
Published: January 2021

Herein, an optimized process flow of near‐surface quantum well metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistors (MOSFETs) based on planar layers of metalorganic vapor‐phase epitaxy (MOVPE) grown InxGa1−xAs is presented. It is found that by an optimized pre‐growth cleaning and post‐metal anneal, the quality of the MOS structure can be greatly enhanced. This optimization is a first step toward realization of a scalable platform for topological qubits based on a well‐defined network of lateral InxGa1−xAs nanowires grown by selective area growth.
Engineering MoS2 Cocatalysts as Active Sites over Porous P‐Doped g‐C3N4 Nanosheets to Enhance Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Rao Shaosheng , Su Chunyan , He Xudong , Zhang Lili , Liu Zhenzhong , Qin Hanli , Rahman Nasir , Liu Qinqin , Yang Juan
Published: January 2021

Development of noble‐metal‐free cocatalysts is still a research hotspot to promote the photocatalytic H2 evolution performance of graphite‐phase carbon nitride (CN). Herein, 2D MoS2 nanosheets are used as a low‐cost cocatalyst and loaded onto porous P‐doped CN nanosheets (PCNNSs) to fabricate a 2D/2D noble‐metal‐free MoS2/PCNNSs photocatalyst via a simple in situ immersion pyrolysis method. The optimal H2 evolution rate of the MoS2/PCNNSs sample reaches 1741 μmol g−1 h−1, which is almost 2 times that of Pt/PCNNSs (976 μmol g−1 h−1). The outstanding activity mainly stems from the extended light absorption from 420 nm to the near‐infrared 800 nm owing to MoS2 and P doping, as well as faster separation of photogenerated electrons and holes due to the close contact between PCNNSs and MoS2 induced by in situ fabrication method. This work unfolds new opportunities for the modification of cocatalysts to realize higher photocatalytic H2 evolution activity.
End‐substituted thiahelicenes for electronic device applications
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Maity Dilip Kumar
Published: January 2021

Minimum energy structures of neutral and radical cations of end‐substituted thia[n]helicenes (n = 1‐10) in DCM solvent are reported. For both neutral and radical cations of these helicenes, calculated structures are nonplanar for n = 3 to 10. Helical structures are obtained for higher helicenes, and the thia[8]helicene system has a helical structure with one complete turn. Equilibrium structures are predicted by using B3LYP‐D/6‐311++G(d,p) method in conjunction with the solvation model based on solute density. Single‐point energy calculations are also performed at the MP2 level to improve certain energy parameters. Excited‐state calculations are performed using time‐dependent density functional theory formalism to predict UV‐Visible spectra of neutral and radical cations of thia[n]helicenes in DCM solvent. Thia[n]helicenes radical cation have strong absorption in the near‐infrared region. Calculations also suggest that dimerization is not a favorable process in the DCM solvent for the end‐substituted neutral and radical cation of thia[7]helicene. The present theoretical study examines the molecular and electronic properties of thia[n]helicenes in search of near‐infrared electronic devices.
Raman spectroscopy of copper phthalocyanine/graphene and 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐tetracyano‐quino‐dimethane/graphene interfaces
Authors: Deng Ding‐Rong , Wu Qi‐Hui
Published: January 2021

The copper phthalocyanine and 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐tetracyano‐quino‐dimethane molecules adsorbed on the copper and single‐layer graphene‐modified copper surfaces have been investigated using Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The adsorbed amounts for both molecules on the two different substrates are almost comparable as confirmed by the C 1s and N 1s core level X‐ray photoelectron spectra. Raman signal enhancement has been observed for both molecules when they are adsorbed on the graphene surface. The strongest chemical interaction is observed between the 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐tetracyano‐quino‐dimethane and copper substrate. Based on the Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic data, the mechanism of the graphene‐enhanced Raman scattering is discussed, which might greatly rely on the unique electronic properties of graphene.
Rational Component and Structure Design of Noble‐Metal Composites for Optical and Catalytic Applications
Authors: Zeng Xiaojun , Zhao Yang , Hu Xudong , Stucky Galen Dean , Moskovits Martin
Published: January 2021

Great effort has recently been made to develop noble‐metal nanomaterials with good activity, high durability, and appropriate selectivity to improve their efficiency in functional applications, while maintaining low cost. The use of noble metals not only makes the last requirement hard to meet but also restricts stability at high temperatures and limits mass production. Recently, some promising strategies, such as optimizing the components and fine‐tuning the structure, have been explored, which promise to enable the fabrication of unique noble‐metal nanostructures with lower loading and higher stability. Herein, recent achievements in manufacturing noble‐metal composites are reviewed, particularly focusing on unique and key factors in rational design and control of structure and components. Two applications of noble‐metal composites in optical and catalytic applications are focused on to illustrate their rational synthesis and design. In addition, current challenges and prospects for future development in this rapidly blossoming field are discussed.
Grundsätzliche Untersuchungen zum seismischen Verhalten schienengebundener mobiler Großgeräte der Fördertechnik
Authors: Groß Mirjam , Gaube David , Sadegh‐Azar Hamid
Published: January 2021

Mobile Großgeräte sind für die globale Wirtschaft von großer Bedeutung. Zunehmend werden sie aufgrund immer knapper werdender Rohstoffe in seismisch aktiven Gebieten, in denen noch Vorräte schlummern, eingesetzt. Das seismische Verhalten dieser nicht verankerten Strukturen unterscheidet sich durch die Möglichkeit des Abhebens grundlegend von konventionellen Bauwerken und eine zutreffende und wirtschaftliche erdbebengerechte Auslegung ist nach derzeit geltenden Erdbebennormen weltweit kaum möglich. In diesem Beitrag wird das Verhalten typischer schienengebundener mobiler Großgeräte der Fördertechnik bei Erdbeben am Beispiel von Schaufelradgeräten exemplarisch in seinen Grundsätzen untersucht, analysiert und daraus resultierend grundsätzliche Bemessungsempfehlungen für schienengebundene mobile Großgeräte der Fördertechnik gegeben. Das numerische Berechnungsmodell wird anhand von Schwingungsmessungen an realen Geräten validiert.
Intelligent antithrombotic nanomedicines: Progress, opportunities, and challenges
Authors: Xu Junchao , Zhang Yinlong , Nie Guangjun
Published: January 2021

Antithrombotic therapy has long been a trade‐off between antithrombotic effects and hemorrhagic risk. With the aid of nanotechnology, antithrombotic drugs have realized and will further realize highly controllable targeting, disease microenvironment responsive release, imaging‐guided treatment, and reversal agents’ development in parallel with novel antithrombotics. Preclinical studies have indicated that intelligent antithrombotic nanomedicines show potential in preventing hemorrhagic risk, evading the balancing act of current antithrombotic treatments. However, none of these nanomedicines have come into clinical trials. In this review, we present a strategic summary of the field of nanoantithrombotics, which is needed to guide the design and application of the next generation of antithrombotic nanomedicines. Herein, we present the recent progress in the preclinical studies of this field, which can be divided into three categories: fibrinolytic, anticoagulant, and antiplatelet therapies. In addition, we provide an outlook on how future antithrombotic nanomedicine design can better overcome the current translational challenges for clinical use.
Optimization of soil aquifer treatment (SAT) operation using a reactive transport model
Authors: Ben Moshe Shany , Weisbrod Noam , Furman Alex
Published: January 2021

In this work, a numerical model was developed with the aim to study the effect of drying period (DP) duration on the biogeochemical state of a soil aquifer treatment (SAT) system, and to enhance its functionality accordingly. The model was calibrated and verified using data series from long‐column experiments, and sensitivity analysis was performed. Considering unsaturated water flow, air movement, solute transport, and the main microbial‐mediated kinetic reactions relevant to SAT, we examined outflow quality and reaction rates in response to seven DP durations while the flooding period (FP) durations were kept constant. The results show that extension of the aerobically active region occurs in response to longer DPs and suggest that very long DPs (>3 times the FPs) may not pose further advantage compared with medium‐length DPs (2.5–3 times the flooding periods). A simple optimization process was demonstrated for the experimental SAT system presented, considering outflow quality vs. infiltrated volume. An optimum was obtained at DP/FP ratio of ∼2.8. Although these results are system specific, similar biogeochemical models may be modified and used for hydraulic operation optimization in other SAT sites.
Toward nanobioelectronic medicine: Unlocking new applications using nanotechnology
Authors: Gibney Steven , Hicks Jacqueline M. , Robinson Andie , Jain Akhil , Sanjuan‐Alberte Paola , Rawson Frankie J.
Published: January 2021

Bioelectronic medicine aims to interface electronic technology with biological components and design more effective therapeutic and diagnostic tools. Advances in nanotechnology have moved the field forward improving the seamless interaction between biological and electronic components. In the lab many of these nanobioelectronic devices have the potential to improve current treatment approaches, including those for cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and disease underpinned by malfunctions in neuronal electrical communication. While promising, many of these devices and technologies require further development before they can be successfully applied in a clinical setting. Here, we highlight recent work which is close to achieving this goal, including discussion of nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and nanowires for medical applications. We also look forward toward the next decade to determine how current developments in nanotechnology could shape the growing field of bioelectronic medicine.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing
Chemical speciation in Gd−Cd−M (M=Zn, Au) quasicrystal approximants
Authors: Gebresenbut Girma H. , Pay Gómez Cesar , Eriksson Lars , Häussermann Ulrich
Published: January 2021

We investigated the effect of partial replacement of Cd by M=Au and Zn in the crystal structure of the 1/1 Tsai‐type quasicrystal approximant (AC) GdCd6. Compositionally homogeneous single crystal samples Gd(Cd0.87Zn0.13(1))6and Gd(Cd0.80Au0.20(1))6were grown from melts Gd5(Cd0.8Zn0.2)100and Gd1(Cd0.9Au0.1)100, respectively, and isolated by centrifugation. The M for Cd substitution in GdCd6is accompanied with a sizeable reduction of the cubic unit cell parameter, from 15.514(2) Å to 15.329(1) Å (Zn) and 15.314(1) Å (Au). Site preferences were established from single crystal X‐ray diffraction data. A clear preference of atomic sites for Au and Zn is noted which is compared to earlier reported Yb(Cd0.75Mg0.25)6. Three and two out of in total seven crystallographic sites defining the Cd partial structure accept preferably metals more and less electronegative than Cd, respectively, and are classified as negatively and positively polarized sites in the binary 1/1 AC.
Phenomenology of vector-like leptons with Deep Learning at the Large Hadron Collider
Authors: Freitas Felipe F. , Gonçalves João , Morais António P. , Pasechnik Roman
Published: January 2021

Abstract

In this paper, a model inspired by Grand Unification principles featuring three generations of vector-like fermions, new Higgs doublets and a rich neutrino sector at the low scale is presented. Using the state-of-the-art Deep Learning techniques we perform the first phenomenological analysis of this model focusing on the study of new charged vector-like leptons (VLLs) and their possible signatures at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC). In our numerical analysis we consider signal events for vector-boson fusion and VLL pair production topologies, both involving a final state containing a pair of charged leptons of different flavor and two sterile neutrinos that provide a missing energy. We also consider the case of VLL single production where, in addition to a pair of sterile neutrinos, the final state contains only one charged lepton. We propose a novel method to identify missing transverse energy vectors by comparing the detector response with Monte-Carlo simulated data. All calculated observables are provided as data sets for Deep Learning analysis, where a neural network is constructed, based on results obtained via an evolutive algorithm, whose objective is to maximise either the accuracy metric or the Asimov significance for different masses of the VLL. Taking into account the effect of the three analysed topologies, we have found that the combined significance for the observation of new VLLs at the high-luminosity LHC can range from 5.7σ, for a mass of 1.25 TeV, all the way up to 28σif the VLL mass is 200 GeV. We have also shown that by the end of the LHC Run-III a 200 GeV VLL can be excluded with a confidence of 8.8 standard deviations. The results obtained show that our model can be probed well before the end of the LHC operations and, in particular, providing important phenomenological information to constrain the energy scale at which new gauge symmetries emergent from the considered Grand Unification picture can be manifest.
Leading-color two-loop QCD corrections for three-photon production at hadron colliders
Authors: Abreu S. , Page B. , Pascual E. , Sotnikov V.
Published: January 2021

Abstract

We compute the two-loop helicity amplitudes for the production of three photons at hadron colliders in QCD at leading-color. Using the two-loop numerical unitarity method coupled with analytic reconstruction techniques, we obtain the decomposition of the two-loop amplitudes in terms of master integrals in analytic form. These expressions are valid to all orders in the dimensional regulator. We use them to compute the two-loop finite remainders, which are given in a form that can be efficiently evaluated across the whole physical phase space. We further package these results in a public code which assembles the helicity-summed squared two-loop remainders, whose numerical stability across phase-space is demonstrated. This is the first time that a five-point two-loop process is publicly available for immediate phenomenological applications.
Hamiltonian analysis of Mimetic gravity with higher derivatives
Authors: Zheng Yunlong
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Two types of mimetic gravity models with higher derivatives of the mimetic field are analyzed in the Hamiltonian formalism. For the first type of mimetic gravity, the Ricci scalar only couples to the mimetic field and we demonstrate the number of degrees of freedom (DOFs) is three. Then in both Einstein frame and Jordan frame, we perform the Hamiltonian analysis for the extended mimetic gravity with higher derivatives directly coupled to the Ricci scalar. We show that different from previous studies working at the cosmological perturbation level, where only three propagating DOFs show up, this generalized mimetic model, in general, has four DOFs. To understand this discrepancy, we consider the unitary gauge and find out that the number of DOFs reduces to three. We conclude that the reason why this system looks peculiar is that the Dirac matrix of all secondary constraints becomes singular in the unitary gauge, resulting in extra secondary constraints and thus reducing the number of DOFs. Furthermore, we give a simple example of a dynamic system to illustrate how gauge choice can affect the number of secondary constraints as well as the DOFs when the rank of the Dirac matrix is gauge dependent.
Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen: von der Früherfassung zu Intervention und Begleitung
Authors: Hofer Johannes , Fellinger Johannes
Published: January 2021

Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen zeigen eine Prävalenz von 1 %. Die unterschiedlich stark ausgeprägte, soziale Interaktions- und Kommunikationsstörung ist gekennzeichnet durch eingeschränkte Fähigkeit, sich sprachlich und nichtsprachlich auf andere Menschen einzustellen. Weitere Kernsymptome sind repetitive und stereotype Verhaltens- und Interessenmuster.

Symptome einer Autismus-Spektrum-Störung zeigen sich überwiegend bereits während des Kleinkindalters und persistieren meist über die Lebensspanne in unterschiedlicher Phänomenologie und unterschiedlichem Ausprägungsgrad.

Wichtige abzugrenzende, aber auch begleitende Störungen bei jungen Kindern sind: kognitive Entwicklungsstörungen, Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit- und Hyperaktivitätssyndrom und Sprachstörungen.

Früherkennung ist häufig bereits im zweiten Lebensjahr möglich. Evidenzbasierte, effektive Frühinterventionsmodelle existieren, sind aktuell aber im deutschsprachigen Raum noch nicht flächendeckend verfügbar.

Angesichts der hohen Belastung für Familie und Umfeld ist ein kompetentes ärztliches Case Management mit Vernetzung zu Systempartnern aus Bildungs- und Sozialwesen notwendig.
Multiple Sklerose und COVID-19
Authors: Guger Michael , Traxler Gerhard
Published: January 2021

Alter, Behinderungsgrad, Übergewicht und Komorbiditäten sind bekannte Risikofaktoren für den schweren Verlauf einer COVID-19-Erkrankung bei Patienten mit multipler Sklerose. Die Diagnose einer multiplen Sklerose per se stellt, nach aktuellem Wissensstand, jedoch keinen isolierten Faktor für eine Ansteckungsgefahr oder einen schweren Verlauf dar. Ebenso wird die Fortführung krankheitsmodifizierender Therapien aufgrund der bisherigen Erfahrungen als sicher und ohne generell erhöhtes Risiko für die Patienten erachtet. Eine bereits etablierte Therapie bei multipler Sklerose sollte daher auch trotz COVID-19-Pandemie fortgeführt werden. Bei Patienten mit entsprechender Indikation sollte die Einleitung einer Therapie nicht verzögert werden. Weitere Auswertungen zukünftiger Registerdaten zur Bestätigung der bisherigen Ergebnisse sind wünschenswert und notwendig.
Analysis of entrapped and free liquor to gain new insights into kraft pulping
Authors: Brännvall Elisabet , Rönnols Jerk
Published: January 2021

Most of our knowledge on kraft pulping comes from studies on dissolved lignin in the freely drainable black liquor and isolated residual lignin in pulp. However, entrapped liquor in the delignified chips has been shown to differ significantly from the free liquor. The present study has compared three liquor fractions: free, lumen and fiber wall liquor. The free liquor was obtained by draining the delignified chips, the lumen liquor was separated by centrifugation and the fiber wall liquor by subsequent leaching. The liquor in the fiber wall had the lowest concentration of lignin and hydrosulfide ions and the highest concentration of monovalent cations. The dissolved lignin in the fiber wall liquor had the highest molar mass and the highest content of xylan. The highest concentration of dissolved lignin was in the liquor filling the lumen cavities. The lignin in the free liquor had the lowest molar mass and the lowest content of lignin structures containing β-O-4 linkages and aliphatic hydroxyl groups. The lowest mass transfer rate of dissolved lignin was from the lumen liquor to the free liquor probably restricted by the tortuosity of the chip.
The Final Act: An Ethical Analysis of Pia Dijkstra’s Euthanasia for a Completed Life
Authors: Holzman T. J.
Published: January 2021

Amongst other countries, the Netherlands currently allows euthanasia, provided the physician performing the procedure adheres to a strict set of requirements. In 2016, Second Chamber member Pia Dijkstra submitted a law proposal which would also allow euthanasia without the reason necessarily having any medical foundation; euthanasia on the basis of a completed life. The debate on this topic has been ongoing for over two decades, but this law proposal has made the discussion much more immediate and concrete. This paper considers the moral permissibility of Pia Dijkstra’s law proposal, focusing on the ethics of the implementation Dijkstra describes in her proposal. I argue that, at present, Dijkstra’s law proposal is unsuitable for implementation, due to a number of as of yet unaddressed problems, including the possible development of an ageist stigma and undue pressure on the profession of end-of-life coordinator. Perhaps adequate responses can be conceived to address these issues. However, the existence of a radically different, yet currently equally unacceptable position regarding the implementation of euthanasia for a completed life as proposed by fellow party member Paul Schnabel suggests it may be difficult to formulate an ethically acceptable implementation for this, in principle, ethically acceptable concept.
A Pre-registered Meta-analysis Based on Three Empirical Studies Reveals No Association Between Prenatal (Amniotic) Cortisol Exposure and Fluctuating Asymmetry in Human Infants
Authors: Bushell Will , Heil Martin , Ventura Teresa , Gomes Manuel C. , Körner Lisa M. , Lawrenz Judith , Schaal Nora K. , Richards Gareth
Published: January 2021

Developmental instability (DI) reflects an organism’s inability to develop an ideal phenotype when challenged by genetic and environmental insults. DI can be estimated via the proxy measure of fluctuating asymmetry (FA), i.e., the small random deviations from perfect bilateral symmetry observed in the morphology of paired traits. The mechanisms involved in the genesis of FA in human populations are relatively unknown, though animal research indicates that hormonal processes may be involved. As maternal stress during pregnancy is detrimental to various developmental processes, elevated prenatal cortisol may represent a causal factor in the subsequent emergence of an asymmetrical phenotype. The main purpose of this pre-registered meta-analysis based on three empirical studies was to investigate whether mid-trimester amniotic cortisol levels predict subsequent FA in finger lengths of infants from Germany, Portugal, and the UK. No statistically significant relationships were observed, and meta-analytic combination of the effect size estimates yielded a null result. We did, however, detect significant positive correlations between the cortisol present in the amniotic fluid and maternal plasma in the Portuguese cohort, and observed that FA in the German cohort was significantly lower at 70-months than at either 9- or 20-months. Taken together, the current findings run contrary to animal research showing that elevated prenatal corticosterone exposure leads to increased FA. However, this may be because a single cortisol assay obtained via amniocentesis is an inadequate proxy for average gestational exposure, and/or that prenatal cortisol levels at an earlier (i.e., first rather than second trimester) stage of pregnancy is what explains variance in subsequent FA.
Cell Sources for Human In vitro Bone Models
Authors: Ansari Sana , Ito Keita , Hofmann Sandra
Published: January 2021

Purpose of Review

One aim in bone tissue engineering is to develop human cell-based, 3D in vitro bone models to study bone physiology and pathology. Due to the heterogeneity of cells among patients, patient’s own cells are needed to be obtained, ideally, from one single cell source. This review attempts to identify the appropriate cell sources for development of such models.

Recent Findings

Bone marrow and peripheral blood are considered as suitable sources for extraction of osteoblast/osteocyte and osteoclast progenitor cells. Recent studies on these cell sources have shown no significant differences between isolated progenitor cells. However, various parameters such as medium composition affect the cell’s proliferation and differentiation potential which could make the peripheral blood-derived stem cells superior to the ones from bone marrow.

Peripheral blood can be considered a suitable source for osteoblast/osteocyte and osteoclast progenitor cells, being less invasive for the patient. However, more investigations are needed focusing on extraction and differentiation of both cell types from the same donor sample of peripheral blood.
A Survey on Advancing the DBMS Query Optimizer: Cardinality Estimation, Cost Model, and Plan Enumeration
Authors: Lan Hai , Bao Zhifeng , Peng Yuwei
Published: January 2021

Query optimizer is at the heart of the database systems. Cost-based optimizer studied in this paper is adopted in almost all current database systems. A cost-based optimizer introduces a plan enumeration algorithm to find a (sub)plan, and then uses a cost model to obtain the cost of that plan, and selects the plan with the lowest cost. In the cost model, cardinality, the number of tuples through an operator, plays a crucial role. Due to the inaccuracy in cardinality estimation, errors in cost model, and the huge plan space, the optimizer cannot find the optimal execution plan for a complex query in a reasonable time. In this paper, we first deeply study the causes behind the limitations above. Next, we review the techniques used to improve the quality of the three key components in the cost-based optimizer, cardinality estimation, cost model, and plan enumeration. We also provide our insights on the future directions for each of the above aspects.