bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on mechanical behavior and damage process of concrete with initial damage under eccentric load
Authors: Lina Ge , Fu Yi , Junxia Zhou , Changbo Du
Published: August 2021

In order to analyze the influence of eccentric load on mechanical properties and damage process of concrete with initial damage, the eccentric load compression tests of concrete under different confining pressures were carried out with the help of PFC particle flow program. The results show that: the eccentric load does not change the relationship between peak stress, crack initiation stress and confining pressure of concrete under uniform load, but decrease the value of them. The peak stress increasing coefficient under uniform load is higher than that under eccentric load, and the peak stress increasing coefficient increases in a linear function with the confining pressure, and the increasing rate is approximately the same. Under uniaxial compression of eccentric load, a type I shear crack approximately parallel to the loading direction is formed, while under biaxial compression, a bending type shear crack with the lower tip of the initial crack as the inflection point is formed. The number of microcracks in concrete under uniform load and eccentric load can be divided into three stages: the calm period at the initial loading stage, the pre-peak expansion period from crack initiation point to peak point, and the rapid increase period after the peak.
Measuring landslide vulnerability status of Chukha, Bhutan using deep learning algorithms
Authors: Saha Sunil , Sarkar Raju , Roy Jagabandhu , Hembram Tusar Kanti , Acharya Saroj , Thapa Gautam , Drukpa Dowchu
Published: August 2021

Landslides are major natural hazards that have a wide impact on human life, property, and natural environment. This study is intended to provide an improved framework for the assessment of landslide vulnerability mapping (LVM) in Chukha Dzongkhags (district) of Bhutan. Both physical (22 nos.) and social (9 nos.) conditioning factors were considered to model vulnerability using deep learning neural network (DLNN), artificial neural network (ANN) and convolution neural network (CNN) approaches. Selection of the factors was conceded by the collinearity test and information gain ratio. Using Google Earth images, official data, and field inquiry a total of 350 (present and historical) landslides were recorded and training and validation sets were prepared following the 70:30 ratio. Nine LVMs were produced i.e. a landslide susceptibility (LS), one social vulnerability (SV) and a relative vulnerability (RLV) map for each model. The performance of the models was evaluated by area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics (ROC), relative landslide density index (R-index) and different statistical measures. The combined vulnerability map of social and physical factors using CNN (CNN-RLV) had the highest goodness-of-fit and excellent performance (AUC = 0.921, 0.928) followed by DLNN and ANN models. This approach of combined physical and social factors create an appropriate and more accurate LVM that may—support landslide prediction and management.
Impaired skeletal muscle hypertrophy signaling and amino acid deprivation response in Apoe knockout mice with an unhealthy lipoprotein distribution
Authors: Agergaard Jakob , Zillmer Mie Cecilie Faber , Castro-Mejía Josué L. , Mertz Kenneth , Kot Witold , Højfeldt Grith , van Hall Gerrit , Nielsen Dennis S. , Schjerling Peter , Holm Lars
Published: August 2021

This study explores if unhealthy lipoprotein distribution (LPD) impairs the anabolic and amino acid sensing responses to whey-protein feeding. Thus, if impairment of such anabolic response to protein consumption is seen by the LPD this may negatively affect the skeletal muscle mass. Muscle protein synthesis (MPS) was measured by puromycin labeling in Apolipoprotein E knockout (Apoe KO), characterized by an unhealthy LPD, and wild type mice post-absorptive at 10 and 20 weeks, and post-prandial after whey-protein feeding at 20 weeks. Hypertrophy signaling and amino acid sensing mechanisms were studied and gut microbiome diversity explored. Surprisingly, whey-protein feeding did not affect MPS. p-mTOR and p-4E-BP1 was increased 2 h after whey-protein feeding in both genotypes, but with general lower levels in Apoe KO compared to wild type. At 20 weeks of age, Apoe KO had a greater mRNA-expression for SNAT2, CD98, ATF4 and GCN2 compared to wild type. These responses were not associated with gut microbiota compositional differences. Regardless of LPD status, MPS was similar in Apoe KO and wild type. Surprisingly, whey-protein did not stimulate MPS. However, Apoe KO had lower levels of hypertrophy signaling, was amino acid deprived, and had impaired amino acid sensing mechanisms.
EMID1, a multifunctional molecule identified in a murine model for the invasion independent metastasis pathway
Authors: Kawata Takuya , Muramatsu Koji , Shishito Namiko , Ichikawa-Tomikawa Naoki , Oishi Takuma , Kakuda Yuko , Akiyama Yasuto , Yamaguchi Ken , Sakamoto Michiie , Sugino Takashi
Published: August 2021

EMI Domain Containing 1 (EMID1) was identified as a potential candidate metastasis-promoting gene. We sought to clarify the molecular function of EMID1 and the protein expression. Overexpression and knockdown studies using mouse tumor cell lines identified two novel functions of EMID1: intracellular signaling involving enhancement of cell growth via cell cycle promotion and suppression of cell motility, and inhibition of cell–matrix adhesion by extracellularly secreted EMID1. EMID1 deposited on the culture dish induced self-detachment of cells that overexpressed the protein and inhibited adhesion of additionally seeded cells. This multifunctional property involving both intracellular signaling and the extracellular matrix suggests that EMID1 may be a matricellular proteins. Expression analysis using immunohistochemical staining revealed expression of EMID1 that was limited to chief cells of the gastric fundic gland and β cells of the pancreatic islets in normal adult human tissues, implying cell-specific functions of this molecule. In addition, increased expression of EMID1 protein detected in some cases of human cancers implies that EMID1 might be a new therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Impact of viral features, host jumps and phylogeography on the rapid evolution of Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV)
Authors: Franzo Giovanni , Legnardi Matteo , Grassi Laura , Dotto Giorgia , Drigo Michele , Cecchinato Mattia , Tucciarone Claudia Maria
Published: August 2021

Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) is one the most relevant pathogens of domestic mink, where it can cause significant economic losses, and wild species, which are considered a threat to mink farms. Despite their relevance, many aspects of the origin, evolution, and geographic and host spreading patterns of AMDV have never been investigated on a global scale using a comprehensive biostatistical approach. The present study, benefitting from a large dataset of sequences collected worldwide and several phylodynamic-based approaches, demonstrates the ancient origin of AMDV and its broad, unconstrained circulation from the initial intercontinental spread to the massive among-country circulation, especially within Europe, combined with local persistence and evolution. Clear expansion of the viral population size occurred over time until more effective control measures started to be applied. The role of frequent changes in epidemiological niches, including different hosts, in driving the high nucleotide and amino acid evolutionary rates was also explored by comparing the strengths of selective pressures acting on different populations. The obtained results suggest that the viral passage among locations and between wild and domesticated animals poses a double threat to farm profitability and animal welfare and health, which is particularly relevant for endangered species. Therefore, further efforts must be made to limit viral circulation and to refine our knowledge of factors enhancing AMDV spread, particularly at the wild-domestic interface.
Functional genomics study of Pseudomonas putida to determine traits associated with avoidance of a myxobacterial predator
Authors: Akbar Shukria , Stevens D. Cole
Published: August 2021

Predation contributes to the structure and diversity of microbial communities. Predatory myxobacteria are ubiquitous to a variety of microbial habitats and capably consume a broad diversity of microbial prey. Predator–prey experiments utilizing myxobacteria have provided details into predatory mechanisms and features that facilitate consumption of prey. However, prey resistance to myxobacterial predation remains underexplored, and prey resistances have been observed exclusively from predator–prey experiments that included the model myxobacterium Myxococcus xanthus. Utilizing a predator–prey pairing that instead included the myxobacterium, Cystobacter ferrugineus, with Pseudomonas putida as prey, we observed surviving phenotypes capable of eluding predation. Comparative transcriptomics between P. putida unexposed to C. ferrugineus and the survivor phenotype suggested that increased expression of efflux pumps, genes associated with mucoid conversion, and various membrane features contribute to predator avoidance. Unique features observed from the survivor phenotype when compared to the parent P. putida include small colony variation, efflux-mediated antibiotic resistance, phenazine-1-carboxylic acid production, and increased mucoid conversion. These results demonstrate the utility of myxobacterial predator–prey models and provide insight into prey resistances in response to predatory stress that might contribute to the phenotypic diversity and structure of bacterial communities.
Integrated spectral and textural features of hyperspectral imaging for prediction and visualization of stearic acid content in lamb meat
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Caixia , Dong Fujia , Wang Songlei
Published: August 2021

The visualization process of the C18:0 content. The distribution visualization allows a better interpretation of the C18:0 content in lamb meat because of its heterogeneous nature.
A dimeric α-helical cell penetrating peptide mounted with an HER2-selective affibody
Authors: Chong Seung-Eun , Lee Donghyun , Oh Jae Hoon , Kang Sunyoung , Choi Sejong , Nam So Hee , Yu Jaehoon , Koo Heebeom , Lee Yan
Published: August 2021

With the combination of a powerful cell penetrating peptide (CPP: LK-2) and an HER2-selective affibody (ZHER2:342), LK-2-ZHER2:342 showed remarkable selectivity on HER2-overexpressed cancer cells at nanomolar concentrations.
Correction: Hexagonal boron nitride nanosheet as an effective nanoquencher for the fluorescence detection of microRNA
Authors: Li Xinyi , Chen Song , Liu Qian , Luo Yonglan , Sun Xuping
Published: August 2021

Correction for ‘Hexagonal boron nitride nanosheet as an effective nanoquencher for the fluorescence detection of microRNA’ by Xinyi Li et al., Chem. Commun., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d1cc03011f.
Accumulation and distribution of higher hydrocarbons in the pores of a cobalt catalyst during low-temperature Fischer–Tropsch fixed-bed synthesis
Authors: Schurm Lasse , Kern Christoph , Jess Andreas
Published: August 2021

Simplified model approach based on the vapor liquid equilibrium to describe hydrocarbon distribution along the fixed-bed or with CO conversion. Experimental validation in a single pellet string reactor.
Reactivity of the pentelidene complexes [Cp*E{W(CO)5}2] (E = P, As) towards dichalcogenides and chalcogenols – synthesis of novel chalcogenopentelidene complexes
Authors: Rummel Lena , Lassandro Giuliano , Seidl Michael , Timoshkin Alexey Y. , Scheer Manfred
Published: August 2021

Chalcogenopentelidene complexes, which have been isolated and fully characterised, represent a novel class of phosphinidene complexes which can be synthesised through the presented general synthetic route.
Homogenous metallic deposition regulated by defect-rich skeletons for sodium metal batteries
Authors: Xu Zhen , Guo Zhenyu , Madhu Rajesh , Xie Fei , Chen Ruixuan , Wang Jing , Tebyetekerwa Mike , Hu Yong-Sheng , Titirici Maria-Magdalena
Published: August 2021

Sustainable carbon skeletons with rich defects and negligible pores are applied to induce the uniform metallic sodium deposition for stable sodium metal batteries.
On the estimation of the molecular inaccessible volume and the molecular accessible surface of a ligand in protein–ligand systems
Authors: Konstantinidis Konstantinos , Karakasiliotis Ioannis , Anagnostopoulos Kostas , Boulougouris Georgios C.
Published: August 2021

Extending the notion of the solvent accessible surface area, we propose the notions of molecular accessible surface area and molecular inaccessible volume, based on the locus of points where a polyatomic molecule can be placed without overlapping.
Unique emissive behavior of combustion-derived particles under illumination with femtosecond pulsed near-infrared laser light
Authors: Aslam Imran , Roeffaers Maarten B. J.
Published: August 2021

Detection of combustion-derived particles (CDPs) based on unique white light emission without any interference from non-CDPs under fs-pulsed NIR laser illumination.
Recent advances in biosensing approaches for point-of-care breast cancer diagnostics: challenges and future prospects
Authors: Joshi Anju , Vishnu G. K. Anil , Sakorikar Tushar , Kamal Arif M. , Vaidya Jayant S. , Pandya Hardik J.
Published: August 2021

A comprehensive review on recent advancements in breast cancer-specific biosensors for point-of-care diagnostics with a focus on emerging challenges and performance metrics.
Electrocatalytic hydrogenation of benzoic acids in a proton-exchange membrane reactor
Authors: Fukazawa Atsushi , Shimizu Yugo , Shida Naoki , Atobe Mahito
Published: August 2021

The highly efficient chemoselective hydrogenation of benzoic acids to cyclohexanecarboxylic acids was carried out in a proton-exchange membrane reactor under mild conditions without hydrogenation of the carboxyl group.
Imaging the oxygen wave with a single bioluminescent bacterium
Authors: Li Yaohua , Wang Sa , He Xinyu , Li Shijun , Zheng Tianhua , Chen You-Peng , Cui Hua , Wang Wei
Published: August 2021

We developed a capability of a monolayer of bioluminescent (BL) bacteria for spatiotemporally visualizing the heterogeneous distribution of interfacial oxygen concentration, resulting in the discovery of spontaneous and stochastic oxygen waves.
Trimacrocyclic hexasubstituted benzene linked by labile octahedral [X(CHCl3)6]− clusters
Authors: Lai Zhenzhen , Li Aimin , Peng Sangshan , Sessler Jonathan L. , He Qing
Published: August 2021

We report the synthesis and robust crystallization of a trimacrocyclic hexasubstituted benzene and guanidium mediated by unprecedented labile halide hexasolvate clusters, viz. [Cl(CHCl3)6]−, [Br(CHCl3)6]−, [I(CHCl3)6]−, and [Br(CHBr3)6]−.
A vanadium-based oxide-phosphate-pyrophosphate framework as a 4 V electrode material for K-ion batteries
Authors: Ohara Mirai , Hameed A. Shahul , Kubota Kei , Katogi Akihiro , Chihara Kuniko , Hosaka Tomooki , Komaba Shinichi
Published: August 2021

Highly pure K6(VO)2(V2O3)2(PO4)4(P2O7), synthesized from the oxalatophosphate precursor, demonstrates a reversible potassium extraction/insertion capacity of 59 mA h g−1 with a single discharge voltage plateau at 4.0 V at room temperature.
Synthesis and characterization of electroconductive hydrogels based on oxidized alginate and polypyrrole-grafted gelatin as tissue scaffolds
Authors: Shabani Samghabadi Mina , Karkhaneh Akbar , Katbab Ali Asghar
Published: August 2021

The electroconductive hydrogels by Schiff-base cross-linking were synthesized as tissue scaffolds.
Revealing viscoelastic bending relaxation dynamics of isolated semiflexible colloidal polymers
Authors: Stuij Simon G. , Jonas Hannah J. , Gong Zhe , Sacanna Stefano , Kodger Thomas E. , Bolhuis Peter G. , Schall Peter
Published: August 2021

We study semiflexible colloidal polymers assembled from di-patch particles via critical Casimir forces. By tuning the bond strength and resulting bending rigidity with temperature, we directly observe elastic relaxation and internal friction effects.
Symmetry-derived structure directing agents for two-dimensional crystals of arbitrary colloids
Authors: Mahynski Nathan A. , Shen Vincent K.
Published: August 2021

We derive properties of self-assembling rings which can template the organization of an arbitrary colloid into any periodic symmetry in two Euclidean dimensions.
Promoted photocarrier transfer and increased active sites for optimal CO2-to-CH4 photoconversion via the modification of atomically dispersed transition metal ions in CdZnS nanocrystals
Authors: Huang Hai-Bo , Zhang Hui-Ying , Cai Feng-Ying , Li Ya-Feng , Lü Jian , Cao Rong
Published: August 2021

Atomically dispersed transition metal ion doped CdZnS nanocrystals have shown enhanced capacity and selectivity for photocatalytic CO2-to-CH4 conversion.
Revisiting the Influences of Bilingualism and Developmental Language Disorder on Children's Nonverbal Processing Speed
Authors: Ebert Kerry Danahy
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study examined the influences of bilingualism and developmental language disorder (DLD) on nonverbal processing speed. DLD is associated with slower processing speed, but the extent to which slowing extends to bilingual populations is not established. The possible presence of bilingual cognitive effects could also lead to faster processing speed among bilingual children.

Method

Participants included 108 children of ages 6–8 years, including 56 Spanish–English bilinguals (29 with DLD and 27 with typical development) and 52 English-only monolinguals (25 with DLD and 27 with typical development). Language testing (in both languages for bilingual children) was combined with parent and school report to classify children as having DLD or typical language development. Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were excluded from the sample. Reaction time from a choice visual detection task was used to index nonverbal processing speed.

Results

Children with DLD demonstrated slower processing speed than their typically developing peers, whereas bilingual children demonstrated faster processing speed than monolinguals. The effects of DLD and bilingualism did not interact.

Conclusions

This study replicates prior findings of slowed processing speed among children with DLD in both monolingual and bilingual children. Evidence of faster processing speed among bilingual children contributes to the complex literature surrounding the circumstances of bilingual cognitive effects.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.15138747
Laryngeal Endoscopic Imaging: Fundamentals and Key Concepts for Rating Selected Parameters
Authors: Poburka Bruce J. , Patel Rita
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The aims of this study were to describe the laryngeal endoscopic imaging techniques of videoendoscopy and videostroboscopy and to provide information regarding their use and limitations in clinical practice.

Method

Information is provided for (a) understanding that laryngeal endoscopic imaging consists of endoscopy and stroboscopy components and for understanding their distinctions, (b) specifying the scientific underpinnings of stroboscopic sampling and its limitations, and (c) describing selected endoscopy and stroboscopy parameters including rating instructions and clinical significance.

Conclusions

Laryngeal endoscopic imaging is a critical part of clinical voice evaluation. Successful use of laryngeal endoscopic imaging requires proper acquisition of images, knowledge of rating strategies and clinical interpretation, and recognizing its limitations.
Asteroid pairs: method validation and new candidates
Authors: Kyrylenko I. , Krugly Yu. N. , Golubov O.
Published: August 2021

Context. An asteroid pair can be described as two asteroids with very similar heliocentric orbits that are genetically related but not gravitationally bound. They can be produced by asteroid collisions or rotational fission. Although over 200 asteroid pairs are known, many more remain to be identified, especially among the newly discovered asteroids.

Aims. The purpose of our work is to find new asteroid pairs in the inner part of the main belt with a new pipeline for asteroid pair search, and to validate the pipeline on a sample of known asteroid pairs.

Methods. Initially, we selected pair candidates in the five-dimensional space of osculating orbital elements. Then the candidates were confirmed using numerical modeling with the backtrack integration of their orbits, including the perturbations from the largest main-belt asteroids and the influence of the non-gravitational Yarkovsky effect.

Results. We performed a survey of the inner part of the main belt and found ten new probable asteroid pairs. Their estimated formation ages lie between 30 and 400 kyr. In addition, our pipeline was tested on a sample of 17 known pairs, and our age estimates agree with those indicated in the literature in most of the cases.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone Accelerates Pathological Process of
Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients
Authors: Li Xiang-Juan , Wang Hui , Lu Dan-Yang , Yu Tian-Tian , Ullah Kamran , Shi Xin-Yan , Shen Yong-Hai , Fei Xiao-Yang , Lin Zhen-Yun , Huang He-Feng , Lin Xian-Hua
Published: August 2021

Insulin resistance (IR) is one of the most common features of polycystic ovary
syndrome (PCOS), which is related to obesity. Whether increased
anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in PCOS are involved in the
pathogenesis of insulin resistance remains unclear. We investigated serum levels
of leptin and AMH along with basic clinical and metabolic parameters in 114 PCOS
patients and 181 non-PCOS women. PCOS patients presented higher fasting blood
glucose, insulin concentrations and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin
Resistance (HOMA-IR) in addition to body mass index (BMI), lipids profiles and
hormone levels. HOMA-IR showed a positive correlation with BMI, AMH, leptin, and
low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) levels. Interestingly, AMH is
strongly positively correlated with HOMA-IR and insulin concentrations for 1st
and 2nd hours of glucose treatment after fasting. Among PCOS women with
BMI≥25 kg/m2, high AMH level group showed an
increased HOMA-IR when compared to normal AMH level. However, among PCOS women
with normal BMI, women with high AMH presented an elevated fasting insulin
levels but not HOMA-IR when compared to normal AMH group. In vitro treatment of
isolated islet cells with high concentration of leptin (200 ng/ml) or
high leptin plus high concentration of AMH (1 ng/ml) significantly
enhanced insulin secretion. Importantly, co-treatment of AMH plus leptin
upregulates the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, caspase-3,
and caspase-8 after incubating with a high level of glucose. These results
suggest that AMH may involve in the pathological process of pancreatic
β-cells in obese PCOS women.
Virtuelle Realität bei Angsterkrankungen – vom
experimentellen Tool zur klinischen Praxis
Authors: Zwanzger Peter , Sich Magdalena , Diemer Julia
Published: August 2021

Angsterkrankungen zählen zu den häufigsten psychischen
Störungen. Nationalen und internationalen Leitlinien zufolge
gehören abhängig von Diagnose und Schweregrad sowohl
medikamentöse als auch psychotherapeutische Ansätze zu den
Verfahren der ersten Wahl. Unter den psychotherapeutischen Ansätzen ist
die kognitive Verhaltenstherapie (KVT) der am besten untersuchte Therapieansatz.
Dabei kommt der Expositionsbehandlung als Kernbestandteil eine besondere
Bedeutung zu. Vor diesem Hintergrund rückt die Technologie der
Virtuellen Realität (VR) als mögliche Ergänzung oder
Alternative zur herkömmlichen Expositionsbehandlung zunehmend in den
Fokus des Forschungsinteresses. Mittlerweile liegen zahlreiche Studien zur
Behandlung von Angsterkrankungen mit VR-Exposition vor. Zudem
beschäftigen sich Metaanalysen mit dem Vergleich einer In-vivo- und
einer In-virtuo-Behandlung. Die Ergebnisse sind insgesamt vielversprechend,
jedoch rechtfertigen sie aktuell noch keine generelle Therapieempfehlung. Nach
wie vor besteht Forschungsbedarf insbesondere hinsichtlich des
Wirksamkeitsnachweises in größeren Studien mit höheren
Fallzahlen.
Reduction of Radiation Exposure in Adrenal Vein Sampling: Impact of the Rapid Cortisol Assay
Authors: Augustin Anne Marie , Dalla Torre Giulia , Fuss Carmina Teresa , Fassnacht Martin , Bley Thorsten Alexander , Kickuth Ralph
Published: August 2021

Purpose To determine radiation exposure associated with adrenal vein sampling and its reduction by implementing the rapid cortisol assay and modification of the sampling protocol.

Materials and Methods A single-center retrospective study of adrenal vein sampling performed between August 2009 and March 2020 revealed data from 151 procedures. Three subgroups were determined. In group I, a sampling protocol including sampling from the renal veins without the rapid cortisol assay was applied. In group II, blood was sampled using the same protocol but applying the rapid cortisol assay. In group III, a modified sampling protocol was used, in which the additional sampling from the renal veins was dispensed with, while the rapid cortisol assay was retained. Primary endpoints were radiation exposure parameters with dose area product, fluoroscopy time, and effective dose. As secondary endpoints, procedural data including technical success, lateralization, the correlation between patient BMI and radiation exposure, and concordance of lateralization with cross-sectional imaging were investigated. Furthermore, the correlation of aldosterone-cortisol ratios between the adrenal and ipsilateral renal vein was calculated to assess the benefit of sampling from the renal veins.

Results For all procedures performed in the study collective, the median dose area product was 60.01 Gy*cm2 (5.71–789.31), the median fluoroscopy time was 14.90 min (3.27–80.90), and the calculated median effective dose was 12.60 mSv (1.20–165.76). Significant differences in radiation exposure parameters between the study subgroups could be revealed. Dose area product resulted in reductions of 57.94 % after implementation of the rapid cortisol assay and a further 40.44 % after revision of the sampling protocol. Fluoroscopy time was reduced by 40.48 % after integration of the rapid cortisol assay and a further 40.47 % after protocol refinement. Radiation doses were increased in cases of resampling (dose area product 51.31 vs. 118.11 Gy*cm2, fluoroscopy time of 12.48 vs. 28.70 min). A strong correlation between patient BMI and procedural dose area product could be found. After the introduction of the rapid cortisol assay, successive improvement of the technical success rate could be found (33.33 % in group I, 90.22 % in group II and 92.11 % in group III). The correlation of aldosterone-cortisol ratios between adrenal and renal veins was poor.

Conclusion The introduction of the rapid cortisol assay significantly decreased the radiation exposure and increased the technical success rate. Renal vein sampling did not provide further benefit in the evaluation of primary aldosteronism subtype and its omission resulted in a further reduction of radiation dose.

Key Points:

Citation Format
C–H Bond Functionalization of Amines: A Graphical Overview of Diverse Methods
Authors: Seidel Daniel , Dutta Subhradeep , Li Bowen , Rickertsen Dillon R. L. , Valles Daniel A.
Published: August 2021

This Graphical Review provides a concise overview of the manifold and mechanistically diverse methods that enable the functionalization of sp3 C–H bonds in amines and their derivatives.
Snake Venoms in Diagnostic Hemostasis and Thrombosis
Authors: Moore Gary William
Published: August 2021

Snake venoms have evolved primarily to immobilize and kill prey, and consequently, they contain some of the most potent natural toxins. Part of that armory is a range of hemotoxic components that affect every area of hemostasis, which we have harnessed to great effect in the study and diagnosis of hemostatic disorders. The most widely used are those that affect coagulation, such as thrombin-like enzymes unaffected by heparin and direct thrombin inhibitors, which can help confirm or dispute their presence in plasma. The liquid gold of coagulation activators is Russell's viper venom, since it contains activators of factor X and factor V. It is used in a range of clotting-based assays, such as assessment of factor X and factor V deficiencies, protein C and protein S deficiencies, activated protein C resistance, and probably the most important test for lupus anticoagulants, the dilute Russell's viper venom time. Activators of prothrombin, such as oscutarin C from Coastal Taipan venom and ecarin from saw-scaled viper venom, are employed in prothrombin activity assays and lupus anticoagulant detection, and ecarin has a valuable role in quantitative assays of direct thrombin inhibitors. Snake venoms affecting primary hemostasis include botrocetin from the jararaca, which can be used to assay von Willebrand factor activity, and convulxin from the cascavel, which can be used to detect deficiency of the platelet collagen receptor, glycoprotein VI. This article takes the reader to every area of the diagnostic hemostasis laboratory to appreciate the myriad applications of snake venoms available in diagnostic practice.
A miniaturized polymer-based bimorph actuator with self-sensing capability
Authors: Tan Huey Shy , Chen Hsuan-Yu , Chiu Ying-Hsuan , Youh Ru-Yi , Yang Yao-Joe Joseph
Published: August 2021

Soft actuators have recently attracted great attention in the fields of soft robots, artificial muscles, and biomimetic devices. As the size is reduced to sub-centimeter scale, most soft actuators only possess actuation capabilities without integrated sensing functions, which limits the effectiveness of device operation and control. In this study, we present a miniaturized polymer-based bimorph actuator (MPBA) that is capable of simultaneously performing the functions of actuation and sensing with two input electric terminals. The proposed device has an electrothermal bilayer structure that consists of a silicone film and a polymer-based conductive composite film, and it can be realized with a standard soft-lithography technique and a two-step vacuum filtration process. By optimizing the mass percentages of conductive fillers, the conductive composite film is capable of serving as an electrothermal heater for actuating the device, as well as serving as a piezoresistive strain gauge for detecting the motion of the device. With this self-sensing capability, closed-loop control of this MPBA can be easily achieved. The measured relationships between structure deformation and resistance change, which are stable and accurate, were employed to demonstrate the MPBA capabilities of displacement tracking and touch detection. Furthermore, a two-finger microgripper consisting of two MPBAs was implemented, and a demonstration of object grasping and moving was presented.
Island partnerships building collective impact
Authors: Bryant Sally L. , Bower Hank , Bower Sue , Copley Peter B. , Dann Peter , Matassoni Darcelle , Sprod Daniel , Sutherland Duncan R.
Published: August 2021

If conservation depends on people, then community partnerships are the lynchpin to conservation success. The contribution of local knowledge, intellectual capital and volunteer labour not only saves project managers invaluable time and money, it fosters ownership and longevity into conservation initiatives well beyond their projected timeframe. Island communities are socially and culturally diverse and driven by a range of motivations. Hence, if we are to deliver conservation programs at scale, we need to better understand and embed these drivers into program design. We present four contemporary case studies on major populated islands in Australia where community collaborations are building the collective impact needed to underpin conservation success. They contain key learnings about community involvement, to help guide managers with future island planning and avoid some pitfalls.
Effects of sex and aging on the immune cell landscape as assessed by single-cell transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Huang Zhaohao , Chen Binyao , Liu Xiuxing , Li He , Xie Lihui , Gao Yuehan , Duan Runping , Li Zhaohuai , Zhang Jian , Zheng Yingfeng , Su Wenru
Published: August 2021

Significance

Differences in immune functioning stem from multiple factors, including sex and aging. However, the specific roles of these variables in immunity remain elusive. We profiled immunocytes from young and old males and females at single-cell resolution and constructed a precise atlas of blood-circulating immunocytes. T cell– and B cell–activated signals were higher in young females than males, while aging increased the sex-related differences in immunocytes, cellular composition, and inflammatory signaling. Additionally, males showed a higher accumulation of inflammatory factors during aging, whereas cell–cell communication analysis revealed different trends in gene expression between females and males with aging. These findings might aid in the understanding of the mechanisms underlying sex-based differences in immunity and disease susceptibility across the lifespan.
SLC15A4 mediates M1-prone metabolic shifts in macrophages and guards immune cells from metabolic stress
Authors: Kobayashi Toshihiko , Nguyen-Tien Dat , Sorimachi Yuriko , Sugiura Yuki , Suzuki Takehiro , Karyu Hitomi , Shimabukuro-Demoto Shiho , Uemura Tatsuki , Okamura Tadashi , Taguchi Tomohiko , Ueki Kohjiro , Kato Norihiro , Goda Nobuhito , Dohmae Naoshi , Takubo Keiyo , Suematsu Makoto , Toyama-Sorimachi Noriko
Published: August 2021

Significance

SLC15A4 is a lysosome-resident amino acid/oligopeptide transporter that is preferentially expressed in immune cells. SLC15A4 is required for TLR7/9-dependent type I interferon production and plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of lupus and colitis. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of SLC15A4-mediated inflammatory responses are still undetermined. We revealed that SLC15A4 loss disturbed the coupling of glycolysis and the TCA cycle, and SLC15A4-deficient macrophages preferred to use glutamine rather than glucose as a carbon source for the TCA cycle. SLC15A4-deficient macrophages produced low levels of itaconate and proinflammatory IL-12 cytokine members. Our results reveal a mechanism of metabolic regulation in which an amino acid transporter acts as a guardian to allow macrophages to acquire an M1-prone metabolic phenotype.
Measuring the scientific effectiveness of contact tracing: Evidence from a natural experiment
Authors: Fetzer Thiemo , Graeber Thomas
Published: August 2021

Significance

Contact tracing constitutes the backbone of nonpharmaceutical public interventions against COVID-19, as it did with previous pandemics. Experts argue that its importance rises again as vaccination rates increase and the spread of COVID-19 slows, which makes tracing of individual cases possible. However, because randomized experiments on contact tracing are infeasible, causal evidence about its effectiveness is missing. This shortage of evidence is alarming as governments around the world invest in large-scale contact tracing systems, frequently facing a lack of cooperation from the population. Exploiting a large-scale natural experiment, we provide evidence that contact tracing may be even more effective than indicated by previous correlational research. Our findings inform current and future public health responses to the spread of infectious diseases.
HMGB1 released from nociceptors mediates inflammation
Authors: Yang Huan , Zeng Qiong , Silverman Harold A. , Gunasekaran Manojkumar , George Sam J. , Devarajan Alex , Addorisio Meghan E. , Li Jianhua , Tsaava Téa , Shah Vivek , Billiar Timothy R. , Wang Haichao , Brines Michael , Andersson Ulf , Pavlov Valentin A. , Chang Eric H. , Chavan Sangeeta S. , Tracey Kevin J.
Published: August 2021

Inflammation, the body’s primary defensive response system to injury and infection, is triggered by molecular signatures of microbes and tissue injury. These molecules also stimulate specialized sensory neurons, termed nociceptors. Activation of nociceptors mediates inflammation through antidromic release of neuropeptides into infected or injured tissue, producing neurogenic inflammation. Because HMGB1 is an important inflammatory mediator that is synthesized by neurons, we reasoned nociceptor release of HMGB1 might be a component of the neuroinflammatory response. In support of this possibility, we show here that transgenic nociceptors expressing channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) directly release HMGB1 in response to light stimulation. Additionally, HMGB1 expression in neurons was silenced by crossing synapsin-Cre (Syn-Cre) mice with floxed HMGB1 mice (HMGB1
f/f
). When these mice undergo sciatic nerve injury to activate neurogenic inflammation, they are protected from the development of cutaneous inflammation and allodynia as compared to wild-type controls. Syn-Cre/HMGB1
fl/fl
mice subjected to experimental collagen antibody–induced arthritis, a disease model in which nociceptor-dependent inflammation plays a significant pathological role, are protected from the development of allodynia and joint inflammation. Thus, nociceptor HMGB1 is required to mediate pain and inflammation during sciatic nerve injury and collagen antibody–induced arthritis.
Input Processing and Processing Instruction
Authors: Benati Alessandro
Published: August 2021

Input Processing is a theoretical framework on which the pedagogical paradigm called Processing Instruction is predicated. In this book, new data on the acquisition of Italian and Modern Standard Arabic are presented and analyzed within this framework. Each study in the book explores how input processing strategies affect the acquisition of a particular linguistic feature and/or structure in the two languages. The studies use both offline (e.g., sentence and discourse-level tasks) and online tests (e.g., eye-tracking) to measure the effects of this instructional training.
Automaticity and prediction in non-native language comprehension
Authors: Ito Aine , Pickering Martin J.
Published: August 2021

Some evidence suggests that prediction is more limited in non-native language (L2) than native language (L1) comprehension. We evaluate the hypothesis that prediction is limited in L2 because prediction is largely non-automatic. We examine whether the subprocesses involved in prediction are unconscious, unintentional, efficient and uncontrollable (Bargh, 1994) to understand the extent to which prediction is automatic in L1 and L2. To unpack the subprocesses in prediction, we draw on Pickering and Garrod’s (2013) proposal that people primarily use their production system for prediction, as well as a more automatic association-based mechanism. We conclude that at least some of the subprocesses in prediction are not fully automatic and suggest that these non-automatic processes can interfere with prediction in L2.
Influence of syntactic complexity on second language prediction
Authors: Chun Eunjin , Chen Si , Liu Shulin , Chan Angel
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the influence of syntactic complexity on prediction in second language (L2) processing. In a visual world eye-tracking experiment, we compared L2 listeners’ prediction while processing simple (e.g., The dancer will open/ get the present) vs. complex sentences (e.g., I know the friend of the dancer that will open/ get the present). Prediction was measured by comparing fixations to targets (e.g., present) between semantically biasing (e.g., open) vs. neutral verb (e.g., get) conditions. Results showed that L2 speakers generated predictions while processing complex as well as simple sentences. However, the prediction effect during complex sentence processing emerged somewhat later. These findings suggest that L2 prediction is influenced by syntactic complexity which can increase cognitive load during sentence processing.
Language prediction in second language
Authors: Foucart Alice
Published: August 2021

It is currently accepted that native speakers regularly predict upcoming elements during language comprehension. Empirical evidence suggests that the ability to predict is not as stable in a second language (L2) compared to the first language (L1). One factor that may affect prediction in an L2 is cross-linguistic influence (CLI). Only a handful of studies have tested this hypothesis. Hence, the aim of this chapter is to raise awareness of the importance of CLI, rather than to draw strong conclusions, and to propose directions for future research. After a brief review of CLI on language processing in general, studies that have investigated the circumstances under which these effects may play a (positive/negative) role with regard to prediction are reviewed.
Microstructure evolution of as-extruded Zn–0.62Mn alloys during room temperature compression
Authors: Sun Shineng , Liu Jiatao , Lou Dongfang
Published: August 2021

The microstructure evolution of Zn–0.62Mn alloys during the room temperature compression with different strains was investigated by scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that with the increasing compression strains, the refined dynamic recrystallization grains increase gradually, and some grains rotate. It can also be found that the compression strain promotes the transformation from small-angle grain boundary to large-angle grain boundary. The highest basal textural can be obtained after the room-temperature compression with 80% strain. These results indicate that the microstructure evolution of as-extruded Zn–0.62Mn alloys during the room-temperature compression can be attributed to the grain refinement, grain boundary variation and texture changes.
Who’s in control? Principles of Rab GTPase activation in endolysosomal membrane trafficking and beyond
Authors: Borchers Ann-Christin , Langemeyer Lars , Ungermann Christian
Published: August 2021

The eukaryotic endomembrane system consists of multiple interconnected organelles. Rab GTPases are organelle-specific markers that give identity to these membranes by recruiting transport and trafficking proteins. During transport processes or along organelle maturation, one Rab is replaced by another, a process termed Rab cascade, which requires at its center a Rab-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF). The endolysosomal system serves here as a prime example for a Rab cascade. Along with endosomal maturation, the endosomal Rab5 recruits and activates the Rab7-specific GEF Mon1-Ccz1, resulting in Rab7 activation on endosomes and subsequent fusion of endosomes with lysosomes. In this review, we focus on the current idea of Mon1-Ccz1 recruitment and activation in the endolysosomal and autophagic pathway. We compare identified principles to other GTPase cascades on endomembranes, highlight the importance of regulation, and evaluate in this context the strength and relevance of recent developments in in vitro analyses to understand the underlying foundation of organelle biogenesis and maturation.
Key comparison BIPM.RI(I)-K3 of the air-kerma standards of the GUM, Poland, and the BIPM in medium-energy x-rays
Authors: Burns D T , Kessler C , Michalik Ł
Published: August 2021

Main text

A key comparison has been made between the air-kerma standards of the GUM and the BIPM in the medium-energy x-ray range. The results show the standards to be in agreement at the level of the expanded uncertainty of the comparison of 6.0 parts in 103. The results are analysed and presented in terms of degrees of equivalence, suitable for entry in the BIPM key comparison database.

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Improving the ripple classification in focal pediatric epilepsy: identifying pathological high-frequency oscillations by Gaussian mixture model clustering
Authors: Migliorelli Carolina , Romero Sergio , Bachiller Alejandro , Aparicio Javier , Alonso Joan F , Mañanas Miguel A , Antonio-Arce Victoria San
Published: August 2021

Objective. High-frequency oscillations (HFOs) have emerged as a promising clinical biomarker for presurgical evaluation in childhood epilepsy. HFOs are commonly classified in stereo-encephalography as ripples (80–200 Hz) and fast ripples (200–500 Hz). Ripples are less specific and not so directly associated with epileptogenic activity because of their physiological and pathological origin. The aim of this paper is to distinguish HFOs in the ripple band and to improve the evaluation of the epileptogenic zone (EZ). Approach. This study constitutes a novel modeling approach evaluated in ten patients from Sant Joan de Deu Pediatric Hospital (Barcelona, Spain), with clearly-defined seizure onset zones (SOZ) during presurgical evaluation. A subject-by-subject basis analysis is proposed: a probabilistic Gaussian mixture model (GMM) based on the combination of specific ripple features is applied for estimating physiological and pathological ripple subpopulations. Main Results. Clear pathological and physiological ripples are identified. Features differ considerably among patients showing within-subject variability, suggesting that individual models are more appropriate than a traditional whole-population approach. The difference in rates inside and outside the SOZ for pathological ripples is significantly higher than when considering all the ripples. These significant differences also appear in signal segments without epileptiform activity. Pathological ripple rates show a sharp decline from SOZ to non-SOZ contacts and a gradual decrease with distance. Significance. This novel individual GMM approach improves ripple classification and helps to refine the delineation of the EZ, as well as being appropriate to investigate the interaction of epileptogenic and propagation networks.
Research progress of air-cooled heat dissipation technology
Authors: Chen Jinmao , Sun Yanli , Hu Junbiao , Zhou Lijie , Wang Xudong
Published: August 2021

Air cooling is a kind of cooling method, which uses air as a medium to cool objects that need to be cooled. It is usual to increase the surface area of the object that needs to be cooled, or to increase the rate of air flowing through the object per unit time, or to use the two methods. In recent years, there have been some emerging technologies that improve the heat dissipation efficiency by improving the heat transfer efficiency of the air-cooled front end. Based on the analysis of the current research trend of air-cooled heat dissipation technology, a detailed review of typical air-cooled heat dissipation technologies from three aspects of materials, structure and emerging technologies is expected to provide relevant references for the further research and optimization of laser wireless energy transfer technology.