bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced Nanoengineering Approach for Target‐Specific, Spatiotemporal, and Ratiometric Delivery of Gemcitabine–Cisplatin Combination for Improved Therapeutic Outcome in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Tarannum Mubin , Hossain Md Akram , Holmes Bryce , Yan Shan , Mukherjee Pinku , Vivero‐Escoto Juan L.
Published: November 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an intractable malignancy with a dismal survival rate. Recent combination therapies have had a major impact on the improvement of PDAC prognosis. Nevertheless, clinically used combination regimens such as FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine (Gem)/nab‐paclitaxel still face major challenges due to lack of the safe and ratiometric delivery of multiple drugs. Here, a rationally designed mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)‐based platform is reported for the target‐specific, spatiotemporal, ratiometric, and safe co‐delivery of Gem and cisplatin (cisPt). It is shown that systemic administration of the nanoparticles results in synergistic therapeutic outcome in a syngeneic and clinically relevant genetically engineered PDAC mouse model that has rarely been used for the therapeutic evaluation of nanomedicine. This synergism is associated with a strategic engineering approach, in which nanoparticles provide redox‐responsive controlled delivery and in situ differential release of Gem/cisPt drugs with the goal of overcoming resistance to Pt‐based drugs. The platform is also rendered with additional tumor‐specificity via a novel tumor‐associated mucin1 (tMUC1)‐specific antibody, TAB004. Overall, the platform suppresses tumor growth and eliminates the off‐target toxicities of a highly toxic chemotherapy combination.
Cost reduction for advanced driver assistance systems through hardware downscaling and deep learning
Authors: Sharma Neerav , Garg Rahul Dev
Published: November 2021

With the ever‐growing population density, transportation sector has become haphazard causing accidents and fatalities. It can be reduced by the effective utilization of intelligent transportation systems (ITS). The applications of advanced driver‐assistance systems (ADAS) and deep learning are trending globally with immense research potential and combined with ITS results into an intelligent system with decision‐taking capabilities. High‐priced driving modules are getting introduced day‐by‐day offering humongous processing power and computational capabilities. This research aims at utilizing the downscaled hardware for real‐time vehicular and pedestrian detection using a deep learning algorithm. YOLO v3 deep learning network is incorporated with NVIDIA series of GTX 1060 for real‐time object detection for assisting the ADAS systems. The system offers high precision (0.9618) of object detection in real time with high frame rate (74.36 fps). The comparative analysis between different GPU‐based hardware modules and the proposed module has been carried out keeping in mind the Indian context of automobile usages. The work lays a solid foundation for carrying out research for transportation analysis based on ADAS and deep learning for ITS such as real‐time congestion estimation and accident detection.
A combined flow cell–respiration box to quantify carbon transformation processes in undisturbed soil
Authors: Redweik Henrik , Rahlfs Moritz , Bachmann Jörg
Published: November 2021

A new experimental laboratory design is introduced to analyze and quantify transport and turnover processes in top‐ and subsoils. The proposed technique allows the monitoring of transformation processes in an undisturbed soil matrix while preserving entirely intact soil particle interfaces. The experimental setup with undisturbed soil samples, which are embedded into two coupled gas sealed chambers, allows on‐time measurement of soil respiration processes under realistic moisture, water flux, and temperature conditions.
Light-cone distribution amplitudes of the nucleon and ∆ baryon
Authors: Kim June-Young , Kim Hyun-Chul , Polyakov Maxim V.
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We investigate the light-cone wave functions and leading-twist distribution amplitudes for the nucleon and ∆ baryon within the framework of the chiral quark-soliton model. The baryon wave function consists of the valence quark and vacuum wave functions. The vacuum wave functions generate all possible higher Fock states by expanding them. We find that it is essential to consider the five-quark component and relativistic corrections to evaluate the distribution amplitudes of the nucleon and ∆ isobar. Having taken into account them, we derive the distribution amplitudes. The results are in good agreement with the lattice data.
Asymmetric accidental composite dark matter
Authors: Bottaro Salvatore , Costa Marco , Popov Oleg
Published: November 2021

Abstract

The goal of this work is to find the simplest UV completion of Accidental Composite Dark Matter Models (ACDM) that can dynamically generate an asymmetry for the DM candidate, the lightest dark baryon (DCb), and simultaneously annihilate the symmetric component. In this framework the DCb is a bound state of a confining SU(N)DC gauge group, and can interact weakly with the visible sector. The constituents of the DCb can possess non-trivial charges under the Standard Model gauge group. The generation of asymmetry for such candidate is a two-flavor variation of the out-of-equilibrium decay of a heavy scalar, with mass Mϕ ≳ 1010 GeV. Below the scale of the scalars, the models recover accidental stability, or long-livedness, of the DM candidate. The symmetric component is annihilated by residual confined interactions provided that the mass of the DCb mDCb ≲ 75 TeV. We implement the mechanism of asymmetry generation, or a variation of it, in all the original ACDM models, managing to generate the correct asymmetry for DCb of masses in this range. For some of the models found, the stability of the DM candidate is not spoiled even considering generic GUT completions or asymmetry generation mechanisms in the visible sector.
Million dollar personality: a systematic literature review on personality in crowdfunding
Authors: Neuhaus Julia , Isaak Andrew , Bostandzic Denefa
Published: November 2021

Expressed personality traits can play a pivotal role in convincing investors in crowdfunding. Our study answers the research question: What is the current body of knowledge regarding the relationship between personality factors and crowdfunding success and where are knowledge gaps where the literature is silent? In our literature review, we therefore analyze and categorize (1) the results provided by quantitative studies on the relationship between the personality of entrepreneurs and crowdfunding success and (2) the research gaps identified by the authors investigating personality in crowdfunding. We find that studies investigating the entrepreneur's personality, i.e. the Big Five, other baseline personality traits (self-efficacy, innovativeness, locus of control, and need for achievement) and the Dark Triad, find positive relationships between openness and crowdfunding success, while narcissism shows an inverted u-shaped relationship with crowdfunding success across articles. However, the effects of other personality traits on crowdfunding success are largely inconclusive. Further, we identify four main gaps in the literature. First, future studies should examine non-linear relationships between expressed personality traits and crowdfunding success. Second, there is a need for more studies that employ different methods like qualitative or mixed-method approaches. Third, replication studies in similar and different contexts are urgently needed. Fourth, a plurality of personality perspectives would strengthen future research (e.g., investor perspective, third party perspective). To our knowledge this is the first literature review of personality traits in crowdfunding. Our work aims to enrich our understanding of individual-level components in the underexplored alternative finance market.
Genetic and biological characteristics of the globally circulating H5N8 avian influenza viruses and the protective efficacy offered by the poultry vaccine currently used in China
Authors: Cui Pengfei , Zeng Xianying , Li Xuyong , Li Yanbing , Shi Jianzhong , Zhao Conghui , Qu Zhiyuan , Wang Yanwen , Guo Jing , Gu Wenli , Ma Qi , Zhang Yuancheng , Lin Weipeng , Li Minghui , Tian Jingman , Wang Dongxue , Xing Xin , Liu Yanjing , Pan Shuxin , Zhang Yaping , Bao Hongmei , Liu Liling , Tian Guobin , Li Chengjun , Deng Guohua , Chen Hualan
Published: November 2021

The H5N8 avian influenza viruses have been widely circulating in wild birds and are responsible for the loss of over 33 million domestic poultry in Europe, Russia, Middle East, and Asia since January 2020. To monitor the invasion and spread of the H5N8 virus in China, we performed active surveillance by analyzing 317 wild bird samples and swab samples collected from 41,172 poultry all over the country. We isolated 22 H5N8 viruses from wild birds and 14 H5N8 viruses from waterfowls. Genetic analysis indicated that the 36 viruses formed two different genotypes: one genotype viruses were widely detected from different wild birds and domestic waterfowls; the other genotype was isolated from a whopper swan. We further revealed the origin and spatiotemporal spread of these two distinct H5N8 virus genotypes in 2020 and 2021. Animal studies indicated that the H5N8 isolates are highly pathogenic to chickens, mildly pathogenic in ducks, but have distinct pathotypes in mice. Moreover, we found that vaccinated poultry in China could be completely protected against H5N8 virus challenge. Given that the H5N8 viruses are likely to continue to spread in wild birds, vaccination of poultry is highly recommended in high-risk countries to prevent H5N8 avian influenza.
Altered structural brain networks in linguistic variants of frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Nigro Salvatore , Tafuri Benedetta , Urso Daniele , De Blasi Roberto , Cedola Alessia , Gigli Giuseppe , Logroscino Giancarlo ,   for the Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration Neuroimaging Initiative*
Published: November 2021

Semantic (svPPA) and nonfluent (nfvPPA) variants of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) have recently been associated with distinct patterns of white matter and functional network alterations in left frontoinsular and anterior temporal regions, respectively. Little information exists, however, about the topological characteristics of gray matter covariance networks in these two PPA variants. In the present study, we used a graph theory approach to describe the structural covariance network organization in 34 patients with svPPA, 34 patients with nfvPPA and 110 healthy controls. All participants underwent a 3 T structural MRI. Next, we used cortical thickness values and subcortical volumes to define subject-specific connectivity networks. Patients with svPPA and nfvPPA were characterized by higher values of normalized characteristic path length compared with controls. Moreover, svPPA patients had lower values of normalized clustering coefficient relative to healthy controls. At a regional level, patients with svPPA showed a reduced connectivity and impaired information processing in temporal and limbic brain areas relative to controls and nfvPPA patients. By contrast, local network changes in patients with nfvPPA were focused on frontal brain regions such as the pars opercularis and the middle frontal cortex. Of note, a predominance of local metric changes was observed in the left hemisphere in both nfvPPA and svPPA brain networks. Taken together, these findings provide new evidences of a suboptimal topological organization of the structural covariance networks in svPPA and nfvPPA patients. Moreover, we further confirm that distinct patterns of structural network alterations are related to neurodegenerative mechanisms underlying each PPA variant.
Cranial Anatomical Integration and Disparity Among Bones Discriminate Between Primates and Non-primate Mammals
Authors: Esteve-Altava Borja
Published: November 2021

The primate skull hosts a unique combination of anatomical features among mammals, such as a short face, wide orbits, and big braincase. Together with a trend to fuse bones in late development, these features define the anatomical organization of the skull of primates—which bones articulate to each other and the pattern this creates. Here, I quantified the anatomical organization of the skull of 17 primates and 15 non-primate mammals using anatomical network analysis to assess how the skulls of primates have diverged from those of other mammals, and whether their anatomical differences coevolved with brain size. Results show that primates have a greater anatomical integration of their skulls and a greater disparity among bones than other non-primate mammals. Brain size seems to contribute in part to this difference, but its true effect could not be conclusively proven. This supports the hypothesis that primates have a distinct anatomical organization of the skull, but whether this is related to their larger brains remains an open question.
A field study to estimate the impact of noise barriers on mitigation of near road air pollution
Authors: Thiruvenkatachari Ranga Rajan , Ding Yifan , Pankratz David , Venkatram Akula
Published: November 2021

Air pollution associated with vehicle emissions from roadways has been linked to a variety of adverse health effects. Wind tunnel and tracer studies show that noise barriers mitigate the impact of this pollution up to distances of 30 times the barrier height. Data from these studies have been used to formulate dispersion models that account for this mitigating effect. Before these models can be incorporated into Federal and State regulations, it is necessary to demonstrate their applicability under real-world conditions. This paper describes a comprehensive field study conducted in Riverside, CA, in 2019 to collect the data required to evaluate the performance of these models. Eight vehicles fitted with SF6 tracer release systems were driven in a loop on a 2-km stretch of Interstate 215 that had a 5-m tall noise barrier on the downwind side. The tracer, SF6, was sampled at over 40 locations at distances ranging from 5 to 200 m from the barrier. Meteorological data were measured with several 3-D sonic anemometers located upwind and downwind of the highway. The data set, corresponding to 10 h collected over 4 days, consists of information on emissions, tracer concentrations, and micrometeorological variables that can be used to evaluate barrier effects in dispersion models. An analysis of the data using a dispersion model indicates that current models are likely to overestimate concentrations, or underestimate the mitigation from barriers, at low wind speeds. We suggest an approach to correct this problem.
Compatibility of Concurrent Aerobic and Strength Training for Skeletal Muscle Size and Function: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Schumann Moritz , Feuerbacher Joshua F. , Sünkeler Marvin , Freitag Nils , Rønnestad Bent R. , Doma Kenji , Lundberg Tommy R.
Published: November 2021

Background

Both athletes and recreational exercisers often perform relatively high volumes of aerobic and strength training simultaneously. However, the compatibility of these two distinct training modes remains unclear.

Objective

This systematic review assessed the compatibility of concurrent aerobic and strength training compared with strength training alone, in terms of adaptations in muscle function (maximal and explosive strength) and muscle mass. Subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the influence of training modality, training type, exercise order, training frequency, age, and training status.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus were systematically searched (12 August 2020, updated on 15 March 2021). Eligibility criteria were as follows. Population: healthy adults of any sex and age; Intervention: supervised concurrent aerobic and strength training for at least 4 weeks; Comparison: identical strength training prescription, with no aerobic training; Outcome: maximal strength, explosive strength, and muscle hypertrophy.

Results

A total of 43 studies were included. The estimated standardised mean differences (SMD) based on the random-effects model were − 0.06 (95% confidence interval [CI] − 0.20 to 0.09; p = 0.446), − 0.28 (95% CI − 0.48 to − 0.08; p = 0.007), and − 0.01 (95% CI − 0.16 to 0.18; p = 0.919) for maximal strength, explosive strength, and muscle hypertrophy, respectively. Attenuation of explosive strength was more pronounced when concurrent training was performed within the same session (p = 0.043) than when sessions were separated by at least 3 h (p > 0.05). No significant effects were found for the other moderators, i.e. type of aerobic training (cycling vs. running), frequency of concurrent training (> 5 vs. < 5 weekly sessions), training status (untrained vs. active), and mean age (< 40 vs. > 40 years).

Conclusion

Concurrent aerobic and strength training does not compromise muscle hypertrophy and maximal strength development. However, explosive strength gains may be attenuated, especially when aerobic and strength training are performed in the same session. These results appeared to be independent of the type of aerobic training, frequency of concurrent training, training status, and age.

PROSPERO: CRD42020203777.
Follow the Fossils
Authors: Ocon Samantha B. , Lundgren Lisa , Bex II Richard T. , Bauer Jennifer E. , Hughes Mary Jane , Mills Sadie M.
Published: November 2021

The ability for people to connect, learn, and communicate about science has been enhanced through the Internet, specifically through social media platforms. Facebook and Twitter are well-studied, while Instagram is understudied. This Element provides insight into using Instagram as a science education platform by pioneering a set of calculated metrics, using a paleontology-focused account as a case study. Framed by the theory of affinity spaces, the authors conducted year-long analyses of 455 posts and 139 stories that were created as part of an informal science learning project. They found that team activity updates and posts outside of their other categories perform better than their defined categories. For Instagram stories, the data show that fewer slides per story hold viewers' attention longer, and stories using the poll tool garnered the most interaction. This Element provides a baseline to assess the success of Instagram content for science communicators and natural science institutions.
From National Catholicism to Romantic Love: The Politics of Love and Divorce in Franco's Spain
Authors: García-Fernández Mónica
Published: November 2021

In the early 1970s, when the Franco dictatorship (1939–75) was coming to an end, some Catholic intellectuals began to defend people's right to end their failed marriages and seek happiness with a new partner. In so doing, they recognised that love was the primary purpose of marriage; if it was absent the union ceased to be valid. These intellectuals thus broke with a discourse that had until then been deep-seated in both Catholic theology and Francoist morals and laws. According to these, love was only a secondary end of marriage and the conjugal union was indissoluble, leaving people no choice but to tolerate it if it was an unhappy one.
Understanding the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on health-related quality of life amongst Iranian patients with beta thalassemia major: a grounded theory
Authors: Arian Mahdieh , Vaismoradi Mojtaba , Badiee Zahra , Soleimani Mohsen
Published: November 2021

Background:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting measures can impact daily life and healthcare management amongst patients with beta thalassemia major.

Methods:

The Corbin and Strauss method of grounded theory was used to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) amongst Iranian patients with beta thalassemia major. Semi-structured interviews with 16 patients with thalassemia major in the eastern of Iran were performed. Data collection was conducted from 19 September through 18 November 2020. Collected data were recorded, transcribed, and coded to develop themes and subthemes. Paradigm components were sought to find out what happened to these patients and explore the process and events.

Results:

Insights from these interviews led to five major themes: ‘changing physical health’, ‘emotional and psychological reactions’, ‘changing the nature of relationships and the scope of social support’, ‘metamorphosis of ongoing healthcare, and ‘functionality and adaptation to new realities.’ The emerging core concept was labelled: ‘maintaining well-being balance.’ The COVID-19 pandemic disturbed the balance of life and health of the patients. Multiple strategies to maintain balance and reduce the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on HRQoL were used by the patients, the healthcare team, and support systems.

Conclusions:

Due to the fear of COVID-19, the patients with beta thalassemia were less likely to contact healthcare professionals. They considered postponing blood transfusion and abandoned evaluating disease complications. Reduced access to the healthcare system and shifting resources from existing programmes to COVID-19 by the healthcare system were incompatible policies. These policies and strategies had strong and negative effects on the physical domain of HRQoL. The patients experienced a deterioration of emotional functioning. They reported a strong reduction in social functioning and felt lonely. Online interventions supporting mental health and social interactions and telemedicine can help during the times of social distancing and lockdowns.
Revisiting the four core functions (4Cs) of primary care: operational definitions and complexities
Authors: Jimenez Geronimo , Matchar David , Koh Gerald Choon Huat , Tyagi Shilpa , van der Kleij Rianne M. J. J. , Chavannes Niels H. , Car Josip
Published: November 2021

Background:

The four primary care (PC) core functions (the ‘4Cs’, ie, first contact, comprehensiveness, coordination and continuity) are essential for good quality primary healthcare and their achievement leads to lower costs, less inequality and better population health. However, their broad definitions have led to variations in their assessment, in the innovations implemented to improve these functions and ultimately in their performance.

Objectives:

To update and operationalise the 4Cs’ definitions by using a literature review and analysis of enhancement strategies, and to identify innovations that may lead to their enhancement.

Methods:

Narrative, descriptive analysis of the 4Cs definitions, coming from PC international reports and organisations, to identify measurable features for each of these functions. Additionally, we performed an electronic search and analysis of enhancement strategies to improve these four Cs, to explore how the 4Cs inter-relate.

Results:

Specific operational elements for first contact include modality of contact, and conditions for which PC should be approached; for comprehensiveness, scope of services and spectrum of population needs; for coordination, links between PC and higher levels of care and social/community-based services, and workforce managing transitions and for continuity, type, level and context of continuity. Several innovations like enrolment, digital health technologies and new or enhanced PC provider’s roles, simultaneously influenced two or more of the 4Cs.

Conclusion:

Providing clear, well-defined operational elements for these 4Cs to measure their achievement and improve the way they function, and identifying the complex network of interactions among them, should contribute to the field in a way that supports efforts at practice innovation to optimise the processes and outcomes in PC.
Hostile Attribution Biases in Vulnerable Narcissists Depends on the Socio-Relational Context
Authors: Bodecka-Zych Marta , Jonason Peter K. , Zajenkowska Anna
Published: November 2021

Abstract. Narcissism, especially the vulnerable kind, is associated with anger and hostility. In a sample of outpatients, group psychotherapy ( N = 74) and community members ( N = 153), we replicated and extended previous work linking vulnerable, but not grandiose, narcissism to hostile attributions across different socio-relational contexts. We also examined if the level of ambiguity of social situations, assessed from the other-referent position, influences the relationship between vulnerable narcissism and attributing hostile intentionality, and whether narcissistic individuals distinguish hostile interpretations, depending on the level of ambiguity of the scene. In ambiguous vignettes, assessed from the self-referent position, higher levels of vulnerable narcissism were associated with a greater tendency to infer more attributions of hostile intentions with people with whom there was no close relationship (except for authority in the patient group). In the case of visual scenes, the positive relationship between vulnerable narcissism and attributed hostile intentionality appeared in accidental scenes, but not in hostile and ambiguous ones. In addition, the higher the vulnerable narcissism the lower the ability to differentiate between contextual nuances (e.g., the level of ambiguity). We replicated previous research indicating a relationship between vulnerable narcissism and hostile attribution bias, but shed new light on the phenomenon of this bias in that it appears to depend on the socio-relational context and the level of ambiguity of the situation.
Moderate-intensity exercise alleviates pyroptosis by promoting autophagy in osteoarthritis via the P2X7/AMPK/mTOR axis
Authors: Li Zihao , Huang Ziyu , Zhang He , Lu Jinghan , Tian Yicheng , Piao Shang , Lin Zhiming , Bai Lunhao
Published: November 2021

Instability and excessive use of the knee joint can cause osteoarthritis (OA). Reasonable exercise can enhance the stability of the knee joint and prevent and relieve the occurrence and development of OA. As a key switch for inflammation, P2X purinoceptor 7 (P2X7) has attracted much attention in studies of OA. Exercise can regulate P2X7 expression and activation. However, the role of P2X7 in exercise-based prevention and treatment of OA is unknown. We previously showed that moderate-intensity exercise can significantly alleviate OA symptoms. Accordingly, in this study, we evaluated the effects of exercise on P2X7 expression and activation in chondrocytes. Micro-computed tomography, hematoxylin, and eosin staining, Toluidine Blue O staining, immunohistochemistry, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling experiments showed that P2X7 expression was lower in the moderate-intensity exercise group than in the inflammation and low- and high-intensity exercise groups. Additionally, chondrocyte death, cartilage destruction, and the degree and severity of pyroptosis were significantly reduced, whereas autophagy levels were significantly increased in the moderate-intensity exercise group. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, lactate dehydrogenase release, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cell fluorescence, western blot, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and transmission electron microscopy experiments showed that moderate activation of P2X7 promoted autophagy through the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and promoted autolysosome targeting for degradation of the inflammasome component NLRP3, thereby inhibiting pyroptosis. Additionally, the use of AMPK and mTOR activators and inhibitors indicated that the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway, as the downstream of P2X7, played a key role in delaying the occurrence and development of OA. We propose that moderate-intensity exercise promoted chondrocyte autophagy through the P2X7/AMPK/mTOR signal axis to alleviate pyroptosis. Our findings provide novel insights into the positive and preventative effects of exercise on OA.
Screening the baseline fish bioconcentration factor of various types of surfactants using phospholipid binding data
Authors: Droge Steven T. J. , Scherpenisse Peter , Arnot Jon A. , Armitage James M. , McLachlan Michael S. , Ohe Peter C. von der , Hodges Geoff
Published: November 2021

Measured membrane lipid–water distribution ratios (DMLW) circumvent unreliable KOW values for surfactants in tier 1 screening for the bioconcentration potential.
Nitrogen-doped carbon dots alleviate the damage from tomato bacterial wilt syndrome: systemic acquired resistance activation and reactive oxygen species scavenging
Authors: Luo Xing , Cao Xuesong , Wang Chuanxi , Yue Le , Chen Xiaofei , Yang Hanyue , Le Xiehui , Zhao Xiaoli , Wu Fengchang , Wang Zhenyu , Xing Baoshan
Published: November 2021

Nitrogen doped carbon dots suppressed bacterial wilt in tomato through photosynthesis modulation, ROS scavenging, and resistance activation.
UiO-67-derived bithiophene and bithiazole MIXMOFs for luminescence sensing and removal of contaminants of emerging concern in wastewater
Authors: Mercuri Giorgio , Moroni Marco , Galli Simona , Piccirillo Clara , Capodilupo Agostina-Lina , Tuci Giulia , Giambastiani Giuliano , Rossin Andrea
Published: November 2021

The UiO-67-type MIXMOF [Zr6O4(OH)4(PhPh)5(TzTz)], containing a blue-emitting bithiazole linker, is a potential multifunctional material for environmental remediation, being both a luminescent sensor and an adsorbent for diclofenac in aqueous solutions.
Manufacturing of AAV vectors: translational challenges from development to industrialisation
Authors: Hitchcock Tony
Published: November 2021

AAV mediated gene therapy offers the potential for curative therapies for many fatal and debilitating diseases, however the translation of these concepts into licenced products is stymied by manufacturing challenges leading to very high costs and delayed commercialisation. This is an issue which vector developers need to address, specifically around productivities and vector purities including levels of empty non-functional capsids. To date vector developers have focused on the optimising of vector targeting and gene delivery, however there is an increasing need to recognise the issue of manufacturability of vectors, and to be able develop screening and assessment of novel vectors to ensure that in future innovations and development can be produced to the required quality and in the desired quantities and at an acceptable cost.
Relationship between agrarian contracts and renewable energy production in sugarcane agroindustry
Authors: de Almeida Patrícia J. , Salinas Carlos T. , Ramos Lucas , Marceço-Aldana Daniel
Published: November 2021

Many agroindustries that process sugarcane raw to produce sugar and ethanol, and for energy cogeneration have difficulties to obtain all the necessary raw material. The agrarian contract practice can allow access to land in order to increase the production of sugarcane, without immobilizing resources in terms of the purchase of land, reducing the idle capacity of industrial plant, and increasing the cogeneration of energy by burning bagasse and sugarcane straw. It appears that the form of production of sugarcane (i.e., through land leasing, sharecropping, independent producers, etc.) can significantly affect the total costs of the industrial process. This work looks to find an empirical relation between the type of sugarcane producers and the energy produced by the mill based on data of the Agricultural Census of Brazil and monitoring data of power plant operation parameters of a typical mill in Brazil. It was found that the sugarcane raw coming from lands worked for tenants and sharecroppers increased his participation 112% and 469% respectively in the energy generation in the period 2006 to 2017.
Heat demand forecasting in District Heating Network using XGBoost algorithm
Authors: Bujalski Maciej , Madejski Paweł , Fuzowski Krzysztof
Published: November 2021

Forecasting an hourly heat demand during different periods of district heating network operation is essential to optimize heat production in the CHP plant. The paper presents the heat demand model in the real district heating system with a peak load of 200 MW. The predictive model was developed with the use of the machine learning method based on the historical data. The XGBoost (Extreme Gradient Boosting) algorithm was applied to find the relation between actual heat demand and predictors such as weather data and behavioral parameters like an hour of the day, day of week, and month. The method of model training and evaluating was discussed. The results were assessed by comparing hourly heat demand forecasts with actual values from a measuring system located in the CHP plant. The RMSE and MAPE error for the analysed time period were calculated and then benchmarked with an exponential regression model supplied with ambient air temperature. It was found that the machine learning method allows to obtain more accurate results due to the incorporation of additional predictors. The MAPE and RMSE for the XGBoost model in the day-ahead horizon were 6.9% and 8.7MW, respectively.
A study of jet impingement cooling enhancement by concave and convex heat sink shape modifications
Authors: Froissart Marcin , Ziółkowski Paweł , Badur Janusz
Published: November 2021

The rising demand for efficient cooling technologies is a strong driver of extensive research in this area. This trend is particularly strong in turbines and microprocessors technology. Presented study is focused on the jet impingement cooling concept, which is used in various configurations for many years. The potential of the heat sink shape modification is not yet fully explored. Available literature suggests that average Nusselt number can be improved by more than 10% by adding conical shape in the stagnation region. This refers to the axisymmetric case where cold-water jet impinges the surface of heated aluminium. Presented results are based on 2D axisymmetric thermal-FSI (Fluid-Solid Interaction) model, which was validated against the experiment. The objective of the presented analysis is to determine the correlation between cooling effectiveness (Nusselt number) and chosen examples of concave and convex shapes located in the jet stagnation area.
Influence of the heat source location on the stability of the solution to the Cauchy problem
Authors: Joachimiak Magda , Ciałkowski Michał
Published: November 2021

In this paper the solution to the Cauchy-type inverse problem for the Laplace’s equation is presented. A modified Tikhonov regularization was applied here. The regularization parameter was chosen using the Morozov principle. The relation between the location of the heat source (function singularity) and the stability of the solution to the inverse problem was analyzed. Variable thermal loads in the area were simulated by changing the location of heat sources along two boundaries of the rectangle calculation domain.
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County Obstetric Clinics: A Cross-Sectional Study during the First Pandemic Surge
Authors: Gonik Charles O. , Alonso Alina M. , Gonik Bernard
Published: November 2021

Objective Estimating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence is an important part of the public health approach to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) understanding and containment. This is particularly relevant to an obstetric population because of implications in the management of the pregnant host, care of the newborn, and disease progression within the community.

Study Design A cross-sectional seroprevalence study was performed in four Department of Health Palm Beach County clinics from June 29, 2020, to August 5, 2020. Samples were collected from asymptomatic antepartum and postpartum participants. A web-based surveillance system was used to identify subsequent antibody or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing encounters.

Results A total of 163 of 618 subjects were seropositive (26.4%). Racial makeup was white 2.5%, black 19.0%, and Hispanic 78.5%. Positive serology was seen in 16.0, 35.6, and 30.1% of first, second, and third trimesters, respectively; 18.4% were positive postpartum. Only four patients voluntarily reported PCR positivity prior to antibody testing. Six home zip codes accounted for the majority (68.1%) of positive results. Thirty-two patients had repeat serology (65.6% positive and 34.4% negative). Of the 163 subjects, 65 underwent later PCR testing with 92% negative for SAR-CoV-2.

Conclusion Almost one in four subjects had serologic evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. These very high seroprevalence rates have not been previously reported and highlight the concern for health disparities in the United States. Most were asymptomatic and without a history for SARS-CoV-2 exposure. There was a loss of seropositivity in a significant number of subjects, raising concern for risk of reinfection, inadequate transplacental antibody transfer, and subsequent limited passive protection to the newborn. These seroprevalence data will also allow for better newborn follow-up of unanticipated consequences of COVID-19 infection in pregnancy.

Key Points
Advanced mass spectrometry-based foodomics and imaging
Authors: Peršurić Željka , Maslov Dina Rešetar
Published: November 2021

The food analysis has rapidly transcended traditional boundaries and become a multidisciplinary food and nutrition science. Technological advances, particularly in analytical instrumentation, bioinformatics, and sample preparation, enabled development of objective, fast, multiplexed, and deep molecular screenings also for complex samples, such as raw materials and food products. The comprehensive and precise molecular profiles and fingerprints as well as unique molecular markers are determined, both qualitatively and quantitatively, for a broad range of food products with specific sensory properties. Novel analytical platforms and instruments are implemented, methods optimized, and protocols developed for a large number of applications, for instance in food microbiology, toxicology, authentication, food quality control. Modern food analysis technologies enable novel insight and provide good foundations for precise determination of geographical origin, genetically modified food, and differentiation between organic and conventional food. The study of effects of food and nutrition on human health and well-being was facilitated. All enumerated may assist in providing enough safe and quality food to the growing human population, and is possible due to application of foodomics technologies, particularly, genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics, in food analysis. This review is a comprehensive summary on developments in the fields of food analysis and foodomics from 2014 to 2020 with the emphasis on mass spectrometry (MS)-based analytical platforms and their usage in analysis of food contaminants, proteins, and small molecules. Other foodomics techniques are mentioned in brief.  A separate paragraph is dedicated to MS-based imaging technologies in food analysis and foodomics imaging methods, a new emerging technology.
3D printing of dual cross-linked hydrogel for fingerprint-like iontronic pressure sensor
Authors: Yan Honghao , Zhou Jun , Wang Chengyun , Gong Huaqiang , Liu Wu , Cen Weihong , Yuan Guixin , Long Yu
Published: November 2021

Hydrogels with intrinsic high stretchability and flexibility are extremely attractive for soft electronics. However, the existing complicated and laborious methods (such as mold curing) to fabricate microstructured hydrogel (MH) still limit the development of hydrogel-based sensors for flexible devices. Herein, we use digital light processing 3D printing technology to rapidly construct double-network (DN) ionic conductive hydrogel, and then design and print fingerprint-like MH film to manufacture an iontronic pressure sensor. In particular, the DN hydrogel consists of acrylamide/acrylic acid to form a covalently cross-linked network, and magnesium chloride is introduced to form an ionic cross-linked physical network in the hydrogel. The printability (with resolution 150 μm) and mechanical property tunability of DN hydrogel enable the convenient fabrication of sensors. With the biomimetic fingerprint MH film, the iontronic pressure sensor not only has a high sensitivity (0.06 kPa−1), but also has a large detection range (26 Pa–70 kPa) and good stability (200 cycles of pressure loading). We demonstrated that our sensor can be applied to realize tactile sensing in a prosthetic application and detect human motion. With the easy strategy of constructing DN hydrogel with microstructures by 3D printing technology, hydrogel-based sensors are anticipated to be employed in more smart electronics.
Enhanced synchronization due to intermittent noise
Authors: Shajan Emilda , Asir M Paul , Dixit Shiva , Kurths Jürgen , Shrimali Manish Dev
Published: November 2021

We propose a novel scheme to regulate noise infusion into the chaotic trajectories of uncoupled complex systems to achieve complete synchronization. So far the noise-induced synchronization utilize the uncontrolled noise that can be applied in the entire state space. Here, we consider the controlled (intermittent) noise which is infused in the restricted state space to realize enhanced synchronization. We find that the intermittent noise, which is applied only to a fraction of the state space, restricts the trajectories to evolve within the contraction region for a longer period of time. The basin stability of the synchronized states (SS) is found to be significantly enhanced compared to uncontrolled noise. Additionally, we uncover that the SS prevail for an extended range of noise intensity. We elucidate the results numerically in the Lorenz chaotic system, the Pikovski–Rabinovich circuit model and the Hindmarsh–Rose neuron model.
Low-overhead fault-tolerant error correction scheme based on quantum stabilizer codes
Authors: Chen Xiu-Bo , Zhao Li-Yun , Xu Gang , Pan Xing-Bo , Chen Si-Yi , Cheng Zhen-Wen , Yang Yi-Xian
Published: November 2021

Fault-tolerant error-correction (FTEC) circuit is the foundation for achieving reliable quantum computation and remote communication. However, designing a fault-tolerant error correction scheme with a solid error-correction ability and low overhead remains a significant challenge. In this paper, a low-overhead fault-tolerant error correction scheme is proposed for quantum communication systems. Firstly, syndrome ancillas are prepared into Bell states to detect errors caused by channel noise. We propose a detection approach that reduces the propagation path of quantum gate fault and reduces the circuit depth by splitting the stabilizer generator into X-type and Z-type. Additionally, a syndrome extraction circuit is equipped with two flag qubits to detect quantum gate faults, which may also introduce errors into the code block during the error detection process. Finally, analytical results are provided to demonstrate the fault-tolerant performance of the proposed FTEC scheme with the lower overhead of the ancillary qubits and circuit depth.
Biophysical model for high-throughput tumor and epithelial cell co-culture in complex biochemical microenvironments
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Liu Yanping , Yao Jingru , Song Kena , Wang Gao , Zhou Lianjie , Chen Guo , Liu Liyu
Published: November 2021

The in vivo tumor microenvironment is a complex niche that includes heterogeneous physical structures, unique biochemical gradients and multiple cell interactions. Its high-fidelity in vitro reconstruction is of fundamental importance to improve current understandings of cell behavior, efficacy predictions and drug safety. In this study, we have developed a high-throughput biochip with hundreds of composite extracellular matrix (ECM) microchambers to co-culture invasive breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231-RFP) and normal breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A-GFP). The composite ECM is composed of type I collagen and Matrigel which provides a heterogeneous microenvironment that is similar to that of in vivo cell growth. Additionally, the growth factors and drug gradients that involve human epidermal growth factor (EGF), discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) inhibitor 7rh and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor batimastat allow for the mimicking of the complex in vivo biochemical microenvironment to investigate their effect on the spatial-temporal dynamics of cell growth. Our results demonstrate that the MDA-MB-231-RFP cells and MCF-10A-GFP cells exhibit different spatial proliferation behaviors under the combination of growth factors and drugs. Basing on the experimental data, we have also developed a cellular automata (CA) model that incorporated drug diffusion to describe the experimental phenomenon, as well as employed Shannon entropy (SE) to explore the effect of the drug diffusion coefficient on the spatial-temporal dynamics of cell growth. The results indicate that the uniform cell growth is related to the drug diffusion coefficient, which reveals that the pore size of the ECM plays a key role in the formation of complex biochemical gradients. Therefore, our integrated, biomimetic and high-throughput co-culture platforms, as well as the computational model can be used as an effective tool for investigating cancer pathogenesis and drug development.
Research on weak signal readout systems for neutrinoless double-beta decay experiments based on bolometers
Authors: Ding D.L. , Liu Y.Y. , Jiang J.Y. , Zeng M. , Wang L. , Cheng J.P.
Published: November 2021

This paper develops a prototype signal readout system based on the physical mechanism and signal-to-noise ratio of the ultralow voltage signal characteristics of a bolometer. The preamplifier module is one of the key difficulties of the prototype: the internal resistance is as high as one hundred MΩ, the signal frequency band is susceptible to low-frequency noise, and the high energy resolution requires a high signal-to-noise ratio that is matching the input impedance to design a preamplifier with a good common-mode rejection ratio and low inherent noise. Therefore, the preamplifier circuit is designed with an instrument amplifier. At present, the energy resolution of the bolometer is 500 ~ 1000 nV (root mean square, rms) at the input of the signal readout system. According to the calculation, the theoretical value of the inherent noise at the input end is 394 nVrms, including a theoretical value for the equivalent input voltage noise of 166 nVrms, while the actual measurement value is less than 180 nVrms, which is basically consistent with the theoretical value. In addition, the signal gain (10,000) and frequency response of the prototype are experimentally verified. The experimental results show that the gain is 9400, and the frequency and waveform are not distorted within the allowable error range; all of these parameters meet the design requirement.