bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multichannel haptic feedback unlocks prosthetic hand dexterity
Authors: Abd Moaed A. , Ingicco Joseph , Hutchinson Douglas T. , Tognoli Emmanuelle , Engeberg Erik D.
Published: February 2022

Loss of tactile sensations is a major roadblock preventing upper limb-absent people from multitasking or using the full dexterity of their prosthetic hands. With current myoelectric prosthetic hands, limb-absent people can only control one grasp function at a time even though modern artificial hands are mechanically capable of individual control of all five digits. In this paper, we investigated whether people could precisely control the grip forces applied to two different objects grasped simultaneously with a dexterous artificial hand. Toward that end, we developed a novel multichannel wearable soft robotic armband to convey artificial sensations of touch to the robotic hand users. Multiple channels of haptic feedback enabled subjects to successfully grasp and transport two objects simultaneously with the dexterous artificial hand without breaking or dropping them, even when their vision of both objects was obstructed. Simultaneous transport of the objects provided a significant time savings to perform the deliveries in comparison to a one-at-a-time approach. This paper demonstrated that subjects were able to integrate multiple channels of haptic feedback into their motor control strategies to perform a complex simultaneous object grasp control task with an artificial limb, which could serve as a paradigm shift in the way prosthetic hands are operated.
PLA/Hydroxyapatite scaffolds exhibit in vitro immunological inertness and promote robust osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells without osteogenic stimuli
Authors: Bernardo Marcela P. , da Silva Bruna C. R. , Hamouda Ahmed E. I. , de Toledo Marcelo A. S. , Schalla Carmen , Rütten Stephan , Goetzke Roman , Mattoso Luiz H. C. , Zenke Martin , Sechi Antonio
Published: February 2022

Bone defects stand out as one of the greatest challenges of reconstructive surgery. Fused deposition modelling (FDM) allows for the printing of 3D scaffolds tailored to the morphology and size of bone damage in a patient-specific and high-precision manner. However, FDM still suffers from the lack of materials capable of efficiently supporting osteogenesis. In this study, we developed 3D-printed porous scaffolds composed of polylactic acid/hydroxyapatite (PLA/HA) composites with high ceramic contents (above 20%, w/w) by FDM. The mechanical properties of the PLA/HA scaffolds were compatible with those of trabecular bone. In vitro degradation tests revealed that HA can neutralize the acidification effect caused by PLA degradation, while simultaneously releasing calcium and phosphate ions. Importantly, 3D-printed PLA/HA did not induce the upregulation of activation markers nor the expression of inflammatory cytokines in dendritic cells thus exhibiting no immune-stimulatory properties in vitro. Evaluations using human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) showed that pure PLA scaffolds exerted an osteoconductive effect, whereas PLA/HA scaffolds efficiently induced osteogenic differentiation of MSC even in the absence of any classical osteogenic stimuli. Our findings indicate that 3D-printed PLA scaffolds loaded with high concentrations of HA are most suitable for future applications in bone tissue engineering.
Presence and absence of intrinsic magnetism in graphitic carbon nitrides designed through C–N–H building blocks
Authors: Pakornchote Teerachote , Ektarawong Annop , Sukserm Akkarach , Pinsook Udomsilp , Bovornratanaraks Thiti
Published: February 2022

We use the first principle calculation to investigate the intrinsic magnetism of graphitic carbon nitrides (GCNs). By preserving three-fold symmetry, the GCN building blocks have been built out of different combinations between 6 components which are C atom, N atom, s-triazine, heptazine, heptazine with C atom at the center, and benzimidazole-like component. That results in 20 phases where 11 phases have been previously reported, and 9 phases are newly derived. The partial density of states and charge density have been analyzed through 20 phases to understand the origin of the presence and absence of intrinsic magnetism in GCNs. The intrinsic magnetism will be present not only because the GCNs comprising of radical components but also the $$\pi$$
π
-conjugated states are not the valence maximum to break the delocalization of unpaired electrons. The building blocks are also employed to study alloys between g-$$\hbox {C}_3\hbox {N}_4$$

C
3

N
4

and g-$$\hbox {C}_4\hbox {N}_3$$

C
4

N
3

. The magnetization of the alloys has been found to be linearly dependent on a number of C atoms in the unit cell and some magnetic alloys are energetically favorable. Moreover, the intrinsic magnetism in GCNs can be promoted or demoted by passivating with a H atom depending on the passivated positions.
Avian predators taste reject mimetic prey in relation to their signal reliability
Authors: He R. , Pagani-Núñez E. , Goodale E. , Barnett C. R. A.
Published: February 2022

Aposematic organisms defend themselves through various means to increase their unprofitability to predators which they advertise with conspicuous warning signals. Predators learn to avoid aposematic prey through associative learning that leads to lower predation. However, when these visual signals become unreliable (e.g., through automimicry or Batesian mimicry), predators may switch from using visual signals to taste sampling prey to choose among them. In this experiment, we tested this possibility in a field experiment where we released a total of 4800 mealworm prey in two clusters consisting of either: (i) undefended prey (injected with water) and (ii) model-mimics (injected with either quinine sulphate [models] or water [mimics]). Prey were deployed at 12 sites, with the mimic frequency of the model-mimics ranging between 0 and 1 (at 0.2 intervals). We found that taste rejection peaked at moderate mimic frequencies (0.4 and 0.6), supporting the idea that taste sampling and rejection of prey is related to signal reliability and predator uncertainty. This is the first time that taste-rejection has been shown to be related to the reliability of prey signals in a mimetic prey system.
Tomographic reconstruction from planar thermal imaging using convolutional neural network
Authors: Ledwon Daniel , Sage Agata , Juszczyk Jan , Rudzki Marcin , Badura Pawel
Published: February 2022

In this study, we investigate perspectives for thermal tomography based on planar infrared thermal images. Volumetric reconstruction of temperature distribution inside an object is hardly applicable in a way similar to ionizing-radiation-based modalities due to its non-penetrating character. Here, we aim at employing the autoencoder deep neural network to collect knowledge on the single-source heat transfer model. For that purpose, we prepare a series of synthetic 3D models of a cylindrical phantom with assumed thermal properties with various heat source locations, captured at different times. A set of planar thermal images taken around the model is subjected to initial backprojection reconstruction, then passed to the deep model. This paper reports the training and testing results in terms of five metrics assessing spatial similarity between volumetric models, signal-to-noise ratio, or heat source location accuracy. We also evaluate the assumptions of the synthetic model with an experiment involving thermal imaging of a real object (pork) and a single heat source. For validation, we investigate objects with multiple heat sources of a random location and temperature. Our results show the capability of a deep model to reconstruct the temperature distribution inside the object.
Hybrid magnetron sputtering of ceramic superlattices for application in a next generation of combustion engines
Authors: de Castilho Bruno César Noronha Marques , Rodrigues Alisson Mendes , Avila Pedro Renato Tavares , Apolinario Raíra Chefer , Nossa Tamires de Souza , Walczak Magdalena , Fernandes Jucielle Veras , Menezes Romualdo Rodrigues , de Araújo Neves Gelmires , Pinto Haroldo Cavalcanti
Published: February 2022

A hybrid magnetron sputtering process (dcMS/HiPIMS) was developed to manufacture nanostructured CrN/Cr1-xAlxN multilayers, motivated by improving the low-emission efficiency when applied on gas-nitrided diesel piston rings of a next-generation of combustion engines. In order to improve the mechanical, tribological, and corrosion behavior of the multilayers, the hybrid dcMS/HiPIMS process was designed by selecting the optimal sputtering procedure applied to AISI 440 base steel. The effect of substrate bias and carousel rotational speed on the phase composition, crystallographic texture, residual stresses, surface roughness, coating periodicity and densification, instrumented hardness, elastic modulus, as well as wear and corrosion resistance was determined. The results have demonstrated that hybrid magnetron sputtering produces multilayers with a superlattice structure, which outperforms commercial PVD coatings of CrN for diesel piston rings manufactured by cathodic arc evaporation. Also, multilayer periodicities in the range of 5 to 10 nm yield the best tribological performance under bench tests for the piston ring/cylinder liner system.
Virtual monoenergetic micro-CT imaging in mice with artificial intelligence
Authors: van der Heyden Brent , Roden Stijn , Dok Rüveyda , Nuyts Sandra , Sterpin Edmond
Published: February 2022

Micro cone-beam computed tomography (µCBCT) imaging is of utmost importance for carrying out extensive preclinical research in rodents. The imaging of animals is an essential step prior to preclinical precision irradiation, but also in the longitudinal assessment of treatment outcomes. However, imaging artifacts such as beam hardening will occur due to the low energetic nature of the X-ray imaging beam (i.e., 60 kVp). Beam hardening artifacts are especially difficult to resolve in a ‘pancake’ imaging geometry with stationary source and detector, where the animal is rotated around its sagittal axis, and the X-ray imaging beam crosses a wide range of thicknesses. In this study, a seven-layer U-Net based network architecture (vMonoCT) is adopted to predict virtual monoenergetic X-ray projections from polyenergetic X-ray projections. A Monte Carlo simulation model is developed to compose a training dataset of 1890 projection pairs. Here, a series of digital anthropomorphic mouse phantoms was derived from the reference DigiMouse phantom as simulation geometry. vMonoCT was trained on 1512 projection pairs (= 80%) and tested on 378 projection pairs (= 20%). The percentage error calculated for the test dataset was 1.7 ± 0.4%. Additionally, the vMonoCT model was evaluated on a retrospective projection dataset of five mice and one frozen cadaver. It was found that beam hardening artifacts were minimized after image reconstruction of the vMonoCT-corrected projections, and that anatomically incorrect gradient errors were corrected in the cranium up to 15%. Our results disclose the potential of Artificial Intelligence to enhance the µCBCT image quality in biomedical applications. vMonoCT is expected to contribute to the reproducibility of quantitative preclinical applications such as precision irradiations in X-ray cabinets, and to the evaluation of longitudinal imaging data in extensive preclinical studies.
Super high-quality SEM/FIB imaging of dentine structures without collagen fiber loss through a metal staining process
Authors: Xu Shiyou , Stranick Michael , Hines Deon , Du Ke , Pan Long
Published: February 2022

Scanning Electron Microscope/Focused Ion Beam (SEM/FIB) system has become valuable and popular tool for the analysis of biological materials such as dentine structures. According to physiological and anatomical studies, dentine structures are a complicated system containing collagen fibers, nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite, and numerous networks of tubular pores. During a routine FIB milling process, collagen fibers and other organic structures are vaporized, which increases the number of pores on the milled surface of the dentine. This causes the final cross-section to be more porous than the pristine sample. Unfortunately, little attention has been paid to the collagen fiber loss and how to preserve them during a FIB milling process. In this work, we present a novel and simple approach to preserve the organic portions of the dentine structure through metal staining. By using this method, the porosity of the dentine structure after the FIB milling process is significantly reduced similar to the pristine sample. This indicates that the organic portion of the dentine structure is well protected by the metal staining. This approach enables the SEM/FIB system to generate super-high quality SEM images with less ion beam damage; and the SEM images can better reflect the original condition of the dentine structure. Further, serial energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping of the stained dentine structure is achieved without an additional metal coating; and three-dimensional (3-D) elemental mapping of an occluded dentine is achieved with a significantly reduced data acquisition time.
Relationship between oxidative stress and lifespan in Daphnia pulex
Authors: Ukhueduan Benedicth , Schumpert Charles , Kim Eunsuk , Dudycha Jeffry L. , Patel Rekha C.
Published: February 2022

Macromolecular damage leading to cell, tissue and ultimately organ dysfunction is a major contributor to aging. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting from normal metabolism cause most damage to macromolecules and the mitochondria play a central role in this process as they are the principle source of ROS. The relationship between naturally occurring variations in the mitochondrial (MT) genomes leading to correspondingly less or more ROS and macromolecular damage that changes the rate of aging associated organismal decline remains relatively unexplored. MT complex I, a component of the electron transport chain (ETC), is a key source of ROS and the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (ND5) is a highly conserved core protein of the subunits that constitute the backbone of complex I. Using Daphnia as a model organism, we explored if the naturally occurring sequence variations in ND5 correlate with a short or long lifespan. Our results indicate that the short-lived clones have ND5 variants that correlate with reduced complex I activity, increased oxidative damage, and heightened expression of ROS scavenger enzymes. Daphnia offers a unique opportunity to investigate the association between inherited variations in components of complex I and ROS generation which affects the rate of aging and lifespan.
Response of Iranian lizards to future climate change by poleward expansion, southern contraction, and elevation shifts
Authors: Vaissi Somaye
Published: February 2022

This study explores the relationships between recent Iranian lizard species distributions and the observed climate, as well as potential future distributions of species. For this purpose, an ensemble of seven algorithms was used to forecast the distributions of 30 species for the recent and future (2070) based on the averages of 14 global climate models under optimistic (RCP2.6) and pessimistic (RCP8.5) scenarios. Annual precipitation (n = 16) and annual mean temperature (n = 7) were identified as the most important variables in determining the distribution of 76.66% (23 out of 30) of the species. The consensus model predicts that the ranges of 83.33% of species (n = 25) have the potential to expand poleward at higher latitudes while preserving the majority of their recent distributions (except for four species). Furthermore, the ranges of the remaining species (n = 5) will be preserved at higher latitudes. However, they (n = 22) may contract slightly (n = 13) or excessively (n = 9) in the south of their distribution range at lower latitudes. These results indicate that species (N = 19) situated in mountainous areas such as the Zagros, Alborz, and Kopet Dagh may move or maintain their range at higher elevations as a result of future climate change. Finally, this study suggests that 30% of species (n = 9) may be threatened by future climate change and that they should be prioritized in conservation efforts.
Transmission electron microscopy study of suspected primary ciliary dyskinesia patients
Authors: Rezaei Mitra , Soheili Amirali , Ziai Seyed Ali , Fakharian Atefeh , Toreyhi Hossein , Pourabdollah Mihan , Ghorbani Jahangir , Karimi-Galougahi Mahboobeh , Mahdaviani Seyed Alireza , Hasanzad Maryam , Eslaminejad Alireza , Ghaffaripour Hossein Ali , Mahmoudian Saied , Rodafshani Zahra , Mirenayat Maryam Sadat , Varahram Mohammad , Marjani Majid , Tabarsi Payam , Mansouri Davood , Jamaati Hamid Reza , Velayati Ali Akbar
Published: February 2022

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare autosomal recessive condition often presenting with chronic respiratory infections in early life. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is used to detect ciliary ultrastructural defects. In this study, we aimed to assess ciliary ultrastructural defects using quantitative methods on TEM to identify its diagnostic role in confirming PCD. Nasal samples of 67 patients, including 37 females and 30 males (20.3 ± 10.7 years old), with suspected PCD symptoms were examined by TEM. The most common presentations were bronchiectasis: 26 (38.8%), chronic sinusitis: 23 (34.3%), and recurrent lower respiratory infections: 21 (31.3%). Secondary ciliary dyskinesia, including compound cilia (41.4%) and extra-tubules (44.3%), were the most prevalent TEM finding. Twelve patients (17.9%) had hallmark diagnostic criteria for PCD (class 1) consisting of 11 (16.4%) outer and inner dynein arm (ODA and IDA) defects and only one concurrent IDA defect and microtubular disorganization. Also, 11 patients (16.4%) had probable criteria for PCD (class 2), 26 (38.8%) had other defects, and 18 (26.9%) had normal ciliary ultrastructure. Among our suspected PCD patients, the most common ultrastructural ciliary defects were extra-tubules and compound cilia. However, the most prevalent hallmark diagnostic defect confirming PCD was simultaneous defects of IDA and ODA.
Selection for specific behavioural traits does not influence preference of chasing motion and visual strategy in dogs
Authors: Abdai Judit , Miklósi Ádám
Published: February 2022

Perception of inanimate objects as animate based on motion cues alone seems to be present in phylogenetically distant species, from birth (humans and chicks). However, we do not know whether the species’ social and ecological environment has an influence on this phenomenon. Dogs serve as a unique species to investigate whether selection for specific behavioural traits influences animacy perception. We tested purebred companion dogs, and assigned them into two groups based on the type of work they were originally selected for: (1) Chasers, tracking and chasing prey; (2) Retrievers, mark and remember downed game. We displayed isosceles triangles presenting a chasing pattern vs moving independently, in parallel on a screen. We hypothesised that Chasers prefer to look at chasing and Retrievers eventually focus their visual attention on the independent motion. Overall, we did not find a significant difference between groups regarding the looking duration of dogs or the frequency of their gaze alternation between the chasing and independent motions. Thus it seems that selection for specific traits does not influence the perception of animate entities within the species.
Elucidating the effect of body mass index, height, and parity on uncomplicated cystitis: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Jansåker Filip , Li Xinjun , Sundquist Kristina
Published: February 2022

In this nationwide cohort of one million fertile women, BMI, height, and parity only had minor but statistically significant effects on the risk of uncomplicated cystitis. The results indicate that underweight women and certain sociodemographic groups might have higher risks, which could have underlying explanations that need further studying.
New white light-emitting halochromic stilbenes with remarkable quantum yields and aggregation-induced emission
Authors: Panahi Farhad , Mahmoodi Ali , Ghodrati Sajjad , Abdi Ali Ashtiani , Eshghi Fazlolah
Published: February 2022

Highly efficient single-component white light emitters (SWLEs), are attractive candidates for the simple and cost-effective fabrication of high-performance lighting devices. This study introduced a donor–π–acceptor and a donor–π–donor stilbene-based chromophores, representing pH-responsive fluorescence. The emitters showed yellow and green fluorescence in their neutral form. At the same time, protonation of the chromophores caused blue fluorescence color with a strong hypsochromic shift. The white light emission (WLE) for these chromophores was observed at approximately pH  3 due to the simultaneous presence of the neutral and protonated forms of the chromophores, covering almost all the emission spectra in the visible region (400–700 nm). These chromophores presented exceptional white light quantum yields (Φ) between 31 and 54%, which was desirable for producing white light-emitting devices. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent (TD)-DFT were applied to study the structural and electronic properties of the chromophores.
Microbial contribution to post-fire tundra ecosystem recovery over the 21st century
Authors: Bouskill Nicholas J. , Mekonnen Zelalem , Zhu Qing , Grant Robert , Riley William J.
Published: February 2022

Tundra ecosystems have experienced an increased frequency of fire, and this trend is predicted to continue throughout the 21st Century. Post-fire recovery is underpinned by complex interactions between microbial functional groups that drive nutrient cycling. Here we use a mechanistic model to demonstrate an acceleration of the nitrogen cycle post-fire driven by changes in niche space and microbial competitive dynamics. We show that over the first 5-years post-fire, fast-growing bacterial heterotrophs colonize regions of the soil previously occupied by slower-growing saprotrophic fungi. The bacterial heterotrophs mineralize organic matter, releasing nutrients into the soil. This pathway outweighs new sources of nitrogen and facilitates the recovery of plant productivity. We broadly show here that while consideration of distinct microbial metabolisms related to carbon and nutrient cycling remains rare in terrestrial ecosystem models, they are important when considering the rate of ecosystem recovery post-disturbance and the feedback to soil nutrient cycles on centennial timescales.
The characterisation of commercial 2D carbons: graphene, graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Albers Peter W. , Leich Valeri , Ramirez-Cuesta Anibal J. , Cheng Yongqiang , Hönig Jonas , Parker Stewart F.
Published: February 2022

Commercial 2D carbon materials are shown to be largely nanographite with a small percentage of single layer material present.
SISSO-assisted prediction and design of mechanical properties of porous graphene with a uniform nanopore array
Authors: Wei Anran , Ye Han , Guo Zhenlin , Xiong Jie
Published: February 2022

The SISSO algorithm is adopted to derive explicit formulae describing the structure–property relationship of porous graphene with a uniform nanopore array. This approach can effectively accelerate the mechanical design of porous graphene.
Exfoliation-induced O-doped g-C3N4 nanosheets with improved photoreactivity towards RhB degradation and H2 evolution
Authors: Yan Juntao , Liu Jinhong , Sun Ya , Ding Deng , Wang Chunlei , Sun Linbing , Li Xiaofang
Published: February 2022

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets exfoliated from their bulk-sized counterparts are limited by a quantum size effect-induced widened bandgap.
New aggregation-induced delayed fluorescent materials for efficient OLEDs with high stabilities of emission color and efficiency
Authors: Chen Hao , Liu Huijun , Xiong Yi , He Junchu , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: February 2022

New aggregation-induced delayed fluorescence luminogens are developed, which exhibit high electroluminescence efficiencies, very small efficiency roll-offs and high emission color stability.
Palladium-catalyzed direct γ-C(sp3)–H arylation of β-alkoxy cyclohexenones: reaction scope and mechanistic insights
Authors: Shao Li-Dong , Chen Yang , Wang Mei , Xiao Nan , Zhang Zhi-Jun , Li Dashan , Li Rong-Tao
Published: February 2022

Direct γ-C(sp3)-arylation of unactivated electron-rich enones remains a challenge. We have found a Pd-catalyzed method for direct γ-C(sp3)-arylation of unactivated β-alkoxy cyclohexenones which enables the synthesis of bioactive CBD-like compounds.
Enhancement of third order nonlinear optical responses via alteration of the density of states of electrons: VS2–NiS2 hybrid nanostructure
Authors: Parishani Marziyeh , Nadafan Marzieh , Malekfar Rasoul
Published: February 2022

Increasing of the density of states of electrons is an important criterion in nonlinear optical phenomena. The hybridization of VS2 with NiS2 leads to the improvement of nonlinear optical properties using in the optical and photonic applications.
A novel electrochemical sensing platform based on the esterase extracted from kidney bean for high-sensitivity determination of organophosphorus pesticides
Authors: Tao Han , Liu Feng , Ji Chun , Wu Yuangen , Wang Xiao , Shi Qili
Published: February 2022

An electrochemical sensing platform using kidney bean esterase as a new detection enzyme was proposed for organophosphorus pesticide determination. The determination of trichlorfon can be easily achieved with a LOD as low as 3 ng L−1 (S/N = 3).
Delivery of an immunogenic cell death-inducing copper complex to cancer stem cells using polymeric nanoparticles
Authors: Passeri Ginevra , Northcote-Smith Joshua , Suntharalingam Kogularamanan
Published: February 2022

In this study we deliver an immunogenic cell death-inducing copper(ii) complex, comprising of 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline and a Schiff base ligand, to breast cancer stem cells.
Rapid pollutant degradation by peroxymonosulfate via an unusual mediated-electron transfer pathway under spatial-confinement
Authors: Shao Siting , Cui Jiahao , Li Lina , Wang Mingqi , Zhang Peng , Cui Jianguo , Hu Chun , Zhao Yubao
Published: February 2022

A highly efficient mediated-electron transfer process of PMS activation on Co was achieved by construction of a spatially-confined reaction environment.
Paper-based flexible strain and pressure sensor with enhanced mechanical strength and super-hydrophobicity that can work under water
Authors: Liu Hanbin , Wang Wei , Xiang Huacui , Wu Haiwei , Li Zhijian , Zhou Hongwei , Huang Wei
Published: February 2022

A super-hydrophobic paper-based flexible sensor was developed and proven to be able to work under water without encapsulation.
Solution-processable phenothiazine and phenoxazine substituted fluorene cored nanotextured hole transporting materials for achieving high-efficiency OLEDs
Authors: Nagar Mangey Ram , Choudhury Abhijeet , Tavgeniene Daiva , Beresneviciute Raminta , Blazevicius Dovydas , Jankauskas Vygintas , Kumar Krishan , Banik Subrata , Ghosh Subrata , Grigalevicius Saulius , Jou Jwo-Huei
Published: February 2022

In this work, a novel series of phenothiazine and phenoxazine substituted fluorene core-based solution-processable nanotextured HTMs was reported. Of these, the phenoxazine material showed a superior performance in phosphorescent yellow and TADF green OLEDs.
Fluoride-free synthesis of beta zeolite with enrichment of polymorph B from a solvent-free route
Authors: Yu Xiyuan , Meng Shengshen , Liu Shuqi , Yang Yuhan , Liu Baogang , Zhu Longfeng , Cao Xuebo
Published: February 2022

Fluoride-free synthesis of beta zeolite with enrichment of polymorph B is successfully achieved by using raw materials of solid silica gel, organic templates, sodium hydroxide, and zeolite seeds in the absence of any solvents.
Diversity-oriented and diastereoselective synthesis of diverse polycyclic thieno(2,3-b)-quinoline derivatives using a synergistic strategy
Authors: Yao Wen-Bo , Xie Xuan-Sheng , Liu Jun-Nan , Xie Jian-Wu
Published: February 2022

A series of diverse polycyclic heterocycles, which combined quinoline, thiophene and pyrone, three potential pharmacophores, in one molecule have been constructed based on a synergistic strategy and a combinatorial pharmacophore strategy.
Supramolecular self-associating amphiphiles: determination of molecular self-association properties and calculation of critical micelle concentration using a high-throughput, optical density based methodology
Authors: Rutkauskaite Andzelika , White Lisa J. , Hilton Kira L. F. , Picci Giacomo , Croucher Lorraine , Caltagirone Claudia , Hiscock Jennifer R.
Published: February 2022

A microplate reader assay to enable the characterisation of amphiphile self-assembly processes and derivation of the critical micelle concentration (CMC).
Synergetic interfacial passivation, band alignment, and long-term stability with halide-optimized CsPbBrxI3−x nanocrystals for high-efficiency MAPbI3 solar cells
Authors: Wang Meng , Gao Long , Yu Peixin , Wang Qian , Yu Chenxi , Zhang Xiaoyu , Wang Yinghui , Zheng Weitao , Zhang Jiaqi
Published: February 2022

The CsPbBrxI3−x modification layer decreased the trap states, improved the energy alignment of the device, and enhanced the interfacial charge transfer and carrier extraction, which significantly improved the perovskite solar cell performance.
Physical fruit traits, proximate composition, fatty acid and elemental profiling of almond [Prunus dulcis Mill. DA Webb] kernels from ten genotypes grown in southern Morocco
Authors: Ibourki Mohamed , Ait Bouzid Hasna , Bijla Laila , Aissa Rabha , Sakar El Hassan , Ainane Tarik , Gharby Said , El Hammadi Abdellatif
Published: February 2022

This study was carried out with the aim to evaluate physical fruit traits, proximate composition, elemental content, and fatty acid profiling of almond kernels from ten genotypes (sweet and bitter) grown under various agro-ecological conditions (Tafraout, Igherm, Taliouine, Tiznit and Essaouira) in southern Morocco. During the ripening stage, samples (almond kernels) belonging to these genotypes were subjected to physical fruits measurements (weight, length, width, and thickness). Proximate composition determination (crude protein, crude oil, ash and moisture) was carried out on the powder of kernels for each genotype. Carbohydrates as well as energy value were calculated. Elemental profiling of almond kernels consisted of ten macro and microelements was determined as well as the fatty acids composition of almond extracted oil. The results of this study showed wide variations among the investigated genotypes in terms of crude protein (17.14 ± 2.14 to 25.12 ± 1.23 g/100 g), oil content (51.12 ± 2.99 to 56.26 ± 3.22 g/100 g), ash content (5.11 ± 0.45 to 6.79 ± 0.52 g/100 g), moisture content (2.55 ± 0.38 to 4.34 ± 1.16 g/100 g), carbohydrates (13.34 ± 1.54 to 18.59 ± 2.22 g/100 g) and energy value (549.80 ± 37.04 to 591.03 ± 38.56 kcal/100 g DM). A similar trend was observed in the case of mineral profiling. K (9796.08 ± 793.49 to 14 197.84 ± 1150.03 mg/kg) was the major mineral in all genotypes. This was followed by P (8190.75 ± 663.46 to 11 061.68 ± 895.96 mg/kg), Ca (3067.53 ± 248.47 to 5404.93 ± 437.79 mg/kg) and Mg (4002.85 ± 324.22 to 5101.72 ± 413.23 mg/kg), while Na, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn and B were detected in small quantities. Our results revealed six fatty acids with a dominance of oleic acid, which varied widely among the studied genotypes and extraction technique. Solvent extraction performed better in terms of oil content. The studied genotypes showed a great pomological potential that could be exploited for their fruits such as for breeding purposes.
Genetic interrelationships of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea), the causative agent of sparganosis in Europe
Authors: Čisovská Bazsalovicsová Eva , Radačovská Alžbeta , Lavikainen Antti , Kuchta Roman , Králová-Hromadová Ivica
Published: February 2022

The geographic distribution of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea), the causative agent of food/water-borne sparganosis, is restricted to Europe, where infected canids, felids, mustelids, suids, and reptiles have been documented from Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Serbia, Estonia, Latvia, and Finland. The main objective of the current study was to map the molecular divergence of S. erinaceieuropaei from Finland using the complete sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1 mtDNA). Seven cox1 haplotypes were determined in 15 tapeworms from Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) from three localities in southern Finland. In addition, the first inter-population study of S. erinaceieuropaei based on currently obtained data on cox1 from Finland and previously published data from Finland, Latvia, Ukraine, and Poland, was performed. The haplotype network showed a star-like pattern without specific subdivision of lineages according to the locality. Samples from Finland, Latvia, and Poland shared several haplotypes and formed the common Baltic lineage. The haplotype of S. erinaceieuropaei from Ukraine was unique and placed on a separate mutational pathway, suggesting a different lineage of the parasite.
Update Breast Cancer 2021 Part 5 – Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Lüftner Diana , Schütz Florian , Stickeler Elmar , Fasching Peter A. , Janni Wolfgang , Kolberg-Liedtke Cornelia , Kolberg Hans-Christian , Thomssen Christoph , Müller Volkmar , Fehm Tanja N. , Belleville Erik , Bader Simon , Untch Michael , Welslau Manfred , Thill Marc , Tesch Hans , Ditsch Nina , Lux Michael P. , Wöckel Achim , Aktas Bahriye , Schneeweiss Andreas , Würstlein Rachel , Hartkopf Andreas D.
Published: February 2022

Despite the COVID 19 pandemic and mostly virtual congresses, innovation in the treatment of breast cancer patients continues at an unabated pace. This review summarises the current developments. Initial overall survival data for CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as the first advanced line of therapy in treatment-naive postmenopausal patients have been published. Similarly, a trial comparing trastuzumab-deruxtecan versus trastuzumab-emtansine revealed a clear benefit regarding progression-free survival. Understanding of biomarkers making checkpoint inhibitor therapy particularly effective is increasing, and new compounds such as oral selective estrogen receptor destabilisers (SERDs) are entering clinical development and completing the first phase III trials.
Bilateral Radioscopically Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Spine Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Beltrame Sofia Angeles , Fasano Francisco , Jalón Pablo
Published: February 2022

Background We compare two perioperative pain management procedures(a radioscopicallyguided erector spinae plane [ESP] block versus the standard wound infiltration technique with local anesthetics) in patients undergoing lumbosacral spine surgery.

Methods A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was performed, in which adults at our hospital undergoing lumbosacral surgery without fixation were randomly assigned to receive either the standard wound infiltration technique, employing long-term anesthetics, or a radioscopicallyguided ESP block. Postoperative pain severity, morphine consumption, number of patients immobilized due to wound pain, length of hospitalization, and complications were recorded.

Results Over the first 7 postoperative hours, pain relief was superior in the ESP block group among patients who underwent diskectomies or one-level decompression (p< 0.0001). Using an ESP block also was statistically superior at decreasing all postoperative variables recorded in patients scheduled for multilevel decompression: visual analog scale (VAS) pain severity over the first 7 hours after the procedure (p = 0.0004); number of patients with wound pain 1 (p = 0.049), 7 (p< 0.0001), and 24 hours (p = 0.007) after surgery; length of hospitalization (p = 0.0007), number of patients immobilized for wound pain (p = 0.0004) and rescue morphine consumption (p< 0.0001).

Conclusion The ESP block is a safe procedure that seems to outperform the infiltration wound technique for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing open spinal surgery. Future studies are needed to verify its effectiveness for arthrodesis/fixation and minimallyinvasive procedures, and for chronic spine pain relief.
ShuntScope-Guided Versus Free-Hand Technique for Ventricular Catheter Placement: A Retrospective Comparative Study of Intraventricular Catheter Tip Position and Complication Rate
Authors: Issa Mohammed , Nofal Mohammed , Miotk Nikolai , Seitz Angelika , Unterberg Andreas , El Damaty Ahmed
Published: February 2022

Background The position of the ventricular catheter (VC) is essential for a proper function of cerebrospinal fluid diversion system. A ShuntScope-guided (SG) method might be helpful in reducing complications. The purpose of this study is to compare the accuracy of catheter placement and the complication and revision rates between SG and free-hand (FH) techniques.

Methods This is a retrospective study based on a prospectively acquired database of patients who underwent VC placement between September 2018 and July 2021. Accuracy of catheter placement was graded on postoperative imaging using the 3-point Hayhurst grading system. Complication and revision rates were documented and compared between both groups with an average follow-up period of 20.84 months.

Results Fifty-seven patients were included. The SG technique was used in 29 patients (mean age was 6.3 years, 1.4–27.7 years, 48.1% females), and the FH technique was used in 28 patients (mean age was 26.7 years, 0.83–79.5 years, 67.9% female). The success rate for the optimal placement of the VC with grade I on the Hayhurst scale was significantly higher in the SG group (93.1%) than in the FH group (60.7%), p = 0.012. The revision rate was higher in the FH group with 35.7% versus 20.7% in the SG group, p = 0.211.

Conclusion VC placement using the SG technique is a safe and effective procedure, which enabled a significantly higher success rate and lower revision and complication rate. Accordingly, we recommend using the SG technique especially in patients with difficult anatomy.
Experiences with a 3D4K Digital Exoscope System (ORBEYE) in a Wide Range of Neurosurgical Procedures
Authors: Göttsche J. , Piffko A. , Regelsberger J. , Dührsen L. , Pantel T.F. , Westphal M. , Flitsch J. , Ricklefs F.L.
Published: February 2022

Background Exoscopic 3D4K video systems (EX) have recently been introduced as an alternative to conventional operating microscopes (OM). However, experience in handling and setup remains scarce. This study evaluated the practicability of exoscopic surgery in a wide range of procedures.

Material and Methods All EX operations performed between August 2018 and May 2020 were evaluated and compared with procedures using OM. A standardized questionnaire was used to evaluate surgeons' comfort, image quality (including fluorescence modes), and handling.

Results In all, 513 EX operations were performed during the investigated period. EX was generally rated as a valuable surgical tool. In particular, the digital 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence and the comfort level of posture during surgery were stated to be superior to OM (100 and 83%, respectively).

Conclusion EX has been used for a significant number of neurosurgical procedures. While presuming that the technical methodology as such will not influence outcome of glioma surgery, proof of equipoise between different techniques expands the spectrum of surgical environments giving neurosurgeons a choice to work according to their preferred ergonomics.
Adjusting D-dimer to Lung Disease Extent to Exclude Pulmonary Embolism in COVID-19 Patients (Co-LEAD)
Authors: Planquette Benjamin , Khider Lina , Berre Alice Le , Soudet Simon , Pernod Gilles , Mao Raphaël Le , Besutti Matthieu , Gendron Nicolas , Yanoutsos Alexandra , Smadja David M. , Goudot Guillaume , Kahf Salma Al , Mohamedi Nassim , Hamoud Antoine Al , Philippe Aurélien , Fournier Laure , Rance Bastien , Diehl Jean-Luc , Mirault Tristan , Messas Emmanuel , Emmerich Joseph , Chocron Richard , Couturaud Francis , Ferretti Gilbert , Sevestre Marie Antoinette , Meneveau Nicolas , Chatellier Gilles , Sanchez Olivier
Published: February 2022

Objective D-dimer measurement is a safe tool to exclude pulmonary embolism (PE), but its specificity decreases in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Our aim was to derive a new algorithm with a specific D-dimer threshold for COVID-19 patients.

Methods We conducted a French multicenter, retrospective cohort study among 774 COVID-19 patients with suspected PE. D-dimer threshold adjusted to extent of lung damage found on computed tomography (CT) was derived in a patient set (n = 337), and its safety assessed in an independent validation set (n = 337).

Results According to receiver operating characteristic curves, in the derivation set, D-dimer safely excluded PE, with one false negative, when using a 900 ng/mL threshold when lung damage extent was <50% and 1,700 ng/mL when lung damage extent was ≥50%. In the derivation set, the algorithm sensitivity was 98.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 94.7–100.0) and its specificity 28.4% (95% CI: 24.1–32.3). The negative likelihood ratio (NLR) was 0.06 (95% CI: 0.01–0.44) and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.60–0.67). In the validation set, sensitivity and specificity were 96.7% (95% CI: 88.7–99.6) and 39.2% (95% CI: 32.2–46.1), respectively. The NLR was 0.08 (95% CI; 0.02–0.33), and the AUC did not differ from that of the derivation set (0.68, 95% CI: 0.64–0.72, p = 0.097). Using the Co-LEAD algorithm, 76 among 250 (30.4%) COVID-19 patients with suspected PE could have been managed without CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and 88 patients would have required two CTs.

Conclusion The Co-LEAD algorithm could safely exclude PE, and could reduce the use of CTPA in COVID-19 patients. Further prospective studies need to validate this strategy.
Financial wealth and early income mobility
Authors: van den Heuvel Milan , Ryckebusch Jan , Schoors Koen , Roukny Tarik
Published: February 2022

We study the interaction between financial wealth and early income growth. Using banking data on career starters in Belgium, we find higher income growth for individuals with higher financial wealth as early as 3 years into a career. While the roles of social capital and innate abilities appear limited, our results suggest that individuals with higher disposable wealth are more likely to find a job matching their human capital, in turn, boosting their chances of higher performance and consequent income growth. Policies addressing individuals’ capacity to accommodate frictions in the market for first jobs could therefore substantially promote economic mobility.
Influence of rate of voltage rise on positive leader inception in long-air-gap discharge
Authors: Li Zhijun , Chen Weijiang , Li Chengrong , Bian Kai , He Huiwen , Huo Feng , Fan Mian
Published: February 2022

Positive leader inception under different rates of voltage rise is a key element in physical modeling of dielectric breakdown of long air gaps and evolution of natural lightning. The leader inception phase comes first in long-air-gap discharge, including first corona, primary dark period, and second corona, which is also called “leader corona,” portending leader inception. The Les Renardières Group has stated that the primary dark period is determined by the electrode curvature, based on which no leader inception model currently in use considers the influence of the rate of the applied voltage. To determine whether that assertion is true, an experimental scheme is designed so that impulse voltages can be applied with a large range of rise rates. With an increasing rate of voltage rise, the test results clearly show the following: (i) the curves relating the injected charge and inception voltage of the first corona present regular differences; (ii) the duration of the primary dark period decreases exponentially; (iii) the leader inception voltage and the difference between the leader and first-corona inception voltages present decreasing trends. These findings indicate that the formation of the dark period is related to more than just the electrode curvature, which is just one cause but may not be the essential reason for the dark period. The present findings suggest that the rate at which the applied voltage rises impacts the physical process of the streamer-to-leader transition during the dark period.
Macrodefects investigation in a-GaN films
Authors: Savchuk A. , Rabinovich O. , Mezhenny V. , Chelny A. , Didenko S. , Aluyev A. , Kourova N. , Akhmerov Yu. , Orlova M.
Published: February 2022

Investigation of the effect of crystal defects on nonpolar a-GaN films grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on r-sapphire substrates is presented. Samples were grown at different temperatures and the same V/III ratio. High-temperature nucleation in combination with low-temperature GaN buffer layer growth was used to achieve a smooth morphology and “mirror” surface. The macrostructures of the defects were investigated using a scanning electron microscope. Defect concentration via dislocation type correlation was analyzed by diffractometry investigation. Structural quality was investigated via x-ray diffraction. The correlation between the densities of mixed threading dislocations and V-defects was determined. It was detected that the origin of V-defects on the a-plane and c-plane was the same despite having completely different geometries and structures. We also investigated the dependence of V-defect density on a-GaN film growth temperature at a constant hydrogen flow through a triethylgallium source, and we also investigated how the V/III ratio influenced the V-defect structure. Optimum growth parameters for defect concentration reduction were determined.
Ultrafast energy transfer between self-assembled fluorophore and photosynthetic light-harvesting complex 2 (LH2) in lipid bilayer
Authors: Yoneda Yusuke , Kito Masaya , Mori Daiki , Goto Akari , Kondo Masaharu , Miyasaka Hiroshi , Nagasawa Yutaka , Dewa Takehisa
Published: February 2022

Photosynthetic light-harvesting (LH) systems consist of photosynthetic pigments, which are non-covalently self-assembled with protein scaffolds in many phototrophs and attain highly efficient excitation energy transfer via ultrafast dynamics. In this study, we constructed a biohybrid LH system composed of an LH complex (LH2) from Rhodoblastus acidophilus strain 10050 and a hydrophobic fluorophore ATTO647N (ATTO) as an extrinsic antenna in the lipid bilayer. Through the addition of ATTOs into a solution of LH2-reconstituted lipid vesicles, ATTOs were incorporated into the hydrophobic interior of the lipid bilayer to configure the non-covalently self-assembled biohybrid LH. Steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy clearly showed efficient energy transfer from ATTO to B850 bacteriochlorophylls in LH2. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy revealed that the energy transfer took place in the time range of 3–13 ps, comparable to that of the covalently linked LH2-ATTO that we previously reported. In addition, the biohybrid LH system exhibited a much higher antenna effect than the LH2-ATTO system because of the higher loading level of ATTO in the membrane. These findings suggest that the facile self-assembled biohybrid LH system is a promising system for constructing LH for solar-energy conversion.