bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rodent activity in municipal waste collection premises in Singapore: an analysis of risk factors using mixed-effects modelling
Authors: Soh Stacy , Chua Chee Heong , Neo Zhi Wei , Kong Marcella , Ong Bee Leng , Aik Joel
Published: February 2023

Refuse storage and collection systems are potential sources of food and harbourage areas for rodents which transmit pathogens. We examined the factors associated with rodent activity in public housing municipal waste collection premises in a highly urbanized city-state. We analysed data from April 2019 to March 2020 in mixed-effects logistic regression models to examine the independent factors associated with rodent activity in central refuse chute rooms (CRCs), individual refuse chute (IRC) bin chambers and bin centres. We accounted for within-year patterns, repeated measures and nested effects. We observed a heterogeneous spatial distribution of rodent activity. Rodent droppings were strongly associated with rodent activity in CRCs (aOR: 6.20, 95% CI: 4.20–9.15), bin centres (aOR: 3.61, 95% CI: 1.70–7.64) and IRC bin chambers (aOR: 90.84, 95% CI: 70.13–117.67). Gnaw marks were positively associated with rodent activity in CRCs (aOR: 5.61, 95% CI: 3.55–8.97) and IRC bin chambers (aOR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.43–2.95), as were rub marks in CRCs (aOR: 5.04, 95% CI: 3.44–7.37) and IRC bin chambers (aOR: 3.07, 95% CI: 1.74–5.42). Each burrow increased the odds of rodent sightings in bin centres (aOR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00–1.06). The odds of rodent sightings in an IRC bin chamber increased with every additional bin chute chamber within the same block (aOR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07). We identified several factors that well predicted rodent activity in waste collection premises. Municipal estate managers with limited resources can adopt a risk-based approach in tailoring the focus of their rodent control interventions.
In-situ formation of Ag nanoparticles in the MAO coating during the processing of cp-Ti
Authors: Maj Ł. , Fogarassy Z. , Wojtas D. , Jarzębska A. , Muhaffel F. , Sulyok A. , Góral A. , Kulczyk M. , Çimenoğlu H. , Bieda M.
Published: February 2023

Silver nanoparticle (Ag-NP) containing antibacterial micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coatings have already been synthesized over titanium-based materials via the MAO process employed in silver acetate (AgC2H3O2) containing electrolyte. However, the way of incorporation and in-situ formation of Ag-NPs within the MAO coating have not been documented yet. Present work was initiated to reveal the mechanism of Ag-NP formation within the MAO coatings. Thus, the structure of the MAO coating fabricated on commercial purity titanium in the AgC2H3O2-containing electrolyte was investigated by electron microscopy techniques. To this end, the cross-sectional high-resolution electron microscopy studies were carried out on lamella cut out with the focused ion beam technique, and these investigations were backed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements of chemical composition on the surface of the MAO coating. These studies revealed that Ag is dispersed in the form of nanoparticles throughout the coating and that a higher density was confirmed closer to the micro-pores.
Comparison of clinicopathological characteristics and survival between symptomatic and asymptomatic anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Cho Seomin , Kim Haejung , Oh Young Lyun , Hahn Soo Yeon , Kim Tae Hyuk , Shin Jung Hee
Published: February 2023

Although anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a fatal form of thyroid cancer with an overall survival of only a few months, there are some factors associated with longer survival. However, it remains unknown whether asymptomatic ATC differs from symptomatic ATC in terms of characteristics and overall prognosis. Therefore, we aimed to examine the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of asymptomatic ATC compared with those of symptomatic ATC. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 113 patients with ATC who were registered at our institution between November 1994 and July 2020. A total of 86 patients (59 women and 27 men; mean age, 66.9 ± 11.1 years) were enrolled for analysis. The clinicopathological characteristics of the ATC cohort were evaluated, and prognostic factors associated with disease-specific mortality were assessed. Of the 86 patients with ATC, 78 were symptomatic and eight were asymptomatic. Compared with the symptomatic group, the asymptomatic group had a younger age at diagnosis (59.3 ± 10.3 vs. 67.7 ± 11.0 years, p = 0.045), smaller tumor size (2.8 ± 1.2 vs. 5.8 ± 2.0 cm, p < 0.001), and longer survival period (37.5 ± 46.4, 9.5 ± 16.8 months, p < 0.001). However, the ATC component (%) of the tumor, sex, ultrasonographic risk category, and distant metastasis at diagnosis did not differ significantly between the two groups. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, asymptomatic ATC (HR: 0.33, 95% CI 0.11–0.99, p = 0.045) and absence of distant metastasis (hazard ratio (HR): 0.56, 95% Confidence interval (CI) 0.35–0.88, p = 0.012) were associated with longer survival. Patients with asymptomatic ATC have a smaller tumor size, a longer survival period, and a younger age than those with symptomatic ATC. Being asymptomatic and having no distant metastasis were associated with longer survival in patients with ATC in a clinical setting.
Accurate holographic light potentials using pixel crosstalk modelling
Authors: Schroff Paul , La Rooij Arthur , Haller Elmar , Kuhr Stefan
Published: February 2023

Arbitrary light potentials have proven to be a valuable and versatile tool in many quantum information and quantum simulation experiments with ultracold atoms. Using a phase-modulating spatial light modulator (SLM), we generate arbitrary light potentials holographically with measured efficiencies between 15 and 40% and an accuracy of $$<2\%$$

<
2
%

root-mean-squared error. Key to the high accuracy is the modelling of pixel crosstalk of the SLM on a sub-pixel scale which is relevant especially for large light potentials. We employ conjugate gradient minimisation to calculate the SLM phase pattern for a given target light potential after measuring the intensity and wavefront at the SLM. Further, we use camera feedback to reduce experimental errors, we remove optical vortices and investigate the difference between the angular spectrum method and the Fourier transform to simulate the propagation of light. Using a combination of all these techniques, we achieved more accurate and efficient light potentials compared to previous studies, and generated a series of potentials relevant for cold atom experiments.
Whole genome sequence-based characterisation of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from game meat originating from several European countries
Authors: Nüesch-Inderbinen Magdalena , Treier Andrea , Stevens Marc J. A. , Stephan Roger
Published: February 2023

Game meat is becoming increasingly popular but may be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria such as Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC). STEC cause gastrointestinal illnesses including diarrhoea, haemorrhagic colitis (HC), and the haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of STEC in 92 meat samples from chamois (n = 2), red deer (n = 27), roe deer (n = 38), and wild boar (n = 25), from Switzerland and other European countries. After enrichment, Shiga-toxin encoding genes (stx) were detected by PCR in 78 (84%) of the samples and STEC were isolated from 23 (25%) of the same samples. Nine different serotypes and eight different sequence types (STs) were found, with O146:H28 ST738 (n = 10) and O110:H31 ST812 (n = 5) predominating. None of the STEC belonged to the so-called top-five serogroups O26, O103, O111, O145, and O157. Subtyping ofstxidentifiedstx1c(n = 9),stx2a(n = 1),stx2b(n = 19),stx2e(n = 2), andstx2g(n = 1). Additional virulence factors (VFs) comprisedehx(n = 12),iha(n = 21),sta1(n = 1), andsubAB(n = 19). None of the isolates contained theeaegene. Twenty-one STEC contained VFs associated with extra-intestinal pathogenicE. coli(ExPEC). Overall, the pathogenic potential of STEC in game meat is moderate, though the isolation of one STEC strain carryingstx2a, and of STEC/ExPEC hybrids suggests a role of game meat as a potential source of STEC infections in humans. Therefore, detailed knowledge of the safe handling and preparation of game meat is needed to prevent foodborne infections.
Development and validation of a cynomolgus macaque grimace scale for acute pain assessment
Authors: Paterson Emilie A. , O’Malley Carly I. , Moody Carly , Vogel Susan , Authier Simon , Turner Patricia V.
Published: February 2023

Cynomolgus macaques may undergo surgical procedures for scientific and veterinary purposes. Recognition and assessment of pain using validated tools is a necessary first step for adequately managing pain in these primates. Grimace scales are one means of assessing the occurance of acute pain using action units such as facial expressions and posture. The aim of this study was to create and validate a Cynomolgus Macaque Grimace Scale (CMGS). Cynomolgus macaques (n = 43) were video recorded before and after a surgical procedure. Images were extracted from videos at timepoints at which breakthrough pain might be expected based on analgesic pharmacokinetics. Using the CMGS images were scored by 12 observers blinded to animal identification, times, and conditions. To validate the tool, detailed behavioral analyses emphasizing changes to baseline activity ethograms were compared to grimace scores. Four action units were identified related to potential pain including orbital tightening, brow lowering, cheek tightening, and hunched posture. The CMGS tool was found to have moderate inter- (ICCaverage action unit mean ± SD: 0.67 ± 0.28) and good intra- (ICCsingle mean ± SD: 0.79 ± 0.14) observer reliability. Grimace scores increased significantly (p < 0.0001) in the first four post-operative timepoints compared to baseline, correlating with behavioral findings (rho range = 0.22–0.35, p < 0.001). An analgesic intervention threshold was determined and should be considered when providing additional pain relief. The CMGS was shown to be a reliable and valid tool; however, more research is needed to confirm external validity. This tool will be highly valuable for refining analgesic protocols and acute peri-procedural care for cynomolgus macaques.
A millimeter-wave automotive radar with high angular resolution for identification of closely spaced on-road obstacles
Authors: Sun Ran , Suzuki Kouhei , Owada Yuri , Takeda Shigeki , Umehira Masahiro , Wang Xiaoyan , Kuroda Hiroshi
Published: February 2023

Frequency-modulated continuous wave radar techniques typically have inadequate angular resolutions due to the limited aperture sizes of antenna arrays in spite of employing multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques. Therefore, despite the existence of multiple objects, angularly close objects with similar distances and relative velocities are recognized as one single object. Autonomous driving requires the accurate recognition of road conditions. This requirement is one of the critical issues to be solved to distinguish significantly close objects. This paper proposes a technique referred to as an antenna element space pseudo-peak suppressing (APPS) method to resolve angularly close targets. The proposed APPS method aims to identify closely spaced objects on roads. These angularly close targets cause a single peak in a spatial spectrum obtained by a beamformer-based angle estimation. The APPS considers this single peak as pseudo. The APPS radar cancels this pseudo peak from the spatial spectrum. Then, the obtained residual received signal is analyzed. With these procedures, the APPS identifies the number of targets. The APPS also estimates the target angles. The proposed APPS is experimentally validated using a typical single-chip MIMO-based radar evaluation board with three transmit (TX) and four receive (RX) antennas. The experimental results confirm that the proposed APPS successfully resolves angularly close pseudo targets with an angle difference of approximately $$0.5^\circ $$

0
.

5
∘

.
Paranormal believers show reduced resting EEG beta band oscillations and inhibitory control than skeptics
Authors: Narmashiri Abdolvahed , Hatami Javad , Khosrowabadi Reza , Sohrabi Ahmad
Published: February 2023

Paranormal believers’ thinking is frequently biased by intuitive beliefs. Lack of inhibition of these tempting beliefs is considered a key element in paranormal believers’ thinking. However, the brain activity related to inhibitory control in paranormal believers is poorly understood. We examined EEG activities at resting state in alpha, beta, and gamma bands with inhibitory control in paranormal believers and skeptics. The present study shows that paranormal belief is related to the reduced power of the alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands, and reduced inhibitory control. This study may contribute to understanding the differences between believers and skeptics in brain activity related to inhibitory control in paranormal believers.
Predicting tracheostomy in multiple injured patients with severe thoracic injury (AIS ≥ 3) with the new T3P-Score: a multivariable regression prediction analysis
Authors: Bläsius Felix M. , Wutzler Sebastian , Störmann Philipp , Lustenberger Thomas , Frink Michael , Maegele Marc , Weuster Matthias , Bayer Jörg , Horst Klemens , Caspers Michael , Seekamp Andreas , Marzi Ingo , Hildebrand Frank , Andruszkow Hagen
Published: February 2023

Multiple trauma patients with severe chest trauma are at increased risk for tracheostomy. While the risk factors associated with the need for tracheostomy are well established in the general critical care population, they have not yet been validated in a cohort of patients suffering severe thoracic trauma. This retrospective cohort study analysed data on patients aged 18 years or older who were admitted to one of the six participating academic level I trauma centres with multiple injuries, including severe thoracic trauma (AISThorax ≥ 3) between 2010 and 2014. A multivariable binary regression was used to identify predictor variables for tracheostomy and to develop the Tracheostomy in Thoracic Trauma Prediction Score (T3P-Score). The study included 1019 adult thoracic trauma patients, of whom 165 underwent tracheostomy during their intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Prehospital endotracheal intubation (adjusted OR [AOR]: 2.494, 95% CI [1.412; 4.405]), diagnosis of pneumonia during the ICU stay (AOR: 4.374, 95% CI [2.503; 7.642]), duration of mechanical ventilation (AOR: 1.008/hours of intubation, 95% CI [1.006; 1.009]), and an AISHead ≥ 3 (AOR 1.840, 95% CI [1.039; 3.261]) were independent risk factors for tracheostomy. Patients with sepsis had a lower risk of tracheostomy than patients without sepsis (AOR 0.486, 95% CI [0.253; 0.935]). The T3P-Score had high predictive validity for tracheostomy (ROCAUC = 0.938, 95% CI [0.920, 0.956]; Nagelkerke’s R2was 0.601). The T3P-Score’s specificity was 0.68, and the sensitivity was 0.96. The severity of thoracic trauma did not predict the need for tracheostomy. Follow-up studies should validate the T3P-Score in external data sets and study the reasons for the reluctant use of tracheostomy in patients with severe thoracic trauma and subsequent sepsis.

Trial registration:The study was applied for and registered a priori with the respective ethics committees.
Rewiring of the N-Glycome with prostate cancer progression and therapy resistance
Authors: Butler William , McDowell Colin , Yang Qing , He Yiping , Zhao Yue , Hauck J. Spencer , Zhou Yinglu , Zhang Hong , Armstrong Andrew J. , George Daniel J. , Drake Richard , Huang Jiaoti
Published: February 2023

An understanding of the molecular features associated with prostate cancer progression (PCa) and resistance to hormonal therapy is crucial for the identification of new targets that can be utilized to treat advanced disease and prolong patient survival. The glycome, which encompasses all sugar polymers (glycans) synthesized by cells, has remained relatively unexplored in the context of advanced PCa despite the fact that glycans have great potential value as biomarkers and therapeutic targets due to their high density on the cell surface. Using imaging mass spectrometry (IMS), we profiled the N-linked glycans in tumor tissue derived from 131 patients representing the major disease states of PCa to identify glycosylation changes associated with loss of tumor cell differentiation, disease remission, therapy resistance and disease recurrence, as well as neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation which is a major mechanism for therapy failure. Our results indicate significant changes to the glycosylation patterns in various stages of PCa, notably a decrease in tri- and tetraantennary glycans correlating with disease remission, a subsequent increase in these structures with the transition to therapy-resistant PCa, and downregulation of complex N-glycans correlating with NE differentiation. Furthermore, both nonglucosylated and monoglucosylated mannose 9 demonstrate aberrant upregulation in therapy-resistant PCa which may be useful therapeutic targets as these structures are not normally presented in healthy tissue. Our findings characterize changes to the tumor glycome that occur with hormonal therapy and the development of castration-resistant PCa (CRPC), identifying several glycan markers and signatures which may be useful for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Fungal parasitism on diatoms alters formation and bio–physical properties of sinking aggregates
Authors: Klawonn Isabell , Van den Wyngaert Silke , Iversen Morten H. , Walles Tim J. W. , Flintrop Clara M. , Cisternas-Novoa Carolina , Nejstgaard Jens C. , Kagami Maiko , Grossart Hans-Peter
Published: February 2023

Phytoplankton forms the base of aquatic food webs and element cycling in diverse aquatic systems. The fate of phytoplankton-derived organic matter, however, often remains unresolved as it is controlled by complex, interlinked remineralization and sedimentation processes. We here investigate a rarely considered control mechanism on sinking organic matter fluxes: fungal parasites infecting phytoplankton. We demonstrate that bacterial colonization is promoted 3.5-fold on fungal-infected phytoplankton cells in comparison to non-infected cells in a cultured model pathosystem (diatom Synedra, fungal microparasite Zygophlyctis, and co-growing bacteria), and even ≥17-fold in field-sampled populations (Planktothrix, Synedra, and Fragilaria). Additional data obtained using the Synedra–Zygophlyctis model system reveals that fungal infections reduce the formation of aggregates. Moreover, carbon respiration is 2-fold higher and settling velocities are 11–48% lower for similar-sized fungal-infected vs. non-infected aggregates. Our data imply that parasites can effectively control the fate of phytoplankton-derived organic matter on a single-cell to single-aggregate scale, potentially enhancing remineralization and reducing sedimentation in freshwater and coastal systems.
Micro-mechanical fingerprints of the rat bladder change in actinic cystitis and tumor presence
Authors: Martinez-Vidal Laura , Chighizola M. , Berardi M. , Alchera E. , Locatelli I. , Pederzoli F. , Venegoni C. , Lucianò R. , Milani P. , Bielawski K. , Salonia A. , Podestà A. , Alfano M.
Published: February 2023

Tissue mechanics determines tissue homeostasis, disease development and progression. Bladder strongly relies on its mechanical properties to perform its physiological function, but these are poorly unveiled under normal and pathological conditions. Here we characterize the mechanical fingerprints at the micro-scale level of the three tissue layers which compose the healthy bladder wall, and identify modifications associated with the onset and progression of pathological conditions (i.e., actinic cystitis and bladder cancer). We use two indentation-based instruments (an Atomic Force Microscope and a nanoindenter) and compare the micromechanical maps with a comprehensive histological analysis. We find that the healthy bladder wall is a mechanically inhomogeneous tissue, with a gradient of increasing stiffness from the urothelium to the lamina propria, which gradually decreases when reaching the muscle outer layer. Stiffening in fibrotic tissues correlate with increased deposition of dense extracellular matrix in the lamina propria. An increase in tissue compliance is observed before the onset and invasion of the tumor. By providing high resolution micromechanical investigation of each tissue layer of the bladder, we depict the intrinsic mechanical heterogeneity of the layers of a healthy bladder as compared with the mechanical properties alterations associated with either actinic cystitis or bladder tumor.
Reducing COVID-19 diagnostic errors with dNTPαSe supplementation
Authors: Zhang Jun , Tang Ling , Liu Dan , Zhang Shun , Ding Xiaoling , Gao Guolong , Deng Xiaodong , Liu Zhengying , Tian Xi , He Wei , Hu Bei , Huang Zhen
Published: February 2023

Timely and accurate diagnosis of COVID-19 is critical for controlling the pandemic.
Advancements in microfluidics for skin cosmetic screening
Authors: Hu Nianfang , Cheng Kerun , Zhang Shuhan , Liu Shan , Wang Lijun , Du Xiaoxin , Li Yong , Li Chenzhong
Published: February 2023

Cosmetics can beautify the skin and assist the treatment of skin diseases. Some methods have been developed to replace animal experiments for cosmetic screening. The microfluidic skin chip is considered as a effective tool for in vitro tests.
A K+-selective channel with a record-high K+/Na+selectivity of 20.1
Authors: Jin Lei , Sun Chang , Li Zhongyan , Shen Jie , Zeng Huaqiang
Published: February 2023

For compounds each containing a phenylalanine moiety with its two ends amidated to have a 15-crown-5 group and an alkyl chain, a simple tuning of the alkyl chain length delivered a K+-selective channel with a record-high K+/Na+selectivity of 20.1.
Growth, thermal and spectral properties, and laser performance of Nd3+:CNAGS crystal
Authors: Li Yuzhen , Mao Jiajia , Zhang Junqi , Wang Yiming , Chen Hong , Lv Shouhao , Guo Yueyue , Zhang Baitao , He Jingliang , Guo Shiyi
Published: February 2023

A high-quality Nd3+-doped Ca3Nb(Al0.5Ga0.5)3Si2O14 (Nd:CNAGS) crystal was successfully grown using the Czochralski method. Thermal, optical, and laser performances were systematically studied.
Simultaneous synthesis of hydroxyapatite fibres and β-tricalcium phosphate particles via a water controlled-release solvothermal process
Authors: Goto Tomoyo , Yin Shu , Asakura Yusuke , Cho Sung Hun , Sekino Tohru
Published: February 2023

Fibrous hydroxyapatite, rice-like β-tricalcium phosphate and DCPA plates were synthesised by water controlled-release solvothermal process using the esterification reaction.
Stability of solid electrolyte interphases and calendar life of lithium metal batteries
Authors: Cao Xia , Xu Yaobin , Zou Lianfeng , Bao Jie , Chen Yunxiang , Matthews Bethany E. , Hu Jiangtao , He Xinzi , Engelhard Mark H. , Niu Chaojiang , Arey Bruce W. , Wang Chunsheng , Xiao Jie , Liu Jun , Wang Chongmin , Xu Wu , Zhang Ji-Guang
Published: February 2023

Robust, flexible, and reusable solid electrolyte interphases and a minimal lithium/electrolyte interface area endow lithium metal batteries with a long-term calendar life.
Adjacent Fe Site boosts electrocatalytic oxygen evolution at Co site in single-atom-catalyst through a dual-metal-site design
Authors: Chen Changli , Sun Mingzi , Zhang Fang , Li Haijing , Sun Mengru , Fang Pin , Song Tinglu , Chen Wenxing , Dong Juncai , Rosen Brian , Chen Pengwan , Huang Bolong , Li Yujing
Published: February 2023

In this work, we propose a unique reaction mechanism that the FesiteOOH serves as the auxiliary site to accelerate the formation of CositeOOH active species, hence accelerating the rate-determining step of OER.
Unimodal polyethylenes of high linearity and narrow dispersity by using ortho-4,4′-dichlorobenzhydryl-modified bis(imino)pyridyl-iron catalysts
Authors: Liu Tian , Ma Yanping , Solan Gregory A. , Sun Yang , Sun Wen-Hua
Published: February 2023

The unusual influence of co-catalyst on the thermal stability of a bis(imino)pyridine-iron catalyst appended with (p-ClPh)2CH groups is disclosed.
Conductive polymer polyaniline covering promotes the electrochemical properties of a nickel-rich quaternary cathode LiNi0.88Co0.06Mn0.03Al0.03O2
Authors: Li Xiaodie , Qian Junchao , Wu Zhengying , Liu Chengbao , Guan Xiaodong , Zhou Yang , Chen Zhigang , Chen Feng
Published: February 2023

Conductive polymer PANI coated Ni-rich quaternary cathode LiNi0.88Co0.06Mn0.03Al0.03O2 demonstrates superior cycling performance owing to the stable surface protective layer.
Synthesis of homogeneous honeycomb MoS2 as the anode material for lithium-ion batteries using chemical vapor deposition and a template method
Authors: Wang Dongsheng , Liu Yan , Li Yuan , Zhang Hao , Fang Zhen , Wang Zhiyong
Published: February 2023

A honeycomb molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanomaterial with a special morphology for use in anodes of lithium-ion batteries was synthesized using a template method and chemical vapor deposition.
Hierarchical hollow tubular fibrous brucite-templated carbons obtained by KOH activation for supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Fangfang , Chuan Xiuyun , Zhao Yupeng
Published: February 2023

Hierarchical hollow tubular fibrous brucite-templated carbons (AHTFBCs) were prepared using natural mineral fiber brucite as the template and KOH as the chemical activator.
Alteration of the central core of a DF-PCIC chromophore to boost the photovoltaic applications of non-fullerene acceptor based organic solar cells
Authors: Zahoor Amna , Hadia N. M. A. , Akram Sahar Javaid , Mehmood Rana Farhat , Sadiq Sonia , Shawky Ahmed M. , Alatawi Naifa S. , Ahmed Asma , Iqbal Javed , Khera Rasheed Ahmad
Published: February 2023

Modifying the central core is a very efficient strategy to boost the performance of non-fullerene acceptors.
Photo-induced defluorination acyl fluoride exchange as a fluorogenic photo-click reaction for photo-affinity labeling
Authors: Deng Lijun , Zhang Cefei , Li Baolin , Fu Jielin , Zhang Zhong , Li Sitong , Zhao Xiaohu , Su Zhishan , Hu Changwei , Yu Zhipeng
Published: February 2023

Photo-DAFEx as a novel photo-click reaction is mediating through photo-defluorination and conjugates to specific nucleophiles in aqueous. The Photo-DAFEx inspires the design of photo-affinity labeling probes toward lysine with fluorogenic feature.
How can the European Ecodesign Directive guide the deployment of hydrogen-related products for mobility?
Authors: Campos-Carriedo Felipe , Bargiacchi Eleonora , Dufour Javier , Iribarren Diego
Published: February 2023

Exploring (i) the practicality of the European ecodesign framework to address hydrogen-related products, and (ii) the relevance, under eco-efficiency and criticality aspects, of ecodesign measures aligned with projected key performance indicators.
Lipid vesicles induced ordered nanoassemblies of Janus nanoparticles
Authors: Zhu Yu , Sharma Abash , Spangler Eric J. , Carrillo Jan-Michael Y. , Kumar P. B. Sunil , Laradji Mohamed
Published: February 2023

Self-assembled nanoclusters of Janus nanoparticles mediated by their adhesion to liposomes. The numbers at the top indicate the number of JNPs on a vesicle.
Sodiation energetics in pore size controlled hard carbons determined via entropy profiling
Authors: Mercer Michael P. , Nagarathinam Mangayarkarasi , Gavilán-Arriazu E. Maximiliano , Binjrajka Anshika , Panda Swoyam , Au Heather , Crespo-Ribadeneyra Maria , Titirici Maria-Magdalena , Leiva Ezequiel P. M. , Hoster Harry E.
Published: February 2023

Cell temperature of hard carbons is varied under open circuit conditions (entropy profiling) during sodiation. Features vary with pore size, revealing the nanopore filling onset. Sodium binding energy scales inversely with pore curvature radius.
Surface modification of gold by carbazole dendrimers for improved carbon dioxide electroreduction
Authors: Yoshida Sota , Sampei Masaki , Todoroki Naoto , Hisamura Eri , Nakao Kohei , Albrecht Ken , Wadayama Toshimasa
Published: February 2023

Surface modification by carbazole dendrimers, in particular, 9-phenylcarbazole, enhances electrochemical CO2conversion to CO on gold.
Phototransduction in a supramolecular cascade: a mimic for essential features of the vision process
Authors: Chen-Wu Jialei , Máximo Patrícia , Remón Patricia , Parola A. Jorge , Basílio Nuno , Pischel Uwe
Published: February 2023

A photoactive supramolecular five-component system mimics essential features of the natural vision process.
Selective ATP recognition by boronic acid-appended cyclodextrin and a fluorescent probe supramolecular complex in water
Authors: Suzuki Yota , Masuko Masakage , Hashimoto Takeshi , Hayashita Takashi
Published: February 2023

ATP recognition has been achieved by exploiting the self-assembly of boronic acid-appended cyclodextrin, a fluorescent probe, and ATP through multiple interactions.
Energy and power management system for microgrids of large‐scale building prosumers
Authors: Kyriakou Dimitra G. , Kanellos Fotios D.
Published: February 2023

A method for optimal energy and power management of microgrids consisting of mega buildings, plug‐in electric vehicles (PEVs) and renewable energy sources (RES) with low computation requirements is proposed by the authors. Thermal and electrical loads are considered for the operation scheduling of the microgrid. In case of non‐interconnected operation of the microgrid with the main power grid, the proposed method allows the microgrid to meet the power demand by the buildings and distribution loads exploiting only the hosted PEVs, the integrated RES and, if it is necessary or financially optimal, building auxiliary diesel generators. The primary goal of the suggested algorithm is to significantly reduce the overall daily cost of the microgrid's operation while simultaneously meeting a wide range of constraints. The implementation of the method is based on the exploitation of a two‐level hierarchical multi‐agent system (MAS) at the level of the microgrid. Suitably defined flexibilities of the microgrid's components to change their power are used to implement optimal power dispatch to them. Detailed simulation results indicated that a remarkable cost reduction of 27% can be achieved.
Genetisches Risiko für Adipositas bei Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Keller Maria , Böttcher Yvonne , Kovacs Peter
Published: February 2023

Adipositas ist eine komplexe Erkrankung, die sowohl genetischen wie auch nicht-genetischen Ursachen zugrunde liegt. Betrachtet man den BMI als einfaches Maß für die Fettleibigkeit, liegt die geschätzte Heritabilität sowohl bei Erwachsenen wie auch bei Kindern bei 0,7. Das Verständnis über die Rolle genetischer Faktoren bei polygener Adipositas bleibt eine der größten Herausforderungen. Obwohl kandidatengenbasierte sowie genomweite Kopplungsstudien mehrere Jahrzehnte dominierten, ermöglichen heute neue Technologien im Hochdurchsatz das Genotypisieren von Millionen genetischer Varianten, wodurch der Weg für genomweite Assoziationsstudien (GWAS) geebnet wurde. Diese stellen nach wie vor das effizienteste Werkzeug dar, um neue genetische Marker mit Assoziation zur Adipositas zu entdecken. Bis heute wurden so hunderte Polymorphismen im Zusammenhang mit der Fettleibigkeit identifiziert, darunter auch Varianten in Genen wie FTO, TMEM18 und MC4R. Obwohl viele dieser Gene auch mit der Fettleibigkeit im Kindesalter in Verbindung zu stehen scheinen, haben umgekehrt auch Studien in Kohorten von Kindern und Jugendlichen zur initialen Entdeckung weiterer mit Adipositas assoziierter Gene (z. B. OLFM4 und HOXB5) geführt. Auch wenn die komplette Entschlüsselung der Adipositas-Genetik nach wie vor eine große Herausforderung bleibt, könnte ein besseres Verständnis über das genetische Risiko in die klinische Praxis übertragen werden. So kann man basierend auf der Vielzahl bekannter genetischer Varianten sogenannte Polygenic Risk Scores nutzen, um Kinder und Jugendliche mit einem erhöhten Risiko für die Entwicklung einer Adipositas zu identifizieren, und so möglichst frühzeitig deren Manifestierung und damit verbunden Konsequenzen entgegenzuwirken.
Kinästhetik im OP
Authors: Niemann Claudia
Published: February 2023

Schwere und narkotisierte Patienten zu heben sowie in gebückter Haltung zu arbeiten, gehört bei OP-Mitarbeitenden zur Tagesordnung. Diese Arbeitsweisen sind meist alles andere als rückenschonend und können auch den Patienten schädigen. Mit dem kinästhetischen Bewegungskonzept lässt sich die Mobilisation schonend für Patienten und Personal gestalten.
Wachstumsstörungen – zu klein, zu groß oder doch normal?
Authors: Göpel Eric , Stein Robert , Gesing Julia , Stoltze Anette , Pfäffle Roland , Kiess Wieland
Published: February 2023

Kinder mit vermeintlichen Wachstumsstörungen werden häufig in Kinderarztpraxen vorgestellt. Zur Diagnosefindung sind Anamnese, körperliche Untersuchung und Beurteilung des Wachstumsverlaufs unabdingbar. Neben physiologischen Wachstumsformen, die die biologische Varianz in der Bevölkerung widerspiegeln, kommen einige Pathologien infrage. Pathologische Wachstumsstörungen sind vor allem über eine veränderte Wachstumsgeschwindigkeit mit Abweichen von den ursprünglichen Perzentilen definiert. Hier seien unter anderem ein sekundärer Kleinwuchs bei chronischer Erkrankung, syndromaler Kleinwuchs, Kleinwuchs nach intrauteriner Wachstumsverzögerung und Wachstumshormonmangel genannt. Die Diagnosestellung ist häufig nicht einfach und erfordert einige Verlaufskontrollen und/oder endokrinologische Stimulationstests. Die Wachstumshormontherapie wird nicht nur bei Wachstumshormonmangel, sondern auch bei anderen Erkrankungen eingesetzt, verlangt jedoch eine gewissenhafte Indikationsstellung.
Tonometrie: Rückblick und Ausblick (Teil 2)
Authors: Yaïci Rémi , Geerling Gerd
Published: February 2023

In 2. Teil des Beitrags werden die sonstigen Kontakttonometer und die Nonkontakttonometrie präsentiert. Es wird anhand einer Revue der Literatur über den klinischen Wert der verschiedenen
Methoden und den Wert der Multimodalität in der Tonometrie diskutiert; ferner werden die letzten Innovationen mit den telemetrischen IOD-Sensoren eingeführt.
Reduced Health Related Quality of Life, Increased Fatigue, and
Daytime Sleepiness in Women with Hyperprolactinemia
Authors: Ernersson Åsa , Bachrack-Lindström Margareta , Landberg Eva , Ekman Bertil , Wahlberg Jeanette
Published: February 2023

Prolactin has many physiological effects and seems to be involved in the human
quality of life and well-being. The aim of this study was to describe health
related quality of life, fatigue and daytime sleepiness in women with untreated
hyperprolactinemia. In total 32 women (mean age 37.0±10.9 years) with
verified hyperprolactinemia completed a questionnaire including questions on
fatigue, measured with the Swedish version of the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS),
propensity to fall in sleep, measured with the Swedish version of the Epworth
Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Health related quality of life (HRQoL), measured by
the Short-Form-36 scale (SF-36). For comparison Swedish normative data were
used. The women were also interviewed regarding different symptoms related to
hyperprolactinemia and the answers were analyzed using qualitative content
analysis. HRQoL, as measured with SF-36, was significantly lower in all
dimensions, except in physical function, compared to the Swedish reference
population. Total FIS was 54.3 (41.1) and mean score on the ESS was 8.7 (4.2)
indicating increased fatigue and deterioration in night sleep. The women felt
very tired, and several of them rarely felt rested in the morning. The restless
night sleep and the fatigue during the daytime got them to feel feeble and
sometimes to find it difficult to concentrate, which affected both their mood
and life in general. Women diagnosed with hyperprolactinemia reported
deterioration in night sleep, increased rate of fatigue, and a reduced health
related quality of life in comparison with the reference population.
Hemodynamic and Oximetric Response to Sodium Bicarbonate Boluses in Children with Single Ventricle Parallel Circulation: A Retrospective, Single-Center Study
Authors: Savorgnan Fabio , Flores Saul , Loomba Rohit S. , Acosta Sebastian
Published: February 2023

The aim of the study was to evaluate the hemodynamic and oximetric changes in patients with parallel circulation (Norwood, hybrid, and BT-shunted) after sodium bicarbonate bolus administration. This study was a retrospective analysis of physiologic data. To eliminate confounders, sodium bicarbonate boluses concurrently administered with normal saline, 5% albumin, epinephrine boluses, blood transfusions, change in vasoactive inotropic score or mechanical circulatory support were excluded. Blood pressure, arterial oxygen saturation, heart rate (HR), and cerebral and renal near infrared spectroscopy were continuously recorded from 1-hour pre to 1-hour post each intervention. Out of 429 boluses, 293 boluses met the inclusion criteria. Measurements show an increase in blood pressure (p = 0.01) and HR (p < 0.01), and a decrease in pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio (p = 0.02) and renal oxygen extraction ratio (rOER) (p = 0.04) at some point during the first hour postbolus. The arterial oxygen saturation increased, and the rOER decreased for those patients with pre-bolus pH < 7.20 and/or pre-bolus serum bicarbonate level < 18 mEq/L, according to linear regression models (p < 0.05). Sodium bicarbonate was associated with improvement of hemodynamic and oximetric parameters in this cohort, particularly for those patients with pH < 7.20 and/or serum bicarbonate level < 18 mEq/L. This finding is consistent with an increase in cardiac output due to the removal of the acidotic negative inotropic effect by the sodium bicarbonate.
Distal Arthrogryposis with Impaired Proprioception and Touch: A Novel Variant in PIEZO2 Gene in Omani Patients and a Genotype–Phenotype Review from a Single-Center Experience
Authors: Al Balushi Aaisha , Al Hinai Mariya , Al Hosni Alya , Al Amrani Fatima , Al Maimani Ashwaq , Al Maki Nabil , Al Hashmi Nadia
Published: February 2023

Distal arthrogryposis with impaired proprioception and touch (DAIPT) is an autosomal recessive neurogenetic disorder caused by homozygous pathogenic variants in the PIEZO2 gene. Here we present four Omani families with multiple affected members with DAIPT. The genetic diagnosis was established by whole exome sequencing and we identified a previously unreported homozygous missense variant PIEZO2: c.1591T > C, P.(Trp531Arg) in one family with two affected members. All patients showed clinical manifestation shortly after birth including transient respiratory insufficiency, significant hypotonia, and gross motor developmental delay with preserved cognitive function. The skeletal manifestation including arthrogryposis is more pronounced with age as we saw in our older patient. This case report will be of importance for physicians and genetic counsellors for faster diagnosis and for offering carrier testing for at-risk family members as part of the premarital testing program, which could help in reducing the burden of this disorder.
Cuffed Endotracheal Tubes in Neonates
Authors: Gaspar Nélia Santos , Rocha Gustavo , Gonçalves Américo
Published: February 2023

Cuffed endotracheal tubes (ETTs) are becoming increasingly used in neonates; nevertheless, current data in the literature mostly include infants over 3,000 g in weight. The aim of this study was to compare the use of cuffed and uncuffed ETTs in neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary children's hospital, assessing the presence of airway complications. We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study. Our study included all term neonates receiving cuffed ETTs over the period from January 2019 to December 2021. The controls were all neonates receiving an uncuffed ETT over the same period. Twenty-five patients were intubated with cuffed ETTs in the study period. The group receiving cuffed ETTs was compared with 53 patients receiving uncuffed ETTs. All cuffed ETTs were inserted in the operating room by anesthesiologists. Comparing the outcomes of the cuffed ETT group with controls, there were no significant differences in the number of unplanned extubations, reintubation episodes, ventilator-associated pneumonia, episodes of atelectasis, the use of dexamethasone, or vocal cord paresis. No unplanned extubation was observed in the cuffed ETT group, and no cases of subglottic stenosis were observed in either of the groups. This retrospective study with a small sample size suggests that the use of cuffed ETTs in surgical patients >2,000 g in weight is not associated with an increase in airway complications. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to compare cuffed ETTs with uncuffed ETTs.
DC erosion jets for the production of composite graphene particles
Authors: Shavelkina M. B. , Kavyrshin D. I. , Amirov R. Kh. , Chinnov V. F. , Dzagnidze G. M. , Ivanov A. I.
Published: February 2023

We studied the synthesis of composite Cu/graphene nanoparticles using the radiative characteristics of copper-containing plasma jets of a helium/hydrocarbon mixture, flowing from the nozzle of the output copper electrode of a DC plasmatron. A mixture of propane and butane was used as the hydrocarbon source. To determine the conditions for nanoparticle formation during the conversion of hydrocarbons in erosive jets, the concentration of copper was estimated by analyzing the optical emission spectra of Cu I lines observed in the spectrum. We found that the maximum saturation of graphene by copper (0.03 mass %) is reached at the copper concentration in plasma [Cu] = Nabs ≈ 3 × 1013 cm−3, which is sufficient to form a chemical bond of copper with sp2 carbon in a nanoparticle.
Mapping spectroscopic micro-ellipsometry with sub-5 microns lateral resolution and simultaneous broadband acquisition at multiple angles
Authors: Kenaz Ralfy , Rapaport Ronen
Published: February 2023

Spectroscopic ellipsometry is a widely used optical technique in both industry and research for determining the optical properties and thickness of thin films. The effective use of spectroscopic ellipsometry on micro-structures is inhibited by technical limitations on the lateral resolution and data acquisition rate. Here, we introduce a spectroscopic micro-ellipsometer (SME), capable of recording spectrally resolved ellipsometric data simultaneously at multiple angles of incidence in a single measurement of a few seconds, with a lateral resolution down to 2 μm in the visible spectral range. The SME can be easily integrated into generic optical microscopes by the addition of a few standard optical components. We demonstrate complex refractive index and thickness measurements by using the SME, which are in excellent agreement with a commercial spectroscopic ellipsometer. The high lateral resolution is displayed by complex refractive index and thickness maps over micron-scale areas. As an application for its accuracy and high lateral resolution, the SME can characterize the optical properties and number of layers of exfoliated transition-metal dichalcogenides and graphene, for structures that are a few microns in size.
Admittance frequency dispersion in lateral AlGaN/GaN Schottky barrier diodes: Other origins of two Gp/ω peaks
Authors: Fukuhara Noboru , Horikiri Fumimasa , Yamamoto Taiki , Osada Takenori , Kasahara Kenji , Inoue Takayuki , Egawa Takashi
Published: February 2023

The frequency dispersion in admittance measurements in AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors, which is typically interpreted to result from an interface trap density Dit, is also known to be caused by effects other than Dit. To study the origin of two peaks of conductance component “Gp/ω” as a function of frequency in lateral gated diodes using AlGaN/GaN structures on Si wafers grown by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition, we measured capacitance C and conductance Gp/ω–voltage V as a function of angular frequency ω (C–ω–V and Gp/ω–ω–V, respectively) of long-gate field-effect transistors with a varied gate length. We also simulated the C–ω–V and Gp/ω–ω–V curves using an equivalent circuit that consisted of actually measured component parameters without Dit. We confirmed that the Gp/ω–ω curves show two peaks caused by the two-dimensional electron gas channel resistance and the gate current leakage and quantitatively determined the two ωpeak positions and intensities. We also discussed the effect of acceptor concentration in the GaN channel-layer on lowering of ωpeak at weak inversion.
Unidirectional transport of ions and perturbation of plasma distribution functions by ion-acoustic solitons: Numerical simulation and analytical solution
Authors: Trukhachev F. M. , Gerasimenko N. V. , Vasiliev M. M. , Petrov O. F.
Published: February 2023

New features of motion of background plasma ions in the presence of ion-acoustic solitons are analyzed by using a hydrodynamic model. Based on the ergodic hypothesis, ion velocity distribution functions are obtained analytically for the first time. It is shown that the initial Maxwellian distribution of ions takes a “beam-like” form in the region of plasmas occupied by solitons. Main parameters of the distribution functions of the background plasma corresponding to solitons of different amplitudes are determined. An important case of soliton trains motion, which often observed in experiments, as well as some other experimental aspects are also considered.
Perspectives on relativistic electron–positron pair plasma experiments of astrophysical relevance using high-power lasers
Authors: Chen Hui , Fiuza Frederico
Published: February 2023

The study of relativistic electron–positron pair plasmas is both of fundamental physics interest and important to understand the processes that shape the magnetic field dynamics, particle acceleration, and radiation emission in high-energy astrophysical environments. Although it is highly desirable to study relativistic pair plasmas in the laboratory, their generation and control constitutes a critical challenge. Significant experimental and theoretical progress has been made over recent years to explore the use of intense lasers to produce dense relativistic pair plasma in the laboratory and study the basic collective plasma processes associated with these systems. Important challenges remain in terms of improving the number of pairs, system size, and control over the charge neutrality required to establish laboratory platforms that can expand our understanding of relativistic pair plasma and help validate underlying models in conditions relevant to high-energy astrophysical phenomena. We highlight recent progress in this field, discuss the main challenges, and the exciting prospects for studying relativistic pair plasmas and astrophysics relevant instabilities in the laboratory in the near future.