bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General psychopathology links burden of recent life events and psychotic symptoms in a network approach
Authors: Betz Linda T. , Penzel Nora , Kambeitz-Ilankovic Lana , Rosen Marlene , Chisholm Katharine , Stainton Alexandra , Haidl Theresa K. , Wenzel Julian , Bertolino Alessandro , Borgwardt Stefan , Brambilla Paolo , Lencer Rebekka , Meisenzahl Eva , Ruhrmann Stephan , Salokangas Raimo K. R. , Schultze-Lutter Frauke , Wood Stephen J. , Upthegrove Rachel , Koutsouleris Nikolaos , Kambeitz Joseph ,   the PRONIA consortium
Published: December 2020

Recent life events have been implicated in the onset and progression of psychosis. However, psychological processes that account for the association are yet to be fully understood. Using a network approach, we aimed to identify pathways linking recent life events and symptoms observed in psychosis. Based on previous literature, we hypothesized that general symptoms would mediate between recent life events and psychotic symptoms. We analyzed baseline data of patients at clinical high risk for psychosis and with recent-onset psychosis (n = 547) from the Personalised Prognostic Tools for Early Psychosis Management (PRONIA) study. In a network analysis, we modeled links between the burden of recent life events and all individual symptoms of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale before and after controlling for childhood trauma. To investigate the longitudinal associations between burden of recent life events and symptoms, we analyzed multiwave panel data from seven timepoints up to month 18. Corroborating our hypothesis, burden of recent life events was connected to positive and negative symptoms through general psychopathology, specifically depression, guilt feelings, anxiety and tension, even after controlling for childhood trauma. Longitudinal modeling indicated that on average, burden of recent life events preceded general psychopathology in the individual. In line with the theory of an affective pathway to psychosis, recent life events may lead to psychotic symptoms via heightened emotional distress. Life events may be one driving force of unspecific, general psychopathology described as characteristic of early phases of the psychosis spectrum, offering promising avenues for interventions.
Partial aperture imaging system based on sparse point spread holograms and nonlinear cross-correlations
Authors: Bulbul Angika , Rosen Joseph
Published: December 2020

Partial aperture imaging system (PAIS) is a recently developed concept in which the traditional disc-shaped aperture is replaced by an aperture with a much smaller area and yet its imaging capabilities are comparable to the full aperture systems. Recently PAIS was demonstrated as an indirect incoherent digital three-dimensional imaging technique. Later it was successfully implemented in the study of the synthetic marginal aperture with revolving telescopes (SMART) to provide superresolution with subaperture area that was less than one percent of the area of the full synthetic disc-shaped aperture. In the study of SMART, the concept of PAIS was tested by placing eight coded phase reflectors along the boundary of the full synthetic aperture. In the current study, various improvements of PAIS are tested and its performance is compared with the other equivalent systems. Among the structural changes, we test ring-shaped eight coded phase subapertures with the same area as of the previous circular subapertures, distributed along the boundary of the full disc-shaped aperture. Another change in the current system is the use of coded phase mask with a point response of a sparse dot pattern. The third change is in the reconstruction process in which a nonlinear correlation with optimal parameters is implemented. With the improved image quality, the modified-PAIS can save weight and cost of imaging devices in general and of space telescopes in particular. Experimental results with reflective objects show that the concept of coded aperture extends the limits of classical imaging.
Zeroth- and first-order long range non-diffracting Gauss–Bessel beams generated by annihilating multiple-charged optical vortices
Authors: Stoyanov Lyubomir , Zhekova Maya , Stefanov Aleksander , Stefanov Ivan , Paulus Gerhard G. , Dreischuh Alexander
Published: December 2020

We demonstrate an alternative approach for generating zeroth- and first-order long range non-diffracting Gauss–Bessel beams (GBBs). Starting from a Gaussian beam, the key point is the creation of a bright ring-shaped beam with a large radius-to-width ratio, which is subsequently Fourier-transformed by a thin lens. The phase profile required for creating zeroth-order GBBs is flat and helical for first-order GBBs with unit topological charge (TC). Both the ring-shaped beam and the required phase profile can be realized by creating highly charged optical vortices by a spatial light modulator and annihilating them by using a second modulator of the same type. The generated long-range GBBs are proven to have negligible transverse evolution up to 2 m and can be regarded as non-diffracting. The influences of the charge state of the TCs, the propagation distance behind the focusing lens, and the GBB profiles on the relative intensities of the peak/rings are discussed. The method is much more efficient as compared to this using annular slits in the back focal plane of lenses. Moreover, at large propagation distances the quality of the generated GBBs significantly surpasses this of GBBs created by low angle axicons. The developed analytical model reproduces the experimental data. The presented method is flexible, easily realizable by using a spatial light modulator, does not require any special optical elements and, thus, is accessible in many laboratories.
Prototype REBCO Z1 and Z2 shim coils for ultra high-field high-temperature superconducting NMR magnets
Authors: Park Dongkeun , Lee Jiho , Bascuñán Juan , Li Zhuyong , Iwasa Yukikazu
Published: December 2020

We present promising results of novel high-temperature superconducting (HTS) shim coil prototypes that circumvent the size and strength limitation of our earlier innovative HTS shim concept based on 46-mm wide REBCO tape. The HTS shim coil is placed inside the HTS magnet, mainly for ultra-high-field (> 1 GHz or 23.5 T) NMR magnets, and thus unaffected from the windings’ diamagnetic wall effects. One full-scale version will be applied to clean up Z1 and Z2 harmonic errors in the MIT 1.3-GHz high-resolution NMR magnet composed of an 835-MHz HTS insert, while another version for an MIT 1-GHz microcoil NMR magnet whose small-scale model we are currently building. The prototype sets were wound with a 2-pile, 1.03-mm wide, 0.30-mm thick REBCO conductor. Operated at 77 K, the Z1 shim set generated a 1st harmonic field strength of 179 kHz/cm at 70 A, while the Z2 shim set, composed of two pairs, Z21 and Z22, generated the 2nd harmonic field of 141 kHz/cm2 at 50 A. Together with discussion on technical challenges for this REBCO shim coil concept, we demonstrate its feasibility for the next generation of ultra-high-field (UHF) HTS NMR magnets.
Impact of individual demographic and social factors on human–wildlife interactions: a comparative study of three macaque species
Authors: Balasubramaniam Krishna N. , Marty Pascal R. , Samartino Shelby , Sobrino Alvaro , Gill Taniya , Ismail Mohammed , Saha Rajarshi , Beisner Brianne A. , Kaburu Stefano S. K. , Bliss-Moreau Eliza , Arlet Malgorzata E. , Ruppert Nadine , Ismail Ahmad , Sah Shahrul Anuar Mohd , Mohan Lalit , Rattan Sandeep K. , Kodandaramaiah Ullasa , McCowan Brenda
Published: December 2020

Despite increasing conflict at human–wildlife interfaces, there exists little research on how the attributes and behavior of individual wild animals may influence human–wildlife interactions. Adopting a comparative approach, we examined the impact of animals’ life-history and social attributes on interactions between humans and (peri)urban macaques in Asia. For 10 groups of rhesus, long-tailed, and bonnet macaques, we collected social behavior, spatial data, and human–interaction data for 11–20 months on pre-identified individuals. Mixed-model analysis revealed that, across all species, males and spatially peripheral individuals interacted with humans the most, and that high-ranking individuals initiated more interactions with humans than low-rankers. Among bonnet macaques, but not rhesus or long-tailed macaques, individuals who were more well-connected in their grooming network interacted more frequently with humans than less well-connected individuals. From an evolutionary perspective, our results suggest that individuals incurring lower costs related to their life-history (males) and resource-access (high rank; strong social connections within a socially tolerant macaque species), but also higher costs on account of compromising the advantages of being in the core of their group (spatial periphery), are the most likely to take risks by interacting with humans in anthropogenic environments. From a conservation perspective, evaluating individual behavior will better inform efforts to minimize conflict-related costs and zoonotic-risk.
Hydrothermal synthesis of novel 1-aminoperylene diimide/TiO2/MoS2 composite with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Ma Yongshan , Wang Yue , Jiang Tianyi , Zhang Fengxia , Li Xuemei , Zhu Yanyan
Published: December 2020

1-aminoperylene diimide/TiO2/MoS2composite (NH2-PDI/TiO2/MoS2) with ordered structure was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis method. The composite was characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR, XPS, BET, DRS, PL, EIS, Raman, photocurrent, and Mott-Schottky plots spectroscopy. The potential positions of the conduction and valence bands, and the band gap energy of the semiconductors were estimated. The composite exhibited higher photocatalytic activity compared with the mono-component systems. The apparent rate constants (k) were determined as 0.00616, 0.00352, 0.00738, 0.00517, 0.00752, and 0.00806 min−1for TiO2, NH2-PDI, NH2-PDI/TiO2, MoS2, MoS2/TiO2, and NH2-PDI/TiO2/MoS2, respectively. The detection of radical scavengers confirmed that superoxide radicals, photogenerated holes, and photogenerated electrons were the main active substances for MB degradation. Between type II- heterojunction mechanism and Z-scheme mechanism, the latter could explain the enhanced photocatalytic activity of the composite better. The Z-scheme mechanism accumulates more electrons at CB level of NH2-PDI and hence generates more super oxide radicals.
DNA metabarcoding uncovers fungal diversity in soils of protected and non-protected areas on Deception Island, Antarctica
Authors: Rosa Luiz Henrique , da Silva Thamar Holanda , Ogaki Mayara Baptistucci , Pinto Otávio Henrique Bezerra , Stech Michael , Convey Peter , Carvalho-Silva Micheline , Rosa Carlos Augusto , Câmara Paulo E. A. S.
Published: December 2020

We assessed soil fungal diversity at two sites on Deception Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica using DNA metabarcoding analysis. The first site was a relatively undisturbed area, and the second was much more heavily impacted by research and tourism. We detected 346 fungal amplicon sequence variants dominated by the phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota and Chytridiomycota. We also detected taxa belonging to the rare phyla Mucoromycota and Rozellomycota, which have been difficult to detect in Antarctica by traditional isolation methods. Cladosporium sp., Pseudogymnoascus roseus, Leotiomycetes sp. 2, Penicillium sp., Mortierella sp. 1, Mortierella sp. 2, Pseudogymnoascus appendiculatus and Pseudogymnoascus sp. were the most dominant fungi. In addition, 440,153 of the total of 1,214,875 reads detected could be classified only at the level of Fungi. In both sampling areas the DNA of opportunistic, phytopathogenic and symbiotic fungi were detected, which might have been introduced by human activities, transported by birds or wind, and/or represent resident fungi not previously reported from Antarctica. Further long-term studies are required to elucidate how biological colonization in the island may be affected by climatic changes and/or other anthropogenic influences.
Impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus on kidney transplant rates and clinical outcomes among waitlisted candidates in a single center European experience
Authors: Dolla Caterina , Naso Erika , Mella Alberto , Allesina Anna , Giraudi Roberta , Torazza Maria Cristina , Vanzino Silvia Bruna , Gallo Ester , Lavacca Antonio , Fop Fabrizio , Biancone Luigi
Published: December 2020

Despite type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is commonly considered a detrimental factor in dialysis, its clear effect on morbidity and mortality on waitlisted patients for kidney transplant (KT) has never been completely elucidated. We performed a retrospective analysis on 714 patients admitted to wait-list (WL) for their first kidney transplant from 2005 to 2010. Clinical characteristics at registration in WL (age, body mass index -BMI-, duration and modality of dialysis, underlying nephropathy, coronary artery -CAD- and/or peripheral vascular disease), mortality rates, and effective time on WL were investigated and compared according to T2D status (presence/absence). Data about therapy and management of T2D were also considered. At the time of WL registration T2D patients (n = 86) were older than non-T2D (n = 628) (58.7 ± 8.6 years vs 51.3 ± 12.9) with higher BMI (26.2 ± 3.8 kg/m2 vs 23.8 ± 3.6), more frequent history of CAD (33.3% vs 9.8%) and peripheral vascular disease (25.3% vs 5.8%) (p < 0.001 for all analyses). Considering overall population, T2D patients had reduced survival vs non-T2D (p < 0.001). Transplanted patients showed better survival in both T2D and non-T2D groups despite transplant rate are lower in T2D (75.6% vs 85.8%, p < 0.001). T2D was also associated to similar waiting time but longer periods between dialysis start and registration in WL (1.6 years vs 1.2, p = 0.008), comorbidity-related suspension from WL (571 days vs 257, p = 0.002), and increased mortality rate (33.7% vs 13.9% in the overall population, p < 0.001). In T2D patients admitted to WL, an history of vascular disease was significantly associated to low patient survival (p = 0.019). In conclusion, T2D significantly affects survival also on waitlisted patients. Allocation policies in T2D patients may be adjusted according to increased risk of mortality and WL suspension due to comorbidities.
Distinct systemic cytokine networks in symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis
Authors: Stauss Ricarda D. , Grosse Gerrit M. , Neubert Lavinia , Falk Christine S. , Jonigk Danny , Kühnel Mark P. , Gabriel Maria M. , Schuppner Ramona , Lichtinghagen Ralf , Wilhelmi Mathias , Weissenborn Karin , Schrimpf Claudia
Published: December 2020

Inflammatory processes are crucial in atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis. This study aimed to identify a cytokine-pattern that is associated with plaque-vulnerability or symptomatic state in comprehensively investigated patients with symptomatic (sCS) and asymptomatic carotid stenosis (aCS). Twenty-two patients with sCS and twenty-four patients with aCS undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) were considered. A cytokine-panel was measured in plasma-specimens prior to surgery and at a 90 day follow-up. Doppler-ultrasound detecting microembolic signals (MES) in the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery was performed. Carotid plaques were analysed regarding histopathological criteria of plaque-vulnerability and presence of chemokine receptor CXCR4. Correction for multiple comparisons and logistic regression analysis adjusting for vascular risk factors, grade of stenosis, antithrombotic and statin pretreatment were applied. In sCS-patients higher plasma-levels of Fractalkine (CX3CL1), IFN-α2, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-3, IL-7 were found compared to aCS-patients. CXCR4-expression on inflammatory cells was more evident in sCS- compared to aCS-plaques and was associated with vulnerability-criteria. In contrast, plasma-cytokine-levels were not related to CXCR4-expression or other vulnerability-criteria or MES. However, in both groups distinct inter-cytokine correlation patterns, which persisted at follow-up and were more pronounced in the sCS-group could be detected. In conclusion, we identified a distinct cytokine/chemokine-network in sCS-patients with elevated and closely correlated mediators of diverse functions.
Differential metabolic responses in breast cancer cell lines to acidosis and lactic acidosis revealed by stable isotope assisted metabolomics
Authors: Gao Jiayue , Guo Zhiying , Cheng Jianhua , Sun Bo , Yang Jie , Li Haijing , Wu Shengming , Dong Fangting , Yan Xianzhong
Published: December 2020

Extracellular acidosis is considered as a hallmark of most human tumors, which plays an important role in promoting tumor malignant and aggressive phenotype in tumorigenesis. Acidosis and lactic acidosis can induce different responses in tumors. Previous studies have associated the response to lactic acidosis of tumors with good survival outcomes. In this study, we investigated the metabolomic changes in triple negative and luminal subtype breast cancer cell lines in response to acidosis and lactic acidosis. Our results showed that acidosis results in the reduction of cell viability and glycolysis in breast cancer cells, which is reversely correlated with the malignancy of cell lines. Under lactic acidosis, this reduction is reversed slightly. Untargeted metabolomic profiling revealed that glutaminolysis and fatty acid synthesis in cancer cells under acidosis are increased, while TCA cycle and glycolysis are decreased. Under lactic acidosis, the pentose phosphate pathway and acetate release are increased in MDA-MB-231 cells. The current results uncovered the different metabolic responses of breast cancer cells to acidosis and lactic acidosis, demonstrating the power of combined untargeted and stable isotope assisted metabolomics in comprehensive metabolomic analysis.
Environmental control of mammary carcinoma cell expansion by acidification and spheroid formation in vitro
Authors: Ralph Ana Carolina Lima , Valadão Iuri Cordeiro , Cardoso Elaine Cristina , Martins Vilma Regina , Oliveira Luanda Mara Silva , Bevilacqua Estela Maris Andrade Forell , Geraldo Murilo Vieira , Jaeger Ruy Gastaldoni , Goldberg Gary S. , Freitas Vanessa Morais
Published: December 2020

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Like other cancers, mammary carcinoma progression involves acidification of the tumor microenvironment, which is an important factor for cancer detection and treatment strategies. However, the effects of acidity on mammary carcinoma cell morphology and phenotype have not been thoroughly characterized. Here, we evaluated fundamental effects of environmental acidification on mammary carcinoma cells in standard two-dimensional cultures and three-dimensional spheroids. Acidification decreased overall mammary carcinoma cell viability, while increasing their resistance to the anthracycline doxorubicin. Environmental acidification also increased extracellular vesicle production by mammary carcinoma cells. Conditioned media containing these vesicles appeared to increase fibroblast motility. Acidification also increased mammary carcinoma cell motility when cultured with fibroblasts in spheroids. Taken together, results from this study suggest that environmental acidification induces drug resistance and extracellular vesicle production by mammary carcinoma cells that promote tumor expansion.
Publisher Correction: Daily mapping of Australian Plague Locust abundance
Authors: Mangeon Stéphane , Spessa Allan , Deveson Edward , Darnell Ross , Kriticos Darren J.
Published: December 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Assessment of a proposed BMI formula in predicting body fat percentage among Filipino young adults
Authors: Van Haute Michael , Rondilla Emer , Vitug Jasmine Lorraine , Batin Kristelle Diane , Abrugar Romaia Elaiza , Quitoriano Francis , Dela Merced Kryzia , Maaño Trizha , Higa Jojomaku , Almoro Jianna Gayle , Ternida Darlene , Cabrera J. T.
Published: December 2020

Body mass index (BMI), while routinely used in evaluating adiposity, cannot distinguish between fat and lean mass, and thus can misclassify weight status particularly among athletic, physically active, and tall- and short-statured individuals, whose lean-to-fat ratios and body proportions vary considerably from average individuals. Believing that the traditional BMI formula divides weight by too much with short people and by too little with tall people, University of Oxford professor L. N. Trefethen proposed a modified formula in computing BMI. This study was conducted among a sample of Filipino young adults (n = 190) to assess the performance of the modified BMI formula against the traditional one in: (1) predicting body fat percentage (%BF) measured using bioelectric impedance analysis, and (2) diagnosing overweight/obesity. Using robust polynomial regression analysis (covariates: age, waist circumference, smoking history and alcohol intake), the BMI quadratic models had the highest adjustedR2and the lowest AIC and BIC for both sexes compared to the linear models. The AuROCs of the traditional BMI were higher than those of the proposed BMI, albeit nonsignificant. In conclusion, both traditional and modified BMIs significantly predicted %BF, as well as adequately discriminated between %BF-defined normal and overweight-obese states using optimal BMI cutoff values.
Towards a neural model of creative evaluation in advertising: an electrophysiological study
Authors: Zhou Shujin , Luo Junlong , Yu Tingting , Li Dan , Yin Yue , Tang Xiaochen
Published: December 2020

Although it is increasingly recognized that evaluation is a key phase for a two-fold creativity model, the neural model is not yet well understood. To this end, we constructed a theoretical model of creative evaluation and supported it with neural evidence through event-related potentials (ERPs) technology during a creative advertising task. Participants were required to evaluate the relationship between target words and advertising that systematically varied in novelty and usefulness. The ERPs results showed that (a) the novelty-usefulness and novelty-only conditions evoked a larger N1-P2 amplitude, reflecting an automatic attentional bias to novelty, and (b) these two novelty conditions elicited a larger N200-500 amplitude, reflecting an effort to process the novel content; (c) the novelty-usefulness and usefulness-only conditions induced a larger LPC amplitude, reflecting that valuable associations were formed through retrieval of relevant memories. These results propose a neural model of creative evaluation in advertising: the N1-P2, N200-500, and LPC should be the key indices to define three sub-processes of novelty perception, conception expansion, and value selection, respectively.
Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation shows no effect on paired stimulation suppression of the somatosensory cortex
Authors: Bettmann Jan H. , Meyer-Frießem Christine H. , Schweizer Lauren M. , Schlaffke Lara , Zahn Peter K. , Tegenthoff Martin , Höffken Oliver
Published: December 2020

Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) is a safe and convenient method of neuromodulation. It has been proven to alter sensory processing at cervicomedullary level by amplitude changes of the P30 response of tibial nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (TN SEPs). With knowledge that tsDCS affects cortical circuits, we hypothesized that tsDCS may also affect intracortical excitability of the somatosensory cortex assessed by paired stimulation suppression (PSS). Fourteen healthy men were included in this prospective, single-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study. Single (SS) and paired stimulation (PS) TN SEPs were recorded over the scalp before, immediately as well as 30 and 60 min after applying 15 min of tsDCS over the twelfth thoracic vertebra. Each volunteer underwent three independent and randomized sessions of either cathodal, anodal or sham stimulation. tsDCS showed no effect on peak-to-peak amplitudes or latencies of cortical P40-N50 response after SS. Furthermore, tsDCS failed to induce significant changes on amplitude ratios of PSS, thus showing no impact on intracortical excitability of the somatosensory cortex in healthy subjects. Further research is required to reveal the different mechanisms and to strengthen clinical use of this promising technique.
Highly charged 180 degree head-to-head domain walls in lead titanate
Authors: Moore Kalani , Conroy Michele , O’Connell Eoghan N. , Cochard Charlotte , Mackel Jennifer , Harvey Alan , Hooper Thomas E. , Bell Andrew J. , Gregg J. Marty , Bangert Ursel
Published: December 2020

Charged domain walls (DWs) in ferroelectric materials are an area of intense research. Microscale strain has been identified as a method of inducing arrays of twin walls to meet at right angles, forming needlepoint domains which exhibit novel material properties. Atomic scale characterisation of the features exhibiting these exciting behaviours was inaccessible with the piezoresponse force microscopy resolution of previous work. Here we use aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy to observe short, stepped, highly charged DWs at the tip of the needle points in ferroelectric PbTiO3. Reverse Ti4+ shift polarisation mapping confirms the head-to-head polarisation in adjacent domains. Strain mapping reveals large deviations from the bulk and a wider DW with a high Pb2+ vacancy concentration. The extra screening charge is found to stabilise the DW perpendicular to the opposing polarisation vectors and thus constitutes the most highly charged DW possible in PbTiO3. This feature at the needle point junction is a 5 nm × 2 nm channel running through the sample and is likely to have useful conducting properties. We envisage that similar junctions can be formed in other ferroelastic materials and yield exciting phenomena for future research.
Highly dispersed Co nanoparticles embedded in a carbon matrix as a robust and efficient Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalyst under harsh conditions
Authors: Cai Zhe , Lyu Shuai , Chen Yao , Liu Chengchao , Zhang Yuhua , Yu Faquan , Li Jinlin
Published: December 2020

Series of catalysts with Co nanoparticles embedded in matrix of porous carbon is directly synthesizedviaa unique melting approach. No obvious deactivation is observed at high operating temperature and high CO conversion levels.
Effects of residual disinfectants on the redox speciation of lead(ii)/(iv) minerals in drinking water distribution systems
Authors: Avasarala Sumant , Orta John , Schaefer Michael , Abernathy Macon , Ying Samantha , Liu Haizhou
Published: December 2020

This study investigated the reaction kinetics on the oxidative transformation of lead(ii) minerals by free chlorine (HOCl) and free bromine (HOBr) in drinking water distribution systems.
Recent progress in lanthanide metal–organic frameworks and their derivatives in catalytic applications
Authors: Zhang Yue , Liu Shuo , Zhao Zi-Song , Wang Zengfang , Zhang Ruiying , Liu Lin , Han Zheng-Bo
Published: December 2020

Research progress in lanthanide metal–organic frameworks and their derivatives in the field of catalysis has been presented on the basis of different organic reactions.
Integration of metallacycles and polyoxometalate macrocycles
Authors: Zhu Zeng-Kui , Lin Ya-Yun , Li Xin-Xiong , Zhao Dan , Zheng Shou-Tian
Published: December 2020

A series of polyoxometalate–metallacycle composite macrocycles with interesting bi/tri-layer cyclic structures have been synthesized, which show a remarkable integration of metallacycles and polyoxometalate macrocycles at molecular level.
Removal of abamectin and conventional pollutants in vertical flow constructed wetlands with Fe-modified biochar
Authors: Sha Nai-Qing , Wang Guo-Hao , Li Yan-Hong , Bai Shao-Yuan
Published: December 2020

To improve the ability of constructed wetlands to remove abamectin (ABM) and nutrients, the influence of four different substrates on constructed wetlands was studied.
Strain-enhanced giant Rashba spin splitting in ultrathin KTaO3 films for spin-polarized photocurrents
Authors: Wu Ning , Zhang Xue-Jing , Liu Bang-Gui
Published: December 2020

Strong Rashba effects at semiconductor surfaces and interfaces have attracted attention for exploration and applications. We show with first-principles investigation that applying biaxial stress can cause tunable and giant Rashba effects in ultrathin KTaO3 (KTO) (001) films.
Melting properties of amino acids and their solubility in water
Authors: Do Hoang Tam , Chua Yeong Zen , Kumar Aarti , Pabsch Daniel , Hallermann Moritz , Zaitsau Dzmitry , Schick Christoph , Held Christoph
Published: December 2020

We report the melting properties of amino acids for the first time and highlight the usefulness of such data to predict material properties such as aqueous solubility of amino acids.
Correction: Split-anion solvent extraction of light rare earths from concentrated chloride aqueous solutions to nitrate organic ionic liquids
Authors: Regadío Mercedes , Vander Hoogerstraete Tom , Banerjee Dipanjan , Binnemans Koen
Published: December 2020

Correction for ‘Split-anion solvent extraction of light rare earths from concentrated chloride aqueous solutions to nitrate organic ionic liquids’ by Mercedes Regadío et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 34754–34763, DOI: 10.1039/c8ra06055j.
Hierarchical few-layer fluorine-free Ti3C2TX (T = O, OH)/MoS2 hybrid for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Li Mingming , Wang Yibo , Li Tengfei , Li Jinghan , Huang Lujun , Liu Qinglei , Gu Jiajun , Zhang Di
Published: December 2020

As an eco-friendly and renewable energy source, hydrogen energy has attracted widespread attention.
Blocking polysulfides with a Janus Fe3C/N-CNF@RGO electrode via physiochemical confinement and catalytic conversion for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Li Jiayi , Zhang Hongwei , Luo Linqu , Li Hao , He Junyu , Zu Hongliang , Liu Lei , Liu Hao , Wang Fengyun , Song Jianjun
Published: December 2020

A novel Janus Fe3C/N-CNF@RGO electrode was successfully constructed, which realizes the co-existence of chemical immobilization, catalytic ability, and physical barrier in 3D conductive networks, enabling robust cycling stability of Li–S battery
Fused or unfused? Two-dimensional non-fullerene acceptors for efficient organic solar cells
Authors: Liu Dongxue , Wang Ting , Chang Zhitao , Zheng Nan , Xie Zengqi , Liu Yongsheng
Published: December 2020

Two benzotrithiophene-based two-dimensional non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) were designed and synthesized to investigate the effects of a fused or unfused NFA molecular backbone on the performance of organic solar cells.
Impact of molecular and packing structure on the charge-transport properties of hetero[8]circulenes
Authors: Karaush-Karmazin Nataliya N. , Baryshnikov Gleb V. , Kuklin Artem V. , Saykova Diana I. , Ågren Hans , Minaev Boris F.
Published: December 2020

The charge transfer mobility of hetero[8]circulenes tends to increase with O/NH or S/Se substitution and benzoannelation.
Mid-infrared light-emitting properties and devices based on thin-film black phosphorus
Authors: Zong Xinrong , Liao Kan , Zhang Le , Zhu Chao , Jiang Xiaohong , Chen Xiaolong , Wang Lin
Published: December 2020

Mid-infrared (MIR) radiation has a wide range of applications in military, environmental monitoring, and medical treatment.
New chapter of hydraulic circuit theory – flow distribution of multicomponent fluids
Authors: Sukharev Mikhail , Fomina Elena
Published: December 2020

Natural gas is a mixture of gases: methane hydrocarbons, water vapor, etc. Gas is supplied to the UGSS RF from various sources with different component composition. The composition determines the calorific value of the gas. The ability to control gas flows (composition and calorific value) helps to substantiate the economic efficiency of urgent problems, for example, the choice of the location of gas processing complexes. The paper deals with two-component gas flows. A method for finding an estimate of the distribution of calorie content based on the use of the maximum likelihood method and optimization methods is proposed. The technique allows one to take into account the non-equilibrium and irreversibility of mixing processes.
Management of development and conservation of oil and gas fields
Authors: Chupin Viktor R. , Maisel Denis I.
Published: December 2020

The purpose of the work is to develop a methodology for managing the development and conservation of fields of field gas-oil pipelines. The analysis showed that the solution of this problem is not paid attention, both on the part of designers and specialists in the automation of design solutions. Although this is one of the most important design problems, on the solution of which the rationality of capital investments depends, the optimality of subsequent periods of operation. Traditionally, this operation is performed manually. The designer, using his experience and intuition, outlines several alternative options, which are then evaluated automatically, including for reliability, hydraulic stability and operational controllability (for example, using the OLGA software package). Methods. For optimal control of these processes, a methodology for indicative and adaptive management of the development and conservation of the field is proposed, which allows taking into account the uncertainties that arise in the future stages of the field operation. At each stage of this technique, it is proposed to carry out a comprehensive optimization of the main field pipelines and use the technique of redundant design schemes with the solution of circuit-structural and circuit-parametric optimization problems, including the stages of conservation of deposits. The numerical experiments carried out have confirmed the high computational and economic efficiency of the proposed approach and method. Conclusions. The proposed method and its software implementation are an effective computational tool for justifying the route and parameters at all stages of management of the development and conservation of field gas-oil pipelines and is recommended for use in the practice of designing the corresponding pipeline systems.
The development of an algorithm based on dynamic programming for optimization of tree-like energy pipeline system
Authors: Stennikov Valery , Sokolov Dmitry , Barakhtenko Evgeny
Published: December 2020

The problem of optimizing the transmission capacity of a pipeline network is important for ensuring its operability. The problem arises at different stages of the network life cycle (design, optimization, development). The problem is to determine the diameters of the pipelines, the locations of the pumps and the heads on them, the locations of the regulators (flow and pressure) and their parameters. The article proposes a new algorithm based on dynamic programming, which implements an original approach to organizing a computational procedure. The general principles of the algorithm and the content of its steps do not depend on the purpose of the network and the composition of its equipment. The algorithm is versatile and allows one to optimize networks for various purposes. The proposed algorithm is implemented in the IRNET software. On its basis, calculations were made for the development of real district heating systems.
Modern Experience in Dynamic States Simulation of Pipeline Systems and the Possibility of its Application to Solving Identification Problems
Authors: Grebneva Oksana A. , Novitsky Nikolay N.
Published: December 2020

The effectiveness of solving the problems of development, reconstruction and control of pipeline systems is directly related to the level of application of methods for mathematical modeling and computer technology, which cannot be provided in isolation from the problems of reliability of information about their actual characteristics and parameters, as well as the degree of adequacy of used models. These problems constitute the content of identification tasks. The trend of transition to intelligent pipeline systems requires consideration of their control processes in real time, and hence the consideration of identification problems as passive identification problems based on the results of dynamic measurement data. The article provides an analysis of the existing experience in the field of dynamic states modeling of pipeline systems of various types and purposes, as well as mathematical formulations of the identification problem depending on the degree of parametric and state nonstationarity of systems, on the method and rate of data acquisition.
Aggregation of distribution heating networks in the problems of hierarchical optimization of large heat supply systems
Authors: Lutsenko Alexandr , Novitsky Nikolay
Published: December 2020

The article shows that the problem of dimension is a significant obstacle to the automation of solving the problem of finding optimal hydraulic modes of heat supply systems. To overcome this problem, the authors have previously proposed a hierarchical approach to optimizing the hydraulic modes of heat supply systems. The article discusses the problem of aggregating distribution heating networks within the framework of this approach. To solve it, the previously proposed by the authors of loop reducing dynamic programming method is adapted. Its operability and computational efficiency are checked on computational experiments.
Gedanken in Corona-Zeiten
Authors: Büssing Arndt
Published: December 2020

Die COVID-19-Pandemie hat uns nun wieder im Griff. Im März 2020 haben wir wohl (fast) alle erschrocken auf ansteigende Infektionszahlen geschaut, haben die eskalierende Situation in den Krankenhäusern der umliegenden Länder im Blick gehabt und gehofft, dass das bei uns nicht passiert und wir es irgendwie durchstehen. Im Sommer schien sich alles wieder beruhigt zu haben, die Infektionszahlen gingen wieder herunter (und die bisher Betroffenen wurden in der Wahrnehmung eher als „Ausnahmen“ ausgeblendet).
Yoga in der supportiven Onkologie: Wie ist die Evidenz?
Authors: Cramer Holger , Haller Heidemarie
Published: December 2020

Yoga, ursprünglich eine spirituelle indische Praxis, ist längst als Präventionsmaßnahme etabliert, findet aber auch immer mehr seinen Weg in die unterstützende Therapie von chronischen Erkrankungen. In der supportiven Onkologie kann Yoga für verschiedene Symptome empfohlen werden. Die Evidenzlage überzeugt insbesondere zur Linderung von krebs- bzw. krebstherapieassoziierter Fatigue. Bei Patientinnen mit Mammakarzinom liegen darüber hinaus vielversprechende Studien zur Wirksamkeit von Yoga bei Ein- und Durchschlafstörungen und bei therapieassoziierten menopausalen Symptomen vor. Da unerwünschte Ereignisse unter Yoga nicht signifikant häufiger auftreten als bei anderen Formen körperlicher Aktivität oder unbehandelten Kontrollgruppen, ist insgesamt von einem positiven Nutzen-Risiko-Verhältnis für Patienten mit onkologischen Erkrankungen auszugehen.
Teure Haftung für Pflegepersonal
Authors: Häser Isabel
Published: December 2020

Ein aktuelles Urteil macht deutlich, dass nicht nur ärztliche Behandlungsfehler teuer werden können. Aufgrund eines groben Fehlers eines Pflegers wurde eine Klinik zu sehr hohem Schmerzensgeld verurteilt.
Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS)
Authors: von Campenhausen Jutta
Published: December 2020

Die schwierigsten Fälle in der Medizin sind oft nicht die Patienten, die ein schweres körperliches Leiden haben, sondern diejenigen, die mit starken, vielen oft diffusen Symptomen kommen, bei denen sich aber keine körperliche Ursache nachweisen lässt. Das betrifft Studien zufolge fast jeden fünften aller Patientinnen und Patienten, die sich in Klinik oder Praxis vorstellen. Sie leiden, aber es findet sich keine organische Erklärung dafür. Dieses Phänomen hat so viele Erscheinungsbilder wie Namen: Somatisierung, psychovegetative Störung, vegetative Dystonie oder Labilität, neurasthenisches Syndrom, Organneurose, funktionelle Störung, Einbildung. In der englischsprachigen Fachliteratur heißen solche Symptome MUS – medically unexplained symptoms.
Transcortical Approach to Deep-Seated Intraventricular and Intra-axial Tumors Using a Tubular Retractor System: A Technical Note and Review of the Literature
Authors: Okasha Mohamed , Ineson Georgia , Pesic-Smith Jonathan , Surash Surash
Published: December 2020

Background Retraction of white matter overlying a brain lesion can be difficult without causing significant trauma especially when using traditional methods of bladed retractors. These conventional retractors can produce regions of focal pressure resulting in contusions and areas of infarct.

Methods In this article, we present a retrospective case series of six patients with deep-seated intraventricular and intra-axial tumors that were approached using a ViewSite Brain Access System (tubular retractor). The authors describe a unique method of creating a pathway using a dilated glove. We shall also review the relevant literature that reports this type of surgery. Cases included three cases with third ventricular colloid cysts, one case of a third ventricular arachnoid cyst, one case with a lateral ventricular neurocytoma, and a case with a deeply seated intra-axial metastatic tumor.

Results Gross total resection was achieved in five cases with small residual in the central neurocytoma operation, with no documented neurological deficit in any case. One case had persistent memory problems and one case had continuing decline from the metastatic disease.

Conclusion The introduction of tubular-shaped retractor systems has offered the advantage of reducing retraction pressures and distributing any remaining force in a more even and larger distributed area, thus reducing the risk of previous associated morbidity while also permitting great visualization of the target lesion.
Redeployment of Dental Core Trainees in the United Kingdom due to Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Patel Misha , Menhadji Payvand , Mayor Serena
Published: December 2020

Objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected professionals in all fields; none more so than medical and dental professionals. As dental core trainees (DCT) working in hospitals, we have been at the forefront of the crisis and one of the first in line for redeployment. Therefore, we decided to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the redeployment of DCTs across the UK.

Materials and Methods  Data for this study was collected and shared between three project researchers. All researchers were undergoing dental core training in Oral Surgery and Restorative dentistry at Guy’s Hospital, London. An online survey was sent out via email and online social media platforms to reach as many DCTs as possible in the United Kingdom. Implied consent was obtained by respondents on submission of the survey.

The survey consisted of five sections and was branched, with respondents answering different sections depending on their redeployment status. No qualitative data was collected, as all questions included in the survey were dichotomous or multiple-choice questions. The last two questions were in the form of a 5-point Likert scale, inviting respondents to rate five statements from strongly agree to strongly disagree.

Results A total of 150 participants responded, of which 34% had been redeployed due to the pandemic. The majority of DCTs were redeployed to an intensive care unit or similar setting, and over 75% of those redeployed were working with either COVID-19 positive/suspect patients. Additionally, 23.8% of respondents had stopped patient contact due to their medical status.

Conclusion Many DCTs have been deployed to departments outside of their specialty and expressed some anxiety as a result. Inevitably, this has resulted in disruption to their training program and education over the last few months. The response across the United Kingdom has been understandably variable due to the differing demands of the hospital trusts within which the DCTs work.
Role of Epidural Steroid Injection in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Srivastava Mohit Kishore , Gupta Anil Kumar , Mishra Sudhir R. , Kumar Dileep , Ojha Bal Krishna , Yadav Ganesh
Published: December 2020

Background Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) is an important cause of pain and disability among the elderly and common indication for spinal surgery. However, due to age-related comorbidities, it becomes difficult for elderly patients of DLSS to immediately go for operative treatment. Caudal epidural steroid injection (CESI) can be an effective procedure for a selected group of patients who have chronic function-limiting lower back and lower extremity pain secondary to DLSS. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of CESI with physical therapy in patients afflicted with DLSS.

Materials and Methods It is a single center, open-label randomized controlled trial conducted in department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at a tertiary care center of northern India from January 2016 to August 2017 among DLSS patients. Trial was registered under the clinical trial registry of India. Patients were randomized in two groups–32 in intervention group A (CESI with local anesthetic and physical therapy) and 32 in control group B (physical therapy alone). Outcome measures were numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and mean claudication distance (MCD) at 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks.

Results NPRS and ODI showed significant improvement at 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks (group A >> group B). Improvement in MCD was seen at each follow-up from baseline (group A >> group B).

Conclusion Caudal epidural steroid administration can ameliorate pain, disability and claudication distance in DLSS patients, which provides them a window period for further definitive management.
Sinus Bradycardia after Extensive Neck Dissection and Total Thyroidectomy in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Malli Antonia , Skondras Ioannis , Vakaki Maria , Passalides Alexander
Published: December 2020

Postoperative complications after total thyroidectomy with extensive neck dissection in thyroid malignancies are well documented in the current literature. However, sinus bradycardia as a postthyroidectomy complication is a rare phenomenon and, to the best of our knowledge, few studies have identified it as a perioperative condition. In our study, we report a case of 9-year-old boy with papillary thyroid carcinoma, who underwent total thyroidectomy and bilateral neck dissection. Postoperatively, the surgery was complicated by initial vocal cord paresis and chyle leak. The patient also suffered from asymptomatic sinus bradycardia which self-resolved. Although causative factors cannot be determined by a single case, hypothyroidism, carotid sinus hypersensitivity, and bilateral damage to the middle cervical sympathetic ganglion could play a significant role in this uncommon pathophysiological condition.