bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
66919 Third trimester electronic cigarette use and the risk of preterm birth, low birthweight, and small-for-gestational age
Authors: Ammar Lin , Wu Pingsheng
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: Our study suggests that maternal e-cigarette use may reduce fetal growth and pose harm to newborns. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Women are motivated to quit smoking during pregnancy. Many view electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) as a safer and healthier alternative to traditional tobacco smoke. We aim to determine the effect of third-trimester e-cigarette use on the risk of infant related outcomes. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We conducted a cross-sectional survey study using Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). Women who gave live singleton births in 2016-2018 and at states that met response rate threshold criteria were included. Women were classified as never smokers, sole e-cigarette smokers, sole traditional cigarette smokers, and dual-users. Logistic regression was conducted to determine the association between third-trimester cigarette use and preterm birth (<37 weeks), low birth weight (<2,500 grams), and small for gestational age births (SGA, weight lower than the tenth percentile of the population). Analyses were weighted to account for the survey design and non-response. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: 94,539 women (weighted population of 4,765,290) were included. Compared with never smokers, third-trimester sole e-cigarette use increased the odds of preterm birth (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05, 2.48), low birthweight (AOR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.06, 2.09), and SGA (AOR: 1.19, 95%CI: 0.71, 2.00), sole traditional cigarette use increased the odds of preterm birth (AOR: 1.36, 95%CI: 1.21, 1.52), low birthweight (AOR: 1.90, 95%CI: 1.72, 2.10), and SGA (AOR: 2.28, 95%CI: 2.05, 2.53); and dual use increased the odds of preterm birth (AOR: 1.17, 95%CI: 0.82, 1.67), low birthweight (AOR: 2.16, 95%CI: 1.58, 2.96), and SGA (AOR: 2.67, 95%CI: 1.97, 3.64). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: E-cigarette use, by itself or in combination with traditional cigarettes, increases the risk of preterm birth, low birthweight, and SGA. Our study suggests that maternal e-cigarette use may reduce fetal growth and pose harm to newborns.
95871 Mortality in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients with Pre-existing Cardiovascular Comorbidities Receiving Oral Androgen Signaling Inhibitors
Authors: Asiri Ibrahim M. , Young Henry N. , Chen Ronald C. , Mandawat Anant , Master Viraj , Beach Steven R.H. , Cobran Ewan K.
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: Limited research has been conducted on the survival of men with castration-resistance prostate cancer (CRPC) with a pre-existing history of cardiovascular disease, receiving oral androgen signaling inhibitors. This study highlights all-cause and prostate cancer-specific mortality for elderly patients with CRPC with pre-existing history of cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Inadequate knowledge is known about the survival of men with castration-resistance prostate cancer (CRPC) with pre-existing history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), receiving oral androgen signaling inhibitors (OASI). We compared all-cause and prostate cancer-specific mortality for elderly patients with CRPC with pre-existing history of CVD. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: An active comparator, new user design, was used to identify 2,608 men older than age 65 years with CRPC using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database from 2011 to 2015. Patients were grouped into two analytical cohorts by CVD history. Within each analytical cohort patients were divided into two arms based on their new-user status (OASI vs. chemotherapy). All demographics and clinical characteristics were adjusted by inverse probability treatment weights (IPTWs). Unadjusted and IPTW-adjusted time-dependent Cox models, and Fine and Gray’s models were conducted to evaluate associations between OASI and all-cause and prostate cancer-specific mortality. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Nearly 64.5% of patients had pre-existing CVD. We observed a lower all-cause mortality in the pre-existing CVD cohort compared to the no pre-existing CVD cohort (IPTW-adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 0.59; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.54 to 0.64; IPTW-AHR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.78, respectively). Similarly, the prostate cancer specific-mortality was showed to be lower in the pre-existing CVD cohort compared to the no pre-existing CVD cohort when comparing OASI versus chemotherapy by the IPTW-adjusted time-dependent Fine and Gray’s models (IPTW-AHR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.66; IPTW-AHR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.80, respectively). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: OASI showed a significant protective effect against all-cause and prostate cancer-specific mortality compared with chemotherapy; however, were less protective among patients without pre-existing CVD. Further studies are needed to investigate OASI in patients with and without pre-existing CVD.
11384 Medication Use Safety During Care Transitions for Children with Medical Complexity
Authors: Abebe Ephrem , Wiehe Sarah , Holden Richard J.
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: This study will generate preliminary data to address a critical, care transition-related patient safety gap involving medication use among children with medical complexity. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The objectives of this study are: (1) to understand care transition-related medication safety risks for children with medical complexity (CMC), and (2) through a participatory, human centered design (PD) approach, to develop an early prototype intervention to address identified safety risks. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The study population includes children with medical complexity (CMC), a medically fragile pediatric population with intensive healthcare needs. CMC rely on multiple and complex medication regimens and/or medical devices for optimal functioning. Parents of CMC report multiple unmet healthcare needs. For Aim 1, we will conduct observations and interviews with ˜15 clinicians as well as semi-structured interviews with ˜30 family caregivers during three care transition experiences: from Cardiac ICU to home, Neonatal ICU to home, and those between primary care/specialty clinic to home. For Aim 2, we will conduct participatory design sessions with up to 5 participants (separately for clinicians and family caregivers) from each of the three care transition settings to co-design a prototype intervention. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The study is currently recruiting family caregivers of CMC for aim 1 research activities, with interviews planned to be completed in February/March 2021. Transcribed interviews will be used to inform development of patient journey maps. A patient journey map helps to visually depict healthcare services through the patient and family lens, and highlights important ‘touch points’ along the patient journey (e.g., decisions, encounters, constraints, emotional states, etc.) that shape the patient and family experience. The journey map will distill findings from qualitative data and generate a concise visual story focused on the medication use experience of CMC as they transition between the hospital and their home. Individual journey maps will also be combined to generate a consolidated journey map. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: An-in-depth understanding of medication safety risks unique to the context of CMC care would be essential to develop interventions that are useful, scalable, and sustainable. This is even more important because current interventions are primarily adopted from adult care settings with mixed outcomes.
81941 Evaluating race, socioeconomic status, and the effect of radiation treatment in patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction
Authors: Soto Edgar , Bond Grant , Botwsorth Jeremy , Fang Hua A. , Myers Rene P. , King Timothy W.
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: Disparities are multifactorial in etiology we seek to elucidate the effects of social determinants of health such as race on the outcomes of autologous flap reconstruction. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Immediate breast reconstruction has increased in recent years yet, racial and socioeconomic disparities in the receipt of postmastectomy breast reconstruction persist. We review the usage of autologous flaps for immediate breast reconstruction in a single institution with a diverse population to determine the effect of radiation on flap survival. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The database of a Southeastern tertiary referral center was queried for patients who received autologus flaps for immediate reconstruction following mastectomy. Patients were stratified based on whether they received no radiation (TRAM), neoadjuvant radiation (TRAM + Pre-XRT), or post-reconstruction radiation (TRAM + PMRT). So far, we have identified 91 patients (157 breasts) meeting inclusion criteria from 2006 to 2017. Patient demographics and outcomes were compared based on radiation status. The primary outcome (reconstructive success) was defined as breast reconstruction without flap loss. Comorbidities, socioeconomic status, and method of reconstruction were collected. Statistical analysis included t-tests, chi-square tests and logistic regression were appropriate using R. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: At the moment, we focus on outcomes of transverse rectus abdominus flaps and are adding information on 4 other flap-based methods. There were 68 in the solely TRAM group, 33 in TRAM+Pre-XRT and 56 in TRAM+PMRT with equivalent demographics between all groups for Age, Race and BMI (Table 1). In terms of race most patients self-identified as White (68%), followed by Black (24%) and Other (8%), p=0.172. There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of tobacco use with the type of radiation used (p=0.007) with the PTRAM+ PMRT group having the highest percentage. When analyzing major and minor complications based on radiation received or reconstructive success there was no significant difference regardless of radiation treatment with the group overall achieving a 97.4% success rate (p=0.229). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: Despite the known racial disparities in healthcare and the deleterious effects of radiation therapy on wound healing, there was no significant difference found in the incidence of major or minor complications in patients receiving neoadjuvant or post-reconstruction radiation therapy regardless of patient demographics.
63230 Quantifying Heavy Metals in Interstitial Fluid for Remote Monitoring of Chronic Exposures
Authors: Taylor Robert , Bolt Alicia , Ali Abdulmehdi , Zhu Yiliang , Baca Justin
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: We present a minimally-invasive approach to monitoring heavy metal exposures in geographically disperse populations; this framework may encourage and facilitate greater participation in a broad range of related clinical studies that require biosampling. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: We hypothesize that microneedle array (MA) extraction of interstitial fluid (ISF) will enable minimally-invasive quantitation of heavy metal (HM) exposure. We establish analytical parameters for ICP-MS analysis of HMs in ISF, quantify baseline HM content in ISF vs other fluids, and characterize a mixed HM exposure model. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Recent advances in ISF extraction and analysis suggest a minimally-invasive to monitor HM exposure longitudinally in both urban and dispersed communities. ISF can be collected with MAs and is a rich source of disease and exposure biomarkers. To refine analytical methods, Human subjects with no underlying skin disease were recruited into the IRB-approved study. Each subject had blood and urine collected. ISF was also collected using 3D-printed MA-holders. The fluids were analyzed, using ICP-MS, to quantify the levels of uranium (U), cadmium (Cd), vanadium (V), and arsenic (As). Additionally, we analyzed 2,770 subjects from the public NHANES dataset from 2018-2019. Python and Scikit-learn were used to analyze the demographics, survey responses, and metal concentrations for these individuals. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: While several studies have described the surface water and sediment content of toxic metals, determining biological loads remains challenging due to the need to collect blood or urine from a dispersed rural population over time. Our preliminary results suggest similar HM concentrations in ISF, compared with blood in a small unexposed population. Analysis of subjects from the NHANES public datasets suggest similar baseline blood HM concentrations in diverse subject populations with some differences in Cd depending on smoking and e-cigarette usage. Correlation maps also suggest possible synergy between different metals with cobalt and chromium showing the highest correlation. The initial results from this study have been applied to develop a mixed HM exposure model in rats for further translational testing. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: We present a minimally-invasive HM monitoring approach. Exposure to multiple HMs is suspected to have additive or synergistic harmful health effects. We ultimately envision a wearable microneedle patch that could be mailed to individuals or distributed through community centers, worn for a few hours, and returned to a central laboratory.
52528 Implementation of Web-Based Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in the Clinical Care of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): A Multi-Center Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kasturi Shanthini , Price Lori Lyn , Curtis David , Nowell W. Benjamin , Terrin Norma , Salmon Jane , Mandl Lisa , McAlindon Timothy
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: The integration of patient-reported outcome measures into clinical care is feasible and can facilitate patient-centered care for individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are powerful tools which can facilitate patient-centered care by highlighting individuals’ experience of illness. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and impact of implementing web-based PROMs in the routine clinical care of outpatients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Outpatients with SLE were enrolled in this longitudinal cohort study at two academic medical centers. Participants completed PROMIS computerized adaptive tests assessing multiple quality of life domains at enrollment and prior to two consecutive routinely scheduled rheumatology visits using the ArthritisPower research registry mobile or web-based application. Score reports were shared with patients and providers before the visits. Patients and rheumatologists completed post-visit surveys evaluating the utility of PROMs in the clinical encounters. Proportions with confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate survey completion rates and responses. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: A total of 105 SLE patients and 16 rheumatologists participated in the study. Subjects completed PROMs in 159 of 184 eligible encounters (86%, 95% CI 81 - 91), including 90% of visit 1’s (95% CI 82 - 95) and 82% of visit 2’s (95% CI 72 - 90. Patients and rheumatologists found that PROMs were useful (91% and 83% of encounters respectively) and improved communication (86% and 72%). Rheumatologists reported that PROMs impacted patient management in 51% of visits, primarily by guiding conversations (84%), but also by influencing medication changes (15%) and prompting referrals (10%). There was no statistically significant difference in visit length before (mean=19.5 min) and after (mean=20.4 min) implementation of PROMs (p=0.52). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: The remote capture and integration of web-based PROMs into clinical care was feasible in a diverse cohort of SLE outpatients. PROMs were useful to SLE patients and rheumatologists and promoted patient-centered care by facilitating communication.
THE TRANSNATIONAL GOVERNANCE OF BANK RESOLUTION AND THE TREATMENT OF NATIONAL REGULATORY VARIATION IN THE EU
Authors: Georgosouli Andromachi
Published: March 2021

The transnational governance of bank resolution must be well-designed to provide credible solutions to financial crisis management. While at policy level, there is a broad consensus on best practice, the implementation stage often leaves something to be desired. Focusing on the implementation of the relevant Financial Stability Board (FSB) recommendations in the EU, this article explores this issue and proposes certain reforms. It argues for closer EU control and scrutiny over national decision-making without, however advocating a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Its main insight is that the promotion of transnational convergence need not come at the expense of the distinctive attentiveness of EU law to local conditions nor indeed involve a massive shake-up of the existing EU architecture. Its aim is to contribute to scholarly and public policy debates in this field in anticipation of the EU response to the final conclusions of the post-implementation evaluation of the FSB recommendations, which is currently in progress.
Person-centred Australian residential aged care services: how well do actions match the claims?
Authors: Seah Sylvia Sing Lynn , Chenoweth Lynn , Brodaty Henry
Published: March 2021

Recent inquiries into residential aged care services, including the 2018–2019 Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, have informed revisions to the 2019 Australian Aged Care Quality Standards. Reforms to the Standards include a greater focus on person-centred services, consumer-directed care and authentic participation in decision-making on service provision by residents and their family members. In respect of person-centred services, the revised Standards reflect the four elements of the ‘Valuing, Individualised Care, Personal Perspective, Social Environment’ (or VIPS) framework for quality aged (social) care services in the United Kingdom. This qualitative study investigated whether the quality of services in a convenience sample of seven Australian aged care homes, which claimed to be person-centred, aligned with the four elements and 24 indicators of the VIPS framework. Data were obtained via semi-structured interviews with a volunteer sample of people associated with these seven aged care homes: 12 residents, 15 family members and 18 staff members in various roles. Data were analysed deductively with a priori reference to the 24 VIPS framework indicators, achieving data saturation for four common themes which indicated more person-centredness and ten common themes indicating less person-centredness. Only two of seven homes adhered to the four elements and 24 indicators of the VIPS framework across most service offerings. The remaining five homes offered some aspects of a person-centred service. The study findings provide insight to the factors which support and hamper the implementation of the VIPS-informed indicators of a person-centred aged care service and, therefore, what is needed to help meet person-centred requirements as outlined in the 2019 Australian Aged Care Quality Standards.
X-ray imaging of silicon die within fully packaged semiconductor devices
Authors: Tanner Brian K. , McNally Patrick J. , Danilewsky Andreas N.
Published: March 2021

X-ray diffraction imaging (XRDI) (topography) measurements of silicon die warpage within fully packaged commercial quad-flat no-lead devices are described. Using synchrotron radiation, it has been shown that the tilt of the lattice planes in the Analog Devices AD9253 die initially falls, but after 100 °C, it rises again. The twist across the die wafer falls linearly with an increase in temperature. At 200 °C, the tilt varies approximately linearly with position, that is, displacement varies quadratically along the die. The warpage is approximately reversible on cooling, suggesting that it has a simple paraboloidal form prior to encapsulation; the complex tilt and twisting result from the polymer setting process. Feasibility studies are reported, which demonstrate that a divergent beam and quasi-monochromatic radiation from a sealed X-ray tube can be used to perform warpage measurements by XRDI in the laboratory. Existing tools have limitations because of the geometry of the X-ray optics, resulting in applicability only to simple warpage structures. The necessary modifications required for use in situations of complex warpage, for example, in multiple die interconnected packages are specified.
The influence of care place and diagnosis on care communication at the end of life: bereaved family members’ perspective
Authors: O'Sullivan Anna , Alvariza Anette , Öhlén Joakim , ex. Håkanson Cecilia Larsdotter
Published: March 2021

Objective

To investigate the influence of care place and diagnosis on care communication during the last 3 months of life for people with advanced illness, from the bereaved family members’ perspective.

Method

A retrospective survey design using the VOICES(SF) questionnaire with a sample of 485 bereaved family members (aged: 20−90 years old, 70% women) of people who died in hospital was employed to meet the study aim.

Results

Of the deceased people, 79.2% had at some point received care at home, provided by general practitioners (GPs) (52%), district nurses (36.7%), or specialized palliative home care (17.9%), 27.4% were cared for in a nursing home and 15.7% in a specialized palliative care unit. The likelihood of bereaved family members reporting that the deceased person was treated with dignity and respect by the staff was lowest in nursing homes (OR: 0.21) and for GPs (OR: 0.37). A cancer diagnosis (OR: 2.36) or if cared for at home (OR: 2.17) increased the likelihood of bereaved family members reporting that the deceased person had been involved in decision making regarding care and less likely if cared for in a specialized palliative care unit (OR: 0.41). The likelihood of reports of unwanted decisions about the care was higher if cared for in a nursing home (OR: 1.85) or if the deceased person had a higher education (OR: 2.40).

Significance of results

This study confirms previous research about potential inequalities in care at the end of life. The place of care and diagnosis influenced the bereaved family members’ reports on whether the deceased person was treated with respect and dignity and how involved the deceased person was in decision making regarding care.
Modeling Human Migration Under Environmental Change: A Case Study of the Effect of Sea Level Rise in Bangladesh
Authors: De Lellis Pietro , Ruiz Marín Manuel , Porfiri Maurizio
Published: March 2021

Sea level rise (SLR) could have catastrophic consequences worldwide. More than 600 million people currently living in coastal areas may see their livelihood at risk and choose to migrate in the near future. Predicting when, how, and where people could migrate under environmental change is critical to devise effective policy initiatives and improve our preparedness. Here, we propose a modeling framework to predict the effect of SLR on migration patterns from easily accessible geographic and demographic data. The framework adapts the radiation model to capture unwillingness or inability to migrate of affected residents, as well as return migration and cascading effects in migration patterns. We apply the mathematical model to study internal migration in Bangladesh, where we predict a complex and counterintuitive landscape of migration patterns between districts. Our predictions indicate that the impact of SLR on 816,000 people by 2050 will trigger cascading effects in migration patterns throughout the entire country. The population of each of the 64 districts will change, leading to a total variation of 1.3 million people. Migration from inundated regions in the center will trigger non‐trivial patterns, including a reduction in the population of the district of the capital Dhaka.
A Rock Record of Complex Aeolian Bedforms in a Hesperian Desert Landscape: The Stimson Formation as Exposed in the Murray Buttes, Gale Crater, Mars
Authors: Banham Steven G. , Gupta Sanjeev , Rubin David M. , Edgett Kenneth S. , Barnes Robert , Van Beek Jason , Watkins Jessica A. , Edgar Lauren A. , Fedo Christopher M. , Williams Rebecca M. , Stack Kathryn M. , Grotzinger John P. , Lewis Kevin , Ewing Ryan C. , Day Mackenzie , Vasavada Ashwin R.
Published: March 2021

Lithified aeolian strata encode information about ancient planetary surface processes and the climate during deposition. Decoding these strata provides insight regarding past sediment transport processes, bedform kinematics, depositional landscape, and the prevailing climate. Deciphering these signatures requires a detailed analysis of sedimentary architecture to reconstruct dune morphology, motion, and the conditions that enabled their formation. Here, we show that a distinct sandstone unit exposed in the foothills of Mount Sharp, Gale crater, Mars, records the preserved expression of compound aeolian bedforms that accumulated in a large dune field. Analysis of Mastcam images of the Stimson formation shows that it consists of cross‐stratified sandstone beds separated by a hierarchy of erosive bounding surfaces formed during dune migration. The presence of two orders of surfaces with distinct geometrical relations reveals that the Stimson‐era landscape consisted of large dunes (draas) with smaller, superimposed dunes migrating across their lee slopes. Analysis of cross‐lamination and subset bounding surface geometries indicate a complex wind regime that transported sediment toward the north, constructing oblique dunes. This dune field was a direct product of the regional climate and the surface processes active in Gale crater during the fraction of the Hesperian Period recorded by the Stimson formation. The environment was arid, supporting a large aeolian dune field; this setting contrasts with earlier humid depositional episodes, recorded by the lacustrine sediments of the Murray formation (also Hesperian). Such fine‐scale reconstruction of landscapes on the ancient surface of Mars is important to understanding the planet’s past climate and habitability.
Pyrolysis of Oxalate, Acetate, and Perchlorate Mixtures and the Implications for Organic Salts on Mars
Authors: Lewis J. M. T. , Eigenbrode J. L. , Wong G. M. , McAdam A. C. , Archer P. D. , Sutter B. , Millan M. , Williams R. H. , Guzman M. , Das A. , Rampe E. B. , Achilles C. N. , Franz H. B. , Andrejkovičová S. , Knudson C. A. , Mahaffy P. R.
Published: March 2021

Organic salts, such as Fe, Ca, and Mg oxalates and acetates, may be widespread radiolysis and oxidation products of organic matter in Martian surface sediments. Such organic salts are challenging to identify by evolved gas analysis but the ubiquitous CO2and CO in pyrolysis data from the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite on the Curiosity rover indirectly points to their presence. Here, we examined laboratory results from SAM‐like analyses of organic salts as pure phases, as trace phases mixed with silica, and in mixtures with Ca and Mg perchlorates. Pure oxalates evolved CO2and CO, while pure acetates evolved CO2and a diverse range of organic products dominated by acetone and acetic acid. Dispersal within silica caused minor peak shifting, decreased the amounts of CO2evolved by the acetate standards, and altered the relative abundances of the organic products of acetate pyrolysis. The perchlorate salts scrubbed Fe oxalate CO releases and shifted the CO2peaks to lower temperatures, whereas with Ca and Mg oxalate, a weaker CO release was observed but the initial CO2evolutions were largely unchanged. The perchlorates induced a stronger CO2release from acetates at the expense of other products. Oxalates evolved ∼47% more CO2and acetates yielded ∼69% more CO2when the perchlorates were abundant. The most compelling fits between our organic salt data and SAM CO2and CO data included Martian samples acquired from modern eolian deposits and sedimentary rocks with evidence for low‐temperature alteration.
The Difficulty of Defining the Anthropocene
Authors: Tripathy-Lang Alka
Published: March 2021

Humans may be in a new geologic epoch—the Anthropocene—but different groups define its start at varied times. When should the Anthropocene have begun?
Direct identification of Mott Hubbard band pattern beyond charge density wave superlattice in monolayer 1T-NbSe2
Authors: Liu Liwei , Yang Han , Huang Yuting , Song Xuan , Zhang Quanzhen , Huang Zeping , Hou Yanhui , Chen Yaoyao , Xu Ziqiang , Zhang Teng , Wu Xu , Sun Jiatao , Huang Yuan , Zheng Fawei , Li Xianbin , Yao Yugui , Gao Hong-Jun , Wang Yeliang
Published: March 2021

Understanding Mott insulators and charge density waves (CDW) is critical for both fundamental physics and future device applications. However, the relationship between these two phenomena remains unclear, particularly in systems close to two-dimensional (2D) limit. In this study, we utilize scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy to investigate monolayer 1T-NbSe2to elucidate the energy of the Mott upper Hubbard band (UHB), and reveal that the spin-polarized UHB is spatially distributed away from the dz2orbital at the center of the CDW unit. Moreover, the UHB shows a √3 × √3 R30° periodicity in addition to the typically observed CDW pattern. Furthermore, a pattern similar to the CDW order is visible deep in the Mott gap, exhibiting CDW without contribution of the Mott Hubbard band. Based on these findings in monolayer 1T-NbSe2, we provide novel insights into the relation between the correlated and collective electronic structures in monolayer 2D systems.
A map of the extent and year of detection of oil palm plantations in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand
Authors: Danylo Olga , Pirker Johannes , Lemoine Guido , Ceccherini Guido , See Linda , McCallum Ian , Hadi  , Kraxner Florian , Achard Frédéric , Fritz Steffen
Published: March 2021

In recent decades, global oil palm production has shown an abrupt increase, with almost 90% produced in Southeast Asia alone. To understand trends in oil palm plantation expansion and for landscape-level planning, accurate maps are needed. Although different oil palm maps have been produced using remote sensing in the past, here we use Sentinel 1 imagery to generate an oil palm plantation map for Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand for the year 2017. In addition to location, the age of the oil palm plantation is critical for calculating yields. Here we have used a Landsat time series approach to determine the year in which the oil palm plantations are first detected, at which point they are 2 to 3 years of age. From this, the approximate age of the oil palm plantation in 2017 can be derived.
The dynamics of cable bacteria colonization in surface sediments: a 2D view
Authors: Yin Hang , Aller Robert C. , Zhu Qingzhi , Aller Josephine Y.
Published: March 2021

Cable bacteria that are capable of transporting electrons on centimeter scales have been found in a variety of sediment types, where their activity can strongly influence diagenetic reactions and elemental cycling. In this study, the patterns of spatial and temporal colonization of surficial sediment by cable bacteria were revealed in two-dimensions by planar pH and H2S optical sensors for the first time. The characteristic sediment surface pH maximum zones begin to develop from isolated micro-regions and spread horizontally within 5 days, with lateral spreading rates from 0.3 to ~ 1.2 cm day−1. Electrogenic anodic zones in the anoxic sediments are characterized by low pH, and the coupled pH minima also expand with time. H2S heterogeneities in accordance with electrogenic colonization are also observed. Cable bacteria cell abundance in oxic surface sediment (0–0.25 cm) kept almost constant during the colonization period; however, subsurface cell abundance apparently increased as electrogenic activity expanded across the entire surface. Changes in cell abundance are consistent with filament coiling and growth in the anodic zone (i.e., cathodic snorkels). The spreading mechanism for the sediment pH–H2S fingerprints and the cable bacteria abundance dynamics suggest that once favorable microenvironments are established, filamentous cable bacteria aggregate or locally activate electrogenic metabolism. Different development dynamics in otherwise similar sediment suggests that the accessibility of reductant (e.g., dissolved phase sulfide) is critical in controlling the growth of cable bacteria.
Protein interaction potential landscapes for yeast replicative aging
Authors: Guo Hao-Bo , Ghafari Mehran , Dang Weiwei , Qin Hong
Published: March 2021

We proposed a novel interaction potential landscape approach to map the systems-level profile changes of gene networks during replicative aging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This approach enabled us to apply quasi-potentials, the negative logarithm of the probabilities, to calibrate the elevation of the interaction landscapes with young cells as a reference state. Our approach detected opposite landscape changes based on protein abundances from transcript levels, especially for intra-essential gene interactions. We showed that essential proteins play different roles from hub proteins on the age-dependent interaction potential landscapes. We verified that hub proteins tend to avoid other hub proteins, but essential proteins prefer to interact with other essential proteins. Overall, we showed that the interaction potential landscape is promising for inferring network profile change during aging and that the essential hub proteins may play an important role in the uncoupling between protein and transcript levels during replicative aging.
Phononic metastructures with ultrawide low frequency three-dimensional bandgaps as broadband low frequency filter
Authors: Muhammad  , Lim C. W.
Published: March 2021

Vibration and noise control are among the classical engineering problems that still draw extensive research interest today. Multiple active and passive control techniques to resolve these problems have been reported, however, the challenges remain substantial. The recent surge of research activities on acoustic metamaterials for vibration and noise control are testimony to the fact that acoustic metamaterial is no longer limited to pure theoretical concepts. For vibration and noise control over an ultrawide frequency region, 3-D metastructures emerge as a novel solution tool to resolve this problem. In that context, the present study reports a novel proposal for 3-D monolithic phononic metastructures with the capability to induce low frequency ultrawide three-dimensional bandgaps with relative bandwidth enhancements of 157.6% and 160.1%. The proposed monolithic metastructure designs consist of elastic frame assembly that is connected with the rigid cylindrical masses. Such structural configuration mimics monoatomic mass-spring chain where an elastic spring is connected with a rigid mass. We develop an analytical model based on monoatomic mass-spring chain to determine the acoustic mode frequency responsible for opening the bandgap. The wave dispersion study reveals the presence of ultrawide bandgaps for both types of metastructures. The modal analysis shows distribution of vibration energy in the bandgap opening (global resonant mode) and closing (local resonant mode) bounding edges. We further analyze the band structures and discuss the physical concepts that govern such ultrawide bandgap. Vibration attenuation inside the bandgap frequency range is demonstrated by frequency response studies conducted by two different finite element models. Thanks to additive manufacturing technology, 3-D prototypes are prepared and low amplitude vibration test is performed to validate the numerical findings. Experimental results show the presence of an ultrawide vibration attenuation zone that spreads over a broadband frequency spectrum. The bandgaps reported by the proposed metastructures are scale and material independent. The research methodology, modelling and design strategy presented here may pave the way for the development of novel meta-devices to control vibration and noises over a broadband frequency range.
Head movement kinematics are altered during gaze stability exercises in vestibular schwannoma patients
Authors: Wang Lin , Zobeiri Omid A. , Millar Jennifer L. , Schubert Michael C. , Cullen Kathleen E.
Published: March 2021

Gaze stability is the ability of the eyes to fixate a stable point when the head is moving in space. Because gaze stability is impaired in peripheral vestibular loss patients, gaze stabilization exercises are often prescribed to facilitate compensation. However, both the assessment and prescription of these exercises are subjective. Accordingly, here we quantified head motion kinematics in patients with vestibular loss while they performed the standard of care gaze stability exercises, both before and after surgical deafferentation. We also correlate the head kinematic data with standard clinical outcome measures. Using inertial measurement units, we quantified head movements in patients as they transitioned through these two vestibular states characterized by different levels of peripheral damage. Comparison with age-matched healthy control subjects revealed that the same kinematic measurements were significantly abnormal in patients both pre- and post-surgery. Regardless of direction, patients took a longer time to move their heads during the exercises. Interestingly, these changes in kinematics suggest a strategy that existed preoperatively and remained symmetric after surgery although the patients then had complete unilateral vestibular loss. Further, we found that this kinematic assessment was a good predictor of clinical outcomes, and that pre-surgery clinical measures could predict post-surgery head kinematics. Thus, together, our results provide the first experimental evidence that patients show significant changes in head kinematics during gaze stability exercises, even prior to surgery. This suggests that early changes in head kinematic strategy due to significant but incomplete vestibular loss are already maladaptive as compared to controls.
The relationship between clinical characteristics and magnetic resonance imaging results of Ménière disease: a prospective study
Authors: Xie Wen , Shu Ting , Liu Jiali , Peng Haisen , Karpeta Niki , Marques Pedro , Liu Yuehui , Duan Maoli
Published: March 2021

Ménière disease (MD) is an idiopathic inner ear disorder, and endolymphatic hydrops (EH) being considered to be its pathological basis. Currently, there is no gold standard for diagnosing MD. Previous study has reported visualized EH using MRI by intratympanic gadolinium-based contrast media (GBCM) administration (IT-Gd) in patients with MD, and this technique was gradually established for MD diagnosis. However, few studies reported their diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in clinical application. This prospective study aimed at investigating the clinical characteristics and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results of patients with MD, and analyzing the relationship between clinical results and MRI findings in MD patients. Our study shows that the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of MRI were 79.2% and 80.7% respectively. Moreover, there was no significant correlation between hearing levels and cochlear grading scores, nor vestibular grading scores. The duration of disease was not significantly associated with cochlear or vestibular grading scores. These findings suggest that IT-Gd MRI offers reliable radiological diagnostic criteria for MD.
Effect of 17β-estradiol on a human vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus strain
Authors: Clabaut Maximilien , Suet Amandine , Racine Pierre-Jean , Tahrioui Ali , Verdon Julien , Barreau Magalie , Maillot Olivier , Le Tirant Agathe , Karsybayeva Madina , Kremser Coralie , Redziniak Gérard , Duclairoir-Poc Cécile , Pichon Chantal , Chevalier Sylvie , Feuilloley Marc G. J.
Published: March 2021

Lactobacilli and estrogens play essential roles in vaginal homeostasis. We investigated the potential direct effect of 17β-estradiol on a vaginal strain of Lactobacillus crispatus, the major bacterial species of the vaginal microbiota. 17β-estradiol (10–6 to 10–10 M) had no effect on L. crispatus growth, but markedly affected the membrane dynamics of this bacterium. This effect appeared consistent with a signal transduction process. The surface polarity and aggregation potential of the bacterium were unaffected by exposure to 17β-estradiol, but its mean size was significantly reduced. 17β-estradiol also promoted biosurfactant production by L. crispatus and adhesion to vaginal VK2/E6E7 cells, but had little effect on bacterial biofilm formation activity. Bioinformatic analysis of L. crispatus identified a membrane lipid raft–associated stomatin/prohibitin/flotillin/HflK domain containing protein as a potential 17β-estradiol binding site. Overall, our results reveal direct effects of 17β-estradiol on L. crispatus. These effects are of potential importance in the physiology of the vaginal environment, through the promotion of lactobacillus adhesion to the mucosa and protection against pathogens.
Association of serum and aqueous humor myonectin concentrations with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Sun Huibo , Li Zhongtao , Hu Wenchao , Ma Wenjie
Published: March 2021

Myonectin, a newly discovered myokine, enhances fatty acid uptake in cultured adipocytes and hepatocytes and suppresses circulating levels of free fatty acids in mice. This study is performed to evaluate the association between serum and aqueous humor myonectin concentrations with diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study was performed in a population of 228 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and 72 control subjects. Diabetic patients were then divided into T2DM patients without DR, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) patients, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients. Serum and aqueous humor myonectin concentrations were significantly lower in the case group than in the control group. PDR patients showed significantly decreased serum and aqueous humor myonectin concentrations than in the other two T2DM patients. In addition, NPDR patients showed significantly lower serum and aqueous humor myonectin concentrations than T2DM patients without DR. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that serum and aqueous humor myonectin was correlated with a decreased risk of T2DM and DR. Simple linear regression analysis showed that serum myonectin was negatively correlated with duration of disease, body mass index (BMI), and HbA1c. Duration of disease and BMI were still correlated with the serum myonectin after a multiple linear regression analysis. Aqueous humor myonectin was negatively correlated with duration of disease, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure. Duration of disease and SBP was still correlated with the aqueous humor myonectin after a multiple linear regression analysis. Our investigation indicates an inverse association of serum and aqueous humor myonectin with DR.
What a stranded whale with scoliosis can teach us about human idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: de Reuver Steven , IJsseldijk Lonneke L. , Homans Jelle F. , Willems Dorien S. , Veraa Stefanie , van Stralen Marijn , Kik Marja J. L. , Kruyt Moyo C. , Gröne Andrea , Castelein René M.
Published: March 2021

Scoliosis is a deformation of the spine that may have several known causes, but humans are the only mammal known to develop scoliosis without any obvious underlying cause. This is called ‘idiopathic’ scoliosis and is the most common type. Recent observations showed that human scoliosis, regardless of its cause, has a relatively uniform three-dimensional anatomy. We hypothesize that scoliosis is a universal compensatory mechanism of the spine, independent of cause and/or species. We had the opportunity to study the rare occurrence of scoliosis in a whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) that stranded in July 2019 in the Netherlands. A multidisciplinary team of biologists, pathologists, veterinarians, taxidermists, radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons conducted necropsy and imaging analysis. Blunt traumatic injury to two vertebrae caused an acute lateral deviation of the spine, which had initiated the development of compensatory curves in regions of the spine without anatomical abnormalities. Three-dimensional analysis of these compensatory curves showed strong resemblance with different types of human scoliosis, amongst which idiopathic. This suggests that any decompensation of spinal equilibrium can lead to a rather uniform response. The unique biomechanics of the upright human spine, with significantly decreased rotational stability, may explain why only in humans this mechanism can be induced relatively easily, without an obvious cause, and is therefore still called ‘idiopathic’.
Author Correction: Short-term monocular occlusion produces changes in ocular dominance by a reciprocal modulation of interocular inhibition
Authors: Chadnova Eva , Reynaud Alexandre , Clavagnier Simon , Hess Robert F.
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Enantioselective formal [3+2]-cycloadditions to access spirooxindoles bearing four contiguous stereocenters through synergistic catalysis
Authors: Xiao Jun-An , Li Jin-Lian , Cheng Xiu-Liang , Chen Kai , Peng Hai , Chen Wen-Qiang , Su Wei , Huang Yan-Min , Yang Hua
Published: March 2021

Spirocyclopentane oxindoles are afforded in good to excellent yields with excellent enantioselectivities through Pd(0)/amine synergistically catalyzed ring-opening formal [3+2]-cycloaddition of spirovinylcyclopropyl oxindoles with enals.
On the relaxation dynamics of a double glass-forming antiferroelectric liquid crystal
Authors: Drzewicz Anna , Jasiurkowska-Delaporte Małgorzata , Juszyńska-Gałązka Ewa , Zając Wojciech , Kula Przemysław
Published: March 2021

The relaxation dynamics in the thermodynamic states of a glass-forming liquid crystal was studied. The role of the inter- and intramolecular interactions of ester groups during the vitrification process was revealed.
Effect of axial molecules and linker length on CO2 adsorption and selectivity of CAU-8: a combined DFT and GCMC simulation study
Authors: Dang Diem Thi-Xuan , Hoang Hieu Trung , Doan Tan Le Hoang , Thoai Nam , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki , Nguyen-Manh Duc
Published: March 2021

Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) calculations are performed to study the structures and CO2 adsorption properties of the newly designed metal–organic framework based on the CAU-8 prototype.
A comprehensive study of parameters correlated with honey health benefits
Authors: Marić Aleksandar , Jovanov Pavle , Sakač Marijana , Novaković Aleksandra , Hadnađev Miroslav , Pezo Lato , Mandić Anamarija , Milićević Nataša , Đurović Ana , Gadžurić Slobodan
Published: March 2021

One hundred honey samples of different floral origin (acacia, sunflower, meadow, and forest) collected from nine European countries were analysed for various physicochemical, sensory, antioxidant and antibacterial parameters.
Hydrogen from wood gasification with CCS – a techno-environmental analysis of production and use as transport fuel
Authors: Antonini Cristina , Treyer Karin , Moioli Emanuele , Bauer Christian , Schildhauer Tilman J. , Mazzotti Marco
Published: March 2021

Based on our integrated approach linking detailed process simulation with LCA, we are able to quantify benefits and potential trade-offs of clean hydrogen production in a consistent way.
Highly efficient electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer material constructed from an AIEgen-based 2D ultrathin metal–organic layer for thrombin detection
Authors: Yang Yang , Yao Li-Ying , Liang Wen-Bin , Huang Wei , Zhang Yong-Jiang , Zhang Jia-Ling , Yuan Ruo , Xiao Dong-Rong
Published: March 2021

This work proposed a facile strategy to design a highly efficient ECL-RET system by using an AIEgen-based 2D ultrathin MOL to coordinatively immobilize energy donors and acceptors simultaneously.
Interfacial activity of modified dextran polysaccharide to produce enzyme-responsive oil-in-water nanoemulsions
Authors: Navascuez Marcos , Gracia Raquel , Marradi Marco , Díaz Natividad , Rodríguez Javier , Loinaz Iraida , López-Gállego Fernando , Llop Jordi , Dupin Damien
Published: March 2021

The slight modification of dextran polysaccharides offers a new family of enzyme-responsive emulsifier for encapsulation and controlled release of hydrophobic molecules.