bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-Sounding: Fostering intersubjectivity in electronic music improvisation
Authors: Lähdeoja Otso , Montes De Oca Alejandro
Published: August 2021

Shared music improvisation constitutes a formidable vector for intersubjective connection. Improvisation is a space of non-semantic communication that allows for putting oneself at risk and requires mutual trust and listening, as well as dialogical qualities. This article investigates the intersubjective dimension of improvisation in electronic music praxis, focusing on how the electronic medium can be used to foster mediation between musicians. The article builds on a practice-based enquiry in duo format, conducted in three successive technological settings, with a methodological entanglement of aesthetic and design aims. Systematic video documentation and participant observation provide an analytical counterpoint to an immersion in the improvisatory praxis. A set of design strategies for fostering intersubjective connection in shared musicianship emerges from the research. The findings provide the basis for a dialectical consideration between musical and intersubjective aesthetics. The discussion points to the diversity of social functions of music and their respective aesthetics. Electronic instruments’ inherent plasticity allows for reconfiguring the social space of music-making, and thus opens perspectives for devising synergetic music systems that emphasise an ethos of shared agency over the production of musical objects or performances.
Associations between the composition of functional tooth units and nutrient intake in older men: the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project
Authors: Milledge Kate , Cumming Robert G , Wright Frederick AC , Naganathan Vasi , Blyth Fiona M , Le Couteur David G , Waite Louise M , Handelsman David J , Hirani Vasant
Published: August 2021

Objective:

Inadequate nutrient intakes have been linked with poor dentition in older adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between the composition of functional tooth units (FTU) and nutrient intakes in older men.

Design:

A cross-sectional study with a standardised validated diet history assessment and comprehensive oral health assessments. FTU were categorised by dentition type: (i) Group A (Natural FTU Only), (ii) Group B (Natural and Replaced FTU) and (iii) Group C (No Natural FTU). Attainment of nutrient reference values (NRV) for sixteen micronutrients was incorporated into a micronutrient risk variable, dichotomised ‘good’ (≥ 12) or ‘poor’ (≤ 11), and for seven macronutrients into a macronutrient risk variable, dichotomised ‘good’ (≥ 5) or ‘poor’ (≤ 4).

Setting:

Subjects selected from the local Sydney geographical areas.

Participants:

Community-dwelling older men (n608).

Results:

32 % (n197) of participants were categorised as Group A, 27 % (n167) as Group B and 40 % (n244) as Group C. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, being in Group C, compared with Group A, was associated with intakes below NRV recommendations for fibre (OR: 2·30, 95 % CI 1·30, 4·05). Adjusted analysis also showed that men in Group C, compared with Group A, were more likely to have poor intake of macronutrients (OR: 2·00, 95 % CI 1·01, 3·94).

Conclusions:

Our study shows statistically significant associations between the composition of FTU and poor macronutrient intakes. Maintaining natural pairs of occluding FTU may be important for attaining adequate nutrient intakes in older men.
Attitudes and beliefs about how chefs can promote nutrition and sustainable food systems among students at a US culinary school
Authors: Bertoldo Jaclyn , Hsu Robert , Reid Taylor , Righter Allison , Wolfson Julia A
Published: August 2021

Objective:

Chefs have the potential to influence diet quality and food systems sustainability through their work. We aimed to assess the attitudes and perceptions of culinary students about nutrition and sustainability as part of their roles, responsibilities and future work as chefs.

Design:

We surveyed students attending the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in the fall of 2019 (n 546). Descriptive statistics compared food priority rankings and Likert-scale distributions of nutrition and sustainability attitudes and beliefs. Adjusted generalised linear models were used to evaluate whether there were differences in attitudes and beliefs across demographic groups.

Setting:

The CIA, a private, not-for-profit college and culinary school with US campuses in New York, California and Texas.

Participants:

Students >18 years old currently enrolled in any of the school’s associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs.

Results:

Students agreed that chefs should be knowledgeable about nutrition (96·0 %) and the environmental impact of their ingredients (90·8 %) but fewer considered healthfulness (57·8 %) and environmental impact (60·2 %) of their food to be primary considerations in their career as a chef. Taste was the primary factor influencing culinary students’ food choices but food priorities differed by race/ethnicity.

Conclusions:

Culinary students believe nutrition and sustainability are important. Opportunities exist to empower them with knowledge and skills for promoting public health and sustainable food systems in their future work as chefs.
External Border Control Techniques in the EU as a Challenge to the Principle of Non-Refoulement
Authors: Goldner Lang Iris , Nagy Boldizsár
Published: August 2021

Principle of non-refoulement protected by EU law – National practices – Deterrence – Pushbacks – Border police deterrence – Reaction of EU institutions – Legal uncertainties – ‘Safe country of origin’ – ‘First country of asylum’ – ‘Safe third country’ – EU values – New Pact on Migration and Asylum
Risks and Opportunities for Youth in the Digital Era
Authors: Stavropoulos Vasileios , Motti-Stefanidi Frosso , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: August 2021

Abstract. Due to continued groundbreaking digital advancements, Internet use has increased significantly. This has led to a heated debate in relation to weighing the many advantages of the technology against its potentially deleterious effects. To address such questions, experts converge on the need for greater knowledge around the way individual differences, partly shaped by an individual’s unique experiences of engaging with the medium, and partly by other real-life experiences, lead to different developmental trajectories. Consequently, the goals of the present review are to (i) broadly describe differences in digital media applications, users, and usage; (ii) introduce the Cyber-Developmental Framework (CDF), as an overarching framework for understanding individual differences in adaptive and maladaptive digital media use among youth; (iii) delineate the cyber-component of this framework in relation to users’ experience of the digital context, their activity within it, as well as their digital self-presence, which may have an impact on their digital media use; and (iv) summarize priorities and future directions through the lens of this CDF. Within this context, this review particularly emphasizes the effect of digital media use on youth’s psychological well-being. It is argued that the trajectory youth will follow in their use of the Internet is a function of the interplay between their characteristics, their proximate and distal contexts, and the particular features of the digital application(s) that the individual is engaged in. The review points to the need to conduct research focusing on better understanding the developmental and digital-context-related influences on youth’s trajectories of Internet use.
Water Isotopic Signature of Surface Snow Metamorphism in Antarctica
Authors: Casado Mathieu , Landais Amaelle , Picard Ghislain , Arnaud Laurent , Dreossi Giuliano , Stenni Barbara , Prié Frederic
Published: August 2021

Water isotope ratios of ice cores are a key source of information on past temperatures. Through fractionation within the hydrological cycle, temperature is imprinted in the water isotopic composition of snowfalls. However, this signal of climatic interest is modified after deposition when snow remains at the surface exposed to the atmosphere. Comparing time series of surface snow isotopic composition at Dome C with satellite observations of surface snow metamorphism, we found that long summer periods without precipitation favor surface snow metamorphism altering the surface snow isotopic composition. Using excess parameters (combining D,17O, and18O fractions) allow the identification of this alteration caused by sublimation and condensation of surface hoar. The combined measurement of all three isotopic compositions could help identifying ice core sections influenced by snow metamorphism in sites with very low snow accumulation.
First Retrieval of AOD at Fine Resolution Over Shallow and Turbid Coastal Waters From MODIS
Authors: Wang Yi , Wang Jun , Levy Robert C. , Shi Yingxi R. , Mattoo Shana , Reid Jeffrey S.
Published: August 2021

The widely used Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Dark‐Target (DT) aerosol product fails to accurately retrieve Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) over shallow and turbid Coastal Waters (CWs). To fill in gaps, and to improve land to ocean AOD continuity, we developed a coastal water retrieval algorithm at a spatial resolution of 1 km (CW‐1km). CW‐1km relies on observed top‐of‐atmosphere reflectance at 2.1 μm (ρ2.1), both to derive AOD and to perform a spatial variation test that enhances the existing DT masks for clouds and land. We show that the CW‐1km improves spatial continuity of AOD between land, coast, and open ocean, while also increasing AOD product availability by 47.0%. Comparing with 15 years of marine aerosol network measurements, CW‐1km AODs are validated to have a normalized mean bias of 1.0%, which is much smaller than 17.6% for the original DT product.
Thermoelasticity of Water in Silicate Melts: Implications for Melt Buoyancy in Earth's Mantle
Authors: Zeff Garrett , Williams Quentin
Published: August 2021

A comprehensive analysis of experimental data and theoretical simulations on the partial molar volume of water in silicate melt indicates that finite strain theory successfully describes the compression of the H2O component dissolved in silicate melt at high pressures and temperatures. However, because of the high compressibility of the water component, a fourth order equation of state fit is required to accurately simulate experimental results on water's volume in silicate melts at a deep upper mantle, transition zone, and lower mantle pressures. Data from previous shock compression experiments on hydrous minerals in which melting occurs along the Hugoniot are used to provide an experimental constraint on the partial molar volume of water in silicate melt at deep mantle temperatures and pressures. The equation of state of the water component indicates that, depending on elastic averaging technique, the amount of water that could be present in neutrally or negatively buoyant mafic/ultramafic melts above the 410 km seismic discontinuity is upper‐bounded at 5.6 wt%: smaller than previously inferred, and consistent with melt being confined to a narrow depth range above the 410 km discontinuity. If melt is predominantly distributed along grain boundaries in low aspect ratio films, extents of melting as low as 2% could produce observed seismic velocity reductions. The ability of the lowermost mantle to contain negatively buoyant hydrous liquids hinges on the trade‐off between iron content and hydration: at these depths, substantially higher degrees of hydration could be present within partial melts.
Traffic-related air pollution, biomarkers of metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and CC16 in children
Authors: Zhang Amy L. , Balmes John R. , Lutzker Liza , Mann Jennifer K. , Margolis Helene G. , Tyner Tim , Holland Nina , Noth Elizabeth M. , Lurmann Fred , Hammond S. Katharine , Holm Stephanie M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Previous research has revealed links between air pollution exposure and metabolic syndrome in adults; however, these associations are less explored in children.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the association between traffic-related air pollutants (TRAP) and biomarkers of metabolic dysregulation, oxidative stress, and lung epithelial damage in children.

Methods

We conducted cross-sectional analyses in a sample of predominantly Latinx, low-income children (n = 218) to examine associations between air pollutants (nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), elemental carbon, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide (CO), fine particulates (PM2.5)) and biomarkers of metabolic function (high-density lipoprotein (HDL), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), oxidative stress (8-isoprostane), and lung epithelial damage (club cell protein 16 (CC16)).

Results

HDL cholesterol showed an inverse association with NO2 and NOx, with the strongest relationship between HDL and 3-month exposure to NO2 (–15.4 mg/dL per IQR increase in 3-month NO2, 95% CI = –27.4, –3.4). 8-isoprostane showed a consistent pattern of increasing values with 1-day and 1-week exposure across all pollutants. Non-significant increases in % HbA1c were found during 1-month time frames and decreasing CC16 in 3-month exposure time frames.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that TRAP is significantly associated with decreased HDL cholesterol in longer-term time frames and elevated 8-isoprostane in shorter-term time frames. TRAP could have the potential to influence lifelong metabolic patterns, through metabolic effects in childhood.
Estimating the population health impact of a multi-cancer early detection genomic blood test to complement existing screening in the US and UK
Authors: Hackshaw Allan , Cohen Sarah S. , Reichert Heidi , Kansal Anuraag R. , Chung Karen C. , Ofman Joshua J.
Published: August 2021

Background

Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) next-generation-sequencing blood tests represent a potential paradigm shift in screening.

Methods

We estimated the impact of screening in the US and UK. We used country-specific parameters for uptake, and test-specific sensitivity and false-positive rates for current screening: breast, colorectal, cervical and lung (US only) cancers. For the MCED test, we used cancer-specific sensitivities by stage. Outcomes included the true-positive:false-positive (TP:FP) ratio; and the cost of diagnostic investigations among screen positives, per cancer detected (Diagcost). Outcomes were estimated for recommended screening only, and then when giving the MCED test to anyone without cancer detected by current screening plus similarly aged adults ineligible for recommended screening.

Results

In the US, current screening detects an estimated 189,498 breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancers. An MCED test with 25–100% uptake detects an additional 105,526–422,105 cancers (multiple types). The estimated TP:FP (Diagcost) was 1.43 ($89,042) with current screening but only 1:1.8 ($7060) using an MCED test. For the UK the corresponding estimates were 1:18 (£10,452) for current screening, and 1:1.6 (£2175) using an MCED test.

Conclusions

Adding an MCED blood test to recommended screening can potentially be an efficient strategy. Ongoing randomised studies are required for full efficacy and cost-effectiveness evaluations.
Nano-biosupercapacitors enable autarkic sensor operation in blood
Authors: Lee Yeji , Bandari Vineeth Kumar , Li Zhe , Medina-Sánchez Mariana , Maitz Manfred F. , Karnaushenko Daniil , Tsurkan Mikhail V. , Karnaushenko Dmitriy D. , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: August 2021

Today’s smallest energy storage devices for in-vivo applications are larger than 3 mm3 and lack the ability to continuously drive the complex functions of smart dust electronic and microrobotic systems. Here, we create a tubular biosupercapacitor occupying a mere volume of 1/1000 mm3 (=1 nanoliter), yet delivering up to 1.6 V in blood. The tubular geometry of this nano-biosupercapacitor provides efficient self-protection against external forces from pulsating blood or muscle contraction. Redox enzymes and living cells, naturally present in blood boost the performance of the device by 40% and help to solve the self-discharging problem persistently encountered by miniaturized supercapacitors. At full capacity, the nano-biosupercapacitors drive a complex integrated sensor system to measure the pH-value in blood. This demonstration opens up opportunities for next generation intravascular implants and microrobotic systems operating in hard-to-reach small spaces deep inside the human body.
Tetrathiomolybdate (TM)-associated copper depletion influences collagen remodeling and immune response in the pre-metastatic niche of breast cancer
Authors: Liu Ying L. , Bager Cecilie Liv , Willumsen Nicholas , Ramchandani Divya , Kornhauser Naomi , Ling Lu , Cobham Marta , Andreopoulou Eleni , Cigler Tessa , Moore Anne , LaPolla Dayle , Fitzpatrick Veronica , Ward Maureen , Warren J. David , Fischbach Claudia , Mittal Vivek , Vahdat Linda T.
Published: August 2021

Tetrathiomolybdate (TM) is a novel, copper-depleting compound associated with promising survival in a phase II study of patients with high-risk and triple-negative breast cancer. We sought to elucidate the mechanism of TM by exploring its effects on collagen processing and immune function in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Using an exploratory cohort, we identified markers of collagen processing (LOXL2, PRO-C3, C6M, and C1M) that differed between those with breast cancer versus controls. We measured these collagen biomarkers in TM-treated patients on the phase II study and detected evidence of decreased collagen cross-linking and increased degradation over formation in those without disease compared to those who experienced disease progression. Preclinical studies revealed decreased collagen deposition, lower levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and higher CD4+ T-cell infiltration in TM-treated mice compared with controls. This study reveals novel mechanisms of TM targeting the TME and immune response with potential applications across cancer types.
Midfrontal theta oscillation encodes haptic delay
Authors: Alsuradi Haneen , Park Wanjoo , Eid Mohamad
Published: August 2021

Haptic technologies aim to simulate tactile or kinesthetic interactions with a physical or virtual environment in order to enhance user experience and/or performance. However, due to stringent communication and computational needs, the user experience is influenced by delayed haptic feedback. While delayed feedback is well understood in the visual and auditory modalities, little research has systematically examined the neural correlates associated with delayed haptic feedback. In this paper, we used electroencephalography (EEG) to study sensory and cognitive neural correlates caused by haptic delay during passive and active tasks performed using a haptic device and a computer screen. Results revealed that theta power oscillation was significantly higher at the midfrontal cortex under the presence of haptic delay. Sensory correlates represented by beta rebound were found to be similar in the passive task and different in the active task under the delayed and synchronous conditions. Additionally, the event related potential (ERP) P200 component is modulated under the haptic delay condition during the passive task. The P200 amplitude significantly reduced in the last 20% of trials during the passive task and in the absence of haptic delay. Results suggest that haptic delay could be associated with increased cognitive control processes including multi-sensory divided attention followed by conflict detection and resolution with an earlier detection during the active task. Additionally, haptic delay tends to generate greater perceptual attention that does not significantly decay across trials during the passive task.
Association between winter cold spells and acute myocardial infarction in Lithuania 2000–2015
Authors: Vaičiulis Vidmantas , Jaakkola Jouni J. K. , Radišauskas Ričardas , Tamošiūnas Abdonas , Lukšienė Dalia , Ryti Niilo R. I.
Published: August 2021

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a major public health problem. Cold winter weather increases the risk of AMI, but factors influencing susceptibility are poorly known. We conducted an individual-level case-crossover study of the associations between winter cold spells and the risk of AMI, with special focus on survival at 28 days and effect modification by age and sex. All 16,071 adult cases of AMI among the residents of the city of Kaunas in Lithuania in 2000–2015 were included in the study. Cold weather was statistically defined using the 5th percentile of frequency distribution of daily mean temperatures over the winter months. According to conditional logistic regression controlling for time-varying and time-invariant confounders, each additional cold spell day during the week preceding AMI increased the risk of AMI by 5% (95% CI 1–9%). For nonfatal and fatal cases, the risk increase per each additional cold spell day was 5% (95% CI 1–9%) and 6% (95% CI − 2–13%), respectively. The effect estimate was greater for men (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.12) than for women (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.97–1.08), but there was no evidence of effect modification by age. Evidence on factors increasing susceptibility is critical for targeted cold weather planning.
The GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide, fails to slow disease progression in SOD1G93A and TDP-43Q331K transgenic mouse models of ALS
Authors: Keerie Amy , Brown-Wright Heledd , Kirkland Isaac , Grierson Andrew , Alix James J. P. , Holscher Christian , Mead Richard J.
Published: August 2021

GLP-1 receptor agonists used for the treatment of diabetes, have shown some neuroprotective effects in cellular and animal models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). There are currently few studies investigating GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of ALS, where these neuroprotective effects may be beneficial. Here we investigate the effects of liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, in two well characterised transgenic mouse models of ALS (SOD1G93A and TDP-43Q331K) to determine if liraglutide could be a potential treatment in ALS patients. Doses of liraglutide previously shown to have efficacy in AD and PD mouse models were used. Behavioural testing was carried out to ascertain the effect of liraglutide on disease progression. Immunohistochemical analysis of tissue was used to determine any neuroprotective effects on the CNS. We found that liraglutide dosed animals showed no significant differences in disease progression when compared to vehicle dosed animals in either the SOD1G93A or TDP-43Q331K mouse models of ALS. We also observed no changes in motor neuron counts or glial activation in lumbar spinal cords of liraglutide treated mice compared to vehicle dosed mice. Overall, we found no evidence to support clinical evaluation of liraglutide as a potential candidate for the treatment of ALS.
Usefulness of matrix metalloproteinase-7 in saliva as a diagnostic biomarker for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease
Authors: Im Nu-Ri , Kim Byoungjae , Jung Kwang-Yoon , Baek Seung-Kuk
Published: August 2021

Several diagnostic methods are currently being used to diagnose LPRD (laryngopharyngeal reflux disease), but have the disadvantage of being invasive, subjective, or expensive. Our purpose in this study was to investigate the correlation between pepsin and MMP-7 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-7) in pharyngeal secretions of subjects according to RSI (Reflux Symptom Index) score to find out the diagnostic value of MMP-7. We recruited 173 subjects aged between 19 and 85 years who completed the RSI scale. All samples were taken after waking up, and the amount of the pepsin and MMP-7 in saliva were measured by means of an enzyme activity assay. There was a significant increase of pepsin and MMP-7 activity in the study group with an RSI score of 13 or higher. The sensitivity and specificity of MMP-7 for predicting the possibility of an RSI of 13 or more was higher than that of pepsin. When MMP-7 and pepsin were combined, this sensitivity and specificity increased. An enzyme assay of MMP-7 in saliva may be a noninvasive and easy technique for diagnosing LPRD.
Aqueous humour cytokine profiles after Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty
Authors: Hayashi Takahiko , Takahashi Hidenori , Inoda Satoru , Shimizu Toshiki , Kobayashi Akira , Kawashima Hidetoshi , Yamaguchi Takefumi , Yamagami Satoru
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to compare aqueous humour (AqH) cytokine profiles before and after Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in eyes with bullous keratopathy (BK) and age-matched normal eyes. A total of 49 participants (mean age 75.0 ± 13.5 years) were divided into three groups: (1) BK patients scheduled for DMEK (BK group); (2) patients after DMEK (DMEK group; average postoperative time 1,018 ± 460 days); and (3) control participants without corneal endothelial disease scheduled for cataract surgery (control group). AqH (0.2 mL) was collected from all participants, and the levels of various AqH cytokines were simultaneously measured using a multiplex bead immunoassay. The DMEK group exhibited significantly lower concentrations of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-8, and granulocyte colony stimulating factor than the BK group. In addition, the levels of IL-1β and IL-5 were significantly lower in the DMEK group than in the control group. The AqH levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced after DMEK, indicating that regeneration of the endothelial pump owing to the transplantation of a healthy endothelium might have a positive effect on anterior chamber inflammation.
Occurrence of Mycoplasma spp. in wild birds: phylogenetic analysis and potential factors affecting distribution
Authors: Sawicka-Durkalec Anna , Kursa Olimpia , Bednarz Łukasz , Tomczyk Grzegorz
Published: August 2021

Different Mycoplasma species have been reported in avian hosts. However, the majority of studies focus on one particular species of Mycoplasma or one host. In our research, we screened a total of 1141 wild birds representing 55 species, 26 families, and 15 orders for the presence of mycoplasmas by conventional PCR based on the 16S rRNA gene. Selected PCR products were sequenced to perform the phylogenetic analysis. All mycoplasma-positive samples were tested for M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae, which are considered the major pathogens of commercial poultry. We also verified the influence of ecological characteristics of the tested bird species including feeding habits, habitat types, and movement patterns. The presence of Mycoplasma spp. was confirmed in 498 birds of 29 species, but none of the tested birds were positive for M. gallisepticum or M. synoviae. We found possible associations between the presence of Mycoplasma spp. and all investigated ecological factors. The phylogenetic analysis showed a high variability of Mycoplasma spp.; however, some clustering of sequences was observed regarding particular bird species. We found that wild migratory waterfowl, particularly the white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) and mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) could be reservoirs and vectors of mycoplasmas pathogenic to commercial waterfowl.
Minimum effective volume of 0.2% ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block in preschool-age children
Authors: Chen Liang , Shen Yang , Liu Shuangmei , Cao Yanyan
Published: August 2021

Ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block is increasingly used in preschool-age patients. However, the minimum effective volume of local anaesthetics has not been determined. With ethical committee approval and written informed consent from the guardians of all paediatric patients, we studied 27 consecutive patients aged 3 to 6 years who were scheduled for hand surgery. After general anaesthesia, eligible patients received a set volume of ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block. We determined the volume of 0.2% ropivacaine for consecutive patients from the preceding patient’s outcome. The initial volume was 0.4 ml/kg. The testing interval was set at 0.05 ml/kg, and the lowest volume was 0.1 ml/kg. The following conditions were defined as a successful block: no heart rate changes, body movement, or ventilatory disorders during the operation; no use of fentanyl in the PACU; and a postoperative sensory block score < 3. The sequences of positive and negative blocks in consecutive patients were recorded. Using probit regression analysis, the 50% effective volume was 0.185 ml/kg (95% CI 0.123–0.234), and the 95% effective volume was 0.280 ml/kg (95% CI 0.232–0.593). EV50 and EV95 values of 0.2% ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block were 0.185 ml/kg and 0.280 ml/kg, respectively.
Evaluating the interchangeability of infrared and digital devices with the traditional mercury thermometer in hospitalized pediatric patients: an observational study
Authors: Dante Angelo , Gaxhja Elona , Masotta Vittorio , La Cerra Carmen , Caponnetto Valeria , Petrucci Cristina , Lancia Loreto
Published: August 2021

Gradual replacement of the mercury thermometers with alternative devices is ongoing around the world in a bid to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. However, to reduce the risks of misdiagnosis, unnecessary treatments, and omission of care in pediatric populations, more evidence on the reliability of alternative thermometers is needed. The aim of this comparative observational study was to detect any differences in temperature measurements between the use of the axillary mercury thermometer and the alternative techniques. Temperature values in degree Celsius (°C) were measured in a group of Albanian children aged up to 14 years using mercury and digital axillary thermometers, as well as forehead and tympanic infrared thermometers. The digital axillary device, compared with the mercury one, showed no clinically significant difference in the mean values (− 0.04 ± 0.29 °C) and the narrowest 95% level of agreement (+ 0.53 °C to − 0.62 °C) in the paired comparisons. For cut-off point of 37.5 °C, the digital axillary thermometer showed the highest levels of sensitivity (72.5%) and specificity (99.1%) in detecting fever. This study indicates that the digital axillary thermometer may be the better option since it adequately balances accuracy, safety, and children’s comfort.
An optimal feed-forward artificial neural network model and a new empirical correlation for prediction of the relative viscosity of Al2O3-engine oil nanofluid
Authors: Hemmat Esfe Mohammad , Toghraie Davood
Published: August 2021

This study presents the design of an artificial neural network (ANN) to evaluate and predict the viscosity behavior of Al2O3/10W40 nanofluid at different temperatures, shear rates, and volume fraction of nanoparticles. Nanofluid viscosity ($${\mu }_{nf}$$

μ

nf

) is evaluated at volume fractions ($$\varphi$$
φ
=0.25% to 2%) and temperature range of 5 to 55 °C. For modeling by ANN, a multilayer perceptron (MLP) network with the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm (LMA) is used. The main purpose of this study is to model and predict the $${\mu }_{nf}$$

μ

nf

of Al2O3/10W40 nanofluid through ANN, select the best ANN structure from the set of predicted structures and manage time and cost by predicting the ANN with the least error. To model the ANN, $$\varphi$$
φ
, temperature, and shear rate are considered as input variables, and $${\mu }_{nf}$$

μ

nf

is considered as output variable. From 400 different ANN structures for Al2O3/10W40 nanofluid, the optimal structure consisting of two hidden layers with the optimal structure of 6 neurons in the first layer and 4 neurons in the second layer is selected. Finally, the R regression coefficient and the MSE are 0.995838 and 4.14469E−08 for the optimal structure, respectively. According to all data, the margin of deviation (MOD) is in the range of less than 2% < MOD < + 2%. Comparison of the three data sets, namely laboratory data, correlation output, and ANN output, shows that the ANN estimates laboratory data more accurately.
A cobalt–manganese layered oxide/graphene composite as an outstanding oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalyst
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroaki , Sugawara Yuuki , Yamaguchi Takeo , Honma Itaru
Published: August 2021

A one-pot synthesis for graphene-deposited layered-type cobalt–manganese oxide remarkably enhanced its OER mass activity in alkaline water splitting.
Sustainable Passerini-tetrazole three component reaction (PT-3CR): selective synthesis of oxaborol-tetrazoles
Authors: Singh Akansha , Kumar Ravindra
Published: August 2021

A sustainable catalyst- and solvent-free Passerini-tetrazole three component reaction (PT-3CR) has been developed for the selective synthesis of benzoxaborol-tetrazoles for the first time.
DNA cleavage and chemical transformation of nano-plastics mediated by surface ligand and size
Authors: Zhao Yingcan , Xu Jiayi , Jiang Xingyu
Published: August 2021

Here, we investigated the photochemistry of nano-plastic particles with different surface ligands and sizes (i.e. PS-NH2 40, 80, 100, 200 nm and PS-COOH 40, 80, 100, 200 nm) under a solar simulator.
Influence of water content on the [2σ+2σ+2π] cycloaddition of dimethyl azodicarboxylate with quadricyclane in mixed methanol–water solvents from QM/MM Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Yang Lian , Liu Xudong , Zhang Yan , Yang Yongsheng , Xue Ying
Published: August 2021

QM/MM MC simulations indicate that special hydrogen bonding effects are the main origin for the rate enhancement of the title reaction in mixed CH3OH–H2O solvents.
The role of electric field, peripheral chains, and magnetic effects on significant 1H upfield shifts of the encapsulated molecules in chalcogen-bonded capsules
Authors: Tzeli Demeter , Petsalakis Ioannis D. , Theodorakopoulos Giannoula , Rahman Faiz-Ur , Yu Yang , Rebek Julius
Published: August 2021

Significant 1H upfield chemical shifts of the guests in the capsules are consequences of polarizability of chalcogens, electric field effects and peripheral chains. The effects of the electric field and of magnetic field are of equal importance.
Single-layer carbon nitride: synthesis, structure, photophysical/photochemical properties, and applications
Authors: Stroyuk Oleksandr , Raievska Oleksandra , Zahn Dietrich R. T.
Published: August 2021

This Perspective provides a critical summary of the current state of the art in the synthesis and properties of polyheptazine single-layer carbon nitride (SLCN).
A comprehensive review on the photocatalytic activity of polythiophene-based nanocomposites against degradation of organic pollutants
Authors: Zia Jannatun , Fatima Fizzah , Riaz Ufana
Published: August 2021

Photocatalytic activity of polythiophene-based nanocomposites.
Dual crystalline–amorphous salen–metal complexes behave like nematic droplets with AIEgens vistas
Authors: Damoc Madalin , Stoica Alexandru-Constantin , Dascalu Mihaela , Asandulesa Mihai , Shova Sergiu , Cazacu Maria
Published: August 2021

The spacing of salen-type ligands by highly flexible permethylated bridges causes the derived coordination compounds to have unexpected material properties (e.g., liquid crystallinity, aggregation-induced emission or negative fluorescence anisotropy).
Superhydrophilic nickel cyclotetraphosphate for the hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic solution
Authors: Wang Kaili , Sun Xiujuan , Huang Wen , Cao Qiuhan , Zhao Yongjie , Ding Rui , Liu Enhui , Gao Ping , Lin Weiwei
Published: August 2021

Ni2P4O12/CC with mesoporous characteristics and a superhydrophilic surface demonstrates excellent catalytic activity toward the acidic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
Concave nano-octahedral alloys: wet chemical synthesis of bimetallic Pt–Pd nanocrystals with high-index {hhl} Facets
Authors: Du Guifen , Chen Qiaoli , Jin Hui , Xie Shuifen , Kuang Qin , Xie Zhaoxiong
Published: August 2021

Concave octahedral Pt–Pd alloy NCs with high-index {hhl} faces were successfully synthesized with the assistance of glycine, which was found to exhibit excellent activity and stability toward the electrooxidation of formic acid.
Platinum(ii) alkyl complexes of chelating dibridgehead diphosphines P((CH2)n)3P (n = 14, 18, 22); facile cis/trans isomerizations interconverting gyroscope and parachute like adducts
Authors: Zhu Yun , Ehnbom Andreas , Fiedler Tobias , Shu Yi , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Hall Michael B. , Gladysz John A.
Published: August 2021

The dibridgehead diphosphines P((CH2)n)3P can serve either as cis or trans spanning chelate ligands. Reactions of trans PtCl2 adducts and RLi (2 equiv.) give only cis PtR2 adducts, which upon reaction with HCl (1 equiv.) revert to trans PtRCl adducts.
High-performance PVDF membranes prepared by the combined crystallisation and diffusion (CCD) method using a dual-casting technique: a breakthrough for water treatment applications
Authors: Shah Vatsal , Wang Bo , Li Kang
Published: August 2021

Application of a novel but simple dual-layer casting approach to the newly discovered CCD method for membrane fabrication improves the water permeance by 15 times while still maintaining the separation pore sizes.
Foliar application of glycinebetaine and Zn fertilizer improves both the apparent and functional qualities of albino tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze]
Authors: Huang Shan , Zuo Ting , Zheng Xin , Zhuo Chao , Hou Qiong , Yao Longren , Wang Xiaojun , Wang Jian , Ni Wuzhong
Published: August 2021

With Zn deficiency increasing in the global population, functional plant food (including tea) can help to fill the nutrition gap that the main crops cannot meet.
Fabrication of a reusable bifunctional biomimetic Ti4+-phosphorylated cellulose monolith with a coral-like structure for enrichment of phosphorylated and glycosylated peptides
Authors: Zhang Luwei , Wang Yan , Pan Lei , Tang Ruizhi , Asoh Taka-Aki , Ou Junjie , Uyama Hiroshi
Published: August 2021

A reusable bifunctional biomimetic material with a coral-like structure was prepared and applied in the analysis of phosphorylated and glycosylated proteomics.
Sequestration of tetravalent neptunium from acidic feeds using diglycolamide-functionalized dendrimers in a room temperature ionic liquid: extraction, spectroscopic and electrochemical studies
Authors: Verma Parveen K. , Gujar Rajesh B. , Mahanty Bholanath , Leoncini Andrea , Huskens Jurriaan , Verboom Willem , Mohapatra Prasanta K.
Published: August 2021

Extraction of Np(iv) was studied using RTIL containing two poly(propyleneimine) based dendrimer ligands from HNO3 solutions. Studies of the extracted complexes were also carried out by Vis-NIR and cyclic voltammetry.
p-Block element-doped silicon nanowires for nitrogen reduction reaction: a DFT study
Authors: Guo Zhongyuan , Jasin Arachchige Lakshitha , Qiu Siyao , Zhang Xiaoli , Xu Yongjun , Langford Steven J. , Sun Chenghua
Published: August 2021

B-doping on 1D SiNWs can reduce N2into NH3with an ultralow overpotential of 0.34 V and suppressed HER performance.
Correction: Galenic lab-on-a-chip concept for lipid nanocapsules production
Authors: Rolley Nicolas , Bonnin Marie , Lefebvre Guillaume , Verron Sylvain , Bargiel Sylwester , Robert Laurent , Riou Jérémie , Simonsson Carl , Bizien Thomas , Gimel Jean-Christophe , Benoit Jean-Pierre , Brotons Guillaume , Calvignac Brice
Published: August 2021

Correction for ‘Galenic Lab-on-a-Chip concept for lipid nanocapsules production’ by Nicolas Rolley et al., Nanoscale, 2021, 13, 11899–11912, DOI: 10.1039/D1NR00879J.
Chemoselective [3 + 2] annulation of oxime acetate with 2-aryl-3-ethoxycarbonyl-pyrroline-4,5-dione: an entry to pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrrole derivatives
Authors: Ramaraju Andhavaram , Upare Atul , Blanch Ewan W , Maniam Subashani , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Bathula Surendar Reddy , Raji Reddy Chada
Published: August 2021

A novel chemoselective [3 + 2] annulation reaction of easily accessible ketoxime acetate with 2-aryl-3-ethoxycarbonyl pyrroline-4,5-dione has been developed for the synthesis of unknown pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrrole frameworks.
Modulating extraction and retention of fluorinated β-diketonate metal complexes in perfluorocarbons through the use of non-fluorinated neutral ligands
Authors: King Tyler L. , Esarte Palomero Orhi , Grimes Dawson A. , Goralski Sean T. , Jones Richard A. , Que Emily L.
Published: August 2021

Extraction of metal ions into perfluorocarbon solvent with a fluorinated acac ligand is described as well as synergistic extraction with neutral nitrogen donor ligands. Applications include catalysis, nuclear fuels reprocessing, and medical imaging.
Development of a gold-nanorod-based lateral flow immunoassay for a fast and dual-modal detection of C-reactive protein in clinical plasma samples
Authors: Pang Renzhu , Zhu Qunyan , Wei Jia , Wang Yaoqi , Xu Fengqin , Meng Xianying , Wang Zhenxin
Published: August 2021

A gold-nanorod-based lateral flow immunoassay for rapid and quantitative detection of CRP by simultaneously monitoring the colorimetric and temperature signals.
Green route for ammonium nitrate synthesis: fertilizer for plant growth enhancement
Authors: Attri Pankaj , Koga Kazunori , Okumura Takamasa , Takeuchi Nozomi , Shiratani Masaharu
Published: August 2021

Green route for synthesis of ammonium nitrate fertilizer and used plasma N-enriched soil for plants (radish and tomato) growth.
H2activation by hydrogenase-inspired NiFe catalyst using frustrated Lewis pair: effect of buffer and halide ion in the heterolytic H–H bond cleavage
Authors: Isegawa Miho , Matsumoto Takahiro , Ogo Seiji
Published: August 2021

Hydrogen is a clean fuel alternative to fossil fuels, and it is vital to develop catalysts for its efficient activation and production.
Core–shell droplets and microcapsules formed through liquid–liquid phase separation of a colloid–polymer mixture
Authors: Dang Steven , Brady John , Rel Ryle , Surineni Sreenidhi , O’Shaughnessy Conor , McGorty Ryan
Published: August 2021

A temperature-responsive colloid–polymer system undergoes liquid–liquid phase separation and forms all-aqueous core–shell droplets and microcapsules.
Defect chemistry and doping of BiCuSeO
Authors: Toriyama Michael Y. , Qu Jiaxing , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Gorai Prashun
Published: August 2021

We explore n-type doping of BiCuSeO, an otherwise well-known p-type thermoelectric material, and find halogens to be the most effective n-type dopants.
Tailored covalent organic frameworks for simultaneously capturing and converting CO2into cyclic carbonates
Authors: Luo Rongchang , Yang Yiying , Chen Kechi , Liu Xiangying , Chen Min , Xu Wei , Liu Baoyu , Ji Hongbing , Fang Yanxiong
Published: August 2021

This review describes the recent advances made with regard to the design and synthesis of tailored covalent organic frameworks for simultaneously capturing and converting CO2into cyclic carbonates.
Multifunctional bayberry-like composites consisting of CoFe encapsulated by carbon nanotubes for overall water splitting and zinc–air batteries
Authors: Guo Peifang , Wu Renbing , Fei Ben , Liu Jing , Liu Da , Yan Xiaoxiao , Pan Hongge
Published: August 2021

Bayberry-like nanocomposites consisting of CoFe alloys encapsulated by carbon nanotubes derived from CoFe-nitroprussides have been rationally designed, exhibiting an excellent trifunctional electrocatalytic performance for the HER, OER and ORR.
Integrated cross-section interface engineering and surface encapsulating strategy: A high-response, waterproof, and low-cost paper-based bending strain sensor
Authors: Duan Zaihua , Jiang Yadong , Huang Qi , Zhao Qiuni , Yuan Zhen , Zhang Yajie , Wang Si , Liu Bohao , Tai Huiling
Published: August 2021

In order to solve the shortcomings of paper-based bending strain (PBS) sensors, a high-response, waterproof, and low-cost PBS sensor is designed by integrating cross-section interface engineering and a surface encapsulating strategy.
Cell therapy for cartilage repair
Authors: Hulme Charlotte H. , Perry Jade , McCarthy Helen S. , Wright Karina T. , Snow Martyn , Mennan Claire , Roberts Sally
Published: August 2021

Regenerative medicine, using cells as therapeutic agents for the repair or regeneration of tissues and organs, offers great hope for the future of medicine. Cell therapy for treating defects in articular cartilage has been an exemplar of translating this technology to the clinic, but it is not without its challenges. These include applying regulations, which were designed for pharmaceutical agents, to living cells. In addition, using autologous cells as the therapeutic agent brings additional costs and logistical challenges compared with using allogeneic cells. The main cell types used in treating chondral or osteochondral defects in joints to date are chondrocytes and mesenchymal stromal cells derived from various sources such as bone marrow, adipose tissue or umbilical cord. This review discusses some of their biology and pre-clinical studies before describing the most pertinent clinical trials in this area.
Budget‐constrained drone allocation for distribution system damage assessment
Authors: Arjomandi‐Nezhad Ali , Moeini‐Aghtaie Moein , Fotuhi‐Firuzabad Mahmud , Aminifar Farrokh
Published: August 2021

Natural disasters threaten the sustainability of electric power supply. This fact highlights the importance of enhancing technological resourcefulness to handle the upcoming events. Once a natural disaster occurs, the most urgent undertaking is to rapidly pinpoint and assess component damages and dispatch the repair crews towards the most critical impaired elements. Practical efforts confirm that utilising a drone, which is an unmanned aerial vehicle, can notably reduce the duration of post‐disaster distribution system damage assessment (DA) and increase the resilience of power systems. This study presents an optimisation model to determine the optimal number and type of drones required for DA. The main goal is to minimise the time duration of the DA mission, which includes scanning the grid and identifying the damaged components. As a matter of fact, the financial resources are limited, so the problem is subject to the available budget constraint. Besides, the technical capacity of purchased drones for inspecting the grid is considered. The optimisation problem is formulated as a mixed‐integer programme with a guaranteed optimum solution. Case studies confirm the applicability of the model and the optimality of the results. As the major conclusion, the best allocation is a compromise between the speed and price of drones.
Imaging from STIX visibility amplitudes
Authors: Massa Paolo , Perracchione Emma , Garbarino Sara , Battaglia Andrea F. , Benvenuto Federico , Piana Michele , Hurford Gordon , Krucker Säm
Published: August 2021

Aims.This study is aimed at providing the first demonstration of STIX Fourier-transform X-ray imaging using semi-calibrated (amplitude-only) visibility data acquired during Solar Orbiter’s cruise phase.

Methods.We used a parametric imaging approach whereby STIX visibility amplitudes are fitted by means of two non-linear optimization methods: a fast meta-heuristic technique inspired by social behavior and a Bayesian Monte Carlo sampling method that, although slower, provides a better way of quantifying the uncertainties.

Results.When applied to a set of solar flare visibility amplitudes recorded by STIX on November 18, 2020, the two parametric methods provide very coherent results. The analysis also demonstrates the ability of STIX to reconstruct data at a high time resolution and, from a spectral viewpoint, it shows the reliability of a double-source scenario that is consistent with a thermal versus nonthermal interpretation.

Conclusions.In this preliminary analysis of STIX imaging based only on visibility amplitudes, we formulate the imaging problem as a non-linear parametric issue addressed by means of two high-performance optimization techniques that both show the ability to sample the parametric space in an effective fashion, thus avoiding any local minima.