bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Test–Retest Reliability of a Semi-Structured Interview to Aid in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Diagnosis
Authors: Hergert Danielle C. , Sicard Veronik , Stephenson David D. , Pabbathi Reddy Sharvani , Robertson-Benta Cidney R. , Dodd Andrew B. , Bedrick Edward J. , Gioia Gerard A. , Meier Timothy B. , Shaff Nicholas A. , Quinn Davin K. , Campbell Richard A. , Phillips John P. , Vakhtin Andrei A. , Sapien Robert E. , Mayer Andrew R.
Published: August 2021

Objective:

Retrospective self-report is typically used for diagnosing previous pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). A new semi-structured interview instrument (New Mexico Assessment of Pediatric TBI; NewMAP TBI) investigated test–retest reliability for TBI characteristics in both the TBI that qualified for study inclusion and for lifetime history of TBI.

Method:

One-hundred and eight-four mTBI (aged 8–18), 156 matched healthy controls (HC), and their parents completed the NewMAP TBI within 11 days (subacute; SA) and 4 months (early chronic; EC) of injury, with a subset returning at 1 year (late chronic; LC).

Results:

The test–retest reliability of common TBI characteristics [loss of consciousness (LOC), post-traumatic amnesia (PTA), retrograde amnesia, confusion/disorientation] and post-concussion symptoms (PCS) were examined across study visits. Aside from PTA, binary reporting (present/absent) for all TBI characteristics exhibited acceptable (≥0.60) test–retest reliability for both Qualifying and Remote TBIs across all three visits. In contrast, reliability for continuous data (exact duration) was generally unacceptable, with LOC and PCS meeting acceptable criteria at only half of the assessments. Transforming continuous self-report ratings into discrete categories based on injury severity resulted in acceptable reliability. Reliability was not strongly affected by the parent completing the NewMAP TBI.

Conclusions:

Categorical reporting of TBI characteristics in children and adolescents can aid clinicians in retrospectively obtaining reliable estimates of TBI severity up to a year post-injury. However, test–retest reliability is strongly impacted by the initial data distribution, selected statistical methods, and potentially by patient difficulty in distinguishing among conceptually similar medical concepts (i.e., PTAvs. confusion).
Integration of health care in the Basque Country during COVID-19: the importance of an integrated care management approach in times of emergency
Authors: Izagirre-Olaizola Julen , Hernando-Saratxaga Goizalde , Aguirre-García María-Soledad
Published: August 2021

The main objective of this study is to analyse the process of integration of health care implemented in the public health system (Osakidetza) of the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country (CAPV), and assess whether the steps taken to date have helped or hindered the work of health personnel in times of COVID-19. Based on a case study, an assessment is made of the way in which certain tools of the integration process have been applied, if they have worked well and if they have led to better management of the pandemic.

For the purpose of this study, a qualitative methodology is chosen consisting of a case study and in-depth interviews with health personnel at the front line of the integration process and the fight against COVID-19.

This study makes two fundamental contributions. First, it analyses the health integration process in recent years in the public health system of the Basque Country. Second, it gathers the perceptions of different agents related to the Basque Health System of the way in which the tools of the integration process implemented in recent years have worked during the pandemic, detailing the positive and negative perceptions in this regard.

Our conclusions offer a series of strategic recommendations linked to comprehensive patient care and the use of tools related to teleconsulting: the unified medical record, electronic prescription, and non-face-to-face care channels.
The Racialized Pandemic: Wave One of COVID-19 and the Reproduction of Global North Inequalities
Authors: Hooijer Gerda , King Desmond
Published: August 2021

We document the broad patterns of COVID-19 as it affects minority communities. We present a theoretical framework rooted in Global North democracies’ racial and ethnic legacies to analyze the health and economic disparities between these communities and the white majority population. Marshalling first-cut empirical evidence from the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Sweden, we find patterns of the pandemic’s distribution consistent with how the burden of racial and ethnic legacies endures: people from minority communities have worse health and economic outcomes under normal circumstances, inequalities the COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated. The comparison shows that the impact of racial and ethnic discrimination on pandemic policy outcomes is not unique to the United States. Health inequalities stemming in part from patterns of institutional racism and discrimination perversely help reproduce these societal inequities. We find that governments’ initial responses have failed to mitigate the disproportionate impact of this health and economic crisis on minority communities because they did not acknowledge or address the particular challenges that these groups face.
GNSS Precipitable Water Vapor Retrieval With the Aid of NWM Data for China
Authors: Huang Liangke , Peng Hua , Liu Lilong , Xiong Si , Xie Shaofeng , Chen Jun , Li Junyu , He Hongchang
Published: August 2021

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) has become a powerful tool for sensing precipitable water vapor (PWV), which is important in investigating long‐term climate or nowcasting. Zenith hydrostatic delay (ZHD) and weighted mean temperature (Tm) are the two key parameters for retrieving PWV GNSS observations. ZHD is generally derived from the Saastamoinen model by using surface pressure or numerical weather model (NWM). However, the lack of meteorological observations located at or near the GNSS sites is a big challenge for the calculation of accurate ZHD, leading to inconvenience in GNSS‐derived PWV. In this study, a method for GNSS retrieval in China by using ZHD from the NWM and Tm derived from IGPT2w is proposed. First, a new grid model, namely CGZHD model, is developed for the vertical adjustment of ZHD in China. Then, two types of ZHD products derived from NWM data, that is, postprocessing and forecast ones, namely ZHD and ZHDFC, respectively. Finally, the performance of GNSS PWV estimation for 18 GNSS sites is evaluated with PWVs from collocated radiosonde sites for China. Results show that the CGZHD model has excellent performance against the GPT2w model and previous studies. ZHD and ZHDFC from NWM present high precision after vertical adjustment. In terms of GNSS PWV retrieval, two modes of GNSS PWV estimation results, that is, ZHD and ZHDFC obtained from postprocessing and forecast ones, respectively, show excellent performance in China. The proposed method does not require any in situ meteorological information as input and thus has potential applications for high‐precision and real‐time GNSS PWV retrieval in China.
Seismic Anisotropic Layering in the Yilgarn and Superior Cratonic Lithosphere
Authors: Chen Xiaoran , Levin Vadim , Yuan Huaiyu , Klaser Michael , Li Yiran
Published: August 2021

Layering within the cratonic lithosphere has been explored and reported in different cratons using a range of techniques. However, whether there exists a common feature in the lithosphere for all the cratons is not clear yet. In this study, we carry out a comparison study between the Yilgarn craton in Western Australia and the Superior craton in North America that have never been in direct contact throughout their tectonic history. To have a detailed description of the lithospheric layering in both cratons, we employ receiver function analysis with harmonic decomposition to characterize the anisotropic seismic structure beneath 4 long‐operating sites in each craton. We can identify multiple unique anisotropic boundaries above 170 km at all sites in both cratons. Properties of the anisotropic boundaries are distinct both within and across the cratons. Our observation agrees with a commonly accepted view of the cratonic lithosphere consisting of at least two layers. Moreover, it adds new details to the previous view and reveals lateral variations of the anisotropic properties over distances of a few hundreds of kilometers. Such variations in anisotropic properties likely reflect the tectonic history predating the final assembly of cratons, and suggest horizontal movements are necessary for the formation of cratonic lithosphere.
Simulating the Impact of Global Reservoir Expansion on the Present‐Day Climate
Authors: Vanderkelen I. , van Lipzig N. P. M. , Sacks W. J. , Lawrence D. M. , Clark M. P. , Mizukami N. , Pokhrel Y. , Thiery W.
Published: August 2021

Reservoir expansion over the last century has largely affected downstream flow characteristics. Yet very little is known about the impacts of reservoir expansion on the climate. Here, we implement reservoir construction in the Community Land Model by enabling dynamical lake area changes, while conserving mass and energy. Transient global lake and reservoir extent are prescribed from the HydroLAKES and Global Reservoir and Dam databases. Land‐only simulations covering the 20th century with reservoir expansion enabled, highlight increases in terrestrial water storage and decreases in albedo matching the increase in open water area. The comparison of coupled simulations including and excluding reservoirs shows only limited influence of reservoirs on global temperatures and the surface energy balance, but demonstrates substantial responses locally, in particular where reservoirs make up a large fraction of the grid cell. In those locations, reservoirs dampen the diurnal temperature range by up to −1.5 K (for reservoirs covering >15% of the grid cell), reduce temperature extremes, and moderate the seasonal temperature cycle. This study provides a first step towards a coupled representation of reservoirs in Earth System Models.
Convergence Velocity Controls on the Structural Evolution of Orogens
Authors: Knight Ben S. , Capitanio Fabio A. , Weinberg Roberto F.
Published: August 2021

The collision of continental crust results in the formation of orogenic wedges to accommodate convergence. We use 2D thermomechanical models to address the growth of viscoplastic orogenic wedges, focusing on the structural evolution over time. We find that when the shear stress at the base of the crust is below the yield stress then viscous behavior dictates the evolution, with the wedge structure and geometry influenced by the convergence velocity. In contrast, when the shear stress is equal to or above the yield stress across the entire wedge then plastic behavior controls the evolution, with the structural style and geometry independent of convergence velocity. The models highlight the controls of the basal décollement rheology on the deformation style of the orogenic wedge. We find that for increasing crustal thickness, the velocity required to transition from viscous‐to‐viscoplastic and then to plastic‐dominated wedges increases. We determine empirically how the viscous deformation influences wedge strength and estimate an effective friction coefficient based on the geometry of the entire wedge. The models allow inferences on the dominant deformation mechanism currently accommodating convergence in the Zagros, Himalayas, and European Alps when estimating the effective friction coefficient from the geometry, showing the relevant role of rate‐dependent viscous deformation in each orogenic wedge.
Earth’s Albedo and Its Symmetry
Authors: Datseris George , Stevens Bjorn
Published: August 2021

The properties of Earth's albedo and its symmetries are analyzed using twenty years of space‐based Energy Balanced And Filled product of Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System measurements. Despite surface asymmetries, top of the atmosphere temporally & hemispherically averaged reflected solar irradiance appears symmetric over Northern/Southern hemispheres. This is confirmed with the use of surrogate time‐series, which provides margins of for possible hemispheric differences supported by Clouds and Earth's Radiant System data. time‐series are further analyzed by decomposition into a seasonal (yearly and half yearly) cycle and residuals. Variability in the reflected solar irradiance is almost entirely (99%) due to the seasonal variations, mostly due to seasonal variations in insolation. The residuals of hemispherically averaged are not only small, but also indistinguishable from noise, and thus not correlated across hemispheres. This makes yearly and sub‐yearly timescales unlikely as the basis for a symmetry‐establishing mechanism. The residuals however contain a global trend that is large, as compared to expected albedo feedbacks. It is also hemispherically symmetric, and thus indicates the possibility of a symmetry enforcing mechanism at longer timescales. To pinpoint precisely which parts of the Earth system establish the hemispheric symmetry, we create an energetically consistent cloud‐albedo field from the data. We show that the surface albedo asymmetry is compensated by asymmetries between clouds over extra‐tropical oceans, with southern hemispheric storm‐tracks being 11% cloudier than their northern hemisphere counterparts. This again indicates that, assuming the albedo symmetry is not a result of chance, its mechanism likely operates on large temporal and spatial scales.
Desert Life Conjures Organic Carbon from Thin Air
Authors: Cutts Elise
Published: August 2021

Without water, photosynthesis shuts down. To survive dry spells, desert microbes scavenge traces of hydrogen from the air and burn it for energy. Some even use hydrogen to fuel carbon fixation.
An Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Grain Size on “Dislocation Creep” of Ice
Authors: Qi Chao , Goldsby David L.
Published: August 2021

The creep behavior of ice is believed to be dominated by dislocation creep at high stresses (1 MPa) and high homologous temperatures (0.9). Dislocation creep of ice is often described by the Glen law, , with a canonical value of 3, and is independent of grain size. Laboratory studies of ice deformation at elevated pressures, however, suggest that dislocation creep of ice is characterized by a value of 4. Here, we deformed ice samples with initial grain sizes of 0.23 and 0.63 mm, at 263 K and confining pressures of 10 or 20 MPa. The experiments yield a value of 3.6 using the peak stresses obtained at a strain 0.02, and reveal a marked dependence of the stress on initial grain size. The nominally constant flow stresses at larger strains, up to 0.2, yield a value of 3.9, and no influence of the initial grain size on the stress is observed. The lower value of at peak stresses and the decrease in peak stress with decreasing initial grain size suggest a contribution to the strain rate from a grain‐size‐sensitive process, such as grain boundary sliding. Our data yield two flow laws, one for isotropic ice and one for highly anisotropic ice deformed to large strains, the latter of which may be used to model flow in high‐strain natural environments.
'We had to take a hammer to get some roots out' - experiences, motivations and challenges among volunteer dentists: a qualitative study
Authors: Gamarra Saulo , Bärnighausen Kate , Wachinger Jonas , McMahon Shannon A.
Published: August 2021

Abstract

ObjectivesTo address a gap in the literature by examining the experiences, motivations and challenges among volunteer dentists engaged in short-term missions to low- and middle-income countries.

MethodsIn-depth interviews among volunteer dentists (n = 20) who had provided voluntary dental care in low- or middle-income countries within the preceding five years. Interviews lasted on average 55 minutes and were recorded, transcribed and analysed using NVivo. Routine debriefings complemented analysis. COREQ principles guided this research.

ResultsMotivations to volunteer included: exposure to new dental challenges (enhancing competence); discovering a new setting (tourism); and enhancing the lives of clients (humanitarianism). Volunteers enjoyed undertaking new tasks and developing new skills, but were burdened by a high patient load, challenging clinical conditions, peri- and post-operative complications, and a concern that their work was not addressing root causes of inadequate access to basic dental care. Respondents recommended that more information regarding the vision, equipment status, armamentarium and dental supplies be made available pre-departure, and that more dental schools include training on global oral health. Such measures could facilitate volunteers' abilities to provide care while also enhancing their personal and professional development. Creating an appropriate, sizable and competent capacity-building programme for local dentists was described as essential.
USP12 downregulation orchestrates a protumourigenic microenvironment and enhances lung tumour resistance to PD-1 blockade
Authors: Yang Zhaojuan , Xu Guiqin , Wang Boshi , Liu Yun , Zhang Li , Jing Tiantian , Tang Ming , Xu Xiaoli , Jiao Kun , Xiang Lvzhu , Fu Yujie , Tang Daoqiang , Zhang Xiaoren , Jin Weilin , Zhuang Guanglei , Zhao Xiaojing , Liu Yongzhong
Published: August 2021

Oncogenic activation of KRAS and its surrogates is essential for tumour cell proliferation and survival, as well as for the development of protumourigenic microenvironments. Here, we show that the deubiquitinase USP12 is commonly downregulated in the KrasG12D-driven mouse lung tumour and human non-small cell lung cancer owing to the activation of AKT-mTOR signalling. Downregulation of USP12 promotes lung tumour growth and fosters an immunosuppressive microenvironment with increased macrophage recruitment, hypervascularization, and reduced T cell activation. Mechanistically, USP12 downregulation creates a tumour-promoting secretome resulting from insufficient PPM1B deubiquitination that causes NF-κB hyperactivation in tumour cells. Furthermore, USP12 inhibition desensitizes mouse lung tumour cells to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Thus, our findings propose a critical component downstream of the oncogenic signalling pathways in the modulation of tumour-immune cell interactions and tumour response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
Mortality in individuals treated with COVID-19 convalescent plasma varies with the geographic provenance of donors
Authors: Kunze Katie L. , Johnson Patrick W. , van Helmond Noud , Senefeld Jonathon W. , Petersen Molly M. , Klassen Stephen A. , Wiggins Chad C. , Klompas Allan M. , Bruno Katelyn A. , Mills John R. , Theel Elitza S. , Buras Matthew R. , Golafshar Michael A. , Sexton Matthew A. , Diaz Soto Juan C. , Baker Sarah E. , Shepherd John R. A. , Verdun Nicole C. , Marks Peter , Paneth Nigel S. , Fairweather DeLisa , Wright R. Scott , van Buskirk Camille M. , Winters Jeffrey L. , Stubbs James R. , Senese Katherine A. , Pletsch Michaela C. , Buchholtz Zachary A. , Rea Robert F. , Herasevich Vitaly , Whelan Emily R. , Clayburn Andrew J. , Larson Kathryn F. , Ripoll Juan G. , Andersen Kylie J. , Lesser Elizabeth R. , Vogt Matthew N. P. , Dennis Joshua J. , Regimbal Riley J. , Bauer Philippe R. , Blair Janis E. , Casadevall Arturo , Carter Rickey E. , Joyner Michael J.
Published: August 2021

Successful therapeutics and vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have harnessed the immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Evidence that SARS-CoV-2 exists as locally evolving variants suggests that immunological differences may impact the effectiveness of antibody-based treatments such as convalescent plasma and vaccines. Considering that near-sourced convalescent plasma likely reflects the antigenic composition of local viral strains, we hypothesize that convalescent plasma has a higher efficacy, as defined by death within 30 days of transfusion, when the convalescent plasma donor and treated patient were in close geographic proximity. Results of a series of modeling techniques applied to approximately 28,000 patients from the Expanded Access to Convalescent Plasma program (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT04338360) support this hypothesis. This work has implications for the interpretation of clinical studies, the ability to develop effective COVID-19 treatments, and, potentially, for the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines as additional locally-evolving variants continue to emerge.
Quantification of critical particle distance for mitigating catalyst sintering
Authors: Yin Peng , Hu Sulei , Qian Kun , Wei Zeyue , Zhang Le-Le , Lin Yue , Huang Weixin , Xiong Haifeng , Li Wei-Xue , Liang Hai-Wei
Published: August 2021

Supported metal nanoparticles are of universal importance in many industrial catalytic processes. Unfortunately, deactivation of supported metal catalysts via thermally induced sintering is a major concern especially for high-temperature reactions. Here, we demonstrate that the particle distance as an inherent parameter plays a pivotal role in catalyst sintering. We employ carbon black supported platinum for the model study, in which the particle distance is well controlled by changing platinum loading and carbon black supports with varied surface areas. Accordingly, we quantify a critical particle distance of platinum nanoparticles on carbon supports, over which the sintering can be mitigated greatly up to 900 °C. Based on in-situ aberration-corrected high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron and theoretical studies, we find that enlarging particle distance to over the critical distance suppress the particle coalescence, and the critical particle distance itself depends sensitively on the strength of metal-support interactions.
Atomistic simulations of dislocation mobility in refractory high-entropy alloys and the effect of chemical short-range order
Authors: Yin Sheng , Zuo Yunxing , Abu-Odeh Anas , Zheng Hui , Li Xiang-Guo , Ding Jun , Ong Shyue Ping , Asta Mark , Ritchie Robert O.
Published: August 2021

Refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) are designed for high elevated-temperature strength, with both edge and screw dislocations playing an important role for plastic deformation. However, they can also display a significant energetic driving force for chemical short-range ordering (SRO). Here, we investigate mechanisms underlying the mobilities of screw and edge dislocations in the body-centered cubic MoNbTaW RHEA over a wide temperature range using extensive molecular dynamics simulations based on a highly-accurate machine-learning interatomic potential. Further, we specifically evaluate how these mechanisms are affected by the presence of SRO. The mobility of edge dislocations is found to be enhanced by the presence of SRO, whereas the rate of double-kink nucleation in the motion of screw dislocations is reduced, although this influence of SRO appears to be attenuated at increasing temperature. Independent of the presence of SRO, a cross-slip locking mechanism is observed for the motion of screws, which provides for extra strengthening for refractory high-entropy alloy system.
Cell-type and subcellular compartment-specific APEX2 proximity labeling reveals activity-dependent nuclear proteome dynamics in the striatum
Authors: Dumrongprechachan V. , Salisbury R. B. , Soto G. , Kumar M. , MacDonald M. L. , Kozorovitskiy Y.
Published: August 2021

The vertebrate brain consists of diverse neuronal types, classified by distinct anatomy and function, along with divergent transcriptomes and proteomes. Defining the cell-type specific neuroproteomes is important for understanding the development and functional organization of neural circuits. This task remains challenging in complex tissue, due to suboptimal protein isolation techniques that often result in loss of cell-type specific information and incomplete capture of subcellular compartments. Here, we develop a genetically targeted proximity labeling approach to identify cell-type specific subcellular proteomes in the mouse brain, confirmed by imaging, electron microscopy, and mass spectrometry. We virally express subcellular-localized APEX2 to map the proteome of direct and indirect pathway spiny projection neurons in the striatum. The workflow provides sufficient depth to uncover changes in the proteome of striatal neurons following chemogenetic activation of Gαq-coupled signaling cascades. This method enables flexible, cell-type specific quantitative profiling of subcellular proteome snapshots in the mouse brain.
Human T cells engineered with a leukemia lipid-specific TCR enables donor-unrestricted recognition of CD1c-expressing leukemia
Authors: Consonni Michela , Garavaglia Claudio , Grilli Andrea , de Lalla Claudia , Mancino Alessandra , Mori Lucia , De Libero Gennaro , Montagna Daniela , Casucci Monica , Serafini Marta , Bonini Chiara , Häussinger Daniel , Ciceri Fabio , Bernardi Massimo , Mastaglio Sara , Bicciato Silvio , Dellabona Paolo , Casorati Giulia
Published: August 2021

Acute leukemia relapsing after chemotherapy plus allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can be treated with donor-derived T cells, but this is hampered by the need for donor/recipient MHC-matching and often results in graft-versus-host disease, prompting the search for new donor-unrestricted strategies targeting malignant cells. Leukemia blasts express CD1c antigen-presenting molecules, which are identical in all individuals and expressed only by mature leukocytes, and are recognized by T cell clones specific for the CD1c-restricted leukemia-associated methyl-lysophosphatidic acid (mLPA) lipid antigen. Here, we show that human T cells engineered to express an mLPA-specific TCR, target diverse CD1c-expressing leukemia blasts in vitro and significantly delay the progression of three models of leukemia xenograft in NSG mice, an effect that is boosted by mLPA-cellular immunization. These results highlight a strategy to redirect T cells against leukemia via transfer of a lipid-specific TCR that could be used across MHC barriers with reduced risk of graft-versus-host disease.
Discriminative detection of laser-accelerated multi-MeV carbon ions utilizing solid state nuclear track detectors
Authors: Hihara Takamasa , Kanasaki Masato , Asai Takafumi , Kusumoto Tamon , Kodaira Satoshi , Kiriyama Hiromitsu , Oda Keiji , Yamauchi Tomoya , Woon Wei-Yen , Kuramitsu Yasuhiro , Fukuda Yuji
Published: August 2021

A new diagnosis method for the discriminative detection of laser-accelerated multi-MeV carbon ions from background oxygen ions utilizing solid-state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs) is proposed. The idea is to combine two kinds of SSNTDs having different track registration sensitivities: Bisphenol A polycarbonate detects carbon and the heavier ions, and polyethylene terephthalate detects oxygen and the heavier ions. The method is calibrated with mono-energetic carbon and oxygen ion beams from the heavy ion accelerator. Based on the calibration data, the method is applied to identify carbon ions accelerated from multilayered graphene targets irradiated by a high-power laser, where the generation of high-energy high-purity carbon ions is expected. It is found that 93 ± 1% of the accelerated heavy ions with energies larger than 14 MeV are carbons. The results thus obtained support that carbon-rich heavy ion acceleration is achieved.
Clinical evidence of initiating a very low dose of sacubitril/valsartan: a prospective observational analysis
Authors: Kim Hyoeun , Oh Jaewon , Lee Sanghyup , Ha Jaehyung , Yoon Minjae , Chun Kyeong-hyeon , Lee Chan Joo , Park Sungha , Lee Sang-Hak , Kang Seok-Min
Published: August 2021

Sacubitril/valsartan is superior to enalapril in reducing the risks of cardiovascular death and preventing hospitalization in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, patients often do not receive sacubitril/valsartan because of concerns about hypotension. We examined the feasibility of initiating sacubitril/valsartan at a very low dose (VLD) in potentially intolerant patients with HFrEF and subsequent dose up-titration, treatment persistence and outcomes. We analyzed 206 patients with HFrEF grouped according to starting sacubitril/valsartan dose. The VLD group (n = 106) commenced 25 mg twice daily, and the standard-dose (SD) group (n = 100) started on ≥ 50 mg twice daily. Baseline systolic blood pressure was 103 ± 12 mmHg vs. 119 ± 14 mmHg in the SD group (P < 0.001). The maximal target dose achievement rate was higher in the SD group (27.0% vs 9.4%, p = 0.001) and the VLD group experienced more dose up-titrations and fewer down-titrations than the SD group. The VLD group had a decrease in N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) similar to the SD group and a similar increase in left ventricular ejection fraction. There were no significant differences in symptomatic hypotension, worsening renal function, hyperkalemia, cardiovascular mortality, and rehospitalization due to HF between the two groups during follow-up period. In patients considered by the treating physician likely to be intolerant of sacubitril/valsartan, initiation with 25 mg twice daily was generally possible and patients remained in therapy, with similar decreases in NT-proBNP and increases in left ventricular ejection fraction to those observed in patients receiving SD sacubitril/valsartan.
Intra- and interspecific variability among congeneric Pagellus otoliths
Authors: D’Iglio Claudio , Albano Marco , Famulari Sergio , Savoca Serena , Panarello Giuseppe , Di Paola Davide , Perdichizzi Anna , Rinelli Paola , Lanteri Giovanni , Spanò Nunziacarla , Capillo Gioele
Published: August 2021

Otolith features are useful tools for studying taxonomy, ecology, paleontology, and fish biology since they represent a permanent record of life history. Nevertheless, the functional morphology of otoliths remains an open research question that is useful to completely understand their eco-morphology. This study aims to deepen the knowledge of intra- and interspecific variation in sagitta morphology in three congeneric seabreams, to understand how such variability could be related to the lifestyles of each species. Therefore, the sagittae (n = 161) of 24 Pagellus bogaraveo, 24 Pagellus acarne, and 37 Pagellus erythrinus specimens, collected from the south Tyrrhenian Sea, were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and a stereomicroscope to assess morphometric features, variability between otolith pairs and the external crystalline structure the of sulcus acusticus. Statistical analysis demonstrated that, between the species, variability in sagittal otolith rostral length growth and sulcus acusticus features, correlated with increased fish total length and body weight. Moreover, slight differences between otolith pairs were detected in P. acarne and P. erythrinus (P < 0.05). The results confirm changes in otolith morphometry and morphology between different congeneric species and populations of the same species from different habitats.
Gastrobodies are engineered antibody mimetics resilient to pepsin and hydrochloric acid
Authors: Wicke Niels , Bedford Mike R. , Howarth Mark
Published: August 2021

Protein-based targeting reagents, such as antibodies and non-antibody scaffold proteins, are rapidly inactivated in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Hydrochloric acid in gastric juice denatures proteins and activates pepsin, concentrations of which reach 1 mg/mL in the mammalian stomach. Two stable scaffold proteins (nanobody and nanofitin), previously developed to be protease-resistant, were completely digested in less than 10 min at 100-fold lower concentration of pepsin than found in the stomach. Here we present gastrobodies, a protein scaffold derived from Kunitz soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI). SBTI is highly resistant to the challenges of the upper GI tract, including digestive proteases, pH 2 and bile acids. Computational prediction of SBTI’s evolvability identified two nearby loops for randomization, to create a potential recognition surface which was experimentally validated by alanine scanning. We established display of SBTI on full-length pIII of M13 phage. Phage selection of gastrobody libraries against the glucosyltransferase domain of Clostridium difficile toxin B (GTD) identified hits with nanomolar affinity and enzyme inhibitory activity. Anti-GTD binders retained high stability to acid, digestive proteases and heat. Gastrobodies show resilience to exceptionally harsh conditions, which should provide a foundation for targeting and modulating function within the GI tract.
Controlled growth and ordering of poorly-crystalline calcium-silicate-hydrate nanosheets
Authors: Basquiroto de Souza Felipe , Shamsaei Ezzatollah , Chen Shujian , Sagoe-Crentsil Kwesi , Duan Wenhui
Published: August 2021

Optimising the mesoscale structure of calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) is critical to achieving durable and sustainable infrastructure using Portland cement concrete. However, control of its intricate formation process, which comprises spatially disordered growth of poorly-crystalline sheets, remains a challenge. Here, through combination of experimental and computer simulation techniques, we report a promising mechanism to control this complex growth process and thereby optimise the C-S-H nanostructure. The pivotal step was utilizing graphene oxide (GO) to restrain the inherent spatial deformations of the C-S-H sheets and guide their concurrent 2D growth and layer-by-layer ordering. Accordingly, we designed a layered GO–C-S-H composite that exhibits 1–2 orders of magnitude improvement in strength and durability compared with C-S-H formed without control. Our findings open a window for nano-engineering of cements and other complex layered materials for ceramic, pharmaceutical and energy applications.
Contemporary macrocycles for discrete polymetallic complexes: precise control over structure and function
Authors: Chaudhry Mohammad T. , Akine Shigehisa , MacLachlan Mark J.
Published: August 2021

Macrocycles have unique cavities that can function as templates for multimetallic complexes.
Contiguous layer based metal–organic framework with conjugated π-electron ligand for high iodine capture
Authors: Xu Tong , Li Jiantang , Jia Mingwei , Li Guanghua , Liu Yunling
Published: August 2021

A novel 3D Cu-MOF with a cationic framework has been synthesized. It is constructed by directly interlocking contiguous 2D layers with square-shaped channels. The MOF exhibits high iodine adsorption capacities and excellent reusability.
Enhancing the barrier height for magnetization reversal in 4d/4f RuIII2LnIII2 “butterfly” single molecule magnets (Ln = Gd, Dy) via targeted structural alterations
Authors: Swain Abinash , Martin Robert , Vignesh Kuduva R. , Rajaraman Gopalan , Murray Keith S. , Langley Stuart K.
Published: August 2021

Single molecule magnetic features of new {RuIII2DyIII2} “butterfly” clusters are compared, by experiment and theory, to those of 3d/4f analogues.
Molecular copper iodide clusters: a distinguishing family of mechanochromic luminescent compounds
Authors: Perruchas Sandrine
Published: August 2021

This perspective describes the survey of the family of mechanochromic luminescent cubane copper iodide clusters. Studies of their mechanochromic luminescence properties are presented along with investigations to elucidate the underlying mechanism.
A novel colorimetric sensor for naked-eye detection of cysteine and Hg2+ based on “on–off” strategy using Co/Zn-grafted mesoporous silica nanoparticles
Authors: Aghayan Morvarid , Mahmoudi Ali , Sazegar Mohammad Reza , Adhami Forogh
Published: August 2021

This study introduces a naked-eye sensitive platform for the detection of l-cysteine, mercury ions (Hg2+) based on “off/on” catalytic activity of Co/Zn-grafted mesoporous silica nanoparticles.
Supplementation of Alhagi honey polysaccharides contributes to the improvement of the intestinal immunity regulating the structure of intestinal flora in mice
Authors: Cai Gaofeng , Wusiman Adelijiang , Gu Pengfei , Mao Ningning , Xu Shuwen , Zhu Tianyu , He Jin , Liu Zhenguang , Wang Deyun
Published: August 2021

Supplementation of Alhagi honey polysaccharides contributes to the improvement of the intestinal immunity and regulating the structure of intestinal flora in mice.
Rational design of a NIR-II fluorescent nanosystem with maximized fluorescence performance and applications
Authors: Yu Haoli , Wang Yuesong , Chen Yan , Ji Min
Published: August 2021

We provide a viewpoint that a rational design of fluorescence liposomes with appropriate electrostatic effects and drug concentrations is an essential prerequisite to achieving high fluorescence performance.
Grafting chelating groups on 2D carbon for selective heavy metal adsorption
Authors: Shibahara Risa , Kamiya Kazuhide , Nishina Yuta
Published: August 2021

Iminodiacetic acid moiety is grafted on graphene oxide for selective metal ion adsorption.
An update on the progress of cycloaddition reactions of 3-methyleneindolinones in the past decade: versatile approaches to spirooxindoles
Authors: Saeed Ruqaiya , Sakla Akash P. , Shankaraiah Nagula
Published: August 2021

This review focuses on important cycloaddition reactions of 3-methyleneindolinones to afford 3,3′-spirocyclic oxindoles.
Efficient construction of the hexacyclic ring core of palau'amine: the pKaconcept for proceeding with unfavorable equilibrium reactions
Authors: Ohashi Eisaku , Karanjit Sangita , Nakayama Atsushi , Takeuchi Kohei , Emam Sherif E. , Ando Hidenori , Ishida Tatsuhiro , Namba Kosuke
Published: August 2021

A palau'amine analog (2) was synthesized from 2-cyclopentenone in 20 steps. The construction of the CDE tricyclic ring core in a single step is achieved by our pKaconcept for proceeding with the unfavorable equilibrium reactions.
How to give a good presentation when presentations are not your thing
Authors: Chatwin Hannah
Published: August 2021

If you’re like me, you didn’t pursue your studies out of a love for public speaking, yet you may find that presenting your work is a vital part of doing science. For a researcher’s findings to have impact, they must be shared with and communicated to others, preferably in a way that is easy to understand, interesting, and memorable. When it comes to giving presentations, we all know the basics of what not to do: Don’t cram too much information into your slides, don’t ignore your audience, don’t read off your slides. On the other hand, it's not always clear what makes a good presentation good.
Automated optimization for broadband flat‐gain antenna designs with artificial neural network
Authors: Mir Farzad , Kouhalvandi Lida , Matekovits Ladislau , Gunes Ece Olcay
Published: August 2021

An automated optimization process for designing and optimising high‐performance single microstrip antennas is presented. It consists of the successive use of two optimization methods, bottom‐up optimization (BUO) and Bayesian optimization (BO), which are applied sequentially, resulting in electromagnetic (EM)‐based artificial neural network modelling. The BUO method is applied for the initial design of the structure of the antennas whereas the BO approach is successively implemented to predict suitable dimensional parameters, leading to broadband, high flat‐gain antennas. The optimization process is performed automatically with the combination of an electronic design automation tool and a numerical analyser. The proposed method is easy to use; it allows one to perform the design with little experience, because both structure modelling and sizing are performed automatically. To verify the power of the proposed EM‐based method experimentally, two single microstrip antennas have been designed, optimised, fabricated, and measured. The first antenna has flat‐gain performance (6.9–7.2 dB) in a frequency band of 8.8–10 GHz. The second has been designed to perform in the 8.7‐ to 10‐GHz band, where it exhibits flat‐gain performance with reduced fluctuation in the range of 6.7–7 dB. The experimental results are in good agreement with the numerical data.
Modular horizontal pendulum wave energy converter: Exploring feasibility to power ocean observation applications in the U.S. pacific northwest
Authors: Dizon Chris , Cavagnaro Robert J. , Robertson Bryson , Brekken Ted K.
Published: August 2021

Marine renewable energy as a power source for ocean observation applications has the potential to allow longer deployment operations due to the consistent, higher, and denser energy available from this resource. This additionally could encourage deployments in remote locations where maintenance is costly or resource availability is low if dependent on solar power. More importantly, gaps in spatial data could be filled. This paper examines the feasibility of a modular horizontal pendulum wave energy converter to power National Data Buoy Center's Self‐Contained Ocean Observations Payload (SCOOP) off the coast of Washington State, U.S. The effect on power output was studied when the pendulum's radius arm, mass, and power take‐off damping were varied. Results using Matlab toolbox WEC‐Sim revealed positive correlation between radius arm length and mass to power output, where power maximised for optimal damping values. Seasonal trends in power were not significant, where a 20 kg pendulum mass was needed to meet the SCOOP base power requirement of 5 W throughout the year.
Historical analysis of a karst aquifer: recharge, water extraction, and consumption dynamics on a tourist island (Cozumel, Mexico)
Authors: Hernández-Flores Gerardo , Gutiérrez-Aguirre Martha Angélica , Cervantes-Martínez Adrián , Marín-Celestino Ana Elizabeth
Published: August 2021

On Cozumel Island, access to freshwater depends on the extraction of the resource from the aquifer located north of the island (catchment area). Water resource management on the island must be based on updated knowledge of the indicator dynamics related to the recharge of the aquifer, groundwater extraction and the distribution of the resource. In this study, trends, variations and time series of 30 years of monthly data for precipitation, temperature, evapotranspiration, and estimated aquifer recharge were calculated for the catchment area. Additionally, groundwater extraction, water consumption for the main uses over a 13-year period (monthly data), and the 5-year status of wells were considered. The results show decreasing trends in precipitation and estimated recharge volumes in the catchment area, in addition to increasing trends in mean air temperature, evapotranspiration, water extraction volumes and consumption by the commercial sector for the considered time periods. Additionally, an increase in dejected (77%) and reposed (38%) wells within the catchment area was observed. Evidence from this study suggests a dynamic behaviour of the analysed indicators over time that increases pressure on karstic, Caribbean aquifers for which monthly monitoring and data analysis are encouraged as the basis for adequate management.
Metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: What we know and do not know
Authors: Guo Ling-Ling , Wang Hai-Yun , Zheng Li-Sheng , Wang Ming-Dian , Cao Yun , Li Yang , Liu Zhi-Jie , Peng Li-Xia , Huang Bi-Jun , Shao Jian-Yong , Qian Chao-Nan
Published: August 2021

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has the highest metastatic rate among head and neck cancers, with its underlying mechanism not yet fully unveiled. High- versus low-metastasis, NPC cell lines have been established. The footpad-popliteal lymph node metastasis model and other in vivo models have been stably used to study NPC metastasis. The histological appearance and the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers might be helpful in selecting high-risk NPC patients for developing post-treatment metastasis. Tested EMT markers and their protein expression levels that correlate with patient disease-free survival in large patient cohorts include E-cadherin, N-cadherin, CD44, Twist, Snail, and Cyclin D1. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection can trigger NPC metastasis from multiple angles via multiple signaling pathways. High endothelial venules are commonly seen in NPC tissues, with their role in NPC metastasis requiring clarification. The molecules that promote and inhibit NPC metastasis are introduced, with a focus on cytokines SPINK6, serglycin, interleukin 8 (IL8), Wnt family member 5A (WNT5A), and chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2). Two videos showing NPC cells with and without SPINK6 knocked down are presented. Future directions for studying NPC metastasis are also discussed.
Instabilität des Ellenbogengelenks
Authors: Iuga Andra-Iza , Fervers Philipp , Wegmann Kilian , Haneder Stefan
Published: August 2021

Das Ellenbogengelenk wird durch die beteiligten Knochen, Bandstrukturen und Sehnen von Extensoren und Flexoren stabilisiert. Die Instabilität des Gelenks ist nicht genau definiert, daher spielt die Bildgebung für die genaue Diagnostik eine entscheidende Rolle. Dieser Beitrag stellt die beteiligten Strukturen, die Formen der Instabilität und die diagnostischen Möglichkeiten im Detail vor.
Auswirkungen einer dreimonatigen standardisierten Rückentherapie auf den Faktor „Gesunde Lebensjahre“ bei Rückenschmerzpatienten
Authors: Hollmann Michael , Schifferdecker-Hoch Frank , Breitkopf Annika , Kern Catharina , Nolting Ingrid
Published: August 2021

Chronische Erkrankungen haben neben erheblichen sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen vor allem auch bedeutende Einschränkungen auf die Lebensqualität und somit auch auf die Zahl der gesunden Lebensjahre von Patienten. Während in den medizinischen Leitlinien Einigkeit darüber besteht, dass Bewegung ein essenzieller Bestandteil der Behandlungsoptionen darstellt, sind auf der motivationalen Ebene große Anstrengungen nötig, um Patienten zur regelmäßigen Bewegung anzuregen. Ein bisher vernachlässigter Aspekt stellt in der Gesundheitskommunikation der Aspekt der Gesunden Lebensjahre dar, welche ein Patient noch erwarten kann. Die vorliegende Untersuchung befasst sich daher erstmals mit den Auswirkungen einer dreimonatigen Rückentherapie auf den Faktor Gesunde Lebensjahre. Die Berechnung mithilfe von Sterbetafeln sowie Daten von 67.148 chronischen Rückenschmerzpatienten zeigen einen deutlichen Effekt der Therapie auf die noch zu erwartenden gesunden Lebensjahre. So gelingt es durch die Therapie, Männern durchschnittlich 14,70 zusätzliche gesunde Lebensjahre zu ermöglichen. Bei Frauen sind es 15,73. Die Zugewinne sind dabei stark altersabhängig.
Sekundäre Winkelblockglaukome
Authors: Nüßle Simone , Lübke Jan
Published: August 2021

Bei sekundären Winkelblockglaukomen liegt mindestens eine identifizierbare Ursache für den Winkelblock und die Obstruktion des Kammerwasserabflusses vor. Diese spezielle Unterform des Glaukoms ist eine besonders heterogene Gruppe an Erkrankungen bzw. Ursachen, die sich in ihrer Auswirkung auf den Kammerwasserfluss und in ihrer Behandlung deutlich unterscheiden. Dieser Beitrag gibt eine Übersicht über die verschiedenen Formen des sekundären Winkelblockglaukoms und zeigt die Ansatzpunkte für eine zielgerichtete Therapie auf.