bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Room-temperature synthesis of earth-abundant semiconductor ZnSiN2 on amorphous carbon
Authors: Coelho-Júnior Horácio , Silva Bruno G. , Labre Cilene , Loreto Renan P. , Sommer Rubem L.
Published: February 2021

This manuscript reports room-temperature one-step synthesis of earth-abundant semiconductor ZnSiN2 on amorphous carbon substrates using radio frequency reactive magnetron co-sputtering. Transmission Electron Microscopy and Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry analysis demonstrated that the synthesis has occurred as ZnSiN2 nanocrystals in the orthorhombic phase, uniformly distributed on amorphous carbon. The technique of large-area deposition on an amorphous substrate can be interesting for flexible electronics technologies. Our results open possibilities for environmentally friendly semiconductor devices, leading to the development of greener technologies.
Immunoglobulin G responses to variant forms of Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein 9 upon natural infection in Thailand
Authors: Songsaigath Sunisa , Makiuchi Takashi , Putaporntip Chaturong , Pattanawong Urassaya , Kuamsab Napaporn , Tachibana Hiroshi , Jongwutiwes Somchai
Published: February 2021

Merozoite surface protein 9 (MSP9) constitutes a ligand complex involved in erythrocyte invasion by malarial merozoites and is a promising vaccine target. Plasmodium vivax MSP9 (PvMSP9) is immunogenic upon natural malaria exposure. To address whether sequence diversity in PvMSP9 among field isolates could affect natural antibody responses, the recombinant proteins representing two variants each for the N- and the C-terminal domains of PvMSP-9 were used as antigens to assess antibody reactivity among 246 P. vivax-infected patients’ sera from Tak and Ubon Ratchathani Provinces in Thailand. Results revealed that the seropositivity rates of IgG antibodies to the N-terminal antigens were higher than those to the C-terminal antigens (87.80% vs. 67.48%). Most seropositive sera were reactive to both variants, suggesting the presence of common epitopes. Variant-specific antibodies to the N- and the C-terminal antigens were detected in 15.85% and 16.70% of serum samples, respectively. These seropositivity rates were not significant difference between provinces. The seropositivity rates, levels and avidity of anti-PvMSP9 antibodies exhibited positive trends towards increasing malaria episodes. The IgG isotype responses to the N- and the C-terminal antigens were mainly IgG1 and IgG3. The profile of IgG responses may have implications for development of PvMSP9-based vaccine.
Determination of multi pesticide residues in leaf and needle samples using a modified QuEChERS approach and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Löbbert Arnelle , Schanzer Sonja , Krehenwinkel Henrik , Bracher Franz , Müller Christoph
Published: February 2021

A novel, validated QuEChERS-based GC-MS/MS method was developed, which will allow the assessment of the impact of pesticides on forest ecosystems.
Spin density localization and accessibility of organic radicals affect liquid-state DNP efficiency
Authors: Levien Marcel , Reinhard Maik , Hiller Markus , Tkach Igor , Bennati Marina , Orlando Tomas
Published: February 2021

Scalar liquid DNP performance scales of a factor ∼5 depending on the spin density distribution and accessibility of the radical.
Electronic and optical properties of two-dimensional heterostructures and heterojunctions between doped-graphene and C- and N-containing materials
Authors: Bafekry Asadollah , Gogova Daniela , M. Fadlallah Mohamed , V. Chuong Nguyen , Ghergherehchi Mitra , Faraji Mehrdad , Feghhi Seyed Amir Hossein , Oskoeian Mohamad
Published: February 2021

The electronic and optical properties of vertical heterostructures (HTSs) and lateral heterojunctions (HTJs) between (B,N)-codoped graphene (dop@Gr) and graphene (Gr), C3N, BC3and h-BN monolayers are investigated using van der Waals density functional theory calculations.
Direct imaging of electric field behavior in 2,7-diphenyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene organic field-effect transistors by sum-frequency generation imaging microscopy
Authors: Katagiri Chiho , Miyamae Takayuki , Li Hao , Yang Fangyuan , Baldelli Steven
Published: February 2021

Sum frequency generation imaging microscopy was applied to visualize the internal electric-field behavior in operating organic field effect transistors.
First-principles investigation of oxygen interaction with hydrogen/helium/vacancy irradiation defects in Ti3AlC2
Authors: Meng Zhaocang , Wang Canglong , Liu Jitao , Wang Yinlong , Zhu Xiaolu , Yang Lei , Huang Liang
Published: February 2021

First-principles calculations have been performed to investigate the interaction between solute impurity O and H/He/vacancy irradiation defects in Ti3AlC2.
Predicting the right mechanism for hypervalent iodine reagents by applying two types of hypervalent twist models: apical twist and equatorial twist
Authors: Sun Tian-Yu , Chen Kai , Lin Qihui , You Tingting , Yin Penggang
Published: February 2021

Since hypervalent twist followed by reductive elimination is a general reaction pattern for hypervalent iodine reagents, mechanistic studies about the hypervalent twist step could provide significant guidance for experiments.
Human milk and infant formula modulate the intestinal microbiota and immune systems of human microbiota-associated mice
Authors: Li Na , Xie Qinggang , Zhao Lina , Shi Jialu , Evivie Smith Etareri , Lv Xiuli , Huo Guicheng , Li Bailiang
Published: February 2021

Flowchart of the Experimental design.
Thermal conductivity of benzothieno-benzothiophene derivatives at the nanoscale
Authors: Gueye Magatte N. , Vercouter Alexandre , Jouclas Rémy , Guérin David , Lemaur Vincent , Schweicher Guillaume , Lenfant Stéphane , Antidormi Aleandro , Geerts Yves , Melis Claudio , Cornil Jérôme , Vuillaume Dominique
Published: February 2021

We demonstrate that the thermal conductivity at the nanoscale (scanning thermal microscope) is larger for BTBT than C8-BTBT-C8. This result is well supported by theory (AEMD approach) and calculations of the vibrational properties.
Manganese-doped gold core mesoporous silica particles as a nanoplatform for dual-modality imaging and chemo-chemodynamic combination osteosarcoma therapy
Authors: Sha Zhou , Yang Shuguang , Fu Liwen , Geng Mengru , Gu Jiani , Liu Xuying , Li Shikai , Zhou Xiaojun , He Chuanglong
Published: February 2021

The as-prepared nanoparticles integrate bone targeted chem-chemodynamic combination therapy and dual-modality computed tomography/magnetic resonance (CT/MR) imaging into a single platform.
Regioselective intramolecular sp2 C–H amination: direct vs. mediated electrooxidation
Authors: Shi Jianxue , Li Jingjing , Zhao Wenjing , Cui Mengru , Ni Wanying , Li Lijun , Liu Wenmin , Xu Kun , Zhang Sheng
Published: February 2021

We reported an electrochemical intramolecular C–H amination approach to construct benzimidazole-fused phenanthridines.
Nature-inspired dimerization as a strategy to modulate neuropeptide pharmacology exemplified with vasopressin and oxytocin
Authors: Dekan Zoltan , Kremsmayr Thomas , Keov Peter , Godin Mathilde , Teakle Ngari , Dürrauer Leopold , Xiang Huang , Gharib Dalia , Bergmayr Christian , Hellinger Roland , Gay Marina , Vilaseca Marta , Kurzbach Dennis , Albericio Fernando , Alewood Paul F. , Gruber Christian W. , Muttenthaler Markus
Published: February 2021

Structural and pharmacological study of parallel, antiparallel and N- to C-terminal cyclized homo- and heterodimers of vasopressin and oxytocin. This study spotlights dimerization as a strategy to modulate the pharmacology of neuropeptides.
Implementing Zn2+ion and pH-value control into artificial mussel glue proteins by abstracting a His-rich domain from preCollagen
Authors: Arias Sandra , Amini Shahrouz , Krüger Jana M. , Bangert Lukas D. , Börner Hans G.
Published: February 2021

A chemically activated mussel-inspired polymerization of a His-rich peptide, yielded artificial mussel glue proteins, where β-sheets can be triggered to mimic both adhesive motifs and cohesion control mechanisms of the mussel adhesive apparatus.
Structural regulation of thiophene-fused benzotriazole as a “π-bridge” for A-π-D-π-A type acceptor:P3HT-based OSCs to achieve high efficiency
Authors: Wang Jiacheng , Cai Guilong , Jia Boyu , Lu Heng , Lu Xinhui , Zhan Xiaowei , Chen Xingguo
Published: February 2021

Fine structural regulation of a thiophene-fused benzotriazole unit as a “π-bridge” yields a new A-π-D-π-A acceptor to achieve very balanced JSC and VOC for P3HT-based OSCs, leading to a high PCE of 7.72%.
A highly selective near infrared fluorescent probe for carboxylesterase 2 and its biological applications
Authors: Zhang Xin-Yue , Liu Tian-Tian , Liang Jia-Hao , Tian Xiang-Ge , Zhang Bao-Jing , Huang Hui-Lian , Ma Xiao-Chi , Feng Lei , Sun Cheng-Peng
Published: February 2021

Carboxylesterase 2 (CES 2) is a key enzyme in the activation of the prodrug irinotecan (CPT-11) in the treatment against colorectal cancer and also has some relationship with the side effect of CPT-11 in clinical applications.
Highly ordered smectic structures of disc–rod luminescent liquid crystals: the role of the tolane group
Authors: Liu Yurong , Li Wei , Zhou Xuan , Wong Wai-Yeung , Yu Zhen-Qiang
Published: February 2021

The highly ordered smectic phase has been reported for the first time in two liquid crystals. They also exhibit enhanced photoluminescence, indicating the synergistic effect of the disc and rod moieties apart from the competition between them.
Accelerating the oxygen evolution reaction kinetics of Co3O4in neutral electrolyte by decorating RuO2
Authors: Lu Kaifa , Chang Guanru , Zhang Hui , Yu Xin-Yao
Published: February 2021

By combining density functional theory calculations and experiments, we have demonstrated that the decoration of RuO2can effectively accelerate the oxygen evolution reaction kinetics of Co3O4in neutral electrolyte.
One-dimensional ZnO micro/nanostructures: deep insight into the growth mechanism and fine control of the microscopic morphology
Authors: Wang Leshuang , Wei Yuling , Chen Changlong , Yang Shu
Published: February 2021

One-dimensional ZnO micro/nanostructures are grown on FTO substrates, in which the growth mechanism is deeply explored and the microscopic morphologies are finely controlled.
Catalytic synthesis of functionalized amidinesviacobalt-carbene radical coupling with isocyanides and amines
Authors: Gu Zheng-Yang , Han Hui , Li Zi-Yin , Ji Shun-Jun , Xia Ji-Bao
Published: February 2021

An atom- and step-economic multi-component cobalt-catalyzed synthesis of amidines has been reported by using amines, isocyanides, and diazo compounds as carbene sources.
Correction: Bismuthene nanosheets produced by ionic liquid assisted grinding exfoliation and their use for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Valappil Manila Ozhukil , Ganguly Abhijit , Benson John , Pillai Vijayamohanan K. , Alwarappan Subbiah , Papakonstantinou Pagona
Published: February 2021

Correction for ‘Bismuthene nanosheets produced by ionic liquid assisted grinding exfoliation and their use for oxygen reduction reaction’ by Manila Ozhukil Valappil et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 43585–43591, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA09763B.
Correction: Dynamic response study of Ti3C2-MXene films to shockwave and impact forces
Authors: Srivatsa Shreyas , Belthangadi Pavithra , Ekambaram Shivakarthik , Pai Manu , Sen Prosenjit , Uhl Tadeusz , Kumar Saurabh , Grabowski Krzysztof , Nayak M. M.
Published: February 2021

Correction for ‘Dynamic response study of Ti3C2-MXene films to shockwave and impact forces’ by Shreyas Srivatsa et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 29147–29155, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA04879H.
Synthesis of quaternary centres by single electron reduction and alkylation of alkylsulfones
Authors: Nambo Masakazu , Tahara Yasuyo , Yim Jacky C.-H. , Yokogawa Daisuke , Crudden Cathleen M.
Published: February 2021

A new method for the generation of tertiary radicals through single electron reduction of alkylsulfones promoted by Zn and 1,10-phenanthroline has been developed.
pH-Responsive Pickering emulsions stabilized solely by surface-inactive nanoparticles via an unconventional stabilization mechanism
Authors: Jia Kangle , Guo Yongshun , Yu Yue , Zhang Junjie , Yu Longfei , Wen Wu , Mai Yuliang
Published: February 2021

Pickering emulsions stabilized solely by surface-inactive and hydrophilic nanoparticles.
Novel thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials by high-throughput virtual screening: going beyond donor–acceptor design
Authors: Zhao Ke , Omar Ömer H. , Nematiaram Tahereh , Padula Daniele , Troisi Alessandro
Published: February 2021

125 potential TADF candidates are identified through quantum chemistry calculations of 700 molecules derived from a database of 40 000 molecular semiconductors. Most of them are new and some do not belong to the class of donor–acceptor molecules.
Computation offloading game in multiple unmanned aerial vehicle‐enabled mobile edge computing networks
Authors: Ren Yanling , Xie Zhibin , Ding Zhenfeng , Sun Xiyuan , Xia Jie , Tian Yubo
Published: February 2021

Because of extreme sensitivity to time and energy consumption, many computation‐ and data‐intensive tasks are difficult to implement on mobile terminals and cannot meet the needs of the rapid development of mobile networks. To solve this problem, mobile edge computing (MEC) appears to be a promising solution. In this study, we propose two offloading schemes in the multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) enabled MEC network. Their optimisation goals are to minimise the global computing time and energy consumption of all UAVs, respectively. Different from previous research, the UAV can perform tasks locally or offload an appropriate percentage to the desired MEC server in the two proposed schemes. In order to get the minimum global computing time, we prove the existence condition and obtain the optimal offloading proportion. In addition, in order to minimise global energy consumption, we also obtain the optimal offloading proportion and present the optimal transmission power through solving Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions. Finally, because UAVs are selfish, we adopt the game theory to get optimal solutions of the proposed offloading strategies. Numerical results verify that the proposed schemes can effectively decrease the global computing time and energy consumption, especially for a large number of UAVs.
Impact of connected vehicle environment on driving performance: A case of an extra‐long tunnel scenario
Authors: Chang Xin , Rong Jian , Li Haijian , Wu Yiping , Zhao Xiaohua
Published: February 2021

In view of the benefits and a promising prospect of the emerging connected vehicles (CV), more and more vehicles will be equipped with the in‐vehicle human‐machine interface (HMI). This study aims to assess the comprehensive impacts of HMIs on individual driving performance, traffic safety, and eco‐driving behaviour based on a driving simulator. In order to explore how a driver responds to warnings when approaching a tunnel, this study divided the experimental road into five zones according to warning positions. A comparative analysis was conducted to examine the changes in driving comfort, speeding behaviour, the standard deviation of speed, time headway (THW), fuel consumption, and emissions. Results showed that the HMI could be beneficial to speed adjustment before entering a tunnel. Meanwhile, HMI may affect the THW of vehicles. Drivers were usually more cautious when the HMI was on. However, no significant effects of the HMI for driving comfort and eco‐driving behaviour can be observed. It is expected that more efficient technology and different warning strategies can be developed to enhance eco‐safe driving for different zones because they have different effects. The findings of this study are also helpful for active safety management and for evaluating the effectiveness of CV systems.
Temporal evolution of small-scale internetwork magnetic fields in the solar photosphere
Authors: Campbell R. J. , Mathioudakis M. , Collados M. , Keys P. H. , Asensio Ramos A. , Nelson C. J. , Kuridze D. , Reid A.
Published: February 2021

Context. While the longitudinal field that dominates in photospheric network regions has been studied extensively, small-scale transverse fields have recently been found to be ubiquitous in the quiet internetwork photosphere and this merits further study. Furthermore, few observations have been able to capture how this field evolves.

Aims. We aim to statistically characterize the magnetic vector in a quiet Sun internetwork region and observe the temporal evolution of specific small-scale magnetic features.

Methods. We present two high spatio-temporal resolution observations that reveal the dynamics of two disk-centre internetwork regions taken by the new GREGOR Infrared Spectrograph Integral Field Unit with the highly magnetically sensitive photospheric Fe I line pair at 15648.52 Å and 15652.87 Å. We record the full Stokes vector and apply inversions with the Stokes inversions based on response functions code to retrieve the parameters characterizing the atmosphere. We consider two inversion schemes: scheme 1 (S1), where a magnetic atmosphere is embedded in a field free medium, and scheme 2 (S2), with two magnetic models and a fixed 30% stray light component.

Results. The magnetic properties produced from S1 inversions returned a median magnetic field strength of 200 and 240 G for the two datasets, respectively. We consider the median transverse (horizontal) component, among pixels with Stokes Q or U, and the median unsigned longitudinal (vertical) component, among pixels with Stokes V, above a noise threshold. We determined the former to be 263 G and 267 G, and the latter to be 131 G and 145 G, for the two datasets, respectively. Finally, we present three regions of interest, tracking the dynamics of small-scale magnetic features. We apply S1 and S2 inversions to specific profiles of interest and find that the latter produces better approximations when there is evidence of mixed polarities. We find patches of linear polarization with magnetic flux density of the order of 130−150 G and find that linear polarization appears preferentially at granule-intergranular lane boundaries. The weak magnetic field appears to be organized in terms of complex ‘loop-like’ structures, with transverse fields often flanked by opposite polarity longitudinal fields.
Typologie pour l’action des exploitations des zones cotonnières de Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Koné Siaka , Fok Michel
Published: February 2021

Dans les zones cotonnières de l’Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre, le soutien apporté aux exploitations dans le cadre d’actions nationales ou en coopération ne repose pas sur une typologie des exploitations, que ce soit pour l’identification des actions à conduire ou pour l’évaluation de celles-ci. Une telle situation peut résulter d’un manque de typologie ou, plus souvent, du manque d’application effective et régulière d’une typologie. Cet article propose une démarche de typologie pour l’action en Côte d’Ivoire, la distribution des exploitations entre les types servant à identifier les actions à conduire puis à évaluer leurs impacts. Cette typologie est fondée sur l’identification d’un critère quantitatif simple et sur la mesure des niveaux de divers indicateurs techniques et socio-économiques corrélés avec le critère choisi. La typologie, basée sur les données d’une enquête faite en 2014, a été établie sur la base du seul critère de la possession de bovins, en cohérence avec la tradition de thésaurisation dans le bétail. En raison des corrélations entre ce critère et d’autres, les quatre types d’exploitations différenciés par le niveau de possession de bovins sont aussi clairement différents pour leurs performances techniques et financières dans la culture du coton, les caractéristiques des agriculteurs (âge, taille des familles et des exploitations…), ainsi que pour la possession de biens durables. La typologie proposée est adaptée au contexte local, simple d’application, flexible dans son évolution et pourrait être utile pour la définition de politiques dans les zones cotonnières de Côte d’Ivoire. Pour son application dans la durée, elle requerrait cependant d’actualiser les relations des divers indicateurs techniques et socio-économiques avec le critère de possession de bovins. La tradition commune de thésaurisation dans le bétail autorise à penser que la typologie étudiée pourrait aussi être adaptée pour les autres pays producteurs de coton d’Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre.
Habitat overlap and body condition in aquatic turtles: are there additive effects between invasive and native species?
Authors: Escoriza Daniel , Sunyer Pau , Poch Santiago , Boix Dani
Published: February 2021

Trachemys scripta (Reptilia, Emydidae) is among the most widespread invasive reptiles in the world. In general, it is assumed that this species has negative effects on native aquatic turtles based on experiments conducted under controlled conditions. Here, we analysed a 7‒year time series (2013‒2019) of data from captures of three species of turtles (two natives and one alien) from natural populations in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula. We evaluated (i) the interspecific spatial overlap and (ii) the correlation between the scaled mass index (SMI) of the native turtles and the abundance of T. scripta, including an interaction effect between the species. The analyses revealed that T. scripta has relatively low spatial overlap with Emys orbicularis but high overlap with Mauremys leprosa. Overall, the abundance of T. scripta was not associated with significant variations in the SMI of the native species, although for the female E. orbicularis, we detected a negative trend. The analyses also indicated that the abundance of T. scripta does not have an additive effect on the SMI of other turtles, even if there is a negative effect between native species. These findings suggested that the impact of T. scripta on other turtles could be density-dependent.
Management of Modular Mega-Implant Infection of the Lower Extremity
Authors: Ghanem Mohamed , Schneider Isabell , Zajonz Dirk , Pempe Christina , Goralski Szymon , Fakler Johannes K. M. , Heyde Christoph-Eckhard , Roth Andreas
Published: February 2021

Introduction Revision arthroplasty involving mega-implants is associated with a high complication rate. In particular, infection is a serious complication of revision arthroplasty of hip and knee joints and has been reported to have an average rate of 18%, and for mega-implants, the range is from 3 to 36%. This study was designed to analyze the strategy of treatment of infection of mega-endoprostheses of the lower extremities in our patient cohort, particularly the management of chronic infection.

Material and Methods This was a retrospective study that focused on the results of the treatment of periprosthetic infections of mega-implants of the lower extremities. We identified 26 cases with periprosthetic infections out of 212 patients with 220 modular mega-endoprostheses of the lower extremities who were treated in our department between September 2013 and September 2019. As a reinfection or recurrence, we defined clinical and microbiological recurrences of local periprosthetic joint infections after an antibiotic-free period.

Results In this study, 200 cases out of 220 were investigated. The average follow-up period was approximately 18 months (6 months to 6 years). Endoprosthesis infections after implantation of mega-implants occurred in 26 cases (13%). This group comprised 2 early infections (within the first 4 weeks) and 24 chronic infections (between 10 weeks and 6 years after implantation). Nineteen cases out of the identified 26 cases with infection (73.1%) belong to the group of patients who were operated on due to major bone loss following explantation of endoprosthetic components due to previous periprosthetic joint infection. The remaining seven cases with infection comprised four cases following management of periprosthetic fracture, two cases following treatment of aseptic loosening, and one case following tumor resection. All infections were treated surgically. In all cases, the duration of continuous antibiotic treatment did not exceed 6 weeks. Both cases with early
infection were treated by exchanging polyethylene inlays and performing debridement with lavage (two cases). In two (7.7%) cases with chronic infection, one-stage surgery was performed. In all remaining cases with chronic infection (22 cases; 84.6%), explantation of all components and temporary implantation of cement spacers were carried out prior to reimplantation.

Conclusion There is still no gold standard therapeutic regimen for the management of periprosthetic infection of mega-implants, though radical surgical debridement and lavage accompanied by systemic antibiotic therapy are the most important therapeutic tools in all cases of periprosthetic infections, regardless of the time of onset. Further studies are needed to standardize management strategies of such infections. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for compromises to be made based on the particular condition of the individual.
Extended Scalp Flaps for Extensive Soft Tissue Scalp Defects as a Day Surgery Procedure Under Local Anesthetic: A Single Centre Experience
Authors: Malahias Marco , Ackling Edward , Zubair Omer , Harper Natasha , Al-Rawi Haytham , Khalil Haitham
Published: February 2021

Background Cutaneous malignancies are on the rise, associated with an increased number in scalp cancers that require wide local excision (WLE) to ensure clearance; the inelastic nature of the scalp poses a particular challenge when dealing with such large defects.

Case presentation A series of 68 cases with large scalp defects following WLE for the clearance of squamous cell carcinoma, atypical fibroxanthoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and melanoma skin cancers are presented. These cases were treated in one center under local anesthesia and underwent extended scalp flaps to close the resulting defect primarily without the use of skin grafts for the flap donor site on the scalp.

Conclusion Extended scalp flap is a safe and reproducible solution for extensive scalp defects, which results in quicker wound healing with cosmetically superior results, and can be performed safely and comfortably under local anesthesia in the day case setting.
Head Injury without Head Blow? A Rare Case of Subdural Hematoma Associated with Minute Arachnoid Cyst in a Teenage Skater
Authors: Szczygielski Jacek , München Dorothea , Ketter Ralf , Ràkàsz Lukas , Schulz-Schaeffer Walter , Oertel Joachim
Published: February 2021

Background Skateboarding has been reported to cause diverse kinds of injuries, including head trauma. However, the risk of brain injury without direct blow to the head seems to be underestimated. In particular, the impact of the inertial forces related to the vigorous character of skateboarding tricks is not sufficiently recognized.

Case Description In our report, we demonstrate a case of chronic subdural hematoma developing without previous blow to the head in a 17-year-old skater bearing small frontal convexity arachnoid cyst.

Conclusion Based on the described case, the possibility of acceleration and angular forces related to skate park leisure activities resulting in subdural hematoma needs to be discussed. This risk should be critically appraised in patients carrying arachnoid cyst as a malformation predisposing to develop subdural bleeding.
Factores asociados a complicaciones infecciosas posoperatorias en pacientes con urolitiasis
Authors: Osorio-Manrique Javier , Ramos-Castaneda Jorge Andres , Garcia-Landazabal Elsa , Molano-Garcia Maria Paula
Published: February 2021

Introducción Se encuentran múltiples tratamientos para la urolitiasis, los cuales dependen en gran medida del tamaño y la ubicación de la litiasis. Dentro de las opciones terapéuticas se encuentran la expulsión activa, utilización de ondas de choque, las ureterolitotomias, y procedimientos endoscópicos, todas con diferentes tasas de efectividad y riesgo de complicación infecciosa. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar los factores asociados a la complicación infecciosa posterior al procedimiento urológico en pacientes con urolitiasis.

Métodos Estudio de casos y controles anidado a una cohorte de pacientes programados para procedimientos urológicos como tratamiento para la urolitiasis durante el periodo 2015 - 2019. Se consideraron casos, aquellos con complicación infecciosa posoperatoria dentro de los 30 días posteriores al procedimiento urológico. Los controles se seleccionaron de la cohorte inicial y fueron los pacientes que no presentaron complicación infecciosa.

Resultados En el periodo de estudio, fueron atendidos 350 pacientes con litiasis renal, con un total de 1258 cálculos. El número promedio de cálculos por paciente fue de 3,59; la prevalencia de litiasis bilateral fue del 57%, siendo similar la cantidad de cálculos en el lado izquierdo (promedio = 1,4) y en el derecho (promedio = 1,44).

La tasa de complicación infecciosa posquirúrgica fue del 4% (n= 14) y se asoció con la presencia de al menos un cálculo mayor de 20 mm (OR 4,49 IC95% 1,39–14,52).

Conclusión La tasa de complicación infecciosa posoperatoria en pacientes con urolitiasis y programados para procedimientos urológicos es baja. Una longitud del cálculo mayor de 20 mm es un factor asociado a la infección posoperatoria.
Complicaciones de la linfadenectomía retroperitoneal postquimioterapia en pacientes con tumor germinal de origen testicular: Experiencia de 12 años en un centro de referencia en Colombia
Authors: Torres Lynda , Ramos José Gustavo , Varela Rodolfo , Cabrera Marino , Orrego Paola Andrea , Mosquera Aysa Vanessa , Vecino Sandra Viviana Pulido
Published: February 2021

Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio, fue describir las complicaciones intraoperatorias y postoperatorias, así como la necesidad de cirugías concomitantes en la linfadenectomía retroperitoneal postquimioterapia en un centro de referencia de manejo de cáncer.

Métodos Se recolectaron datos de una cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes con diagnóstico de tumor germinal de origen testicular que hubiesen recibido quimioterapia y en quienes se documentó tumor residual retroperitoneal y fueron sometidos a LRP-PC durante 12 años en un centro de referencia de manejo de cáncer.

Resultados Se practicó LRP-PC a 64 pacientes. La edad promedio al momento de la cirugía fue 28,1 años (18-47 años). El tamaño promedio de la masa retroperitoneal post quimioterapia fue 6,7 (1–28 cm). La estancia hospitalaria promedio fue 7,9 días (rango 1-99 días), la tasa de cirugías adicionales fue del 20%. La tasa de complicaciones mayores fue de 7,8%. Tener seminoma en la histología testicular inicial se asoció con un mayor sangrado y el tamaño de la masa retroperitoneal residual se asoció con la necesidad de cirugías concomitantes.

Conclusiones La LRP-PC es una cirugía de alto nivel de complejidad que se asocia a complicaciones mayores y a la necesidad de cirugías concomitantes. Esta cohorte de pacientes muestra desenlaces similares a los descritos en la literatura, recalcando el hecho de que esta cirugía, debería ser realizada en centros de referencia de manejo del cáncer.
Bloqueo nervioso corticoideo-bupivacaína: ¿La mejoría post-procedimiento inmediato predice el éxito terapéutico a mediano plazo?
Authors: Cobeñas Ricardo , Flórez Juan , Chiaradia Pablo , Salgado Kelly Ruiz , Vedia María De , Paba Mariángela , Pinzón Jairo Hernández
Published: February 2021

Objetivo Establecer la relación entre la reducción inmediata de los síntomas post bloqueo nervioso lumbar guiado por tomografía computada (TC) y la mejoría tras un lapso de tiempo de un mes.

Materiales y métodos Se analizaron datos sobre 46 procedimientos de bloqueos lumbares radiculares y epidurales guiados por TC realizados entre diciembre de 2018 y marzo de 2019. Los pacientes firmaron consentimiento informado y el Comité de Ética en Investigación de nuestra institución aprobó el estudio. Se colectó, mediante un cuestionario dicotómico, información acerca de los síntomas iniciales, los cambios inmediatos al procedimiento y los síntomas tras un mes del mismo.

Resultados Inmediatamente post-bloqueo, 30 pacientes (65%) mostraron mejoría o ausencia de síntomas y seis de ellos manifestaron persistencia de los síntomas al mes. Post-procedimiento inmediato, 16 pacientes (34%) no presentaron ningún cambio en la sintomatología. De estos, siete presentaron mejoría al mes. La razón de momios para la persistencia del efecto analgésico al mes en los casos en los que el paciente manifestó alivio inmediato después del procedimiento fue de 5,1 (95% IC 1.128 a 24.031). La prueba de McNemar para determinar si esta diferencia en la proporción de pacientes con alivio inmediato posterior a la punción y persistencia del efecto analgésico arrojó un p value de 0,08.

Conclusión Existió asociación positiva entre la mejoría inmediata y la ausencia de síntomas al mes. Sin embargo, el análisis estadístico de antes y después insinúa que estos resultados pudieron ser por el azar.
Use of Hormone Therapy in Women with Early Menopause and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
Authors: Lersten Ivy , Clain Elizabeth , Santoro Nanette
Published: February 2021

Women with early menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) experience a menopausal state a decade or more earlier than their peers. The health consequences for POI are vast and varied with detrimental effects seen on neurological, psychological, bone, and cardiovascular systems. The risk profile of POI patients requires special attention, as they differ from a typical menopausal population. This review will explore the health risks associated with POI and examine the various treatment options and also the risks associated with hormone therapy. Given the risks and benefits, POI patients should be strongly encouraged to start hormone therapy until the median age of menopause.
Treatment of Increased Intracranial Pressure and Vasospasm after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a 9-Year-Old Child—A Case Report
Authors: Müller Sarah-Hélène , Taschner Christian , Meckel Stephan , Mayerhofer Ernst , Roelz Roland , Bansbach Joachim
Published: February 2021

In this article, we reported a 9-year-old male child patient who suffered severe subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the left parieto-occipital artery. After endovascular occlusion of the aneurysm, increased intracranial pressure refractory to noninvasive therapy required secondary decompressive hemicraniectomy. Critical vasospasm and delayed neurological deterioration were treated by oral nimodipine and successful endovascular rescue therapy consisting of intra-arterial balloon dilatation.
Functional Outcomes and Postoperative Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis after Translabyrinthine Approach for Vestibular Schwannoma Resection: A Radiographic Demonstration of Anatomic Predictors
Authors: Gerges Christina , Malloy Patrick , Rabah Nicholas , Defta Dana , Duan Yifei , Wright Christina H. , van Keulen Marte , Wright James , Mowry Sarah , Megerian Cliff A. , Bambakidis Nicholas
Published: February 2021

Introduction While regarded as an effective surgical approach to vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection, the translabyrinthine (TL) approach is not without complications. It has been postulated that postoperative cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (pCVST) may occur as a result of injury and manipulation during surgery. Our objective was to identify radiologic, surgical, and patient-specific risk factors that may be associated with pCVST.

Methods The Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained and the medical records of adult patients with VS who underwent TL craniectomy at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center between 2009 and 2019 were reviewed. Demographic data, radiographic measurements, and tumor characteristics were collected. Outcomes assessed included pCVST and the modified Rankin score (mRS).

Results Sixty-one patients ultimately met inclusion criteria for the study. Ten patients demonstrated radiographic evidence of thrombus. Patients who developed pCVST demonstrated shorter internal auditory canal (IAC) to sinus distance (mean: 22.5 vs. 25.0 mm, p = 0.044) and significantly smaller petrous angles (mean: 26.3 vs. 32.7 degrees, p = 0.0045). Patients with good mRS scores (<3) appeared also to have higher mean petrous angles (32.5 vs. 26.8, p = 0.016). Koos' grading and tumor size, in our study, were not associated with thrombosis.

Conclusion More acute petrous angle and shorter IAC to sinus distance are objective anatomic variables associated with pCVST in TL surgical approaches.
Ovine Biosynthetic Grafts for Aortoiliac Reconstructions in Nonsterile Operative Fields
Authors: El Beyrouti Hazem , Izzat Mohammad Bashar , Kornberger Angela , Halloum Nancy , Dohle Kathrin , Trinh Tran Tong , Vahl Christian-Friedrich , Dorweiler Bernhard
Published: February 2021

Background Prosthetic vascular grafts placed surgically or via endovascular techniques can be subject to the risk of life-threatening graft infections. The Omniflow II vascular prosthesis is a biosynthetic graft that was reported to have favorable properties in resisting infections.

Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed our 3 years' experience of using the Omniflow II prostheses for aortoiliac reconstructions in patients considered to carry a substantial risk of subsequent prosthetic graft infections (prevention group) as well as in patients with actively infected prosthetic vascular grafts (treatment group).

Results Aorto-bi-iliac (n = 4) and aortobifemoral (n = 12) vascular reconstructions were performed using bifurcated Omniflow II prostheses in nine patients in the prevention group and seven patients in the treatment group. During mean follow-up of 28.6 ± 17.2 months, there was one case of graft infection (6.3%) and graft thrombosis (6.3%) with subsequent successful thrombectomy. Early and late surgical revisions were required in eight (50%) and two (12.6%) patients, respectively. All graft prostheses were patent at last follow-up.

Conclusion Using bifurcated Omniflow II vascular prostheses in patients with or at a high risk of vascular graft infection is advisable, and is associated with acceptable reinfection and patency rates.
Use of Thromboelastography Platelet Mapping for Assessment of Individual Platelet Response Secondary to Oral Antiplatelet Therapy after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: An Attempt to Start Personalized Antiplatelet Therapy in India
Authors: Datta Suvro Sankha , De Dibyendu , Muslim Nadeem Afroz
Published: February 2021

High on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) with P2Y12 receptor antagonists in patients treated with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is strongly associated with adverse ischemic events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This prospective study was conducted to assess individual platelet response and HPR to antiplatelet medications in post-PCI cases by thromboelastography platelet mapping (TEG-PM). Total 82 patients who were on aspirin and on either clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor were evaluated. The percentage of platelet inhibition to arachidonic acid (AA) and adenosine disdiphosphate (ADP) was calculated by [100-{(MA ADP/AA–MA Fibrin) / (MA Thrombin–MA Fibrin) × 100}], taking 50% response as cut-off for HPR. HPR to clopidogrel and prasugrel was 14.29 and 12.5%, respectively. No HPR was detected to aspirin and ticagrelor. The mean percentage of platelet inhibition was significantly higher in patients with ticagrelor 82.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) of [77.3, 88.7] as compared with clopidogrel 72.21, 95% CI of [65.3, 79.1] and prasugrel 64.2, 95% CI of [52.5, 75.9] (p-value of 0.041 and 0.003, respectively). Aspirin along with ticagrelor is associated with a higher mean percentage of platelet inhibition, and lower HPR as compared with the usage of aspirin combined with clopidogrel or prasugrel. Additionally, it might also be concluded that TEG-PM could be used effectively to measure the individual platelet functions which would make oral antiplatelet therapy more personalized for cardiac patients.
Global solutions to the n-dimensional incompressible Oldroyd-B model without damping mechanism
Authors: Zhai Xiaoping
Published: February 2021

The present work is dedicated to the global solutions to the incompressible Oldroyd-B model without damping on the stress tensor in Rn(n=2,3). This result allows us to construct global solutions for a class of highly oscillating initial velocities. The proof uses the special structure of the system. Moreover, our theorem extends the previous result of Zhu [J. Funct. Anal. 274, 2039–2060 (2018)] and covers the recent result of Chen and Hao [J. Math. Fluid Mech. 21, 42 (2019)].
Effect of vanadium substitution in LixFeF3 by first-principles calculations
Authors: Mori Masahiro , Tanaka Shingo , Shikano Masahiro , Sakaebe Hikari
Published: February 2021

We calculate the stable atomic and electronic states of vanadium-substituted trirutile-type LixFeF3 (LixFe1−yVyF3) and discuss the effect of V substitution in LixFe1−yVyF3 based on the relative energy, Bader charge, and density of states. We find that the x = 0.50 configurations are the most stable for all y values studied here. In the cases where Fe and V coexist, we found that the compositions where Li insertions (x) were the same as the Fe substitutions (1 − y) were energetically stable. Our results suggest that Fe (or V) in LixFe1−yVyF3 preferentially decreases (or increases) its formal valence state with Li insertion (or extraction). This result will lead to the elucidation of the mechanism for the smooth transition from Li insertion to conversion reaction to solve the critical problem of FeF3 positive electrode material.
Understanding the energy balance of a surface barrier discharge for various molecular gases by a multi-diagnostic approach
Authors: Hansen Luka , Rosenfeldt Lukas , Reck Kristian A. , Kersten Holger
Published: February 2021

Electrical and calorimetrical measurements were performed to obtain insight into the energy transformation from input power to the power available for the plasma treatment of substrates in a diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge used as plasma source and operated in air, N2, O2, and CO2 at input power of up to 380 W. Overall input power and applied electrical power were measured, and a conversion of 90% was determined with a constant loss of 30 W for the operation of the control unit. Measurements of the temperature gradient were performed for the electrode oil cooling to identify the power loss due to cooling. With roughly 50% of the applied electrical power, it turned out to be the largest loss term. A ceramic passive thermal probe was used to determine the energy flux from the plasma to a substrate. Highest energy flux values were found to be about 500mW/cm2 using air as working gas. Conversion efficiencies from the available electrical power via discharge to the power used for substrate treatment of 50%–35% depending on the working gas (highest for air, lowest for CO2) were determined. Investigation on the spatial expansion of the surface discharge showed a dependence of the energy flux from the distance above the electrode. The energy flux maximum shifts to larger distances if no oxygen is present in the working gas.
Vertical silicon etching by using an automatically and fast-controlled frequency tunable rf plasma source
Authors: Hanaoka Kengo , Takahashi Kazunori
Published: February 2021

An automatically and fast-controlled frequency tunable radiofrequency (rf) system is employed to a plasma etching device, where the rf system contains two rf amplifiers operational in 37 MHz–43 MHz for a plasma source and a wafer stage. Both impedance matching circuits for the source and the wafer stage have no variable capacitors, leading a compact design of the rf system; the power reflection can be minimized by adjusting the frequencies. The rf frequency and the output power are automatically controlled so as to minimize a reflection coefficient and to maintain a constant net power corresponding to a forward power minus a reflected power for both the source and the stage. The source is operated with SF6 and C4F8 gases for silicon etching and passivation in the Bosch process, respectively. For both the cases, the impedance tuning can be accomplished within several ms and the net power is maintained at a constant level. By alternatively switching the SF6 and C4F8 plasmas with pulse widths of 5 s and 2 s, respectively, a vertical silicon etching is performed, where a scallop structure is clearly formed on the etching side wall. By shortening the pulse widths down to 1 s and 0.4 s for the SF6 and C4F8 plasmas, the size of the scallop structure is significantly reduced; the usability of the automatically and fast-controlled rf plasma source for the Bosch process is demonstrated.
Forced convection past a semi-circular cylinder at incidence with a downstream circular cylinder: Thermofluidic transport and stability analysis
Authors: Sarkar Sandip , Mondal Chitrak , Manna Nirmal K. , Saha Sandip K.
Published: February 2021

The present study analyzes the transport characteristics and associated instability of a forced convective flow past a semi-circular cylinder at incidence with a downstream circular cylinder. Considering air as an operating fluid, unsteady computations are performed for the ranges of incidence angles ϕ and Reynolds numbers (Re) (0° ≤ ϕ ≤ 90°, 60≤Re≤160). The numerical model is adequately validated with the available experimental and numerical data from the literature. It is found that the presence of the upstream semi-circular cylinder at various incidence angles yields a rotational effect on the flow structures that evolve from the downstream circular cylinder. The modulation of the incidence angle reveals three separation regimes of the shed-vortex structures, which shows wake confluence. The dependencies of the coefficient of drag CD and the root mean square values of the lift coefficient CL,rms on the angles of incidence are examined for both of the cylinders. The frequency of vortex shedding increases with increasing ϕ and attains its peak value at ϕ ∼ 30°. The forced convective heat transfer for the semi-circular cylinder decreases with increasing ϕ, whereas a contrasting trend is observed for the circular cylinder until ϕ ∼ 45°. The global stability analysis through the dynamic mode decomposition shows a stabilizing flow situation for the present range of operating parameters.
Vibronic coupling in the first six electronic states of pentafluorobenzene radical cation: Radiative emission and nonradiative decay
Authors: Kanakati Arun Kumar , Mahapatra S.
Published: February 2021

Nuclear dynamics in the first six vibronically coupled electronic states of pentafluorobenzene radical cation is studied with the aid of the standard vibronic coupling theory and quantum dynamical methods. A model 6 × 6 vibronic Hamiltonian is constructed in a diabatic electronic basis using symmetry selection rules and a Taylor expansion of the elements of the electronic Hamiltonian in terms of the normal coordinate of vibrational modes. Extensive ab initio quantum chemistry calculations are carried out for the adiabatic electronic energies to establish the diabatic potential energy surfaces and their coupling surfaces. Both time-independent and time-dependent quantum mechanical methods are employed to perform nuclear dynamics calculations. The vibronic spectrum of the electronic states is calculated, assigned, and compared with the available experimental results. Internal conversion dynamics of electronic states is examined to assess the impact of various couplings on the nuclear dynamics. The impact of increasing fluorination of the parent benzene radical cation on its radiative emission is examined and discussed.