bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of ab-inito, Photoluminescence and electrical studies of Li2Co(WO4)2
Authors: Shruthi D L , Anil Kumar G N , Jagannatha Reddy A
Published: March 2022

The optical properties of the material is depends on the site occupancy of the doping in the host lattice. In the present study, wereport the synthesis, characterisation, optical properties and ab-initio studies of Li2Co(WO4)2microcrystals synthesized by traditional and easy solid state method. The x-ray diffraction study shows the compound which arecrystallized in the triclinic crystal system space group PÏ.The average crystallite size was estimated from diffraction study found to be 109 nm. From UV-Visible spectroscopic study the calculated band gap is 2.69 eV for the phosphor. The Li2Co(WO4)2 phosphors shows the Photoluminescence under an excitation wavelength of 331 nm. A strong blue green peak emission at 447 nm was observed due to the transition from 3T1u levels to the 1A1g level. The electrical impedance studies were carried out to enunciate the impedance behaviour of Li2Co(WO4)2and to depict different conduction and relaxation processes.Further, theab-initiostudies were carried out in detail to understand electronic properties of the phosphor.
Synthesis of Graphene Quantum dots from the fresh leaves extract of Cynodon Dactylon and its Photoluminescence studies
Authors: Pai Asha R , Silpa Sasi B , Arya J , Arjun K.S.
Published: March 2022

The current research is mainly focused on the synthesis of graphene quantum dots from the fresh extracts of Dhruva Grass (Cynodon Dactylon) by a One-pot, facile, solvothermal method at 60°C for 1 hr using a solvent mixture of Methanol and acetone in a ratio of 1:1. The high resolution transmission electron microscope image showed the formation of Graphene quantum dots with average size of 3-5 nm with the fluorescent quantum yield of 49.1%.
Selective Defect Metal Sulfide for Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Sarngan Pooja P. , Manju C P , Jadhao Pranjali , Sarkar Debabrata
Published: March 2022

As a p-type semiconductor with metal vacancies in the lattice,coppersulfide Cu2-xS has been proved asan effective photocatalyst with its unique semiconducting character, non-toxic nature andexcellent optoelectronic properties. In this work, we have synthesized copper sulphide nanostructure via hydrothermal method by using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a morphology controlling agent. Due to plasmonic nature, results from copper vacancy Cu2-xS nanocrystals possess a property called localized surface plasmon resonance which makes them capable of utilizing the NIR region of solar spectrum. The aim of this study is to explore copper sulphide catalyst which is capable of absorbing NIR region of the solar spectrum. It is found that copper sulphide has significantly enhanced light absorption over the entire wavelength range (from ultra-violet to near-infrared).
Thermal and Layer Thickness Dependence of Defect and Band Edge Transmissions in 1D PCs Based on ZnS/CaF2 Multilayers
Authors: Shilpa R , Abhinaya  , Yamuna  , Mudachathi Renilkumar
Published: March 2022

Alternating layers of different materials with sub wavelength thickness in one dimension are used for controlling the propagation of electromagnetic waves owing to their ability to selectively transfer and confine photons of specific wavelengths, called photonic band gap (PBG). Temperature independent large PBG in the visible wavelength range is highly desired for many applications and we have theoretically investigated the thermal and layer thickness dependence on PBG and proposed a novel strategy to choose materials based on their coefficients of thermal expansion and thermo optic effect. The thermal dependence of PBG can be eliminated by making the spectral shift due to thermo optic effect equal and opposite to that of the thermal expansion effect. We have chosen ZnS/CaF2 multilayers for the design of 1D photonic crystal (PC) and our calculations have shown that the spectral shift due to thermal fluctuations could be significantly reduced by the negative thermo optic coefficient of these materials compensated by the positive thermal expansion coefficient. The proposed 1D PC shows a temperature dependent spectral shift of ∼14 pm/oC in the visible range.
Thermodynamic study of high thermal stability Carbon Dots
Authors: Rimal Vishal , Srivastava P.K.
Published: March 2022

Carbon Dots (CDs) in the recent years have been found to exhibit exceptional thermal stability. The superior nature CDs demonstrate in their physical, chemical, optical and conductive properties together with their low cytotoxicity make them a true contender to conventional inorganic counterparts. In this study the traditional thermodynamic properties that support the high thermal stability of CDs have been investigated. The thermal stability of CDs has been found to have a superior relationship with numerous parameters thereby paving a strong evidence for further research and advancement in the field. This result will further help in the development of organic nanoparticles which can be employed in environments where high-temperature resistance is a crucial requirement.
Exploitation of Versatile Naturally Derived Blue Colorant Pigment 3-[2-hydroxy-5-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl] indol-one
Authors: Ishani  , Isita  , Vijayakumar T.
Published: March 2022

3-[2-hydroxy-5-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl] indol-one depicts a multifaceted pigment which was discovered in distinct bacteria species like Chromobacterium violaceum, Duganella sp. , Collimonas sp. , D. violaceinigra , Pseudoalteromonas sp. , J. svalbardensis , Janthinobacteriumlividum, etc. 3-[2-hydroxy-5-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl] indol-one is liable for the stunning purple pastels which demonstrates a variety of biological behaviors and is reportedly garnering growing popularity in industrial- market segments, for instance, textiles, medicine, cosmetics etc. It is perhaps a novel therapeutic category of drug which is L-tryptophan originated displays anti-cancer along with antibiotic action. The intention of this review was to identify the numerous applications of 3-[2-hydroxy-5-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl] indol-one and evaluate its varied biochemical properties in a pharmacological sense, including its antioxidant, antitumor, anti-trypanocidal, antibacterial, anti-ulcerogenic, anticancer and immunomodulatory activities. Additionally, its usage in cosmetics, food, textiles, toys along with insecticides has stemmed as peculiar emerging segments of applications of 3-[2-hydroxy-5-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl] indol-one have been reviewed here.
Spectral Identification of Constituents of Rock Minerals
Authors: Joshua Samuel S. , Kannan M.R. , Sheeba Sherlin Y. , Vijayakumar T.
Published: March 2022

The investigations of various planetary materials like mineral, organic, and biogenic materials, pre-solar grains, primitive meteoroids and soils from the moon and asteroids have been an effective research interest in planetary exploration. Spectroscopic analyses of terrestrial analog materials can give a best of understanding geology structure, chemical elements and processes on surfaces viz, valuable elements present in the earth and mars. The present work aims at understanding the identification of different types of rock minerals, its structure and chemical compositions, structural and micro-structural characterization. The rock sample is taken from the hills of Yelagiri located in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. The samples were analyzed both as whole rocks and as fine powders as prepared similar to the ExoMars SPDS. The rock minerals are characterized using X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, FT Raman, X-ray Fluorescence.
Investigation on Spinel Co3O4 Nanoparticles through Mechanochemical Technique
Authors: Nivas Bharath , Rose Aleena , Shunmugapriya B. , Vijayakumar T.
Published: March 2022

The spinel type Cobalt Oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized through simple mechanochemical method. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized through X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Raman spectroscopy respectively. The Crystallite structure of the prepared sample was analyzed through X-Ray diffractograms. The surface morphology and the presence of elements were investigated through energy dispersive spectrum. Raman spectroscopy was utilized for recording the vibrational pattern of the sample. The cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy reveals the good electrochemical performance of the Co3O4 nanomaterials.
Synthesis and Characterization of g-C3N4/ZnO Nanocomposites for Gas Sensing Application
Authors: Yethukrishnan C.S , Vangari Govind A. , Simon Patrick D , Krishna Mohan M.
Published: March 2022

Air pollution is one of the prevailing issues in our atmosphere, which greatly affects humans and causes dangerous diseases. Toxic and green gases (NO2, CO2, NOx, H2S, CO, Sulphur dioxide, and CH4) are present in the ambient atmosphere arising from different industries, vehicles, and fossil fuel combustion. g-C3N4/ZnO nanocomposites were prepared via a facile hydrothermal method. The synthesized g-C3N4/ZnO samples were analyzed using FE-SEM for morphological analysis and structural parameters are confirmed by XRD. Further investigation is done on sensing films for toxic gases by varying temperature, resistance change, and gas type.
Synthesis and characterization of mesoporous SiO2nanoparticles for bio medical applications
Authors: VigneshKrishnan  , Suresh M , Kalaivani T
Published: March 2022

Abstarct. In the present work, synthesis and characterization of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs)were examined. In this work, the synthesis of silica by co-precipitate process were used for synthesis fromPrecursor of silica tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS),NH4OH, surfactant (CTAB). Silica dioxide were confirmed byX-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) analysis. The MesoporesSizes and N2 adsorption/desorption are carried out by BET analysis.
An Investigation on Structural Properties of Radiation Damaged ZrSiO4 Using X-Ray Diffractometry and DFT
Authors: Shastri Deepankara Vrushabhadas , John Donald Raj J , Arunachalam Kantha D
Published: March 2022

Naturally occurring Zirconium minerals contain interstitial impurities of radioactive elements. Over a period of time due to alpha decay, the structure of minerals degrades through an internal bombardment process called metamictization. These metamict minerals proposed to be used as reference signatures for Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) Monitoring because of their unique parameters in structural properties. We have investigated structural damage of partially metamict Zirconium Silicate samples (ZrSiO4), collected from Lambapur - Peddagattu region, Andhra Pradesh, India known for larger Uranium deposits. X-Ray Diffractometry data was used to study structural parameters experimentally. Structural properties of ZrSiO4 belonging to space group I41/amd have been modeled and studied theoretically using Quantum ATK within local density approximation and generalized gradient approximation in-order to compare the structural properties obtained from the experimental data. We have investigated that the lattice parameters increased with a = 0.033 Å and c = 0.051 Å in the sample collected from proposed Uranium sites. We propose to use the lattice parameter variability of ZrSiO4 as a tracer tool in nuclear forensics.
Synthesis and functional properties of ZnO/CuO nanocomposite for gas sensing applications
Authors: Bharathi P. , Karthigeyan S. , Krishna Mohan M.
Published: March 2022

ZnO/ CuO nanocomposite is one of the promising materials for gas sensing application. The p-n heterojunction formation plays vital role by providing more gas interaction sites with the analyte gas molecules. Formation of hetero junction improves the charge transport and reduces the operating temperature. Herein we report the simple synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO/CuO nanocomposite using facile hydrothermal synthesis method. The preparedsamples confirm the hexagonal crystal structure. The morphological micrograph confirms the uniform growth of CuO nanoparticles on the ZnO matrix.
Towards the development of new generation spin-orbit photonic techniques
Authors: B S Athira , Pal Mandira , Mukherjee Sounak , Modak Niladri , Saha Sudipta , Kumar Singh Ankit , Dutta Gupta Subhasish , Nandy Dibyendu , Ghosh Nirmalya
Published: March 2022

Spin–orbit interaction deals with the interaction and coupling of spin and orbital angular momentum degrees of freedom of spinning particles, which manifests in diverse fields of physics, ranging from atomic, condensed matter to optical systems. In classical light beams, this has led to a number of non-trivial optical phenomena like spin and orbital Hall effect of light, optical Rashba effect, photonic Aharonov–Bohm effect, rotational Doppler effect, transverse spin, Belinfante’s spin-momentum and spin-momentum locking etc. These have been observed in diverse micro- and nano-scale optical systems. These have generated a new area in photonics, namely, spin-orbit photonics that not only deals with fundamental light–matter interaction effects but also opened up the feasibility of a new generation of miniaturized and on-chip integrable multifunctional photonic devices based on the angular momentum and geometrical phase of light. This paper will introduce the emerging field of spin-orbit photonics and will cover the representative spin-orbit photonic effects in a variety of light-matter interactions with examples. In this regard, we also present proof-of-concept demonstrations of two interesting techniques based on the geometrical phase of light, namely, geometrical phase polarimeter and weak value polarimeter.
Magnetic domain walls of the van der Waals material Fe3GeTe2
Authors: Yang Hung-Hsiang , Bansal Namrata , Rüßmann Philipp , Hoffmann Markus , Zhang Lichuan , Go Dongwook , Li Qili , Haghighirad Amir-Abbas , Sen Kaushik , Blügel Stefan , Le Tacon Matthieu , Mokrousov Yuriy , Wulfhekel Wulf
Published: March 2022

Among two-dimensional materials, Fe3GeTe2 has come to occupy a very important place owing to its ferromagnetic nature with one of the highest Curie temperatures among known van der Waals materials and the potential for hosting skyrmions. In this combined experimental and theoretical work, we investigate the magnetic bubble domains as well as the microscopic domain wall profile using spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy in combination with atomistic spin-dynamics simulations performed with parameters from density functional theory calculations. We find a weak magneto-electric effect influencing the domain wall width by the electric field in the tunneling junction and determine the critical magnetic field for the collapse of the bubble domains. Our findings shed light on the origins of complex magnetism that Fe3GeTe2 exhibits.
Bipolar resistive switching in Ag/VO2(B)/SiOx/n++Si RRAM
Authors: Li Jiaping , Zhou Xin , Xu Liu , Wang Jiale , Wu Binhe , Wang Chunrui
Published: March 2022

Non-volatile resistive random-access memory (RRAM) is being promoted as a possible alternative to flash memory, however the optimal material system and sophisticated fabrication techniques hinder its utilization in practical routes. Here, we demonstrate the direct fabrication of metal/oxides/semiconductor (MOS) structured Ag/VO2(B)/SiOx/n++Si RRAM via drop-coating process, in which bipolar resistive switching behavior was obtained and investigated systematically. The RRAM devices exhibit good cycle-to-cycle endurance (>30 cycles) and high on/off ratio (>60). The switching mechanism is proposed to form Ag conducting filaments via VO2(B) nanorods’ guide by comparing the resistive switching behavior of Ag/SiOx/n++Si, Ag/VO2(B)/n++Si, Ag/VO2(B)/SiOx/n++Si devices and the corresponding SEM images before and after the application of electric field, which is confirmed by introducing NaCl barrier layer in Ag/VO2(B)-NaCl/SiOx/n++Si devices. The present study may pave a convenient route for fabricating the ultrahigh density resistive memory devices without the aid of complex fabrication techniques, as well as provide a new potential material system for RRAM.
Antibacterial self-fused supramolecular polymer hydrogel for infected wound healing
Authors: Wang Yi , Yang Zhenhua , Zhu Hua , Qiu Honggen , Li Shengjie , Yang Kaifeng , Xu Jun
Published: March 2022

Wound treatment is a huge challenge for healthcare systems, especially when the wound suffered infection. Therefore, it is essential to develop materials with antibacterial properties for wound repair. Herein, we integrated antimicrobial peptides with self-healing hydrogel for infectious wound treatment. The synthetic hydrogel was made by polymerizing N-acryloyl glycinamide (NAGA) monomers and doped with antimicrobial peptide Polymyxin E. Additionally, because of the bisamide structure of the side chains of the NAGA monomers, the hydrogen bond was formed and caused the supramolecular structure. The resulted hydrogel showed excellent self-healing property, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial property, which allowed it to be used as hydrogel dressing. In vivo experiment demonstrated that the hydrogel had the significant capability in promoting infectious wound healing. Therefore, this type of antibacterial self-healing supramolecular hydrogel is expected to serve as infectious wound dressing for medical healthcare applications.
Investigation on characteristic of LED power density via tapered fiber
Authors: Li Mengqiang , Jing Xili , Zhang Lei , Guo Ying , Meng Xiaojian
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a tapered fiber for improving the power density of the Light Emitting Diode (LED) was designed. Numerical simulation showed that the tapered fiber makes the LED diverging light sources converge on the microscopic area, which makes the LED available for biomedical photonic imaging in the microenvironment. Based on the Monte Carlo Ray Tracing Method, we obtained the law of spot illumination and divergence angle when the light passes through the different parameters tapered fiber. In addition, the tapered fiber was designed as a spiral shape with steadily changing slope, and the effect of the spiral-bending coefficient on the light-gathering properties of the fiber was studied. The concentrating performance of tapered fiber is related to the length, size, and spiral-bending coefficient. The tapered fiber can effectively reduce the illuminant area and improve the power density of the light source.
Highly efficient γ-ray generation by 10 PW-class lasers irradiating heavy-ion plasmas
Authors: TIAN Mi , CHEN Ziyu
Published: March 2022

10 PW-class lasers irradiating overcritical plasmas in the quantum electrodynamics regime promise to generate ultrabright γ-ray sources in the laboratory. Here using two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, we report highly efficient γ-ray generation in the parameter regime of 10 PW-class lasers at an intensity level of 1023 W cm–
2 interaction with heavy-ion plasmas which have large-scale preplasmas. The laser-to-γ-ray (>1 MeV) energy conversion efficiency reaches close to 60% with an above 1014
γ-photons/pulse. The average γ-photon energy is about 14 MeV with the highest photon energy exceeding 1 GeV. The high-energy γ-photons are mainly directed in the forward direction. We also find that plane target geometry is efficient enough for high power γ-ray radiation, which is beneficial for easing the difficulty of complex target manufacturing and alignment in experiments.
Multi-orbital topolectrical circuit for topological quantum states
Authors: Yao Junjie , Hao Xiamin , Song Biyu , Jia Yizhen , Hua Chenqiang , Zhou Miao
Published: March 2022

Remarkable progress has been made in using electric circuits as a powerful platform to realize a plethora of exotic topological quantum states, even of higher orders and/or dimensions. So far the proposed circuits are restricted to a single-orbital tight-binding model with different lattices. Here, we introduce the concept of a multi-orbital topolectrical circuit and construct practical LC circuits to demonstrate its superiorities. As a proof of concept, we assemble two sets of inductors in one plaquette to simulate a (px, py
)-orbital model within a two-dimensional hexagonal lattice. In the presence of spin–orbit coupling, as generated by mixing voltage degrees of freedom, a quantum spin Hall (QSH) state emerges with spin-resolved edge modes propagating along the boundary in the time domain. Implementation of negative impedance converters (NICs) with nonreciprocal links transforms the circuit into a quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) state. Remarkably, we demonstrate that QSH/QAH states can be reversibly switched by tuning the resistance of NIC, and an experimental observable-edge distance ratio is proposed to facilitate the phase transition detection. This work provides an exciting playground for exploring multi-orbital physics in topolectrical circuits, paving the way for future applications in nanoelectronics, telecommunications, signal processing and quantum computing.
PLK1 depletion alters homologous recombination and synaptonemal complex disassembly events during mammalian spermatogenesis
Authors: Wellard Stephen R. , Skinner Marnie W. , Zhao Xueqi , Shults Chris , Jordan Philip W.
Published: March 2022

During meiosis, genetic material between each pair of chromosomes is accurately exchanged via homologous recombination (HR). Failures during HR can result in infertility or aneuploidy. From an analysis of mutant mice, it was determined that polo-like kinase 1 helps regulate recombination and changes in chromosome structure during meiosis.
The Rab11-family interacting proteins reveal selective interaction of mammalian recycling endosomes with theToxoplasmaparasitophorous vacuole in a Rab11- and Arf6-dependent manner
Authors: Hartman Eric J. , Asady Beejan , Romano Julia D. , Coppens Isabelle
Published: March 2022

The human pathogen Toxoplasma sequesters host nutrient-filled vesicles into its parasitophorous vacuole (PV). The data reveal a differential interception and PV internalization of mammalian recycling Rab11 vesicles based on the composition of effectors, such as Rab11-family interacting proteins or Arf6.
Stability of sensorimotor network sculpts the dynamic repertoire of resting state over lifespan
Authors: Sastry Nisha Chetana , Roy Dipanjan , Banerjee Arpan
Published: March 2022

Temporally stable patterns of neural coordination among distributed brain regions are crucial for survival. Recently, many studies highlight association between healthy aging and modifications in organization of functional brain networks, across various time-scales. Nonetheless, quantitative characterization of temporal stability of functional brain networks across healthy aging remains unexplored. This study introduces a data-driven unsupervised approach to capture high-dimensional dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) via low-dimensional patterns and subsequent estimation of temporal stability using quantitative metrics. Healthy aging related changes in temporal stability of dFC were characterized across resting-state, movie-viewing, and sensorimotor tasks (SMT) on a large (n = 645) healthy aging dataset (18–88 years). Prominent results reveal that (1) whole-brain temporal dynamics of dFC movie-watching task is closer to resting-state than to SMT with an overall trend of highest temporal stability observed during SMT followed by movie-watching and resting-state, invariant across lifespan aging, (2) in both tasks conditions stability of neurocognitive networks in young adults is higher than older adults, and (3) temporal stability of whole brain resting-state follows a U-shaped curve along lifespan—a pattern shared by sensorimotor network stability indicating their deeper relationship. Overall, the results can be applied generally for studying cohorts of neurological disorders using neuroimaging tools.
Incidence and Prevalence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Within a Healthcare Worker Cohort During the First Year of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Pandemic
Authors: Doernberg Sarah B , Holubar Marisa , Jain Vivek , Weng Yingjie , Lu Di , Bollyky Jenna B , Sample Hannah , Huang Beatrice , Craik Charles S , Desai Manisha , Rutherford George W , Maldonado Yvonne ,   CHART Study Consortium, Bhargava Parul , Bohn Markus , Chao Jessica , Craik Charles S , Doernberg Sarah B , Ghahremani Jacob , Glidden David , Gonzales Ralph , Huang Beatrice , Jaladanki Sravya , Julien Aida , Lowenstein Daniel , Miller Steve , Mustoe Audrey , Paoletti Marcus , Rutherford George W , Sample Hannah , Villa Rodolfo , Wan Emerald , Williams Aimee , Brown Lillian , Chuang Jessica , Jain Vivek , Marquez Carina , Padda Guntas , Rubio Luis , Valdivieso Daisy , Abad Rosebay , Bet Anthony , Bollyky Jenna , Desai Manisha , Fung Jeffrey , Graber Anna , Holderman Cole , Holubar Marisa , Kelley Hannah , Kempema Amanda , Kong Christina , Leung Christopher , Lohmann Joseph , Lu Di , Maldonado Yvonne , Minor Lloyd , Orozco Lorena , Pinsky Benjamin A , Saxeena Jamie , Sklar Matthew , Tang Hilary , Wiese Jasmine , Weng Yingjie , Crawford Emily , DeRisi Joe
Published: March 2022

Background

Preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2_ infections in healthcare workers (HCWs) is critical for healthcare delivery. We aimed to estimate and characterize the prevalence and incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a US HCW cohort and to identify risk factors associated with infection.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal cohort study of HCWs at 3 Bay Area medical centers using serial surveys and SARS-CoV-2 viral and orthogonal serological testing, including measurement of neutralizing antibodies. We estimated baseline prevalence and cumulative incidence of COVID-19. We performed multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to estimate associations of baseline factors with incident infections and evaluated the impact of time-varying exposures on time to COVID-19 using marginal structural models.

Results

A total of 2435 HCWs contributed 768 person-years of follow-up time. We identified 21 of 2435 individuals with prevalent infection, resulting in a baseline prevalence of 0.86% (95% confidence interval [CI], .53%–1.32%). We identified 70 of 2414 incident infections (2.9%), yielding a cumulative incidence rate of 9.11 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI, 7.11–11.52). Community contact with a known COVID-19 case was most strongly correlated with increased hazard for infection (hazard ratio, 8.1 [95% CI, 3.8–17.5]). High-risk work-related exposures (ie, breach in protective measures) drove an association between work exposure and infection (hazard ratio, 2.5 [95% CI, 1.3–4.8). More cases were identified in HCWs when community case rates were high.

Conclusions

We observed modest COVID-19 incidence despite consistent exposure at work. Community contact was strongly associated with infections, but contact at work was not unless accompanied by high-risk exposure.
The network effect of deglobalisation on European regions
Authors: Giammetti Raffaele , Papi Luca , Teobaldelli Désirée , Ticchi Davide
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates the effects of a retreat from global economic integration on the European regional production network for the period 2000–2010. We find that production has become increasingly fragmented, although the degree of heterogeneity across regions is substantial. This heterogeneity is also present in the direct and indirect effects of three different deglobalisation scenarios that we simulate. Our results show that deglobalisation generates winners and losers. Specifically, two groups of regions emerge; regions that would benefit from a return to a less integrated world, and regions that would instead gain from a strengthening of the European production network.
Preparing for the Next Blockade: Non-ferrous Metals and the Strategic Economic Policy of the Third Reich
Authors: Scherner Jonas
Published: March 2022

This article refutes a fundamental assumption behind the Western powers’ ‘long-war strategy’ in 1939, and casts doubt on the conventional wisdom regarding the alleged unpreparedness of Nazi Germany for a longer war. It does so by re-examining Germany’s war-preparedness through the lens of those raw materials that were of vital importance for the production of all armaments: non-ferrous metals. Contemporaries believed that these metals were the Achilles heel of the Nazi war economy because Germany had to cover its consumption predominantly with imports from overseas, which meant that it was extremely vulnerable to a sea blockade. But this article challenges these assumptions and shows that the Nazi war-planners were prepared for a longer war because of the lessons learned from the Great War, which they had carefully and covertly studied. The statistics compiled in this article demonstrate that it was the preparations based on these lessons rather than contingencies and non-predictable events, such as the access to occupied Europe due to unexpected victories, that were primarily responsible for the fact that Germany did not run out of metals during the Second World War. Germany lost the war not because of a lack of economic preparation, at least not in the field of metals, but because of the strategic decision to start a war which was bound to draw in an ever more superior coalition of enemies the longer it lasted.
Detection of blood stains using computer vision-based algorithms and their association with postoperative outcomes in thoracoscopic lobectomies
Authors: Xu Hao , Han Tingxuan , Wang Haifeng , Liu Shanggui , Hou Guanghao , Sun Lina , Jiang Guanchao , Yang Fan , Wang Jun , Deng Ke , Zhou Jian
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to develop high throughput computer vision (CV) algorithms to detect blood stains in thoracoscopic surgery and to determine how the detected blood stains are associated with postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

Blood pixels in surgical videos were identified by CV algorithms trained with thousands of blood and non-blood pixels randomly selected and manually labelled. The proportion of blood pixels (PBP) was computed for key video frames to summarize the blood stain information during surgery. Statistical regression analyses were utilized to investigate the potential association between PBP and postoperative outcomes, including drainage volume, prolonged tube indwelling duration (≥5 days) and bleeding volume.

RESULTS

A total of 275 patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy were enrolled. The sum of PBP after flushing (P < 0.022), age (P = 0.005), immediate postoperative air leakage (P < 0.001), surgical duration (P = 0.001) and intraoperative bleeding volume (P = 0.033) were significantly associated with drainage volume in multivariable linear regression analysis. After adjustment using binary logistic regression analysis, the sum of the PBP after flushing [P = 0.017, odds ratio 1.003, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.000–1.005] and immediate postoperative air leakage (P < 0.001, odds ratio 4.616, 95% CI 1.964–10.847) were independent predictors of prolonged tube indwelling duration. In the multivariable linear regression analysis, surgical duration (P < 0.001) and the sum of the PBP of the surgery (P = 0.005) were significantly correlated with intraoperative bleeding volume.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study on the correlation between CV and postoperative outcomes in thoracoscopic surgery. CV algorithms can effectively detect from surgical videos information that has good prediction power for postoperative outcomes.
Twitter promotion is associated with higher citation rates of cardiovascular articles: the ESC Journals Randomized Study
Authors: Ladeiras-Lopes Ricardo , Vidal-Perez Rafael , Santos-Ferreira Diogo , Alexander Michael , Baciu Lavinia , Clarke Sarah , Crea Filippo , Lüscher Thomas Felix
Published: March 2022

The association between the dissemination of scientific articles on Twitter and online visibility (as assessed by the Altmetric Score) is still controversial, and the impact on citation rates has never been rigorously addressed for cardiovascular medicine journals using a randomized design. The ESC Journals Study randomized 695 papers published in the ESC Journal Family (March 2018–May 2019) for promotion on Twitter or to a control arm (with no active tweeting from ESC channels) and aimed to assess whether Twitter promotion was associated with an increase in citation rates (primary endpoint) and of the Altmetric Score. This is the final analysis including 694 articles (one paper excluded due to retraction). After a median follow-up of 994 days (interquartile range: 936–1063 days), Twitter promotion of articles was associated with a 1.12 (95% confidence interval: 1.08–1.15) higher rate of citations, and this effect was independent of the type of article. Altmetric Attention Score and number of users tweeting were positive predictors for the number of citations. A social media strategy of Twitter promotion for cardiovascular medicine papers seems to be associated with increased online visibility and higher numbers of citations.
Photoinactivation of bacteriophage MS2, Tulane virus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in oysters by microencapsulated rose bengal
Authors: Eshaghi Gorji Mohamad , Li Dan
Published: March 2022

Bivalve molluscan shellfish such as oysters are important vectors for the transmission of foodborne pathogens including both viruses and bacteria. Photoinactivation provides a cold-sterilization option against the contamination as excited photosensitizers could transfer electronic energy to oxygen molecules producing reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen, leading to oxidative damage and death of the pathogens. However, the efficacy of photoinactivation is very often compromised by the presence of food matrix due to the nonselective reactions of short-lived singlet oxygen with organic matter other than the target pathogens. In order to address this issue, we encapsulated a food-grade photosensitizer rose bengal (RB) in alginate microbeads. An extra coating of chitosan effectively prevented the release of RB from the microbeads in seawater, and more importantly, enhanced the selectivity of the photoinactivation via the electrostatic interactions between cationic chitosan and anionic charge of the virus particles (bacteriophage MS2 and Tulane virus) and the Gram-negative bacteria Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus). The treatment of oysters with microencapsulated RB resulted in significantly higher reductions of MS2 phage, Tulane virus and V. parahaemolyticus than free RB and non-RB carrying microbeads (P<0.05) tested with both in vitro and in vivo experimental set-ups. This study demonstrated a new strategy in delivering comprehensively formulated biochemical sanitizers in bivalve shellfish through their natural filter-feeding activity and thereby enhancing the mitigation efficiency of foodborne pathogen contamination.
GALNTs: master regulators of metastasis-associated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)?
Authors: Beaman Ellie-May , Carter David R F , Brooks Susan A
Published: March 2022

In humans, the UDP-N-α-D galactosamine:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases family (ppGalNAc-Ts, GalNAc-Ts or GALNTs) comprises 20 isoenzymes. They are responsible for the initial synthesis of α-GalNAc1,3-O-Ser/Thr, or Tn antigen, at initiation of mucin type O-linked glycosylation. This structure is normally extended by the further sequential action of glycosytransferases to build more complex linear or branched O-linked structures, but in cancers it is frequently left unelaborated, and its presence is often associated with poor patient prognosis. Altered levels of GALNT expression or distribution have also been extensively reported in a wide range of cancers. These changes would be predicted to result in marked alterations in GalNAc O-linked glycosylation, including altered levels of site specific O-linked glycosylation and changes in the glycan structures formed, including, potentially, exposure of truncated O-glycans such as Tn antigen. Many reports have demonstrated that altered levels of specific GALNTs have prognostic significance in cancers, or shown that they are associated with changes in cell behaviour, including proliferation, migration, invasion or growth and metastasis in animal models. We have previously reviewed how deregulation of GALNTs in several epithelial cancers is a feature of different stages metastasis. Here we consider evidence that changes in GALNT expression, and therefore consequent alterations in GalNAc O-linked glycosylation, may directly influence molecules implicated in aspects of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a fundamental aspect of cancer metastasis, during which epithelial cancer cells lose their cell–cell junctions, apical-basal polarity and adhesive interactions with basement membrane and become mesenchymal, with a spindle-shaped morphology and increased migratory capacity.
Verbal descriptors of the frequency of side effects: implementation of EMA recommendations in patient information leaflets in Poland
Authors: Olchowska-Kotala Agnieszka , Uchmanowicz Izabella , Szczepanowski Remigiusz
Published: March 2022

Background

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommends a description of drug side effects based on the frequency format and the associated verbal description. Although the recommendations refer to English-speaking countries, in several non-English-speaking states, official authorities have accepted the proposed recommendations on how the patient information leaflets should be designed for descriptions of side effect frequencies.

Objective

The aim of the study was to examine how manufacturers of authorized medicines in Poland implement the EMA recommendations regarding the verbal descriptors of the frequency of side effects.

Methods

A qualitative study. As a first step, we identified which of the 150 pharmaceutical companies operating in Poland had the largest market share. Then, five manufacturers were selected at random from the list of the top 15 drug manufacturers in Poland by market share of the pharmaceutical sector. Lists of medicinal products authorized for marketing in Poland were downloaded from manufacturers’ websites, and then five products from each manufacturer were selected based on random sampling. The study included only prescription medicines and excluded over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements from the sample. Subsequently, for each of the 25 drugs, relevant patient information leaflets were obtained from the manufacturers’ websites. We evaluated how information on the frequency of side effects was provided in each leaflet, including the use of EMA-recommended terms (verbal descriptors such as ‘very common,’ ‘common,’ ‘uncommon,’ ‘rare’ and ‘very rare’) and additional notes explaining their meanings.

Results

For all manufacturers, word labels of the frequencies of side effects selected for the study were the same, but the additional notes explaining their meanings were different. There were various explanations of how to understand verbal descriptors of the frequency of side effects not only across different manufacturers but also across different medicines from one manufacturer.

Conclusions

There is no single standard in the Polish pharmaceutical industry for implementing the EMA recommendations into the written information about the frequency of side effects. The observed differences for an explanation of how to understand a given verbal term do not favor a uniform interpretation of the verbal frequency labels meaning by patients.
Revisiting negative externalities of US military bases: the case of Okinawa
Authors: Hikotani Takako , Horiuchi Yusaku , Tago Atsushi
Published: March 2022

In a recently published article, Allen et al. (Outside the wire: U.S. military deployments and public opinion in host states’, American Political Science Review, 114(2), 326–341; 2020) argue that US military deployments nurture favorable attitudes toward the United States among foreign citizens. Their claim is based on social contact and economic compensation theories, applied to a large-scale cross-national survey project funded by the US government. However, their analysis disregards the geographical concentration of US military facilities within the host countries. To examine the relevance of geography and assess both positive and negative externalities, we focus on Japan – a notable case given its status as the country hosting the largest number of US military personnel in the world. We show that residents of Okinawa, a small prefecture hosting 70% of US military facilities within Japan have considerably unfavorable attitudes toward the US military presence in their prefecture. They hold this negative sentiment specifically toward the bases in Okinawa regardless of their contact with Americans and economic benefits and their general support for the US military presence within Japan. Our findings support an alternative theory of not-in-my-backyard. They also shed light on the importance of local foreign public opinion for foreign policy analysis and call for a more balanced scholarly debate on the externalities of the global US military presence.
Synergism inhibition and eradication activity of silver nitrate/potassium tellurite combination against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm
Authors: Pormohammad Ali , Greening Dylan , Turner Raymond J.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Antibiotic resistance, biofilm and persistent infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a perilous challenge in the healthcare system. Hence, a vast number of novel antipseudomonas approaches are currently being pursued. Our group focuses on exploring the efficacy of metal(loid)-based antimicrobials (MBAs) towards novel infection control solutions.

Methods

Initially, nine MBAs were tested for biofilm prevention and eradication efficacy. Synergistic potentials were then screened systematically in a total of 1920 combinatorial MBA concentrations, in laboratory media [CAMHB and LB] and infection-related simulated wound fluid (SWF). The antibiofilm efficacy of the silver nitrate (AgNO3; ‘Ag’) with potassium tellurite (K2TeO3; ‘Te’) combination was examined against clinical antibiotic-resistant isolates and compared with the most used antibiotics. The in vitro resistance acquisition test, for exploring the chance of getting future resistance, and meta-analysis, for estimating Ag/Te human cell cytotoxicity, were carried out.

Results

The Ag/Te combination was identified as the most effective agent against P. aeruginosa biofilm. The application of the Ag/Te combination was quite effective against all clinical isolates. Comparison of clinical isolates with indicator strains showed clinical isolates are gaining resistance against the antibiotics (especially gentamicin) and Ag, while they are susceptible to Te and particularly the Ag/Te combination. The chance of getting future resistance against Ag/Te as a mixture was remarkably lower than the individual application of each metal. Te has significantly lower human cell cytotoxicity in comparison with Ag.

Conclusions

Te could be an appropriate alternative against P. aeruginosa biofilms (existing or prevention thereof), especially in combination with Ag.
Equine enterocytes actively oxidize l-glutamine, but do not synthesize l-citrulline or l-arginine from l-glutamine or l-proline in vitro
Authors: Martinez Rafael E , Leatherwood Jessica L , Bradbery Amanda N , Silvers Brittany L , Fridley Jennifer , Arnold Carolyn E , Posey Erin A , He Wenliang , Bazer Fuller W , Wu Guoyao
Published: March 2022

In livestock species, the enterocytes of the small intestine are responsible for the synthesis of citrulline and arginine from glutamine and proline. At present, little is known about de novo synthesis of citrulline and arginine in horses. To test the hypothesis that horses of different age groups can utilize glutamine and proline for the de novo synthesis of citrulline and arginine, jejunal enterocytes from 19 horses of three different age groups: neonates (n = 4; 7.54 ± 2.36 d of age), adults (n = 9; 6.4 ± 0.35 yr), and aged (n = 6; 22.9 ± 1.0 yr) with healthy gastrointestinal tracts were used in the present study. Enterocytes were isolated from the jejunum and incubated at 37 °C for 30 min in oxygenated (95% O2/5% CO2) Krebs bicarbonate buffer (pH 7.4) containing 5 mM D-glucose and 0 mM, 2-mM L-[U-14C]glutamine, or 2 mM L-[U-14C]proline plus 2 mM L-glutamine. Concentrations of arginine, citrulline, and ornithine in cells plus medium were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results indicate that the rate of oxidation of glutamine to CO2 was high in enterocytes from neonatal horses, but low in cells from adult and aged horses. Enterocytes from all age groups of horses did not degrade proline into CO2. Regardless of age, equine enterocytes formed ornithine from glutamine and proline, but failed to convert ornithine into citrulline and arginine. Because arginine is an essential substrate for the synthesis of not only proteins, but also nitrogenous metabolites (e.g., nitric oxide, polyamines, and creatine), our novel findings have important implications for the nutrition, performance, and health of horses.
Molecular classification of patients with NMIBC predicts the efficacy of intravesical chemotherapy with pirarubicin, pharmorubicin and gemcitabine-immunohistochemistry-based classification
Authors: Wang Tianwei , Niu Xiaobing , Zhong Bing
Published: March 2022

Objective

To investigate the relationships between non-muscle invasive bladder cancer molecular subtypes and predict the efficacy of intravesical chemotherapy with pirarubicin, pharmorubicin and gemcitabine.

Methods

A total of 160 patients with T1 stage non-muscle invasive bladder cancer were enrolled in this study. Fifty-three patients underwent anthracycline (Pirarubicin and Pharmorubicin) therapy and 107 patients accepted gemcitabine therapy. Uroplakin II and CK20 were categorized as immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers for luminal subtype, whereas CK5/6 and CD44 were categorized as immunohistochemistry markers for basal subtype. The cluster results with immunohistochemical score indicated that non-muscle invasive bladder cancer can be subgrouped into three major classes.

Results

Class 2 showed the luminal-like characteristics, whereas class 3 showed the basal-like characteristics. Class 1 showed no high expression of luminal or basal-associated immunohistochemistry markers. The molecular subtype is an independent risk factor for recurrence-free survival (P = 0.030) and progression-free survival (P = 0.006) in patients with T1 stage non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. In class 1 and class 2 (luminal-like) subtypes, gemcitabine and anthracycline show no difference in recurrence-free survival and progression-free survival. Gemcitabine was associated with reduced recurrence compared with anthracycline (P = 0.039) in class 3 (basal-like) subtypes and show no difference in decreasing progression.

Conclusions

The molecular classification based on immunohistochemical results is an independent risk factor for the prognosis of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer with T1 stage. Different therapeutic methods should be selected according to different molecular subtypes.