bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential gene expression profile between progressive and de novo muscle invasive bladder cancer and its prognostic implication
Authors: Carrasco Raquel , Izquierdo Laura , van der Heijden Antoine G. , Lozano Juan José , Franco Marco , Ingelmo-Torres Mercedes , Roldan Fiorella L. , Llorens Montserrat , Ribal María José , Mengual Lourdes , Alcaraz Antonio
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to ascertain gene expression profile differences between progressive muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and de novo MIBC, and to identify prognostic biomarkers to improve patients’ treatment. Retrospective multicenter study in which 212 MIBC patients who underwent radical cystectomy between 2000 and 2019 were included. Gene expression profiles were determined in 26 samples using Illumina microarrays. The expression levels of 94 genes were studied by quantitative PCR in an independent set of 186 MIBC patients. In a median follow-up of 16 months, 46.7% patients developed tumor progression after cystectomy. In our series, progressive MIBC patients show a worse tumor progression (p = 0.024) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (p = 0.049) than the de novo group. A total of 480 genes were found to be differently expressed between both groups. Differential expression of 24 out of the 94 selected genes was found in an independent cohort. RBPMC2 and DSC3 were found as independent prognostic biomarkers of tumor progression and CALD1 and LCOR were identified as prognostic biomarkers of CSS between both groups. In conclusion, progressive and de novo MIBC patients show different clinical outcome and gene expression profiles. Gene expression patterns may contribute to predict high-risk of progression to distant metastasis or CSS.
Exploration for olive fruit fly parasitoids across Africa reveals regional distributions and dominance of closely associated parasitoids
Authors: Wang Xingeng , Walton Vaughn M. , Hoelmer Kim A. , Pickett Charles H. , Blanchet Arnaud , Straser Robert K. , Kirk Alan A. , Daane Kent M.
Published: March 2021

The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, has been a key pest of olives in Europe and North America. We conducted the largest exploration for parasitoids associated with the fly across Sub-Saharan Africa (Kenya, Namibia, and South Africa) including some of the fly’s adjoining regions (Canary Islands, Morocco, Réunion Island and Tunisia). From Sub-Saharan regions, four braconids were collected: Bracon celer, Psytallia humilis, P. lounsburyi, and Utetes africanus. Results showed that their regional dominance was related to climate niches, with P. humilis dominant in hot semi-arid areas of Namibia, P. lounsburyi dominant in more tropical areas of Kenya, and U. africanus prevalent in Mediterranean climates of South Africa. Psytallia concolor was found in the Canary Islands, Morocco and Tunisian, and the Afrotropical braconid Diachasmimorpha sp. near fullawayi on Réunion Island. Furthermore, we monitored the seasonal dynamics of the fly and parasitoids in Cape Province of South Africa. Results showed that fruit maturity, seasonal variations in climates and interspecific interactions shape the local parasitoid diversity that contribute to the low fly populations. The results are discussed with regard to ecological adaptations of closely associated parasitoids, and how their adaptations impact biocontrol.
Application of text mining to develop AOP-based mucus hypersecretion genesets and confirmation with in vitro and clinical samples
Authors: Minet Emmanuel , Haswell Linsey E. , Corke Sarah , Banerjee Anisha , Baxter Andrew , Verrastro Ivan , De Abreu e Lima Francisco , Jaunky Tomasz , Santopietro Simone , Breheny Damien , Gaça Marianna D.
Published: March 2021

Mucus hypersecretion contributes to lung function impairment observed in COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), a tobacco smoking-related disease. A detailed mucus hypersecretion adverse outcome pathway (AOP) has been constructed from literature reviews, experimental and clinical data, mapping key events (KEs) across biological organisational hierarchy leading to an adverse outcome. AOPs can guide the development of biomarkers that are potentially predictive of diseases and support the assessment frameworks of nicotine products including electronic cigarettes. Here, we describe a method employing manual literature curation supported by a focused automated text mining approach to identify genes involved in 5 KEs contributing to decreased lung function observed in tobacco-related COPD. KE genesets were subsequently confirmed by unsupervised clustering against 3 different transcriptomic datasets including (1) in vitro acute cigarette smoke and e-cigarette aerosol exposure, (2) in vitro repeated incubation with IL-13, and (3) lung biopsies from COPD and healthy patients. The 5 KE genesets were demonstrated to be predictive of cigarette smoke exposure and mucus hypersecretion in vitro, and less conclusively predict the COPD status of lung biopsies. In conclusion, using a focused automated text mining and curation approach with experimental and clinical data supports the development of risk assessment strategies utilising AOPs.
Sedimentary evolution and controlling factors of Early-Mid Miocene Deltaic systems in the Northern Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea
Authors: Wang Yanru , Lin Changsong , Zhang Zhongtao , Zhang Bo , Liu Hanyao
Published: March 2021

The Pearl River Mouth Basin is located at the northern continental shelf of the South China Sea. Since the early Miocene, the Paleo-pearl river transported a large amount of sediments to the northwest of the basin and resulted in the formation of a large-scale river-delta depositional system, which has become an important oil and gas reservoir in the study area. In the current paper, we investigate the characteristics and evolution of fluvial-deltaic depositional systems and their controlling factors, including sea level change, tectonic subsidence and sediment supply on the basis of 3D seismic, well logging and core data. Early-Mid Miocene succession can be divided into two second-order sequences (CS1–CS2) and eight third-order sequences (S1–S8). Deltaic systems developed in S1–S2 are relatively coarse in grain size, and the delta plain deposits are dominated by thickly stacked (100–180 m) distributary channel sand bodies and interpreted as braided delta depositional system. In the early stage (S1–S2), the braided delta systems mainly distributed in the west of the Baiyun Sag, which were proceeded by a retreat to the south of the Enping Sag along with sharply rising sea level. Following the transgression of S2, the provenance of the Paleo-Pearl River extended to the coastal region of South China, and the papleoclimate changed from warm and humid to dry and cold in the early Miocene, leading to the development of transition of braided river delta to meandering river delta, which was characterized by relatively fine grain deposits. During the deposition of S3–S6, well sorted and rounded fine sandstones of deltaic front deposits accumulated in the study area. The retrogradation to accretion and subsequent progradation of these meander delta systems are attributed to the sea level change in the study area. During the deposition of S7–S8, the delta front retreated to the south of the Enping depression as a result of minor sea level rise, reduction in sediment input, and subsidence rate. This resulted in the development of a wave-controlled deltaic depositional system.
Early socialization and environmental enrichment of lactating piglets affects the caecal microbiota and metabolomic response after weaning
Authors: Saladrigas-García M. , D’Angelo M. , Ko H. L. , Traserra S. , Nolis P. , Ramayo-Caldas Y. , Folch J. M. , Vergara P. , Llonch P. , Pérez J. F. , Martín-Orúe S. M.
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the possible impact of early socialization and an enriched neonatal environment to improve adaptation of piglets to weaning. We hypothesized that changes in the microbiota colonization process and in their metabolic response and intestinal functionality could help the animals face weaning stress. A total of 48 sows and their litters were allotted into a control (CTR) or an enriched treatment (ENR), in which piglets from two adjacent pens were combined and enriched with toys. The pattern of caecal microbial colonization, the jejunal gene expression, the serum metabolome and the intestinal physiology of the piglets were assessed before (-2 d) and after weaning (+ 3d). A differential ordination of caecal microbiota was observed after weaning. Serum metabolome suggested a reduced energetic metabolism in ENR animals, as evidenced by shifts in triglycerides and fatty acids, VLDL/LDL and creatine regions. The TLR2 gene showed to be downregulated in the jejunum of ENR pigs after weaning. The integration of gene expression, metabolome and microbiota datasets confirmed that differences between barren and enriched neonatal environments were evident only after weaning. Our results suggest that improvements in adaptation to weaning could be mediated by a better response to the post-weaning stress.
Real time and delayed effects of subcortical low intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: Cain Joshua A. , Visagan Shakthi , Johnson Micah A. , Crone Julia , Blades Robin , Spivak Norman M. , Shattuck David W. , Monti Martin M.
Published: March 2021

Deep brain nuclei are integral components of large-scale circuits mediating important cognitive and sensorimotor functions. However, because they fall outside the domain of conventional non-invasive neuromodulatory techniques, their study has been primarily based on neuropsychological models, limiting the ability to fully characterize their role and to develop interventions in cases where they are damaged. To address this gap, we used the emerging technology of non-invasive low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to directly modulate left lateralized basal ganglia structures in healthy volunteers. During sonication, we observed local and distal decreases in blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal in the targeted left globus pallidus (GP) and in large-scale cortical networks. We also observed a generalized decrease in relative perfusion throughout the cerebrum following sonication. These results show, for the first time using functional MRI data, the ability to modulate deep-brain nuclei using LIFU while measuring its local and global consequences, opening the door for future applications of subcortical LIFU.
Trends and outcomes for non-elective neurosurgical procedures in Central Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Grassner Lukas , Petr Ondra , Warner Freda M. , Dedeciusova Michaela , Mathis Andrea Maria , Pinggera Daniel , Gsellmann Sina , Meiners Laura C. , Freigang Sascha , Mokry Michael , Resch Alexandra , Kretschmer Thomas , Rossmann Tobias , Navarro Francisco Ruiz , Gruber Andreas , Spendel Mathias , Winkler Peter A. , Marhold Franz , Sherif Camillo , Wais Jonathan P. , Rössler Karl , Pfisterer Wolfgang , Mühlbauer Manfred , Trivik-Barrientos Felipe A. , Rath Sebastian , Voldrich Richard , Krska Lukas , Lipina Radim , Kerekanic Martin , Fiedler Jiri , Kasik Petr , Priban Vladimir , Tichy Michal , Krupa Petr , Cesak Tomas , Kroupa Robert , Callo Andrej , Haninec Pavel , Pohlodek Daniel , Krahulik David , Sejkorova Alena , Sames Martin , Dvorak Josef , Suchomel Petr , Tomas Robert , Klener Jan , Juran Vilem , Smrcka Martin , Linzer Petr , Kaiser Miroslav , Hrabovsky Dusan , Jancalek Radim , Kälin Vincens , Bozinov Oliver , Niggli Cedric , Serra Carlo , Guatta Ramona , Kuhlen Dominique E. , Wanderer Stefan , Marbacher Serge , Lavé Alexandre , Schaller Karl , Esculier Clarinde , Raabe Andreas , Kramer John L. K. , Thomé Claudius , Netuka David
Published: March 2021

The world currently faces the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic. Little is known about the effects of a pandemic on non-elective neurosurgical practices, which have continued under modified conditions to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This knowledge might be critical for the ongoing second coronavirus wave and potential restrictions on health care. We aimed to determine the incidence and 30-day mortality rate of various non-elective neurosurgical procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective, multi-centre observational cohort study among neurosurgical centres within Austria, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland was performed. Incidence of neurosurgical emergencies and related 30-day mortality rates were determined for a period reflecting the peak pandemic of the first wave in all participating countries (i.e. March 16th–April 15th, 2020), and compared to the same period in prior years (2017, 2018, and 2019). A total of 4,752 emergency neurosurgical cases were reviewed over a 4-year period. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a general decline in the incidence of non-elective neurosurgical cases, which was driven by a reduced number of traumatic brain injuries, spine conditions, and chronic subdural hematomas. Thirty-day mortality did not significantly increase overall or for any of the conditions examined during the peak of the pandemic. The neurosurgical community in these three European countries observed a decrease in the incidence of some neurosurgical emergencies with 30-day mortality rates comparable to previous years (2017–2019). Lower incidence of neurosurgical cases is likely related to restrictions placed on mobility within countries, but may also involve delayed patient presentation.
Associations between seven-year C-reactive protein trajectory or pack-years smoked with choroidal or retinal thicknesses in young adults
Authors: Lee Samantha Sze-Yee , Beales Darren John , Chen Fred K. , Yazar Seyhan , Alonso-Caneiro David , Mackey David A.
Published: March 2021

Inflammation and cigarette smoking predispose to macular diseases, and choroidal and retinal thinning. We explored the choroidal and retinal thicknesses in young adults against their 7-year C-reactive protein (CRP) level trajectory and pack-years smoked. Participants from the Raine study, a longitudinal cohort study, had serum CRP levels analysed at the 14-, 17-, and 20-year follow-ups. Group-based trajectory modelling was used to classify participants according to their 7-year CRP levels. At the 20-year follow-up (at 18–22 years old), participants completed questionnaires on their smoking history, and underwent optical coherence tomography imaging to obtain their choroidal and retinal thicknesses at the macula. Three CRP trajectories were identified: consistently low CRP levels (78% of sample), increasing (11%), or consistently high (11%). 340 and 1035 participants were included in the choroidal and retinal thickness analyses, respectively. Compared to those in the “Low” trajectory group, participants in the “Increasing” and “High” groups had 14–21 μm thinner choroids at most macular regions. Every additional pack-year smoked was linked with a 0.06–0.10 μm thinner retina at the inner and outer macular rings, suggesting a dose-dependent relationship between smoking and thinner retinas. These associations may suggest that an increased risk of future visual impairment or eye disease associated with these risk factors may be present since young adulthood.
Simulation study on radiation exposure of emergency medical responders from radioactively contaminated patients
Authors: Tsujiguchi Takakiyo , Suzuki Yoko , Sakamoto Mizuki , Narumi Kazuki , Ito Katsuhiro , Yasuda Hiroshi , Tokonami Shinji , Kashiwakura Ikuo
Published: March 2021

Emergency medical responders (EMRs) who treat victims during a radiation emergency are at risk of radiation exposure. In this study, the exposure dose to EMRs treating hypothetically contaminated patients was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation, and the findings may be useful for educating EMRs and reducing their anxiety. The Monte Carlo simulation estimated radiation doses for adult computational phantoms based on radioactive contamination conditions and radiation dosages from previous studies. At contamination conditions below the typical upper limit of general Geiger–Müller survey meters, the radiation doses to EMRs were estimated to be less than 1 μSv per hour. In cases with greater contamination due to mishandling of an intense radioactive source (hundreds of GBq), the radiation doses to EMRs could reach approximately 100 mSv per hour. These results imply that a radiological accident with a highly radioactive source could expose EMR to significant radiation that exceeds their dose limit. Thus, authorities and other parties should ensure that EMRs receive appropriate education and training regarding measures that can be taken to protect themselves from the possibility of excessive radiation exposure. The results of this study may provide EMRs with information to take appropriate protective measures, although it is also important that they not hesitate to perform lifesaving measures because of concerns regarding radiation.
Quantitative, noninvasive MRI characterization of disease progression in a mouse model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Waghorn Philip A. , Ferreira Diego S. , Erstad Derek J. , Rotile Nicholas J. , Masia Ricard , Jones Chloe M. , Tu Chuantao , Sojoodi Mozhdeh , Chen Yin-ching I. , Schlerman Franklin , Wellen Jeremy , Martinez Robert V. P. , Tanabe Kenneth K. , Fuchs Bryan C. , Caravan Peter
Published: March 2021

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an increasing cause of chronic liver disease characterized by steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis which can lead to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and mortality. Quantitative, noninvasive methods for characterizing the pathophysiology of NASH at both the preclinical and clinical level are sorely needed. We report here a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol with the fibrogenesis probe Gd-Hyd to characterize fibrotic disease activity and steatosis in a common mouse model of NASH. Mice were fed a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD) to induce NASH with advanced fibrosis. Mice fed normal chow and CDAHFD underwent MRI after 2, 6, 10 and 14 weeks to measure liver T1, T2*, fat fraction, and dynamic T1-weighted Gd-Hyd enhanced imaging of the liver. Steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis were then quantified by histology. NASH and fibrosis developed quickly in CDAHFD fed mice with strong correlation between morphometric steatosis quantification and liver fat estimated by MRI (r = 0.90). Sirius red histology and collagen quantification confirmed increasing fibrosis over time (r = 0.82). Though baseline T1 and T2* measurements did not correlate with fibrosis, Gd-Hyd signal enhancement provided a measure of the extent of active fibrotic disease progression and correlated strongly with lysyl oxidase expression. Gd-Hyd MRI accurately detects fibrogenesis in a mouse model of NASH with advanced fibrosis and can be combined with other MR measures, like fat imaging, to more accurately assess disease burden.
A scheme for enabling the ultimate speed of threshold switching in phase change memory devices
Authors: Saxena Nishant , Raghunathan Rajamani , Manivannan Anbarasu
Published: March 2021

Phase change materials exhibit threshold switching (TS) that establishes electrical conduction through amorphous material followed by Joule heating leading to its crystallization (set). However, achieving picosecond TS is one of the key challenges for realizing non-volatile memory operations closer to the speed of computing. Here, we present a trajectory map for enabling picosecond TS on the basis of exhaustive experimental results of voltage-dependent transient characteristics of Ge2Sb2Te5 phase-change memory (PCM) devices. We demonstrate strikingly faster switching, revealing an extraordinarily low delay time of less than 50 ps for an over-voltage equal to twice the threshold voltage. Moreover, a constant device current during the delay time validates the electronic nature of TS. This trajectory map will be useful for designing PCM device with SRAM-like speed.
A feasibility study of gamma ray source finder development for multiple sources scenario based on a Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Farzanehpoor Alwars Ali , Rahmani Faezeh
Published: March 2021

In this research, a rapid and accurate gamma finder system which can find orphan gamma-ray sources has been designed based on NaI(Tl) detector. By proposing complementary methods to our previous researches, an attempt has been made to provide an approach to solve the problem of 3D localization in multiple orphan gamma-ray sources scenario. Based on our previous research, the new conceptual design has been proposed and simulated using Monte Carlo MCNPX2.6 code. Afterward, in order to identify its key characteristics and features, the proposed design has been tested in several different scenarios (multiple gamma sources with various activities in different distances).
The role of bacterial urease activity on the uniformity of carbonate precipitation profiles of bio-treated coarse sand specimens
Authors: Konstantinou Charalampos , Wang Yuze , Biscontin Giovanna , Soga Kenichi
Published: March 2021

Protocols for microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) have been extensively studied in the literature to optimise the process with regard to the amount of injected chemicals, the ratio of urea to calcium chloride, the method of injection and injection intervals, and the population of the bacteria, usually using fine- to medium-grained poorly graded sands. This study assesses the effect of varying urease activities, which have not been studied systematically, and population densities of the bacteria on the uniformity of cementation in very coarse sands (considered poor candidates for treatment). A procedure for producing bacteria with the desired urease activities was developed and qPCR tests were conducted to measure the counts of the RNA of the Ure-C genes. Sand biocementaton experiments followed, showing that slower rates of MICP reactions promote more effective and uniform cementation. Lowering urease activity, in particular, results in progressively more uniformly cemented samples and it is proven to be effective enough when its value is less than 10 mmol/L/h. The work presented highlights the importance of urease activity in controlling the quality and quantity of calcium carbonate cements.
Conception and bicentric validation of the proSCANNED score, a simplified bedside prognostic score for Heart Failure patients
Authors: Duflos Claire , Solecki Kamila , Galinier Michel , Itier Romain , Roncalli Jerome , Goger Anne-Laure , Mandoraah Bara , Kalmanovich Eran , Huet Fabien , Agullo Audrey , Delseny Delphine , Macia Jean-Christophe , Leclercq Florence , Mercier Gregoire , Roubille François
Published: March 2021

A simple and accurate prognostic tool for Heart Failure (HF) patients is critical to improve follow-up. Different risk scores are accurate but with limited clinical applicability. The current study aims to derive and validate a simple predictive tool for HF prognosis. French outpatients with stable HF of two university hospitals were included in the derivation (N = 134) or in the validation (N = 274) sample and followed up for a median of 23 months. Potential predictors were variables with known association with mortality and easily available. The proSCANNED risk score was derived using a parametric survival model on complete case data; it includes 8 binary variables and its values are 0–8. In the validation sample, the ability of the score to discriminate the 1-year vital status was moderate (AUC = 0.71, IC95% = [0.64–0.71]). However, the stratification of the score in three groups showed a good calibration for patients in the low- and medium-risk risk group. The proSCANNED score is an easy-to-use tool in clinical practice with a good discrimination, stability, and calibration sufficient to improve the medical care of patients. Other follow up studies are necessary to assess score applicability in larger populations, and its impact.
Investigating the impact of cloud-radiative feedbacks on tropical precipitation extremes
Authors: Medeiros Brian , Clement Amy C. , Benedict James J. , Zhang Bosong
Published: March 2021

Although societally important, extreme precipitation is difficult to represent in climate models. This study shows one robust aspect of extreme precipitation across models: extreme precipitation over tropical oceans is strengthened through a positive feedback with cloud-radiative effects. This connection is shown for a multi-model ensemble with experiments that make clouds transparent to longwave radiation. In all cases, tropical extreme precipitation reduces without cloud-radiative effects. Qualitatively similar results are presented for one model using the cloud-locking method to remove cloud feedbacks. The reduced extreme precipitation without cloud-radiative feedbacks does not arise from changes in the mean climate. Rather, evidence is presented that cloud-radiative feedbacks enhance organization of convection and most extreme precipitation over tropical oceans occurs within organized systems. This result suggests that climate models must correctly predict cloud structure and properties, as well as capture the essence of organized convection in order to accurately represent extreme rainfall.
Sacrum morphology supports taxonomic heterogeneity of “Australopithecus africanus” at Sterkfontein Member 4
Authors: Fornai Cinzia , Krenn Viktoria A. , Mitteroecker Philipp , Webb Nicole M. , Haeusler Martin
Published: March 2021

The presence of multiple Australopithecus species at Sterkfontein Member 4, South Africa (2.07–2.61 Ma), is highly contentious, and quantitative assessments of craniodental and postcranial variability remain inconclusive. Using geometric morphometrics, we compared the sacrum of the small-bodied, presumed female subadult Australopithecus africanus skeleton Sts 14 to the large, alleged male adult StW 431 against a geographically diverse sample of modern humans, and two species of Pan, Gorilla, and Pongo. The probabilities of sampling morphologies as distinct as Sts 14 and StW 431 from a single species ranged from 1.3 to 2.5% for the human sample, and from 0.0 to 4.5% for the great apes, depending on the species and the analysis. Sexual dimorphism and developmental or geologic age could not adequately explain the differences between StW 431 and Sts 14, suggesting that they are unlikely to be conspecific. This supports earlier claims of taxonomic heterogeneity at Sterkfontein Member 4.
Awake suppression after brief exposure to a familiar stimulus
Authors: Bang Ji Won , Rahnev Dobromir
Published: March 2021

Newly learned information undergoes a process of awake reactivation shortly after the learning offset and we recently demonstrated that this effect can be observed as early as area V1. However, reactivating all experiences can be wasteful and unnecessary, especially for familiar stimuli. Therefore, here we tested whether awake reactivation occurs differentially for new and familiar stimuli. Subjects completed a brief visual task on a stimulus that was either novel or highly familiar due to extensive prior training on it. Replicating our previous results, we found that awake reactivation occurred in V1 for the novel stimulus. On the other hand, brief exposure to the familiar stimulus led to ‘awake suppression’ such that neural activity patterns immediately after exposure to the familiar stimulus diverged from the patterns associated with that stimulus. Further, awake reactivation was observed selectively in V1, whereas awake suppression had similar strength across areas V1–V3. These results are consistent with the presence of a competition between local awake reactivation and top-down awake suppression, with suppression becoming dominant for familiar stimuli.
Switching polymorph stabilities with impurities provides a thermodynamic route to benzamide form III
Authors: Kras Weronika , Carletta Andrea , Montis Riccardo , Sullivan Rachel A. , Cruz-Cabeza Aurora J.
Published: March 2021

Almost 200 years ago, benzamide was reported as polymorphic with two of its forms (II and III) found to be difficult to crystallise. In a recent study, it was shown that benzamide form I can easily convert into benzamide form III using mechanochemistry in the presence of nicotinamide. Here we show, experimentally and computationally, that this transformation is the result of a thermodynamic switch between these two polymorphic forms driven by the formation of solid solutions with small amounts of nicotinamide. The presence of nicotinamide in the crystallisation environment promotes the robust and exclusive crystallisation of the elusive form III. These results represent a promising route to the synthesis and utilisation of elusive polymorphs of pharmaceutical interest.
Thioester synthesis through geoelectrochemical CO2 fixation on Ni sulfides
Authors: Kitadai Norio , Nakamura Ryuhei , Yamamoto Masahiro , Okada Satoshi , Takahagi Wataru , Nakano Yuko , Takahashi Yoshio , Takai Ken , Oono Yoshi
Published: March 2021

A prevailing scenario of the origin of life postulates thioesters as key intermediates in protometabolism, but there is no experimental support for the prebiotic CO2 fixation routes to thioesters. Here we demonstrate that, under a simulated geoelectrochemical condition in primordial ocean hydrothermal systems (–0.6 to –1.0 V versus the standard hydrogen electrode), nickel sulfide (NiS) gradually reduces to Ni0, while accumulating surface-bound carbon monoxide (CO) due to CO2 electroreduction. The resultant partially reduced NiS realizes thioester (S-methyl thioacetate) formation from CO and methanethiol even at room temperature and neutral pH with the yield up to 35% based on CO. This thioester formation is not inhibited, or even improved, by 50:50 coprecipitation of NiS with FeS or CoS (the maximum yields; 27 or 56%, respectively). Such a simple thioester synthesis likely occurred in Hadean deep-sea vent environments, setting a stage for the autotrophic origin of life.
Hidden bulk and surface effects in the spin polarization of the nodal-line semimetal ZrSiTe
Authors: Gatti G. , Gosálbez-Martínez D. , Roth S. , Fanciulli M. , Zacchigna M. , Kalläne M. , Rossnagel K. , Jozwiak C. , Bostwick A. , Rotenberg E. , Magrez A. , Berger H. , Vobornik I. , Fujii J. , Yazyev O. V. , Grioni M. , Crepaldi A.
Published: March 2021

In non-magnetic materials the combination of inversion symmetry breaking (ISB) and spin-orbit coupling (SOC) determines the spin polarization of the band structure. However, a local spin polarization can also arise in centrosymmetric crystals containing ISB subunits. This is namely the case for the nodal-line semimetal ZrSiTe where, by combining spin- and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy with ab initio band structure calculations, we reveal a complex spin polarization. In the bulk, the valence and conduction bands exhibit opposite spin orientations in two spatially separated two-dimensional ZrTe sectors within the unit cell, yielding no net polarization. We also observe spin-polarized surface states that are well separated in energy and momentum from the bulk bands. A layer-by-layer analysis of the spin polarization allows us to unveil the complex evolution of the signal in the bulk states near the surface, thus bringing the intertwined nature of surface and bulk effects to the fore.
Nuclear quantum effects on the thermodynamic, structural, and dynamical properties of water
Authors: Eltareb Ali , Lopez Gustavo E. , Giovambattista Nicolas
Published: March 2021

The properties of H2O and D2O are investigated using PIMD simulations atT≥ 210 K,P= 1 bar. Anomalous maxima in thermodynamic response functions are found, supporting the presence of a liquid–liquid critical point atP> 0.
Design guidelines for chalcogenide-based flexible thermoelectric materials
Authors: Wang Yifan , Lin Peijian , Lou Qing , Zhang Zhongchi , Huang Shan , Lu Yao , He Jiaqing
Published: March 2021

We provide detailed design guidelines regarding chalcogenide-based flexible thermoelectric materials.
Superior light absorbing CdS/vanadium sulphide nanowalls@TiO2nanorod ternary heterojunction photoanodes for solar water splitting
Authors: Maitra Soumyajit , Halder Somoprova , Maitra Toulik , Roy Subhasis
Published: March 2021

Vanadium sulphide is an emerging infrared active photocatalyst that has not been utilized to its maximum potential.
Synthesis and characterization of a new acid molten salt and the study of its thermal behavior and catalytic activity in Fischer esterification
Authors: Zaharani Lia , Khaligh Nader Ghaffari , Johan Mohd Rafie , Gorjian Hayedeh
Published: March 2021

A new acid molten salt was synthesized and characterized, and employed in Fischer esterification.
Synthesis, characterization, and photoelectric properties of iridium(iii) complexes containing an N hetero-dibenzofuran C^N ligand
Authors: Ma Zequn , Jing Chaojun , Hang Deyu , Fan Hongtao , Duan Lumeng , Fang Shuqing , Yan Li
Published: March 2021

Three high-efficient green light iridium complexes were designed and prepared. Thermal stabilities, electrochemical properties, electroluminescence performances and substituents effects are presented and discussed in this study.
Investigation of corrosion characteristics of Cu-10Ni-1.2Fe-xMn (x = 0.53, 0.87, 1.19) alloy in 3.5% NaCl solution
Authors: Zhu Zhiyun , Li Shuhao , Zhang Rongwei
Published: March 2021

Cupronickel alloys have been broadly utilized in various fields due to their excellent properties.
A network pharmacology study on main chemical compounds fromHibiscus cannabinusL. leaves
Authors: Oh Ki Kwang , Adnan Md. , Ju Inseok , Cho Dong Ha
Published: March 2021

Hibiscus cannabinusL. leaves (HCLLs) are considered a favorable source of natural antiobesity substances.
Comparing the abundance of HClO in cancer/normal cells and visualizing in vivo using a mitochondria-targeted ultra-fast fluorescent probe
Authors: Pang Qian , Li Tao , Yin Caixia , Ma Kaiqing , Huo Fangjun
Published: March 2021

Organisms are operating and evolving with a highly sophisticated and intelligent defense mechanism to resist bacterial and viral infections.
A stable and ultrafast K ion storage anode based on phase-engineered MoSe2
Authors: Liu Lei , Xu Jie , Sun Jinmeng , He Song , Wang Ke , Chen Yanan , Dou Shuming , Du Zhuzhu , Du Hongfang , Ai Wei , Huang Wei
Published: March 2021

A hybrid 1T/2H phase MoSe2 has been prepared by functionalized carbon substrate induced phase engineering, which enables boosted pseudocapacitive response and fast kinetics for K storage.
Germanium-regulated adsorption site preference on ruthenium electrocatalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: Fan Meihong , Zhang Bo , Wang Lina , Li Zhenyu , Liang Xiao , Ai Xuan , Zou Xiaoxin
Published: March 2021

RuGe was identified as an efficient non-Pt hydrogen-evolving electrocatalyst, and its remarkable performance was derived from the germanium-induced change in hydrogen site preference from hollow to efficient Ru top sites.
A large copper-niobate cluster with the pagoda-shaped subunit {Nb20O59}
Authors: Liang Zhijie , Qiao Yuanyuan , Li Xue , Ma Pengtao , Niu Jingyang , Wang Jingping
Published: March 2021

A 72-nuclearity copper-niobate aggregate was synthesized and further investigated by mass spectrometry.
Impact of sodium vanadium oxide (NaV3O8, NVO) material synthesis conditions on charge storage mechanism in Zn-ion aqueous batteries
Authors: Tang Christopher R. , Singh Gurpreet , Housel Lisa M. , Kim Sung Joo , Quilty Calvin D. , Zhu Yimei , Wang Lei , Takeuchi Kenneth J. , Takeuchi Esther S. , Marschilok Amy C.
Published: March 2021

The electrochemical charge storage of sodium vanadate (NaV3O8 or NVO) cathodes in aqueous Zn-ion batteries is influenced by post-synthesis heat treatment that alters rate and amount of ion transfer in the material.
Lattice-distorted lithiation behavior of a square phase Janus MoSSe monolayer for electrode applications
Authors: Tang Xin , Ye Han , Liu Wenjun , Liu Yumin , Guo Zhenlin , Wang Mingchao
Published: March 2021

We investigate the electrochemical behavior of a square phase Janus MoSSe monolayer (1S-MoSSe) upon lithiation. Li adsorption triggers the local lattice distortion of 1S-MoSSe for avoiding structural instability.
Magnetism, dielectrics and ion conduction in two polymorphs of a heteroleptic bis(dithiolato)nickelate molecular solid
Authors: Chen Xuan-Rong , Luo Min , Zhang Zhen-Min , Xu Xiao-Yi , Jiang Yi , Liu Hang
Published: March 2021

A new heteroleptic compound [triethylpropylammonium][Ni(dmit)(mnt)] with two crystal polymorphs, which show different magnetic and dielectric properties, has been reported.
Honey authenticity: analytical techniques, state of the art and challenges
Authors: Tsagkaris Aristeidis S. , Koulis Georgios A. , Danezis Georgios P. , Martakos Ioannis , Dasenaki Marilena , Georgiou Constantinos A. , Thomaidis Nikolaos S.
Published: March 2021

An all-time bibliometric analysis to reveal trends in honey authenticity and critically discuss modern analytical techniques used to determine the origin of honey.
Highly sensitive naphthalimide based Schiff base for the fluorimetric detection of Fe3+
Authors: Jothi Dhanapal , Munusamy Sathishkumar , Sawminathan Sathish , Kulathu Iyer Sathiyanarayanan
Published: March 2021

A simple 1,8-naphthalimide based Schiff base probe NDSM has been designed and synthesized for the specific detection of Fe3+ based on a fluorimetric mode.
Silver nanoparticle on zinc oxide array for label-free detection of opioids through surface-enhanced raman spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Michael , Jin Congran , Nie Yuan , Ren Yundong , Hao Nanjing , Xu Zhe , Dong Lin , Zhang John X. J.
Published: March 2021

A plasmonic Ag nanoparticle decorated ZnO array on-chip sensor was developed for label-free detection of opioids through surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The sensor reliably detects opioids as low as 90 ng mL−1 in human blood serum with great accuracy and sensitivity.
Photoswitching of the melting point of a semicrystalline polymer by the azobenzene terminal group for a reversible solid-to-liquid transition
Authors: Guo Yutong , Xiao Jie , Sun Yunyu , Song Bo , Zhang Hui , Dong Bin
Published: March 2021

We report the photoswitching of the amorphization and the melting point of a semi-crystalline polymer through the introduction of end functional groups.
Predicting Clinical Skills in Graduate Health Sciences Applicants: A Systematic Review
Authors: Reisfeld Nicole Duval , Kaplan Stacy Lyn
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

The primary purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the ability of admission measures to predict clinical skills in graduate students from a variety of health sciences fields.

Method:

Online databases were searched for research using application measures to make predictions regarding clinical skill development in graduate students in health sciences fields. Twenty-eight studies were included. Articles were analyzed to determine what, if any, admissions measures predicted academic and clinical success in those graduate health care sciences students as well as the generalizability of various authors' findings and consistency of results across the body of research reviewed.

Results:

Cognitive measures such as undergraduate grade point averages and standardized test scores, including the Graduate Record Examination, more consistently predicted academic outcomes than clinical outcomes in graduate health care students. Noncognitive measures such as essays, interviews, personality tests, and letters of recommendation were slightly better than cognitive measures at predicting clinical skills.

Conclusions:

Clinical skills are not well defined, leading to difficulty in developing targeted admission and outcome measures. In addition, it was difficult to compare outcomes of the research due to the wide variety of measures used to assess student potential at the time of admission and the wide variety of outcome measures used to assess academic and clinical proficiency.
Acoustic simulation of J.S. Bach’s Thomaskirche in 1723 and 1539
Authors: Boren Braxton B.
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates an early acoustical theory of Hope Bagenal about the Leipzig Thomaskirche, where J.S. Bach composed and conducted from 1723 to 1750. Bagenal predicted that the church had a shorter reverberation time than previously in Bach’s time as a result of the Lutheran alterations to the space in the 16th century. This study uses on-site measurements to calibrate a geometric acoustical model of the current church. The calibrated model is then altered to account for the state of the church in 1723 and 1539. Simulations predict that the empty church in 1723 had a T30 value nearly one second lower than today, while the empty church in 1539 was much more reverberant than today. However, when the fully occupied church is simulated across all time periods, the difference in T30 is much smaller, with values at 1 kHz ranging from 2.7s in 1539, 2.5s in the present day, and 2.3s in 1723. These empirical data are crucial for understanding the historical setting of Bach’s music as heard by its original congregation and by its composer.
Fission yields and cross sections: correlated or not?
Authors: Rochman Dimitri Alexandre , Bauge Eric
Published: March 2021

Cross sections and fission yields can be correlated, depending on the selection of integral experimental data. To support this statement, this work presents the use of experimental isotopic compositions (both for actinides and fission products) from a sample irradiated in a reactor, to construct correlations between various cross sections and fission yields. This study is therefore complementing previous analysis demonstrating that different types of nuclear data can be correlated, based on experimental integral data.
Air 100 UAV for Law and Enforcement Applications
Authors: Jegatha R. , Sharmila P. , Ganesh U. , Dinesh S.
Published: March 2021

In India the crime increased with a percentage of 1.3% as per the NCRB data, in number, there are around50.74 lakh crimes under the Indian Penal Code and around 20 lakh crimes under local laws. There are many ways to detect where crimes are committed but those locations needed frequent monitoring. During an emergency call foran incident quicker response is required. The cops may/may not reach the location in time because of road transportation.But with UAV, the reaction for the call can be made better .UAV make an incredible time in reaching the exact location through the air medium. So the people in Law and enforcement sometimes use COTS (Commercial off the self) drones. They are not purposely made for it .The purpose of the paper is to make a custom UAV with the perfect specification to handle various critical situations.
Blockchain based mechanism to eliminate frauds and tampering of land records
Authors: Devi D , Sai Rohith G , Shri Hari S , Sri Ramachandar K
Published: March 2021

Data tampering and fraud in land records have increased drastically in the modern world. A data storage model using Blockchain and Interplanetary File System (IPFS) is proposed in this work. Land records and the farmer’s information are stored inside the Interplanetary file system. To avoid data faking, the hash address of the respective data generated by IPFS is stored in the blockchain. This proposed system when deployed on a large scale can outperform the existing methods of securing user data. One of the latest technological advancements in the software industry is the innovation of Blockchain Technology. This new technology has opened up a new business relationship platform that delivers feasibility, protection, and cheap rates. It provides a new foundation of trust for transactions that can facilitate a very streamlined workflow and a faster economy.
Modelling a Behavioral Scoring System for Lending Loans using Twitter
Authors: Suthanthiradevi P , Srividhyasaradha K , Karthika S
Published: March 2021

Traditionally, banks follow a risk assessment model in sanctioning loans. Risk assessment is performed by computing a credit score considering certain financial factors. This work proposes a behavioral score that can be computed from social media data. Social media covers almost all aspects of a person’s life. Integrating the credit score with the behavioral score of a person lowers the risk that comes with traditional assessment models. The behavioral score is measured by the profile score, financial attitude, and twit score. A general profile score is computed for the data fetched from Twitter. The twit score of a person is calculated by considering multiple parameters like relevance, usage, and authenticity. Additionally, to strengthen the model, a novel multi-level voting ensemble is implemented with 84% accuracy to scrutinize the financial attitude of the individuals. Pair wise comparison is used to reveal the importance of the various criteria analyzed. The behavioral score is derived by aggregating the three scores accordingly. This research work proposes fusing social media details as an added risk evaluation feature in granting loans.
CODOC: COVID – 19 Patient Tracker
Authors: Umamaheswari E , Madan Gazal , Das Chinmayee , Sridhar Shashank , Ajay DM
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 corona virus has affected 81.9 million people with 1.79 million deaths in the entire world and has transformed into a global pandemic. The disease has effected 10.2 million people in India with about 148K deaths till December 2020. The COVID-19 virus is a highly infectious disease, which mainly spreads through the droplets generated by the cough, sneeze or exhale of an infected person. The disease spreads rapidly in crowded and poorly ventilated places. The virus quickly contaminates on floors and surfaces, people touching their eyes, nose and mouth after their contact with these contaminated surfaces get infected with this viral disease. As there is no cure and a vaccine currently for COVID-19, tracing, testing, tracking and treating are the most efficient tools to combat it. In order to track patients the existing methods implement fall detectors and routers which are effective in tracking patients in smaller areas. In order to overcome this drawback, a patient tracking technique COVID-Doctor (CODOC) has been proposed in this work which implements Global Positioning System (GPS) and multiple sensors to track patients in larger areas.
Ernährungstherapie onkologischer Patientinnen und Patienten mit Dysphagie
Authors: Bernhardt Kerstin
Published: March 2021

Onkologische Patientinnen und Patienten, die von einer Dysphagie betroffen sind, leiden häufiger unter Gewichtsverlust, Mangelernährung und einer reduzierten Lebensqualität 1. Kritisch wird es, wenn die Therapiefähigkeit eingeschränkt ist oder sich eine Aspirationspneumonie entwickelt. Die Ernährungsintervention sowie individuell hilfreiche Maßnahmen sollten im interdisziplinären Team abgestimmt, gezielt eingesetzt und professionell durchgeführt werden.
was-essen-bei-krebs.de: Fundierte Informationen und praktische Tipps zur Ernährung bei Krebs
Authors: Blumers Anne , Neubauer Sandra
Published: March 2021

Die gemeinnützige Informationsplattform www.was-essen-bei-krebs.de bietet von einer Krebserkrankung Betroffenen und ihren Angehörigen wissenschaftlich fundierte Informationen, Alltagshilfen, Rezepte und Selbsttests rund um das Thema Ernährung bei Krebs. Die Plattform engagiert sich für eine Abhilfe bei Beschwerden und Mangelernährung, für bessere Therapievoraussetzungen, mehr Genuss und kleine Freuden im Alltag.
Enzymsubstitution bei onkologischen Patienten mit exokriner Pankreasinsuffizienz
Authors: Pedros Frank Nicole , Scheerer Barbara , Erickson Nicole
Published: March 2021

Vorgestellt wird der Fall einer 57-jährigen Frau mit einem Adenokarzinom des Pankreaskorpus. Dies erforderte eine operative Entfernung des Pankreas und in der Folge eine Substitution der Pankreasenzyme und des Insulins. Trotz guter Insulineinstellung und Compliance bei der Einnahme der verordneten Pankreasenzyme nahm die Patientin kontinuierlich ab. Wie kann hier eine Ernährungsberatung aussehen?