bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive near-infrared light triggers the remote activation of thermo-responsive TRPV1 channels in neurons based on biodegradable/photothermal polymer micelles
Authors: Chen Wei-Hsu , Onoe Taiki , Kamimura Masao
Published: January 2022

We developed a novel biodegradable/photothermal polymer micelle-based remote-activation method for a temperature-sensitive TRPV1 ion channel. The developed polymer micelles can serve as a novel noninvasive remote-activation tool for neuronal cells.
Enabling practical nanoparticle electrodeposition from aqueous nanodroplets
Authors: Reyes-Morales Joshua , Vanderkwaak Benjamin Theodore , Dick Jeffrey E.
Published: January 2022

The rapid rise of technology in the modern world has led to an increased demand for energy.
A disulfide-based linker for thiol–norbornene conjugation: formation and cleavage of hydrogels by the use of light
Authors: Lunzer Markus , Maryasin Boris , Zandrini Tommaso , Baudis Stefan , Ovsianikov Aleksandr , Liska Robert
Published: January 2022

A photolinker for formation of disulfide-crosslinked hydrogels via light-triggered thiol–ene conjugation has been developed. Hydrogels can be patterned via two-photon cleavage of disulfide-linkages in the presence of a two-photon active compound.
A fluorescent zirconium organic framework displaying rapid and nanomolar level detection of Hg(ii) and nitroantibiotics
Authors: Ghosh Subhrajyoti , Steinke Felix , Rana Abhijeet , Biswas Shyam
Published: January 2022

A new Zr(iv)-based MOF named IITG-5 showed fast (response time = 1 min), highly selective and nanomolar level detection limits for Hg2+(5 nM) and nitroantibiotics (NFZ = 156.7 nm and NFT = 96.3 nM) in water and methanol, respectively.
Pyrene-based monomer-excimer dual response organosilicon polymer for the selective detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP)
Authors: Gou Zhiming , Wang Aijing , Tian Minggang , Zuo Yujing
Published: January 2022

A pyrene-based polymer with the coexistence of a monomer and excimer emission exhibited different fluorescence behaviors between TNT and TNP.
Origins of regio- and stereoselectivity in Cu-catalyzed alkyne difunctionalization with CO2 and organoboranes
Authors: Hu Lingfei , Gao Han , Hu Yanlei , Lv Xiangying , Wu Yan-Bo , Lu Gang
Published: January 2022

The anti-to-Cu 1,2-migration of alkynyl boronates is critical for the 1,1-E-selective difunctionalization of terminal alkynes with CO2 and organoboranes.
Correction: Promotional mechanism of enhanced denitration activity with Cu modification in a Ce/TiO2–ZrO2 catalyst for a low temperature NH3-SCR system
Authors: Zhang Wei , Tang Yunhao , Xiao Wei , Ruan Min , Yin Yanshan , Song Quanbin , Xie Kang , Qin Chuan , Dong Mengyao , Zhou Yunhe , Li Jie
Published: January 2022

Correction for ‘Promotional mechanism of enhanced denitration activity with Cu modification in a Ce/TiO2–ZrO2 catalyst for a low temperature NH3-SCR system’ by Wei Zhang et al., RSC Adv., 2022, 12, 378–388, DOI: 10.1039/d1ra06325a
Liquid droplet impact on a sonically excited thin membrane
Authors: Abubakar Abba Abdulhamid , Yilbas Bekir Sami , Al-Qahtani Hussain , Alzaydi Ammar
Published: January 2022

The characteristics of droplet impact on hydrophobic surfaces can be altered by introducing surface oscillations.
Energy transfer processes in hyperfluorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Cho Eunkyung , Hong Minki , Yang Yu Seok , Cho Yong Joo , Coropceanu Veaceslav , Brédas Jean-Luc
Published: January 2022

In an efficient hyperfluorescent ternary blend, most of the singlet excitons from the TADF sensitizers will efficiently transfer to the emitters while the triplet excitons will first undergo a reverse intersystem crossing transition.
Ultrahigh sensitivity wearable sensors enabled by electrophoretic deposition of carbon nanostructured composites onto everyday fabrics
Authors: Doshi Sagar M. , Murray Colleen , Chaudhari Amit , Sung Dae Han , Thostenson Erik T.
Published: January 2022

Functionalized carbon nanotubes are deposited using an aqueous electrophoretic deposition process on everyday fabrics to create flexible wearable sensors, with ultrahigh sensitivity to detect human movements, from arm flexing to finger bending.
IL-1β promotes hypoxic vascular endothelial cell proliferation through the miR-24-3p/NKAP/NF-κB axis
Authors: Huang Jiangnan , Li Yumei , Jiang Zhiyuan , Wu Lingjun , Liu Yueying , Ma Siwen , Li Lang , Wang Hui
Published: January 2022

Purpose: Our previous data indicated that miR-24-3p is involved in the regulation of vascular endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and migration/invasion. However, whether IL-1β affects hypoxic HUVECs by miR-24-3p is still unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in hypoxic HUVECs.

Methods: We assessed the mRNA expression levels of miR-24-3p, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1A) and NF-κB-activating protein (NKAP) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). ELISA measured the expression level of IL-1β. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays evaluated the effect of miR-24-3p or si-NKAP+miR-24 on cell proliferation (with or without IL-1β). Transwell migration and invasion assays were used to examine the effects of miR-24-3p or si-NKAP+miR-24-3p on cell migration and invasion (with or without IL-1β). Luciferase reporter assays were used to identify the target of miR-24-3p.

Results: We demonstrated that in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patient blood samples, the expression of miR-24-3p is down-regulated, the expression of IL-1β or NKAP is up-regulated, and IL-1β or NKAP is negatively correlated with miR-24-3p. Furthermore, IL-1β promotes hypoxic HUVECs proliferation by down-regulating miR-24-3p. In addition, IL-1β also significantly promotes the migration and invasion of hypoxic HUVECs; overexpression of miR-24-3p can partially rescue hypoxic HUVECs migration and invasion. Furthermore, we discovered that NKAP is a novel target of miR-24-3p in hypoxic HUVECs. Moreover, both the overexpression of miR-24-3p and the suppression of NKAP can inhibit the NF-κB/pro-IL-1β signaling pathway. However, IL-1β mediates suppression of miR-24-3p activity, leading to activation of the NKAP/NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, our results reveal a new function of IL-1β in suppressing miR-24-3p up-regulation of the NKAP/NF-κB pathway.
Atomic diffusion in solar-like stars with MESA
Authors: Campilho B. , Deal M. , Bossini D.
Published: January 2022

Context. The stellar evolution code Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA) is public and is widely used by the community. It includes the possibility of taking several non-standard processes such as atomic diffusion into account. Even if the effect of gravitational settling is considered a standard ingredient in stellar modelling today, this is not the case for radiative accelerations. The specific treatment of atomic diffusion along with the radiative accelerations has never been compared with other stellar evolution codes. Benchmarking these codes is important because improved accuracy is required in order to analyse data from present and future space missions, such as the Kepler, Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, and PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars missions.

Aims. The aim of this paper is to compare MESA models including atomic diffusion (with radiative accelerations) with models computed with the Montreal/Montpellier stellar evolution code and with the Code d’Evolution Stellaire Adaptatif et Modulaire (CESTAM). Additionally, we assess the impact of some MESA options related to atomic diffusion.

Methods. We calculated atomic diffusion, including radiative accelerations, following the abundance profiles of 14 elements with MESA models. This was then compared with 1.1 and 1.4 M⊙ models computed with the Montreal/Montpellier and CESTAM codes. Various tests of MESA options for atomic diffusion were also carried out by varying only one of them at a time.

Results. We find that the abundance profiles of the considered elements in the MESA models compare rather well with the models computed with the two other codes when atomic diffusion options are carefully set. We also show that some options in MESA are crucial for a proper treatment of atomic diffusion.
Economic appraisal of Power-to-Liquid Fischer-Tropsch plants exploiting renewable electricity, green hydrogen, and CO2 from biogas in Europe
Authors: Marchese Marco , Marocco Paolo , Lanzini Andrea , Santarelli Massimo
Published: January 2022

The present work analyses the techno-economic potential of Power-to-Liquid routes to synthesize Fischer-Tropsch paraffin waxes for the chemical sector. The Fischer-Tropsch production unit is supplied with hydrogen produced by electrolysis and CO2 from biogas upgrading. In the analysis, 17 preferential locations were identified in Germany and Italy, where a flow of 1 t/h of carbon dioxide was ensured. For each location, the available flow of CO2 and the capacity factors for both wind and solar PV were estimated. A metaheuristic-based approach was used to identify the cost-optimal process design of the proposed system. Accordingly, the sizes of the hydrogen storage, electrolyzer, PV field, and wind park were evaluated. The analysis studied the possibility of having different percentage of electricity coming from the electric grid, going from full-grid to full-RES configurations. Results show that the lowest cost of Fischer-Tropsch wax production is 6.00 €/kg at full-grid operation and 25.1 €/kg for the full-RES solution. Wind availability has a key role in lowering the wax cost.
Comparison of different infiltration amounts of CeO2 inside Ni-YSZ anodes to improve stability and efficiency of Single-Chamber SOFCs operating in methane
Authors: d’Andrea Giovanni , Squizzato Enrico , Glisenti Antonella
Published: January 2022

Electrochemically active oxide-based anodes capable of working in Single-Chamber Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SC-SOFCs) were developed. Their performance is related to the selectivity of the electrodes. Tests are carried out on lab-scale devices with YSZ pellets as solid electrolytes in electrolyte supported cells. Selecting methane as a fuel, a gas mixture in the ratio CH4/O2 = 2 was chosen. The Ni-YSZ (NiO:YSZ=60:40) anode was optimized through CeO2 nanocatalysts infiltration to enhance the anode catalytic activity and make its reduction easier. Several infiltration amounts were compared, from null to 15% of the electrode weight. Both symmetric and complete cells (with LSCF-based cathodes) were tested in H2 and CH4/O2. For increasing amounts of infiltrated CeO2, symmetric cells tests describe an area specific resistance (ASR) reduction from 40 Ω cm2 to 1.7 Ω cm2 in hydrogen and from 11 Ω cm2 to 3.9 Ω cm2 in the methane/oxygen mixture. While complete cells tests displayed an ASR drop from 30 Ω cm2 to 2.9 Ω cm2 in H2, and from 8.7 Ω cm2 to 4.3 Ω cm2 in the methane/oxygen mixture, while OCP and power grew from 478 mV and 3.7 mW cm-2 to 766 mV and 13 mW cm-2.
High temperature fuel cells to reduce CO2emission in the maritime sector
Authors: Archetti Maurizio , Audasso Emilio , Bosio Barbara , Bove Dario
Published: January 2022

Recently the interest in the sustainability of the maritime sector has increased exponentially. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) set as objective the reduction of CO2emissions by 2030 by a margin of 40% compared to 2008. Recent studies showed that, according to the ships and the emission mitigation method applied, only 15–25% of CO2reduction is de facto needed. Fuel cells represent an answer to meet this regulation. We propose two different solutions: (i) produce with SOFCs instead of engines the minimum power necessary to cut 20% of the emissions, or (ii) reduce the engine power of about 10% balancing the power requirement using MCFCs with CO2capture. Using Aspen Plus each solution was investigated. The analysis contemplated LNG steam reforming to produce the H2necessary for cell operation and the separation and liquefaction of CO2. Two case studies were considered comparing existing passenger ships with engines working on HFO and on LNG respectively. Although both solutions showed potential for the reduction of CO2emissions respecting the IMO regulations, the SOFC solution requires a major change in the design of the ship, while MCFCs are proposed as an urgent solution allowing ship retrofitting without demanding update.
Experimental study of gas diffusion layers nonlinear orthotropic behavior
Authors: Ouerghemmi Marwa , Carral Christophe , Mele Patrice
Published: January 2022

One of the most important components of PEMFC is the gas diffusion layer (GDL), owing to its key role in the reactant diffusion, water management, thermal and electron conductivity. Therefore, the GDL must have an optimal stiffness to ensure these transport functions during numerous hydrothermal cycles.

The understanding of its behavior is still a remaining issue. Its orthotropic mechanical behavior requires a series of mechanical characterizations in the plane of the fibers and out of plane. In addition, there are different manufacturing processes for GDL in sheet or roll form to optimize its functional properties. A macro porous layer (MPL) or different PTFE contents might be added by different manufacturers to optimize its performance. In this study, we have performed several mechanical tests differentiating between in plane and out of plane properties in order to characterize different GDLs available on the market. All of the experimental work has been done in the machine (MD) and cross machine direction (CD) according to the fiber orientation. The different GDL types were then classified into categories presenting similar mechanical response.
Characterization and modelling of air humidification in Fuel Cell System for transport sector
Authors: Grimaldi Amedeo , Villa Lorenzo , Baricci Andrea , De Antonellis Stefano , Oldani Claudio , Casalegno Andrea
Published: January 2022

A model for the physical description of water transport through steady-state permeation and dynamic sorption within perfluoro-sulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes has been developed. A broad experimental campaign is conducted on several membranes, belonging to Aquivion class, varying both in thickness and equivalent weight (EW). The experimental data have been used to calibrate and validate water transport model and to find correlations for mass-transfer properties in low-EW PFSA membranes that describe consistently both water vapor permeation and sorption. It has been possible to identify individual contributions to mass transport resistance and to determine the optimal configuration and materials of a full-scale counter-flow membrane humidifier under a set of specific operating conditions.
Design of a hydrogen-powered bicycle for sustainable mobility
Authors: Di Giorgio Paolo , Di Ilio Giovanni , Scarpati Gabriele , Erme Giovanni , Simeoni Elio , Jannelli Elio
Published: January 2022

Hydrogen-powered vehicles are emerging as a key source for a clean and sustainable mobility scenario. In particular, hydrogen technologies have a great potential for light mobility in urban areas, where traffic congestion may cause very high levels of local pollution. In this context, hybrid fuel cell/battery vehicles represent a promising solution, since they allow for extended driving range and short recharge time, which are two of the major concerns related to electric propulsion, in general. In this work, a new plug-in fuel cell electric bicycle concept is presented, where the on-board energy storage is realized by means of an innovative system integrating a battery pack with a metal hydride hydrogen tank. This solution allows to achieve very high performance in terms of riding range, which are unattainable with traditional battery electric bicycles. In particular, the hybrid energy storage system is conceived to provide an optimal thermal management of the two integrated components. The proposed design is developed on the basis of typical duty cycles acquired during on-road measurements. A prototype of the bicycle is then realized and bench-tested in order to assess design consistency and to evaluate its performances. The results show that the riding range of the new hydrogen-fuelled bicycle is about three times higher than the one for a similar electric bicycle.
Bioelectricity production of PMFC using Lobelia Queen Cardinalis in individual and shared soil configurations
Authors: Bataillou Grégory , Haddour Naoufel , Vollaire Christian
Published: January 2022

Plant Microbial Fuel Cell (PMFC) creates electricity from oxidation of root exudates by microbia anaerobic digestion, and reduction of dioxygen to water. In this study, Lobelia Queen Cardinalis was used as a plant model to investigate the impact of ionic connection between stacked Plant microbial fuel cell (shared soil). 10mm thickness carbon felt woven with stainless steel wire was used for both anode and cathode, and soil was a mix of potting soil and ground from pond banks (30\%-70\% weight, respectively). Independent performances did not show any difference between individual and shared soil PMFCs. Stacking independent PMFC in series sums both open circuit potential (OCP) and internal resistance, while stacking in parallel sums current, keeping open circuit potential to the mean of the OCPs. Although series stacking seems to output best performances, this configuration may cause voltage reversal in one PMFC when current is strong, leading to biofilm damage, so stacking in parallel is recommended.
Development of Flexible, Conductive and Biocompatible Chitosan-Based Miniaturized Bioelectrodes for Enzymatic Glucose Biofuel Cells
Authors: García-Carmona Laura , Buaki-Sogó Mireia , Vegas-García Marta , Gil-Agustí Mayte , Llovera-Segovia Pedro , Quijano-López Alfredo
Published: January 2022

The need for new clean energy sources for portable devices in biomedical, agro-food industry and environmental related sectors boosts scientists towards the development of new strategies for energy harvesting for their application in biodevices development. In this sense, enzymatic biofuel cells (BFCs) have gained much attention in the last years. This work faces the challenge of develop new generation of BFCs able to be adapted to remote and personal monitoring devices within the framework of wearable technologies. To this aim, one of the main challenges consists of the development of conductive and biocompatible electrodes, which constitute a challenge itself due to the non-conductive capabilities of most of the biocompatible supports. Additionally, bioelectrodes may achieve good mechanical properties and resilience in order to be suitable for the envisioned application, which involves exposure to deformation during long-term use. Furthermore, it is desirable that the systems developed are versatile enough to be adapted to miniaturized supports for new personal wearable devices development. In the present work, self-standing chitosan-carbon black membranes have been synthesized and modified with suitable enzymes for the assembly of an enzymatic glucose BFC. The membranes have been adapted to be integrated in miniaturized interdigitated gold electrodes as the step forward to miniaturized systems, modified with enzymes and metallic particles clusters and tested for energy harvesting from glucose solutions. The miniaturized system produces a power density of 0.64 µW/cm2 that is enhanced to 2.75 µW/cm2 in the presence of the metallic clusters, which constitute a 76% incensement. Such preliminary demonstrations highlight the good response of metals in bioelectrode configuration. However, energy harvesting real application of the developed miniaturized electrodes need still improvements but pave the way for the use of BFC as an energy source in wearable technologies due to their good mechanical, electrical and biocompatible properties.
Social Life Cycle Assessment of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell stack
Authors: Bargiacchi Eleonora , Campos-Carriedo Felipe , Iribarren Diego , Dufour Javier
Published: January 2022

Hydrogen systems are gaining importance in view of a progressive decarbonisation of societies, and becoming more and more cost-competitive alternatives in many sectors (e.g., mobility). However, the sustainability of these technologies must be carefully assessed following a holistic approach which embraces not only environmental but also social aspects. Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) is an insightful methodology to evaluate potential social impacts of products along their life cycle. In the frame of the project eGHOST, social risks of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack were assessed through an S-LCA. The functional unit was defined as one 48 kW stack (balance of plant excluded), targeted for mobility applications. The supply chain was defined assuming Spain as the manufacturing country and involving from the material/energy production plants to the stack manufacturing. Beyond conventional life cycle inventory data, trade information and additional inventory data were retrieved from the UN Comtrade and PSILCA databases, respectively. Besides, working hours for the manufacturing plants of the stack and its subcomponents were calculated based on literature data. Social life cycle inventories were modelled and evaluated using openLCA and the PSILCA method. Two stakeholder categories, workers and society, were considered through the following social indicators: child labour, contribution to economic development, fair salary, forced labour, gender wage gap, and health expenditure. The choice of these indicators is in line with the eGHOST project purpose. Despite the relatively small amount contained in the product, platinum clearly arose as the main social hotspot under each of the selected indicators. At the level of component plants, the manufacturing of bipolar and end plates was also found to be relevant under some indicators. On the other hand, electricity consumption generally accounted for a minor contribution. Overall, in order to avoid burden shifting from environmental to social issues, a careful design of technologies is needed.
In search of the unexpected: the first finding of an islandic population of the noble crayfish Astacus astacus in Greece redefines its distribution
Authors: Karaouzas Ioannis , Leris Ioannis , Kapakos Yiannis , Kalaitzakis Nektarios , Fytilis Konstantinos , Kouraklis Petros , Kalogianni Eleni
Published: January 2022

This contribution presents the first record of the noble crayfish Astacus astacus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Euboea (Evia) Island, Greece. The crayfish was found during a fish monitoring expedition in the upper Mesapios River, in a reach that maintains flow throughout the year, while most of the river length desiccates completely during the dry season. The finding of A. astacus in an intermittent river of Euboea Island expands the species geographical range and calls for immediate conservation actions to protect its habitat and preserve this vulnerable population.
Expression of Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) in Breast Cancer
Authors: Unger Clara , Bronsert Peter , Michalski Kerstin , Bicker Anna , Juhasz-Böss Ingolf
Published: January 2022

Background Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a promising protein for breast cancer patients. It has not only been detected in prostate cancer but is also expressed by tumor cells and the endothelial cells of tumor vessels in breast cancer patients. PSMA plays a role in tumor progression and tumor angiogenesis. For this reason, a number of diagnostic and therapeutic methods to target PSMA have been developed.

Method This paper provides a general structured overview of PSMA and its oncogenic potential, with a special focus on its role in breast cancer. This narrative review is based on a selective literature search carried out in PubMed and the library of Freiburg University Clinical Center. The following key words were used for the search: “PSMA”, “PSMA and breast cancer”, “PSMA PET/CT”, “PSMA tumor progression”. Relevant articles were explicitly read through, processed, and summarized.

Conclusion PSMA could be a new diagnostic and therapeutic alternative, particularly for triple-negative breast cancer. It appears to be a potential predictive and prognostic marker.
Effectiveness of High-intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Therapy of
Solid and Complex Benign Thyroid Nodules – A Long-term Follow up
Two-center Study
Authors: Fischer Anne , Korkusuz Hüdayi , Vorländer Christian
Published: January 2022

Purpose To investigate the effectiveness of high-intensity focused
ultrasound (HIFU) of solid and complex benign thyroid nodules.

Methods Fifty-eight patients with benign thyroid nodules were treated with
HIFU at two centers from 2014–2019. The device, EchoPulse (Teraclion,
Malakoff, France), heats the nodes to 80–90 °C. Nodal volumes
were measured by ultrasound at regular intervals before and up to 12 months
after therapy. In a retrospective long-term two-center study, average volume
reductions in relation to baseline volume were statistically analyzed by the
Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Side effects were documented.

Results In solid nodules, the average percent volume reductions at the 3,
6, 9, and 12-months follow-up were 49.98%, 46.40%,
65.77%, and 63.88%, respectively. The results were significant
with p<0.05 in the Wilcoxon signed-rank test at the 3, 6, and 9-months
follow-up. In complex nodules, the average percent volume reduction was
35.2% at 3 months, 36.89% at 6 months, and 63.64% at
twelve months follow up. The results were significant with p<0.05 in the
Wilcoxon signed-rank test at the 3- and 6-months follow-up. The complication
rate was 5.2%. All complications occurred in patients with solid
nodules.

Conclusion The study showed that HIFU is an effective treatment method for
both solid and complex nodules. The complication rate is relatively high at
5.2%. No long-term complications occurred. The solid nodules responded
better to HIFU than complex nodules.
Complete polyp resection with cold snare versus hot snare polypectomy for polyps of 4–9 mm: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pedersen Ina B. , Rawa-Golebiewska Anna , Calderwood Audrey H. , Brix Lone D. , Grode Louise B. , Botteri Edoardo , Bugajski Marek , Kaminski Michal F. , Januszewicz Wladyslaw , Ødegaard Hjalmar , Kleist Britta , Kalager Mette , Løberg Magnus , Bretthauer Michael , Hoff Geir , Medhus Asle , Holme Øyvind
Published: January 2022

Background Endoscopic screening with polypectomy reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). Incomplete polyp removal may attenuate the effect of screening. This randomized trial compared cold snare polypectomy (CSP) with hot snare polypectomy (HSP) in terms of complete polyp resection.

Methods We included patients ≥ 40 years of age at eight hospitals in four countries who had at least one non-pedunculated polyp of 4–9 mm detected at colonoscopy. Patients were randomized 1:1 to CSP or HSP. Biopsies from the resection margins were obtained systematically after polypectomy in both groups. We hypothesized that CSP would be non-inferior to HSP, with a non-inferiority margin of 5 %. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify the factors explaining incomplete resection.

Results 425 patients, with 601 polyps, randomized to either CSP or HSP were included in the analysis. Of 318 polyps removed by CSP and 283 polyps removed by HSP, 34 (10.7 %) and 21 (7.4 %) were incompletely resected, respectively, with an adjusted risk difference of 3.2 % (95 %CI −1.4 % to 7.8 %). There was no difference between the groups in terms of post-polypectomy bleeding, perforation, or abdominal pain. Independent risk factors for incomplete removal were serrated histology (odds ratio [OR] 3.96; 95 %CI 1.63 to 9.66) and hyperplastic histology (OR 2.52; 95 %CI 1.30 to 4.86) in adjusted analyses.

Conclusion In this randomized trial, non-inferiority for CSP could not be demonstrated. Polyps with serrated histology are more prone to incomplete resection compared with adenomas. CSP can be used safely for small polyps in routine colonoscopy practice.
How Rhodium(I)-Catalyzed Phosphorus(III)-Directed C–H Bond Functionalizations Can Improve the Catalytic Activities of Phosphines
Authors: Soulé Jean-François , Zhang Zhuan , Durand Natacha
Published: January 2022

Trivalent-phosphorus-containing molecules are widely used in fields ranging from catalysis to materials science. Efficient catalytic methods for their modifications, providing straightforward access to novel hybrid structures with superior catalytic activities, are highly desired to facilitate reaction improvement or discovery. We have recently developed new methods for synthesizing polyfunctional phosphines by C–C cross-couplings through rhodium-catalyzed C–H bond activation. These methods use a native P(III) atom as a directing group, and can be used in regioselective late-stage functionalization of phosphine ligands. Interestingly, some of the modified phosphines outperform their parents in Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions.

1 Introduction

2 Early Examples of Transition-Metal-Catalyzed P(III)-Directed C–H Bond Activation/Functionalizations

3 Synthesis of Polyfunctional Biarylphosphines by Late-Stage Alkylation: Application in Carboxylation Reactions

4 Synthesis of Polyfunctional Biarylphosphines by Late-Stage Alkenylation: Application in Amidation Reactions

5 Conclusion
Radiology of Anomalies of Pulmonary Veins
Authors: Rahalkar Mukund Dattatray , Rahalkar Anand M.
Published: January 2022

A study of 43 cases of suspected congenital diseases of heart was performed in Sahyadri Hospital, Pune, over a period of 5 to 6 years with dual source computed tomography (CT) in adolescents as well as children. Only the images of anomalies of pulmonary veins are presented.

Compared with different radiological techniques, CT offers many advantages, as it can be undertaken even in neonates, yields more information than MR in a very little time, is better than 2D echo, when there is a small inter-costal window in some infants and is noninvasive. This study proved useful for further medical/surgical management.
Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Hypocalcemia-Induced Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Pediatric Population
Authors: Garg Ankit , Azad Sushil , Kumar Khemendra , Bhatia Mona , Radhakrishnan S.
Published: January 2022

Background Hypocalcemia is a rare reversible cause of dilated cardiomyopathy in pediatric population. Myocarditis is another more frequent cause of cardiomyopathy with overlapping presenting features. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) is a vital modality capable of tissue characterization for the evaluation of cardiomyopathy. The present study is the first attempt to determine if any specific characteristics on CMR exist in patients with hypocalcemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Methods A retrospective analysis of 10 cases of hypocalcemic dilated cardiomyopathy (August 2012–August 2019), among which CMRI of nine patients were analyzed. Patients were categorized in to three categories; category 1 defined as absence of edema and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), category 2 having edema only, and category 3 with presence of both edema and LGE. A diagnosis of myocarditis was considered if both edema and LGE were present.

Results The mean age of the cohort was 5.5 ± 3.3 months. The mean ejection fraction of the cohort was 20.5 ± 6.85% that improved significantly to 35.22 ± 9.3% at the time of discharge. Five of nine patients had no edema or LGE (category 1), whereas two patients each were categorized into category 2 and 3. All cases in category 1 had normalized ventricular function on follow-up. One patient in category 2 had normal ejection fraction and one was lost to follow-up. Out of the two patients in category 3, there was one mortality and another was lost to follow-up. Of the six patients at follow-up (19 ± 11.0 months), the mean left ventricle ejection fraction improved to 56.5 ± 6.1%.

Conclusion Hypocalcemic dilated cardiomyopathy has a favorable outcome on rapid initiation of treatment. CMR can be utilized for further prognostication of these patients. Absence of edema and LGE predicts a good outcome, whereas presence of LGE and/or edema either indicates a worse prognosis or an underlying coexistent myocarditis warranting an early myocardial biopsy.
Radiation Protection in Interventional Radiology
Authors: Garg Tushar , Shrigiriwar Apurva
Published: January 2022

There has been a rapid development in the field of interventional radiology over recent years, and this has led to a rapid increase in the number of interventional radiology procedures being performed. There is, however, a growing concern regarding radiation exposure to the patients and the operators during these procedures. In this article, we review the basics of radiation exposure, radiation protection techniques, radiation protection tools available to interventional radiologists, and radiation protection during pregnancy.
To Study Acute Changes in Brain Oxygenation on MRI in Healthcare Workers Using N95 Mask and PPE Kits for Six Hours a Day
Authors: Vakharia Rahul Jitendra , Jani Ishaan , Yadav Shashibala , Kurian Thomas
Published: January 2022

Background Due to long working hours wearing an N95 mask and PPE kit during the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare workers (HCWs) complained of headaches, confusion, and exhaustion. This study was therefore performed to study the changes in brain oxygenation.

Aim To compare brain oxygenation in health care workers wearing an N95 mask with a PPE kit versus a three-ply mask during an intensive care setting for 6 hours.

Materials and Methods Thirty clinicians and 30 paramedical staff participated in the study. The control (three-ply mask) and subject (N95 mask with PPE) groups included 15 clinicians and 15 paramedical staff. A comparative analysis of brain oxygenation using a 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine was performed in these two groups at the beginning and the end of their work shift.

Results The mean age of the individuals in the control and subject groups was 30.8 and 30.13 years, respectively. The median value of brain oxygenation in the control and subject groups in the pre-shift was between 33 and 31 and post-shift was 30 and 24. The drop in brain oxygenation in subjects was more than the controls (p = 0.004) in the post-shift assessments. The cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) using arterial spin labeling (ASL) showed a rise in CBF in both groups post-shift as compared with the pre-shift values. The median values of the right and left MCA in the control and subject groups pre-shift were 82.75/83.45 and 89.75/106.65. The post-shift median values of both MCAs of the control and subject groups were 115.65/115.55 and 109.60/119.49.

Conclusion MRI-BOLD imaging revealed a significant drop in brain oxygenation in the subject group as compared with the control group. Multiphasic-ASL showed a compensatory rise in CBF in both groups.
Soft-Tip Stylet and Saline Instillation Technique: Making Difficult Percutaneous CT-Guided Biopsies Possible
Authors: Neyaz Zafar
Published: January 2022

Finding a safe needle path during percutaneous computed tomography-guided biopsy is sometimes difficult due to concern for injuring a vital structure. Saline instillation technique has been used to displace the structure out of the way. Another useful tool is a soft-tip stylet. A soft-tip also referred as blunt-tip stylet for the introducer cannula is provided with some coaxial biopsy sets in additional to standard sharp-tip stylet. While the sharp-tip stylet is fitted with introducer cannula for piercing skin, muscle, and fascia, a soft-tip stylet may be used for avoiding injury to structures like vessels and bowel loops especially while advancing introducer cannula through fatty tissue. Additionally, it is also useful for avoiding injury to nerves and giving pleural anesthesia. Although its use has been described in medical literature, many radiologists are still not utilizing this tool to its full potential. In this educational exhibit, various applications of soft-tip stylet and saline instillation technique have been depicted using representative cases.
Selecting the Appropriate First-Line Strategy Based on Hyperdense Vessel Sign in Acute Ischemic Stroke Increases First Pass Recanalization: A Tertiary Center Experience
Authors: Kovilapu Uday Bhanu , Jain Narendra , Mishra Atul , Malik Virender
Published: January 2022

Background: The data pertaining to selecting an optimal first-line strategy (stent retriever [SR] vs. contact aspiration [CA]) based on noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) in cases of acute ischemic stroke consequent to large vessel occlusion (LVO) is lacking.

Aims: This article studies the influence of hyperdense vessel sign (HVS) in selecting optimal first-line strategy, with intention of increasing first-pass recanalization (FPR).

Methods: Upfront approach at our center is SR technique with rescue therapy (CA) adoption consequent to three failed SR attempts to achieve successful recanalization. Data of patients with acute LVO who underwent mechanical thrombectomy from June 2017 to May 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified into HVS (+) and HVS (−) cohort. Rate of successful recanalization (first pass, early, and final) and efficacy of rescue therapy was assessed between the two cohorts.

Results: Of 52 patients included, 28 and 24 were assigned to the HVS (+) and HVS (−) cohort, respectively. FPR was observed in 50% of HVS (+) and 20.9% of HVS (−) (p = 0.029). Early recanalization was documented in 64.2% of HVS (+) and 37.5% of HVS (−) (p = 0.054). Rescue therapy need was higher in patients not demonstrating HVS (p = 0.062). Successful recanalization was achieved with rescue therapy in 50% of HVS (−) group.

Conclusion: A higher FPR is achievable following individualized first-pass strategy (based on NCCT appearance of clot), instead of a generalized SR first-pass approach. This CT imaging-based strategy is a step closer to achieving primary angiographic goal of FPR.
Detection of Ureteral Stump Transitional Cell Carcinoma, Presenting as Bone Metastases from Unknown Primary by 18F-FDG PET/CT: A Case Report with Review of Literature
Authors: Nikolova Petya N. , Hadzhiyska Valeria H. , Mladenov Kiril B. , Ilcheva Mihaela G. , Veneva Stefani , Dineva Svetla E. , Mladenov Boris S.
Published: January 2022

A case of occult carcinoma of the ureteral stump is reported. A 67-year-old man presented with pain syndrome due to multiple bone metastases from unknown primary origin detected by previous imaging studies as magnetic resonance imaging, whole body contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), and technetium-99m methyldiphosphonate bone scan. He had undergone a right nephrectomy for a benign disease previously. He was referred to our department for an 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to help localize possible primary tumor. Our observations in this case show that the use of 18F-FDG PET/CT successfully and more accurately evaluated the overall tumor burden and led to a rapid decision of an adequate therapeutic approach.
Evaluation of Low-kVp Low-Volume Iodinated Contrast Protocol for Coronary CT Angiography Using Retrospective ECG Gating
Authors: Kapoor Atul , Mahajan Goldaa , Kapoor Aprajita
Published: January 2022

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of low peak kilovoltage (kVp) low-volume iodinated contrast protocol for performing coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography (CCTA) in patients using retrospective electrocardiogram (ECG) gating.

Materials and Methods Hundred prospective patients undergoing CCTA were studied in two groups, A and B, using 70 kilovoltage (kV) and 120 kV protocols with half and standard intravenous volumes of injected iodinated contrast, respectively. All patients had heart rates less than 100 beats/min and body mass index (BMI) less than 31 kg/m2. Both the groups were evaluated for signal-to-noise (S/N) and contrast-to-noise (C/N) ratios along with radiation dose delivered in millisievert (mSv), and for image quality (IQ), on per patient and per segment basis.

Results Patients with group A showed statistically reduced radiation dose of 1.86 mSv compared with 6.86 mSv in group B patients. Marked reduction in image noise with statistically improved S/N and C/N ratios in all coronary vessels was seen in group A. S/N ratios in group A were 20.25, 18.68, 19.04, 17.41, and 18.69 for aorta, left main, left anterior descending, right coronary, and left circumflex arteries while they were 13.34, 11.12, 10.96, 9.74, and 8.67 in group B patients. C/N ratios were also higher in all vessels in group A patients, that is, 19.48, 19.48, 19.04, 19.48, and 17.68, compared with group B patients, who had 12.43, 10.03, 9.23, 9.57, and 8.23 ratios (p < 0.0001). No significant difference in IQ per patient and per vessel was seen between both the groups.

Discussion Retrospective ECG-gated low-kVp low-volume iodinated contrast protocol provides good diagnostic quality angiograms in patients with BMI up to 31 kg/m2 and with heart rates of less than 100 beats/min with three times reduced radiation dose. The reduced volume of contrast reduces the cost as well as the chance of contrast-induced nephropathy.
Uneven regulatory playing field and bank transparency abroad
Authors: Chen Tai-Yuan , Chen Yi-Chun , Hung Mingyi
Published: January 2022

Motivated by international business research on institutional arbitrage and headquarters–subsidiary relationships, we examine the effect of regulatory distance on multinational banks’ (MNBs) reporting transparency abroad. Using an international sample of foreign subsidiary banks in 46 host countries from 47 home countries, we find that bank transparency declines when the home countries have tighter activity restrictions than the host countries. We bolster the causal inference using difference-in-differences designs that take advantage of banking reforms and cross-border bank acquisitions. We also find that the result is more pronounced when parent banks have lower capital ratios or when host countries have weaker supervisory power, suggesting that parent banks use opaque reporting to conceal risk-taking abroad. Further analysis finds that less transparent subsidiaries are more likely to fail during financial crises. Overall, our findings suggest that regulatory distance creates negative externalities for bank transparency and stability abroad.
Xenon mobility in γ-uranium and uranium–molybdenum alloys
Authors: Iasir A. Rafi M. , Hammond Karl D.
Published: January 2022

Diffusion in bcc uranium and U–Mo alloys is of great interest because fission gas and other fission products impact the performance of nuclear fuels. We investigate the mobility of xenon and molybdenum in bcc uranium (γ-U) and metallic U–Mo alloys by calculating the migration energies of xenon and molybdenum for various local compositions using density functional theory. We also calculate the solute–vacancy binding energies of different solutes to vacancies in bcc uranium. We find that the solute–vacancy binding energy in bcc uranium is significantly higher than it is in other bcc metals (e.g., Fe and W). We also find that the migration energy of molybdenum is substantially higher than the migration energy of xenon, indicating that xenon is much more mobile than molybdenum in bcc uranium. The presence of molybdenum in the nearest-neighbor shell around a xenon atom typically increases the migration energy of xenon, which indicates a reduction of xenon mobility in U–Mo alloys compared to pure bcc uranium.
Experimental observations of detached bow shock formation in the interaction of a laser-produced plasma with a magnetized obstacle
Authors: Levesque Joseph M. , Liao Andy S. , Hartigan Patrick , Young Rachel P. , Trantham Matthew , Klein Sallee , Gray William , Manuel Mario , Fiksel Gennady , Katz Joseph , Li Chikang , Birkel Andrew , Tzeferacos Petros , Hansen Edward C. , Khiar Benjamin , Foster John M. , Kuranz Carolyn C.
Published: January 2022

The magnetic field produced by planets with active dynamos, like the Earth, can exert sufficient pressure to oppose supersonic stellar wind plasmas, leading to the formation of a standing bow shock upstream of the magnetopause, or pressure-balance surface. Scaled laboratory experiments studying the interaction of an inflowing solar wind analog with a strong, external magnetic field are a promising new way to study magnetospheric physics and to complement existing models, although reaching regimes favorable for magnetized shock formation is experimentally challenging. This paper presents experimental evidence of the formation of a magnetized bow shock in the interaction of a supersonic, super-Alfvénic plasma with a strongly magnetized obstacle at the OMEGA laser facility. The solar wind analog is generated by the collision and subsequent expansion of two counter-propagating, laser-driven plasma plumes. The magnetized obstacle is a thin wire, driven with strong electrical currents. Hydrodynamic simulations using the FLASH code predict that the colliding plasma source meets the criteria for bow shock formation. Spatially resolved, optical Thomson scattering measures the electron number density, and optical emission lines provide a measurement of the plasma temperature, from which we infer the presence of a fast magnetosonic shock far upstream of the obstacle. Proton images provide a measure of large-scale features in the magnetic field topology, and reconstructed path-integrated magnetic field maps from these images suggest the formation of a bow shock upstream of the wire and as a transient magnetopause. We compare features in the reconstructed fields to two-dimensional MHD simulations of the system.
Effects of transition metal dopants on the electronic structure of potassium niobate
Authors: Suter E. G. , Bhattacharya Mohua , Lewis Steven P. , Dennis William M.
Published: January 2022

Potassium niobate (KNbO3) is an important ferroelectric and photorefractive material that finds multiple nonlinear optical and photorefractive applications such as two-beam coupling and dynamic holography. We employ standard Density Functional Theory to examine two defect complexes in KNbO3 doped with 3-d transition metals. These defect complexes involve the substitution of a Nb with a 3-d transition metal element and (1) a coordinating oxygen vacancy induced in the nearest-neighbor oxygen shell or (2) a non-coordinating oxygen vacancy induced in the supercell as far away as possible from substitution impurity. With the exception of Ti and V, the 3-d transition metal dopants studied here may represent viable dopants for purposes of extending the photorefractive spectral response of KNbO3. Our results indicate that each of these complexes introduces defect states into the gap of KNbO3. Furthermore, we notice that the distribution of impurity states changes quite systematically across the 3-d transition metal row, and we note the effects of the disruption of the crystal field in the case of the coordinating O vacancy on the position and ordering of defect states within the gap. Substituting KNbO3 with transition metal ions can, therefore, significantly affect its optical and infrared properties, exemplifying how a detailed understanding of the electronic structure can be an important tool in tailoring the properties of this material for ferroelectric and photorefractive applications.