bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cu2ZnSnS4 crystal growth using an SnCl2 based flux
Authors: Kokh K. A. , Atuchin V. V. , Adichtchev S. V. , Gavrilova T. A. , Bakhadur A. M. , Klimov A. O. , Korolkov I. V. , Kuratieva N. V. , Mukherjee S. , Pervukhina N. V. , Surovtsev N. V.
Published: November 2020

Single crystal growth of Cu2ZnSnS4 in an SnCl2-based flux.
Accurate and cost-effective NMR chemical shift predictions for proteins using a molecules-in-molecules fragmentation-based method
Authors: Chandy Sruthy K. , Thapa Bishnu , Raghavachari Krishnan
Published: November 2020

We have developed a two-layer Molecules-in-Molecules (MIM2) fragmentation-based quantum chemical method including an efficient solvation model for the prediction of NMR chemical shifts with a target accuracy of ∼0.30 ppm for 1H and ∼2–3 ppm for 13C.
Second near-infrared photothermal materials for combinational nanotheranostics
Authors: Xu Cheng , Pu Kanyi
Published: November 2020

This review summarizes the recent development of second near-infrared photothermal combinational nanotheranostics for cancer, infectious diseases and regenerative medicine.
Selective dimerisation of 1-hexene mediated by aluminium alkyl chloride-activated tungsten imido complexes
Authors: Messinis Antonis M. , Hanton Martin J. , Dyer Philip W.
Published: November 2020

Tungsten imido complexes, in combination with EtAlCl2, were found to be efficient pro-catalysts for selective dimerization of 1-hexene to methyl-branched dodecenes, products that can be used for the production of jet and diesel engine fuels.
A pentazolate-based bowl-shaped molecular container
Authors: Cao Yuteng , Huang Shiliang , Zhang Qinghua , Zhang Wenquan
Published: November 2020

A 3D pentazolate-based supramolecular material was synthesized, where bowl-shaped Na16N50 building blocks acted as molecular containers, accommodating guest DMSO molecules.
Coordination chemistry of the bench-stable tris-2-pyridyl pnictogen ligands [E(6-Me-2-py)3] (E = As, AsO, Sb)
Authors: Plajer Alex J. , Crusius Daniel , Jethwa Rajesh B. , García-Romero Álvaro , Bond Andrew D. , García-Rodríguez Raúl , Wright Dominic S.
Published: November 2020

The coordination chemistry of the air- and moisture-stable main group ligands E(6-Me-2-py)3(E = As, Sb) and OAs(6-Me-2-py)3has been investigated with a range of transition metals.
Gas-phase CO2 electroreduction over Sn–Cu hollow fibers
Authors: Dong Xiao , Li Guihua , Chen Wei , Zhu Chang , Li Tong , Song Yanfang , Sun Nannan , Wei Wei
Published: November 2020

SnO2 decorated Cu hollow fiber electrodes facilitate reaction kinetics for generating multicarbon oxygenate from gas-phase CO2 electroreduction.
Rapid gram-scale synthesis of Au/chitosan nanoparticles catalysts using solid mortar grinding
Authors: Reddy K. Paul , Meerakrishna R. S. , Shanmugam P. , Satpati Biswarup , Murugadoss A.
Published: November 2020

Owing to the abundant functional groups present in the chitosan polymer, high density catalytic tiny gold particles with greater dispersion can be anchored on the chitosan powder using simple mortar and pestle.
Facile synthesis of pyronin-9-thione via a trisulfur radical anion mechanism
Authors: Mai Yu-Zhuo , Xie Yu-Zhong , Zheng Ming-Hua , Zhou Xin , Jin Jing-Yi
Published: November 2020

A new synthetic methodology to obtain pyronin-9-thione is established. This is the first case of a trisulfur radical anion being involved in CS formation disclosed by both experimental and theoretical investigations.
Exploring the behaviors of electrode-driven Si quantum dot systems: from charge control to qubit operations
Authors: Kang Ji-Hoon , Ryu Junghee , Ryu Hoon
Published: November 2020

Quantum logic operations and electron spin controls in a Si double quantum dot platform is studied with a multi-scale modeling approach that can open the pathway to explore engineering details for Si-based designs of robust quantum logic gates.
Electrospun hetero-CoP/FeP embedded in porous carbon nanofibers: enhanced Na+ kinetics and specific capacity
Authors: Han Liang , Zhang Mutian , Wang Huanlei , Li Ping , Wei Wenrui , Shi Jing , Huang Minghua , Shi Zhicheng , Liu Wei , Chen Shougang
Published: November 2020

Hetero-CoP/FeP nanoparticles embedded in porous carbon nanofibers were used as the anode for sodium-ion batteries, exhibiting fast Na+ kinetics and excellent cycling stability.
“One stone, two birds”: engineering 2-D ultrathin heterostructure nanosheet BiNS@NaLnF4 for dual-modal computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging guided, photonic synergetic theranostics
Authors: Ma Sihan , Wang Lin , Liu Zongjunlin , Luo Xian , Zhou Zonglang , Xie Jun , Li Yipeng , Cong Shuo , Zhou Min , Xu Yang , Ran Guang
Published: November 2020

It is interesting yet challenging to design theranostic nanoplatforms for the accurate diagnosis and therapeutics; these single imaging or therapeutic nanoplatforms with own unique shortcomings that limit their widespread bio-medical applications.
Microtip focused electrohydrodynamic jet printing with nanoscale resolution
Authors: Su Shijie , Liang Junsheng , Wang Zizhu , Xin Wenwen , Li Xiaojian , Wang Dazhi
Published: November 2020

A novel technique of microtip focused electrohydrodynamic jet (MFEJ) printing was developed for manufacturing nanodroplets and nanofibers using different inks with a wide range of viscosities (from 8.4 to 3500 mPa s).
Activatable supramolecular photosensitizers: advanced design strategies
Authors: Yang Mengyao , Li Xingshu , Yoon Juyoung
Published: November 2020

Design strategies for activatable photosensitizers (aPSs) in response to tumor-associated stimuli.
Cell-tailored calcium carbonate particles with different crystal forms from nanoparticle to nano/microsphere
Authors: Chang Yi , Han Huijuan , Liu Tingting , Yuan Shibao , Chen Shuting , Guo Yuming , Yang Lin , Ma Xiaoming
Published: November 2020

The synthesis of cell-tailored calcium carbonate with different crystal forms can be controlled from nanoparticle to nano/microsphere by a bio-inspired strategy.
Adsorption of dicamba and MCPA onto MIL-53(Al) metal–organic framework: response surface methodology and artificial neural network model studies
Authors: Isiyaka Hamza Ahmad , Jumbri Khairulazhar , Sambudi Nonni Soraya , Zango Zakariyya Uba , Fathihah Abdullah Nor Ain , Saad Bahruddin , Mustapha Adamu
Published: November 2020

Rapid equilibration within a short time, high adsorption capacity, optimization, multivariate interaction of adsorption parameters and artificial neural network prediction model.
Multilevel storage and photoinduced-reset memory by an inorganic perovskite quantum-dot/polystyrene floating-gate organic transistor
Authors: Jin Risheng , Wang Jin , Shi Keli , Qiu Beibei , Ma Lanchao , Huang Shihua , Li Zhengquan
Published: November 2020

A novel floating-gate organic transistor memory with photoinduced-reset and multilevel storage function is demonstrated. The device has a large memory window (≈90 V), ultrahigh memory on/off ratio (over 107) and long retention time (over 10 years).
Aliovalent-doped sodium chromium oxide (Na0.9Cr0.9Sn0.1O2 and Na0.8Cr0.9Sb0.1O2) for sodium-ion battery cathodes with high-voltage characteristics
Authors: Park Woon Bae , Nathan Muthu Gnana Theresa , Han Su Cheol , Lee Jin-Woong , Sohn Kee-Sun , Pyo Myoungho
Published: November 2020

In contrast to O3–NaCrO2, O3–Na0.8[Cr0.9Sb0.1]O2 shows reversibility when charged to 3.95 V and high-voltage charge/discharge features, which results in improvement of energy density.
Comparison of the scavenging capacities of phloroglucinol and 2,4,6-trihydroxypyridine towards HO˙ radical: a computational study
Authors: Milanović Žiko , Tošović Jelena , Marković Svetlana , Marković Zoran
Published: November 2020

The scavenging capacities of biologically active phloroglucinol (1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene,THB–OH) and structurally similar 2,4,6-trihydroxypyridine (THP–OH) towards HO˙ were elucidated.
Construction of chiral α-tert-amine scaffolds via amine-catalyzed asymmetric Mannich reactions of alkyl-substituted ketimines
Authors: Homma Chihiro , Takeshima Aika , Kano Taichi , Maruoka Keiji
Published: November 2020

Stereoselective Mannich reactions of aldehydes with ketimines provide chiral β-amino aldehydes that bear an α-tert-amine moiety.
Free-standing, anti-corrosion, super flexible graphene oxide/silver nanowire thin films for ultra-wideband electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Jia Hui , Yang Xiao , Kong Qing-Qiang , Xie Li-Jing , Guo Quan-Gui , Song Ge , Liang Lei-Lei , Chen Jing-Peng , Li Yan , Chen Cheng-Meng
Published: November 2020

A free-standing graphene oxide/Ag nanowire film with a dense sandwich-like structure was fabricated via vacuum-assisted self-assembly. The EMI SE is up to 62 dB when the thickness is merely 8 μm in 8–40 GHz. The corresponding specific SE (EMI SE/t) is up to 77 500 dB cm−1.
Voltage hysteresis during lithiation/delithiation of graphite associated with meta-stable carbon stackings
Authors: Mercer Michael Peter , Peng Chao , Soares Cindy , Hoster Harry Ernst , Kramer Denis
Published: November 2020

More lithium disorder is present in meta-stable AA-stackings during delithiation.
A multi-functional composite nitrogen carrier for ammonia production via a chemical looping route
Authors: Feng Sheng , Gao Wenbo , Wang Qianru , Guan Yeqin , Yan Hanxue , Wu Han , Cao Hujun , Guo Jianping , Chen Ping
Published: November 2020

A chemical looping ammonia synthesis process mediated by a multi-functional nitride–imide composite nitrogen carrier was demonstrated.
Fabrication of multi-functional carbon dots based on “one stone, three birds” strategy and their applications for the dual-mode Fe3+ detection, effective promotion on cell proliferation and treatment on ferric toxicosis in vitro
Authors: Cai Huijuan , Xu Huilin , Chu Hetao , Li Jianshu , Zhang Dongyue
Published: November 2020

On the basis of “one stone, three birds” strategy, deferoxamine (DFO) inspired multi-functional carbon dots were ingeniously fabricated and applied for detecting Fe3+, effectively promoting cell proliferation and treating ferric toxicosis in vitro.
Hybrid magneto-luminescent iron oxide nanocubes functionalized with europium complexes: synthesis, hemolytic properties and protein corona formation
Authors: Costa Luelc Souza da , Khan Latif Ullah , Franqui Lidiane Silva , Delite Fabrício de Souza , Muraca Diego , Martinez Diego Stéfani Teodoro , Knobel Marcelo
Published: November 2020

In this work, we carried out the preparation of a multifunctional hybrid nanostructures towards biomedical applications with a solid background for further applications of these materials containing new surface functionalities of nanobiotechnology.
Distinctive exchange bias and unusual memory effects in magnetically compensated Pr0.75Gd0.25ScGe
Authors: Del Rose Tyler , Pathak Arjun K. , Mudryk Yaroslav , Pecharsky Vitalij K.
Published: November 2020

Inter-lanthanide interactions in a distinctly layered lattice lead to magnetic compensation, exchange bias, and magnetic memory effects.
FAM225A promotes sorafenib resistance in hepatocarcinoma cells through modulating miR-130a-5p–CCNG1 interaction network
Authors: Liu Yan-Tong , Liu Guo-Qing , Huang Jing-Min
Published: November 2020

Chemotherapy resistance is still a key hurdle in current hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. Therefore, clarifying the molecular mechanisms contributing to this acquired resistance is urgent for the effective treatment of liver cancer. In this research, we observed that lncRNA FAM225A expression is dramatically up-regulated not only in HCC tissues and cell lines but also in sorafenib-resistant HepG2/SOR cells. Moreover, FAM225A knockdown significantly weakened HepG2/SOR cells resistance to sorafenib treatment by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Similar results were obtained from the tumor xenograft model in mice. Further mechanistic researches revealed that the direct interaction between FAM225A and miR-130a-5p, while miR-130a-5p negatively modulated Cyclin G1 (CCNG1) expression by targeting 3′UTR of CCNG1. MiR-130a-5p inhibition or CCNG1 overexpression could partially offset FAM225A knockdown-induced increased viability of HepG2/SOR cells in response to sorafenib challenge. Collectively, our findings provide evidence that FAM225A/miR-130a-5p/CCNG1 interaction network regulates the resistance of HCC cells to sorafenib treatment and could supply a possible strategy for restoring sorafenib sensitivity in HCC therapy.
Contrasting association of Leptin receptor polymorphisms and haplotypes with polycystic ovary syndrome in Bahraini and Tunisian women: a case–control study
Authors: Dallel Meriem , Douma Zeineb , Finan Ramzi R. , Hachani Feten , Letaifa Dhafer B. , Mahjoub Touhami , Almawi Wassim Y.
Published: November 2020

Background: The present study examined the contribution of ethnicity to the association of leptin receptor gene (LEPR) gene variants with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Tunisian and Bahraini Arabic-speaking women.

Methods: Subjects consisted of 320 women with PCOS, and 446 eumenorrhic women from Tunisia, and 242 women with PCOS and 238 controls from Bahrain. Genotyping of (exonic) rs1137100 and rs1137101 and (intronic) rs2025804 LEPR variants was done by allelic exclusion.

Results: The minor allele frequencies (MAFs) of rs1137100 and rs1137101 were significantly different between PCOS cases and control women from Bahrain but not Tunisia, and LEPR rs1137101 was associated with increased PCOS susceptibility only in Bahraini subjects. Furthermore, rs1137100 was associated with decreased PCOS risk among Bahrainis under codominant and recessive models; rs1137100 was negatively associated with PCOS in Tunisians after controlling for testosterone. In addition, rs2025804 was associated with increased PCOS risk among Tunisian but not Bahraini women, after adjusting for key covariates. Negative correlation was seen between rs1137101 and triglycerides in Tunisians, while homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and insulin correlated with rs2025804 and rs1137101 among Bahraini subjects, and rs1137101 correlated with estradiol and prolactin. Taking TAG haplotype as common, positive association of TAA and negative association of TGG haplotype with PCOS was seen among Bahraini women; no three-locus PCOS-associated haplotypes were found in Tunisians.

Conclusions: The present study is the first to demonstrate the contribution of ethnicity to the association of LEPR gene variants with PCOS, thereby highlighting the significance of controlling for ethnicity in gene association investigations.
FRZBas a key molecule in abdominal aortic aneurysm progression affecting vascular integrity
Authors: Oh Chang-Kyu , Ko Yeji , Park Jeong Jun , Heo Hye Jin , Kang Junho , Kwon Eun Jung , Kang Ji Wan , Lee Yoonsung , Myung Kyungjae , Kang Jin Mo , Ko Dai Sik , Kim Yun Hak
Published: November 2020

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), when ruptured, results in high mortality. The identification of molecular pathways involved in AAA progression is required to improve AAA prognosis. The aim of the present study was to assess the key genes for the progression of AAA and their functional role. Genomic and clinical data of three independent cohorts were downloaded from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) (GSE57691, GSE7084, and GSE98278). To develop AAA diagnosis and progression-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we used a significance analysis of microarray (SAM). Spearman correlation test and gene set analysis were performed to identify potential enriched pathways for DEGs. Only the Frizzled-related protein (FRZB) gene and chromosome 1 open reading frame 24 (C1orf24) exhibited significant down-regulation in all analyses. With FRZB, the pathways were associated with RHO GTPase and elastin fiber formation. With C1orf24, the pathways were elastic fiber formation, extracellular matrix organization, and cell–cell communication. Since only FRZB was evolutionally conserved in the vertebrates, function of FRZB was validated using zebrafish embryos. Knockdown of frzb remarkably reduced vascular integrity in zebrafish embryos. We believe that FRZB is a key gene involved in AAA initiation and progression affecting vascular integrity.
Geometric modeling of M87* as a Kerr black hole or a non-Kerr compact object
Authors: Vincent F. H. , Wielgus M. , Abramowicz M. A. , Gourgoulhon E. , Lasota J.-P. , Paumard T. , Perrin G.
Published: November 2020

Context. The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration recently obtained the first images of the surroundings of the supermassive compact object M87* at the center of the galaxy M87. This provides a fascinating probe of the properties of matter and radiation in strong gravitational fields. It is important to determine from the analysis of these results what can and cannot be inferred about the nature of spacetime around M87*

Aims. We want to develop a simple analytic disk model for the accretion flow of M87*. Compared to general-relativistic magnetohydrodynamic models, this new approach has the advantage that it is independent of the turbulent character of the flow and is controlled by only a few easy-to-interpret, physically meaningful parameters. We want to use this model to predict the image of M87*, assuming that it is either a Kerr black hole or an alternative compact object.

Methods. We computed the synchrotron emission from the disk model and propagate the resulting light rays to the far-away observer by means of relativistic ray tracing. Such computations were performed assuming different spacetimes, such as Kerr, Minkowski, nonrotating ultracompact star, rotating boson star, or Lamy spinning wormhole. We performed numerical fits of these models to the EHT data.

Results. We discuss the highly lensed features of Kerr images and show that they are intrinsically linked to the accretion-flow properties and not only to gravitation. This fact is illustrated by the notion of the secondary ring, which we introduce. Our model of a spinning Kerr black hole predicts mass and orientation consistent with the EHT interpretation. The non-Kerr images result in a similar quality of numerical fits and may appear very similar to Kerr images, once blurred to the EHT resolution. This implies that a strong test of the Kerr spacetime may be out of reach with the current data. We note that future developments of the EHT could alter this situation.

Conclusions. Our results show the importance of studying alternatives to the Kerr spacetime to be able to test the Kerr paradigm unambiguously. More sophisticated treatments of non-Kerr spacetimes and more advanced observations are needed to proceed further in this direction.
The influence of infall on the properties of protoplanetary discs
Authors: Schib O. , Mordasini C. , Wenger N. , Marleau G.-D. , Helled R.
Published: November 2020

Context. The properties of protoplanetary discs determine the conditions for planet formation. In addition, planets can already form during the early stages of infall.

Aims. We constrain physical quantities such as the mass, radius, lifetime, and gravitational stability of protoplanetary discs by studying their evolution from formation to dispersal.

Methods. We perform a population synthesis of protoplanetary discs with a total of 50 000 simulations using a 1D vertically integrated viscous evolution code, studying a parameter space of final stellar mass from 0.05 to 5 M⊙. Each star-and-disc system is set up shortly after the formation of the protostar and fed by infalling material from the parent molecular cloud core. Initial conditions and infall locations are chosen based on the results from a radiation-hydrodynamic population synthesis of circumstellar discs. We also consider a different infall prescription based on a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) collapse simulation in order to assess the influence of magnetic fields on disc formation. The duration of the infall phase is chosen to produce a stellar mass distribution in agreement with the observationally determined stellar initial mass function.

Results. We find that protoplanetary discs are very massive early in their lives. When averaged over the entire stellar population, the discs have masses of ~0.3 and 0.1 M⊙ for systems based on hydrodynamic or MHD initial conditions, respectively. In systems characterised by a final stellar mass ~1 M⊙, we find disc masses of ~0.7 M⊙ for the “hydro” case and ~0.2 M⊙ for the “MHD” case at the end of the infall phase. Furthermore, the inferred total disc lifetimes are long, ≈5–7 Myr on average. This is despite our choice of a high value of 10−2 for the background viscosity α-parameter. In addition, we find that fragmentation is common in systems that are simulated using hydrodynamic cloud collapse, with more fragments of larger mass formed in more massive systems. In contrast, if disc formation is limited by magnetic fields, fragmentation may be suppressed entirely.

Conclusions. Our work draws a picture quite different from the one often assumed in planet formation studies: protoplanetary discs are more massive and live longer. This means that more mass is available for planet formation. Additionally, when fragmentation occurs, it can affect the disc’s evolution by transporting large amounts of mass radially. We suggest that the early phases in the lives of protoplanetary discs should be included in studies of planet formation. Furthermore, the evolution of the central star, including its accretion history, should be taken into account when comparing theoretical predictions of disc lifetimes with observations.
Spectroscopy of the helium-rich binary ES Ceti reveals accretion via a disc and evidence of eclipses
Authors: Bąkowska K. , Marsh T. R. , Steeghs D. , Nelemans G. , Groot P. J.
Published: November 2020

Context. Amongst the hydrogen-deficient accreting binaries known as the AM CVn stars are three systems with the shortest known orbital periods: HM Cnc (321 s), V407 Vul (569 s), and ES Cet (620 s). These compact binaries are predicted to be strong sources of persistent gravitational wave radiation. HM Cnc and V407 Vul are undergoing direct impact accretion in which matter transferred from their donor hits the accreting white dwarfs directly. ES Cet has the longest period of the three and is amongst the most luminous AM CVn stars, but it is not known whether it accretes via a disc or direct impact. ES Cet displays strong HeII 4686 line emission, which is sometimes a sign of magnetically controlled accretion. Peculiarly, although around one third of hydrogen accreting white dwarfs show evidence of magnetism, none have been found amongst helium accretors.

Aims. We present the results of Magellan and VLT spectroscopic and spectropolarimetric observing campaigns dedicated to ES Cet with the aim of understanding its accretion structure.

Methods. Based on the data collected, we derived trailed spectra, computed Doppler maps of the emission lines, and looked for circular polarisation and variability.

Results. We find strong variability in our spectra on the 620 s period. The lines show evidence of double-peaked emission, characteristic of an accretion disc, with an additional component associated with the outermost disc, rather than a direct impact, which is broadly consistent with S-wave emission from the gas stream or disc impact region. This confirms beyond any doubt that 620 s is the orbital period of ES Cet. We find no significant circular polarisation (below 0.1%). The trailed spectra show that ES Cet’s outer disc is eclipsed by the mass donor, revealing at the same time that the photometric minimum coincides with the hitherto unrecognised eclipse.

Conclusions. ES Cet shows spectroscopic behaviour consistent with accretion via a disc, and is the shortest orbital-period eclipsing AM CVn star known.
Ecological particularities of the critically endangered killifish Valencia letourneuxi and its spring-fed habitats: a long-lost endemic species of south Albania
Authors: Shumka Spase , Kalogianni Eleni , Šanda Radek , Vukić Jasna , Shumka Laura , Zimmerman Brian
Published: November 2020

The southernmost part of Albania, the Butrinti Lake area is characterised by a highly diverse freshwater fish community with a high degree of regional endemism. This study focuses on the Corfu killifish (or toothcarp) Valencia letourneuxi (Sauvage, 1880) that is endemic to the western part of the Ionian Ecoregion, and reported in Albania in the past from a single location, Lake Butrinti. Recently, in June 2019, the species has been rediscovered at a very low population density (only 11 individuals collected) in a spring-fed stream in the vicinity of Lake Butrinti. Other fish present together with V. letourneuxi were the native Telestes pleurobipunctatus, Barbus peloponnesius, Anguilla anguilla and Pelasgus thesproticus and the translocated Alburnus sp. Our findings provide useful insights into the ecology and conservation of a Critically Endangered, range-restricted species and its habitats. The Corfu killifish presence correlated negatively with water depth and positively with aquatic vegetation coverage. The conservation implications of our findings both for the target species and the co-occurring fish fauna in its spring-fed habitats are discussed.
Synthesis of a Potent Pan-Serotype Dengue Virus Inhibitor Having a Tetrahydrothienopyridine Core
Authors: Hung Kevin , Yokokawa Fumiaki , Liu Yugang , Simon Oliver , Zhang Lei , Lu Peichao , Yeung Bryan K. S. , Sarko Christopher
Published: November 2020

A synthesis of the first-in-class pan-serotype dengue virus inhibitor NITD-688 is presented. The Gewald reaction of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-6,6-dimethylpiperidin-3-one with malononitrile and sulfur in the presence of l-proline as a catalyst gave tert-butyl 2-amino-3-cyano-6,6-dimethyl-6,7-dihydrothieno[3,2-c]pyridine-5(4H)-carboxylate. This was coupled with [4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]acetic acid by using propane­phosphonic acid anhydride. A subsequent reductive alkylation with cyclohexanecarboxaldehyde gave NITD-688. Preliminary results of our attempts to control the regioselectivity of the Gewald synthesis of the 2-amino-3-cyanothiophene core are also presented.
Midline Suboccipital Subtonsillar Approach in Semisitting Position for Resection of Jugular Tubercle Meningioma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Lieber Stefan , Nunez Maximiliano , Tatagiba Marcos
Published: November 2020

We present a case of a large jugular tubercle meningioma that was removed through a midline suboccipital subtonsillar approach in semisitting position. The patient is a 49-year-old woman with chronic, medication-resistant cephalgias but devoid of any subjective focal neurological deficit. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an extra-axial lesion, originating from the left jugular tubercle was discovered. There was significant obliteration of the peripontine cisternal space, and compression of the adjacent pontomedullary junction; the lesion also extended into the left jugular foramen.

On physical exam, an absent gag reflex was noted on the left, as well as a moderate deviation of the uvula to the contralateral side (partial Vernet's syndrome).

A gross-total resection was achieved, histopathology confirmed a World Health Organization (WHO) grade I angiomatous meningioma with a low-proliferation index. The patient was discharged home 4 days after surgery with intact function of the lower cranial nerves (CN) following immediate and complete resolution of the preexisting partial CNs IX and X deficits. At 2-year follow-up, there was no indication of intradural residual or recurrence.

In summary, the midline suboccipital subtonsillar approach is a simple and effective tool with limited morbidity in the armamentarium for the microsurgical management of pathologies residing in the posterior cranial fossa or the craniocervical junction.

Major limitations exist for lesions extending above the internal acoustic canal or those of fibrous consistence featuring widespread adhesion to the ventral brainstem or vascular encasement. Provided the necessary anesthesiological precautions and intraoperative procedures the semisitting position is safe and effective.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/bbVXagwhDCo.
A Simple Method to Avoid Brain Shift during Neuronavigation: Technical Note
Authors: Raso Jair Leopoldo
Published: November 2020

Introduction The precise identification of anatomical structures and lesions in the brain is the main objective of neuronavigation systems. Brain shift, displacement of the brain after opening the cisterns and draining cerebrospinal fluid, is one of the limitations of such systems.

Objective To describe a simple method to avoid brain shift in craniotomies for subcortical lesions.

Method We used the surgical technique hereby described in five patients with subcortical neoplasms. We performed the neuronavigation-guided craniotomies with the conventional technique. After opening the dura and exposing the cortical surface, we placed two or three arachnoid anchoring sutures to the dura mater, close to the edges of the exposed cortical surface. We placed these anchoring sutures under microscopy, using a 6–0 mononylon wire. With this technique, the cortex surface was kept close to the dura mater, minimizing its displacement during the approach to the subcortical lesion. In these five cases we operated, the cortical surface remained close to the dura, anchored by the arachnoid sutures. All the lesions were located with a good correlation between the handpiece tip inserted in the desired brain area and the display on the navigation system.

Conclusion Arachnoid anchoring sutures to the dura mater on the edges of the cortex area exposed by craniotomy constitute a simple method to minimize brain displacement (brain-shift) in craniotomies for subcortical injuries, optimizing the use of the neuronavigation system.
Revising the Indications of Transtemporal Surgical Approaches in the Modern Endoscopic Era of Skull Base Surgery: A Dying Art
Authors: Manogaran Ravi Sankar , Kumar Raj , Mathialagan Arulalan , Mehrotra Anant , Keshri Amit , Singh Neha , Bhuskute Govind S. , Singh Suyash
Published: November 2020

Objectives The aim of the study is to emphasize and explore the possible transtemporal approaches for spectrum of complicated lateral skull base pathologies.

Design Retrospective analysis of complicated lateral skull base pathologies was managed in our institute between January 2017 and December 2019.

Setting The study was conducted in a tertiary care referral center.

Main Outcome Measures The study focused on the selection of approach based on site and extent of the pathology, the surgical nuances for each approach, and the associated complications.

Results A total of 10 different pathologies of the lateral skull base were managed by different transtemporal approaches. The most common complication encountered was facial nerve palsy (43%, n = 6). Other complications included cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection (15%, n = 2), cosmetic deformity (24%, n = 4), petrous internal carotid artery injury (7%, n = 1), and hypoglossal nerve palsy (7%, n = 1). The cosmetic deformity included flap necrosis (n = 2) and postoperative bony defects leading to contour defects of the scalp (n = 2).

Conclusion Surgical approach should be tailored based on the individual basis, to obtain adequate exposure and complete excision. Selection of appropriate surgical approach should also be based on the training and preference of the operating surgeon. Whenever necessary, combined surgical approaches facilitating full tumor exposure are recommended so that complete tumor excision is feasible. This requires a multidisciplinary team comprising neurosurgeons, neuro-otologist, neuroanesthetist, and plastic surgeons. The surgeon must know precise microsurgical anatomy to preserve the adjacent nerves and vessels, which is necessary for better surgical outcomes.
Co-Occurrence of Pineal-Region and Pituitary-Stalk Hemangioblastomas in a Patient Presenting with Von Hippel-Lindau Disease – A Case Report
Authors: Isolan Gustavo Rassier , Perondi Gerson Evandro , Dalla-Corte Amauri , Giovanini Allan Fernando , Telles João Paulo Mota , Rabelo Nícollas Nunes , Figueiredo Eberval Gadelha
Published: November 2020

Introduction Hemangioblastomas of the pineal region or pituitary stalk are extremely rare. Only two cases of hemangioblastomas involving the pineal region have been reported, and four involving the pituitary stalk. The purpose of the present manuscript is to describe an unusual case of supposed hemangioblastoma found concomitantly in the pineal region and pituitary stalk of a patient diagnosed with Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease.

Case Report A 35-year-old female patient with a previous diagnosis of VHL complaining of occipital headaches and balance disturbances for three weeks, who previously had a cerebellar hemangioblastoma resected. The visual characteristics of the tumor suggested a friable vascular lesion with a reddish-brown surface, and an incisional biopsy was performed. The tumor consisted of a dense vascular network surrounded by fibrous stroma abundant in reticulin and composed by both fusiform and dispersed xanthomatous cells; the immunohistochemistry was immunopositive for neuron-specific enolase and immunonegative for epithelial membranous antigen. The patient has been monitored closely for 2 years, and the supratentorial masses have not presented any volume alteration.

Conclusion This rare association must be taken into account in patients with VHL disease, or at least be suspected in patients who present a thickening of the pituitary stalk and a pineal-region mass. We believe a biopsy of our asymptomatic patient could have been dangerous due to inherent complications like intraoperative bleeding. We recommend close observation of asymptomatic lesions with MRIs every six months or until the lesions become symptomatic. If the pineal-region tumor does become symptomatic, gross resection via a transcallosal approach would be ideal.
Effect of Scribes on Efficiency in Academic Ophthalmology Practice
Authors: Furst Meredith , Chu Edward , Wannamaker Kendall , Planchard Brian , Pacheco Lisa , Vigil Laura , Ahmed Tarana , Johnson Daniel , Waldman Corey
Published: November 2020

Objective The aim of the study is to determine the effects of scribes on efficiency in an academic ophthalmology practice.

Design This is a quality improvement study conducted by two ophthalmologists at an academic ophthalmology practice at UT Health San Antonio from January 2018 to April 2018. Implementation of scribes in practice was the primary intervention. Session time, patient encounter time, and template time adherence were recorded pre- and post-intervention. A second retrospective arm of the study at the same institution was performed to evaluate long-term effects of scribes on efficiency in ophthalmology practice on session times and patient volume 12 to 18 months after intervention.

Main Outcome Measures Primary study outcomes and measures were the effect of scribes in academic ophthalmology practice on physician efficiency in terms of clinic session time, individual encounter time, and amount of patients seen per session, in addition to time adherence based on type of patient encounter.

Results Eighty-three patients and 17 half-day clinic sessions and 169 patients and 21 half-day clinic sessions were included in the preintervention and post-intervention datasets, respectively. Number of patients per session was approximately 15 and was kept similar pre- and post-intervention (p = 0.45). Mean preintervention session time was 265.0 ± 31.4 minutes, in contrast to 223.4 ± 19.9 minutes after intervention (p < 0.001). Mean preintervention patient encounter time was 15.0 ± 8.3 minutes, while the mean encounter time after intervention was 10.9 ± 7.0 minutes (p < 0.005). In a retrospective analysis of 20 clinic sessions and 438 patients 12 to 18 months after intervention, session time increased to 266.0 ± 22.0 minutes on average, but the average number of patients per session increased to 21.9 ± 2.8 minutes.

Conclusion Utilizing scribes in an ophthalmology practice can increase efficiency, allowing more patients to be seen or allowing time for other activities such as teaching or research.
Speed of Online and Print Peer-Reviewed Ophthalmology Publications and Correlation to Journal Bibliometric Measures
Authors: Nuesi Ronaldo , Lee John Y. , Kuriyan Ajay E. , Sridhar Jayanth
Published: November 2020

Objective This study aimed to explore the relationship between publishing speeds and peer-reviewed journal bibliometric measures in ophthalmology.

Methods Journal Citation Reports and Scopus Database were accessed for identification of journal bibliometric measures in ophthalmology. Twelve randomly selected articles from 2018 for all identified journals were studied. All outcome measures were extracted from the full text of articles and correlated with journal bibliometric measures. Statistical analysis was performed on measured parameters in comparison to a previous study.

Main Outcomes and Measures Journal impact factor, Eigenfactor score, and CiteScore were correlated with time from submission or acceptance of manuscripts to online and print publication. The correlation between study design and publishing speeds was also assessed.

Results A total of 55 journals were included for a total of 657 articles. Online publications were significantly faster than print publications for almost every journal (p < 0.001). Laboratory experimental studies had significantly shorter times from submission to online publication (p = 0.002) and acceptance to online publication (p < 0.001) compared with observational and interventional studies. Journal impact factor was positively correlated to publishing speed from acceptance to online publication (p = 0.034). CiteScore was positively correlated to speed from submission to print publication (p = 0.04), acceptance to print publication (p = 0.013), and acceptance to online publication (p = 0.003). Eigenfactor score was not statistically significant when correlated with any outcome measures.

Conclusion Online publication has increased speed of dissemination of knowledge in the ophthalmology literature. Despite reporting higher numbers of submissions every year, ophthalmology journals with higher bibliometric measures of impact tend to publish peer-reviewed articles faster than journals with lower impact scores. Study design of an article may affect its speed to publication.
Comparison of Semi-Cylindrical Recession Trochleoplasty and Trochlear Block Recession for the Treatment of Canine Medial Patellar Luxation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Blackford-Winders Callie L. , Daubert Michael , Rendahl Aaron K. , Conzemius Michael G.
Published: November 2020

Objective The aim of this study was to describe an alternative method for trochleoplasty, semi-cylindrical recession trochleoplasty (SCRT), and compare it to trochlear block recession (TBR) in regard to recessed trochlear depth, patellar depth, patellar articular contact with the trochlea, recessed trochlear surface area, procedure time, complications and functional outcome.

Study Design Ten dogs with bilateral grade II-III medial patellar luxations underwent bilateral simultaneous correction surgery including tibial tuberosity transposition, lateral imbrication and trochleoplasty with one stifle each undergoing TBR and SCRT. Patients received pre-and postoperative stifle computed tomography scans and pre- and 8-week postoperative pressure platform analysis and physical examinations. Recessed trochlear depth, patellar depth, trochlear surface area, patellar articular contact, procedure time, complications and functional outcomes as measured by gait analysis were compared between the two techniques.

Results There was no significant difference in measured outcome variables between techniques at any time point. At the time of the 8-week reassessment, no patella had reluxated.

Conclusion Short-term follow-up shows similar functional outcomes between both techniques regarding rate of reluxation and limb function. The SCRT was subjectively easier to perform than TBR, particularly in small patients. The SCRT is an acceptable method of trochleoplasty for the treatment of medial patellar luxation in dogs and further studies evaluating long-term outcomes are justified.
Light bending in a two black hole metric
Authors: Alawadi M Alrais , Batic D , Nowakowski M
Published: November 2020

We discuss the propagation of light in theC-metric. We discover that null geodesics admit circular orbits only for a certain family of orbital cones. Explicit analytic formulae are derived for the orbital radius and the corresponding opening angle fixing the cone. Furthermore, we prove that these orbits based on a saddle point in the effective potential are Jacobi unstable. This completes the stability analysis done in previous literature and allows us to probe into the light bending in a two black hole metric. More precisely, by constructing a suitable tetrad in the Newmann–Penrose formalism, we show that light propagation in this geometry is shear-free, irrotational, and a light beam passing by aC-black hole undergoes a focussing process. An exact analytic formula for the compression factorθis derived and discussed. Furthermore, we study the weak and strong gravitational lensing when both the observer and the light ray belong to the aforementioned family of invariant cones. In particular, we obtain formulae allowing to calculate the deflection angle in the weak and strong gravitational lensing regimes.
Mode localized artificial hair sensor with enhanced linearity applied for dual-axis air flow sensing
Authors: Guo Xin , Yang Bo , Li Cheng , Liang Zhuoyue
Published: November 2020

The weakly coupled resonators based on mode localization are promising in emerging signal measurement fields due to the verified relative mechanical sensitivity enhancement and exceptional ambient robustness. In this work, we report a novel mode localized artificial hair sensor for dual-axis air flow sensing. A new full-scale linear output metric based on differential subtraction of reciprocal amplitude ratios (SRAR) is proposed to suppress the strong inherent non-linearity of amplitude ratio-modulated output metric. The theoretical derivation of mechanical sensitivity demonstrates that the differential SRAR output is strictly linear with the square of input air flow velocity. The fabrication process based on standard deep dry silicon on glass is described and an optimized control and measurement system composed of an analog interface circuit and a digital signal processing circuit is designed for experimental performance evaluation. The tested prototype shows an x-axis mechanical sensitivity of 5.417 × 10−2/(m s)−2 with an x-axis cross-axis coupling coefficient of 0.067 and a y-axis sensitivity of 6.212 × 10−2/(m s)−2 with a y-axis cross-axis coupling coefficient of 0.055. The comparative experiment results confirm that compared to frequency-based output and amplitude ratio-based output, the differential SRAR-based output not only promotes the relative mechanical sensitivity and linearity but also exhibits the superior bias stability, which indicates a better common-mode rejection of ambient fluctuations.
Efficient calculation of phase coexistence and phase diagrams: application to a binary phase-field-crystal model
Authors: Holl Max Philipp , Archer Andrew J , Thiele Uwe
Published: November 2020

We show that one can employ well-established numerical continuation methods to efficiently calculate the phase diagram for thermodynamic systems described by a suitable free energy functional. In particular, this involves the determination of lines of phase coexistence related to first order phase transitions and the continuation of triple points. To illustrate the method we apply it to a binary phase-field-crystal model for the crystallisation of a mixture of two types of particles. The resulting phase diagram is determined for one- and two-dimensional domains. In the former case it is compared to the diagram obtained from a one-mode approximation. The various observed liquid and crystalline phases and their stable and metastable coexistence are discussed as well as the temperature-dependence of the phase diagrams. This includes the (dis)appearance of critical points and triple points. We also relate bifurcation diagrams for finite-size systems to the thermodynamics of phase transitions in the infinite-size limit.
J/ψ-J/ψ scattering cross sections of quadratic and Cornell potentials
Authors: Imran Jamil M. , Sohail Gilani S.M. , Wasif Ahmad , Sattar Khan Abdul , Awan Ahmad
Published: November 2020

We study the scattering of

-

mesons using quadratic and Cornell potentials in our tetraquark (

) system. The system’s wavefunction in the restricted gluonic basis, which is written by utilizing the adiabatic approximation and Hamiltonian, is used via a quark potential model. The resonating group technique is used to obtain the integral equations, which are solved to obtain the unknown inter-cluster dependence of the total wavefunction of our tetraquark system. T-Matrix elements are calculated from the solutions, and eventually, the scattering cross sections are obtained using the two potentials. We compare these cross sections and find that the magnitudes of scattering cross sections of quadratic potential are higher than the Cornell potential.
Effective field theory approach to lepto-philic self-conjugate dark matter
Authors: Bharadwaj Hrishabh , Goyal Ashok
Published: November 2020

We study self-conjugate dark matter (DM) particles interacting primarily with Standard Model (SM) leptons in an effective field theoretical framework. We consider SM gauge-invariant effective contact interactions between Majorana fermion, real scalar and real vector DM with leptons by evaluating the Wilson coefficients appropriate for interaction terms up to dimension 8, and obtain constraints on the parameters of the theory from the observed relic density, indirect detection observations and from the DM-electron scattering cross-sections in direct detection experiments. Low energy LEP data has been used to study sensitivity in the pair production of low mass (

80 GeV) DM particles. Pair production of DM particles of mass

50 GeV in association with mono-photons at the proposed ILC has rich potential to probe such effective operators.
Energy meters in District-Heating Substations for Heat Consumption Characterization and Prediction Using Machine-Learning Techniques
Authors: Lumbreras Mikel , Garay Roberto , Marijuan Antonio Garrido
Published: November 2020

The use of smart energy meters enables the monitoring of large quantity of data related to heat consumption patterns in buildings connected to DH networks. This information can be used to understand the interaction between building and the final users´ without accurate information about building characteristics and occupational rates. In this paper an intuitive and clarifier data-driven model is presented, which couples heat demand and weather variables. This model enables the disaggregation of Space-Heating & Domestic Hot water demand, characterization of the total heat demand and the forecasting for the next hours. Simulations for 53 building have been carried out, with satisfactory results for most of them, reaching R2 values above 0.9 in some of them.