bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic Semiconducting Behavior in a Large Mixed‐Valent Uranium(V/VI) Cluster
Authors: Zhang Mingxing , Liang Chengyu , Cheng Guo‐Dong , Chen Junchang , Wang Yumin , He Linwei , Cheng Liwei , Gong Shicheng , Zhang Duo , Li Jiong , Hu Shu‐Xian , Diwu Juan , Wu Guozhong , Wang Yaxing , Chai Zhifang , Wang Shuao
Published: February 2021

We disclose the intrinsic semiconducting properties of one of the largest mixed‐valent uranium clusters, [H3O+][UV(UVIO2)8(μ3‐O)6(PhCOO)2(Py(CH2O)2)4(DMF)4] (Ph=phenyl, Py=pyridyl, DMF=N,N‐dimethylformamide) (1). Single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography demonstrates that UV center is stabilized within a tetraoxo core surrounded by eight uranyl(VI) pentagonal bipyramidal centers. The oxidation states of uranium are substantiated by spectroscopic data and magnetic susceptibility measurement. Electronic spectroscopy and theory corroborate that UV species serve as electron donors and thus facilitate 1 being a n‐type semiconductor. With the largest effective atomic number among all reported radiation‐detection semiconductor materials, charge transport properties and photoconductivity were investigated under X‐ray excitation for 1: a large on‐off ratio of 500 and considerable charge mobility lifetime product of 2.3×10−4 cm2 V−1, as well as a high detection sensitivity of 23.4 μC Gyair−1 cm−2.
Iodide‐Mediated Rapid and Sensitive Surface Etching of Gold Nanostars for Biosensing
Authors: Xianyu Yunlei , Lin Yiyang , Chen Qu , Belessiotis‐Richards Alexis , Stevens Molly M. , Thomas Michael R.
Published: February 2021

Iodide‐mediated surface etching can tailor the surface plasmon resonance of gold nanostars through etching of the high‐energy facets of the nanoparticle protrusions in a rapid and sensitive way. By exploring the underlying mechanisms of this etching and the key parameters influencing it (such as iodide, oxygen, pH, and temperature), we show its potential in a sensitive biosensing system. Horseradish peroxidase‐catalyzed oxidation of iodide enables control of the etching of gold nanostars to spherical gold nanoparticles, where the resulting spectral shift in the surface plasmon resonance yields a distinct color change of the solution. We further develop this enzyme‐modulated surface etching of gold nanostars into a versatile platform for plasmonic immunoassays, where a high sensitivity is possible by signal amplification via magnetic beads and click chemistry.
Polymer Stabilized Droplet Templating towards Tunable Hierarchical Porosity in Single Crystalline Na3V2(PO4)3 for Enhanced Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Xiong Hailong , Sun Ge , Liu Zhilin , Zhang Ling , Li Lin , Zhang Wei , Du Fei , Qiao Zhen‐An
Published: February 2021

Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) is regarded as a potential cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries, whereas, its performance is usually limited by inherent low electronic conductivity and dense bulk structure. Herein, we develop a facile polymer stabilized droplet template strategy to synthesize porous single crystal structured NVP. The pore structures (macrostructures, hierarchically meso/macrostructures, and mesostructures), pore sizes (5–2000 nm), and specific surface areas (26–158 m2 g−1) of the samples can be readily controlled by tuning the sizes of droplet templates. The resultant hierarchically meso/macropores NVP demonstrates superior sodium storage performances, because its porous single crystal structure owns solid–liquid Na+ transmission mode, shortens ion diffusion distance and provides large electrode–electrolyte contact area, greatly facilitating fast ionic transport. We believe the presented method will supply a novel avenue to prepare porous single crystal structured materials for anticipative applications.
A Covalent Black Phosphorus/Metal–Organic Framework Hetero‐nanostructure for High‐Performance Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Wu Tianyu , Ma Ziyang , He Yunya , Wu Xingjiang , Tang Bao , Yu Ziyi , Wu Guan , Chen Su , Bao Ningzhong
Published: February 2021

We develop hetero‐nanostructured black phosphorus/metal‐organic framework hybrids formed by P‐O‐Co covalent bonding based on a designed droplet microfluidic strategy consisting of confined and ultrafast microdroplet reactions. The resulting hybrid exhibits large capacitance (1347 F g−1) in KOH electrolytes due to its large specific‐surface‐area (632.47 m2 g−1), well‐developed micro‐porosity (0.38 cm3 g−1), and engineered electroactivity. Furthermore, the proposed 3D printing method allows to construct all‐integrated solid‐state supercapacitor, which maintains interconnected porous network, good interfacial adhesion, and robust flexibility for short‐path diffusion and excessive accommodation of ions. Consequently, the fabricated flexible supercapacitor delivers ultrahigh volumetric energy density of 109.8 mWh cm−3, large capacitance of 506 F cm−3, and good long‐term stability of 12000 cycles.
Construction of Inorganic Crown Ethers by s‐Block‐Metal‐Templated Si−O Bond Activation
Authors: Dankert Fabian , Richter Roman‐Malte , Weigend Florian , Xie Xiulan , Balmer Markus , von Hänisch Carsten
Published: February 2021

We herein report the synthesis, structures, coordination ability, and mechanism of formation of silicon analogs of crown ethers. An oligomerization of 2D2 (I) (2Dn,=(Me4Si2O)n) was achieved by the reaction with GaI3 and MIx (M=Li, Na, Mg, Ca, Sr). In these reactions the metal cations serve as template and the anions (I−/[GaI4]−) are required as nucleophiles. In case of MIx=LiI, [Li(2D3)GaI4] (1) is formed. In case of MIx=NaI, MgI2, CaI2, and SrI2 the compounds [M(2D4)(GaI4)x] (M=Mg2+ (3), Ca2+ (4), Sr2+ (5) are obtained. Furthermore the proton complex [H(2D3)][Ga2I7] (6) was isolated and structurally characterized. All complexes were characterized by means of multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, DOSY experiments and, except for compound 3, also by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Quantum chemical calculations were carried out to compare the affinity of M+ to 2Dn and other ligands and to shed light on the formation of larger rings from smaller ones.
Potential Use of Crude Coffee Silverskin Oil in Integrated Bioprocess for Fatty Acids Production
Authors: Andrade Mota Danyelle , dos Santos Barbosa Milson , Kleveston Schneider Jaderson , Silva Lima Álvaro , M. Pereira Matheus , Canielas Krause Laiza , Faria Soares Cleide Mara
Published: February 2021

Oil from coffee silverskin (CS) is a potential source of fatty acids with promising applications in several industries. Thus, CS crude oil extraction processes were investigated for further enzymatic hydrolysis for fatty acids production. Firstly, Soxhlet (with 150 mL hexane for 8 hours at 70 °C) and ultrasound‐assisted (three times in sequential with 50 mL of hexane for 30 min at 30 °C) extractions were carried out to extract CS oil (3.8% and 3.1%, respectively). The fatty acid profiles obtained by both extraction methods presented a similar composition, shows palmitic (16:0: 32.6–34.4%) and linoleic acids (18:2: 31.5–36.1%) as the main. Then, CS oil extracted by Soxhlet was used as the feedstock for fatty acids production by enzymatic hydrolysis using four commercial lipases. Among the lipases studied,Candida rugosalipase (CRL) displayed a higher hydrolytic activity (1143.70 U g−1), with a maximum hydrolysis degree of 51.94% (acid value of the CS oil increased from 13.4 to 37.5 mg KOH g−1) after 180 min of reaction. Molecular docking analysis showed that interactions between the CRL active site (Ser209 and His449) and palmitic acid, the fatty acid of highest concentration in CS oil (≈35%), lead to higher hydrolytic activity. The integrated process developed is an advance in fatty acid production and valorization of coffee industry waste, since there is still a promising approach yet to be explored that aims at the utilization of residual CS oil.
Fracture toughness of highly ordered liquid crystalline epoxy thermosets achieved by optimized composition of curing agents
Authors: Harada Miyuki , Yamaguchi Kosuke
Published: February 2021

Liquid crystalline (LC) epoxy resin was prepared by using different compositions of aromatic amine as curing agents, in order to control curing rates and chemical compositions. The progress of the curing reaction was investigated based on the gel fraction and epoxy groups of conversion determined by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The ordered networked polymer structure was analyzed by polarized optical microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Highly oriented network chains in the obtained epoxy thermosets were promoted by the incorporation of flexible chains in the network and the provision of sufficient time for vitrification. Furthermore, it was clarified that a curing temperature higher than Tg is required to promote the transition to the smectic LC phase in order to prepare highly ordered epoxy thermosets. The increase in the formed smectic LC phase in the network chains resulted in significant higher fracture toughness and achieved up to 2.7 times higher value.
Local and remote physical processes driving variability of the planktonic system in the Juan Fernández Archipelago: A multidisciplinary framework providing conservation insights
Authors: Parada Carolina , Ernst Billy , Cornejo‐Guzmán Sebastián , Santa Cruz Francisco , Sandoval Belmar Marco , Rivara Pablo , Tapia Braulio , Gauthier Stéphane , Pino‐Aguilera Josefa , Escribano Ruben , Morales Carmen E.
Published: February 2021

The Juan Fernandez Ridge, a vulnerable marine ecosystem located far off the coast of central Chile and formed by several seamounts, guyots and three islands (Robinson Crusoe, Santa Clara and Alejandro Selkirk), has recently been declared a Coastal Marine Protected Area of Multiple Uses with several National Parks embedded in it.

Recent studies have highlighted the influence of remote and local oceanographic structures on the hydrographic dynamics of this ridge. However, there is still a gap in understanding how they affect the structure and dynamics of the surrounding insular planktonic communities.

A hydroacoustic and oceanographic survey was conducted during the austral spring (October 2016), including hydrographic and zooplankton sampling around Robinson Crusoe Island. Oceanographic features were identified and tracked using satellite data (chlorophyll‐a (Chl‐a) and sea surface temperature) and modelling results.

Two events of Chl‐a increase relative to a threshold (>0.45 mg m−3) were forced by different physical processes, both affecting the western side of Robinson Crusoe Island. In event A during the cruise period, Chl‐a subsurface maxima were associated with the arrival of a coastal meander originating on the continental shelf off Chile (remote process); the zooplankton was dominated by copepods and salps, with an evident coastal–oceanic gradient. In event B, Chl‐a maxima were linked to a local upwelling forced by the intensification of a localized SSW wind. No influence of remote eddies or local Von Kármán vortices on Chl‐a distribution was observed.

These findings highlight the influence of remote and local physical processes on the structure of planktonic communities around Robinson Crusoe Island. Understanding the variability of these mechanisms and their effects at the base of the pelagic food web is critical in adopting an ecosystem‐level approach.
Synthesis and in vitro study of antiproliferative benzyloxy dihydropyrimidinones
Authors: Vala Ruturajsinh M. , Sharma Mayank G. , Patel Divyang M. , Puerta Adrián , Padrón José M. , Ramkumar Venkatachalam , Gardas Ramesh L. , Patel Hitendra M.
Published: February 2021

In this study, we report on antiproliferative benzyloxy dihydropyrimidinones (DHPMs) produced by the Biginelli reaction of benzyloxy benzaldehyde, urea, and diverse 1,3‐diones. The reaction was catalyzed by lanthanum triflate and completed within 1–1.5 h, with 74–97% yield. The antiproliferative assay was carried out for all synthesized dihydropyrimidinones against six human solid tumor cell lines. Six compounds showed good antiproliferative activity with GI50 values below 5 μM. Among all the synthesized compounds, the most potent derivative showed good antiproliferative activity against all cell lines with GI50 values in the range of 1.1–3.1 μM. These DHPMs comply with druglikeness. Furthermore, ADMET prediction and the effect of P‐glycoprotein on the antiproliferative activity were also studied. Overall, our method allows eco‐friendly access to benzyloxy DHPMs as potential anticancer drugs.
Fluorescence modulation of naphthalene containing salicyl hydrazide‐based receptor through aggregation‐induced emission enhancement approach: Dual detection of lanthanum and cyanide ions in semi‐aqueous medium
Authors: Joshi Pooja , Ali Shah Raj , Rishu  , Bhardwaj Vimal K.
Published: February 2021

The sensing activity of naphthalene containing salicyl hydrazide‐based fluorescence receptor has been improved through aggregation‐induced enhanced emission mechanism approach in semi‐aqueous medium. The receptor has been found to be selective toward La3+ with approximately 70‐fold fluorescence enhancement due to a combined effect of keto‐enol tautomerism inhibition and chelation enhanced fluorescence with a detection limit of 3.91 × 10−6 M. In addition, the receptor is also able to sense CN− with a detection limit of 3.55 × 10−6 M via deprotonation effect, justifying its multiple analyte sensing behaviour. Hence, the current analytical methodology improves the sensing activity of the probe and also provides a greener alternative for La3+ and CN– detection.
Method development for determination of imatinib and its major metabolite, N‐desmethyl imatinib, in biological and environmental samples by SA–SHS–LPME and HPLC
Authors: Rahimi Kakavandi Nader , Asadi Tayebeh , Jannat Behrouz , Abdi Khosrou , Ghazi‐Khansari Mahmoud , Shahali Hossein , Naraki Karim
Published: February 2021

A salting‐out‐assisted switchable hydrophilicity solvent‐based liquid phase microextraction (SA–SHS–LPME) was developed for the separation and determination of trace amounts of imatinib and N‐desmethyl imatinib in biological and environmental samples by HPLC–UV. Triethylamine as a hydrophobic compound and protonated triethylamine carbonate as a hydrophilic one were switched by the addition or elimination of CO2. The use of NaOH resulted in the elimination of CO2 from the sample solution, which led to the conversion of P‐TEA‐C into triethylamine (TEA) and as a result, the analytes was extracted and entered the TEA phase. The salting out was performed to speed up the formation of the TEA in the shape of fine droplets in the specimen solution. Furthermore, the impact of several momentous factors that influence the recovery of the extraction was investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the limit of detection and limit of quantification were obtained in ranges of 0.03–0.05 and 0.1–0.15 μg L−1 for imatinib and 0.04–0.06 and 0.13–0.20 μg L−1 for N‐desmethyl imatinib, respectively. The preconcentration factor was 250. Inter‐ and intraday precision (RSD, n = 5) was <5%. In the case of imatinib and N‐desmethyl imatinib in biological and environmental specimens, a range of 97.0–102% was obtained as the recovery.
Intelligent personalised exercise recommendation: A weighted knowledge graph‐based approach
Authors: Lv Pin , Wang Xiaoxin , Xu Jia , Wang Junbin
Published: February 2021

As a critical function for intelligent tutoring system services, personalised exercise recommendation plays an important role in boosting the study performance of students. However, recent studies on personalised exercise recommendations have only considered the ability of a student during recommendation and have failed to include the essential relationships between knowledge points, which provide a suitable learning sequence of these knowledge points during a study procedure. In this study, we propose an intelligent exercise recommendation method (weighted knowledge graph‐based recommendation [WKG‐R]) for students, based on weighted knowledge graphs, wherein each node represents a knowledge point weighted by the ability of a student and an arrowed edge between two knowledge points indicates their prerequisite relationship. The novelty of WKG‐R can be summarised as follows: (1) It makes a leading attempt to quantify the ability of a student based on various testing behaviours and (2) it attempts to employ the ability of a student and the prerequisite dependencies between knowledge points for enhancing the effectiveness of personalised exercise recommendation. A real classroom teaching practice was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed WKG‐R method. The experimental results demonstrated the distinct advantage of WKG‐R in improving the testing scores of students as compared with contemporary solutions. The average score improvement ratio of students for WKG‐R is up to 33%, whereas for the state‐of‐the‐art solution, it is only 22%. The questionnaires collected from the students also reflected a higher level of satisfaction towards WKG‐R than with the contemporary solutions.
Cardiogenic shock in thyroid storm: A biventricular impella (Bi‐Pella) approach
Authors: Caruso Evan , Iliadis Elias
Published: February 2021

The use of biventricular impella support in patients with acute, reversible causes of biventricular cardiogenic shock may play a role in shortening the time to recovery and preventing significant negative outcomes such as renal or hepatic failure.
Modified combined radiotherapy for cervical cancer in kidney transplant recipient
Authors: P. Matylevich Olga , B. Shushkevich Aleksander , A. Suslova Valentina , A. Perevoschikov Pavel , A. Mavrichev Siarhei
Published: February 2021

The management of locally advanced cervical cancer in patients with a pelvic kidney transplant is challenging because standard chemoradiotherapy may increase the risk of ureteral stenosis and obstruction or vascular damage of the graft. In the absence of clear guidelines, these patients should be treated using high‐precision modern radiotherapy technique.
Multimilligram‐scale production implementation of atropisomers of 2,2′‐bis(2,2′‐bithiophene‐5‐yl)‐3,3′‐bithianaphthene
Authors: Rosetti Alessia , Bonetti Giorgia , Villani Claudio , Benincori Tiziana , Cirilli Roberto
Published: February 2021

2,2′‐Bis[2‐(5,2′‐bithienyl)]‐3,3′‐bithianaphthene (1) is the progenitor of a class of C2 symmetric thiophene‐based electroactive monomers that, when electrooxidized in the enantiomerically pure form, produce inherently chiral films endowed with outstanding electrochemical enantiorecognition properties. The enantioselective high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is the only approach used so far to resolve the racemic form of 1 into enantiomers. In this work, an improved HPLC method for multimilligram enantiomer production is presented. Key factors controlling the enantioseparation, such as mobile phase composition and column temperature, were identified using a 100 × 4.6 mm i.d. Chiralpak IB‐3 column and subsequently scaled up to a 250 × 10.0 mm i.d. Chiralpak IB column. In the optimized semipreparative conditions, about 34 mg of pure (P) and (M) enantiomers per hour could be produced.
Target Designing Phase Transition Materials through Halogen Substitution
Authors: Cheng Hao , Yang Meng‐Juan , Xu Yu‐Qiu , Li Meng‐Zhen , Ai Yong
Published: February 2021

Crystalline materials have received extensive attention due to their extraordinary physical and chemical properties. Among them, phase transition materials have attracted great attention in the fields of photovoltaic, switchable dielectric devices, and ferroelectric memories, etc. However, many of them suffer from low phase transition temperatures, which limits their practical application. In this work, we systematically designed crystalline materials, (TMXM)2PtCl6 (X=F, Cl, Br, I) through halogen substitution on the cations, aiming to improving phase transition temperature. The resulting phase transition of (TMXM)2PtCl6 (X=F, Cl, Br, I) get a significant enhancement, compared to the parent compound [(CH3)4N]2PtCl6 ((TM)2PtCl6). Such phase transition temperature enhancement can be attributed to the introduction of halogen atoms that increase the potential energy barrier of the cation rotation. In addition, (TMBM)2PtCl6 and (TMIM)2PtCl6 have a low symmetry and crystallize in the space group C2/c and P212121, respectively. This work highlights the halogen substitution in designing crystal materials with high phase transition temperature.
A Printed Paper‐Based Anion Sensor Array for Multi‐Analyte Classification: On‐Site Quantification of Glyphosate
Authors: Zhang Zhoujie , Hamedpour Vahid , Lyu Xiaojun , Sasaki Yui , Minami Tsuyoshi
Published: February 2021

We report a paper‐based chemosensor array device (PCSAD) for the quantitative detection of oxyanions including the herbicide glyphosate (GlyP) in aqueous media. The mechanism of the oxyanion detection relies on a coordination‐binding‐based sensor array. In this study, the competitive coordination binding among Zn2+, four catechol dyes, and seven oxyanions caused noticeable colour changes. The colour changes were employed for qualitative and quantitative analyses using an in‐house automated image‐processing algorithm with pattern recognition for digital images. A linear discrimination analysis discerned similarly structured oxyanions with 100 % accuracy. The regression analysis allowed the accurate quantification of GlyP in the herbicide products with a limit of detection of 16 mg/L, which is lower than the health advisory value for children (20 mg/L) stipulated by the environmental protection agency (EPA). PCSAD is a powerful sensor device for the on‐site quantification of aqueous anions for environmental assessment.
SIDO: A single‐input double‐output energy harvesting architecture operating in burst mode with 74.87% peak end‐to‐end efficiency
Authors: Umaz Ridvan
Published: February 2021

A single‐input double‐output (SIDO) energy harvesting architecture implemented with the off‐the‐shelf components is presented in this paper. The proposed SIDO consists of a step‐up converter, a supercapacitor, an output routing control circuit (ORCC), and two output power switches for two loads. Once the supercapacitor charges to a maximum voltage level of nearly 3.7 V, output power switches are successively turned on by the ORCC for a short period of time (i.e., burst mode). The proposed SIDO supports output total power range from 2.694 to 196.76 mW which is in the range of 1.684 to 122.975 times greater than the maximum power available from the ambient energy source (e.g., 1.6 mW) due to the burst mode. Also, the proposed SIDO achieves a peak end‐to‐end efficiency of 74.87% with the self‐starting, that is, no need of batteries other than the ambient energy source. As compared with prior work, the proposed SIDO supports the heaviest loads (e.g., total power of 196.76 mW) and achieves a wide support range with the burst mode operation and starts the operation from the lowest input voltage without the need of the external power source.
Size but not relatedness drives the spatial distribution of males within an urban population of Anolis carolinensis lizards
Authors: Weber William David , Anthony Nicola M. , Lailvaux Simon P.
Published: February 2021

The way that individuals are spatially organized in their environment is a fundamental population characteristic affecting social structure, mating system, and reproductive ecology. However, for many small or cryptic species, the factors driving the spatial distribution of individuals within a population are poorly understood and difficult to quantify. We combined microsatellite data, remote sensing, and mark–recapture techniques to test the relative importance of body size and relatedness in determining the spatial distribution of male Anolis carolinensis individuals within a focal population over a five‐year period. We found that males maintain smaller home ranges than females. We found no relationship between male body size and home range size, nor any substantial impact of relatedness on the geographic proximity. Instead, the main driver of male spatial distribution in this population was differences in body size. We also found no evidence for offspring inheritance of their parent's territories. Males were never sampled within their father's territory providing strong support for male‐biased dispersal. This study introduces a novel approach by combining standard mark release capture data with measures of pairwise relatedness, body size, and GPS locations to better understand the factors that drive the spatial distribution of individuals within a population.
3D genital shape complexity in female marine mammals
Authors: Orbach Dara N. , Brassey Charlotte A. , Gardiner James D. , Brennan Patricia L. R.
Published: February 2021

Comparisons of 3D shapes have recently been applied to diverse anatomical structures using landmarking techniques. However, discerning evolutionary patterns can be challenging for structures lacking homologous landmarks. We used alpha shape analyses to quantify vaginal shape complexity in 40 marine mammal specimens including cetaceans, pinnipeds, and sirenians. We explored phylogenetic signal and the potential roles of natural and sexual selection on vaginal shape evolution. Complexity scores were consistent with qualitative observations. Cetaceans had a broad range of alpha complexities, while pinnipeds were comparatively simple and sirenians were complex. Intraspecific variation was found. Three‐dimensional surface heat maps revealed that shape complexity was driven by invaginations and protrusions of the vaginal wall. Phylogenetic signal was weak and metrics of natural selection (relative neonate size) and sexual selection (relative testes size, sexual size dimorphism, and penis morphology) did not explain vaginal complexity patterns. Additional metrics, such as penile shape complexity, may yield interesting insights into marine mammal genital coevolution. We advocate for the use of alpha shapes to discern patterns of evolution that would otherwise not be possible in 3D anatomical structures lacking homologous landmarks.
Magnetisation transfer imaging revealed microstructural changes related to apathy symptoms after ischaemic stroke
Authors: Klimiec‐Moskal Elzbieta , Karcz Paulina , Kowalska Katarzyna , Slowik Agnieszka , Herman‐Sucharska Izabela , Dziedzic Tomasz
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Apathy after stroke is common and has a negative impact on functional recovery. Neuroimaging correlates of poststroke apathy remain unclear. We aimed to investigate microstructural changes associated with the severity of poststroke apathy symptoms.

Methods

We assessed 67 patients with cerebral ischaemia who underwent magnetisation transfer brain imaging 12–15 months after stroke. We used magnetisation transfer ratio (MTR) to represent microstructural integrity. We performed whole‐brain voxel‐based analysis and subsequent region of interest analysis to investigate the association between MTR and symptoms of poststroke apathy. To assess apathy symptoms, we used clinician‐reported version of the Apathy Evaluation Scale.

Results

Voxel‐based analysis showed the association between symptoms of apathy and decreased MTR in areas overlapping with structures located in both hemispheres: left thalamus, bilateral hippocampus, bilateral fornix/stria terminalis, right amygdala, splenium of the corpus callosum, the retrolenticular part of left internal capsule and left sagittal stratum. In the region of interest analysis, only lower MTR in right fornix/stria terminalis was associated with greater poststroke apathy symptoms in a multivariate logistic model (odds ratio: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.09–1.46, p = 0.003). These associations were independent of depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Magnetisation transfer brain imaging 12–15 months after stroke revealed changes in microstructural integrity associated with apathy symptoms in brain areas related to processing emotional information and reward valuation.
Low‐risk human papilloma virus positive oropharyngeal cancer with one positive lymph node: Equivalent outcomes in patients treated with surgery and radiation therapy versus surgery alone
Authors: Sample Reilly A. , Wood Carey Burton , Mazul Angela L. , Barrett Thomas F. , Paniello Randal C. , Rich Jason T. , Kang Stephen Y. , Zevallos Jose , Daly Mackenzie D. , Thorstad Wade L. , Chen Stephanie Y. , Pipkorn Patrik , Jackson Ryan S. , Puram Sidharth V.
Published: February 2021

Background

For human papilloma virus positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), management recommendations for patients with a single metastatic lymph node <6 cm in diameter remain nebulous, leading to treatment heterogeneity in this common subgroup of patients.

Methods

We utilized the National Cancer Database to perform survival and multivariable analyses of patients with HPV+ OPSCC with one positive lymph node <6 cm and negative surgical margins.

Results

We found that 5‐year survival is comparable between patients who receive surgery and adjuvant radiation versus surgery alone. In multivariable analyses, we found no significant difference in the hazard ratio of overall survival after adjusting for various potential confounders.

Conclusions

These data suggest that patients with margin‐negative HPV+ OPSCC with a single positive lymph node <6 cm have comparable survival with or without adjuvant radiation. Future studies exploring outcomes for this specific group in randomized‐controlled trials will be critical for further evaluating these initial observations.
Prognostic factors associated with small for gestational age babies in a tertiary care hospital of Western Nepal: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chaudhary Nagendra , Yadav Shree Narayan , Kalra Suresh Kumar , Pathak Santosh , Gupta Binod Kumar , Shrestha Sandeep , Patel Matthew , Satia Imran , Sadhra Steven , Bolton Charlotte Emma , Kurmi Om Prakash
Published: February 2021

Background

Small for gestational age (SGA) is common among newborns in low‐income countries like Nepal and has higher immediate mortality and morbidities.

Objectives

To study the prevalence and prognostic factors of SGA babies in Western Nepal.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study (November 2016‐October 2017) was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Western Nepal. Socio‐demographic, lifestyle factors including diet, and exposures including smoking and household air pollution in mothers who delivered newborns appropriate for gestational age (AGA), SGA and large for gestational age (LGA) were recorded. Logistic regression was carried out to find the odds ratio of prognostic factors after adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Out of 4000 delivered babies, 77% (n = 3078) were AGA, 20.3% (n = 813) were SGA and 2.7% (n = 109) were LGA. The proportion of female‐SGA was greater in comparison to male‐SGA (n = 427, 52.5% vs n = 386, 47.5%). SGA babies were born to mothers who had term, preterm, and postterm delivery in the following proportions 70.1%, 19.3%, and 10.6%, respectively. The average weight gain (mean ± SD) by mothers in AGA pregnancies was 10.3 ± 2.4 kg, whereas in SGA were 9.3 ± 2.4 kg. In addition to low socioeconomic status (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1, 3.2), other prognostic factors associated with SGA were lifestyle factors such as low maternal sleep duration (OR 5.1, CI 3.6, 7.4) and monthly or less frequent meat intake (OR 5.0, CI 3.2, 7.8). Besides smoking (OR 8.8, CI 2.1, 36.3), the other major environmental factor associated with SGA was exposure to household air pollution (OR 5.4, 4.1, 6.9) during pregnancy. Similarly, some of the adverse health conditions associated with a significantly higher risk of SGA were anemia, oligohydramnios, and gestational diabetes.

Conclusions

SGA is common in Western Nepal and associated with several modifiable prognostic factors.
Inherited disorders of complex lipid metabolism: A clinical review
Authors: Xiao Changrui , Rossignol Francis , Vaz Frédéric M. , Ferreira Carlos R.
Published: February 2021

Over 80 human diseases have been attributed to defects in complex lipid metabolism. A majority of them have been reported recently in the setting of rapid advances in genomic technology and their increased use in clinical settings. Lipids are ubiquitous in human biology and play roles in many cellular and intercellular processes. While inborn errors in lipid metabolism can affect every organ system with many examples of genetic heterogeneity and pleiotropy, the clinical manifestations of many of these disorders can be explained based on the disruption of the metabolic pathway involved. In this review, we will discuss the physiological function of major pathways in complex lipid metabolism, including nonlysosomal sphingolipid metabolism, acylceramide metabolism, de novo phospholipid synthesis, phospholipid remodeling, phosphatidylinositol metabolism, mitochondrial cardiolipin synthesis and remodeling, and ether lipid metabolism as well as common clinical phenotypes associated with each.
Editorial on “Grading Soft Tissue Involvement in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Using Network and Survival Analyses: A Two‐Center Retrospective Study”
Authors: van Staalduinen Eric K.
Published: February 2021

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Implementation of malnutrition quality improvement reveals opportunities for better nutrition care delivery for hospitalized patients
Authors: Wills‐Gallagher Jennifer , Kerr Kirk W. , Macintosh Beth , Valladares Angel F. , Kilgore Karl M. , Sulo Suela
Published: February 2021

Background

Gaps in hospital‐based nutrition care practices and opportunities to improve care of patients at risk of malnutrition or malnourished have been demonstrated by several US hospitals implementing quality improvement (QI) projects. This study examined the impact of nutrition care process improvements focused on better documentation of identification and diagnosis of malnutrition in 5 hospital services and differences between nutritionally targeted vs nontargeted services.

Methods

Data on malnutrition risk screening, nutrition assessment, malnutrition diagnosis, and nutrition care plan delivery were collected from 32,723 hospital encounters for patients admitted to the intensive care unit, pulmonology, oncology, urology, and general medicine services (targeted) as well as the rest of the nontargeted hospital services between 2017 and 2019.

Results

Higher rates of morbidity in targeted service patients compared with those in the patient population admitted in the nontargeted services were observed, including higher rates of malnutrition risk (37.43% vs 19.16%, P < .001), higher rates of moderate and severe malnutrition first identified by a registered dietitian nutritionist (20.27% vs 9.67%, P < .001), and malnutrition diagnosis confirmed by an admitting physician (16.72% vs 6.74%, P < .001).

Conclusions

The findings suggest sustained improvements in confirmed rates of malnutrition identification and diagnosis are achievable. Targeting malnutrition QI efforts to hospital services with higher patient morbidity is an effective method for improving malnutrition diagnosis, in particular in hospitals with limited resources, which in turn can result in improved nutrition care delivery.
Flash Scanning Volumetric Optoacoustic Tomography for High Resolution Whole‐Body Tracking of Nanoagent Kinetics and Biodistribution
Authors: Ron Avihai , Kalva Sandeep Kumar , Periyasamy Vijitha , Deán‐Ben Xosé Luís , Razansky Daniel
Published: February 2021

Tracking of biodynamics across entire living organisms is essential for understanding complex biology and disease progression. The presently available small‐animal functional and molecular imaging modalities remain constrained by factors including long image acquisition times, low spatial resolution, limited penetration or poor contrast. Here flash scanning volumetric optoacoustic tomography (fSVOT), a new approach for high‐speed imaging of fast kinetics and biodistribution of optical contrast agents in whole mice that simultaneously provides reference images of vascular and organ anatomy with unrivaled fidelity and contrast, is presented. The imaging protocol employs continuous overfly scanning of a spherical matrix array transducer, accomplishing a 200 µm resolution 3D scan of the whole mouse body within 45 s without relying on signal averaging. This corresponds to an imaging speed gain of more than an order of magnitude compared with existing state‐of‐the‐art implementations of comparable resolution performance. Volumetric tracking and quantification of gold nanoagent and near infrared (NIR)‐II dye kinetics and their differential uptake in various organs are demonstrated. fSVOT thus offers unprecedented capabilities for multiscale imaging of pharmacokinetics and biodistribution with high contrast, resolution, and speed.
Additive Manufacturing in the Food Sector: A Literature Review
Authors: Bravi Laura , Murmura Federica
Published: February 2021

This paper, through a literature review, explores the application of 3D Printing in the agri‐food sector. Food printing technology could provide a platform to experiment food design on shapes, colors, flavors, introduce artistic capabilities to fine dining, and extend mass customization capabilities to the industrial culinary sector. Furthermore, it has potential to support a personalized nutrition control mechanism; a prototyping tool to facilitate new food product development, and a potential type of new machines to reconfigure a customized food supply chain.
3D Printing with Flexible Materials – Mechanical Properties and Material Fatigue
Authors: Cakar Siver , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: February 2021

3D printed objects are nowadays not only used in prototyping, but also in small‐scale production down to lot‐size 1. While different 3D printing techniques can be applied for this purpose, a large amount of products is prepared by the simple and inexpensive fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique, applying a polymer which is molten, pressed through a nozzle, and deposited layer‐by‐layer on a printing bed and on the previous layers, respectively. This technology, however, has the disadvantage of often insufficient mechanical properties due to the available materials and due to the construction method, which often supports air cavities inside objects, reducing the adhesion between neighboring strands and thus the overall mechanical properties. Such problems can partly be solved by chemical after‐treatments. Here, the authors report on tensile tests and load changes of the soft FDM materials FilaFlex and PLA soft (PLA = polylactic acid) in comparison with common PLA. They also show the different inner structure of objects 3D printed from these materials and their correlation with mechanical properties and material fatigue.
Integrated Design Strategy for Additively Manufactured Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering
Authors: Fucile Pierpaolo , Russo Teresa , De Santis Roberto , Martorelli Massimo , Catauro Michelina , Gloria Antonio
Published: February 2021

Additive manufacturing technologies allow for the direct fabrication of 3D scaffolds with improved properties for tissue regeneration. In this scenario, design strategies and 3D fiber deposition technique are considered to develop advanced scaffolds with different lay‐down patterns, tailored mechanical and biological properties. 3D poly(ε‐caprolactone) scaffolds are manufactured and surface‐modified (i.e., aminolysis). The effect of surface modification on the mechanical and biological performances of the designed 3D scaffolds is assessed.
Application of Reverse Engineering for Automotive Plastic Components – Case Study
Authors: Tamaşag Ioan , Beşliu Irina , Amarandei Dumitru
Published: February 2021

The advancement in control and measuring technologies, the widespread acceptance and the growing popularity of the reverse engineering concept made the possibility of reproducing objects with unknown specifications an easier task. Although industrial practice offers many reverse engineering methods, this technology is not yet used at its fully potential. This article presents a case study involving the application of reverse engineering technology on a complex geometry plastic part from the automotive industry. The aim of the paper is to present a step‐by‐step reverse engineering method, starting from the creation of the point cloud obtained through scanning of the parts surfaces (using a 7.5 axis portable measuring arm with a laser line scanner) to the reproduction of the physical part.
Reusable pectin‐coated magnetic nanosorbent functionalized with an aptamer for highly selective Hg2+ detection
Authors: Deepuppha Nunthiya , Khadsai Sudarat , Rutnakornpituk Boonjira , Kielar Filip , Rutnakornpituk Metha
Published: February 2021

A pectin‐coated magnetite nanoparticle functionalized with Hg2+‐specific aptamer was developed to obtain a magnetic nanosorbent having high selectivity toward Hg2+ and facile reusability. The aptamer labeled with biotin was immobilized on pectin‐coated MNP conjugated with streptavidin through the specific biotin–streptavidin interaction to obtain an aptamer‐functionalized nanosorbent. Pectin coated on the particle improved its stability and dispersibility in water, while thymine in the aptamer played an important role as a recognition element, which can bind to the Hg2+ target via T–Hg2+–T complexes. The nanosorbent showed a linear concentration, ranging from 2.8 to 700 μg/L, with the limit of detection of 0.8 ± 0.2 μg/L and limit of quantitation of 2.8 ± 0.2 μg/L for the detection of Hg2+. It showed high selectivity with good tolerance toward Hg2+ in the presence of other metal ions. The system can be repeatedly used for up to 10 cycles of Hg2+ adsorption with only slight changes in its performance. In addition, satisfactory recoveries were also obtained for the detection of Hg2+ in real water samples. This nanosorbent might be a promising tool for extended applications in biological and analytical fields.
Fetal esophageal imaging: Early pregnancy as a window of opportunity
Authors: Kassif Eran , Weissbach Tal , Raviv Oshrat , Shust‐Barequet Shir , Koren Natalie , Fishel Bartal Michal , Achiron Reuven , Mazaki‐Tovi Shali , Weisz Boaz , Elkan Miller Tal
Published: February 2021

Objective

To describe the sonographic appearance of the fetal esophagus during early pregnancy and evaluate the feasibility of imaging the entire esophageal length. In addition, we present a case of disrupted esophageal continuity, subsequently diagnosed with esophageal atresia (EA).

Methods

A prospective observational study of 145 patients. During the early second trimester anomaly scan performed at 12–17 weeks' gestation the entire esophagus was captured in a single sonographic image at the midsagittal plane (one shot technique). Postnatal follow‐up of esophageal patency included review of medical records and telephone interviews.

Results

Complete visualization of the esophagus (neck to diaphragm) was possible in 144 cases. In 88% of cases the esophagus was demonstrated by transvaginal approach. The time required to obtain the desired view of the esophagus, once the fetus was in an optimal position, was on average 13 s (range: 5–30 s). In one case at 15 weeks' gestation, the cervical segment of the esophagus was demonstrated while the lower thoracic segment was not identified. Subsequently EA was diagnosed.

Conclusions

It is feasible to demonstrate the entire esophagus during early second trimester anomaly scan. An early second trimester anomaly scan may serve as a window of opportunity for EA screening.
Wireless Transmission of Friedlander‐Type Signals for the Dynamic Measurement of Blast Pressure
Authors: Chalnot Mathieu , Coustou Anthony , Aubert Hervé , Pons Patrick , Lavayssière Maylis , Lefrançois Alexandre , Luc Jérôme
Published: February 2021

During explosive detonation or air blast experiments, long cables are commonly used for transmitting signals delivered by pressure sensors to the safe place of the acquisition unit. While constant efforts are undertaken for enlarging the bandwidth of sensors in order to improve the measurement precision of the peak pressure, the limitations of the wired transmission of blast pressure signals delivered by these sensors are not addressed. We discuss here such limitations and propose a wireless new solution for the dynamic measurement of Friedlander‐type signals delivered by ultra‐wideband sensors (>
). Contrary to the wired solution, the distance between the sensor and the acquisition unit does not limit the measurement bandwidth of the wireless setup. Experimental results are reported for validation purposes and pave the way of the dynamic measurement of blast pressure variations occurring at the heart of the fireball generated during explosions.
The Fabrication of Wrinkle‐Free Graphene Patterns on Ge(110) Substrate
Authors: Wang Tianbo , Li Panlin , Gao Min , Wang Yalan , Di Zengfeng , Xue Zhongying , Zhang Miao
Published: February 2021

A thermal expansion mismatch is inevitable for graphene grown on various substrates by chemical vapor deposition, which leads to the formation of wrinkles during post‐growth cooling. Wrinkles can degrade the superior properties of graphene and increase device‐to‐device inconsistency. To address this issue, wrinkle‐free graphene patterns are grown on Ge(110) substrate with the assistance of 5 × 1016 cm−2 Si ion implantation. The experimental data show that the wrinkle‐free graphene can grow on unimplanted areas, whereas no graphene is synthesized on Si ion implanted areas. Further research shows that the wrinkle‐free nature of graphene is closely related to the compressive strain distribution in graphene. The compressive strain in graphene is increased to a significant extent with an increase in the size of graphene patterns. When the compressive strain energy exceeds the wrinkle‐formation barrier, wrinkles emerge on the graphene, and the compressive strain decreases as a consequence. This research may help to understand the formation mechanisms of graphene wrinkles and promote the growth of wrinkle‐free graphene.
Mass spectrometric study of ceramics in the Sm2O3‐ZrO2‐HfO2 system at high temperatures
Authors: Stolyarova Valentina L. , Vorozhtcov Viktor A. , Lopatin Sergey I. , Shugurov Sergey M. , Shilov Andrey L. , Karachevtsev Fedor N.
Published: February 2021

Rationale

Systems containing zirconia, hafnia, and rare earth oxides are indispensable in various areas of high‐temperature technologies as a basis of ultra‐high refractory ceramics. Exposure of these materials to high temperatures may result in unexpected selective vaporization of components or phase transitions in the condensed phase leading to changes in physicochemical properties. Consequently, reliable application of the ceramics based on systems such as Sm2O3‐ZrO2‐HfO2 is impossible without data on its vaporization processes and thermodynamic properties, which may be used to predict the physicochemical characteristics of the ultra‐high refractory ceramics.

Methods

Ceramics based on the Sm2O3‐ZrO2‐HfO2 system were obtained by solid‐state synthesis and characterized by X‐ray fluorescence and X‐ray phase analyses. The vaporization and thermodynamics of the system considered were examined by the high‐temperature mass spectrometric method using a MS‐1301 magnetic sector mass spectrometer with a tungsten twin effusion cell. Vapor species effusing from the cell were ionized by electrons with an energy of 25 eV.

Results

The main vapor species over the Sm2O3‐ZrO2‐HfO2 system were shown to be SmO, Sm, and O at a temperature of 2373 K, indicating selective vaporization of Sm2O3 from the samples. The partial pressures of these vapor species and the Sm2O3 activities were determined in the Sm2O3‐ZrO2‐HfO2 system and allowed the excess Gibbs energies to be evaluated. These excess Gibbs energy values were compared with the results obtained by the semi‐empirical and statistical thermodynamic approaches.

Conclusions

The data obtained in this study showed negative deviations from the ideal behavior in the Sm2O3‐ZrO2‐HfO2 system at 2373 K. The results calculated according to the semi‐empirical methods and statistical thermodynamic Generalized Lattice Theory of Associated Solutions were in agreement with each other. Thus, this evidenced the desirability of further experimental investigation of the Sm2O3‐ZrO2‐HfO2 system by the high‐temperature mass spectrometric method.