bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health literacy and pharmacotherapy adherence among chronic kidney disease patients in pre-dialysis care / Letramento em saúde e adesão a medicação de doentes renais crônicos em tratamento pré-dialitico
Authors: Leão Nardelle Cristina de Souza , Canhestro Mônica Ribeiro , Milagres Luciana Mara Rosa , Oliveira Pâmela Malheiro , Moraes Katarinne Lima , Brasil Virgínia Visconde
Published: September 2021

Objetivo: analisar a associação entre as condições de letramento em saúde e adesão a medicação de doentes renais crônicos em tratamento pré-dialítico. Método: estudo transversal com pacientes em tratamento pré-dialitico da doença renal crônica. O letramento foi avaliado com o Health Literacy Questionnaire e a adesão a medicação foi avaliada pela escala de Morisky. Resultados: participaram 153 pacientes sendo que 84 (55,3%) apresentou não adesão à medicação. Em relação ao Health Literacy Questionnaire, em sete constructos não houve diferença estatística significativa. Em outros dois constructos em que houve diferença estatisticamente significativa, os pacientes aderidos à  medicação apresentaram melhor letramento. Conclusão: na população estudada pacientes que possuem adesão à medicação tendem a melhor letramento em saúde.
Are We on the Same Page? A Cross‐Sectional Study of Patient–Clinician Goal Concordance in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Barton Jennifer L. , Markwardt Sheila , Niederhausen Meike , Schue Allison , Dougherty Jacob , Katz Patricia , Saha Somnath , Yelin Edward H.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Patient–clinician goal concordance is associated with improved outcomes in certain chronic diseases but not explored in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We examined goal concordance, correlates of concordance, and the association of concordance with health outcomes.

Methods

Adult patients with RA seen at least 1 time in the prior 12 months at 1 of 2 rheumatology clinics participated. Patients and their clinicians independently ranked top 3 goals for RA treatment from 8 options before a routine visit. Patients completed postvisit surveys on health, demographic information, health literacy, and adherence. Goal concordance was defined as the patient's number 1 goal being among the clinician's top 3 goals for that patient. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine correlates of concordance.

Results

Patients were 58% female and 16% Spanish‐speaking, and 29% had limited health literacy. Among 204 patient–clinician dyads, 20% were goal‐discordant. “Have less pain” was selected by both patient and clinician in 81% of dyads, followed by “have fewer problems doing daily activities” by 63%. Otherwise, clinicians prioritized avoiding side effects, whereas patients ranked improved sleep, fatigue, and mood. Longer disease duration was associated with discordance (median 13.3 years, interquartile range [IQR] 5.2–20 among discordant vs. 7 years, IQR 4–14; P = 0.039); higher depressive symptoms were associated with concordance (8.1% vs. 24%; P = 0.04). Goal concordance was associated with higher medication adherence (adjusted odds ratio 2.76 [95% confidence interval 1.01, 7.56]).

Conclusion

One in 5 patient–clinician dyads had discordant treatment goals. Goal concordance was associated with higher medication adherence. Studies to improve goal elicitation and communication of patients with RA's priorities are needed.
Highly Sensitive Capacitive Pressure Sensors over a Wide Pressure Range Enabled by the Hybrid Responses of a Highly Porous Nanocomposite
Authors: Ha Kyoung‐Ho , Zhang Weiyi , Jang Hongwoo , Kang Seungmin , Wang Liu , Tan Philip , Hwang Hochul , Lu Nanshu
Published: September 2021

Past research aimed at increasing the sensitivity of capacitive pressure sensors has mostly focused on developing dielectric layers with surface/porous structures or higher dielectric constants. However, such strategies have only been effective in improving sensitivities at low pressure ranges (e.g., up to 3 kPa). To overcome this well‐known obstacle, herein, a flexible hybrid‐response pressure sensor (HRPS) composed of an electrically conductive porous nanocomposite (PNC) laminated with an ultrathin dielectric layer is devised. Using a nickel foam template, the PNC is fabricated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs)‐doped Ecoflex to be 86% porous and electrically conductive. The PNC exhibits hybrid piezoresistive and piezocapacitive responses, resulting in significantly enhanced sensitivities (i.e., more than 400%) over wide pressure ranges, from 3.13 kPa−1 within 0–1 kPa to 0.43 kPa−1 within 30–50 kPa. The effect of the hybrid responses is differentiated from the effect of porosity or high dielectric constants by comparing the HRPS with its purely piezocapacitive counterparts. Fundamental understanding of the HRPS and the prediction of optimal CNT doping are achieved through simplified analytical models. The HRPS is able to measure pressures from as subtle as the temporal arterial pulse to as large as footsteps.
Synergistic Integration of Chemo‐Resistive and SERS Sensing for Label‐Free Multiplex Gas Detection
Authors: Han Hyeuk Jin , Cho Seunghee H. , Han Sangjun , Jang Ji‐Soo , Lee Gyu Rac , Cho Eugene N. , Kim Sang‐Joon , Kim Il‐Doo , Jang Min Seok , Tuller Harry L. , Cha Judy J. , Jung Yeon Sik
Published: September 2021

Practical sensing applications such as real‐time safety alerts and clinical diagnoses require sensor devices to differentiate between various target molecules with high sensitivity and selectivity, yet conventional devices such as oxide‐based chemo‐resistive sensors and metal‐based surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensors usually do not satisfy such requirements. Here, a label‐free, chemo‐resistive/SERS multimodal sensor based on a systematically assembled 3D cross‐point multifunctional nanoarchitecture (3D‐CMA), which has unusually strong enhancements in both “chemo‐resistive” and “SERS” sensing characteristics is introduced. 3D‐CMA combines several sensing mechanisms and sensing elements via 3D integration of semiconducting SnO2 nanowire frameworks and dual‐functioning Au metallic nanoparticles. It is shown that the multimodal sensor can successfully estimate mixed‐gas compositions selectively and quantitatively at the sub‐100 ppm level, even for mixtures of gaseous aromatic compounds (nitrobenzene and toluene) with very similar molecular structures. This is enabled by combined chemo‐resistive and SERS multimodal sensing providing complementary information.
Nanoscale Probing of Surface Charges in Functional Copper‐Metal Organic Clusters by Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy for Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Kumar Rudra , Gupta Prachi , Sharma Satinder K.
Published: September 2021

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently attracted a great deal of attention especially as conceivable advanced gate dielectrics for next‐generation field‐effect transistors (FETs) and memory device applications. Dielectric surface charge retention mapping is essential for gauging the leakage current and threshold voltage stability. Due to a dearth of systematic real‐time surface charge probing of MOFs dielectrics, in this work, the nanoscale Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) technique is employed for the contact potential difference (CPD) analysis of developed hybrid copper–metal–organic clusters (Cu‐MOCs)/Si systems. Films are synthesized through the sol‐gel process consisting of copper metal core linked with organic ligands. With 3V positive and negative DC bias, charge injection offset between positive and negative bias is observed to be ≈190 mV, indicating the intrinsic Fermi level alignment between KPFM tip and sample surface charges. The high‐resolution surface CPD mappings bring forth the white (≈98 mV) and black (≈−91 mV) contrast profiles with hole (5.09 × 1012 cm−2) and electron (4.74 × 1012 cm−2) charge densities. Also, the 17 h time‐lapse enables the holes and electrons CPD mapping diameter shrinkage by ≈32% and 46%, respectively. In furtherance, a conductive filament model for host‐guest proton‐assisted conduction with charge hopping through fixed/mobile ions is proposed.
Superelasticity of Plasma‐ and Synthetic Membranes Resulting from Coupling of Membrane Asymmetry, Curvature, and Lipid Sorting
Authors: Steinkühler Jan , Fonda Piermarco , Bhatia Tripta , Zhao Ziliang , Leomil Fernanda S. C. , Lipowsky Reinhard , Dimova Rumiana
Published: September 2021

Biological cells are contained by a fluid lipid bilayer (plasma membrane, PM) that allows for large deformations, often exceeding 50% of the apparent initial PM area. Isolated lipids self‐organize into membranes, but are prone to rupture at small (<2–4%) area strains, which limits progress for synthetic reconstitution of cellular features. Here, it is shown that by preserving PM structure and composition during isolation from cells, vesicles with cell‐like elasticity can be obtained. It is found that these plasma membrane vesicles store significant area in the form of nanotubes in their lumen. These act as lipid reservoirs and are recruited by mechanical tension applied to the outer vesicle membrane. Both in experiment and theory, it is shown that a “superelastic” response emerges from the interplay of lipid domains and membrane curvature. This finding allows for bottom‐up engineering of synthetic biomaterials that appear one magnitude softer and with threefold larger deformability than conventional lipid vesicles. These results open a path toward designing superelastic synthetic cells possessing the inherent mechanics of biological cells.
Giant Enhancement of Spin‐Orbit Torque Efficiency in Pt/Co Bilayers by Inserting a WSe2 under Layer
Authors: Xue Hongwei , Tang Meng , Zhang Yu , Ji Zhihao , Qiu Xuepeng , Zhang Zongzhi
Published: September 2021

2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are excellent candidate materials to study the effect of spin‐orbit torques (SOTs). Here, the effect of a WSe2 underlayer on the magnetic properties and SOT efficiencies are systematically investigated in Pt /Co bilayers with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. SOT efficiency ξ shows an increasing trend as the inserted WSe2 monolayer number increases from 0 to 5, which is attributed to the elevated spin absorption at the WSe2/Pt interface where WSe2 acts as a spin sink. As the Co layer thickness tCo increases from 0.6 to 1.0 nm, ξ exhibits a maximum at tCo = 0.8 nm, which is mainly due to the nonmonotonic change of spin transmission at the Pt/Co interface. Moreover, the ξ value of WSe2 (5ML) /Pt/Co increases significantly when the measurement temperature decreases, which can be interpreted by the increased spin absorption capability of WSe2 due to the elevated spin mixing conductance at reduced temperatures. The findings provide deep insight into the origin of robust charge‐spin conversion in the TMD/Pt/Co system, which will promote the implementation of advanced SOT devices based on the 2D materials.
Arabica coffee yields and profitability improved by reducing the spacing within the rows
Authors: Pereira Carlos Theodoro Motta , Sera Gustavo Hiroshi , Sera Tumoru , Shigueoka Luciana Harumi , Carducci Fernando Cesar , Dias da Silva João Batista Gonçalves , Telles Tiago Santos
Published: September 2021

Plant spacing influences the yield of Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) cultivars and affects profitability; however, there are few studies on it. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the yield and economic performance of Arabica coffee cultivars at different plant spacings. The experiment, conducted in Mandaguari, Paraná, Brazil, used a randomized block design with three replicates of seven plants in a split‐plot scheme. The treatments were eight cultivars (IPR 98, IPR 99, IPR 100, IPR 102, IPR 103, IPR 106, IPR 107, and Mundo Novo IAC 376‐4) at 2.75‐m inter‐rows and four plant spacings within the rows (0.45, 0.60, 0.75, and 0.90 m). The experiment was conducted between 2016 and 2020. Revenue, cost, and profit indicators were considered in the economic analysis. In general, the yields of the cultivars at closer spacings of 0.45 and 0.60 m were higher than at wider spacings of 0.75 and 0.90 m. Different plant spacing influenced the yields of IPR 98, IPR 102, and IPR 103 cultivars. High yields (>90 green coffee 60‐kg bags ha–1) were achieved with IPR 98, IPR 99, IPR 102, and IPR 103 cultivars, particularly IPR 98, which yielded 7,002.60 kg ha–1 at a spacing of 0.45 m. At 0.45‐m spacing, the IPR 98 cultivar presented the best economic result, with a positive impact on profitability.
Pore‐scale study of reactive transfer process involving coke deposition via lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Wang Shuai , Yang Xuesong , He Yurong
Published: September 2021

Coke deposition during catalytic industrial processes can lead to the narrowing and blockage of pore structures inside particles so as to influence the catalyst performance. In this work, a direct pore‐scale simulation is carried out by the lattice Boltzmann method to investigate the change of pore structures caused by coke formation. Coke deposition processes in the single pore and complex porous medium are evaluated. The interaction of pore structure and mass transfer under the condition of coke deposition is analyzed. The results reveal that the pore narrowing and blockage can hinder the viscous flow and Knudsen diffusion, resulting in the change of mass transfer mechanism, which is sensitive to gas rarefaction effect and coke deposition rate as well as surface roughness. For the complex porous medium, the uniformity of pore size distribution becomes weak under the gas rarefaction effect and coke deposition.
Nanodancing with Moisture: Humidity‐Sensitive Bilayer Actuator Derived from Cellulose Nanofibrils and Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Héraly Frédéric , Zhang Miao , Åhl Agnes , Cao Wei , Bergström Lennart , Yuan Jiayin
Published: September 2021

Bilayer actuators, traditionally consisting of two laminated materials, are the most common types of soft or hybrid actuators. Herein, a nanomaterial‐based organic–inorganic humidity‐sensitive bilayer actuator composed of TEMPO‐oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TCNF‐Na+) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets is presented. The hybrid actuator displays a large humidity‐driven locomotion with an atypical fast unbending. Cationic exchange of the anionically charged TCNF‐Na+ and control of the layer thickness is used to tune and dictate the locomotion and actuator's response to humidity variations. Assembly of a self‐oscillating electrical circuit, that includes a conductive rGO layer, displays autonomous on‐and‐off lighting in response to actuation‐driven alternating electrical heating.
Genomic analysis of “microphenotypes” in epilepsy
Authors: Stanley Kate , Hostyk Joseph , Tran Linh , Amengual‐Gual Marta , Dugan Patricia , Clark Justice , Choi Hyunmi , Tchapyjnikov Dmitry , Perucca Piero , Fernandes Cecilia , Andrade Danielle , Devinsky Orrin ,   the pSERG Consortium, the EPIGEN Consortium, Cavalleri Gianpiero L. , Depondt Chantal , Sen Arjune , O'Brien Terence , Heinzen Erin , Loddenkemper Tobias , Goldstein David B. , Mikati Mohamed A. , Delanty Norman
Published: September 2021

Large international consortia examining the genomic architecture of the epilepsies focus on large diagnostic subgroupings such as “all focal epilepsy” and “all genetic generalized epilepsy”. In addition, phenotypic data are generally entered into these large discovery databases in a unidirectional manner at one point in time only. However, there are many smaller phenotypic subgroupings in epilepsy, many of which may have unique genomic risk factors. Such a subgrouping or “microphenotype” may be defined as an uncommon or rare phenotype that is well recognized by epileptologists and the epilepsy community, and which may or may not be formally recognized within the International League Against Epilepsy classification system. Here we examine the genetic structure of a number of such microphenotypes and report in particular on two interesting clinical phenotypes, Jeavons syndrome and pediatric status epilepticus. Although no single gene reached exome‐wide statistical significance to be associated with any of the diagnostic categories, we observe enrichment of rare damaging variants in established epilepsy genes among Landau–Kleffner patients (GRIN2A) and pediatric status epilepticus patients (MECP2, SCN1A, SCN2A, SCN8A).
A homozygous ROR2 variant in a family with atypical Robinow syndrome and tetramelic transverse deficiency of autopods
Authors: Malik Sajid , Nalbant Gökhan , Noreen Moqadsa , Afzal Muhammad , Tolun Aslıhan
Published: September 2021

We present five members of a consanguineous Pakistani kinship with the most severe familial tetramelic transverse autopod deficiency reported to date and additionally having some of the common autosomal recessive Robinow syndrome‐1 (RRS1) features including short stature, short neck, severe vertebral anomalies of kyphoscoliosis, hemivertebrae, fusion of thoracic vertebrae, broad forehead, and dental crowding. We mapped the locus of this atypical RRS and detected homozygous 8‐nucleotide deletion c.1353_1360del (p.(Met452Alafs*4)) in ROR2, the gene responsible for RRS1. We did not find any other variant shared by all affected individuals that could possibly act as a modifier of limb defect. Autopods are affected in RRS1, but severe autopod deficiency is not a characteristic feature. Over 30 biallelic variants dispersed throughout the gene are known in ROR2‐related RS, with no genotype–phenotype correlation for specific RRS1 features. Considering together with the sporadic case homozygous for variant p.(Arg442*) and the case homozygous for p.(Arg441Thrfs*16) in a family where heterozygous members have brachydactyly type B1, we propose that homozygous truncating variants that originate at residues 441–452 can cause severe autopod reduction anomalies, suggesting some genotype–phenotype correlation for this particular phenotype.
The plasticity of late‐onset dementia: A nationwide cohort study in Denmark
Authors: Hegelund Emilie R. , Mehta Amar J. , Mortensen Laust H. , Westendorp Rudi G. J.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The determinants of the secular decline in the incidence of dementia are not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the influences of four factors—education, wealth, cerebrovascular health, and general health—on the secular decline.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted of all individuals aged ≥65 years in Denmark from 2005 through 2018 (N = 1,757,168). Annual incidence rates of dementia and population attributable risks of the four factors were calculated and birth cohort trends were examined.

Results

The incidence of dementia declined by 22.5% in men and 34.2% in women from 2005 through 2018. Population attributable risks of lower education, lower wealth, and stroke likewise declined. Independent of these improvements, the incidence of dementia fell across successive birth cohorts.

Discussion

Most of the observed plasticity in late‐onset dementia is associated with a risk decline across successive birth cohorts that is independent of improvements in traditional risk factors.
Heavily Tungsten‐Doped Sodium Thioantimonate Solid‐State Electrolytes with Exceptionally Low Activation Energy for Ionic Diffusion
Authors: Feng Xuyong , Fang Hong , Liu Pengcheng , Wu Nan , Self Ethan C. , Yin Liang , Wang Pengbo , Li Xiang , Jena Puru , Nanda Jagjit , Mitlin David
Published: September 2021

A strategy for modifying the structure of solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) to reduce the cation diffusion activation energy is presented. Two heavily W‐doped sodium thioantimonate SSEs, Na2.895W0.3Sb0.7S4 and Na2.7W0.3Sb0.7S4 are designed, both exhibiting exceptionally low activation energy and enhanced room temperature (RT) ionic conductivity; 0.09 eV, 24.2 mS/cm and 0.12 eV, 14.5 mS/cm. At −15 °C the Na2.895W0.3Sb0.7S4 displays a total ionic conductivity of 5.5 mS/cm. The 30 % W content goes far beyond the 10–12 % reported in the prior studies, and results in novel pseudo‐cubic or orthorhombic structures. Calculations reveal that these properties result from a combination of multiple diffusion mechanisms, including vacancy defects, strongly correlated modes and excessive Na‐ions. An all‐solid‐state battery (ASSB) using Na2.895W0.3Sb0.7S4 as the primary SSE and a sodium sulfide (Na2S) cathode achieves a reversible capacity of 400 mAh g−1.
Bis(perfluoropinacolato)silan: Eine neutrale Lewis‐Supersäure aktiviert Si−F‐Bindungen
Authors: Tschernuth Florian S. , Thorwart Thaddäus , Greb Lutz , Hanusch Franziska , Inoue Shigeyoshi
Published: September 2021

Obwohl Silicium ein einfach zugängliches und häufig vorkommendes Element der Erdkruste ist, gibt es bisher nur wenige Beispiele isolierbarer Lewis‐Supersäuren auf der Basis von neutralen Siliciumverbindungen. Um Löslichkeitsproblemen und unselektiven Deaktivierungsmechanismen entgegenzuwirken, stellen wir in dieser Arbeit eine Lewis‐Supersäure mit perfluorierten Pinakolat‐Substituenten vor. Die Titelverbindung wird auf einfachstem Weg im Gramm‐Maßstab als das Acetonitril‐Monoaddukt 1⋅(MeCN) synthetisiert und inklusive modernster Berechnungen vollständig charakterisiert. Untersuchungen der Lewis‐Azidität mittels Gutmann‐Beckett‐Methode und weiterführende Experimente zur Fluorid‐Abstraktion bestätigen den Charakter einer Lewis‐Supersäure. Die Aktivierung der Si−F‐Bindung von Et3SiF sowie vielversprechende Katalyse‐Experimente demonstrieren das hohe Potenzial Silicium‐basierter Lewis‐Säuren in der katalytischen Synthese.
Revision of hip flexor anatomy and function in modern humans, and implications for the evolution of hominin bipedalism
Authors: Sedlmayr Jayc C. , Bates Karl T. , Wisco Jonathan J. , Schachner Emma R.
Published: September 2021

Hip flexor musculature was instrumental in the evolution of hominin bipedal gait and in endurance running for hunting in the genus Homo. The iliacus and psoas major muscles were historically considered to have separate tendons with different insertions on the lesser trochanter. However, in the early 20th century, it became “common knowledge” that the two muscles insert together on the lesser trochanter as the “iliopsoas” tendon. We revisited the findings of early anatomists and tested the more recent paradigm of a common “iliopsoas” tendon based on dissections of hips and their associated musculature (n = 17). We rediscovered that the tendon of the psoas muscle inserts only into a crest running from the superior to anterior aspect of the lesser trochanter, separate from the iliacus. The iliacus inserts fleshly into the anterior portion of the lesser trochanter and into an inferior crest extending from it. We developed 3D multibody dynamics biomechanical models for: (a) the conjoint “iliopsoas” tendon hypothesis and (b) the separate insertion hypothesis. We show that the conjoint model underestimates the iliacus' capacity to generate hip flexion relative to the separate insertion model. Further work reevaluating the primate lower limb (including human) through dissection, needs to be performed to develop those datasets for reconstructing anatomy in fossil hominins using the extant phylogenetic bracket approach, which is frequently used for tetrapods clades outside of paleoanthropology.
SH2 Domain–Containing Phosphatase 2 Inhibition Attenuates Osteoarthritis by Maintaining Homeostasis of Cartilage Metabolism via the Docking Protein 1/Uridine Phosphorylase 1/Uridine Cascade
Authors: Liu Qianqian , Zhai Linhui , Han Mingrui , Shi Dongquan , Sun Ziying , Peng Shuang , Wang Meijing , Zhang Chenyang , Gao Jian , Yan Wenjin , Jiang Qing , Chen Dijun , Xu Qiang , Tan Minjia , Sun Yang
Published: September 2021

Objective

Protein tyrosine kinases regulate osteoarthritis (OA) progression by activating a series of signal transduction pathways. However, the roles of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) in OA remain obscure. This study was undertaken to identify specific PTPs involved in OA and investigate their underlying mechanisms.

Methods

The expression of 107 PTP genes in human OA cartilage was analyzed based on a single‐cell sequencing data set. The enzyme activity of the PTP SH2 domain–containing phosphatase 2 (SHP‐2) was detected in primary chondrocytes after interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) treatment and in human OA cartilage. Mice subjected to destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) and IL‐1β–stimulated mouse primary chondrocytes were treated with an SHP‐2 inhibitor or celecoxib (a drug used for the clinical treatment of OA). The function of SHP‐2 in OA pathogenesis was further verified in Aggrecan‐CreERT;SHP2flox/flox mice. The downstream protein expression profile and dephosphorylated substrate of SHP‐2 were examined by tandem mass tag labeling–based global proteomic analysis and stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture–labeled tyrosine phosphoproteomic analysis, respectively.

Results

SHP‐2 enzyme activity significantly increased in human OA samples with serious articular cartilage injury and in IL‐1β–stimulated mouse chondrocytes. Pharmacologic inhibition or genetic deletion of SHP‐2 ameliorated OA progression. SHP‐2 inhibitors dramatically reduced the expression of cartilage degradation–related genes and simultaneously promoted the expression of cartilage synthesis–related genes. Mechanistically, SHP‐2 inhibition suppressed the dephosphorylation of docking protein 1 and subsequently reduced the expression of uridine phosphorylase 1 and increased the uridine level, thereby contributing to the homeostasis of cartilage metabolism.

Conclusion

SHP‐2 is a novel accelerator of the imbalance in cartilage homeostasis. Specific inhibition of SHP‐2 may ameliorate OA by maintaining the anabolic–catabolic balance.
Brückenwiderlager aus geokunststoffbewehrter Erde (KBE) ‐ Alternative für den Neubau und Ersatzbau von Brückenbauwerken
Authors: Placzek Dietmar , Mahrzahn Gero , Kranz Jörg , Oehler Thomas
Published: September 2021

Für die Verbesserung der Infrastruktur in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland ist der Neu‐ und Ausbau von Straßen und Autobahnen mit dem Ersatz von Brücken und Widerlagern erforderlich, der auch mit Nachdruck betrieben wird. In diesem Zusammenhang werden auch alternative Bauweisen untersucht, die zu einer Zeit‐ und Kostenreduzierung führen sollen. Eine dieser neuen und innovativen Bauweisen stellt die Herstellung der Brückenwiderlager aus geokunststoffbewehrter Erde (KBE) dar. Hierbei handelt es sich im Gegensatz zu den bisher vorhandenen und im Bau befindlichen Brücken in Deutschland um eine bisher nicht geregelte Bauweise, sodass für ein Pilotprojekt eine Zustimmung im Einzelfall erforderlich wurde. Im Rahmen dieses Beitrags werden die Konstruktion, der Aufbau, die Berechnungs‐ und Bemessungsansätze, das begleitende Messprogramm und die Messergebnisse für die Brückenwiderlager dieses Pilotprojekts vorgestellt. Ebenso werden die Erkenntnisse dieses Pilotprojekts im Hinblick auf Standsicherheit, Gebrauchstauglichkeit und Bauzeit bewertet und ein Ausblick auf die Übertragbarkeit auf vergleichbare Bauprojekte gegeben.
Nonproportional hazards model with a frailty term for modeling subgroups with evidence of long‐term survivors: Application to a lung cancer dataset
Authors: Gazon Amanda B. , Milani Eder A. , Mota Alex L. , Louzada Francisco , Tomazella Vera L. D. , Calsavara Vinicius F.
Published: September 2021

With advancements in medical treatments for cancer, an increase in the life expectancy of patients undergoing new treatments is expected. Consequently, the field of statistics has evolved to present increasingly flexible models to explain such results better. In this paper, we present a lung cancer dataset with some covariates that exhibit nonproportional hazards (NPHs). Besides, the presence of long‐term survivors is observed in subgroups. The proposed modeling is based on the generalized time‐dependent logistic model with each subgroup's effect time and a random term effect (frailty). In practice, essential covariates are not observed for several reasons. In this context, frailty models are useful in modeling to quantify the amount of unobservable heterogeneity. The frailty distribution adopted was the weighted Lindley distribution, which has several interesting properties, such as the Laplace transform function on closed form, flexibility in the probability density function, among others. The proposed model allows for NPHs and long‐term survivors in subgroups. Parameter estimation was performed using the maximum likelihood method, and Monte Carlo simulation studies were conducted to evaluate the estimators' performance. We exemplify this model's use by applying data of patients diagnosed with lung cancer in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.
Production of butyrate and branched‐chain amino acid catabolic byproducts by CHO cells in fed‐batch culture enhances their specific productivity
Authors: Harrington Cameron , Jacobs Michaela , Bethune Quentin , Kalomeris Taylor , Hiller Gregory W. , Mulukutla Bhanu Chandra
Published: September 2021

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in fed‐batch cultures produce several metabolic byproducts derived from amino acid catabolism, some of which accumulate to growth inhibitory levels. Controlling the accumulation of these byproducts has been shown to significantly enhance cell proliferation. Interestingly, some of these byproducts have physiological roles that go beyond inhibition of cell proliferation. In this study, we show that, in CHO cell fed‐batch cultures, branched‐chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism contributes to the formation of butyrate, a novel byproduct that is also a well‐established specific productivity enhancer. We further show that other byproducts of BCAA catabolism, namely isovalerate and isobutyrate, which accumulate in CHO cell fed‐batch cultures, also enhance specific productivity. Lastly, we show that the rate of production of these BCAA catabolic byproducts is negatively correlated with glucose uptake and lactate production rates. Thus, limiting glucose supply to suppress glucose uptake and lactate production, as in the case of fed‐batch cultures employing high‐end pH‐controlled delivery of glucose (HiPDOG) technology, significantly enhances BCAA catabolic byproduct accumulation, resulting in higher specific productivities.
The yeastGemMap: A process diagram to assist yeast systems‐metabolic studies
Authors: Caspeta Luis , Kerkhoven Eduard J. , Martinez Alfredo , Nielsen Jens
Published: September 2021

Visualization is a key aspect of the analysis of omics data. Although many tools can generate pathway maps for visualization of yeast metabolism, they fail in reconstructing genome‐scale metabolic diagrams of compartmentalized metabolism. Here we report on the yeastGemMap, a process diagram of whole yeast metabolism created to assist data analysis in systems‐metabolic studies. The map was manually reconstructed with reactions from a compartmentalized genome‐scale metabolic model, based on biochemical process diagrams typically found in educational and specialized literature. The yeastGemMap consists of 3815 reactions representing 1150 genes, 2742 metabolites, and 14 compartments. Computational functions for adapting the graphical representation of the map are also reported. These functions modify the visual representation of the map to assist in three systems‐metabolic tasks: illustrating reaction networks, interpreting metabolic flux data, and visualizing omics data. The versatility of the yeastGemMap and algorithms to assist visualization of systems‐metabolic data was demonstrated in various tasks, including for single lethal reaction evaluation, flux balance analysis, and transcriptomic data analysis. For instance, visual interpretation of metabolic transcriptomes of thermally evolved and parental yeast strains allowed to demonstrate that evolved strains activate a preadaptation response at 30°C, which enabled thermotolerance. A quick interpretation of systems‐metabolic data is promoted with yeastGemMap visualizations.
Remote Photodamaging of DNA by Photoinduced Energy Transport
Authors: Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim
Published: September 2021

Local DNA photodamaging by light is well‐studied and leads to a number of structurally identified direct damage, in particular cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, and indirect oxidatively generated damage, such as 8‐oxo‐7,8‐hydroxyguanine. Similar damages have now been found at remote sites, at least more than 105 Å (30 base pairs) away from the site of photoexcitation. In contrast to the established mechanisms of local DNA photodamaging, the processes of remote photodamage are only partially understood. Known pathways include those to remote oxidatively generated DNA photodamages, which were elucidated by studying electron hole transport through the DNA about 20 years ago. Recent studies with DNA photosensitizers and mechanistic proposals on photoinduced DNA‐mediated energy transport are summarized in this minireview. These new mechanisms to a new type of remote DNA photodamaging provide an important extension to our general understanding to light‐induced DNA damage and their mutations.
In vitro α‐amylase inhibitory and antioxidant properties of soluble proteins and their peptic hydrolysates from raw and cooked commercially available oatmeal
Authors: Tuaño Arvin Paul P. , Tan Lance Aaron G. , Hernandez Mia Bianca S. , Lu Ramon E.
Published: September 2021

Background and objectives

Ready‐to‐eat cereal‐based foods like quick‐cooking oatmeal are commonly available in the market often highlighting the levels of nutrients and the effects of dietary fiber. Information about the proteins in these foods is limited to content only. This study measured two health‐related bioactivities of the salt‐soluble proteins in commercially available oatmeal using in vitro assays. Soluble proteins and their peptic hydrolysates extracted from raw and cooked commercially available oatmeal were analyzed for their in vitro α‐amylase inhibitory activity and antioxidant properties in an attempt to determine the health‐promoting potential of the protein portion of oatmeal. Total soluble proteins were extracted from the raw and cooked oatmeal samples using saline solution, precipitated, and dialyzed, and their gel electrophoretic profiles were also studied.

Findings

Two major protein bands were found in both extracts with estimated molecular weight range of 22–24 and 54–56 kDa, respectively. Soluble proteins generally had low inhibitory activity toward α‐amylase (~5%) but increased when these were hydrolyzed with pepsin. The crude proteins from cooked oatmeal showed the highest α‐amylase inhibitory activity. Metal‐reducing ability was higher for the unhydrolyzed proteins from raw (48%) and cooked (32%) oatmeal than for their peptic hydrolysates (5% and 9%, respectively), while radical‐scavenging activity was higher for the peptic hydrolysates (65%–90%) than for the unhydrolyzed proteins (3%–12%).

Conclusions

The soluble proteins of commonly consumed quick‐cooking oatmeal offer health benefits such as glucose‐lowering potential via α‐amylase inhibition and antioxidant properties via metal‐reducing capacity. Their peptic hydrolysates may slightly reduce starch digestibility but showed promising radical‐scavenging potential.

Significance and novelty

Current findings may be useful to cereals manufacturing industry and to consumers who consider other health‐related benefits of whole grain food products aside from nutrient content and beneficial effects of dietary fiber.
Fatal disseminated infection due to Sarocladium kiliense in a diabetic patient with COVID‐19
Authors: Ranjbar‐Mobarake Maryam , Nowroozi Jamileh , Badiee Parisa , Mostafavi Sayed Nassereddin , Mohammadi Rasoul
Published: September 2021

Sarocladium kiliense is a soil saprophytic mold with worldwide distribution, which can infect humans and other mammals, sporadically. The clinical manifestations include mycetoma, onychomycosis, keratomycosis, pneumonia, and arthritis. Here, we present a disseminated infection due to S. kiliense in a diabetic patient infected to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) from Isfahan, Iran.
Highly Conductive and CO‐Resistant Cobalt‐Based Monolithic Electrodes for the Catalytic Oxidation of Methanol
Authors: Zhai Meixu , Chen Fei , Wu Na , Zhang Xue , Guo Ruihong , Ma Mingming , Hu Tuoping
Published: September 2021

To develop active and stable electrocatalysts for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), many non‐noble metal‐based nanomaterials have been explored, which are physically loaded on conductive substrates to form electrodes. During a long‐term MOR under high current density, these electrodes usually lose activity due to the aggregation or falling off of active nanomaterials. To overcome these problems, we report a simple strategy to synthesize an active, stable, and carbon monoxide (CO)‐resistant monolithic electrode for the MOR: cobalt nanocrystal/nitrogen, oxygen‐doped carbon (Co@N,O−C, CP) monolith. CP monolith shows a high electrical conductivity (1.54×104 S/cm), which can be directly used as an electrode without any substrate. Co nanocrystals are dispersed uniformly in the N,O−C matrix as the active site for MOR, whereas the N,O−C matrix protects Co nanocrystals and also facilitates the mass and charge transfer between electrolyte and the electrode. The optimized CP−FT‐500 electrode presents a high MOR activity of 352 mA/cm2 at 0.6 V vs SCE (unsaturated calomel electrode) in alkaline electrolyte, which exceeds most previously reported Co‐based MOR catalysts. The optimal CP−FT‐500 catalyst also presents excellent durability and anti‐CO poisoning capability (93.3 % retention of activity), which exceeds that of Pt/C (67.5 % retention). Based on its excellent catalytic activity, stability, and high resistance to CO poisoning, CP−FT‐500 catalyst is a promising low‐cost catalyst for MOR.
Electrochemical Dehydrogenative Acetalization Protection of Alcohols with Tetrahydrofuran
Authors: Huang Raolin , Yu Congjun , Patureau Frederic W.
Published: September 2021

A mild, facile, and environmentally friendly electrochemical protocol for the C(sp3)−H/O−H cross dehydrogenative coupling between various alcohols and tetrahydrofuran with H2 evolution is herein reported. This synthetic strategy does not require external oxidants nor catalysts. The broad functional group compatibility includes hydroxyl, halogens, olefins as well as an alkyne. Initial mechanistic investigations were conducted. The method provides a green and efficient hydroxyl group protection.
Novel Lithium‐Sulfur Polymer Battery Operating at Moderate Temperature
Authors: Marangon Vittorio , Di Lecce Daniele , Minnetti Luca , Hassoun Jusef
Published: September 2021

A safe lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) battery employs a composite polymer electrolyte based on a poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether (PEGDME) solid at room temperature. The electrolyte membrane enables a stable and reversible Li−S electrochemical process already at 50 °C, with low resistance at the electrode/electrolyte interphase and fast Li+ transport. The relatively low molecular weight of the PEGDME and the optimal membrane composition in terms of salts and ceramic allow a liquid‐like Li−S conversion reaction by heating at moderately high temperature, still holding the solid‐like polymer state of the cell. Therefore, the electrochemical reaction of the polymer Li−S cell is characterized by the typical dissolution of lithium polysulfides into the electrolyte medium during discharge and the subsequent deposition of sulfur at the electrode/electrolyte interphase during charge. On the other hand, the remarkable thermal stability of the composite polymer electrolyte (up to 300 °C) suggests a lithium‐metal battery with safety content significantly higher than that using the common, flammable liquid solutions. Hence, the Li−S polymer battery delivers at 50 °C and 2 V a stable capacity approaching 700 mAh gS−1, with a steady‐state coulombic efficiency of 98 %. These results suggest a novel, alternative approach to achieve safe, high‐energy batteries with solid polymer configuration.
Psychosocial peer mediation as sustainable method for conflict prevention and management among refugee communities in Germany
Authors: Winter Helen M. E. , Klapprott Felix , Naanaa Muhamad , Turk A. Marco , Winter Sebastian F.
Published: September 2021

Following the arrival of over 1.2 million refugees and asylum seekers since the 2015 European refugee crisis, Germany has faced enormous humanitarian and societal challenges, with direct implications for participatory peace‐building efforts at the local community level. A multitude of postmigration stressors and high prevalence of mental health conditions among refugees contribute to the substantial burden of daily conflicts in refugee shelters and communities. Ongoing exposure to a conflict‐prone environment, psychological distress and stigmatization among community members can severely impair the quality of life and aggravate existing health‐related, socio‐economic and integrational challenges. Previous research has demonstrated the feasibility of individual alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and mental health literacy (MHL) interventions in refugee settings. As interpersonal conflict and psychological well‐being constitute mutually interdependent phenomena, integrated methodologies combining ADR with MHL may offer unique value to affected vulnerable populations. However, systemic implementation of such mechanisms in refugee shelters has remained largely unexplored. In recognition of this unmet need and as part of the nonprofit organization R3SOLUTE, we have developed a tailored educational curriculum directed at equipping refugees in shelters and their local neighbor citizens with peer mediation‐based ADR and MHL skills. In this multidisciplinary bottom‐up approach, termed psychosocial peer mediation (PPM), participants learn to effectively manage and prevent conflicts in their own communities. Based on our field experience with implementing PPM in numerous refugee shelters across Germany between 2018 and 2021, we here provide relevant practical insights and discuss best practices, with a focus on addressing existing challenges and opportunities in the field.
Shifting correlations among multiple aspects of weather complicate predicting future demography of a threatened species
Authors: Louthan Allison M. , Walters Jeffrey R. , Terando Adam J. , Garcia Victoria , Morris William F.
Published: September 2021

Most studies of the ecological effects of climate change consider only a limited number of weather drivers that could affect populations, though we know that multiple weather drivers can simultaneously affect population growth rate. Multiple drivers could simultaneously increase/decrease one vital rate, or one may increase a vital rate while another decreases the same vital rate. Considering the impact of multiple weather drivers on vital rates is particularly important in a changing climate, in which correlations among drivers may not be preserved in the future. We used a long‐term dataset on the endangered red‐cockaded woodpecker (Dryobates borealis) to understand how multiple weather drivers jointly affect survival and reproductive vital rates and then assessed the contributions of individual weather drivers to historical trends in vital rates over time. We found that vital rates were often influenced by more than one weather driver and that weather drivers most commonly exerted opposing effects. For instance, some weather drivers increased vital rates over time, while others acted in the opposite direction, decreasing vital rates over time. Importantly, the historical correlations among weather drivers are almost always projected to change in the future climate, such that future trends in vital rates may not match historical trends. For example, we do not find historical trends in adult survival, but changing correlations among weather drivers could generate future trends in this vital rate. Our work provides an example of how multiple weather drivers can control a variety of vital rates and also illustrates how changes in the correlation structure of weather drivers through time might substantially affect future trends in individual and population performance.
Oxidative Dearomatization of Phenols and Polycyclic Aromatics with Hydrogen Peroxide Triggered by Heterogeneous Sulfonic Acids
Authors: Pancrazzi Francesco , Maestri Giovanni , Maggi Raimondo , Viscardi Rosanna
Published: September 2021

We report herein a method for the oxidative dearomatization of phenols and bare polycyclic arenes into the corresponding quinoid derivatives using hydrogen peroxide. The reaction is catalyzed by sulfonic acids and best results were achieved using heterogenized species. The best results using phenols were achieved using a hybrid material, namely a perfluorinated polymer functionalized with sulfonic acid groups supported on silica. The dearomatization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons performed better using the polymeric acid catalyst. These methods operate under mild conditions, using mild and benign oxidants and thus minimizing the formation of waste.
Transoral laser microsurgery in locally advanced laryngeal cancer: Prognostic impact of anterior versus posterior compartments
Authors: Vilaseca Isabel , Aviles‐Jurado Francesc Xavier , Valduvieco Izaskun , Berenguer Joan , Grau Juan José , Baste Neus , Muxí África , Castillo Paola , Lehrer Eduardo , Jordana Marta , Ramírez‐Ruiz Rosa Delia , Costa José Miguel , Oleaga Laura , Bernal‐Sprekelsen Manuel
Published: September 2021

Background

To evaluate the importance of larynx compartments in the prognosis of T3‐T4a laryngeal cancer treated with transoral laser microsurgery.

Methods

Two hundred and two consecutive pT3‐T4a larynx carcinomas. Pre‐epiglottic space involvement, anterior and posterior paraglottic space (PGS) involvement, vocal cord, and arytenoid mobility were determined. Local control with laser (LC), overall survival (OS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and laryngectomy‐free survival (LFS) were evaluated.

Results

The lowest LC was found in tumors with fixed arytenoid. In the multivariate analysis, positive margins (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.289 [0.085–0.979]) and anterior (HR = 0.278 [0.128–0.605]) and posterior (HR = 0.269 [0.115–0.630]) PGS invasion were independent factors of a reduced LC. Anterior (HR = 3.613 [1.537–8.495]) and posterior (HR = 5.195 [2.167–12.455]) PGS involvement were independent factors of total laryngectomy. Five‐year OS, DSS, and LFS rates were 63.9%, 77.5%, and 77.5%, respectively. Patients with posterior PGS presented a reduced 5‐year LFS.

Conclusions

Tumor classification according to laryngeal compartmentalization depicts strong correlation with LC and LFS.