bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic and therapeutic distinctions between cardiosphere-derived cell and mesenchymal stem cell extracellular vesicle non-coding RNA
Authors: Walravens Ann-Sophie , Smolgovsky Sasha , Li Liang , Kelly Lauren , Antes Travis , Peck Kiel , Quon Tanner , Ibrahim Ahmed , Marbán Eduardo , Berman Benjamin , Marbán Linda , R.-Borlado Luis , de Couto Geoffrey
Published: April 2021

Cell therapy limits ischemic injury following myocardial infarction (MI) by preventing cell death, modulating the immune response, and promoting tissue regeneration. The therapeutic efficacy of cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is associated with extracellular vesicle (EV) release. Prior head-to-head comparisons have shown CDCs to be more effective than MSCs in MI models. Despite differences in cell origin, it is unclear why EVs from different adult stem cell populations elicit differences in therapeutic efficacy. Here, we compare EVs derived from multiple human MSC and CDC donors using diverse in vitro and in vivo assays. EV membrane protein and non-coding RNA composition are highly specific to the parent cell type; for example, miR-10b is enriched in MSC-EVs relative to CDC-EVs, while Y RNA fragments follow the opposite pattern. CDC-EVs enhance the Arg1/Nos2 ratio in macrophages in vitro and reduce MI size more than MSC-EVs and suppress inflammation during acute peritonitis in vivo. Thus, CDC-EVs are distinct from MSC-EVs, confer immunomodulation, and protect the host against ischemic myocardial injury and acute inflammation.
Environmental factors shape the epiphytic bacterial communities of Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis
Authors: Pei Pengbing , Aslam Muhammad , Du Hong , Liang Honghao , Wang Hui , Liu Xiaojuan , Chen Weizhou
Published: April 2021

Macroalgae host various symbionts on their surface, which play a critical role in their growth and development processes. However, there is still incomplete understanding of this epiphytic bacteria-host algae interactions. This study comprehensively analysed variation of the epiphytic bacterial communities (EBC) composition of red macroalga Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis at different geographic locations and environmental factors (i.e., nitrogen and phosphorus), which shape the EBC composition of G. lemaneiformis. The composition and structure of EBC were characterized using high throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. The results revealed that epiphytic bacteria varied significantly among three different geographic locations in China, i.e., Nan’ao Island (NA), Lianjiang County (LJ), and Nanri Island (NR). Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, and Epsilonbacteraeota at NR were strongly positively correlated with total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), but negatively correlated with nitrite nitrogen (NO2-N). The relative abundance of Cyanobacteria at NA and LJ were strongly positively correlated with NO2-N, but negatively correlated with TN, TP, NO3-N, and DIN. Besides, the Mantel test results indicated that the EBC composition was significantly correlated with these environmental factors, which was also confirmed by Spearman correlation analysis. Thus, environmental factors such as NO3-N and DIN play a key role in the community composition of epiphytic bacteria on G. lemaneiformis. This study provides important baseline knowledge on the community composition of epiphytic bacteria on G. lemaneiformis and shows correlation between different epiphytic bacteria and their surrounding environmental factors.
Circulating levels of growth hormone in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Johansson Madeleine , Ricci Fabrizio , Schulte Janin , Persson Margaretha , Melander Olle , Sutton Richard , Hamrefors Viktor , Fedorowski Artur
Published: April 2021

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a cardiovascular autonomic disorder with poorly understood etiology and underlying pathophysiology. Since cardiovascular morbidity has been linked to growth hormone (GH), we studied GH levels in patients with POTS. We conducted an age-sex-matched case–control study in patients with POTS (age 31 ± 9 years; n = 42) and healthy controls (32 ± 9 years; n = 46). Plasma GH levels were measured using high-sensitivity chemiluminescence sandwich immunoassay. The burden of orthostatic intolerance symptoms was assessed by the Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ), consisting of a symptom assessment scale (OHSA) and a daily activity scale (OHDAS). POTS patients had significantly higher composite OHQ score than controls, more symptoms and less activity. Supine heart rate and diastolic blood pressure (BP), but not systolic BP, were significantly higher in POTS. Median plasma GH levels were significantly lower in POTS (0.53 ng/mL) than controls (2.33 ng/mL, p = 0.04). GH levels were inversely related to OHDAS in POTS and supine systolic BP in POTS and controls, but not heart rate neither group. POTS is associated with lower GH levels. Impairment of daily life activities is inversely related with GH in POTS. A higher supine diastolic BP is inversely associated with GH levels in POTS and healthy individuals.
Co-continuous structural effect of size-controlled macro-porous glass membrane on extracellular vesicle collection for the analysis of miRNA
Authors: Yukawa Hiroshi , Yamazaki Shuji , Aoki Keita , Muto Kengo , Kihara Naoto , Sato Kazuhide , Onoshima Daisuke , Ochiya Takahiro , Tanaka Yasuhito , Baba Yoshinobu
Published: April 2021

Recent studies have shown that extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be utilized as appropriate and highly specific biomarkers in liquid biopsy for the diagnosis and prognosis of serious illness. However, there are few methods that can collect and isolate miRNA in EVs simply, quickly and efficiently using general equipment such as a normal centrifuge. In this paper, we developed an advanced glass membrane column (AGC) device incorporating a size-controlled macro-porous glass (MPG) membrane with a co-continuous structure to overcome the limitations of conventional EV collection and miRNA extraction from the EVs. The size of macro-pores in the MPG membrane could be accurately controlled by changing the heating temperature and time on the basis of spinodal decomposition of B2O3, Na2O, and SiO2 in phase separation. The AGC device with an MPG membrane could collect the EVs simply and quickly (< 10 min) from cell culture supernatant, serum and urine. This AGC device could extract miRNA from the EVs captured in the MPG membrane with high efficiency when combined with a miRNA extraction solution. We suggest that the AGC device with an MPG membrane can be useful for the diagnosis and prognosis of serious illness using of EVs in various kinds of body fluids.
Selection of aptamers against triple negative breast cancer cells using high throughput sequencing
Authors: Ferreira Débora , Barbosa Joaquim , Sousa Diana A. , Silva Cátia , Melo Luís D. R. , Avci-Adali Meltem , Wendel Hans P. , Rodrigues Ligia R.
Published: April 2021

Triple-negative breast cancer is the most aggressive subtype of invasive breast cancer with a poor prognosis and no approved targeted therapy. Hence, the identification of new and specific ligands is essential to develop novel targeted therapies. In this study, we aimed to identify new aptamers that bind to highly metastatic breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells using the cell-SELEX technology aided by high throughput sequencing. After 8 cycles of selection, the aptamer pool was sequenced and the 25 most frequent sequences were aligned for homology within their variable core region, plotted according to their free energy and the key nucleotides possibly involved in the target binding site were analyzed. Two aptamer candidates, Apt1 and Apt2, binding specifically to the target cells with $$K_{d}$$

K
d

values of 44.3 ± 13.3 nM and 17.7 ± 2.7 nM, respectively, were further validated. The binding analysis clearly showed their specificity to MDA-MB-231 cells and suggested the targeting of cell surface receptors. Additionally, Apt2 revealed no toxicity in vitro and showed potential translational application due to its affinity to breast cancer tissue sections. Overall, the results suggest that Apt2 is a promising candidate to be used in triple-negative breast cancer treatment and/or diagnosis.
An integrative approach reveals a new species of flightless leaf beetle (Chrysomelidae: Suinzona) from South Korea
Authors: Cho Hee-Wook , Kim Sang Ki
Published: April 2021

The leaf beetle genus Suinzona, consisting of over 20 species, is mainly known for species from Southwest China, and its closely related genus Potaninia, with only two species, is widely distributed in South China and upper Southeast Asia. Despite recent morphological studies, the status of these taxa has long been controversial. Here, we investigated the taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships of the genera Suinzona and Potaninia within Chrysomelinae using molecular, morphological and ecological data. Molecular phylogenetic analysis supported that they should be regarded as distinct genera, which is consistent with morphological evidence, e.g., well-developed/reduced hind wings. Based on combined evidence from examination of larval and adult morphology, host plants and mitochondrial genomes, we demonstrate that P. cyrtonoides should be placed in the genus Suinzona and that specimens from South Korea represent a new species. Suinzona borowieci sp. nov., occurring in narrow strips of habitat, shows high levels of genetic divergence and distantly related host plants between populations. The population differentiation seems to be correlated with its non-functional wings causing reduced dispersal ability and genetic isolation. Several populations have declined dramatically over the last few decades due to loss of habitat and thus are in need of protection as conservation units.
Buprenorphine alters microglia and astrocytes acutely following diffuse traumatic brain injury
Authors: Ryu Jane , Stone Phillip , Lee Sabrina , Payne Brighton , Gorse Karen , Lafrenaye Audrey
Published: April 2021

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common phenomenon, accounting for significant cost and adverse health effects. While there is information about focal pathologies following TBI, knowledge of more diffuse processes is lacking, particularly regarding how analgesics affect this pathology. As buprenorphine is the most commonly used analgesic in experimental TBI models, this study investigated the acute effects of the opioid analgesic buprenorphine (Bup-SR-Lab) on diffuse neuronal/glial pathology, neuroinflammation, cell damage, and systemic physiology. We utilized a model of central fluid percussion injury (CFPI) in adult male rats treated with a single subcutaneous bolus of Bup-SR-Lab or saline 15 min post-injury. Microscopic assessments were performed at 1 day post-injury. Cell impermeable dextran was infused intraventricularly prior to sacrifice to assess neuronal membrane disruption. Axonal injury was assessed by investigating labeling of the anterogradely transported amyloid precursor protein. Neuroinflammation was assessed by analyzing Iba-1 + microglial and GFAP + astrocyte histological/morphological features as well as cytokine levels in both regions of interest (ROIs). Myelin pathology was assessed by evaluating the expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and the propensity of MBP + myelin debris. Acute physiologic data showed no difference between groups except for reduction in weight loss following cFPI in Bup treated animals compared to saline. There were no discernable differences in axonal injury or membrane disruption between treatment groups. Cytokine levels were consistent between Bup and saline treated animals, however, microglia and astrocytes revealed region specific histological changes at 1d following Bup treatment. Myelin integrity and overall MBP expression showed no differences between Bup and saline treated animals, but there were significant regional differences in MBP expression between the cortex and thalamus. These data suggest effects of Bup treatment on weight following CFPI and potential regional specificity of Bup-associated microglial and astrocyte alterations, but very little change in other acute pathology at 1-day post-injury. Overall, this preliminary study indicates that use of Bup-SR-Lab in preclinical work does have effects on acute glial pathology, however, longer term studies will be needed to assess potential effects of Bup treatment on more chronic pathological progressions.
Hypofractionated and single-fraction radiosurgery for brain metastases with sex as a key predictor of overall survival
Authors: Mangesius Julian , Seppi Thomas , Bates Katie , Arnold Christoph R. , Minasch Danijela , Mangesius Stephanie , Kerschbaumer Johannes , Lukas Peter , Ganswindt Ute , Nevinny-Stickel Meinhard
Published: April 2021

Overall survival (OS) of patients with brain metastases treated with hypofractionated (HFSRT) or single-fraction (SRS) radiosurgery depends on several prognostic factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of sex as an independent predictor of OS and evaluate the predictive accuracy of common prognostic scores. Retrospective analysis of 281 consecutive patients receiving radiosurgery of brain metastases was performed. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare OS between SRS and HFSRT and by sex, before and after propensity-score matching (PSM) on key baseline prognostic covariates. Prognostic scores were evaluated using Harrell’s concordance index. Median OS was 11 months after both SRS and HFSRT. After PSM, median OS was 12 months after SRS (95% CI: 7.5–16.5) and 9 months after HFSRT (95% CI: 5.0–13.0; p = 0.77). Independent prognostic factors were sex, primary tumor, KPI, and systemic disease status. Median OS was 16 months for women and 7 months for male patients (p < 0.001). After excluding sex specific tumors, PSM revealed a median OS of 16 months for women and 8 months for male patients (p < 0.01). Evaluation of prognostic indices showed BSBM to be the most accurate (Harrell’s C = 0.68), followed by SIR (0.61), GPA (0.60), RPA (0.58), and Rades et al. (0.57). OS after HFSRT and SRS did not differ, although PSM revealed a non-significant advantage for SRS. Female sex was found to be a major independent positive prognostic factor for survival, and thus should be considered in the personalized decision-making of brain metastases treatment.
Microstructures amplify carotenoid plumage signals in tanagers
Authors: McCoy Dakota E. , Shultz Allison J. , Vidoudez Charles , van der Heide Emma , Dall Jacqueline E. , Trauger Sunia A. , Haig David
Published: April 2021

Brilliantly-colored birds are a model system for research into evolution and sexual selection. Red, orange, and yellow carotenoid-colored plumages have been considered honest signals of condition; however, sex differences in feather pigments and microstructures are not well understood. Here, we show that microstructures, rather than carotenoid pigments, seem to be a major driver of male–female color differences in the social, sexually-dimorphic tanager genusRamphocelus. We comprehensively quantified feather (i) color (using spectrophotometry), (ii) pigments (using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS)), and (iii) microstructures (using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) optical modeling). Males have significantly more saturated color patches than females. However, our exploratory analysis of pigments suggested that males and females have concordant carotenoid pigment profiles across all species (MCMCglmm model, female:male ratio = 0.95). Male, but not female, feathers have elaborate microstructures which amplify color appearance. Oblong, expanded feather barbs in males enhance color saturation (for the same amount of pigment) by increasing the transmission of optical power through the feather. Dihedral barbules (vertically-angled, strap-shaped barbules) in males reduce total reflectance to generate “super black” and “velvet red” plumage. Melanin in females explains some, but not all, of the male–female plumage differences. Our results suggest that a widely cited index of honesty, carotenoid pigments, cannot fully explain male appearance. We propose that males are selected to evolve amplifiers—in this case, microstructures that enhance appearance—that are not necessarily themselves linked to quality.
A mathematical model of lithosphere–atmosphere coupling for seismic events
Authors: Carbone Vincenzo , Piersanti Mirko , Materassi Massimo , Battiston Roberto , Lepreti Fabio , Ubertini Pietro
Published: April 2021

Significant evidence of ionosphere disturbance in connection to intense seismic events have been detected since two decades. It is generally believed that the energy transfer can be due to Acoustic Gravity Waves (AGW) excited at ground level by the earthquakes. In spite of the statistical evidence of the detected perturbations, the coupling between lithosphere and atmosphere has not been so far properly explained by an accurate enough model. In this paper, for the first time, we show the result of an analytical-quantitative model that describes how the pressure and density disturbance is generated in the lower atmosphere by the ground motion associated to earthquakes. The direct comparison between observed and modelled vertical profiles of the atmospheric temperature shows the capability of the model to accurately reproduce, with an high statistical significance, the observed temperature fluctuations induced by strong earthquakes.
Author Correction: Hericium erinaceus mycelium and its small bioactive compounds promote oligodendrocyte maturation with an increase in myelin basic protein
Authors: Huang Hui-Ting , Ho Chia-Hsin , Sung Hsin-Yu , Lee Li-Ya , Chen Wan-Ping , Chen Yu-Wen , Chen Chin-Chu , Yang Chung-Shi , Tzeng Shun-Fen
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Publisher Correction: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) exposures exert a sustained influence on the progression of gut microbiota and metabolome in the first year of life
Authors: Yap Polly Soo Xi , Chong Chun Wie , Kamar Azanna Ahmad , Yap Ivan Kok Seng , Choo Yao Mun , Lai Nai Ming , Teh Cindy Shuan Ju
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Human volunteer study of the decontamination of chemically contaminated hair and the consequences for systemic exposure
Authors: Collins Samuel , James Thomas , Southworth Felicity , Davidson Louise , Williams Natalie , Orchard Emily , Marczylo Tim , Amlôt Richard
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
αvβ3 Integrin induces partial EMT independent of TGF-β signaling
Authors: Kariya Yoshinobu , Oyama Midori , Suzuki Takato , Kariya Yukiko
Published: April 2021

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role for tumor progression. Recent studies have revealed the existence of distinct intermediate states in EMT (partial EMT); however, the mechanisms underlying partial EMT are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that αvβ3 integrin induces partial EMT, which is characterized by acquiring mesenchymal phenotypes while retaining epithelial markers. We found αvβ3 integrin to be associated with poor survival in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Moreover, αvβ3 integrin-induced partial EMT promoted migration, invasion, tumorigenesis, stemness, and metastasis of lung cancer cells in a TGF-β-independent fashion. Additionally, TGF-β1 promoted EMT progression synergistically with αvβ3 integrin, while a TGF-β signaling inhibitor showed no effect on αvβ3 integrin-induced partial EMT. Meanwhile, the microRNA-200 family abolished the αvβ3 integrin-induced partial EMT by suppressing αvβ3 integrin cell surface expression. These findings indicate that αvβ3 integrin is a key inducer of partial EMT, and highlight a new mechanism for cancer progression.
Cryogenic toughness in a low-cost austenitic steel
Authors: Wang Yuhui , Zhang Yubin , Godfrey Andrew , Kang Jianmei , Peng Yan , Wang Tiansheng , Hansen Niels , Huang Xiaoxu
Published: April 2021

At low temperatures most metals show reduced ductility and impact toughness. Here, we report a compositionally lean, fine-grained Fe-30Mn-0.11C austenitic steel that breaks this rule, exhibiting an increase in strength, elongation and Charpy impact toughness with decreasing temperature. A Charpy impact energy of 453 J is achieved at liquid nitrogen temperatures, which is about four to five times that of conventional cryogenic austenitic steels. The high toughness is attributed to manganese and carbon austenite stabilizing elements, coupled with a reduction in grain size to the near-micrometer scale. Under these conditions dislocation slip and deformation twinning are the main deformation mechanisms, while embrittlement by α′- and ε-martensite transformations are inhibited. This reduces local stress and strain concentration, thereby retarding crack nucleation and prolonging work-hardening. The alloy is low-cost and can be processed by conventional production processes, making it suitable for low-temperature applications in industry.
Biocasting of an elastin-like recombinamer and collagen bi-layered model of the tunica adventitia and external elastic lamina of the vascular wall
Authors: González-Pérez Miguel , Camasão Dimitria Bonizol , Mantovani Diego , Alonso Matilde , Rodríguez-Cabello José Carlos
Published: April 2021

Biocasting of a bi-layered model of the external elastic lamina and the tunica adventitia of the vascular wall from a fibroblast cellularized collagen and a click crosslinkable, cell-adhesive and protease-sensitive elastin-like recombinamer hydrogel.
Renewable-integrated flexible carbon capture: a synergistic path forward to clean energy future
Authors: Zantye Manali S. , Arora Akhil , Hasan M. M. Faruque
Published: April 2021

Integration of renewables-assisted carbon capture with existing fossil power plants is an economical grid decarbonization technique and renewable intermittency solution.
Spin coating mediated morphology modulation in self assembly of peptides
Authors: Bhandaru Nandini , Kaur Gagandeep , Panjla Apurva , Verma Sandeep
Published: April 2021

A novel strategy for modulating the self-assembled morphology of diphenylalanine peptides based on centrifugal force mediated spin coating and spin dewetting triggered by disjoining pressure in ultra-thin films during rotation.
Developments and advances in in situ transmission electron microscopy for catalysis research
Authors: van der Wal Lars I. , Turner Savannah J. , Zečević Jovana
Published: April 2021

Recent developments and advances in in situ TEM have raised the possibility to study every step during the catalysts' lifecycle. This review discusses the current state, opportunities and challenges of in situ TEM in the realm of catalysis.
Heterotrimetallic Ni2Ln2Fe3 chain complexes based on [Fe(1-CH3im)(CN)5]2−
Authors: Zeng Min , Hu Kong-Qiu , Liu Cai-Ming , Kou Hui-Zhong
Published: April 2021

The phenoxo- and cyanido-bridged one-dimensional complex Ni2Dy2Fe3 based on [Fe(1-CH3im)(CN)5]2− shows single-molecule magnet behaviour with an energy barrier of 14.8 K.
High catalytic methane oxidation activity of monocationic μ-nitrido-bridged iron phthalocyanine dimer with sixteen methyl groups
Authors: Yamada Yasuyuki , Kura Jyunichi , Toyoda Yuka , Tanaka Kentaro
Published: April 2021

High catalytic methane oxidation activity of a μ-nitrido-bridged iron phthalocyanine dimer was achieved by introducing 16 electron-donating methyl groups onto the phthalocyanine rings.
Grafted MXene/polymer electrolyte for high performance solid zinc batteries with enhanced shelf life at low/high temperatures
Authors: Chen Ze , Li Xinliang , Wang Donghong , Yang Qi , Ma Longtao , Huang Zhaodong , Liang Guojing , Chen Ao , Guo Ying , Dong Binbin , Huang Xingyi , Yang Cheng , Zhi Chunyi
Published: April 2021

Solid electrolytes based on the polymer-grafted MXene eliminate the dendrites and hydrogen evolution of ZIBs, and endow the ZIBs with up to 90 days of shelf life.
Exploring variations of hexabromocyclododecane concentrations in riverine sediments along the River Medway, UK
Authors: Harris Benjamin , Abou-Elwafa Abdallah Mohamed
Published: April 2021

Concentrations of HBCDD were measured in surface sediment samples collected along the course of the River Medway, UK, between Yalding and the mouth of the estuary at 40 different sites.
Correction: Coronene: a high-voltage anion insertion and de-insertion cathode for potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Kato Minami , Masese Titus , Yoshii Kazuki
Published: April 2021

Correction for ‘Coronene: a high-voltage anion insertion and de-insertion cathode for potassium-ion batteries’ by Minami Kato et al., New J. Chem., 2021, 45, 4921–4924.
Hydrocarbon contamination in angström-scale channels
Authors: Sajja Ravalika , You Yi , Qi Rongrong , Goutham Solleti , Bhardwaj Ankit , Rakowski Alexander , Haigh Sarah , Keerthi Ashok , Radha Boya
Published: April 2021

Air-borne hydrocarbon contamination is investigated for slit-like angstrom-channels made from 2D-materials, using gas flow measurements. Our results constitute a new way to monitor, assess and alleviate the hydrocarbon contamination in nanochannels.
Self-promoted solid-state covalent networking of Au25(SR)18 through reversible disulfide bonds. A critical effect of the nanocluster in oxidation processes
Authors: Saito Yuki , Shichibu Yukatsu , Konishi Katsuaki
Published: April 2021

Covalent crosslinking of Au25(SR)18 nanoclusters through reversible disulfide bond formation, which was promoted by the Au25 nanocluster itself, occurred under the control of dynamic covalent chemistry, affording free-standing nanocluster films.
Synthesis of aliphatic α-ketoamides from α-substituted methyl ketones via a Cu-catalyzed aerobic oxidative amidation
Authors: Cha Hyojin , Chai Jin Young , Kim Hyeong Baik , Chi Dae Yoon
Published: April 2021

Aliphatic α-ketoamides were prepared from α-imidazolyl and α-1,2,3-triazolyl substituted methyl ketones via Cu-catalyzed aerobic oxidative amidation (48–84%, 14 examples) with plausible mechanism.
An easy and practical approach to access multifunctional cylcopentadiene- and cyclopentene-spirooxindoles via [3 + 2] annulation
Authors: Warghude Prakash K. , Sabale Abhijeet S. , Dixit Ruchi , Vanka Kumar , Bhat Ramakrishna G.
Published: April 2021

A highly regioselective [3 + 2] annulation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) carbonates of isatin with aurone/thioaurone is developed.
Barium fluoroiodate crystals with a large band gap and birefringence
Authors: Zhu Liang , Gai Minqiang , Jin Wenqi , Yang Yun , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: April 2021

BaI2O5F2and BaIO2F3have large birefringence of 0.174 and 0.133 at 1064 nm, respectively, which is owing to the rare [IO3F]2−units with high anisotropic polarizability in BaI2O5F2and the orderly arranged [IO2F2]−units in BaIO2F3.
Iron- and zinc-mediated reductive coupling of styrenes and alkyl bromides: mechanistic investigation using DFT calculations
Authors: Pei Guojing , Xu Wan , Li Juan
Published: April 2021

DFT calculations were performed to explore the mechanism for iron- and zinc-mediated reductive coupling of styrenes and alkyl bromides.
A highly flexible and self-healable rechargeable fibrous Zn–MnO2 battery
Authors: Zhao Bingtian , Wang Min , Wang Siliang , Ni Tong , Wang Qiang , Ruan Limin , Huang Linsheng , Zeng Wei
Published: April 2021

The fibrous Zn–MnO2 battery exhibits excellent flexibility and self-healability.
An advanced electrocatalyst for efficient synthesis of ammonia based on chemically coupled NiS@MoS2 heterostructured nanospheres
Authors: Huang Shoushuang , Gao Chunyan , Xin Peijun , Wang Haitao , Liu Xiao , Wu Ye , He Qingquan , Jiang Yong , Hu Zhangjun , Chen Zhiwen
Published: April 2021

Here, uniform NiS@MoS2 core–shell microspheres were controllably prepared by the in situ growth of MoS2 nanosheets on the nanoplates of NiS2–NiS hierarchical microspheres, and they exhibited efficient catalytic activity for ambient NRR reaction.
Electric-field-induced deformation, yielding, and crumpling of jammed particle shells formed on non-spherical Pickering droplets
Authors: Khobaib K. , Mikkelsen A. , Vincent-Dospital T. , Rozynek Z.
Published: April 2021

We studied the behavior of a nonspherical Pickering droplet subjected to an electric stress. We explained the effect of droplet geometry, particle size, and electric field strength, on the deformation and collapsing of particle-covered droplets.
Self-supported ultra-active NiO-based electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction by solution combustion
Authors: Bucci Alberto , García-Tecedor Miguel , Corby Sacha , Rao Reshma R. , Martin-Diaconescu Vlad , Oropeza Freddy E. , de la Peña O'Shea Víctor A. , Durrant James R. , Giménez Sixto , Lloret-Fillol Julio
Published: April 2021

A novel ultrafast solution combustion method produces self-supported M-doped NiO-based OER electrocatalysts exhibiting improved performances with respect to benchmarks obtained by traditional methods. The overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 and pH 13 was 190 mV.
Insights into oxygen activation on metal clusters for catalyst design
Authors: Chen Li Xin , Wen Zi , Chen Zhi Wen , Singh Chandra Veer , Jiang Qing
Published: April 2021

Square M4 fragments of metal clusters are designed as the most promising active sites for O2 activation, where a new descriptor Esum, combining Ead-O2 and EO–O, is proposed for evaluating the catalytic activity of aerobic oxidation reactions.
Rapid and long-lasting acceleration of zero-valent iron nanoparticles@Ti3C2-based MXene/peroxymonosulfate oxidation with bi-active centers toward ranitidine removal
Authors: Ma Yiyang , Xiong Dongbin , Lv Xiaofan , Zhao Xuesong , Meng Chenchen , Xie Haijiao , Zhang Zhenghua
Published: April 2021

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) can effectively degrade ranitidine, a pharmaceutical that is a typical precursor of nitrosamine dimethylamine (NDMA), an extremely potent human carcinogen.
Redox-induced electricity for energy scavenging and self-powered sensors
Authors: Hasan Md Al Mahadi , Wu Heting , Yang Ya
Published: April 2021

Redox-based energy scavenging devices are based on utilizing oxidation and reduction reactions to generate electricity. The driving forces for these reactions come from many sustainable energy sources such as human fluids, waste heat, photon energy.
Tannic acid-based metal phenolic networks for bio-applications: a review
Authors: Guo Zhenhu , Xie Wensheng , Lu Jingsong , Guo Xiaoxiao , Xu Jianzhong , Xu Wanling , Chi Yongjie , Takuya Nonaka , Wu Hong , Zhao Lingyun
Published: April 2021

Strategic design for the fabrication of tannic acid-based metal phenolic networks. Various applications of tannic acid-based metal phenolic networks in biomedical fields.
Defect structures of the Cr2O3(112̄0) surface: effect of electron beam irradiation
Authors: Xing Wandong , Sha Haozhi , Meng Fanyan , Yu Rong
Published: April 2021

A model incorporating the electron irradiation effect into conventional surface phase analysis is constructed, which helps in explaining the stabilization mechanism of the observed Cr2O3(112̄0) surface terminations by aberration corrected TEM.
Shensu IV prevents glomerular podocyte injury in nephrotic rats via promoting lncRNA H19/DIRAS3-mediated autophagy
Authors: Huang Yong , Huang Yaqian , Zhou Yehua , Cheng Jie , Wan Chanjun , Wang Maohong , Pi Chiheng , Wu Guoqing , Song Weiguo
Published: April 2021

Shensu IV is a Chinese prescription well-known for its function in treating chronic kidney diseases. However, the potential mechanisms underlying how Shensu IV exerts its effects remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Shensu IV on glomerular podocyte injury in nephrotic rats and puromycin-induced injury in cultured podocytes, and assessed the associated molecular mechanisms. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) results showed that the main components of Shensu IV were l-Carnitine, P-lysoPC (LPC) 16:0, Coumaroyl tyramine, Tetramethylpyrazine, LPC 18:1, Choline, (S,S)-Butane-2,3-diol, and Scopoletin. We further found that nephrotic rats displayed pathological alterations in kidney tissues and ultrastructural changes in glomerular podocytes; however, these effects were reversed with Shensu IV treatment. Compared with the control, the numbers of autophagosomes were markedly reduced in the model group, but not in the Shensu IV treatment group. Furthermore, the expression of p62 was significantly higher in the model group than in the controls, whereas the LC3-II/I ratio was significantly lower; however, these changes were not observed when Shensu IV was administered. The protective effects of Shensu IV were further confirmed in podocytes displaying puromycin-induced injury. Compared with control group, the expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19, mTOR, p-mTOR, and p62 was significantly increased in the puromycin group, whereas that of distinct subgroup of the RAS family member 3 (DIRAS3) was significantly decreased, as was the LC3-II/I ratio. The opposite results were obtained for both shH19- and Shensu IV-treated cells. Collectively, our data demonstrated that Shensu IV can prevent glomerular podocyte injury in nephrotic rats and puromycin-treated podocytes, likely via promoting lncRNA H19/DIRAS3-regulated autophagy.
Zinc oxide nanowires‐based flexible pressure sensor
Authors: Wood Graham S. , Jeronimo Karina , Che Mahzan Muhammad Ammar Bin , Cheung Rebecca , Mastropaolo Enrico
Published: April 2021

Embedding piezoelectric nanowires within a soft elastomer material should provide a superior pressure sensing transducer, exploiting the piezoelectric properties of the nanowire material while maintaining flexibility. Here, a flexible sensor has been fabricated on a Kapton substrate and has incorporated a layer of polydimethylsiloxane with embedded zinc oxide nanowires as the pressure sensing mechanism. In response to applied compressive pressure up to 127 kPa, the device has generated a voltage, between electrodes on either side of the nanowire/polydimethylsiloxane layer, with a sensitivity of 23.6 mV/kPa, which is 100 times greater than previously reported zinc oxide nanostructure‐based flexible sensors.
Wind farm control ‐ Part I: A review on control system concepts and structures
Authors: Andersson Leif Erik , Anaya‐Lara Olimpo , Tande John Olav , Merz Karl Otto , Imsland Lars
Published: April 2021

Wind farm control design is a recently new area of research that has rapidly become a key enabler for the development of large wind farm projects and their safe and efficient connection to the power grid. A comprehensive review of the intense research conducted in this area over the last 10 years is presented. Part I reviews control system concepts and structures and classifies them depending on their main objective (i.e. to maximise power production or to provide grid services. The work and key findings in each paper are discussed in detail with particular emphasis on the turbine side. Additionally, the review contributes to the existing reviews on the area by providing an elegant classification between model testing and control approaches. Areas where significant work is still needed are also discussed. In Part II, a thorough review on aerodynamic wind farm models for control design purposes is provided.
Mechanical properties and metallurgical characterization of FSPed TIG and TIG welded AA5052-H32/AA5083-H111 dissimilar aluminium alloys
Authors: Dhanaraj Antony Prabu , Kumarasamy Subbaiah
Published: April 2021

This work describes the mechanical properties and metallurgical characterization of Friction Stir Processing (FSP) on TIG welded dissimilar AA5052-H32 and AA5083-H111 alloys using ER5356 filler wire. A comparison is drawn between unprocessed TIG weld and FS Processed (FSPed) TIG welded specimen with the identical combination. The fabricated welded joints were investigated By Optical Microscope (OM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Analysis, Tensile Strength Analysis, and Micro-Hardness testing. The results illustrate the improvement in mechanical properties after FSPed of the TIG welded joint resulting in enhanced tensile strength (224.5 MPa) and hardness (104 HV) in contrast to the unprocessed TIG weld joints with (192.5 MPa) and (70 Hv). In addition, during the mechanical characterization, the FSPed TIG welds show fine grain at the Friction Stir (FS) processed zone with fine grain structures which improves the hardness at the FS zone. The mechanical property of FS joint is superior when compared to the unprocessed TIG weld joint.
Influence of lithium amount on vitreous enamel properties
Authors: Erayvaz Ahmet Murat , Derun Emek Moroydor
Published: April 2021

Lithium is the lightest of all metals and the third element in the periodic table. Recent years, lithium salts have become an important input for the energy industry. Lithium carbonate and hydroxides are the basic building blocks of Li-ion battery production. The usage areas of lithium compounds are not limited to only energy; they are also utilized in heavy-duty machines, in the aluminum industry, in nuclear power plants and for glass, ceramics, frit, and coatings in industrial sectors. Lithium has also been found to be very useful in the development of harder, smoother, and more resistant low-temperature glasses, glazes, and enamels. It is also used in very-low-melting-point vitreous compositions like aluminum enamels, colors, fluxes, and glass-seals. The use of lithium also helps in the development of low-expansion bodies, glazes, and glasses. In this study, it is intended to explore the adherence forces in the steel sheet application of different amounts of lithium in enamel frit composition and to examine surface characteristics such as ease of cleaning, gloss, and color. For chemical characterization, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry and color measurements were done with a Minolta CM-700d spectrometer device. Bond adherence tests were performed in accordance with the TS EN 10209 standard.
Der Einfluss von Elternstatus, erlebter Unterstützung und
Befristung auf das Belastungserleben und die Karriereentwicklung von
Ärztinnen und Ärzten am Ende der Weiterbildung
Authors: Kocalevent Rüya Daniela , Grandke Nicole , Selch Susan , Nehls Sarah , Meyer Juliane , Boczor Sigrid , Scherer Martin , van den Bussche Hendrik
Published: April 2021

Hintergrund Trotz einer hohen Zahl an Abschlüssen in der
Humanmedizin ist in Deutschland immer häufiger von einem
Ärztemangel die Rede. Ein Grund ist die schwierige Vereinbarkeit von
Kliniktätigkeit und Familienleben, die vor allem Ärztinnen
als Hauptgrund für die spätere Arbeit im nicht-kurativen
Bereich nennen.

Ziel der Arbeit Die vorliegende Arbeit befasst sich mit dem Einfluss
des Elternstatus von Ärztinnen und Ärzten auf ihre
Karriereentwicklung und das Belastungserleben am Ende der Weiterbildung.
Darüber hinaus betrachtet werden die Auswirkungen von befristeten
Arbeitsverträgen und erlebter Unterstützung durch den
Partner auf das Belastungserleben.

Material und Methoden Es wurden die Daten der KarMed-Studie, welche
sich mit Karriereverläufen von Ärztinnen und Ärzten
während der fachärztlichen Weiterbildung
beschäftigt, ausgewertet. Die vorliegende Arbeit befasst sich mit
der querschnittlichen Analyse des Erhebungszeitraums von Oktober 2015 bis
Mai 2016. Zu diesem befanden sich 433 StudienteilnehmerInnen am Ende ihrer
Weiterbildung. Eingesetzt wurden u. a. die Fragebögen
Work-Family Conflict und Family-Work Conflict Skalen.

Ergebnisse Ärztinnen mit Kind unterbrechen die Weiterbildung
fünfmal häufiger als ihre Kolleginnen ohne Kind und
achtzehnmal häufiger als Ärzte mit Kind. Ärztinnen
mit Kind sowie Ärzte mit Kind weisen signifikant höhere
Werte auf der Family-Work Conflict Skala auf, Ärztinnen ohne Kind
hingegen höhere Werte auf der Work-Conflict Skala. Bei
Ärzten zeigt sich kein signifikanter Unterschied auf der Work-Family
Skala. Weder ein befristeter Arbeitsvertrag noch die Verteilung von
Kinderbetreuung zwischen Ärztinnen/Ärzten und ihren
Partnern/-rinnen haben einen signifikanten Einfluss auf das
Belastungserleben zur Folge.

Schlußfolgerung Es besteht ein Bedarf die Konflikte, die aus
dem Familienleben auf das Arbeitsleben wirken insbesondere für
Ärztinnen in Weiterbildung zu reduzieren.
Fettleber – das große Potenzial von Ernährungs- und Fastentherapie
Authors: Michalsen Andreas
Published: April 2021

Die Fettlebererkrankung ist eine Volkskrankheit geworden und auch prognostisch von Bedeutung. Durch Heilfasten und modifizierte Formen periodischen Fastens können schnelle Verbesserungen und Remissionen erzielt werden. Entscheidend ist präventiv wie kurativ aber die grundsätzliche Ernährung.
Pandemics: Historically Slow “Learning Curve” Leading to Biomedical Informatics and Vaccine Breakthroughs
Authors: Kulikowski Casimir A.
Published: April 2021

Background: The worldwide tragedy of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic vividly demonstrates just how inadequate mitigation and control of the spread of infectious diseases can be when faced with a new microorganism with unknown pathogenic effects. Responses by governments in charge of public health, and all other involved organizations, have proved largely wanting. Data infrastructure and the information and communication systems needed to deal with the pandemic have likewise not been up to the task. Nevertheless, after a year of the worldwide outbreak, hope arises from this being the first major pandemic event in history where genomic and related biosciences – relying on biomedical informatics – have been essential in decoding the viral sequence data and producing the mRNA and other biotechnologies that unexpectedly rapidly have led to investigation, design, development, and testing of useful vaccines. Medical informatics may also help support public health actions and clinical interventions - but scalability and impact will depend on overcoming ingrained human shortcomings to deal with complex socio-economic, political, and technological disruptions together with the many ethical challenges presented by pandemics.

Objectives: The principal goal is to review the history of biomedical information and healthcare practices related to past pandemics in order to illustrate just how exceptional and dependent on biomedical informatics are the recent scientific insights into human immune responses to viral infection, which are enabling rapid antiviral vaccine development and clinical management of severe cases – despite the many societal challenges ahead.

Methods: This paper briefly reviews some of the key historical antecedents leading up to modern insights into epidemic and pandemic processes with their biomedical and healthcare information intended to guide practitioners, agencies, and the lay public in today’s ongoing pandemic events.

Conclusions: Poor scientific understanding and excessively slow learning about infectious disease processes and mitigating behaviors have stymied effective treatment until the present time. Advances in insights about immune systems, genomes, proteomes, and all the other -omes, became a reality thanks to the key sequencing technologies and biomedical informatics that enabled the Human Genome Project, and only now, 20 years later, are having an impact in ameliorating devastating zoonotic infectious pandemics, including the present SARS-CoV-2 event through unprecedently rapid vaccine development. In the future these advances will hopefully also enable more targeted prevention and treatment of disease. However, past and present shortcomings of most of the COVID-19 pandemic responses illustrate just how difficult it is to persuade enough people – and especially political leaders – to adopt societally beneficial risk-avoidance behaviors and policies, even as these become better understood.
Performance of Primary Angioplasty for STEMI during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Dharma Surya , Dakota Iwan , Firdaus Isman , Danny Siska Suridanda , Zamroni Dian , Yudha Ardi , Susanto Agus , Siswanto Bambang Budi
Published: April 2021

There has been concern whether the declining cases of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak associate with primary angioplasty performance.

We assessed the performance of primary angioplasty in a tertiary care hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia, by comparing the door-to-device (DTD) time and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow after angioplasty between two periods of admission: during the outbreak of COVID-19 (March 1 to May 31, 2020) and before the outbreak (March 1, to May 31, 2019).

Overall, there was a relative reduction of 44% for STEMI admission during the outbreak (n = 116) compared with before the outbreak (N = 208). Compared with before the outbreak period (n = 141), STEMI patients who admitted during the outbreak and received primary angioplasty (n = 70) had similar median symptom onset-to-angioplasty center admission (360 minutes for each group), similar to radial access uptake (90 vs. 89.4%, p = 0.88) and left anterior descending infarct-related artery (54.3 vs. 58.9%, p = 0.52). The median DTD time and total ischemia time were longer (104 vs. 81 minutes, p < 0.001, and 475.5 vs. 449 minutes, p = 0.43, respectively). However, the final achievement of TIMI 3 flow was similar (87.1 vs. 87.2%), and so was the in-hospital mortality (5.7 vs. 7.8%).

During the COVID-19 outbreak, we found a longer DTD time for primary angioplasty, but the achievement of final TIMI 3 flow and in-hospital mortality were similar as compared with before the outbreak. Thus, primary angioplasty should remain the standard of care for STEMI during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Data Quality of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting Documentation
Authors: Beauchemin Melissa , Weng Chunhua , Sung Lillian , Pichon Adrienne , Abbott Maura , Hershman Dawn L. , Schnall Rebecca
Published: April 2021

Objective The objective of the study was to characterize the completeness and concordance of the electronic health record (EHR) documentation of cancer symptoms among multidisciplinary health care professionals.

Methods We examined the EHRs of children, adolescents, and young adults who received highly emetogenic chemotherapy and characterized the completeness and concordance of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) documentation by clinician type and by the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) coding choice.

Results The EHRs of 127 patients, comprising 870 patient notes, were abstracted and reviewed. A CINV assessment was documented by prescribers in 75% of patients, and by nurses in 58% of patients. Of the 60 encounters where both prescribers and nurses documented, 72% agreed on the presence/absence of CINV.

Conclusion Most patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy had a documented assessment of CINV; however, many had incomplete or discordant documentation of CINV from different providers by role, implying the importance of incorporating pragmatic knowledge of EHR documentation patterns among multidisciplinary health professionals for EHR phenotyping and clinical decision support systems directed toward cancer-related symptom management.