bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal Structure Prediction of the Novel Cr2SiN4 Compound via Global Optimization, Data Mining, and the PCAE Method
Authors: Škundrić Tamara , Zagorac Dejan , Schön Johann , Pejić Milan , Matović Branko
Published: July 2021

A number of studies have indicated that the implementation of Si in CrN can significantly improve its performance as a protective coating. As has been shown, the Cr-Si-N coating is comprised of two phases, where nanocrystalline CrN is embedded in a Si3N4 amorphous matrix. However, these earlier experimental studies reported only Cr-Si-N in thin films. Here, we present the first investigation of possible bulk Cr-Si-N phases of composition Cr2SiN4. To identify the possible modifications, we performed global explorations of the energy landscape combined with data mining and the Primitive Cell approach for Atom Exchange (PCAE) method. After ab initio structural refinement, several promising low energy structure candidates were confirmed on both the GGA-PBE and the LDA-PZ levels of calculation. Global optimization yielded six energetically favorable structures and five modifications possible to be observed in extreme conditions. Data mining based searches produced nine candidates selected as the most relevant ones, with one of them representing the global minimum in the Cr2SiN4. Additionally, employing the Primitive Cell approach for Atom Exchange (PCAE) method, we found three more promising candidates in this system, two of which are monoclinic structures, which is in good agreement with results from the closely related Si3N4 system, where some novel monoclinic phases have been predicted in the past.
Systematic Quantification of Hypertrophic Scar in Adult Burn Survivors
Authors: Edger-Lacoursière Zoë , Nedelec Bernadette , Marois-Pagé Elisabeth , de Oliveira Ana , Couture Marie-Andrée , Calva Valérie , Correa José A.
Published: July 2021

Very few objective scar evaluations have been conducted with burn survivors, which limits our knowledge of the clinical recovery profile of hypertrophic scars (HSc) and donor site scars (D). The purpose of this study was to prospectively quantify the skin characteristics of post-burn HSc in different anatomical locations (D) and normal skin (N) using objective instrumentation. The skin characteristics of HSc, D, and N in 44 burn survivors were measured at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 months post-burn using validated instrumentation: a high-frequency ultrasound (for thickness), Cutometer® (for pliability), and Mexameter® (for erythema and pigmentation). Up to five sites were assessed on the same participant, if their scar was located on the upper extremity (UE), lower extremity (LE), and trunk. A mixed model two-way analysis of variance was used to investigate the differences in means between sites at each time point and between time points at each site. The results revealed that the HSc sites were thicker than the D and N at all time points; the UE and trunk HSc were thicker than the LE HSc at 7 months post-burn; the pliability of the trunk HSc did not improve over time; and the UE HSc was more erythematous at 7 months, compared to other anatomical sites, whereas the D erythema decreased from 2 to 7 months. As clinicians have prioritized UE treatments due to their functional importance, this study provides objective measurements to further support this practice and encourages clinicians to also prioritize trunk HSc treatments after burn injuries.
Influence of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Veneers Quality on Selected Properties of Layered Composite for Flooring Materials
Authors: Burawska-Kupniewska Izabela , Mycka Paweł , Beer Piotr
Published: July 2021

The article concerns the quality issues in wood industry, and especially the advisability of removing defects from veneers. The research purpose of the study was to analyse the influence of the layered structure of plywood base layer made of low-quality wood on selected mechanical properties of floor composites. The utilitarian purpose is to analyse the possibility of producing floors from low-quality materials reducing waste. Four quality classes of Scots pine veneers (Pinus sylvestris L.) were taken into account: A, B, C, D, from the highest class-A without defects to the lowest class-D characterized by a lot of knots (including broken and falling out ones) and cracks. The base layer of the floors was made of these wood quality classes. The value of the modulus of elasticity in elastic deformation, modulus of elasticity in the dynamic and fatigue tests, stiffness and static bending strength were investigated. The test results showed that, as expected, the samples made of class A had the highest values of the measured parameters (static bending strength, static and dynamic modulus of elasticity, and stiffness). However, the values of the tested parameters for the remaining classes B, C, and D did not significantly differ. It was concluded from the research that the change of the plywood base layer conditions regarding the quality of veneers does not significantly affect the physical and mechanical properties of composites. Hence, it is possible to use wood of lower quality classes for production without verification of which class they belong to, which will significantly reduce the production costs.
Towards the Quantum Internet: Satellite Control Plane Architectures and Protocol Design
Authors: Chiti Francesco , Fantacci Romano , Picchi Roberto , Pierucci Laura
Published: July 2021

The creation of the future quantum Internet requires the development of new systems, architectures, and communications protocols. As a matter of fact, the optical fiber technology is affected by extremely high losses; thus, the deployment of a quantum satellite network (QSN) composed of quantum satellite repeaters (QSRs) in low Earth orbit would make it possible to overcome these attenuation problems. For these reasons, we consider the design of an ad hoc quantum satellite backbone based on the Software-Defined Networking (SDN) paradigm with a modular two-tier Control Plane (CP). The first tier of the CP is embedded into a Master Control Station (MCS) on the ground, which coordinates the entire constellation and performs the management of the CP integrated into the constellation itself. This second tier is responsible for entanglement generation and management on the selected path. In addition to defining the SDN architecture in all its components, we present a possible protocol to generate entanglement on the end-to-end (E2E) path. Furthermore, we evaluate the performance of the developed protocol in terms of the latency required to establish entanglement between two ground stations connected via the quantum satellite backbone.
Set1 Targets Genes with Essential Identity and Tumor-Suppressing Functions in Planarian Stem Cells
Authors: Verma Prince , Waterbury Court K. M. , Duncan Elizabeth M.
Published: July 2021

Tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) are essential for normal cellular function in multicellular organisms, but many TSGs and tumor-suppressing mechanisms remain unknown. Planarian flatworms exhibit particularly robust tumor suppression, yet the specific mechanisms underlying this trait remain unclear. Here, we analyze histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) signal across the planarian genome to determine if the broad H3K4me3 chromatin signature that marks essential cell identity genes and TSGs in mammalian cells is conserved in this valuable model of in vivo stem cell function. We find that this signature is indeed conserved on the planarian genome and that the lysine methyltransferase Set1 is largely responsible for creating it at both cell identity and putative TSG loci. In addition, we show that depletion of set1 in planarians induces stem cell phenotypes that suggest loss of TSG function, including hyperproliferation and an abnormal DNA damage response (DDR). Importantly, this work establishes that Set1 targets specific gene loci in planarian stem cells and marks them with a conserved chromatin signature. Moreover, our data strongly suggest that Set1 activity at these genes has important functional consequences both during normal homeostasis and in response to genotoxic stress.
Whole-Genome Differentially Hydroxymethylated DNA Regions among Twins Discordant for Cardiovascular Death
Authors: Dai Jun , Leung Ming , Guan Weihua , Guo Han-Tian , Krasnow Ruth E. , Wang Thomas J. , El-Rifai Wael , Zhao Zhongming , Reed Terry
Published: July 2021

Epigenetics is a mechanism underlying cardiovascular disease. It is unknown whether DNA hydroxymethylation is prospectively associated with the risk for cardiovascular death independent of germline and common environment. Male twin pairs middle-aged in 1969–1973 and discordant for cardiovascular death through December 31, 2014, were included. Hydroxymethylation was quantified in buffy coat DNA collected in 1986–1987. The 1893 differentially hydroxymethylated regions (DhMRs) were identified after controlling for blood leukocyte subtypes and age among 12 monozygotic (MZ) pairs (Benjamini–Hochberg False Discovery Rate < 0.01), of which the 102 DhMRs were confirmed with directionally consistent log2-fold changes and p < 0.01 among additional 7 MZ pairs. These signature 102 DhMRs, independent of the germline, were located on all chromosomes except for chromosome 21 and the Y chromosome, mainly within/overlapped with intergenic regions and introns, and predominantly hyper-hydroxymethylated. A binary linear classifier predicting cardiovascular death among 19 dizygotic pairs was identified and equivalent to that generated from MZ via the 2D transformation. Computational bioinformatics discovered pathways, phenotypes, and DNA motifs for these DhMRs or their subtypes, suggesting that hydroxymethylation was a pathophysiological mechanism underlying cardiovascular death that might be influenced by genetic factors and warranted further investigations of mechanisms of these signature regions in vivo and in vitro.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with the Reuse of Mask during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Survey in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Feng-Shiang , Yen Yung-Feng , Lin Shu-Yi , Weng Shih-Han , Chou Yi-Chang , Chu Dachen , Chen Chu-Chieh , Hu Hsiao-Yun
Published: July 2021

Mask usage is an effective measure to prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection; however, mask reuse is not recommended. Studies examining the factors associated with mask reuse during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic are limited. This nationwide survey aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with mask reuse among Taiwanese citizens during the pandemic. From 18 May through 31 May 2020, a computer-assisted telephone interview system was used to randomly select Taiwanese citizens for interview regarding COVID-19-preventive behaviors and knowledge on mask usage. For a total of 1075 participants, the overall mean age was 57.4 years, and 82.2% of participants reported mask reuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. After controlling for other covariates, participants who had a greater knowledge of mask usage or had a high supply of masks were less likely to reuse masks during the pandemic. Moreover, generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis showed that, compared with the participants’ mask-wearing behaviors before the COVID-19 pandemic, they were more likely to reuse masks during the pandemic. Thus, it is imperative to educate people on the correct usage of masks. Furthermore, the government should provide sufficient masks to the general population to reduce mask reuse.
Comparative Efficacy of Active Group Music Intervention versus Group Music Listening in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Gómez-Gallego María , Gómez-Gallego Juan Cándido , Gallego-Mellado María , García-García Javier
Published: July 2021

Background: Music interventions are promising therapies for the management of symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Globally, music interventions can be classified as active or receptive depending on the participation of the subjects. Active and receptive music tasks engage different brain areas that might result in distinctive clinical effects. This study aims to compare the clinical effects of two types of music interventions and a control activity. Methods: Ninety AD patients from six nursing homes participated in the study. Nursing homes were randomly and blindly assigned to receive either active music intervention, receptive music intervention, or the usual care. Effects on cognition, behaviour, daily living activities, and motor function were assessed. Results: Active music intervention improved cognition, behaviour, and functional state in a higher extent than both receptive music intervention and usual care. The effect size of active music intervention for cognitive deficits and behavioural symptoms was large (η2 = 0.62 and 0.61, respectively), while for functional state, it was small-to-medium sized (η2 = 0.18). Receptive music intervention had a stabilizing effect on behavioural symptoms compared to control intervention (mean change from baseline ± standard deviation = −0.76 ± 3.66 and 3.35 ± 3.29, respectively). In the active music intervention, the percentage of patients who showed improvement in cognitive deficits (85.7), behavioural symptoms (92.9), and functional state (46.4) was higher than in both receptive listening (11.8, 42.9, and 14.3, respectively) and control group (6.3, 12.2, and 17.1, respectively). Conclusions: Active music intervention is useful to improve symptoms of AD and should be prescribed as a complement to the usual treatment.
Effects of a Proposed Hydraulic Project on the Hydrodynamics in the Poyang Lake Floodplain System, China
Authors: Zhao Guizhang , Li Yunliang
Published: July 2021

Knowledge of dam construction in floodplain systems and its hydrodynamic effects plays a critical role in managing various kinds of floodplains. This study uses 3D floodplain hydrodynamic modeling to explore the possible effects of a proposed hydraulic project in Poyang Lake (PLHP) on the hydrodynamics, exemplified by a large floodplain system. Simulations showed that the water levels across most lake regions presented more significant changes than in the floodplain areas during the study period. The increased water levels upstream from the PLHP (~1.0 m) were distinctly higher than that downstream (~0.1 m). The PLHP may decrease the magnitude of the water velocities in the main channels of the lake, whereas velocities may experience mostly minor changes in the floodplains, depending upon the altered flow dynamics and transport. On average, the water temperature may exhibit mostly minor changes (~<1.0 °C) for both the horizontal and vertical scales within the flood-pulse-influenced lake system. Additionally, the model results indicated that the outflow process caused by the PLHP may be altered from the natural discharge into the Yangtze River to frequent backflow events during the storage period, demonstrating the non-negligible effect of the PLHP on the water supply for the downstream Yangtze River in the future.
Food Safety, Security, Sustainability and Nutrition as Priority Objectives of the Food Sector
Authors: Raposo António , Ramos Fernando , Raheem Dele , Saraiva Ariana , Carrascosa Conrado
Published: July 2021

Food systems are at the center of global environmental, social, and economic challenges such as resource scarcity, ecosystem degradation, and climate change [...]
Social Freezing: Pressing Pause on Fertility
Authors: Varlas Valentin Nicolae , Bors Roxana Georgiana , Albu Dragos , Penes Ovidiu Nicolae , Nasui Bogdana Adriana , Mehedintu Claudia , Pop Anca Lucia
Published: July 2021

Increasing numbers of women are undergoing oocyte or tissue cryopreservation for medical or social reasons to increase their chances of having genetic children. Social egg freezing (SEF) allows women to preserve their fertility in anticipation of age-related fertility decline and ineffective fertility treatments at older ages. The purpose of this study was to summarize recent findings focusing on the challenges of elective egg freezing. We performed a systematic literature review on social egg freezing published during the last ten years. From the systematically screened literature, we identified and analyzed five main topics of interest during the last decade: (a) different fertility preservation techniques, (b) safety of freezing, (c) usage rate of frozen oocytes, (d) ethical considerations, and (e) cost-effectiveness of SEF. Fertility can be preserved for non-medical reasons through oocyte, embryos, or ovarian tissue cryopreservation, with oocyte vitrification being a new and optimal approach. Elective oocyte cryopreservation is better accepted, supports social gender equality, and enhances women’s reproductive autonomy. Despite controversies, planned oocyte cryopreservation appears as a chosen strategy against age-related infertility and may allow women to feel that they are more socially, psychologically, and financially stable before motherhood.
Barriers, Enablers, and Perceptions on Dietary Salt Reduction in the Out-of-Home Sectors: A Scoping Review
Authors: Michael Viola , You Yee Xing , Shahar Suzana , Manaf Zahara Abdul , Haron Hasnah , Shahrir Siti Nurbaya , Majid Hazreen Abdul , Chia Yook Chin , Brown Mhairi Karen , He Feng J. , MacGregor Graham A.
Published: July 2021

In this review, we have investigated the perceptions, barriers, and enabling factors that were responsible for a dietary salt reduction in the out-of-home sectors. For this purpose, we examined different knowledge databases such as Google Scholar, Ebscohost, MEDLINE (PubMed), Ovid, and Cochrane Library for research articles from September to December 2020. The inclusion criteria for the research articles were that they had to be published in English and had to be a qualitative or quantitative study that was conducted after 2010. These studies also had to report the various enablers, barriers, and perceptions regarding salt reduction in the out-of-home sectors. After implementing the inclusion criteria, we successfully screened a total of 440 studies, out of which 65 articles fulfilled all the criteria. The perceived barriers that hindered salt reduction among the out-of-home sectors included lack of menu and food variabilities, loss of sales due to salt reduction, lack of technical skills for implementing the salt reduction processes for cooking or reformulation, and an absence of environmental and systemic support for reducing the salt concentration. Furthermore, the enablers for salt reduction included the intervention programs, easy accessibility to salt substitutes, salt intake measurement, educational availability, and a gradual reduction in the salt levels. With regards to the behavior or perceptions, the effect of organizational and individual characteristics on their salt intake were reported. The majority of the people were not aware of their salt intake or the effect of salt on their health. These people also believed that low salt food was recognized as tasteless. In conclusion, the enablers, barriers, and perceptions regarding salt reduction in the out-of-home sectors were multifaceted. Therefore, for the implementation of the strategies, policies, and initiatives for addressing the barriers, the policymakers need to encourage a multisectoral collaboration for reducing the salt intake in the population.
Motivation and Behaviour Change in Parkrun Participants in the Western Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Chivunze Edgar , Burgess Theresa L. , Carson Fraser , Buchholtz Kim
Published: July 2021

Mass participation events are promoted in South Africa as a positive public health initiative. Parkrun has grown to be one of the most popular. The present study identifies the motives of residents in the Western Cape Province to join parkrun and how their involvement influences future physical activity levels. Participants (N = 1787) completed a survey consisting of demographic history, parkrun participation history, motivations for participation, and physical activity-related behaviour changes associated with parkrun participation. The majority of participants were female (n = 952) and over 50 years of age (median = 50; IQR = 38–59). Along with health-related benefits, the provision of a safe and organised event was reported as a key motive to participate. The social connectedness developed by parkrun encouraged continued participation and promoted uptake of more physical activity. Close to half the participants reported increases in physical activity levels after joining parkrun, which demonstrates the benefit obtained from participation in structured mass participation events. With the large diversity in socioeconomic status in South Africa related to physical activity levels, parkrun provides a protected and engaging environment that provides opportunity for increased physical activity and potentially reducing the burden on the healthcare system.
Tolerance of Violence against Women and the Risk of Psychosocial Distress in Humanitarian Settings in Northern Uganda
Authors: Bukuluki Paul , Kisaakye Peter , Etti Bonny , Ocircan Micheal , Bev Roberts-Reites
Published: July 2021

Background: Violence against women (VAW) remains a public health concern, which can sometimes lead to mental or psychological stress among other negative consequences. Data and methods: we fitted a binary logistic regression model on 657 respondents from host and refugee settings in three humanitarian districts (Adjumani, Obongi, and Lamwo) to examine the determinants of psychosocial stress. Results: experience of psychosocial distress is higher among refugees than host populations. Results indicate a higher proportion of respondents who ever experienced psychosocial stress in the 6 months preceding the survey among those who believed that a woman should tolerate violence (59% vs. 53%). Respondents who believed that a woman should tolerate violence had higher odds of experiencing psychosocial stress than their counterparts who believed a woman should not tolerate violence (OR = 6.86; 95%CI = 1.23–38.22). The likelihood to experience psychosocial stress was higher among females (OR = 6.94; 95%CI = 1.76–27.32), those with primary education (OR = 4.73; 95%CI = 1.24–18.00), and respondents with less than USD 2.7 as personal income one month before the survey (OR = 3.37; 95%CI = 1.32–8.62). Respondents who said that women should engage in income generation activities had higher odds to experience psychosocial stress (OR = 0.39; 95%CI = 0.17–0.89). Conclusion: results suggest that income and positive attitudes toward female-led income generating activities act as protective measures against psychosocial distress. Given the associations between VAW and psychosocial distress, efforts aimed at prevention and response to VAW in humanitarian settings should integrate mental health and psychosocial support interventions.
The Acute Effects of a Swimming Session on the Shoulder Rotators Strength and Balance of Age Group Swimmers
Authors: Batalha Nuno , Parraca Jose A. , Marinho Daniel A. , Conceição Ana , Louro Hugo , Silva António J. , Costa Mário J.
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to analyze the acute effects of a standardized water training session on the shoulder rotators strength and balance in age group swimmers, in order to understand whether a muscle-strengthening workout immediately after the water training is appropriate. A repeated measures design was implemented with two measurements performed before and after a standardized swim session. 127 participants were assembled in male (n = 72; age: 16.28 ± 1.55 years, height: 174.15 ± 7.89 cm, weight: 63.97 ± 6.51 kg) and female (n = 55; age: 15.29 ± 1.28 years, height: 163.03 ± 7.19 cm, weight: 52.72 ± 5.48 kg) cohorts. The isometric torque of the shoulder internal (IR) and external (ER) rotators, as well as the ER/IR ratios, were assessed using a hand-held dynamometer. Paired sample t-tests and effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were used (p ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were found on the shoulder rotators strength or balance in males after training. Females exhibited unchanged strength values after practice, but there was a considerable decrease in the shoulder rotators balance of the non-dominant limb (p < 0.01 d = 0.366). This indicates that a single practice seems not to affect the shoulders strength and balance of adolescent swimmers, but this can be a gender specific phenomenon. While muscle-strengthening workout after the water session may be appropriate for males, it can be questionable regarding females. Swimming coaches should regularly assess shoulder strength levels in order to individually identify swimmers who may or may not be able to practice muscle strengthening after the water training.
Glycosylation Modulates Plasma Membrane Trafficking of CD24 in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Chantziou Amanda , Theodorakis Kostas , Polioudaki Hara , de Bree Eelco , Kampa Marilena , Mavroudis Dimitris , Castanas Elias , Theodoropoulos Panayiotis A.
Published: July 2021

In breast cancer, expression of Cluster of Differentiation 24 (CD24), a small GPI-anchored glycoprotein at the cell periphery, is associated with metastasis and immune escape, while its absence is associated with tumor-initiating capacity. Since the mechanism of CD24 sorting is unknown, we investigated the role of glycosylation in the subcellular localization of CD24. Expression and localization of wild type N36- and/or N52-mutated CD24 were analyzed using immunofluorescence in luminal (MCF-7) and basal B (MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T) breast cancer cells lines, as well as HEK293T cells. Endogenous and exogenously expressed wild type and mutated CD24 were found localized at the plasma membrane and the cytoplasm, but not the nucleoplasm. The cell lines showed different kinetics for the sorting of CD24 through the secretory/endocytic pathway. N-glycosylation, especially at N52, and its processing in the Golgi were critical for the sorting and expression of CD24 at the plasma membrane of HEK293T and basal B type cells, but not of MCF-7 cells. In conclusion, our study highlights the contribution of N-glycosylation for the subcellular localization of CD24. Aberrant N-glycosylation at N52 of CD24 could account for the lack of CD24 expression at the cell surface of basal B breast cancer cells.
Proteomic Analysis of the Meniscus Cartilage in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Park Jisook , Lee Hyun-Seung , Go Eun-Bi , Lee Ju Yeon , Kim Jin Young , Lee Soo-Youn , Lee Dae-Hee
Published: July 2021

The distribution of differential extracellular matrix (ECM) in the lateral and medial menisci can contribute to knee instability, and changes in the meniscus tissue can lead to joint disease. Thus, deep proteomic identification of the lateral and medial meniscus cartilage is expected to provide important information for treatment and diagnosis of various knee joint diseases. We investigated the proteomic profiles of 12 lateral/medial meniscus pairs obtained from excess tissue of osteoarthritis patients who underwent knee arthroscopy surgery using mass spectrometry-based techniques and measured 75 ECM protein levels in the lesions using a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) assay we developed. A total of 906 meniscus proteins with a 1% false discovery rate (FDR) was identified through a tandem mass tag (TMT) analysis showing that the lateral and medial menisci had similar protein expression profiles. A total of 131 ECM-related proteins was included in meniscus tissues such as collagen, fibronectin, and laminin. Our data showed that 14 ECM protein levels were differentially expressed in lateral and medial lesions (p < 0.05). We present the proteomic characterization of meniscal tissue with mass spectrometry-based comparative proteomic analysis and developed an MRM-based assay of ECM proteins correlated with tissue regeneration. The mass spectrometry dataset has been deposited to the MassIVE repository with the dataset identifier MSV000087753.
Submassive Pulmonary Embolism: Current Perspectives and Future Directions
Authors: Nguyen Phillip C. , Stevens Hannah , Peter Karlheinz , McFadyen James D.
Published: July 2021

Submassive pulmonary embolism (PE) lies on a spectrum of disease severity between standard and high-risk disease. By definition, patients with submassive PE have a worse outcome than the majority of those with standard-risk PE, who are hemodynamically stable and lack imaging or laboratory features of cardiac dysfunction. Systemic thrombolytic therapy has been proven to reduce mortality in patients with high-risk disease; however, its use in submassive PE has not demonstrated a clear benefit, with haemodynamic improvements being offset by excess bleeding. Furthermore, meta-analyses have been confusing, with conflicting results on overall survival and net gain. As such, significant interest remains in optimising thrombolysis, with recent efforts in catheter-based delivery as well as upcoming studies on reduced systemic dosing. Recently, long-term cardiorespiratory limitations following submassive PE have been described, termed post-PE syndrome. Studies on the ability of thrombolytic therapy to prevent this condition also present conflicting evidence. In this review, we aim to clarify the current evidence with respect to submassive PE management, and also to highlight shortcomings in current definitions and prognostic factors. Additionally, we discuss novel therapies currently in preclinical and early clinical trials that may improve outcomes in patients with submassive PE.
Review of Ireland’s First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on People Affected by Eating Disorders: ‘Behind Every Screen There Was a Family Supporting a Person with an Eating Disorder’
Authors: Parsons Harriet , Murphy Barry , Malone Deirbhile , Holme Ingrid
Published: July 2021

Irish society went into one of the most stringent lockdowns in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and barring a few weeks, remains highly restricted at time of writing. This has produced a wide range of challenges for those affected by eating disorders, as well as treatment services and Bodywhys, The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland. Current research indicates that COVID-19 has impacted across three key areas—the experience of those with an eating disorder, the experience of service provision, and the impact on the family situation. Drawing on monitoring and evaluation data gathered by Bodywhys, this paper details the challenges faced by those affected by eating disorders in Ireland and how the organisation responded to these challenges, providing support in various forms to people with eating disorders and their families.
Comparison of the Toxicity of Pristine Graphene and Graphene Oxide, Using Four Biological Models
Authors: Jaworski Sławomir , Strojny-Cieślak Barbara , Wierzbicki Mateusz , Kutwin Marta , Sawosz Ewa , Kamaszewski Maciej , Matuszewski Arkadiusz , Sosnowska Malwina , Szczepaniak Jarosław , Daniluk Karolina , Lange Agata , Pruchniewski Michał , Zawadzka Katarzyna , Łojkowski Maciej , Chwalibog Andre
Published: July 2021

There are numerous applications of graphene in biomedicine and they can be classified into several main areas: delivery systems, sensors, tissue engineering and biological agents. The growing biomedical field of applications of graphene and its derivates raises questions regarding their toxicity. We will demonstrate an analysis of the toxicity of two forms of graphene using four various biological models: zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo, duckweed (Lemna minor), human HS-5 cells and bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). The toxicity of pristine graphene (PG) and graphene oxide (GO) was tested at concentrations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 µg/mL. Higher toxicity was noted after administration of high doses of PG and GO in all tested biological models. Hydrophilic GO shows greater toxicity to biological models living in the entire volume of the culture medium (zebrafish, duckweed, S. aureus). PG showed the highest toxicity to adherent cells growing on the bottom of the culture plates—human HS-5 cells. The differences in toxicity between the tested graphene materials result from their physicochemical properties and the model used. Dose-dependent toxicity has been demonstrated with both forms of graphene.
Ionic Liquids Separating Rubber Latex from Guayule
Authors: Lynam Joan G. , Zugger Holden T. , Amedee Elizabeth T.
Published: July 2021

Danger to rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) from South American leaf blight fungus imperils the world’s source of natural latex for essential rubber products. Avoiding latex allergies also requires a non-Hevea latex source. The present methods for removing latex entrapped in the individual cells of guayule plants require environmentally hazardous chemicals. This study proposes a new method for latex extraction from guayule using various ionic liquids (ILs) to dissolve cell walls and release latex, as substantiated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) data.
Infra-Red Active Dirac Plasmon Serie in Potassium Doped-Graphene (KC8) Nanoribbons Array on Al2O3 Substrate
Authors: Jakovac Josip , Marušić Leonardo , Andrade-Guevara Denise , Chacón-Torres Julio C. , Despoja Vito
Published: July 2021

A theoretical formulation of the electromagnetic response in graphene ribbons on dielectric substrate is derived in the framework of the ab initio method. The formulation is applied to calculate the electromagnetic energy absorption in an array of potassium-doped graphene nanoribbons (KC8-NR) deposited on a dielectric Al2O3 substrate. It is demonstrated that the replacement of the flat KC8 by an array of KC8-NR transforms the Drude tail in the absorption spectra into a series of infrared-active Dirac plasmon resonances. It is also shown that the series of Dirac plasmon resonances, when unfolded across the extended Brillouin zones, resembles the Dirac plasmon. The Dirac plasmon resonances’ band structure, within the first Brillouin zone, is calculated. Finally, an excellent agreement between the theoretical absorption and recent experimental results for differential transmission through graphene on an SiO2/Si surface is presented. The theoretically predicted micrometer graphene nanoribbons intercalation compound (GNRIC) in a stage-I-like KC8 is confirmed to be synthesized for Dirac plasmon resonances.
Nanocarrier-Mediated Topical Insulin Delivery for Wound Healing
Authors: Macedo Ana S. , Mendes Francisca , Filipe Patrícia , Reis Salette , Fonte Pedro
Published: July 2021

Wound care has been clinically demanding due to inefficacious treatment that represents an economic burden for healthcare systems. In Europe, approximately 7 million people are diagnosed with untreated wounds, leading to a cost between 6.000€ and 10.000€ per patient/year. In the United States of America, 1.5 million people over 65 years old suffer from chronic wounds. A promising therapeutic strategy is the use of exogenous growth factors because they are decreased at the wound site, limiting the recovery of the skin. Insulin is one of the cheapest growth factors in the market able to accelerate the re-epithelialization and stimulate angiogenesis and cell migration. However, the effectiveness of topical insulin in wound healing is hampered by the proteases in the wound bed. The encapsulation into nanoparticles improves its stability in the wound, providing adhesion to the mucosal surface and allowing its sustained release. The aim of this review is to perform a standing point about a promising strategy to treat different types of wounds by the topical delivery of insulin-loaded nanocarriers.
High Temperature Oxidation Behavior of an Equimolar Cr-Mn-Fe-Co High-Entropy Alloy
Authors: Wang Lin , Zeng Quanqing , Xie Zhibao , Zhang Yun , Gao Haitao
Published: July 2021

The oxidation behavior of an equimolar Cr-Mn-Fe-Co high-entropy alloy (HEA) processed by 3D laser printing was investigated at 700 °C and 900 °C. The oxidation kinetics of the alloy followed the parabolic rate law, and the oxidation rate constant increased with the rising of the temperature. Inward diffusion of oxygen and outward diffusion of cations took place during the high-temperature oxidation process. A spinel-type oxide was formed on the surface, and the thickness of the oxide layer increased with the rising of experimental temperature or time. The exfoliation of the oxide layer took place when the test was operated at 900 °C over 12 h. During oxidation tests, the matrix was propped open by oxides and was segmented into small pieces. The formation of loose structures had great effects on the high-temperature oxidation resistance of the HEA.
The Influence of Temperature in the Al 2024-T3 Aluminum Plates Subjected to Impact: Experimental and Numerical Approaches
Authors: Klosak Maciej , Santiago Rafael , Jankowiak Tomasz , Bendarma Amine , Rusinek Alexis , Bahi Slim
Published: July 2021

In this paper, perforation experiments were carried out and numerically modelled in order to analyze the response of 2024-T3 aluminum alloy plates under different initial temperatures T0. This alloy has a particular relevance since it is widely used as a structural component in aircrafts, but it is also interesting for other sectors of industry. A gas gun projectile launcher was used to perform impacts within initial velocities V0 from 40 m/s to 120 m/s and at temperatures varying from 293 K to 573 K. A temperature softening of the material was observed which was manifested in the reduction in the ballistic limit by 10% within the temperature range studied. Changes in the material failure mode were also observed at different test conditions. Additionally, a finite element model was developed to predict the material response at high velocities and to confirm the temperature softening that was observed experimentally. An optimization of the failure criterion resulted in a reliable model for such mild aluminum alloys. The results reported here may be used for different applications in the automotive and military sectors.
Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Diarylation of Isocyanides with Triarylbismuthines for the Selective Synthesis of Imine Derivatives
Authors: Kodama Shintaro , Yamamoto Yuki , Kobiki Yohsuke , Matsubara Hitomi , Tran Cong Chi , Kawaguchi Shin-ichi , Nomoto Akihiro , Ogawa Akiya
Published: July 2021

The transition-metal-catalyzed diarylation of isocyanides with triarylbismuthines was investigated in detail, and rhodium catalysts such as [RhCl(nbd)]2 were found to selectively afford N-alkyl diaryl ketimines. On the other hand, palladium-catalyzed diarylation proceeded with the incorporation of two molecules of isocyanide, preferentially yielding N,N’-dialkyl or N,N’-diaryl α-diimines. In addition, a cascade synthesis of 2,3-diarylquinoxalines starting from the palladium-catalyzed diarylation of isocyanides with triarylbismuthines was successfully achieved.
Pinned Geometric Configurations in Euclidean Space and Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: Iosevich Alex , Taylor Krystal , Uriarte-Tuero Ignacio
Published: July 2021

Let M be a compact d-dimensional Riemannian manifold without a boundary. Given a compact set E⊂M, we study the set of distances from the set E to a fixed point x∈E. This set is Δρx(E)={ρ(x,y):y∈E}, where ρ is the Riemannian metric on M. We prove that if the Hausdorff dimension of E is greater than d+12, then there exist many x∈E such that the Lebesgue measure of Δρx(E) is positive. This result was previously established by Peres and Schlag in the Euclidean setting. We give a simple proof of the Peres–Schlag result and generalize it to a wide range of distance type functions. Moreover, we extend our result to the setting of chains studied in our previous work and obtain a pinned estimate in this context.
Simultaneous Detection of Viability and Concentration of Microalgae Cells Based on Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Bright Field Dual Imaging
Authors: Wang Yanjuan , Wang Junsheng , Wang Tianqi , Wang Chengxiao
Published: July 2021

Ship ballast water contains high concentration of plankton, bacteria, and other microorganisms. If the huge amount of ballast water is discharged without being inactivated, it will definitely spell disaster to the marine environment. Microalgae is the most common species exiting in ballast water, so the detection of the concentration and viability of microalgae is a very important issue. The traditional methods of detecting microalgae in ballast water were costly and need the help of bulky equipment. Herein, a novel method based on microalgae cell intracellular chlorophyll fluorescence (CF) imaging combines with cell bright field (BF) microscopy was proposed. The geometric features of microalgae cells were obtained by BF image, and the cell viability was obtained by CF image. The two images were fused through the classic image registration algorithm to achieve simultaneous detection of the viability and concentration of microalgae cells. Furthermore, a low-cost, miniaturized CF/BF microscopy imaging prototype system based on the above principles was designed. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, four typical microalgae in ballast water (Platymonas, Pyramimonas sp., Chrysophyta, and Prorocentrum lima) were selected as the samples. The experimental results show that the self-developed prototype can quickly and accurately determine the concentration and the viability of microalgae cells in ship ballast water based on the dual images of BF and CF, and the detection accuracy is equivalent to that of commercial microscope. It was the first time to simultaneously detect the viability and concentration of microalgae cells in ship ballast water using the method that combining the fluorescence and bright field images; moreover, a miniaturized microscopic imaging prototype was developed. Those findings expected to contribute to the microalgae detection and ship ballast water management.
Gateless and Capacitorless Germanium Biristor with a Vertical Pillar Structure
Authors: Bae Hagyoul , Lee Geon-Beom , Hur Jae , Park Jun-Young , Kim Da-Jin , Kim Myung-Su , Choi Yang-Kyu
Published: July 2021

For the first time, a novel germanium (Ge) bi-stable resistor (biristor) with a vertical pillar structure was implemented on a bulk substrate. The basic structure of the Ge pillar-typed biristor is a p-n-p bipolar junction transistor (BJT) with an open base (floating), which is equivalent to a gateless p-channel metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). In the pillar formation, we adopted an amorphous carbon layer to protect the Ge surface from both physical and chemical damage by subsequent processes. A hysteric current-voltage (I-V) characteristic, which results in a sustainable binary state, i.e., high current and low current at the same voltage, can be utilized for a memory device. A lower operating voltage with high current was achieved, compared to a Si biristor, due to the low energy bandgap of pure Ge.
Simulation and Experimental Study of Ion Concentration Polarization Induced Electroconvective Vortex and Particle Movement
Authors: Yoon Junghyo , Cho Youngkyu , Kim Jaehoon , Kim Hyunho , Na Kyuhwan , Lee Jeong Hoon , Chung Seok
Published: July 2021

Ion concentration polarization (ICP) has been widely applied in microfluidic systems in pre-concentration, particle separation, and desalination applications. General ICP microfluidic systems have three components (i.e., source, ion-exchange, and buffer), which allow selective ion transport. Recently developed trials to eliminate one of the three components to simplify the system have suffered from decreased performance by the accumulation of unwanted ions. In this paper, we presented a new ICP microfluidic system with only an ion-exchange membrane-coated channel. Numerical investigation on hydrodynamic flow and electric fields with a series of coupled governing equations enabled a strong correlation to experimental investigations on electroconvective vortices and the trajectory of charged particles. This study has significant implications for the development and optimization of ICP microfluidic and electrochemical systems for biomarker concentration and separation to improve sensing reliability and detection limits in analytic chemistry.
Curcumin, an Inhibitor of p300-HAT Activity, Suppresses the Development of Hypertension-Induced Left Ventricular Hypertrophy with Preserved Ejection Fraction in Dahl Rats
Authors: Sunagawa Yoichi , Funamoto Masafumi , Shimizu Kana , Shimizu Satoshi , Sari Nurmila , Katanasaka Yasufumi , Miyazaki Yusuke , Kakeya Hideaki , Hasegawa Koji , Morimoto Tatsuya
Published: July 2021

We found that curcumin, a p300 histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibitor, prevents cardiac hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction at the stage of chronic heart failure in Dahl salt-sensitive rats (DS). It is unclear whether curcumin suppresses the development of hypertension-induced left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) with a preserved ejection fraction. Therefore, in this study, we randomized DS (n = 16) and Dahl salt-resistant (DR) rats (n = 10) at 6 weeks of age to either curcumin or vehicle groups. These rats were fed a high-salt diet and orally administrated with 50 mg/kg/d curcumin or its vehicle for 6 weeks. Both curcumin and vehicle treatment groups exhibited similar degrees of high-salt diet-induced hypertension in DS rats. Curcumin significantly decreased hypertension-induced increase in posterior wall thickness and LV mass index, without affecting the systolic function. It also significantly reduced hypertension-induced increases in myocardial cell diameter, perivascular fibrosis and transcriptions of the hypertrophy-response gene. Moreover, it significantly attenuated the acetylation levels of GATA4 in the hearts of DS rats. A p300 HAT inhibitor, curcumin, suppresses the development of hypertension-induced LVH, without affecting blood pressure and systolic function. Therefore, curcumin may be used for the prevention of development of LVH in patients with hypertension.
Comparing Two Days of Dietary Intake in What We Eat in America (WWEIA), NHANES, 2013–2016
Authors: Steinfeldt Lois C. , Martin Carrie L. , Clemens John C. , Moshfegh Alanna J.
Published: July 2021

The objective of this research is to compare the Day 1 and Day 2 dietary intakes of adults in What We Eat in America, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (WWEIA, NHANES) 2013–2016. Dietary recalls of males (n = 2599) and females (n = 2624) 20+ years who had both a Day 1 and Day 2 recall and reported their intake as usual on both days in WWEIA, NHANES 2013–2016 were examined. Mean (±SE) energy intake for males was 2425 ± 26 kcal for Day 1 and 2334 ± 32 kcal for Day 2 (p = 0.004). For females, 1832 ± 18 kcal and 1775 ± 26 kcal were reported for Day 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.020). There were no significant differences between energy intake on Day 1 and Day 2 within males and females by ten-year age groups. Comparing 20 year age groups for males and females by race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic Asian, and Hispanic) and income (<131%, 131–350%, and >350% of poverty level) also showed no significant differences in energy intake between Day 1 and Day 2. Mean energy intake of adults was not statistically different between the two days of recall by sex, race/ethnicity or income within selected age groups. Overall, the difference in energy intake was less than 4% for both males and females.