bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 associated mortality and cardiovascular disease outcomes among US women veterans
Authors: Tsai Shirling , Nguyen Hang , Ebrahimi Ramin , Barbosa Monica R. , Ramanan Bala , Heitjan Daniel F. , Hastings Jeffrey L. , Modrall J. Gregory , Jeon-Slaughter Haekyung
Published: April 2021

The burden of COVID-19 has been noted to be disproportionately greater in minority women, a population that is nevertheless still understudied in COVID-19 research. We conducted an observational study to examine COVID-19-associated mortality and cardiovascular disease outcomes after testing (henceforth index) among a racially diverse adult women veteran population. We assembled a retrospective cohort from a Veterans Affairs (VA) national COVID-19 shared data repository, collected between February and August 2020. A case was defined as a woman veteran who tested positive for SARS-COV-2, and a control as a woman veteran who tested negative. We used Kaplan–Meier curves and the Cox proportional hazards model to examine the distribution of time to death and the effects of baseline predictors on mortality risk. We used generalized linear models to examine 60-day cardiovascular disease outcomes. Covariates studied included age, body mass index (BMI), and active smoking status at index, and pre-existing conditions of diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and a history of treatment with antiplatelet or anti-thrombotic drug at any time in the 2 years prior to the index date. Women veterans who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 had 4 times higher mortality risk than women veterans who tested negative (Hazard Ratio 3.8, 95% Confidence Interval CI 2.92 to 4.89) but had lower risk of cardiovascular events (Odds Ratio OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.92) and developing new heart disease conditions within 60 days (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.77). Older age, obesity (BMI > 30), and prior CVD and COPD conditions were positively associated with increased mortality in 60 days. Despite a higher infection rate among minority women veterans, there was no significant race difference in mortality, cardiovascular events, or onset of heart disease. SARS-CoV-2 infection increased short-term mortality risk among women veterans similarly across race groups. However, there was no evidence of increased cardiovascular disease incidence in 60 days. A longer follow-up of women veterans who tested positive is warranted.
Publisher Correction: Functional expression of the transient receptor potential ankyrin type 1 channel in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Cojocaru Florentina , Şelescu Tudor , Domocoş Dan , Măruţescu Luminiţa , Chiritoiu Gabriela , Chelaru Nicoleta-Raluca , Dima Simona , Mihăilescu Dan , Babes Alexandru , Cucu Dana
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Identification of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder based on the complexity and symmetricity of pupil diameter
Authors: Nobukawa Sou , Shirama Aya , Takahashi Tetsuya , Takeda Toshinobu , Ohta Haruhisa , Kikuchi Mitsuru , Iwanami Akira , Kato Nobumasa , Toda Shigenobu
Published: April 2021

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently leads to psychological/social dysfunction if unaddressed. Identifying a reliable biomarker would assist the diagnosis of adult ADHD and ensure that adults with ADHD receive treatment. Pupil diameter can reflect inherent neural activity and deficits of attention or arousal characteristic of ADHD. Furthermore, distinct profiles of the complexity and symmetricity of neural activity are associated with some psychiatric disorders. We hypothesized that analysing the relationship between the size, complexity of temporal patterns, and asymmetricity of pupil diameters will help characterize the nervous systems of adults with ADHD and that an identification method combining these features would ease the diagnosis of adult ADHD. To validate this hypothesis, we evaluated the resting state hippus in adult participants with or without ADHD by examining the pupil diameter and its temporal complexity using sample entropy and the asymmetricity of the left and right pupils using transfer entropy. We found that large pupil diameters and low temporal complexity and symmetry were associated with ADHD. Moreover, the combination of these factors by the classifier enhanced the accuracy of ADHD identification. These findings may contribute to the development of tools to diagnose adult ADHD.
Flavonoids increase melanin production and reduce proliferation, migration and invasion of melanoma cells by blocking endolysosomal/melanosomal TPC2
Authors: Netcharoensirisuk Ponsawan , Abrahamian Carla , Tang Rachel , Chen Cheng-Chang , Rosato Anna Scotto , Beyers Wyatt , Chao Yu-Kai , Filippini Antonio , Di Pietro Santiago , Bartel Karin , Biel Martin , Vollmar Angelika M. , Umehara Kaoru , De-Eknamkul Wanchai , Grimm Christian
Published: April 2021

Two-pore channel 2 (TPC2) resides in endolysosomal membranes but also in lysosome-related organelles such as the melanin producing melanosomes. Gain-of-function polymorphisms in hTPC2 are associated with decreased melanin production and blond hair color. Vice versa genetic ablation of TPC2 increases melanin production. We show here an inverse correlation between melanin production and melanoma proliferation, migration, and invasion due to the dual activity of TPC2 in endolysosomes and melanosomes. Our results are supported by both genetic ablation and pharmacological inhibition of TPC2. Mechanistically, our data show that loss/block of TPC2 results in reduced protein levels of MITF, a major regulator of melanoma progression, but an increased activity of the melanin-generating enzyme tyrosinase. TPC2 inhibition thus provides a twofold benefit in melanoma prevention and treatment by increasing, through interference with tyrosinase activity, the synthesis of UV blocking melanin in melanosomes and by decreasing MITF-driven melanoma progression by increased GSK3β-mediated MITF degradation.
Author Correction: The number of osteoclasts in a biopsy specimen can predict the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for primary osteosarcoma
Authors: Araki Yoshihiro , Yamamoto Norio , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Takeuchi Akihiko , Miwa Shinji , Igarashi Kentaro , Higuchi Takashi , Abe Kensaku , Taniguchi Yuta , Yonezawa Hirotaka , Morinaga Sei , Asano Yohei , Ikeda Hiroko , Nojima Takayuki , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Interpretable survival prediction for colorectal cancer using deep learning
Authors: Wulczyn Ellery , Steiner David F. , Moran Melissa , Plass Markus , Reihs Robert , Tan Fraser , Flament-Auvigne Isabelle , Brown Trissia , Regitnig Peter , Chen Po-Hsuan Cameron , Hegde Narayan , Sadhwani Apaar , MacDonald Robert , Ayalew Benny , Corrado Greg S. , Peng Lily H. , Tse Daniel , Müller Heimo , Xu Zhaoyang , Liu Yun , Stumpe Martin C. , Zatloukal Kurt , Mermel Craig H.
Published: April 2021

Deriving interpretable prognostic features from deep-learning-based prognostic histopathology models remains a challenge. In this study, we developed a deep learning system (DLS) for predicting disease-specific survival for stage II and III colorectal cancer using 3652 cases (27,300 slides). When evaluated on two validation datasets containing 1239 cases (9340 slides) and 738 cases (7140 slides), respectively, the DLS achieved a 5-year disease-specific survival AUC of 0.70 (95% CI: 0.66–0.73) and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.64–0.72), and added significant predictive value to a set of nine clinicopathologic features. To interpret the DLS, we explored the ability of different human-interpretable features to explain the variance in DLS scores. We observed that clinicopathologic features such as T-category, N-category, and grade explained a small fraction of the variance in DLS scores (R2 = 18% in both validation sets). Next, we generated human-interpretable histologic features by clustering embeddings from a deep-learning-based image-similarity model and showed that they explained the majority of the variance (R2of 73–80%). Furthermore, the clustering-derived feature most strongly associated with high DLS scores was also highly prognostic in isolation. With a distinct visual appearance (poorly differentiated tumor cell clusters adjacent to adipose tissue), this feature was identified by annotators with 87.0–95.5% accuracy. Our approach can be used to explain predictions from a prognostic deep learning model and uncover potentially-novel prognostic features that can be reliably identified by people for future validation studies.
A collagen glucosyltransferase drives lung adenocarcinoma progression in mice
Authors: Guo Hou-Fu , Bota-Rabassedas Neus , Terajima Masahiko , Leticia Rodriguez B. , Gibbons Don L. , Chen Yulong , Banerjee Priyam , Tsai Chi-Lin , Tan Xiaochao , Liu Xin , Yu Jiang , Tokmina-Roszyk Michal , Stawikowska Roma , Fields Gregg B. , Miller Mitchell D. , Wang Xiaoyan , Lee Juhoon , Dalby Kevin N. , Creighton Chad J. , Phillips George N. , Tainer John A. , Yamauchi Mitsuo , Kurie Jonathan M.
Published: April 2021

Cancer cells are a major source of enzymes that modify collagen to create a stiff, fibrotic tumor stroma. High collagen lysyl hydroxylase 2 (LH2) expression promotes metastasis and is correlated with shorter survival in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and other tumor types. LH2 hydroxylates lysine (Lys) residues on fibrillar collagen’s amino- and carboxy-terminal telopeptides to create stable collagen cross-links. Here, we show that electrostatic interactions between the LH domain active site and collagen determine the unique telopeptidyl lysyl hydroxylase (tLH) activity of LH2. However, CRISPR/Cas-9-mediated inactivation of tLH activity does not fully recapitulate the inhibitory effect of LH2 knock out on LUAD growth and metastasis in mice, suggesting that LH2 drives LUAD progression, in part, through a tLH-independent mechanism. Protein homology modeling and biochemical studies identify an LH2 isoform (LH2b) that has previously undetected collagen galactosylhydroxylysyl glucosyltransferase (GGT) activity determined by a loop that enhances UDP-glucose-binding in the GLT active site and is encoded by alternatively spliced exon 13 A. CRISPR/Cas-9-mediated deletion of exon 13 A sharply reduces the growth and metastasis of LH2b-expressing LUADs in mice. These findings identify a previously unrecognized collagen GGT activity that drives LUAD progression.
The hierarchy of root branching order determines bacterial composition, microbial carrying capacity and microbial filtering
Authors: King William L. , Yates Caylon F. , Guo Jing , Fleishman Suzanne M. , Trexler Ryan V. , Centinari Michela , Bell Terrence H. , Eissenstat David M.
Published: April 2021

Fine roots vary dramatically in their functions, which range from resource absorption to within-plant resource transport. These differences should alter resource availability to root-associated microorganisms, yet most root microbiome studies involve fine root homogenization. We hypothesized that microbial filtering would be greatest in the most distal roots. To test this, we sampled roots of six temperate tree species from a 23-year-old common garden planting, separating by branching order. Rhizoplane bacterial composition was characterized with 16S rRNA gene sequencing, while bacterial abundance was determined on a subset of trees through flow cytometry. Root order strongly impacted composition across tree species, with absorptive lower order roots exerting the greatest selective pressure. Microbial carrying capacity was higher in absorptive roots in two of three tested tree species. This study indicates lower order roots as the main point of microbial interaction with fine roots, suggesting that root homogenization could mask microbial recruitment signatures.
Comment on “Trimorphs of 4-bromophenyl 4-bromobenzoate. Elastic, brittle, plastic” by S. Saha and G. R. Desiraju, Chem. Commun., 2018, 54, 6348
Authors: Whittaker Jacob J. , Brock Aidan J. , Grosjean Arnaud , Pfrunder Michael C. , McMurtrie John C. , Clegg Jack K.
Published: April 2021

A re-refinement of the published but chemically implausible, crystal structure of “Form III” of 4-bromophenyl 4-bromobenzoate shows that it is not a polymorph, but instead a co-crystal.
The effect of heating rate on the sintering of aluminum nanospheres
Authors: Jiang Jun , Chen Pengwan , Qiu Jiali , Sun Weifu , Chizhik Sergei A. , Makhaniok Alexander A. , Melnikova Galina B. , Kuznetsova Tatiana A.
Published: April 2021

The effect of heating rate and nanoparticle size on the sintering mechanism of aluminum nanospheres have been explored using molecular dynamics simulations.
Carotenoid status in type 2 diabetes patients with and without retinopathy
Authors: Shalini T. , Jose Sarin S. , Prasanthi P. S. , Balakrishna N. , Viswanath K. , Reddy G. Bhanuprakash
Published: April 2021

This study reports a decrease in plasma carotenoid levels in diabetes patients with retinopathy (DR) compared to diabetes patients without retinopathy (NDR) and control subjects.
Polymer micro-particles formed by thiol–ene suspension polymerization using canola oil as a diluent solvent
Authors: Cobb Jared S. , Chapusha Chipo , Gaikwad Jui , Michael Joshua , Janorkar Amol V.
Published: April 2021

This work demonstrates the use of canola oil as a biologically compatible solvent for a thiol–ene driven suspension polymerization that effectively creates micron-sized particles.
Low-temperature electronic transport of manganese silicide shell-protected single crystal nanowires for nanoelectronics applications
Authors: Cruz Alexsandro dos Santos E. da , Puydinger dos Santos Marcos V. , Campanelli Raul B. , Pagliuso Pascoal G. , Bettini Jefferson , Pirota Kleber R. , Béron Fanny
Published: April 2021

The resistivity at low temperatures of the shell-protected Mn5Si3nanowires presented a complex behavior when diameter reduces down to 180 nm. However, it was found to be the best choice for applications in nanoelectronics.
Recent advances in transition metal-catalyzed reactions of carbamoyl chlorides
Authors: Shrestha Mohini , Wu Xianqing , Huang Wenyi , Qu Jingping , Chen Yifeng
Published: April 2021

This review highlights the recent advancements of carbamoyl chlorides in transition metal-catalyzed reactions to access various amide-containing molecules and heterocycles.
A wide-frequency range dielectric tuning of BaTiO3by embedding metal nanocrystals
Authors: Xiong Zhengwei , Liu Qian , Tang Jinlong , Fang Leiming , Zhang Xiaoqiang , Li Jun , Fu Yajun , Wang Jin , Gao Zhipeng , Shi Deli
Published: April 2021

An ideal model was provided for explaining the effects of the interaction between grains and grain boundaries on their dielectric and rectification characteristics.
Highly efficient enrichment and identification of pathogens using a herringbone microfluidic chip and by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Shen Yueqing , Yi Jia , Song Minghui , Li Dandan , Wu Yi , Liu Yan-Jun , Yang Meicheng , Qiao Liang
Published: April 2021

A herringbone microfluidic chip combined with vancomycin-modified magnetic beads is developed to enrich bacteria efficiently from urine samples followed by MALDI-TOF identification.
The facile synthesis of a Co3O4–NiNP composite as an electrochemical non-enzymatic sensing platform for small chemical molecules
Authors: Zou Miaomiao , Feng Li , Lin Xiaoyun , Ni Yongnian
Published: April 2021

In this paper, a new Co3O4–Ni nanocomposite-modified glassy carbon electrode (Co3O4–NiNPs/GCE) was successfully constructed and used to detect glucose and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
Optimizing the sulfonic groups of a polymer to coat the zinc anode for dendrite suppression
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Yuetao , Chen Chuanxi , Chen Xin , Zhao Qinghe , Yang Luyi , Yao Lu , Qin Runzhi , Wu Hong , Jiang Zhongyi , Pan Feng
Published: April 2021

The sulfonic groups are optimized in the polymer, which serve as the effective active sites for zinc-ion diffusion. The reversibility of the zinc anode is highly improved consequently.
The exceptionally high moisture responsiveness of a new conductive-coordination-polymer based chemiresistive sensor
Authors: Lin Yuan , Jiang Huijie , Liang Guangling , Deng Wei-Hua , Li Qiaohong , Li Wen-Hua , Xu Gang
Published: April 2021

A new conductive 3D coordination polymer with reversible coordination bonds and exceptionally high moisture responsiveness was reported as a chemiresistive humidity sensor.
The role of surface stoichiometry in NO2gas sensing using single and multiple nanobelts of tin oxide
Authors: Masteghin Mateus G. , Silva Ranilson A. , Cox David C. , Godoi Denis R. M. , Silva S. Ravi P. , Orlandi Marcelo O.
Published: April 2021

Single-nanobelt gas sensor devices were nanofabricated to estimate Sn3O4and SnO2Debye length (LD) in presence of NO2, and gas–solid interactions between O species/NO2and Sn2+/Sn4+surfaces were proposed based on tin oxide sensor signals.
Needles in a haystack: H-bonding in an optogenetic protein observed with isotope labeling and 2D-IR spectroscopy
Authors: Ruf Jeannette , Hamm Peter , Buhrke David
Published: April 2021

Two vibrational modes in a cyanobacterial protein were isolated with isotope labeling and studied with 2D-IR spectroscopy.
Abundant hydroxyl groups decorated on nitrogen vacancy-embedded g-C3N4 with efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance
Authors: Zhai Huanhuan , Tan Pengfei , Lu Lili , Liu Hongqin , Liu Yong , Pan Jun
Published: April 2021

Engineering hydroxyl and N vacancies on g-C3N4 led to dual mitigation of the recombination rate of photogenerated carriers, which was achieved by enriched hydroxyl groups trapping the holes and stable N vacancies capturing the electrons.
Nickel complexes based on BIAN ligands: transformation and catalysis on ethylene polymerization
Authors: Xu Shuyun , Chen Xuemeng , Luo Gen , Gao Wei
Published: April 2021

Several nickel complexes bearing one or two bis(arylimino)acenaphthene ligands were prepared and well characterized. These nickel complexes were tested as catalysts for ethylene polymerization.
A colorimetric optical thermometry of host-sensitized Pr3+-doped niobate phosphors based on electronic-rich-site strategy
Authors: Wang Yao , Guo Ning , Xin Yanmei , Li Jing , Ouyang Ruizhuo , Shao Baiqi , Miao Yuqing
Published: April 2021

The double luminescence system was constructed by the transfer of energy from [NbO6] group to pr3+. The temperature sensitivity was obtained by the temperature changing spectrum and the related calculation.
Tremendously enhanced photocurrent enabled by triplet–triplet annihilation up-conversion for high-performance perovskite solar cells
Authors: Sheng Wangping , Yang Jia , Li Xiang , Liu Gengling , Lin Zhuojia , Long Juan , Xiao Shuqin , Tan Licheng , Chen Yiwang
Published: April 2021

The triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion layer Rub:DBP was introduced to extend the near-infrared response of perovskite solar cells, reduce the sub-band-gap photon transmission loss and ultimately facilitate the photovoltaic performance.
Insights on toxicity, safe handling and disposal of silica aerogels and amorphous nanoparticles
Authors: Vareda João P. , García-González Carlos A. , Valente Artur J. M. , Simón-Vázquez Rosana , Stipetic Marina , Durães Luisa
Published: April 2021

The toxicity and ecotoxicity effects, handling and disposal of synthetic amorphous silica nanoparticles and aerogels are reviewed and discussed.
The effects of rice bran oil on left ventricular systolic function, cardiometabolic risk factors and inflammatory mediators in men with coronary artery disease: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Mahdavi-Roshan Marjan , Salari Arsalan , Ghorbani Zeinab , Nikpey Zahra , Haghighatkhah Motahare , Fakhr mousavi Aboozar , Gholipour Mahboobeh , Pourfarzad Amir
Published: April 2021

In present study, we explored the effects of rice bran oil (RBO) in adjunct to conventional medical therapy on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), cardiometabolic risk factors, and inflammation in males with coronary artery disease (CAD).
Immunostimulatory and allergenic properties of emulsified and non-emulsified digestion products of parvalbumin (Scophthalmus maximus) in RBL-2H3 cells and BALB/c mouse models
Authors: Luo Chen , Chen Guanzhi , Ahmed Ishfaq , Sun Lirui , Li Wenjie , Pavase Tushar Ramesh , Li Zhenxing
Published: April 2021

Emulsion with dietary lipids could significantly enhance the allergenicity of PV digestion products. Addition of lipid for processing foods may escalate the potential allergy risk in allergy-prone individuals.
DHA-enriched phospholipids from large yellow croaker roe regulate lipid metabolic disorders and gut microbiota imbalance in SD rats with a high-fat diet
Authors: Lu Xiaodan , Zhong Rongbin , Hu Ling , Huang Luyao , Chen Lijiao , Cheng Wenjian , Zheng Baodong , Liang Peng
Published: April 2021

LYCRPLs were found to significantly regulate lipid metabolism and improve the gut microbiota disorder induced in rats by a high-fat diet.
Sustainable and cost-efficient electro-synthesis of formamidine acetate from cyanamide in aqueous acidic electrolyte
Authors: Klein Martin , Güthner Thomas , Sans Jürgen , Thalhammer Franz , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: April 2021

A new electrochemical synthesis of formamidine acetate by cathodic reduction of cyanamide in an aqueous electrolyte and in high yield was developed.
Oxy-sulfonylation of terminal alkynes via C–S coupling enabled by copper photoredox catalysis
Authors: Pampana V. Kishore Kumar , Charpe Vaibhav Pramod , Sagadevan Arunachalam , Das Deb Kumar , Lin Chun-Cheng , Hwu Jih Ru , Hwang Kuo Chu
Published: April 2021

We present a highly efficient and eco-friendly synthesis of β-keto sulfones using simple copper(i) iodide as a catalyst and molecular oxygen as an oxidant under low energy visible light at room temperature.
Roles of structure and electron mobilization in enhanced ethanol sensing by Al doped SnO2nanoparticles
Authors: Chakraborty Nirman , Das Sagnik , Srihari Velaga , Mondal Dibya Jyoti , Saha Debdulal , Konar Sanjit , Mishra Ajay K. , Mondal Swastik
Published: April 2021

Enhanced alcohol sensing driven by crystal structure modification, surface charge immobilization and bulk charge mobilization in aluminium doped SnO2nanoparticles.
New prodrugs and analogs of the phenazine 5,10-dioxide natural products iodinin and myxin promote selective cytotoxicity towards human acute myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Viktorsson Elvar Örn , Aesoy Reidun , Støa Sindre , Lekve Viola , Døskeland Stein Ove , Herfindal Lars , Rongved Pål
Published: April 2021

Synthetic derivatives of the phenazine 5,10-dioxide natural antibiotics iodinin and myxin were shown to be potent and selective towards human leukemic cells.
Regioselective synthesis of functionalized pyrazole-chalconesviaa base mediated reaction of diazo compounds with pyrylium salts
Authors: Devi Lalita , Sharma Gaurav , Kant Ruchir , Shukla Sanjeev K. , Rastogi Namrata
Published: April 2021

A base-mediated reaction of triaryl/alkyl pyrylium tetrafluoroborate salts with α-diazo-phosphonates, sulfones and trifluoromethyl compounds affords the corresponding functionalized pyrazole-chalcones as 5-P-5 and 3-P-3 tautomeric mixture.
(C6F5)3B·(HF)n-catalyzed glycosylation of disarmed glycosyl fluorides and reverse glycosyl fluorides
Authors: Long Qing , Gao Jingru , Yan Ningjie , Wang Peng , Li Ming
Published: April 2021

(C6F5)3B·(HF)n-catalyzed glycosylation of disarmed glycosyl fluorides and reverse glycosyl fluorides with structurally diverse nucleophiles has been achieved.
Synthesis and characterization of photochromic triethylene glycol-containing spiropyrans and their assembly in solution
Authors: Zhang Yiwei , Ng Maggie , Chan Michael Ho-Yeung , Wu Nathan Man-Wai , Wu Lixin , Yam Vivian Wing-Wah
Published: April 2021

A series of photochromic triethylene glycol (TEG)-containing spiropyrans (SPs) has been synthesized, and systematic and controlled formation of their self-assembled functional materials has been achieved.
Stereoselective synthesis of 2-trifluoromethylated and 2-difluoromethylated dihydrofurans via organocatalytic cascade Michael/alkylation reaction
Authors: Dong Xiaodi , Wang Wei , Li Huang , Xu Qiya , Ye Ling , Li Xinying , Zhao Zhigang , Li Xuefeng
Published: April 2021

A highly stereoselective cascade Michael/alkylation process has been established to construct 2-trifluoromethylated and 2-difluoromethylated dihydrofurans.
A comparison study of MnO2 and Mn2O3 as zinc-ion battery cathodes: an experimental and computational investigation
Authors: Shen Hongyuan , Liu Binbin , Nie Zanxiang , Li Zixuan , Jin Shunyu , Huang Yuan , Zhou Hang
Published: April 2021

MnO2 and Mn2O3 cathodes for zinc ion batteries were experimentally and computationally explored.
Bio-mineralisation, characterization, and stability of calcium carbonate containing organic matter
Authors: Liu Renlu , Huang Shanshan , Zhang Xiaowen , Song Yongsheng , He Genhe , Wang Zaifeng , Lian Bin
Published: April 2021

The amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) or polycrystalline vaterite, which has long-term water stability and thermal stability, can be induced by bacteria. These biogenic CaCO3 are organo-mineral complexes.
Enhancing Li-ion capacity and rate capability in cation-defective vanadium ferrite aerogels via aluminum substitution
Authors: Chervin Christopher N. , DeBlock Ryan H. , Parker Joseph F. , Hudak Bethany M. , Skeele Nathaniel L. , Ko Jesse S. , Rolison Debra R. , Long Jeffrey W.
Published: April 2021

Substituting electroinactive Al3+ into vanadium ferrite aerogels boosts capacity to battery-relevant levels but in a material that expresses pseudocapacitive character and high-rate performance.
The effect on ion channel of different protonation states of E90 in channelrhodopsin-2: a molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Cheng Jie , Zhang Wenying , Zhou Shuangyan , Ran Xu , Shang Yiwen , Lo Glenn V. , Dou Yusheng , Yuan Shuai
Published: April 2021

With E90 protonated, the proton acceptor of RSBH+ is E123 with a narrow channel along TM3; while with E90 deprotonated, proton transfer from RSBH+ to D253 generates an approximately open channel along TM2.
On the relationship between spectroscopic constants of diatomic molecules: a machine learning approach
Authors: Liu Xiangyue , Meijer Gerard , Pérez-Ríos Jesús
Published: April 2021

Through a machine learning approach, we show that the equilibrium distance, harmonic vibrational frequency and the binding energy of diatomic molecules are universally related, independently of the nature of the bond of a molecule.
Anticoagulant activity of singlet oxygen released from a water soluble endoperoxide by thermal cycloreversion
Authors: Liu Meina , Ucar Esma , Liu Ziang , Wang Lei , Yang Li , Xu Jiawei , Akkaya Engin U.
Published: April 2021

Singlet oxygen generated by the cycloreversion of endoperoxides has anti-coagulant activity.
Hierarchical Cu2S hollow nanowire arrays for highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Xie Ning , Ma Dong-Dong , Wu Yu-Lin , Wu Xin-Tao , Zhu Qi-Long
Published: April 2021

A self-supported three-dimensional unique hierarchical Cu2S hollow nanowire array nanostructure with excellent activity for the hydrogen-evolution reaction was synthesized in a facile and economical way.
The Cognitive-Communication Checklist for Acquired Brain Injury: A Means of Identifying, Recording, and Tracking Communication Impairments
Authors: MacDonald Sheila
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The communication service needs of individuals with acquired brain injuries (ABIs) are frequently overlooked, leading to delays, denials, or premature discharge from communication interventions. This is particularly true for those with subtle cognitive-communication deficits, which may not be apparent until sufficiently challenged at work, in school, or in the community. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a referral tool that could promote understanding of the broad range of communication impairments that occur following ABI and lead to improved identification and referral.

Method

This study evaluated the Cognitive-Communication Checklist for Acquired Brain Injury (CCCABI) through a survey. The CCCABI is a referral tool that summarizes 45 communication difficulties in 10 areas of cognitive-communication functioning. One hundred sixteen speech-language pathologists, 34 multidisciplinary referral sources, and 41 individuals with lived experience of brain injury were surveyed to evaluate the utility of this referral tool.

Results

The need for such a referral tool was endorsed by 96% of speech-language pathology respondents, 91% of multidisciplinary respondents, and 100% of respondents with lived experience of brain injury. Responses supported the CCCABI as a clear, comprehensive, and accessible tool for education and identification of the communication impairments that can occur after ABI.

Conclusion

The CCCABI is a means of increasing understanding of communication service needs following ABI in a manner that is accessible to individuals, families, program designers, funding sources, administrators, and multidisciplinary referral sources.
S stars and s-process in the Gaia era
Authors: Shetye Shreeya , Van Eck Sophie , Jorissen Alain , Goriely Stephane , Siess Lionel , Van Winckel Hans , Plez Bertrand , Godefroid Michel , Wallerstein George
Published: April 2021

Context. S stars are late-type giants that are transition objects between M-type stars and carbon stars on the asymptotic giant branch (AGB). They are classified into two types: intrinsic or extrinsic, based on the presence or absence of technetium (Tc). The Tc-rich or intrinsic S stars are thermally pulsing (TP-)AGB stars internally producing s-process elements (including Tc) that are brought to their surface via the third dredge-up (TDU). The Tc-poor or extrinsic S stars gained their s-process overabundances via the accretion of s-process-rich material from an AGB companion that has since turned into a dim white dwarf.

Aims. Our goal is to investigate the evolutionary status of Tc-rich S stars by locating them in a Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram using the results of Gaia Early Data Release 3 (EDR3). We combine the current sample of 13 Tc-rich stars with our previous studies of 10 Tc-rich stars to determine the observational onset of the TDU in the metallicity range [−0.7; 0]. We also compare our abundance determinations with dedicated AGB nucleosynthesis predictions.

Methods. We derived the stellar parameters using an iterative tool that combines HERMES high-resolution spectra, accurate Gaia EDR3 parallaxes, stellar evolution models, and tailored MARCS model atmospheres for S-type stars. Using these stellar parameters, we determined the heavy-element abundances by line synthesis.

Results. In the HR diagram, the intrinsic S stars are located at higher luminosities than the predicted onset of the TDU. These findings are consistent with Tc-rich S stars being genuine TP-AGB stars. The comparison of the derived s-process abundance profiles of our intrinsic S stars with the nucleosynthesis predictions provide an overall good agreement. Stars with highest [s/Fe] tend to have the highest C/O ratios.
Fundamental properties of a selected sample of Ap stars: Inferences from interferometric and asteroseismic constraints
Authors: Deal M. , Cunha M. S. , Keszthelyi Z. , Perraut K. , Holdsworth D. L.
Published: April 2021

Context. Magnetic fields influence the formation and evolution of stars and impact the observed stellar properties. magnetic A-type stars (Ap stars) are a prime example of this. Access to precise and accurate determinations of their stellar fundamental properties, such as masses and ages, is crucial to understand the origin and evolution of fossil magnetic fields.

Aims. We propose using the radii and luminosities determined from interferometric measurements, in addition to seismic constraints when available, to infer fundamental properties of 14 Ap stars préviously characterised.

Methods. We used a grid-based modelling approach, employing stellar models computed with the CESTAM stellar evolution code, and the parameter search performed with the AIMS optimisation method. The stellar model grid was built using a wide range of initial helium abundances and metallicities in order to avoid any bias originating from the initial chemical composition. The large frequency separations (Δν) of HR 1217 (HD 24712) and α Cir (HD 128898), two rapidly oscillating Ap stars of the sample, were used as seismic constraints.

Results. We inferred the fundamental properties of the 14 stars in the sample. The overall results are consistent within 1σ with previous studies, however, the stellar masses inferred in this study are higher. This trend likely originates from the broader range of chemical compositions considered in this work. We show that the use of Δν in the modelling significantly improves our inferences, allowing us to set reasonable constraints on the initial metallicity which is, otherwise, unconstrained. This gives an indication of the efficiency of atomic diffusion in the atmospheres of roAp stars and opens the possibility of characterising the transport of chemical elements in their interiors.
Three dimensional atmospheric entry simulation of a high altitude cometary dustball meteoroid
Authors: Hulfeld L. , Küchlin S. , Jenny P.
Published: April 2021

Aims. The break-up of a dustball meteoroid is investigated numerically based on fluid dynamics simulations of the meteoroid’s atmospheric entry flow. Both thermal and mechanical break-up mechanisms are implemented, in order to investigate dustball meteoroid disintegration.

Methods. A three dimensional model of a dustball meteoroid composed of thousands of small spherical grains was used in the atmospheric entry flow simulation, performed with the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. The dynamics of each meteoroid grain were calculated by means of the discrete element method (DEM), which models contact dynamics between grains. By coupling DEM with DSMC, the dynamics of a dustball meteoroid were calculated during atmospheric entry. In addition, thermal computations were also carried out taking into account the incoming atmospheric heat flux, thermal radiation, and grain ablation. Thus, this methodology is able to compute mechanical as well as thermal dustball meteoroid disintegration.

Results. To test this novel multi-physics simulation framework, a prototypical dustball meteoroid, namely a Draconid meteoroid, was simulated. Using typical material properties from the literature, the Draconid meteoroid was compressed due to aerodynamic forces to roughly half its size immediately after the start of the simulation at 200 km altitude. Later, aerodynamic-induced meteoroid rotation occured until the meteoroid disintegrated mechanically at 120 km altitude. The fact that the meteoroid disintegrated mechanically is directly related to the combination of material properties used in the simulation.
Insufficiency Fractures vs. Low-Energy Pelvic Ring Fractures – Epidemiological, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Characteristics of Fragility Fractures of the Pelvic Ring
Authors: Sterneder Manuel , Lang Patricia , Riesner Hans-Joachim , Hackenbroch Carsten , Friemert Benedikt , Palm Hans-Georg
Published: April 2021

Background Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) encompass two fracture entities: fracture after low-energy trauma and insufficiency fracture without trauma. It is unclear whether the two subgroups differ in terms of diagnosis and therapy. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate insufficiency fractures with regard to defined parameters and to compare specific parameters with the fractures after low-energy trauma.

Patients and Methods In the period from 2008 to 2017, 203 patients with FFP were recorded at our clinic (Level 1 Trauma Centre DGU, SAV approval). Of these, 25 had an insufficiency fracture and 178 had a pelvic ring fracture after low-energy trauma. Epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic parameters were examined.

Results There was a relative increase in the insufficiency fracture within the FFP (2008 – 2009: 5.0% vs. 2015 – 2017: 17.8%). In these patients, osteoporosis tended to be more pronounced than in patients after low-energy trauma (t-value: − 3.66 vs. − 3.13). The diagnosis of insufficiency fractures showed increased use of MRI and DECT (60.9% vs. 26.0%) and a high proportion of type IV fractures after FFP (40.0% vs. 7.9%). In terms of therapy, surgical treatment of the insufficiency fracture was sought more often (68,2% vs. 52,1%), with a tendency towards increased use of combined osteosynthesis procedures (14.3% vs. 7.6%).

Conclusion We were able to show that as the number of cases increases, the insufficiency fracture becomes more important within FFP. If these patients tend to have more pronounced osteoporosis, particular attention should be paid to the diagnosis and adequate therapy of the osteoporosis, especially in the case of an insufficiency fracture. In addition to the increased diagnostic testing using MRI and DECT to detect oedema and the increased surgical therapy for this type of fracture, it is also noteworthy that the insufficiency fracture can cause higher-grade fractures after FFP.
Blood Pressure Response and Vascular Function of Professional
Athletes and Controls
Authors: Bauer Pascal , Kraushaar Lutz , Hoelscher Sophie , Weber Rebecca , Akdogan Ebru , Keranov Stanislav , Dörr Oliver , Nef Holger , Hamm Christian W , Most Astrid
Published: April 2021

Workload-indexed blood pressure response (wiBPR) to exercise has been shown
to be superior to peak systolic blood pressure (SBP) in predicting mortality
in healthy men. Thus far, however, markers of wiBPR have not been evaluated
for athletes and the association with vascular function is unclear. We
examined 95 male professional athletes (26±5 y) and 30 male controls
(26±4 y). We assessed vascular functional parameters at rest and
wiBPR with a graded bicycle ergometer test and compared values for athletes
with those of controls. Athletes had a lower pulse wave velocity
(6.4±0.9 vs. 7.2±1.5 m/s, p=0.001) compared
to controls. SBP/Watt slope (0.34±0.13 vs.
0.44±0.12 mmHg/W), SBP/MET slope
(6.2±1.8 vs. 7.85±1.8 mmHg/MET) and peak
SBP/Watt ratio (0.61±0.12 vs.
0.95±0.17 mmHg/W) were lower in athletes than in
controls (p<0.001). The SBP/Watt and SBP/MET slope
in athletes were comparable to the reference values, whereas the peak
SBP/Watt-ratio was lower. All vascular functional parameters
measured were not significantly correlated to the wiBPR in either athletes
or controls. In conclusion, our findings indicate the potential use of the
SBP/Watt and SBP/MET slope in pre-participation screening of
athletes. Further, vascular functional parameters, measured at rest, were
unrelated to the wiBPR in athletes and controls.
Eintrübung von Intraokularlinsen
Authors: Khoramnia Ramin
Published: April 2021

Das Spektrum an Komplikationen und die Explantationsgründe bei der Verwendung von Intraokularlinsen (IOL) haben sich durch die Weiterentwicklung der Kataraktchirurgie verändert. Eintrübungen des Materials beeinflussen dabei unterschiedlich stark die optische Qualität. Im Fall einer störenden Eintrübung des Materials ist auch heute noch – trotz aller Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der IOL-Materialien – ein Austausch der IOL die einzige Behandlungsoption.
Tetrahydroxydiboron-Initiated Atom-Transfer Radical Cyclization
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Li Yuli , Wang Guangwei
Published: April 2021

In this work, the first diboron reagent initiated atom-transfer radical cyclization was reported, in which the boryl radicals were generated by the homolytic cleavage of a B–B single bond weakened by the coordination of Lewis base. To clarify the role of carbonate and DMF in the cleavage of B–B bond, we calculated the free energy diagram of two pathways by density functional theory (DFT) investigations. The DFT calculation showed that the presence of carbonate facilitates the B–B bond cleavage to form boron radicals, which can be further stabilized by DMF. Subsequent atom-transfer cyclization initiated by stabilized dihydroxyboron radical is also energetically favored.
Clinical Outcome of Single-Stage Decompression and Posterior Stabilization in Thoracolumbar Spinal Tuberculosis
Authors: Patro Susanta Kumar , Nayak Biswaranjan , Krishnamurthy Balappa Holeppagol , Kumar Arun , Biswal Debabrata , Sahoo Prafulla Kumar
Published: April 2021

Background Thoracolumbar spine constitutes the most common site for spinal tuberculosis. Though the treatment of spinal tuberculosis is antitubercular drugs initially, the patient with neurologic weakness warrants definitive surgical procedure of decompression and stabilization. Even though many investigators have reported favorable results with anterior decompression and stabilization surgery, due to the increased morbidity and complications, the posterior-only approach with decompression and stabilization has evolved as the operation of choice in recent time.

Methods All patients aged between 18 and 70 years with clinically and radiologically proven symptomatic thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis who failed with conservative treatment for 4 weeks or developed neurologic weakness between the treatments are included in this study. All patients were offered decompression and posterior stabilization with transpedicular screws and rods after explaining the above procedure. Clinical outcome was measured by modified Frankel grading; AIS (American Spinal Injury Association impairment score) grade impairment score; and pain assessment done with visual analog scale (VAS) pre- and postoperatively and at 3, 6, and 9 months of interval.

Results The postoperative pain relief, neurologic improvement as per modified Frankel grade, AIS grade, and improvement in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were significant as compared with the preoperative status. The surgical interventions thus prove to have adequate relief to the patient and arresting the disease progression. The surgical outcome has very minimal intra- and postoperative complications.

Conclusion Single-stage decompression and posterior stabilization in thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis is safe, effective, and results in good clinical outcome. The advantages of surgery include thorough debridement, decompression, and achievement of spinal stabilization.
Material of Choice in Pediatric Cranioplasty
Authors: Salam Anooja Abdul , Ibbett Imogen , Thani Nova
Published: April 2021

Background Current evidence is lacking regarding the optimum material required for cranioplasty in the pediatric population when native bone cannot be replaced. The aim of our survey was to examine current practice in Australia and New Zealand regarding pediatric cranioplasty material.

Methods The online tool SurveyMonkey was used to survey 244 neurosurgeons in Australasia. The survey consisted of five questions concerning preference of material and donor origin for pediatric cranioplasty.

Results Twenty-two neurosurgeons (9%) participated. The results indicate that with small skull defects (< 3 cm) in patients aged 0 to 2years, conservative management with observation alone is the preferred option (65%). In patients aged 3 to 10 years, autologous donor bone was the most popular option, whereas for 11+ years, hydroxyapatite (HA) was the material of choice, followed by titanium. For defects of more than 3 cm, autologous donor bone was preferred in under 11 years. In patients older than 11 years, titanium was the preferred choice (46.67%). The preferred donor origin for autologous cranioplasty in small skull defects (< 3 cm) was split calvarial grafts for all age groups. However, 68.42% of respondents managed those under 2 years conservatively. In large skull defects (> 3 cm), the preferred donor origin was split calvarial grafts for patients older than 3 years (48.3%). In patients aged 0 to 2 years, exchange cranioplasty was the preferred option when cranioplasty was performed.

Conclusion The current practice in Australia and New Zealand is to use autologous donor bone in preference to synthetic materials for cranioplasty in children under 11 years. In children older than 11 years, hydroxyapatite and titanium are the materials of choice.
A Novel Placement Technique of S2 Screw (from S2 to Promontorium) and Double Screwing from S2
Authors: Dalbayrak Sedat , Öğrenci Ahmet , Akar Ezgi , Koban Orkun , Yılmaz Mesut
Published: April 2021

Since pseudoarthrosis or screw loosening is frequently seen in lumbosacral stabilizations ending in S1, S2 screws are used more frequently to support S1 screws. This study aims to describe a new screw placement technique and location from S2. Revision surgery was applied to the patient who had previously undergone surgery with the rigid instrumentation system and encountered pseudoarthrosis during the follow-up period. Instrumentation was performed from S2 to the promontorium. The patient’s chronic low back pain arising due to pseudoarthrosis was reduced and a strong lumbosacral dynamic instrumentation was performed to the patient. Dual screw placement from S2 and/or screw placement in the S2-promontorium direction is a new alternative to provide a powerful instrumentation.
Logistikkonzept: AEMP- und Fallwagenkonzepte für einen optimierten OP-Bereich
Authors: Raida Andrea , Bredehorn Thomas
Published: April 2021

Der OP-Bereich ist durch seine Struktur einer der kostenintensivsten Funktionseinheiten im Krankenhaus. Allerdings sind dort auch gleichzeitig die größten Wertschöpfungspotenziale möglich. Denn für einen erfolgreichen OP-Verlauf sind sowohl medizinisch-pflegerische als auch logistische Prozesse entscheidend.
Employer Branding: Systemrelevante Beschaffungs- und Logistik-Helfer
Authors: Kriegel Johannes
Published: April 2021

Die Krankenhausversorgung firmiert sich aus einer Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Aktivitäten, Professionen, Qualifikationen und Ressourceneinsätze. Employer Branding ermöglicht die vereinfachte und nachhaltige Formulierung und Sicherstellung von Qualifikationen, Leistungsversprechungen bzw. Erlebnissen für aktuelle und künftige Arbeitnehmer, Kunden, Stakeholder und Kooperationspartner.
Anmerkungen zur Kliniklogistik: Megatrends in der Logistik und im Gesundheitswesen
Authors: Gallmann Thomas
Published: April 2021

Das Gesundheitswesen und mit ihm auch die dort angewendete Logistik verändern sich. Warum in einer digitalen Transformation die Menschen mitgenommen werden müssen.
Design consideration of an x-ray imaging crystal spectrometer for China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor
Authors: Lu Dian , Chen Jun , Wang Fudi , Delgado-Aparicio Luis F. , Fu Jia , Zhang Hongming , Bin Bin , He Liang , Shen Jin , Wang Qiuping , Lyu Bo
Published: April 2021

The x-ray imaging crystal spectrometer (XICS) is proposed as the principal method of diagnostics for plasma ion temperature and rotation for the China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) for its simplicity in implementation and no reliance on neutral beams. For D–T experiments with the electron temperature as high as 35–40 keV at the core region, highly charged high-Z ions can serve as the diagnostic ions for the XICS. For the CFETR, Xe44+, Xe51+, and W64+ are selected as the impurity ions. Appropriate crystal parameters are selected, as well as the preliminary layout for the spectrometer. We estimated the general performance of the spectrometer, including the emissivity of the impurities, the spatial resolution of the x-ray detector, and the expected count rate of line emissions. For the application in the fusion reactor environment, the effect of neutron irradiation on the crystal is briefly discussed.