bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterning of individual variability in neurocognitive health among South African women exposed to childhood maltreatment
Authors: Denckla Christy A. , Lee Sun Yeop , Kim Rockli , Spies Georgina , Vasterling Jennifer J. , Subramanian S. V. , Seedat Soraya
Published: March 2021

There are individual differences in health outcomes following exposure to childhood maltreatment, yet constant individual variance is often assumed in analyses. Among 286 Black, South African women, the association between childhood maltreatment and neurocognitive health, defined here as neurocognitive performance (NP), was first estimated assuming constant variance. Then, without assuming constant variance, we applied Goldstein’s method (Encyclopedia of statistics in behavioral science, Wiley, 2005) to model “complex level-1 variation” in NP as a function of childhood maltreatment. Mean performance in some tests of information processing speed (Digit-symbol, Stroop Word, and Stroop Color) lowered with increasing severity of childhood maltreatment, without evidence of significant individual variation. Conversely, we found significant individual variation by severity of childhood maltreatment in tests of information processing speed (Trail Making Test) and executive function (Color Trails 2 and Stroop Color-Word), in the absence of mean differences. Exploratory results suggest that the presence of individual-level heterogeneity in neurocognitive performance among women exposed to childhood maltreatment warrants further exploration. The methods presented here may be used in a person-centered framework to better understand vulnerability to the toxic neurocognitive effects of childhood maltreatment at the individual level, ultimately informing personalized prevention and treatment.
A new trifocal corneal inlay for presbyopia
Authors: Furlan Walter D. , Montagud-Martínez Diego , Ferrando Vicente , García-Delpech Salvador , Monsoriu Juan A.
Published: March 2021

Corneal inlays (CIs) are the most recent surgical procedure for the treatment of presbyopia in patients who want complete independence from the use of glasses or contact lenses. Although refractive surgery in presbyopic patients is mostly performed in combination with cataract surgery, when the implantation of an intraocular lens is not necessary, the option of CIs has the advantage of being minimally invasive. Current designs of CIs are, either: small aperture devices, or refractive devices, however, both methods do not have good performance simultaneously at intermediate and near distances in eyes that are unable to accommodate. In the present study, we propose the first design of a trifocal CI, allowing good vision, at the same time, at far, intermediate and near vision in presbyopic eyes. We first demonstrate the good performance of the new inlay in comparison with a commercially available CI by using optical design software. We next confirm experimentally the image forming capabilities of our proposal employing an adaptive optics based optical simulator. This new design also has a number of parameters that can be varied to make personalized trifocal CI, opening up a new avenue for the treatment of presbyopia.
Quantitative analysis of internal components of the human crystalline lens during accommodation in adults
Authors: Xiang Yan , Fu Ting , Xu Qiongfang , Chen Wei , Chen Zhiqi , Guo Jinming , Deng Chaohua , Manyande Anne , Wang Ping , Zhang Hong , Tian Xuebi , Wang Junming
Published: March 2021

To quantitatively analyze changes in the inner components of the human crystalline lens during accommodation in adults. Eyes of 23 subjects were sequentially examined using CASIA2 Optical Coherence Tomography under 0D, − 3D and − 6D accommodation states. The anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior and posterior crystalline lens radius of the curvature (ALRC and PLRC) were obtained using built-in software. The lens thickness (LT), lenticular nucleus thickness (NT), anterior cortex thickness (ACT), posterior cortex thickness (PCT), anterior and posterior lenticular nucleus radius of the curvature (ANRC and PNRC), anterior and posterior lenticular nucleus vertex (ANV and PNV) were quantified manually with the Image-pro plus software. During accommodation, the ACD became significantly shallower and LT significantly increased. For changes in the lens, the ALRC decreased by an average magnitude (related to accommodative stimuli) 0.44 mm/D, and PLRC decreased 0.09 mm/D. There was no difference for the ACT and PCT in different accommodation states. For lenticular nucleus response, NT increased on average by 30 μm/D. Both the ANRC and PNRC decreased on average by 212 μm/D and 115 μm/D respectively. The ANV moved forward on average by 0.07 mm under − 3D accommodative stimuli and 0.16 mm for − 6D. However, there was no statistically significant difference between different accommodation states in the PNV movement. Under accommodation stimulation, lens thickness changed mainly due to the lenticular nucleus, but not the cortex. For the lenticular nucleus, both the ANRC and PNRC decreased and ANRC changed the most. The anterior surface of the nucleus moved forward while the posterior surface of the nucleus moved backward but only slightly.
Low cardiac dose and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predict overall survival in inoperable esophageal squamous cell cancer patients after chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Ho Yu-Chieh , Lai Yuan-Chun , Lin Hsuan-Yu , Ko Ming-Hui , Wang Sheng-Hung , Yang Shan-Jun , Lin Po-Ju , Chou Tsai-Wei , Hung Li-Chung , Huang Chia-Chun , Chang Tung-Hao , Lin Jhen-Bin , Lin Jin-Ching
Published: March 2021

We aimed to determine the prognostic significance of cardiac dose and hematological immunity parameters in esophageal cancer patients after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). During 2010–2015, we identified 101 newly diagnosed esophageal squamous cell cancer patients who had completed definitive CCRT. Patients' clinical, dosimetric, and hematological data, including absolute neutrophil count, absolute lymphocyte count, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), at baseline, during, and post-CCRT were analyzed. Cox proportional hazards were calculated to identify potential risk factors for overall survival (OS). Median OS was 13 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.38–15.63). Univariate analysis revealed that male sex, poor performance status, advanced nodal stage, higher percentage of heart receiving 10 Gy (heart V10), and higher NLR (baseline and follow-up) were significantly associated with worse OS. In multivariate analysis, performance status (ECOG 0 & 1 vs. 2; hazard ratio [HR] 3.12, 95% CI 1.30–7.48), heart V10 (> 84% vs. ≤ 84%; HR 2.24, 95% CI 1.26–3.95), baseline NLR (> 3.56 vs. ≤ 3.56; HR 2.36, 95% CI 1.39–4.00), and follow-up NLR (> 7.4 vs. ≤ 7.4; HR 1.95, 95% CI 1.12–3.41) correlated with worse OS. Volume of low cardiac dose and NLR (baseline and follow-up) were associated with worse patient survival.
Author Correction: Retinopathy of Prematurity and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia are Independent Antecedents of Cortical Maturational Abnormalities in Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Kline Julia E. , Illapani Venkata Sita Priyanka , He Lili , Altaye Mekibib , Parikh Nehal A.
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: How drain flies manage to almost never get washed away
Authors: Speirs Nathan B. , Mahadik Gauri A. , Thoroddsen Sigurdur T.
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Retinitis pigmentosa is associated with shifts in the gut microbiome
Authors: Kutsyr Oksana , Maestre-Carballa Lucía , Lluesma-Gomez Mónica , Martinez-Garcia Manuel , Cuenca Nicolás , Lax Pedro
Published: March 2021

The gut microbiome is known to influence the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. However, there has been relatively little focus upon the implications of the gut microbiome in retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Here, we investigated changes in gut microbiome composition linked to RP, by assessing both retinal degeneration and gut microbiome in the rd10 mouse model of RP as compared to control C57BL/6J mice. In rd10 mice, retinal responsiveness to flashlight stimuli and visual acuity were deteriorated with respect to observed in age-matched control mice. This functional decline in dystrophic animals was accompanied by photoreceptor loss, morphologic anomalies in photoreceptor cells and retinal reactive gliosis. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data showed a microbial gut dysbiosis with differences in alpha and beta diversity at the genera, species and amplicon sequence variants (ASV) levels between dystrophic and control mice. Remarkably, four fairly common ASV in healthy gut microbiome belonging to Rikenella spp., Muribaculaceace spp., Prevotellaceae UCG-001 spp., and Bacilli spp. were absent in the gut microbiome of retinal disease mice, while Bacteroides caecimuris was significantly enriched in mice with RP. The results indicate that retinal degenerative changes in RP are linked to relevant gut microbiome changes. The findings suggest that microbiome shifting could be considered as potential biomarker and therapeutic target for retinal degenerative diseases.
Serum hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and uterine artery Doppler ultrasound during the first trimester for prediction of preeclampsia
Authors: Tianthong Wasinee , Phupong Vorapong
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the predictive value of serum hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) combined with uterine artery Doppler in singleton pregnancy during 11–13+6 weeks of gestation for preeclampsia. This prospective observational study was conducted in singleton pregnant women at 11–13+6 weeks of gestation who visited the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University for antenatal care between February 2019 and May 2020. Serum HIF-1α levels and uterine artery Doppler ultrasound were performed. Pregnancy outcomes were recorded. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of these tests at the optimal cut-off values were determined to predict preeclampsia. A total of 385 participants were analyzed. Of these, 31 cases had preeclampsia (8.1%), and 6 cases of them had early-onset preeclampsia (1.6%). Preeclamptic women had significantly higher serum HIF-1α levels than normal pregnant women (median 1315.2 pg/ml vs. 699.5 pg/ml, p < 0.001). There was no difference in the mean pulsatility (PI) of the uterine artery. Serum HIF-1α levels were higher than 1.45 multiple of median for the gestational age as a cut-off value for predicting preeclampsia; the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 66.7%, 71.5%, 17.2%, and 96.2%, respectively. When a combination of abnormal serum HIF-1α levels and abnormal uterine artery Doppler PI (above the 95th percentile) were used as a predictive value to predict preeclampsia, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 74.2%, 67.2%, 16.6%, and 96.8%, respectively. This study showed that the serum HIF-1α levels with or without uterine artery Doppler at 11–13+6 weeks of gestation were effective in predicting preeclampsia.
Comparative evaluation of metformin and liraglutide cardioprotective effect in rats with impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Simanenkova Anna , Minasian Sarkis , Karonova Tatiana , Vlasov Timur , Timkina Natalya , Shpilevaya Oksana , Khalzova Aleksandra , Shimshilashvili Anzhelika , Timofeeva Valeria , Samsonov Daniil , Borshchev Yury , Galagudza Michael
Published: March 2021

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) increases cardiovascular risk and can enlarge myocardial infarction (MI) incidence and severity. There is lack of information about cardioprotective potential of glucose-lowering drugs in IGT. We aimed to evaluate the sustainability of myocardium to ischemia–reperfusion injury in diabetic and IGT rats and to study cardioprotective action of metformin and liraglutide. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and IGT were modelled in Wistar rats by high-fat diet and streptozotocin + nicotinamide. 4 weeks after rats were divided into 4 groups: DM (without treatment) (n = 4), IGT (without treatment) (n = 4), IGT + MET (metformin 200 mg/kg per os once daily 8 weeks) (n = 4), IGT + LIRA (liraglutide 0.06 mg/kg s.c. once daily for 8 weeks) (n = 4). Control (n = 6) and high-fat diet (n = 8) groups were made for comparison. After 8 weeks ischemia–reperfusion injury in isolated hearts was performed. Hemodynamic parameters were evaluated and MI size was measured by staining of myocardium slices in triphenyltetrazolium chloride solution. Blood glucose level was measured during the study. Both IGT and DM led to similar worsening of hemodynamic parameters during ischemia–reperfusion period, in comparison with control group. MI size in IGT (56.76 (51.58; 69.07) %) and DM (57.26 (45.51; 70.08) %) groups was significantly larger than that in control group (42.98 (33.26; 61.84) %) and did not differ between each other. MI size in high-fat diet group (56.98 (47.11; 62.83) %) was as large as in IGT and DM groups (p > 0.05). MI size in IGT + MET (42.11 (38.08; 71.96) %) and IGT + LIRA (42.50 (31.37; 60.40) %) was smaller than in both DM and IGT groups (p < 0.05 for multiple comparison). Myocardium damage size did not differ in IGT + MET and IGT + LIRA groups (p >  0.05). Only LIRA, but not MET administration to IGT rats led to ischemic contracture reduction. Glycemic control was similarly satisfactory in IGT, IGT + MET, IGT + LIRA groups. Thus, IGT and DM have similarly pronounced negative influence on hemodynamics and MI size in rat transient global ischemia ex vivo. Obesity development also has negative impact on the MI size. Both MET and LIRA have infarct-limiting effect independent on their influence on glucose level. LIRA, but not MET, diminishes ischemic contracture in IGT rats.
Biocompatible MIP-202 Zr-MOF tunable sorbent for cost-effective decontamination of anionic and cationic pollutants from waste solutions
Authors: Diab Kamal E. , Salama Eslam , Hassan Hassan Shokry , Abd El-moneim Ahmed , Elkady Marwa F.
Published: March 2021

This reported work aims to fabricate an eco-friendly Zr bio-based MOF and assessment its adsorption efficiency towards the cationic and anionic dye pollutants including methylene blue (MB) and direct red 81 (DR-81), respectively. Also, its adsorption tendency for the highly toxic heavy metal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) was compared with dyes. The adsorption performance of bio-MOF showed that the maximum monolayer adsorption capacities were recorded as 79.799 mg/g for MB, 36.071 mg/g for DR-81, and 19.012 mg/g for Cr(VI). Meanwhile, the optimum dosage of as-synthesized MIP-202 bio-MOF was 0.5, 1, and 2 g L−1 for MB, DR-81, and Cr(VI), respectively. Thermodynamic analysis demonstrated the spontaneous, thermodynamically, and endothermic nature of the decontamination processes onto the fabricated Zr bio-based MOF. The adsorption data were fitted by Langmuir isotherm model compared with Freundlich and Temkin models for all studied water pollutants. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model was a fit model for description of the adsorption kinetics of the different cationic and anionic pollutants onto Zr bio-based MOF. These outcomes indicated that Zr bio-based MOF has potential application for adsorption of different types of industrial water pollutants including cationic and anionic dyes and heavy metals.
Carrying asymptomatic gallstones is not associated with changes in intestinal microbiota composition and diversity but cholecystectomy with significant dysbiosis
Authors: Frost Fabian , Kacprowski Tim , Rühlemann Malte , Weiss Stefan , Bang Corinna , Franke Andre , Pietzner Maik , Aghdassi Ali A. , Sendler Matthias , Völker Uwe , Völzke Henry , Mayerle Julia , Weiss Frank U. , Homuth Georg , Lerch Markus M.
Published: March 2021

Gallstone disease affects up to twenty percent of the population in western countries and is a significant contributor to morbidity and health care expenditure. Intestinal microbiota have variously been implicated as either contributing to gallstone formation or to be affected by cholecystectomy. We conducted a large-scale investigation on 404 gallstone carriers, 580 individuals post-cholecystectomy and 984 healthy controls with similar distributions of age, sex, body mass index, smoking habits, and food-frequency-score. All 1968 subjects were recruited from the population-based Study-of-Health-in-Pomerania (SHIP), which includes transabdominal gallbladder ultrasound. Fecal microbiota profiles were determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. No significant differences in microbiota composition were detected between gallstone carriers and controls. Individuals post-cholecystectomy exhibited reduced microbiota diversity, a decrease in the potentially beneficial genus Faecalibacterium and an increase in the opportunistic pathogen Escherichia/Shigella. The absence of an association between the gut microbiota and the presence of gallbladder stones suggests that there is no intestinal microbial risk profile increasing the likelihood of gallstone formation. Cholecystectomy, on the other hand, is associated with distinct microbiota changes that have previously been implicated in unfavorable health effects and may not only contribute to gastrointestinal infection but also to the increased colon cancer risk of cholecystectomized patients.
A high-resolution real-time quantification of astrocyte cytokine secretion under shear stress for investigating hydrocephalus shunt failure
Authors: Khodadadei Fatemeh , Liu Allen P. , Harris Carolyn A.
Published: March 2021

It has been hypothesized that physiological shear forces acting on medical devices implanted in the brain significantly accelerate the rate to device failure in patients with chronically indwelling neuroprosthetics. In hydrocephalus shunt devices, shear forces arise from cerebrospinal fluid flow. The shunt’s unacceptably high failure rate is mostly due to obstruction with adherent inflammatory cells. Astrocytes are the dominant cell type bound directly to obstructing shunts, rapidly manipulating their activation via shear stress-dependent cytokine secretion. Here we developed a total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy combined with a microfluidic shear device chip (MSDC) for quantitative analysis and direct spatial-temporal mapping of secreted cytokines at the single-cell level under physiological shear stress to identify the root cause for shunt failure. Real-time secretion imaging at 1-min time intervals enabled successful detection of a significant increase of astrocyte IL-6 cytokine secretion under shear stress greater than 0.5 dyne/cm2, validating our hypothesis and highlighting the importance of reducing shear stress activation of cells.
Imaging the electrical activity of organelles in living cells
Authors: Matamala Ella , Castillo Cristian , Vivar Juan P. , Rojas Patricio A. , Brauchi Sebastian E.
Published: March 2021

Eukaryotic cells are complex systems compartmentalized in membrane-bound organelles. Visualization of organellar electrical activity in living cells requires both a suitable reporter and non-invasive imaging at high spatiotemporal resolution. Here we present hVoSorg, an optical method to monitor changes in the membrane potential of subcellular membranes. This method takes advantage of a FRET pair consisting of a membrane-bound voltage-insensitive fluorescent donor and a non-fluorescent voltage-dependent acceptor that rapidly moves across the membrane in response to changes in polarity. Compared to the currently available techniques, hVoSorg has advantages including simple and precise subcellular targeting, the ability to record from individual organelles, and the potential for optical multiplexing of organellar activity.
Recent advances in the chemistry of ketyl radicals
Authors: Péter Áron , Agasti Soumitra , Knowles Oliver , Pye Emma , Procter David J.
Published: March 2021

Ketyl radicals are valuable reactive intermediates for synthesis. This review highlights exciting recent developments in the chemistry of ketyl radicals by comparing contemporary and more classical approaches for their generation and use.
Coralloid carbon material based on biomass as a promising anode material for lithium and sodium storage
Authors: Yu Ziqiang , Zhao Zhiqiang , Peng Tingyue
Published: March 2021

Coral-like porous carbon materials obtained by in situ template etching of biomass are used for lithium and sodium storage.
Valence electrons in lanthanide-based single-atom magnets: a paradigm shift in 4f-magnetism modeling and design
Authors: Dubrovin Vasilii , Popov Alexey A. , Avdoshenko Stanislav M.
Published: March 2021

Impact of valence electrons on the magnetic properties of lanthanide-based monatomic magnetic systems on surfaces and in molecules. And FV-magnetism - as a crucial bit in the further understanding and design of a new generation of atomic magnets.
Introducing chenodeoxycholic acid coadsorbent and strong electron-withdrawing group in indoline dyes to design high-performance solar cells: a remarkable theoretical improvement
Authors: Mao Lemin , Dun Shuopan , Ren Hehe , Jiang Jiamin , Guo Xugeng , Huang Fuhua , Heng Panpan , Wang Li , Zhang Jinglai , Ågren Hans
Published: March 2021

The present study quantitatively reveals the impact of the coadsorbent and electron-withdrawing group on the optoelectronic properties of indoline dyes.
The primary dipole of flipper probes
Authors: García-Calvo José , López-Andarias Javier , Sakai Naomi , Matile Stefan
Published: March 2021

The need of the primary dipole of flipper mechanophores has often been claimed but never confirmed. Here, a complete sulfur switching cycle is realized to prove that the central paradigm of fluorescent membrane tension probes is correct.
Strong two-photon absorption and ultrafast dynamics of meso-functionalized “push–pull” trans-A2BC porphyrins
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Acharyya Jitendra Nath , Banerjee Dipanjan , Soma Venugopal Rao , Vijaya Prakash G. , Sankar Muniappan
Published: March 2021

A series of meso-functionalized ‘push–pull’ trans-A2BC porphyrins having phenothiazine (donor) and nitrophneyl (acceptor) were synthesized. They demonstrarted strong two-photon absorption coefficients/cross-sections.
Recent progress in research on PM2.5 in subways
Authors: Chang Li , Chong Wen Tong , Wang Xinru , Pei Fei , Zhang Xingxing , Wang Tongzhao , Wang Chunqing , Pan Song
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a comprehensive literature review on the research status of PM2.5 in subways over the past two decades.
Facile synthesis and isolation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from diphenyl sulfoxide
Authors: Zhang Tongtong , Hu Yaoping , Huai Liyuan , Gao Zhijin , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2021

DPhSO was first employed to synthesize HMF from fructose as both the catalyst and solvent, realizing the easy isolation of HMF by water due to the water-immiscible nature of DPhSO.
Polypyrrole/PU hybrid hydrogels: electrically conductive and fast self-healing for potential applications in body-monitor sensors
Authors: Jia Zhanyu , Li Guangyao , Wang Juan , Su Shouhua , Wen Jie , Yuan Jinfeng , Pan Mingwang , Pan Zhicheng
Published: March 2021

In situ polymerization of self-healing conductive polyurethane hybrid hydrogels.
Nitrogen/phosphorus co-doped porous carbon materials for supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Zeng Ting , Miao Hongyan , Wang Likui , Liu Yun , Shi Gang , Yao Bolong
Published: March 2021

Nitrogen/phosphorus co-doped porous carbon materials prepared by means of carbonizing cyclomatrix polyphosphazene show potential as supercapacitor electrode materials
A cascade deprotonation/intramolecular aldol reaction of α-carbonyl sulfonium ylides with 2-mercaptoindole-3-carbaldehydes and 2-mercaptobenzaldehydes to access thieno[2,3-b]indoles and benzothiophenes
Authors: Yang Lei , Zhou Shun , Zhao Jian-Qiang , You Yong , Wang Zhen-Hua , Zhou Ming-Qiang , Yuan Wei-Cheng
Published: March 2021

An efficient cascade deprotonation/intramolecular aldol reaction of α-carbonyl sulfonium ylides with 2-mercaptoindole-3-carbaldehydes and 2-mercaptobenzaldehyde was developed for the synthesis of thieno[2,3-b]indoles and benzothiophenes.
Boosting CO2 electroreduction to CO with abundant nickel single atom active sites
Authors: Wang Wei-juan , Cao Changsheng , Wang Kaiwen , Zhou Tianhua
Published: March 2021

A facile route for a single-atom Ni catalyst (Ni–SAs–NC) with dense Ni–N4 active sites is reported; the as-prepared Ni–SAs–N4C shows a 98% faradaic efficiency (FE) at −0.65 V for CO generation.
An antimony(iii) borate with large birefringence exhibiting unwonted [B5O11] fundamental building blocks and dimeric [Sb2O6] clusters
Authors: Chen Zhen , Zeng Hao , Han Shujuan , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: March 2021

By combining π-conjugated [B3O6] groups and Sb3+ cations with SCALP, we successfully obtained the second antimony(iii) borate SbB5O9 with a large birefringence (0.151 @ 1064 nm), which exhibits unwonted [B5O11] FBBs and dimeric [Sb2O6] clusters.
Engaging DBFO as a C1N1 “two-atom synthon” in [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction: synthesis of the energetic material 5-azidotetrazolate 1N-oxide
Authors: Hu Yong , Wang Xiao-Jun , Dong Wen-Shuai , Bi Yu-Fan , Lu Zu-Jia , Cao Wen-Li , Zhang Jian-Guo , Zhang Qi , Chen Dong
Published: March 2021

Employing 1,1-dibromoformaloxime as a novel C1N1 “two-atom synthon” for the synthesis of tetrazole-based energetic materials via an intramolecular [3 + 2] annulation in aqueous solution.
A carbon membrane-mediated CdSe and TiO2 nanofiber film for enhanced photoelectrochemical degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Zhang Xinye , Zhang Xueyue , Feng Keting , Hu Xiaoyun , Fan Jun , Liu Enzhou
Published: March 2021

A CdSe/C/TiO2 nanofiber film was prepared for enhanced photoelectrochemical degradation ability, and carbon membrane as a carrier-transfer-channel could promote electron transfer.
Optical and structural properties of the Fe3+-doped Lu3Al5O12:Ce3+ garnet phosphor
Authors: Varela Christian F. , Molina Yeison D. , Gutiérrez S. Sandoval , Moreno-Aldana L. C. , Vargas C. A. Parra
Published: March 2021

A novel series of Lu3Al5−xFexO12:Ce3+ (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.45) garnets were obtained by the solid-state reaction method at 1200 °C.
Crosslinked dielectric materials for high-temperature capacitive energy storage
Authors: Tang Yadong , Xu Wenhan , Niu Sen , Zhang Zhicheng , Zhang Yunhe , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: March 2021

This review provides an overview of currently available crosslinked dielectric materials, describing their advantages and potential, together with some of the fundamental and technical issues to be addressed.
Auditory Sensory Gating of Speech and Nonspeech Stimuli
Authors: Miller Sharon E. , Graham Jessica , Schafer Erin
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Auditory sensory gating is a neural measure of inhibition and is typically measured with a click or tonal stimulus. This electrophysiological study examined if stimulus characteristics and the use of speech stimuli affected auditory sensory gating indices.

Method

Auditory event-related potentials were elicited using natural speech, synthetic speech, and nonspeech stimuli in a traditional auditory gating paradigm in 15 adult listeners with normal hearing. Cortical responses were recorded at 64 electrode sites, and peak amplitudes and latencies to the different stimuli were extracted. Individual data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance.

Results

Significant gating of P1–N1–P2 peaks was observed for all stimulus types. N1–P2 cortical responses were affected by stimulus type, with significantly less neural inhibition of the P2 response observed for natural speech compared to nonspeech and synthetic speech.

Conclusions

Auditory sensory gating responses can be measured using speech and nonspeech stimuli in listeners with normal hearing. The results of the study indicate the amount of gating and neural inhibition observed is affected by the spectrotemporal characteristics of the stimuli used to evoke the neural responses.
Analysis on the vehicle‐induced path loss for millimetre‐wave V2V communication
Authors: Feng Zhou , Rui Ji , Jinglu Sun , Kai Cheng , Wei Xu , Xiangyang Zhang
Published: March 2021

Millimetre wave (mmWave) has great potential in vehicle‐to‐vehicle (V2V) communication to provide wide bandwidth and low latency. However, the biggest challenge for the use of mmWave is the high propagation path loss and susceptibility to blockage among vehicles, especially in urban streets. Vehicle shadow fading is quite common in the actual V2V communication. The non‐line‐of‐sight scenarios are considered and the impacts of blocking vehicles on the characteristics of the V2V wireless channels are studied. The measurements are conducted for two scenarios. For the first scenario, a blocking truck is placed between transmitting and receiving cars. For the second scenario, a car is added as a reflector beside the truck. Based on the measurement results, a path loss model for the V2V communication is developed. In order to further verify the effects of building scattering, a simulation is setup and the results are consistent with the measured results.
Modelling of GaN high electron mobility transistor on diamond substrate
Authors: Jarndal Anwar , Du Xuekun , Xu Yuehang
Published: March 2021

A reliable small‐signal modelling approach has been developed and applied on GaN‐on‐diamond high electron mobility transistor. The extrinsic elements' extraction procedure was improved to provide an accurate characterization for the quasistatic behaviour of the intrinsic transistor. The frequency independence of the intrinsic elements at active multibias condition has been considered as another objective in addition to measurements' fitting. Physical relevant values for the model elements have been obtained. The model accuracy was also validated by means of S‐parameters simulation, which showed a very good fitting of the measured data.
External gas accretion provides a fresh gas supply to the active S0 galaxy NGC 5077
Authors: Raimundo S. I.
Published: March 2021

In early-type galaxies, externally accreted gas is thought to be the main source of gas replenishment at late times. We use MUSE integral field spectroscopy data to study the active S0 galaxy NGC 5077, which is known to have disturbed dynamics that are indicative of a past external interaction. We confirm the presence of a stellar kinematically distinct core with a diameter of 2.8 kpc that is counter-rotating with respect to the main stellar body of the galaxy. We find that the counter-rotating core consists of an old stellar population that is not significantly different from the rest of the galaxy. The ionised gas is strongly warped and extends out to 6.5 kpc in the polar direction and in a filamentary structure. The gas dynamics is complex, with significant changes in the position angle as a function of radius. The ionised gas line ratios are consistent with LINER excitation by the active galactic nucleus, both in the nucleus and at kiloparsec scales. We discover a nuclear outflow with projected velocityV ∼ 400 km s−1, consistent with a hollow outflow cone intersecting the plane of the sky. The properties of the misaligned gas match predictions from numerical simulations of misaligned gas infall after a gas-rich merger. The warp and change in the gas orientation as a function of radius are consistent with gas relaxation due to stellar torques; these are stronger at small radii where the gas aligns faster than in the outer regions, driving gas to the nucleus. The stellar and gas dynamics indicate that NGC 5077 has had at least two external interactions, one that resulted in the formation of the counter-rotating core, followed by the second, late-time external gas accretion. NGC 5077 illustrates the importance of external interactions in the replenishment of the galaxy gas reservoir and the nuclear gas content available for black hole fuelling.
A novel approach to identify resonant MHD wave modes in solar pores and sunspot umbrae: B  −  ω analysis
Authors: Stangalini M. , Jess D. B. , Verth G. , Fedun V. , Fleck B. , Jafarzadeh S. , Keys P. H. , Murabito M. , Calchetti D. , Aldhafeeri A. A. , Berrilli F. , Del Moro D. , Jefferies S. M. , Terradas J. , Soler R.
Published: March 2021

The umbral regions of sunspots and pores in the solar photosphere are generally dominated by 3 mHz oscillations, which are due to p-modes penetrating the magnetic region. In these locations, wave power is also significantly reduced with respect to the quiet Sun. However, here we study a pore where not only is the power of the oscillations in the umbra comparable to, or even larger than, that of the quiet Sun, but the main dominant frequency is not 3 mHz as expected, but instead 5 mHz. By combining Doppler velocities and spectropolarimetry and analysing the relationship between magnetic field strength and frequency, the resultant B − ω diagram reveals distinct ridges that are remarkably clear signatures of resonant magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) oscillations confined within the pore umbra. We demonstrate that these modes, in addition to velocity oscillations, are also accompanied by magnetic oscillations, as predicted from MHD theory. The novel technique of B − ω analysis proposed in this article opens up an exciting new avenue for identifying MHD wave modes in the umbral regions of both pores and sunspots.
Properties of the brightest globular cluster in M 81 based on multicolour observations
Authors: Wang Shoucheng , Ma Jun
Published: March 2021

Context.Researching the properties of the brightest globular cluster (referred to as GC1) in M 81 can provide a fossil record of the earliest stages of galaxy formation and evolution. The Beijing–Arizona–Taiwan–Connecticut (BATC) Multicolour Sky Survey has carried out deep exposures of M 81.

Aims.We derive the magnitudes in intermediate-band filters of the BATC system for GC1 and determine its age, mass, and structural parameters.

Methods.GC1 was observed by BATC using 14 intermediate-band filters covering a wavelength range of 4000–10 000 Å. Based on photometric data in BATC and Two Micron All Sky Survey near-infraredJHKsfilters, we constructed an extensive spectral energy distribution of GC1, spanning the wavelength range from 4000 to 20 000 Å. By comparing multicolour photometry with theoretical single stellar population synthesis models, we derived the age and mass of GC1. In addition, we obtained ellipticities, position angles, and surface brightness profiles for GC1 based on the images of deep observations with the Advanced Camera for Surveys on theHubbleSpace Telescope. GC1 is better fitted by the Wilson model than by the King and Sérsic models in theF606Wfilter, and it is better fitted by the Sérsic model than by the King and Wilson models in theF814Wfilter. The ‘best-fit’ half-light radius of GC1 obtained here is 5.59 pc, which is larger than the majority of normal globular clusters (GCs) of the same luminosity.

Results.The age and mass of GC1 estimated here are 13.0 ± 2.90 Gyr and 1.06 − 1.48 × 107 M⊙, respectively. TheRhversusMVdiagram shows that GC1 occupies the same area as extended star clusters. Therefore, we suggest that GC1 is more likely an accreted former nuclear star cluster than a classical GC similar to most of those in the Milky Way.
Analysis of a contact problem for a viscoelastic Bresse system
Authors: Copetti Maria Inês M. , EL Arwadi Toufic , Fernández Jose R. , Naso Maria Grazia , Youssef Wael
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we consider a contact problem between a viscoelastic Bresse beam and a deformable obstacle. The well-known normal compliance contact condition is used to model the contact. The existence of a unique solution to the continuous problem is proved using the Faedo-Galerkin method. An exponential decay property is also obtained defining an adequate Liapunov function. Then, using the finite element method and the implicit Euler scheme, a finite element approximation is introduced. A discrete stability property and a priori error estimates are proved. Finally, some numerical experiments are performed to demonstrate the decay of the discrete energy and the numerical convergence.
Relief of Sitting Pain by Resecting Posterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerve, and Elucidation of Its Anatomical Branching Pattern
Authors: Kachniarz Bartlomiej , Dellon Arnold Lee
Published: March 2021

Background Injury to the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve (PFCN) produces sitting pain in the buttock, posterior thigh, and/or the ischial tuberosity. The anatomy of the PFCN has not been well described, and just one small cohort of patients has been reported to have resection of the PFCN.

Methods Retrospective review of all patients undergoing resection of the PFCN for sitting pain by the senior author between 2012 and 2019 was performed. Evaluation was done by chart review, intraoperative description of the anatomy of the PFCN, and the outcome of resection of the PFCN with implantation of the proximal nerve into the gluteus muscle. Outcome was determined by direct patient examination, email reports, and telephonic interview.

Results Fifty-two patients were included in this study, of which nine were bilateral operative procedures. Thirty-four patients had sufficient follow-up data at a mean of 23 months (3–85 months, range). MRI evidence of hamstring injury was present in 50% of the patients. The classic PFCN anatomy was present in 44% of limbs with the other 56% having a high division permitting branches to the lateral buttock and posterior thigh to be preserved. In patients with bilateral anatomy observations, symmetry was present in 67%. An excellent result (absence of sitting pain, normal activities of daily living [ADL]) was obtained in 53%, a good result (some residual sitting pain with some reduction in ADL), was obtained in 26% and no improvement was observed in 21% of patients.

Conclusion Sitting pain due to injury to the PFCN can be relieved by the resection of the PFCN with implantation of the proximal end into muscle. Presence of an anatomical variation, a high division of the PFCN, can permit preservation of sensation in the lateral buttock and posterior thigh in the patient whose symptoms involve just the perineum and ischial tuberosity.
Cysto-Vaginoscopy of a 3D-Printed Cloaca Model: A Step toward Personalized Noninvasive Preoperative Assessment in Patients with Complex Anorectal Malformations
Authors: Krois Wilfried , Schmölz Lukas , Wagner Michael , Gröpel Peter , Unger Ewald , Berger Angelika , Metzelder Martin , Reck Carlos Albert
Published: March 2021

Introduction For the classification of the complexity of cloacal malformations and the decision on the operative approach, an exact anatomical assessment is mandatory. To benefit from using three-dimensional (3D)-printed models in preoperative planning and training, the practicability of these models should be guaranteed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality and feasibility of a real-size 3D-printed cloaca model for the purpose of cysto-vaginoscopic evaluation.

Materials and Methods We performed a 3D reconstruction and printed a real-size, rubber-like 3D model of an infant pelvis with a cloacal malformation and asked invited pediatric surgeons and pediatric urologists to perform a cysto-vaginoscopy on the model and to complete a brief questionnaire to rate the quality and feasibility of the model and to indicate whether they would recommend the model for preoperative planning and training.

Results Overall, 41 participants rated the model quality as good to very good (M = 3.28, standard deviation [SD] = 0.50, on a scale from 1 to 4). The model was rated as feasible for preoperative training (M = 4.10, SD = 0.75, on a scale from 1 to 5) and most participants (85.4%) would recommend the model for preoperative training. The cysto-vaginoscopy of the model was considered as a valid training tool for real-life cases and improved the confidence on the anatomy of a cloaca.

Conclusion The results of our study indicate that patient-specific 3D-printed models might be a useful tool in the preoperative evaluation of complex anorectal malformations by simulation of cysto-vaginoscopy with an excellent view on anatomical structures to assess the whole spectrum of the individual cloacal malformation. Our model might be a valuable add-on tool for specialty training in pediatric colorectal surgery.
Inclusion of Cephalexin in COVID-19 Treatment Combinations May Prevent Lung Involvement in Mild Infections: A Case Report with Pharmacological Genomics Perspective
Authors: Khodavirdipour Amir
Published: March 2021

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a nonsegmented positive sense RNA, enveloped RNA virus that belongs to the family of β-coronaviridae. This virus shall cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) which consequently leads to breathing difficulty and need to admit to intensive care units (ICUs). The current conventional treatment combination in most of the hospitals in Iran includes azithromycin 500 + naproxen 500 + vitamin C 1,000 + Zinc + vitamin D3 1,000. In this case reports (n = 4), we would like to report significant findings in course of COVID-19 treatment reported to our clinic on August 8 and 9, 2020; patients presented as walk in and were advised house isolation and complete bed rest as there were no signs of lung involvement and their overall condition was stable. By the inclusion of cephalexin 500 in treatment combination, patients who received cephalexin 500 for 5 days along with other medicines did not develop any lung involvement and breathing complications. Cephalexin is the gold standard in upper and lower respiratory tract infections and here also shall play a vital role besides other conventional therapies. Azithromycin is a macrodial antibiotic working via the ABCB1 gene pathway. As of date, there is no clear evidence of pharmacogenomics data in COVID-19 patients. More research needs to be performed in COVID-19 before any sort of pharmacogenomics tests could be advised.
Tuning the valley polarization in WS2 monolayers via control of active defect sites induced by photochemical doping
Authors: Demeridou I. , Papadopoulos A. , Kourmoulakis G. , Mouchliadis L. , Stratakis E. , Kioseoglou G.
Published: March 2021

The sufficient control of the carrier density of a single layer WS2 (1L-WS2) has been realized by the pulsed laser irradiation doping technique. Chlorine atoms are incorporated on the surface of the atomically thin lattice in a precursor gas atmosphere. In this work, we demonstrate spin-valley polarization tunability by more than 40% in 1L-WS2 on hBN via photochlorination. Polarization photoluminescence spectroscopy was performed in the temperature range from 4 K to 300 K. The decrease in circular polarization after the photochlorination treatment is attributed to the significant reduction of the active defect sites in 1L-WS2 and, consequently, to the increase in the non-radiative exciton lifetime. Ultrafast time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy measurements support our findings. The above results indicate a useful approach of controlling the density of the active defect sites and the valley polarized light emission in doped monolayer crystal lattices.
Microellipsometry study of plasmonic properties of metal–insulator–metal structures with ordered lattices of nanoparticles
Authors: Bortchagovsky E. , Demydenko Yu. , Bogoslovskaya A. , Tang J. , Dai F. , Fleischer M. , Milekhin I. , Sharma A. , Salvan G. , Zahn D. R. T.
Published: March 2021

Microellipsometric investigations of metal–insulator–metal (MIM) structures with regular square lattices of nanocylinders as one metallic layer are presented together with a theoretical description of all dipolar interactions in such a system. A comparison between the theoretical and experimental results is made, which clearly demonstrates the influence of surface plasmon on the optical properties of such MIM systems. The hybridization of localized and surface plasmon modes is revealed.
Quantum chemistry–machine learning approach for predicting and elucidating molecular hyperpolarizability: Application to [2.2]paracyclophane-containing push–pull polymers
Authors: Ivonina Mariia V. , Orimoto Yuuichi , Aoki Yuriko
Published: March 2021

Nonlinear optical properties of organic chromophores are of great interest in diverse photonic and optoelectronic applications. To elucidate general trends in the behaviors of molecules, large amounts of data are required. Therefore, both an accurate and a rapid computational approach can significantly promote the theoretical design of molecules. In this work, we combined quantum chemistry and machine learning (ML) to study the first hyperpolarizability (β) in [2.2]paracyclophane-containing push–pull compounds with various terminal donor/acceptor pairs and molecular lengths. To generate reference β values for ML, the ab initio elongation finite-field method was used, allowing us to treat long polymer chains with linear scale efficiency and high computational accuracy. A neural network (NN) model was built for β prediction, and the relevant molecular descriptors were selected using a genetic algorithm. The established NN model accurately reproduced the β values (R2 > 0.99) of long molecules based on the input quantum chemical properties (dipole moment, frontier molecular orbitals, etc.) of only the shortest systems and additional information about the actual system length. To obtain general trends in molecular descriptor–target property relationships learned by the NN, three approaches for explaining the ML decisions (i.e., partial dependence, accumulated local effects, and permutation feature importance) were used. The effect of donor/acceptor alternation on β in the studied systems was examined. The asymmetric extension of molecular regions end-capped with donors and acceptors produced unequal β responses. The results revealed how the electronic properties originating from the nature of substituents on the microscale controlled the magnitude of β according to the NN approximation. The applied approach facilitates the conceptual discoveries in chemistry by using ML to both (i) efficiently generate data and (ii) provide a source of information about causal correlations among system properties.
New Equations of State for Binary Hydrogen Mixtures Containing Methane, Nitrogen, Carbon Monoxide, and Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Beckmüller R. , Thol M. , Bell I. H. , Lemmon E. W. , Span R.
Published: March 2021

New equations of state for the binary mixtures H2 + CH4, H2 + N2, H2 + CO2, and H2 + CO are presented. The results are part of an ongoing research project aiming at an improvement of the GERG-2008 model for the description of hydrogen-rich multicomponent mixtures. The equations are formulated in terms of the reduced Helmholtz energy and allow for the calculation of all thermodynamic properties over the entire fluid surface including the gas phase, liquid phase, supercritical region, and equilibrium states. The mathematical structure of the new mixture models corresponds to the form chosen for the reference model GERG-2008 of Kunz and Wagner [J. Chem. Eng. Data 57, 3032 (2012)]. In this way, the equations can be implemented into the existing framework of the GERG-2008 model. The ranges of validity of the new equations correspond to the normal and extended ranges of validity of the GERG-2008 model.