bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marine heatwave as a supercharger for the strongest typhoon in the East China Sea
Authors: Pun Iam-Fei , Hsu Huang-Hsiung , Moon Il-Ju , Lin I-I , Jeong Jin-Yong
Published: August 2023

Due to the cold water temperatures, the East China Sea (ECS) is usually unfavorable for typhoon development. Recently, in a rare event, Typhoon Bavi (2020) reached major typhoon status and became the strongest typhoon in the ECS in the past decade. Based on in situ observations and model simulations, we discover that this typhoon is fueled by a marine heatwave, which creates a very warm ocean condition with sea surface temperature (SST) exceeding 30 °C. Also, because of suppressed typhoon-induced SST cooling caused by the shallow water depth (41 m) and strong salinity stratification (river runoff) within the ECS, the SST beneath the typhoon remains relatively high and enhances the total heat flux for the typhoon. More interestingly, due to the fair weather ahead of the typhoon, we find that the rapid development of this marine heatwave is likely, in part, attributed to the typhoon itself. As the risks from typhoons and marine heatwaves are heightening under climate change, this study provides important insights into the interaction between typhoons and marine heatwaves.
Spatial transcriptome atlas reveals pulmonary microstructure-specific COVID-19 gene signatures in cynomolgus macaques
Authors: Oh Taehwan , Kim Green , Baek Seung Ho , Woo YoungMin , Koo Bon-Sang , Hwang Eun-Ha , Shim Kyuyoung , An You Jung , Kim Yujin , Won Jinyoung , Lee Youngjeon , Lim Kyung Seob , Park Jae-Hak , Hong Jung Joo
Published: August 2023

Characterizing the host response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at the molecular level is necessary to understand viral pathogenesis and identify clinically relevant biomarkers. However, in humans, the pulmonary host response during disease onset remains poorly understood. Herein, we utilized a spatial transcriptome atlas to identify pulmonary microstructure-specific COVID-19 gene signatures during the acute phase of lung infection in cynomolgus macaques. The innate immune response to virus-induced cell death was primarily active in the alveolar regions involving activated macrophage infiltration. Inflamed vascular regions exhibited prominent upregulation of interferon and complement pathway genes that mediate antiviral activity and tissue damage response. Furthermore, known biomarker genes were significantly expressed in specific microstructures, and some of them were universally expressed across all microstructures. These findings underscore the importance of identifying key drivers of disease progression and clinically applicable biomarkers by focusing on pulmonary microstructures appearing during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Fast photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B using indium-porphyrin based cationic MOF under visible light irradiation
Authors: Dou Chang-Xun , Tian Xu-Ke , Chen Ying-Jun , Yin Pei-Pei , Guo Jia-Hui , Yang Xiao-Gang , Guo Yu-Ming , Ma Lu-Fang
Published: August 2023

An ionic In-metallated porphyrin MOF [In(TPyP)]·(NO3) was synthesized under solvothermal conditions and shows an excellent photocatalytic activity of 99.07% degradation rate of rhodamine B within 20 minutes.
Hierarchical hollow TiO2/In2S3 heterojunction photocatalyst decorated with spatially separated dual co-catalysts for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Zhang Ruyu , Jia Xiaowei , Liu Xianchun , Sun Mingliang , Wang Yuyu , Xie Anqi , Yu Xiaodan , Shi Zhan , Xing Yan
Published: August 2023

The Pt/TO/IS/PdS photocatalytic system was delicately designed, which exhibited enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2 production because of the heterojunciton structures and the decoration of spatially separated dual co-catalysts.
Mixed solvent-assisted synthesis of high mass loading amorphous NiCo-MOF as a promising electrode material for supercapacitors
Authors: Lu Faxue , Yao Junnan , Ji Yajun , Shi Dong , Zhang Pengcheng , Zhang Shixiong
Published: August 2023

The pursuit of high mass loading metal–organic framework (MOF) materials via a simple method is crucial to achieve high-performance supercapacitors.
Functionalized nanomaterials targeting NLRP3 inflammasome driven immunomodulation: Friend or Foe
Authors: Kanika  , Khan Rehan
Published: August 2023

The advancement in drug delivery systems in recent times has significantly enhanced therapeutic effects by enabling site-specific targeting through nanocarriers.
Magnetically threaded accretion disks in resistive magnetohydrodynamic simulations and asymptotic expansion
Authors: Čemeljić M. , Kluźniak W. , Parthasarathy V.
Published: August 2023

Aims. A realistic model of magnetic linkage between a central object and its accretion disk is a prerequisite for understanding the spin history of stars and stellar remnants. To this end, we aim to provide an analytic model in agreement with magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations.

Methods. For the first time, we wrote a full set of stationary asymptotic expansion equations of a thin magnetic accretion disk, including the induction and energy equations. We also performed a resistive MHD simulation of an accretion disk around a star endowed with a magnetic dipole, using the publicly available code PLUTO. We compared the analytical results with the numerical solutions, and discussed the results in the context of previous solutions of the induction equation describing the star-disk magnetospheric interaction.

Results. We found that the magnetic field threading the disk is suppressed by orders of magnitude inside thin disks, so the presence of the stellar magnetic field does not strongly affect the velocity field, nor the density profile inside the disk. Density and velocity fields found in the MHD simulations match the radial and vertical profiles of the analytic solution. Qualitatively, the MHD simulations result in an internal magnetic field similar to the solutions previously obtained by solving the induction equation in the disk alone. However, the magnetic field configuration is quantitatively affected by magnetic field inflation outside the disk; this is reflected in the net torque. The torque on the star is an order of magnitude larger in the magnetic than in the non-magnetic case. Spin-up of the star occurs on a timescale comparable to the accretion timescale in the MHD case, and is an order of magnitude slower in the absence of a stellar magnetic field.
Impact of the Galactic bar on tidal streams within the Galactic disc
Authors: Thomas Guillaume F. , Famaey Benoit , Monari Giacomo , Laporte Chervin F. P. , Ibata Rodrigo , de Laverny Patrick , Hill Vanessa , Boily Christian
Published: August 2023

Tidal streams of disrupted clusters are powerful probes of the gravitational potential of the Galaxy and they are routinely detected in the stellar halo of the Milky Way. It was recently shown that tidal streams of open clusters can now also be detected within the Milky Way disc. In this work, we highlight the fact that disc tidal streams also provide a powerful new diagnostic of the non-axisymmetric disc potential and may, in principle, provide a new constraint on the pattern speed of the Galactic bar. In particular, we show how the stream-orbit misalignment for an open cluster on a quasi-circular disk orbit in the solar vicinity varies as a function of the position with respect to the bar resonances. The angular shift rises beyond corotation, reaching values as high as 30° close to the outer Lindblad resonance (OLR), then dropping again and reversing its sign beyond the OLR. We applied this mechanism to the recently detected tidal stream of the Hyades open cluster and we note that the detected stream stars would be very similar when taking a potential a priori with no bar or with a fast pattern speed of 55 km s−1 kpc−1 (or lower than 30 km s−1 kpc−1). However, we find that candidate stream stars are different than previously detected ones when adopting a potential with a bar pattern speed of 39 km s−1 kpc−1, which is consistent with the most recent determinations of the actual Galactic bar pattern speed. Previously detected Hyades candidate members would, on the other hand, favour a barless galaxy or a fast bar of pattern speed 55 km s−1 kpc−1. Interestingly, the previously reported asymmetry in star counts within the leading and trailing tails of the Hyades tidal stream persists in all cases. Our study conclusively demonstrates that the effect of disc non-axisymmetries cannot be neglected when searching for tidal streams of open clusters and that current candidate members of the Hyades stream should not be trusted beyond a distance of 200 pc from the cluster. Moreover, our study allows for ideal targets to be provided for high-resolution spectroscopy follow-ups, which will enable conclusive identifications of the Hyades stream track and provide novel independent constraints on the bar pattern speed in the Milky Way.
Spectroscopic age estimates for APOGEE red-giant stars: Precise spatial and kinematic trends with age in the Galactic disc
Authors: Anders F. , Gispert P. , Ratcliffe B. , Chiappini C. , Minchev I. , Nepal S. , Queiroz A. B. A. , Amarante J. A. S. , Antoja T. , Casali G. , Casamiquela L. , Khalatyan A. , Miglio A. , Perottoni H. , Schultheis M.
Published: August 2023

Over the last few years, many studies have found an empirical relationship between the abundance of a star and its age. Here we estimate spectroscopic stellar ages for 178 825 red-giant stars observed by the APOGEE survey with a median statistical uncertainty of 17%. To this end, we use the supervised machine learning techniqueXGBoost, trained on a high-quality dataset of 3060 red-giant and red-clump stars with asteroseismic ages observed by both APOGEE andKepler. After verifying the obtained age estimates with independent catalogues, we investigate some of the classical chemical, positional, and kinematic relationships of the stars as a function of their age. We find a very clear imprint of the outer-disc flare in the age maps and confirm the recently found split in the local age-metallicity relation. We present new and precise measurements of the Galactic radial metallicity gradient in small age bins between 0.5 and 12 Gyr, confirming a steeper metallicity gradient for ∼2 − 5 Gyr old populations and a subsequent flattening for older populations mostly produced by radial migration. In addition, we analyse the dispersion about the abundance gradient as a function of age. We find a clear power-law trend (with an exponentβ ≈ 0.15) for this relation, indicating a relatively smooth radial migration history in the Galactic disc over the past 7 − 9 Gyr. Departures from this power law may possibly be related to the Gaia Enceladus merger and passages of the Sagittarius dSph galaxy. Finally, we confirm previous measurements showing a steepening in the age-velocity dispersion relation at around ∼9 Gyr, but now extending it over a large extent of the Galactic disc (5 kpc <RGal < 13 kpc). To establish whether this steepening is the imprint of a Galactic merger event, however, detailed forward modelling work of our data is necessary. Our catalogue of precise stellar ages and the source code to create it are publicly available.
Large Interferometer For Exoplanets (LIFE)
Authors: Carrión-González Óscar , Kammerer Jens , Angerhausen Daniel , Dannert Felix , García Muñoz Antonio , Quanz Sascha P. , Absil Olivier , Beichman Charles A. , Girard Julien H. , Mennesson Bertrand , Meyer Michael R. , Stapelfeldt Karl R. ,   The LIFE Collaboration
Published: August 2023

Context. The next generation of space-based observatories will characterize the atmospheres of low-mass, temperate exoplanets with the direct-imaging technique. This will be a major step forward in our understanding of exoplanet diversity and the prevalence of potentially habitable conditions beyond the Earth.

Aims. We compute a list of currently known exoplanets detectable with the mid-infrared Large Interferometer For Exoplanets (LIFE) in thermal emission. We also compute the list of known exoplanets accessible to a notional design of the future Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO), observing in reflected starlight.

Methods. With a pre-existing statistical methodology, we processed the NASA Exoplanet Archive and computed orbital realizations for each known exoplanet. We derived their mass, radius, equilibrium temperature, and planet-star angular separation. We used the LIFEsim simulator to compute the integration time (tint) required to detect each planet with LIFE. A planet is considered detectable if a broadband signal-to-noise ratio S/N = 7 is achieved over the spectral range 4–18.5 µm in tint < 100 h. We tested whether the planet is accessible to HWO in reflected starlight based on its notional inner and outer working angles, and minimum planet-to-star contrast.

Results. LIFE's reference configuration (four 2-m telescopes with 5% throughput and a nulling baseline between 10–100 m) can detect 212 known exoplanets within 20 pc. Of these, 49 are also accessible to HWO in reflected starlight, offering a unique opportunity for synergies in atmospheric characterization. LIFE can also detect 32 known transiting exoplanets. Furthermore, we find 38 LIFE-detectable planets orbiting in the habitable zone, of which 13 have Mp < 5M⊕ and eight have 5M⊕ < Mp < 10M⊕.

Conclusions. LIFE already has enough targets to perform ground-breaking analyses of low-mass, habitable-zone exoplanets, a fraction of which will also be accessible to other instruments.
Metrewave Galactic Plane with the uGMRT (MeGaPluG) Survey: Lessons from the pilot study
Authors: Dokara Rohit , Roy Nirupam , Menten Karl , Vig Sarita , Dutta Prasun , Beuther Henrik , Pandian Jagadheep D. , Rugel Michael , Rashid Md , Brunthaler Andreas
Published: August 2023

Context. The advent of wide-band receiver systems on interferometer arrays has enabled the undertaking of high-sensitivity and highresolution radio continuum surveys of the Galactic plane in a reasonable amount of telescope time. Yet, to date, there have been only a few such studies of the first quadrant of the Milky Way carried out at frequencies below 1 GHz. The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) has recently upgraded its receivers with wide-band capabilities (now called the uGMRT), offering a prime opportunity to conduct high resolution surveys, while also demonstrating sensitivity to the extended structures.

Aims. We wish to assess the feasibility of conducting a large-scale snapshot survey, the Metrewave Galactic Plane with the uGMRT Survey (MeGaPluG), to simultaneously map extended sources and compact objects at an angular resolution lower than 10″ and a point source sensitivity of 0.15 mJy beam−1.

Methods. We performed an unbiased survey of a small portion of the Galactic plane, covering the W43/W44 regions (l = 29° – 35° and |b| < 1°) in two frequency bands: 300–500 MHz and 550–750 MHz. The 200 MHz wide-band receivers on the uGMRT were employed to observe the target field in several pointings, spending nearly 14 min on each pointing in two separate scans. We developed an automated pipeline for the calibration and a semi-automated self-calibration procedure was used to image each pointing using multi-scale CLEAN and outlier fields.

Results. We produced continuum mosaics of the surveyed region at a final common resolution of 25″ in the two bands that have central frequencies of 400 MHz and 650 MHz, with a point source sensitivity better than 5 mJy beam−1. A spectral index map was also obtained, which is helpful to distinguish between thermal and nonthermal emission. By cross-matching with other surveys, we validated the positions and flux densities obtained from our data. We plan to cover a larger footprint of the Galactic plane in the near future based on the lessons drawn from this study.
Complex Calculations during Cardiopulmonary Bypass—1987 Technology
Authors: Deurell Erik G. , Haubert Susan M. , Becker Alan M. , Salamy Jill L. , Nicolosi Alfred C. , Rose Eric A. , Spotnitz Henry M.
Published: August 2023

(J. Extra-Corpor. Technol. 19[4]: p. 408-411 Winter 1987). Programmable calculators have become increasingly valuable to the conduct of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We report the upgrading of our previous system with current technology. A Sharp PC-2500 portable microcomputer was chosen because of its low cost, easy programmability, rechargeable battery, and built-in printer. This system has allowed perfusionists to perform an increasing number of complex calculations with more accuracy and efficiency. In addition, it offers expanded memory and a permanent record of its calculations. We have used the new system in over 250 cases of CPB without problem. Although the flexibility of such a system allows customization to fit individual needs, we advise that any program be carefully tested and debugged to prevent serious mishap.
Blood Damaging Effects in Cardiotomy Suction Return
Authors: Malinauskas Richard A. , Sade Robert M. , Dearing James P. , Spinale Francis G. , Crawford Frederick A. , von Recum Andreas F.
Published: August 2023

(J. Extra-Corpor. Technol. 20[1]: p. 40–45, 44 references, Spring Issue) Over the past three decades improvements have been made to many of the components of the extracorporeal circulation system resulting in decreased blood damage. However, the cardiotomy suction return sub-circuit, recognized as one of the most injurious components of heart-lung bypass, has remained relatively unchanged. The purpose of this study was to investigate the amount of blood damage that occurred with different cardiotomy suction designs. The five test designs compared two different suction tips with various air-mixing techniques, in vitro. Significant blood damage was observed in the air-containing designs as compared to the airless and control circuits. A minimal flow rate capable of excluding air was demonstrated as being the most important factor for blood protection, irrespective of aspirator tip design.
A Review of the Literature on Pulmonary Artery Balloon Counterpulsation and a Successful Application of Concomitant Balloon Counterpulsation
Authors: Defoe Gordon R.
Published: August 2023

The intraaortic balloon pump is the most common method of left ventricular support in use today. Various types of ventricular assist devices and centrifugal pumps are also used at many institutions for both single and biventricular support. Balloon pump technology can also be used to support the right ventricle, as we were able to recently demonstrate in a successful application of concomitant aortic and pulmonary artery balloon counterpulsation.
Comparison of the Response Time of Various Sensors for Continuous Monitoring of Blood Gases, pH and O2 Saturation During Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Riley Jeffrey B. , Fletcher Robert W. , Jenusaitis Matthew , Fink Stan , Hoerr Harry R. , Bell Carl , Crowley Jeffrey C.
Published: August 2023

The rise times and decay times of the currently available, continuous blood gas and pH monitors' sensors were evaluated at 37°C and 25°C.

An INVITRO human blood circuit was employed to apply step functions in pH, pCO2, pO2 and SO2 to the monitor sensors. The 10% and 90% response and the time to respond (reach 10% response) for the sensors are as follows:

Continuous and discrete monitors for cardiopulmonary bypass have inherent measureable response delays. The Inherent delays In the sterile diffusion barriers of the sensor flow-through connectors for the continuous monitors is probably the greatest source of interference in accuracy studies involving discrete sampling versus continuous monitoring techniques during CPB.
Clinical Evaluation of Cardiomet 4000 Continuous On-Line Blood Gas Analyzer
Authors: Basha J.W. , Sternlieb J.J. , Bjork V.O. , Bretz P.D. , Gabrielson T.W.
Published: August 2023

PURPOSE: Clinically evaluate a new, continuous, on-line blood gas analyzer, Cardiomet 4000, for accuracy, safety, user friendliness.

METHOD: 32 patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass were randomly selected. Approximately 105 blood samples were drawn and analyzed by the hospital blood-gas laboratory. The Bentley Gas Stat was used as an on-line reference. The parameters of the C4000 and BGS were recorded simultaneous to the drawing of blood samples. Calibration times and sensor insertion procedures were noted. Lab results were evaluated for bias and precision (B/P). The bias of both in-line systems was subject to a student's t-test analysis for significance.

RESULTS: Significant level= 0.001

Device
pH Bias/Precision
pCO2 B/P
p02B/P

C4000
0.003/0.028
0.059/2/8 mmHg
− 7.1/43.7 mmHg

BGS
**0.28/0.505
*0.13/4.4 mmHg
**29.5/44.7 mmHg

*not significant
**significant

Daily cal. time C4000 5 min. Full cal. time 15 min. (apx. once/wk.) Design of C4000 connector allows for sensor insertion and removal during CPB.

CONCLUSION: The C4000 demonstrated a clinically acceptable bias and precision in the measured parameters pH, pCO2, pO2 and required minimal calibration and set-up time during daily use. The C4000 stainless steel reinforced gas/ion window design provides a pressure barrier (17PSI) thus: A) allows for sensor calibration verification at any time, B) allows for sensor insertion after onset of CPB in emergency applications, C) eliminates sensor placement as requirement for membrane integrity.
Heparin Coated Hollow-Fiber Oxygenator Without Systemic Heparinization in Comparison to Classic Bubble and Membrane Oxygenators
Authors: von Segesser Ludwig K. , Turina Marko
Published: August 2023

Heparin surface coated hollow-fiber oxygenators and tubing sets were evaluated without systemic heparinization (surface) in comparison to conventional uncoated membrane (plate) and bubble oxygenators and tubing sets with systemic heparinization (ACT>400 s). Thirteen dogs were perfused for 6 hours with a mean flow of 100 ml/kg min. and either surface (42±9 kg), plate (38±12 kg) or bubble oxygenators (41 ± 18: NS) by cavo-aortic cannulation after median sternotomy. Besides continuous monitoring of hemodynamics, blood samples for blood gas, biochemical and hematological analyses were taken before, after mixing and every 30 minutes thereafter. Throughout perfusion, arterial pH, arterial pCO2, arterial pO2 and venous oxygen saturation could be maintained within normal ranges for the three groups. Plasma hemoglobine, however, was significantly lower in heparin-coated equipment (p<0.005), which allowed cardiopulmonary bypass without systemic heparinization and therefore without return of shed blood.
Separation of Conjoined Twins Utilizing Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Banchieri Candace L. , Thompson Steven J. , Rivard Dennis C.
Published: August 2023

The incidence of conjoined twins occurs once in every two million live births. Successful separation has occurred in 50% of these patients. Previous attempts to separate twins at the sagittal sinus have resulted in death. On September 5, 1987, the team at Johns Hopkins Hospital was the first to successfully separate conjoined twins at the sagittal sinus. One key to this success was the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest.

Each patient was cannulated with a 14 Fr. aortic cannula and a 22 Fr. venous cannula in the right atrium. They were then connected to completely separate cardiopulmonary bypass circuits. Cardiopulmonary bypass was initiated utilizing a roller pump, pediatric membrane oxygenator with integral cardiotomy, and an arterial filter. The twins were cooled to 20 degrees centigrade in preparation for circulatory arrest. During circulatory arrest, separation occurred and repair was accomplished utilizing direct suture and pericardial patches. When repair was complete, cardiopulmonary bypass was resumed and rewarming begun. At a rectal temperature of 33 degrees centigrade, cardiopulmonary bypass was discontinued.

The two major benefits of extra-corporeal circulation in this procedure were maintaining hemodynamic stability and the ability to regulate metabolic demands. The use of cardiopulmonary bypass was a solution to the obstacles presented. The ability to control blood flow, temperature and volume resulted in a successful separation of these patients.
The Biomedical Technology/Information Explosion: Find Yourself A Foxhole
Authors: Tyndal Charles M. , Berryessa Richard G.
Published: August 2023

Approximately 5500 biomedical papers are published every day and the half-life of this information is currently only 3-4 years. Therefore, it is not only important but nearly impossible to keep up-to-date on the literature relating to one's field.

This paper will propose a Journal Club (JC) format designed for perfusionists. Our experience with JC the last three years encourages us to share what we have learned about design, scheduling, benefits, pitfalls, and the evolution of a JC. We will suggest a list of 50+ journals that represent a cross section of the literature from disciplines affecting perfusionists. We will discuss techniques for surveying the literature, reporting at JC, recording participation, and creating a database for reference. JC is the best way to stay current with new information in our field and the benefits justify the effort required.
Long-COVID und ME/CFS – Überlegungen zu einer erweiterten Psychosomatik
Authors: Schauenburg Henning
Published: August 2023

Die Pandemie hat zu langwierigen postinfektiösen Krankheitsverläufen geführt, für die bei sehr langen und chronifizierten Bildern bisher keine eindeutigen körperliche Ursachen gefunden werden. Der Artikel diskutiert die Auseinandersetzung um psychosomatische Sichtweisen bei diesen Verläufen und schlägt die Befassung mit modernen neurowissenschaftlichen Theorien zur Wahrnehmungsverarbeitung vor, aus denen therapeutische Vorgehensweisen abgeleitet werden, die komplexe psychophysische Wechselwirkungen besser berücksichtigen.
Begutachtung von Menschen mit Beschwerden eines Fatigue-Syndroms
Authors: Gruner Beate , Grömer Teja
Published: August 2023

Die Begutachtung von Menschen mit einem Fatigue-Syndrom (Erschöpfungssyndrom) stellt Gutachter vor besondere Herausforderungen. Es ist nicht möglich, sich an objektiv messbaren Befunden zu orientieren. Um sowohl Betroffenen als auch Auftraggebern gerecht zu werden, ist es notwendig, möglichst viele Informationen aus verschiedenen Quellen zu sammeln und sie im Sinne einer Konsistenzprüfung abzugleichen.
AWMF-Leitlinie Müdigkeit: Einordnung des Symptoms „Tagesmüdigkeit/Fatigue“
Authors: Baum Erika , Lindner Nicole , Kornder Nele , Maisel Peter
Published: August 2023

In der hausärztlichen Praxis ist Müdigkeit ein häufiger Beratungsanlass, ebenso in der Psychotherapie ein wichtiges Begleitsymptom. 2002 wurde hierzu durch die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Allgemeinmedizin und Familienmedizin (DEGAM) eine Leitlinie erstellt, die kürzlich erneut überarbeitet wurde 1. Hier informieren wir über wichtige Empfehlungen, soweit sie auch für den Bereich der Psychotherapie von Interesse sind.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Aminobenzothiazole-Fused Spirooxindole Derivatives: in silico and in vitro Anti-Diabetic Studies
Authors: Velmathi Sivan , Nivetha Narayanasamy , Patil Shashank M. , Ramu Ramith , Sreenivasa Swamy
Published: August 2023

A series of highly functionalized spirooxindole pyrro­lizidine/pyrrolothiazole derivatives have been synthesized by the three-component 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of benzothiazolyl amides with isatin-based azomethine ylides. The pharmacologically significant spirooxindole derivatives bearing one quaternary carbon and four stereocenters were obtained in excellent yields (up to 93%). The compounds were screened for their anti-diabetic activity against two enzymes, α-glucosidase and α-amylase. The results exhibited potent inhibitory activity against these enzymes, especially N-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-5-fluoro-2-oxo-7′-phenyl-1′,6′,7′,7a′-tetrahydro-3′H-spiro[indoline-3,5′-pyrrolo[1,2-c]thiazole]-6′-carboxamide (6b), which showed excellent activity compared to the standard acarbose. Molecular docking against the receptors showed excellent interactions of the synthesized compounds in a similar way to acarbose. Further, the docking results of the spirooxindole pyrrolothiazole (6b) evinced the strong binding interactions of the compound with the receptors. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations were carried out and confirmed the stability of the spirooxindole pyrrolothiazole (6b) in the active pockets of enzymes over 100 ns.
Bibliometric Analysis of Scientific Output Growth in the Field of Lung Transplantation
Authors: Tokur Murat Emre , Alkan Sevil
Published: August 2023

Background Lung transplantation (LT) has recently emerged as a scientifically validated curative therapeutic modality for patients afflicted with end-stage lung disease. This study aimed to conduct a global bibliometric analysis of research articles on LT between 1983 and 2021.

Methods Employing the Web of Science database, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to assess the expansion of scientific output within the field of LT. We searched specific bibliometric characteristics such as language, and year of publication, first author, institutional affiliation, main publishing journals, and highly cited articles. Additionally, we made comparisons of the most productive countries. The VOSviewer program and the open-source visualization software Biblioshiny (version 2.0) were used to perform the bibliometric analysis.

Results We identified 10,467 articles on LT published between 1983 and 2021, of which 94.898% were published in the Science Citation Index Expanded. The articles were from 101 different research areas. The publications were from 81 different countries globally, and mostly from the United States (41.196%), Germany (7.118%), and Canada (6.372%). The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation was the most published journal. Four thousand seven hundred and ninety three of the publications were published in the last 10 years with a 78,781 citation number in total. The highest number of publications and citations was in 2021.

Conclusion The majority of cutting-edge research findings are focused on only a few developed nations, and exchanges with emerging nations are still in their infancy. The United States has a strong, commanding position among the active countries in LT.
Preoperative Preparatory Talk (PPT): Developing Operative Expertise of Plastic Surgery Trainees by Three Rounds of Preceptor-Trainee Discussions
Authors: Vathulya Madhubari , Pasricha Arush , Mohapatra Devi Prasad , Jayaprakash Praveen A.
Published: August 2023

Background Plastic surgery training requires the trainee to assist in surgeries to improve their on-table decision making and hone their surgical skills, but this results in an increased risk of intraoperative complications and increased operative time. It is important to have a training method that orients the trainee toward the surgery to ensure patient safety.

Materials and Methods A training method called preoperative preparatory talk (PPT) was devised in which the preceptor orients the trainee toward the planned surgery in three phases. Comparison and statistical analysis of mean operative times of four stages of free flap surgeries after PPT and without PPT were done. Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) scores of surgical trainees were also documented for surgeries done with and without PPT and statistical analysis was done for comparing these scores.

Results Statistical analysis via unpaired t-test confirmed that after applying PPT, there was a significant decrease in time taken in three out of four stages of free flap surgeries: flap planning and harvesting, recipient site preparation and vessel dissection, and flap division and partial inset. Trainees were found to be better oriented toward the surgery which resulted in a better performance on table that was confirmed by statistical analysis of OSATS score via unpaired t-test.

Conclusion PPT ensures better learning for the resident and improves patient safety because of better orientation of the operating team toward the procedure and operating steps. This reduces the operative time of free flap surgeries. We recommend this training method to be incorporated in plastic surgery training programs.
Glycated Albumin and Glycemia in Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Pilot Study
Authors: Soffer Marti D. , James Kaitlyn E. , Thaweethai Tanayott , Callahan Michael , Barth William H. , Powe Camille E.
Published: August 2023

Objective Percent glycated albumin (%GAlb) is a marker of glycemia over the past 2 to 3 weeks in nonpregnant individuals. Longitudinal changes in %GAlb extending throughout pregnancy and postpartum (PP) have not been described. We aimed to describe levels of %GAlb throughout pregnancy and PP and relationships with glycemia.

Study Design Fifty women among those in the Study of Pregnancy Regulation of INsulin and Glucose cohort underwent 75-g oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) at a mean of 13 weeks (V1) and 26 weeks (V2) of gestation and 11 weeks' PP. %GAlb was measured on frozen plasma samples.

Results Total albumin decreased from V1 to V2 and increased PP to levels higher than at V1. %GAlb declined between V1 and V2 (β = − 0.63% 95% CI [−0.8, −0.6] p < 0.001) and remained stable between V2 and PP (β = − 0.04% [−0.3, 0.2] p = 0.78). Body mass index (BMI) was inversely related to %GAlb in pregnancy (V1: rho = − 0.5, p = 0.0001; V2 rho = − 0.4, p = 0.006), but not PP (rho = − 0.15, p = 0.31). The longitudinal changes in %GAlb persisted after adjusting for BMI. Neither glycemia measurements nor hemoglobin A1c were associated with %GAlb at any time point, and adjustments for BMI did not reveal additional associations.

Conclusion %GAlb decreases between early and late gestation and remains decreased PP, despite a PP increase in total albumin above early pregnancy values. Given the lack of correlation with OGTT values or A1c, %GAlb is unlikely to be useful in assessing glycemia in pregnant or PP women.

Key Points
An Account of a Giant Adolescent Vulvar Lipoma
Authors: Vats Garima , DCunha Aureen , Rai Sandeep B. , Raghuraj U.
Published: August 2023

Though they are commonly known as “universal tumors,” lipomas are rarely found in the vulva. In this report, we discuss the case of a 15-year-old girl who presented with an enormous (26.5 × 21.5 × 6.5 cm) left labial swelling that had been progressively enlarging for a year and had led to extensive distortion of the vulvar anatomy. Following imaging, surgical excision with vulvar reconstruction was performed focusing on esthesis and function. Pathological examination confirmed the clinical and radiological diagnosis of a lipoma. The patient is doing clinically well at 1 year of follow-up with significant improvement in her academic performance and self-esteem.
Closure of Nasal Septal Perforations Using a Diced Cartilage in Fascia Graft
Authors: Spatz Cornelia , Kühnel Thomas , Stegmann Achim , Schwan Franziska , Bumm Klaus , Bohr Christopher
Published: August 2023

The spectrum of surgical techniques in the repair of nasal septal defects is wide. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of using a diced cartilage in fascia (DC-F) graft for successful closure of nasal septal perforations and to evaluate symptom reduction. This was a retrospective study of 18 patients undergoing surgical repair of symptomatic nasoseptal perforations of different etiologies using a DC-F graft from 2020 until 2021. The procedure was feasible in all of the 18 patients. Reconstruction of septal defects with a DC-F graft led to reduction of crust formation, reduction of epistaxis, and improvement of nasal breathing in 13 out of the 18 patients when seen for their 2-month follow-up. Reperforation occurred in three cases, leaving defects of 1, 7, and 5 mm in diameter. In one case, the reperforation was symptomatic. A DC-F graft proved to be a reliable and reproducible method for the closure of nasoseptal perforations of variable sizes, of different locations, and of different etiologies.
In situ high temperature powder x-ray diffraction technique using a sapphire single-crystal flat cell
Authors: Kobayashi S. , Kawaguchi S. , Yamada H.
Published: August 2023

Understanding the behaviors of materials in their operating and manufacturing environments is essential not only in the scientific field, but also in the context of designing industrial materials for target applications. In this study, we developed a high-temperature x-ray diffraction (XRD) system, using a small microscope heating stage at the BL02B2 beamline in SPring-8. Newly designed sample cells composed of sapphire single crystals were employed to perform XRD experiments using powdered samples at high temperatures and under oxidization/reduction gas atmospheres, with a short sample exchange time. More specifically, XRD experiments were conducted under vacuum, air, inert gas (maximum temperature: ∼1400 °C), and reduction gas flow conditions (maximum temperature: ∼900 °C). In addition, to monitor the changes in the exhausted gas composition during the chemical reactions, the developed heating system was combined with in situ gas-analysis tools (a remote gas-pressure control system, gas chromatograph, and mass spectrometer), which allowed analysis of the gas-adsorption/desorption and solid–gas reaction processes. Several heating experiments, such as the observation of the reduction of Fe oxides, phase transitions of ZrO2 and BaCO3, and synthesis of BaZrO3, demonstrated the validity and usefulness of this system.
Electron affinity of metal oxide thin films of TiO2, ZnO, and NiO and their applicability in 28.3 THz rectenna devices
Authors: Tekin S. B. , Almalki S. , Finch H. , Vezzoli A. , O’Brien L. , Dhanak V. R. , Hall S. , Mitrovic I. Z.
Published: August 2023

The holy grail of achieving efficient operation of infrared (IR) rectennas continues to be the realization of a high performance rectifier. In this paper, we have fabricated metal–insulator–metal (MIM) diodes based on TiO2, ZnO, and NiO thin films using shadow mask evaporation, photolithography, and sputtering. The electron affinities of oxides have been measured by a combination of variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, as well as deduction from the extraction of metal/oxide barrier heights of Fowler–Nordheim tunneling plots. Our results confirm a low value for the electron affinity of NiOx of ∼2.1–2.5 eV, which correlates with the high zero-bias dynamic resistance (RD0) of ∼500 kΩ of an associated MIM diode. These values render NiOx to be unsuitable for use in a rectenna device. Better performance has been observed from diodes based on TiO2 and ZnOx films. The best rectification performance was achieved for a Au/2.6 nm ZnOx/Cr diode, scaled down to 1 μm2 device area, showing a zero-bias dynamic resistance of RD0 = 71 kΩ, zero-bias responsivity β0 = 0.28 A/W, and a coupling efficiency of ηc = 2.4 × 10−5% for rectification at 28.3 THz. The main significance of this study is that it employs a methodology whereby key parameters of the MIM stack are derived from physical measurements, which are then used to assist in the fitting of electrical current–voltage data to produce a reliable appraisal of diode performance in an IR rectenna.
Ultrafast control of laser-induced spin-dynamics scenarios on two-dimensional Ni3@C63H54 magnetic system
Authors: Barhoumi Mohamed , Liu Jing , Lefkidis Georgios , Hübner Wolfgang
Published: August 2023

The concept of building logically functional networks employing spintronics or magnetic heterostructures is becoming more and more popular today. Incorporating logical segments into a circuit needs physical bonds between the magnetic molecules or clusters involved. In this framework, we systematically study ultrafast laser-induced spin-manipulation scenarios on a closed system of three carbon chains to which three Ni atoms are attached. After the inclusion of spin–orbit coupling and an external magnetic field, different ultrafast spin dynamics scenarios involving spin-flip and long-distance spin-transfer processes are achieved by various appropriately well-tailored time-resolved laser pulses within subpicosecond timescales. We additionally study the various effects of an external magnetic field on spin-flip and spin-transfer processes. Moreover, we obtain spin-dynamics processes induced by a double laser pulse, rather than a single one. We suggest enhancing the spatial addressability of spin-flip and spin-transfer processes. The findings presented in this article will improve our knowledge of the magnetic properties of carbon-based magnetic molecular structures. They also support the relevant experimental realization of spin dynamics and their potential applications in future molecular spintronics devices.
B2N2O2: A wide-bandgap two-dimensional semiconductor featuring a zigzag nitrogen array of bonds
Authors: Valentim Mirela R. , Matos Matheus J. S. , Mazzoni Mario S. C.
Published: August 2023

In this work, we apply a combination of theoretical techniques to characterize a two-dimensional material with formula B2N2O2, featuring a zigzag array of nitrogen atoms. We predict its energetic, thermal, and dynamic stability and determine its electronic properties, including band structure and mobility evaluation for a phonon-mediated mechanism. We show that the compound is a wideband-gap semiconductor, with parabolic band edges and with large electron and hole mobilities within the deformation potential approach. We ascribe this result to the existence of electronic channels defined by the zigzag array of nitrogen bonds, which define the edges of both conduction and valence bands. We also propose a mechanism to synthesize the compound based on oxygen functionalization and application of pressure. Finally, we show that the results can be generalized to represent a family of 2D compounds.
Adsorption dynamics of benzene derivatives onto the surface of hydroxylated silica upon photoexcitation: Effect of halogen and methyl substituents
Authors: Yang Yonggang , Zhao Min , Liu Yang , Guan Tiantian , Liu Yufang
Published: August 2023

Adsorption of toxic substances is an important research field. In this work, the adsorption dynamics of halogenated and methylated benzenes onto hydroxylated silica upon photoexcitation has been investigated theoretically. The intermolecular interaction between the hydroxy (OH) group and the π electron density at the center of the benzene ring was also a major subject. In the ground state, the order of calculated adsorption energy was consistent with the OH⋅⋅⋅C bond strengths (SiO2–MeBe > SiO2–DimeBe > SiO2–BrBe > SiO2–ClBe > SiO2–FBe > SiO2–Be), implying this bond to be the major contributor to the adsorption. Upon photoexcitation to the first excited (S1) state by adsorbing shortwave-ultraviolet (UV), the OH⋅⋅⋅C bonds in each complex were strengthened with only the order of the bond strengths of SiO2–DimeBe and SiO2–MeBe reversed relative to the order in the ground state. In contrast to OH⋅⋅⋅C bonds, the OH⋅⋅⋅π bonds were all indicated to weaken upon photoexcitation. The results showed that the order of OH⋅⋅⋅π bond strengths in the S1 state to be SiO2–FBe > SiO2–BrBe > SiO2–DimeBe > SiO2–Be > SiO2–ClBe > SiO2–MeBe. However, the change in the corresponding adsorption energy was inconsistent with the order of OH⋅⋅⋅C bond strengths in the S1 state, due to the degree of weakening of the OH⋅⋅⋅π bond being greater than the degree of strengthening of the OH⋅⋅⋅C bonds. These changes were concluded to be induced by local excitation for each of the six complexes. This work has presented the photophysical dynamics of an adsorbent before and after photoexcitation.
Flexible optoelectronic synaptic transistors for neuromorphic visual systems
Authors: Liu Xiao , Li Dongke , Wang Yue , Yang Deren , Pi Xiaodong
Published: August 2023

Neuromorphic visual systems that integrate the functionalities of sensing, memory, and processing are expected to overcome the shortcomings of conventional artificial visual systems, such as data redundancy, data access delay, and high-energy consumption. Neuromorphic visual systems based on emerging flexible optoelectronic synaptic devices have recently opened up innovative applications, such as robot visual perception, visual prosthetics, and artificial intelligence. Various flexible optoelectronic synaptic devices have been fabricated, which are either two-terminal memristors or three-terminal transistors. In flexible optoelectronic synaptic transistors (FOSTs), the synaptic weight can be modulated by the electricity and light synergistically, which endows the neuromorphic visual systems with versatile functionalities. In this Review, we present an overview of the working mechanisms, device structures, and active materials of FOSTs. Their applications in neuromorphic visual systems for color recognition, image recognition and memory, motion detection, and pain perception are presented. Perspectives on the development of FOSTs are finally outlined.
Faculty as catalysts for training new inventors: Differential outcomes for male and female PhD students
Authors: Delgado Mercedes , Murray Fiona E.
Published: August 2023

STEM PhDs are a critical source of human capital in the economy, contributing to commercial as well as academic science. We examine whether STEM PhD students become new inventors (file their first patent) during their doctoral training at the top 25 U.S. universities (by patenting). We find that 4% of PhDs become new inventors. However, among PhDs of faculty who are themselves top (prolific) inventors, this figure rises to 23%. These faculty train 44% of all the new inventor PhDs by copatenting with their advisees. We also explore whether new inventor PhDs are equally distributed by gender. In our university sample, the female share of new inventors is 9% points (pp) lower than the female share of PhDs. Several channels contribute to this: First, female PhDs are less likely to be trained by top inventor advisors (TIs) than male PhDs. Second, they are less likely to be trained by (the larger number of) male top inventors: The estimated gap in the female % of PhDs between female and male TIs is 7 to 9 pp. Third, female PhDs (supervised by top inventors and especially by other faculty) have a lower probability of becoming new inventors relative to their male counterparts. Notably, we find that male and female top inventors have similar rates of transforming their female advisees into new inventors at 4 to 8 pp lower (17 to 26% lower rate) than for male advisees. The gap remains at 4 pp comparing students of the same advisor and controlling for thesis topic.