bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a mugineic acid family phytosiderophore analog as an iron fertilizer
Authors: Suzuki Motofumi , Urabe Atsumi , Sasaki Sayaka , Tsugawa Ryo , Nishio Satoshi , Mukaiyama Haruka , Murata Yoshiko , Masuda Hiroshi , Aung May Sann , Mera Akane , Takeuchi Masaki , Fukushima Keijo , Kanaki Michika , Kobayashi Kaori , Chiba Yuichi , Shrestha Binod Babu , Nakanishi Hiromi , Watanabe Takehiro , Nakayama Atsushi , Fujino Hiromichi , Kobayashi Takanori , Tanino Keiji , Nishizawa Naoko K. , Namba Kosuke
Published: March 2021

Iron (Fe) is an essential nutrient, but is poorly bioavailable because of its low solubility in alkaline soils; this leads to reduced agricultural productivity. To overcome this problem, we first showed that the soil application of synthetic 2′-deoxymugineic acid, a natural phytosiderophore from the Poaceae, can recover Fe deficiency in rice grown in calcareous soil. However, the high cost and poor stability of synthetic 2′-deoxymugineic acid preclude its agricultural use. In this work, we develop a more stable and less expensive analog, proline-2′-deoxymugineic acid, and demonstrate its practical synthesis and transport of its Fe-chelated form across the plasma membrane by Fe(III)•2’-deoxymugineic acid transporters. Possibility of its use as an iron fertilizer on alkaline soils is supported by promotion of rice growth in a calcareous soil by soil application of metal free proline-2’-deoxymugineic acid.
Single cell transcriptomic analysis of murine lung development on hyperoxia-induced damage
Authors: Hurskainen Maria , Mižíková Ivana , Cook David P. , Andersson Noora , Cyr-Depauw Chanèle , Lesage Flore , Helle Emmi , Renesme Laurent , Jankov Robert P. , Heikinheimo Markku , Vanderhyden Barbara C. , Thébaud Bernard
Published: March 2021

During late lung development, alveolar and microvascular development is finalized to enable sufficient gas exchange. Impaired late lung development manifests as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) allows for assessment of complex cellular dynamics during biological processes, such as development. Here, we use MULTI-seq to generate scRNA-seq profiles of over 66,000 cells from 36 mice during normal or impaired lung development secondary to hyperoxia with validation of some of the findings in lungs from BPD patients. We observe dynamic populations of cells, including several rare cell types and putative progenitors. Hyperoxia exposure, which mimics the BPD phenotype, alters the composition of all cellular compartments, particularly alveolar epithelium, stromal fibroblasts, capillary endothelium and macrophage populations. Pathway analysis and predicted dynamic cellular crosstalk suggest inflammatory signaling as the main driver of hyperoxia-induced changes. Our data provides a single-cell view of cellular changes associated with late lung development in health and disease.
Risk of stroke in cancer survivors using a propensity score-matched cohort analysis
Authors: Saito Eiko , Inoue Manami , Sawada Norie , Kokubo Yoshihiro , Yamagishi Kazumasa , Iso Hiroyasu , Shimazu Taichi , Yamaji Taiki , Iwasaki Motoki , Tsugane Shoichiro ,   JPHC Study Group
Published: March 2021

Little is known about the risk of cerebrovascular disease in cancer survivors. We aimed to assess the association between incident cancer and the subsequent risk of stroke using a large-scale, population-based prospective study. 74,530 Japanese aged between 40 and 69 years at baseline study were matched by the status of cancer diagnosis during follow-up using propensity score nearest-neighbor matching with allowance for replacement. A total of 2242 strokes were reported during 557,885 person-years of follow-up. Associations between incident cancer and the subsequent risk of all strokes, cerebral infarction, and intracerebral hemorrhage were assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model stratified on the propensity score-matched pairs. No significant association was observed between the status of cancer diagnosis of all types, gastric, colorectal and lung cancer, and subsequent occurrence of all strokes, cerebral infarction, and intracerebral hemorrhage. However, analysis by discrete time periods suggested an elevated risk in cancer patients for one to three months after a cancer diagnosis in all stroke (HR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.06, 4.74) and cerebral infarction (HR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.05, 6.53). This prospective cohort study found no association between the status of cancer diagnosis and the subsequent occurrence of all strokes and its subtypes during the entire follow-up period but suggested an increase in stroke risk during the active phase of malignancy.
Organophosphate poisoning of Hyacinth Macaws in the Southern Pantanal, Brazil
Authors: Vicente Eliane C. , Guedes Neiva M. R.
Published: March 2021

The populations of hyacinth macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), an emblematic species, have suffered declines due to many environmental factors. The Hyacinth Macaw Institute’s actions are showing positive outcomes for the conservation of A. hyacinthinus. However, environmental issues, such as fires and deforestation due to inefficient and unsustainable cattle ranching practices, are a threat to the biodiversity. Another major threat is the reckless use of pesticides. The objective of this manuscript is to describe the findings, in the Pantanal, of three dead hyacinth macaws and to investigate their cause of death and conservation implications. A necropsy was conducted on two individuals and biological samples were collected and sent to conduct toxicological exams to test for organophosphates, organochlorines, and carbomates. Compatible with other findings, results showed a highly dangerous level of organophosphate, 158.44 ppb. We describe for the first time, a rare, isolated but unusual mortality event associated with organophosphate pesticide poisoning of hyacinth macaws. Mortality reports for bees and other bird species on how the improper use of pesticides can potentially cause the contamination of food and water resources are discussed. These factors are antagonistic to long-term efforts to preserve wildlife and carry out other conservation efforts in Brazil’s southern Pantanal.
Association between coffee and green tea intake and pneumonia among the Japanese elderly: a case-control study
Authors: Kondo Kyoko , Suzuki Kanzo , Washio Masakazu , Ohfuji Satoko , Adachi Satoru , Kan Sakae , Imai Seiichiro , Yoshimura Kunihiko , Miyashita Naoyuki , Fujisawa Nobumitsu , Maeda Akiko , Fukushima Wakaba , Hirota Yoshio ,   The Pneumonia in Elderly People Study Group, Suzuki Kanzo , Washio Masakazu , Kondo Kyoko , Ohfuji Satoko , Maeda Akiko , Fukushima Wakaba , Hirota Yoshio , Adachi Satoru , Kan Sakae , Imai Seiichiro , Yoshimura Kunihiko , Miyashita Naoyuki , Fujisawa Nobumitsu , Kojimahara Noriko , Ota Chiharu , Usami Ikuji , Kato Munehiro , Yamamoto Toshinobu , Yamamoto Kazuhide , Nakanishi Yoichi , Kitazono Takanari , Matsumoto Takafumi , Tashiro Hideki , Taketomi Masahiko , Iwanaga Tomoaki , Nogami Hiroko , Takano Koichi , Tonegawa Ken , Hayashi Yoshimitsu , Ikeda Ikuo , Sugiyama Shigeki , Aoshima Masahiro , Nakashima Kei , Nakamori Yoshitaka , Seida Yasushi , Kichikawa Yoshiko , Nakamura Atsushi , Iwashima Yasuhito , Kojima Yasuhiro , Yamada Yasuo , Kawamura Hidekazu , Niwa Toshiaki , Kawai Atsuro , Ito Yuuji , Aoyama Emi , Kusada Noriko , Sumida Chizuko
Published: March 2021

A large prospective cohort study in the United States examined the association between coffee intake and overall and cause-specific mortality and showed a inverse association between pneumonia and influenza deaths and coffee intake. In Japan, the mortality rate of pneumonia in elderly people is high, and its prevention is an important issue. The present study investigated the association between coffee and green tea intake and pneumonia among the elderly. The design was a hospital-based case control study. The cases were patients over 65 years old newly diagnosed as pneumonia. As a control, patients with the same sex and age (range of 5 years) who visited the same medical institution around the same time (within 2 months after examination of the case) for a disease other than pneumonia were selected. There were two controls per case. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for pneumonia of coffee and green tea intake during the past month were calculated using a conditional logistic regression model. A total of 199 cases and 374 controls were enrolled. When compared to those who do not drink coffee, the OR for pneumonia of those who drink less than one cup of coffee per day was 0.69 (95% CI 0.39–1.21), OR of those who drink one cup was 0.67 (0.38–1.18), and OR of those who drink two or more cups was 0.50 (0.28–0.88) (Trend p = 0.024). No association was found between pneumonia and green tea consumption. This study suggested a preventive association between coffee intake over 2 cups per day and pneumonia in the elderly.
Challenges in nanofabrication for efficient optical metasurfaces
Authors: Patoux Adelin , Agez Gonzague , Girard Christian , Paillard Vincent , Wiecha Peter R. , Lecestre Aurélie , Carcenac Franck , Larrieu Guilhem , Arbouet Arnaud
Published: March 2021

Optical metasurfaces have raised immense expectations as cheaper and lighter alternatives to bulk optical components. In recent years, novel components combining multiple optical functions have been proposed pushing further the level of requirement on the manufacturing precision of these objects. In this work, we study in details the influence of the most common fabrication errors on the optical response of a metasurface and quantitatively assess the tolerance to fabrication errors based on extensive numerical simulations. We illustrate these results with the design, fabrication and characterization of a silicon nanoresonator-based metasurface that operates as a beam deflector in the near-infrared range.
A new wearable multichannel magnetocardiogram system with a SERF atomic magnetometer array
Authors: Yang Yanfei , Xu Mingzhu , Liang Aimin , Yin Yan , Ma Xin , Gao Yang , Ning Xiaolin
Published: March 2021

In this study, a wearable multichannel human magnetocardiogram (MCG) system based on a spin exchange relaxation-free regime (SERF) magnetometer array is developed. The MCG system consists of a magnetically shielded device, a wearable SERF magnetometer array, and a computer for data acquisition and processing. Multichannel MCG signals from a healthy human are successfully recorded simultaneously. Independent component analysis (ICA) and empirical mode decomposition (EMD) are used to denoise MCG data. MCG imaging is realized to visualize the magnetic and current distribution around the heart. The validity of the MCG signals detected by the system is verified by electrocardiogram (ECG) signals obtained at the same position, and similar features and intervals of cardiac signal waveform appear on both MCG and ECG. Experiments show that our wearable MCG system is reliable for detecting MCG signals and can provide cardiac electromagnetic activity imaging.
Accuracy and precision of the spinal instability neoplastic score (SINS) for predicting vertebral compression fractures after radiotherapy in spinal metastases: a meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Young Rak , Lee Chang-Hyun , Yang Seung Heon , Hyun Seung-Jae , Kim Chi Heon , Park Sung Bae , Kim Ki-Jeong , Chung Chun Kee
Published: March 2021

Radiotherapy has played an important role in the treatment of spinal metastases. One of the major complications of radiotherapy is vertebral compression fracture (VCF). Although the spinal instability neoplastic score (SINS) was developed for evaluating spinal instability in patients with spinal metastases, it is also commonly used to predict VCF after radiotherapy in patients with spinal metastases. However, its accuracy for predicting radiotherapy-induced VCF and precision remain controversial. The aim of this study was to clarify the diagnostic value of the SINS to predict radiotherapy-induced VCF and to make recommendations for improving its diagnostic power. We searched core databases and identified 246 studies. Fourteen studies were analyzed, including 7 studies (with 1269 segments) for accuracy and 7 studies (with 280 patients) for precision. For accuracy, the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.776. When a SINS cut-off value of 7 was used, as was done in the included studies, the pooled sensitivity was 0.790 and the pooled specificity was 0.546. For precision, the summary estimate of interobserver agreement was the highest dividing 2 categories based on a cut-off value of 7, and the value was 0.788. The body collapse showed moderate relationship and precision with the VCF. The lytic tumor of bone lesion showed high accuracy and fair reliability, while location had excellent reliability, but low accuracy. The SINS system can be used to predict the occurrence of VCF after radiotherapy in spinal metastases with moderate accuracy and substantial reliability. Increasing the cut-off value and revising the domains may improve the diagnostic performance to predict the VCF of the SINS.
Effect of load sequence interaction on bond-wire lifetime due to power cycling
Authors: Khatir Zoubir , Tran Son-Ha , Ibrahim Ali , Lallemand Richard , Degrenne Nicolas
Published: March 2021

Experimental investigations on the effects of load sequence on degradations of bond-wire contacts of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors power modules are reported in this paper. Both the junction temperature swing ($$\Delta T_{j}$$

Δ

T
j

) and the heating duration ($$t_{ON}$$

t

ON

) are investigated. First, power cycling tests with single conditions (in $$\Delta T_{j}$$

Δ

T
j

and $$t_{ON}$$

t

ON

), are performed in order to serve as test references. Then, combined power cycling tests with two-level stress conditions have been done sequentially. These tests are carried-out in the two sequences: low stress/high stress (LH) and high stress/low stress (HL) for both $$\Delta T_{j}$$

Δ

T
j

and $$t_{ON}$$

t

ON

. The tests conducted show that a sequencing in $$\Delta T_{j}$$

Δ

T
j

regardless of the direction “high-low” or “low–high” leads to an acceleration of degradations and so, to shorter lifetimes. This is more pronounced when the difference between the stress levels is large. With regard to the heating duration ($$t_{ON}$$

t

ON

), the effect seems insignificant. However, it is necessary to confirm the effect of this last parameter by additional tests.
Protein network analyses of pulmonary endothelial cells in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Nukala Sarath Babu , Tura-Ceide Olga , Aldini Giancarlo , Smolders Valérie F. E. D. , Blanco Isabel , Peinado Victor I. , Castellà Manuel , Barberà Joan Albert , Altomare Alessandra , Baron Giovanna , Carini Marina , Cascante Marta , D’Amato Alfonsina
Published: March 2021

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a vascular disease characterized by the presence of organized thromboembolic material in pulmonary arteries leading to increased vascular resistance, heart failure and death. Dysfunction of endothelial cells is involved in CTEPH. The present study describes for the first time the molecular processes underlying endothelial dysfunction in the development of the CTEPH. The advanced analytical approach and the protein network analyses of patient derived CTEPH endothelial cells allowed the quantitation of 3258 proteins. The 673 differentially regulated proteins were associated with functional and disease protein network modules. The protein network analyses resulted in the characterization of dysregulated pathways associated with endothelial dysfunction, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative phosphorylation, sirtuin signaling, inflammatory response, oxidative stress and fatty acid metabolism related pathways. In addition, the quantification of advanced oxidation protein products, total protein carbonyl content, and intracellular reactive oxygen species resulted increased attesting the dysregulation of oxidative stress response. In conclusion this is the first quantitative study to highlight the involvement of endothelial dysfunction in CTEPH using patient samples and by network medicine approach.
Effectiveness of Nutrition and WASH/malaria educational community-based interventions in reducing anemia in children from Angola
Authors: Fançony Cláudia , Soares Ânia , Lavinha João , Barros Henrique , Brito Miguel
Published: March 2021

We found no published data in Angola regarding the effect of combining nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive approaches in the reduction of anemia in preschool children. Thus, we implemented a cluster-randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of two educational-plus-therapeutic interventions, in Nutrition and WASH/Malaria, in reducing anemia. We compared them to (1) a test-and-treat intervention and (2) with each other. A block randomization was performed to allocate 6 isolated hamlets to 3 study arms. A difference-in-difference technique, using Fit Generalized estimating models, was used to determine differences between the children successfully followed in all groups, between 2015 and 2016. We found no significant differences in anemia´s and hemoglobin variability between educational and the control group. However, the WASH/Malaria group had 22.8% higher prevalence of anemia when compared with the Nutrition group, having also higher prevalence of P. falciparum. Thus, our results suggest that adding a 12-month educational Nutrition or a WASH/Malaria component to a test-and-treat approach may have a limited effect in controlling anemia. Possibly, the intensity and duration of the educational interventions were not sufficient to observe the amount of behavior change needed to stop transmission and improve the general child feeding practices.
Nanoscopic live electrooptic imaging
Authors: Tsuchiya Masahiro , Takata Shigeru , Ohsone Kazuhiro , Fukui Shinji , Yorinaga Muneo
Published: March 2021

A door to the nanoscopic domain is opened regarding real-time visualization of electric field distributions and dynamics. Through the use of a live electrooptic imaging system with an oil-immersion objective lens and a highly thinned electrooptic sensor film, a minimum linewidth of 330 nm and a minimum peak splitting of 650 nm in real-time electric field video images have been successfully demonstrated. In addition, room to improve the resolution is noted, while a few problems that need to be solved are discussed, including an effect caused by optical interference.
A Chinese multicenter retrospective study of isolated increased nuchal translucency associated chromosome anomaly and prenatal diagnostic suggestions
Authors: Jin Hua , Wang Juan , Zhang Guoying , Jiao Hongyan , Zhu Jiansheng , Li Zhimin , Chen Chen , Zhang XuanPing , Huang Huan , Wang JiaYin
Published: March 2021

Extensive researches involving fetuses with multiple ultrasound anomalies have been conducted over the years, but only few were focused on the isolated increased nuchal translucency (NT). On top of that, these limited number of researches were all designed as single-arm studies and the control group was missing. In this study, we conducted a multicenter, retrospective study using amniotic fluid samples collected from 1197 pregnant women having fetuses with isolated increased NT (INT group) or normal NT values (NNT group). Copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) was performed to determine their chromosome status and pathogenic variations were validated using SNP array. Overall, 59 chromosome aneuploidies, 34 pathogenic CNVs and 23 copy number variants of unknown significance (VOUS CNVs) were discovered. the INT group had a significantly higher proportion of aneuploidy (19.44%) and pathogenic CNV (8.33%) than the control group (3.49% and 2.30% respectively), and 88.89% of the pathogenic CNVs were related to heart defects. Additionally, more male fetuses were presented in the INT group (68.51%), but they did not have a higher risk (Relative Risk = 1.03) of carrying pathogenic chromosome variations than female fetuses. Our results demonstrated that fetuses with isolated increased NT had a distinct pattern of chromosome abnormality and majority of detected pathogenic CNVs could be linked to the congenital heart disease. Furthermore, because a considerable proportion of pathogenic CNVs were detected, we strongly recommend to perform a joint test of karyotyping and CNV analysis in prenatal diagnosis for fetuses with isolated increased NT in order to decrease the incident of missed diagnosis.
Author Correction: Systematic evaluation of particle loss during handling in the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for eight different drug-coated balloons
Authors: Heinrich Andreas , Engler Martin S. , Güttler Felix V. , Matthäus Christian , Popp Jürgen , Teichgräber Ulf K.-M.
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Examination of the association of steroids with fluid accumulation in critically ill patients, considering the possibility of biases
Authors: Frenkel Amit , Abuhasira Ran , Bichovsky Yoav , Bukhin Anton , Novack Victor , Brotfain Evgeni , Zlotnik Alexander , Klein Moti
Published: March 2021

Glucocorticoids might have significant influence on positive fluid balance, mostly due to their mineralocorticoid effect. We assessed the association between glucocorticoid therapy and fluid balance in septic patients, in the intensive care unit (ICU). We considered two definitions of exposure: daily exposure to glucocorticoids and glucocorticoid treatment at any time. Of 945 patients, 375 were treated with glucocorticoids in the ICU. We applied four regression models. In the first, fluid balance did not differ during days with and without glucocorticoid treatment, among patients treated and not treated with glucocorticoids in the ICU. In our second model, daily fluid balance was increased in patients who were ever treated with glucocorticoids during their ICU stay compared to untreated patients. In the third model, which included only patients treated with glucocorticoids during their ICU stay, glucocorticoid treatment days were not associated with daily fluid balance. In the last model, on "steroid-free days", patients who received glucocorticoid treatment during their ICU stay had a positive fluid balance compared to those who were never treated with steroids. Despite their known mineralocorticoid activity, glucocorticoids themselves appear not to contribute substantially to fluid retention. This work highlights the importance of precise selection of variables to mitigate biases.
Groundwater recharge potential zonation using an ensemble of machine learning and bivariate statistical models
Authors: Jaafarzadeh Maryam Sadat , Tahmasebipour Naser , Haghizadeh Ali , Pourghasemi Hamid Reza , Rouhani Hamed
Published: March 2021

Many regions in Iran are currently experience water crisis, largely driven by frequent droughts and expanding agricultural land combined with over abstraction of groundwater. Therefore, it is extremely important to identify potential groundwater recharge (GWR) zones to help in prevent water scarcity. The key objective of this research is to applying different scenarios for GWR potential mapping by means of a classifier ensemble approach, namely a combination of Maximum Entropy (ME) and Frequency Ratio (FR) models in a semi-arid mountainous, Marboreh Watershed of Iran. To consider the ensemble effect of these models, 15 input layers were generated and used in two models and then the models were combined in seven scenarios. According to marginal response curves (MRCs) and the Jackknife technique, quaternary formations (Qft1 and Qft2) of lithology, sandy-clay-loam (Sa. Cl. L) class of soil, 0–4% class of slope, and agriculture & rangeland classes of land use, offered the highest percolation potential. Results of the FR model showed that the highest weight belonged to Qft1 rocks and Sa. Cl. L textures. Seven scenarios were used for GWR potential maps by different ensembles based on basic mathematical operations. Correctly Classified Instances (CCI), and the AUC indices were applied to validate model predictions. The validation indices showed that scenarios 5 had the best performance. The combination of models by different ensemble scenarios enhances the efficiency of these models. This study serves as a basis for future investigations and provides useful information for prediction of sites with groundwater recharge potential through combination of state-of-the-art statistical and machine learning models. The proposed ensemble model reduced the machine learning and statistical models’ limitations gaps and promoted the accuracy of the model where combining, especially for data-scarce areas. The results of present study can be used for the GWR potential mapping, land use planning, and groundwater development plans.
The emerging clinical role of wearables: factors for successful implementation in healthcare
Authors: Smuck Matthew , Odonkor Charles A. , Wilt Jonathan K. , Schmidt Nicolas , Swiernik Michael A.
Published: March 2021

Wearable technologies promise to redefine assessment of health behaviors, yet their clinical implementation remains a challenge. To address this gap, two of the NIH’s Big Data to Knowledge Centers of Excellence organized a workshop on potential clinical applications of wearables. A workgroup comprised of 14 stakeholders from diverse backgrounds (hospital administration, clinical medicine, academia, insurance, and the commercial device industry) discussed two successful digital health interventions that involve wearables to identify common features responsible for their success. Seven features were identified including: a clearly defined problem, integration into a system of healthcare delivery, technology support, personalized experience, focus on end-user experience, alignment with reimbursement models, and inclusion of clinician champions. Health providers and systems keen to establish new models of care inclusive of wearables may consider these features during program design. A better understanding of these features is necessary to guide future clinical applications of wearable technology.
The extracellular matrix regulates cortical layer dynamics and cross-columnar frequency integration in the auditory cortex
Authors: El-Tabbal Mohamed , Niekisch Hartmut , Henschke Julia U. , Budinger Eike , Frischknecht Renato , Deliano Matthias , Happel Max F. K.
Published: March 2021

In the adult vertebrate brain, enzymatic removal of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is increasingly recognized to promote learning, memory recall, and restorative plasticity. The impact of the ECM on translaminar dynamics during cortical circuit processing is still not understood. Here, we removed the ECM in the primary auditory cortex (ACx) of adult Mongolian gerbils using local injections of hyaluronidase (HYase). Using laminar current-source density (CSD) analysis, we found layer-specific changes of the spatiotemporal synaptic patterns with increased cross-columnar integration and simultaneous weakening of early local sensory input processing within infragranular layers Vb. These changes had an oscillatory fingerprint within beta-band (25–36 Hz) selectively within infragranular layers Vb. To understand the laminar interaction dynamics after ECM digestion, we used time-domain conditional Granger causality (GC) measures to identify the increased drive of supragranular layers towards deeper infragranular layers. These results showed that ECM degradation altered translaminar cortical network dynamics with a stronger supragranular lead of the columnar response profile.
The exploitation of thermophile resources in hot springs: fluorescent carbon dots derived from Ureibacillus thermosphaericus for multicolour cellular imaging and selectivity detection of heavy metals
Authors: Wang Bin , Ji Yang , Xia Yonghua , Qin Kunhao , Li Bo
Published: March 2021

The schematic of the synthetic route for fluorescent CDs-HS18 and the applications in the bioimaging and detection of Cr6+.
A crystallography-based investigation of weak interactions for drug design against COVID-19
Authors: Sepay Nayim , Saha Pranab Chandra , Shahzadi Zarrin , Chakraborty Aratrika , Halder Umesh Chandra
Published: March 2021

Via analyzing 143 crystal structures of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, we identified the most important active site amino acids, the nature and propensity of their interactions with small molecules and the relevant fragments of ligands to design new pharmacophores.
Construction of a series of metal-directed MOFs to explore their physical and chemical properties
Authors: Akhtar Sohel , Singha Pabitra , De Avik , Das Krishna Sundar , Saha Sayan , Bala Sukhen , Mondal Raju
Published: March 2021

Here, we report a series of metal-directed coordination polymers and explore their various properties. The polymeric networks show interesting properties such as selective CO2 gas adsorption, Fenton-type photocatalytic dye degradation and heterogeneous catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol.
One-step coating of Ni–Fe alloy outerwear on 1–3-dimensional nanomaterials by a novel technology
Authors: Liu Yang , Lu Shiqing , Yang Haidong
Published: March 2021

A simple one-step electrodeposition approach was developed to manufacture Ni–Fe alloy@1–3-dimensional core–shell nanomaterials using a novel technology.
Synthesis and molecular dynamics simulation of CuS@GO–CS hydrogel for enhanced photothermal antibacterial effect
Authors: Wang Mingqian , Zhu Haomiao , Shen Jian
Published: March 2021

CuS@GO–CS hydrogels were prepared by a simple method and possessed an enhanced photothermal antibacterial effect against E. coli and S. aureus.
Imaging and analysis of covalent organic framework crystallites on a carbon surface: a nanocrystalline scaly COF/nanotube hybrid
Authors: Weare Benjamin L. , Lodge Rhys W. , Zyk Nikolai , Weilhard Andreas , Housley Claire L. , Strutyński Karol , Melle-Franco Manuel , Mateo-Alonso Aurelio , Khlobystov Andrei N.
Published: March 2021

Synthesis of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is well-advanced but understanding their nanoscale structure and interaction with other materials remains a significant challenge.
Molecularly-tunable nanoelectrode arrays created by harnessing intermolecular interactions
Authors: Cheng Han-Wen , Wang Shan , Porter Marc D. , Zhong Chuan-Jian
Published: March 2021

Intermolecular interactions in monolayer assembly are harnessed for creating molecularly-tunable nanoelectrode arrays or ensembles.
Self-assembled nanomaterials for biosensing and therapeutics: recent advances and challenges
Authors: Huang Shan , Song Yuexin , He Zhimei , Zhang Jian-Rong , Zhu Jun-Jie
Published: March 2021

Self-assembled nanomaterials (SANs) exhibit designable biofunctions owing to their tunable nanostructures and modifiable surfaces.
Supramolecular self-assembly and perfectedin vitro/vivoproperty of 5-fluorouracil and ferulic acid on the strength of double optimized strategy: the first 5-fluorouracial-phenolic acid nutraceutical cocrystal with synergistic antitumor efficacy
Authors: Yu Yue-Ming , Niu Yuan-Yuan , Wang Ling-Yang , Li Yan-Tuan , Wu Zhi-Yong , Yan Cui-Wei
Published: March 2021

The first 5-fluorouracil-nutraceutical cocrystal with synergistic antitumor effect, Flu-FR-H2O, is synthesized based on the dual optimization strategy and evaluated by combining the experimental evaluation with theoretical analysis.
Magnetic matchstick micromotors with switchable motion modes
Authors: Zhang Xiaoliang , Xie Wenqing , Wang Huaguang , Zhang Zexin
Published: March 2021

Magnetic matchstick micromotors with two motion modes that can be reversibly switched in situ were synthesised.
New insights into the role of solution additive anions in Mg2+ dehydration: implications for mineral carbonation
Authors: Toroz Dimitrios , Song Fu , Chass Gregory A. , Di Tommaso Devis
Published: March 2021

Computer simulations of the Mg2+ dehydration mechanism show that solution additives can stabilise undercoordinated Mg2+ hydration configurations, opening up coordination sites on the central Mg2+ ion, promoting Mg-carbonates nucleation and growth.
Gas-phase pyrolysis of trans 3-pentenenitrile: competition between direct and isomerization-mediated dissociation
Authors: Mishra Piyush , Fritz Sean M. , Herbers Sven , Mebel Alexander M. , Zwier Timothy S.
Published: March 2021

The flash pyrolysis of trans 3-pentenenitrile was studied by mass-correlated broadband microwave spectroscopy, where both molecular and radical species were observed within our jet-cooled molecular beam, including 2,4-pentadienenitrile.
In situ hydrothermal synthesis of double-carbon enhanced novel cobalt germanium hydroxide composites as promising anode material for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Wen Ni , Chen Siyuan , Feng Jingjie , Zhang Ke , Zhou Zhiyong , Li Xiaolong , Fan Qinghua , Kuang Quan , Dong Youzhong , Zhao Yanming
Published: March 2021

The double-carbon confined CGH@C/rGO composite is designed via a facile in situ hydrothermal strategy. When used as an anode for sodium-ion batteries, it exhibits superior reversible capacities, high rate capability, and stable cycling performance.
Esterification catalyzed by an efficient solid acid synthesized from PTSA and UiO-66(Zr) for biodiesel production
Authors: Li Hui , Han Zhihao , Liu Fengsheng , Li Guoning , Guo Min , Cui Ping , Zhou Shoujun , Yu Mingzhi
Published: March 2021

PTSA is successfully inserted in UiO-66(Zr) without destroying its original structure (UiO-G), the maximum conversion of 91.3% is achieved and UiO-G could remarkably reduce the activation energy of esterification to 28.61 kJ mol–1.
Theoretical prediction of chiral actinide endohedral borospherenes
Authors: Zhang Naixin , Li Ailin , Wang Congzhi , Wu Qunyan , Lan Jianhui , Chai Zhifang , Zhao Yubao , Shi Weiqun
Published: March 2021

Actinide encapsulation can form chiral borospherenes, and the covalent character of An–B bonds dominates the formation of these actinoborospherenes.
An effective approach for fabricating high-strength polyurethane hydrogels with reversible photochromic performance as a photoswitch
Authors: Li Guangyao , Pan Zhicheng , Jia Zhanyu , Wang Juan , Wang Jianlong , Zhang Ning , Pan Mingwang , Yuan Jinfeng
Published: March 2021

Reversible high-strength photochromic polyurethane hydrogel which can realize information storage was successfully prepared by a polyaddition reaction.
From mono-rings to bridged bi-rings to caged bi-rings: a promising design strategy for all-nitrogen high-energy-density materials N10 and N12
Authors: Lang Qing , Sun Qi , Xu Yuangang , Wang Pengcheng , Lin Qiuhan , Lu Ming
Published: March 2021

Four designed bicyclic all-nitrogen compounds with excellent energetic performance (D: 9878–12 293 m s−1; Isp: 325–434.60 s) were fully studied.
Cryo-EM is a powerful tool, but helical applications can have pitfalls
Authors: Egelman Edward H. , Wang Fengbin
Published: March 2021

In structural biology, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has emerged as the main technique for determining the atomic structures of macromolecular complexes.
Correction: High-pressure structural phase transition and metallization in Ga2S3 under non-hydrostatic and hydrostatic conditions up to 36.4 GPa
Authors: Yang Linfei , Jiang Jianjun , Dai Lidong , Hu Haiying , Hong Meiling , Zhang Xinyu , Li Heping , Liu Pengfei
Published: March 2021

Correction for ‘High-pressure structural phase transition and metallization in Ga2S3 under non-hydrostatic and hydrostatic conditions up to 36.4 GPa’ by Linfei Yang et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021, 9, 2912–2918, DOI: 10.1039/d0tc06004f.
Obtaining Objective Clinical Measures During Telehealth Evaluations of Dysarthria
Authors: Sevitz Jordanna S. , Kiefer Brianna R. , Huber Jessica E. , Troche Michelle S.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

COVID-19 has shifted models of health care delivery, requiring the rapid adoption of telehealth, despite limited evidence and few resources to guide speech-language pathologists. Management of dysarthria presents specific challenges in the telehealth modality. Evaluations of dysarthria typically rely heavily on perceptual judgments, which are difficult to obtain via telehealth given a variety of technological factors such as inconsistencies in mouth-to-microphone distance, changes to acoustic properties based on device settings, and possible interruptions in connection that may cause video freezing. These factors limit the validity, reliability, and clinicians' certainty of perceptual speech ratings via telehealth. Thus, objective measures to supplement the assessment of dysarthria are essential.

Method

This tutorial outlines how to obtain objective measures in real time and from recordings of motor speech evaluations to support traditional perceptual ratings in telehealth evaluations of dysarthria. Objective measures include pause patterns, utterance length, speech rate, diadochokinetic rates, and overall speech severity. We demonstrate, through clinical case vignettes, how these measures were completed following three clinical telehealth evaluations of dysarthria conducted via Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic. This tutorial describes how each of these objective measures were utilized, in combination with subjective perceptual analysis, to determine deviant speech characteristics and their etiology, develop a patient-specific treatment plan, and track change over time.

Conclusion

Utilizing objective measures as an adjunct to perceptual ratings for telehealth dysarthria evaluations is feasible under real-world pandemic conditions and can be used to enhance the quality and utility of these evaluations.
How Does Cochlear Implantation Lead to Improvements on a Cognitive Screening Measure?
Authors: Vasil Kara J. , Ray Christin , Lewis Jessica , Stefancin Erin , Tamati Terrin N. , Moberly Aaron C.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Cognitive screening tools to identify patients at risk for cognitive deficits are frequently used by clinicians who work with aging populations in hearing health care. Although some studies show improvements in performance on cognitive screening exams when hearing loss intervention is provided in the form of a hearing aid or cochlear implant (CI), it is worth examining whether these improvements are attributable to increased auditory access to test items. This study aimed to examine whether performance and pass rate on a cognitive screening measure, the Montréal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), improve as a result of CI, whether improved performance on auditory-based test items drives changes in MoCA performance, and whether postoperative MoCA performance relates to post-CI speech perception ability.

Method

Data were collected in adult CI candidates pre-implantation and 6 months postimplantation to examine the effect of intervention on MoCA performance. Participants were 77 CI users between the ages of 55 and 85 years. Participants completed the MoCA, administered audiovisually, and speech perception testing with monosyllabic (CNC) words at both intervals.

Results

Compared to 31 participants pre-operatively, 45 participants passed the MoCA postoperatively, which was a significant difference in pass rate. An improvement in MoCA scores could be attributed primarily to improvement in the “Delayed Recall” test domain, which was auditory based. Post-CI MoCA performance was related to post-CI CNC speech perception performance.

Conclusions

Improved performance and pass rates were demonstrated on the traditional MoCA test of cognitive screening from before to 6 months after CI. Improvements could primarily be attributed to better performance on a delayed recall task dependent on auditory access, and post-CI MoCA scores were related to post-CI speech perception abilities. Further studies are needed to investigate the application of cognitive screening tools in patients receiving hearing loss interventions, and these interventions' impact on patients' real-world functioning.
The Dorsal Differentiation of Velar From Alveolar Stops in Typically Developing Children and Children With Persistent Velar Fronting
Authors: Cleland Joanne , Scobbie James M.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study has two key aims: first, to provide developmental articulatory norms for the alveolar–velar distinction in 30 English-speaking typically developing (TD) children; second, to illustrate the utility of the reported measures for classifying and quantifying the speech of children with a history of persistent velar fronting as they develop the contrast longitudinally.

Method

This study involved secondary data analysis of the UltraSuite corpus comprising ultrasound tongue imaging recordings of speech materials from 30 typical children and longitudinal data from five children with persistent velar fronting undergoing ultrasound visual biofeedback intervention. We present two new measures of coronal dorsal differentiation: KTMax and KT crescent area. These measures distinguish /k/ and /t/ by quantifying the magnitude of this distinction in absolute spatial terms (mm of linear dorsal difference). For the typical children, we report these measures in corner vowel contexts. We then compare these to dorsal productions by the children with speech disorders, before, during, and after intervention.

Results

Both measures reliably distinguished /k/ and /t/ in TD children. There was an effect of vowel, with larger KTmax and KT crescent area in /a/ and /o/ vowel contexts than in an /i/ context. The children with persistent velar fronting showed KTmax values near zero before intervention, showing a complete merger between /k/ and /t/. During intervention, they showed variable KTmax values. Post intervention, they showed values within the range of typical children.

Conclusions

This study provides articulatory norms derived from ultrasound tongue imaging for the dorsal differentiation in alveolar and velar stops in TD children. By applying these norms to children with persistent velar fronting as they acquire this contrast, we see that /k/ is acquired in an articulatorily gradient manner.
A Multimodal Comparison of Emotion Categorization Abilities in Children With Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Bahn Daniela , Vesker Michael , Schwarzer Gudrun , Kauschke Christina
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Current research has demonstrated that behavioral, emotional, and/or social difficulties often accompany developmental language disorder (DLD). It is an open question to what degrees such difficulties arise as consequence of impaired language and communicative skills, or whether they might also be driven by deficits in verbal and nonverbal emotion processing (e.g., the reduced ability to infer and verbalize emotional states from facial expressions). Regarding the existence of nonverbal deficits, previous research has yielded inconsistent findings. This study was aimed at gaining deeper knowledge of the basic aspects of emotion understanding in children with DLD by comparing their performance on nonverbal and verbal emotion categorization tasks to that of typically developing children.

Method

Two verbal tasks (Lexical Decision and Valence Decision With Emotion Terms) and two nonverbal tasks (Face Decision and Valence Decision With Facial Expressions) were designed to parallel each other as much as possible, and conducted with twenty-six 6- to 10-year-old children diagnosed with DLD. The same number of typically developed children, carefully matched by age and gender, served as a control group.

Results

The children with DLD showed lower performance in both verbal tasks and exhibited noticeable problems in the nonverbal emotion processing task. In particular, they achieved lower accuracy scores when they categorized faces by their valence (positive or negative), but did not differ in their ability to distinguish these faces from pictures displaying animals.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence for the hypothesis that problems in emotion processing in children with DLD might be multimodal. Therefore, the results support the idea of mutual influences in the development of language and emotion skills and contribute to the current debate about the domain specificity of DLD (formerly referred to as specific language impairment).
Information and Communication Technology in Schools: Its Contribution to Equitable Speech-Language Therapy Services in an Underserved Small Island Developing State
Authors: Zahir Mariyam Z. , Miles Anna , Hand Linda , Ward Elizabeth C.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Access to speech-language therapy services for children with communication difficulties is limited in vulnerable countries within the Majority world, such as Small Island Developing States. The use of information and communication technology (ICT) has been identified as a possible solution to provide equitable access to services in Minority world countries. This study explored ICT-related conditions in remote schools of the Maldives, a Small Island Developing State, in order to identify potential service delivery approaches.

Method

A mixed methods approach was used, involving (a) an online survey of 107 teachers, (b) observational data from four schools, (c) interviews with 31 teachers and the four principals of participating schools, and (d) 13 relevant online documents. Content analysis was used to analyze and integrate data from all sources.

Results

Teachers' access to ICT devices and fixed broadband Internet varied across schools. The government had limited funds to provide adequate fixed broadband Internet for them. However, favorable prospects were also discovered, including high access to 4G mobile broadband Internet in islands, high levels of confidence among teachers to use ICT, a variety of ICT uses currently employed by teachers, and the presence of financial aid for students with special education needs.

Conclusions

The findings of the study support the potential for using mobile broadband Internet, available ICT devices, and teachers as agents of service delivery in remote schools to enhance speech-language therapy service delivery in the Maldives. The creation of relevant digital educational content for teachers could further support children with communication difficulties in the country.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14143910
Robust output trajectory linearisation control for a class of linear time‐varying systems
Authors: Galván Guerra Rosalba , Velázquez Velázquez Juan Eduardo , Fridman Leonid , Iriarte Rafael
Published: March 2021

The trajectory linearisation control of a non‐linear system using only output information and considering the presence of matched and unmatched uncertainties/perturbations is presented. A continuous sliding mode controller is used to achieve finite‐time tracking of a given continuous time‐varying reference and assuring theoretically exact reconstruction of the matched and unmatched uncertainties/perturbations. The states are reconstructed theoretically exactly in finite time using a linear time‐varying observer based on a high‐order sliding mode framework. The proposed approach is validated using MATLAB simulations.
Detection of simultaneous mechanical faults in 6‐kV pumping induction motors using combined MCSA and stray flux methods
Authors: Gyftakis Konstantinos N. , Panagiotou Panagiotis A. , Spyrakis Dimitrios
Published: March 2021

The popularity of stray and air‐gap flux monitoring methods is increasing. This trend is justified by several advantages of such methods over the stator current monitoring that has been demonstrated for electrical fault detection in the induction and synchronous machines. However, the use of the magnetic flux for mechanical faults detections has not drawn this much attention, while in industry, the vibration analysis continues to be popular. This study comes to bridge this gap via the detection of mechanical faults of 6‐kV induction motors in a pumping station. The diagnostic procedure mainly involves the stator current and stray flux monitoring, and harmonic index analysis. The localisation of the fault has been made possible via oscillometer readings. It will be shown that mechanical faults have a very different impact on the stator current and the flux signals, while the flux is not sensitive to the bearing fault mechanisms.