bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iron nanoparticles to recover a co-contaminated soil with Cr and PCBs
Authors: Gil-Díaz M. , Pérez R. A. , Alonso J. , Miguel E. , Diez-Pascual S. , Lobo M. C.
Published: March 2022

Little attention has been given to the development of remediation strategies for soils polluted with mixture of pollution (metal(loid)s and organic compounds). The present study evaluates the effectiveness of different types of commercial iron nanoparticles (nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI), bimetallic nZVI-Pd, and nano-magnetite (nFe3O4)), for the remediation of an industrial soil co-contaminated with Cr and PCBs. Soil samples were mixed with nZVI, nZVI-Pd, or nFe3O4 at doses selected according to their reactivity with PCBs, homogenized, saturated with water and incubated at controlled conditions for 15, 45 and 70 days. For each sampling time, PCBs and chromium were analyzed in aqueous and soil fractions. Cr(VI) and Cr leachability (TCLP test) were determined in the soil samples. The treatment with the three types of iron nanoparticles showed significant reduction in Cr concentration in aqueous extracts at the three sampling times (> 98%), compared to the control samples. The leachability of Cr in treated soil samples also decreased and was stable throughout the experiment. Results suggested that nZVI and nZVI-Pd immobilized Cr through adsorption of Cr(VI) on the shell and reduction to Cr(III). The mechanism of interaction of nFe3O4 and Cr(VI) included adsorption and reduction although its reducing character was lower than those of ZVI nanoparticles. PCBs significantly decreased in soil samples (up to 68%), after 15 days of treatment with the three types of nanoparticles. However, nFe3O4 evidenced reversible adsorption of PCBs after 45 days. In general, nZVI-Pd reduced PCB concentration in soil faster than nZVI. Control soils showed a similar reduction in PCBs concentration as those obtained with nZVI and nZVI-Pd after a longer time (45 days). This is likely due to natural bioremediation, although it was not effective for Cr remediation. Results suggest that the addition of nZVI or nZVI-Pd and pseudo-anaerobic conditions could be used for the recovery of soil co-contaminated with Cr and PCBs.
Membrane extraction with styrene-maleic acid copolymer results in insulin receptor autophosphorylation in the absence of ligand
Authors: Morrison Kerrie A. , Wood Laura , Edler Karen J. , Doutch James , Price Gareth J. , Koumanov Francoise , Whitley Paul
Published: March 2022

Extraction of integral membrane proteins with poly(styrene-co-maleic acid) provides a promising alternative to detergent extraction. A major advantage of extraction using copolymers rather than detergent is the retention of the lipid bilayer around the proteins. Here we report the first functional investigation of the mammalian insulin receptor which was extracted from cell membranes using poly(styrene-co-maleic acid). We found that the copolymer efficiently extracted the insulin receptor from 3T3L1 fibroblast membranes. Surprisingly, activation of the insulin receptor and proximal downstream signalling was detected upon copolymer extraction even in the absence of insulin stimulation. Insulin receptor and IRS1 phosphorylations were above levels measured in the control extracts made with detergents. However, more distal signalling events in the insulin signalling cascade, such as the phosphorylation of Akt were not observed. Following copolymer extraction, in vitro addition of insulin had no further effect on insulin receptor or IRS1 phosphorylation. Therefore, under our experimental conditions, the insulin receptor is not functionally responsive to insulin. This study is the first to investigate receptor tyrosine kinases extracted from mammalian cells using a styrene-maleic acid copolymer and highlights the importance of thorough functional characterisation when using this method of protein extraction.
Exploitation of response surface method for the optimization of RF-MEMS reconfigurable devices in view of future beyond-5G, 6G and super-IoT applications
Authors: Iannacci Jacopo , Tagliapietra Girolamo , Bucciarelli Alessio
Published: March 2022

The emerging paradigms of the Beyond-5G, 6G and Super-IoT will demand for high-performance Radio Frequency (RF) passive components, and RF-MEMS technology, i.e. Microsystems-based RF passives, is a good candidate to meet such a challenge. As known, RF-MEMS have a complex behavior, that crosses different physical domains (mechanical; electrical; electromagnetic), making the whole design optimization and trimming phases particularly articulated and time consuming. In this work, we propose a novel design optimization approach based on the Response Surface Method (RSM) statistical methodology, focusing on a class of RF-MEMS-based programmable step power attenuators. The proposed method is validated both against physical simulations, performed with Finite Element Method (FEM) commercial software tools, as well as experimental measurements of physical devices. The case study here discussed features 3 DoFs (Degrees of Freedom), comprising both geometrical and material parameters, and aims to optimize the RF performances of the MEMS attenuator in terms of attenuation (S21 Scattering parameter) and reflection (VSWR—Voltage Standing Wave Ratio). When validated, the proposed RSM-based method allows avoiding physical FEM simulations, thus making the design optimization considerably faster and less complex, both in terms of time and computational load.
Fabrication of functional group-rich monoliths for magnetic field-assisted in-tube solid phase microextraction of inorganic selenium species in water samples followed by online chromatographic determination
Authors: Song Xiaochong , Luo Siyu , Liu Jun , Wu Yuanfei , Huang Xiaojia
Published: March 2022

Established online MFA/IT-SPME-HPLC/DAD for the analysis of Se(iv) and Se(vi).
Orthogonal reactivity and interface-driven selectivity during cation exchange of heterostructured metal sulfide nanorods
Authors: Fagan Abigail M. , Steimle Benjamin C. , Schaak Raymond E.
Published: March 2022

Material selectivity during cation exchange of heterostructured metal sulfide nanorods emerges from orthogonal reactivity relationships.
Detergent-free isolation of CYP450-reductase's FMN-binding domain in E. coli lipid-nanodiscs using a charge-free polymer
Authors: Krishnarjuna Bankala , Ravula Thirupathi , Ramamoorthy Ayyalusamy
Published: March 2022

The membrane-anchored flavin mononucleotide binding domain (FBD) of the CYP450 reductase and native lipids were directly extracted from E. coli using charge-free pentyl-inulin polymer.
Complexes of Zn(ii) with a mixed tryptanthrin derivative and curcumin chelating ligands as new promising anticancer agents
Authors: Wang Zhen-Feng , Nong Qun-Xue , Yu Hua-Lian , Qin Qi-Pin , Pan Feng-Hua , Tan Ming-Xiong , Liang Hong , Zhang Shu-Hua
Published: March 2022

A facile strategy toward the synthesis of theranostic curcumin–tryptanthrin–Zn(ii) complexes for cancer-specific therapy is demonstrated.
Structure, magnetic properties and spin density of two alternative Mn(ii) coordination polymers based on 1,4-bis(2′-carboxyphenoxy)benzene
Authors: Wang Ai , Yang Bin , Wang Yan , Hu Zijia , Wei Zhihong , Zhu Miaoli , Englert Ulli
Published: March 2022

Two Mn(ii) coordination polymers are synthesized from the same reactants, but have different topological structures and properties.
Durable, stretchable and washable inorganic-based woven thermoelectric textiles for power generation and solid-state cooling
Authors: Zheng Yuanyuan , Han Xue , Yang Jiawei , Jing Yuanyuan , Chen Xinyi , Li Qianqian , Zhang Ting , Li Guodong , Zhu Hangtian , Zhao Huaizhou , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Zhang Kun
Published: March 2022

A facile strategy has been developed to manufacture thermoelectric strings at scale with stable mechanical properties. The resultant thermoelectric textile can be used to power wearable electronics and cool the body surface in the solid-state.
Molecular insights into Mmpl3 lead to the development of novel indole-2-carboxamides as antitubercular agents
Authors: Ray Rajdeep , Birangal Sumit Raosaheb , Fathima Fajeelath , Boshoff Helena I. , Forbes He Eun , Hariharapura Raghu Chandrashekhar , Shenoy G. Gautham
Published: March 2022

This work utilises high-end molecular modelling techniques to analyse a drug target with known inhibitors and design molecules based on it, subsequently leading to the development of novel antitubercular agents.
AlCl3-promoted growth of alkylated carbon dots with an enhanced nonlinear optical response
Authors: Lu Dandan , Yin Keyang , Hou Shida , Li Penghui , Zhu Hongxia , Hao Jingcheng , Li Hongguang
Published: March 2022

The CDs has been greatly promoted by AlCl3. The resulting Al-doped, highly conjugated CDs show an impressively good NLO response with RAS behavior. The third-order β of the CDs-containing composite takes the crown among other CDs-based systems.
Solution-processable Li-doped transition metal oxide hole-injection layer for highly efficient quantum-dot light-emitting diodes
Authors: Shin Jae Seung , Kim Mingye , Ma Jin Hyun , Jeong Jun Hyung , Hwang Hui Wung , Kim Jeong Won , Kang Seong Jun
Published: March 2022

Vanadium oxide (V2O5) doped with Li (5, 10, and 15 mol%) was synthesized using an easy and low-cost solution process method and was used as a hole-injection layer (HIL) for quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs).
Graphene quantum dot-porphyrin/phthalocyanine multifunctional hybrid systems: from interfacial dialogue to application
Authors: Sangam Sujata , Jindal Simran , Agarwal Aakanksha , Banerjee Basu Dev , Prasad Puja , Mukherjee Monalisa
Published: March 2022

This investigation will provide insight into the development of multifunctional graphene quantum dot-porphyrin/phthalocyanine hybrid systems and their applications in various domains including therapeutics.
Non-intersecting ring currents in [12]infinitene
Authors: Orozco-Ic Mesías , Valiev Rashid R. , Sundholm Dage
Published: March 2022

The aromaticity of the newly synthesized [12]infinitene is addressed via analysis of the magnetically induced current density and the induced magnetic field.
Electrostatic interaction-controlled dispersion of carbon nanotubes in a ternary composite for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Gao Jing , Xing Zhengyang , Zhou Junxi , Xu Haolan , Wang Zhimin , Li Guohua , Yu Lili
Published: March 2022

Electrostatic interaction-controlled dispersion of CNTs in ternary composites has been reported, showing a different mechanism from that of CNT dispersion in pure solvents.
Formation of NiFe-MOF nanosheets on Fe foam to achieve advanced electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Jia Yutong , Xu Zhikun , Li Lin , Lin Shuangyan
Published: March 2022

A facile approach was proposed to construct NiFe-MOF nanosheets on Fe foam (FF) that shows impressive electrocatalytic OER performance with an overpotential of 216 mV at 50 mA cm−2, and outstanding stability (beyond 50 h at 200 mA cm−2).
Correction: The coordination chemistry of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene with paramagnetic transition and lanthanide metal ions: an Edinburgh Perspective
Authors: Wilson Lucinda R. B. , Coletta Marco , Evangelisti Marco , Piligkos Stergios , Dalgarno Scott J. , Brechin Euan K.
Published: March 2022

Correction for ‘The coordination chemistry of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene with paramagnetic transition and lanthanide metal ions: an Edinburgh Perspective’ by Lucinda R. B. Wilson et al., Dalton Trans., 2022, DOI: 10.1039/d2dt00152g.
Impact of abiotic and biogeochemical processes on halogen concentrations (Cl, Br, F, I) in mineral soil along a climatic gradient
Authors: Neidhardt Harald , Lemke Erik , Epp Tatjana , Marks Michael A. W. , Markl Gregor , Oelmann Yvonne
Published: March 2022

Halogens in soil are closely linked to abiotic processes, biota and pedogenesis, and thus to the availability of water; vertical halogen depth patterns become less pronounced with increasing dryness.
ZnCl2-mediated stereo- and chemoselective synthesis of vinylphosphonates
Authors: Kaboudin Babak , Moradi Atieh , Esfandiari Hesam , Daliri Payam , Kazemi Foad , Yanai Hikaru , Aoyama Hiroshi
Published: March 2022

A highly selective synthesis of diethyl (E)-2-(alkylidene)-2-phosphonoacetonitriles via the Knoevenagel condensation reaction of carbonyl compounds with diethyl cyanomethylphosphonate is reported.
Visible light-induced N-radical 5-exo/6-endo cyclization of alkenyl amides: facile access to isoindolinones/isoquinolinones
Authors: Lei Zhen-Yao , Hu Kui , He Yuan-Xiang , Geng Shu , Chen Li-Na , Zou Shuai , Pan Li , Ding Zhi-Jun , Huang Feng
Published: March 2022

A new visible-light catalyzed protocol was developed for direct conversion of amide N–H bond to N-radical without metal catalyst and external oxidant, which was facile access to isoindolinones and isoquinolinones via 5-exo/6-endo cyclization.
Periodicity and global order parameter of hexagonally packed cylinders in a periodic box
Authors: Feng Yuan , Wu Jiaping , Li Baohui , Wang Qiang
Published: March 2022

For regular-hexagonally packed cylinders, their bulk period is found when the off-diagonal elements of pressure tensor vanish (i.e., ΔO = 0) as they orient along the body diagonal of a cubic simulation box, and a global order parameter Ψ is devised to quantify their ordering.
Formation mechanisms of voids and pin-holes in CuSbS2 thin film synthesized by sulfurizing a co-sputtered Cu–Sb precursor
Authors: Zhang Yuanfang , Huang Jialiang , Zhang Pengfei , Cong Jialin , Li Jianjun , Hao Xiaojing
Published: March 2022

The formation mechanisms of voids and pin-holes in CuSbS2 thin film synthesized by sulfurizing a co-sputtered Cu–Sb metallic precursor were systematically investigated via a quasi in situ method.
High-density sulfonic acid-grafted covalent organic frameworks with efficient anhydrous proton conduction
Authors: Guo Yu , Zou Xiuyang , Li Weizheng , Hu Yin , Jin Zhiyu , Sun Zhe , Gong Shicheng , Guo Siyu , Yan Feng
Published: March 2022

A high-density sulfonic acid-grafted COF was designed and synthesised with a high intrinsic proton conductivity (1.52 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 120 °C). Further incorporation of a protic ionic liquid into the COF highly improved its proton conductivity to 2.21 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 120 °C.
An injectable thermosensitive hydrogel loaded with a theranostic nanoprobe for synergistic chemo–photothermal therapy for multidrug-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huang Shanzhou , Ma Zuyi , Sun Chengjun , Zhou Qi , Li Zhenchong , Wang Shujie , Yan Qian , Liu Chunsheng , Hou Baohua , Zhang Chuanzhao
Published: March 2022

An on-demand sustained-release platform was constructed for synergistic chemo–photothermal therapy of multi-drug resistance (MDR) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), by using an injectable thermosensitive hydrogel loaded with a theranostic nanoprobe.
Novel butterfly-shaped AIE-active pyrrolopyrrole aza-BODIPYs: synthesis, bioimaging and diamine/polyamine detection
Authors: Li Wenting , Wang Lingyun , Zhang Chufeng , Ran Xueguang , Tang Hao , Cao Derong
Published: March 2022

We report novel butterfly-shaped AIE-active PPABs as multifunctional materials in bioimaging and diamine/polyamine detection.
Coupled excitonic quasiparticle-electron–phonon and interlayer coupling in vertically and horizontally aligned MoS2
Authors: Kumar Deepu , Kumar Rahul , Kumar Mahesh , Kumar Pradeep
Published: March 2022

A detailed and comparative temperature-dependent photoluminescence study was carried out to understand the optical properties in few-layer vertically and horizontally aligned MoS2.
MicroRNAs as messengers of liver diseases: has the message finally been decrypted?
Authors: Pirola Carlos J. , Sookoian Silvia
Published: March 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are regarded as crucial regulators of gene expression and diverse aspects of cell biology, can be present in various body fluids as highly stable molecules. It is also known that miRNAs exert tissue-specific regulation of gene transcription. Large amount of clinical and experimental evidence provided the rationale for raising the intriguing question of whether miRNAs can mediate cell–cell communication. For those reasons, miRNAs have been considered as the ‘Holy Grail’ of biomarkers allowing non-invasive diagnostic screening and early detection of a variety of diseases, including solid and non-solid cancers. In a study published in Clin. Sci. (Lond.) (2011) 120(5):183–193 (https://doi.org/10.1042/CS20100297), Gui et al. investigated the hypothesis that circulating miRNAs could be used to identify patients with liver pathologies. Specifically, the authors profiled circulating miRNAs in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver cirrhosis (LC), and healthy controls and found that serum miR-885-5p levels were significantly higher in samples of patients with HCC (6.5-fold increase) and LC (8.8-fold increase). In this commentary, we highlight biological aspects associated with mir-122-the ‘liver-specific’ miRNA, which has been associated with a diverse range of liver pathologies. In addition, we discuss the relevance of mir-885-5p as potential biomarker for detecting human cancers. Finally, we provide some clues about how presumably unrelated miRNAs such as miR-122 and miR-885-5p may act in similar biological processes (BPs), making the miRNA regulatory networks more complex than anticipated.
Building Sustainable Models of Research–Practice Partnerships Within Educational Systems
Authors: Alonzo Crystle N. , Komesidou Rouzana , Wolter Julie A. , Curran Maura , Ricketts Jessie , Hogan Tiffany P.
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

To describe the 9-year journey of a group of language and literacy researchers in establishing and cultivating Research–Practice Partnerships (RPPs). Those interested in incorporating implementation science frameworks in their research may benefit from reading our exploration into this type of work and our lessons learned.

Method:

We showcase how a group of researchers, who are committed to collaboration with school practitioners, navigated building and scaling RPPs within educational systems necessary for our long-term implementation work. We provide details and illustrative examples for three, distinct, mutually beneficial, and sustainable partnerships.

Results:

Three different practice organizations are represented: (1) a single metropolitan school, (2) a small metropolitan school district, and (3) a large metropolitan school district, highlighting specific priorities and needs depending on the type of practice organization. Each partnership has distinct research and practice goals related to improving language and literacy outcomes in children. We describe how the researchers assisted with meeting the partner practice organizations' goals and engaged in capacity building while producing rigorous scientific knowledge to inform clinical and educational practice. Additionally, we discuss how research priorities and strategies were pivoted in the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating our commitment to the partnerships and how to respond to challenges to guarantee long-term sustainability.

Conclusion:

By discussing three distinctive partnerships, we demonstrate the various ways researchers can approach RPPs and grow them into mutually beneficial collaborations and support implementation goals.
Single image dehazing using generative adversarial networks based on an attention mechanism
Authors: Ma Yongli , Xu Jindong , Jia Fei , Yan Weiqing , Liu Zhaowei , Ni Mengying
Published: March 2022

Most existing image dehazing methods rely on the solution of the atmospheric scattering model or supervised learning based on paired images. However, owing to incomplete prior knowledge and the lack of paired hazy and haze‐free images of the same scenes as training samples, their performances for single image dehazing are unsatisfactory. Here, the authors present an unpaired image learning method based on the attention mechanism for single image dehazing problems. The method uses the constraint transfer learning ability and circulatory structure of CycleGAN to carry out an unsupervised image dehazing task for unpaired data. Considering the complexity of the haze distribution in actual imaging and human visual characteristics, the improved channel attention and domain attention mechanisms are integrated into the network to process different features and different regions non‐uniformly. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves good results on both synthetic datasets and real hazy images.
ICARUS, a new inner heliospheric model with a flexible grid
Authors: Verbeke C. , Baratashvili T. , Poedts S.
Published: March 2022

Context. Simulating the propagation and predicting the arrival time of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in the inner heliosphere with a full three-dimensional (3D) magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propagation model requires a significant amount of computational time. For CME forecasting purposes, multiple runs may be required for different reasons such as ensemble modeling (uncertainty on input parameters) and error propagation. Moreover, higher resolution runs may be necessary, which also requires more CPU time, for example for the prediction of solar energetic particle acceleration and transport or in the framework of more in-depth studies about CME erosion and/or deformation during its evolution.

Aims. In this paper we present ICARUS, a new inner heliospheric model for the simulation of a steady background solar wind and the propagation and evolution of superposed CMEs. This novel model has been implemented within the MPI-AMRVAC framework which enables the use of stretched grids and solution adaptive mesh refinement (AMR). The usefulness and efficiency (speed-up) of these advanced features are explored. In particular, we model a typical solar wind with ICARUS and then launch a simple cone CME and follow its evolution. We focus on the effect of radial grid stretching and two specific methods or criteria to trigger solution AMR on this typical simulation run.

Methods. For the solar background wind simulation run, we limited the mesh refinement to the area(s) of interest, in this case a co-rotating interaction region (CIR). For the CME evolution run, on the other hand, we apply AMR where the CME is located by the use of a tracing function. As such, the grid is coarsened again after the CME has passed.

Results. The implemented AMR is flexible and only refines the mesh in a particular sector of the computational domain, for example around the Earth or a single CIR, and/or for a particular feature such as CIR or CME shocks. Radial grid stretching alone yields speed-ups of up to 4 and more, depending on the resolution. Combined with solution adaptive mesh refinement, the speed-ups can be much larger depending on the complexity of the simulation (e.g., number of CIRs in the background wind, number of CMEs) and on the chosen AMR criteria, thresholds and the number of refinement levels.

Conclusions. The ICARUS model implemented in the MPI-AMRVAC framework is a new inner heliospheric 3D MHD model that uses grid stretching as well as AMR techniques. The flexibility in the grid and its resolution allows an optimization of the computational time required for CME propagation simulations for both scientific and forecasting purposes.
Prospects of measuring a metallicity trend and spread in globular clusters from low-resolution spectroscopy
Authors: Baratella M. , Prabhu Deepthi S. , Lima L. , Prugniel P.
Published: March 2022

Context.The metallicity spread, or the metallicity trend along the evolutionary sequence of a globular cluster, is a rich source of information to help understand the cluster physics (e.g., multiple populations) and stellar physics (e.g., atomic diffusion). Low-resolution integral-field-unit spectroscopy in the optical with the MUSE spectrograph is an attractive prospect if it can provide these diagnostics because it allows us to efficiently extract spectra of a large fraction of the cluster stars with only a few telescope pointings.

Aims.We investigate the possibilities of full-spectrum fitting to derive stellar parameters and chemical abundances at low spectral resolution (R ∼ 2000).

Methods.We reanalysed 1584 MUSE spectra of 1061 stars above the turn-off of NGC 6397 using FERRE and employing two different synthetic libraries.

Results.We derive the equivalent iron abundance [Fe/H]efor fixed values of [α/Fe] (solar or enhanced). We find that (i) the interpolation schema and grid mesh are not critical for the precision, metallicity spread, and trend; (ii) with the two considered grids, [Fe/H]eincreases by ∼0.2 dex along the sub-giant branch, starting from the turn-off of the main sequence; (iii) restricting the wavelength range to the optical decreases the precision significantly; and (iv) the precision obtained with the synthetic libraries is lower than the precision obtained previously with empirical libraries.

Conclusions.Full-spectrum fitting provides reproducible results that are robust to the choice of the reference grid of synthetic spectra and to the details of the analysis. The [Fe/H]eincrease along the sub-giant branch is in stark contrast with the nearly constant iron abundance previously found with empirical libraries. The precision of the measurements (0.05 dex on [Fe/H]e) is currently not sufficient to assess the intrinsic chemical abundance spreads, but this may change with deeper observations. Improvements of the synthetic spectra are still needed to deliver the full possibilities of full-spectrum fitting.
HR 6819 is a binary system with no black hole
Authors: Frost A. J. , Bodensteiner J. , Rivinius Th. , Baade D. , Merand A. , Selman F. , Abdul-Masih M. , Banyard G. , Bordier E. , Dsilva K. , Hawcroft C. , Mahy L. , Reggiani M. , Shenar T. , Cabezas M. , Hadrava P. , Heida M. , Klement R. , Sana H.
Published: March 2022

Context. Two scenarios have been proposed to match the existing observational constraints of the object HR 6819. The system could consist of a close inner B-type giant plus a black hole (BH) binary with an additional Be companion in a wide orbit. Alternatively, it could be a binary composed of a stripped B star and a Be star in a close orbit. Either scenario makes HR 6819 a cornerstone object as the stellar BH closest to Earth, or as an example of an important transitional, non-equilibrium phase for Be stars with solid evidence for its nature.

Aims. We aim to distinguish between the two scenarios for HR 6819. Both models predict two luminous stars but with very different angular separations and orbital motions. Therefore, the presence of bright sources in the 1−100 milliarcsec (mas) regime is a key diagnostic for determining the nature of the HR 6819 system.

Methods. We obtained new high-angular resolution data with VLT/MUSE and VLTI/GRAVITY of HR 6819. The MUSE data are sensitive to bright companions at large scales, whilst the interferometric GRAVITY data are sensitive down to separations on mas scales and large magnitude differences.

Results. The MUSE observations reveal no bright companion at large separations and the GRAVITY observations indicate the presence of a stellar companion at an angular separation of ∼1.2 mas that moves on the plane of the sky over a timescale compatible with the known spectroscopic 40-day period.

Conclusions. We conclude that HR 6819 is a binary system and that no BH is present in the system. The unique nature of HR 6819, and its proximity to Earth make it an ideal system for quantitatively characterising the immediate outcome of binary interaction and probing how Be stars form.
CHEOPS geometric albedo of the hot Jupiter HD 209458 b
Authors: Brandeker A. , Heng K. , Lendl M. , Patel J. A. , Morris B. M. , Broeg C. , Guterman P. , Beck M. , Maxted P. F. L. , Demangeon O. , Delrez L. , Demory B.-O. , Kitzmann D. , Santos N. C. , Singh V. , Alibert Y. , Alonso R. , Anglada G. , Bárczy T. , Barrado y Navascues D. , Barros S. C. C. , Baumjohann W. , Beck T. , Benz W. , Billot N. , Bonfils X. , Bruno G. , Cabrera J. , Charnoz S. , Collier Cameron A. , Corral van Damme C. , Csizmadia Sz. , Davies M. B. , Deleuil M. , Deline A. , Ehrenreich D. , Erikson A. , Farinato J. , Fortier A. , Fossati L. , Fridlund M. , Gandolfi D. , Gillon M. , Güdel M. , Hoyer S. , Isaak K. G. , Kiss L. , Laskar J. , Lecavelier des Etangs A. , Lovis C. , Luntzer A. , Magrin D. , Nascimbeni V. , Olofsson G. , Ottensamer R. , Pagano I. , Pallé E. , Peter G. , Piotto G. , Pollacco D. , Queloz D. , Ragazzoni R. , Rando N. , Rauer H. , Ribas I. , Scandariato G. , Ségransan D. , Simon A. E. , Smith A. M. S. , Sousa S. G. , Steller M. , Szabó G. M. , Thomas N. , Udry S. , Van Grootel V. , Walton N. , Wolter D.
Published: March 2022

We report the detection of the secondary eclipse of the hot Jupiter HD 209458 b in optical/visible light using the CHEOPS space telescope. Our measurement of 20.4−3.3+3.2 parts per million translates into a geometric albedo of Ag = 0.096 ± 0.016. The previously estimated dayside temperature of about 1500 K implies that our geometric albedo measurement consists predominantly of reflected starlight and is largely uncontaminated by thermal emission. This makes the present result one of the most robust measurements of Ag for any exoplanet. Our calculations of the bandpass-integrated geometric albedo demonstrate that the measured value of Ag is consistent with a cloud-free atmosphere, where starlight is reflected via Rayleigh scattering by hydrogen molecules, and the water and sodium abundances are consistent with stellar metallicity. We predict that the bandpass-integrated TESS geometric albedo is too faint to detect and that a phase curve of HD 209458 b observed by CHEOPS would have a distinct shape associated with Rayleigh scattering if the atmosphere is indeed cloud free.
Chemical characterization of oils produced by some native and introduced genotypes of argan tree in eastern Morocco using HPLC-DAD/GC-MS, and the evaluation of their physicochemical parameters
Authors: Azizi Salah-eddine , Dalli Mohammed , Mzabri Ibtissam , Berrichi Abdelbasset , Gseyra Nadia
Published: March 2022

The argan tree is an endemic plant of Morocco that plays a great socio-economical and ecological impact in the south of the country. This plant is well known for the oil extracted from the almond, characterized by high nutritional value and its large spectrum of uses. This study aims to evaluate the chemical composition and the physicochemical parameters of fixed oils produced by the argan trees introduced in Oujda City and to compare them with other oils produced by the same trees in their natural biotope in the northeast and southwest of Morocco. The obtained results indicated that the oil yield varies between 57.65% and 47.60%. The investigation of the chemical composition using HPLC-DAD showed the presence of three types of tocopherols: α-tocopherols (9.7%), δ-tocopherols (6.6%), and γ-tocopherols (83.6%), the total content of tocopherols vary between 323.86 and 553.12 mg/kg. While, the methyl esters analysis using GC-MS showed the presence of 4 main fatty acids: oleic acid (55.40–41.14%), linoleic acid (36.92–26.75%), palmitic acid (18.69–9.97%) and stearic acid (12.09–3.68). The physicochemical parameters (the free acidity, the peroxide value, and the specific extinction) indicated that the different tested oils are characterized by a good oil quality according to the Moroccan standard concerning argan oil (NM 08.5.090). The obtained results indicated that the introduced argan in Oujda City showed a quality and a chemical composition that was comparable to that produced in the natural area of the argan tree, which shows the plasticity the plant under different climatic and edaphic conditions. These results emphasize the encouragement of the introduction of this species at a high level in eastern Morocco.
Influence of Weight Bearing on Postoperative Complications after Surgical Treatment of the Lower Extremity
Authors: Eickhoff Alexander Maximilian , Cintean Raffael , Fiedler Carina , Gebhard Florian , Schütze Konrad , Richter Peter
Published: March 2022

Purpose In order to prevent implant failure and secondary fracture dislocation, it is often recommended that patients perform partial weight-bearing after surgery of the lower
extremity. Previous examinations showed that patients are often not able to follow these instructions. In this study, patients who had undergone surgery of the lower extremity were studied
in order to analyze whether incorrect loading influenced the number and severity of complications.

Methods Fifty-one patients were equipped with electronic shoe insoles, which measure loading and other parameters. The measurement period was 24 to 102 hours. Median duration of
follow-up was 490 days. The primary outcome parameter was postoperative complications leading to revision surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square and Fisher exact
tests with significance set at a p < 0.05.

Results Seven out of fifty-one patients had postoperative complications. Four wound complications, one implant failure, chronic instability after fracture of the tibia, and one
implant loosening of a hip prosthesis were recorded. In total, 26 of 39 patients were not able to follow the postoperative instructions. Five of the twenty-six patients with difficulties in
partial weight-bearing suffered a postoperative complication. In comparison, only 2 of the other 25 patients were affected. There was no statistically significant correlation between high
weight-bearing and occurrence of complications (p = 0.29).

Conclusion Most of the patients were unable to follow the surgeon’s instructions for partial weight-bearing. Excessive loading did not seem to influence the number and severity of
postoperative complications, especially regarding implant failure. Therefore, we should continue with measurements and reevaluate the “partial weight-bearing doctrine”.
Chlormethin-Gel-basierte komplette Remission einer CD30-positiven Mycosis fungoides-Plaque
Authors: Fahlbusch Sera Selina , Hüning Svea , Lücke A. , Nashan Dorothee
Published: March 2022

Chlormethin-Gel ist seit Mai 2019 als Lokaltherapeutikum bei Erwachsenen für kutane T-Zell-Lymphome vom Typ Mycosis fungoides (MF) zugelassen. Die topische Anwendung erfolgt 1-mal täglich. Im Rahmen der Zulassungsstudie kam es nach einer mindestens 6-monatigen Behandlung mit Chlormethin-Gel bei 76,7 % der Patienten (69 von 90) zu einer ≥ 50 %-igen Verbesserung der klinischen Befunde, gemessen anhand der CAILS-Skala (Composite Assessment of Index Lesion Serverity). Eine komplette Remission wurde bei 19 % (17 von 90) der Patienten beschrieben. Etwas mehr als die Hälfte der behandelten Patienten zeigte lokale Nebenwirkungen mit Hautirritationen, Hautrötungen und auch Hautinfektionen. Weitere mögliche Hautreaktionen sind Pruritus, Blasenbildung und Geschwüre.

Im Folgenden wird von einer Patientin mit einer bekannten CD30+-Mycosis fungoides im Stadium IIB (ISCL/EORTC 2007) berichtet. Eine unter verschiedenen Systemtherapien (Bexaroten, Bade-PUVA, Brentuximab Vedotin) immer wieder rezidivierende, ca. handtellergroße Plaque an der Flanke links wurde mit Chlormethin-Gel behandelt.

Aufgrund bereits bekannter, langsam progredienter Größenzunahme und wiederholt schmerzhafter Mazerationen dieses Herdes erfolgte auch mit Blick auf mögliche Nebenwirkungen von Chlormethin-Gel die Behandlung in Absprache mit der Patientin nur jeden zweiten Tag.

Unter diesem Therapieregime zeigte sich, nach anfänglicher kurzzeitiger Hautreizung, bereits nach 3 Monaten eine komplette, histologisch gesicherte, aktuell anhaltende Remission der Läsion.

Diese Kasuistik soll einen eindrucksvollen Therapieverlauf unter Chlormethin-Gel in reduzierter Dosierung und bei guter Verträglichkeit präsentieren.
Mode of Delivery and Unplanned Cesarean: Differences in Rates and Indication by Race, Ethnicity, and Sociodemographic Characteristics
Authors: Williams Alexandria , Little Sarah E. , Bryant Allison S. , Smith Nicole A.
Published: March 2022

Objective We aimed to examine the relationship of sociodemographic variables with racial/ethnic disparities in unplanned cesarean births in a large academic hospital system. Secondarily, we investigated the relationship of these variables with differences in cesarean delivery indication, cesarean delivery timing, length of second stage and operative delivery.

Study Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study of births >34 weeks between 2017 and 2019. Our primary outcome was unplanned cesarean delivery after a trial of labor. Multiple gestations, vaginal birth after cesarean, elective repeat or primary cesarean delivery, and contraindications for vaginal delivery were excluded. Associations between mode of delivery and patient characteristics were assessed using Chi-square, Fisher exact tests, or t-tests. Odds ratios were estimated by multivariate logistic regression. Goodness of fit was assessed with Hosmer Lemeshow test.

Results Among 18,946 deliveries, the rate of cesarean delivery was 14.8% overall and 21.3% in nulliparous patients. After adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), and parity, women of Black and Asian races had significantly increased odds of unplanned cesarean delivery; 1.69 (95% CI: 1.45,1.96) and 1.23 (1.08, 1.40), respectively. Single Hispanic women had adjusted odds of 1.65 (1.08, 2.54). Single women had increased adjusted odds of cesarean delivery of 1.18, (1.05, 1.31). Fetal intolerance was the indication for 39% (613) of cesarean deliveries among White women as compared to 63% (231) of Black women and 49% (71) of Hispanic women (p <0.001).

Conclusion Rates of unplanned cesarean delivery were significantly higher in Black and Asian compared to White women, even after adjustment for age, BMI, parity, and zip code income strata, and rates of unplanned cesarean delivery were higher for Hispanic women self-identifying as single. Racial and ethnic differences were seen in cesarean delivery indications and operative vaginal deliveries. Future work is urgently needed to better understand differences in provider care or patient attributes, and potential provider bias, that may contribute to these findings.

Key Points
Maternal Body Mass Index and Risk of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Extremely Preterm Infants
Authors: Mayor Reina , Mora Ariana , Carmona Carlos , Du Yuan , Pepe Julie , Fritz Kathy , Oh William
Published: March 2022

Objective We evaluated the relationship between maternal body mass index (BMI) and death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We hypothesized that in extremely low birth weight (ELBW; BW < 1,000 g) infants, the risk of death or BPD would be greater if the maternal BMI deviated further from the ideal BMI of 24.

Study Design ELBW infants admitted to AdventHealth Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) between calendar years 2012 and 2017 were included in this retrospective observational study. BPD was defined as continuous supplemental oxygen use at 36 weeks post-menstrual age.

Result There was no association between the deviation of maternal BMI from the ideal of 24 and the composite outcome of death or BPD (6.9 ± 6.7 vs. 7.06 ± 6.6, pp = 0.966). However, there was a lower risk of death with a higher maternal BMI (p = 0.024). BPD was also associated with a higher maternal BMI (p = 0.045).

Conclusion Maternal BMI was not associated with the composite variable of death or BPD in ELBW infants. The lack of association was due to the contrast between high BMI and a lower risk of death and a higher risk for BPD.

Key Points
Association between Fetal Adrenal Gland Ultrasound Measurements in the 9th Month and Mode of Delivery
Authors: Kesrouani Assaad , Abdallah Wael , Hatoum Inaam , Khalil Khalil , Nagib Bernard , Choueiry Elie , Nasr Bernard
Published: March 2022

Objective Several studies have previously assessed the value of changes in the fetal adrenal gland to predict preterm labor. The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between fetal adrenal gland measurements after 36 weeks and obstetrical outcomes.

Methods Abdominal two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound is used to measure in the transversal plane the length of fetal zone (D1), the width (D2), and the length (D3) of fetal adrenal gland, and, subsequently, the fetal zone enlargement (FZE), in 98 primigravida women after 36 weeks. Labor and delivery outcomes were assessed and compared with these measurements.

Results FZE changes had no association with spontaneous onset of labor. No association was found between all adrenal gland measurements and delivery onset. There was a significant relationship between D1, D2, and D3 and the delivery method. Patients delivered by cesarean section had smaller fetal adrenal gland dimensions, defining D1= 0.16 cm, D2 = 0.7 cm, and D3 = 2.37 cm as cutoff levels based on receiver operator characteristics curves.

Conclusion The 2D measurement of the fetal adrenal gland after 36 weeks seems to predict the delivery method in low-risk primigravida women.

Key Points
Placental Vascular and Inflammatory Findings from Pregnancies Diagnosed with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Hessami Kamran , Aagaard Kjersti M. , Castro Eumenia C. , Arian Sara E. , Nassr Ahmed A. , Barrozo Enrico R. , Seferovic Maxim D. , Shamshirsaz Alireza A.
Published: March 2022

We aimed to perform a meta-analysis of the literature concerning histopathologic findings in the placentas of women with SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection during pregnancy. Searches for articles in English included PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and reference lists (up to April 2021). Studies presenting data on placental histopathology according to the Amsterdam Consensus Group criteria in SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative pregnancies were identified. Lesions were categorized into: maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion (MVM and FVM, respectively), acute placental inflammation with maternal and fetal inflammatory response (MIR and FIR, respectively), chronic inflammatory lesions (CILs), and increased perivillous fibrin deposition (PVFD). A total of 15 studies reporting on 19,025 placentas, n = 699 of which were derived from women who were identified as being infected with SARS-CoV-2 and 18,326 as SARS-CoV-2-negative controls, were eligible for analysis. No significant difference in incidence of MVM (odds ratio [OR]: 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73–1.90), FVM (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.63–2.42), MIR (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.29–1.52) or FIR (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.44–1.63), and CILs (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.55–1.72) was found between placentae from gravida identified as being SARS-CoV-2 infected. However, placenta from gravida identified as being infected with SARS-CoV-2 were associated with significantly increased occurrence of PVFD (OR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.06–7.27). After subgroup analyses based on clinical severity of COVID-19 infection, no significant difference was observed in terms of reported placental pathology between symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 gravidae placenta. Current evidence based on the available literature suggests that the only pathologic finding in the placentae of women who are pregnant identified as having been infected with SARS-CoV-2 was an increased prevalence of PVFD.

Key Points
Histiocytic Sarcoma of Tibia: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Kendre Ajita , Zade Bhooshan , Chandra Prasant
Published: March 2022

Histiocytic sarcoma is a rare disorder and there has been a lot of confusion and debate regarding its diagnosis and treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2008 aided in the standardization of diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma; however, the treatment protocols are still not clear and the treatment is on the line of other hematological malignancies.

This study intends to report a rare case of histiocytic sarcoma and the treatment protocol used and analysis of available literature. The usual sites of histiocytic sarcoma are the lymphoreticular system, skin, and gastrointestinal tract, but solitary bone involvement is rare.

This disease being a localized one was treated locally with surgical curettage followed by radical radiation therapy. Systemic therapy was not offered to this patient and has been reserved in case a patient gets a systemic recurrence as done in most cases of B cell lymphoma.

Based on follow-up until now, the patient is disease-free and doing well. Thus, this treatment protocol appears apt for this concerned patient; however, there is a need for a large-scale analysis of various reported cases to establish a standardized treatment protocol for this rare and aggressive disease.
The HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD): A Single Institutional 10-Year Experience
Authors: Morshuis Michiel , Schramm René , Gyoten Takayuki , Rojas Sebastian V. , Fox Henrik , Deutsch Marc-Andre , Ruiz-Cano Maria , Hakim-Meibodi Kavous , Gummert Jan F.
Published: March 2022

Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze our 10-year experience with the HVAD in a real-world scenario in a high-volume German heart center.

Methods We retrospectively analyzed outcomes of adults (≥18 years) with terminal heart failure (HF), who underwent HVAD implantation for durable LVAD therapy in our center between October 2009 and March 2020. Primary and secondary end points were all-cause death after implantation and LVAD-associated complications, respectively. We focused the distinct analyses on risk profiles at the time of implantation and implant strategies, i.e., bridge-to-transplant (BTT) or destination therapy (DT).

Results A total of 510 patients were included, with 229 and 281 individuals in Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) level 1 (45%) and 2 to 4, respectively. Median follow-up was 26 months (IQR: 5–54 months). Overall survival at 1, 3, and 5 years after HVAD implantation was 66% (95% CI; 61.7–70%), 49.4% (95% CI; 44.9–53.8%), and 37.4% (95% CI; 32.8–42%), not censored for LVAD exchange, LVAD explantation, or heart transplantation. INTERMACS level 1 and peri-operative temporary right heart assistance were independent risk factors for survival. Survival was best in BTT patients undergoing heart transplantation at any time during follow-up. The INTERMACS level at time of HVAD implantation did not affect survival after heart transplantation. Freedom from the combined end point of any device-associated severe complication and death was 44.5% (95% CI; 40–48.8%) at 1-year after implantation.

Conclusion The HVAD is a reliable pump for durable mechanical circulatory support even in high-risk patients. Still, heart transplantation outperforms durable MCS therapy for a superior long-term survival.
Larger Prior Tibial Tunnel Size Is Associated with Increased Failure Risk following Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Leon Jacy , Flanigan David C. , Colatruglio Matthew , Ormseth Benjamin , Fitzpatrick Sean , Duerr Robert A. , Kaeding Christopher C. , Magnussen Robert A.
Published: March 2022

We hypothesize that larger prior tunnel size is associated with an increased risk of failure of single-stage revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) as defined by the performance of a re-revision (third) ACLR on the index knee. Retrospective review identified 244 patients who underwent single-stage revision ACLR at a single center with available preoperative radiographs. Patient and surgical factors were extracted by chart review. The maximum diameter of the tibial tunnel was measured on lateral radiographs and the maximum diameter of the femoral tunnel was measured on anteroposterior radiographs. Record review and follow-up phone calls were used to identify failure of the revision surgery as defined by re-revision ACLR on the index knee. One hundred and seventy-one patients (70%) were reviewed with a mean of 3.9 years follow-up. Overall, 23 patients (13.4%) underwent re-revision surgery. Mean tibial tunnel size was 12.6 ± 2.8 mm (range: 5.7–26.9 mm) and mean femoral tunnel size was 11.7 ± 2.8 mm (range: 6.0–23.0 mm). Re-revision risk increased with tibial tunnel size. Tibial tunnels 11 mm and under had a re-revision risk of 4.2%, while tunnels > 11 mm had a risk of 17.1% (relative risk: 4.1, p = 0.025). No significant association between femoral tunnel size and re-revision risk was noted. Patients with prior tibial tunnels > 11mm in diameter at revision surgery had significantly increased risk of re-revision ACLR. Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between prior tunnel size and outcomes of revision ACLR.