bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of manikin and live patient‐based dental hygienist clinical licensing exam
Authors: Poliki Parveen , Farsi Nada J , Zahran Shatha , Bhadila Ghalia
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The Central Regional Dental Testing Service in the United States administered its first manikin‐based (M) dental hygiene licensing exam in 2020. The aim of this study was to compare the licensure exam results of dental hygiene students examined using manikins versus live patients.

Methods

After obtaining the ethical approval, the de‐identified exam scores of three different cohorts (2019, 2020, and 2021) were collected from the academic record database of Carrington College, Dental Hygiene School, San Jose, California. The exam scores of the students were grouped based on the exam format conducted: either M or patient‐based (P). Mann‐Whitney U test and two‐tailed Fisher's exact were used to compare the scores of the groups.

Results

The scores of 108 dental hygiene graduates between 2019 and 2021 were analyzed. The study included 65 participants examined in group P and 43 participants in group M. There was no significant difference in the mean score between groups P and M (p = 0.46) or in the passing rate between the two groups (p = 0.52). However, a higher first‐attempt passing rate was noted in the M group. Moreover, calculus removal scores were comparable between the two examination groups (p = 0.18).

Conclusion

The findings of this study supported the comparability of both manikin and live P exam outcomes. Therefore, the use of M exams may be considered for future examinations. Further studies are needed in other settings to confirm the efficacy of M exams in evaluating the students’ clinical performance.
The role of cathepsin L on structural changes of collagen fibers involved in textural deterioration of chilled grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fillets
Authors: Shen Jiandong , Zhang Wei , Jiang Qixing , Gao Pei , Xu Yanshun , Xia Wenshui
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Textural deterioration is a serious problem in chilled fish flesh. Cysteine proteinases are proposed to participate in disintegration of collagen fibers during this process, while its mechanism remains elusive. In the present study, a cysteine proteinase was purified from grass carp muscle and identified by mass spectrometry, and its effect on structural changes of collagen fibers was investigated.

RESULTS

During storage at 4 °C, cysteine proteinase activity in fillets increased to 1.53‐fold at day 5 and maintained a high level later, and this variable was related to a decline in shear force and an increase in drip loss. A 29 kDa cysteine proteinase was purified through ammonium sulfate precipitation and column chromatography, and identified as cathepsin L. Cathepsin L caused collagen fibers to partly disintegrate into fibril bundles and individual fibrils at 48 h, while the triple helical structure of collagen molecules remained stable. Release of soluble proteins and glycosaminoglycans from cathepsin L‐treated collagen fibers was time dependent, coinciding with a release of 4.12 ± 0.13% and 8.57 ± 0.03% at 48 h respectively. However, 0.85 ± 0.02% of hydroxyproline was freed from cathepsin L‐treated collagen fibers at 48 h. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy revealed that the inhibitory effect of cathepsin L could retard the destruction of intramuscular connective tissues (IMCTs).

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that cathepsin L might be involved in collagen fiber breakdown by degrading collagen‐associated proteoglycans during textural deterioration of grass carp. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of farming on the vegetation structure, soil properties and termite assemblages in the northern Congo Basin
Authors: Teutscherová Nikola , Maňourová Anna , Lojka Bohdan , Tejnecký Václav , Drábek Ondřej , Křížová Petra , Penížek Vít , Akama Pierre D. , Šobotník Jan , Sillam‐Dussès David
Published: April 2022

The growing human population requires vast amounts of supplies that are satisfied by a large agricultural expansion leading to alarming deforestation of tropical forests. Agriculture in the large part now is unsustainable as tropical soils are relatively nutrient poor, the amount of organic matter decreases fast and the soil invertebrates and microorganisms vanish over time. From a socio‐economic point of view, agroforestry is a sustainable alternative to slash‐and‐burn practices, but its impact on termites, major macroinvertebrates responsible for the organic matter turnover, is poorly understood. Furthermore, other vegetation layers besides tree canopy are rarely included in studies despite their strong effect on soil macrofauna. Thus, we investigated the impact of human activities in Southern Cameroon by analysing the biomass of termites, the soil properties, the vegetation structure at three different classes (trees, shrubs and herbs) and the amount of raw vegetal material along a land‐use gradient of primary forest ‐ secondary forest ‐ cocoa agroforestry ‐ maize cropland. Within each of the habitats, two independent areas of 1 ha each were laid out for samples collection. Our results show similar trends for all variables, with a reduction of organic carbon as well as available micronutrients, plant diversity and abundance and dead plant matter stocks along the land‐use intensification. The same trend is shown by the abundance and biomass of termites, best exemplified by the absence of soil‐feeding termites in the maize cropland. We thus recommend for support to nature‐friendly agroforestry systems preserving a large share of the original soil invertebrates.
Subarctic Pacific Intermediate Water: An Oceanic Highway for the Transport of Trace Metals in the North Pacific
Authors: Wong Kuo Hong , Obata Hajime , Nishioka Jun , Yamashita Youhei , Kondo Yoshiko , Kim Taejin , Mashio Asami , Hasegawa Hiroshi
Published: April 2022

GEOTRACES is an international collaboration project aiming to unravel the distributions of trace elements and their isotopes in the global ocean. As part of the GEOTRACES‐Japan project, we carried out two surveys in the subarctic Pacific in 2012 and 2017. Here, we synthesize the outcomes of research completed so far associated with these surveys. Together our findings revealed that the Subarctic Pacific Intermediate Water is an efficient carrier of trace metals. Trace metals such as iron and manganese originating in coastal regions are transported far into the open ocean due to combinations of favorable conditions. First, the young upper Subarctic Pacific Intermediate Water receives fresh inputs of trace metals, which are stabilized by organic ligands, from terrestrial sources. Meanwhile, the lower Subarctic Pacific Intermediate Water has a relatively low dissolved oxygen concentration, which slows down scavenging processes and allows trace metals to persist in seawater. Decaying sinking organic matter also releases additional trace metals into the intermediate water. The Subarctic Pacific Intermediate Water has unusually high concentrations of dissolved zinc relative to silicate, even though zinc and silicate generally have strongly coupled distribution patterns in the global ocean. We hope that the datasets and insights generated by our surveys and associated studies can contribute to greater understanding of the subarctic Pacific and provide useful information for future studies.
Growth of Aluminum Doped Zinc Oxide Nanostructure Thin Films by Nonconventional Sol‐Gel Method
Authors: Alrefaee Maher , Singh Udai Pratap , Das Susanta Kumar
Published: April 2022

The present work demonstrates the growth of undoped and Al doped ZnO (AZO) thin films by using nonconventional sol‐gel method. The structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of obtained thin films are studied. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms hexagonal wurtzite structures for both undoped and doped thin films. The crystallite size is found between 15 and 30 nm. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images show that the films have approximately uniform morphologies, consisting in several flower‐like aggregates with nanosized multipetals. From the optical properties, it is found that with the increase in the doping concentration, there is a decrease in the absorption coefficient in the visible wavelength range. It is also noticed that the increase in doping concentration causes an increase in bandgap (Eg) and a decrease in extinction coefficient. Urbach energy decreases with increase in the doping concentration. In the Hall effect study, it is observed that the conductivity and carrier concentration increase sharply with increasing the aluminum quantity. The causes and significance of these observations are discussed.
Clinical and Genetic Characterization of Brazilian Patients with Ataxia and Oculomotor Apraxia
Authors: da Costa Sophia Caldas Gonzaga , Rezende Filho Flávio Moura , de Freitas Júlian Leticia , de Assis Pereira Matos Paula Camila Alves , Della‐Ripa Bruno , França Marcondes Cavalcante , Marques Wilson , Santos Mariana , Cronemberger Igor Vasconcelos Barros , Vale Thiago Cardoso , Kok Fernando , Alonso Isabel , Pedroso José Luiz , Barsottini Orlando G.P.
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia (AOA) is characterized by early‐onset cerebellar ataxia associated with oculomotor apraxia. AOA1, AOA2, AOA3, and AOA4 subtypes may present pathogenic variants in APTX, SETX, PIK3R5, and PNKP genes, respectively. Mutations in XRCC1 have been found to cause autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia‐26 (SCAR26) now considered AOA5.

OBJECTIVES

To examine a cohort of Brazilians with autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia plus oculomotor apraxia and determine the frequencies of AOA subtypes through genetic investigation.

METHODS

We evaluated clinical, biomarkers, electrophysiological, and radiological findings of 52 patients with AOA phenotype and performed a genetic panel including APTX, SETX, PIK3R5, PNKP, and XRCC1.

RESULTS

We found pathogenic variants in SETX (15 patients), PNKP (12), and APTX (5). No mutations in PIK3R5 or XRCC1 were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

AOA2 and AOA4 were the most common forms of AOA in Brazil. Mutations in PIK3R5 and XRCC1 were not part of this genetic spectrum. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Anti‐Hyperglycemic Effects of Oils and Extracts Derived from Sea Buckthorn – A Comprehensive Analysis Utilizing In Vitro and In Vivo Models
Authors: Ollinger Nicole , Neuhauser Cathrina , Schwarzinger Bettina , Wallner Melanie , Schwarzinger Clemens , Blank‐Landeshammer Bernhard , Hager Roland , Sadova Nadiia , Drotarova Ivana , Mathmann Katrin , Karamouzi Eugenia , Panopoulos Panagiotis , Rimbach Gerald , Lüersen Kai , Weghuber Julian , Röhrl Clemens
Published: April 2022

Scope

Sea buckthorn (Hippophaes rhamnoides) is capable of ameliorating disturbed glucose metabolism in animal models and human subjects. Here, the effect of sea buckthorn oil as well as of extracts of fruits, leaves, and press cake on postprandial glucose metabolism is systematically investigated.

Methods and results

Sea buckthorn did neither exert decisive effects in an in vitro model of intestinal glucose absorption nor did it alter insulin secretion. However, sea buckthorn stimulates GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane comparable to insulin, indicative of increased glucose clearance from the circulation. Isorhamnetin is identified in all sea buckthorn samples investigated and is biologically active in triggering GLUT4 cell surface localization. Consistently, sea buckthorn products lower circulating glucose by ≈10% in a chick embryo model. Moreover, sea buckthorn products fully revert hyperglycemia in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans while they are ineffective in Drosophila melanogaster under euglycemic conditions.

Conclusion

These data indicate that edible sea buckthorn products as well as by‐products are promising resources for hypoglycemic nutrient supplements that increase cellular glucose clearance into target tissues.
Remote assessment of myotonic dystrophy type 1: A feasibility study
Authors: Hamel Johanna , Creigh Peter D. , Dekdebrun Jeanne , Eichinger Katy , Thornton Charles A.
Published: April 2022

Introduction/Aims

Remote study visits (RSVs) are emerging as important tools for clinical research. We tested the feasibility of using RSVs to evaluate patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), including remote quantitative assessment of muscle function, and we assessed correlations of remote assessments with patient‐reported function.

Methods

Twenty three subjects with DM1 were consented remotely. Toolkits containing a tablet computer, grip dynamometer, and spirometer were shipped to participants. The tablets were loaded with software for video‐conferencing and questionnaires about functional impairment, patient experience with technology, and willingness to participate in future remote studies. Grip strength, forced vital capacity, peak cough flow, timed‐up‐and‐go (TUG), and grip myotonia (hand opening time) were determined during RSVs. We assessed correlations of remote assessments with patient‐reported outcomes of muscle function and with CTG repeat size.

Results

All 23 subjects completed RSVs. 95% of participants were able to complete all components of the remote study. All toolkit components were returned upon completion. Grip strength and TUG demonstrated moderate to strong correlations with self‐reported inventories of upper and lower extremity impairment, respectively (ρ = 0.7 and ρ = −0.52). A total of 91% of subjects expressed interest in participating in future RSVs.

Discussion

Results of this study support the feasibility of using portable devices and video‐conferencing for remote collection of patient‐reported outcomes and quantitative assessment of muscle function in DM1.
On maximum ratio clique relaxations
Authors: Blokhin Yehor , Butenko Sergiy , Momcilovic Petar , Prokopyev Oleg A.
Published: April 2022

This article introduces and studies two clique relaxation models with fractional objectives: the maximum ratio ‐plex problem and the maximum ratio ‐defective clique problem. The decision version of each problem is shown to be strongly ‐complete; we also discuss some related computational complexity issues. The base optimization models are single‐ratio fractional 0‐1 problems. We describe two general types of solution methods: the first one is based on mixed‐integer linear programs (MILPs) obtained by linearizing the original nonlinear 0‐1 models; the other one exploits parametric methods (namely, a binary search and Newton's method) that solve MILPs in an iterative manner. For the proposed MILPs, we derive valid inequalities that are shown to substantially improve the performance of an off‐the‐shelf MILP solver. Finally, the considered solution approaches are compared via extensive numerical experiments using a set of artificially generated and real‐life network instances.
Micromorphology and mechanical properties of UHMWPE/CNF composites under accelerated aging
Authors: Yang Guixu , Meng Guolong , Gao Hong , Lin Qiang
Published: April 2022

The microstructure and mechanical properties of pure ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and UHMWPE/CNF (carbon nanofibers) composites were investigated under different aging time based on differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, uniaxial tensile, and creep tests. The results showed that the aging mechanism of both pure UHMWPE and UHMWPE/CNF composites was thermal oxidation of long carbon chains at low temperatures, and CNF did not participate in the aging reaction. However, the addition of CNF increases the oxidation reaction area, which makes the aging of UHMWPE/CNF composites faster and more complete. Compared with pure UHMWPE, the Young's modulus of the composites with CNF addition was significantly higher, but the tensile strength and elongation were lower. The total creep strain of the composites decreased with increasing aging time. In addition, an aging‐degree‐dependent viscoelastic‐plastic creep model is proposed on the basis of the Kelvin viscoelastic model and Zapas‐Crissman viscoplastic model, which is in good agreement with the experimental data.
Utility of chromosomal microarray analysis for the exploration of isolated and severe fetal growth restriction diagnosed before 24 weeks' gestation
Authors: Dap Matthieu , Gicquel Fanny , Lambert Laetitia , Perdriolle‐Galet Estelle , Bonnet Céline , Morel Olivier
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the utility of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), for the genetic exploration of isolated and severe intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) diagnosed before 24 weeks gestation (WG).

Methods

This retrospective study included singleton fetuses diagnosed with severe IUGR without structural anomalies before 24 WG referred between 2013 and 2021 who underwent prenatal genetic analysis. IUGR was defined by estimated fetal weight ≤3rd centile for gestational age. Genetic analysis, including QF‐PCR and CMA, was systematically offered as part of the etiologic evaluation.

Results

Of 101 referred fetuses, CMA and QF‐PCR were performed in 67 fetuses. Among these 67 cases, a total of 10.5% (7/67) chromosomal abnormalities were detected. CMA detected three pathogenic copy number variants (CNV) (3/67, 4.5%) and three variants of unknown signification (VUS) (3/67, 4.5%). Karyotype detected one chromosomal abnormality. All of the QF‐PCR were normal. Two fetuses with pathogenic CNV shows Doppler abnormalities.

Conclusion

Our study found that in fetuses with severe, isolated, and very early‐onset growth restriction, the rate of pathogenic CNV detected by CMA was 4.5%. Although this cohort is too small to draw a definitive conclusion, the presence of Doppler abnormalities couldn't exclude the possibility of genetic abnormalities.
COVID‐19 pharmacotherapy utilization patterns during pregnancy: International Registry of Coronavirus Exposure in Pregnancy
Authors: Westhoff Whitney J. , Smith Louisa H. , Wyszynski Diego F. , Hernandez‐Diaz Sonia
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Women infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 during pregnancy are at increased risk of developing severe illness and experience a higher rate of preterm births than pregnant women who are not infected. The use of innovative or repurposed therapies to treat COVID‐19 patients is widespread; however, there are very limited data regarding the patterns of use and safety profile of most of these therapeutics in pregnant women. We assessed the patterns of use of COVID‐19 therapeutics during pregnancy using data from the International Registry of Coronavirus in Pregnancy (IRCEP).

Methods

The IRCEP is an international observational cohort study intended to assess the risk of major obstetric and neonatal outcomes among pregnant women with COVID‐19. Women enrolled while pregnant or within 6 months after end of pregnancy. Follow‐up for women enrolled while pregnant includes monthly online questionnaires throughout the pregnancy and, for live births, through the infant's first 90 days of life. Participants provide information on demographic characteristics, health history, COVID‐19 tests and symptoms, medications, and obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

Results

A total of 5780 women with COVID‐19 during pregnancy were identified from the IRCEP. Severity of COVID‐19 was classified in 372 of them as severe, 3053 moderate, and 2355 mild. The most frequently reported COVID‐19 therapies, other than analgesics, included azithromycin (12.8%), steroids (3.5%), interferon (2.4%), oseltamivir (2.1%), chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine (1.7%), anticoagulants (2.0%), antibodies (0.9%), and remdesivir (0.3%). Most drugs were preferentially used for severe cases. Patterns of use varied by country.

Conclusions

IRCEP participants reported use of therapeutics for COVID‐19 during pregnancy for which there is little safety information. Findings on COVID‐19 pharmacotherapy utilization patterns can guide future studies examining the safety of COVID‐19 therapies during pregnancy.
Applying mixture cure survival modeling to medication persistence analysis
Authors: Cai Chao , Love Bryan L. , Yunusa Ismaeel , Reeder Claiborne E.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Standard survival models are often used in a medication persistence analysis. These methods implicitly assume that all patients will experience the event (medication discontinuation), which may bias the estimation of persistence if long‐term medication persistent patients rate is expected in the population. We aimed to introduce a mixture cure model in the medication persistence analysis to describe the characteristics of long‐term and short‐term persistent patients, and demonstrate its application using a real‐world data analysis.

Methods

A cohort of new users of statins was used to demonstrate the differences between the standard survival model and the mixture cure model in the medication persistence analysis. The mixture cure model estimated effects of variables, reported as odds ratios (OR) associated with likelihood of being long‐term persistent and effects of variables, reported as hazard ratios (HR) associated with time to medication discontinuation among short‐term persistent patients.

Results

Long‐term persistent rate was estimated as 17% for statin users aged between 45 and 55 versus 10% for age less than 45 versus 4% for age greater than 55 via the mixture cure model. The HR of covariates estimated by the standard survival model (HR = 1.41, 95% CI = [1.35, 1.48]) were higher than those estimated by the mixture cure model (HR = 1.32, 95% CI = [1.25, 1.39]) when comparing patients with age greater than 55 to those between 45 and 55.

Conclusions

Compared with standard survival modeling, a mixture cure model can improve the estimation of medication persistence when long‐term persistent patients are expected in the population.
Plasma deposited high surface area‐activated carbon coatings: Theory combining particle generation, aggregation and deposition explains microstructure
Authors: Tran Clara T. , Raco Michael , Casey Louis M. , McKenzie David R.
Published: April 2022

High surface area carbon coatings are produced by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition using a high‐voltage dielectric barrier discharge under conditions where aggregates are formed in the plasma and the growing coating is subjected to plasma immersion ion implantation. We extend the Smoluchowski aggregation theory to include the continuous production of monomers to explain the observed microstructure of the coatings as a function of the pressure of deposition. The larger particles show evidence of the accretion of monomers on their surfaces with characteristic voids resulting from island growth. The coatings are subjected to plasma immersion ion implantation using high‐voltage pulses that create radicals for binding biomolecules. The increased surface area by the presence of the aggregated particles binds a significantly higher amount of protein than smooth coatings, making them potentially useful for electrodes, biosensing and drug delivery.
Anti‐proliferative and metastasis‐inhibiting effect of carbon ions on non‐small cell lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells
Authors: Yang Zhen , Luo Hongtao , Feng Shuangwu , Geng Yichao , Zhao Xueshan , Li Chengcheng , Liu Ruifeng , Zhang Qiuning , Wang Xiaohu
Published: April 2022

Objective

Carbon ions suppress the effect of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) on the proliferation and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells.

Methods

The clonogenic formation ability of A549 cells was calculated with different ray doses of radiation. Cell proliferation, cycle, and apoptosis of A549 cells after different ray irradiation were detected by cck8 and flow cytometry. The transwell assay was used to detect the cell migration and invasion after different rays of radiation to A549 cells. The GPX4 matrix metalloproteinase 2 and E‐cadherin expression levels were assessed by immunofluorescence and western blot.

Results

At the dose of 4 Gy, A549 cell viability was 22.95 ± 5.00% and 55.52 ± 3.26% when treated with carbon ions and X‐rays, respectively. The distribution of A549 cells arrested in the G2 phase by carbon ion irradiation was positively correlated with radiation dose, with a most significant increase at 4 Gy irradiation (t = 4.303, p < 0.05). The results of apoptosis after irradiation showed were no significant differences in apoptosis at 1 and 2 Gy of X‐ray compared with 0 Gy, and 4 Gy irradiation significantly induced apoptosis in A549 cells (t = 30.520, p < 0.05). The apoptotic rate of carbon ion‐irradiated cells increased in a dose‐dependent manner and was the highest at 4 Gy (t = 17.356, p < 0.05). The transwell assays showed significantly decreased migration and invasion of both ray‐irradiated cells compared with the 0 Gy control cells. The carbon ions of 2 and 4 Gy significantly inhibited A549 cell migration (t2Gy = 9.260, t4Gy = 19.052, both p < 0.05) and invasion compared with those in the control cells (t2Gy = 6.141, t4Gy = 12.700, both p < 0.05). Treatment with 2 and/or 4 Gy doses of carbon ion reduced GPX4 (t2Gy = 8.170, t4Gy = 13.811, both p < 0.05) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (t2Gy = 207.620, t4Gy = 93.170, both p < 0.05) protein expression, but E‐cadherin expression was increased (t2Gy = 62.811, t4Gy = 102.106, both p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with X‐ray irradiation, carbon ions have a higher relative biological effectiveness and can increase the proportion of A549 cells arrested in the G2/M stage to induce apoptosis, thereby inhibiting proliferation. At the same dose with X‐ray, carbon ions may inhibit the migration and invasion of A549 cells by regulating the expression of GPX4, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and E‐cadherin.
Electrochemical Hydrogen Sensor Assembly for Monitoring High‐Concentration Hydrogen
Authors: Lee Eun Gyu , Jung Soon-Won , Jo Yoon Ee , Yoon Hye Ryeon , Yoo Byung Kwon , Choi Sang Hoon , Choi Jung Woon , Jang Ji Sang , Lee Seung-Yun
Published: April 2022

The demand for hydrogen energy is rapidly increasing because of its clean, abundant, and efficient nature. To utilize hydrogen gas as a fuel for fuel‐cell vehicles, several types of hydrogen sensors are needed to address cost and safety issues. Precise monitoring of hydrogen gas concentration is critical in optimizing vehicle fuel‐cell efficiency. Herein, a fully packaged hydrogen sensor to continuously measure a hydrogen concentration of 20–100% with environmental variations is fabricated, including temperature (from −40 to 105 °C), humidity (from 10 to 98 RH%), and pressure (from 30 to 350 kPa). A signal‐processing circuit is designed to reduce the error rate, and a sensor chip and printed circuit board are assembled in a module using a packaging process with robust materials for harsh vehicle environments. The result herein suggests direct application of the sensor to monitor hydrogen concentration in the hydrogen recirculation unit in a fuel‐cell vehicle.
Data‐Driven Approach to Designing 2D Van der Waals Heterostructures: Misjudgment of Band Alignment Type and Its Mechanism
Authors: Si Yuan , Lian Ji-Chun , Yang Ke , Huang Tao , Huang Wei-Qing , Hu Wang-Yu , Huang Gui-Fang
Published: April 2022

Data‐driven approach, including database building and high‐throughput design, is rapidly applied to various fields, ranging from physics to materials. Predicting the band alignment type at interfaces, which is based on Anderson's rule (AR), is crucial for implementing the data‐driven approach in the field of 2D van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs). The validity of the AR‐based data‐driven approach, however, is ambiguous, particularly when it involves band alignment. Based on a large‐scale calculation (1231 heterostructures), it is explicitly demonstrated that the current AR‐based data‐driven approach have prediction errors for certain band alignment type, including the inability to predict type‐other band alignment and the partial misclassification of type II band alignment as type III. Such prediction errors are quantitatively explained by geometric deformation, interlayer orbital coupling, and charge redistribution effects. As a result, the current data‐driven design approach is insufficiently reliable for type II, type III, and type‐other heterostructures, which may result in inaccurate or incomplete design results. Herein, a flaw in the current AR‐based data‐driven approach is elucidated as well as important information for reasonably designing 2D vdWHs is provided in general.
Low Leakage and High ION/IOFF Ratio in Partial Gated AlGaN/GaN Nanowire Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Kumar Akhil S. , Ganguly Swaroop , Saha Dipankar
Published: April 2022

Lateral nanowire (NW) field‐effect transistors are fabricated by a top‐down approach on an AlGaN/GaN heterostructure. A combination of dry and anisotropic wet etching is used to form the NW. The channel is controlled by a 2D electric field originating from two partial gates on the parallel sides of the nanowire channel. While a larger overlap of the gate with the channel region, as in a gate‐all‐around transistor, improves gate control in terms of transconductance gm, gate leakage current and ION/IOFF deteriorate. Partial overlapping gate transistors are found to provide a trade‐off, providing extremely low gate leakage current (≈10 μA cm−2), very low IOFF (100 fA μm−1), and very high ION/IOFF (5 × 108). Despite the nature of the partial gate, a good subthreshold swing (SS) of ≈79 mV decade−1 is observed. Various transistor performance parameters can be tuned within a certain window of trade‐offs between them as the transistor evolves from a partial gate to a gate‐all‐around structure. A 1D nature of the channel near the transistor threshold voltage is found to offset the limitations of the partial gate.
Antagonistically Functionalized Diatom Biosilica for Bio‐Triboelectric Generators
Authors: Rajabi‐Abhari Araz , Lee Jeehee , Tabassian Rassoul , Kim Jong‐Nam , Lee Haeshin , Oh Il‐Kwon
Published: April 2022

Although biomaterial‐based triboelectric nanogenerators (Bio‐TENGs) for use in wearable electronics and implantable sensors have been developed, power generation is not suitable for satisfying the basic requirements for practical applications. Here, to greatly enhance output performances of Bio‐TENG devices, an antagonistic approach of diatom frustules (DFs) with amine and fluorine chemical functionalizations is reported. The DFs are treated with piranha solution to increase the density of hydroxyl groups and tribo‐positive and tribo‐negative composite films are designed with antagonistically functionalized DFs. The tribo‐positive composites having electron donating functionality consist of aminated DFs and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), while the tribo‐negative composite is composed of fluorinated DFs and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). An antagonistically and chemically functionalized TENG (ACF TENG) with an efficient contact area of 9.6 cm2 under a force of 8 N and a frequency of 5 Hz exhibits an output voltage of 248 V, a short‐circuit current of 16.4 µA, and a power density of 2.01 W m−2, which is 16.6 times higher than a reference (CNC:PDMS) TENG. This study shows a simple antagonistic approach for chemical functionalization as an efficient method to manipulate the tribo‐polarity of bio‐additives for enhancing power generation of Bio‐TENGs.
LINC00365 inhibited lung adenocarcinoma progression and glycolysis via sponging miR‐429/KCTD12 axis
Authors: Zhang Cheng‐Wei , Zhou Bin , Liu Yan‐Chao , Su Li‐Wei , Meng Jie , Li Shao‐Lei , Wang Xue‐Long
Published: April 2022

This study researched the function of long non‐coding RNA LINC00365 in lung adenocarcinoma (LAD) progression. LINC00365, miR‐429, and KCTD12 expression in the LAD clinical tissues and cells were detcetd by qRT‐PCR and Western blot. LINC00365, miR‐429, and KCTD12 effects on H1975 cells malignant phenotype were detected by cell counting kit‐8 assay, clone formation experiment, Transwell experiment, and glycolysis. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA pull‐down assay were implemented. LINC00365 effect on H1975 cells in vivo growth was detected. LINC00365 was low expressed in the LAD patients and cells, associating with poor outcome. LINC00365 up‐regulation attenuated H1975 cells proliferation, migration, invasion, glycolysis and in vivo growth. LINC00365 inhibited KCTD12 expression by sponging miR‐429. miR‐429 up‐regulation and KCTD12 down‐regulation partial reversed LINC00365 inhibition on H1975 cells malignant phenotype. Thus, LINC00365 inhibited LAD progression and glycolysis via targeting miR‐429/KCTD12 axis. LINC00365 might be a potential candidate for LAD target treatment clinically.
Local Stability to Periodicity in the EuMg5+x Type: Chemical Pressure, Disordered Channels, and Predicted Superstructure in YZn5.225
Authors: Fredrickson Rie T. , Kamp Kendall R. , Fredrickson Daniel C.
Published: April 2022

A central theme in the structural chemistry of intermetallic phases is that complex structures can be derived from variations on simpler ones. This is vividly demonstrated by the variety of structure types that can be connected to chemical pressure (CP)‐driven transformations of the simple CaCu5 type. In this Article, we investigate an intriguing addition to this family: the EuMg5‐type intermetallics, as exemplified by YZn5. As expected from the large negative CPs around the cations in CaCu5‐type structures, YZn5 exhibits tightened coordination environments around the cations. However, it also contains an unusually inhomogeneous atomic packing, particularly in channels running between the Y atoms along c. Our structural reinvestigation of YZn5 reveals a disordered occupation pattern of Zn atoms within these channels, consistent with the EuMg5+x type, a disordered variant of the EuMg5 type. DFT‐CP analysis indicates that the transition from the CaCu5 type to the YZn5+x structure indeed creates more compact Y environments, but strong tensions remain within the Zn sublattice. These include CP features on the channel walls that provide a mechanism for the communication of structural information between the channels and favorable cooperation in their occupation patterns. Based on these results, a structural model is proposed that explains an earlier observation of superstructure reflections in the diffraction patterns of ErZn5 corresponding to a √3×√3×3 supercell.
Heterotic Kerr-Schild Double Field Theory and its double Yang-Mills formulation
Authors: Lescano Eric , Roychowdhury Sourav
Published: April 2022

Abstract

We present a formulation of heterotic Double Field Theory (DFT), where the fundamental fields are in O(D, D) representations. The theory is obtained splitting an O(D, D + K ) duality invariant DFT. This procedure produces a Green-Schwarz mechanism for the generalized metric, and a fundamental gauge field which transforms as a gauge connection only to leading order. After parametrization, the former induces a non-covariant transformation on the metric tensor, which can be removed considering field redefinitions, and an ordinary Green-Schwarz mechanism on the b-field. Within this framework we explore perturbative properties of heterotic DFT. We use a relaxed version of the generalized Kerr-Schild ansatz (GKSA), where the generalized background metric is perturbed up to quadratic order considering a single null vector and the gauge field is linearly perturbed before parametrization. Finally we compare the dynamics of the gauge field and the generalized metric in order to inspect the behavior of the classical double copy correspondence at the DFT level.
Are orthopaedic surgeons prepared? An analysis of severe casualties from the 2021 flash flood and mudslide disaster in Germany
Authors: Gathen Martin , Welle Kristian , Jaenisch Max , Kasapovic Adnan , Rommelspacher Charlotte , Novosel Suncana , Roos Jonas , Kabir Koroush
Published: April 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to describe and analyse the most severe casualties from the flash flood and mudslides occurring on 14 July 2021 in Germany, focusing on patients who were treated in the closest and largest level I trauma centre in the region the disaster occurred.

Methods

A single-centre retrospective study design was employed, and all patients treated because of the flooding and mudslides who needed inpatient treatment were documented. Data on each patient’s demographic characteristics, type of injury, number of surgeries, duration of hospitalisation, operation time, revision rate, injury severity score (ISS), and complications were collected. The primary outcome measure was status at discharge.

Results

Within the first week after the flood, a total of 63 patients were documented. Forty-one patients were treated on an outpatient basis in the emergency unit, and 22 patients were hospitalised. Of those hospitalised, 15 patients needed surgical treatment in the operation theatre. The most common injuries were fractures of the lower extremity (n = 7) and soft tissue wounds (n = 4). Overall, 20 surgeries were performed; the mean hospital stay was 7.2 ± 6.4 days, and the mean ISS was 5.7 ± 2.7.

Conclusion

The July 2021 flood disaster was one of the largest in German history. The included patients showed complex injuries of various types. Because of the effects of climate change, orthopaedic surgeons might face higher numbers of casualties affected by natural disasters. Learning more about the management and profile of these injuries can become a future challenge for orthopaedic and trauma surgeons.
The effects of nalmefene on the impulsive and reflective system in alcohol use disorder: A resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Grundinger Nadja , Gerhardt Sarah , Karl Damian , Mann Karl , Kiefer Falk , Vollstädt-Klein Sabine
Published: April 2022

Rationale

Central aspects of alcohol use disorder (AUD) are the irresistible desire for alcohol and impaired control over its intake. According to the triadic neurocognitive model of addiction, this arises from aberrant functioning of different neural and cognitive systems: an impulsive system, a reflective system, and the abnormal dynamics between both systems based on an insular-dependent system.

Objectives

In this study, we examined the effects of a single dose of nalmefene on resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) patterns within and between these addiction-related neural systems in AUD.

Methods

Non-treatment seeking participants with AUD (N = 17; 19–66 years, 6 female) took part in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study and received either a single dose of 18 mg nalmefene or a placebo. Using seed-based correlation analyses on resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data, we examined the effects of nalmefene on key nodes related to the (1) impulsive system; (2) reflective system; (3) salience network; and (4) default mode network.

Results

Under nalmefene, participants showed reduced rsFC between components of the impulsive system (Nucleus accumbens–putamen/pallidum/insula). Reduced rsFC was found between elements of the reflective system and impulsive system (orbitofrontal cortex–insula/putamen/pallidum), salience network (orbitofrontal cortex–insula/inferior frontal gyrus), and default mode network (lateral prefrontal cortex–precuneus/cuneus). Components of the salience network showed both increased (anterior cingulate cortex) and decreased (insular cortex) rsFC to elements of the reflective system.

Conclusion

A single dose of nalmefene impacts rsFC and alters the interaction between key nodes of addiction-related neural systems in non-treatment seeking participants with AUD. Nalmefene may normalize rsFC patterns by weakening the impulsive system while strengthening the reflective system.

Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02372318.
Are reaching and grasping effector-independent? Similarities and differences in reaching and grasping kinematics between the hand and foot
Authors: Liu Yuqi , Caracoglia James , Sen Sriparna , Freud Erez , Striem-Amit Ella
Published: April 2022

While reaching and grasping are highly prevalent manual actions, neuroimaging studies provide evidence that their neural representations may be shared between different body parts, i.e., effectors. If these actions are guided by effector-independent mechanisms, similar kinematics should be observed when the action is performed by the hand or by a cortically remote and less experienced effector, such as the foot. We tested this hypothesis with two characteristic components of action: the initial ballistic stage of reaching, and the preshaping of the digits during grasping based on object size. We examined if these kinematic features reflect effector-independent mechanisms by asking participants to reach toward and to grasp objects of different widths with their hand and foot. First, during both reaching and grasping, the velocity profile up to peak velocity matched between the hand and the foot, indicating a shared ballistic acceleration phase. Second, maximum grip aperture and time of maximum grip aperture of grasping increased with object size for both effectors, indicating encoding of object size during transport. Differences between the hand and foot were found in the deceleration phase and time of maximum grip aperture, likely due to biomechanical differences and the participants’ inexperience with foot actions. These findings provide evidence for effector-independent visuomotor mechanisms of reaching and grasping that generalize across body parts.
MRI signal and morphological alterations of the suprapatellar fat pad in asymptomatic subjects: are these normal variants?
Authors: Cosentino Aurelio , Richard Raphaël , Baron Margaux , Demondion Xavier , Favre Julien , Omoumi Patrick
Published: April 2022

Objective

To study the prevalence of suprapatellar fat pad (SPFP) MR alterations in asymptomatic subjects, in relation to a wide range of clinical/imaging parameters, including muscle performance tests and physical activity data.

Materials and methods

We prospectively included 110 asymptomatic subjects as part of a cohort study. Inclusion criteria were no knee pain in the last year. Exclusion criteria were any medical/surgical history of a knee disorder. Subjects underwent knee and low-dose posture radiographs [EOS®], 3 T MRI, clinical examination including muscle performance tests, and physical activity monitoring. The presence/absence of SPFP alterations (hyperintensity and mass effect) were assessed through consensus reading on fluid-sensitive sequences. Differences between groups of knees with SPFP alterations and controls were tested for a total of 55 categorical/continuous clinical/imaging parameters, including SPFP relative-T2-signal, trochlear/patellar/lower-limb morphologic measurements. Wilcoxon-rank-sum and chi-square tests were used to compare groups of patients. The histological correlation was obtained in a cadaveric specimen.

Results

SPFP alterations were common in asymptomatic subjects: hyperintensity 57% (63/110) and mass effect 37% (41/110), with 27% (30/110) showing both. Among the 55 imaging, clinical, or activity parameters tested, only increased patellar tilt angle (p = 0.02) and TT-TG distance (p = 0.03) were statistically different between groups of SPFP alterations and controls. The histological correlation showed more abundant connective tissue in SPFP compared to the prefemoral fat pad.

Conclusions

SPFP hyperintensity and mass effect are common MRI findings in asymptomatic knees, and they are not related to most imaging, clinical, and activity parameters. Care should be taken not to overcall them pathological findings as they most likely represent normal variants.
Transition metal dichalcogenide-based Janus micromotors for on-the-fly Salmonella detection
Authors: Pacheco Marta , Jurado-Sánchez Beatriz , Escarpa Alberto
Published: April 2022

Janus micromotors encapsulating transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and modified with a rhodamine (RhO)-labeled affinity peptide (RhO-NFMESLPRLGMH) are used here for Salmonella enterica endotoxin detection. The OFF–ON strategy relies on the specific binding of the peptide with the TMDs to induce fluorescence quenching (OFF state); which is next recovered due to selectively binding to the endotoxin (ON state). The increase in the fluorescence of the micromotors can be quantified as a function of the concentration of endotoxin in the sample. The developed strategy was applied to the determination of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium endotoxin with high sensitivity (limits of detection (LODs) of 2.0 µg/mL using MoS2, and 1.2 µg/mL using WS2), with quantitative recoveries (ranging from 93.7 ± 4.6 % to 94.3 ± 6.6%) in bacteria cultures in just 5 min. No fluorescence recovery is observed in the presence of endotoxins with a similar structure, illustrating the high selectivity of the protocol, even against endotoxins of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis with great similarity in its structure, demonstrating the high bacterial specificity of the developed method. These results revealed the analytical potential of the reported strategy in multiplexed assays using different receptors or in the design of portable detection devices.

Graphical abstract
Strukturqualität im Berliner Notarztdienst: Funktionen, Qualifikationen und Kompetenzerhalt
Authors: Breuer Florian , Dahmen Janosch , Malysch Tom , Poloczek Stefan
Published: April 2022

Die Voraussetzungen zum Einsatz im Notarztdienst sind in Deutschland unterschiedlich geregelt, allein die Rahmenbedingungen zur Erlangung der Zusatzbezeichnung Notfallmedizin variieren in den Bundesländern. Diese stellt nur die Mindestvoraussetzung zur ärztlichen Teilnahme am Rettungsdienst dar und ist nach aktueller Literatur und Rechtsprechung, ebenso wie die alleinige Teilnahme am Notarzt- oder Klinikdienst zum Kompetenzerhalt, längst nicht mehr ausreichend. Im Rahmen der erneuten Ausschreibung des Notarztdiensts im Land Berlin im Jahr 2020 wurden die Voraussetzungen zur Teilnahme am Notarztdienst an den Stand der medizinischen Wissenschaft und aktuellen Rechtsprechung angepasst, die Definition von ärztlichen Kompetenzniveaus und deren strukturierter Erwerb inklusive festgelegter Einarbeitungs- und Einsatzzeiten entsprechend definiert sowie supervidierende Komponenten festgelegt. Bereits existierenden ärztlichen Führungsfunktionen wie dem Oberarzt vom Dienst (OAVD) kommt als operativer Vertreter der Ärztlichen Leitung Rettungsdienst in der Notfallrettung der Hauptstadt eine zentrale Rolle bei der Etablierung und Sicherung dieser gebotenen Anpassungsmaßnahmen zu.
Hume on the Monetary Fallacy of Monotonic Counterfactuals
Authors: Maffezioli Paolo
Published: April 2022

I focus on the commonly shared view that Hume’s monetary theory is inconsistent. I review several attempts to solve the alleged inconsistency in Hume’s monetary theory, including the consensus interpretation according to which Hume was committed to the neutrality of money only in the long run, while he conceded that money can be non-neutral in the short run. Then, building on a monetary version of the logical fallacy of monotonic counterfactuals in the essay Of the Balance of Trade, I argue for the consistency of Hume’s theory of money by ascribing to Hume a distinction between money as collectively neutral and distributively non-neutral.