bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
U-Pb dating of middle Eocene-middle Pleistocene multiple tectonic pulses in the
Alpine foreland
Authors: Smeraglia Luca , Looser Nathan , Fabbri Olivier , Choulet Flavien , Guillong Marcel , Bernasconi Stefano M.
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Foreland fold-and-thrust belts record long-lived tectonic-sedimentary activity, from passive margin sedimentation, flexuring, and further involvement into wedge accretion ahead of an advancing orogen. Therefore, dating fault activity is fundamental for plate movement reconstruction, resource exploration, or earthquake hazard assessment. Here, we report U-Pb ages of syntectonic calcite mineralizations from four thrusts and three tear faults sampled, at the regional scale, across the Jura fold-and-thrust belt in the northwestern Alpine foreland (eastern France). Four regional tectonic phases are recognized in the middle Eocene-middle Pleistocene interval: (1) pre-orogenic faulting at 44.7 ± 2.6 and 48.4 ± 1.5 Ma associated to the uplift of the Alpine forebulge, (2) syn-orogenic thrusting at 11.4 ± 1.1, 10.6 ± 0.5, 9.7 ± 1.4, 9.6 ± 0.3, and 7.5 ± 1.1 Ma associated to possible in-sequence thrust propagation, and (3) syn-orogenic tear faulting at 10.5 ± 0.4, 9.1 ± 6.5, 7.3 ± 1.9, 5.7 ± 4.7, 4.8 ± 1.7, and at 0.7 ± 4.2 Ma including the reactivation of a pre-orogenic fault as tear fault at 3.9 ± 2.9 Ma. Previously unknown faulting events at 44.7 ± 2.6 and 48.4 ± 1.5 Ma predate by ~ 10 Ma the accepted late Eocene age for tectonic activity onset in the Alpine foreland. In addition, we dated the previously inferred strike-slip faults re-activation as tear fault. The U-Pb ages demonstrate the long-lived tectonic history at the plate boundary between European and African plates and that the deformation observed in the foreland is directly linked to continental collision.
InSAR monitoring of Arctic land fast sea ice deformation using
L-band ALOS-2, C-band Radarsat-2 and Sentinel-1
Authors: Chen Zhaohua , Montpetit Benoit , Banks Sarah , White Lori , Behnamian Amir , Duffe Jason , Pasher Jon
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Arctic amplification is accelerating changes in sea ice regimes in the Canadian Arctic with later freeze-up and earlier melt events, adversely affecting Arctic wildlife and communities that depend on the stability of the sea ice conditions. To monitor both the rate and impact of such change, there is a need to accurately measure sea ice deformation, an important component for understanding ice motion and polar climate. This paper presents Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) monitoring of Arctic landfast sea ice deformation as a result of thickness changes measured from ice draft and surface height using C-band Radarsat-2, Sentinel-1 and L-band ALOS-2. The small baseline subset (SBAS) approach was explored to process time series observations for retrieval of temporal deformation changes over the winter. Sea ice deformation (subsidence and uplift in the range of −32–57 cm) detected from satellite SAR data in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada during the winter of 2018–2019 was found to be in a range of values corresponding to the ice draft growth (30–62 cm) measured from an in-situ ice profiler. The trends of InSAR observations from Sentinel-1 were also consistent with ice surface height changes along two ground tracks detected from ICESat-2. SAR backscatter from Sentinel-1 also corresponded to the surface height with strong correlation coefficient (0.49–0.83). High coherence over ice from C-band was maintained over a shorter acquisition interval than L-band due to temporal decorrelation.
The Effects of Leadership Behaviors on Organization Agility: A Quantitative Study of 126 U.S.-Based Business Units
Authors: Gagel Gretchen
Published: February 2021

Researchers have theorized that the behaviors of organization leaders impact organization agility, which is defined as the ability of an organization to swiftly and successfully change in order to achieve long-term success. The purpose of this study was to determine if leadership behaviors as measured by the MLQ-5X predict organization agility as measured by the Agility Survey (short-form). The research sample included 126 U.S.-based business units within 47 organizations with greater than 1,000 employees. The leadership behaviors found to predict higher levels of organization agility included: (a) exploratory leadership behaviors that support discovering new ways to solve problems and conduct business, (b) latitude leadership behaviors that provide employees with a high degree of freedom and responsibility in achieving work results and resolving issues, (c) visionary leadership behaviors that create a clear organization purpose and mission and define the “why” of the organization’s existence, and (d) reflective leadership behaviors that cause leaders to challenge their own assumptions and create mechanisms for the organization to do so as well. The leadership behaviors related to power and structure predicted lower levels of organization agility.
Firm Size and Financial Performance Among Listed Banks of Emerging Economies in Africa
Authors: Umukoro Olaoluwa Elsie , Uwuigbe Olubukola Ranti , Obigbemi Imoleayo , Babajide Balogun Sheriff , Eluyela Damilola Felix , Ofe Inua
Published: February 2021

The continuous increase in the size of various firms and listed banks, has necessitated the need to empirically examine the effect firm size has on the financial performance of listed banks in Africa. This is because some organisations and institutions have in time past failed to fulfill their going concern objective despite their large firm size balance. This study examined the effect firm size has on the three levels of cash flow of emerging economies in listed banks in Africa. The study employed the use of multiple regression analysis with the aid of the STATA statistical software tool. The result obtained revealed that for the operating level of cash flow, all countries used in this paper, with the exception of Kenya should continue to employ the independent variable as a corporate strategy method as it increases operating cash inflow. The financing level of cash flow results recommended that all countries except Nigeria should continue to utilize firm size as a significant value was obtained from the regression. The investing level of cash flow results produced a significant P-value for all countries with the exception of Botswana. The study, therefore, recommended that listed banks in Kenya, Nigeria and Botswana should apply caution in employing the firm-size corporate strategy method. This is because it doesn’t guarantee cash inflow in all three levels of cash flows.
Effect of Abdominal Breathing Combined with Brisk Walking on Intervention Effect of Female Patients with Essential Hypertension
Authors: Zhao Bing , Wang Haixia
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVE: Exploring the intervention effect of abdominal breathing combined with brisk walking on female patients with essential hypertension.

METHODS: 98 female patients diagnosed as essential hypertension were randomly divided into simple walking group and abdominal breathing combined with walking group, and the intervention effects of the two groups were compared.

RESULTS: Abdominal breathing combined with brisk walking was better than brisk walking alone in BMI, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and other aspects (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Abdominal breathing combined with brisk walking exercise can improve the therapeutic effect of female patients with essential hypertension and improve their self-management ability for chronic diseases.
The Role of National Media Programs in the Prevention of Childhood Cancer
Authors: Kajiyazdi Mohammad , Jesmani Nayereh , Eftekhari Kambiz
Published: February 2021

Background: In the contemporary century, the media has played a significant role in educating communities. Objectives: The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of national media programs in the prevention of childhood cancer. Methods: Participants in this research study included ordinary people, parents of children with cancer, and pediatric oncologists. The study was performed for six months (2017) in Bahrami and Mahak hospitals. Participants were asked questions about the role of the media in the prevention of childhood cancer, and their answers were recorded in a questionnaire. Results: The results showed that, while ordinary people evaluate the role of national media programs, their simplicity and comprehensibility in the prevention of childhood cancer as desirable, parents of children with cancer consider this program’s comprehensibility as low. Physicians also considered the influence of the contents of radio and television programs as low but their simplicity as desirable. Conclusions: Our study confirmed the effectiveness of national media programs in the prevention of childhood cancer. The level of education of parents was effective in understanding media education in the prevention of childhood cancer.
From emergency practice to Christian polemics? Augustine’s invocation of infant baptism in the Pelagian Controversy
Authors: Pierce Alexander H. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: February 2021

In this article, I build upon Jean-Albert Vinel’s account of Augustine’s “liturgical argument” against the Pelagians by exploring how and why Augustine uses both the givenness of the practice of infant baptism and its ritual components as evidence for his theological conclusions in opposition to those of the Pelagians. First, I explore infant baptism in the Roman North African Church before and during Augustine’s ministry. Second, I interpret Augustine’s rhetorical adaptation of the custom in his attempt to delineate the defining characteristics of Catholic Christianity in the early fifth century. I show how Augustine mobilizes his belief in the efficacy of the Church’s practice of infant baptism to make explicit a boundary marker of “Catholic” Christianity, which was long implicit in the practice itself. Perceiving the consequences of Pelagianism, Augustine organizes his anti-Pelagian soteriology around the central node of infant baptism, the most theologically and rhetorically strategic means by which he could refute the Pelagian heresy and underwrite what he understood to be the traditional vision of sin and salvation evident in the baptismal rite.
Pancreatic progenitor epigenome maps prioritize type 2 diabetes risk genes with roles in development
Authors: Geusz Ryan J , Wang Allen , Chiou Joshua , Lancman Joseph J , Wetton Nichole , Kefalopoulou Samy , Wang Jinzhao , Qiu Yunjiang , Yan Jian , Aylward Anthony , Ren Bing , Dong P Duc Si , Gaulton Kyle J , Sander Maike
Published: February 2021

Genetic variants associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk affect gene regulation in metabolically relevant tissues, such as pancreatic islets. Here, we investigated contributions of regulatory programs active during pancreatic development to T2D risk. Generation of chromatin maps from developmental precursors throughout pancreatic differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) identifies enrichment of T2D variants in pancreatic progenitor-specific stretch enhancers that are not active in islets. Genes associated with progenitor-specific stretch enhancers are predicted to regulate developmental processes, most notably tissue morphogenesis. Through gene editing in hESCs, we demonstrate that progenitor-specific enhancers harboring T2D-associated variants regulate cell polarity genes LAMA1 and CRB2. Knockdown of lama1 or crb2 in zebrafish embryos causes a defect in pancreas morphogenesis and impairs islet cell development. Together, our findings reveal that a subset of T2D risk variants specifically affects pancreatic developmental programs, suggesting that dysregulation of developmental processes can predispose to T2D.
Dyshomeostatic modulation of Ca2+-activated K+ channels in a human neuronal model of KCNQ2 encephalopathy
Authors: Simkin Dina , Marshall Kelly A , Vanoye Carlos G , Desai Reshma R , Bustos Bernabe I , Piyevsky Brandon N , Ortega Juan A , Forrest Marc , Robertson Gabriella L , Penzes Peter , Laux Linda C , Lubbe Steven J , Millichap John J , George Alfred L , Kiskinis Evangelos
Published: February 2021

Mutations in KCNQ2, which encodes a pore-forming K+ channel subunit responsible for neuronal M-current, cause neonatal epileptic encephalopathy, a complex disorder presenting with severe early-onset seizures and impaired neurodevelopment. The condition is exceptionally difficult to treat, partially because the effects of KCNQ2 mutations on the development and function of human neurons are unknown. Here, we used induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and gene editing to establish a disease model and measured the functional properties of differentiated excitatory neurons. We find that patient iPSC-derived neurons exhibit faster action potential repolarization, larger post-burst afterhyperpolarization and a functional enhancement of Ca2+-activated K+ channels. These properties, which can be recapitulated by chronic inhibition of M-current in control neurons, facilitate a burst-suppression firing pattern that is reminiscent of the interictal electroencephalography pattern in patients. Our findings suggest that dyshomeostatic mechanisms compound KCNQ2 loss-of-function leading to alterations in the neurodevelopmental trajectory of patient iPSC-derived neurons.
State-Transition Model for Malaria Symptoms
Authors: Mbete Drinold Aluda , Nyongesa Kennedy
Published: February 2021

Aims/ objectives: To develop a state-transition model for malaria symptoms. Study design: Longitudinal study. 

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Mathematics Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology between January 2015 and December 2015. 

Methodology: We included 300 students (patients) with liver malaria disease, with or without the medical history of malaria disease, physical examination for signs and symptoms for both specific and non-specific symptom, investigation of the disease through laboratory test (BS test) and diagnostic test results. the focus of this study was to develop state-transition model for malaria symptoms. Bayesian method using Markov Chain Monte Carlo via Gibbs sampling algorithm was implemented for obtaining the parameter estimates. 

Results: The results of the study showed a significant association between malaria disease and observed symptoms 

Conclusion: The study findings provides a useful information that can be used for predicting malaria disease in areas where Blood slide test and rapid diagnostic test for malaria disease is not possible.
Impact of Magnetized Freshwater, Saline Water and Treated Wastewater on Plant Growth and Yield Production of Cucumber Crop
Authors: Rahil Mahmoud , Radi Saif Abo
Published: February 2021

Aims: The growing scarcity and miss use of the available water resources particularly in arid and semi-arid regions constitute challenges to water demands for various utilities. One possible approach to conserve the scarce resources may be through improving the performance of the existing irrigation water using magnetization technology. The main aim of this study was to investigate the impact of magnetized and non-magnetized different types of water quality: freshwater (FW), magnetic freshwater (MFW), saline water (SW), magnetic saline water (MSW), wastewater (WW), and magnetic wastewater (MWW) on the growth and yield production of cucumber plant cultivated under greenhouse conditions.

Study Design: The experiment was designed using a complete randomized design. Six different treatments were used and designed (FW, MFW, SW, MSW, WW, and MWW) with four replicates per each treatment.

Place and Duration of Study: The field study was conducted at the experimental farm of Palestine Technical University- Kadoorie on February 2019 for a period of four months.

Methodology: Cucumber seedlings were cultivated in plastic pots (7 litters). Six different types of water quality (FW, MFW, SW, MSW, WW, and MWW) were used for irrigating of cucumber plants. Average plant length, average fruit number per plant, average fruit weight per plant, average total yield, average plant dry matter, and photosynthetic rate were measured during the growing period.

Results: Results of this study indicated that the plant irrigated with magnetized freshwater produced the highest plant length and fruit number followed by magnetized treated wastewater compared to the other treatments. Moreover, the plant irrigated with magnetized treated wastewater produced the highest yield, photosynthetic rate and dry matter, followed by magnetized fresh water and magnetized saline water treatments.

Conclusion: It is concluded that, magnetized water for irrigation purposes could be a promising technique for agricultural improvements but more investigation is required on different crops.
Does the ATP‐bound EQ mutant reflect the pre‐ or post‐ATP hydrolysis state in the catalytic cycle of human P‐glycoprotein (ABCB1)?
Authors: Lusvarghi Sabrina , Durell Stewart R. , Ambudkar Suresh V.
Published: February 2021

P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp, ABCB1) is an ABC transporter associated with the development of multidrug resistance to chemotherapy. During its catalytic cycle, P‐gp undergoes significant conformational changes. Recently, atomic structures of some of these conformations have been resolved using cryo‐electron microscopy. The ATP hydrolysis‐defective mutant of the catalytic glutamate residue of the Walker B motif (E556Q/E1201Q) has been used to determine the structure of the ATP‐bound inward‐closed conformation of P‐gp. Here, we show that this mutant does not appear to undergo the same steps as wild‐type P‐gp. We discuss conformational differences in the EQ mutant that may lead to a better understanding of the catalytic cycle of P‐gp and propose that additional structural studies with wild‐type P‐gp are required.
Tobacco control policies in the 21st century: achievements and open challenges
Authors: Peruga Armando , López María José , Martinez Cristina , Fernández Esteve
Published: February 2021

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, are responsible for almost 70% of all deaths worldwide. Tobacco use is a risk factor common to most NCDs. This article discusses tobacco control policies and highlights major achievements and open challenges to reduce smoking prevalence and attributable morbidity and mortality in the 21st century. The introduction of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2005 has been a key achievement in the field and has already facilitated a drop in both smoking prevalence and exposure to secondhand smoke. Indicatively, the size of the worldwide population benefiting from at least one cost‐effective tobacco control policy has quadrupled since 2007. In addition, plain cigarette packaging has been successfully introduced as a tobacco control policy, surmounting efforts of the tobacco industry to challenge this based on trade and investment law. Nevertheless, tobacco control still faces major challenges. Smoking prevalence needs to be further reduced in a rather expedited manner. Smoke‐free environments should be extended, and the use of plain tobacco packaging with large pictorial health warnings for all tobacco products should be further promoted in some parts of the world. Some of these measures will require prompt determination and diligence. For example, bold political decisions are needed to significantly increase real prices of tobacco products through excise taxes, ban added ingredients that are currently used to increase the attractiveness of tobacco products and ban the tobacco industry's corporate social responsibility initiatives. Finally, the debate on harm reduction strategies for tobacco control still needs to be resolved.
Opposing prognostic relevance of junction plakoglobin in distinct prostate cancer patient subsets
Authors: Spethmann Tanja , Böckelmann Lukas Clemens , Labitzky Vera , Ahlers Ann‐Kristin , Schröder‐Schwarz Jennifer , Bonk Sarah , Simon Ronald , Sauter Guido , Huland Hartwig , Kypta Robert , Schumacher Udo , Lange Tobias
Published: February 2021

Both oncogenic and tumor suppressor functions have been described for junction plakoglobin (JUP), also known as γ‐catenin. To clarify the role of JUP in prostate cancer, JUP protein expression was immunohistochemically detected in a tissue microarray containing 11 267 individual prostatectomy specimens. Considering all patients, high JUP expression was associated with adverse tumor stage (P = 0.0002), high Gleason grade (P < 0.0001), and lymph node metastases (P = 0.011). These associations were driven mainly by the subset without TMPRSS2:ERG fusion, in which high JUP expression was an independent predictor of poor prognosis (multivariate analyses, P = 0.0054) and early biochemical recurrence (P = 0.0003). High JUP expression was further linked to strong androgen receptor expression (P < 0.0001), high cell proliferation, and PTEN and FOXP1 deletion (P < 0.0001). In the ERG‐negative subset, high JUP expression was additionally linked to MAP3K7 (P = 0.0007) and CHD1 deletion (P = 0.0021). Contrasting the overall prognostic effect of JUP, low JUP expression indicated poor prognosis in the fraction of CHD1‐deleted patients (P = 0.039). In this subset, the association of high JUP and high cell proliferation was specifically absent. In conclusion, the controversial biological roles of JUP are reflected by antagonistic prognostic effects in distinct prostate cancer patient subsets.
Vitamin D supplementation to the older adult population in Germany has the cost‐saving potential of preventing almost 30 000 cancer deaths per year
Authors: Niedermaier Tobias , Gredner Thomas , Kuznia Sabine , Schöttker Ben , Mons Ute , Brenner Hermann
Published: February 2021

Recent meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated significant reduction in cancer mortality by vitamin D supplementation. We estimated costs and savings for preventing cancer deaths by vitamin D supplementation of the population aged 50+ years in Germany. Our analysis is based on national data on cancer mortality in 2016. The number of preventable cancer deaths was estimated by multiplying cancer deaths above age 50 with the estimated proportionate reduction in cancer mortality derived by vitamin D supplementation according to meta‐analyses of RCTs (13%). Saved costs were estimated by multiplying this number by estimated end‐of‐life cancer care costs (€40 000). Annual costs of vitamin D supplementation were estimated at 25€ per person above age 50. Comprehensive sensitivity analyses were conducted. In the main analysis, vitamin D supplementation was estimated to prevent almost 30 000 cancer deaths per year at approximate costs of €900 million and savings of €1.154 billion, suggesting net savings of €254 million. Our results support promotion of supplementation of vitamin D among older adults as a cost‐saving approach to substantially reduce cancer mortality.
Pin1 and JNK1 cooperatively modulate TAp63γ
Authors: Fan Xueying , He Wei , Hu Ke , Chen Huimin , Chen Li , Fan Shijie , Li Chenghua
Published: February 2021

Thep63gene encodes at least 10 isoforms, which can be classified into TA and ∆N isotypes (TAp63 and ∆Np63 proteins) according to their differences at the N termini. TAp63γ is an important transcription factor. We previously reported that peptidyl‐prolyl isomerase (PPI) Pin1 directly binds to TAp63γ protein and identified that serine 12 (S12) in the transactivation domain (TAD) of TAp63γ is required for regulation of its transcriptional activity. In the present study, we report that Pin1 stimulates transcriptional and pro‐apoptotic activities of TAp63γ; this Pin1‐mediated stimulation may depend on phosphorylation of S12mediated by JNK1 and results in striking activation of TAp63γ. JNK1 represses transactivity of TAp63γ in cells without abundant Pin1 proteins and enhances it in the presence of sufficient levels of Pin1. Collectively, our data suggest a novel mechanism for regulation of TAp63γ transactivity: TAp63γ with unphosphorylated S12is moderately active, phosphorylation at this residue (pS12) makes it hypoactive, and Pin1 binds to the pS12‐P13motif and makes TAp63γ hyperactive. Our findings will aid in the elucidation of the mechanism underlying modulation of TAp63γ.
Some learnings Gyoji Banshoya acquired from the spatial composition of the ancient shantytown of Mahieddine, in 1950's Algiers: Research on dwelling practice around the “bidonville (shantytown)” project in Algiers during the Late Colonial Period, Part 1
Authors: Matsubara Kosuke
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to consider how Gyoji Banshoya's planning idea was formed through analysis of the panels presented by CIAM‐Alger in Aix‐en‐Province in 1953 on a shantytown called Mahieddine, which is defined as a primary source related to Banshoya's activities on the French side. At first, the points of his article “Apartments in Algeria” are summarized as the four criteria for analyzing of CIAM‐Alger's presentation panel. Then, CIAM‐Alger's presentation panel on Mahieddine is analyzed from the abovementioned four criteria where I discuss that they should be defined as dwelling practices of residents. Based on that, the realization of the Mahieddine project comprising of a “Cité de Recasement” and “HLM (Habitation à loyer modéré)” apartments, is examined. In conclusion, I indicate that Banshoya adopted the “courtyard,” “WCs and showers,” and “sight line planning.” Therefore, it is certain that he understood the importance of the Muslim tradition of privacy as well as improvement in sanitary conditions. Finally, I show some issues related to the further research framework centering around the “evolution” and modern urban planning, to reconsider the work of Gyoji Banshoya in Middle Eastern cities.
Celebrating eighty years of radionuclide therapy and the work of Saul Hertz
Authors: Fahey Frederic H. , Grant Frederick D.
Published: February 2021

March 2021 will mark the eightieth anniversary of targeted radionuclide therapy, recognizing the first use of radioactive iodine to treat thyroid disease by Dr. Saul Hertz on March 31, 1941. The breakthrough of Dr. Hertz and collaborator physicist Arthur Roberts was made possible by rapid developments in the fields of physics and medicine in the early twentieth century. Although diseases of the thyroid gland had been described for centuries, the role of iodine in thyroid physiology had been elucidated only in the prior few decades. After the discovery of radioactivity by Henri Becquerel in 1897, rapid advancements in the field, including artificial production of radioactive isotopes, were made in the subsequent decades. Finally, the diagnostic and therapeutic use of radioactive iodine was based on the tracer principal that was developed by George de Hevesy. In the context of these advancements, Hertz was able to conceive the potential of using of radioactive iodine to treat thyroid diseases. Working with Dr. Roberts, he obtained the experimental data and implemented it in the clinical setting. Radioiodine therapy continues to be a mainstay of therapy for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. However, Hertz struggled to gain recognition for his accomplishments and to continue his work and, with his early death in 1950, his contributions have often been overlooked until recently. The work of Hertz and others provided a foundation for the introduction of other radionuclide therapies and for the development of the concept of theranostics.
Sources of bias in memory for emotional reactions to Brexit: Current feelings mediate the link between appraisals and memories
Authors: Schmidt Susanna , Muzzulini Barbara , Levine Linda J. , Tinti Carla
Published: February 2021

This investigation examined the relation between two sources of bias when people remember how they felt about political events: their current appraisals of the past political event and their current feelings about it. We assessed participants' memories for their emotional response to a major political event: the 2016 United Kingdom referendum on European Union membership. Participants reported their emotional experience and appraisals within 2 weeks after the outcome. After 18 months, participants reported their current appraisals and emotions concerning the referendum's outcome and their remembered past emotional response. The results showed that current negative emotions fully mediated the link between current appraisals and remembered negative emotions. We discuss this result within a feeling‐is‐for‐doing approach.
Increased Mortality for Individuals With Giant Cell Arteritis: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Barra Lillian , Pope Janet E. , Pequeno Priscila , Gatley Jodi M. , Widdifield Jessica
Published: February 2021

Objective

Reports of mortality risks among individuals with giant cell arteritis (GCA) have been mixed. Our aim was to evaluate all‐cause mortality among individuals with GCA relative to the general population over time.

Methods

We performed a population‐based study in Ontario, Canada using health administrative data. We studied a cohort of 22,677 GCA patients ages ≥50 years that was identified using a validated case definition (with 81% positive predictive value, 100% specificity). General population comparators were residents ages ≥50 years without GCA. Deaths were ascertained from vital statistics. Annual crude, age‐ and sex‐standardized, and age‐ and sex‐specific all‐cause mortality rates were determined for individuals with and without GCA between 2000 and 2018. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were estimated.

Results

Age‐ and sex‐standardized mortality rates were significantly higher for GCA patients than comparators, and trending to increase over time with 50.0 deaths per 1,000 GCA patients in 2000 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 34.0–71.1) and 57.6 deaths per 1,000 GCA patients in 2018 (95% CI 50.8–65.2), whereas mortality rates in the general population significantly declined over time. The annual SMRs for GCA patients generally increased over time, with the lowest SMR occurring in 2002 (1.22 [95% CI 1.03–1.40]) and the highest in 2018 (1.92 [95% CI 1.81–2.03]). GCA mortality rates were more elevated for male patients than female patients.

Conclusion

Over a 19‐year period, mortality rates were increased among GCA patients relative to the general population, and more premature deaths were occurring in younger age groups. The relative excess mortality for GCA patients did not improve over time.
Hybrid Auxetic Structures: Structural Optimization and Mechanical Characterization
Authors: Bronder Stefan , Adorna Marcel , Fíla Tomáš , Koudelka Petr , Falta Jan , Jiroušek Ondřej , Jung Anne
Published: February 2021

With their increased energy absorption capacity, auxetic materials are perfectly fit to develop new, enhanced lightweight crash absorbers for cars. Herein, the mass distribution along the struts is optimized via finite element analysis with a parameterized optimization. Four different auxetic unit cells are taken from the literature and their struts parameterize, the models simulate, and the mass specific energy absorption capacity optimizes. The two models with the highest energy absorption capacity are then selected for experimental investigation and produced by additive manufacturing from a polymer. To further enhance the mechanical properties, the specimens are electrochemically coated with nickel and the polymer molten out by pyrolysis. Those Ni/polymer hybrids are subjected to quasistatic and dynamic impact experiments. Only a small strain rate sensitivity can be detected under dynamic loading, namely, a higher plastic collapse and higher plateau stress. The hollow struts are folding instead of bending, which render them much weaker than predicted by the simulation. In conclusion, it is possible to improve existing crash absorber elements with tailored auxetic hybrid structures. They absorb higher amounts of energy without changing their stiffness under dynamic loading while saving mass and cost.
Augmented Reality Interfaces Using Virtual Customization of Microstructured Electronic Skin Sensor Sensitivity Performances
Authors: Yao Haicheng , Sun Tao , Chiam John Solomon , Tan Melissa , Ho Khek Yu , Liu Zhuangjian , Tee Benjamin Chee Keong
Published: February 2021

Electronic skins equip robots and biomedical devices with intuitive skin‐like sensitivity. Performance‐driven design of electronic skins is a critical need for electronic or biomedical applications. Prior research primarily focuses on investigating effects of microstructures on sensor performance at low pressure ranges. However, having predictive and tunable electro–mechanical responses across an extensive pressure range (>100 kPa) is paramount. Here, the authors propose a system that virtually customizes micropyramids for e‐skin sensors. The associations between geometry parameters, material properties, and single‐pyramid performance are systematically explored via numerical simulations, empirical characterizations, and analytical solutions. These experimentally validated models allow for the determination of the sensor parameters for the desired performance. An augmented reality interface system for surgery skills training by optimizing sensitivities that match varying tissue stiffnesses is further demonstrated. The platform enables greater effectiveness in rapidly iterating and designing micropyramidal e‐skin for applications in augmented reality interfaces, robotics, and telehealthcare.
Steering the Assembly and Disassembly of Active Pd Sites in Organometallic Networks for Electrocatalytic Performance and Organic Transformation
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Li Hong‐Bao , Yang Zhengkun , Xu An‐Wu
Published: February 2021

Hierarchical bottom‐up structuring in nature provides inspiration for the construction of self‐assembled complex with advanced properties out of simple building blocks. However, the development of self‐standing assemblies of ultrasmall metal nanoparticles using redox ligands is still challenging. Here, a molecule‐confined reduction strategy to prepare robust self‐organized superstructures through metal–ligand interfacial interactions and hydrogen bonding is reported. High‐density and well‐separated Pd nanoparticles and single atoms are embedded within organometallic matrixes (Pd@eFc) via in situ reduction of the Pd precursor by redox‐active ligands. Furthermore, these metal–organic networks can be disassembled into fragments with highly dispersed Pd nanoparticles and single atoms by solvent mediation. Strikingly, Pd@eFc disassembly delivers excellent oxygen reduction performance, while its assembly can act as a selective hydrogenation catalyst. This viable molecule‐confined reduction strategy can also be applied to other organometallic superstructures (e.g., Au@eFc, Ag@eFc). The findings thus encourage on‐going study to explore controlled hierarchically self‐assembled superstructures for a wide range of catalysis.
Thermoplastic Photoheating Polymer Enables 3D‐Printed Self‐Healing Light‐Propelled Smart Devices
Authors: Xuan Huixia , Guan Qingbao , Zhang Luzhi , You Zhengwei
Published: February 2021

Swimming devices have shown great potential in various fields. Future swimming devices are expected to be capable of facile fabrication, smart on‐demand transportation, and self‐healing. Here, a swimming device is developed with the aforementioned features based on a newly designed photoheating thermoplastic poly(sebacoyl diglyceride‐co‐4,4′‐azodibenzoyl diglyceride) (PSeDA). PSeDA). PSeDA can be instantly heated by ultraviolet light to modulate its spatiotemporal viscoelasticity. Accordingly, a series of swimming devices are customized via single integrated 3D printing. The micrometer‐scale grid structure enables versatile multimode motion and generates a higher propulsive force than that of typical molded analogs based on the photoheat‐induced Marangoni effect. The device exhibits smart transportation capabilities, including capture, conveyance, and release, and is also the first of its kind to achieve self‐healing. This work provides a design principle for swimming devices in which the key is photoheating thermoplastics. This design principle of material is further demonstrated by synthesizing photoheating thermoplastics responsive to visible and near infrared light and will inspire an exciting field of thermoplastics.
Discrepancies on the Role of Oxygen Gradient and Culture Condition on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Fate
Authors: Samal Jay R. K. , Rangasami Vignesh K. , Samanta Sumanta , Varghese Oommen P. , Oommen Oommen P.
Published: February 2021

Over the past few years, mesenchymal stem (or stromal) cells (MSCs) have garnered enormous interest due to their therapeutic value especially for their multilineage differentiation potential leading to regenerative medicine applications. MSCs undergo physiological changes upon in vitro expansion resulting in expression of different receptors, thereby inducing high variabilities in therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, understanding the biochemical cues that influence the native local signals on differentiation or proliferation of these cells is very important. There have been several reports that in vitro culture of MSCs in low oxygen gradient (or hypoxic conditions) upregulates the stemness markers and promotes cell proliferation in an undifferentiated state, as hypoxia mimics the conditions the progenitor cells experience within the tissue. However, different studies report different oxygen gradients and culture conditions causing ambiguity in their interpretation of the results. In this progress report, it is aimed to summarize recent studies in the field with specific focus on conflicting results reported during the application of hypoxic conditions for improving the proliferation or differentiation of MSCs. Further, it is tried to decipher the factors that can affect characteristics of MSC under hypoxia and suggest a few techniques that could be combined with hypoxic cell culture to better recapitulate the MSC tissue niche.
Printable and Stretchable Giant Magnetoresistive Sensors for Highly Compliant and Skin‐Conformal Electronics
Authors: Ha Minjeong , Cañón Bermúdez Gilbert Santiago , Kosub Tobias , Mönch Ingolf , Zabila Yevhen , Oliveros Mata Eduardo Sergio , Illing Rico , Wang Yakun , Fassbender Jürgen , Makarov Denys
Published: February 2021

Highly compliant electronics, naturally conforming to human skin, represent a paradigm shift in the interplay with the surroundings. Solution‐processable printing technologies are yet to be developed to comply with requirements to mechanical conformability of on‐skin appliances. Here, it is demonstrated that high‐performance spintronic elements can be printed on ultrathin 3 µm thick polymeric foils enabling the mechanically imperceptible printed magnetoelectronics, which can adapt to the periodic buckling surface to be biaxially stretched over 100%. They constitute the first example of printed and stretchable giant magnetoresistive sensors, revealing 2 orders of magnitude improvements in mechanical stability and sensitivity at small magnetic fields, compared to the state‐of‐the‐art printed magnetoelectronics. The key enabler of this performance enhancement is the use of elastomeric triblock copolymers as a binder for the magnetosensitive paste. Even when bent to a radius of 16 µm, the sensors printed on ultrathin foils remain intact and possess unmatched sensitivity for printed magnetoelectronics of 3 T‐1 in a low magnetic field of 0.88 mT. The compliant printed sensors can be used as components of on‐skin interactive electronics as it is demonstrated with a touchless control of virtual objects including zooming in and out of interactive maps and scrolling through electronic documents.
Conformal Geometry and Multimaterial Additive Manufacturing through Freeform Transformation of Building Layers
Authors: Huang Jigang , Ware Henry Oliver T. , Hai Rihan , Shao Guangbin , Sun Cheng
Published: February 2021

3D printing, formally known as additive manufacturing, creates complex geometries via layer‐by‐layer addition of materials. While 3D printing has been historically perceived as the static addition of build layers, 3D printing is now considered as a dynamic assembly process. In this context, here a new 3D printing process is reported that executes full degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) transformation (translating, rotating, and scaling) of each individual building layer while utilizing continuous fabrication techniques. Transforming individual building layers within the sequential layered manufacturing process enables dynamic transformation of the 3D printed parts on‐the‐fly, eliminating the time‐consuming redesign steps. Preserving the locality of the transformation to each layer further enables the discrete conformal transformation, allowing objects such as vascular scaffolds to be optimally fabricated to properly fit within specific patient anatomy obtained from the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements. Finally, exploiting the freedom to control the orientation of each individual building layer, multimaterials, multiaxis 3D printing capability are further established for integrating functional modules made of dissimilar materials in 3D printed devices. This final capability is demonstrated through 3D printing a soft pneumatic gripper via heterogenous integration of rigid base and soft actuating limbs.
Graphene: A Disruptive Opportunity for COVID‐19 and Future Pandemics?
Authors: Reina Giacomo , Iglesias Daniel , Samorì Paolo , Bianco Alberto
Published: February 2021

The graphene revolution, which has taken place during the last 15 years, has represented a paradigm shift for science. The extraordinary properties possessed by this unique material have paved the road to a number of applications in materials science, optoelectronics, energy, and sensing. Graphene‐related materials (GRMs) are now produced in large scale and have found niche applications also in the biomedical technologies, defining new standards for drug delivery and biosensing. Such advances position GRMs as novel tools to fight against the current COVID‐19 and future pandemics. In this regard, GRMs can play a major role in sensing, as an active component in antiviral surfaces or in virucidal formulations. Herein, the most promising strategies reported in the literature on the use of GRM‐based materials against the COVID‐19 pandemic and other types of viruses are showcased, with a strong focus on the impact of functionalization, deposition techniques, and integration into devices and surface coatings.
3D Ordered Co@NC Skeleton for Bifunctional Oxygen Reduction and Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts
Authors: Cai Zihe , Lin Shengxuan , Xiao Jiajia , Muhmood Tahir , Hu Xiaobin
Published: February 2021

Transition metal@nitrogen–carbon (M@NC) catalysts are greatly desired for zinc–air batteries due to the promising oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) properties. Herein, a uniformly distributed Co@NC catalyst derived from metal–organic frameworks is developed. The CoNx species and Co nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon networks promote ORR and OER kinetics synergistically. Moreover, a novel structure is designed for exposing active sites, which consists of 3D macroporous skeleton embedded in carbon fiber paper. It is revealed that the outstanding ORR and OER properties attribute to the sufficient active area obtained from porous structure and ultra‐thickness (280 µm). Besides, interconnected macropores provide abundant channels for mass transport. The liquid ZABs assembled using 3DOMCo@NC‐1‐090 displays outstanding performances.
Bipolar Conduction and Giant Positive Magnetoresistance in Doped Metallic Titanium Oxide Heterostructures
Authors: Huang Ke , Wang Tao , Jin Mengjia , Wu Liang , Wang Junyao Floria , Li Shengyao , Qi Dong‐Chen , Cheng Shuying , Li Yangyang , Chen Jingsheng , He Xiaozhong , Li Changjian , Pennycook Stephen J. , Renshaw Wang Xiao
Published: February 2021

Empowering conventional materials with unexpected magnetoelectric properties is appealing to the multi‐functionalization of existing devices and the exploration of future electronics. Recently, owing to its unique effect in modulating a matter's properties, ultra‐small dopants, for example, H, D, and Li, attract enormous attention in creating emergent functionalities, such as superconductivity, and metal–insulator transition. Here, an observation of bipolar conduction accompanied by a giant positive magnetoresistance in D‐doped metallic Ti oxide (TiOxDy) films is reported. To overcome the challenges in intercalating the D into a crystalline oxide, a series of TiOxDy is formed by sequentially doping Ti with D and surface/interface oxidation. Intriguingly, while the electron mobility of the TiOxDy increases by an order of magnitude larger after doping, the emergent holes also exhibit high mobility. Moreover, the bipolar conduction induces a giant magnetoresistance up to 900% at 6 T, which is ≈6 times higher than its conventional phase. This study paves a way to empower conventional materials in existing electronics and induce novel electronic phases.
Disentangling Bulk and Interface Phenomena in a Molecularly Doped Polymer Semiconductor
Authors: Lungwitz Dominique , Schultz Thorsten , Tait Claudia E. , Behrends Jan , Mohapatra Swagat K. , Barlow Stephen , Marder Seth R. , Opitz Andreas , Koch Norbert
Published: February 2021

Doping the electron‐transport polymer poly{[N,N′‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)naphthalene‐1,4,5,8‐bis(dicarboximide)‐2,6‐diyl]‐alt‐5,5′‐(2,2′‐bithiophene)} [P(NDI2OD‐T2)] with the bulky, strongly reducing metallocene 1,2,3,4,1′,2′,3′,4′‐octaphenylrhodocene (OPR) leads to an increased bulk conductivity and a decreased contact resistance. While the former arises from low‐level n‐doping of the intrinsic polymer and increased carrier mobility due to trap‐filling, the latter arises from a pronounced accumulation of dopant molecules at an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate. Electron transfer from OPR to ITO leads to a work function reduction, which pins the Fermi level at the P(NDI2OD‐T2) conduction band and thus minimizes the electron injection barrier and the contact resistance. The results demonstrate that disentangling the effects of electrode modification by the dopant and bulk doping is essential to comprehensively understand doped organic semiconductors.
Enhancing the Light Extraction Efficiency in Micro‐Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with Metalens
Authors: Lin Jingen , Sun Qian , Feng Weibin , Guo Songming , Liu Zhihao , Liang Haowen , Li Juntao
Published: February 2021

Due to the total internal reflection caused by the mismatch of the refractive indices between organic layers and oxide layers within an organic light‐emitting diode (OLED), most of the light energy is trapped inside the device; if the size of an OLED is further limited to a few micrometers, most of the light will be lost on the side wall, which will further reduce the light outcoupling efficiency. Herein, the mechanism of the light extraction efficiency of micro‐OLEDs with metalens is studied. The results show that the metalens has a better optical extraction efficiency for single‐reflection light rather than requiring light to be multireflected by the conventional photonic structures. As a result, it effectively improves the light‐emitting coupling efficiency and even the OLED size shrinks to 1 μm. This technique is expected to boost the efficiency in ultrahigh‐pixel‐density microdisplays required in emerging augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) and is extrapolated to other light‐emitting devices such as quantum‐dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs), micro‐light‐emitting diodes (μLEDs), and perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs).