bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oligomerization, trans-reduction, and instability of mutant NOTCH3 in inherited vascular dementia
Authors: Young Kelly Z. , Rojas Ramírez Carolina , Keep Simon G. , Gatti John R. , Lee Soo Jung , Zhang Xiaojie , Ivanova Magdalena I. , Ruotolo Brandon T. , Wang Michael M.
Published: April 2022

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is a prevalent disease of aging and a major contributor to stroke and dementia. The most commonly inherited SVD, CADASIL, is caused by dominantly acting cysteine-altering mutations in NOTCH3. These mutations change the number of cysteines from an even to an odd number, but the impact of these alterations on NOTCH3 protein structure remain unclear. Here, we prepared wildtype and four mutant recombinant NOTCH3 protein fragments to analyze the impact of CADASIL mutations on oligomerization, thiol status, and protein stability. Using gel electrophoresis, tandem MS/MS, and collision-induced unfolding, we find that NOTCH3 mutant proteins feature increased amounts of inappropriate disulfide bridges, reduced cysteines, and structural instability. Presence of a second protein factor, an N-terminal fragment of NOTCH3 (NTF), is capable of further altering disulfide statuses of both wildtype and mutant proteins, leading to increased numbers of reduced cysteines and further destabilization of NOTCH3 structure. In sum, these studies identify specific cysteine residues alterations and quaternary structure induced by CADASIL mutations in NOTCH3; further, we validate that reductive factors alter the structure and stability of this small vessel disease protein.
Division of labor and collective functionality in Escherichia coli under acid stress
Authors: Brameyer Sophie , Schumacher Kilian , Kuppermann Sonja , Jung Kirsten
Published: April 2022

The acid stress response is an important factor influencing the transmission of intestinal microbes such as the enterobacterium Escherichia coli. E. coli activates three inducible acid resistance systems - the glutamate decarboxylase, arginine decarboxylase, and lysine decarboxylase systems to counteract acid stress. Each system relies on the activity of a proton-consuming reaction catalyzed by a specific amino acid decarboxylase and a corresponding antiporter. Activation of these three systems is tightly regulated by a sophisticated interplay of membrane-integrated and soluble regulators. Using a fluorescent triple reporter strain, we quantitatively illuminated the cellular individuality during activation of each of the three acid resistance (AR) systems under consecutively increasing acid stress. Our studies highlight the advantages of E. coli in possessing three AR systems that enable division of labor in the population, which ensures survival over a wide range of low pH values.
Sperm membrane proteins DCST1 and DCST2 are required for sperm-egg interaction in mice and fish
Authors: Noda Taichi , Blaha Andreas , Fujihara Yoshitaka , Gert Krista R. , Emori Chihiro , Deneke Victoria E. , Oura Seiya , Panser Karin , Lu Yonggang , Berent Sara , Kodani Mayo , Cabrera-Quio Luis Enrique , Pauli Andrea , Ikawa Masahito
Published: April 2022

The process of sperm-egg fusion is critical for successful fertilization, yet the underlying mechanisms that regulate these steps have remained unclear in vertebrates. Here, we show that both mouse and zebrafish DCST1 and DCST2 are necessary in sperm to fertilize the egg, similar to their orthologs SPE-42 and SPE-49 in C. elegans and Sneaky in D. melanogaster. Mouse Dcst1 and Dcst2 single knockout (KO) sperm are able to undergo the acrosome reaction and show normal relocalization of IZUMO1, an essential factor for sperm-egg fusion, to the equatorial segment. While both single KO sperm can bind to the oolemma, they show the fusion defect, resulting that Dcst1 KO males become almost sterile and Dcst2 KO males become sterile. Similar to mice, zebrafish dcst1 KO males are subfertile and dcst2 and dcst1/2 double KO males are sterile. Zebrafish dcst1/2 KO sperm are motile and can approach the egg, but are defective in binding to the oolemma. Furthermore, we find that DCST1 and DCST2 interact with each other and are interdependent. These data demonstrate that DCST1/2 are essential for male fertility in two vertebrate species, highlighting their crucial role as conserved factors in fertilization.
Compact, spatial-mode-interaction-free, ultralow-loss, nonlinear photonic integrated circuits
Authors: Ji Xinru , Liu Junqiu , He Jijun , Wang Rui Ning , Qiu Zheru , Riemensberger Johann , Kippenberg Tobias J.
Published: April 2022

Multi-mode waveguides are ubiquitously used in integrated photonics. Although interaction among different spatial waveguide eigenmodes can induce novel nonlinear phenomena, spatial mode interaction is typically undesired. Adiabatic bends, such as Euler bends, have been favoured to suppress spatial mode interaction. Here, we adapt and optimize Euler bends to build compact racetrack microresonators based on ultralow-loss, multi-mode, silicon nitride photonic integrated circuits. The racetrack microresonators feature a footprint of only 0.21 mm2 for 19.8 GHz free spectral range, suitable for tight photonic integration. We quantitatively investigate the suppression of spatial mode interaction in the racetrack microresonators with Euler bends. We show that the low optical loss rate (15.5 MHz) is preserved, on par with the mode interaction strength (25 MHz). This results in an unperturbed microresonator dispersion profile. We further generate a single dissipative Kerr soliton of 19.8 GHz repetition rate without complex laser tuning schemes or auxiliary lasers. The optimized Euler bends and racetrack microresonators can be building blocks for integrated nonlinear photonic systems, as well as linear circuits for programmable processors or photonic quantum computing.
Hyaluronan and elastin-like protein (HELP) gels significantly improve microsphere retention in the myocardium
Authors: Suhar Riley A. , Doulames Vanessa M. , Liu Yueming , Hefferon Meghan E. , Figueroa Oscar , Buabbas Hana , Heilshorn Sarah C.
Published: April 2022

Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, and delivery of therapeutic cargo is a promising treatment. However, retention is very low. Injectable gels may help improve retention of cargo.
Preparation, structural characterization and prebiotic potential of mulberry leaf oligosaccharides
Authors: Hu Teng-Gen , Wu Hong , Yu Yuan-shan , Xu Yu-Juan , Li Er-Na , Liao Sen-Tai , Wen Peng , Zou Yu-Xiao
Published: April 2022

The present study shows the structure characterization and prebiotic potential of a main oligosaccharide fraction (MLO 1-2) purified from the enzymatic hydrolysate of mulberry leaf polysaccharides by DEAE-52 cellulose and gel column chromatography.
Magnetic mesocellular foams with nickel complexes: as efficient and reusable nanocatalysts for the synthesis of symmetrical and asymmetrical diaryl chalcogenides
Authors: Shirvandi Zeinab , Rostami Amin , Ghorbani-Choghamarani Arash
Published: April 2022

In this work, magnetic mesocellular foam (M-MCF) nanoparticles were prepared via inserting magnetic nanoparticles into the pores of mesocellular foams, the inner surface of which was functionalized with a methionine–nickel complex (M-MCF@Met–Ni).
Active site regulated Z-scheme MIL-101(Fe)/Bi2WO6/Fe(iii) with the synergy of hydrogen peroxide and visible-light-driven photo-Fenton degradation of organic contaminants
Authors: Song Rutong , Yao Jun , Yang Mei , Ye Zhongbin , Xie Zhuang , Zeng Xiang
Published: April 2022

The band structure analysis shows that BWO and MIL-101(Fe) is typical type-II scheme, which provokes that the photogenerated carriers will transfer from a more positive position to a more negative position. The Z-scheme heterojunction is proposed.
Two-dimensional lamellar polyimide/cardanol-based benzoxazine copper polymer composite coatings with excellent anti-corrosion performance
Authors: Chen Xiangyang , Zhang Xinmei , Chen Jipeng , Bai Weibin , Zheng Xiaoxiao , Lin Qi , Lin Fengcai , Xu Yanlian
Published: April 2022

Room temperature cured two-dimensional lamellar polyimide/cardanol-based benzoxazine copper polymer composite coatings were successfully prepared, which exhibited excellent mechanical properties and anticorrosion properties.
The risk perception of nanotechnology: evidence from twitter
Authors: Murphy Finbarr , Alavi Ainaz , Mullins Martin , Furxhi Irini , Kia Arash , Kingston Myles
Published: April 2022

The number of positive, negative and neutral tweets relating to silver, carbon and titanium nanoparticles since 2006. Over a quarter of a million tweets were analyzed using a sentiment analysis methodology.
A small-molecule organic ferroelectric with piezoelectric voltage coefficient larger than that of lead zirconate titanate and polyvinylidene difluoride
Authors: Zhang Han-Yue
Published: April 2022

A small-molecule organic ferroelectric (3,3-DFCBA)Cl has high piezoelectric voltage coefficients g33 (437.2 × 10−3 V m N−1), a large electrostriction coefficient Q33, and low acoustic impedance z0, far beyond that of PZT and PVDF.
Machine learning for rapid quantification of trace analyte molecules using SERS and flexible plasmonic paper substrates
Authors: Beeram Reshma , Banerjee Dipanjan , Narlagiri Linga Murthy , Soma Venugopal Rao
Published: April 2022

Graphical representation of machine learning for rapid quantification of trace hazardous molecules using the SERS technique and a flexible plasmonic paper substrate.
Ascidian-inspired aciduric hydrogels with high stretchability and adhesiveness promote gastric hemostasis and wound healing
Authors: Xue Wenliang , Yang Rong , Liu Shuai , Pu Yajie , Wang Penghui , Zhang Wenjie , Tan Xiaoyan , Chi Bo
Published: April 2022

The hydrogel adhesives were formed via hydrogen bonds between the amide groups of PGA-DA and polyphenol groups of TA. The hydrogel adhesives exhibited strong adhesion, high stretchability, and rapid hemostatic performance.
Dendron-functionalised hyperbranched bis-MPA polyesters as efficient non-viral vectors for gene therapy in different cell lines
Authors: San Anselmo María , Postigo Alejandro , Lancelot Alexandre , Serrano José Luis , Sierra Teresa , Hernández-Ainsa Silvia
Published: April 2022

Hyperbranched polyesters functionalised with positively charged amino-terminated dendrons at their periphery have demonstrated good capabilities for siRNA and plasmid DNA transfection.
Ethylene oxidation activity of silica-supported platinum catalysts for the preservation of perishables
Authors: Mori Takeshi , Shigyo Tatsuhiro , Nomura Takafumi , Osanai Yuki , Nakajima Kiyotaka , Fukuoka Atsushi
Published: April 2022

Silica-supported platinum catalysts can remove trace amounts of ethylene from perishables and extend their shelf-lives.
Surface segregation in the AgAuCuPdPt high entropy alloy: insights from molecular simulations
Authors: Dahale Chinmay , Goverapet Srinivasan Sriram , Mishra Shashank , Maiti Soumyadipta , Rai Beena
Published: April 2022

Segregation reduces the chemical diversity but increases the number of catalytically active sites of the dominant element at the surface.
An expanded sandwich-like heterostructure with thin FeP nanosheets@graphene via charge-driven self-assembly as high-performance anodes for sodium ion battery
Authors: Park Seungman , Kim Dongwon , Jang Myeongseok , Hwang Taejin , Hwang Seon Jae , Piao Yuanzhe
Published: April 2022

Expanded sandwich-like heterostructure of iron-phosphide nanosheets in between reduced graphene oxide with a high ratio of FeP/Fe-POx is fabricated.
Lattice dynamics of Ge1−xSnx alloy nanowires
Authors: Raha Sreyan , Biswas Subhajit , Doherty Jessica , Mondal Prasanna Kumar , Holmes Justin D. , Singha Achintya
Published: April 2022

Alloying group IV semiconductors offers an effective way to engineer their electronic properties and lattice dynamics.
The discrete single-entity electrochemistry of Pickering emulsions
Authors: Kim So Dam , Park Joon Ho , Ahn Hyokyum , Lee Jeeho , Shin Chan-Ho , Jang Woo-Dong , Kim Byung-Kwon , Ahn Hyun S.
Published: April 2022

The discrete single-entity electrochemistry analysis of Pickering emulsions was carried out and the electron-transfer mechanism was elucidated. This platform was applied to the synthesis of nanomaterials with controlled density and spacing.
Correction: The fabrication of hollow ZrO2 nanoreactors encapsulating Au–Fe2O3 dumbbell nanoparticles for CO oxidation
Authors: Yang Fan , Wu Chunzheng , Yu Hongbo , Wang Shiwei , Li Tong , Yan Bo , Yin Hongfeng
Published: April 2022

Correction for ‘The fabrication of hollow ZrO2 nanoreactors encapsulating Au–Fe2O3 dumbbell nanoparticles for CO oxidation’ by Fan Yang et al., Nanoscale, 2021, 13, 6856–6862, DOI: 10.1039/D1NR00173F
Green synthesis of N-doped porous carbon/carbon dot composites as metal-free catalytic electrode materials for iodide-mediated quasi-solid flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Hongju , Zhou Yi , Gao Zhiyong , Han Yue , Jiang Kai , Zhang Wenchao , Wu Dapeng
Published: April 2022

The synthesis procedure of the N-doped PC-CDs composite and the electrochemical reaction of iodide at the PC-CDs surface.
In situ construction of a C3N5 nanosheet/Bi2WO6 nanodot S-scheme heterojunction with enhanced structural defects for the efficient photocatalytic removal of tetracycline and Cr(vi)
Authors: Li Shijie , Cai Mingjie , Liu Yanping , Zhang Junlei , Wang Chunchun , Zang Shaohong , Li Youji , Zhang Peng , Li Xin
Published: April 2022

A novel 2D/0D C3N5/Bi2WO6 S-scheme heterojunction with enhanced structural defects has been designed for the efficient elimination of pharmaceutical antibiotics and Cr(vi).
Remediation of PAHs contaminated industrial soils by hypochlorous acid: performance and mechanisms
Authors: He Yufeng , Hu Xiaojun , Jiang Jingxian , Zhang Jinyang , Liu Fuwen
Published: April 2022

An extremely high degradation efficiency of 93.3% was realized for PAHs in contaminated industrial soil by HOCl oxidation.
Mixed metal node effect in zeolitic imidazolate frameworks
Authors: Madsen Rasmus S. K. , Stepniewska Malwina , Yang Yongjian , Qiao Ang , Winters Wessel M. W. , Zhou Chao , König Jakob , Mauro John C. , Yue Yuanzheng
Published: April 2022

The mixed metallic node effect is discovered in bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (i.e., Co,Zn-ZIF-62) through a combination of experimental and modelling studies.
Optimized nano-metal particles filled into carbon nanohorns to achieve high N-doping amount and high porosity for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Nan Yanli , Wang Zhaoyu
Published: April 2022

The Ni-filled CNHs achieve excellent OER performance, attributing to the high N-doping amount and high porosity of CNHs.
Impacts of negatively charged colloidal clay particles on photoisomerization of both anionic and cationic azobenzene molecules
Authors: Mouri Emiko , Kajiwara Kei , Kawasaki Shuhei , Shimizu Yusuke , Bando Hikaru , Sakai Hideki , Nakato Teruyuki
Published: April 2022

Aqueous clay colloids influence the photoisomerization kinetics of both of the anionic and cationic azobenzene molecules although the guest species has been limited to cationic or polar molecules because of the intrinsic negative electric charges of the clay particles.
Impact of rare earth (RE3+ = La3+, Sm3+) substitution in the A site perovskite on the structural, and electrical properties of Ba(Zr0.9Ti0.1)O3 ceramics
Authors: Bendahhou Amine , Chourti Karim , Loutou Mohamed , El Barkany Soufian , Abou-Salama Mohamed
Published: April 2022

Undoped Ba(Zr0.9Ti0.1)O3 and rare-earth-doped (Ba1−xRE2x/3)(Zr0.9Ti0.1)O3 (RE3+ = La3+, Sm3+) perovskite compounds were synthesized by the conventional solid-state reaction route.
Machine learning for flow batteries: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Li Tianyu , Zhang Changkun , Li Xianfeng
Published: April 2022

A fundamental workflow of ML in flow batteries and recent progress of the state-of-art ML applications in both organic FBs and vanadium FBs are discussed. The challenges and future directions of ML research in FBs are proposed.
Co,N-doped GQDs/SnO2 mesoporous microspheres exhibit synergistically enhanced gas sensing properties for H2S gas detection
Authors: Chen Tingting , Sun Jianhai , Xue Ning , Zhang Xinxiao , Wang Hairong , Jiang Kaisheng , Zhou Tianye , Quan Hao
Published: April 2022

The optimal sensor (Co,N-GQDs/SnO2) response value toward 100 ppm H2S is 37.3 at 260 °C, which has superior sensing performance. This can be attributed to the increase of active sites on the surface and the electrical modulation of Co,N-GQDs.
Enhanced cathode integrity for zinc–manganese oxide fiber batteries by a durable protective layer
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Liao Meng , Huang Xinlin , Li Pengzhou , Li Jiaxin , Ye Lei , Gao Yue , Peng Huisheng , Wang Bingjie
Published: April 2022

A durable protective layer enhancing the integrity of the cathode at both macroscopic and microscopic scales for fiber batteries.
Enhancing H2O2and glucose double detection by surface microstructure regulation of Brussels sprout-like Ni–Co(OH)2/rGO/carbon cloth composites
Authors: Zhang Xinmeng , Mao Zixuan , Ge Wanyin , Zhu Jiajing , Zhao Yuanxiao
Published: April 2022

Carbon cloth and rGO enhanced the performance of Brussels sprout-like Ni–Co(OH)2for the detection of H2O2and glucose.
Inch-size Cs3Bi2I9 polycrystalline wafers with near-intrinsic properties for ultralow-detection-limit X-ray detection
Authors: Bu Nuo , Jia Shanshan , Xiao Yingrui , Li Haojin , Li Nan , Liu Xinmei , Yang Zhou , Zhao Kui , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: April 2022

A scalable method has been developed to fabricate large size Cs3Bi2I9 wafer by hot-pressing ball-milled Cs3Bi2I9 powder. The wafer shows near-intrinsic properties and good optoelectronic properties to achieve a detector with low X-ray detection limit.
Thermogalvanic hydrogels for self-powered temperature monitoring in extreme environments
Authors: Li Xuebiao , Xiao Xiao , Bai Chenhui , Mayer Mylan , Cui Xiaojing , Lin Ke , Li Yinhui , Zhang Hulin , Chen Jun
Published: April 2022

A gel electrolyte-based thermogalvanic device with I−/I3− as a redox pair is fabricated, which shows a preferred temperature tolerance and superior anti-drying capacity. Thus, a gel-based temperature monitoring system was developed.
Distributed secure state estimation with a priori sparsity information
Authors: Shinohara Takumi , Namerikawa Toru
Published: April 2022

This paper addresses the problem of distributed secure state estimation of a discrete‐time linear dynamical system in an adversarial environment. Much of the recent work on this problem has imposed redundancy requirements on measurement and communication networks for state estimation in the presence of attacks. In this paper, the authors aim to relax this redundancy requirement by using prior information about the state to be estimated. A scenario where sparsity information of the state is given is especially considered, and it is shown that the a priori sparsity information alleviates the redundancy requirement. An algorithm for distributed secure state estimation is then derived and a sufficient condition on the convergence of the algorithm is given. Numerical simulations finally illustrate the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Design and analysis of an input‐series quasi‐resonant flyback high‐voltage SMPS based on an integrated transformer
Authors: Wang Yipei , Kim Soo‐Yeon , Zhang Hailong , Chen Yafei , Park Sung‐Jun
Published: April 2022

An input‐series quasi‐resonant (QR) flyback high‐voltage switching mode power supply (SMPS) based on an integrated transformer has been designed and analysed. It is capable of converting a high DC input voltage to lower DC voltage to power the control components of high‐power converters in a DC microgrid. An integrated transformer, combined with identical duty cycle control, is adopted to achieve automatic equalization of the series modules effectively even without employing any voltage or current equalization control strategy, of which effect is analysed theoretically. The design of the control system, based on QR flyback SMPS is given, which is implemented by peak current control, and a DCM small‐signal model for the designed SMPS is established, which indicates that the system has high stability and accuracy to ensure normal operation across a broad range of input voltages. Finally, the validity of the theoretical analysis and the proposed method is demonstrated by the development of a 48 W SMPS experimental prototype, which is composed of three input‐series modules. The overall efficiency of the prototype has been improved due to the adoption of QR. The proposed design and analysis methods can be extended to other input‐series isolated DC/DC topologies.
Dynamic wake analysis of a wind turbine providing frequency support services
Authors: Singh Narender , De Kooning Jeroen D. M. , Vandevelde Lieven
Published: April 2022

The participation of wind farms in providing ancillary services is an asset for the power system and one way to maintain a strong grid with the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources. Research has shown this to be feasible for wind farms by using efficient prediction and sophisticated control systems. In some parts of the world, strict grid codes are already being implemented that require wind farms to provide ancillary services. Moreover, the primary reserve market in Europe is moving towards shorter procurement periods, providing wind farms an opportunity to more efficiently optimise their resources based on short term forecasts. It can however be challenging for the wind farms to efficiently participate in grid frequency support services, especially for primary reserve services. The reason behind this is the requirement of quick activation and deactivation of power reserve margin for services such as Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR) and Fast Frequency Response (FFR). A full activation of the contracted reserve is required within seconds of a grid frequency dip. A sudden change in wind turbine dynamics is expected to have an impact on the wake behind the wind turbine. The wake effect within a wind farm is taken into thorough consideration in its design process. The effect on the wake due to the wind turbines participating in fast response ancillary services however, remains unexplored. This is a matter of greater concern for wind farms with a high capacity density. To this end, the main contribution of this article is to observe the effect of ancillary service based control system on the wake effect of a wind turbine. Additionally, the capability of developed wind turbines controllers to follow primary reserve services are also tested. FFR and FCR services are tested for a range of frequency designs, these include both synthetic and actual grid frequencies. The synthetic frequency profiles are designed to replicate both fast and slow frequency variations in order to analyse the impact on wake behaviour. The simulations are performed for low and high wind speed including constant as well as turbulent winds.
Confounding factors affecting faecal egg count reduction as a measure of anthelmintic efficacy
Authors: Morgan Eric R. , Lanusse Carlos , Rinaldi Laura , Charlier Johannes , Vercruysse Jozef
Published: April 2022

Increasing anthelmintic resistance (AR) in livestock has stimulated growing efforts to monitor anthelmintic effectiveness (AE) on livestock farms. On-farm assessment of AE relies on measuring the reduction in faecal egg count (FEC) following treatment; and if conducted rigorously, qualifies as a formal FEC reduction test (FECRT) for AR. Substantial research effort has been devoted to designing robust protocols for the FECRT and its statistical interpretation; however, a wide range of factors other than AR can affect FEC reduction on farms. These are not always possible to control, and can affect the outcome and repeatability of AE measurements and confound the on-farm classification of AR using FECRT. This review considers confounders of FEC reduction, focusing on gastrointestinal nematodes of ruminants, including host and parasite physiology and demography; pharmacokinetic variation between drugs, parasites and hosts; and technical performance. Drug formulation and delivery, host condition and diet, and seasonal variation in parasite species composition, can all affect AE and hence observed FEC reduction. Causes of variation in FEC reduction should be attenuated, but this is not always possible. Regular monitoring of AE can indicate a need to improve anthelmintic administration practices, and detect AR early in its progression. Careful interpretation of FEC reduction, however, taking into account possible confounders, is essential before attributing reduced FEC reduction to AR. Understanding of confounders of FEC reduction will complement advances in FECRT design and interpretation to provide measures of anthelmintic efficacy that are both rigorous and accessible.
Pars interarticularis repair using pedicle screws and laminar hooks fixation technique in patients with symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis
Authors: Zayan Mohammed , Hussien Mohammed Ali , El Zahlawy Hany
Published: April 2022

Study Design: Prospective case series. Purpose: To assess the outcomes of pars repair surgery using pedicle screws and laminar hooks. Methods: This study was conducted on 22 patients with symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis. Curettage of the fibrocartilage in the defect and drilling of the sclerotic bone ends were done, followed by impaction of cancellous bone graft. Pedicle screws were inserted bilaterally in the corresponding pedicles and connected to a laminar hook via rods (screw-rod-hook fixation). The intensity of back pain and the functional outcome were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI). Plain radiographs were performed immediately postoperatively and after 3 and 6 months. CT scan was done at the final follow-up to assess pars healing. The mean follow-up period was 27 months. Results: The mean preoperative VAS and ODI were 7.4 ± 0.8 and 64.8 ± 6.7, which improved to 2.4 ± 0.8 and 20 ± 6 respectively at the final follow-up (P < 0.001). Healing of the defect was found in 19 patients at the final follow-up. Non-fusion with graft resorption was noticed in the remaining 3 cases (13.6%). However, postoperative VAS and ODI values improved even in the radiologically non-fused patients. Level of evidence: Therapeutic study, Level IV. Conclusion: Pars repair using pedicle screws and laminar hooks is a relatively simple yet effective procedure.
The correlation between clinical and radiological severity of osteoarthritis of the knee
Authors: Steenkamp Wynand , Rachuene Pududu Archie , Dey Roopam , Mzayiya Nkosiphendule Lindani , Ramasuvha Brian Emmanuel
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Primary osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of knee pain. Appropriate management of knee OA is based on clinical and radiological findings. Pain, deformity, and functional impairments are major clinical factors considered along with radiological findings when making management decisions. Differences in management strategies might exist due to clinical and radiological factors. This study aims at finding possible associations between clinical and radiological observations.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study of 52 patients with primary osteoarthritis of the knee managed conservatively at a tertiary hospital arthroplasty clinic was conducted for three months. English speaking patients with primary OA were identified and included in this study. Pain and functional impairment were assessed using Wong-Baker Faces pain scale, The Knee Society Score (KSS), and Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). The Body Mass Index (BMI) of all participants was measured. Standard two views plain radiographs were used for radiographic grading of the OA. Anonymized radiographs were presented to two senior consultant orthopaedic surgeons who graded the OA using Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) and Ahlbäck classification systems. The severity of the functional impairment and pain score was then compared to the radiological grading.Results: The average age of our participants was 63 ± 9 years. Their average BMI was 34.9 ± 8.4 kg/m2, median self-reported pain, total WOMAC, and pain WOMAC scores were 8, 60, and 13, respectively. We observed no significant correlation between BMI and pain scores. Inter-rater reliability for KL and Ahlbäck grading was strong. There was no significant correlation between WOMAC scores and the radiological grades.Conclusion: There was no correlation between pain and functional scores, patient factors and radiological severity of OA of the knee.
Radiation doses from low-dose CT scans in SPECT/CT and PET/CT examinations: A survey in Germany
Authors: Rinscheid Andreas , Janzen Tilman , Alikhani Babak , Beer Ambros J. , Braune Anja , Eberhardt Nina , Fechner Diana , Förster Stefan , Freesmeyer Martin , Furth Christian , Grunert Michael , Hellwig Dirk , Costa Pedro Fragoso , Kühnel Christian , Lange Catharina , Linke Rainer , Razlaw Natalia , Sack Tobias , Schmidt Daniel , Schütze Christina , Starke Alexander , Tondera Liane , Wengenmair Hermann , Zöphel Klaus , Burchert Wolfgang , Lapa Constantin
Published: April 2022

Aim Recently, dose reference levels (DRLs) have been defined in Germany for auxiliary low-dose CT scans in hybrid SPECT/CT and PET/CT examinations, based on data from 2016/17. Here, another survey from 2020 was evaluated and compared with the new DRLs as well as with similar surveys from foreign countries.

Methods The survey, which had already been conducted in the Nordic countries, queried for various examinations including the following values: patient weight and height, volume CT dose index (CTDIvol), dose length product (DLP). For each examination, statistical parameters such as the third quartile (Q3) were determined from all submitted CTDIvol and DLP values. Additionally, for examinations comprising datasets from at least 10 systems, the third quartile (Q3-Med) of the respective median values of each system was calculated. Q3 and Q3-Med were compared with the newly published DRLs from Germany and values from similar studies from other countries.

Results Data from 15 SPECT/CT and 13 PET/CT systems from 15 nuclear medicine departments were collected. For the following examinations datasets from more than 10 systems were submitted: SPECT lung VQ, SPECT bone, SPECT&PET cardiac, PET brain, PET oncology. Especially for examinations of the thorax and heart, the new DRLs are very strict compared to this study. The CTDIvol values for examinations of the head were lower in this study than the DRLs prescribe now.

Conclusions For certain examination types, there is a need for dose optimization at some clinics and devices in order to take into account the new DRLs in Germany in the future.
Validity and Reliability of a New Method to Measure Cervical
Proprioception
Authors: Köseoğlu Aygul , Coşkunsu Dilber Karagözoğlu , Mutlu Ebru Kaya
Published: April 2022

Objective An accurate and reliable measurement of proprioception is
important in the evaluation of the cervical. The aim of this study is to
investigate the validity and reliability of a new method using Horizontal Plane
Target Platform (HPTP) to assess Head Repositioning Accuracy (HRA) for Cervical
Proprioception (CP).

Methods HRA values of 86 healthy volunteers
(21.01±2.16 yrs.) were measured through AOS PropPoint laser
apparatus device on HPTP, Frontal Plane Target Platform (FPTP), and also CROM
device to assess test-retest reliability and validity.

Results The test-retest measurements of HPTP reliability was
(ICCleft=0.69, ICCright=0.74;
SEMleft=0.28, SEMright=0.36;
MDCleft=1.85, MDCright=2.02
95%CI) were moderate for both side. Correlation with the CROM device
results was moderate for both side (r=0.75 for left size, r=0.83
for right side), and the absolute values demonstrate concordance between results
using the Bland-Altman method.

Conclusions HRA measurements performed with a laser apparatus on HPTP
which we developed can be used as an alternative method in CP evaluation.
Radiosynthesis and Tumor MicroPET/CT Imaging of 18F-Fluoro­ethoxylerianin, an 18F-Labeled Erianin Analogue
Authors: Nie Hui , Wang Nian , Huang Jinwen , Wang Mingwei , Wu Fanhong , Ni Zhuang , Xue Kangyan , Song Lixing
Published: April 2022

Erianin is an active constituent of Dendrobium candidum. In this work, 18F-fluoroethoxylerianin ([18F]FEE), a 18F-Labeled erianin analogue, was designed and synthesized to evaluate the properties of erianin and related analogues by in vivo PET imaging. The initial product was separated and purified by liquid-phase separation module Explora LC and simple homemade solid-phase extraction, and high purity [18F]FEE was finally obtained. The radiochemical purity of [18F]FEE was determined by Radio-TLC and Radio-HPLC. [18F]FEE showed good stability in normal saline and serum, and could be quickly eliminated from mice. Cell experiments, biological distribution, and small-animal PET/CT further showed that [18F]FEE had a high uptake rate in HepG2 tumor cells, and showed good imaging ability in a HepG2 tumor model. The results of this study indicate that the synthesized 18F-labeled erianin analogue is an effective new probe for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma, which provides an intuitive and reliable theoretical basis for the development of erianin as an anticancer drug.
Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy for acute appendicitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dhindsa Banreet , Naga Yassin , Praus Alexander , Saghir Syed Mohsin , Mashiana Harmeet , Ramai Daryl , Chandan Saurabh , Sayles Harlan , Dhaliwal Amaninder , Bhat Ishfaq , Singh Shailender , Adler Douglas
Published: April 2022

Background and study aims Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT) is an endoscopic procedure for management of patients with acute appendicitis (AA). In addition to being minimally invasive, it has the added advantages of preservation of appendix and simultaneous inspection of colon. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on ERAT in patients with AA.

Methods We conducted a comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases (from inception through January 2022) to identify studies reporting ERAT in AA. The primary outcome was to evaluate the overall clinical and technical success of ERAT. The secondary outcome was to study the total and individual adverse events (AEs). The meta-analysis was performed using Der Simonian and Laird random effect model.

Results Seven studies reporting on 298 patients were included. The majority of the patient population was male (55.3 %), with mean age of 31 ± 12.39 years. The pooled technical success rate was 99.36 % (95 % CI 97.61–100, I2 = 0) and the pooled clinical success rate was 99.29 % (95 % CI 97.48–100, I2 = 0). The pooled AE rate was 0.19 % (95 % CI 0–1.55, I2 = 0). The most common AE was perforation with 0.19 % (95 % CI 0–1.55, I2 = 0). The recurrence rate was 6.01 % (95 % CI 2.9–9.93, I2 = 20.10). Average length of procedure was 41.1 ± 7.16 min. Low heterogeneity was noted in in our meta-analysis.

Conclusions ERAT is a safe procedure with high rates of clinical and technical success in patients with AA. Further randomized controlled trials should be performed to assess the utility of ERAT in AA as compared to laparoscopic appendectomy.
Ultrasound of Median Nerve in the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome—Correlation with Electrophysiological Studies
Authors: Kanagasabai K.
Published: April 2022

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy caused by impairment of the median nerve due to compression as it passes through the carpal tunnel.

The current gold standard in diagnosing CTS and nerve damage is by electrophysiological nerve conduction study (NCS). However, 10 to 25% of NCS results are falsely negative. Moreover, NCS remains an expensive and time-consuming procedure for patients. Ultrasonography serves as a real-time, well-tolerated, portable, and noninvasive tool for assessing the carpal tunnel.

This study aims to assess the role of high-frequency ultrasound of the median nerve at the wrist in evaluating CTS and correlate with NCS to determine whether sonography can be used as an alternative to NCS in diagnosing and grading CTS.
The Non-motor Symptoms, Disability Progression, and Survival Analysis of Atypical Parkinsonism: Case Series from Eastern India and Brief Review of Literature
Authors: Pani Tapas , Nayak Soumyadarshan
Published: April 2022

Objective The objectives of this study are (1) to describe the non-motor profile, the motor disability progression, and survival analysis of atypical parkinsonism in a tertiary care hospital of eastern India and (2) to elucidate the neurocircuitry and the putative substrates responsible for non-motor manifestations.

Methods In this prospective observational study, patients were diagnosed based on Consensus Criteria for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), The Fourth Consensus Report of the Dementia with Lewy Body (DLBD) Consortium 2017, The Autonomic Neuroscience 2018 Criteria for Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), and Armstrong 2013 Criteria for Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD). Disease severity was assessed at baseline and 6 months of follow-up using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scales (UPDRS). For PSP and MSA, the PSP-Clinical Deficits Scale (PSP-CDS) and the Unified MSA Rating Scale (UMSARS), respectively, were used. Cox regression analysis and the hazard ratio were calculated.

Results Out of 27 patients, the diagnosis was probable PSP in 12, probable MSA in 7, probable CBD in 5, and probable DLBD in 3. Non-motor symptoms were highly prevalent across all subtypes. Motor disability progression as assessed by UPDRS parts 2 and 3 showed significant deterioration over 6-month follow-up across all groups (p < 0.05). Disease progression assessed by PSP-CDS and UMSARS over 6 months was significant (p < 0.05). One PSP and two MSA patients died during a 6-month follow-up period. The hazard ratio in MSA was 3.5 (95% confidence interval: 0.31–0.38) withp = 0.306.

Conclusion Atypical parkinsonian disorders are rare, and usually more severe than idiopathic parkinsonism. As no definitive treatment is available, symptomatic management involving a multidisciplinary team approach must be prioritized.
Is Thalamic Lesion a Contributing Factor for Inappropriate Sexual Behavior in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment?
Authors: Mukku Shiva Shanker Reddy , Jagtap Namrata , Muliyala Krishna Prasad , Sivakumar P. T. , Sinha Preeti , Mangalore Sandhya , Varghese Mathew
Published: April 2022

Thalamus is a group of nuclei located deep inside the brain, well known for its sensory and cognitive functions. However, its role in the reward and behavior regulation is less explored. In this case series, we have presented four cases with inappropriate sexual behaviors (ISB) that are temporally related to thalamic infarction. We have discussed about the limbic part of thalamus and its extensive connections with other regions in regulating sexual behaviors. Although in all the four cases described there was underlying cognitive impairment that can itself increase the risk of ISB, there was potential contributing role of thalamic lesions.
Improving Audibility with Nonlinear Amplification for Listeners with High-Frequency Loss
Authors: Souza Pamela E. , Bishop Robbi D.
Published: April 2022

In contrast to fitting strategies for linear amplification that have been frequently refined for listeners with different degrees of hearing loss, we know relatively little about the effects of nonlinear amplification for differing audiometric configurations. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether increases in audibility with nonlinear amplification improved speech recognition to a comparable degree for listeners with sloping sensorineural loss as for a comparison group of listeners with flat sensorineural loss. Consonant recognition was examined as a function of audibility with wide dynamic range compression amplification and with linear amplification. For linearly amplified speech, listeners with flat and sloping loss showed similar improvements in recognition given the same increases in audibility. Results for nonlinearly amplified speech indicated that the listeners with flat loss showed a greater rate of improvement as audibility increases than the listeners with sloping loss. This difference is largely due to superior performance by the listeners with sloping loss for low-audibility speech in comparison to equivalent group performance for high-audibility speech.

Abbreviations: AAI = Aided Audibility Index, LDL = loudness discomfort level, MCR = modified compression ratio, VCV = vowel-consonant-vowel, WDRC = wide dynamic range compression
The study of polydimethylsiloxane nanocone distortion in the demolding process using molecular dynamics method
Authors: Abdul Manap Abdul Haadi , Shamsuddin Liyana , Mohamed Khairudin
Published: April 2022

Experimental results show that after demolding process from the polymethylmethacrylate mold, the poly(dimethlysiloxane) (PDMS) nanocone replica yields 150%–160% larger in height as compared to the mold size dimensions before rupture. The observation from the experiment gives the direction for this study to investigate the distortion of PDMS nanocone structures in the demolding soft lithography process using molecular dynamics simulation. The aim of this study is to employ the molecular dynamics simulations and study the stress–strain curve of the nanocone structures that were subjected to uniaxial stress. Two force fields (polymer consistent forcefield and condensed-phase optimized molecular potentials for atomistic simulation studies) were utilized for the modeling. The results from the molecular dynamics simulation show that when the PDMS nanocone is subjected to tensile stress, it shows characteristics of flexible plastic pattern curve with significant yielding. This study also found that ultimate tensile stress for PDMS nanocones is within the value found in the bulk structure of 4.335–6.478 MPa.
Supercapacitors: problems and prospects of development
Authors: Volfkovich Yu. M.
Published: April 2022

The review describes the design of supercapacitors and demonstrates their advantages over batteries and their main drawback: fast self-discharge. Various types of highly dispersed carbon materials for electrodes, functional groups on their surface, porous structure and hydrophilic&ndasg;hydrophobic properties are considered. Data on the self-discharge of supercapacitors are discussed. Self-discharge investigation methods, mechanisms and mathematical modelling are analyzed and the effect of surface functional groups on this process is demonstrated. The methods for minimizing the self-discharge are described, in particular, using additives to the electrolyte, design of solid-state supercapacitors and supercapacitors with ion exchange membranes, the use of electrolytes free from impurities and chemical modification of electrodes. The developed new-generation supercapacitors with enhanced characteristics are mentioned. Electrodes based on conductive polymers are considered, and the key characteristics of supercapacitors manufactured by various companies are given.
 The bibliography includes 160 references.
Corrigendum to: What has driven acute public hospital expenditure growth in South Australia? An analysis of the relative importance of major expenditure drivers between 2006–07 and 2017–18
Authors: Larg Allison , Moss John R.
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate whether increasing costs of delivering care have driven real growth in acute public hospital expenditure in South Australia (SA) and what has contributed to these real cost increases. MethodsUsing published time-series data, we decomposed inflation-adjusted growth in per capita total acute public hospital recurrent expenditure into its major utilisation and cost components to evaluate their relative contribution over the 12 years to 2017–18. ResultsReal per capita total acute public hospital recurrent expenditure grew by AU$667 (45.2%) over the 12-year period; of this, 86.0% was from real growth in input costs per weighted activity unit, with real growth in the average salaries of hospital staff accounting for AU$247 or 37.0%. Hospital utilisation rates contributed a minor 14.0%. ConclusionOver the 12 years to 2017–18, real growth in average clinical salaries was a more important driver of real growth in per capita total acute public hospital expenditure than rates of hospital utilisation. This would be facilitated by improvements in the scope, accuracy, quality and consistency of published national hospital data. What is known about the topic?Public hospital expenditure is one of the largest and fastest growing areas of government expenditure in Australia. Policy narratives often centre around demand pressures from an increasingly older, overweight, and chronically ill population. Comparatively little attention has been paid to the influence of increases in real input costs within the Australian context. What does this paper add?Real salary growth has been a major driver of acute public hospital recurrent expenditure growth in SA, whereas hospital utilisation rates have played a minor role. What are the implications for practitioners?A clearer understanding of the main drivers of acute public hospital expenditure growth and the resulting benefits to population health is needed to guide the efficient and sustainable use of scarce healthcare resources.
Syntheses and structural characterisation of some heteroleptic aluminium(III) formamidinates
Authors: Aldabbagh Areej K. , Takjoo Reza , Najafi Atefeh , Guo Zhifang , Hossain Md Elius , Rad Nazli E. , Wang Jun , Junk Peter C.
Published: April 2022

A range of heteroleptic aluminium(III) formamidinate/formamidine complexes have been prepared involving metathesis reactions between AlX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) and alkali metal formamidinates. The mononuclear, bis-substituted complexes of the composition [Al(XylForm)2Cl] (XylForm = N,N′-bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl)formamidinate) (1), [Al(XylForm)2I]·PhMe (2), [Al(DippForm)2Cl] (DippForm = N,N′-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)formamidinate) (3), [Al(DippForm)2I] (4), mono-substituted complexes of [Al(DippForm)Cl2(thf)] (5), [Al(DippForm)ClBr(thf)] (6), [Al(XylFormH)Br3] (7) and [Al(DippFormH)Br3] (8) were synthesised. [Al3(XylForm)2(µ3-O)(OH)Cl4]2·PhMe (9), was isolated in the reaction between K(XylForm) and AlCl3 as a trinuclear compound.
An integrative skeletal and paleogenomic analysis of stature variation suggests relatively reduced health for early European farmers
Authors: Marciniak Stephanie , Bergey Christina M. , Silva Ana Maria , Hałuszko Agata , Furmanek Mirosław , Veselka Barbara , Velemínský Petr , Vercellotti Giuseppe , Wahl Joachim , Zariņa Gunita , Longhi Cristina , Kolář Jan , Garrido-Pena Rafael , Flores-Fernández Raúl , Herrero-Corral Ana M. , Simalcsik Angela , Müller Werner , Sheridan Alison , Miliauskienė Žydrūnė , Jankauskas Rimantas , Moiseyev Vyacheslav , Köhler Kitti , Király Ágnes , Gamarra Beatriz , Cheronet Olivia , Szeverényi Vajk , Kiss Viktória , Szeniczey Tamás , Kiss Krisztián , Zoffmann Zsuzsanna K. , Koós Judit , Hellebrandt Magdolna , Maier Robert M. , Domboróczki László , Virag Cristian , Novak Mario , Reich David , Hajdu Tamás , von Cramon-Taubadel Noreen , Pinhasi Ron , Perry George H.
Published: April 2022

Significance

Subsistence shifts from hunting and gathering to agriculture over the last 12,000 y have impacted human culture, biology, and health. Although past human health cannot be assessed directly, adult stature variation and skeletal indicators of nonspecific stress can serve as proxies for health during growth and development. By integrating paleogenomic genotype and osteological stature data on a per-individual basis for 167 prehistoric Europeans, we observe relatively shorter than expected statures among early farmers after correcting for individual genetic contributions to stature. Poorer nutrition and/or increased disease burdens for early agriculturalists may partly underscore this result. Our integrated osteological–genetic model has exciting potential for studies of past human health and expansion into various other contexts.