bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial and ethnic disparities in paranasal sinus malignancies
Authors: Sharma Rahul K. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Beswick Daniel M. , Suh Jeffrey D. , Overdevest Jonathan , McKinney Kibwei , Gudis David A.
Published: June 2021

Background

Racial and ethnic disparities in cancer outcomes have been demonstrated for several different malignancies. In this study we aimed to quantify disease‐specific survival (DSS) and the 5‐year conditional disease‐specific survival (CDSS, the change in life expectancy with increasing survivorship) for paranasal sinus cancer by race and ethnicity.

Methods

Patients with sinus cancer between 1973 and 2015 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, End Results (SEER) registry. Kaplan‐Meier analysis for DSS was stratified by race and ethnicity. Cox regression models of DSS were generated controlling for stage, age, race, and ethnicity. CDSS was calculated using Cox models. Logistic regression was conducted to identify risk factors for younger age at diagnosis, late‐stage at diagnosis, and likelihood of receiving surgical intervention when recommended.

Results

The analysis included a total of 5202 patients. DSS was significantly different when stratified by race (p < 0.01). Compared with White patients, Black patients (hazard ratio [HR], 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13‐1.45; p < 0.001) and American Indian/Alaskan Natives (HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.37‐2.74, p < 0.001) exhibited increased mortality when controlling for other factors. Black patients had worse CDSS for regional and distant staged cancer compared with other races; American Indian/Alaskan Native patients had worse CDSS for cancers of all stages. Hispanic patients were more likely to present with advanced disease (odds ratio [OR], 1.47; 95% CI, 1.07‐2.07; p = 0.020). American Indian/Alaskan Native patients were less likely than White patients to receive surgical intervention when recommended (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.21‐0.04; p = 0.024). Nonwhite patients were more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age. Variations in racial and ethnic disparities were observed over time.

Conclusion

Race and ethnicity significantly impact paranasal sinus cancer outcome metrics. Disparities in outcomes are likely multifactorial.
Enzyme Mimic Facilitated Artificial Cell to Mammalian Cell Signal Transfer
Authors: Qian Xiaomin , Westensee Isabella Nymann , Fernandes Catarina Cavalheiro , Städler Brigitte
Published: June 2021

Catalyzing biochemical reactions with enzymes and communicating with neighboring cells via chemical signaling are two fundamental cellular features that play a critical role in maintaining the homeostasis of organisms. Herein, we present an artificial enzyme (AE) facilitated signal transfer between artificial cells (ACs) and mammalian HepG2 cells. We synthesize metalloporphyrins (MPs) based AEs that mimic cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) to catalyze a dealkylation and a hydroxylation reaction, exemplified by the conversion of resorufin ethyl ether (REE) to resorufin and coumarin (COU) to 7‐hydroxycoumarin (7‐HC), respectively. The AEs are immobilized in hydrogels to produce ACs that generate the two diffusive fluorophores, which can diffuse into HepG2 cells and result in dual intracellular emissions. This work highlights the use of AEs to promote AC to mammalian signal transfer, which opens up new opportunities for integrating the synthetic and living world with a bottom‐up strategy.
Synthesis and characterization of the ternary graphene oxide, MnFe2O4 nanoparticles, and Polyamidoamine dendrons nanocomposite decorated with palladium as a heterogeneous catalyst for nitroaromatics reduction
Authors: Ramezanpour Azar , Karami Kazem , Kharaziha Mahshid , Silvestru Cristian , Bayat Parvaneh
Published: June 2021

In this study, the divergent and magnetic separation method is employed to prepare polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrons functionalized magnetic graphene oxide (MGG3) using graphene oxide supported MnFe2O4 nanoparticles as the support (MG), and ethylenediamine (EDA) and methylacrylate (MA) as the precursors of PAMAM dendron. Finally, palladium ions as active catalytic sites are immobilized on the support (MGG3‐Pd). The morphology and structure of the MGG3‐Pd nanocomposite thus produced are characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and Zeta potential analysis. Subsequently, the catalytic activity of the MGG3‐Pd nanocomposite is studied in the reaction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) with sodium borohydride as the reducing agent at room temperature. The MGG3‐Pd catalyst is found to exhibit an excellent catalytic activity in the reduction of 4‐NP with a high yield over a short reaction time and at a rate constant (k) of 16.82 × 10−3 s−1. Furthermore, the MGG3‐Pd catalyst thus produced can be recycled at least after 10 runs of 4‐NP reduction without any considerable loss of Pd content. The reduction of other nitroaromatic compounds is also investigated under optimal conditions to illustrate the catalyst's versatility.
‘University is a non‐Muslim experience, you know? The experience is as good as it can be’: Satisfied settling in Muslim students’ experiences and implications for Muslim student voice
Authors: Islam Maisha , Mercer‐Mapstone Lucy
Published: June 2021

We report findings from a cross‐institutional investigation testing the applicability of a new concept, ‘satisfied settling’, which describes the ways in which students are unconsciously ‘settling for less’ in terms of their university experiences. The context of exploration for this article was that of Muslim students’ experiences as a critical area which has received little previous focus. Our results describe a staged cognitive process undertaken by students to subconsciously excuse institutional failures to support their religious needs by settling for lower levels of satisfaction. The ‘counter stories’ told by 19 Muslim students (via semi‐structured interviews) detail how their voices are heard or silenced around the deep importance of religious provisions in their university experiences. Satisfied settling was ultimately found to translate across institutional contexts, and the applicability of the concept is discussed in extending to other marginalised student groups.
Efficient Catalysts of Mixed Amino‐Functionalized Ionic Liquids and Zinc Halides for Cycloaddition of CO2to Propylene Oxide without Solvent
Authors: Shen Weihua , Ju Jixin , Nie Yingying , Jiao Linyu , Fang Yunjin
Published: June 2021

Amino‐functionalized halide ionic liquids, aminopropyl‐3‐butyl‐imidazolium ([Apbim]+) with different halogen anions, and their zinc halide mixing catalysts were prepared and used to catalyze the cycloaddition of CO2to propylene oxide (PO) without solvent. Under ideal conditions, the conversion of PO could reach 93.5 % with the catalysis of [Apbim]Cl. Under optimized conditions of catalyst dosage, reaction temperature, CO2pressure, and reaction time, with the catalysis of [Apbim]I, [Apbim]Cl/ZnBr2(3:1), and [Apbim]Br/ZnBr2(5:1), the conversion of PO and the selectivity of propylene carbonate (PC) both reach > 99 %. From the point of view of preparation process and industrial operation, [Apbim]Cl/ZnBr2is the most suitable catalyst. This catalyst is characterized by good reusability and catalytic activity, and the yield of PC is about 99 % at least for ten times repeated use.
Interactive Competition Between Individual Diffusion Layers during Cyclic Voltammetry at Random Arrays of Band and Disk Electrodes: A Thorough Analysis Based on Global Simulations
Authors: Pireddu Giovanni , Svir Irina , Amatore Christian , Oleinick Alexander
Published: June 2021

Invited for this month's cover picture is the Electrochemical group at Laboratoire Pasteur, École Normale Supérieure, France. The cover picture provides an allegory of the surprising fact that whatever the high degree of geometric randomness of electrochemical arrays of electroactive sites, as the beige array with its Voronoi tessellated unit cells shown at the left, their voltammetric responses are almost indistinguishable from those of fully periodic ones, idealized by the green honeycomb matrix at the right. This occurs as soon as peak‐shaped voltammograms are observed due to full interactions of the diffusion layers generated by individual active sites. This justifies why the theory proposed by Amatore and Savéant almost 40 years ago to describe the behavior of electrochemical networks has always provided solid outcomes even for random ones. Learn more about the story behind the research featured on the front cover in this issue's Cover Profile. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.202100310.
Radical C−H Trifluoromethoxylation of (Hetero)arenes with Bis(trifluoromethyl)peroxide
Authors: Dix Stefan , Golz Paul , Schmid Jonas R. , Riedel Sebastian , Hopkinson Matthew N.
Published: June 2021

Trifluoromethoxylated (hetero)arenes are of great interest for several disciplines, especially in agro‐ and medicinal chemistry. Radical C−H trifluoromethoxylation of (hetero)arenes represents an attractive approach to prepare such compounds, but the high cost and low atom economy of existing.OCF3radical sources make them unsuitable for the large‐scale synthesis of trifluoromethoxylated building blocks. Herein, we introduce bis(trifluoromethyl)peroxide (BTMP, CF3OOCF3) as a practical and efficient trifluoromethoxylating reagent that is easily accessible from inexpensive bulk chemicals. Using either visible light photoredox or TEMPO catalysis, trifluoromethoxylated arenes could be prepared in good yields under mild conditions directly from unactivated aromatics. Moreover, TEMPO catalysis allowed for the one‐step synthesis of valuable pyridine derivatives, which have been previously prepared via multi‐step approaches.
Unveiling Polymerization Mechanism in pH‐regulated Supramolecular Fibers in Aqueous Media
Authors: Casellas Nicolás M. , Albertazzi Lorenzo , Pujals Sílvia , Torres Tomás , García‐Iglesias Miguel
Published: June 2021

An amine functionalized C3‐symmetric benzotrithiophene (BTT) monomer has been designed and synthetized in order to form pH responsive one‐dimensional supramolecular polymers in aqueous media. While most of the reported studies looked at the effect of pH on the size of the aggregates, herein, a detailed mechanistic study is reported, carried out upon modifying the pH to trigger the formation of positively charged ammonium groups. A dramatic and reversible change in the polymerization mechanism and size of the supramolecular fibers is observed and ascribed to the combination of Coulombic repulsive forces and higher monomer solubility. Furthermore, the induced frustrated growth of the fibers is further employed to finely control the one‐dimensional supramolecular polymerisation and copolymerization processes.
Charge Rate‐Dependent Decomposition Mechanism of Toroidal Li2O2 in Li‐O2 Batteries
Authors: Shen Zhen‐Zhen , Zhou Chi , Wen Rui , Wan Li‐Jun
Published: June 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Using in situ atomic force microscopy, we visualized the oxidation dynamic process of toroidal lithium peroxide (Li2O2) in a working Li‐O2 battery and clarified the correlation between the decomposition behavior and the charging rate. It was found that at a low charge rate, the decomposition could occur at the Li2O2/electrolyte interface, providing strong evidence that a tiny current is allowed to pass through the bulk phase of toroidal Li2O2. Further, the evolution of the periphery thickness, diameter and center thickness of the toroid as a function of charge capacity was quantitatively analyzed. In the early stage of charging, the diameter of the toroid radially shrinks and the shrinking rate slows down in the later stage. Besides, the periphery thickness of the toroid decreases at a faster and uniform rate, while the center thickness decreases obviously in the later stage of charging. Increasing the charging rate promotes the decomposition occurring at the Li2O2/electrode interface, causing direct desorption of the Li2O2 from the electrode and irreversible capacity degradation.
Mechanically Strong Heterogeneous Catalysts via Immobilization of Powderous Catalysts to Porous Plastic Tablets
Authors: Li Tingting , Xu Bo
Published: June 2021

Main observation and conclusion

We describe a practical and general protocol for immobilization of heterogeneous catalysts to mechanically robust porous ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene tablets using inter‐facial Lifshitz‐van der Waals Interactions. Diverse types of powderous catalysts, including Cu, Pd/C, Pd/Al2O3, Pt/C, and Rh/C have been immobilized successfully. The immobilized catalysts are mechanistically robust towards stirring in solutions, and they worked well in diverse synthetic reactions. The immobilized catalyst tablets are easy to handle and reused. Moreover, the metal leaching of immobilized catalysts was reduced significantly.
A Noncovalently Fused‐Ring Asymmetric Electron Acceptor Enables Efficient Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Lin Ji , Guo Qing , Liu Qi , Lv Junfang , Liang Haiyan , Wang Yang , Zhu Lei , Liu Feng , Guo Xia , Zhang Maojie
Published: June 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Recently, the asymmetric nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) with acceptor‐donor‐acceptor (A‐D‐A) structure have been developed rapidly, especially for the modification of asymmetric core, asymmetric side chains and asymmetric end groups. In this work, a novel asymmetric A‐D‐π‐A type NFA with a noncovalently fused‐ring core named PIST‐4F is synthesized, containing an indacenodithieno[3,2‐b]dithiophene (IDT), two strong electron‐withdrawing end groups and an alkylthio‐substituted thiophene π‐bridge. Benefiting from the S···S noncovalent interaction between the sulfur atom on π‐bridge and the adjacent thiophene in IDT, the PIST‐4F presents nearly planar geometry and extended conjugated area, resulting in the optimized electronic properties, charge transport, and film morphology compared to the symmetric NFA PI‐4F. As a result, PM6:PIST‐4F‐based devices achieve a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.8%, while the PM6:PI‐4F‐based devices only show a PCE of 7.1%. Notably, the PM6:PIST‐4F‐based devices processed with nonhalogen solvent toluene exhibit an excellent PCE as high as 13.1%. These results indicate that PIST‐4F is an effective acceptor for high‐efficiency organic solar cells.
Adipose‐specific ATGL ablation reduces burn injury‐induced metabolic derangements in mice
Authors: Kaur Supreet , Auger Christopher , Barayan Dalia , Shah Priyal , Matveev Anna , Knuth Carly M. , Harris Thurl E. , Jeschke Marc G.
Published: June 2021

Hypermetabolism following severe burn injuries is associated with adipocyte dysfunction, elevated beige adipocyte formation, and increased energy expenditure. The resulting catabolism of adipose leads to detrimental sequelae such as fatty liver, increased risk of infections, sepsis, and even death. While the phenomenon of pathological white adipose tissue (WAT) browning is well‐documented in cachexia and burn models, the molecular mechanisms are essentially unknown. Here, we report that adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) plays a central role in burn‐induced WAT dysfunction and systemic outcomes. Targeting adipose‐specific ATGL in a murine (AKO) model resulted in diminished browning, decreased circulating fatty acids, and mitigation of burn‐induced hepatomegaly. To assess the clinical applicability of targeting ATGL, we demonstrate that the selective ATGL inhibitor atglistatin mimics the AKO results, suggesting a path forward for improving patient outcomes.
Heteroleptic Copper(I) Complexes Prepared from Mono‐ and Tetra‐phenylbenzene‐substituted Phenanthroline Ligands
Authors: Ralahy Brigino , Hahn Uwe , Wasielewski Emeric , Nierengarten Jean‐François
Published: June 2021

Phenanthroline ligands bearing two biphenyl (L1) or two tetraarylbenzene (L2) substituents have been synthetized and used to prepare bis‐phenanthroline copper(I) complexes. Steric constraints are limited in the case of the biphenyl‐substituted ligand and [Cu(L1)2](BF4) has been obtained by reaction of L1 with [Cu(CH3CN)4](BF4). In contrast, the tetraarylbenzene substituents of L2 are large enough to totally prevent the formation of the corresponding homoleptic bis‐phenanthroline copper(I) complex. Both L1 and L2 have been also combined with 2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline (dmp) to prepare the corresponding heteroleptic bis‐phenanthroline copper(I) complexes. All the copper(I) complexes obtained from L1 and L2 revealed dynamic conformational exchange between several atropisomers. Detailed NMR studies and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations have been carried out to assess their conformations in solution.
Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the MicroRNAs Responsible for Liver Regeneration Associated With Mortality in Alcohol‐Associated Hepatitis
Authors: Yang Zhihong , Zhang Ting , Kusumanchi Praveen , Tang Qing , Sun Zhaoli , Radaeva Svetlana , Peiffer Brandon , Shah Vijay H. , Kamath Patrick , Gores Greg J. , Sanyal Arun , Chalasani Naga , Jiang Yanchao , Huda Nazmul , Ma Jing , Liangpunsakul Suthat
Published: June 2021

Background and Aims

We conducted a comprehensive serum transcriptomic analysis to explore the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in alcohol‐associated hepatitis (AH) pathogenesis and their prognostic significance.

Approach and Results

Serum miRNA profiling was performed in 15 controls, 20 heavy drinkers without liver disease, and 65 patients with AH and compared to publicly available hepatic miRNA profiling in AH patients. Among the top 26 miRNAs, expression of miR‐30b‐5p, miR‐20a‐5p, miR‐146a‐5p, and miR‐26b‐5p were significantly reduced in both serum and liver of AH patients. Pathway analysis of the potential targets of these miRNAs uncovered the genes related to DNA synthesis and cell‐cycle progression pathways, including ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2 (RRM2), cyclin D1 (CCND1), cyclin D2 (CCND2), MYC proto‐oncogene (MYC), and phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate‐induced protein 1 (PMAIP1). We found a significant increase in the protein expression of RRM2, CCND1, and CCND2, but not MYC and PMAIP1, in AH patients who underwent liver transplantation; miR‐26b‐5p and miR‐30b‐5p inhibited the 3′‐UTR (untranslated region) luciferase activity of RRM2 and CCND2, and miR‐20a‐5p reduced the 3′‐UTR luciferase activity of CCND1 and CCND2. During a median follow‐up of 346 days, 21% of AH patients died; these patients had higher body mass index (BMI), Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD), and serum miR‐30b‐5p, miR‐20a‐5p, miR‐146a‐5p, and miR‐26b‐5p than those who survived. Cox regression analysis showed that BMI, MELD score, miR‐20a‐5p, miR‐146a‐5p, and miR‐26b‐5p predicted mortality.

Conclusions

Patients with AH attempt to deal with hepatocyte injury by down‐regulating specific miRNAs and up‐regulating genes responsible for DNA synthesis and cell‐cycle progression. Higher expression of these miRNAs, suggestive of a diminished capacity in liver regeneration, predicts short‐term mortality in AH patients.
A novel bias correction method for extreme rainfall events based on L‐moments
Authors: Anthanahalli Nanjegowda Rohith , Kulamulla Parambath Sudheer
Published: June 2021

The effectiveness of bias correction (BC) of global‐scale future climate projections is crucial in climate change studies. The magnitude of error in the BC affect climate change adaptation decisions. The existing BC methods vary in their complexity, and exhibit limitations on data length, degrees of freedom etc. This study proposes a new method, L‐moments Scaling (L‐mS), which is both parsimonious and efficient in bias‐correcting extreme rainfall events. The L‐mS method applies corrections to the first three L‐moments of the data to bias correct the entire distribution. The proposed method's efficiency was demonstrated at two stations in India, Chennai and Hyderabad, for 1‐day Annual Maximum (AM) precipitation simulations from EC‐EARTH and MIROC5 models. A comparison was performed with five widely used BC methods using two validation procedures: Strict Split‐Sample (SSS) and Bootstrapped Split‐Sample (BSS). The results revealed that the L‐mS method could outperform all the five BC Methods with increased accuracy (0%–18% in SSS and 3%–21% in BSS), and with minimal variability among the bootstrapped samples in terms of Normalized‐Root‐Mean‐Square‐Error (NRMSE). The method was also applied on 1° gridded data over India for 1‐day, 2‐day, 3‐day, 7‐day AM, and Annual Totals, and the future (2021–2050) projections were bias‐corrected using L‐mS method. The L‐mS method produced at least 2.5 and 3 times lesser error in mean and standard deviation, respectively, compared to observed extremes, across all the grids. The L‐mS method was able to utilize the inherent nature of frequency domain analysis to outperform similar advanced methods by correcting the entire AM data with few key statistics and could serve as an efficient tool in the BC of extreme climate variables. Also, the bias‐corrected future projections indicated the magnitudes of extreme rainfall events are expected to decrease in 35%–40% and increase in 60%–65% of the grids.
Precipitation projections over the Indus River Basin of Pakistan for the 21st century using a statistical downscaling framework
Authors: Pomee Muhammad Saleem , Hertig Elke
Published: June 2021

We estimate future changes in precipitation over the entire Indus basin of Pakistan with a particular focus on the high‐elevation upper indus basin (UIB). A statistical downscaling approach is used. We consider the spatial variability of observed precipitation on seasonal scales. Large‐scale atmospheric patterns are employed for general circulation model (GCM) selection and subsequent projections. Firstly, we identify the precipitation governing predictors from ERA‐Interim reanalysis. We further quantify the robustness of governing predictors against other reanalysis datasets (ERA5 and NCEP‐NCAR‐II) to assess future projections' fidelity. We perform S‐mode Principal Component Analysis on predictor fields and compare loading patterns using Taylor diagrams to assess predictor correspondence between different reanalysis. Similarly, we compare ERA‐Interim variables with model‐simulated fields during the historical period to select better performing GCMs and quantify model uncertainty. The regional suitability of available GCMs in our study is also demonstrated. Ensemble (median) changes in regional precipitation derived through atmospheric fields show an elevation‐dependent response of the UIB at representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, where increased precipitation will mostly fall at high elevations. However, the positive signals are more distinct during the winter and monsoon seasons, particularly over the central Karakoram. Meanwhile, a decrease in precipitation is robust during the pre‐monsoon period, particularly over the northwestern regions. These signals intensify and become more robust during 2071–2100 under RCP8.5, and the better‐performing models and signal‐to‐noise ratios further support this finding. The spatial patterns of projected changes suggest stronger (weaker) and further northward penetrating westerly systems during the winter (pre‐monsoon) season. Increased warming will also strengthen monsoon circulations, and these will penetrate further into the northwestern and trans‐Himalayan regions. The Lower Indus shows a mixed seasonal response that is more uncertain. The present analysis provides an alternative perspective to the ongoing research of assessing climate responses in complex regions.
Detecting pigments from gypsum endoliths using Raman spectroscopy: From field prospection to laboratory studies
Authors: Němečková Kateřina , Culka Adam , Jehlička Jan
Published: June 2021

Microbial colonisations of gypsum from different sites from Southern Sicily and Eastern Poland were investigated using laboratory‐based Raman microspectrometers and portable Raman spectrometric devices. Selected zones of microbial colonisations of few types of gypsum are described from the point of view of the presence of algae and cyanobacteria. Macrocrystalline gypsum layers in Sicily and Eastern Poland originate from Tertiary sedimentary series. In Southern Sicily gypsum outcrops from late Miocene age were investigated near Scala dei Turchi, Torre Salsa and Siculiana Marina. Polish Tertiary Middle Miocene age examples of gypsum colonisations of decimetre to metre long outcropping gypsum crystals were studied near Chotel Czerwony, Skorocice and Chwalowice. Common microbial pigments were detected: carotenoids were documented in majority of the samples (common Raman bands at around 1525, 1157 and 1004 cm−1), Raman spectra of other pigments were recorded in several zones using near infrared excitation (785 nm): chlorophyll (1326, 1285, 1188 and 745 cm−1), scytonemin (1593, 1552, 1438 and 1173 cm−1) and phycobiliproteins (1275 cm−1). Raman microspectrometric investigations of colonisations allow to gather detailed information about pigment distribution in micrometric zones of gypsum samples. Portable instrumentation permits also detection of carotenoids. Observed shifts of positions of Raman features of carotenoids between gypsum samples (and sites worldwide) and relative to reference values are discussed and critically evaluated.
A review of nasopharyngeal swab and saliva tests for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: Disease timelines, relative sensitivities, and test optimization
Authors: Roque Marylin , Proudfoot Kevin , Mathys Vadim , Yu Sophie , Krieger Natalie , Gernon Thomas , Gokli Kash , Hamilton Stanley , Cook Colin , Fong Yuman
Published: June 2021

Testing is an essential part of containment of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic. This review summarizes studies for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and testing. Nasopharyngeal samples are best at sensitivity detection, especially in early stages of disease and in asymptomatic individuals. Current swab processing involves a 100‐ to 1000‐fold dilution of the patient sample. Future optimization of testing should focus on using smaller volumes of viral transport media and swab designs to increase comfort and increased viral adhesion.
A kinematic model‐based analysis framework for 3D Cine‐DENSE—validation with an axially compressed gel phantom and application in sheep before and after antero‐apical myocardial infarction
Authors: Wang Vicky Y. , Tartibi Mehrzad , Zhang Yue , Selvaganesan Kartiga , Haraldsson Henrik , Auger Daniel A. , Faraji Farshid , Spaulding Kimberly , Takaba Kiyoaki , Collins Alexander , Aguayo Esteban , Saloner David , Wallace Arthur W. , Weinsaft Jonathan W. , Epstein Frederick H. , Guccione Julius , Ge Liang , Ratcliffe Mark B.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Myocardial strain is increasingly used to assess left ventricular (LV) function. Incorporation of LV deformation into finite element (FE) modeling environment with subsequent strain calculation will allow analysis to reach its full potential. We describe a new kinematic model‐based analysis framework (KMAF) to calculate strain from 3D cine‐DENSE (displacement encoding with stimulated echoes) MRI.

Methods

Cine‐DENSE allows measurement of 3D myocardial displacement with high spatial accuracy. The KMAF framework uses cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to facilitate cine‐DENSE segmentation, interpolates cine‐DENSE displacement, and kinematically deforms an FE model to calculate strain. This framework was validated in an axially compressed gel phantom and applied in 10 healthy sheep and 5 sheep after myocardial infarction (MI).

Results

Excellent Bland–Altman agreement of peak circumferential (Ecc) and longitudinal (Ell) strain (mean difference = 0.021 ± 0.04 and −0.006 ± 0.03, respectively), was found between KMAF estimates and idealized FE simulation. Err had a mean difference of −0.014 but larger variation (±0.12). Cine‐DENSE estimated end‐systolic (ES) Ecc, Ell and Err exhibited significant spatial variation for healthy sheep. Displacement magnitude was reduced on average by 27%, 42%, and 56% after MI in the remote, adjacent and MI regions, respectively.

Conclusions

The KMAF framework allows accurate calculation of 3D LV Ecc and Ell from cine‐DENSE.
Continuation methods for nonnegative rank‐1 approximation of nonnegative tensors
Authors: Hsu Fu‐Shin , Kuo Yueh‐Cheng , Liu Ching‐Sung
Published: June 2021

In this article, the rank‐1 approximation of a nonnegative tensor is considered. Mathematically, the approximation problem can be formulated as an optimization problem. The Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) point of the optimization problem can be obtained by computing the nonnegative Z‐eigenvectoryof enlarged tensor . Therefore, we propose an iterative method with prediction and correction steps for computing nonnegative Z‐eigenvectoryof enlarged tensor , called the continuation method. In the theoretical part, we show that the computation requires only flops for each iteration and the computed Z‐eigenvectoryhas nonzero component block, and hence, the KKT point can be obtained. In addition, we show that the KKT point is a local optimizer of the optimization problem. Numerical experiments are provided to support the theoretical results.
The role of carbon accounting in carbon management system: Empirical evidence from the coastal areas of the world
Authors: Sial Muhammad Safdar , Cherian Jacob , Salman Asma , Comite Ubaldo , Anh Thu Phung , Brugni Talles Vianna
Published: June 2021

Our study mainly focuses on the major challenge faced by organizations while controlling the emission of greenhouse gases via the carbon management system (CMS), keeping in view the complexity of climate change, which is considered as one of the major challenges of present times. We narrow our focus to the factors related to the emission of carbon within this system. We assess the quality of the CMS using the guidelines provided by Tang and Luo (2014), Australian Accounting Review, 24(1), 84–98. The data for this research include the carbon emission–based data of the multinational companies, which disclose their carbon footprint. Based upon the empirical findings, we came to understand that the law of material balances prevails as carbon emission has a negative co‐relationship between the carbon emissions and CMS, meanwhile the effects are not eminent. The adverse impact of such emissions has become obvious within 2 years. The quality of the CMS is determined by Target, Project, GHG (greenhouse gases) accounting, and disclosure. Our study has important policy implications for researchers, policymakers, and accounting companies because the role of the CMS is becoming integral.
Flexible and Filter‐Free Color‐Imaging Sensors with Multicomponent Perovskites Deposited Using Enhanced Vapor Technology
Authors: Chen Yantao , Zhao Chenyang , Zhang Tingting , Wu Xiaohan , Zhang Wenjing , Ding Shi‐Jin
Published: June 2021

Halide perovskites are promising photoactive materials for filter‐free color‐imaging sensors owing to their outstanding optoelectronic properties, tunable bandgaps, and suitability for large‐scale fabrication. However, producing patterned perovskite films of sufficiently high quality for such applications poses a challenge for existing fabrication methods: using solution processes to prepare patterned perovskite films is complicated, while evaporation methods often result in perovskite photodetectors with limited performance. In this paper, the authors report the development of an improved evaporation method in which substrates are treated with a brominated (3‐aminopropyl) triethoxysilane self‐assembled monolayer to improve the properties of the patterned perovskite films. The resulting perovskite photodetectors exhibit significantly enhanced photosensitivity and long‐term stability (exceeding 100 days). Additionally, the polymer substrates facilitate device flexibility. Finally, perovskites comprising three different halide components, each with a different bandgap, are integrated into a device array using the developed evaporation technology, yielding sensors that enable the discrimination of red, green, and blue colors. Thus, the flexible photosensor arrays can generate colorful images closely resembling perceived patterns, demonstrating reliable color imaging. Therefore, this study successfully demonstrates filter‐free color‐imaging by integrating high‐performance patterned and multicomponent perovskite photodetectors, highlighting the potential of such detectors for advanced optoelectronic applications, including hyperspectral imaging.
Enhanced Li+ Transport in Ionic Liquid‐Based Electrolytes Aided by Fluorinated Ethers for Highly Efficient Lithium Metal Batteries with Improved Rate Capability
Authors: Liu Xu , Zarrabeitia Maider , Mariani Alessandro , Gao Xinpei , Schütz Hanno Maria , Fang Shan , Bizien Thomas , Elia Giuseppe Antonio , Passerini Stefano
Published: June 2021

FSI−‐based ionic liquids (ILs) are promising electrolyte candidates for long‐life and safe lithium metal batteries (LMBs). However, their practical application is hindered by sluggish Li+ transport at room temperature. Herein, it is shown that additions of bis(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl) ether (BTFE) to LiFSI‐Pyr14FSI ILs can effectively mitigate this shortcoming, while maintaining ILs′ high compatibility with lithium metal. Raman spectroscopy and small‐angle X‐ray scattering indicate that the promoted Li+ transport in the optimized electrolyte, [LiFSI]3[Pyr14FSI]4[BTFE]4 (Li3Py4BT4), originates from the reduced solution viscosity and increased formation of Li+‐FSI− complexes, which are associated with the low viscosity and non‐coordinating character of BTFE. As a result, Li/LiFePO4 (LFP) cells using Li3Py4BT4 electrolyte reach 150 mAh g−1 at 1 C rate (1 mA cm−2) and a capacity retention of 94.6% after 400 cycles, revealing better characteristics with respect to the cells employing the LiFSI‐Pyr14FSI (operate only a few cycles) and commercial carbonate (80% retention after only 218 cycles) electrolytes. A wide operating temperature (from −10 to 40 °C) of the Li/Li3Py4BT4/LFP cells and a good compatibility of Li3Py4BT4 with LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 (NMC532) are demonstrated also. The insight into the enhanced Li+ transport and solid electrolyte interphase characteristics suggests valuable information to develop IL‐based electrolytes for LMBs.
Perinatal risk factors of neurodevelopmental impairment after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for twin–twin transfusion syndrome: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hessami K. , Nassr A. A. , Sananès N. , Castillo J. , Castillo H. A. , Sanz Cortes M. , Espinoza J. , Donepudi R. V. , Sun R. C. , Krispin E. , Belfort M. A. , Shamshirsaz A. A.
Published: June 2021

Objective

Monochorionic twins with twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated with fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). This meta‐analysis aimed to identify the prevalence of and perinatal risk factors for NDI in TTTS survivors treated with FLP.

Methods

We performed a search in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science, from inception to 13 February 2021, for studies evaluating perinatal risk factors for NDI in children diagnosed prenatally with TTTS managed by FLP. Data on severity of TTTS at the time of diagnosis, defined according to the Quintero staging system, FLP‐related complications and perinatal outcomes were compared between children with a history of TTTS treated with FLP with and those without NDI, which was defined as performance on a cognitive or developmental assessment tool ≥ 2 SD below the mean or a defined motor or sensory disability. A random‐effects model was used to pool the mean differences or odds ratios (OR) with the corresponding 95% CIs. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic.

Results

Nine studies with a total of 1499 TTTS survivors were included. The overall incidence of NDI was 14.0% (95% CI, 9.0–18.0%). The occurrence of NDI in TTTS survivors was associated with later gestational age (GA) at FLP (mean difference, 0.94 weeks (95% CI, 0.50–1.38 weeks); P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%), earlier GA at delivery (mean difference, –1.44 weeks (95% CI, –2.28 to –0.61 weeks); P = 0.0007, I2 = 49%) and lower birth weight (mean difference, –343.26 g (95% CI, –470.59 to –215.92 g); P < 0.00001, I2 = 27%). Evaluation of different GA cut‐offs showed that preterm birth before 32 weeks was associated with higher risk for NDI later in childhood (OR, 2.25 (95% CI, 1.02–4.94); P = 0.04, I2 = 35%). No statistically significant difference was found between cases with and those without NDI with respect to Quintero stage of TTTS, recipient or donor status, development of postlaser twin anemia–polycythemia sequence, recurrence of TTTS and incidence of small‐ for‐gestational age or cotwin fetal demise.

Conclusions

TTTS survivors with later GA at the time of FLP, earlier GA at delivery and lower birth weight are at higher risk of developing NDI. No significant association was found between Quintero stage of TTTS and risk of NDI. Our findings may be helpful for parental counseling and highlight the need for future studies to understand better the risk factors for NDI in TTTS survivors. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Vakuumerzeugung mit integrierter Druckmessung
Authors: Schäfer Viola , Schopphoff Andreas
Published: June 2021

In der Vakuumtechnologie werden Vakuumerzeugung und Vakuumdruckmessung als zwei komplett unterschiedliche Systeme betrachtet. In einigen wenigen vakuumtechnischen Komponenten werden beide Aspekte jedoch in einer Komponente zusammengeführt. So kann eine Ionengetterpumpe nicht nur Vakuum erzeugen, sondern auch – ähnlich wie eine Kaltkathodenionisationsvakuumröhre – den Vakuumdruck detektieren.

Zwar lässt sich auch zwischen einer Turbopumpe und einem Spinning Rotor Gauge eine Analogie herstellen, in diesem Falle handelt es sich aber bestenfalls um eine Druckindikation und nicht um eine Vakuumdruckmessung.

Dabei können mit den heutigen leistungsfähigen Turbopumpen‐Elektroniken einfache Vakuumtransmitter betrieben werden. Insbesondere für Anwendungen, bei denen kleinste Baugrößen und die Bedienung über eine einzige Schnittstelle nötig sind, kann die Integration von Vakuumdruckmessung in Vakuumerzeugung sehr sinnvoll sein.

Der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt Möglichkeiten einer kompakten Integration der Druckmessung für Turbomolekularpumpen mit Dragstufe auf und bewertet die Aussagekraft einer Druckmessung am Flutanschluss.
Towards an M5-brane model. Part III. Self-duality from additional trivial fields
Authors: Rist Dominik , Saemann Christian , van der Worp Miró
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We present a six-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (1, 0) supersymmetric higher gauge theory in which self-duality is consistently implemented by physically trivial additional fields. The action contains both $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (1, 0) tensor and vector multiplets and is non-trivially interacting. The tensor multiplet part is loosely related to a recently proposed action by Sen that leads to on-shell self-duality in an elegant way. As we also show, Sen’s action finds a very natural and direct interpretation from a homotopy algebraic perspective.
Extended neuromonitoring in aortic arch surgery
Authors: Thudium Marcus , Kornilov Evgeniya , Hilbert Tobias , Coburn Mark , Gestrich Christopher
Published: June 2021

Background

Aortic arch repair for aortic dissection is still associated with a high mortality rate. Providing adequate means of neuromonitoring to guide cerebral hemodynamics is advantageous, especially during selective anterior cerebral perfusion (SACP).

Objective

We aimed to investigate an easy multimodal neuromonitoring set-up consisting of processed electroencephalography (EEG), near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and transcranial doppler sonography (TCD).

Material and methods

We collected intraoperative data from six patients undergoing surgery for aortic dissection. In addition to standard hemodynamic monitoring, patients underwent continuous bilateral NIRS, processed EEG with bispectral index (BIS), and intermittent transcranial doppler sonography of the medial cerebral artery (MCA) with a standard B‑mode ultrasound device. Doppler measurements were taken bilaterally before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), during CPB, and during SACP at regular intervals.

Results

Of the patients four survived without neurological deficits while two suffered fatal outcomes. Of the survivors two suffered from transient postoperative delirium. Multimodal monitoring led to a change in CPB flow or cannula repositioning in three patients. Left-sided mean flow velocities of the MCA decreased during SACP, as did BIS values.

Conclusion

Monitoring consisting of BIS, NIRS, and TCD may have an impact on hemodynamic management in aortic arch operations.
Analysis and performance evaluation of a three-phase sparse neutral point clamped converter for industrial variable speed drives
Authors: Cittanti Davide , Guacci Mattia , Mirić Spasoje , Bojoi Radu , Kolar Johann Walter
Published: June 2021

This paper analyzes the operation and characterizes the performance of a three-phase three-level (3-L) Sparse Neutral Point Clamped converter (SNPCC) for industrial variable speed drives (VSDs). The operating principle of the SNPCC, which advantageously employs a lower number of power transistors than a conventional 3-L inverter, is described in detail, focusing on the AC-side differential-mode and common-mode voltage formation and on the DC-side mid-point current generation processes. The degrees of freedom in the SNPCC modulation scheme are defined and several switching sequences are investigated. Afterwards, the stresses on the active and passive components (e.g. semiconductor losses, machine phase current ripple, DC-link capacitor RMS current, etc.) are calculated by analytical and/or numerical means, enabling a straightforward performance comparison among the identified switching sequences. The most suited modulation strategy for VSD applications is then selected and a chip area sizing procedure, aimed at minimizing the total semiconductor chip size, is applied to a 800V 7.5kW three-phase system. The performance limits of the designed SNPCC are evaluated and finally compared to the ones of conventional 2-L and 3-L solutions, highlighting the promising cost/performance trade-off of the analyzed topology.
Cyclotomic numerical semigroup polynomials with at most two irreducible factors
Authors: Borzì Alessio , Herrera-Poyatos Andrés , Moree Pieter
Published: June 2021

A numerical semigroup S is cyclotomic if its semigroup polynomial $$\mathrm {P}_S$$

P
S

is a product of cyclotomic polynomials. The number of irreducible factors of $$\mathrm {P}_S$$

P
S

(with multiplicity) is the polynomial length $$\ell (S)$$

ℓ
(
S
)

of S. We show that a cyclotomic numerical semigroup is complete intersection if $$\ell (S)\le 2$$

ℓ
(
S
)
≤
2

. This establishes a particular case of a conjecture of Ciolan et al. (SIAM J Discrete Math 30(2):650–668, 2016) claiming that every cyclotomic numerical semigroup is complete intersection. In addition, we investigate the relation between $$\ell (S)$$

ℓ
(
S
)

and the embedding dimension of S.
Efficient production of long double-stranded RNAs applicable to agricultural pest control by Corynebacterium glutamicum equipped with coliphage T7-expression system
Authors: Hashiro Shuhei , Chikami Yasuhiko , Kawaguchi Haruka , Krylov Alexander A. , Niimi Teruyuki , Yasueda Hisashi
Published: June 2021

RNA-based pesticides exert their function by suppressing the expression of an essential gene in the target pest through RNA interference caused by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Here, we selected target genes for growth suppression of the solanaceous crop pests ladybird beetle (Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata) and Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)-the death-associated inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 gene (diap1), and an orthologous gene of the COPI coatomer protein complex (copI), respectively. We constructed a cost-competitive overproduction system for dsRNA using Corynebacterium glutamicum as a host bacterium. The dsRNA expression unit was equipped with two sets of promoters and terminators derived from coliphage T7, and the convergent expression system was designed to be selectively transcribed by T7 RNA polymerase. This expression system efficiently overproduced both target dsRNAs. On culture in a jar fermentor, the yield of diap1-targeting dsRNA (approximately 360 bp) was > 1 g per liter of culture. Long-chain diap1-targeting dsRNAs (up to around 1 kbp) could be produced without a substantial loss of efficiency. dsRNA accumulated in C. glutamicum significantly suppressed larval growth of H. vigintioctopunctata. The dsRNA expression technology developed here is expected to substantially reduce dsRNA production costs. Our method can be applied for a wide range of industrial uses, including agricultural pest control.

Key points

• Overexpression of dsRNA was achieved in C. glutamicum using a coliphage T7 system.

• The best strain produced > 1 g/L of the target dsRNA species, for use as an insecticide.

• The developed system efficiently produced long dsRNA species, up to ~ 1 kbp.
Precision, Applicability, and Economic Implications: A Comparison of Alternative Biodiversity Offset Indexes
Authors: Kangas Johanna , Kullberg Peter , Pekkonen Minna , Kotiaho Janne S. , Ollikainen Markku
Published: June 2021

The rates of ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss are alarming and current conservation efforts are not sufficient to stop them. The need for new tools is urgent. One approach is biodiversity offsetting: a developer causing habitat degradation provides an improvement in biodiversity so that the lost ecological value is compensated for. Accurate and ecologically meaningful measurement of losses and estimation of gains are essential in reaching the no net loss goal or any other desired outcome of biodiversity offsetting. The chosen calculation method strongly influences biodiversity outcomes. We compare a multiplicative method, which is based on a habitat condition index developed for measuring the state of ecosystems in Finland to two alternative approaches for building a calculation method: an additive function and a simpler matrix tool. We examine the different logic of each method by comparing the resulting trade ratios and examine the costs of offsetting for developers, which allows us to compare the cost-effectiveness of different types of offsets. The results show that the outcomes of the calculation methods differ in many aspects. The matrix approach is not able to consider small changes in the ecological state. The additive method gives always higher biodiversity values compared to the multiplicative method. The multiplicative method tends to require larger trade ratios than the additive method when trade ratios are larger than one. Using scoring intervals instead of using continuous components may increase the difference between the methods. In addition, the calculation methods have differences in dealing with the issue of substitutability.
Consideration of cyclic hardening and residual stresses in fatigue life calculations with the local strain approach
Authors: Kühne David , Spak Boris , Kästner Markus , Brosius Alexander , Fiedler Melanie
Published: June 2021

The local strain approach (LSA) is an established concept to calculate the fatigue life of mechanical components for failure criterion crack initiation in several fields of engineering. In an elastic static finite element simulation, the critical stress state is detected and forms the basis for an elastic–plastic fatigue calculation with the LSA in a post-processing routine. This paper introduces extension options of the LSA to consider the influences of forming processes on the fatigue life of components.