bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous monitoring of eight human respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2 using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Hodgkins Christopher , Buckton Laura K. , Walker Gregory J. , Crossett Ben , Cordwell Stuart J. , Horvath Andrea R. , Rawlinson William D.
Published: August 2022

Diagnosis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has primarily been achieved using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for acute infection, and serology for prior infection. Assay with RT-PCR provides data on presence or absence of viral RNA, with no information on virus replication competence, infectivity, or virus characterisation. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) is typically not used in clinical virology, despite its potential to provide supplemental data about the presence of viral proteins and thus the potential for replication-competent, transmissible virus. Using the SARS-CoV-2 as a model virus, we developed a fast ‘bottom-up’ proteomics workflow for discovery of target virus peptides using ‘serum-free’ culture conditions, providing high coverage of viral proteins without the need for protein or peptide fractionation techniques. This workflow was then applied to Coronaviruses OC43 and 229E, Influenza A/H1N1 and H3N2, Influenza B, and Respiratory Syncytial Viruses A and B. Finally, we created an LC–MS/MS method for targeted detection of the eight-virus panel in clinical specimens, successfully detecting peptides from the SARS-CoV-2 ORF9B and nucleoprotein in RT-PCR positive samples. The method provides specific detection of respiratory viruses from clinical samples containing moderate viral loads and is an important further step to the use of LC–MS/MS in diagnosis of viral infection.
COVID-19’s impact on visitation behavior to US national parks from communities of color: evidence from mobile phone data
Authors: Alba Charles , Pan Bing , Yin Junjun , Rice William L. , Mitra Prasenjit , Lin Michael S. , Liang Yun
Published: August 2022

The widespread COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally changed many people’s ways of life. With the necessity of social distancing and lock downs across the United States, evidence shows more people engage in outdoor activities. With the utilization of location-based service (LBS) data, we seek to explore how visitation patterns to national parks changed among communities of color during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results show that visitation rates to national parks located closer than 347 km to individuals have increased amidst the pandemic, but the converse was demonstrated amongst parks located further than 347 km from individuals. More importantly, COVID-19 has adversely impacted visitation figures amongst non-white and Native American communities, with visitation volumes declining if these communities are situated further from national parks. Our results show disproportionately low-representations amongst national park visitors from these communities of color. African American communities display a particularly concerning trend whereby their visitation to national parks is substantially lower amongst communities closer to national parks.
Designing of multi-objective optimal virtual power plant model for reliability enhancement in radial network: a case study of Indian power sector
Authors: Sharma Harpreet , Imanbayeva Akmaral
Published: August 2022

One of the major driving factors in the shifting of the present grid paradigm to an active grid network is the reliability and resiliency of the utility network. With hefty investment in the distribution network protection and maintenance, the reliability of the feeders is considerably enhanced; however, large numbers of outages are still occurring every year which caused major production loss to the manufacturing sector. In this paper, the role of the solar grid-based Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is evaluated in the state power utility for the reliability enhancement and cost minimization using a multi-objective model based on MILP optimization. A 90 bus industrial feeder having automatic reclosers, DER, and DSM is selected on which the MCS method is utilized for computing reliability indices using the utility reliability parameters. The value of reliability indices such as EENS is declined by 68% by utilizing the VPP scenario. These values of this reliability index are fed into the multi-objective model for cost minimization. After running the optimization, the results reveal that the operational and the annual energy cost are reduced by 61% and 55% respectively which advocates the VPP implementation in the utility network. Both modes of the Virtual Power Plant such as grid-connected and autonomous mode have been discussed in detail. Lastly, the results of the developed model with MILP are compared with the proprietary derivative algorithm, and it is found that the proposed MILP is more cost-effective. The overall results advocate the VPP implementation in the utility grid as the economical advantage is provided to both utility and the consumers in terms of reduction in EENS and energy charges respectively.
Effects of organic fertilizers on growth characteristics and fruit quality in Pear-jujube in the Loess Plateau
Authors: Ye Shenglan , Peng Biao , Liu Tiancheng
Published: August 2022

The ecological environment of the hilly and gully area of the Loess Plateau in northern Shaanxi is fragile and the soil fertility is low. As a result, the yield and quality of Pear-jujube which constitute one of the dominant economic forests in this region, have been severely restricted. At present, the scientific application of fertilizer is important for comprehensively improving the quality of fruit trees, and for devising the optimal management of fruit trees. In particular, the application of organic fertilizers plays an important role in improving soil and improving fruit quality. In this experiment, a field study was conducted to understand the effects of different organic fertilizer applications on physiological growth, photosynthetic characteristics, reproductive growth and nutritional quality of Pear-jujube in the Loess Plateau. The results showed that organic fertilizer significantly promoted the physiological growth of Pear-jujube. The Pear-jujube bearing branch and leaf area under the soybean cake fertilizer (SC) treatment were 20.17 cm and 1246 mm2/leaf, respectively, which are increased by 34% and 44.46% compared with the no fertilizer treatment, which was a control check (CK). The total chlorophyll content of fertilization treatment was significantly higher than that of CK (P < 0.05). The maximum of chlorophyll content was 10.90 mg/dm2 under the biogas fertilizer (BM). The content of LAI was in the order BM > conventional fertilizer (CF) > sheep manure (SM) > SC > CK. The changing trend of gap fraction was opposite to that of LAI, and the density of light was consistent with that of LAI. The density of light BM was the largest, reached 38.06 mol/(m2 d), which was 15.13% higher than that of CK. Organic fertilizer significantly improved the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and water use efficiency (WUEp) of Pear-jujube. The WUEp of SC was up to 3.30%. Organic fertilizer significantly promoted the reproductive growth and improved the nutritional quality of Pear-jujube. The yield under the SC was 19,177 kg/hm2, increased by 138.5% compared with that of CK. The fruit water content (FWC), total soluble solids (TSS), solid-acid ratio (TSS/TA), Vc and total flavonoids content improved, and the maxima of FWC, TSS, TSS/TA, Vc and total flavonoids content under the SC treatment were 86.30%, 18.48%, 40.17, 46.18 mg/kg and 14.35 mg/kg, respectively, which were significantly different from those of CK (P < 0.05). Organic fertilization effectively promotes the growth, development, yield and fruit quality of Pear-jujube in the Loess Plateau and the effect of the soybean cake fertilizer is the most significant.
Vicarious ratings of self vs. other-directed social touch in women with and recovered from Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Bellard Ashleigh , Trotter Paula , McGlone Francis , Cazzato Valentina
Published: August 2022

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is an eating pathology characterized by restricted eating, body image distortions and impaired socio-cognitive abilities. Altered responses to affective touch—a pleasant interoceptive stimulus hypothesised to involve activation of the C-Tactile (CT) system, may contribute to the aetiology and maintenance of this disorder. Here, we investigated whether third-party social touch vicarious ratings of different body sites at CT-optimal vs. non-CT optimal velocities differed in women with and recovered from AN (RAN) and healthy controls (HCs). Thirty-five HCs, 27 AN and 29 RAN provided pleasantness ratings for two different tasks designed to probe expectations of how touch is perceived by self (self-directed touch) vs. others (other-directed touch). Findings revealed that both clinical groups, compared to HCs, did not differ in their pleasantness ratings to touch for another but when evaluating touch for self, both clinical groups rated CT-optimal touch as less pleasant than HCs. These findings suggest that AN and RAN women demonstrate an atypical vicarious pleasantness response to affective touch involving self, but not others. Novel therapeutic approaches that help anorexics to better interpret or improve tolerance of affective tactile experiences involving the self may be an important addition to current standard treatments.
Nasopharyngeal microbiota profiling of pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Crovetto Francesca , Selma-Royo Marta , Crispi Fàtima , Carbonetto Belén , Pascal Rosalia , Larroya Marta , Casas Irene , Tortajada Marta , Escudero Nuria , Muñoz-Almagro Carmen , Gomez-Roig Maria Dolores , González-Torres Pedro , Collado Maria Carmen , Gratacos Eduard
Published: August 2022

We aimed to analyze the nasopharyngeal microbiota profiles in pregnant women with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection, considered a vulnerable population during COVID-19 pandemic. Pregnant women were enrolled from a multicenter prospective population-based cohort during the first SARS-CoV-2 wave in Spain (March-June 2020 in Barcelona, Spain) in which the status of SARS-CoV-2 infection was determined by nasopharyngeal RT–PCR and antibodies in peripheral blood. Women were randomly selected for this cross-sectional study on microbiota. DNA was extracted from nasopharyngeal swab samples, and the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA of bacteria was amplified using region-specific primers. The differential abundance of taxa was tested, and alpha/beta diversity was evaluated. Among 76 women, 38 were classified as positive and 38 as negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection. All positive women were diagnosed by SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM/IgA antibodies, and 14 (37%) also had a positive RT–PCR. The overall composition of the nasopharyngeal microbiota differ in pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection (positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies), compared to those without the infection (negative SARS-CoV-2 antibodies) (p = 0.001), with a higher relative abundance of the Tenericutes and Bacteroidetes phyla and a higher abundance of the Prevotellaceae family. Infected women presented a different pattern of microbiota profiling due to beta diversity and higher richness (observed ASV < 0.001) and evenness (Shannon index < 0.001) at alpha diversity. These changes were also present in women after acute infection, as revealed by negative RT–PCR but positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, suggesting a potential association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and long-lasting shift in the nasopharyngeal microbiota. No significant differences were reported in mild vs. severe cases. This is the first study on nasopharyngeal microbiota during pregnancy. Pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection had a different nasopharyngeal microbiota profile compared to negative cases.
Revealing four decades of snow cover dynamics in the Hindu Kush Himalaya
Authors: Naegeli K. , Franke J. , Neuhaus C. , Rietze N. , Stengel M. , Wu X. , Wunderle S.
Published: August 2022

Knowledge about the distribution and dynamics of seasonal snow cover (SSC) is of high importance for climate studies, hydrology or hazards assessment. SSC varies considerably across the Hindu Kush Himalaya both in space and time. Previous studies focused on regional investigations or the influence of snow melt on the local hydrological system. Here, we present a systematic assessment of metrics to evaluate SSC dynamics for the entire HKH at regional and basin scale based on AVHRR GAC data at a 0.05° spatial and daily temporal resolution. Our findings are based on a unique four-decade satellite-based time series of snow cover information. We reveal strong variability of SSC at all time scales. We find significantly decreasing SSC trends in individual summer and winter months and a declining tendency from mid-spring to mid-fall, indicating a shift in seasonality. Thanks to this uniquely spatio-temporally resolved long-term data basis, we can particularly highlight the unique temporally variable character of seasonal snow cover and its cross-disciplinary importance for mountain ecosystems and downstream regions.
Influence of the properties of different graphene-based nanomaterials dispersed in polycaprolactone membranes on astrocytic differentiation
Authors: Mantecón-Oria Marián , Tapia Olga , Lafarga Miguel , Berciano María T. , Munuera Jose M. , Villar-Rodil Silvia , Paredes Juan I. , Rivero María J. , Diban Nazely , Urtiaga Ane
Published: August 2022

Composites of polymer and graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs) combine easy processing onto porous 3D membrane geometries due to the polymer and cellular differentiation stimuli due to GBNs fillers. Aiming to step forward to the clinical application of polymer/GBNs composites, this study performs a systematic and detailed comparative analysis of the influence of the properties of four different GBNs: (i) graphene oxide obtained from graphite chemically processes (GO); (ii) reduced graphene oxide (rGO); (iii) multilayered graphene produced by mechanical exfoliation method (Gmec); and (iv) low-oxidized graphene via anodic exfoliation (Ganodic); dispersed in polycaprolactone (PCL) porous membranes to induce astrocytic differentiation. PCL/GBN flat membranes were fabricated by phase inversion technique and broadly characterized in morphology and topography, chemical structure, hydrophilicity, protein adsorption, and electrical properties. Cellular assays with rat C6 glioma cells, as model for cell-specific astrocytes, were performed. Remarkably, low GBN loading (0.67 wt%) caused an important difference in the response of the C6 differentiation among PCL/GBN membranes. PCL/rGO and PCL/GO membranes presented the highest biomolecule markers for astrocyte differentiation. Our results pointed to the chemical structural defects in rGO and GO nanomaterials and the protein adsorption mechanisms as the most plausible cause conferring distinctive properties to PCL/GBN membranes for the promotion of astrocytic differentiation. Overall, our systematic comparative study provides generalizable conclusions and new evidences to discern the role of GBNs features for future research on 3D PCL/graphene composite hollow fiber membranes for in vitro neural models.
Identification of differentially expressed microRNAs as potential biomarkers for carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma
Authors: Kim Hyojin , Eun Shin , Jeong Woo-Jin , Ahn Soon-Hyun , Bae Yun Jung , Lee Joong Seob , Kim Heejin
Published: August 2022

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) is a rare malignancy that transforms from PA. Early detection of the carcinoma by biopsy is difficult due to similar histopathology of the malignant and benign components. To address this, we investigated and compared the characteristic miRNA expression patterns across samples of the PA, carcinomatous portions (CA) of CXPA, as well as conventional PA. We selected 13 CXPA and 16 conventional PA FFPE samples, separated the PA and CA portions of CXPA samples and conducted miRNA profiling for each group. Among 13 transcripts that were differentially expressed between PA and CA of CXPA, eight miRNAs were up-regulated and five down-regulated in CA. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the up-regulated miRNAs were related to cancer progression and down-regulated ones to tumor suppression. Additionally, seven miRNAs were significantly up-regulated in PA of CXPA compared to conventional PA, although they are histopathologically similar. Almost all of these transcripts interacted with TP53, a well-known tumor suppressor. In conclusion, we identified differentially expressed miRNAs in PA and CA of CXPA, which were closely associated with TP53 and various cancer-related pathways. We also identified differentially expressed miRNAs in the PA of CXPA and conventional PA which may serve as potential biomarkers.
The effects of facilitatory and inhibitory kinesiotaping of Vastus Medialis on the activation and fatigue of superficial quadriceps muscles
Authors: Ataabadi Peyman Aghaie , Abbasi Ali , Shojaatian Mohsen , Letafatkar Amir , Svoboda Zdenek , Rossettini Giacomo
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to investigate how facilitatory and inhibitory KT of the Vastus Medialis affected the activation and the fatigue indices of VM, Vastus Lateralis (VL) and Rectus Femoris (RF) throughout a dynamic fatigue protocol. Seventeen collegiate athletes (Ten males, seven females, age: 24.76 ± 3.99 years, height: 1.73 ± 0.10 m, mass: 68.11 ± 8.54 kg) voluntarily participated in four dynamic fatigue protocol sessions in which no-tape (control condition), inhibitory, facilitatory and sham KTs were applied to the Vastus Medialis in each session. The protocol included 100 dynamic maximum concentric knee extensions at 90°/s using an isokinetic dynamometry device. The knee extensor muscle activities were recorded using wireless surface electromyography. The average muscle activity (Root mean square) during the first three repetitions and the repetitions number of 51–100, respectively, were used to calculate the before and after exhaustion muscle activity. Furthermore, median frequency slope during all repetitions was reported as the fatigue rate of muscles during different KT conditions and for the control condition (no-tape). The results showed neither muscle activation (significance for the main effect of KT; VM = 0.82, VL = 0.72, RF = 0.19) nor fatigue rate (significance for the main effect of KT; VM = 0.11 VL = 0.71, RF = 0.53) of the superficial knee extensor muscles were affected in all four conditions. These findings suggest that the direction of KT cannot reduce, enhance muscle activity or cause changes in muscle exhaustion. Future studies should investigate the generalizability of current findings to other populations.
Multilevel artificial electronic synaptic device of direct grown robust MoS2 based memristor array for in-memory deep neural network
Authors: Naqi Muhammad , Kang Min Seok , liu Na , Kim Taehwan , Baek Seungho , Bala Arindam , Moon Changgyun , Park Jongsun , Kim Sunkook
Published: August 2022

With an increasing demand for artificial intelligence, the emulation of the human brain in neuromorphic computing has led to an extraordinary result in not only simulating synaptic dynamics but also reducing complex circuitry systems and algorithms. In this work, an artificial electronic synaptic device based on a synthesized MoS2 memristor array (4 × 4) is demonstrated; the device can emulate synaptic behavior with the simulation of deep neural network (DNN) learning. MoS2 film is directly synthesized onto a patterned bottom electrode (Pt) with high crystallinity using sputtering and CVD. The proposed MoS2 memristor exhibits excellent memory operations in terms of endurance (up to 500 sweep cycles) and retention (~ 104) with a highly uniform memory performance of crossbar array (4 × 4) up to 16 memristors on a scalable level. Next, the proposed MoS2 memristor is utilized as a synaptic device that demonstrates close linear and clear synaptic functions in terms of potentiation and depression. When providing consecutive multilevel pulses with a defined time width, long-term and short-term memory dynamics are obtained. In addition, an emulation of the artificial neural network of the presented synaptic device showed 98.55% recognition accuracy, which is 1% less than that of software-based neural network emulations. Thus, this work provides an enormous step toward a neural network with a high recognition accuracy rate.
Twin spotlight beam generation in quadratic crystals
Authors: Jauberteau Raphaël , Wehbi Sahar , Mansuryan Tigran , Tonello Alessandro , Baronio Fabio , Krupa Katarzyna , Wetzel Benjamin , Wabnitz Stefan , Couderc Vincent
Published: August 2022

Optical rogue waves have been extensively studied in the past two decades. However, observations of multidimensional extreme wave events remain surprisingly scarce. In this work we present the experimental demonstration of the spontaneous generation of spatially localized two-dimensional beams in a quadratic nonlinear crystal, which are composed by twin components at the fundamental and the second-harmonic frequencies. These localized spots of light emerge from a wide background beam, and eventually disappear as the laser beam intensity is progressively increased.
A numerical study on the interplay between the intra-particle and interparticle characteristics in bimagnetic soft/soft and hard/soft ultrasmall nanoparticle assemblies
Authors: Silva Franciscarlos Gomes da , Vasilakaki Marianna , Cabreira Gomes Rafael , Aquino Renata , Campos Alex Fabiano Cortez , Dubois Emmanuelle , Perzynski Régine , Depeyrot Jérôme , Trohidou Kalliopi
Published: August 2022

A mesoscopic scale approach and the Monte Carlo method have been employed to study the exchange bias behaviour of MnFe2O4@γ-Fe2O3 and CoFe2O4@γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles of size ∼3 nm in dense and diluted assemblies at low temperatures.
An N-capping asparagine–lysine–proline (NKP) motif contributes to a hybrid flexible/stable multifunctional peptide scaffold
Authors: Cardoso Marlon H. , Chan Lai Y. , Cândido Elizabete S. , Buccini Danieli F. , Rezende Samilla B. , Torres Marcelo D. T. , Oshiro Karen G. N. , Silva Ítala C. , Gonçalves Sónia , Lu Timothy K. , Santos Nuno C. , de la Fuente-Nunez Cesar , Craik David J. , Franco Octávio L.
Published: August 2022

An unusual N-capping asparagine-lysine-proline (5NKP7) motif yields a coil/N-cap/α-helix multifunctional scaffold in a computer-made peptide selective for anionic surfaces and with anticancer, antibacterial, antibiofilm, anti-infective (in vivo), and immunomodulatory potential.
Seeded-growth self-assembled polymerization of a ferrocene-bearing palladium(ii)-terpyridyl bimetallic complex
Authors: Li Zikang , Lau Mei-Tung , Li Jiahua , Qiu Feng , Meng Zhengong , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: August 2022

A bimetallic complex containing a 4′-ferrocenyl-(2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine)palladium core with polyethylene glycol-based pyridine is applied in seeded-growth supramolecular polymerization, which affords nanoribbons with controllable dimensions.
Multiple chirality inversion of pyridine Schiff-base cholesterol-based metal–organic supramolecular polymers
Authors: Wang Yanbin , Liu Chongtao , Fu Kuo , Liang Junxi , Pang Shaofeng , Liu Guofeng
Published: August 2022

Based on coordination driven co-assembly strategy, metal–organic supramolecular polymers of pyridine Schiff-base cholesterol and silver ion with tunable supramolecular chirality inversion was successfully achieved by the stoichiometry and solvent polarity.
Utilizing a needle as a source of iron in synergistic dual photoredox catalytic generation of alkoxy radicals
Authors: Ondrejková Alica , Lindroth Rickard , Hilmersson Göran , Wallentin Carl-Johan
Published: August 2022

An iron catalysed and visible-light mediated alkoxy radical generation is described, which allows for a chemoselective oxidative C(sp3)–H bond functionalization providing access to two sets of structurally divergent functionalities.
Ternary and quaternary cocrystals of 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene: systematic design with a large synthon module
Authors: Ahsan Mollah Rohan , Mukherjee Arijit
Published: August 2022

Ternary and quaternary cocrystals of 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene are synthesized with N-bases and polyaromatic hydrocarbons.
Facet engineering of ultrathin two-dimensional materials
Authors: Li Linyang , Xia Yabei , Zeng Mengqi , Fu Lei
Published: August 2022

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in facet engineering of ultrathin 2D materials, ranging from the corresponding approaches and applications and also proposes some challenges and future development directions.
Psychobiotic supplementation of HK-PS23 improves anxiety in highly stressed clinical nurses: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study
Authors: Wu Shu-I , Wu Chien-Chen , Cheng Li-Hao , Noble Samuel W. , Liu Chih-Ju , Lee Yu-Hsia , Lin Chen-Ju , Hsu Chih-Chieh , Chen Wan-Lin , Tsai Pei-Joung , Kuo Po-Hsiu , Tsai Ying-Chieh
Published: August 2022

HK-PS23 demonstrated potential benefits in reducing the level of cortisol compared to placebo and might improve perceived anxiety states in nurses under particularly high levels of anxiety.
Gut microbiota-directed intervention with high-amylose maize ameliorates metabolic dysfunction in diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Chiou Wei-Chung , Lai Wei-Han , Cai Yu-Lin , Du Meng-Lun , Lai Hsi-Mei , Chen Jui-Chieh , Huang Hsiu-Chen , Liu Hui-Kang , Huang Cheng
Published: August 2022

High-amylose maize (HAM) improves dysmetabolism and gut microbiota dysbiosis in diet-induced obese mice. Changes in the gut microbiota driven by the HAM diet were strongly associated with obesity-related indices.
Soy isoflavones alleviate lipopolysaccharide-induced depressive-like behavior by suppressing neuroinflammation, mediating tryptophan metabolism and promoting synaptic plasticity
Authors: Lu Cong , Wei Zhen , Wang Yongquan , Li Shuying , Tong Litao , Liu Xinmin , Fan Bei , Wang Fengzhong
Published: August 2022

Depression is highly prevalent in patients suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases.
Conversion of plastic waste into high-value lubricants: techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment
Authors: Cappello Vincenzo , Sun Pingping , Zang Guiyan , Kumar Shishir , Hackler Ryan , Delgado Hernan E. , Elgowainy Amgad , Delferro Massimiliano , Krause Theodore
Published: August 2022

The conversion of plastic waste into high-quality lubricants is more profitable than sorting the waste or converting it into liquid fuels. A life cycle assessment showed that the emissions were lower than those of petroleum lubricants of similar quality.
Merging dearomatization with redox-neutral C(sp3)–H functionalization via hydride transfer/cyclization: recent advances and perspectives
Authors: Hu Fangzhi , Shen Yao-Bin , Wang Liang , Li Shuai-Shuai
Published: August 2022

This review highlights the encouraging advances in hydride transfer-involved dearomatization reaction during the past decade, the content of which is categorized according to the hydride acceptors, namely vinylogous imines and quinone methides.
Metal-free synthesis of 3,3′-bisindolylmethanes in water using Ph3C+[B(C6F5)4]− as the pre-catalyst
Authors: Zhang Zhenguo , Ji Liang , Liu Xiaoxiao , Li Zhihong , Lv Yongheng , Jia Zhenhua , Loh Teck-Peng
Published: August 2022

We described an efficient catalytic species generated from Ph3C+[B(C6F5)4]− by the water mediated Friedel–Crafts type reaction of indoles with carbonyl compounds to access 3,3′-bisindolylmethanes (BIMs).
Investigation of the synergistic effect of melt-extension and nanofiller on the crystal–crystal phase transition from form II to I of isotactic polybutene-1
Authors: Zhang Yuru , Wei Wenjia , Liu Yi , Ji Youxin , Su Fengmei , Liu Chuntai
Published: August 2022

The induction time, t1/2, and accomplish time of phase transition under different conditions. Both the content of MWCNTs and extension strains have obvious effect on the phase transition kinetics.
Recognizing Voices Through a Cochlear Implant: A Systematic Review of Voice Perception, Talker Discrimination, and Talker Identification
Authors: Colby Sarah , Orena Adriel John
Published: August 2022

Objective:

Some cochlear implant (CI) users report having difficulty accessing indexical information in the speech signal, presumably due to limitations in the transmission of fine spectrotemporal cues. The purpose of this review article was to systematically review and evaluate the existing research on talker processing in CI users. Specifically, we reviewed the performance of CI users in three types of talker- and voice-related tasks. We also examined the different factors (such as participant, hearing, and device characteristics) that might influence performance in these specific tasks.

Design:

We completed a systematic search of the literature with select key words using citation aggregation software to search Google Scholar. We included primary reports that tested (a) talker discrimination, (b) voice perception, and (c) talker identification. Each report must have had at least one group of participants with CIs. Each included study was also evaluated for quality of evidence.

Results:

The searches resulted in 1,561 references, which were first screened for inclusion and then evaluated in full. Forty-three studies examining talker discrimination, voice perception, and talker identification were included in the final review. Most studies were focused on postlingually deafened and implanted adult CI users, with fewer studies focused on prelingual implant users. In general, CI users performed above chance in these tasks. When there was a difference between groups, CI users performed less accurately than their normal-hearing (NH) peers. A subset of CI users reached the same level of performance as NH participants exposed to noise-vocoded stimuli. Some studies found that CI users and NH participants relied on different cues for talker perception. Within groups of CI users, there is moderate evidence for a bimodal benefit for talker processing, and there are mixed findings about the effects of hearing experience.

Conclusions:

The current review highlights the challenges faced by CI users in tracking and recognizing voices and how they adapt to it. Although large variability exists, there is evidence that CI users can process indexical information from speech, though with less accuracy than their NH peers. Recent work has described some of the factors that might ease the challenges of talker processing in CI users. We conclude by suggesting some future avenues of research to optimize real-world speech outcomes.
Psycholinguistic Considerations for Adapting the Cantonese Version of Comprehensive Aphasia Test (Cant-CAT): A Feasibility Study
Authors: Kong Anthony Pak-Hin , Ng Cindy Yee-Ting
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

The Comprehensive Aphasia Test (CAT) is an extensive and standardized battery to evaluate linguistic and cognitive impairments as well as psychosocial deficits among people with aphasia (PWA). Currently, the CAT has not been adapted into any Asian languages. We aimed to conduct a feasibility study on developing a Cantonese version of CAT (i.e., Cant-CAT), summarize the adaptation process, and elucidate preliminary measurement properties of the test in speakers with and without aphasia.

Method:

The CAT was translated into Chinese and modified with careful control of the psycholinguistic variables specific to Cantonese. The preliminary version of the Cant-CAT was tested among eight healthy middle-age native Cantonese speakers in Hong Kong and six chronic PWA. The PWA were also administered the Cantonese version of Western Aphasia Battery (CAB) to determine its agreement with the Cant-CAT.

Results:

The mildly impaired PWA subgroup performed significantly better than the moderate group in most of the subtests in the Cant-CAT and CAB. The PWA with a higher mean score in the CAB subtests (i.e., Comprehension, Naming, Repetition, Reading, and Writing) also scored higher in the corresponding sections of Cant-CAT.

Conclusion:

This study confirmed that the Cant-CAT appears to function as designed and provided the impetus for a large-scale extension to examine test validity and reliability of the battery, and to establish its norms for clinical diagnostics and interpretation.
Flux‐adjusting characteristic analysis and optimization design of variable‐leakage‐flux interior permanent magnet motor
Authors: Liang Jianwei , Liu Dabin , Liu Xiping , Wang Wenrui , Zhu Siting
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a novel variable‐leakage‐flux interior permanent magnet (VLF‐IPM) motor is proposed, which is a kind of mechanical flux‐adjusting PM motor. The VLF‐IPM motor can obtain the advantages of the IPM motor and overcome the difficulty to adjust PM airgap flux by locating a self‐activating device that is introduced in this paper on the rotor. The effect of the flux barriers on the flux leakage circuit is analysed by establishing a rotor parametric model to clarify the influence of flux barriers of the VLF‐IPM motor on flux‐adjusting performance. Then, the electromagnetic performance of VLF‐IPM motors with different volume ratios of cylindrical permanent magnets (CPMs) and rectangular permanent magnets (RPMs) are compared by using the finite element analysis (FEA) method, and the experiment results show that VLF‐IPM motor with characteristics of 0 < κrc < 1 has more advantages comprehensively. Moreover, a multi‐objective optimization process is adopted based on sensitivity analysis which can reflect the influences of geometric parameters on the optimization objectives including average torque, torque ripple and cogging torque. Then, the Non‐dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II(NSGA‐II) is utilised to determine the optimal model. Finally, a prototype is manufactured and tested, and the effectiveness of the novel VLF‐IPM motor and the self‐activating device are verified by the simulation and experiments.
Effect of static/dynamic air‐gap eccentricity on stator and rotor vibration characteristics in doubly‐fed induction generator
Authors: He Yu‐Ling , Dai De‐Rui , Xu Ming‐Xing , Zhang Wen , Tang Gui‐Ji , Wan Shu‐Ting , Sheng Xiao‐Ling , Gerada David
Published: August 2022

This article has conducted a comprehensive study on the stator and rotor vibration characteristics of the doubly‐fed induction generator (DFIG) in the case of radial air gap eccentricity (RAGE). Differently from other previous studies, this paper not only investigates the vibration characteristics of stator and rotor in radial static air gap eccentricity (RSAGE) and radial dynamic air‐gap eccentricity (RDAGE) fault but also takes the radial hybrid air gap eccentricity (RHAGE) into account. Through theoretical derivation, the detailed expressions of stator magnetic pull per unit area (MPPUA) and rotor unbalanced magnetic pull (UMP) are obtained. The finite element analysis (FEA) and experiment based on a two pairs of poles DFIG, and the results are consistent with theoretical calculations. It is shown that RAGE will enlarge the magnitude of stator MPPUA/vibration and rotor UMP/vibration. Specifically, RSAGE will not change the frequency components of stator MPPUA/vibration but will bring new frequency components to rotor UMP/vibration. However, both stator MPPUA/vibration and rotor UMP/vibration will generate new frequency components during RDAGE fault. In addition, the effect of RHAGE is the superposition of RSAGE and RDAGE. The research conclusions obtained in this paper can be used as a supplementary criterion for diagnosing the eccentricity of DFIG.
Super‐spiral sliding mode controller design for single‐winding bearingless switched reluctance motor
Authors: Xie Kai , Yuan Ye , Sun Yukun , Yang Fan , Li Guangjun , Huang Yonghong
Published: August 2022

The strong coupling effect between the torque system and the suspension system of the single‐winding bearingless switched reluctance motor (SWBSRM) would result in continuous interference to the system and bring difficulties to the design of the control system. Moreover, strong external disturbances will further reduce the stability of the control system. To improve the anti‐disturbance ability and enhance the robustness of the control system of SWBSRM, a design method of the entire control system based on the second‐order sliding mode (SOSM) controllers is proposed. The strongly coupled SWBSRM torque system and suspension system are linearised and decomposed through the feedback linearisation method to benefit the design of SOSM controllers. Then, combined with a super‐spiral algorithm, the super‐spiral sliding mode controllers in the outer loop for torque and suspension system are designed separately. The design of controllers considers the interference caused by the coupling effect and the influence of external disturbance. The range of gain, which can ensure the finite time convergence of the control system is determined through proof of stability. Simulation and experiment results show that the second‐order sliding mode controllers have faster response speed and control precision when suppressing coupled interference and strong external disturbance.
Phytotherapie gegen die Corona-Pandemie – realisierte
Möglichkeiten, verpasste Chancen?
Authors: Stange Rainer
Published: August 2022

Im Jahr drei der Pandemie blicken wir auf zahlreiche Veröffentlichungen
zu einem möglichen präventiven wie therapeutischen Nutzen der
Phytotherapie. Die Mehrzahl beschreibt z.T. sehr hoffnungsvolle
präklinische Effekte. Ein klinischer Nutzen lässt sich derzeit
nur sehr bedingt ableiten. Auf zu füllende Lücken wird
hingewiesen. Der Artikel behandelt bewusst nur solche Pflanzen, die Bestandteil
der Phytotherapie in westlichen Ländern sind.
Stellungnahme zur S1-Leitlinie „Anforderungen an die Strukturqualität für intermittierende und kontinuierliche Nierenersatztherapie im Krankenhaus“ der DGfN
Authors: Wiegard-Szramek Ina , Eikelmann Matthias
Published: August 2022

Am 20.04.2022 hat die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nephrologie (DGfN) die S1-Leitlinie „Anforderungen an die Strukturqualität für intermittierende und kontinuierliche Nierenersatztherapie im Krankenhaus“ auf ihrer Homepage veröffentlicht 1. Der Vorstand des Fachverbandes nephrologischer Berufsgruppen e. V. (fnb) möchte dazu Stellung nehmen.
Auswirkung der COVID-19-Pandemie auf die Therapie der nAMD in einer portalbasierten Kooperation
Authors: Rothaus Kai , Kintzinger Kristina , Heimes-Bussmann Britta , Faatz Henrik , Lommatzsch Albrecht Peter
Published: August 2022

Hintergrund Unter dem Einfluss der COVID-19-Pandemie und dem Lockdown in Deutschland kam es zu deutlich weniger Arztbesuchen in fast allen medizinischen Fachdisziplinen. Besonders bei der notwendigen konsequenten Therapie und Kontrolle von nAMD-Patienten kann das weitreichende Folgen für die Sehfunktion gerade bei älteren Patienten haben.

Methode In einer retrospektiven Analyse von nAMD-Patienten wurde die Zahl der Visiten (IVOM oder Kontrolle), der durchgeführten OCT, Anzahl der durchgeführten IVOM und der im Mittel schlechteste Visus für den Zeitraum vor und nach dem Lockdown beim Pandemiebeginn in einer portalbasierten Kooperation von 50 Augenpraxen verglichen. Die Patienten wurden nach einem Pro-re-nata-Schema (PRN) behandelt, das die intravitreale Injektion von VEGF-Hemmern aufgrund von Aktivitätskriterien bei der Befundung einer OCT-Kontrolle vorsieht.

Ergebnisse Es konnten 34 660 Visiten aus 55 Monaten in die Auswertung einbezogen werden. Vor dem Lockdown (16.03.2020) wurden durchschnittlich 81,8% ± 2,1% der Patienten regelmäßig (alle 4 bis 5 Wochen) kontrolliert bzw. behandelt. Mit Beginn des Lockdowns fiel der Anteil optimal therapierter Patienten auf 64,0%. Dabei sank zunächst der Anteil von OCT-Kontrollen von 48,4% auf 30,9% und mit Verzögerung der Anteil der Injektionen von 57,5% auf 45,8%. Dies zeigte sich auch an den werktäglich durchgeführten OCT-Kontrollen: 15,5 vor, 11,4 während und 17,2 nach dem Lockdown (p < 0,001). Bei 29% der Fälle konnte eine individuelle Verschlechterung des Visus um mehr als 0,1 logMAR nach Ende des Lockdowns im Vergleich zu vor dem Lockdown beobachtet werden. Durchschnittlich sank der mittlere Visus um 0,054 logMAR signifikant (p < 10−11). Diese signifikante Verschlechterung stieg im weiteren Beobachtungszeitraum nicht wieder an, obwohl in den folgenden 12 Monaten
die Anzahl der Visiten, Zahl der OCT-Untersuchungen und Zahl der IVOM auf dem Vor-Lockdown-Niveau lagen.

Schlussfolgerungen Der pandemiebedingte Lockdown führte bei nAMD-Patienten unter IVOM-Therapie zu ungewollten Behandlungspausen. Der Rückgang der Visiten sowie der Zahl durchgeführter IVOM verursachte einen Verlust an Sehfunktion im Beobachtungskollektiv. Trotz konsequenter Behandlung von nAMD-Patienten zeigte sich nach Ende des Lockdowns zwar eine sofortige Normalisierung der Anzahl der OCT-Kontrollen und IVOMs, jedoch ein bleibender Verlust an Sehfunktion, der sich in unserem Beobachtungskollektiv 1 Jahr nach Lockdown-Ende nicht verbessert hat. Diese Erkenntnis muss zu einem noch besseren Case-Management und damit einer verbesserten Adhärenz der Patienten bei weiteren Infektionswellen oder anderen Pandemien führen.
Niederschwellige Hilfen
Authors: Kuhlmann Thomas
Published: August 2022

Liebe Leserinnen und Leser,

Anfang 2020 wurde über die ersten COVID-19-Infizierten in Europa berichtet,
zunächst in Italien, wenige Wochen später im Kreis Heinsberg, dem
ersten s. g. Hotspot in Deutschland. Die schnelle Verbreitung dieser unbekannten
Erkrankung, erste Krankheits- und Todesfälle, begrenzte diagnostische
Möglichkeiten, offene Fragen zu Infektionswegen, Prävention und
Behandlung bei zunehmenden Klinikeinweisungen und Todesfällen – all
das sorgte für tiefgehende Verunsicherung, Ängste, kontroverse
öffentliche Debatten und weitreichende politische Maßnahmen. Diese
betreffen alle gesellschaftlichen Bereiche, beruflich und privat.
Evaluation der Akzeptanz der Gesetzesänderung in § 24 Infektionsschutzgesetz in niedrigschwelligen Einrichtungen der Aids- und Drogenhilfe
Authors: Cremer Annabelle , Zöllner York , Schafberger Armin , Schäffer Dirk , Schulte Bernd
Published: August 2022

Hintergrund Personen mit injizierendem Drogenkonsum werden häufig nicht von Angeboten zur Hepatitis-C-Testung und -Behandlung erreicht. Um die Verfügbarkeit von Testangeboten zu erhöhen, wurde 2020 § 24 des Infektionsschutzgesetzes dahingehend umformuliert, dass nunmehr u. a. Hepatitis-C-Schnelltests auch von nicht-ärztlichem Personal in niedrigschwelligen Einrichtungen durchgeführt werden können. Diese Studie untersucht die Akzeptanz der Gesetzesänderung in den Einrichtungen der Aids- und Drogenhilfe auf der Ebene der dort tätigen Fachkräfte.

Methoden Im Rahmen der Studie wurden deutschlandweit Einrichtungen der Aids- und Drogenhilfe (n=88) per Fragebogen befragt und Experteninterviews durchgeführt (n=4). Die Analyse der Akzeptanz der Gesetzesänderung erfolgte anhand eines theoriegeleiteten Modells zur Akzeptanzmessung entlang des Technologieakzeptanzmodells nach Davis et al. (1989).

Ergebnisse Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die befragten Einrichtungen die Gesetzesänderung grundsätzlich positiv bewerten. 13,6% der Einrichtungen implementierten Schnelltests durch nicht-ärztliches Personal für den Nachweis des Hepatitis-C-Virus und 31,1% planten die Einführung eines Hepatitis-C-Schnelltestangebots. Die Experteninterviews bestätigten die Akzeptanz der Gesetzesänderung.

Schlussfolgerung Angesichts der kurzen Zeitspanne seit Inkrafttreten der Gesetzesänderung kann die Umsetzungsrate als relativ hoch eingestuft werden. Es wird jedoch vermutet, dass hier eine Verzerrung in Richtung der Überschätzung vorliegt (positive Selbstselektion der teilnehmenden Einrichtungen, hohe Aufgeschlossenheit und Handlungsabsicht, institutioneller Mut). Der frühe Trend wird sich somit nicht linear fortsetzen. Flankierende Unterstützungsmaßnahmen zur Ausweitung der Umsetzung sowie ggf. Aufrechterhaltung des Schnelltestangebots sind deshalb notwendig. Langfristig angelegte Begleitforschung hierzu wird empfohlen.
Metal-Catalyzed C–H Bond Oxidation in the Total Synthesis of Natural and Unnatural Products
Authors: de Lucca Jr Emilio C. , Santana Victor C. S. , Fernandes Milena C. V. , Cappuccelli Isadora , Richieri Ana Carolina G.
Published: August 2022

C–H bond oxidation is a powerful means for oxygen incorporation in organic molecules. Its use results in fast structural diversification and in a new way of thinking about retrosynthetic disconnections. In this review, we present the application of five metal-catalyzed methodologies for C(sp
3)–H oxidation in the total synthesis of natural and unnatural products, covering the period of 2004–2022.

1 Introduction

2 Copper-Mediated Hydroxylation of Methylenes β to Imines

3 Palladium Acetoxylation of Methyl Groups β to Oximes

4 Palladium-Mediated Allylic C–H Bond Oxidation of Terminal Olefins

5 Iron- and Manganese-Mediated Aliphatic Oxidation

6 Miscellaneous

7 Conclusion
N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Cross Dehydrogenative Coupling of Aldehydes with Methanol: Combined Use of Eosin Y and Hexachloroethane
Authors: Miyabe Hideto , Yoshioka Eito , Takahashi Hiroki , Kubo Akane , Ohno Miki , Watanabe Fuuka , Shiono Rino , Miyazaki Yuuki
Published: August 2022

Cross dehydrogenative coupling of aldehydes with methanol was investigated under organocatalytic conditions based on the cooperation­ between N-heterocyclic carbene and eosin Y·Na as an organophotocatalys­t. The combined use of eosin Y·Na and hexachloro­ethane (C2Cl6) was the effective method for the oxidative esterification of various aldehydes, because the oxidation steps are promoted by two pathways associated with the activated photocatalyst and C2Cl6. In contrast, the combined use of eosin Y·Na and bromotrichloromethane (BrCCl3) was effective only for the oxidative esterification of simple cinnamaldehyde derivatives, in which BrCCl3 promotes the oxidation as a brominating reagent toward radical intermediates.
We are what we smell: the smell of dis-ease during lockdown
Authors: Allen Louisa
Published: August 2022

How does the COVID-19 pandemic shape subjectivity? This paper is concerned with contributing to theorising subjectivity at an ontological level. It draws on a feminist new materialist understanding of subjectivity as an intra-active becoming of human-non-human matter that includes smell. Smellwalks are mobilised to apprehend how subjectivity is altered via restrictions around movement and social connection during lockdown. This sensory method recognises knowing is not simply a cognitive practice and that odour actively shapes understandings of ourselves and the world. The varying presence and absence of odours in and out of lockdown eventuate a re-arrangement of subjectivity which draws on Vannini’s (2020) notion of atmospheric dis-ease. Lockdown produces a subjectivity of dis-ease which generates changes in perception of self and others, as sources of potential viral contagion. Lockdown’s material conditions engender a ‘socially flattened’ and ‘suspended subjectivity’ as our ‘normal’ selves are experienced as being put on hold until the global crisis abates.
A 4.8 ps root-mean-square resolution time-to-digital converter implemented in a 20 nm Cyclone-10 GX field-programmable gate array
Authors: Yu Xin , Xia Haojie , Li Weishi , Zhang Jin , Chang Songtao
Published: August 2022

It is difficult to improve the resolution and precision of a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based time-to-digital converter (TDC) in time interval measurement. In this study, we design a carry-look-ahead delay chain structure and integrate an interleaved sampling method with an online calibration and bin readjustment approach to implement a TDC. We take advantage of the adaptive logic module units applied in a Cyclone-10 GX (10CX220YF780E5G), which is a 20 nm low-power consumption and low-cost FPGA. In this new generation FPGA, we implemented a high-precision time interval measurement, which exceeded all our previous works with a 4.8 ps root-mean-square resolution and a 5.68 ps least-significant-bit resolution.