bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of woodcutting behaviour in Early Pliocene beaver driven by consumption of woody plants
Authors: Plint Tessa , Longstaffe Fred J. , Ballantyne Ashley , Telka Alice , Rybczynski Natalia
Published: August 2020

Modern beavers (Castor) are prolific ecosystem engineers and dramatically alter the landscape through tree harvesting and dam building. Little is known, however, about the evolutionary drivers of their woodcutting behaviour. Here we investigate if early woodcutting behaviour in Castoridae was driven by nutritional needs. We measured stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ13C andδ15N) of coeval subfossil plants and beaver collagen (Dipoidessp.) from the Early Pliocene, High Arctic Beaver Pond fossil locality (Ellesmere Island), in order to reconstructDipoidessp. diet. Isotopic evidence indicates a diet of woody plants and freshwater macrophytes, supporting the hypothesis that this extinct semiaquatic beaver engaged in woodcutting behaviour for feeding purposes. In a phylogenetic context, the isotopic evidence implies that woodcutting and consumption of woody plants can be traced back to a small-bodied, semiaquatic Miocene castorid, suggesting that beavers have been consuming woody plants for over 20 million years. We propose that the behavioural complex (swimming, woodcutting, and consuming woody plants) preceded and facilitated the evolution of dam building. Dam building and food caching behaviours appear to be specializations for cold winter survival and may have evolved in response to late Neogene northern cooling.
Differential protein expression in diverse brain areas of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease patients
Authors: Esteves A. R. , Cardoso S. M.
Published: August 2020

Many hypotheses have been postulated to define the etiology of sporadic Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disorders (PD and AD) but there is no consensus on what causes these devastating age-related diseases. Braak staging of both pathologies helped researchers to better understand the progression and to identify their prodromal and symptomatic phases. Indeed, it is well accepted that Lewy body pathology and neurofibrillary tangles appearance correlates with disease progression and severity of symptoms in PD and AD, respectively. Additionally, several studies in PD and AD models try to disclose which cellular mechanisms are defaulted and trigger the neurodegenerative process that culminates with neuronal death causing PD and AD classical symptomatology. Herein, we determined expression levels of proteins involved in microtubule assembly, autophagic-lysosomal pathway and unfolded protein response in the cortex, hippocampus and SNpc of PD and AD patients, vascular dementia patients and aged-match controls. The differential expression allowed us to determine which pathways are determinant to synaptic dysfunction and to establish a time line for disease progression. Our results allow us to challenge the hypothesis that both PD and AD pathologies are caused by α-synuclein or Aβ pathology propagation throughout the brain in a prion-like manner.
A novel transgenic mouse strain expressing PKCβII demonstrates expansion of B1 and marginal zone B cell populations
Authors: Azar Ali A. , Michie Alison M. , Tarafdar Anuradha , Malik Natasha , Menon Geetha K. , Till Kathleen J. , Vlatković Nikolina , Slupsky Joseph R.
Published: August 2020

Protein kinase Cβ (PKCβ) expressed in mammalian cells as two splice variants, PKCβI and PKCβII, functions in the B cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway and contributes to B cell development. We investigated the relative role of PKCβII in B cells by generating transgenic mice where expression of the transgene is directed to these cells using the Eµ promoter (Eµ-PKCβIItg). Our findings demonstrate that homozygous Eµ-PKCβIItg mice displayed a shift from IgD+IgMdimtoward IgDdimIgM+B cell populations in spleen, peritoneum and peripheral blood. Closer examination of these tissues revealed respective expansion of marginal zone (MZ)-like B cells (IgD+IgM+CD43negCD21+CD24+), increased populations of B-1 cells (B220+IgDdimIgM+CD43+CD24+CD5+), and higher numbers of immature B cells (IgDdimIgMdimCD21neg) at the expense of mature B cells (IgD+IgM+CD21+). Therefore, the overexpression of PKCβII, which is a phenotypic feature of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells, can skew B cell development in mice, most likely as a result of a regulatory influence on BCR signaling.
Author Correction: The first theropod dinosaur (Coelurosauria, Theropoda) from the base of the Romualdo Formation (Albian), Araripe Basin, Northeast Brazil
Authors: Sayão Juliana Manso , Saraiva Antônio Álamo Feitosa , Brum Arthur Souza , Bantim Renan Alfredo Machado , de Andrade Rafael Cesar Lima Pedroso , Cheng Xin , de Lima Flaviana Jorge , de Paula Silva Helder , Kellner Alexander W. A.
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Health systems as venture capital investors in digital health: 2011–2019
Authors: Safavi Kyan C. , Cohen Adam B. , Ting David Y. , Chaguturu Sreekanth , Rowe Jack S.
Published: August 2020

Provider health systems as venture capital investors in digital health are uniquely positioned in the industry. Little is known about the volume or characteristics of their investments and how these compare to other investors. From 2011 to 2019, we found that health systems made 184 investments in 105 companies. Compared with other investors, they were more likely to invest in companies focused on workflow, on-demand health services, and data infrastructure/interoperability.
Genomic analyses of a livestock pest, the New World screwworm, find potential targets for genetic control programs
Authors: Scott Maxwell J. , Benoit Joshua B. , Davis Rebecca J. , Bailey Samuel T. , Varga Virag , Martinson Ellen O. , Hickner Paul V. , Syed Zainulabeuddin , Cardoso Gisele A. , Torres Tatiana T. , Weirauch Matthew T. , Scholl Elizabeth H. , Phillippy Adam M. , Sagel Agustin , Vasquez Mario , Quintero Gladys , Skoda Steven R.
Published: August 2020

The New World Screwworm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax, is a major pest of livestock in South America and Caribbean. However, few genomic resources have been available for this species. A genome of 534 Mb was assembled from long read PacBio DNA sequencing of DNA from a highly inbred strain. Analysis of molecular evolution identified 40 genes that are likely under positive selection. Developmental RNA-seq analysis identified specific genes associated with each stage. We identify and analyze the expression of genes that are likely important for host-seeking behavior (chemosensory), development of larvae in open wounds in warm-blooded animals (heat shock protein, immune response) and for building transgenic strains for genetic control programs including gene drive (sex determination, germline). This study will underpin future experiments aimed at understanding the parasitic lifestyle of the screwworm fly and greatly facilitate future development of strains for efficient systems for genetic control of screwworm.
Functional metal–organic frameworks as effective sensors of gases and volatile compounds
Authors: Li Hai-Yang , Zhao Shu-Na , Zang Shuang-Quan , Li Jing
Published: August 2020

This review summarizes the recent advances of metal organic framework (MOF) based sensing of gases and volatile compounds.
Analyzing glycans cleaved from a biotherapeutic protein using ultrahigh-resolution ion mobility spectrometry together with cryogenic ion spectroscopy
Authors: Yalovenko Natalia , Yatsyna Vasyl , Bansal Priyanka , AbiKhodr Ali H. , Rizzo Thomas R.
Published: August 2020

A new approach for analysis of cleaved glycans.
Ionic liquid-based synthesis of MXene
Authors: Husmann Samantha , Budak Öznil , Shim Hwirim , Liang Kun , Aslan Mesut , Kruth Angela , Quade Antje , Naguib Michael , Presser Volker
Published: August 2020

MAX phases are etched using an ionic liquid–water mixture to produce titanium carbide MXenes. The process avoids the use of any acid.
The development of a dedicated polymer support for the solid-phase oligosaccharide synthesis
Authors: Panza Matteo , Neupane Dharmendra , Stine Keith J. , Demchenko Alexei V.
Published: August 2020

Reported herein is the development of a novel polystyrene-based resin that we named PanzaGel.
Correction: H2 as a fuel for flavin- and H2O2-dependent biocatalytic reactions
Authors: Al-Shameri Ammar , Willot Sébastien J.-P. , Paul Caroline E. , Hollmann Frank , Lauterbach Lars
Published: August 2020

Correction for ‘H2 as a fuel for flavin- and H2O2-dependent biocatalytic reactions’ by Ammar Al-Shameri et al., Chem. Commun., 2020, DOI: 10.1039/d0cc03229h.
Can solvated intermediates inform us about nucleation pathways? The case of β-pABA
Authors: Cruz-Cabeza A. J. , Taylor E. , Sugden I. J. , Bowskill D. H. , Wright S. E. , Abdullahi H. , Tulegenov D. , Sadiq G. , Davey R. J.
Published: August 2020

Using crystallography to search for nucleation pathways: α and β polymorphs of p-aminobenzoic acid.
Molecular dynamics discrimination of the conformational states of calmodulin through solid-state nanopores
Authors: Hu Gang , Fu Jiye , Qiao Yi , Meng Hao , Wang Zunliang , Tu Jing , Lu Zuhong
Published: August 2020

As a type of biological macromolecule, the conformation of proteins dynamically changes in a solution, which often results in a change in their function.
Extending the vibrational lifetime of azides with heavy atoms
Authors: Chalyavi Farzaneh , Schmitz Andrew J. , Fetto Natalie R. , Tucker Matthew J. , Brewer Scott H. , Fenlon Edward E.
Published: August 2020

The vibrational lifetime of an azide reporter can be significantly extended by isotopic labeling and a heavy atom effect.
Microsolvation of ethyl carbamate conformers: effect of carrier gas on the formation of complexes
Authors: Pinacho Pablo , López Juan Carlos , Kisiel Zbigniew , Blanco Susana
Published: August 2020

Microsolvated complexes of ethyl carbamate (urethane) with up to three water molecules formed in a supersonic expansion have been characterized by high-resolution microwave spectroscopy.
Biomass-derived chemical substitutes for bisphenol A: recent advancements in catalytic synthesis
Authors: Liguori Francesca , Moreno-Marrodan Carmen , Barbaro Pierluigi
Published: August 2020

Rigid diols catalytically produced from biomass derivatives have been proposed as bisphenol A functional replacements.
Spontaneous conversions of glutamine, histidine and arginine into α-hydroxycarboxylates with NH4VO3or V2O5
Authors: Deng Lan , Zhou Zhao-Hui
Published: August 2020

Amino acids with side chains have been transformed to the corresponding α-hydroxycarboxylates at ambient temperature, which chelate to oxidovanadium(iv/v) bidentately.
New copper(i) complexes selective for prostate cancer cells
Authors: Machado João Franco , Sequeira Diogo , Marques Fernanda , Piedade M. Fátima M. , Villa de Brito Maria J. , Helena Garcia M. , Fernandes Alexandra R. , Morais Tânia S.
Published: August 2020

Synthesis of a new family of Cu(i)–phosphane complexes with N,O-heteroaromatic ligands leads to the complexes showing impressive cytotoxicity against LNCap human prostate cancer cells allied to high selectivity than against RWPE non-tumoral prostate cells.
Controllable incorporation of 1,2,4-triazolate into cluster-based metal-chalcogenide frameworks
Authors: Liu Xiaoshuang , Xue Chaozhuang , Wang Xiang , Zhang Jiaxu , Wu Tao
Published: August 2020

1,2,4-Triazolate is controllably incorporated into cluster-based metal-chalcogenide frameworks by adjusting the coordination competition between organic and inorganic species.
Interaction of nano-quantum dots (CdSe@ZnS) and extracellular proteins in activated sludge revealed by bio-nano science
Authors: Hu Aibin , Zhang Weijun , Liao Guiying , Wang Dongsheng , Peng Yongzhen
Published: August 2020

This work describes a novel approach for the purification of extracellular proteins (EP) from activated sludge, and provides an insight into the interaction between NPs and actual EP in the active sludge (AS) system.
Design of fragrant molecules through the incorporation of rough sets into computer-aided molecular design
Authors: Radhakrishnapany Kirridharhapany T. , Wong Chee Yan , Tan Fang Khai , Chong Jia Wen , Tan Raymond R. , Aviso Kathleen B. , Janairo Jose Isagani B. , Chemmangattuvalappil Nishanth G.
Published: August 2020

The design of fragrant molecules by combining rough set theory with property prediction models on a molecular signature platform.
Soft–hard Janus nanoparticles for polymer encapsulation of solid particulate
Authors: Nguyen Duc , Zhu Liwen , Huynh Vien T. , Azniwati Abd-Aziz , Pham Nguyen T. H. , Lam Minh T. , Serelis Algirdas K. , Davey Tim , Such Chris , Neto Chiara , Hawkett Brian S.
Published: August 2020

Janus nanoparticles with soft lobes can self-assemble on the surface of solid substrates in aqueous phase and coalesce to form a complete polymer shell encapsulating the entire solid substrate.
Phosphine-catalyzed conjugate cyanation of β-trifluoromethyl enones: access to α-trifluoromethyl γ-carbonyl nitriles
Authors: Zhou Tao , Ji Xin , Zhang Junliang , Liu Lu
Published: August 2020

Herein, we developed an efficient conjugate cyanation of β-trifluoromethyl enones with TMSCN mediated by phosphine and methyl acrylate.
The selection of highly specific and selective aptamers using modified SELEX and their use in process analytical techniques for Lucentis bioproduction
Authors: Bhardwaj Tanu , Rathore Anurag S. , Jha Sandeep Kumar
Published: August 2020

Highly specific and selective aptamers for Lucentis were selected using 10 rounds of a modified and highly stringent SELEX process.
Microenvironmental topographic cues influence migration dynamics of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells from tumour spheroids
Authors: Lam Bowie P. , Cheung Sarah K. C. , Lam Yun W. , Pang Stella W.
Published: August 2020

Investigation of collective migration of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells from tumour spheroids on micro-engineered platforms that induced asymmetrical tumour shape.
Synthetic scheme to improve the solid content of biodegradable waterborne polyurethane by changing the association relationships of hydrophilic fragments
Authors: Yang Zhihui , Wu Guangfeng
Published: August 2020

A synthetic method was developed to prepare biodegradable waterborne polyurethanes (BHPUs) with a high solid content by introducing different molecular weights of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) into poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based polyurethanes.
Novel optimized biopolymer-based nanoparticles for nose-to-brain delivery in the treatment of depressive diseases
Authors: Sorrentino Alessandro , Cataldo Antonino , Curatolo Riccardo , Tagliatesta Pietro , Mosca Luciana , Bellucci Stefano
Published: August 2020

A valid option to bypass the obstacle represented by the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in brain delivery is the use of the unconventional intranasal route of administration.
Magnetic hyperthermia with ε-Fe2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Gu Yuanyu , Yoshikiyo Marie , Namai Asuka , Bonvin Debora , Martinez Abelardo , Piñol Rafael , Téllez Pedro , Silva Nuno J. O. , Ahrentorp Fredrik , Johansson Christer , Marco-Brualla Joaquín , Moreno-Loshuertos Raquel , Fernández-Silva Patricio , Cui Yuwen , Ohkoshi Shin-ichi , Millán Angel
Published: August 2020

ε-Fe2O3 is a magnetic iron(iii) oxide with a giant coercivity. Its potential in hyperthermia applications has been evaluated in comparison with γ-Fe2O3 over a wide range of field frequencies and amplitudes.
Heteroatom-doped graphene as sensing materials: a mini review
Authors: Kaushal Sandeep , Kaur Manpreet , Kaur Navdeep , Kumari Vanita , Singh Prit Pal
Published: August 2020

Graphene is one of the astounding recent advancements in current science and one of the most encouraging materials for application in cutting-edge electronic gadgets.
Catalytically active coordination polymer with a tiny Zn2Se2ring bridged by bis-selone
Authors: Maruthupandi Mannarsamy , Prabusankar Ganesan
Published: August 2020

A highly strained Zn2Se2ring system incorporated in a one-dimensional coordination polymer has been prepared and used as a catalyst in substituted 8-hydroxy-2-quinolinyl synthesis through Knoevenagel condensation reaction.
First-principles study of vacancy defects at interfaces between monolayer MoS2 and Au
Authors: Qiu Xiaoqian , Wang Yiren , Jiang Yong
Published: August 2020

Energetically favorable S(hollow)-vacancy has lower contact resistance and higher electron injection efficiency, resulting in better electronic performance in defective Au–MoS2 contact.
A mechanism of surface hardness enhancement for H+ irradiated polycarbonate
Authors: Yeo Sunmog , Cho Won-Je , Kim Dong-Seok , Lee Chan Young , Hwang Yong Seok , Suk Jae Kwon , Kim Chorong , Ha Jun Mok
Published: August 2020

H+ irradiation increases the surface hardness of polycarbonate.
A sensitive BODIPY-based fluorescent probe for detecting endogenous hydroxyl radicals in living cells
Authors: Qu Xingyu , Bian Yongjun , Chen Yongqiang , Wei Xiaoqing
Published: August 2020

A novel “turn-on” NIR fluorescent probe was designed and used for monitoring endogenous hydroxyl radical in living cells, which also showed higher selectivity toward hydroxyl radical over other reactive oxygen/nitrogen species.
Dearomative [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of nitrobenzothiophenes with nonstabilized azomethine ylides
Authors: Wang Kai-Kai , Xie Yan-Xin , Li Yan-Li , Chen Rongxiang , Wang Zhan-Yong
Published: August 2020

A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of benzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-c]pyrroles via dearomative [3 + 2] 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of nitrobenzothiophenes with an in situ-generated nonstabilized azomethine ylides have been developed.
Retraction: Radio frequency triggered curcumin delivery from thermo and pH responsive nanoparticles containing gold nanoparticles and its in vivo localization studies in an orthotopic breast tumor model
Authors: Rejinold N. Sanoj , Thomas Reju George , Muthiah Muthunarayanan , Chennazhi K. P. , Park In-Kyu , Jeong Yong Yeon , Manzoor K. , Jayakumar R.
Published: August 2020

Retraction of ‘Radio frequency triggered curcumin delivery from thermo and pH responsive nanoparticles containing gold nanoparticles and its in vivo localization studies in an orthotopic breast tumor model’ by N. Sanoj Rejinold et al., RSC Adv., 2014, 4, 39408–39427, DOI: 10.1039/C4RA05727A.
A blend of stretching and bending in nematic polymer networks
Authors: Ozenda Olivier , Sonnet André M. , Virga Epifanio G.
Published: August 2020

Nematic polymer networks are (heat and light) activable materials, which combine the features of rubber and nematic liquid crystals.
Transient coarsening and the motility of optically heated Janus colloids in a binary liquid mixture
Authors: Gomez-Solano Juan Ruben , Roy Sutapa , Araki Takeaki , Dietrich S. , Maciołek Anna
Published: August 2020

We study experimentally and theoretically the non-equilibrium dynamics of a binary solvent around a gold-capped Janus particle, lasting from the very moment of switching illumination on until a steady state is reached.
Complementary multiple hydrogen-bond-based magnetic composite microspheres for high coverage and efficient phosphopeptide enrichment in bio-samples
Authors: Luo Bin , Yu Lingzhu , Li Zhiyu , He Jia , Li Chunjie , Lan Fang , Wu Yao
Published: August 2020

A novel smart polymer functionalized magnetic nanocomposite microsphere as an ideal platform to efficiently enrich both mono-phosphopeptides and multiple-phosphopeptides without distinction from complex biological samples.
Simultaneous and visual detection of cysteamine based on Michael addition reaction with polydiacetylene liposomes
Authors: Pham Thanh Chung , Lee Seongman , Son Ye Rim , Kwak Minseok , Kim Hyun Sung , Lee Songyi
Published: August 2020

A highly sensitive colorimetric and fluorometric sensor comprising self-assembled polydiacetylene (PDA) liposomes for the measurement of cysteamine concentration.
Large-area printed low-voltage organic thin film transistors via minimal-solution bar-coating
Authors: Sung Sujin , Lee Won-June , Payne Marcia M. , Anthony John E. , Kim Chang-Hyun , Yoon Myung-Han
Published: August 2020

Large-area printed low-voltage organic thin film transistors are fabricated with the bar-coating of minimal solutions of cross-linked dielectric and organic semiconductor.
Vocabulary Growth: Dual Language Learners at Risk for Language Impairment
Authors: Kan Pui Fong , Huang Shirley , Winicour Ellie , Yang Jerry
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This research project examined the vocabulary growth patterns of typically developing (TD) Cantonese–English dual language learners (DLLs) and their peers who are at risk for language impairment.

Method

Two studies were done. Study 1 examined the concurrent validity of a pilot vocabulary screening measure, the Kai Ming Vocabulary Test, that was designed for Cantonese–English preschool DLLs. Participants were 53 preschool children who learned Cantonese as their first language (L1) and English as a second language (L2). Their scores on the Kai Ming Vocabulary Test were examined in relation to their language sample measures, including number of different words and mean length of utterance, in L1 and in L2. Study 2 examined the vocabulary growth patterns of 24 TD Cantonese–English DLL preschoolers and 24 DLLs who are at risk for language impairment (At-Risk group). Each child was tested 3 times during an academic year.

Results

Results of Study 1 showed that children's vocabulary scores (
n
= 53) were significantly correlated with their language sample measures in each language. In Study 2, hierarchical linear models were used to compare the TD and At-Risk groups. Results showed that children in the At-Risk group had lower L1 receptive vocabulary scores and children in the TD group had relatively higher L2 expressive vocabulary gains.

Conclusions

Children who are at risk are likely to continue to have lower vocabulary knowledge compared to their TD peers. The growth trajectories of DLLs provide valuable information for early identification and intervention.
Agent-based modelling and simulation for ship unloading processes: determining the number of trucks and container cranes
Authors: Ramadhan Fadillah , Imran Arif , Rizana Afrin Fauzya , Okdinawati Liane
Published: August 2020

Loading and unloading activities generate nearly fifty per cent of the total cost in port. The loading and unloading process of the container at the port is considered as a complex process since it involves several interrelated components, such as ships, cranes, and trucks. The uncertainty of these component activities might impact the loading and unloading time and cost. Agent-based modelling and simulation (ABMS) approach is a method for analyzing and modelling a complex system. This study aims to simulate the unloading process to determine a strategy to reduces unloading process time in the largest port in Indonesian using ABMS approach. The results show that the agent-based simulation approach is feasible to be applied in port activities. This approach can assist decision-makers in predicting the number of facilities that must be used to minimize processing time.
Modeling of a square-shape ZnO, ZnS and AlN membrane for mems capacitive pressure-sensor applications
Authors: Dagamseh Ahmad , Al-Bataineh Qais , Al-Bataineh Zaid , Daoud Nermeen S. , Alsaad Ahmad , Omari Ahmad
Published: August 2020

In this paper, mathematical modeling and simulation of a MEMS-based clamped square-shape membrane for capacitive pressure sensors have been performed. Three types of membrane materials were investigated (i.e. Zinc Oxide (ZnO), Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) and Aluminum Nitride (AlN)). Various performance parameters such as capacitance changes, deflection, nonlinearity, the sensitivity of the membrane structure for different materials and film-thicknesses have been considered using the Finite Element Method (FEM) and analytically determined using the FORTRAN environment. The simulation model outperforms in terms of the effective capacitance value. The results show that the membrane deflection is linearly related to the applied pressure. The ZnS membrane provides a capacitance of 0.023 pico-Farad at 25 kPa with a 42.5% relative capacitance changes to reference capacitance. Additionally, the results show that for ZnO and AlN membranes the deflection with no thermal stress is higher than that with thermal stress. However, an opposite behavior for the ZnS membrane structure has been observed. The mechanical and capacitance sensitivities are affected by the membrane thickness as the capacitance changes are inversely proportional to the membrane thickness. Such results open possibilities to utilize various materials for pressure sensor applications by means of the capacitance-based detection technique.
Kommunikation und Versorgung in der Medizin
Authors: Schreitmüller Julia , Pfleiderer Bettina
Published: August 2020

Soziale, aber auch biologische Geschlechteraspekte von Patienten sowie medizinischem Fachpersonal spielen eine wichtige Rolle im medizinischen Versorgungs- und Kommunikationsprozess. Studien bestätigen einen oft unbewussten „Gender Bias“, bei dem die Bedeutung von Geschlecht über- oder unterschätzt wird und damit Fehler während der Diagnose und Behandlung entstehen können. Patienten scheinen Symptome oft unterschiedlich wahrzunehmen und mitzuteilen. Aber auch Ärzte treffen zuweilen geschlechterabhängig unterschiedliche behandlungsrelevante Entscheidungen. Eine zunehmende Sensibilisierung des medizinischen Fachpersonals durch Forschung und Lehre, aber auch der breiten Öffentlichkeit ist dringend notwendig.
Reappraising the Diagnostic Accuracy of Post-Treatment Whole-Body
Scans for Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Nava Carla Fernanda , Scheffel Rafael Selbach , Zanella André Borsatto , Zelmanovitz Flavio , Maia Ana Luiza , Dora Jose Miguel
Published: August 2020

Initial treatment for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) often consists of
surgery and the administration of radioiodine. In this context, post-treatment
Whole-Body Scans (ptWBS) are currently recommended, but data on its diagnostic
accuracy are rare. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of ptWBS
for distant metastasis in DTC patients. We included DTC patients who received
radioiodine and underwent ptWBS between 2009–2015. The medical data were
independently reviewed by two specialists to evaluate the concordance of
positive distant ptWBS uptake and distant metastasis documented by imaging exams
(gold standard). We studied 268 DTC patients. The mean age was 46±16
years (82% women), and papillary thyroid carcinoma was diagnosed in
87% of the patients. The median tumor size was 2.7 cm,
40% had lymph node involvement, and 11% had distant metastasis.
Twenty-eight patients (10%) had distant ptWBS uptake, and nine of them
(32%) were false-positives. In addition, nine false-negative ptWBS
uptakes were identified. The overall performance of ptWBS showed 68%
sensitivity and 96% specificity with significantly different performance
according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk groups. While the ptWBS
performance for ATA low-intermediate-risk showed 29% sensitivity,
97% specificity, and Kappa of 0.19, the ATA high-risk group ptWBS
displayed high sensitivity (82%), specificity (100%), and good
agreement (Kappa 0.74). ptWBS is useful for a subgroup of ATA high-risk DTC
patients. The overall poor performance of ptWBS suggests that it should be
reconsidered for routine use in ATA at low to intermediate risk: the exam has
little value to this subgroup.
Is There Really an Association of High Circulating Adiponectin
Concentration and Mortality or Morbidity Risk in Stable Coronary Artery
Disease?
Authors: Mayer Otto , Seidlerová Jitka , Bruthans Jan , Gelžinský Julius , Rychecká Martina , Mateřánková Markéta , Karnosová Petra , Wohlfahrt Peter , Cífková Renata , Filipovský Jan
Published: August 2020

Adiponectin has several beneficial properties, namely, on the level of
glucose metabolism, but paradoxically, its high concentrations were
associated with increased mortality. We aimed to clarify the impact of high
serum adiponectin on mortality and morbidity in patients with stable
coronary artery heart disease (CAD). A total of 973 patients after
myocardial infarction and/or coronary revascularization were
followed in a prospective cohort study. All-cause and cardiovascular (CV)
death, non-fatal cardiovascular events, and hospitalizations for heart
failure (HF) were registered as outcomes. High serum adiponectin levels
(≥8.58 ng/ml, i. e., above median) were
independently associated with increased risk of 5-year all-cause, CV
mortality or HF [with HRR 1.57 (95% CI: 1.07–2.30), 1.74
(95% CI: 1.08–2.81) or 1.94 (95% CI:
1.20–3.12), respectively] when adjusted just for conventional risk
factors. However, its significance disappeared if brain natriuretic peptide
(BNP) was included in a regression model. In line with this, we observed
strong collinearity of adiponectin and BNP. Additionally, major adverse
cardiovascular event (i. e., CV death, non-fatal myocardial
infarction or stroke, coronary revascularization) incidence risk was not
associated with high adiponectin. In conclusion, the observed inverse
association between adiponectin concentrations and mortality risk seems to
be attributable to concomitantly increased BNP, rather than high adiponectin
being a causal factor.
Landau and collisional damping induced power deposition for the m = 0 mode of helicon and Trivelpiece–Gould waves in high density helicon plasmas
Authors: Li Wenqiu , Zhao Bin , Wang Gang , Xiang Dong
Published: August 2020

By considering the thermal and collisional effects in the analysis of power deposition properties of the helicon and Trivelpiece–Gould (TG) waves in radially uniform and high density (1 × 1013 cm−3) helicon plasmas, theoretical calculations indicate that both the electron temperature and the applied magnetic field have great effects on the wave power deposition. Detailed investigations show that for a typical helicon plasma electron temperature range, 3 eV–5 eV, power deposition due to the TG wave has a dominant role compared to that of the helicon wave for moderate to large (B0 ≥ 100 G) applied magnetic fields. Specifically, collisional damping induced TG wave power deposition dominates for the most of the electron temperature range.
Morphological and in situ local refractive index change induced tuning of the optical properties of titania coated porous gold nanoparticles
Authors: Juhász Laura , Parditka Bence , Shanda Shenouda Shenouda , Kadoi Misumi , Fukunaga Kei-ichi , Erdélyi Zoltán , Cserháti Csaba
Published: August 2020

Porous nanoparticles are very popular because of their high surface/volume ratio; moreover, they have stronger plasmonic properties than their solid counterparts. Due to these properties, these are potential candidates in optical, or even in ophthalmological applications. We prepared porous gold nanoparticles on SiO2/Si as well as on sapphire substrates with solid-state dewetting–dealloying methods. In this work, we studied the morphological and optical properties of porous gold nanoparticles coated with a thin (∼7nm) TiO2 layer using the plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition method. We show that heat treatments can be used to tune the optical properties of titania coated porous gold hybrid nanoparticles in a wide range of wavelengths. The change in the optical properties is induced by the TiO2 phase transformation, which also initiates a change in the local refractive index, and assisted by the decrease of the melting point of Au on the nanoscale.
Design of ultrabright 270 keV DC photoelectron gun for ultrafast electron diffraction
Authors: Yang Jing , Yu Yuying , Qi Yingpeng , Hu Jianbo
Published: August 2020

Compact DC photoelectron guns of high-voltage are highly desired to output ultrabright and ultrashort electron pulses for accessing irreversible processes by using the ultrafast electron diffraction (UED) technique. The high-voltage breakdown, however, is a major technical barrier to providing an intense electric field strength in a condensed space between the photocathode and the anode when the voltage is over 120 kV. In this work, by adopting the concept of voltage division, we propose a novel design of ultrabright near-relativistic DC photoelectron guns for UED. The electric field breakdown mainly caused by micro-particle collision could be avoided such that an optimized three-level acceleration DC gun can work with an electron energy of up to 270 keV and an electric field strength of up to 15 MV/m. N-particle simulations of the electron pulse propagation show that, with such a DC electron gun, it is possible to have ultrabright and ultrashort electron probe pulses with no jitter issue.
Cation diffusion in polycrystalline thin films of monoclinic HfO2 deposited by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Mueller Michael P. , Pingen Katrin , Hardtdegen Alexander , Aussen Stephan , Kindsmueller Andreas , Hoffmann-Eifert Susanne , De Souza Roger A.
Published: August 2020

Though present in small amounts and migrating at low rates, intrinsic cation defects play a central role in governing the operational lifetime of oxide-ion conducting materials through slow degradation processes such as interdiffusion, kinetic demixing, grain growth, and creep. In this study, a new experimental approach to characterizing the behavior of such slow-moving, minority defects is presented. Diffusion is probed in samples with a constant cation-defect concentration well above the equilibrium values. This approach is applied to monoclinic hafnium dioxide, m-HfO2. To this end, nanocrystalline thin films of m-HfO2 were prepared by atomic layer deposition. Diffusion experiments with ZrO2 as a diffusion source were performed in the temperature range 1173 ≤ T/K ≤ 1323 in air. The Zr diffusion profiles obtained subsequently by secondary ion mass spectrometry exhibited the following two features: the first feature was attributed to slow bulk diffusion and the second was attributed to combined fast grain-boundary diffusion and slow bulk diffusion. The activation enthalpy of Zr diffusion in bulk HfO2 was found to be (2.1 ± 0.2) eV. This result is consistent with the density-functional-theory calculations of hafnium-vacancy migration in m-HfO2, which yield values of ∼2 eV for a specific path. The activation enthalpy of the grain-boundary diffusion of (2.1 ± 0.3) eV is equal to that for bulk diffusion. This behavior is interpreted in terms of enhanced cation diffusion along space-charge layers.
Reactivity of contact metals on monolayer WS2
Authors: Agyapong A. D. , Cooley K. A. , Mohney S. E.
Published: August 2020

Incorporating two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) into electronic and optoelectronic applications requires a fundamental understanding of metal/TMD interactions. This work applies a fast and easy approach to observe reactivity between metal contacts and monolayer (1L) WS2 via Raman spectroscopy using both destructive and non-destructive methods. We compare findings from Raman spectra collected via a backside geometry and also from mechanically exfoliated metal/WS2 films after annealing with our previously published thermodynamic predictions for reactivity of bulk materials. The disappearance of the Raman-active phonon modes for WS2 suggests the consumption of WS2 through reactions with the continuous metal film, as observed completely for Ti upon deposition and nearly completely for Al after annealing at and above 100 °C. On the other hand, the persistence of multiple Raman-active phonon modes for WS2 confirms that Au, Cu, and Pd are unreactive with WS2 upon deposition and after cumulatively annealing for 1 h at 100, 200, and 300 °C, even though unreactive metal overlayers can shift some of the peaks in the spectrum. The metal/WS2 reactivity observed in this study is in excellent agreement with predictions from bulk thermodynamics, which can provide good guidance for studies of other metal/TMD systems. In addition, using a backside geometry for collecting Raman spectra can aid in fundamental studies of interfaces with TMDs.
Underpinning the conductivity mechanism in wide bandgap metal organic framework through chemical sensing
Authors: Pulumati Nithin Bharadwaj , Urs MB Kusuma , Mandal Sukhendu , Kamble Vinayak B.
Published: August 2020

Metal organic frameworks are an emerging class of materials with a broad range of electronic properties with diverse applications such as sensors, catalysts, and permeable membranes. Here, three isostructural wide bandgap (WB) zeolitic imidazole frameworks (ZIFs) are synthesized having metal ion sites occupied by Zn (ZIF-8, Eg = 5.3 eV), Co (ZIF-67, Eg = 4.3 eV), and both Zn and Co (50%–50% mixture). The conductivity mechanism in these WB ZIFs involves the Mott variable range hopping of charge carriers from one metal site to the other. The hopping probability in the mixture is governed by the constitute having a lesser activation energy. Thus, it reveals that the incorporation of a different metal ion (Co in place of Zn) in the lattice forms a parallel low resistance path through hopping at Co sites and hence reduces the sensor response as well as selectivity toward ammonia. This parallel resistance path of the Co channel does not get affected by ammonia since it is found that ammonia has high affinity toward Zn ions and not toward Co ions. Thus, the incorporation of new metal ions hinders the hopping charge transport mechanisms in ZIFs.
Micrometer-scale InP selectively grown on SOI for fully integrated Si-photonics
Authors: Han Yu , Yan Zhao , Xue Ying , Lau Kei May
Published: August 2020

Practical applications of low-defect III–V materials grown on Si require large areas for patterning metal contacts and enhancing design flexibility. Here, we report selective area growth of bufferless and micrometer-scale InP on commercial (001)-oriented silicon-on-insulators. We obtained in-plane, centimeter-long and micrometer-wide InP single crystal stripes right atop the buried oxide layer through leveraging the lateral aspect ratio trapping (lateral ART) growth method. Using the extended InP grown by “lateral ART,” we inserted InGaAs quantum wells emitting at the telecom bands. Numerical simulation suggests that the micrometer-scale InP can support the fundamental TE mode with an ultra-low metal-induced propagation loss of 3.2 dB/cm when patterned into ridge waveguides and introducing metal contacts at both ends. Our results here represent a leap toward electrically driven III–V lasers seamlessly interfaced with Si-photonics.
Reflectivity of solid and hollow microsphere composites and the effects of uniform and varying diameters
Authors: Yu Ziqi , Nie Xiao , Yuksel Anil , Lee Jaeho
Published: August 2020

While solid and hollow microsphere composites have received significant attention as solar reflectors or selective emitters, the driving mechanisms for their optical properties remain relatively unclear. Here, we study the solar reflectivity in the 0.4–2.4 μm wavelength range of solid and hollow microspheres with the diameter varying from 0.125 μm to 8 μm. SiO2 and TiO2 are considered as low- and high-refractive-index microsphere materials, respectively, and polydimethylsiloxane is considered as a polymer matrix. Based on the Mie theory and finite-difference time-domain simulations, our analysis shows that hollow microspheres with a thinner shell are more effective in scattering the light, compared to solid microspheres, and lead to a higher solar reflectivity. The high scattering efficiency, owing to the refractive-index contrast and large interface density, in hollow microspheres allows low-refractive-index materials to have a high solar reflectivity. When the diameter is uniform, 0.75 μm SiO2 hollow microspheres provide the largest solar reflectivity of 0.81. When the diameter is varying, the randomly distributed 0.5–1 μm SiO2 hollow microspheres provide the largest solar reflectivity of 0.84. The effect of varying diameter is characterized by strong backscattering in the electric field. These findings will guide optimal designs of microsphere composites and hierarchical materials for optical and thermal management systems.
Manipulation of extraordinary acoustic transmission using cascaded both-sides-open disk resonator array
Authors: Lee Y. L. , Wei K. H. , Tsai Y. P. , Chang M. S. , Chiang C. T. , Chang W. S. , Chiu C. C. , Wang Y. Y. , Hsiao F. L.
Published: August 2020

Extraordinary acoustic transmission (EAT) through cascaded both-sides-open disk resonators (BSODRs) in a square lattice array (SLA) is investigated. A single BSODR consists of one disk cavity that is sandwiched by two tubes. These structures are realized by stacking perforated steel plates and immersing them in water. EAT is studied through single-layer, two-layer, three-layer, and four-layer BSODRs in SLAs. The EAT orders increase with increasing numbers of cascading layers. The quality factors of the highest order EAT peaks also increase with increasing numbers of cascading layers. The EAT characteristics of each structure can be predicted using a spring–mass model. A coupled spring–mass model with two oscillators is proposed. The vibration of the steel part is considered one oscillator and that of the water part of the BSODR represents the other oscillator. The model verifies that the EAT resonances are excited by coupling of the vibration from the steel plates to the water part. The experimental transmission spectra agree with the numerically simulated spectra. The EAT frequency is sensitive to the longitudinal sound velocity. Because of the increased quality factor, the figure of merit is enhanced eight times by cascading four BSODR layers. The proposed structure is suitable for acoustic filter and sensor applications.
Temporal encoding of bacterial identity and traits in growth dynamics
Authors: Zhang Carolyn , Song Wenchen , Ma Helena R. , Peng Xiao , Anderson Deverick J. , Fowler Vance G. , Thaden Joshua T. , Xiao Minfeng , You Lingchong
Published: August 2020

Significance

Microbiology has traditionally been defined by the study of the phenotypic traits of microorganisms. While some traits can be easily explained with a direct genetic basis, most are a result of complex interactions between the organism and its environment. We demonstrate that phenotypes with a sufficiently high information content can distinguish strains and predict traits such as antibiotic response. This has implications for how clinicians can better identify and treat bacterial infections. In particular, our results highlight that both phenotype-based and sequence-based approaches contribute valuable information and can be used alongside one another in practice.
Expanding pragmatics
Authors: Mey Jacob L.
Published: August 2020

A pragmatic (rather than merely ‘extended’) perspective on
internet user values regards both the value(s) of the interaction and those of its
results. Firstly, a pragmatic evaluation presupposes that the interactants are
agreed on what to evaluate and how, which implies
the values being ordered in a ‘ranking’ according to importance. On the internet,
such values depend on ‘likes’ or ‘hits’; the number of times a contribution has been
accessed, even if negatively (in a so-called ‘shit storm’) makes it important.
Secondly, being based on ranking, the evaluation is pragmatic:
values are not a priori given, but emerge in interaction. Ranking presupposes the
users’ accepting society’s values and collaborating in their creation; on the
internet, this is done through ‘meaning making’ activities like ‘texting,’
‘tweeting,’ or ‘instagramming.’ Current evaluation, in contrast to earlier, is
ubiquitous, continuous, and accessible by i-Phone, i-Pad or other social-mediatic
devices. Access and speed are important here; one cannot with impunity disregard a
tweet, a writing on one’s Facebook, or an Instagram sent by one of one’s
contacts.
Cyberpragmatics in the age of locative media
Authors: Yus Francisco
Published: August 2020

One of the aims of cyberpragmatics (Yus 2001, 2010a,
2011a, 2013) is to explain the role that interfaces play in the
(un)successful outcome of virtual interactions, and their mediation in the
management of the relevance-related formula of comprehension. However, many things
have changed in the way internet is used nowadays compared to the role that it
played in the early years of this century, together with a radical change in the
presence of internet in people’s lives (a non-stop connection, blurred
physical-virtual contexts for interactions, etc.). This chapter will be devoted to
today’s locative media and the way in which cyberpragmatics can address the impact
of location-based media on the quality of today’s communication, both in physical
and virtual environments.
Online nicks, impoliteness, and Jewish identity in Israeli Russian conflict
discourse
Authors: Perelmutter Renee
Published: August 2020

This paper examines how online interlocutors manipulate the
nickname or nick, an important form of self-presentation and identity construction
online (Bechar-Israeli 1995; Aarsand 2008; Yus 2011: 43–44). Most studies of nicks focused on their
taxonomy, but paid little attention to interaction. Nicks can be targeted in
conflict discourse. Studying an online community of ex-Soviet migrants to Israel, I
show how interlocutors discuss, modify, substitute, combine with insults, and/or
translate an opponent’s nick. Such nick manipulations during
conflict fall under the impoliteness strategy of using inappropriate identity
markers (IIM; Culpeper 1996). By
considering how nicknames are manipulated in a community with a complicated cultural
history of naming, my argument reexamines how the IIM strategy relates to nick
choice, nick manipulation, and identity.
Metabolic load comparison between the quarters of a game in elite male basketball players using sport metabolomics
Authors: Khoramipour Kayvan , Gaeini Abbas Ali , Shirzad Elham , Gilany Kambiz , Chashniam Saeed , Sandbakk Øyvind
Published: August 2020

Purpose: A basketball match is characterized by intermittent high‐intensity activities, thereby relying extensively on both aerobic and anaerobic metabolic pathways. Here, we aimed to compare the metabolic fluctuations between the four 10‐min quarters of high‐level basketball games using metabolomics analyses. Methods: 70 male basketball players with at least 3 years of experience in the Iran national top‐league participated. Before and after each quarter, saliva samples were taken for subsequent untargeted metabolomics analyses, where Principal component analysis (PCA) and Partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) were employed for statistical analysis. Results: Quarters 1 and 3 showed similar metabolic profiles, with increased levels of ATP turnover (higher Lactate, Pyruvate, Succinic Acid, Citric Cid, Glucose and Hypoxanthine), indicating more reliance on anaerobic energy systems than quarters 2 and 4. In comparison, quarters 2 and 4 showed a reduction in Valine and Lucien and an increase in Alanine, Glycerol, AcetoAcetic Acid, Acetone, Succinic Acid, Citric Acid, Acetate and Taurine that was not present in quarters 1 and 3, indicating greater reliance of aerobic energy contribution, fat metabolism and gluconeogenesis. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that the higher intensity of movements in the first quarter, where players are more rested, induce an increase in anaerobic energy contribution. This seems to be the case also for the third quarter that follows 15 min of rest, whereas the accumulated fatigue and reduction of high‐intensity movements in the second and fourth quarters also reduces the speed of energy production and players thereby utilize more aerobic energy.