bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammaging markers characteristic of advanced age show similar levels with frailty and dependency
Authors: Alberro Ainhoa , Iribarren-Lopez Andrea , Sáenz-Cuesta Matías , Matheu Ander , Vergara Itziar , Otaegui David
Published: February 2021

The improvement of life quality and medical advances has resulted in increased life expectancy. Despite this, health status commonly worsens in the last years of life. Frailty is an intermediate and reversible state that often precedes dependency and therefore, its identification may be essential to prevent dependency. However, there is no consensus on the best tools to identify frailty. In this sense, diverse molecules have been proposed as potential biomarkers. Some investigations pointed to an increased chronic inflammation or inflammaging with frailty, while others did not report such differences. In this work, we evaluated the circulating concentration of the inflammaging markers in adults and older adults (aged over 70 years) by ELISA and Luminex techniques. The Barthel Index was applied for the evaluation of dependency and Timed up-and-go, Gait Speed, Short Physical Performance Battery, Tilburg Frailty Indicator and Gerontopole Frailty Screening Tool were used for the identification of frailty. CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 and albumin concentrations were measured, and we found that elevated inflammation is present in older adults, while no differences with frailty and dependency were reported. Our results were consistent for all the evaluated frailty scales, highlighting the need to reconsider increased inflammation as a biomarker of frailty.
Isolation of extracellular vesicles from microalgae: towards the production of sustainable and natural nanocarriers of bioactive compounds
Authors: Picciotto Sabrina , Barone Maria E. , Fierli David , Aranyos Anita , Adamo Giorgia , Božič Darja , Romancino Daniele P. , Stanly Christopher , Parkes Rachel , Morsbach Svenja , Raccosta Samuele , Paganini Carolina , Cusimano Antonella , Martorana Vincenzo , Noto Rosina , Carrotta Rita , Librizzi Fabio , Capasso Palmiero Umberto , Santonicola Pamela , Iglič Ales , Gai Meiyu , Corcuera Laura , Kisslinger Annamaria , Di Schiavi Elia , Landfester Katharina , Liguori Giovanna L. , Kralj-Iglič Veronika , Arosio Paolo , Pocsfalvi Gabriella , Manno Mauro , Touzet Nicolas , Bongiovanni Antonella
Published: February 2021

Biophysical and biochemical characterisation of microalgae-derived extracellular vesicles.
High resolution ro–vibrational analysis of molecules in doublet electronic states: the ν1 fundamental of chlorine dioxide (16O35Cl16O) in the X2B1 electronic ground state
Authors: Ulenikov Oleg N. , Bekhtereva Elena S. , Gromova Olga V. , Quack Martin , Berezkin Kirill B. , Sydow Christian , Bauerecker Sigurd
Published: February 2021

We report the spectrum of the ν1 fundamental of ClO2 centered in the infrared atmospheric window at 945.592 cm−1 measured with essentially Doppler limited resolution at an instrumental line width of 0.001 cm−1 using the Zürich prototype ZP2001 FTIR spectrometer.
The influence of external electric fields on proton transfer tautomerism in the guanine–cytosine base pair
Authors: Gheorghiu Alexander , Coveney Peter V. , Arabi Alya A.
Published: February 2021

A detailed investigation is reported of mutagenic guanine–cytosine tautomerization in a realistic model of DNA bathed in intense electric fields using a combination of classical molecular dynamics and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics methods.
Boosting the sintering resistance of platinum–alumina catalyst via a morphology-confined phosphate-doping strategy
Authors: Dong Jinshi , Zhang Yutao , Zou Hongji , Chang Panpan , Guo Yan
Published: February 2021

The size-dependent metal–support interaction, high surface area, and, above all, the support morphology-confined effect contribute to a good sintering-resistant catalyst.
Antrodin A fromAntrodia camphoratamodulates the gut microbiome and liver metabolome in mice exposed to acute alcohol intake
Authors: Yi Zhenwei , Liu Xiaofeng , Liang Lihong , Wang Guangqiang , Xiong Zhiqiang , Zhang Hui , Song Xin , Ai Lianzhong , Xia Yongjun
Published: February 2021

In this study, we investigated the hepatoprotective effects of AdA and the underlying mechanism at the liver metabolomics and gut microbiota levels under alcohol-induced liver injury conditions.
DETA impregnated attapulgite hybrid ZIF-8 composite as an adsorbent for the adsorption of aspirin and ibuprofen in aqueous solution
Authors: Ni Weiming , Xiao Xinfeng , Li Yanjun , Li Lin , Xue Jianliang , Gao Yu , Ling Fei
Published: February 2021

The diethylenetriamine (DETA) impregnated modified attapulgite hybrid ZIF-8 composite is a new type of amine impregnated hybrid MOF adsorbent, which has an excellent ability to remove aspirin and ibuprofen from aqueous solution.
Facile pyrolysis approach of folic acid-derived high graphite N-doped porous carbon materials for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Liu Xuexia , Li Shuaihui , Liu Limin , Wang Zhijun
Published: February 2021

One-step pyrolysis process to design hierarchical micro/mesoporous m-NC materials with high graphite N dopant as excellent ORR electrocatalytic.
An emission stable vertical air channel diode by a low-cost and IC compatible BOE etching process
Authors: Liu Meng , Liang Songtai , Shi Dongfang , Yang Siyuan , Lei Yu , Li Tie , Wang Yuelin
Published: February 2021

An emission-stable nanoscale air channel diode, consisting of two asymmetric flat emitters and a sub-100 nm air channel, is proposed and fabricated by a low-cost and IC compatible BOE Etching Process.
Sodium complexes bearing cavity-like conformations: a highly active and well-controlled catalytic system for macrolactone homo- and copolymerization
Authors: Wang Xinya , Wang Xiaohua , Zhen Nuo , Gu Jin , Zhang Hao , Dong Bo , Wang Feng , Liu Heng
Published: February 2021

Sodium complexes displaying cavity-like conformations and, therefore, suppressed transesterification during the ring-opening polymerization of pentadecalactone are disclosed herein.
Cationic polyurethane from CO2-polyol as an effective barrier binder for polyaniline-based metal anti-corrosion materials
Authors: Zou Chenyang , Zhou Qinghai , Wang Xianhong , Zhang Hongming , Wang Fosong
Published: February 2021

An internal crosslinked waterborne cationic polyurethane from CO2-polyol featuring neutral characterization was designed and prepared for the development of a sustainable polyaniline-based metal anti-corrosion material.
Recent advances in sustainable synthesis of N-heterocycles following acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling protocol using alcohols
Authors: Maji Milan , Panja Dibyajyoti , Borthakur Ishani , Kundu Sabuj
Published: February 2021

In this review, we have summarized various aspects of homogeneous and heterogeneously catalyzed recent advancements in the synthesis of heterocycles following the ADC approach.
Pharmaceutical application of multivariate modelling techniques: a review on the manufacturing of tablets
Authors: Shi Guolin , Lin Longfei , Liu Yuling , Chen Gongsen , Luo Yuting , Wu Yanqiu , Li Hui
Published: February 2021

Multivariate modeling techniques play important roles in the tablet manufacturing process.
Polymers with advanced structural and supramolecular features synthesized through topochemical polymerization
Authors: Hema Kuntrapakam , Ravi Arthi , Raju Cijil , Sureshan Kana M.
Published: February 2021

This perspective showcases the potential of topochemical polymerization as an effective tool for synthesizing polymers with advanced molecular and supramolecular structures.
Modulating the radical reactivity of phenyl radicals with the help of distonic charges: it is all about electrostatic catalysis
Authors: Mondal Totan , Shaik Sason , Kenttämaa Hilkka , Stuyver Thijs
Published: February 2021

This manuscript reports the electrostatic nature of the modulation of H-abstraction reactivity of phenyl radicals by (positive and negative) distonic ions.
Fabrication of strong magnetic micron-sized supraparticles with anisotropic magnetic properties for magnetorheology
Authors: Morillas J. R. , Carreón-González E. , de Vicente J.
Published: February 2021

We propose three different techniques to synthesize anisotropic magnetic supraparticles for their incorporation in the formulation of magnetorheological fluids with novel potential applications.
Uniform and dendrite-free zinc deposition enabled by in situ formed AgZn3 for the zinc metal anode
Authors: Wang Yunyun , Chen Yuejiao , Liu Wen , Ni Xuyan , Qing Piao , Zhao Qiwen , Wei Weifeng , Ji Xiaobo , Ma Jianmin , Chen Libao
Published: February 2021

The in situ formed AgZn3 alloy on the Zn@Ag anode can facilitate uniform zinc deposition and enhance the electrochemical performance of ZIBs.
A cannabidiol-loaded Mg-gallate metal–organic framework-based potential therapeutic for glioblastomas
Authors: Sharma Anu , Kumar Abhishek , Li Changning , Panwar Hazari Puja , Mahajan Supriya D. , Aalinkeel Ravikumar , Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Swihart Mark T.
Published: February 2021

Anticancer effects of cannabidiol-loaded magnesium-gallate metal–organic framework were studied in a rat glioma cell line, revealing anti-inflammatory responses and triggering of apoptosis, suggesting promise for glioblastoma therapy.
Size-selective DNA nanocage-based activatable CRISPR-Cas12a for sensitive and accurate detection of mature microRNA
Authors: Fu Xiaoyi , Yin Yao , Zhang Meng , Peng Fangqi , Shi Yuyan , Liu Yan , Tan Yin , Zhao Zilong , Yin Xia , Song Jie , Ke Guoliang , Zhang Xiao-Bing
Published: February 2021

A size-selective DNA nanocage-based activatable CRISPR/Cas12a system was developed for sensitive and accurate detection of mature miRNA.
Zero-valent ML2 complexes of group 10 metals supported by terphenyl phosphanes
Authors: Martín M. Trinidad , Marín Mario , Rama Raquel J. , Álvarez Eleuterio , Maya Celia , Molina Francisco , Nicasio M. Carmen
Published: February 2021

Flexible binding modes of terphenyl phosphanes enable the isolation of M(PMe2Ar′)2 complexes of group 10 metals.
Molecular dynamics simulations of the formation of Ag nanoparticles assisted by PVP
Authors: Balbuena Cristian , Gianetti Melisa Mariel , Soulé Ezequiel Rodolfo
Published: February 2021

Understanding the formation mechanisms of nanoparticles is essential for the synthesis of nanomaterials with controlled properties.
Origins and properties of the tetrel bond
Authors: Scheiner Steve
Published: February 2021

Tetrel bonds are dependent on modification of electron density and electrostatic potential caused by a substituent.
Synthesis and photoluminescence of manganese(ii) naphtylphosphonic diamide complexes
Authors: Bortoluzzi Marco , Ferraro Valentina , Castro Jesús
Published: February 2021

X-ray diffraction revealed tetrahedral geometry for manganese(ii) halide complexes with napthylphosphonic diamide ligands. The photoluminescence spectra showed the superimposition of green Mn(ii) emission with a band in the red range.
Chemoselective electrochemical reduction of nitroarenes with gaseous ammonia
Authors: Chang Liu , Li Jin , Wu Na , Cheng Xu
Published: February 2021

Using graphite felt as electrodes and ammonia as a hydrogen source to reduce nitroarene to azoxyarene, azoarene, hydrazo, and aniline by tuning reaction conditions.
Simple and efficient one-pot multi-step strategy for the synthesis of 2-substituted (1,2,5-triarylpyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridin-3-yl)-N-arylacetamide derivatives in water
Authors: Li Chunmei , Yang Xiaopeng , Zhang Furen , Qi Chenze , Shen Zhenlu
Published: February 2021

A series of organic reactions proceed sequentially in the same system without interfering with each other and give structurally diverse potential pharmacological molecules in satisfactory yields.
Natural and magnetic circular dichroism spectra of nucleosides: effect of the dynamics and environment
Authors: Kaminský Jakub , Andrushchenko Valery , Bouř Petr
Published: February 2021

Electronic absorption, natural and magnetic circular dichroism spectra of several nucleosides are simulated to understand their dependence on molecular dynamics and environment, their sensitivity to nucleoside pairing and stacking in nucleic acids.
Improved herbicide discovery using physico-chemical rules refined by antimalarial library screening
Authors: Sukhoverkov Kirill V. , Corral Maxime G. , Leroux Julie , Haywood Joel , Johnen Philipp , Newton Trevor , Stubbs Keith A. , Mylne Joshua S.
Published: February 2021

Trawling hundreds of antimalarials for herbicides, we develop a weighted scoring system for the phys-chem ‘rules’ of herbicide-likeness. Using this, we discover the antimalarial MMV1206386 is herbicidal via a novel mode of action.
Mapping the plant proteome: tools for surveying coordinating pathways
Authors: Smythers Amanda L. , Hicks Leslie M.
Published: February 2021

Plants rapidly respond to environmental fluctuations through coordinated, multi-scalar regulation, enabling complex reactions despite their inherently sessile nature. In particular, protein post-translational signaling and protein–protein interactions combine to manipulate cellular responses and regulate plant homeostasis with precise temporal and spatial control. Understanding these proteomic networks are essential to addressing ongoing global crises, including those of food security, rising global temperatures, and the need for renewable materials and fuels. Technological advances in mass spectrometry-based proteomics are enabling investigations of unprecedented depth, and are increasingly being optimized for and applied to plant systems. This review highlights recent advances in plant proteomics, with an emphasis on spatially and temporally resolved analysis of post-translational modifications and protein interactions. It also details the necessity for generation of a comprehensive plant cell atlas while highlighting recent accomplishments within the field.
A Cross-Sectional Survey Evaluating Awareness of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Among Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists
Authors: Dedhia Kavita , Fifer Robert C. , Muldoon Kathleen M. , Park Albert
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common congenital infection worldwide and a leading environmental cause of pediatric hearing loss (HL). The objective of this study was to evaluate audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) on awareness and knowledge of cCMV.

Method

A multiple-choice survey assessing awareness, knowledge, and practice patterns was sent electronically to audiologists and SLPs of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Results were compared between audiologists and SLPs and within stratified groups of audiologists. Data were collected, and descriptive analysis was performed.

Results

Ninety-four audiologists and 317 SLPs responded. Most audiologists were somewhat or very familiar with cCMV (85.9%), while only 26% of SLPs responded that they were at least somewhat familiar with cCMV (
p
< .0001). When comparing audiologists' and SLPs' knowledge of symptoms, transmission, and diagnostic age for cCMV, audiologists had higher scores in all categories (
p
< .0001). Audiologists were then stratified into subgroups to evaluate the association of the given subgroup with their overall knowledge. The more advanced audiology training, the more knowledgeable the respondent was regarding HL progression (
p
= .002). Audiologists who were more familiar with cCMV scored better in most categories compared to those reporting somewhat or less familiar; these findings were only significant for knowledge of symptoms (
p
< .0001). Audiologists who were sometimes or frequently evaluating children less than 5 years of age had a better understanding of HL presentation among cCMV patients than those who rarely saw this patient population. Those who were in practice for < 20 years frequently knew the time-sensitive age of diagnosis than respondents in practice longer.

Conclusions

As a leading environmental cause of pediatric HL, cCMV is frequently encountered by audiologists and SLPs. This study highlights knowledge gaps and areas where targeted education is needed for both groups.
The Role of Processing Speed and Cognitive Control on Word Retrieval in Aging and Aphasia
Authors: Faroqi-Shah Yasmeen , Gehman Megan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

When speakers retrieve words, they do so extremely quickly and accurately—both speed and accuracy of word retrieval are compromised in persons with aphasia (PWA). This study examined the contribution of two domain-general mechanisms: processing speed and cognitive control on word retrieval in PWA.

Method

Three groups of participants, neurologically healthy young and older adults and PWA (
n
= 15 in each group), performed processing speed, cognitive control, lexical decision, and word retrieval tasks on a computer. The relationship between word retrieval speed and other tasks was examined for each group.

Results

Both aging and aphasia resulted in slower processing speed but did not affect cognitive control. Word retrieval response time delays in PWA were eliminated when processing speed was accounted for. Word retrieval speed was predicted by individual differences in cognitive control in young and older adults and additionally by processing speed in older adults. In PWA, word retrieval speed was predicted by severity of language deficit and cognitive control.

Conclusions

This study shows that processing speed is compromised in aphasia and could account for their slowed response times. Individual differences in cognitive control predicted word retrieval speed in healthy adults and PWA. These findings highlight the need to include nonlinguistic cognitive mechanisms in future models of word retrieval in healthy adults and word retrieval deficits in aphasia.
Multi‐step traffic speed prediction model with auxiliary features on urban road networks and its understanding
Authors: Guo Jinlong , Song Chunyue , Zhang Hao , Wang Hui
Published: February 2021

Multi‐step prediction of long‐term traffic speed is an important part of the intelligent transportation system. Traffic speed is affected by temporal features, spatial features, and various environmental features. The prediction of traffic speed considering the above features is a big challenge. This study proposed a multi‐step prediction model named embedding graph convolutional long short‐term memory network (EGC‐LSTM) for urban road network traffic speed prediction which can deal with spatial–temporal correlation and auxiliary features at the same time. Firstly, a graph convolutional network (GCN) for capturing directed graph properties is proposed. Based on the GCN, the LSTM and sequence to sequence model are further applied to realise multi‐step prediction considering the spatial–temporal correlation of the traffic network. To improve the performance of the model and obtain the importance of each step in the historical data, the attention mechanism is introduced. Then, one‐hot encoding is applied to the category‐type auxiliary features. Considering that the dimension becomes larger after the features are one‐hot encoded, the dimensions are reduced using embedding. The experiment results prove that the proposed model's performance is better than other models, and the model is interpreted in detail.
Vehicles robust scheduling of hazardous materials based on hybrid particle swarm optimisation and genetic algorithm
Authors: Ma Changxi , Liu Pengfei , Xu Xuecai
Published: February 2021

This paper takes the vehicles scheduling of hazardous materials as the research object. First, considered the four objectives of risk minimization, cost minimization, risk equilibrium value minimization, and duration minimization, the vehicles robust scheduling of hazardous materials in multiple distribution centers with risk balance is constructed. Then, uncertain models are transformed into peer‐to‐peer models through the idea of robust discrete optimization. By introducing the crossover and mutation operators of genetic algorithm into particle swarm algorithm, a hybrid particle swarm algorithm is constructed, and three‐stage coding rules are adopted. Finally, case study is exemplified to prove the feasibility of the model and algorithm. The results show that the obtained scheduling scheme for the vehicles of hazardous materials minimizes the risk value and makes the risk distribution more balanced for the government regulatory department, and the vehicle can avoid certain road sections with relatively large risk values. For transportation enterprises, the vehicle scheduling scheme for transporting hazardous materials minimizes the cost and shortens the task duration at the same time. In the case of risk uncertainty, different robust control parameters are introduced to make the vehicles robust scheduling of hazardous materials have different degrees of stability.
Novel mathematical model to determine geo‐referenced locations for C‐ITS communications to generate dynamic vehicular gaps
Authors: Bhargava Kushagra , Wah Choy Kum , Jennings Paul A. , Higgins Matthew D.
Published: February 2021

The study aims at determining geo‐reference locations for dynamic cooperative communications to be established, allowing the generation of dynamic vehicular gaps between the Dangerous Goods Vehicles and their surrounding vehicles, such that they could travel via a tunnel as a platoon and in isolation. This will ensure the safety of other road users in line with check‐and‐allow procedures at the road tunnel on Trans‐European Transport Network, as per ADR regulations. The model is verified for different road layouts approaching a road tunnel in the UK, using varying traffic scenarios to determine if the identified geo‐referenced location by the model is at suitable distances for gap generation. The results are compared against the simulated real‐world tunnel traffic flow with conventional vehicles involving escorting of Dangerous Goods Vehicles via human operators. The mixed traffic and connected vehicles traffic flow scenarios are simulated for dynamic gap generation and compared against real‐world tunnel scenario to analyse the improvements in travel time, queues and congestion.
Adaptive traffic signal control system using composite reward architecture based deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Jamil Abu Rafe Md , Ganguly Kishan Kumar , Nower Naushin
Published: February 2021

The increasing traffic congestion problem can be solved by an adaptive traffic signal control (ATSC) system as it utilises real‐time traffic information to control traffic signals. Recently, deep reinforcement learning (DRL) has shown its potential in solving the traffic signal timing. However, one of the main challenges of DRL is to design a proper reward function and special attention needs for a multi‐objective reward design. Since the feedback to the agent depends on the reward function, a proper design of reward function is needed for fast and stable learning. In this study, the authors proposed a new reward architecture called composite reward architecture (CRA) for multi‐objective ATSC to optimise multiple objectives. It calculates multiple rewards in parallel for each action and applies the majority voting method to choose the desired action. Since the traffic signal of one intersection affects the adjacent intersections, a new coordination approach is proposed to get the overall smooth traffic flow. The proposed reward architecture CRA is compared with several existing reward functions used in the literature for different traffic scenarios. The new coordinated approach is compared with the non‐coordinated approach. The authors demonstrated that the proposed approaches outperform the others concerning waiting time, halting the number of vehicles, and so on.
Critical review on various inverter topologies for PV system architectures
Authors: Kolantla Dharani , Mikkili Suresh , Pendem Suneel Raju , Desai Aditi Atul
Published: February 2021

To achieve clean and sustainable energy, the demand for renewable energy has been increasing day‐by‐day. As it is known the conversion efficiency of PV cells is very less, which motivates further research in the development of PV systems. Incorporating the power converters of less cost, more life‐time, compact size, and preferably low complexity will address the above‐mentioned limitation. To achieve optimum performance from PV systems for different applications especially in interfacing the utility to renewable energy sources, choosing an appropriate grid‐tied inverter is crucial. The different types of PV inverter topologies for central, string, multi‐string, and micro architectures are reviewed. These PV inverters are further classified and analysed by a number of conversion stages, presence of transformer, and type of decoupling capacitor used. This study reviews the inverter topologies for all PV architectures, which is new of its type. All the parameters such as merits, demerits, complexity, power devices of the aforementioned PV inverter are drafted and tabulated at the end of every classification. Different control strategies for balanced and unbalanced grid integration such as , , , fault ride through, and unified power flow control are discussed. This review would be helpful for researchers in this field to select a most feasible inverter for their application, as this study reviews considerable number of PV inverters on one platform.
Grasshopper optimisation based robust power/frequency regulator for shipboard micro‐grid
Authors: Choudhary Atul Kumar , Prakash Surya , Sharma Mandeep , Dhundhara Sandeep
Published: February 2021

Due to the rapid increase in electrical energy requirements in marine power systems (MPSs), and to reduce the consumption of fossil fuel, there is an emergent need to utilise renewable energy sources (RESs) in MPSs, which has been an attractive field of research. This research aims to present a novel load frequency control (LFC) scheme for a shipboard micro‐grid (SMG) system. Therefore, a MPS with photovoltaic, wind turbine, hybrid energy storage system (ESS), and diesel generator (DG) have been simulated to relate an exact mobile islanded SMG. The system is designed using the transfer function models with the above said generating units and storage systems. Grasshopper optimisation algorithm (GOA) tuned fuzzy‐based proportional–integral–derivative with filter control technique has been proposed to investigate the performance of the LFC scheme for the proposed SMG system. GOA and particle swarm optimisation optimised controllers have been designed and performance evaluation has been carried out on the conventional, adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system, and fuzzy cascaded with a conventional controller. The responses obtained from the simulations for different cases are analysed to justify the novelty and superiority of the proposed technique for frequency and power regulation.
Hyperspectral face recognition with a spatial information fusion for local dynamic texture patterns and collaborative representation classifier
Authors: Hao Min , Liu Guangyuan , Xie Desheng
Published: February 2021

Hyperspectral face recognition provides improved classification rates due to its abundant information in the face cubes of every subject in hyperspectral face databases. However, while offering excellent opportunities, it also brings new challenges, such as low signal‐to‐noise ratio, interband misalignment, and high data dimensionality. Based on these ad hoc problems, literature has already proposed some optimisation methods including dimensionality reduction, image denoising, and alignment to perform face recognition, yet lacking comprehensive evaluation. This paper proposes a novel hyperspectral face recognition algorithm that is based on spatial information fusion for feature extraction (histogram of local dynamic texture patterns) and collaborative representation classifier for classification. Meanwhile, the algorithm is applied to three popular hyperspectral face databases, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)‐hyperspectral face database (HSFD), University of Western Australia (UWA)‐HSFD, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)‐HSFD databases. Experimental results demonstrate that CMU‐HSFD and UWA‐HSFD databases achieve very competitive classification results. PolyU‐HSFD database also achieves rather good classification rates. The best recognition results are 98.5% ± 0.95, 96.6% ± 0.98, and 94.0% ± 2.86 for CMU‐HSFD, UWA‐HSFD and PolyU‐HSFD, respectively. It demonstrates experimentally that this algorithm can be used to recognise faces. Moreover, we compared eight existing state‐of‐the‐art face recognition techniques with our proposed method in performing hyperspectral face recognition. In this research, we formulate hyperspectral face recognition as an image‐set classification problem and evaluate the performances compared with other kinds of algorithms. Comparisons with the eight existing hyperspectral face recognition techniques on three standard datasets show that the proposed algorithm outperforms most other state‐of‐the‐art algorithms, indicating that it is a promising approach for hyperspectral face recognition.
Introducing a new multi-particle collision method for the evolution of dense stellar systems
Authors: Di Cintio Pierfrancesco , Pasquato Mario , Kim Hyunwoo , Yoon Suk-Jin
Published: February 2021

Context. Stellar systems are broadly divided into collisional and non-collisional categories. While the latter are large-N systems with long relaxation timescales and can be simulated disregarding two-body interactions, either computationally expensive direct N-body simulations or approximate schemes are required to properly model the former. Large globular clusters and nuclear star clusters, with relaxation timescales of the order of a Hubble time, are small enough to display some collisional behaviour and big enough to be impossible to simulate with direct N-body codes and current hardware.

Aims. We aim to introduce a new method to simulate collisional stellar systems and validate it by comparison with direct N-body codes on small-N simulations.

Methods. The Multi-Particle Collision for Dense Stellar Systems (MPCDSS) code is a new code for evolving stellar systems with the multi-particle collision method. Such a method amounts to a stochastic collision rule that makes it possible to conserve the exact energy and momentum over a cluster of particles experiencing the collision. The code complexity scales with N log N in the number of particles. Unlike Monte Carlo codes, MPCDSS can easily model asymmetric, non-homogeneous, unrelaxed, and rotating systems, while allowing us to follow the orbits of individual stars.

Results. We evolved small (N = 3.2 × 104) star clusters with MPCDSS and with the direct-summation code NBODY6, finding a similar evolution of key indicators. We then simulated different initial conditions in the 104 − 106 star range.

Conclusions. MPCDSS bridges the gap between small collisional systems that can be simulated with direct N-body codes and large non-collisional systems. In principle, MPCDSS allows us to simulate globular clusters such as Ω Centauri and M 54, and even nuclear star clusters, which is beyond the limits of current direct N-body codes in terms of the number of particles.
Discontinuity analysis of the leading switchback transition regions
Authors: Akhavan-Tafti M. , Kasper J. , Huang J. , Bale S.
Published: February 2021

Context.Magnetic switchbacks are magnetic structures characterized as intervals of sudden reversal in the radial component of the pristine solar wind’s magnetic field. Switchbacks comprise of magnetic spikes that are preceded and succeeded by switchback transition regions within which the radial magnetic field reverses. Determining switchback generation and evolution mechanisms will further our understanding of the global circulation and transportation of the Sun’s open magnetic flux.

Aims.The present study juxtaposes near-Sun switchback transition regions’ characteristics with similar magnetic discontinuities observed at greater radial distances with the goal of determining local mechanism(s) through which switchback transition regions may evolve.

Methods.Measurements from fields and plasma suites aboard the Parker Solar Probe were utilized to characterize switchback transition regions. Minimum variance analysis (MVA) was applied on the magnetic signatures of the leading switchback transition regions. The leading switchback transition regions with robust MVA solutions were identified and categorized based on their magnetic discontinuity characteristics.

Results.It is found that 78% of the leading switchback transition regions are rotational discontinuities (RD). Another 21% of the leading switchback transition regions are categorized as “either” discontinuity (ED), defined as small relative changes in both magnitude and the normal component of the magnetic field. The RD-to-ED event count ratio is found to reduce with increasing distance from the Sun. The proton radial temperature sharply increases (+ 29.31%) at the leading RD-type switchback transition regions, resulting in an enhanced thermal pressure gradient. Magnetic curvature at the leading RD-type switchback transition regions is often negligible. Magnetic curvature and the thermal pressure gradient are parallel (i.e., “bad” curvature) in 74% of the leading RD-type switchback transition regions.

Conclusions.The leading switchback transition regions may evolve from RD-type into ED-type magnetic discontinuities while propagating away from the Sun. Local magnetic reconnection is likely not the main driver of this evolution. Other drivers, such as plasma instabilities, need to be investigated to explain the observed significant jump in proton temperature and the prevalence of bad curvature at the leading RD-type switchback transition regions.
Spontaneous Regression of a Clival Chordoma: An Unusual Case Report
Authors: Vellutini Eduardo de Arnaldo Silva , Stamm Aldo Eden Cassol , de Oliveira Matheus Fernandes
Published: February 2021

Introduction Chordoma is a malignant and aggressive tumor originating from remnants of the primitive notochord and usually involving the axial skeleton. Spontaneous regression of clival chordomas was described recently. We present the third case report of spontaneous regression of a clival chordoma and discuss similarities of cases and implications for clinical practice.

Case Description We present the case of a previously healthy 21-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with progressive holocranial headache for 3 months, which encouraged image investigation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an osteolytic clival lesion hyperintense in T2 and hypointense in T1 images. After 2 months of initial evaluation and surgical proposal, she repeated MRI to allow use for intraoperative neuronavigation. Surprisingly, there was tumor regression.

Discussion The present reported case is somehow different from previous ones and does not share an underlying inflammatory/immunological recognizable fact, being interpreted by us as a spontaneous partial regression of the tumor. We highlight the need for continuous investigation of chordoma regression to uncover the underlying mechanisms.
Retrosigmoid Craniectomy with a Layered Soft Tissue Dissection and Hydroxyapatite Reconstruction: Technical Note, Surgical Video, Regional Anatomy, and Outcomes
Authors: Magill Stephen T. , Lee Young M. , Rubio Roberto R. , Nguyen Minh P. , Heilman Carl B. , McDermott Michael W.
Published: February 2021

Introduction There are many reported modifications to the retrosigmoid approach including variations in skin incisions, soft tissue dissection, bone removal/replacement, and closure.

Objective The aim of this study was to report the technical nuances developed by two senior skull base surgeons for retrosigmoid craniectomy with reconstruction and provide anatomic dissections, surgical video, and outcomes.

Methods The regional soft tissue and bony anatomy as well as the steps for our retrosigmoid craniectomy were recorded with photographs, anatomic dissections, and video. Records from 2017 to 2019 were reviewed to determine the incidence of complications after the authors began using the described approach.

Results Dissections of the relevant soft tissue, vascular, and bony structures were performed. Key surgical steps are (1) a retroauricular C-shaped skin incision, (2) developing a skin and subgaleal tissue flap of equal thickness above the fascia over the temporalis and sub-occipital muscles, (3) creation of subperiosteal soft tissue planes over the top of the mastoid and along the superior nuchal line to expose the suboccipital region, (4) closure of the craniectomy defect with in-lay titanium mesh and overlay hydroxyapatite cranioplasty, and (5) reapproximation of the soft tissue edges during closure. Complications in 40 cases were pseudomeningocele requiring shunt (n = 3, 7.5%), wound infection (n = 1, 2.5%), and aseptic meningitis (n = 1, 2.5%). There were no incisional cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

Conclusion The relevant regional anatomy and a revised technique for retrosigmoid craniectomy with reconstruction have been presented with acceptable results. Readers can consider this technique when using the retrosigmoid approach for pathology in the cerebellopontine angle.
Anatomical Variants of Post-ganglionic Fibers within the Pterygopalatine Fossa: Implications for Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Authors: Li Lifeng , London Nyall R. , Prevedello Daniel M. , Carrau Ricardo L.
Published: February 2021

Objectives The vidian nerve provides parasympathetic innervation to the nasal cavity and the lacrimal gland. Previous anatomic studies have primarily focused on preservation or severance of the vidian nerve proximal to the pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG). This study aimed to assess its neural fibers within the pterygopalatine fossa after synapsing at the PPG, and to explore potential clinical implications for endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery.

Methods An endonasal transpterygoid approach was performed on eight cadaveric specimens (16 sides). The PPG and maxillary nerve within the pterygopalatine fossa were divided. The vidian nerve was traced retrograde into the foramen lacerum, and postganglionic fibers distal to the PPG were dissected following the zygomatic nerve into the orbit. Potential communicating branches between the ophthalmic nerve (V1) and the PPG were also explored.

Results All sides showed a plexus of neural communications between the PPG and the maxillary nerve. The zygomatic nerve exits the maxillary nerve close to the foramen rotundum, piercing the orbitalis muscle to enter the orbit in all sides. The zygomatic nerve was identified running beneath the inferior rectus muscle toward a lateral direction. In 7/16 sides (43.75%), a connecting branch between V1 and the pterygopalatine ganglion was observed.

Conclusion Neural communications between the PPG and the maxillary nerve were present in all specimens. A neural branch from V1 to the PPG potentially contributes additional postganglionic parasympathetic function to the lacrimal gland.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Their Role as Predictors of Disease Severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Jain Rohit , Gopal Arun , Pathak Basant Kumar , Mohakuda Sourya Sourabh , Tilak TVSVGK , Singh Anchit Raj
Published: February 2021

Context Due to the wide spectrum of clinical illness in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, it is important to stratify patients into severe and nonsevere categories. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been evaluated rapidly by a few studies worldwide for its association with severe disease, but practically none have been conducted in the Indian population. This study was undertaken to examine the role of NLR and PLR in predicting severe disease in Indian patients.

Objectives The objective was to study the association of NLR and PLR observed at the time of admission with maximum disease severity during hospitalization and to study their role in predicting disease severity.

Material and Methods A total of 229 COVID-19 patients were admitted at the center during the study period. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 191 patients were included in the study. The demographic, clinical, and laboratory (complete blood count, NLR, and PLR) data of all patients were obtained at the time of admission. Maximum disease severity of all patients was assessed during hospitalization.

Statistical Analysis Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to assess statistical significance. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted for NLR and PLR to estimate the cutoff values and sensitivity and specificity using Youden’s index for predicting severe disease. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals.

Results Mean NLR and PLR were significantly higher in severe patients (NLR = 7.41; PLR = 204) compared with nonsevere patients (NLR = 3.30; PLR = 121). ROC analysis showed that NLR, in comparison to PLR, had a higher area under the curve (AUC) of 0.779, with a larger OR of 1.237 and cutoff of 4.1, and showed 69% sensitivity and 78% specificity in predicting severe disease. Cut off for PLR was 115.3, which showed 79% sensitivity and 62% specificity in predicting severe disease.

Conclusion NLR and PLR, both showing acceptable AUCs, can be used as screening tools to predict disease severity. However, NLR was a better predictor of disease severity.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection during Pregnancy in a Rural Midwest All-delivery Cohort and Associated Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes
Authors: Steffen Haley A. , Swartz Samantha R. , Jackson J. Brooks , Kenne Kimberly A. , Ten Eyck Patrick P. , Merryman Abbey S. , Castaneda Claire N. , Marsden Katharine , Maxwell Timothy , Merrill Anna E. , Krasowski Matthew D. , Rysavy Mary B.
Published: February 2021

Objective This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) among pregnant patients at the time of delivery in a rural Midwest tertiary care hospital and to examine demographics, clinical factors, and maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy.

Study Design This prospective cohort study included all delivering patients between May 1 and September 22, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Plasma SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing was performed. SARS-CoV-2 viral reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results and maternal and neonatal outcomes were collected from the electronic medical record. Data were analyzed using univariate statistical methods with clustering for multiple births.

Results In total, 1,000 patients delivered between May 1 and September 22, 2020. Fifty-eight (5.8%) were SARS-CoV-2 antibody positive. Twenty-three also tested viral positive during pregnancy. Three of 1,000 (0.3%) were viral positive on admission but antibody negative. The median age was 30 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 26–33 years) and body mass index was 31.75 kg/m2 (IQR 27.7–37.5 kg/m2). The cesarean delivery rate was 34.0%. The study population was primarily white (71.6%); however, 41.0% of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients identified as Black, 18.0% as Hispanic/Latino, 3.3% as Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and only 27.9% as White (p < 0.0001). SARS-CoV-2 infection was more likely in patients without private insurance (p = 0.0243). Adverse maternal and/or neonatal outcomes were not more likely in patients with evidence of infection during pregnancy. Two SARS-CoV-2 infected patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. There were no maternal deaths during the study period.

Conclusion In this largely rural Midwest population, 6.1% of delivering patients had evidence of past or current SARS-CoV-2 infection. Rates of SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy were higher among racial and ethnic minorities and patients without private insurance. The SARS-CoV-2 infected patients and their neonates were not found to be at increased risk for adverse outcomes.

Key Points
Influence of Alveolar Fluid on Aquaporins and Na+/K+-ATPase and Its Possible Theoretical or Clinical Significance
Authors: Zong Hai-Feng , Guo Guo , Liu Jing , Yang Chuan-Zhong , Bao Lin-Lin
Published: February 2021

Objective Pulmonary edema is the most common pathophysiological change in pulmonary disease. Aquaporins (AQPs) and Na+/K+-ATPase play pivotal roles in alveolar fluid clearance. This study aimed to explore the influence of increased alveolar fluid on the absorption of lung fluid.

Study Design Eighty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 10 in each group), and models of different alveolar fluid contents were established by the infusion of different volumes of normal saline (NS) via the endotracheal tube. Five animals in each group were sacrificed immediately after infusion to determine the wet/dry ratio, while the remaining animals in each group were killed 4 hours later to determine the wet/dry ratio at 4 hours. Additionally, lung specimens were collected from each group, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot, and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses of AQPs and Na+/K+-ATPase were performed.

Results The qRT-PCR analysis and western blot studies showed markedly decreased mRNA and protein levels of AQP1 and Na+/K+-ATPase when the alveolar fluid volume was ≥6 mL/kg, and the mRNA level of AQP5 was significantly reduced when the alveolar fluid volume was ≥4 mL/kg. In addition, IHC analysis showed the same results. At 4 hours, the lung wet/dry ratio was significantly increased when the alveolar fluid volume was ≥6 mL/kg; however, compared with 0 hours after NS infusion, there was still a significant absorption of alveolar fluid for a period of 4 hours.

Conclusion The results of this study suggest that increased alveolar fluid may induce the downregulation of the mRNA and protein expression of AQPs and Na+/K+-ATPase, which appear to affect alveolar fluid clearance in rabbit lungs. Early intervention is required to avoid excessive alveolar fluid accumulation.

Key Points
A Study of CD44 Positive Cancer Cells in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer and their Correlation with P53 And Ki67
Authors: Kar Ketaki , Ghosh Suman , Roy Anup Kumar
Published: February 2021

Context  Epithelial ovarian carcinomas are one of the most common lethal gynecological malignancies. There is no specific symptom or biomarker for detection of this malignancy in early stage. So, the advanced stage, nature of frequent recurrences, and resistance to chemotherapies make it very difficult to deliver proper treatment to patients. Efforts are on to identify the presence of cancer stem cell by using a specific biomarker in epithelial ovarian cancer in the early stage.

Objectives  This study aims to identify the CD44 positive cancer cells in epithelial ovarian carcinoma of different histopathological types. It also intends to correlate the expression of CD44 with the expression of p53 and Ki67.

Materials and Methods Sections from diagnosed specimens of ovarian epithelial neoplasm had been fixed in 10% formalin and embedded in paraffin, and they were used for immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for CD44, p53, and Ki67, using a peroxidase kit with mouse monoclonal antibodies. Then, the slides were evaluated for both tumor cell percentage and intensity of immunoreactivity.

Statistical Analysis Chi-square had been used to find the significance of study. Significance level was considered at p value < 0.05

Results  In this study, 40 patients were included in a period of one and a half years. The present study suggested that the levels of CD44 expression were increased in epithelial ovarian cancer compared to borderline tumor. CD44 was positively correlated with the ki67 expression and tumor grade. High-grade serous, mucinous, and endometrioid tumors were associated with high CD44 expression. Positivity of CD44 was found significantly higher in case of positive status of p53 (z = 3.65; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion We can correlate CD44 positive cancer stem cells with grade of ovarian carcinomas, but for prognostic significance and therapeutic applications, more corroborative and multicentric works in this field are needed. CD44 can be targeted for therapy in recurrent and resistant cases of ovarian cancer.