bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triphenylene containing blue-light emitting semi-fluorinated aryl ether polymers with excellent thermal and photostability
Authors: Shelar Ketki Eknath , Le Nghia , Mukeba Karl M. , Dey Sriloy , Farajidizaji Behzad , Athukorale Sumudu , Pittman Charles U. , Webster Charles Edwin , Donnadieu Bruno , Caldona Eugene , Smith Dennis W.
Published: April 2022

Integration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) units into semi-fluorinated polymers affords high thermal stability and excellent processability for potential applications in optoelectronic, gas-separation, and advanced composites.
Discovery of new Cdc2-like kinase 4 (CLK4) inhibitors via pharmacophore exploration combined with flexible docking-based ligand/receptor contact fingerprints and machine learning
Authors: Al-Tawil Mai Fayiz , Daoud Safa , Hatmal Ma'mon M. , Taha Mutasem Omar
Published: April 2022

Ligand-based pharmacophores, ligand–receptor contact fingerprints, physicochemical descriptors and machine learning were combined to probe binding of potent CLK4 antagonists. GFA-SVR gave the best model. Virtual screening identified 3 nanomolar hits.
Enhanced power conversion efficiency of an n-Si/PEDOT:PSS hybrid solar cell using nanostructured silicon and gold nanoparticles
Authors: Van Trinh Pham , Anh Nguyen Ngoc , Cham Nguyen Thi , Tu Le Tuan , Van Hao Nguyen , Thang Bui Hung , Van Chuc Nguyen , Thanh Cao Thi , Minh Phan Ngoc , Fukata Naoki
Published: April 2022

n-Si/PEDOT:PSS hybrid solar cells using nanostructured silicon and AuNPs were prepared and investigated.
Monodisperse magnetic lecithin-PFP submicron bubbles as dual imaging contrast agents for ultrasound (US) and MRI
Authors: Waqar Hira , Riaz Ramish , Ahmed Nasir M. , Majeed Ayesha Isani , Abbas Shah Rukh
Published: April 2022

The magnetic microbubbles with phase convertible PFP core encapsulated by lecithin shell loaded with OA-SPIONs can serve as a potential bimodal contrast agent for both ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Highly selective synthesis and near-infrared photothermal conversion of metalla-Borromean ring and [2]catenane assemblies
Authors: Dang Li-Long , Li Ting-Ting , Zhang Ting-Ting , Zhao Ying , Chen Tian , Gao Xiang , Ma Lu-Fang , Jin Guo-Xin
Published: April 2022

The selective synthesis of three kinds of supermolecular topologies, molecular Borromean ring, [2]catenane and metallarectangle based on two alkynyl ligands is presented. Remarkably, the NIR photothermal conversion efficiency was found to improve as the π–π stacking increases.
Site-selective amination and/or nitrilationviametal-free C(sp2)–C(sp3) cleavage of benzylic and allylic alcohols
Authors: Anugu Raghunath Reddy , Falck John R.
Published: April 2022

Benzylic/allylic alcohols are convertedviasite-selective C(sp2)–C(sp3) cleavage to value-added nitrogenous motifs,viz., anilines and/or nitriles as well as N-heterocycles, utilizing commercial hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid (HOSA) and Et3N in an operationally simple, one-pot process.
High resolution voltammetric and field-effect transistor readout of carbon fiber microelectrode biosensors
Authors: Cho Whirang , Rafi Harmain , Cho Seulki , Balijepalli Arvind , Zestos Alexander G.
Published: April 2022

Highly sensitive CFMEs as a pH sensor in tandem with both FET and FSCV methods having ex vivo sensing capability is demonstrated.
Role of Delta-Notch signalling molecules on cell–cell adhesion in determining heterogeneous chemical and cell morphological patterning
Authors: Bajpai Supriya , Chelakkot Raghunath , Prabhakar Ranganathan , Inamdar Mandar M.
Published: April 2022

Feedback between intercellular signalling and mechanics is responsible for mechanochemical patterns in epithelial tissues.
An amino-type halogen-bonded organic framework for the selective adsorption of aliphatic acid vapors: insight into the competitive interactions of halogen bonds and hydrogen bonds
Authors: Gong Guanfei , Zhao Jiahao , Chen Yi , Xie Fei , Lu Feihong , Wang Jike , Wang Lu , Chen Shigui
Published: April 2022

A novel amino-type 2D halogen-bonded organic framework (XOF-TPPA) could serve as an efficient and recyclable adsorbent for MeCOOH/EtCOOH vapors.
Efficient harvesting and storage of solar energy of an all-vanadium solar redox flow battery with a MoS2@TiO2 photoelectrode
Authors: Tian Gengyu , Jervis Rhodri , Briscoe Joe , Titirici Magdalena , Jorge Sobrido Ana
Published: April 2022

Solar redox flow batteries are an emerging technology that provides a smart alternative for the capture and storage of discontinuous solar energy through photo-generation of the discharged redox species employed in traditional redox flow batteries.
Injectable Diels–Alder cycloaddition hydrogels with tuneable gelation, stiffness and degradation for the sustained release of T-lymphocytes
Authors: Yan Jie , Gundsambuu Batjargal , Krasowska Marta , Platts Kirsten , Facal Marina Paula , Gerber Cobus , Barry Simon C. , Blencowe Anton
Published: April 2022

Highly efficient, selective and cytocompatible fulvene–maleimide cycloaddition chemistry was applied for the preparation of injectable, cell encapsulating/releasing hydrogels with tuneable gelation and degradation kinetics.
Challenges in synthesis of heterostructures
Authors: Miller Aaron M. , Johnson David C.
Published: April 2022

This article reviews synthetic approaches used to prepare heterostructures, outlining key steps, how experimental parameters are used to control reaction pathways, and challenges in controlling structure and composition at near-atomic scales.
Modeling ligand crosslinking for interlocking quantum dots in thin-films
Authors: Sitapure Niranjan , Kwon Tae Hyun , Lee Myeongjae , Kim BongSoo , Kang Moon Sung , Kwon Joseph
Published: April 2022

Ligand crosslinking in QD systems has shown promise for developing robust QD films for applications in high-resolution displays. The kinetics and mechanism of ligand crosslinking can be described using experimentally validated kinetic Monte Carlo model.
Real-time spectroelectrochemical monitoring of the diazonium electrografting
Authors: Pichereau Laure , Gautier Christelle , Breton Tony
Published: April 2022

This work reports the first in situ and real-time resolved spectroelectrochemical monitoring of a diazonium electrografting.
New isomeric ancillary ligands and their EuIII complexes: a single component white light emissive phosphor and their applications in red/white smart LEDs, electronic noses, and temperature sensing
Authors: Mund Sibani , Vaidyanathan Sivakumar
Published: April 2022

Dual emissive isomeric trivalent europium complexes were explored as single component white light emissive luminogens and further exploited as an electronic nose as well as a temperature sensor.
Development of a colorimetric assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro activity
Authors: Garland Gavin D. , Harvey Robert F. , Mulroney Thomas E. , Monti Mie , Fuller Stewart , Haigh Richard , Gerber Pehuén Pereyra , Barer Michael R. , Matheson Nicholas J. , Willis Anne E.
Published: April 2022

Diagnostic testing continues to be an integral component of the strategy to contain the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) global pandemic, the causative agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The SARS-CoV-2 genome encodes the 3C-like protease (3CLpro) which is essential for coronavirus replication. This study adapts an in vitro colorimetric gold nanoparticle (AuNP) based protease assay to specifically detect the activity of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro as a purified recombinant protein and as a cellular protein exogenously expressed in HEK293T human cells. We also demonstrate that the specific sensitivity of the assay for SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro can be improved by use of an optimised peptide substrate and through hybrid dimerisation with inactive 3CLpro mutant monomers. These findings highlight the potential for further development of the AuNP protease assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro activity as a novel, accessible and cost-effective diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 infection at the point-of-care. Importantly, this versatile assay could also be easily adapted to detect specific protease activity associated with other viruses or diseases conditions.
Boosting image watermarking authenticity spreading secrecy from counting‐based secret‐sharing
Authors: Gutub Adnan
Published: April 2022

This study presents enhancing images authentication by securing watermarking hidden data via shares generated from counting‐based secret sharing. The trustfulness of shares utilised secret‐sharing as an applicable privacy creation tool for the authentication of real‐life complex platforms. This research adjusts embedding the watermarking data over the images by innovative redistribution of shares to be embedded spread over all the images. The anticipated watermarking technique guaranteed to scatter the share bits implanting at different least significant bits of image pixels as boosting up the trust overall authentication practicality. The paper experimentation performance analysis shows that this improved image watermarking authentication (capacity) is averagely better by 33%–67% than other related exclusive‐OR oriented and octagon approaches. Interestingly, these measurement improvements did not degrade the robustness and security of the system, inspiring our research for opening novel track of related future counting‐based secret‐sharing authentication progresses to come.
The DoF region of two‐user MIMO broadcast channel with delayed imperfect‐quality CSIT
Authors: Zhang Tong
Published: April 2022

The channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT) play an important role in the performance of wireless networks. The CSIT model can be delayed and imperfect‐quality, since the feedback link has a delay and the channel state information (CSI) feedback has distortion. In this paper, the degrees‐of‐freedom (DoF) region of the two‐user multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) broadcast channel are characterised with delayed imperfect‐quality CSIT, where the antenna configurations can be arbitrary. The converse proof of DoF region is based on the enhancement of physically degraded channel. The achievability proof of DoF region is through a novel transmission scheme design, where the duration of each phase and the amount of transmitted symbols are configured based on the imperfect‐quality of delayed CSIT. As a result, it is shown that the DoF region with delayed imperfect‐quality CSIT is located between the DoF region with no CSIT and the DoF region with delayed CSIT.
Performance analysis of three‐phase five‐leg transformers under DC bias using a new frequency‐dependent reluctance‐based model
Authors: Canturk Sevket , Balci Murat Erhan , Hocaoglu Mehmet Hakan , Koseoglu Ahmet Kerem
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a reluctance‐based model considering the frequency‐dependent loss nature of the windings for the analysis of three‐phase five‐leg transformers under grid voltages with direct current (DC) bias. This is very important especially for proper determination of their harmonic current distortion and maximum loading capability (MLC) under DC‐biased grid voltage conditions. To figure out the developed model's validity under sinusoidal and DC‐biased grid voltage cases, it is comparatively analyzed with the model based on 2D finite element method (FEM). Thus, for the considered transformer type operated under DC bias, the excitation current's harmonic pollution, losses, and reactive power demand parameters are analyzed by using the developed model. Additionally, by regarding these performance parameters, the DC susceptibilities of the considered‐type transformer and the single‐phase shell‐type transformer are comparatively evaluated. Finally, for the studied grid voltage conditions, the effects of two important design considerations as (i) magnetic core material selection and (ii) legs’ cross‐sectional area sizing on the MLC are investigated. It is concluded from these investigations that under saturation conditions, the transformers, which have the core material with higher permeability or lower reluctance, draw higher excitation current, and have lower MLC ratio when compared to ones having the core material with lower permeability or higher reluctance. However, for unsaturated transformers, which work under DC bias, the case is the opposite to that in saturation conditions. On the other hand, under DC bias conditions, the effect of cross‐sectional area sizing on the MLC ratio is much more for the transformer with high permeable magnetic core material with regards to ones with low permeable magnetic core material.
Analysis and suppression of voltage oscillation at DC circuit breaker terminal in DC fault transient process
Authors: Shen Hong , Huang Xianrui , Qi Lei , Zhang Xiangyu , Ni Xiaojun , Qiu Peng , Wei Xiaoguang , Cui Xiang
Published: April 2022

High‐frequency voltage oscillation occurs at the initial stage of DC short‐circuit fault in the modular multilevel converter (MMC)‐based high‐voltage direct‐current systems, which directly threatens the reliable operation of the secondary equipment in DC circuit breakers (DCCBs). Therefore, this paper focusses on the voltage oscillation characteristic at DCCB terminals, considered the stray parameters of connecting lines, the parasitic parameters of main equipment and the impedance of grounding grid, established equivalent circuit models of MMC‐HVDC converter station at the initial stage of pole‐to‐pole and pole‐to‐ground fault, and obtained the analytical formula for the voltage oscillation frequency. Then, the comparison with the DC short‐circuit test data of ±200 kV MMC‐HVDC converter station verified the validity of the models and revealed the mechanism of voltage oscillation. Finally, the influence of the parameters of the converter station on the oscillation characteristics was discussed. It was proposed to install the DCCB at the MMC valve's terminal near the DC side, and the oscillation frequency is about 10–60 kHz, which is more than 5 times lower than that at the DC reactor's terminal near the DC pole bus, and the disturbance of oscillation to DCCB was alleviated.
Pre-main sequence stars in LH 91
Authors: Carini R. , Biazzo K. , De Marchi G. , Panagia N. , Beccari G. , Brocato E.
Published: April 2022

Aims. We study the accretion properties of pre-main sequence (PMS) low-mass stars in the LH 91 association within the Large Magellanic Clouds.

Methods. Using optical multiband photometry obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope, we identify 75 candidates showing Hα excess emission above the 3σ level with equivalent width EWHα ⩾ 10 Å. We estimate the physical parameters (effective temperature, luminosity, age, mass, accretion luminosity, and mass accretion rate) of the PMS stellar candidates.

Results. The age distribution suggests a period of active star formation ranging from a few million years up to ∼60 Myr with a gap between ∼5 Myr and 10 Myr. The masses of the PMS candidates span from 0.2 M⊙ for the cooler objects to 1.0 M⊙ with a median of ∼0.80 M⊙. The median value of the accretion luminosity of our 75 PMS stars is about 0.12 L⊙, the median value of the mass accretion rate is about 4.8 × 10−9 M⊙ yr−1 with higher values for the younger population (∼1.2 × 10−8 M⊙ yr−1), and lower values for the older candidates (∼4.7 × 10−9 M⊙ yr−1). We compare our results with findings for LH 95, the closest region to LH 91 for which accretion properties of PMS candidates were previously derived. An interesting qualitative outcome is that LH 91 seems to be in a more evolved stage. Moreover, we find that the PMS candidates are distributed homogeneously, without any evidence of clumps around more massive stars.
Satisfactory clinical and radiologic outcomes with a new shorter and modular stem for end-stage hip osteoarthritis: an international prospective multicentre pilot study
Authors: D’Ambrosi Riccardo , Toni Aldo , Czubak Jaroslaw , Guadilla Jorge , Lieber Lawrence , Mariani Ilaria , Ursino Nicola
Published: April 2022

Introduction: This multicenter prospective cohort study aimed to assess the safety and clinical and radiologic performance of the CLS® BreviusTM Stem with Kinectiv® Technology. Material and Methods: A total of 222 consecutive subjects, recruited in five different centers, qualifying for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), were enrolled in the study. All the subjects received the CLS® BreviusTM Stem with Kinectiv® Technology. All the enrolled study subjects underwent pre-operative clinical and radiographic evaluation. Additionally, all subjects underwent post-operative clinical, functional and radiographic evaluations at 6 months and 1, 2, 3, and 5 years. These evaluations included implant survival, pain and functional performance (Harris Hip Score [HHS], University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA] Activity Score, Oxford Hip Score), subject quality-of-life (EQ-5D), radiographic parameters, complications, and concentration of metal ions (aluminum and titanium) in blood. Results: No revisions were performed during the follow-up period. Of the 222 patients, only 76 completed the 5-year follow-up. Only 7 and 5 patients had aluminum and titanium 5-year evaluations, respectively. All the clinical parameters showed an overall improvement in the overtime measured with ANOVA for repeated measures; furthermore, the clinical scores showed a statistically significant improvement at 5 years with respect to pre-operative value (p < 0.001). Aluminum and titanium showed no variation for repeated measures at different time points (p > 0.05). A total of six complications were reported, of which only two were hip-related. Conclusions: The function of the CLS® BreviusTM Stem with Kinectiv® Technology indicated that subject well-being significantly increased following THA regardless of age, gender, BMI, previous surgery, primary diagnosis, and lifestyle.
Growth and Wood Quality from 32-Year-OldEucalyptus pellitaOwing to Chemical Characteristics of the Soil
Authors: de Araújo Beatriz Cristina , Amorim Erick Phelipe , Pissarra Teresa Cristina Tarle , Varandas Simone da Graça Pinto , da Silva Maria Emília Calvão Moreira , Longui Eduardo Luiz , Zanata Marcelo
Published: April 2022

In a provenance and progeny test ofEucalyptus pellita, installed with seeds from 25 open-pollinated progenies from Helenvale and Coen in Australia, one individual from each progeny of the two provenances was selected. Height and DBH measurements were taken forming three diameter classes. From the felled trees, a 0.10 m disk was collected at the base of each tree to obtain samples, considering the pith, intermediate and bark positions, to evaluate the density at 12% moisture ( 12), fiber length (Fl), and fiber wall thickness (Fwt). In the canopy projections, soil samples were collected for chemical analysis. The samples were processed based on the standard methodology for anatomy and wood properties. Factor analysis did not group the soil variables with those of dendrometry, indicating no significant effect between these sets of variables. On the other hand, multivariate analysis indicates that Fwt in the intermediate position was influenced by groups of soil variables that comprise both F1 and F2 factors. Thus, we can infer that the higher values of Fwt (I) are related to lower Ca, Mg and pH and lower values of P, organic matter and cation exchange capacity. By showing statistical significance in the analyses, these results suggest that Helenvale should be chosen for vegetative reproduction (cloning) of the material that makes up the Batatais Forest collection based on the wood quality variables studied.
Kleine Mittel im Fokus
Authors: Stern Cornelia
Published: April 2022

In der Gemmotherapie wird das Meristem von Pflanzen, also das sich schnell teilende Gewebe der Pflanzenknospen oder Triebspitzen, zu Mitteln verarbeitet. Die Anwendung erfolgt über das Sprühen in den Mund. Zu den weniger bekannten Gemmomitteln gehören unter anderem die Mittel aus Speierlings- und Maulbeerknospen sowie Triebspitzen der Libanonzeder und der Besenheide. Vergleiche mit der Volksheilkunde können helfen, die Wirkungen der Knospen zu differenzieren.
Pflanzen zeigen den Weg
Authors: Stumpf Ursula
Published: April 2022

PhytoKinesiologie vereint Pflanzenheilkunde mit Kinesiologie, einem körpereigenen Biofeedbacksystem. Der kinesiologische Muskeltest zeigt dabei Blockaden und Möglichkeiten auf. Im Gespräch wird ein Ziel mithilfe einer Pflanze definiert. Hindernisse wie Glaubenssätze und energetische Blockaden werden aufgespürt und notiert. In dem Behandlungsschritt Balance kommen Mensch und Pflanze in einer Fantasiereise in Kontakt, und die Impulse der Pflanze können übertragen werden.
Kräuterwein und Arzneibrei für den Bauch
Authors: Eisenmann-Tappe Iris
Published: April 2022

Verdauungsbeschwerden zählen zu den wichtigsten Indikationen der Klostermedizin, die sich mit Einflüssen der Humoralpathologie und Protagonisten wie Walahfrid Strabo, Odo Magdunensis oder Hildegard von Bingen vom 8. bis ins 12. Jahrhundert erstreckt. Als Darreichungsformen haben sich Kräuterplätzchen (Trochisci), Arzneibreie (Latwergen), Milchauszüge und Medizinalweine bewährt, die in ihrer Auszugskraft oftmals über den heute gebräuchlicheren Teeauszug hinausgehen. Mittelalterliche Zubereitungen, mit Beispielen in diesem Beitrag, können mit geringen Modifikationen bis heute als wirkkräftige Therapeutika gegen Verdauungsbeschwerden angewandt werden.
Aromatherapie: Rezepturen für das Lymphsystem
Authors: Herber Sabrina , Zimmermann Eliane
Published: April 2022

Als ätherische Öle wirken unter anderem Lorbeer und Immortelle entstauend auf das Lymphsystem. Die Anwendung kann unter anderem Lymphdrainagen begleiten. Das fette Calophyllumöl mag für westliche Nasen gewöhnungsbedürftig sein, seine abschwellenden und wundheilungsfördernden Eigenschaften sprechen jedoch für sich. Die Autorinnen stellen eine Fülle von Rezepturen vor – bei Lymphstau, Lymphödemen und mehr, für zu Hause und unterwegs.
The Utility of Early Brain MRI for Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Optic Pathway Glioma: A Long-Term Follow-Up in a Tertiary Referral Hospital
Authors: Rony Cohen , Aharoni Sharon , Halevy Ayelet
Published: April 2022

Screening studies have shown detection of optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) in 8 to 31% of children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Many of those affected show prolonged indolent phases, but others develop vision disturbances even before diagnosis and treatment. We assessed the clinical presentation at diagnosis, location, natural progression, and risk factors for impaired vision of OPG. The clinical database of the NF1 multidisciplinary clinic of Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel was reviewed for all patients diagnosed and followed with NF1 during 2007 to 2019. OPG was diagnosed by hyperintensity and thickening along the optic pathway on T2-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with or without contrast enhancement. Of 257 children with NF1 who underwent MRI, 57 (22%) were diagnosed with OPG; 31 (54%) were females. Twenty-five (44%) had familial NF1. Fifteen (26%) who exhibited tumor progression and worsening in ophthalmic examinations required treatment. Post-chiasmatic glioma was a predictive factor for treatment (p < 0.05), whereas MRI done later and female gender were not significant. Four patients who eventually needed therapy had normal ophthalmic examinations at least 1 year prior to their first MRI. For 6 (40%) of the patients treated, vision continued to worsen. Our findings demonstrate that normal ophthalmic examinations do not always exclude OPG in children with NF1. Early brain MRI before age 36 months may detect OPG, lead to better follow-up and early treatment, and help improve vision outcome.
The Mechanism of Hyperoxia-Induced Neonatal Renal Injury and the Possible Protective Effect of Resveratrol
Authors: Shen Yunchuan , Yuan Yuan , Dong Wenbin
Published: April 2022

With recent advances in neonatal intensive care, preterm infants are surviving into adulthood. Nonetheless, epidemiological data on the health status of these preterm infants have begun to reveal a worrying theme; prematurity and the supplemental oxygen therapy these infants receive after birth appear to be risk factors for kidney disease in adulthood, affecting their quality of life. As the incidence of chronic kidney disease and the survival time of preterm infants both increase, the management of the hyperoxia-induced renal disease is becoming increasingly relevant to neonatologists. The mechanism of this increased risk is currently unknown, but prematurity itself and hyperoxia exposure after birth may predispose to disease by altering the normal trajectory of kidney maturation. This article reviews altered renal reactivity due to hyperoxia, the possible mechanisms of renal injury due to hyperoxia, and the role of resveratrol in renal injury.

Key Points
The Validity of Positive Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus Cultures for the Diagnosis of Sepsis in the Neonatal Unit
Authors: Benenson Shmuel , Cohen Matan J. , Greenglick Nofar , Schwartz Carmela , Eventov-Friedman Smadar , Ergaz Zivanit
Published: April 2022

Objective Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) is the most frequent pathogen causing late-onset sepsis (LOS) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Technical difficulties hinder blood culture (BC) collection and obtaining only one culture before initiating antibiotic therapy is a common practice. We sought to assess specific clinical information and CoNS cultures for the diagnosis of true bacteremia in the NICU.

Study Design This historical cohort study was conducted in NICUs at the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center of Jerusalem in Israel. Clinical and laboratory data in every CoNS bacteremia were collected and compared between bacteremia groups as follows: true positive, two positive BCs; contaminant, one positive BC out of two; undefined, one BC obtained and found positive.

Results For 3.5 years, CoNS was isolated in 139 episodes. True positive was identified in 44 of 139 (31.7%), contaminant in 42 of 139 (30.2%), and the event was undefined in 53 of 139 (38.1%). Vancomycin treatment was more frequent in the true positive and undefined groups than the contaminant group (100, 90.6, and 73.8% respectively, p = 0.001); treatment was also prolonged in these two groups (p < 0.001). No clinical variables were associated with true bacteremia on multivariable analysis.

Conclusion Diagnosis should definitely be based on at least two positive BCs, despite objective difficulties in obtaining BCs in neonates.

Key Points
Maternal Diabetes and Intrapartum Fetal Electrocardiogram
Authors: Plunkett Beth A. , Weiner Steven J. , Saade George R. , Belfort Michael A. , Blackwell Sean C. , Thorp John M. , Tita Alan T. N. , Miller Russell S. , McKenna David S. , Chien Edward K. S. , Rouse Dwight J. , El-Sayed Yasser Y. , Sorokin Yoram , Caritis Steve N. ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network*
Published: April 2022

Objective Fetal electrocardiogram (ECG) ST changes are associated with fetal cardiac hypoxia. Our objective was to evaluate ST changes by maternal diabetic status and stage of labor.

Methods This was a secondary analysis of a multicentered randomized-controlled trial in which laboring patients with singleton gestations underwent fetal ECG scalp electrode placement and were randomly assigned to masked or unmasked ST-segment readings. Our primary outcome was the frequency of fetal ECG tracings with ST changes by the stage of labor. ECG tracings were categorized into mutually exclusive groups (ST depression, ST elevation without ST depression, or no ST changes). We compared participants with DM, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and no DM.

Results Of the 5,436 eligible individuals in the first stage of labor (95 with pregestational DM and 370 with GDM), 4,427 progressed to the second stage. ST depression occurred more frequently in the first stage of labor in participants with pregestational DM (15%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–4.24) and with GDM (9.5%, aOR 1.51, 95% CI 1.02–2.25) as compared with participants without DM (5.7%). The frequency of ST elevation was similar in participants with pregestational DM (33%, aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.48–1.30) and GDM (33.2%, aOR 0.91, 95% CI 0.71–1.17) as compared with those without DM (34.2%). In the second stage, ST depression did not occur in participants with pregestational DM (0%) and occurred more frequently in participants with GDM (3.5%, aOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.02–3.98) as compared with those without DM (2.0%). ST elevation occurred more frequently in participants with pregestational DM (30%, aOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.02–3.22) but not with GDM (19.0%, aOR 1.06, 95% CI 0.77–1.47) as compared with those without DM (17.8%).

Conclusion ST changes in fetal ECG occur more frequently in fetuses of diabetic mothers during labor. ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01131260.

Precis: ST changes in fetal ECG, a marker of fetal cardiac hypoxia, occur more frequently in fetuses of diabetic parturients.

Key Points
Changes in Internal Cerebral Vein Pulsation and Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Extremely Preterm Infants
Authors: Tanaka Kenichi , Matsumoto Shirou , Minamitani Youhei , Imamura Hiroko , Yoshimatsu Hidetaka , Nakamura Tomomi , Naramura Tetsuo , Iwai Masanori , Mitsubuchi Hiroshi , Nakamura Kimitoshi
Published: April 2022

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the relationship between internal cerebral vein (ICV) pulsation and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and to identify the cut-off values that predict IVH. We hypothesized that the severity of ICV flow pulsations was related to IVH severity.

Study Design In this prospective observational study, ICV flow was measured in 61 extremely preterm infants using ultrasonography at every 12 hours until 96 hours after birth and on days 7, 14, and 28. The ICV pulsation index (ICVPI = minimum/maximum ICV speed) was calculated and compared among the groups determined by Papile's IVH classification. The ICVPI cut-off values for IVH were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results Compared with those in the no IVH (NIVH) group (n = 51), the ICVPI median values in the severe IVH (SIVH; grades 3 and 4) group (n = 5) were lower at 25 to 96 hours and on day 7, whereas those in the mild IVH (MIVH; grades 1 and 2) group (n = 5) were lower at 37 to 60 hours. All SIVH events were initially detected within 60 hours after birth. The ICVPI cut-off values for SIVH were 0.92 at 13 to 24 hours, 0.42 at 25 to 36 hours, 0.58 at 37 to 48 hours, and 0.55 at 49 to 60 hours. Infants whose ICVPI values were below the cut-off value ≥3 times between 13 and 60 hours had a significantly higher SIVH incidence than those whose ICVPI values were below the cut-off value ≤2 times (57.1 vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion Our results indicate that SIVH had sustained pronounced internal cerebral vein pulsations and that the ICVPI values may help predict SIVH. Further research on strategies to decrease venous pressure for IVH prevention is needed.

Key Points
Identification of the Mismatch Negativity in the Responses of Individual Listeners
Authors: Dalebout Susan D. , Fox Lisa G.
Published: April 2022

The mismatch negativity (MMN) was recorded from normal adults in three stimulus conditions: two contrast conditions and a control condition in which standard and deviant stimuli were identical. Averaged waveforms were analyzed by examiners blind to the evoking stimulus condition. Hit rates, a false alarm rate, and d values were determined based on the number of MMNs identified in each condition. Hit rates were low and the false alarm rate was relatively high, resulting in unacceptably small d values. The relationship between MMN findings and corresponding behavioral discrimination data for individual listeners was not systematic. Factors that may contribute to ambiguity and error in MMN data analysis are discussed.

Abbreviations: ABR = auditory brainstem response, Cz = vertex, Fz = 30 percent of the distance between nasion and inion at the midline, MLR = middle latency response, MMN = mismatch negativity, SNR = signal-to-noise ratio
Speech Recognition with In-the-Ear and Behind-the-Ear Dual-Microphone Hearing Instruments
Authors: Pumford John M. , Seewald Richard C. , Scollie Susan D. , Jenstad Lorienne M.
Published: April 2022

The primary purpose of this study was to compare the overall listening benefit in diffuse noise provided by dual-microphone technology in an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing instrument to that provided by dual-microphone technology in a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing instrument. Further, the study was designed to determine whether the use of the dual-microphone + the manufacturer's party response algorithm in the ITE and BTE hearing instruments provided listening benefit in diffuse noise over their respective omnidirectional microphone modes. Twenty-four adults with mild to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss were evaluated while wearing binaural BTE and ITE hearing instruments. The results indicated that the dual-microphone + party response mode did provide significant benefit in diffuse noise for both the ITE (3.27 dB signal-to-noise ratio [SNR] improvement) and BTE (5.77 dB SNR improvement) hearing instruments relative to their respective conventional omnidirectional microphones. No significant difference in performance was found between the ITE and BTE hearing instruments when each device was in the dual-microphone + party response mode. It is concluded that the use of dual-microphone technology in both ITE and BTE hearing instruments can improve speech recognition in diffuse noise.

Abbreviations: BTE = behind the ear, DI = Directivity Index, DSL [i/o] = desired sensation level input/output, HINT = Hearing in Noise Test, ITE = in the ear, KEMAR = Knowles electronic manikin for acoustic research, REAR = real-ear aided response, RECD = real-ear-to-coupler difference, RESR = real-ear saturation response, RTS = reception threshold for sentences, SC + a.R.T = super compression plus adaptive recovery time, SNR = signal-to-noise ratio
Electrophysiologic Signs of Auditory Distraction in Elderly Listeners
Authors: Fisher Amy L. , Hymel Murvin R. , Cranford Jerry L. , DeChicchis Albert R.
Published: April 2022

Brain mapping was used to investigate the ability of young and elderly female listeners to attend to /ga/ syllabic events at one ear in the presence of speech babble competition at the opposite ear. An oddball stimulus presentation paradigm was used to record the N1 and P2 components of the late auditory evoked potential (LAEP) from 19 scalp locations. With speech competition, elderly listeners exhibited significantly larger reductions in R, amplitude than did young listeners. The competition produced no changes in N1 amplitude in either group. These findings contrast with those of an earlier study in which age-related reductions in N1 but not P2 amplitude were found when listeners attended to tones rather than speech stimuli in the presence of speech competition. These studies suggest that amplitude reductions in different LAEP components may provide electrophysiologic indices of age-related breakdowns in processing sounds in the presence of competition. Which LAEP components are affected may depend on experimental variables such as task difficulty or the nature of the stimuli (e.g., speech vs nonspeech).

Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance, CID = Central Institute for the Deaf, EEG = electroencephalographic activity, GFP = global field power, LAEP = late auditory evoked potential, PTA = average of pure-tone threshold hearing levels at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz, SL = sensation level, SRT = speech reception threshold, WRS = word recognition score
A multi-disciplinary approach for building a common understanding of genetic engineering for malaria control in Burkina Faso
Authors: Pare Toe Lea , Barry Nourou , Ky Anselme D. , Kekele Souleymane , Meda Wilfrid I. , Bayala Korotimi , Drabo Mouhamed , Thizy Delphine , Majorin Olivia , Coche Isabelle , Epopa Patric Stephane , Namountougou Moussa , Dabire Roch K. , Diabate Abdoulaye
Published: April 2022

Genetic engineering is a complex topic, even for scientists working in other areas, and even more so for those who lack a formal scientific training. To help gene specialists and affected communities talk with one another, international guidance documents have been published that promote dialogue and exchanges. The current paper explores collaboration among scientists of different disciplines as well as between scientists, the local communities, mediated by theatre actors to develop a conversation about Target Malaria’s work on genetic technologies to modify mosquitoes for malaria elimination in Burkina Faso. It focuses on the co-construction of meaning of key scientific concepts with a view to fostering productive collaboration between scientists and the local community. The community provided feedback on what was shared with them regarding the science being developed in the lab and in the field, which in turn informed aspects of the research itself, and the nature of the collaboration between the scientists and the local community.
How to improve SME performance using iterative random forest in the empirical analysis of institutional complementaritty
Authors: Sannabe Atsushi
Published: April 2022

Empirically investigating the workings of institutional complementarity in organisations has been a challenge in the social sciences domain for a long time. This paper examines data from the World Management Survey (WMS) using a new machine learning method termed as iterative random forest (iRF), which is used in the field of biostatistics. An empirical study of complementarity was conducted in small and medium-sized enterprises using WMS data. The effects of 18 management quality indicators on profitability, growth and viability were examined using machine learning methods (i.e. random forest [RF] and iRF). The analysis revealed the relative importance of whether high performers are properly rewarded, poor performers are reassigned and retrained and the criteria for high and low performance are well established. Furthermore, the study results revealed that the ability to set short-term goals based on a long-term perspective is complementary to many other indicators. These findings are consistent with the findings of a survey study that examined many empirical studies on the workings of institutional complementarity. This indicates that iRF is a credible and promising method for empirical research on institutional complementarity.
Cwikel estimates and negative eigenvalues of Schrödinger operators on noncommutative tori
Authors: McDonald Edward , Ponge Raphaël
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we establish Cwikel-type estimates for noncommutative tori for any dimension n ≥ 2. We use them to derive Cwikel–Lieb–Rozenblum inequalities and Lieb–Thirring inequalities for negative eigenvalues of fractional Schrödinger operators on noncommutative tori. The latter leads to a Sobolev inequality for noncommutative tori. On the way, we establish a “borderline version” of the abstract Birman–Schwinger principle for the number of negative eigenvalues of relatively compact form perturbations of a non-negative semi-bounded operator with isolated 0-eigenvalue.
Design and implementation of a device based on an off-axis parabolic mirror to perform luminescence experiments in a scanning tunneling microscope
Authors: Peña Román Ricardo Javier , Auad Yves , Grasso Lucas , Padilha Lazaro A , Alvarez Fernando , Barcelos Ingrid David , Kociak Mathieu , Zagonel Luiz Fernando
Published: April 2022

We present the design, implementation, and illustrative results of a light collection/injection strategy based on an off-axis parabolic mirror collector for a low-temperature Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM). This device allows us to perform STM induced Light Emission (STM-LE) and Cathodoluminescence (STM-CL) experiments and in situ Photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopy as complementary techniques. Considering the Étendue conservation and using an off-axis parabolic mirror, it is possible to design a light collection and injection system that displays 72% of collection efficiency (considering the hemisphere above the sample surface) while maintaining high spectral resolution and minimizing signal loss. The performance of the STM is tested by atomically resolved images and scanning tunneling spectroscopy results on standard sample surfaces. The capabilities of our system are demonstrated by performing STM-LE on metallic surfaces and two-dimensional semiconducting samples, observing both plasmonic and excitonic emissions. In addition, we carried out in situ PL measurements on semiconducting monolayers and quantum dots and in situ Raman on graphite and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) samples. Additionally, STM-CL and PL were obtained on monolayer h-BN gathering luminescence spectra that are typically associated with intragap states related to carbon defects. The results show that the flexible and efficient light injection and collection device based on an off-axis parabolic mirror is a powerful tool to study several types of nanostructures with multiple spectroscopic techniques in correlation with their morphology at the atomic scale and electronic structure.
Effect of the angle of attack on flow around an elliptic cylinder near a moving wall
Authors: Zhu Jianxun , Holmedal Lars Erik , Tian Cai
Published: April 2022

The present work investigates the combined effect of the angle of attack (AOA) (the angle between the semi-major axis of the cylinder and the vertical axis), and the gap ratio G/D (where G represents the distance between the cylinder center and the moving wall and D denotes the semi-major axis of the elliptic cylinder) on the flow around an elliptic cylinder near a moving wall. Here, AOA covers ±15°,±30°, and ±45° with G/D ranging from 0.6 to 2.5. The Reynolds number (based on the free-stream velocity and the semi-major axis) is fixed to 150. The resulting Kármán vortex street, the two-layered wake, and the secondary vortex street have been investigated and visualized. The resulting patterns have been classified and mapped out in the (G/D, AOA)-space. At small gap ratios, a clockwise rotation of the cylinder (negative AOA) leads to a stronger suppression effect between the moving wall and the backside of the cylinder. This results in more transitions between the different wake patterns than for the counterclockwise rotated cylinder (positive AOA). As the cylinder is rotated more, either clockwise or counterclockwise (i.e., as |AOA| increases), the crest value of the drag coefficient decreases while the crest value of the lift coefficient first increases and then decreases for G/D≥1.0. For a given G/D, the time-averaged drag coefficient decreases with the increased rotation of the cylinder, except for an increase observed as AOA increases from 0° to 15° for G/D≤0.9. Moreover, the lift force is directed upward and downward for positive and negative AOA, respectively, and its magnitude decreases with the increase in G/D when the cylinder is counterclockwise rotated, while it increases when the cylinder is clockwise rotated.
On Gaussian spin glass with P-wise interactions
Authors: Albanese Linda , Alessandrelli Andrea
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this paper is to face up the statistical mechanics of dense spin glasses using the well-known Ising case as a prelude for testing the methodologies we develop and then focusing on the Gaussian case as the main subject of our investigation. We tackle the problem of solving for the quenched statistical pressures of these models both at the replica symmetric level and under the first step of replica symmetry breaking by relying upon two techniques: the former is an adaptation of the celebrated Guerra’s interpolation (closer to probability theory in its spirit) and the latter is an adaptation of the transport partial differential equation (closer to mathematical physics in spirit). We recover, in both assumptions, the same expression for quenched statistical pressure and self-consistency equation found with other techniques, including the well-known replica trick technique.
Impact resistance of boron carbide ceramics from hypersonic and supersonic impacts: A large-scaled molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Zhang Hongchi , Shi Liping , Ma Xiaoliang , Yang Lin , Zhong Yesheng , He Xiaodong
Published: April 2022

Boron carbide ceramics are considered to be ideal bullet-resistant materials in the manufacture of lightweight bulletproof armor due to their low density, chemical inertness, high thermal stability, and high hardness. The amorphous transformation of boron carbide subjected to a high velocity impact most likely results in a decrease in the impact strength and impact-fatigue resistance of the material due to cracks that initiate from an amorphous band under an impact load. Here, by simulating impact tests from a diamond bullet on a boron carbide monocrystal slab of the most abundant polymorph, we demonstrate that impact-induced amorphization of a boron carbide crystal can be simulated by using the new Stillinger–Weber (SW) potential. Impact-induced longitudinal and transverse wave fronts travel at speeds ranging from 33.5 to 35 km/s and 7.2 to 9 km/s in boron carbide. The simulation results show that the amorphization of boron carbide is caused mainly by impact-induced temperature increase and, thus, confined to the impact point. The loss of the integrity of the crystal structure began with the bending of the C–B–C three-atom chains, followed by the icosahedron deformation. Most icosahedrons in the boron carbide maintain their cage structures without decomposing after amorphization, which maintains the hardness of the material. This result demonstrates an excellent repeated impact-fatigue resistance of boron carbide against non-hypersonic bullets. Through the analysis of impacts with different angles and speeds, we demonstrate that boron carbide slab ceramic armor shows good resistance to impact from non-frontal and non-hypersonic projectiles and can avoid violent amorphization.
Driving forces and molecular interactions in the self-assembly of block copolymers to form fiber-like micelles
Authors: He Yunxiang , Tang Yang , Zhang Yifan , MacFarlane Liam , Shang Jiaojiao , Shi Heping , Xie Qiuping , Zhao Hui , Manners Ian , Guo Junling
Published: April 2022

One-dimensional (1D) nanoscale objects abundant in nature commonly possess hierarchical structures and are generally constructed via bottom-up self-assembly strategies. The unique high aspect ratio morphology of the assembled nanofibrillar materials, such as collagen, cellulose, and silk, together with highly ordered architectures, endows a range of remarkable functionalities in nature. Inspired by this hierarchical building principle, block copolymers (BCPs) have been developed and employed to engineer man-made functional 1D nanostructures and as models to study the self-assembly process. The rapid development of advanced polymerization techniques allows for the precise design of BCPs and the resulting assemblies with intensive studies on distinct structure–property–function relationships. In this Review, we summarize and discuss the formation of fiber-like micelles from the perspectives of fundamental driving forces and molecular interactions involved in the solution self-assembly process. Three main formation mechanisms are highlighted, including covalent bonding, volume exclusion, and crystallization, which are involved in the corresponding domains of coronal, interfacial, and core segments of BCPs. Two spatiotemporal levels of fiber-like assemblies are discussed. In addition, the emerging applications and a general guidance for the rational design of advanced BCPs are proposed in light of the unique traits of fiber-like micelles.