bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of mussel-inspired silver/polydopamine antibacterial biofilms on Ti–6Al–4V for dental applications
Authors: Zhao Hongmei , Bai Na , Zhang Qian , Wang Ying , Jiang Wenjing , Yang Jianjun
Published: February 2022

The properties of osseointegration and antibacterial ability is vital import for dental materials.
Diol responsive viscosity increase in a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide/sodium salicylate/3-fluorophenylboronic acid micelle system
Authors: Miki Ryotaro , Yamaki Tsutomu , Uchida Masaki , Natsume Hideshi
Published: February 2022

We report a novel smart micellar system utilising a phenylboronic acid (PBA) derivative whose viscosity increases on adding diol compounds such as sugar or sugar alcohol.
A novel LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous estimation of acalabrutinib and its active metabolite acalabrutinib M27 in human plasma and application to a human pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Valluri Venkat Rao , Katari Naresh Kumar , Khatri Chirag , Kasar Pankaj , Polagani Srinivasa Rao , Jonnalagadda Sreekanth Babu
Published: February 2022

A simple, specific, selective and accurate bioanalytical method was developed and validated for simultaneous estimation of acalabrutinib and its active metabolite in human plasma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
Cellulose-reinforced poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)-supported Ag nanoparticles with excellent catalytic properties: synthesis of thioamides using the Willgerodt–Kindler reaction
Authors: Singh Anoop , Saini Sanjeev , Singh Narinder , Kaur Navneet , Jang Doo Ok
Published: February 2022

The AgNPs@cellulose–PEVA hybrid catalyst presented excellent catalytic efficacy for the Willgerodt–Kindler reaction, facilitating the selective formation of CS bonds.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity of TiO2/UiO-67 under visible-light for aflatoxin B1 degradation
Authors: Zhang Jia , Gao Xintong , Guo Wenbo , Wu Zengnan , Yin Yilin , Li Zenghe
Published: February 2022

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of TiO2/UiO-67 under visible-light for aflatoxin B1 degradation.
A one-pot biocatalytic and organocatalytic cascade delivers high titers of 2-ethyl-2-hexenal from n-butanol
Authors: Stewart Kelsey N. , Domaille Dylan W.
Published: February 2022

Combining an organocatalyst with isolated alcohol oxidase or a whole-cell biocatalyst delivers 2-ethyl-2-hexenal in a one-pot, two-step biocatalytic/organocatalytic cascade.
The DP5 probability, quantification and visualisation of structural uncertainty in single molecules
Authors: Howarth Alexander , Goodman Jonathan M.
Published: February 2022

Whenever a new molecule is made, a chemist will justify the proposed structure by analysing the NMR spectra.
New 19F NMR methodology reveals structures of molecules in complex mixtures of fluorinated compounds
Authors: Smith Alan J. R. , York Richard , Uhrín Dušan , Bell Nicholle G. A.
Published: February 2022

19F-centred NMR structure determination protocol alleviates the need for compound separation. Disinfection byproducts of chloramination were unraveled by analyzing the reaction pathways of a single fluorinated molecule.
Ruthenaelectro-catalyzed C–H acyloxylation for late-stage tyrosine and oligopeptide diversification
Authors: Hou Xiaoyan , Kaplaneris Nikolaos , Yuan Binbin , Frey Johanna , Ohyama Tsuyoshi , Messinis Antonis M. , Ackermann Lutz
Published: February 2022

Ruthenaelectro(ii/iv)-catalyzed intermolecular C–H acyloxylations of oligopeptides have been developed by the guidance of key experimental, CV and computational insights.
The twist angle has weak influence on charge separation and strong influence on recombination in the MoS2/WS2 bilayer: ab initio quantum dynamics
Authors: Zhu Yonghao , Fang Wei-Hai , Rubio Angel , Long Run , Prezhdo Oleg V.
Published: February 2022

Van der Waals heterojunctions of two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenides are intensely investigated for multiple optoelectronics applications.
A gentamicin-thioctic acid multifunctional hydrogel for accelerating infected wound healing
Authors: Gao Yamei , Zhan Xiang , Huo Shaohu , Fu Ling , Tang Zhen , Qi Keke , Lv Chunchun , Liu Chengyuan , Zhu Yulin , Ding Shenggang , Lv Yongmei
Published: February 2022

Gentamicin as a physical crosslinker endowed the supramolecular poly(TA) hydrogel with better self-healing, strong adhesion, and persistent antibacterial properties.
Increased crystallite size in thin films of C60andp-terphenylsviaPDMS-assisted crystallization
Authors: Zhelyaskova Vesta V. , Sharma Prachi , Dron Paul I. , Martinez Vikina , Michl Josef , Toney Michael F. , Dessau Daniel S. , Shaheen Sean E.
Published: February 2022

Crystalline thin films of C60andp-terphenyl are grown using a PDMS-assisted crystallization method to explore their crystal growth kinetics. Optimizations yield millimeter-scale crystallites with potential for long-range charge transport pathways.
Tuning the morphology and optoelectronic properties of AgBiI4 film through isopropanol treatment
Authors: Zhai Wenjing , Huang Lin , Cui Xiaomin , Li Guangyuan , Zhang Zhihang , Chen Peizhuo , Li Yongqiang , Tang Yuxia , Lin Lin , Yan Zhibo , Liu Jun-Ming
Published: February 2022

The AgBiI4 films were synthesized with different antisolvents. It indicates that an antisolvent with suitable polarity, low boiling point, and high miscibility with host solvent is preferred in improving the AgBiI4 film quality and the photovoltaic performance of AgBiI4 solar cells.
Single-particle study: effects of mercury amalgamation on morphological and spectral changes in anisotropic gold nanorods
Authors: Lee Jaeran , Kim Geun Wan , Ha Ji Won
Published: February 2022

Fundamental information on the relationship among Hg amalgamation process, plasma treatment time, structural change, and LSPR peak and linewidth is provided at the single-particle level.
Merging C–C σ-bond activation of cyclobutanones with CO2 fixation via Ni-catalysis
Authors: Lombardi Lorenzo , Cerveri Alessandro , Ceccon Leonardo , Pedrazzani Riccardo , Monari Magda , Bertuzzi Giulio , Bandini Marco
Published: February 2022

A carboxylative Ni-catalyzed tandem C–C σ-bond activation of cyclobutanones followed by CO2-electrophilic trapping is documented as a direct route to synthetically valuable 3-indanone-1-acetic acids.
Poisoning density functional theory with benchmark sets of difficult systems
Authors: Gould Tim , Dale Stephen G.
Published: February 2022

“Poison sets” introduced in this work specifically target failures of density functional approximations. They thereby offer insights into hard computational chemistry problems via novel benchmarking strategies.
The exchange between anions and cations induced by coupled plasma and thermal annealing treatment for room-temperature ferromagnetism
Authors: Wu Shuyi , Yao Jinlei , Gao Ju , Shan Yun , Liu Lizhe
Published: February 2022

The robust room-temperature ferromagnetism is achieved in the originally nonmagnetic 2D ReS2 by the exchange between anions and cations.
Flavoring agent dihydrocoumarin alleviates IgE-mediated mast cell activation and allergic inflammation
Authors: Xie Chu-Chu , Zhang Bo-Ping , Wang Hui-Na , Li Wei-Yong , Cai Ze-Lang , He Yong , Ji Kunmei , Chen Jia-Jie
Published: February 2022

The flavoring agent dihydrocoumarin suppressed IgE-induced mast cell activation via down-regulating MAPK, NF-κB and AP-1 pathways. Dihydrocoumarin may represent a novel MC-suppressing strategy for the treatment of IgE-mediated allergic diseases.
Sponge-like loose and porous SnO2 microspheres with rich oxygen vacancies and their enhanced room-temperature gas-sensing performance
Authors: Pi Wenbo , Chen Xi , Humayun Muhammad , Yuan Yang , Lei Yifan , Li Xinyue , Tang Zaiqi , Zhang Xiaowei , Huang Dayong , Lu Zixiao , Li Honglang , Zheng Zhiping , Fu Qiuyun , Luo Wei
Published: February 2022

Sponge-like loose and porous SnO2 microspheres with rich oxygen vacancies were successfully fabricated for use in a gas sensor, which possessed extremely high response and high selectivity towards H2S gas.
Crystal–amorphous NiO/MoO2 with a high-density interface for hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zhou Ya-Nan , Li Meng-Xuan , Shi Zhuo-Ning , Zhou Jian-Cheng , Dong Bin , Jiang Wenchun , Liu Bin , Yu Jian-Feng , Chai Yong-Ming
Published: February 2022

Crystal–amorphous NiO/MoO2 with a coupled high-density and well-dispersed heterojunction has been designed to tailor the charge distribution to lower the reaction energy barrier for the HER.
Small pore SAPO-14-based zeolites with improved propylene selectivity in the methanol to olefins process
Authors: Zhou Yida , Zhang Jiani , Ma Wenyan , Yin Xin , Chen Guangrui , Liu Yinghao , Li Jiyang
Published: February 2022

SAPO-14 zeolite with high Si content and SAPO-34/SAPO-14 composite zeolites have been prepared to improve the one-pass propylene selectivity in the MTO process.
Access to axially chiral aryl 1,3-dienes by transient group directed asymmetric C–H alkenylations
Authors: Shen Cong , Zhu Yuhang , Shen Wenzhou , Jin Shuqi , Zhong Guofu , Luo Shuxin , Xu Lixia , Zhong Liangjun , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2022

An enantioselective olefinic C–H alkenylation using transient group was disclosed to afford axially chiral aryl 1,3-dienes in up to 99% yields and up to >99% ee. The derived carboxylic acid was efficient ligand in asymmetric C–H alkylation.
Spirocyclic side chain of a non-fullerene acceptor enables efficient organic solar cells with reduced recombination loss and energetic disorder
Authors: Song Guangkun , Huang Yuzhong , Huang Fangfang , Wan Xiangjian , Li Chenxi , Yao Zhaoyang , Chen Yongsheng , Hou Yanhui
Published: February 2022

Suppressing intramolecular vibration of non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) by molecular rigidification has been proven to be an effective way to reduce the non-radiative recombination loss and energetic disorder of organic solar cells (OSCs).
Enhanced total flavonoid accumulation and alleviated growth inhibition of germinating soybeans by GABA under UV-B stress
Authors: Gu Minglang , Yang Jia , Tian Xin , Fang Weiming , Xu Jinpeng , Yin Yongqi
Published: February 2022

Effect of GABA on isoflavone metabolism in soybeans under UV-B treatment.
Synthesis, optical and ionic conductivity studies of a lithium cobalt germanate compound
Authors: Ben Yahya Sourour , Barillé Regis , Louati Bassem
Published: February 2022

A lithium cobalt germanate compound (Li2CoGeO4) was synthesized and studied.
Intramolecular photochemical [2 + 1]-cycloadditions of nucleophilic siloxy carbenes
Authors: Bunyamin Amanda , Hua Carol , Polyzos Anastasios , Priebbenow Daniel L.
Published: February 2022

Visible light induced singlet nucleophilic carbenes undergo rapid [2 + 1]-cycloaddition with tethered olefins to afford unique bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane and bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane scaffolds.
The rise of morphology-engineered microporous organic polymers (ME-MOPs): synthesis and benefits
Authors: Cho Kyoungil , Kang Chang Wan , Ryu Sang Hyun , Jang June Young , Son Seung Uk
Published: February 2022

Synthetic methods and benefits of morphology-engineered microporous organic polymers (ME-MOPs) were reviewed.
Single-crystal dielectrics for organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Chen Min , Peng Boyu , Li Hanying
Published: February 2022

This review focuses on the important role of the crystallinity of gate dielectrics in the performance of OFETs and recent progress in the application of single-crystal dielectrics in OFETs.
Facile preparation of a cellulose derived carbon/BN composite aerogel for superior electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Wang Dedong , Zhang Minyue , Guo Yan , Bai Tiantian , Liu Hu , Liu Chuntai , Shen Changyu
Published: February 2022

A cellulose derived carbon/BN composite aerogel (CCA/BN) exhibits efficient electromagnetic microwave absorption performances with a RLmin of −49.2 dB and an EAB of 8.16 GHz.
How lipids affect the energetics of co-translational alpha helical membrane protein folding
Authors: Brady Ryan , Harris Nicola J. , Pellowe Grant A. , Gulaidi Breen Samuel , Booth Paula J.
Published: February 2022

Membrane proteins need to fold with precision in order to function correctly, with misfolding potentially leading to disease. The proteins reside within a hydrophobic lipid membrane and must insert into the membrane and fold correctly, generally whilst they are being translated by the ribosome. Favourable and unfavourable free energy contributions are present throughout each stage of insertion and folding. The unfavourable energy cost of transferring peptide bonds into the hydrophobic membrane interior is compensated for by the favourable hydrophobic effect of partitioning a hydrophobic transmembrane alpha-helix into the membrane. Native membranes are composed of many different types of lipids, but how these different lipids influence folding and the associated free energies is not well understood. Altering the lipids in the bilayer is known to affect the probability of transmembrane helix insertion into the membrane, and lipids also affect protein stability and can promote successful folding. This review will summarise the free energy contributions associated with insertion and folding of alpha helical membrane proteins, as well as how lipids can make these processes more or less favourable. We will also discuss the implications of this work for the free energy landscape during the co-translational folding of alpha helical membrane proteins.
Decoding the sorghum methylome: understanding epigenetic contributions to agronomic traits
Authors: Vafadarshamasbi Ulduz , Mace Emma , Jordan David , Crisp Peter A.
Published: February 2022

DNA methylation is a chromatin modification that plays an essential role in regulating gene expression and genome stability and it is typically associated with gene silencing and heterochromatin. Owing to its heritability, alterations in the patterns of DNA methylation have the potential to provide for epigenetic inheritance of traits. Contemporary epigenomic technologies provide information beyond sequence variation and could supply alternative sources of trait variation for improvement in crops such as sorghum. Yet, compared with other species such as maize and rice, the sorghum DNA methylome is far less well understood. The distribution of CG, CHG, and CHH methylation in the genome is different compared with other species. CG and CHG methylation levels peak around centromeric segments in the sorghum genome and are far more depleted in the gene dense chromosome arms. The genes regulating DNA methylation in sorghum are also yet to be functionally characterised; better understanding of their identity and functional analysis of DNA methylation machinery mutants in diverse genotypes will be important to better characterise the sorghum methylome. Here, we catalogue homologous genes encoding methylation regulatory enzymes in sorghum based on genes in Arabidopsis, maize, and rice. Discovering variation in the methylome may uncover epialleles that provide extra information to explain trait variation and has the potential to be applied in epigenome-wide association studies or genomic prediction. DNA methylation can also improve genome annotations and discover regulatory elements underlying traits. Thus, improving our knowledge of the sorghum methylome can enhance our understanding of the molecular basis of traits and may be useful to improve sorghum performance.
ECC‐BERT: Classification of error correcting codes using the improved bidirectional encoder representation from transformers
Authors: Li Sida , Hu Xiaochang , Huang Zhiping , Zhou Jing
Published: February 2022

The recent concept of contextual information in error correcting code (ECC) can significantly improve the capacity of the blind recognition of codes with deep learning (DL) approaches. However, the fundamental challenges of existing DL‐based methods are inflexible structure and limited kernel size which bring great difficulties to exploit the characteristics of contextual information in ECC. To handle this problem, in this paper, a state‐of‐the‐art framework for natural language processing (NLP), bidirectional encoder representation from transformers (BERT), is utilized in ECC classification scenarios. To strengthen the effectiveness of contextual information, the BERT model is improved by weighted relative positional encoding and error bit embedding. The proposed approach achieves higher classification accuracy than the methods based on Gauss‐Jordan elimination and traditional deep learning schemes. Further simulation results show that the classification accuracy is affected by block length and the employment of weighted relative positional encoding and error bit embedding to a large extent.
Design of robust and low‐loss 3‐D printed double‐ridged waveguide to microstrip transition
Authors: Eriksrød Jon Håvard H. , Kjelgård Kristian G. , Lande Tor S.
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we present a new microstrip to waveguide transition design for interfacing printed circuit board (PCB) microstrip transmission lines with 3‐D printed metallised‐plastic waveguide components. Compared with traditional metal waveguides, interfacing with plastic‐based waveguides are challenging due to thermal and mechanical constraints. Despite the development of 3‐D printing technology, the precision of 3‐D printed waveguides is not as good as the machined metal counterparts. This is critical for microwave components and must be considered in the design process. To minimise the effect of non‐ideal waveguide components, a design methodology minimising sensitivity to geometrical variations in the 3‐D printed parts is proposed. By sandwiching the PCB between two waveguide sections and optimising the waveguide impedance transformation geometry, the design shows very low insertion loss. It is mechanically robust, cost effective and simple to manufacture. In full system integration, this transition design eliminates the need for expensive microwave cabling and connectors by directly mounting the waveguide to the microwave transceiver PCB. The proof‐of‐concept transition structure presented in this paper is suitable for microwave applications where low cost and low weight are critical, for example, drone‐based radars for remote sensing and space‐born satellites. The fabricated structure is characterised using two sets of waveguide components manufactured with different 3‐D printing technology and metallisation process': conductive spray painted Fused Deposition Modelling—Polylactic Acid (PLA Painted) and copper electroplated Stereolithography (SLA Plated). Scattering parameters for both types are measured in a short and back‐to‐back configuration, obtaining the reflection coefficient and insertion loss. Measurements indicate good agreement with modelling and measured performance exceeding prior art. The measured operation band of the Copper‐SLA version is 2.9–7.2 GHz with <−10 dB reflection coefficient (S11) and with an insertion loss (S21) of <0.7 dB. With the reduced metallisation and surface quality of the Spray‐PLA model, the band is shifted to 3.0–8.0 GHz with an increased S21 of <1.8 dB. The results demonstrate the importance of adopting new transition structures for 3‐D printed microwave components where the surface roughness, metallisation quality, and mechanical properties are less optimal. By combining the proposed design with 3‐D printed metallised microwave components, very light weight and cost‐effective antenna systems can be implemented. Radiation measurements of a 3‐D printed double ridge horn antenna connected to the waveguide and used as a feed are also presented, where the operation band is measured to 3–10 GHz with a gain of 5–10 dBi.
Phase‐shifted metasurface design for pseudo‐nondiffractive beam deflection
Authors: Yang Xiaoqing , Chen Tiantian , Lu Ping , Zou Ying , Li Weize , Liu Qian
Published: February 2022

A transmission phase‐shifted metasurface (PSM) array has been proposed for non‐diffractive beam deflection. A PSM element consists of two identical semicircular rings and an I‐shaped structure, which is symmetrically printed on both sides of the F4B substrate. According to the geometric optics, the phase distribution on the metasurface can be obtained. To achieve the desired phase distribution, the metasurface elements rotated at different angles are rearranged, since the phase of the transmitted wave is manipulated by rotating the metasurface element. Then, the standard horn is used to produce the sphere wave across the proposed metasurface array for the non‐diffractive beam deflection. Simulated (measured) results show that the inclined non‐diffractive beam can be generated at a tilted angle of 35° (34.9°) with a maximum non‐diffractive distance of 100 mm (97.5 mm) at 10 GHz. The proposed metasurface array has the advantages of non‐diffractive beam deflection, low sidelobes and miniaturisation.
EMD/HT‐based local fault detection in DC microgrid clusters
Authors: Bayati Navid , Baghaee Hamid Reza , Savaghebi Mehdi , Hajizadeh Amin , Soltani Mohsen , Lin Zhengyu
Published: February 2022

DC faults can create serious damages if not detected and isolated in a short time. This paper proposes a fault detection technique for DC faults to enhance the protection of DC microgrid clusters. To detect such faults accurately and quickly, a DC fault detection scheme using empirical mode decomposition and Hilbert transform is proposed. Due to the strict time limits for fault interruption caused by fast high‐rising fault currents in DC systems, DC microgrid clusters' protection remains a challenging task. Furthermore, high impedance faults (HIFs) in DC systems cause a small change in the current, which can damage the power electronic converters if not detected in time. Therefore, this paper proposes a local scheme for the fast detection of faults including HIFs in DC microgrid clusters. Both simulation and experimental results using a scaled DC microgrid cluster prototype and considering several scenarios (such as low impedance faults, HIFs, noise, overload, and bad calibration of sensors) demonstrate the successful and fast detection (less than 2 ms) of DC faults by the proposed method. Compared with other techniques, the proposed scheme presents its merits from the viewpoints of accuracy and speed.
Limb darkening and planetary transits
Authors: Neilson Hilding R. , Lester John B. , Baron Fabien
Published: February 2022

The ability to observe extrasolar planets transiting their stars has profoundly changed our understanding of these planetary systems. However, these measurements depend on how well we understand the properties of the host star, such as radius, luminosity, and limb darkening. Traditionally, limb darkening is treated as a parameterization in the analysis, but these simple parameterizations are not accurate representations of actual center-to-limb intensity variations (CLIV) to the precision needed for interpreting these transit observations. This effect leads to systematic errors for the measured planetary radii and corresponding measured spectral features. We computed synthetic planetary transit light curves using model stellar atmosphere CLIV and their corresponding best-fit limb-darkening laws for a grid of spherically symmetric model stellar atmospheres. From these light curves, we measured the differences in flux as a function of the star’s effective temperature, gravity, mass, and the inclination of the planet’s orbit. We find that the ratio of the planet radius to the radius of the star may have errors up to about 13% depending on stellar type, wavelength, and inclination of the orbit.
Precise radial velocities of giant stars
Authors: Wolthoff Vera , Reffert Sabine , Quirrenbach Andreas , Jones Matías I. , Wittenmyer Robert A. , Jenkins James S.
Published: February 2022

Context. Radial velocity surveys of evolved stars allow us to probe a higher stellar mass range, on average, compared to main-sequence samples. Hence, differences between the planet populations around the two target classes can be caused by either the differing stellar mass or stellar evolution. To properly disentangle the effects of both variables, it is important to characterize the planet population around giant stars as accurately as possible.

Aims. Our goal is to investigate the giant planet occurrence rate around evolved stars and determine its dependence on stellar mass, metallicity, and orbital period.

Methods. We combine data from three different radial velocity surveys targeting giant stars: the Lick giant star survey, the radial velocity program EXoPlanets aRound Evolved StarS (EXPRESS), and the Pan-Pacific Planet Search (PPPS), yielding a sample of 482 stars and 37 planets. We homogeneously rederived the stellar parameters of all targets and accounted for varying observational coverage, precision and stellar noise properties by computing a detection probability map for each star via injection and retrieval of synthetic planetary signals. We then computed giant planet occurrence rates as a function of period, stellar mass, and metallicity, corrected for incompleteness.

Results. Our findings agree with previous studies that found a positive planet-metallicity correlation for evolved stars and identified a peak in the giant planet occurrence rate as a function of stellar mass, but our results place it at a slightly smaller mass of (1.68 ± 0.59) M⊙. The period dependence of the giant planet occurrence rate seems to follow a broken power-law or log-normal distribution peaking at (718 ± 226) days or (797 ± 455) days, respectively, which roughly corresponds to 1.6 AU for a 1 M⊙ star and 2.0 AU for a 2 M⊙ star. This peak could be a remnant from halted migration around intermediate-mass stars, caused by stellar evolution, or an artifact from contamination by false positives. The completeness-corrected global occurrence rate of giant planetary systems around evolved stars is 10.7%−1.6%+2.2% for the entire sample, while the evolutionary subsets of RGB and HB stars exhibit 14.2%−2.7%+4.1% and 6.6%−1.3%+2.1%, respectively. However, both subsets have different stellar mass distributions and we demonstrate that the stellar mass dependence of the occurrence rate suffices to explain the apparent change of occurrence with the evolutionary stage.
Minimax solutions of Hamilton–Jacobi equations with fractional coinvariant derivatives
Authors: Gomoyunov Mikhail Igorevich
Published: February 2022

We consider a Cauchy problem for a Hamilton–Jacobi equation with coinvariant derivatives of an order α ∈ (0, 1). Such problems arise naturally in optimal control problems for dynamical systems which evolution is described by differential equations with the Caputo fractional derivatives of the order α. We propose a notion of a generalized in the minimax sense solution of the considered problem. We prove that a minimax solution exists, is unique, and is consistent with a classical solution of this problem. In particular, we give a special attention to the proof of a comparison principle, which requires construction of a suitable Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional.
Insight into the noble crayfish morphological diversity: a geometric morphometric approach
Authors: Lovrenčić Leona , Ferrón Humberto G. , Grbin Dorotea , Maguire Ivana
Published: February 2022

The noble crayfish (Astacus astacus), a keystone species of high ecological, economic, and cultural importance in Europe, is threatened due to a long-term population decline caused by anthropogenic pressure on its habitats, the presence of non-indigenous invasive crayfish species and climate change. Since the effective protection of the remaining populations requires conservation measures based on the comprehensive knowledge of the species, including good understanding of its genetic and morphological variability, our aim was to study morphological features of the noble crayfish in Croatia using geometric morphometrics for the first time. We applied two-dimensional geometric morphometrics to find morphological differences among 15 populations of the noble crayfish from Croatian freshwater habitats, grouped according to previously established (a) mitochondrial (genetic) lineages, (b) genetic clusters inferred from nuclear microsatellites, as well as (c) river basins and (d) habitat types (lotic, lentic). Overall, the results indicated the existence of morphological diversity among the studied populations of the noble crayfish in Croatia. Shape analysis showed differences in cephalon based on crayfish affiliation to different genetic lineages, genetic clusters, river basins and habitat types. Our study provided novel insights into morphological diversity of the endangered noble crayfish in the area of its high genetic diversity.
Fabrication of equiatomic FeCo alloy parts with high magnetic properties by fields activated sintering
Authors: Zhou Bohao , Yang Yi , Qin Yi , Yang Gang , Wu Mingxia
Published: February 2022

Electrical field activated sintering technology combined with micro-forming (Micro-FAST), as a new rapid powder sintering/forming method, is used to fabricate FeCo alloy parts. The successfully prepared FeCo parts have a high saturation of 214.11 emu/g and a low coercivity of 16 Oe, and these values are 20% and 10% higher than that of commercially available FeCoV alloy parts on the saturation and coercivity respectively. During the sintering process, the high current application shortened the densification time and enhanced the uniformity of the microstructure significantly. The grain sizes of FeCo alloys were in a range of 5–6 µm, and good isotropy was also shown. The low angle grain boundary (LAGB) accounted for more than 30% and the low angle misorientation accounted for more than 30% of the sample parts. Furthermore, the formation of the nano B2 phase was promoted during the Micro-FAST, and the size of the B2 phase was about 5 nm. The coherent interface between α and B2 was conducive for reducing the coercivity. As a consequence, the outstanding microstructure formed by Micro-FAST makes the FeCo alloys have high saturation and low coercivity.
Echinococcosis: a Challenge for Liver Sonography
Authors: Kratzer Wolfgang , Weimer Henriette , Schmidberger Julian
Published: February 2022

The sonographic findings in alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE) are complex and can pose significant differential diagnostic problems. They may present like complicated cysts or malignant tumors in the liver. We will discuss the diagnostic difficulties and pitfalls of these two diseases based on case histories.
Availability of Interventional Oncology in Germany in the Years 2018 and 2019 – Results from a Nationwide Database (DeGIR Registry Data)
Authors: Radosa Christoph Georg , Nadjiri Jonathan , Mahnken Andreas H. , Bücker Arno , Heuser Lothar J , Morhard Dominik , Landwehr Peter , Berlis Ansgar , Katoh Marcus , Reimer Peter , Schachtner Balthasar , Ingrisch Michael , Paprottka Philipp , Hoffmann Ralf-Thorsten
Published: February 2022

Objective Over the past few decades, radiology has established itself in tumor therapy through interventional oncology including innovative and efficient procedures for minimalinvasive treatment of various tumor entities besides the “classic” therapeutic options such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Aim of this study was to evaluate the extent to which interventional oncology can provide nationwide care using the data from the register of the German Society for Interventional Radiology and Minimally Invasive Therapy (DeGIR registry), which records radiological interventions as part of quality assurance.

Methods The numbers of interventions of participating clinics, which were recorded as part of module D (oncological procedures including TACE or other tumor-specific embolization, ablation, percutaneous tumor therapy) and identified by the DeGIR registry between 2018 and 2019, were analyzed retrospectively. The collected intervention data were evaluated regarding federal states and 40 smaller regions (administrative districts and former administrative districts).

Results In 2018, 11 653 oncological interventions in 187 clinics were recorded by the DeGIR registry. In 2019, the number of participating clinics rose to 216 and the number of oncological interventions increased by 6 % to 12 323. The average number of oncological interventions per clinic decreased slightly from 62.5 (2018) to 57.1 (2019). The DeGIR requirement for being certified as a training center was met by 116 clinics in 2018 including 31 clinics with more than 100 interventions and 129 clinics in 2019 including 36 with more than 100 interventions. Oncological interventions have been performed in each of the 40 regions. An average of 599 interventions per region (standard deviation of 414) was recorded in the period between 2018 and 2019.

Conclusion Based on the distribution of the documented oncological interventions at federal state level as well as the district level, the supply of interventional tumor therapy depends on the geographical location. Therefore, the demand of oncological interventions might not be sufficiently covered in some regions.

Key Points:

Citation Format
Nutzung und Adhärenz digitaler Angebote durch Patienten und Ärzte – unter Berücksichtigung des Alters
Authors: Grahammer Manuel , Sewerin Philipp
Published: February 2022

Die Digitalisierung des deutschen Gesundheitswesens schreitet stetig voran. Vielfältige digitale Gesundheitsangebote stehen dabei für verschiedene Indikationen und immer mehr Gruppen an Nutzer*innen zur Verfügung. Vermehrt wird sich daher mit der Adhärenz bei solchen digitalen Technologien auseinandergesetzt, die man als effektive Nutzung einer digitalen Anwendung oder Technologie gemäß den Vorgaben und Anleitungen der Hersteller*innen definieren kann. Diese digitale Adhärenz wird von einer Vielzahl an Faktoren beeinflusst. Betrachtet man insbesondere das Alter der Nutzer*innen, so zeigt sich, dass dieser Faktor weder einen generell-negativen noch generell-positiven signifikanten Einfluss auf die Adhärenz hat. Für eine hohe Adhärenz ist es wichtig, dass Entwickler*innen digitale Technologien nutzerorientiert konzipieren und die individuellen Bedürfnisse einzelner Nutzer*innen berücksichtigen. Aktuelle Forschung in der Rheumatologie beschäftigt sich ebenfalls mit digitalen Gesundheitsangeboten, in denen großes Potenzial für eine bessere und effizientere Versorgung liegt, sowie mit der Adhärenz dieser Angebote. Dabei zeigt sich eine große Bereitschaft zur Nutzung digitaler Technologien, unter anderem auch bei älteren Nutzer*innen. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über Nutzung und Adhärenz digitaler Gesundheitsangebote unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Alters der Nutzer*innen und betrachtet die Implikationen für die Rheumatologie als Fachbereich.
Applicability of CO-RADS in an Anonymized Cohort Including Early and Advanced Stages of COVID-19 in Comparison to the Recommendations of the German Radiological Society and Radiological Society of North America
Authors: Valentin Birte , Steuwe Andrea , Wienemann Tobias , Andree Marcel , Keitel Verena , Ljimani Alexandra , Appel Elisabeth , Köhler Marie-Helen , Rademacher Christin , Aissa Joel , Antoch Gerald , Loberg Christina
Published: February 2022

Purpose Classifications were created to facilitate radiological evaluation of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on computed tomography (CT) images. The categorical CT assessment scheme (CO-RADS) categorizes lung parenchymal changes according to their likelihood of being caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study investigates the diagnostic accuracy of diagnosing COVID-19 with CO-RADS compared to the Thoracic Imaging Section of the German Radiological Society (DRG) classification and Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) classification in an anonymized patient cohort. To mimic advanced disease stages, follow-up examinations were included as well.

Method This study includes all patients undergoing chest CT in the case of a suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection or an already confirmed infection between March 13 and November 30, 2020. During the study period, two regional lockdowns occurred due to high incidence values, increasing the pre-test probability of COVID-19. Anonymized CT images were reviewed retrospectively and in consensus by two radiologists applying CO-RADS, DRG, and RSNA classification. Afterwards, CT findings were compared to results of sequential real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) test performed during hospitalization to determine statistical analysis for diagnosing COVID-19.

Results 536 CT examinations were included. CO-RADS, DRG and RSNA achieved an NPV of 96 %/94 %/95 % (CO-RADS/DRG/RSNA), PPV of 83 %/80 %/88 %, sensitivity of 86 %/76 %/80 %, and specificity of 96 %/95 %/97 %. The disease prevalence was 20 %.

Conclusion All applied classifications can reliably exclude a SARS-CoV-2 infection even in an anonymous setting. Nevertheless, pre-test probability was high in our study setting and has a great influence on the classifications. Therefore, the applicability of the individual classifications will become apparent in the future with lower prevalence and incidence of COVID-19.

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Cranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Hypotonic Infants with
Cobalamin Deficiency and Combined Methylmalonic Aciduria and
Homocystinuria
Authors: Dilber Beril , Eyüboğlu İlker
Published: February 2022

Vitamin B12 begins to accumulate in infants within the first six months while
mothers often remain asymptomatic and infantile vitamin B12 deficiency may not
be noticed until the onset of neurological effects. In infants with Cbl
deficiency, long-term exposure to elevated methylmalonic acid and homocysteine
(MMA-HC) may have toxic effects on the central nervous system. The aim of this
study was to evaluate cranial magnetic resonance (MRI) findings of 23 hypotonic
infants that were followed up with a diagnosis of nutritional Cbl deficiency and
combined MMA-HC. Of the 78 infants that presented with hypotonicity, 23
(29.4%) infants were detected with vitamin B12 deficiency. Elevated
MMA-HC levels were detected in all patients (100%). Cranial MRI showed
cortical atrophy in 6 (26.0%)-large sylvian fissures in 7
(30.4%)-ventricular dilatation in 5 (21.7%)-corpuscallosal
thinning in 6 (26.0%)-delayed myelination in 3 (13%), and normal
in 8 (34.7%) infants.Infants detected with corpus callosal thinning and
cortical atrophy on MRI. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a treatable condition, it
should be suspected in infants presenting with hypotonicity. Neuroradiological
findings should be considered in the diagnosis of such patients.
İnfantile nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency, which can be a source of
persistent neurological deficits during the long term, should be treated to
allow the patient to allow healthy neuro-development for infants. Maternal and
fetal vitamin B12 levels should be assessed during the third trimester of
pregnancy to prevent long-term exposure to infantile vitamin B12 deficiency.
Quantitative Analysis of DCE and DSC-MRI: From Kinetic Modeling to Deep Learning
Authors: Rotkopf Lukas T. , Zhang Kevin Sun , Tavakoli Anoshirwan Andrej , Bonekamp David , Ziener Christian Herbert , Schlemmer Heinz-Peter
Published: February 2022

Background Perfusion MRI is a well-established imaging modality with a multitude of applications in oncological and cardiovascular imaging. Clinically used processing methods, while stable and robust, have remained largely unchanged in recent years. Despite promising results from novel methods, their relatively minimal improvement compared to established methods did not generally warrant significant changes to clinical perfusion processing.

Results and Conclusion Machine learning in general and deep learning in particular, which are currently revolutionizing computer-aided diagnosis, may carry the potential to change this situation and truly capture the potential of perfusion imaging. Recent advances in the training of recurrent neural networks make it possible to predict and classify time series data with high accuracy. Combining physics-based tissue models and deep learning, using either physics-informed neural networks or universal differential equations, simplifies the training process and increases the interpretability of the resulting models. Due to their versatility, these methods will potentially be useful in bridging the gap between microvascular architecture and perfusion parameters, akin to MR fingerprinting in structural MR imaging. Still, further research is urgently needed before these methods may be used in clinical practice.

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Hydrogen-Bonded Xanthones as Potential UV Absorbers: The Synthesis of Xanthones from Bio-Renewable Cardanol Utilizing a Ceric Ammonium Sulfate (CAS)-Mediated Oxidation Reaction
Authors: de Koning Charles B. , Jagot Fatema , Minnie Izak , Rahman Aliyaah , Ntsimango Songeziwe , Ngwira Kennedy J.
Published: February 2022

The synthesis of hydrogen-bonded xanthones by using biorenewable hydrogenated cardanol (3-pentadecylphenol) is described. Hydrogenated cardanol was initially converted into various hydroxybenzophenones. These benzophenones were converted into xanthones by utilizing an oxidative ceric ammonium sulfate-mediated reaction. A subsequent ruthenium-mediated late-stage oxidation of the xanthones provided hydrogen-bonded xanthones, which displayed good UVA and UVB absorbing properties.
Biaryl Coupling of Aryldiazonium Salts and Arylboronic Acids Catalysed by Gold
Authors: Medina-Mercado Ignacio , Porcel Susana
Published: February 2022

A gold-catalysed coupling of aryldiazonium salts with arylboronic acids is described. The reactions proceed in satisfactory yields under irradiation with blue LEDs in the presence of KF and a catalytic amount of ascorbic acid. Notably, 4-nitrobenzendiazonium tetrafluoro­borate is sufficiently reactive to undergo the coupling with a variety of arylboronic acids in the absence of aryl radical initiators. The coupling is applicable for electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups present at the para, ortho, and meta positions of both substrates.
Levels and Predictors of Anxiety and Depression in Turkish Pregnant Woman During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aba Yılda Arzu , Dulger Ozlem , Sık Bulat Aytek , Ozolcay Ozan
Published: February 2022

Objective In addition to being a medical phenomenon, pandemics affect the individual and society on several levels and lead to disruptions. In the pandemic process, different groups in the population, including pregnant women as a defenseless group, are subjected to psychological threat. The present study aimed to determine the levels of anxiety and depression and related factors in pregnant women during the the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted with 269 pregnant women through face-to-face interviews held in Istanbul, Turkey. Regarding the data collection tools, the Cronbach α reliability coefficient was of 0.90 for the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and of 0.85 for the Beck Depression Inventory.

Results Among the participating pregnant women, 30.5% had mild, 17.5% had moderate, and 5.9% had severe anxiety symptoms, whereas 35.3% had mild, 16.7% had moderate, and 2.2% had severe depression symptoms. We found that those who were concerned about their health had 5.36 times (p = 0.04) more risk of developing anxiety, and 4.82 times (p = 0.01) more risk of developing depression than those who were not concerned. Those who had a history of psychiatric disease had 3.92 times (p = 0.02) more risk of developing anxiety than those without it.

Conclusion We determined that about half of the pregnant women included in the study had some degree of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. The risk factors for anxiety and depression among the pregnant women were determined as smoking, concerns about health and getting infected with the coronavirus, history of psychiatric disease, and undergoing regular antenatal care.
Estimate of Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity of Pregnant Women and Associated Factors
Authors: Carvalho Mariana Rinaldi , Crivellenti Lívia Castro , Sartorelli Daniela Saes
Published: February 2022

Objective To investigate the dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) of pregnant women, and associated factors.

Methods Cross-sectional study conducted with 785 pregnant adult women attended in primary health care centers of Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Two 24-hour dietary recalls were obtained, and the usual intake was estimated through the Multiple Source Method. The DTAC was estimated using the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. The relationship between the higher DTAC estimate (≥ median of 4.3 mmol/day) and associated factors was investigated using adjusted logistic models with backward selection.

Results In total, 25% of the pregnant women were classified as overweight, and 32% as obese. The median (P25, P75) DTAC was 4.3 (3.3–5.6) mmol/day. Through adjusted logistic regression models with backward selection, a higher chance of DTAC estimates above the median among pregnant women aged ≥ 35 years old (2.01 [1.24–3.27]) was verified when compared with younger pregnant women. Women with prepregnancy overweight (0.63 [0.45–0.89]) and obesity (0.59 [0.40–0.88]) presented a lower chance of DTAC estimates above the median when compared with eutrophic pregnant women. A higher DTAC estimate was positively associated with the use of dietary supplements (1.39 [1.03–1.88]), and negatively associated with total dietary energy (0.59 [0.42–0.85]).

Conclusion The DTAC estimate over the median was associated with greater age, adequate body weight, use of dietary supplements, and lower energy intake.
Expression of Endothelin-1 and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Normal and Preeclamptic Placentae
Authors: Khaing Aung , Swe Aye Thet , Aung Cho Lwin , Thwin Mya Mya , Sein Mya Thanda
Published: February 2022

Objective To investigate the expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) in normal and preeclamptic (PE) placentae.

Methods The present cross-sectional analytical study was performed in normal and PE primigravidae (n = 10 in each group) who were admitted to the North Okkalapa General and Teaching Hospital from February 2019 to February 2020. Serum samples were collected immediately before delivery, and placental tissues were collected immediately after emergency or elective cesarean section. The expression of placental eNOS was measured by western blot, and the levels of ET-1 in placental tissue homogenates and in the serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results The PE group had significantly higher serum levels of ET-1 (median: 116.56 pg/mL; IQR: 89.14–159.62 pg/mL) than the normal group (median: 60.02 pg/mL; IQR: 50.89–94.37 pg/mL) (p < 0.05). However, statistically significant differences were not observed in the levels of ET-1 in placental tissue homogenates between normal and PE placentae (median: 0.007 pg/µg of total protein; IQR: 0.002–0.0123 pg/µg of total protein; and median: 0.005 pg/µg of total protein; IQR: 0.003–0.016 pg/µg of total protein respectively). The median and IQR values of relative placental eNOS expression were significantly higher in the PE group than in the normal group (p < 0.05). The serum levels of ET-1 level were not significantly correlated with placental ET-1 expression, and neither there was a significant correlation between placental ET-1 and eNOS expression in any of the groups.

Conclusion The serum levels of ET-1 were significantly higher in PE pregnant women compared with normal pregnant women, while the ET-1 levels of placental tissue homogenates were not significantly different. Serum ET-1 rather than placental ET-1 might play a major role in the pathogenesis of PE.