bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleeping at the switch
Authors: Bouchard Maude , Lina Jean-Marc , Gaudreault Pierre-Olivier , Lafrenière Alexandre , Dubé Jonathan , Gosselin Nadia , Carrier Julie
Published: August 2021

Sleep slow waves are studied for their role in brain plasticity, homeostatic regulation, and their changes during aging. Here, we address the possibility that two types of slow waves co-exist in humans. Thirty young and 29 older adults underwent a night of polysomnographic recordings. Using the transition frequency, slow waves with a slow transition (slow switchers) and those with a fast transition (fast switchers) were discovered. Slow switchers had a high electroencephalography (EEG) connectivity along their depolarization transition while fast switchers had a lower connectivity dynamics and dissipated faster during the night. Aging was associated with lower temporal dissipation of sleep pressure in slow and fast switchers and lower EEG connectivity at the microscale of the oscillations, suggesting a decreased flexibility in the connectivity network of older individuals. Our findings show that two different types of slow waves with possible distinct underlying functions coexist in the slow wave spectrum.
PRMT5 regulates ovarian follicle development by facilitating Wt1 translation
Authors: Chen Min , Dong Fangfang , Chen Min , Shen Zhiming , Wu Haowei , Cen Changhuo , Cui Xiuhong , Bao Shilai , Gao Fei
Published: August 2021

Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (Prmt5) is the major type II enzyme responsible for symmetric dimethylation of arginine. Here, we found that PRMT5 was expressed at high level in ovarian granulosa cells of growing follicles. Inactivation of Prmt5 in granulosa cells resulted in aberrant follicle development and female infertility. In Prmt5-knockout mice, follicle development was arrested with disorganized granulosa cells in which WT1 expression was dramatically reduced and the expression of steroidogenesis-related genes was significantly increased. The premature differentiated granulosa cells were detached from oocytes and follicle structure was disrupted. Mechanism studies revealed that Wt1 expression was regulated by PRMT5 at the protein level. PRMT5 facilitated IRES-dependent translation of Wt1 mRNA by methylating HnRNPA1. Moreover, the upregulation of steroidogenic genes in Prmt5-deficient granulosa cells was repressed by Wt1 overexpression. These results demonstrate that PRMT5 participates in granulosa cell lineage maintenance by inducing Wt1 expression. Our study uncovers a new role of post-translational arginine methylation in granulosa cell differentiation and follicle development.
The stability of soil organic carbon across topographies in a tropical rainforest
Authors: Jiang Yamin , Yang Huai , Yang Qiu , Liu Wenjie , Li Zhaolei , Mao Wei , Wang Xu , Tan Zhenghong
Published: August 2021

Mechanisms of soil organic carbon (SOC) stability are still unclear in forest ecosystems. In order to unveil the influences of topography on the SOC stability, a 60ha dynamic plot of a tropical montane rainforest was selected in Jianfengling, in Hainan Island, China and soil was sampled from 60 quadrats. The chemical fractions of the SOC were detected with 13C CPMAS/NMR and path analyses explore the mechanisms of SOC stability in different topographies. The chemical fractions of the SOC comprised alkyl carbon > O-alkyl carbon > carboxyl carbon > aromatic carbon. The decomposition index (DI) values were greater than 1 in the different topographies, with an average DI value was 1.29, which indicated that the SOC in the study area was stable. Flat and top areas (together named RF) had more favorable nutrients and silt contents compared with steep and slight steep areas (together named RS). The influencing factors of SOC stability varied across the topographies, where SOC, soil moisture (SM) and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH4+-N, AN) were the main influencing factors in the RF, while SM and AN were the main factors in the RS. Greater SOC and AN strengthened the SOC stability, while higher soil moisture lowered SOC stability. The inertia index was higher in the RS than the RF areas, indicating that local topography significantly affects SOC content and SOC stability by changing soil environmental factors. Topography cannot be neglected in considering SOC stability and future C budgets.
Metaplastic Carcinoma of Breast: A Rare Pathological Entity- A Study of 10 Cases from Tertiary Care Centre in Northern India
Authors: Gathwal Monika B , Gathwal Chiranjeev Kumar , Agarwal Ruchi , Saluja Swaran Kaur , Singh Kulwant , Agarwal Deepti , Rana Parveen , Kamra Hemlata
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Metaplastic Carcinoma of Breast (MCB) is a rare heterogeneous neoplasm characterised by a mixture of adenocarcinoma with dominant areas of spindle cells, squamous and other mesenchymal differentiation. The reported incidence is 0.2% of all breast cancers. Aim: To study the clinicopathological profile of MCB. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study included 10 cases of MCB who underwent mastectomy and biopsies at BPS GMC Khanpur Kalan, Sonipat, Haryana, India from March 2013 to February 2020. Results: Out of 10 cases, five cases were MCB Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) type, four cases were MCB with mesenchymal differentiation and one case showed rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation. The right breast was involved in nine cases. The mean size of tumour was 8 cm with range of 3 to 16 cm. Five patients were treated by modified radical mastectomy and axillary dissection, four patients had lumpectomy and one patient underwent mastectomy. Half of the patients were below 40 years with the mean age being 36.8 years and range of 21-60 years. On Immunohistochemistry (IHC), 90% (9/10) cases were triple negative. Conclusion: MCB, although rare has to be diagnosed and excised at the earliest as the prognosis is predicted to be worse similar to other triple negative breast carcinomas. Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) at the tumour periphery and co-expression of vimentin and cytokeratin would help to clinch the diagnosis in difficult situations.
Reduced Daptomycin Susceptibility in Clinical MRSA Isolates Showing Vancomycin MIC Creep Phenomenon
Authors: Kulkarni Ketaki Vyankatesh , Pathak Niranjan , Kulkarni Sandhya Sadanand
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Infections caused by Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are associated with increased morbidity, longer antimicrobial therapy, etc. First option for treating invasive MRSA infections is glycopeptide vancomycin. Daptomycin, a lipopeptide rapidly bactericidal invitro against MRSA, is an acceptable alternative. Aim: To identify MRSA isolates from clinical specimens and assess their vancomycin and daptomycin susceptibility pattern. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of six months (January 2019 to June 2019) on 90 clinical samples in a rural teaching hospital in Pune, Maharashtra, India, including all samples except sputum received in the Microbiology laboratory. MRSA isolates were tested for vancomycin and daptomycin susceptibility by Epsilometer (E) test Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) method. Results: Among 90 MRSA isolates, most were from pus (51) followed by Urine (23), Blood (9), followed by Miscellaneous samples (7). Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 software. All MRSA isolates in this study were susceptible to daptomycin with MIC in the range of 0.25-1 μg/mL with maximum isolates (39) with MIC of 0.38 μg/mL. Vancomycin MIC creep phenomenon was observed in 68 isolates. All these isolates also showed reduced susceptibility to daptomycin. Conclusion: MRSA in hospital set up mandates strict infection control practices in place. Daptomycin can be a good therapeutic alternative to treat infections caused by MRSA keeping in mind its therapeutic limitations and prior vancomycin usage in the same patient. Empirical therapy should always be based on antibiogram pattern. Adherence to hospital antibiotic policy and constant surveillance of antimicrobial resistance is the need of the hour.
Co-existence of Malaria and Dengue: An Incidental Observation
Authors: Singh Bharat , Jayant Saurabh , Dehariya Ranjana , Rathore Chandra Pratap Singh , Sharan Hariom , Bajpai Trupti
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Malaria and dengue are two most important arthropod borne diseases responsible for high morbidity and mortality across the globe. Both these communicable diseases have been a major threat to the public health not only in India but also in other tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Aim: To study the prevalence of Dengue and Malaria along with the cases of co-infection among the patients visiting a tertiary care hospital located in central India. Materials and Methods: The present prospective study was conducted for a period of two years from January 2019 to December 2020, in the serology section of the Department of Microbiology of a teaching tertiary care hospital. Three to five millilitres (mL) of venous blood samples from 1519 patients were tested for both dengue (NS1 antigen, IgM and IgG antibodies) by Enzyme Linked Immunosorebent Assay (ELISA) method and malaria peripheral smear and antigen by immunochromatographic method. All demographic parameters were simultaneously analysed. Statistical analysis was performed with the help of Chi-square test. Results: Out of 1519 blood samples tested, 267 (17.5%) samples were positive for dengue and six (0.39%) samples were positive for malaria. No case of co-infection was detected. Maximum dengue cases were detected during post monsoon period while malaria cases were detected in monsoon and post monsoon period. Among the various dengue positive cases, 185 (69.2%) patients were diagnosed with recent primary infection while 20 (7.49%) patients had primary infection. Conclusion: The present study concluded that seroprevalence of dengue was high in our geographical region with malaria being negligible. Present study incidentally recorded the fact that the two diseases may co-exist in an individual but both the vectors rarely share the same geographical site.
The Impact of Floating Net Cage (FNC) on Primary Productivity in Cirata Reservoir Waters
Authors: Arrasyid Sayyid , Hasan Zahidah , Apriliani Izza Mahdiana , Herawati Heti
Published: August 2021

Cirata Reservoir is one of the three cascade reservoirs fed by the Citarum Watershed with an area of ​​62 km2 (6.200 ha) and has a water volume of 1.900 million m3. The great potential of the waters in the Cirata Reservoir is utilized by the local community as a source of livelihood, namely by conducting aquaculture activities using floating net cages (FNC) in excess. FNC is thought to be a source of waste that reduces reservoir water quality. This research aims to determine the impact of FNC cultivation on primary productivity with different FNC densities at each station. The research was conducted in Cianjur Regency by taking on three stations, namely in the areas of Jangari, Maleber, and Patok Beusi on November 6 - December 8, 2019. The method used in the research was purposive sampling then analyzed in detail and quantitatively. The results show that reservoir waters have an average of physical parameters, namely temperature 32.2-32.6oC, transparency 0.59-0.68 meters, pH 7.1-7.3, carbon dioxide 15.4-16.1 mg / l, Dissolved Oxygen 6.9-7.3 mg / l, Biochemical Oxygen Demand 6.1-7.8 mg / l, nitrate 0.208-0.222 mg / l, ammonia 0.002833-0.003056 mg / l, phosphate 0,165-0,167 mg / l and primary productivity 240,36-277,90 mgC/m3/hour. This shows that the water indicator is still classified as good because it does not exceed the water quality standard.
First-aid Resources Availability and Attitudes of Senior High School Students in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed Mustapha , Jibril Amina , Razak Atinga Adam Abdul , Nukpezah Ruth Nimota
Published: August 2021

Aims: This study aims to explore the availability of first-aid resources in Senior High Schools and the attitudes of students towards giving first-aid in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was performed. This study was conducted in three different senior high schools, namely, Ghana Senior High School, Business Senior High School and Vitting Senior High School during April - July 2020.

The study recruited 381 students across the three schools. Students were categorized per their course of study and randomly sampled to attain the sample size. The median was used to determine the likeliest response of the ‘average’ respondent and Inter-Quartile Range (IQR) was used to measure dispersion in Likert scale questions.

Results: About 57.2% of participants stated that equipped first-aid kits were not provided in dormitories. All three schools lacked fire extinguishers in the dormitories. The schools also lacked equipped sick bays. A significant relationship was found between students’ perception of school safety and their attitude towards giving first aid (p-value = 0.005).

Conclusion: All schools had implemented the Ministry of Education safety standards and guidelines to a lesser extent. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education must play its supervisory role by ensuring the implementation of safety standards and guidelines on health and safety in the schools.
Determinants of Halal Awareness and Its Implications for Behavioral Intention
Authors: Mastarida Friska , Jasfar Farida , Hady Hamdy
Published: August 2021

Aims: This study aims to investigate the effect of consumer awareness influenced by knowledge, religiosity, and subjective norm on behavioral intention to buy halal food products in Indonesia.

Methodology: Structural equation modeling methods were used in hypothesis testing.

Results: The eight tests show no causal relationship between Knowledge and Behavioral Intention. This means that Knowledge does not significantly influence Behavioral Intention to buy halal products. Furthermore, Knowledge, Religiosity, and Subjective Norm have a significant simultaneous influence on Attitude. Similarly, Knowledge, Religiosity, Subjective Norm, and Attitude have a significant concurrent influence on Behavioral Intention. 

Conclusion: In scientific development, theoretical contributions in halal food are carried out by adding variables, including halalness value creation quality to develop a sustainable halal ecosystem. However, further research should be conducted, especially in the value creation process using another grand supporting theory.

Novelty: This study uses quantitative analysis by providing a new conceptual model and the relationship between variables based on consumer culture theory as a novelty.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Attendance of Non-Urgent Cases of Pediatric Emergency Room in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almutlaq Mutlaq , Alsuliman Yazid
Published: August 2021

The care for emergency conditions is an important feature of developed the systems of                 healthcare. Emergency medicine is the medical specialty dedicated to diagnosis and treatment of unforeseen illness or injuries. Overcrowding of Emergency Room (ER) by non-urgent cases is a problem that should be raised and reasons for that need to be sought. The aim is to identify the prevalence and factors behind non-urgent cases attending to acute care in Riyadh. This is a cross-sectional study which was conducted over a one-year period. Questionnaires were distributed to parents of children ≤14 years attending pediatric emergency room (ER) in multiple hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The sample size was 383 participants recruited using convenience sampling technique. The inclusion criteria comprised of pediatrics ≤14 years attending to ER with urgent cases (level 1, 2 and 3 according to Emergency Severity Index) and minor trauma (contusion, abrasion), sore throat, upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), mild abdominal pain, vomiting alone or diarrhea alone with no sign of dehydration of (level 4 and 5 according to Emergency Severity Index). 383 questionnaires were collected. The sample consisted mostly of females 56%. Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) was the highest reason for pediatric emergency room visits (55.1%). Only 12.2% have visited primary health care (PHC) prior to emergency room. Most of participants have sources for medical advice other than emergency physicians (80.3%). Results also show that many parents who have brought their kids to emergency lacked the knowledge that their cases could be managed in primary health care (76.2%). In Conclusion, results have shown that many parents choose ER whenever their children have any symptoms. Reasons for that varied between each participant. Many participants are ignorant of the capabilities of PHC centers, and their services. Raising awareness regarding primary health should be the objective to reduce number of non-urgent cases visiting emergency room.
3D Microphysiological System‐Inspired Scalable Vascularized Tissue Constructs for Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Bang Seokyoung , Tahk Dongha , Choi Young Hwan , Lee Somin , Lim Jungeun , Lee Seung‐Ryeol , Kim Byung‐Soo , Kim Hong Nam , Hwang Nathaniel S. , Jeon Noo Li
Published: August 2021

Microphysiological systems (MPSs), based on microfabrication technologies and cell culture, can faithfully recapitulate the complex physiology of various tissues. However, 3D tissues formed using MPS have limitations in size and accessibility; their use in regenerative medicine is, therefore, still challenging. Here, an MPS‐inspired scale‐up vascularized engineered tissue construct that can be used in regenerative medicine is designed. Endothelial cell‐laden hydrogels are sandwiched between two through‐hole membranes. The microhole array in the through‐hole membranes enables the molecular transport across the hydrogel layer, allowing long‐term cell culture. Furthermore, the time‐controlled delamination of through‐hole membranes enables the harvesting of cell‐cultured hydrogel constructs without damaging the capillary network. Importantly, when the tissue constructs are implanted in a mouse ischemic model, they protect against necrosis and promoted functional recovery to a greater extent than implanted cells, hydrogels, and simple gel–cell mixtures.
Light Propagation in Transparent Wood: Efficient Ray‐Tracing Simulation and Retrieving an Effective Refractive Index of Wood Scaffold
Authors: Pang Jiu , Baitenov Adil , Montanari Céline , Samanta Archana , Berglund Lars , Popov Sergei , Zozoulenko Igor
Published: August 2021

Transparent wood (TW), a biocomposite material demonstrating optical transparency in the visible range, has attracted much interest in recent years due to great potential for ecofriendly applications, for instance, in construction industry and functionalized organic materials. Optical properties of TW, including transparency and haze, depend on a particular structure of cellulose‐based backbone compound, (mis‐)matching of the refractive indices (RIs) between TW compounds, and the polymer matrix. Although there are data of cellulose RIs for various forms of cellulose (fibers, powder, hot‐pressed films, etc.), these values might differ from an effective RI of the TW substrate. Herein, a numerical model of light propagation in the TW, based on the real cellular structure in wood, is presented and applied to estimate an effective RI of the delignified wood reinforcement in the experimentally investigated TW material. Ray‐tracing and rigorous electromagnetic approaches are compared for modeling light propagation in the TW. Ray tracing demonstrates considerably simplified yet accurate and efficient solutions. The work brings substantial progress toward realistic and practical wood modeling for the purpose of applications, materials design, and fundamental studies.
Vibrationally Induced Photophysical Response of Sr2NaMg2V3O12:Eu3+ for Dual‐Mode Temperature Sensing and Safety Signs
Authors: Bindhu Amrithakrishnan , Naseemabeevi Jawahar I. , Ganesanpotti Subodh
Published: August 2021

In the dual‐emitting Eu3+‐activated Sr2NaMg2V3O12 garnet, vibrationally induced thermometric response and thermochromic luminescence are investigated for the first time. Based on the diverse thermal quenching of VO43− and Eu3+ along with the advantage of variation in the fluorescence intensity ratio, a potential phosphor for sensitive dual‐mode ratiometric and colorimetric temperature sensors is proposed in which maximum absolute and relative sensitivity of 0.0135 K−1 and 1.61% K−1 are obtained at 420 K with a temperature resolution <0.2 K. Efficient thermochromic luminescence in which colorific shift from white (300 K) to red (500 K) is observed such that the requirement of larger number of phonons weakens the nonradiative relaxation of Eu3+, resulting in slow quenching, substantiated by estimating radiative and nonradiative decay rates by the 4f–4f intensity method. In contrast, a strong vibrational coupling of excited electrons of the VO43− complex is identified and verified by means of temperature‐dependent Raman and photoluminescence excitation spectra for the first time. Consequently, an increased thermal population of vibrational levels favors rapid thermal quenching of luminescence of VO43− via crossover mechanism. Hence dual‐centered Sr2NaMg2V3O12:Eu is an efficient thermometric and thermochromic luminescent material for optical thermometry and safety sign applications in a high‐temperature environment.
Macrophage‐Disguised Manganese Dioxide Nanoparticles for Neuroprotection by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Modulating Inflammatory Microenvironment in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Li Chao , Zhao Zhenhao , Luo Yifan , Ning Tingting , Liu Peixin , Chen Qinjun , Chu Yongchao , Guo Qin , Zhang Yiwen , Zhou Wenxi , Chen Hongyi , Zhou Zheng , Wang Yu , Su Boyu , You Haoyu , Zhang Tongyu , Li Xuwen , Song Haolin , Li Chufeng , Sun Tao , Jiang Chen
Published: August 2021

Reperfusion injury is still a major challenge that impedes neuronal survival in ischemic stroke. However, the current clinical treatments are remained on single pathological process, which are due to lack of comprehensive neuroprotective effects. Herein, a macrophage‐disguised honeycomb manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanosphere loaded with fingolimod (FTY) is developed to salvage the ischemic penumbra. In particular, the biomimetic nanoparticles can accumulate actively in the damaged brain via macrophage‐membrane protein‐mediated recognition with cell adhesion molecules that are overexpressed on the damaged vascular endothelium. MnO2 nanosphere can consume excess hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and convert it into desiderated oxygen (O2), and can be decomposed in acidic lysosome for cargo release, so as to reduce oxidative stress and promote the transition of M1 microglia to M2 type, eventually reversing the proinflammatory microenvironment and reinforcing the survival of damaged neuron. This biomimetic nanomedicine raises new strategy for multitargeted combined treatment of ischemic stroke.
Stretchable and Conductive Composite Structural Color Hydrogel Films as Bionic Electronic Skins
Authors: Zhang Hui , Guo Jiahui , Wang Yu , Sun Lingyu , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: August 2021

Electronic skins have received increasing attention in biomedical areas. Current efforts about electronic skins are focused on the development of multifunctional materials to improve their performance. Here, the authors propose a novel natural‐synthetic polymers composite structural color hydrogel film with high stretchability, flexibility, conductivity, and superior self‐reporting ability to construct ideal multiple‐signal bionic electronic skins. The composite hydrogel film is prepared by using the mixture of polyacrylamide (PAM), silk fibroin (SF), poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (4‐styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS, PP), and graphene oxide (GO) to replicate colloidal crystal templates and construct inverse opal scaffolds, followed by subsequent acid treatment. Due to these specific structures and components, the resultant film is imparted with vivid structural color and high conductivity while retaining the composite hydrogel's original stretchability and flexibility. The authors demonstrate that the composite hydrogel film has obvious color variation and electromechanical properties during the stretching and bending process, which could thus be utilized as a multi‐signal response electronic skin to realize real‐time color sensing and electrical response during human motions. These features indicate that the proposed composite structural color hydrogel film can widen the practical value of bionic electronic skins.
Vicinal Trifluoromethylthioamination of Alkenes with Trifluoromethanesulfenamides
Authors: Kesavan Arunachalam , Anbarasan Pazhamalai
Published: August 2021

A general and efficient vicinal trifluoromethylthioamination of alkenes has been accomplished at room temperature in the presence of BF3 ⋅ OEt2 using trifluoromethanesulfenamides. Diversely substituted trifluoromethylthiolated amine derivatives were achieved in good yields in a single step. Importantly, trifluoromethanesulfenamides play dual role as ‘SCF3’ and amine source, which allows high atom‐efficient approach to access 1‐trifluoromethylthio‐2‐aminoalkane derivatives.
Diafiltration of Highly Concentrated Suspensions with Fine Particles by Dynamic Disk Filtration
Authors: Goldnik Denis , Lösch Philipp , Ripperger Siegfried , Nikolaus Kai , Antonyuk Sergiy
Published: August 2021

A method for washing highly concentrated suspensions with fine particles by using a filter with overlapping disks was studied. For the experiments, alumina and titanium dioxide suspensions were used. It was demonstrated that the used suspensions have non‐Newtonian behavior. The viscosity is influenced by the type of particle system, the solid concentration, and the shear rate. The washing process is operated in a discontinuous and a continuous way. The rotation of the disks and the shear flow across their surface prevents the formation of a filter cake and facilitates the handling of suspensions. The shear stresses at the filter disk and the rheology of the processed suspensions are both influenced by the type of particle system, the solid concentration, and the process parameters.
CO2 gasification kinetics of Shenhua bituminous coal by isothermal thermogravimetric analysis
Authors: Zhang Jinzhi , Wang Zhiqi , Zhao Ruidong , Wu Jinhu
Published: August 2021

Gasification kinetic analysis of three Shenhua bituminous coal samples with various particle size ranges were carried out at three different temperatures (1000, 950, and 900°C) for 30 min using the gasifying agent of CO2 with the flow rate of 40 ml min−1. The average particle sizes for sample A, sample B, and sample C were 43.4, 168, and 293 μm, respectively. Experimental results indicated that there were differences among the weight loss curves of three coal samples with different particle sizes. Furthermore, the differences became larger with the decrease of temperatures. Among the 11 used reaction mechanisms, two‐dimensional growth of nuclei following the Avrami‐Erofeev equation (A2) was proved to be the most appropriate one to fit the gasification data of Shenhua bituminous coal samples, as it can reconstruct gasification curves with high correlation coefficients (R2 > 0.95). The calculated values of apparent activation energy (E) for sample A, sample B, and sample C were 95.9, 79.1, and 69.4 kJ mol−1, respectively. It was also found that the particle size had significant influence on kinetic data. The apparent activation energy decreased when there was an increase of the particle size. The compensation relationship of E and A (apparent pre‐exponential factor) was noted, and the fitted mathematic formula was lnA = 0.1041 E+0.540 28 (R2 = 0.999).
Changes in breast cancer screening rates among 32 community health centers during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Fedewa Stacey A. , Cotter Megan M. , Wehling Kristen A. , Wysocki Karla , Killewald Richard , Makaroff Laura
Published: August 2021

Background

Breast cancer screening utilization steeply dropped at the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. However, the effects on breast cancer screening in lower income populations are unknown. This study examined changes in breast cancer screening rates (BCSRs) during the pandemic among 32 community health centers (CHCs) that provided health care to lower income populations.

Methods

Secondary data from 32 CHCs participating in an American Cancer Society grant program to increase breast cancer screening services were used. BCSRs were defined as the percentage of women aged 50 to 74 years who had a medical visit in the past 12 months (142,207 in 2018, 142,003 in 2019, and 150,630 in 2020) and received a screening mammogram within the last 27 months. BCSRs in July 2020, July 2019, and June 2018 were compared with screening rate ratios (SRRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

BCSRs significantly rose by 18% between 2018 and 2019 (from 45.8% to 53.9%; SRR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.17‐1.18) and then declined by 8% between 2019 and 2020 (from 53.9% to 49.6%; SRR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.92‐0.93). If the 2018‐2019 BCSR trends had continued through 2020, 63.3% of women would have been screened in 2020 in contrast to the 49.6% who were; this potentially translated into 47,517 fewer mammograms and 242 missed breast cancer diagnoses in this population.

Conclusions

In this study of 32 CHCs, BCSRs declined by 8% from July 2019 to 2020, and this reversed an 18% improvement between July 2018 and 2019. Declining BCSRs among CHCs during the COVID‐19 pandemic call for policies to support and resources to identify women in need of screening.
Improving dynamic efficiency of photovoltaic generation systems using adaptive type 2 fuzzy‐neural network via EN 50530 test procedure
Authors: Gani Ahmet
Published: August 2021

In recent years, photovoltaic generation systems (PGSs) have been fairly popular thanks to the methods proposed for the improvement of the dynamic efficiency. For a more accurate evaluation of the actual dynamic performance in PGSs, a dynamic maximum power point tracking (MPPT) efficiency test based upon an international test procedure such as the European Procedure EN 50530 is of vital importance. The varying gradient irradiance profile in EN 50530 test procedure causes uncertainties in PGSs, which lead to unstable operating conditions for PGSs. It is a challenging task to provide stable operation for PGSs. To overcome this problem, an effective MPPT method based upon adaptive type 2 fuzzy‐neural network (AT2FNN) is proposed using EN 50530 test procedure specifically designed for the dynamic performance of PGSs. The dynamic efficiency performance of the proposed method is analyzed using comparative simulation studies with conventional MPPT methods such as perturb and observe (P&O) and incremental conductance (IC) in Matlab/Simulink environment. The average dynamic efficiency of PGSs is used as performance criteria in the present study. The numerical results obtained from comparative simulation studies indicated that the proposed method improved average dynamic efficiency by almost 4.3% and 9.2% compared to IC and P&O MPPT methods, respectively. The average dynamic efficiency performance of PGS was considerably improved by the proposed method.
Cyclopentadienylidene‐ and Fluoren‐9‐ylidene‐methane‐1,1‐dithiolato Metalates of Tin, Indium and Bismuth
Authors: Vollgraff Tobias , Michel Nick , Sundermeyer Jörg
Published: August 2021

Quaternary ammonium and phosphonium stannates(II), indates(III) and bismuthates(III) displaying dianionic S,S dithiolate chelate ligands [CpCS2]2− and [FluoCS2]2− (Cp=C5H4, Fluo=C13H8) are described. With Sn(II) as central template ion, homoleptic metalates Cat2[Sn(CpCS2)2], with In(III) and Bi(III), highly charged Cat3[In(CpCS2)3] and Cat3[Bi(CpCS2)3] were obtained. A complementary series was characterized for fluoren‐9‐ylidene‐derived metalates Cat2[(FluoCS2)2Sn], Cat3[(FluoCS2)3In] and Cat3[Bi(FluoCS2)3]. Heteroleptic indate(III) NBu4[CpCS2InMe2] (3‐NBu4) and homoleptic [PPh4]3[In(CpCS2)3] (6‐PPh4) as well as stannates(II) [PPh4]2[Sn(CpCS2)2] (5‐PPh4) and [NBu4]2[Sn(FluoCS2)2] (9‐NBu4) were XRD structurally characterized. Reaction of electron‐rich ligand Na2(FluoCS2) with SnCl4 did not lead to an expected stannate(IV) but to a redox reaction and metal free 3,5‐di(9H‐fluorene‐9‐ylidene)‐1,2,4‐trithiolane (12), which was characterized by XRD analysis. The title compounds are related to much better investigated dithiocarbamato(2‐) complexes, well‐established precursors for thermal metal sulfide depositions. In this respect, an explorative DSC‐TGA measurement following the thermal decay of [PPh4]3[(CpCS2)3In] (6‐PPh4) revealed the formation of β‐In2S3 at relatively high temperatures, proven by PXRD.
Fatty acid and oxylipin concentration differ markedly between different fetal bovine serums: A cautionary note
Authors: Koch Elisabeth , Hopmann Carolin , Fröhlich Laura‐Fabienne , Schebb Nils Helge
Published: August 2021

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) has been used as a universal supplement in cell culture for more than six decades. This includes the investigation of lipid and lipid mediator formation and biology. Little is known about the (polyunsaturated) fatty acid composition and their oxidation products in FBS. Therefore, we analyzed six different FBS purchased from three different companies regarding their fatty acid and oxylipin concentrations. We found pronounced differences in the fatty acid concentrations. Even two batches of “standardized” FBS batches from one company showed drastic differences (e.g., for eicosapentaenoic acid 5 ± 1 μM vs. 11 ± 1 μM). Oxylipin concentrations also markedly differ between the FBS lots. The highest differences were found for 12‐lipoxygenase products (e.g., 12‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid free 21–87 nM and total 58–108 nM), probably due to inconsistent serum generation procedures. Our results indicate that for cell culture studies dealing with lipid metabolism, researchers should carefully characterize their used FBS to ensure reliability and reproducibility of study outcomes.
Exploring the effectiveness of a patient‐tailored integrative oncology program on emotional distress during chemotherapy for localized cancer
Authors: Ben‐Arye Eran , Elly Maya , Gressel Orit , Reshef Alon , Shani MD Michal , Stein Nili , Saliba Walid , Samuels Noah
Published: August 2021

Study objective

There is a need to explore how patient‐tailored integrative oncology (IO) programs reduce emotional distress. This study set out to bridge the IO research gap between non‐specific, quality of life‐related and specific emotional‐related concerns in chemotherapy‐treated patients.

Methods

This pragmatic, prospective and preference‐controlled study examined patients attending an integrative‐physician consultation and weekly IO treatments during adjuvant/neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy for localized cancer. Patients choosing to attend ≥4 IO sessions (highly adherent to integrative care, AIC) were compared to low AIC patients using the ESAS (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale) anxiety, depression and sleep; and the EORTC QLQ‐C30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire) emotional functioning scale, at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. Emotional distress was assessed by ESAS anxiety and depression, considered as the primary study outcomes.

Results

Of 439 participants, 260 (59%) were high‐AIC and 179 low‐AIC, both with similar baseline demographic and cancer‐related characteristics. At 6 weeks, high‐AIC patients reported greater improvement on ESAS sleep (p = 0.044); within‐group improvement on ESAS anxiety and; and EORTC emotional functioning. Compared with low‐AIC, high‐AIC patients showed greater improvement on ESAS depression (p = 0.022) and sleep (p = 0.015) in those with high baseline ESAS anxiety scores (≥7); and ESAS anxiety (p = 0.049) for patients moderately anxious (4–6) at baseline.

Conclusions

High‐AIC was associated with significantly reduced anxiety, depression and sleep severity at 6 weeks, especially those with high‐to‐moderate baseline anxiety levels. These findings reduce the research gap, suggesting specific emotional‐related effects of IO.
Bergamot rehabilitation AgaINst agitation in dementia (BRAINAID): Study protocol for a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial to assess the efficacy of furocoumarin‐free bergamot loaded in a nanotechnology‐based delivery system of the essential oil in the treatment of agitation in elderly affected by severe dementia
Authors: Scuteri Damiana , Sandrini Giorgio , Tamburin Stefano , Corasaniti Maria Tiziana , Nicotera Pierluigi , Tonin Paolo , Bagetta Giacinto
Published: August 2021

Pain is underdiagnosed and often not adequately treated, contributing to behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). BPSD are treated with atypical antipsychotics that are associated with severe cerebrocardiovascular effects. Interestingly, treatment of pain may reduce agitation. Research is focusing on nonpharmacological treatment, such as aromatherapy, for pain and BPSD in dementia. This clinical study will assess the effect on agitation in severely demented elderly of BEO loaded in a nanotechnological odorless cream indistinguishable from placebo. This is a protocol for a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial (NCT04321889). A total of 134 patients aged ≥65 years with severe dementia (mini‐mental state examination <12) will be recruited and randomly allocated 1:1 to either BEO or placebo group. After baseline screening, BEO (80 mg) cream or placebo cream will be trans‐dermally applied on both arms twice a day for 4 weeks with a 4‐week follow‐up period. The effect on agitation will be the primary endpoint. Any adverse events will be reported. A double‐blind, clinical trial evaluating efficacy and safety of an essential oil endowed with strong analgesic properties has never been carried out before. This study could form the basis for a safer and more effective treatment of BPSD in severe dementia.
Nakatsuji's theorem of the necessary and sufficient conditions of the wave function revisited
Authors: Sørensen Lasse K.
Published: August 2021

We will here revisit Nakatsuji's theorem of the necessary and sufficient conditions of the wave function and reinterpret these conditions in the new light of our findings. It will here be shown that the equations for the necessary and sufficient conditions are not independent and that these equations can be reduced to a single equation. This observation reduces the number of conditions for the wave function for the electronic Hamiltonian to , where is the number of basis functions, which coincide with the number of parameters in the two‐particle reduced density matrix. Since only the highest order electron interaction term determines the necessary and sufficient conditions Nakatsuji's theorem can in this way be interpreted as a generalized Brillouin theorem. In this way the stationary conditions for the wave function of Hamiltonians with any n‐body interaction takes a similar form. It is hoped that this new interpretation of the necessary and sufficient conditions as a generalized Brillouin theorem can give insights into the development of novel and compact representations of the wave function.
1.4: A New Halo Artifact Measurement Method for Automotive Local Dimming System
Authors: Wang Yuanying , Zhou Kexiong , Feng Baosheng , Sun Dongyun , Chu Yankun , Yang Xiao , Yang Longwei , Li Xiongping
Published: August 2021

To quantify the visual effect of local dimming products by optical parameters, a complete halo testing methodology was proposed. Besides, the fitting curve between Halo and Halo CR (contrast ratio) was also presented. Based on which Halo CR of different local dimming backlights with various zones and LED types can be simulated.
17.5: Invited Paper: Latest Development of Soluble OLED Materials and its Application to Mid‐ to Large‐sized Panel Production
Authors: Fukushima Daisuke , Tanaka Shinya , Kakimoto Hidenobu , Yamada Takeshi
Published: August 2021

We present the latest status of high performance OLED material development based on conjugated polymer technologies. The material which shows high performance is very suitable for printed OLED panel fabrication. New materials to reduce degradation from exciton realized better device lifetime. Key parameters have been identified to achieve high performance of ink jet printed (IJP) device. New materials for higher resolution panel fabrication have been developed and they provide wider application of IJP devices.
24.4: A Linear High‐Tg Arylphosphine Oxide‐Triazine Conjugate as a Doped Electron‐Transport Material for Stable Phosphorescent OLEDs
Authors: Wang Lin-Ye , Chen Ling-Ling , Huang Xiao-Lan , Wang Mei , Zhu Xu-Hui , Zou Jian-Hua
Published: August 2021

Organic electron‐transport materials (ETMs) play a critical role in enhancing performances and operational stability of organic light‐emitting diodes. In this context, we describe a triazine‐based electron‐transport material in high purity 6‐dphenylphosphinyl‐6′‐(4,6‐(tiphenyl‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐yl)[2,2′‐binaphthyl] (DPO‐2Na‐TRZ, MW= 685.75) via arylphosphine oxide modification. It exhibits a glass transition temperature of 130.8 °C. HOMO = −6.03 eV, LUMO = −3.08 eV. Its decomposition occurs at ca. 456 °C at 1% weight loss. Upon 50 wt% Liq doping, DPO‐2Na‐TRZ is investigated as an electron transport layer in bottom‐ and top‐emission green phosphorescent OLEDs. In the presence of an additional exciton‐blocking/electron‐transport layer, the resulting topemission OLED provides attractive characteristics. At a luminance of ca 1000 cd m−2, LE = 91.6 cd A−1, PE = 102.8 lm W−1 and EQE = 22.1 %. Moreover, under continuous driven at a constant current, an extraordinary lifetime t99 > 600 h @ 1000 cd m−2 is observed.
42.6: Maxwellian‐viewing‐super‐multi‐view near eye display using a Pancharatnam‐Berry optical element
Authors: Wang Lin , Li Yan , Liu Shuxin , Li Xiang , Su Yikai
Published: August 2021

In order to overcome the accommodation and convergence conflict and enlarge depth of field (DOF) in AR displays, a Maxwellian‐viewing‐super‐multi‐view (MV‐SMV) display system is proposed. The system employs a Pancharatnam‐Berry optical element (PBOE) and a holographic optical element (HOE). The PBOE is consisted of several regions of PB gratings with different periods and orientations. We have achieved 3*1 viewing points and a DOF of 4.4 Diopters.
Graphene/β‐cyclodextrin Membrane: Synthesis and Photoelectrocatalytic Degradation of Brominated Flame Retardants
Authors: Cong Qiao , Ren Miao , Zhang Tingting , Cheng Fangyuan , Qu Jiao
Published: August 2021

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) have attracted considerable attention due to their environmental persistence and potentially high environmental risk. Therefore, the development of an efficient method for the removal of BFRs is urgently needed. In this work, a photoelectrocatalytic method based on a graphene (GR)/β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) membrane was developed to degrade BFRs (including tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and 1,2,5,6,9,10‐hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)). The obtained GR/β‐CD membrane has high efficiency for photoelectrocatalytic degradation and excellent chemical stability. Under optimum conditions, the photoelectrocatalytic degradation efficiencies of TBBPA was 99.2 % within 120 min, and HBCD was 90.7 % within 180 min. And superoxide radical was essential for the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of both TBBPA and HBCD. Toxicity assessments for the possible degradation pathways was a decreasing trend, which indicated that potential risks for aquatic organisms were reduced. Briefly, this work provides a strategy to construct a GR‐based photoelectrocatalyst and paves the pathway for practical applications. The work demonstrated here offers a new‐sight for designing and constructing efficient photoelectrocatalyst for environment‐related applications.
A Bithiophene‐based Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensor for Sensing Cd2+
Authors: Lee Su Chan , Lee Minji , Suh Boeon , Lee Jiyoung , Kim Cheal
Published: August 2021

A novel bithiophene‐naphthalene based ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor SS ((2E,2′E)‐2,2′‐([2,2′‐bithiophene]‐5,5′‐diylbis(methanylylidene)) bis(N‐(naphthalen‐1‐yl) hydrazine‐1‐carbothioamide)) for detecting Cd2+ was prepared. SS can detect Cd2+ by a ratiometric fluorescent response with red‐shifted emission from 500 to 540 nm. The binding ratio of SS and Cd2+ was determined to be a 1 : 1 stoichiometry via Job plot. The detection limit was found to be 4.41 μM. The association constant (K) was calculated as 3.00×102 M−1. Sensor SS was successfully applied in real water samples and fluorescent test kits for analysis of Cd2+. The sensing process of SS towards Cd2+ was illustrated by fluorescent, UV‐vis and NMR spectroscopy, ESI‐MS (electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry), FT‐IR (Fourier transform‐Infrared spectroscopy) and calculations.
Chemical characterization of the Bicchari ash pond and its impact around the Renusagar Thermal Power Plant, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Pandey Hemant Kumar , Kumar Suraj , Mondal Nepal Chandra , Rawal Nekram
Published: August 2021

The Renusagar thermal power plant is one of the most important power plants supplying electricity to the entire Hindalco Industry in Northern India. This plant causes soil and groundwater contamination due to the disposal of its fly ash in the Bicchari ash pond. An attempt has been made to characterize the ash pond and to study soil and groundwater contamination adjacent to the fly ash pond. In total, 11 groundwater samples and four samples each for the ash pond and soil were collected and analyzed to evaluate the impact of the pond on nearby soil and groundwater. Results show that the pond ash is a heterogeneous mixture of magnetic and nonmagnetic (such as mullite and quartz) compounds. Scanning electron microscopy of the pond ash reveals that most of the minerals present are spheroidal in shape, and a smaller size indicates the presence of silica. X‐ray fluorescence analysis of the soils reveals that in most of the samples zircoline has a relatively higher concentration, whereas silica is the major part of SiO2. Most groundwater samples are acidic, with an average pH of 6.73, which decreases the leaching of heavy metals. The concentration of Ca, Mn, and Fe is relatively high.
Molecular identification of Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, and Rickettsia in adult ticks from North of Xinjiang, China
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wen Xiuxiu , Xiao Peipei , Fan Xinli , Li Min , Chahan Bayin
Published: August 2021

Background

Ticks in Xinjiang distribute widely and account for one third of China. Ticks can carry and transmit bacteria, virus, and parasite. However, the research of tick‐borne pathogens in Xinjiang is rather little.

Objective

To understand the situation of hard tick carry Theileria equi, Babesia caballi and Rickettsia spp. of Zhaosu and Altay in Xinjiang.

Methods

In this study, 119 tick samples were obtained from horses in Xinjiang, China, Ticks were identified morphologically to determine species and PCR was used to investigate the situation of pathogens by hard ticks.

Results

One hundred and seven belong to Dermacentor marginatus, five belong to D. niveus, and seven belong to D. silvarum. Theileria equi and Babesia caballi were detected in one tick and 18 ticks, respectively. However, the carrying rate of Rickettsia spp. was 51.26% (61/119). Among these, the mixed carriage rate of T. equi and Rickettsia spp. was 0.8% (1/119). The mixed carriage rate of B. caballi and Rickettsia spp. was 10.1% (12/119).

Conclusion

Our results revealed that hard tick can carry not only haeimoparasite but also many important zoonotic pathogens in Xinjiang, and this situation was worth heeding.