bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutation analysis for newly suggested 30 Y-STR loci with high mutation rates in Chinese father-son pairs
Authors: Wang Fei , Song Feng , Wang Xindi , Song Mengyuan , Zhou Yuxiang , Liu Jing , Wang Zheng , Hou Yiping
Published: September 2022

Rapidly mutating Y-STRs (RM Y-STRs) harbor great potential to distinguish male relatives and achieve male identification. However, forensic applications were greatly limited by the small number of the initially identified 14 RM Y-STRs. Recently, with the emergence of 12 novel RM Y-STRs, an integrated panel named RMplex was introduced, which contains all 26 RM Y-STRs and four fast mutating Y-STRs (FM Y-STRs). To obtain the first data on the mutation rates and father-son differentiation rates of the 30 newly proposed Y-STRs in Chinese populations, we performed an empirical mutation study on 307 DNA-confirmed Chinese paternal pairs. Previously reported mutation rates for 14 RM Y-STRs in Chinese and European populations were pooled and merged with our data. The highest meiosis number for the two groups reached 4771 and 2687, respectively. Five loci showed significant differences between the populations (DYS570, DYS399S1, DYS547, DYS612, and DYF403S1b). For the new panel covering 30 Y-STR loci, our results show extensive differences in the mutation rates between the two populations, as well. 10 RM Y-STR loci showed relatively low mutation rates (10–3–10–2 per meiosis) and 2 FM Y-STR loci had rapid mutation rates (> 10–2 per meiosis) in the Chinese population. Several-fold differences in mutation rates were found in nine Y-STR loci between the Chinese and reference populations, with two loci having significantly higher mutation rates and one locus with a significantly lower mutation rate in the Chinese population (P < 0.05). Eighteen RM Y-STRs (> 10–2 per meiosis), 8 FM Y-STR loci (5×10–3-10–2 per meiosis), 3 moderately mutating Y-STRs (MM Y-STRs, 10–3-5×10–3 per meiosis), and one locus with no observed mutation events were identified in the Chinese population. 40.06% of the Chinese paternity pairs were discriminated with RMplex while only 20.84% with the initial 14 RM Y-STRs, indicating that RMplex is beneficial for distinguishing paternally related males. Future studies on populations of different genetic backgrounds are necessary to obtain comprehensive estimates of mutation rates at these new loci.
Valproic acid restricts mast cell activation by Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Soria-Castro Rodolfo , Meneses-Preza Yatsiri G. , Rodríguez-López Gloria M. , Ibarra-Sánchez Alfredo , González-Espinosa Claudia , Pérez-Tapia Sonia M. , Flores-Borja Fabián , Estrada-Parra Sergio , Chávez-Blanco Alma D. , Chacón-Salinas Rommel
Published: September 2022

Mast cells (MC) play a central role in the early containment of bacterial infections, such as that caused by Listeria monocytogenes (L.m). The mechanisms of MC activation induced by L.m infection are well known, so it is possible to evaluate whether they are susceptible to targeting and modulation by different drugs. Recent evidence indicates that valproic acid (VPA) inhibits the immune response which favors L.m pathogenesis in vivo. Herein, we examined the immunomodulatory effect of VPA on L.m-mediated MC activation. To this end, bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) were pre-incubated with VPA and then stimulated with L.m. We found that VPA reduced MC degranulation and cytokine release induced by L.m. MC activation during L.m infection relies on Toll-Like Receptor 2 (TLR2) engagement, however VPA treatment did not affect MC TLR2 cell surface expression. Moreover, VPA was able to decrease MC activation by the classic TLR2 ligands, peptidoglycan and lipopeptide Pam3CSK4. VPA also reduced cytokine production in response to Listeriolysin O (LLO), which activates MC by a TLR2-independent mechanism. In addition, VPA decreased the activation of critical events on MC signaling cascades, such as the increase on intracellular Ca2+ and phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2 and -p65 subunit of NF-κB. Altogether, our data demonstrate that VPA affects key cell signaling events that regulate MC activation following L.m infection. These results indicate that VPA can modulate the functional activity of different immune cells that participate in the control of L.m infection.
Schrödinger–Poisson systems under gradient fields
Authors: Ourabah Kamel
Published: September 2022

A singularity-free generalisation of Newtonian gravity can be constructed (Lazar in Phys Rev D 102:096002, 2020) within the framework of gradient field theory. This procedure offers a straightforward regularisation of Newtonian gravity and remains equally well applicable to other fields, such as electromagnetic fields. Here, with the aim of finding potentially measurable effects of gradient fields on the dispersion properties of various media, we present a quantum kinetic treatment of matter under gradient fields. The method is based on the application of the Wigner–Moyal procedure to the modified Schrödinger–Poisson equation emerging in the framework of gradient field theory. This allows us to treat, on equal footing, three different scenarios, namely self-gravitating systems, plasmas, and cold atoms in magneto-optical traps. We address the signature of gradient fields in the elementary excitations of these media. In particular, we estimate this effect to be accessible in state-of-the-art plasma-based experiments. We discuss in detail the classical kinetic and hydrodynamic limits of our approach and obtain a class of generalised Lane–Emden equations, in the context of gradient field theory, which remain valid in the three scenarios discussed here.
Identification and development of a subtype-selective allosteric AKT inhibitor suitable for clinical development
Authors: Page Natalie , Wappett Mark , O’Dowd Colin R. , O’Rourke Martin , Gavory Gerald , Zhang Lixin , Rountree J. S. Shane , Jordan Linda , Barker Oliver , Gibson Hayley , Boyd Caroline , Feutren-Burton Stephanie , McLean Estelle , Trevitt Graham , Harrison Timothy
Published: September 2022

The serine/threonine protein kinase AKT plays a pivotal role within the PI3K pathway in regulating cellular proliferation and apoptotic cellular functions, and AKT hyper-activation via gene amplification and/or mutation has been implicated in multiple human malignancies. There are 3 AKT isoenzymes (AKT1-3) which mediate critical, non-redundant functions. We present the discovery and development of ALM301, a novel, allosteric, sub-type selective inhibitor of AKT1/2. ALM301 binds in an allosteric pocket created by the combined movement of the PH domain and the catalytic domain, resulting in a DFG out conformation. ALM301 was shown to be highly selective against a panel of over 450 kinases and potently inhibited cellular proliferation. These effects were particularly pronounced in MCF-7 cells containing a PI3KCA mutation. Subsequent cellular downstream pathway analysis in this sensitive cell line revealed potent inhibition of pAKT signalling up to 48 h post dosing. ALM301 treatment was well tolerated in an MCF-7 xenograft model and led to a dose-dependent reduction in tumour growth. Enhanced efficacy was observed in combination with tamoxifen. In summary, ALM301 is a highly specific AKT 1/2 inhibitor with an excellent pharmacological profile suitable for further clinical development.
Integrated multimodal artificial intelligence framework for healthcare applications
Authors: Soenksen Luis R. , Ma Yu , Zeng Cynthia , Boussioux Leonard , Villalobos Carballo Kimberly , Na Liangyuan , Wiberg Holly M. , Li Michael L. , Fuentes Ignacio , Bertsimas Dimitris
Published: September 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems hold great promise to improve healthcare over the next decades. Specifically, AI systems leveraging multiple data sources and input modalities are poised to become a viable method to deliver more accurate results and deployable pipelines across a wide range of applications. In this work, we propose and evaluate a unified Holistic AI in Medicine (HAIM) framework to facilitate the generation and testing of AI systems that leverage multimodal inputs. Our approach uses generalizable data pre-processing and machine learning modeling stages that can be readily adapted for research and deployment in healthcare environments. We evaluate our HAIM framework by training and characterizing 14,324 independent models based on HAIM-MIMIC-MM, a multimodal clinical database (N = 34,537 samples) containing 7279 unique hospitalizations and 6485 patients, spanning all possible input combinations of 4 data modalities (i.e., tabular, time-series, text, and images), 11 unique data sources and 12 predictive tasks. We show that this framework can consistently and robustly produce models that outperform similar single-source approaches across various healthcare demonstrations (by 6–33%), including 10 distinct chest pathology diagnoses, along with length-of-stay and 48 h mortality predictions. We also quantify the contribution of each modality and data source using Shapley values, which demonstrates the heterogeneity in data modality importance and the necessity of multimodal inputs across different healthcare-relevant tasks. The generalizable properties and flexibility of our Holistic AI in Medicine (HAIM) framework could offer a promising pathway for future multimodal predictive systems in clinical and operational healthcare settings.
Soft skin-interfaced mechano-acoustic sensors for real-time monitoring and patient feedback on respiratory and swallowing biomechanics
Authors: Kang Youn J. , Arafa Hany M. , Yoo Jae-Young , Kantarcigil Cagla , Kim Jin-Tae , Jeong Hyoyoung , Yoo Seonggwang , Oh Seyong , Kim Joohee , Wu Changsheng , Tzavelis Andreas , Wu Yunyun , Kwon Kyeongha , Winograd Joshua , Xu Shuai , Martin-Harris Bonnie , Rogers John A.
Published: September 2022

Swallowing is a complex neuromuscular activity regulated by the autonomic nervous system. Millions of adults suffer from dysphagia (impaired or difficulty swallowing), including patients with neurological disorders, head and neck cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, and respiratory disorders. Therapeutic treatments for dysphagia include interventions by speech-language pathologists designed to improve the physiology of the swallowing mechanism by training patients to initiate swallows with sufficient frequency and during the expiratory phase of the breathing cycle. These therapeutic treatments require bulky, expensive equipment to synchronously record swallows and respirations, confined to use in clinical settings. This paper introduces a wireless, wearable technology that enables continuous, mechanoacoustic tracking of respiratory activities and swallows through movements and vibratory processes monitored at the skin surface. Validation studies in healthy adults (n = 67) and patients with dysphagia (n = 4) establish measurement equivalency to existing clinical standard equipment. Additional studies using a differential mode of operation reveal similar performance even during routine daily activities and vigorous exercise. A graphical user interface with real-time data analytics and a separate, optional wireless module support both visual and haptic forms of feedback to facilitate the treatment of patients with dysphagia.
Phytochemicals in the Management of Diabetes
Authors: Abbas Q. , Al-Thawadi S. M. , Perna S.
Published: September 2022

The management of diabetes and its complications is constantly evolving, including new treatment options using natural products with pharmacological properties via different mechanisms. In this chapter, different herbal medicinal plants and their active components are described. The antidiabetic effects of plants are mainly due to the phenolic compounds such as curcumin, catechin, flavonoids and tannins, and polyphenolic including emodin, resveratol, hydroxytyrosol, berberine, flavonoids, phenolic acid, and stilbenes. The chapter reports the seminal in vitro, preclinical and clinical studies that have unveiled the antidiabetic effects of phenolic and polyphenolic molecules’ effects and their modes of action. Some of the proposed actions include the inhibition of carbohydrate metabolism enzymatic activity, improvement of liver enzymes, improvement of pancreatic islets β-cell function, neuroprotective effect, enhancement of oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and depolarization of ATP-sensitive potassium channel.
Synthesis and validation of ultrasensitive stripping voltammetric sensor based on polypyrrole@ZnO/Fe3O4core–shell nanostructure for picomolar detection of artesunate and dopamine drugs
Authors: Elfiky Mona , Gaber Mohamed , Mousa Maie , Salahuddin Nehal
Published: September 2022

A stripping voltammetric sensor for ultrasensitive detection of artesunate (ART) and dopamine HCl (DA) has been successfully developed using a Ppy@ZnO/Fe3O4core–shell nanocomposite ([PZM])-modified carbon paste sensor (MCPS).
Rapid quantification of cannabidiol from oils by direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry
Authors: Huber Susanne , Losso Klemens , Bonn Günther K. , Rainer Matthias
Published: September 2022

This work is the first to describe the use of Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) for the rapid quantification of cannabidiol (CBD) in CBD oils.
Strategy of a cell-derived extracellular matrix for the construction of an osteochondral interlayer
Authors: Gao Chenyuan , Fu Lei , Yu Yingjie , Zhang Xin , Yang Xiaoping , Cai Qing
Published: September 2022

Cell sheet derived extracellular matrix provides a solution for osteochondral interlayer reconstruction.
A self-supported copper/copper oxide heterostructure derived from a copper-MOF for improved electrochemical nitrate reduction
Authors: Sun Mengmiao , Wu Guanzheng , Dai Lei , Oschatz Martin , Qin Qing
Published: September 2022

Development of highly efficient NITRR electrocatalysts by using a copper/copper oxide heterostructure derived from a copper-MOF catalyst. A NITRR with remarkable faradaic efficiency and ammonia yield under ambient conditions is described.
Capacitor-inspired high-performance and durable moist-electric generator
Authors: Sun Zhaoyang , Wen Xian , Wang Liming , Yu Jianyong , Qin Xiaohong
Published: September 2022

Harvesting clean and sustainable energy from moisture has emerged as a promising technology to break the paradigm of traditional energy generation by utilizing fossil fuels.
Introduction to the biogeochemistry of the trace elements themed issue
Authors: Winkel Lenny H. E. , Sunderland Elsie M.
Published: September 2022

Guest editors Elsie Sunderland and Lenny Winkel introduce the Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts themed issue on biogeochemistry of the trace elements.
Assessment ofin vitrobioaccessibility of carotenoids and phenolic compounds in a model milk–mandarine beverage
Authors: Stinco Carla M. , Benítez-González Ana M. , Hernanz Dolores , Vicario Isabel M.
Published: September 2022

Mandarine juice is one of the richest sources of β-cryptoxanthin and flavonoids, which have been positively associated with bone mineral density.
An α type gluco-oligosaccharide from brown algae Laminaria japonica stimulated the growth of lactic acid bacteria encoding specific ABC transport system components
Authors: Jin Zhen , Ma Qingqing , Chen Xuemei , Wang Hongchao , Zhu Jinlin , Lee Yuan-kun , Zhang Hao , Zhao Jianxin , Lu Wenwei , Chen Wei
Published: September 2022

This study determined a novel neutral α type gluco-oligosaccharide from the brown alga Laminaria japonica with a degree of polymerization of 2–8 and a structure that mainly consists of α-(1→4)-linked glycosidic bonds called Laminaria japonica gluco-oligosaccharide (LJGO).
Fu brick tea protects against high-fat diet-induced obesity phenotypes via promoting adipose browning and thermogenesis in association with gut microbiota
Authors: Du Haiping , Shi Lin , Yan Tao , Wang Qi , Wang Yu , Zhao Yan , Yang Xingbing
Published: September 2022

Fu brick tea promotes adipose browning and thermogenesis in association with gut microbiota reconstructions, paving the way to restrict obesity and metabolic diseases.
Photonic band structure calculation of 3D-finite nanostructured supercrystals
Authors: Montaño-Priede José Luis , Large Nicolas
Published: September 2022

The proposed computational method allows for the calculation of the photonic band structures of finite periodic nanoparticle arrangements by accounting for both the micron-scale dimensions of the structure and its nanoscale building blocks.
Machine learning enhanced in situ electron beam lithography of photonic nanostructures
Authors: Donges Jan , Schlischka Marvin , Shih Ching-Wen , Pengerla Monica , Limame Imad , Schall Johannes , Bremer Lucas , Rodt Sven , Reitzenstein Stephan
Published: September 2022

Machine learning is used to improve in situ electron beam lithography capabilities. Specially trained algorithms increase the sensitivity by more than a factor of 10 in the deterministic processing of high-performance quantum light sources.
Designed incorporation of semi-crystalline domains into structured latex particles via solvent-aided emulsion polymerization
Authors: Perez Adrián , Kynaston Emily , Lindsay Christopher , Ballard Nicholas
Published: September 2022

We describe an emulsion polymerization route towards the design of structured latex particles containing semi-crystalline domains with improved mechanical properties.
Iron–iodine co-catalysis towards tandem C–N/C–C bond formation: one-pot regioselective synthesis of 2-amino-3-alkylindoles
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Huang Yating , Yu Kewei , Zhang Xiaoxiang , Yu Wenhua , Tang Jiale , Tian Yiran , Wei Wanxing , Zhang Zhuan , Liang Taoyuan
Published: September 2022

An efficient intermolecular C2,3-H aminoalkylation of indoles with 9H-xanthenes and azoles via iron–iodine co-catalyzed tandem C–N/C–C bond formation has been developed.
Kinetic vs. thermodynamic control of β-functionalized cyclic ketones: a theoretical investigation of regioselective formation of enolates
Authors: Petroselli Manuel , Bacchiocchi Corrado
Published: September 2022

The reported theoretical study sheds light on the regioselective formation of enolates in β-functionalized ketones, highlighting the importance of non-covalent interactions.
Luminescence studies in cadmium telluride nanocrystals grown on glass substrates
Authors: Grover Rakhi , Srivastava Ritu , Saxena Kanchan
Published: September 2022

CdTe thin films deposited using vacuum thermal evaporation and incorporated inside OLEDs. A shift in electroluminescence peak observed with increasing film thickness. The method can be employed to control emission properties by varying film thickness.
Chemically stable piperidinium cations for anion exchange membranes
Authors: Li Jinyuan , Yang Congrong , Wang Suli , Xia Zhangxun , Sun Gongquan
Published: September 2022

The chemical stability and degradation pathways of piperidinium and pyrrolidinium cations were examined. The chemical stability of piperidinium cations was greatly enhanced by manipulating the substituent effect.
Physicochemically modified high-resolution tin oxide thin film using soft imprinting
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Lee Dong Wook , Oh Jin Young , Lee Ju Hwan , Won Jonghoon , Jang Jong In , Jeong Hae-Chang , Seo Dae-Shik
Published: September 2022

We carried out nanoimprinting lithography on solution-processed tin oxide (SnO) film for use as a liquid crystal (LC) alignment layer, for which we used a parallel configuration.
Manipulation of Rashba splitting and thermoelectric performance of MTe (M = Ge, Sn, Pb) via Te off-centering distortion
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Hu Kaixiang , Duan Xinlei , Zhang Jingyi , Yang Jia-Yue , Liu Linhua
Published: September 2022

The hidden Rashba effect emerges in centrosymmetric rock-salt MTe and improves thermoelectric performance due to the local Te off-centering distortion.
Retraction: Reduction of neuronal damage and promotion of locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury by early administration of methylprednisolone: possible involvement of autophagy pathway
Authors: Jin Yichao , Yang Shaofeng , Zhang Xiaohua
Published: September 2022

Retraction of ‘Reduction of neuronal damage and promotion of locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury by early administration of methylprednisolone: possible involvement of autophagy pathway’ by Yichao Jin et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 2979–2991, https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA25794A.
Dimerization of sub-nanoscale molecular clusters affords broadly tuneable viscoelasticity above the glass transition temperature
Authors: Zhou Xin , Yang Junsheng , Yin Jia-Fu , Liu-Fu Wei , Huang Jiayi , Li Mu , Liu Yuan , Cai Linkun , Sun Tao Lin , Yin Panchao
Published: September 2022

The critical size limit for general structural material design is challenged in the dimers of sub-nm molecular clusters that possess small sizes (<5 nm) and broadly tunable viscoelasticity.
Phase-engineering of nickel hydroxide in the Ni/Ni(OH)2 interface for efficient hydrogen evolution and hydrazine-assisted water splitting in seawater
Authors: Shao Duo , Wang Qi , Yao Xianzhi , Zhou Yitong , Yu Xin-Yao
Published: September 2022

Ni/β-Ni(OH)2 enables better HER performance than Ni/α-Ni(OH)2 in alkaline solution/alkaline seawater. Moreover, the Ni/β-Ni(OH)2 also manifest better hydrazine oxidation reaction activity than Ni/α-Ni(OH)2 for hydrazine-assisted water splitting.
Thermally activated delayed fluorescence exciplexes with phosphor components realizing deep-red to near-infrared electroluminescence
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zheng Cai-Jun , Zhang Heng-Yuan , Yang Hao-Yu , Wang Kai , Shi Yi-Zhong , Lin Hui , Tao Si-Lu , Zhang Xiao-Hong
Published: September 2022

Compared with single-molecule TADF emitters, exciplexes can simplify the complicated molecule design and synthesis and have the superiority of conveniently realizing spectra with a bathochromic shift via mixing donor and acceptor components.
Phenanthrene-based deep-blue fluorophores with balanced carrier transport ability for high-performance OLEDs with a CIEy< 0.04
Authors: Guo Shiyan , Jin Xin , Zhang Daqing , Zhou Haitao , Wang Guoliang , Miao Yanqin , Huang Jinhai , Zhang Zhiyun , Wang Hua , Su Jianhua
Published: September 2022

A non-doped device based on TPA1 demonstrates deep-blue emission at 430 nm with a CIEyvalue of 0.037 and an EQEmaxvalue of 4.36%.
Up-conversion charging of a Tb3+-activated garnet phosphor
Authors: Shi Tingxing , Liu Feng , Zhang Jiahua , Wang Xiao-Jun
Published: September 2022

An up-conversion charging process in a Gd3Ga5O12:Tb3+ persistent phosphor is achieved upon illumination by a 488 nm laser. An energy-transfer mechanism dominates the up-conversion excitation.
Modulation of electronic bandgaps and subsequent implications on SQ efficiencies via strain engineering in ultrathin SnX (X = S, Se) nanowires
Authors: Shukla Rishit S. , Zala Vidit B. , Gupta Sanjeev K. , Gajjar P. N.
Published: September 2022

The SQ efficiencies of ultrathin SnX NWs can be fine-tuned via strain engineering. They are more suitable for photovoltaic applications under compressive strain due to their stability under the same. Ultrathin SnS ultrathin NW shows an ultrahigh electron mobility of 9.84 × 105 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Reference source‐aided coordinate registration method for over‐the‐horizon radar using ensemble learning
Authors: Lei Zhenshuo , Chen Jianwen , Chen Hui , Zhang Zhaojian , Dou Gaoqi , Wang Yongliang
Published: September 2022

Since solving the path of radio wave propagation by an analytic method in the process of coordinate registration (CR) for skywave over‐the‐horizon radar (OTHR) is difficult, a reference source‐aided CR method that uses ensemble learning is proposed. First, the OTHR wave propagation principle is briefly described, and the ionospheric channel characteristics implied by reference sources and target information are explained, which provides a theoretical basis for modelling. Then, multiple machine learning models, such as random forest, support vector machine and elastic network, are used to build a mapping network between known information and the actual ground distance of the targets. Moreover, the prediction ability and correlation of each machine learning model are evaluated. Finally, with stacking ensemble learning, machine learning models with better performance to solve CR problems are effectively combined as base learners. The models develop the advantages of each base learner to achieve a perception of the ionospheric environment and accurate OTHR CR. The simulation results show that the proposed method can mine the ionospheric channel propagation characteristics and effectively reduce the CR error of the targets of interest. When the information provided by 4 reference sources 200 km away from the target is used, the average error of target positioning is 13 km.
Optimal control of hyperbolic type discrete and differential inclusions described by the Laplace operator
Authors: Mahmudov Elimhan N.
Published: September 2022

The paper is devoted to the optimization of a first mixed initial-boundary value problem for hyperbolic differential inclusions (DFIs) with Laplace operator. For this, an auxiliary problem with a hyperbolic discrete inclusion is defined and, using locally conjugate mappings, necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for hyperbolic discrete inclusions are proved. Then, using the method of discretization of hyperbolic DFIs and the already obtained optimality conditions for discrete inclusions, the optimality conditions for the discrete approximate problem are formulated in the form of the Euler-Lagrange type inclusion. Thus, using specially proved equivalence theorems, which are the only tool for constructing Euler-Lagrangian inclusions, we establish sufficient optimality conditions for hyperbolic DFIs. Further, the way of extending the obtained results to the multidimensional case is indicated. To demonstrate the above approach, some linear problems and polyhedral optimization with hyperbolic DFIs are investigated.
Einflussfaktoren auf die Krankenhausbewertungen im Internet in NRW am
Beispiel von Klinikbewertungen.de und Google.de
Authors: Kreuzenbeck Cordula Charlotte Josefine , Heinz André
Published: September 2022

Ziel der Studie Klinikgeschäftsführer sehen sich
häufig mit den negativen Bewertungen im Internet konfrontiert.
Für die Online-Bewertung von Krankenhäusern stehen keine
aktuellen Daten zur Verfügung, mit denen ermittelt werden kann, welche
Faktoren die Bewertungen neben der tatsächlichen Qualität in
Krankenhäusern beeinflussen. Das Ziel dieser Studie war die Erhebung der
im Internet geäußerten Zufriedenheit zusammen mit den Grunddaten
der Krankenhäuser wie sie über den Qualitätsbericht
veröffentlicht werden. Hierdurch sollten Faktoren ermittelt werden, die
unabhängig von der Qualität in Krankenhäusern das
Bewertungsbild im Internet prägen.

Methodik Zunächst wurden die Daten zu 364 Krankenhäusern
in NRW aus den gesetzlichen Qualitätsberichten und den
Bewertungsplattformen Klinikbewertungen.de und Google.de zusammengetragen.
Eingeschlossen wurden nur Krankenhäuser mit mindestens drei somatischen,
bettenführenden Abteilungen zu denen aktuelle Daten im
Qualitätsbericht verfügbar waren und beide Bewertungsplattformen
Bewertungen enthielten. Mittels deskriptiver Methoden und einer schrittweise
ausschließenden, multiplen linearen Regression wurden die Daten der
Krankenhäuser analysiert und signifikante Einflussfaktoren
identifiziert. Es wurde ein Signifikanzniveau von 5% zugrunde
gelegt.

Ergebnisse Es wurden 190 Krankenhäuser in die Analyse
eingeschlossen. Davon 71% in freigemeinnütziger, 16% in
öffentlicher und 13% privater Trägerschaft. Die
durchschnittliche Zufriedenheit auf den online-Plattformen über alle
Krankenhäuser betrug 66,82%. Einen signifikanten Einfluss auf
die online Bewertungen hatten nur der Anteil der Bewertungen im
Verhältnis zur stationären Fallzahl und die Facharztquote. Die
P-Werte lagen hier bei 0,0000 und 0,0072 respektive. Die Regression hatte ein
Bestimmtheitsmaß von 0,34 und war insgesamt zum angegeben alpha-Level
von 5% signifikant. Der größere Effekt lag hierbei auf
der Bewertungsmenge, ein Prozent mehr Bewertungen führt zu 4
Prozentpunkten Steigerung in der online geäußerten
Patientenzufriedenheit.

Schlussfolgerung In dieser Studie konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass sich
über 30% der Varianz bei den online Bewertungen durch Faktoren
erklären lässt, die nicht direkt kausal mit der Qualität
der Versorgung verbunden sind. Eine Annährung an interne
Bewertungsergebnisse wäre damit durch eine reine Erhöhung der
Portalnutzung möglich.
Thermally Activated Aryl Thioureas as Brønsted Acid Catalysts for C–C Bond Forming Reactions: Synthesis of Symmetrical Trisubstituted Methanes
Authors: Bez Ghanashyam , Gogoi Achinta , Basumatary Grace
Published: September 2022

A study on relative catalytic efficacy of 1,3-diaryl thioureas has revealed that 1-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-3-phenylthiourea is an efficient alternative to the Schreiner’s thiourea catalyst (STC) for acid-catalyzed activation of carbonyl compounds in the synthesis of symmetrical trisubstituted methanes (TRSMs) at an elevated temperature. Since the preparation of STC involves the use of toxic thiophosgene, the 1-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-3-phenylthiourea represents an easily accessible and simpler alternative. Strikingly, the temperature-assisted reaction showed significantly shorter reaction time in comparison to photoirradiation in the thiourea-catalyzed Friedel–Crafts type reaction of indole with aldehydes. Simple reaction set-up and excellent yields are some of the highlights of the reported method.
Paradoxical Continuous Left-to-Right Ductal Shunt during Circulatory Collapse due to Ductal Closure in an Infant with Duct-Dependent Systemic Circulation
Authors: Miyahara Naoyuki , Hussein Mohamed Hamed , Nishiguchi Ryou , Kanai Masayo , Ishiguro Akio , Toda Koichi , Kojima Takuro , Yoshiba Shigeki , Sumitomo Naokata , Masutani Satoshi
Published: September 2022

Duct-dependent systemic circulation is accompanied by a right-to-left ductal shunt, at least during systole. Although observations of paradoxical continuous left-to-right shunts in duct-dependent systemic circulation have been reported, the mechanism remains unclear. We report a continuous left-to-right ductal shunt throughout the cardiac cycle during the initial recovery phase from circulatory collapse and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction due to ductal closure in an infant with hypoplastic left heart and severe aortic coarctation. Further recovery improved his RV function and changed the ductal flow from continuous left-to-right to bidirectional, which is usually seen in duct-dependent systemic circulation. Marked RV dysfunction may contribute to the continuous left-to-right ductal shunt. A continuous left-to-right ductal shunt should not be used to rule out duct-dependent systemic circulation.
Neuropsychological Profile of Traumatic Brain Injury Patients with Medicolegal Cases: A Pilot Study
Authors: Prakash Simi K. , Reddy Rajakumari P. , Mathulla Anna R. , Rajeswaran Jamuna , Shukla Dhaval P.
Published: September 2022

Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global health problem and is a silent epidemic of the modern times. Studies indicate litigation is a prominent factor that accounts for poor outcome and prolonged recovery from mild TBI. Depression is the most frequently diagnosed psychiatric disorder after TBI. Postconcussion symptoms, litigation, and suboptimal effort could contribute to the neuropsychological functioning of TBI patients medicolegal cases (MLCs). With increase in TBI and medicolegal cases, there is a requirement for comprehensive neuropsychological assessment.

Method The aim of the study was to evaluate the cognitive functions, postconcussion, and depressive symptoms in TBI patients with MLC and without MLCs (non-MLC). Patients were also assessed on electrophysiological parameters. An observational cross-sectional design was adopted, the sample size was 30 TBI patients in total, 15 (MLC) and 15 (non-MLC), and 11 patients from each group for electrophysiological assessment. The patients were in the age range of 18 to 50 years.

Results The MLC group had poor performance compared with the non-MLC group on both neuropsychological and electrophysiological measures. There was evidence of significant difference in verbal working memory, verbal learning, and memory and visuoconstructive ability. In the MLC group, postconcussion and depressive scores were negatively correlated with visuospatial span.

Conclusion Findings from this study indicate differences in the neuropsychological performance and electroencephalographic measures in between MLC and non-MLC groups. The results could be indicative of persistent cognitive problems associated with TBI for patients pursuing litigation. Poor performance could also be attributed to suboptimal level of effort. However, being a preliminary study with a small sample size, the findings need to be treated with caution.
Challenges in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Rare and Orphan Diseases
Authors: Nagi Ravleen , Rakesh N. , Reddy Sujatha S. , Bhatnagar Dipti , Reddy Prashanthi , Vyas Tarun , Choudhary Ruchika
Published: September 2022

Orphan diseases are diverse group of disorders that have not gained much of public attention as they are rarely reported worldwide. The term orphan and rare diseases are often used interchangeably when describing diseases that fall into an orphan or rare category. Around 80% of orphan diseases are chronic, serious, or life threatening, are of genetic origin, and are more prevalent in children and in adults above 40 years of age. Due to rarity, lack of financial support and specific drug to treat these diseases, diagnosis, and treatment becomes challenging. Diagnosis is usually delayed, and patient continues to suffer by seeking multiple specialist opinion. Nonavailability of specific drug and lack of financial funding or waivers to conduct to conduct clinical trial for invention of new orphan drug are the obstacles for targeted treatment. Hence, there is need for comprehensive integrative approach to manage orphan disease patients and pharmaceutical companies should be encouraged for invention of drugs at a reasonable cost for orphan diseases. In addition, community education through genetic-based learning modules is essential to increase awareness of population about risk factors and early diagnosis of orphan diseases, and to take opinion of specific specialist for thorough clinical evaluation. This review discusses challenges faced by the specialists toward diagnosis and treatment of orphan disease for well-being of an individual living with the disorder.
Changes in COVID-19 Perception and in TMD Prevalence after 1 Year of Pandemic in Italy
Authors: Scelza Giuseppe , Amato Alessandra , Rongo Roberto , Nucci Ludovica , D'Ambrosio Francesco , Martina Stefano
Published: September 2022

Objectives The study aims to report the perception of dental practices and assess the individual's psychological stress level and related temporomandibular disorders (TMD) symptoms by evaluating the changes that occurred during the year following the first lockdown (May 2020).

Materials and Methods An online questionnaire was submitted to the Italian population between 20 March and 20 April 2021. It was sent via online platforms and included 14 questions.

Statistical analysis The data were analyzed using a chi-squared test and a comparison of the current data with the May 2020 survey data was performed using independent samples t-tests. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results Forty-three percent of subjects (872) considered the dental practice to be a place with a high risk of infection. Temporomandibular pain and joint sounds were reported by 35.7% (724) of the population; of these more frequently were women (71.8%, 520/724, p < 0.001). About 31% of the participants had moderate/severe psychological distress and, among them, it was found that 46.4% (294/634) reported TMD pain (p < 0.001) and 34.9% (221/634) complained of temporomandibular joint sounds (p < 0.001).

Conclusions Most participants did not consider dental practices as a place with a higher risk of coronavirus disease 2019 transmission and, in contrast to the data from a previous study, people were less afraid to go to dental practices. After the first year of the pandemic, the level of stress and depression increased and the prevalence of TMD pain and joint sounds increased, in association with gender, age, and level of distress.
The amplification effect of unreasonable human behaviours on natural disasters
Authors: Fan Jie , Liu Baoyin , Ming Xiaodong , Sun Yong , Qin Lianjie
Published: September 2022

Natural disasters occur when environmental systems have a disruptive effect on the socio-economic system. In recent years, particular unreasonable human behaviours have amplified losses from natural disasters as result of the increasing complexity of human systems. Because of the lack of both quantitative calculation of this amplification, and analysis of the root cause of these behaviours, existing risk assessment and management research rarely includes unreasonable human behaviour as a critical factor. This study therefore creates three simulation scenarios, each based on a twenty-first-century catastrophe in China, and calculates the disaster losses that are amplified when such behaviour increases exposure (the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake), vulnerability (the 2014 Ludian earthquake) and hazard (the 2021 Zhengzhou rainstorm) levels. In doing so, it intuitively demonstrates the amplification effect caused by unreasonable human behaviour. The results show that these behaviours amplified disaster losses significantly: increased exposure due to unscientific planning nearly doubled the death toll in the Wenchuan earthquake; high vulnerability caused by the low economic level of residents increased the disaster losses of the Ludian earthquake more than tenfold; and the elevated hazard intensity caused by anthropogenic climate change resulted in a 1.44-times expansion of the area severely affected by the Zhengzhou rainstorm. These behaviours have become an important cause of disasters, and the main driving factors behind them—such as neglecting disaster risk; the inability to cope with disasters; and a lack of certainty about how to deal with extreme events—are the inevitable outcomes of societal development. On this basis, we constructed an extended risk framework that included unreasonable behavioural factors and a disaster mechanism, to analyse in depth the relationship between human behaviours and disaster risk prevention in different developmental stages. The results provide an important reference for the development of risk management policies to control these unreasonable behaviours.
Deep learning-based automated metrology tool for semiconductor characterization
Authors: Kim Meeri
Published: September 2022

Incorporating object detection and instance segmentation techniques to automate what is traditionally a manual, tedious task for semiconductor process engineers
Uniaxial strain induced anisotropic bandgap engineering in freestanding BiFeO3 films
Authors: Jiang Xingyu , Liu Yiren , Zang Yipeng , Liu Yuwei , Gao Tianyi , Zheng Ningchong , Gu Zhengbin , Yang Yurong , Wu Di , Nie Yuefeng
Published: September 2022

Strain engineering has been demonstrated to be an effective knob to tune the bandgap in perovskite oxides, which is highly desired for applications in optics, optoelectronics, and ferroelectric photovoltaics. Multiferroic BiFeO3 exhibits great potential in photovoltaic applications and its bandgap engineering is of great interest. However, the mechanism of strain induced bandgap engineering in BiFeO3 remains elusive to date. Here, we perform in situ ellipsometry measurements to investigate the bandgap evolution as a function of uniaxial strain on freestanding BiFeO3 films. Exotic anisotropic bandgap engineering has been observed, where the bandgap increases (decreases) by applying uniaxial tensile strain along the pseudocubic [100]p ([110]p) direction. First-principles calculations indicate that different O6 octahedral rotations under strain are responsible for this phenomenon. Our work demonstrates that the extreme freedom in tuning the strain and symmetry of freestanding films opens a new fertile playground for novel strain-driven phases in transition metal oxides.
Optimizing speckles for dynamic objects using genetic algorithm in ghost imaging
Authors: He Yuchen , Mao Shuai , Chen Juan , Yuan Yuan , Chen Hui , Xu Zhuo
Published: September 2022

Different from the traditional imaging methods using first-order interference, ghost imaging (GI) uses the second-order correlation, bringing many potential applications. On the other hand, GI has been suffering from low efficiency in image reconstruction due to a high sampling rate, which is a barrier for its application, especially when dealing with dynamic objects. The genetic algorithm (GA) can optimize the speckle sequence for an object and enable GI reconstruction with a few speckle patterns. However, the optimized speckle sequence of the GA usually loses the generalization and can only reconstruct the object being tested, making it far from suitable for handling a dynamic object. Here, we propose an improved method based on the GA, where we make two selection rules: the selective patterns more likely have a high response from the object, and meanwhile, the selected patterns tend to be linearly independent from each other. The optimized speckle sequence under these rules not only results in successful reconstruction but also preserves a generalization to a certain extent, enabling the GI to reconstruct the different states of the dynamic object at a low overall sampling rate. In the verification of the first frame, our method performs better based on the demonstration of various algorithms. In a demonstration of the dynamic object at 50% sampling rate, the reconstructed images are 2.1775 dB higher at 12 different frames on average in the peak signal-to-noise ratio than the random speckle sequence.
Engineering physical microenvironments to study innate immune cell biophysics
Authors: Kalashnikov Nikita , Moraes Christopher
Published: September 2022

Innate immunity forms the core of the human body's defense system against infection, injury, and foreign objects. It aims to maintain homeostasis by promoting inflammation and then initiating tissue repair, but it can also lead to disease when dysregulated. Although innate immune cells respond to their physical microenvironment and carry out intrinsically mechanical actions such as migration and phagocytosis, we still do not have a complete biophysical description of innate immunity. Here, we review how engineering tools can be used to study innate immune cell biophysics. We first provide an overview of innate immunity from a biophysical perspective, review the biophysical factors that affect the innate immune system, and then explore innate immune cell biophysics in the context of migration, phagocytosis, and phenotype polarization. Throughout the review, we highlight how physical microenvironments can be designed to probe the innate immune system, discuss how biophysical insight gained from these studies can be used to generate a more comprehensive description of innate immunity, and briefly comment on how this insight could be used to develop mechanical immune biomarkers and immunomodulatory therapies.
All-solid-state AlGaN/GaN-based ion-sensitive heterostructure field effect transistor pH sensor microprobe encapsulated in medical needle
Authors: Wang Fengge , Zhang Minjie , Liu Honghui , Xu Yanyan , Liang Zhiwen , Shen Junyu , Xiao Zhengwen , Yan Chaokun , Wu Zhisheng , Liu Yang , Zhang Baijun
Published: September 2022

It is very important to monitor pH values. In this paper, we fabricated an all-solid-state AlGaN/GaN-based ion-sensitive heterostructure field effect transistor (ISHFET) pH sensor microprobe. The microprobe could facilitate measurement of pH values. The microprobe was fabricated by packaging the pH sensor microprobe chip into a 21 G medical needle. The performance of the integrated pH sensor microprobe was evaluated in pH range of 4–9.18. A sensitivity of 143.57 µA/pH can be achieved using the pH sensor microprobe with a width to length ratio of 4.2 at a drain–source voltage of 0.5 V. The pH sensor microprobe keeps a similar current when the pH values of solutions are the same. A response time of 1 s can be achieved when no neutralization reaction occurs. The pH sensor microprobe can accurately measure pH of solutions under 0.1M interfering ions. This probe-type AlGaN/GaN-based ISHFET pH sensor may be used in medicine or biology, especially in the detection of pH of biological fluid, blood, and some precious biological samples.
What is in the learner’s mind when trying to verbalize grammatical rules?
Authors: Son Vi Thanh , Håkansson Gisela
Published: September 2022

The present study examines the outcome of teaching second language English (L2 English) third-person singular present tense -s for declarative knowledge in two different settings, namely Sweden and Vietnam. Third person -s is one of the most studied grammatical structures in second language acquisition research. Data are collected in two classroom contexts with different teaching traditions. Participants are 76 young learners, 11–12 years old, 32 with Swedish as L1 and 44 with L1 Vietnamese. The results demonstrate differences in learner outcomes in these two groups. The Vietnamese learners outperformed the Swedish learners on the tests of declarative knowledge. The analyses of learner explanations of third-person singular present tense -s reveal that learners tend to decompose this complex rule into several features, which sometimes lead them into misconceptions. This has pedagogical implications about EFL teaching and learning for young learners.
An open-source bioink database for microextrusion 3D printing
Authors: Mahadik Bhushan , Margolis Ryan , McLoughlin Shannon , Melchiorri Anthony , Lee Sang Jin , Yoo James , Atala Anthony , Mikos Antonios G , Fisher John P
Published: September 2022

3D printing has rapidly become a critical enabling technology in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine for the fabrication of complex engineered tissues. 3D bioprinting, in particular, has advanced greatly to facilitate the incorporation of a broad spectrum of biomaterials along with cells and biomolecules of interest for in vitro tissue generation. The increasing complexity of novel bioink formulations and application-dependent printing conditions poses a significant challenge for replicating or innovating new bioprinting strategies. As the field continues to grow, it is imperative to establish a cohesive, open-source database that enables users to search through existing 3D printing formulations rapidly and efficiently. Through the efforts of the NIH/NIBIB Center for Engineering Complex Tissues, we have developed, to our knowledge, the first bioink database for extrusion-based 3D printing. The database is publicly available and allows users to search through and easily access information on biomaterials and cells specifically used in 3D printing. In order to enable a community-driven database growth, we have established an open-source portal for researchers to enter their publication information for addition into the database. Although the database has a broad range of capabilities, we demonstrate its utility by performing a comprehensive analysis of the printability domains of two well-established biomaterials in the printing world, namely poly(ϵ-caprolactone) and gelatin methacrylate. The database allowed us to rapidly identify combinations of extrusion pressure, temperature, and speed that have been used to print these biomaterials and more importantly, identify domains within which printing was not possible. The data also enabled correlation analysis between all the printing parameters, including needle size and type, that exhibited compatibility for cell-based 3D printing. Overall, this database is an extremely useful tool for the 3D printing and bioprinting community to advance their research and is an important step towards standardization in the field.