bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First titanosaur dinosaur nesting site from the Late Cretaceous of Brazil
Authors: Fiorelli Lucas E. , Martinelli Agustín G. , da Silva João Ismael , Hechenleitner E. Martín , Soares Marcus Vinícius Theodoro , Silva Junior Julian C. G. , da Silva José Carlos , Borges Élbia Messias Roteli , Ribeiro Luiz Carlos Borges , Marconato André , Basilici Giorgio , da Silva Marinho Thiago
Published: March 2022

Titanosaurs were successful herbivorous dinosaurs widely distributed in all continents during the Cretaceous, with the major diversity in South America. The success of titanosaurs was probably due to several physiological and ecological factors, in addition to a series of morphological traits they achieved during their evolutionary history. However, the generalist nesting behaviour using different palaeoenvironments and strategies was key to accomplish that success. Titanosaur nesting sites have been found extensively around the world, with notable records in Spain, France, Romania, India, and, especially, Argentina. Here, we describe the first titanosaur nesting site from the Late Cretaceous of Brazil that represents the most boreal nesting site for South America. Several egg-clutches, partially preserved, isolated eggs and many eggshell fragments were discovered in an Inceptisol palaeosol profile of the mining Lafarge Quarry, at the Ponte Alta District (Uberaba Municipality, Minas Gerais State), corresponding to the Serra da Galga Formation (Bauru Group, Bauru Basin). Although classical mechanical preparation and CT scans have not revealed embryonic remains in ovo, the eggs and eggshell features match those eggs containing titanosaurian embryos found worldwide. The morphology of the egg-clutches and observations of the sedimentary characteristics bolster the hypothesis that these sauropods were burrow-nester dinosaurs, as was already suggested for the group based on other nesting sites. The egg-clutches distributed in two levels along the Lafarge outcrops, together with the geopalaeontological data collected, provide clear evidence for the first colonial nesting and breeding area of titanosaur dinosaurs in Brazil.
Fractal analysis of 4D dynamic myocardial stress-CT perfusion imaging differentiates micro- and macrovascular ischemia in a multi-center proof-of-concept study
Authors: Michallek Florian , Nakamura Satoshi , Ota Hideki , Ogawa Ryo , Shizuka Takehito , Nakashima Hitoshi , Wang Yi-Ning , Ito Tatsuro , Sakuma Hajime , Dewey Marc , Kitagawa Kakuya
Published: March 2022

Fractal analysis of dynamic, four-dimensional computed tomography myocardial perfusion (4D-CTP) imaging might have potential for noninvasive differentiation of microvascular ischemia and macrovascular coronary artery disease (CAD) using fractal dimension (FD) as quantitative parameter for perfusion complexity. This multi-center proof-of-concept study included 30 rigorously characterized patients from the AMPLIFiED trial with nonoverlapping and confirmed microvascular ischemia (nmicro = 10), macrovascular CAD (nmacro = 10), or normal myocardial perfusion (nnormal = 10) with invasive coronary angiography and fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurements as reference standard. Perfusion complexity was comparatively high in normal perfusion (FDnormal = 4.49, interquartile range [IQR]:4.46–4.53), moderately reduced in microvascular ischemia (FDmicro = 4.37, IQR:4.36–4.37), and strongly reduced in macrovascular CAD (FDmacro = 4.26, IQR:4.24–4.27), which allowed to differentiate both ischemia types, p < 0.001. Fractal analysis agreed excellently with perfusion state (κ = 0.96, AUC = 0.98), whereas myocardial blood flow (MBF) showed moderate agreement (κ = 0.77, AUC = 0.78). For detecting CAD patients, fractal analysis outperformed MBF estimation with sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 85% versus 100% and 25%, p = 0.02. In conclusion, fractal analysis of 4D-CTP allows to differentiate microvascular from macrovascular ischemia and improves detection of hemodynamically significant CAD in comparison to MBF estimation.
Role of detrusor PDGFRα+ cells in mouse model of cyclophosphamide-induced detrusor overactivity
Authors: Lee Haeyeong , Koh Byoung H. , Peri Lauren E. , Woodward Holly J. , Perrino Brian A. , Sanders Kenton M. , Koh Sang Don
Published: March 2022

Cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis is a rodent model that shares many features common to the cystitis occurring in patients, including detrusor overactivity (DO). Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha positive (PDGFRα+) cells have been proposed to regulate muscle excitability in murine bladders during filling. PDGFRα+cells express small conductance Ca2+-activated K+channels (predominantly SK3) that provide stabilization of membrane potential during filling. We hypothesized that down-regulation of the regulatory functions of PDGFRα+cells and/or loss of PDGFRα+cells generates the DO in CYP-treated mice. After CYP treatment, transcripts ofPdgfrαandKcnn3and PDGFRα and SK3 protein were reduced in detrusor muscle extracts. The distribution of PDGFRα+cells was also reduced. Inflammatory markers were increased in CYP-treated detrusor muscles. An SK channel agonist, CyPPA, increased outward current and hyperpolarization in PDGFRα+cells. This response was significantly depressed in PDGFRα+cells from CYP-treated bladders. Contractile experiments and ex vivo cystometry showed increased spontaneous contractions and transient contractions, respectively in CYP-treated bladders with a reduction of apamin sensitivity, that could be attributable to the reduction in the SK conductance expressed by PDGFRα+cells. In summary, PDGFRα+cells were reduced and the SK3 conductance was downregulated in CYP-treated bladders. These changes are consistent with the development of DO after CYP treatment.
Multidimensional H-atom tunneling in the catecholate monoanion
Authors: Bhattacharyya Debabrata , Ramesh Sai G.
Published: March 2022

The title molecule is introduced as a new model system for detailed studies of double-well tunneling. An all-mode PES is presented, along with vibrational eigenstates in key mode subspaces. Mode-specific tunneling splittings are also discussed.
Emerging investigator series: correlating phase composition and geometric structure to the colloidal stability of 2D MoS2 nanomaterials
Authors: Liu Bei , Han Zixin , Han Qi , Shu Yufei , Wang Mengxia , Wang Li , Wang Zhongying , Pedersen Joel A.
Published: March 2022

The study reveals that the interaction with cations, colloidal stability and transport behavior of MoS2 rely on its phase compositions and geometric structures.
Mesoporous silica-supported rhodium complexes alongside organic functional groups for catalysing the 1,4-addition reaction of arylboronic acid in water
Authors: Kong Yuanyuan , Ding Siming , Endo Koichiro , Nakajima Kiyotaka , Manaka Yuichi , Chun Wang-Jae , Tomita Ikuyoshi , Motokura Ken
Published: March 2022

Mesoporous silica-supported Rh complexes alongside organic functional groups enable 1,4-addition reaction in water.
Liquefiable biomass-derived porous carbons and their applications in CO2capture and conversion
Authors: He Jinglin , Jin Ziheng , Gan Fengli , Xie Lingling , Guo Jundong , Zhang Shihan , Jia Charles Q. , Ma Ding , Dai Zhongde , Jiang Xia
Published: March 2022

Liquefiable biomass-derived porous carbons (LBPCs) have been explored as adsorbents for CO2 capture and catalysts for CO2 conversion, showing great potential in helping achieve “negative carbon emissions”.
Synthesis, biological evaluation and induced fit docking simulation study ofd-glucose-conjugated 1H-1,2,3-triazoles having 4H-pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine ring as potential agents against bacteria and fungi
Authors: Son Hai Do , Thi Thu Ha Nguyen , Tien Tung Do , Thi Kim Giang Nguyen , Thi Thu Huong Nguyen , Huu Anh Hoang , Thi Kim Van Hoang , Ngoc Toan Vu , Toan Duong Ngoc , Thanh Nguyen Dinh
Published: March 2022

Gluco-conjugated 1H-1,2,3-triazoles having 4H-pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidines are synthesized via click chemistry of N-propargyl-4H-pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidines and glucopyaranosyl azide using CuI@Montmorillonite. Their antibacterial, anti-MRSA, and antifungal activity is probed.
CoCe/N–C hybrids constructed via Ce–O–Co solid solution for the deoxygenation of sulfoxide
Authors: Zhang Fangying , Fang Wangwang , Yan Fanyong , Wang Bowei , Zhang Dan , Wang Tao , Bai Guoyi , Chen Ligong , Li Yang , Yan Xilong
Published: March 2022

CeO2-promoted Co–N–C hybrids were prepared by the strategy of solid solution construction for the deoxygenation of sulfoxide.
Filamentous bacteriophages, natural nanoparticles, for viral vaccine strategies
Authors: Wang Yicun , Zhang Guangxin , Zhong Lili , Qian Min , Wang Meng , Cui Ranji
Published: March 2022

Screening random phage peptide libraries provides an effective, inexpensive, and timely technique for epitope mapping. Filamentous Bacteriophage are harmless and immunogenic when administered through multiple routes, and mainly divided into protein vaccines and DNA vaccines.
Simple way of making free-standing cathode electrodes for flexible lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Chen Chih-Hung , Chiu Jian-Ming , Shown Indrajit , Wang Chen-Hao
Published: March 2022

The flexible electrodes used in the lithium-ion battery (LIB) offer an excellent opportunity to be bent and folded without deforming their electrochemical characteristics.
Engineering the surface anatomy of an industrially durable NiCo2S4/NiMo2S4/NiO bifunctional electrode for alkaline seawater electrolysis
Authors: Seenivasan Selvaraj , Kim Do-Heyoung
Published: March 2022

An approach to modulate surface reconstruction and simultaneously augment surface sites by applying a monolayer amount of metal oxide on a metal sulfide electrocatalyst.
Curcumin doped zeolitic imidazolate framework nanoplatforms as multifunctional nanocarriers for tumor chemo/immunotherapy
Authors: Liu Jingjin , Liu Suwan , Wu Yunchao , Xu Xiao , Li Qianzhe , Yang Mengyu , Gong Aihua , Zhang Miaomiao , Lu Rongzhu , Du Fengyi
Published: March 2022

A novel curcumin doped zeolitic imidazolate framework nanoplatform was synthesized by a metal coordination strategy, which could effectively improve the application of curcumin in tumor therapy and improve anti-tumor immunity.
A stereoselective hydride transfer reaction with contributions from attractive dispersion force control
Authors: Braddock D. Christopher , Limpaitoon Natnicha , Oliwa Krzysztof , O’Reilly Daniel , Rzepa Henry S. , White Andrew J. P.
Published: March 2022

The experimentally determined stereochemical outcome of an unprecedented hydride transfer from a lithium alkoxide to an aldehyde is reported, as deconvoluted by the combined use of a single enantiomer alkoxide in conjunction with a deuterium label.
Using molecular oxygen and Fe–N/C heterogeneous catalysts to achieve Mukaiyama epoxidations via in situ produced organic peroxy acids and acylperoxy radicals
Authors: Gong Mengjun , Guo Yanjun , Malko Daniel , Rubio-Garcia Javier , Dawson Jack M.S. , Britovsek George J. P. , Kucernak Anthony
Published: March 2022

Non-precious metal Fe–N/C heterogeneous catalysts efficiently catalyse epoxidation at 25 °C and atmospheric pressure using oxygen as oxidant. The reaction is studied using on-line oxygen consumption, electrochemistry, and UV-vis spectroscopy.
Design and synthesis of a novel blue-emitting CaNaSb2O6F:Bi3+ phosphor for optical temperature sensing
Authors: Chen Xuexia , Pang Ran , Wang Shangwei , Su Jiangyue , Yuan Weihong , Jiao Shengjian , Wu Haiyan , Li Da , Li Chengyu , Zhang Hongjie
Published: March 2022

A novel n-UV activated phosphor CaNaSb2O6F:Bi3+ with strong blue emissions has been synthesized and systematically investigated.
Highly stable spherical shaped and blue photoluminescent cyclodextrin-coated tellurium nanocomposites prepared by in situ generated solvated electrons: a rapid green method and mechanistic and anticancer studies
Authors: Guleria Apurav , Gandhi Vishwa V. , Kunwar Amit , Debnath Anil K. , Adhikari Soumyakanti
Published: March 2022

Amorphous yet photoluminescent cyclodextrin-coated Te nanocomposites with anti-cancer efficacy prepared rapidly by in situ generated solvated electrons.
Deciphering impedance cytometry signals with neural networks
Authors: Caselli Federica , Reale Riccardo , De Ninno Adele , Spencer Daniel , Morgan Hywel , Bisegna Paolo
Published: March 2022

A successful outcome of the coupling between microfluidics and AI: neural networks tackle the signal processing challenges of single-cell microfluidic impedance cytometry.
Rapid trapping and tagging of microparticles in controlled flow by in situ digital projection lithography
Authors: Zhang Han , Lu Meiying , Xiong Zheng , Yang Jing , Tan Mingyue , Huang Long , Zhu Xiaojuan , Lu Zifeng , Liang Zhongzhu , Liu Hua
Published: March 2022

Real-time and fast trapping and tagging of microfeatures, such as microparticles and cells, are of great significance for biomedical research.
A water-mediated approach for the preparation of conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-decorated poly(methyl methacrylate) microcomposites
Authors: Saeed P. A. , Shilpa R. , Sujith A.
Published: March 2022

The water-mediated synthesis of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) on the surface of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microspheres leads to the formation of segregated electrically conductive composites.
Phase engineered gallium ferrite: a promising narrow bandgap, room-temperature ferroelectric
Authors: Mukherjee Somdutta , Mishra Monali , Swarnakar Palash , Sanwlani Shilpa , Dash Sukalyan , Roy Amritendu
Published: March 2022

Novel ferroelectric phase of gallium ferrite demonstrates narrow energy bandgap with large electronic contribution polarization, attractive for new generation optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices.
Recent advances in metal–organic frameworks for gas adsorption/separation
Authors: Jiang Chuanhai , Wang Xiaokang , Ouyang Yuguo , Lu Kebin , Jiang Weifeng , Xu Huakai , Wei Xiaofei , Wang Zhifei , Dai Fangna , Sun Daofeng
Published: March 2022

This review summarizes the representative works of MOFs for gas adsorption/separation in recent years, analyses the host–guest interaction, structure–performance relations, and the adsorption/separation mechanism.
Enantioselective biocatalytic resolution for the synthesis of enantiopure α-hydroxyphosphonates using Candida antarctica lipase B
Authors: Hu Hui-Juan , Gao Run-Li , Yang Qi-Fan , Huang Yong-Peng , Wang Hong-Mei , Pei Cheng-Xin
Published: March 2022

A versatile and efficient method to produce enantiopure α-hydroxyphosphonates and their acyl transfer products using CALB under mild conditions.
Simultaneous reversible tuning of H+ and Zn2+ coinsertion in MnO2 cathode for high-capacity aqueous Zn-ion battery
Authors: Shang Zhoutai , Zhang Hong , Wang Mingli , Chen Qianwang , Lu Ke
Published: March 2022

Protons and zinc ions are generally regarded as charge carriers for rechargeable Zn/MnO2 batteries relying on cation coinsertion for their two-step redox energy storage.
Correction: Gold nanoparticles supported on supramolecular ionic liquid grafted graphene: a bifunctional catalyst for the selective aerobic oxidation of alcohols
Authors: Mahyari Mojtaba , Shaabani Ahmad , Bide Yasamin
Published: March 2022

Correction for ‘Gold nanoparticles supported on supramolecular ionic liquid grafted graphene: a bifunctional catalyst for the selective aerobic oxidation of alcohols’ by Mojtaba Mahyari et al., RSC Adv., 2013, 3, 22509–22517, DOI: 10.1039/C3RA44696D.
Liquid bridge: liquid metal bridging spherical BN largely enhances the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of thermal interface materials
Authors: Li Junhong , Ma Qiangqiang , Gao Shan , Liang Ting , Pang Yunsong , Zeng Xiangliang , Li Ya-yun , Zeng Xiaoliang , Sun Rong , Ren Linlin
Published: March 2022

With the rapid development of advanced microelectronic equipment, thermal interface materials with high thermal conductivity and excellent mechanical properties have become an urgent need.
A new method for early diagnosis of liver cancer using a biosensor embedded in an alginate polymer thin film
Authors: Attia Mohamed S. , Mohamed Amal A. , El-Saady Mostafa M. , Abou-Omar Mona N. , Afify Hisham G. , Amin Tarek A. , Hosny Ahmed H. , Youssef Ahmed O. , Mohy-Eldin Mohamed S.
Published: March 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become a pressing health problem facing the world today due to its high morbidity, high mortality, and late discovery.
A novel design of single‐phase microgrid based on non‐interference core synchronous inverters for power system stabilization
Authors: Yorino Naoto , Sekizaki Shinya , Adachi Kota , Sasaki Yutaka , Zoka Yoshifumi , Bedawy Ahmed , Shimizu Toshihisa , Amimoto Kazuya
Published: March 2022

This paper summarizes our recent work on Grid‐Forming Inverter (GFM) application to power systems. We have developed a novel design of GFM, a single‐phase synchronous inverter (SSI) for the conventional 100/200V distribution network based on the concept of “non‐interference core (NIC) dynamic model.” This paper first explains the design concept of NIC‐SSI and a simulation model of SSI for power system analysis. Then the stabilization effect is investigated, where the installation of SSI on the single‐phase consumer side is assumed as a new concept. The improvement of frequency and transient stability are evaluated. The SSI model is verified by comparing the developed root mean square (RMS) simulation, hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) simulation, and the experiment using SSI hardware. The simulation results show that the SSI has the considerable ability of grid stabilization. Singlephase micro‐grid (SMG) operations using SSIs are also presented. The effectiveness of SMG operations is shown based on laboratory experiments.
Return-to-sports after minimally invasive stabilization of intra-articular calcaneal fractures
Authors: Bischofreiter Martin , Litzlbauer Werner , Breulmann Franziska , Kindermann Harald , Rodemund Christian , Mattiassich Georg
Published: March 2022

Background Evaluation of different factors in patient quality of life after minimally invasive stabilization of intra-articular calcaneal fractures, including the return-to-sports rate.

Patients and Methods Patients with minimally invasive stabilization of intra-articular calcaneal fractures were collected from the database of a Level I trauma center and evaluated in a retrospective and explorative way. The clinical and radiological examination have been done immediately after the operation, after 2 and 6 weeks postoperative and after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Clinical and radiological examination was performed by applying the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot scale score (AOFAS), 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Tegner Activity Scale, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and with a questionnaire about pre- and postoperative engagement in sport and recreational activities.

Results Fourty-nine patients with an isolated uni-lateral fracture of the calcaneus who fulfilled all inclusion criteria were assessed. Fourty-two of them were male and 24 were under the age of 50 years. No statistically significant differences were noted between Sanders I/II and Sanders III/IV in terms of SF-36, AOFAS, FAOS or Tegner-scale. A less satisfying result was noticed in Sanders III/IV patients. General health, pain in FAOS, physical functioning and pain in SF-36 were strongly dependent on Tegner score values. Twenty-nine percent of our study population changed sport activities after injury, whereas 22 percent stopped all kinds of sports. Consequently, our overall return-to-sport rate was 78 percent.

Conclusion Clinical results including different scores and quality of life parameters in our study population were satisfying. About 80 percent of patients could return to sports, but there are still many patients that were not able to perform sports and physical activities on the same level as before.
HemosIL VWF:GPIbR Assay Has a Greater Sensitivity than VWF:RCo Technique to Detect Acquired von Willebrand Syndrome in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Authors: Laporte Pierre , Tuffigo Marie , Ryman Anne , Fiore Mathieu , Rivière Etienne , James Chloé , Guy Alexandre
Published: March 2022

Background Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) is frequent in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). For von Willebrand factor (VWF) functional evaluation, ristocetin cofactor activity by aggregometry (VWF:RCo) is considered the gold standard but has limitations, and automated activity measurement has been developed such as the HemosIL VWF:RCo Werfen with particle agglutination (VWF:GPIbR).

Objectives To evaluate the performance of VWF:GPIbR with HemosIL VWF:RCo Werfen (VWF:GPIbR) versus VWF:RCo in patients with thrombocytosis in the context of MPNs (T-MPNs) and in patients with secondary thrombocytosis (ST).

Methods MPN patients with thrombocytosis >450 G/L (T-MPNs) were compared with patients with ST due to inflammation or iron deficiency. VWF activity (VWF:Act) was analyzed using VWF:RCo or VWF:GPIbR. VWF analysis was completed by analysis of VWF multimers and VWF collagen binding (CB) assay (VWF:CB).

Results A total of 33 T-MPNs and 18 ST patients were included. Compared with aggregometry, evaluation of VWF:Act by VWF:GPIbR led to lower values in T-MPN patients, but also in ST patients. Interestingly, although the VWF:RCo/VWF:Ag ratio did not reveal differences between T-MPNs and ST patients, the VWF:GPIbR/VWF:Ag ratio analysis allowed us to suspect AVWS only in T-MPN patients. Using the distribution of VWF multimer analysis and VWF:CB, we here demonstrated that VWF:GPIbR allows AVWS diagnosis in nine T-MPNs as opposed to aggregometry.

Conclusion Evaluation of VWF:Act using VWF:GPIbR has a greater sensitivity compared with aggregometry to detect AVWS in T-MPN patients.
Pentosan Polysulfate Inhibits Attachment and Infection by SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro: Insights into Structural Requirements for Binding
Authors: Bertini Sabrina , Alekseeva Anna , Elli Stefano , Pagani Isabel , Zanzoni Serena , Eisele Giorgio , Krishnan Ravi , Maag Klaus P. , Reiter Christian , Lenhart Dominik , Gruber Rudolf , Yates Edwin A , Vicenzi Elisa , Naggi Annamaria , Bisio Antonella , Guerrini Marco
Published: March 2022

Two years since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic, there remain few clinically effective drugs to complement vaccines. One is the anticoagulant, heparin, which in 2004 was found able to inhibit invasion of SARS-CoV (CoV-1) and which has been employed during the current pandemic to prevent thromboembolic complications and moderate potentially damaging inflammation. Heparin has also been shown experimentally to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 attachment and infection in susceptible cells. At high therapeutic doses however, heparin increases the risk of bleeding and prolonged use can cause heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, a serious side effect. One alternative, with structural similarities to heparin, is the plant-derived, semi-synthetic polysaccharide, pentosan polysulfate (PPS). PPS is an established drug for the oral treatment of interstitial cystitis, is well-tolerated, and exhibits weaker anticoagulant effects than heparin. In an established Vero cell model, PPS and its fractions of varying molecular weights inhibited invasion by SARS-CoV-2. Intact PPS and its size-defined fractions were characterized by molecular weight distribution and chemical structure using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, then employed to explore the structural basis of interactions with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain (S1 RBD) and the inhibition of Vero cell invasion. PPS was as effective as unfractionated heparin, but more effective in inhibiting cell infection than low-molecular-weight heparin (on a weight/volume basis). Isothermal titration calorimetry and viral plaque-forming assays demonstrated size-dependent binding to S1 RBD and inhibition of Vero cell invasion, suggesting the potential application of PPS as a novel inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Early Rhythm Control and the Risks of Ischemic Stroke, Heart Failure, Mortality, and Adverse Events When Performed Early (<3 Months): A Nationwide Cohort Study of Newly Diagnosed Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Chao Tze-Fan , Chan Yi-Hsin , Chiang Chern-En , Tuan Ta-Chuan , Liao Jo-Nan , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: March 2022

Background In the Early Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation for Stroke Prevention Trial (EAST-AFNET 4), early rhythm control was associated with better clinical outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the intervention arm had more structured and regular follow-up, and whether the better outcomes of patients assigned to rhythm control were solely due to “early” intervention or because of more regular and structured follow-up was unclear.

Objective In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether the findings of the EAST trial are applicable to the “real-world” clinical setting, where a less structured management protocol is operated.

Methods From 2001 to 2016, 301,064 newly diagnosed AF patients were identified from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Among these patients, 62,649 AF patients receiving antiarrhythmic drugs or catheter ablation within 1 year after AF being diagnosed (similar to the timing definition of the EAST-AFNET 4 trial) were categorized as the early rhythm control group, and the remaining 238,415 patients were defined as usual care group. Risks of clinical events were compared between the two groups.

Results Compared with usual care, early rhythm control was associated with a lower adjusted risk of ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.771, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.751–0.792; p < 0.001), heart failure (aHR: 0.851, 95% CI: 0.806–0.899; p < 0.001), acute myocardial infarction (aHR: 0.915, 95% CI: 0.877–0.955; p < 0.001), mortality (aHR: 0.794, 95% CI: 0.782–0.806; p < 0.001), and composite adverse events (aHR: 0.823, 95% CI: 0.813–0.834; p < 0.001). Compared with usual care, the lower risks of ischemic stroke (aHR: 0.746, 95% CI: 0.717–0.775), heart failure (aHR: 0.819, 95% CI: 0.798–0.841), mortality (aHR: 0.777, 95% CI: 0.759–0.795), and composite adverse events (aHR: 0.802, 95% CI: 0.787–0.818) associated with early rhythm control were even more evident when performed early (<3 months) compared to later periods (3–6 months, 7–9 months, and 10–12 months; p
int < 0.001). Principal results were generally consistent for majority of subgroups studied and among the cohort after propensity matching.

Conclusion In this nationwide cohort study, early rhythm control therapy was associated with a lower risk of adverse events compared with usual care among patients with early AF. Outcomes were even better with earlier (<3 months) intervention.
Palladium-Catalyzed Regiodivergent Decarboxylative Hydrothiocarbonylation of Vinylarenes Using Oxalic Acid Monothioesters
Authors: Shang Rui , Li Kang , Shen Ni , Liu Can
Published: March 2022

Oxalic acid monothioester (OAM), an easily accessible and bench-stable reagent, is reported herein as a synthetic equivalent of thioester for palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative hydrothiocarbonylation of vinylarenes to achieve both branched and linear regioselectivity. The reactions provided user-friendly synthetic methods for preparation of α- or β-arylated propionic acid thioesters from vinylarenes without directly handling toxic carbon monoxide and odorous thiols.
Pituitary Adenomas as a Barometer for Health Care Access
Authors: Wallace Nathan John , Palmer William Jackson , Devaiah Anand K.
Published: March 2022

Introduction Expanding access to care has been shown to impact patient care and disease epidemiology for different disease states, but has not been studied in pituitary adenoma. We hypothesize that increasing access to care—which includes diagnostics—through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid expansion has increased identification of pituitary adenomas.

Methods The National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was utilized to identify patients with pituitary adenomas from 2007–to 2016 yielding 39,120 cases. Demographic, histologic, and insurance data were extracted. After stratification based on their insurance status, they were plotted to examine trends in insurance status after introduction of the ACA and Medicaid expansion.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data was gathered from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. A linear regression model was developed to describe the relationship between pituitary adenoma discovery and the number of MRI exams.

Results Pituitary adenoma diagnoses (37.6%) and MRI examinations per 1,000 in the U.S. (32.3%) increased concurrently from 2007 to 2016. Linear regression analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship (p = 0.0004). Those patients without insurance diagnosed with pituitary adenomas decreased 36.8% after Medicaid expansion (p = 0.023). With respect to Medicaid utilization, significant increases of 28.5% (p = 0.014) and 30.3% (p = 0.00096) were noted after both the ACA enactment and Medicaid expansion, respectively.

Conclusion The ACA has expanded health care access which has increased the ability to identify patients with pituitary adenomas. The present study also provides evidence that access to care is important for less prevalent diseases such as pituitary adenomas.
Cross-Coupling Reactions of Polyhalogenated Heterocycles
Authors: Langer Peter
Published: March 2022

Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of polyhalogenated heterocycles provide a convenient access to multifold arylated and alkynylated ring systems with a broad spectrum of physical and medicinal properties. Products include thiophenes, selenophenes, pyrroles, indoles, furans, benzofurans, pyrazoles, pyridines, quinolines, pyrimidines, pyrazines, naphthyridines, quinoxalines, and others. The regioselectivity of the coupling reactions is controlled by a combination of electronic and steric parameters. While a number of couplings can be carried out essentially under standard conditions, others require the use of more sophisticated ligands and a thorough optimization of the conditions, such as solvent, temperature, or reaction time. The present Account provides a personalized overview of coupling reactions of polyhalogenated heterocycles.

1 Introduction

2 Thiophenes

3 Selenophenes

4 Pyrroles and Indoles

5 Furans and Benzofurans

6 Pyrazoles

7 Pyridines

8 Quinolines

9 Pyrimidines and Pyrazines

10 Naphthyridines and Quinoxalines

11 Miscellaneous

12 Conclusions
Terahertz biophotonics poised to provide an alternative to conventional medical diagnostics
Authors: Green Leigh Ann
Published: March 2022

Biomedical applications harness the effectiveness of promising wave technology.
The far wake of porous disks and a model wind turbine: Similarities and differences assessed by hot-wire anemometry
Authors: Vinnes Magnus K. , Gambuzza Stefano , Ganapathisubramani Bharathram , Hearst R. Jason
Published: March 2022

The wakes of two different porous disks have been evaluated experimentally. Such disks are commonly used as physical actuator disk analogs for wind turbines. One disk is made of a uniform wire mesh, while the other has a nonuniform design with radial spars connected by rings. The disks have the same solidity and produce approximately the same drag. The wakes have also been compared to the wake of a model wind turbine and a solid disk. In contrast to earlier studies, the far wake, up to 30 diameters downstream, is included in the comparison. In the near wake, the velocity deficit and turbulence intensity profiles of the disk wakes differ significantly. High levels of turbulence intensity in the wake of the nonuniform disk increase the transverse transport in the wake, which leads to faster spreading and lower velocity deficits in the far wake, compared to the uniform disk and the wind turbine. High velocity gradients in the wake of the uniform disk give rise to turbulence production farther downstream, maintaining higher turbulence levels in the far wake. In addition, coherent vortex shedding is only identified in the wake of the nonuniform disk. None of the disks were able to replicate the asymmetric features of the wind turbine wake. Nonetheless, the results highlight important flow physics that should be considered in the design process of a porous disk used as a wind turbine surrogate.
Transport properties of a thin GaN channel formed in an Al0.9Ga0.1N/GaN heterostructure grown on AlN/sapphire template
Authors: Bassaler Julien , Comyn Rémi , Bougerol Catherine , Cordier Yvon , Medjdoub Farid , Ferrandis Philippe
Published: March 2022

Despite a high lateral breakdown voltage above 10 kV for large contact distances and a breakdown field of 5 MV cm−1 for short contact distances, an Al0.9Ga0.1N/GaN heterostructure with an 8 nm strained GaN channel grown on an AlN/sapphire template suffers from a low and anisotropic mobility. This work deals with a material study to elucidate this issue. Threading dislocations were observed along the growth direction in transmission electron microscopy pictures and are more in number in the (11−20) plane. Steps were also detected in this plane at the GaN channel interfaces. With the help of device simulations and static characterizations, the deep level transient spectroscopy technique allowed five traps located in the GaN channel to be identified. Most of them are associated with nitrogen- or gallium-vacancy-related defects and are expected to be localized at the interfaces of GaN with the buffer and the barrier. It is likely that these electrically active defects contribute to reduce the mobility in the two-dimensional electron gas. In addition, a link was established between the mobility and the dependence of the quality of the channel interfaces on the crystallographic orientation.
Significantly improved dielectric performance of bio-inspired gelatin/single-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposite
Authors: Alam Rabeya Binta , Ahmad Md. Hasive , Farhad S. F. U. , Islam Muhammad Rakibul
Published: March 2022

In this study, the dielectric properties of gelatin/single-walled carbon nanotube (Gel/SWCNT) nanocomposite were evaluated. The nanocomposites were synthesized by a simple solution casting method. The electron transport properties of the nanocomposites were studied by the dielectric and impedance spectroscopy techniques. A dielectric constant as high as 104 and a loss tangent of 0.91 were obtained for the Gel/SWCNT nanocomposite material at 100 Hz. The dielectric permittivity data of the nanocomposites were fitted by the modified Cole–Cole model to estimate the dielectric strength and the relaxation time. The addition of SWCNT into the gelatin reduces the relaxation time of the nanocomposite from 3.03 to 1.01 μs. The complex impedance spectra analyses show an increase in alternating current conductivity due to the incorporation of SWCNT and can be attributed to the change in bulk resistance together with a reduction in relaxation time of the nanocomposite. A quantitative analysis from the fitting of the Cole–Cole plot also reveals that the incorporation of SWCNT into the nanocomposite decreases the grain boundary resistance from 16 950 to 53 kΩ and increases the capacitive element from 67 to 275 nF. The mechanism behind the improved dielectric performance of the Gel/SWCNT nanocomposites has been elucidated in this study.
Dependence of coercive field of PIN–PMN–PT single crystal on temperature and frequency
Authors: Cui Lian , Chen Zhaojiang , Lü Yanhong , Cao Wenwu
Published: March 2022

The effective coercive field Eceff of [001]c oriented 0.24Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3–0.45Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.31PbTiO3 (PIN–PMN–PT) single crystals has been investigated as a function of temperature T and frequency f. The results show that the Eceff vs f curve exhibits two different regimes separated at about 400 kHz, which may be attributed to the relaxation of non-180° domain switching. It is found that Eceff linearly decreases with T at any given frequency but increases with frequency at a given temperature. These quantitative results demonstrate that the PIN–PMN–PT single crystals have good thermal stability and can be operated at a field level much beyond the conventional coercive field, revealing a great potential for high-frequency ultrasonic transducer applications.
Characteristics of the damage evolution and the free surface velocity profile with dynamic tensile spallation
Authors: Jiang Zhaoxiu , Zhong Zheng , Xie Puchu , Wang Yonggang , He Hongliang
Published: March 2022

The spalling behavior of ductile metals is a process involving void nucleation, growth, and coalescence. Limited by diagnostic techniques, spallation experiments only provide the free surface velocity profiles and the information about recovered targets, but some quantitative damage evolution information about the spalling target is lacking. In this research, the damage nucleation seeds are randomly arranged on the grain boundary in the central region of a target with grain geometry, and a two-dimensional mesoscale numerical model of a plate impact spall experiment is established. By analyzing the free surface velocity profile and the stress history, it is demonstrated that the spall strength obtained with the pull-back velocity essentially corresponds to the maximum tensile stress at the target center. The effects of the impact stress and the stress pulse duration on the dynamic characteristics of the void growth and coalescence are analyzed in-depth by using the damage evolution dissipation energy and the plastic strain contours at different times. The dynamic process of the damage evolution determines the characteristics of the oscillation after the pull-back signal. The stress history controls the damage degree and the kinetic process of the target in the spallation damage process. The impact stress has the most important effect in determining the damage evolution rate, while the stress pulse duration only affects the void coalescence process and irrelevant to the void growth. The damage degree of the void growth and the coalescence process are the result of the joint action of the impact stress and the pulse duration.
Wave breaking probabilities under wind forcing in open sea and laboratory
Authors: Knobler Sagi , Winiarska Ewelina , Babanin Alexander , Liberzon Dan
Published: March 2022

Water wave breaking represents one of the most arduous problems in fluid mechanics. Understanding the process of wave breaking and developing an ability to quantify the associated energy losses and redistribution are critical across a wide range of coastal oceanic applications, maritime navigation, and climate and hydrodynamic research. Naturally, waves become steeper toward the inception of breaking; however, there is still a lack of unanimity regarding the relationship between breaking probability statistics and wave steepness. Here, we present a detailed investigation of breaking vs non-breaking statistics estimated using a recently developed method for accurate detection of breaking waves, based on the phase-time approach to identify breaking-associated patterns in the instantaneous frequency variations of surface elevation fluctuations. The findings are based on data collected both in the open sea and in a laboratory wind wave flume. An in-depth examination of celerities and steepnesses of breaking and non-breaking waves is presented. The analysis, which involved wave-by-wave examination, produced skewed Gaussian-like steepness histograms, revealing that non-breaking waves and breaking waves can reach steeper profiles, above the Stokes limit. All extreme steepness values were investigated and are presented here.
Generalized correlation for predicting the droplet size in a microfluidic flow-focusing device under the effect of surfactant
Authors: Nguyen Minh Duc , Tran Khac Vu , Dang Cu Trung , Kim Gyu Man , Dang Trung Dung , Ta Hong Duc , Ngo Ich Long
Published: March 2022

This paper describes an investigation on the dynamic behavior of droplet formation in a microfluidic flow-focusing device (MFFD) under the effect of surfactant using a phase-field method and the Koterweg stress applied in Navier–Stokes equations. The effects of variously important parameters, such as capillary number (Ca0), water fraction (wf), the viscosity ratio (α), and particularly surfactant concentration (cb), were examined. Consequently, the numerical results match the experimental ones. Additionally, the droplet formation is significantly affected by the surfactant, and the droplet size decreases with increasing cb for the whole range of both wf and Ca0. Based on the extensive study, the phase diagrams with two main modes, namely, dropping and threading, are provided. A mountain shape of the dropping mode was found, and this mode can be extended for higher wf with the presence of surfactant. In particular, new generalized correlations as a function of wf, Ca0, and cb are first proposed for predicting quickly and effectively the droplet size. Furthermore, the droplet formation depends significantly on α. With the presence of surfactant, smaller size of the droplet forms and the threading mode occurs at very high α. The results obtained in this study are very useful for understanding the dynamic behavior of droplet formation in MFFDs, which can be used in potential applications such as biomedical and drug delivery systems.
Reversible cross-linking facilitates the formation of critical nucleus in binary polymer blends
Authors: Chen Xinxiang , Qi Shuanhu , Yan Dadong
Published: March 2022

Using self-consistent field theory, we study the effect of reversible cross-linking on the nucleation behavior of a binary polymer blend where only one of the components is able to form cross-links. To control the total number of cross-links and their distribution, we introduce a position-dependent cross-linking probability function that is characterized mainly by two parameters, the magnitude and the width. In the weakly cross-linked region, where the product of the magnitude and width, I, is small, the nucleation behavior is classical-like and the profile of the free energy excess is unimodal. In contrast, in the strongly cross-linked region, the profile of the free energy excess becomes bimodal, and the free energy minimum specifies a metastable nucleus. In a certain I, the free energy barrier for the metastable nucleus turns to be negative, which means it becomes more stable. In both cases, the free energy barrier of the critical nucleus is lower than that without cross-linking, indicating that cross-linking always facilitates nucleation although the dynamic behavior may be different when a metastable nucleus is involved during the nucleation process. The free energy analysis demonstrates that the interaction energy rather than the entropy is responsible for the properties of the critical nucleus. Our study provides an easy alternative way for the control of the nucleation behavior and may attract practical interest.
Type III and IV deformation twins in minerals and metals
Authors: Hirth John P. , Hirth Greg , Wang Jian
Published: March 2022

Significance

Historically, two types of twins (I and II) have been categorized for twinning in minerals and metals. When analyzed by the topological model, a crystallographic construction used to define the defect structure of interfaces, triclinic and some other low-symmetry crystals do not fall into either category and instead form two new twinning types, namely, III and IV. Aside from accurately describing twin structures, these concepts are important for understanding the deformation of minerals such as plagioclase and for deriving constitutive models for the deformation.
An extended conformation of SARS-CoV-2 main protease reveals allosteric targets
Authors: Sun Zengchao , Wang Lu , Li Xiyang , Fan Chengpeng , Xu Jianfeng , Shi Zhenzhong , Qiao Huarui , Lan Zhongyun , Zhang Xin , Li Lingyun , Zhou Xin , Geng Yong
Published: March 2022

Significance

The coronavirus main protease (M
pro
) is required for viral replication. Here, we obtained the extended conformation of the native monomer of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) M
pro
by trapping it with nanobodies and found that the catalytic domain and the helix domain dissociate, revealing allosteric targets. Another monomeric state is termed compact conformation and is similar to one protomer of the dimeric form. We designed a Nanoluc Binary Techonology (NanoBiT)-based high-throughput allosteric inhibitor assay based on structural conformational change. Our results provide insight into the maturation, dimerization, and catalysis of the coronavirus M
pro
and pave a way to develop an anticoronaviral drug through targeting the maturation process to inhibit the autocleavage of M
pro
.
Elastic mucus strands impair mucociliary clearance in cystic fibrosis pigs
Authors: Pino-Argumedo Maria I. , Fischer Anthony J. , Hilkin Brieanna M. , Gansemer Nicholas D. , Allen Patrick D. , Hoffman Eric A. , Stoltz David A. , Welsh Michael J. , Abou Alaiwa Mahmoud H.
Published: March 2022

Significance

In many lung diseases, increased amounts of and/or abnormal mucus impair mucociliary clearance, a key defense against inhaled and aspirated material. Submucosal glands lining cartilaginous airways secrete mucus strands that are pulled by cilia until they break free from the duct and sweep upward toward the larynx, carrying particulates. In cystic fibrosis (CF) pigs, progressive clearance of insufflated microdisks was repeatedly interrupted as microdisks abruptly recoiled. Aerosolizing a reducing agent to break disulfide bonds linking mucins ruptured mucus strands, freeing them from submucosal gland ducts and allowing cilia to propel them up the airways. These findings highlight the abnormally increased elasticity of CF mucus and suggest that agents that break disulfide bonds might have value in lung diseases with increased mucus.
Cycads defy expectations for the coordination between drought and mechanical resistance. A commentary on: ‘Correlations between leaf economics, mechanical resistance and drought tolerance across 41 cycad species’
Authors: Bartlett Megan K
Published: March 2022

This article comments on:

Yi-Yi Meng, Wei Xiang, Yin Wen, Dong-Liu Huang, Kun-Fang Cao, and Shi-Dan Zhu, Correlations between leaf economics, mechanical resistance and drought tolerance across 41 cycad species, Annals of Botany, Volume 130, Issue 3, 1 September 2022, Pages 345–354 https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcab146