bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heavy Metal Contamination and Ecological Risk Assessment of Overlying Water and Sediments of Nkozoa Lake (Southern Cameroon)
Authors: Désirée Noa Tang Sylvie , Zacharie Ekoa Bessa Armel , Brice Tchakam Kamtchueng , Ange Wongan Kouonchie Sorel , Jacques Etame , Paul Bilong
Published: May 2021

Examination of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg, Cd and Ni) in overlying water and sediments was conducted in Lake Nkozoa, in a peripheral area of Yaoundé characterized by a high population density and rapid economic development in Cameroon. Sediment samples were collected at the entrance and near the center of the lake, using a raft and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes. They were subjected to water quality parameters, heavy metals comparisons and calculations of pollution indices and ecological risks followed by statistical analysis in order to identify and estimate the sources of metal contamination in overlying water and sediments of the Nkozoa Lake. The physico-chemical parameters of water show that the pH (5 < pH < 6), total dissolved solids (TDS~130 g/L) and conductivity (EC~194.8 µs/cm) are below the recommendations of the WHO. The average heavy metal concentrations in sediments, except Cd, are lower than the upper continental crust (UCC) and several environmental contamination monitoring parameters, such as threshold effect level (TEL), probable effect level (PEL), and severe effect level (SEL). The sediment samples show a low heavy metal contamination degree (class 0) and low potential ecological risk (PER) level, except for Cd and Hg which have high contamination degree (class 1 to 6) and moderate PER. Matrix correlation shows that some parameters like pH, EC, Cr and TDS, Cu, Hg in water have perfect positive correlations (r = 1.00) suggesting common sources of contamination. Cluster analyses coupled with matrix data for sediments revealed that Cd is the most contaminant elements derived from anthropogenic sources.
Is Desalination of Sea Water Cheaper than Constructing Damin Coastal Areas for Irrigation?
Authors: Balaji Rentapalli , Mosha Kasapogu , Gowthami V. Sai Surya
Published: May 2021

The essence of global water scarcity is the geographic and temporal mismatch between fresh water demand and availability. The increasing world population, improving living standards, changing consumption patterns, and expansion of irrigated agriculture are the main driving forces for the rising global demand for water. Climate change, such as altered weather-patterns (including droughts or floods), deforestation, increased pollution, green house gases, and wasteful use of water can cause insufficient supply. At the global level and on an annual basis, enough freshwater is available to meet such demand, but spatial and temporal variations of water demand and availability are large, leading to (physical) water scarcity in several parts of the world during specific times of the year. Through these reasons there is a need to go for alternative measures to mitigate the water scarcity. Desalination may be the best alternative measure for drinking, irrigation and domestic purposes of the people. Desalination is the cheapest available technology and cost of production of one litre drinking water is varies between ₹ 0.04 to 0.15 compared to reservoir i.e. ₹ 2 to 2.75 for project efficiency of about 50years.
Comparison of Silicon Die Strength Using Different Loading Anvil Shapes
Authors: Talledo Jefferson
Published: May 2021

Die fracture strength measurement is important to assess the robustness of a specific silicon die such that it is strong enough to resist die crack. There are several methods used to measure the strength of silicon die and 3-point bend test is the most common. However, the impact of the loading anvil shape on die strength results needs to be investigated. This paper discusses the comparison of die strength characterization using different loading anvil shapes in a 3-point bend test. The anvil shapes considered were wedge shape and needle shape. Die strength calculations were all done using the standard 3-point bend formula for flexural stress. Statistical analysis of the results revealed that die strength measured using wedge shape loading anvil is not significantly different from the strength measured using the needle shape loading anvil. Therefore, using the needle shape loading anvil in a 3-point bend test could still provide die strength results comparable with the results using the standard wedge shape loading anvil.
Sand addition promotes gharial nesting in a regulated river‐reservoir habitat
Authors: Vashistha Gaurav , Lang Jeffrey W. , Dhakate Parag Madhukar , Kothamasi David
Published: May 2021

The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a critically endangered, long‐snouted crocodilian, endemic to the Indian sub‐continent. Today, the species' distribution and numbers have reduced by more than 95% in all the large rivers where it was formerly abundant. Living upstream in a reservoir dammed in 1976, the Katerniaghat gharial population has continued to nest along the Girwa River, subject to seasonal flooding in recent decades. In 2010, a natural flood upstream in Nepal resulted in a permanent reduction in the mainstream river flow. As a consequence of reduced flow, the formerly open sand banks and mid‐river islands have converted gradually to riverbanks with woody vegetation. Coincident with the increased vegetation growth, gharial nesting sites and nest numbers declined by more than 40% by 2018.

In an attempt to reverse the observed decline in nesting, we intervened with vegetation removal (VR) in 2019 and sand addition (SA) in 2020, to augment available nesting opportunities at previous and potential nesting locations.

The number of nests increased with SA (n = 36 in 2020) but decreased with VR (n = 19 in 2019), relative to the prior year without intervention (n = 25 in 2018). Furthermore, hatching success increased significantly to 93% with SA, compared to 63% in VR. Creating an artificial sand bank required approximately one‐third work hours and cost much less than removing vegetation. Substrate temperatures in and around nests approximated the viable incubation range (29–33.5°C) when vegetation is absent, but were lower in sites covered with woody vegetation and/or dense, high grass.

Our study indicates that gharial will respond favourably to newly created sand banks that provide open, sandy riverside nesting areas, in contrast to cut‐over sites with dense vegetation removed.

Finally, we note that this strategy of augmenting nesting sites is only an interim attempt to solve the ‘nesting site’ dilemma for the river‐adapted gharial. Landscape‐level solutions related to resumption of seasonal flooding, and particularly natural flow regimes that are dynamic, rather than steady, will likely be needed to avoid local extirpation of gharial in river‐reservoir habitats.
Well‐Defined Nanostructured Biointerfaces: Strengthened Cellular Interaction for Circulating Tumor Cells Isolation
Authors: Yu Leixiao , Tang Peng , Nie Chuanxiong , Hou Yong , Haag Rainer
Published: May 2021

The topographic features at the cell–material biointerface are critical for cellular sensing of the extracellular environment (ECM) and have gradually been recognized as key factors that regulate cell adhesion behavior. Herein, a well‐defined nanostructured biointerface is fabricated via a new generation of mussel‐inspired polymer coating to mimic the native ECM structures. Upon the bioinert background presence and biospecific ligands conjugation, the affinity of cancer cells to the resulting biofunctional surfaces, which integrate topographic features and biochemical cues, is greatly strengthened. Both the conjugated bioligand density, filopodia formation, and focal adhesion expression are significantly enhanced by the surficial nano‐features with an optimized size‐scale. Thus, this nanostructured biointerface exhibits high capture efficiency for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with high sensitivity, high biospecificity, and high purity. Benefiting from the unique bioligands conjugation chemistry herein, the captured cancer cells can be responsively detached from the biointerfaces without damage for downstream analysis. The present biofunctional nanostructured interfaces offer a good solution to address current challenges to efficiently isolate rare CTCs from blood samples for earlier cancer diagnosis.
mRNA Delivery of a Bispecific Single‐Domain Antibody to Polarize Tumor‐Associated Macrophages and Synergize Immunotherapy against Liver Malignancies
Authors: Wang Ying , Tiruthani Karthik , Li Sirui , Hu Mengying , Zhong Guojie , Tang Yu , Roy Sourav , Zhang Lillian , Tan Jun , Liao Chengheng , Liu Rihe
Published: May 2021

Liver malignancies are among the tumor types that are resistant to immune checkpoint inhibition therapy. Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are highly enriched and play a major role in inducing immunosuppression in liver malignancies. Herein, CCL2 and CCL5 are screened as two major chemokines responsible for attracting TAM infiltration and inducing their polarization toward cancer‐promoting M2‐phenotype. To reverse this immunosuppressive process, an innovative single‐domain antibody that bispecifically binds and neutralizes CCL2 and CCL5 (BisCCL2/5i) with high potency and specificity is directly evolved. mRNA encoding BisCCL2/5i is encapsulated in a clinically approved lipid nanoparticle platform, resulting in a liver‐homing biomaterial that allows transient yet efficient expression of BisCCL2/5i in the diseased organ in a multiple dosage manner. This BisCCL2/5i mRNA nanoplatform significantly induces the polarization of TAMs toward the antitumoral M1 phenotype and reduces immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. The combination of BisCCL2/5i with PD‐1 ligand inhibitor (PD‐Li) achieves long‐term survival in mouse models of primary liver cancer and liver metastasis of colorectal and pancreatic cancers. The work provides an effective bispecific targeting strategy that could broaden the PD‐Li therapy to multiple types of malignancies in the human liver.
Large Fermi‐Energy Shift and Suppression of Trivial Surface States in NbP Weyl Semimetal Thin Films
Authors: Bedoya‐Pinto Amilcar , Liu Defa , Tan Hengxin , Pandeya Avanindra Kumar , Chang Kai , Zhang Jibo , Parkin Stuart S. P.
Published: May 2021

Weyl semimetals, a class of 3D topological materials, exhibit a unique electronic structure featuring linear band crossings and disjoint surface states (Fermi‐arcs). While first demonstrations of topologically driven phenomena have been realized in bulk crystals, efficient routes to control the electronic structure have remained largely unexplored. Here, a dramatic modification of the electronic structure in epitaxially grown NbP Weyl semimetal thin films is reported, using in situ surface engineering and chemical doping strategies that do not alter the NbP lattice structure and symmetry, retaining its topological nature. Through the preparation of a dangling‐bond‐free, P‐terminated surface which manifests in a surface reconstruction, all the well‐known trivial surface states of NbP are fully suppressed, resulting in a purely topological Fermi‐arc dispersion. In addition, a substantial Fermi‐energy shift from −0.2 to 0.3 eV across the Weyl points is achieved by surface chemical doping, unlocking access to the hitherto unexplored n‐type region of the Weyl spectrum. These findings constitute a milestone toward surface‐state and Fermi‐level engineering of topological bands in Weyl semimetals, and, while there are still challenges in minimizing doping‐driven disorder and grain boundary density in the films, they do represent a major advance to realize device heterostructures based on Weyl physics.
Monolithically Integrated μLEDs/HEMTs Microdisplay on a Single Chip by a Direct Epitaxial Approach
Authors: Cai Yuefei , Zhu Chenqi , Zhong Wei , Feng Peng , Jiang Sheng , Wang Tao
Published: May 2021

There is a significantly increasing demand on developing a microLED (μLED) based microdisplay which may be the only display system that can meet the requirements for augmented reality/virtual reality systems, helmet mounted displays, and head‐up displays. However, a number of fundamental challenges which cannot be met by any existing technologies need to be overcome before such a microdisplay with satisfied performance becomes possible. In this paper, a different type of integration concept using an epitaxial approach is proposed, aiming to monolithically integrate μLEDs and high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) on a single chip. This concept can be potentially realized by using a selective epitaxial overgrowth method on a predefined HEMT template featuring microhole masks. Finally, the proposed epitaxial integration concept is translated into a prototype, demonstrating an 8 × 8 microLED microdisplay, where each μLED is electrically driven by an individual HEMT which surrounds its respective μLED via the gate bias of the HEMT.
A Simple Model Setup Using Spray‐Drying Principles and Fluorescent Silica Nanoparticles to Evaluate the Efficiency of Facemask Materials in Terms of Virus Particle Retention
Authors: Oppmann Maximilian , Wenderoth Sarah , Ballweg Thomas , Schug Benedikt , Mandel Karl
Published: May 2021

Herein, a simple model setup is presented to spray fine liquid droplets containing nanoparticles in an air stream transporting this toward a filter material. The nanoparticles are made of silica and tagged with a fluorescent dye in order to render the trace of the particles easily visible. The silica nanoparticles, in a first approximation, mimic virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) particles. The setup is used to evaluate different tissues, nowadays, in times of the coronavirus pandemic, commonly used as facemasks, with regard to their particle retention capability. The setup enables adjusting different “breathing scenarios” by adjusting the gas flow speed and, thereby, to compare the filter performance for these scenarios. The effective penetration of particles can be monitored via fluorescence intensity measurements and is visualized via scanning electron micrographs and photographs under UV light. Ultimately, a strong increase of particle penetration in various mask materials as function of flow speed of the droplets is observed and an ultimate retention is only observed for FFP3 and FFP2 masks.
Boosting the Thermoelectric Properties of PEDOT:PSS via Low‐Impact Deposition of Tin Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Dong Jingjin , Gerlach Dominic , Koutsogiannis Panagiotis , Rudolf Petra , Portale Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxy thiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) exhibits valuable characteristics concerning stability, green‐processing, flexibility, high electrical conductivity, and ease of property modulation, qualifying it as one of the most promising p‐type organic conductors for thermoelectric (TE) applications. While blending with inorganic counterparts is considered a good strategy to further improve polymeric TE properties, only a few attempts succeed so far due to inhomogeneous embedding and the non‐ideal organic‐inorganic contact. Here a new strategy to include nanoparticles (NPs) without any ligand termination inside PEDOT:PSS thin films is proposed. Spark discharge‐generated tin oxide NPs (SnOx‐NPs) are “gently” and homogenously deposited through low‐energy diffusion mode. Strong interaction between naked SnOx‐NPs and PSS chains occurs in the topmost layer, causing a structural reorganization towards an improved PEDOT chains crystalline packing at the bottom, providing a positive contribution to the electrical conductivity. Meanwhile, dedoping and energy filtering effect introduced by the SnOx‐NPs cause dramatic Seebeck coefficient enhancement. The optimized power factor of 116 μWm−1 K−2 achieved is more than six times higher than the value found for the film without NPs. This easy and efficient strategy promises well for future mass production of flexible TE devices and the mechanism revealed may inspire future research on TEs and flexible electronics.
Polycrystalline Ge Nanosheets Embedded in Metal‐Semiconductor Heterostructures Enabling Wafer‐Scale 3D Integration of Ge Nanodevices with Self‐Aligned Al Contacts
Authors: Sistani Masiar , Böckle Raphael , Wind Lukas , Eysin Kilian , Maeder Xavier , Schweizer Peter , Michler Johann , Lugstein Alois , Weber Walter M.
Published: May 2021

The ability to stack nanosheet transistors is an important prerequisite for the realization of vertically monolithic 3D integrated circuits enabling higher integration densities of functions and novel circuit topologies that relax miniaturization constraints. In this respect, a wafer‐scale platform is presented embedding high‐quality nanoscale polycrystalline Ge channels into monolithic metal‐semiconductor heterostructures. Thereto, a fabrication scheme comprising a combination of flash lamp annealing, crystallizing ultra‐thin amorphous Ge nanosheets, and a thermally induced Al‐Ge exchange reaction is demonstrated, facilitating the formation of self‐aligned Al leads enabling sharp Al‐Ge heterojunctions. The high quality of the obtained polycrystalline Al‐Ge‐Al heterostructure nanosheets is confirmed by µ‐Raman, scanning transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction measurements. Embedded in back‐ and top‐gate field‐effect transistor architectures, the electrical transport in polycrystalline Al‐Ge‐Al heterostructures is systematically analyzed. Enabling a complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor compatible wafer‐scale accessibility of high‐quality polycrystalline Ge with self‐aligned Al contacts, the proposed platform significantly contributes to the development of a broad spectrum of emerging 3D integrated Ge nanodevices.
Artificial Phototropic Systems for Enhanced Light Harvesting Based on a Liquid Crystal Elastomer
Authors: Yan Yichen , Zhao Yusen , Alsaid Yousif , Yao Bowen , Zhang Yucheng , Wu Shuwang , He Ximin
Published: May 2021

Oblique‐incidence‐induced energy‐density loss (OEL) is a universal problem which affects nearly all processes involving electromagnetic waves, especially sunlight harvesting. Technologies (solar concentrating plants, large scale systems, etc.) are developed to address this issue, albeit with limitations such as complex design, large size, and high cost. Inspired by nature, artificial phototropism is developed to accurately follow the light direction without complex motors system and electronical control. However, the existing systems are limited by small tracking operation windows, low robustness, or the requirement of high‐power input. Herein, a system is reported that is versatile, low cost, mechanically strong, and can achieve large‐angle reorientation driven by unconcentrated sunlight. This system is demonstrated to be able to recover the OEL for photovoltaics as well as solar vapor generation (SVG) processes. Compared with the nonphototropic system, it can achieve 447% output in lab and 155% in real‐life applications. The principle behind our artificial phototropic system is universal and can be extended to many optical applications, especially sunlight harvesting.
Japanese rapid/living recommendations on drug management for COVID‐19
Authors: Yamakawa Kazuma , Yamamoto Ryo , Ishimaru Go , Hashimoto Hideki , Terayama Takero , Hara Yoshitaka , Hasegawa Daisuke , Ishihara Tadashi , Imura Haruki , Okano Hiromu , Narita Chihiro , Mayumi Takuya , Yasuda Hideto , Yamada Kohei , Yamada Hiroyuki , Kawasaki Tatsuya , Shime Nobuaki , Doi Kent , Egi Moritoki , Ogura Hiroshi , Aihara Morio , Tanaka Hiroshi , Nishida Osamu ,   the Special Committee of the Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock 2020 (J‐SSCG 2020), the COVID‐19 Task Force
Published: May 2021

The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has spread worldwide since early 2020, and there are still no signs of resolution. The Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock (J‐SSCG) 2020 Special Committee created the Japanese rapid/living recommendations on drug management for COVID‐19 using the experience of creating the J‐SSCGs. The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to determine the certainty of the evidence and strength of the recommendations. The first edition of this guideline was released on 9 September, 2020, and this document is the revised edition (version 3.1) (released 30 March, 2021). Clinical questions (CQs) were set for the following seven drugs: favipiravir (CQ1), remdesivir (CQ2), hydroxychloroquine (CQ3), corticosteroids (CQ4), tocilizumab (CQ5), ciclesonide (CQ6), and anticoagulants (CQ7). Favipiravir is recommended for patients with mild COVID‐19 not requiring supplemental oxygen (GRADE 2C); remdesivir for moderate COVID‐19 patients requiring supplemental oxygen/hospitalization (GRADE 2B). Hydroxychloroquine is not recommended for all COVID‐19 patients (GRADE 1B). Corticosteroids are recommended for moderate COVID‐19 patients requiring supplemental oxygen/hospitalization (GRADE 1B) and severe COVID‐19 patients requiring ventilator management/intensive care (GRADE 1A); however, their use is not recommended for mild COVID‐19 patients not requiring supplemental oxygen (GRADE 1B). Tocilizumab is recommended for moderate COVID‐19 patients requiring supplemental oxygen/hospitalization (GRADE 2B). Anticoagulant therapy is recommended for moderate COVID‐19 patients requiring supplemental oxygen/hospitalization and severe COVID‐19 patients requiring ventilator management/intensive care (GRADE 2C). We hope that these clinical practice guidelines will aid medical professionals involved in the care of COVID‐19 patients.
Atomic Force Microscopy Detects the Difference in Cancer Cells of Different Neoplastic Aggressiveness via Machine Learning
Authors: Prasad Siona , Rankine Alex , Prasad Tarun , Song Patrick , Dokukin Maxim E. , Makarova Nadezda , Backman Vadim , Sokolov Igor
Published: May 2021

A novel method based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) working in Ringing mode (RM) to distinguish between two similar human colon epithelial cancer cell lines that exhibit different degrees of neoplastic aggressiveness is reported on. The classification accuracy in identifying the cell line based on the images of a single cell can be as high as 94% (the area under the receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve is 0.99). Comparing the accuracy using the RM and the regular imaging channels, it is seen that the RM channels are responsible for the high accuracy. The cells are also studied with a traditional AFM indentation method, which gives information about cell mechanics and the pericellular coat. Although a statistically significant difference between the two cell lines is also seen in the indentation method, it provides the accuracy of identifying the cell line at the single‐cell level less than 68% (the area under the ROC curve is 0.73). Thus, AFM cell imaging is substantially more accurate in identifying the cell phenotype than the traditional AFM indentation method. All the obtained cell data are collected on fixed cells and analyzed using machine learning methods. The biophysical reasons for the observed classification are discussed.
Removal of sulfur‐containing compounds from Fluid Catalytic Cracking unit (FCC) gasoline by pervaporation process: Effects of variations in feed characteristics and mass transfer properties of the membrane
Authors: Mishra Mukesh K. , Jain Manish
Published: May 2021

Analyzing the effects of feed characteristics and membrane transport properties are important for designing the industrial‐scale pervaporative desulfurization plants. In this study, a new method to analyze the effects of feed composition and membrane characteristics has been proposed, where these properties are represented by average vapor pressure and average permeance coefficient. Spiral wound module geometry is used in this study for more realistic industrial‐scale predictions. Results suggested that module performance in terms of stage cut and enrichment factor improved with increasing selectivity of the membrane. However, this effect was profound at lower selectivity (<5) and became negligible at higher selectivity (>10). Moreover, results also depicted that the increase in feed temperature increased enrichment factor when selectivity was low (<2.5), but this trend was reversed when selectivity was greater than 2.5. At a constant membrane selectivity, an increase in permeability reduced the enrichment factor. Thus, membrane selectivity should improve along with membrane permeability for better results. The pervaporation process was found more beneficial for removing highly volatile low molecular weight sulfur‐containing compounds. Finally, feed channel temperature drop and permeate channel pressure drop followed the trend of stage cut in all simulations. Therefore, the lower stage cut may improve module efficiency.
Genipin‐crosslinked chitosan hydrogels: Preliminary evaluation of the in vitro biocompatibility and biodegradation
Authors: Vo Nga T. N. , Huang Lei , Lemos Henrique , Mellor Andrew L. , Novakovic Katarina
Published: May 2021

Genipin‐crosslinked chitosan hydrogels have gained attention as promising drug delivery vehicles. To bring them one step closer to clinical applications, this study evaluates the hydrogels' in vitro biocompatibility and biodegradation. Cytotoxicity test on 3T3 fibroblasts shows that the cells retain normal adhesive properties and high viability on gels with 3.1 and 4.4 mm genipin but not on gels with 1.7 mm genipin. The hydrogels with highest genipin content (4.4 mm) are studied further in the presence of RAW 264.7 macrophages and DC 2.4 dendritic cells. In both cases, cell viability is preserved and interferon‐β gene transcription is enhanced while over‐production of five inflammatory cytokines is not detected, suggesting the hydrogels' immune stimulating property and potential as vaccine carriers. The biodegradation is monitored efficiently using the hydrogels' intrinsic fluorescence upon crosslinking with genipin. Addition of poly (ethylene glycol) to form a semi‐interpenetrating hydrogel is found to enhance the cytocompatibility to 3T3 cells and delay the degradation. Collectively, our findings suggest that chitosan‐genipin hydrogels can be considered as biocompatible materials, with great potential for vaccine delivery applications.
Aid fragmentation and volatility in the Pacific
Authors: Wood Terence , Nicholls Imogen
Published: May 2021

In this article we comprehensively document aid volatility (short‐term changes in aid flows) and aid fragmentation in the Pacific. We study two types of fragmentation: fragmentation across countries and fragmentation across projects. Our research draws on a new dataset compiled by the Lowy Institute. The dataset includes aid flows to the Pacific from non‐traditional donors such as China. This allows us to undertake the first‐ever study of Pacific aid volatility and fragmentation factoring in non‐traditional donors. We contrast the Pacific with other regions, finding that while fragmentation across donors is less in the Pacific, project fragmentation is worse, as is aid volatility. We find fragmentation across donors is increasing in the Pacific. We find a similar trend for fragmentation across projects. We find no evidence that non‐traditional donors such as China are driving these trends. However, we find some evidence that non‐traditional donors give more volatile aid.
Sternal human variability and population affinity: Frequency of discrete traits and their relationship with sex and age
Authors: Rojas Catherine Villoria , Olivares Javier Irurita , Tutor Pilar Mata , García Alexandra Muñoz , Sánchez María Benito
Published: May 2021

Sternal morphological variations differ among populations and are influenced by the interaction between inheritance, development, and environment. There are currently no studies that include all variability from a morphogenesis approach following a homogeneous definition. The aims of this study were (a) to develop a standardized method for the anatomical study of the sternum; (b) to analyze the prevalence of the morphological variations and their relationship between sex and age; (c) to compare the results with other populations. The sterna of 155 skeletons from a Spanish population were studied. The age at the time of death was 17 to 97 years. We analyzed two metric and 22 sternal morphological variations described in the literature and designed an illustrated atlas. The atlas was validated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A descriptive statistical analysis was conducted to measure the prevalence and relationship between sex and age. To analyze the interpopulation variability, we compared our results with those from other authors. The atlas with definitions and reference images improves the observation and detection of all morphological variations of the sternum (ICC = 0.90). The dependence between the morphological traits and sex was significant for the variations in the sternal angle, the number of esternebra, and the development of the xiphoid process. No significant differences were found between age group and morphological traits. The expression of the sternal morphological variation and sex are population‐specific. The results will help standardize future studies and provide valuable information on the variability of the sternal morphological variation.
Einsatz von neuronalen Netzen zur Vorhersage des Materialvolumens von Injektionsbaustellen im Tunnelbau
Authors: Backhaus Jan Onne
Published: May 2021

In diesem Beitrag wird eine Methode vorgestellt, die die digitale Dokumentation auf Injektionsbaustellen nutzt, um automatisierte, baubegleitende Vorhersagen der noch zu erwartenden Injektionsmengen zu berechnen. Bei der untersuchten Baumaßnahme werden Abdichtungsinjektionen im Rahmen des Projekts Stuttgart 21 für einen 3,2 km langen zweiröhrigen Eisenbahntunnel erstellt. Die vorgestellte Methode verwendet eine spezielle Form des neuronalen Netzes, das Feed Forward Network. Dieses wird mit den Injektionsmengen pro Tunnelmeter der einen Tunnelröhre trainiert, um dann die Injektionsmengen der anderen Röhre vorherzusagen. Nach einer kurzen Einführung in die Funktionsweise neuronaler Netze wird gezeigt, dass die vorgestellte Methode in der Lage ist, die Gesamtinjektionsmengen mit einer Genauigkeit von > 5 % vorherzusagen. Die Daten wurden von der Renesco GmbH in Zusammenarbeit mit der eguana GmbH erhoben.
Impact of MRI/US fusion‐guided prostate biopsy on biopsy‐naïve patients: A single urologist’s experience
Authors: Altok Muammer , Demirel Cihan , Kang Hyunseon C. , Choi Haesun , John David , Inguillo Irene A. , Davis John W. , Ward John F.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To report our experience with imaging‐guided targeted prostate biopsy (IGTpBx) for patients undergoing initial prostate biopsy in a clinical setting.

Materials and methods

From July 2014 to February 2020, 305 men who had IGTpBx performed as their first prostate biopsy were enrolled. Two dedicated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiologists segmented at least 1 region of interest (ROI) for each of these men using screening 1.5T MRI images. A single urologist employed the robotic‐assisted Artemis MRI/ultrasonography (US) fusion platform to obtain 2‐3 targeted samples from each ROI and additional random samples from the zones of the prostate outside the ROIs (a total of 12 zonal samples). Biopsy outcomes were categorized based on the Gleason score (GS) grade group (GG) as no cancer, favorable (GG < 3 or GS < 4 + 3), or clinically significant (GG ≥ 3 or GS ≥ 4 + 3) cancer.

Results

The overall cancer detection rate was 75%:31% clinically significant, 44% favorable, and 25% no cancer. These findings triggered active interventions in 176 (58%) patients. A prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level of 0–4 ng/mL was detected in 39 (66%) of 59 patients (32 favorable, 7 significant), 4–10 ng/mL in 147 (77%) of 190 patients (85 favorable, 62 significant), and 10 ng/mL and over in 44 (80%) of 55 patients (17 favorable, 27 significant).

Conclusions

The tumor detection rate was 75% with IGTpBx in patients without a previous biopsy. In addition, about 42% of detected cancers were deemed clinically significant and led to active interventions. IGTpBx as a patient’s first prostate biopsy improves the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer when compared with historical data for random systematic prostate biopsy.
Rational Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel C6‐Bicycloalkaneimidazole Containing Imidazo[1,2‐b]pyridazines for ASK1 Inhibition
Authors: Lee Yujin , Jang Jiyoon , Bibi Maimoona , Duggirala Krishna Babu , Ji Sang Hee , Lee Ji Hun , Ahn Sunjoo , Song Jin Sook , Chae Chong Hak , Kim Seong Hwan , Lee Kwangho
Published: May 2021

Apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) is a member of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAP3K) family that involves downstream phosphorylation of MAP kinases, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases, and p38 MAP kinases. ASK1 inhibitors could possibly be beneficial for ameliorating the development and progression of diseases. Especially, ASK1 has been of interest as one of therapeutic targets for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as the most common chronic liver diseases including simple steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. In this manuscript, novel ASK1 inhibitor lead KTA‐29 which has an imidazo[1,2‐b]pyridazine core with novel C6‐bicycloheptaneimidazole is disclosed. With the novel imidazo[1,2‐b]pyridazine core, structure‐activity‐relationship study for ASK1 potency is described and KTA‐29 affinity toward ASK1 with molecular modeling study is explained.
Risk factors for early–onset seizures after stroke: A systematicreview and meta‐analysis of 18 observational studies
Authors: Ma Sitian , Fan Xiaoxuan , Zhao Xiaoping , Wang Kai , Wang Huan , Yang Yongfeng
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To systematically evaluate the risk factors of early‐onset seizures after stroke, in order to better provide evidence‐based results for early detection, identification, targeted prevention, and treatment of this disease.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, and WanFang databases were searched to collect relevant studies on the risk factors of early‐onset seizures after stroke from January 2010 to January 2020. Meta‐analysis of all included studies was performed by using RevMan version 5.3 and Stata version 14.0 software.

Results

Eighteen case–control studies with a total sample size of 13,289 cases, including 813 cases with early‐onset seizures after stroke, and 12,476 cases with non‐early‐onset seizures after stroke were included. The results of meta‐analysis showed that cortical involvement [Odds Ratio (OR) = 5.00, 95%Confidence Interval (CI) (2.85, 8.74), p < .00001], cerebral infarction with hemorrhagic transformation [OR = 2.77, 95%CI (1.87, 4.11), p < .00001] and intracerebral hemorrhage [OR = 1.83, 95%CI (1.13, 2.97), p = .01]‐related factors showed greater association with the occurrence of early‐onset seizures after stroke.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that cortical involvement, intracerebral hemorrhage, and cerebral infarction with hemorrhagic transformation are important predictors and risk factors for early seizures after stroke, while the patient's gender, age, NHISS score, alcoholism, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, dyslipidemia, receiving surgical treatment, and reperfusion therapy showed no association with the occurrence of early‐onset seizures after stroke.
What metrics of harm are being captured in clinical trials involving talking treatments for young people? A systematic review of registered studies on the ISRCTN
Authors: Hayes Daniel , Za’ba Nur
Published: May 2021

Objective

The recording of harm and adverse events in psychological trials is essential, yet the types of harm being captured in trials for talking treatments involving children and young people have not been systematically investigated. The aim of this review was to determine how often harm and adverse events are recorded in talking treatments for children and young people, as well as the metrics that are being collected.

Method

The ISRCTN was searched for trials involving talking therapies and young people. Of 355 entries, 69 met inclusion criteria. The authors of these records were contacted for further information, and additional searches were conducted of protocols and papers.

Results

Findings show that around half of all records mentioned harm or adverse events in at least one piece of study documentation. Overall, metrics commonly collected are as follows: suicide, suicidal ideation and intent, self‐harm, changes to clinical symptomology, and the need for further or additional care.

Conclusions

Similar to the wider field of psychological interventions for mental health, the recording of harm and adverse events in children and young people tends to rely on a few key metrics, many of which are borrowed from drug trials. Examples of best practice have been highlighted, as well as recommendations for the progression of this research area.
Using the Behaviour Change Wheel to identify barriers and enablers to the delivery of webchat counselling for young people
Authors: Richiello Maria Giulia , Mawdsley Geoffrey , Gutman Leslie Morrison
Published: May 2021

Webchat counselling is increasingly utilised to deliver mental health services to young people. Despite potential barriers to its delivery, a systematic investigation has not yet been conducted. This qualitative study examined barriers and enablers to the delivery of webchat counselling through text communication and identified possible strategies to tackle these, on behalf of counsellors volunteering for an online charity offering psychological support to young people aged below 25. The current investigation was conducted using the Behaviour Change Wheel, a validated and systematic framework employed to guide intervention development and optimisation. Qualitative interviews were carried out with eight volunteers. Thematic analysis identified 11 core themes. Barriers were lack of online communication skills, lack of training to work online with young people, technical difficulties, reduced technical supervision during out‐of‐office hours, duration of webchat counselling sessions, perceived level of effectiveness, perceived establishment of a therapeutic relationship and perceived confidence in delivering webchat counselling. Enablers were familiarity with technology, flexibility and the absence of physical characteristics. These themes were perceived by counsellors as barriers or enablers depending on factors such as experience with technology and work shifts. Using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW), intervention functions and behaviour change techniques to address these barriers and optimise the service were identified, such as providing counsellors with training to work online with young people, learning new presence techniques to foster emotional connectedness between counsellors and clients, adding time to sessions to compensate for time taken to complete questionnaires and increasing technical support and supervision during out‐of‐office hours.
‘I don't feel insulted’: Constructions of prejudice and identity performance among Roma in Bulgaria
Authors: Giroud Adrienne , Visintin Emilio Paolo , Green Eva G. T. , Durrheim Kevin
Published: May 2021

Drawing on studies showing that arguments about the nature of intergroup prejudice allow members of privileged groups to ‘perform’ a positive social identity, the present study explores how arguments about the nature of prejudice are produced by targets of prejudice in order to consolidate or challenge their own social identity. We conducted interviews with Bulgarian Roma and, based on a discursive psychology approach, analysed the way participants contested being assigned to a Roma‐exclusive identity category, which they treated as produced by prejudiced beliefs of the non‐Roma high‐status majority population. Positive intergroup contact was used to demonstrate the absence of prejudice and counter Roma identity threat. Auto‐stereotyping and disidentification, in turn, revealed how one's own situation is distinguished from the group. We discuss how identity performances founded on prejudice constructions work to maintain or challenge intergroup boundaries. We conclude that studies revealing prejudice constructions of minority groups can explain the sedative effect of positive intergroup contact on ethnic activism and help to reflect on integration strategies that would be compatible with social change in favour of disadvantaged minority groups.
C/EBPβ enhances efficacy of sorafenib in hepatoblastoma
Authors: Pang Chong , Miao Hao , Zuo Yanzhen , Guo Nana , Sun Dayong , Li Baoqun
Published: May 2021

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the predominant hepatic neoplasm in infants and young children. Sorafenib has been used to treat adult and pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma. However, efficacy of monotherapy of sorafenib in HB is not sustained. In this study, we tested a possible combinatory therapy of sorafenib with the CCAAT/enhancer‐binding proteins (C/EBP) overexpression in HB cell line. Firstly, we evaluated the expression level of C/EBPβ in the patients with HB by analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas data. Lower level of C/EBPβ was observed in tumor tissues in comparison with matched normal tissues. Next, we observed that combination of sorafenib and C/EBPβ overexpression led to dramatic growth and migration inhibition of live tumor cells which implied promising probability for clinical trial. Mechanistically, C/EBPβ which can be downregulated by Ras v12, augmented messenger RNA and protein levels of p53. These data suggested that a combination of sorafenib and C/EBPβ overexpression inhibited tumor growth synergistically and provided a promising approach to treat HB.
Clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion in prior coronary artery bypass grafting patients
Authors: Shoaib Ahmad , Mohamed Mohamed , Curzen Nick , Ludman Peter , Zaman Azfar , Rashid Muhammad , Nolan James , Azam Ziyad A , Kinnaird Tim , Mamas Mamas A ,   British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS) and the National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (NICOR)
Published: May 2021

Objective

To compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with stable angina who have undergone chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in native arteries with or without prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery in a national cohort.

Background

There are limited data on outcomes of patients presenting with stable angina undergoing CTO PCI with previous CABG.

Methods

We identified 20,081 patients with stable angina who underwent CTO PCI between 2007–2014 in the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society database. Clinical, demographical, procedural and outcome data were analyzed in two groups; group 1‐CTO PCI in native arteries without prior CABG (n = 16,848), group 2‐CTO PCI in native arteries with prior CABG (n = 3,233).

Results

Patients in group 2 were older, had more comorbidities and higher prevalence of severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Following multivariable analysis, no significant difference in mortality was observed during index hospital admission (OR:1.33, CI 0.64–2.78, p = .44), at 30‐days (OR: 1.28, CI 0.79–2.06, p = .31) and 1 year (OR:1.02, CI 0.87–1.29, p = .87). Odds of in‐hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (OR:1.01, CI 0.69–1.49, p = .95) and procedural complications (OR:1.02, CI 0.88–1.18, p = .81) were similar between two groups but procedural success rate was lower in group 2 (OR: 0.34, CI 0.31–0.39, p < .001). The adjusted risk of target vessel revascularization (TVR) remained similar between the two groups at 30‐days (OR:0.68, CI 0.40–1.16, P‐0.16) and at 1 year (OR:1.01, CI 0.83–1.22, P‐0.95).

Conclusion

Patients with prior CABG presenting with stable angina and treated with CTO PCI in native arteries had more co‐morbid illnesses but once these differences were adjusted for, prior CABG did not independently confer additional risk of mortality, MACE or TVR.
Spontaneous disappearance of common bile duct stones following the insertion of a new dumbbell‐shaped, covered self‐expandable metallic stent in a patient with benign biliary stricture
Authors: Ishizaki Yuto , Sugimoto Mitsuru , Takagi Tadayuki , Suzuki Rei , Konno Naoki , Asama Hiroyuki , Sato Yuki , Irie Hiroki , Okubo Yoshinori , Nakamura Jun , Takasumi Mika , Hashimoto Minami , Kato Tsunetaka , Kobashi Ryoichiro , Hikichi Takuto , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: May 2021

The new dumbbell‐shaped, covered self‐expanding metallic stent can efficiently remove the choledocholiths in cases with common bile duct (CBD) strictures; moreover, it may potentially prevent a positional displacement and contribute to the better improvement of the CBD stricture.
Primary pulmonary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in a young female patient
Authors: Kang Do Kyun , Kang Min Kyun , Heo Woon , Hwang Youn‐Ho
Published: May 2021

Even if the patient is young or female, a primary pulmonary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma could be considered as a differential diagnosis of multifocal consolidation in the lung.
Immature teratoma in an adolescent with Proteus syndrome: A novel association
Authors: Underwood John S. , Ours Christopher , Burns R. Cartland , Ferguson Michael J.
Published: May 2021

Proteus syndrome (PS) is a complex disorder characterized by variable clinical findings of overgrowth and tumor susceptibility. This report presents the first known association between PS and an ovarian germ cell tumor in an adolescent with immature teratoma. A review of the diagnosis of PS and associated tumors is included.
Mixed malignant glioblastoma and schwannoma in spinal cord with metachronous ependymoma: A case report
Authors: Farzin Mostafa , Hajiabadi Mohamadreza , Rahmani Mohammad , Kolahdouzan Kasra
Published: May 2021

Here, we report a very rare case of mixed spinal tumor comprising of malignant glioblastoma and schwannoma, who was initially treated with tumor resection and adjuvant chemoradiation, but relapsed three years later with grade 3 ependymoma.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) presenting as a cystic retroareolar lesion in an African American man
Authors: Ndumele Amara , Kerger Amy , Tozbikian Gary , Obeng‐Gyasi Samilia , Oppong Bridget A.
Published: May 2021

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in males is rare, and there are limited data aimed at understanding the adequate workup, imaging, and follow‐up for men who present with breast masses. Attention should be given to black men who have a higher cancer risk and worse prognosis than white male counterparts.
Electroless Plating of Metal Nanomaterials
Authors: Muench Falk
Published: May 2021

Electroless plating is commonly associated with metallizing macroscopic work pieces, but also represents a surprisingly powerful nanomanufacturing tool. This review details the technique's use for creating nanomaterials of arbitrary dimensionality, ranging from nanoparticles over nanotubes, nanowires, and ultrathin films to nanostructured lattices, focusing on the solution chemistry and mechanistic aspects. The synthesis of defined nanostructures serves as overarching perspective, which is enriched by drawing connections to and insights from related fields. Strategies for controlling the size, shape, crystallinity, porosity, composition, and arrangement of electrolessly plated nanostructures are outlined, including templating (which harnesses the method's exceptional conformality to guide and limit deposit formation), the complementary approach of selective growth, tailored seeding, and bath design. Being able to strike convincing compromises between material quality and ease of preparation, electroless nanoplating has a distinct potential to facilitate the application of metal nanomaterials.