bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological and Comorbidity as Risk Factors for COVID 19 High Morbidity and Mortality among the Aged Population and Its Implications for Public Health Education and Research in Ghana
Authors: Opoku Albert , Antwi Joseph Sarfo , Yiadom Abdul Karim Boakye , Danso Joana Owusu , Twene Prince 
Published: May 2020

Introduction: The severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been found to be the cause of this current pandemic of corona virus infection (COVID 19), (World Health Organization (WHO) 2020). It is of interest to note that Wuhan, which is located in the Hubei province of China, was the first community within which this outbreak was first identified in December 2019. There is high morbidity and mortality among the elderly patients with COVID-19 than the young and middle-aged patients. Again, most of the morbidity and mortality have comorbid conditions (presence of more than one disease in one person) from 1 to 3 in addition to COVID 19 and most of these conditions are age related.
Objective: The aim of this work is to describe changes in biological processes in aged population in relation to the presence of a possible comorbidity vis-à-vis COVID 19. To review publications and other studies associated with biological changes in the ageing process as well as identifying some specific comorbidity among the aged. To develop an appropriate health educational programs to protect the aged population on COVID 19. To develop an educational strategy on COVID 19 for the aged and the general public.
Methodology: The LILACS-BIREME, SCIELO, PUBMED, ACADEMIA, SCIENCE DOMAIN databases and some textbooks were consulted for the study. Scientific papers published English between January and March, 2020 on the subject of COVID 19 among the aged were selected for inclusion. A total 65 of studies published between January 1st, 2020 to March 30th, 2020 and some textbooks on Anatomy and Physiology were identified and evaluated. Twenty-seven (27) articles meeting the inclusion criterion (COVID 19 among the aged) were selected for this review. Finally, an analysis was conducted and the papers were assessed in agreement with the study objectives.
Results and Discussion: The studies reviewed discovered a high prevalence and mortality of COVID 19 among the aged with comorbidity due to deterioration in ageing process in Respiratory and the Immune systems.
Conclusion: It is recommended that some further research be done locally on COVID 19 to increase the knowledge on this subject in Ghana. It is also recommended that an appropriate health educational strategy be developed to create awareness among the aged.
Ultrasonogram in Acute Appendicitis, A Surgeon’s Perspective: Original Article
Authors: Verma Amar , Chaudhary Rajesh , Bharti Ramesh , Sharma Kulbhushan , Sharma Rajesh , Sharma Vikrant 
Published: May 2020

Introduction: The diagnosis of acute appendicitis has essentially been clinical, but USG abdomen has been said to be highly accurate in diagnosing AA. The surgeon’s perspective may not always be the same.
Materials and methods: Appendectomy data of 106 patients from two hospitals of Kangra region was retrospectively analysed. The data was collected for age, sex, initial pre-operative diagnosis, USG findings, intra-operative findings, Histo-pathological examination (HPE) report, post operative hospital stay.
Observations: It revealed a sensitivity of about 54% and specificity of 100% for diagnosing AA with the help of USG abdomen. AA was seen most commonly in males as compared to females. Mean age of presentation was 29.34 +/- 14.4 years. Mean hospital stay was 3.68 +/- 2.25 days. Most common initial preoperative diagnosis was AA (84%). Most common position of the appendix during surgery was retrocecal (53.7%). HPE report revealed AA in 105 patients.
Conclusion: USG abdomen is often falsely assuring, leading to unnecessary delay in effectively managing a patient of AA further leading to increased complications. Only the clinically equivocal cases require further radiological investigations where CECT abdomen is the preferred investigation, but it should be used judiciously.
Direct Solvent Liquefaction of Tropical Hardwood Bark and Characterization of the Resulting Bio-Oil
Authors: Olayiwola Yetunde B. , Oluyege Olajide A. , Labunmi Lajide 
Published: May 2020

Ethanol, water and ethanol/water mix were used to directly liquefy Detarium senegalense bark at 500°C for 15 min. Ethanol/water mix at 50/50% weight by weight showed synergistic effect on biomass direct liquefaction, and was found to be the most effective solvent for the liquefaction of Detarium senegalense bark. Water was more active than Ethanol when both mono-solvents were evaluated. Liquefaction with 100% water yielded 46% by weight of the bio-oil, compared with 30% by weight of bio-oil yield when 100% ethanol was used. The result however, show that 50% ethanol/water showed a synergistic effect and work best to obtain 52% bio-oil on the liquefaction whereas water was found hence more active than ethanol as a single solvent with 46% and 30% bio-oil respectively.
The GC-MS analysis of the obtained bio-oils from the three matrices confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds and aromatics such as benzenes, followed by aldehydes, long chain ketones and cyclic ketones and alcohol, esters, organic acids and ether compounds. The detected phenolic compounds were 4-ethyl-guaiacol, 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)-phenol, 2-methoxy-phenol, and 2-methoxy-4-vinyl-phenol., formed from the cleavage of guaiacyl and hydroxyphenyl-type lignin with varying degrees of alcohol substitution. Understanding and evaluating the liquefied products obtained from hardwood barks, could offer valuable information on the utilization of the biomass-liquefaction products for chemical or energy production.
Predicting Soccer Ball Target through Dynamic Simulation
Authors: Li Ying , Meng Junxian , Li Qi 
Published: May 2020

The intelligent sports analysis of a soccer ball requires accurately simulating its motion and finding the best design parameters (position and orientation) to kick the ball. An optimization method is proposed to plan, evaluate, and optimize the traveling trajectory of a soccer ball. The theoretical studies go through the multi-body dynamics modeling, dynamic simulation, and optimal objective modeling Based on Newton second law and Hooke’s law, the motion of a soccer ball is established as the time-dependent ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The expected target is expressed as a function of all design parameters. An example is used to simulate a soccer ball shooting a goal. The result of optimization design has given the most optimal combination of the design parameters, which involve theinitial velocity,initial projectile angle, andinitial orientation angle. This research provides a useful method in predicting the trajectory and adjusting the design parameters for the optimization design of a soccer ball motion.
Prediction of the output factor using machine and deep learning approach in uniform scanning proton therapy
Authors: Grewal Hardev S. , Chacko Michael S. , Ahmad Salahuddin , Jin Hosang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this work is to develop machine and deep learning‐based models to predict output and MU based on measured patient quality assurance (QA) data in uniform scanning proton therapy (USPT).MethodsThis study involves 4,231 patient QA measurements conducted over the last 6 years. In the current approach, output and MU are predicted by an empirical model (EM) based on patient treatment plan parameters. In this study, two MATLAB‐based machine and deep learning algorithms — Gaussian process regression (GPR) and shallow neural network (SNN) — were developed. The four parameters from patient QA (range, modulation, field size, and measured output factor) were used to train these algorithms. The data were randomized with a training set containing 90% and a testing set containing remaining 10% of the data. The model performance during training was accessed using root mean square error (RMSE) and R‐squared values. The trained model was used to predict output based on the three input parameters: range, modulation, and field size. The percent difference was calculated between the predicted and measured output factors. The number of data sets required to make prediction accuracy of GPR and SNN models' invariable was also evaluated.ResultsThe prediction accuracy of machine and deep learning algorithms is higher than the EM. The output predictions with [GPR, SNN, and EM] within ± 2% and ± 3% difference were [97.16%, 97.64%, and 92.95%] and [99.76%, 99.29%, and 97.18%], respectively. The GPR model outperformed the SNN with a smaller number of training data sets.ConclusionThe GPR and SNN models outperformed the EM in terms of prediction accuracy. Machine and deep learning algorithms predicted the output factor and MU for USPT with higher predictive accuracy than EM. In our clinic, these models have been adopted as a secondary check of MU or output factors.
Superhydrophobic Coatings from Ecofriendly Materials and Processes: A Review
Authors: Bayer Ilker S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSo far, scientists have successfully mimicked superhydrophobicity based on careful observation and study of such surfaces found in nature. The key outcome is the fact that water‐repellent plant or insect surfaces have unique hierarchical scale texture. Embedded in such textures, existence of unique waxy protrusions or structures is also found which can easily trap air underneath water droplets. Today, researchers can duplicate such surface textures and render them more sophisticated with advanced nanofabrication, lithographic, and wet chemistry techniques. In doing so, synthetic materials having very low affinity to water are extensively utilized. Among them, perfluorinated compounds pose some environmental concerns. Moreover, most of the superhydrophobic coating formulations and processing are deemed not ecofriendly enough to sustain large‐scale fabrication or prohibitively expensive to transform into a standard industrial practice. Recently, however, significant efforts are made to fabricate superhydrophobic coatings by using natural materials and sustainable processes with lower potential environmental footprint. This review introduces, reviews, and discusses such advances, their performance compared to conventional ones while acknowledging the challenges and stressing the need to dedicate more resources to develop robust and long‐lasting superhydrophobic coatings originating from intelligent processing of natural materials or synthetic biodegradables with ecofriendly technologies.
Functional Polymer‐Based Nerve Guide Conduits to Promote Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Zhang Xi , Qu Wenrui , Li Di , Shi Kai , Li Rui , Han Yanqiu , Jin E , Ding Jianxun , Chen Xuesi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBridging critical‐sized defects in peripheral nerves to achieve functional recovery is a challenge for orthopedic and hand surgeons. Inadequate regeneration of peripheral nerve axons often results in long‐term partial or total sensory and/or motor impairment. Currently, the best treatment available for long‐gap peripheral nerve regeneration is autologous nerve transplantation, while the successful implementation of this approach requires for secondary surgery and donor nerves. The nerve guide conduit (NGC) serves as an alternative to autograft of nerve, as it connects the proximal and distal ends of nerve defects and provides physical and biochemical guidances for axon regeneration. Functionalized NGCs enhance nerve regeneration by providing neuroprotection, antioxidation, vascular regeneration enhancement, and immune regulatory effects. In this review, the authors summarize the latest advances in functional polymer‐based NGCs for peripheral nerve regeneration and present the perspectives on the development of peripheral NGCs for potential clinical applications.
Trajectory and Functional Analysis of PD‐1high CD4+CD8+ T Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Single‐Cell Cytometry and Transcriptome Sequencing
Authors: Zheng Bo , Wang Dongfang , Qiu Xinyao , Luo Guijuan , Wu Tong , Yang Shuai , Li Zhixuan , Zhu Yanjing , Wang Shan , Wu Rui , Sui Chengjun , Gu Ziqi , Shen Siyun , Jeong Seogsong , Wu Xuan , Gu Jin , Wang Hongyang , Chen Lei 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe spatial heterogeneity of immune microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive. Here, a single‐cell study involving 17 432 600 immune cells of 39 matched HCC (T), nontumor (N), and leading‐edge (L) specimens by mass cytometry is conducted. The tumor‐associated CD4/CD8 double‐positive T (DPT) cells are found enriched in L regions with synergetic expression of PD‐1/HLA‐DR/ICOS/CD45RO and exhibit a higher level of IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, and PD‐1 upon stimulation. The enrichment of DPT and PD‐1+DPT in L regions indicates favorable prognosis. These tumor‐associated DPT cells with similar phenotype are also verified in other tumors and HCC animal models. Single‐cell RNA‐seq further characterizes the molecular features of DPT cells and uncovers 11 clusters with different cytotoxicity, exhaustion, and activation scores. TCR‐based trajectory analysis reveals that tumor‐associated DPT clusters share separated ancestries with local CD4+ or CD8+SPT cells rather than CD3+PBMC cells. TCR clones with frequency above 10 are mainly found coexisting in DPT and CD8+SPT cells. Specifically, PD‐1highDPT cluster (TDPT_10) shares the same ancestry with exhausted CD8+SPT cluster (TCD8T_2) and shows higher expression similarity and closer pathological location to PD‐1+CD8+ than PD‐1+CD4+T cells. Together, this study systematically characterizes the unique distribution of PD‐1+DPTs in HCC and puts forward new insights for the function and origin of tumor‐associated DPT cells.
Tall fescue germplasm response to freezing temperatures
Authors: Interrante Sindy M. , Stein Jimmy D. , Trammell Michael A. , Webb Stephen L. , Butler Twain J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons.] is a perennial cool‐season grass in which improved freeze tolerance could result in greater winterhardiness and persistence. Our objective was to evaluate survival and freeze‐tolerance thresholds of ‘Flecha’ summer‐dormant (SD) and ‘Texoma Max QII’ summer‐active (SA) tall fescue at seedling (1–2 leaves) and tillered (5–6 leaves) growth stages using controlled environment freezing chambers. Target temperatures ranged from 0 to −9 °C (seedlings) and 0 to −12 °C (tillered plants). Predicted lethal temperature at which 50% mortality occurs (LT50) was −5.7 and −5.5 °C for SA and SD seedlings, respectively, and −6.0 and −5.7 °C for SA and SD tillered plants, respectively. Based on these results, a controlled temperature chamber appears to be a useful tool for plant breeders when evaluating survival and freeze tolerance of SA and SD tall fescue germplasm at seedling and tillered growth stages.
In Situ Dynamic Manipulation of Graphene Strain Sensor with Drastically Sensing Performance Enhancement
Authors: Luo Zewei , Li Xinming , Li Quanling , Tian Xiyue , Fan Tianyi , Wang Chaolun , Wu Xing , Shen Guozhen 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIt is extremely challenging to directly observe how the relative position of the nanosheet changes the charge transport in the channel. Previous work on graphene stacking strain sensors relies on nanosheet slip to detect small mechanical signals. However, the direct experimental verification evidence is still inadequate. In this work, the sliding conductive transmission of graphene nanosheets slip is directly measured through an improved in situ transmission electron microscopy observation technique. By accurately manipulating the atomic scale of graphene nanosheets to achieve nanoscale sliding, the resistance change between nanosheets in the in situ observation system can be directly measured. Besides, a mechanical sensor based on graphene layer structure is designed, which demonstrates a high gauge factor (4303 at maximum strain of 93.3%), negligible hysteresis (5–10%), and excellent stability over 3000 stretch–release cycles. Besides, the precise control of characteristics offers a practical approach of retaining high stability from device to device. This strain sensor is applied in various cases, especially the health monitor of the human cervical vertebra.
Prognostic impact of Philadelphia chromosome in mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL): A cancer registry analysis on real‐world outcome
Authors: Qasrawi Ayman , Ramlal Reshma , Munker Reinhold , Hildebrandt Gerhard C. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is thought to have poor outcome, and presence of the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+) has been considered to be an adverse prognostic marker. However, most of these reports were in the pre‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) era. Recent limited reports indicate improved outcomes for MPAL with the addition of TKIs. We examined the outcomes of 241 cases of MPAL according to the 2008 WHO classification from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry. The MLL+ patients had a median age of 6 years while other subtypes occurred mostly in adults and had comparable age. On multivariate analyses and after adjustment for age, year of diagnosis and chemotherapy status, Ph+ MPAL patients had reduced risk of death in comparison to Ph(–) MPAL patients (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.28, P = .002). So, MLL+ MPAL had the worst outcome with a 10‐fold increased risk of death in comparison to Ph+ MPAL patients (HR = 10.2, P < .001). Importantly, the outcome of Ph+ MPAL was comparable to Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a 1:1 matched case‐control analysis. In conclusion, this is the largest registry study which examines the outcomes of MPAL subtypes. We confirm that MPAL is a heterogenous disease. Note, Ph+ MPAL nowadays has a better OS in comparison to other subtypes and is comparable to Ph+ ALL patients. This is most likely secondary to changes in practice and more utilization of TKIs. On the other hand, MLL rearrangement is associated with infantile MPAL and has a dismal prognosis.
Unveiling 79‐Year‐Old Ixene and Its BN‐Doped Derivative
Authors: Pati Palas Baran , Jin Eunji , Kim Yohan , Kim Yongchul , Mun Jinhong , Kim So Jung , Kang Seok Ju , Choe Wonyoung , Lee Geunsik , Shin Hyung‐Joon , Park Young S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are key components of organic electronics. The electronic properties of these carbon‐rich materials can be controlled through doping with heteroatoms such as B and N, however, few convenient syntheses of BN‐doped PAHs have been reported. Described herein is the rationally designed, two‐step syntheses of previously unknown ixene and BN‐doped ixene (B2N2‐ixene), and their characterizations. Compared to ixene, B2N2‐ixene absorbs longer‐wavelength light and has a smaller electrochemical energy gap. In addition to its single‐crystal structure, scanning tunneling microscopy revealed that B2N2‐ixene adopts a nonplanar geometry on a Au(111) surface. The experimentally obtained electronic structure of B2N2‐ixene and the effect of BN‐doping were confirmed by DFT calculations. This synthesis enables the efficient and convenient construction of BN‐doped systems with extended π‐conjugation that can be used in versatile organic electronics applications.
Catalytic Dehydrogenative Cyclization of o‐Teraryls under pH‐Neutral and Oxidant‐Free Conditions
Authors: Tsukamoto Tatsuhiro , Dong Guangbin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA cobaloxime‐catalyzed acceptorless dehydrogenative cyclization of o‐teraryls was developed. In stark contrast to the established methods such as the Scholl or Mallory reactions, this method does not require any strong acids or oxidants, and shows high atom economy and a broad substrate scope. It operates at near room temperature with light as the source of energy. Acid‐ or oxidant‐sensitive functional groups, such as 4‐methoxyphenyl, unprotected benzyl alcohol, silyl ether, and thiophene groups are tolerated. Remarkably, aryls with electron‐withdrawing groups, and electron‐poor heteroarenes, such as pyridine and pyrimidine, can also react. Preliminary mechanistic study reveals that hydrogen gas is released during the reaction, and both light and the cobalt catalyst are important for the dehydrogenation step.
PROTACs and Other Chemical Protein Degradation Technologies for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Tomoshige Shusuke , Ishikawa Minoru 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNeurodegenerative disorders (NDs) are a group of diseases that cause neural cell damage, leading to motility and/or cognitive dysfunctions. One of the causative agents is misfolded protein aggregates, which are considered as undruggable in terms of conventional tools, such as inhibitors and agonists/antagonists. Indeed, there is currently no FDA‐approved drug for the causal treatment of NDs. However, emerging technologies for chemical protein degradation are opening up the possibility of selective elimination of target proteins through physiological protein degradation machineries, which do not depend on the functions of the target proteins. Here, we review recent efforts towards the treatment of NDs using chemical protein degradation technologies, and we briefly discuss the challenges and prospects.
Synergistic Dual‐Additive Electrolyte Enables Practical Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Li Siyuan , Zhang Weidong , Wu Qiang , Fan Lei , Wang Xinyang , Wang Xiao , Shen Zeyu , He Yi , Lu Yingying 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA rechargeable Li metal anode coupled with a high‐voltage cathode is a promising approach to high‐energy‐density batteries exceeding 300  Wh kg−1. Reported here is an advanced dual‐additive electrolyte containing a unique solvation structure and it comprises a tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane additive and LiNO3 in a carbonate‐based electrolyte. This system generates a robust outer Li2O solid electrolyte interface and F‐ and B‐containing conformal cathode electrolyte interphase. The resulting stable ion transport kinetics enables excellent cycling of Li/LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 for 140 cycles with 80 % capacity retention under highly challenging conditions (≈295.1 Wh kg−1 at cell‐level). The electrolyte also exhibits high cycling stability for a 4.6 V LiCoO2 (160 cycles with 89.8 % capacity retention) cathode and 4.95 V LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode.
Airway obstruction during general anaesthesia in a patient with a vagal nerve stimulator
Authors: Gibbins M. , Quader K. , Watson G. , Pichierri A. 
Published: May 2020

SummaryFor patients with epilepsy refractory to medical management, vagal nerve stimulator implantation may reduce the number of seizures and/or reduce their severity. A 34‐year‐old woman with epilepsy underwent a change in vagal nerve stimulator battery under general anaesthesia with a supraglottic airway device and total intravenous anaesthesia. During the procedure, she developed clinically significant airway obstruction, which resolved only when the device was disabled. We recommend that anaesthetists and others providing peri‐operative care for patients with a vagal nerve stimulator remain vigilant to the possibility of device‐related airway obstruction, which may occur even in asymptomatic patients. All patients with a vagal nerve stimulator are provided with a magnet that will disable the device, should complications arise. There is a need to establish a standard approach to the peri‐operative care of these patients, including the identification and management of device‐related airway obstruction.