bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Small Molecule Interlayer Engineering in Vanadium Oxide for Zinc Ion Battery
Authors: Yin Bosi , Zhang Siwen , Ke Ke , Vincent Lee Wee Siang , Wang Zhenbo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractVanadium oxide has great potential in the development of battery technology. However, there are several key flaws, such as low rate performance and poor cyclic stability, that require urgent attention for such material. In view of these challenges, this work proposes a strategy to optimize the interlayer spacing of vanadium oxide framework so as to improve its electrochemical performance. In this work, vanadium‐oxide is modified with small molecules as molecular pillars, and through this method the as‐prepared NH4V4O10 is able to exhibit a larger interlayer spacing of 9.6 Å. This expanded interlayer spacing is particularly advantageous as it allows host material to accommodate more Zn2+ and to facilitate their migration. The as‐assembled Zn//NH4V4O10 (denoted as NVO) is able to deliver a capacity of 430 mAh g−1 at current density of 1 A g−1. A good cyclic retention of 85 % is achieved for Zn//NVO after deep cycling for 2000 cycles at 1 A g−1. Thus, based on the collective results, introducing small molecules into the interlayer spacing could be an advantageous strategy in improving the performance of the electrode effectively.
Influence of compressive stress on chloride transport in the interfacial zone of precast and cast‐in‐place concrete
Authors: Zhao Jie , Li Fumin , Luo Xiaoya 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe large number of interfacial zones of precast and cast‐in‐place concrete weakens the durability and resistance to chloride penetration of fabricated structures. This study investigated the chloride transport behavior in the interfacial zone of precast and cast‐in‐place concrete through long‐term wet–dry cycle experiments. The two influencing factors of compressive stress and distance to the interface were investigated. A chloride concentration test was conducted to investigate the chloride distribution profile, the chloride diffusion coefficient Dapp, and the surface chloride concentration Cs,∆x. The values of Dapp and Cs,∆x correlated with both the location in the interfacial zone and compressive stress, and both dependencies showed complex interactions. All specimens showed different degrees of this interfacial zone effect, which was weakened by compressive stress. Based on the test results, empirical models were developed (by regression) to quantify the dependences of Dapp and Cs,∆x to both compressive stress level and distance to the interface. Applicability of the models was verified.
Strengthening of RC beams using the combination of EB CFRP sheet, NSM CFRP bar and P‐SWRs
Authors: Zeng Yihua , Chen Xi , Li Xinghua , Wu Gang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDebonding issues in the externally bonded (EB) CFRP sheets (or near‐surface mounted [NSM] CFRP bars) and space requirements of edge and spacing clearances for NSM CFRP bars (or the prestressed steel wire ropes [P‐SWRs]) have limited the applications of these strengthening techniques. The combination of these techniques may overcome the drawbacks of each technique and was experimentally and analytically investigated in this paper. Test results demonstrated that the flexural performances of the combinedly strengthened beam are between the flexural performances of the beams strengthened with the corresponding individual strengthening techniques. It is found the combination of the three techniques successfully prevented debonding issues which often occur in EB or NSM techniques and improved the spacing and edge clearances which are necessary for NSM and P‐SWRs techniques. In addition, the combination was demonstrated as effective to limit the crack development and improve the ductility of the strengthened beams.
Use of titanate to improve interfacial interaction and mechanical properties of polyethylene/artificial marble wastes composites
Authors: Lu Honglang , Chen Keyu , Yang Xin , Liu Jize , Huang Xin , Lv Zhen , Zhang Xinxing 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe resource utilization of artificial marble wastes (AMWs) is urgently needed for environmental protection as a large amount of artificial marble are used as construction material. Nevertheless, it still remains challenging to achieve high performance of AMWs‐filled polymer composites due to their poor interfacial interaction with hydrophobic polyolefins. Here, the unsaturated resin residue on the surface of AMWs is employed to construct strong interfacial interaction with high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix to prepare mechanically robust polymeric composites by use of titanate coupling agent. The mechanical properties (with a tensile strength of 28.6 MPa and a flexural strength of 27.7 MPa) of the resulting composites are comparable to or even better than those of raw calcium carbonate‐filled HDPE composites. This work will not only promote the recycling and reutilization of AMWs, but also provide a feasible way for value‐added application of other polymeric wastes, such as waste printed circuit board, waste artificial turf, and so on.
Defects of full-length dystrophin trigger retinal neuron damage and synapse alterations by disrupting functional autophagy
Authors: Catalani Elisabetta , Bongiorni Silvia , Taddei Anna Rita , Mezzetti Marta , Silvestri Federica , Coazzoli Marco , Zecchini Silvia , Giovarelli Matteo , Perrotta Cristiana , De Palma Clara , Clementi Emilio , Ceci Marcello , Prantera Giorgio , Cervia Davide 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDystrophin (dys) mutations predispose Duchenne muscular disease (DMD) patients to brain and retinal complications. Although different dys variants, including long dys products, are expressed in the retina, their function is largely unknown. We investigated the putative role of full-length dystrophin in the homeostasis of neuro-retina and its impact on synapsis stabilization and cell fate. Retinas of mdx mice, the most used DMD model which does not express the 427-KDa dys protein (Dp427), showed overlapped cell death and impaired autophagy. Apoptotic neurons in the outer plexiform/inner nuclear layer and the ganglion cell layer had an impaired autophagy with accumulated autophagosomes. The autophagy dysfunction localized at photoreceptor axonal terminals and bipolar, amacrine, and ganglion cells. The absence of Dp427 does not cause a severe phenotype but alters the neuronal architecture, compromising mainly the pre-synaptic photoreceptor terminals and their post-synaptic sites. The analysis of two dystrophic mutants of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, the homozygous DysE17 and DysEP3397, lacking functional large-isoforms of dystrophin-like protein, revealed rhabdomere degeneration. Structural damages were evident in the internal network of retina/lamina where photoreceptors make the first synapse. Both accumulated autophagosomes and apoptotic features were detected and the visual system was functionally impaired. The reactivation of the autophagosome turnover by rapamycin prevented neuronal cell death and structural changes of mutant flies and, of interest, sustained autophagy ameliorated their response to light. Overall, these findings indicate that functional full-length dystrophin is required for synapsis stabilization and neuronal survival of the retina, allowing also proper autophagy as a prerequisite for physiological cell fate and visual properties.
Minimally Invasive Retrosternal Esophageal Bypass Using a Mid‐Colon Esophagocoloplasty for Corrosive‐Induced Esophageal Stricture
Authors: Gurram Ram Prakash , Kalayarasan Raja , Gnanasekaran Senthil , Pottakkat Biju 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionColonic bypass for corrosive‐induced esophageal stricture is traditionally performed using an open approach. The laparoscopic mid‐colon retrosternal esophageal bypass has not been previously reported. The present study is aimed to report the feasibility of laparoscopic mid‐colon esophagocoloplasty and to compare the short‐ and medium‐term outcomes with the open approach.Materials and methodsPatients who underwent surgery for corrosive esophageal stricture between August 2016 and August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Laparoscopic procedure was preferred in patients with stricture starting at or below the level of cricopharynx and without prior laparotomy. The perioperative and medium‐term outcomes of patients who underwent open and laparoscopic mid‐colon bypass were compared.ResultsOf the 15 patients, seven patients underwent laparoscopic mid‐colon bypass, and eight patients underwent the open procedure. The duration of surgery was less in the laparoscopic group, but the difference was not significant (440 vs. 510 min, P = 0.93). Intraoperative blood loss (median) and postoperative analgesic requirement (median days) were significantly lower in laparoscopic group (200 mL vs. 350 mL, P = 0.03 & 3 vs. 5, P = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the postoperative complications, ICU and hospital stay between the two groups. At a median (range) follow‐up of 14 (7–42) months, all patients in the minimally invasive colon bypass group were euphagic to regular Indian diet. Two patients in the open group developed anastomotic stricture requiring endoscopic dilatation.ConclusionMinimally invasive mid‐colon esophageal bypass is a feasible procedure for selected patients with corrosive esophageal stricture with favorable short‐term and comparable medium‐term outcomes.
Autoimmune Lebererkrankungen
Authors: Fischer Hans-Peter , Goltz Diane 
Published: August 2020

ZusammenfassungAutoimmune Lebererkrankungen umfassen ein Spektrum idiopathischer fortschreitender Leberentzündungen mit im Einzelfall histologisch kennzeichnenden Befunden. Hierzu gehören bei der autoimmunen Hepatitis (AIH) das Bild einer chronischen Hepatitis mit plasmazellreicher dominierender Grenzflächenaktivität, Rosettierung der Hepatozyten und Emperipolese, bei der primären biliären Cholangitis (PBC) chronische, nichteitrige, destruierende Gallengangsläsionen, bei der primären sklerosierenden Cholangitis (PSC) die zwiebelschalenartige periduktale Fibrose bis zur verödenden Gangsklerose. Histopathologische Schnittmengenbefunde dieser Entitäten untereinander kennzeichnen Varianten der AIH bzw. Overlapsyndrome. Die Diagnose autoimmuner Lebererkrankungen beruht auf der Gesamtkonstellation klinischer, enzymserologischer, immunserologischer und bildgebender Befunde, zu denen fakultativ oder obligat die Leberbiopsie hinzugezogen wird. Der Leberbiopsie kommt eine gewichtige Rolle zu bei der Diagnose der AIH und ihrer Varianten, der Small-Duct-PSC, der AMA-negativen PBC, der IgG4-assoziierten Entzündungen und der Abgrenzung gegenüber konkurrierenden Lebererkrankungen insbesondere der medikamentös-toxischen Leberschädigung. Damit leistet die histologisch gestützte Diagnose einen gewichtigen Beitrag zu einer differenzierten Therapie autoimmun-entzündlicher Lebererkrankungen.
Clinical evaluation of automated quantitative MRI reports for assessment of hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Goodkin Olivia , Pemberton Hugh G. , Vos Sjoerd B. , Prados Ferran , Das Ravi K. , Moggridge James , De Blasi Bianca , Bartlett Philippa , Williams Elaine , Campion Thomas , Haider Lukas , Pearce Kirsten , Bargallό Nuria , Sanchez Esther , Bisdas Sotirios , White Mark , Ourselin Sebastien , Winston Gavin P. , Duncan John S. , Cardoso Jorge , Thornton John S. , Yousry Tarek A. , Barkhof Frederik 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is a common cause of temporal lobe epilepsy. Neuroradiological practice relies on visual assessment, but quantification of HS imaging biomarkers—hippocampal volume loss and T2 elevation—could improve detection. We tested whether quantitative measures, contextualised with normative data, improve rater accuracy and confidence.

Methods
Quantitative reports (QReports) were generated for 43 individuals with epilepsy (mean age ± SD 40.0 ± 14.8 years, 22 men; 15 histologically unilateral HS; 5 bilateral; 23 MR-negative). Normative data was generated from 111 healthy individuals (age 40.0 ± 12.8 years, 52 men). Nine raters with different experience (neuroradiologists, trainees, and image analysts) assessed subjects’ imaging with and without QReports. Raters assigned imaging normal, right, left, or bilateral HS. Confidence was rated on a 5-point scale.

Results
Correct designation (normal/abnormal) was high and showed further trend-level improvement with QReports, from 87.5 to 92.5% (p = 0.07, effect size d = 0.69). Largest magnitude improvement (84.5 to 93.8%) was for image analysts (d = 0.87). For bilateral HS, QReports significantly improved overall accuracy, from 74.4 to 91.1% (p = 0.042, d = 0.7). Agreement with the correct diagnosis (kappa) tended to increase from 0.74 (‘fair’) to 0.86 (‘excellent’) with the report (p = 0.06, d = 0.81). Confidence increased when correctly assessing scans with the QReport (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.945).

Conclusions
QReports of HS imaging biomarkers can improve rater accuracy and confidence, particularly in challenging bilateral cases. Improvements were seen across all raters, with large effect sizes, greatest for image analysts. These findings may have positive implications for clinical radiology services and justify further validation in larger groups.

Key Points
• Quantification of imaging biomarkers for hippocampal sclerosis—volume loss and raised T2 signal—could improve clinical radiological detection in challenging cases.
• Quantitative reports for individual patients, contextualised with normative reference data, improved diagnostic accuracy and confidence in a group of nine raters, in particular for bilateral HS cases.
• We present a pre-use clinical validation of an automated imaging assessment tool to assist clinical radiology reporting of hippocampal sclerosis, which improves detection accuracy.
1H NMR spectroscopy study of structural water in rehydrated biocomposite of Spongilla lacustris freshwater demosponge origin
Authors: Krupska Tatiana , Wysokowski Marcin , Petrenko Iaroslav , Khrunyk Yuliya , Nowacki Krzysztof , Ehrlich Hermann , Turov Vladimir V. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBiocomposites of sponge origin attract scientific attention due to their renewability as well as special properties. Dried skeletons of fresh water demospongeSpongilla lacustrisrepresent unique kind of naturally occurring silica-chitin-based biocomposites with long history of their applications in dermatocosmetics. However, there is still a lack of knowledge on their physico-chemical properties in model systems. The aim of this work was to model drug systems based onS. lacustrispowdered biocomposite, water and a hydrophobic medium, which served as an analog of an oil base. Both thermogravimetric analysis and1H NMR spectroscopy study of structural water in rehydrated biocomposite lead to obtaining of interesting experimental data useful for preparation of biocosmetic products.
Identification of sulfakinin receptors (SKR) in Tenebrio molitor beetle and the influence of sulfakinins on carbohydrates metabolism
Authors: Słocińska M. , Chowański S. , Marciniak P. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSulfakinins (SKs) are pleiotropic neuropeptides commonly found in insects, structurally and functionally homologous to the mammalian gastrin/cholecystokinin (CCK) neuropeptides. SKs together with sulfakinin receptors (SKRs) are involved in sulfakinin signaling responsible for variety of biological functions, including food intake or fatty acid metabolism. In the present study, we determined the distribution of SKRs in Tenebrio molitor larvae and characterized the impact of nonsulfated and sulfated SKs on carbohydrates and insulin-like peptides (ILPs) level in beetle hemolymph. Our results indicate the presence of both sulfakinin receptors, SKR1 and SKR2, in the nervous system of T. molitor. The distribution of SKR2 in peripheral tissues was more widespread than SKR1, and their transcripts have been found in fat body, gut and hemolymph. This is also the first evidence for SKRs presence in insect hemocytes indicating immunotropic activity of SKs. Moreover, in the present study, we have demonstrated that SKs regulate ILPs and carbohydrates level in insect hemolymph, and that sulfation is not crucial for peptides activity. Our study confirms the role of SKs in maintaining energy homeostasis in beetles.
Neurological comorbidity and severity of COVID-19
Authors: Romagnolo Alberto , Balestrino Roberta , Imbalzano Gabriele , Ciccone Giovannino , Riccardini Franco , Artusi Carlo Alberto , Bozzali Marco , Ferrero Bruno , Montalenti Elisa , Montanaro Elisa , Rizzone Mario Giorgio , Vaula Giovanna , Zibetti Maurizio , Lopiano Leonardo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective
Neurological symptoms of COVID-19 patients have been recently described. However, no comprehensive data have been reported on pre-existing neurological comorbidities and COVID-19. This study aims at evaluating the prevalence of neurological comorbidities, and their association with COVID-19 severity.

Methods
We evaluated all consecutive patients admitted to the Emergency Room (ER) of our hospital between the 3rd March and the 14th April 2020, and diagnosed with COVID-19. Data on neurological and non-neurological diseases were extracted, as well as data on demographic characteristics and on severity degree of COVID-19. The prevalence of neurological comorbidities was calculated, and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the association between neurological diseases and COVID-19 severity.

Results
We included 344 patients. Neurological comorbidities accounted for 22.4% of cases, with cerebrovascular diseases and cognitive impairment being the most frequent. Neurological comorbidity resulted independently associated with severe COVID-19 (OR 2.305; p = 0.012), as well as male gender (p = 0.001), older age (p = 0.001), neoplastic diseases (p = 0.039), and arterial hypertension (p = 0.045). When neurological comorbidity was associated with non-neurological comorbidities, the OR for severe COVID-19 rose to 7.394 (p = 0.005). Neurological patients, in particular cerebrovascular and cognitively impaired ones, received more respiratory support indication.

Conclusion
Neurological comorbidities represent a significant determinant of COVID-19 severity, deserving a thorough evaluation since the earliest phases of infection. The vulnerability of patients affected by neurological diseases should suggest a greater attention in targeting this population for proactive viral screening.
Three-dimensional image-based modeling by combining SBFEM and transfinite element shape functions
Authors: Gravenkamp Hauke , Saputra Albert A. , Eisenträger Sascha 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) has recently been employed as an efficient tool to model three-dimensional structures, in particular when the geometry is provided as a voxel-based image. To this end, an octree decomposition of the computational domain is deployed, and each cubic cell is treated as an SBFE subdomain. The surfaces of each subdomain are discretized in the finite element sense. We improve on this idea by combining the semi-analytical concept of the SBFEM with a particular class of transition elements on the subdomains’ surfaces. Thus, a triangulation of these surfaces as executed in previous works is avoided, and consequently, the number of surface elements and degrees of freedom is reduced. In addition, these discretizations allow coupling elements of arbitrary order such that local p-refinement can be achieved straightforwardly.
Angewandte und Kritische Geographie. Gemeinsame Herausforderungen, gemeinsame Perspektiven?
Authors: Kuge Janika , Naumann Matthias , Nuissl Henning , Schipper Sebastian 
Published: August 2020

ZusammenfassungInnerhalb der Humangeographie erscheinen Angewandte und Kritische Geographie oft als zwei getrennte Welten, die vermeintlich kaum inhaltliche Berührungspunkte haben, geschweige denn ein geteiltes Anliegen verfolgen. Implizit steht dabei die Annahme im Raum, dass zwischen beiden Forschungsperspektiven grundsätzliche Widersprüche bestehen, welche die Suche nach Gemeinsamkeiten erschweren, wenn nicht sogar von vornherein zum Scheitern verurteilen. Dementgegen wollen wir in diesem Beitrag auf der Grundlage unserer eigenen Erfahrungen im Deutschen Verband für Angewandte Geographie (DVAG) sowie innerhalb verschiedener Zusammenhänge der Kritischen Geographie der Frage nachgehen, inwiefern ein intensiverer Dialog zwischen den beiden personell und institutionell bislang relativ getrennten Welten der Angewandten und der Kritischen Geographie möglich ist bzw. wie beide zueinander finden können.
Lymph node ratio as a predictor for outcome in oral squamous cell carcinoma: a multicenter population-based cohort study
Authors: Spoerl Steffen , Gerken Michael , Mamilos Andreas , Fischer René , Wolf Stefanie , Nieberle Felix , Klingelhöffer Christoph , Meier Johannes K. , Spoerl Silvia , Ettl Tobias , Reichert Torsten E. , Spanier Gerrit 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Recently, multiple studies addressed the importance of lymph node ratio (LNR) in specifying patients’ risk of disease recurrence in various malignancies. The present study examines the prognostic significance of LNR in predicting outcome of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients after surgical treatment with curative intent.

Methods
Here, we describe a retrospective population-based cohort with 717 patients previously diagnosed with OSCC. Histopathologically verified lymph node metastasis was diagnosed in 290 patients. Among these patients, we evaluated the impact of LNR on overall survival (OAS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in uni- as well as multivariate analysis.

Results
A median cutoff (0.055) in LNR was found to significantly predict outcome in OSCC patients. Five-year OAS was 54.1% in patients with a low LNR, whereas a high LNR was associated with a 5-year OAS of 33.3% (p < 0.001). Similar results were detected for RFS with a 5-year survival rate of 49.8% (LNR low) and 30.3% (LNR high) (p = 0.002). Results were confirmed in multivariate Cox regression which substantiated the importance of LNR in predicting survival in OSCC patients.

Conclusions
LNR was shown to be an independent prognostic factor for outcome of OSCC in a population-based cohort in uni- as well as multivariate analysis. Hereby, a LNR ≥ 0.055 predicted a shorter OAS and RFS in our cohort.

Clinical relevance
Besides established histopathological factors, LNR can be used as a reliable predictor of outcome in OSCC and might therefore be further applied in evaluating adjuvant treatment after resection in curative intention.