bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Co(OH)2/CNTs nanocomposite with superior rate capability and cyclic stability for energy storage applications
Authors: Shakir Imran , Almutairi Zeyad , Shar Sahar Saad , Nafady Ayman 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The good rate capability and longer cyclic performance are the two key features electrochemical capacitors that are highly dependent on the electrochemical stability, structure, electrical conductivity, composition, and nature of the charge storing-mechanism involved by its electrodes. Herein, we fabricated layered Co(OH)2 and their nanocomposite with carbon nanotubes (CNTs, 5%) via a two-step approach for electrochemical applications. The as-prepared nanocomposite based electrode displays good specific capacitance (Cs), negligible capacity fade, and promising rate capability on electrochemical tests via a three-electrode configuration. More precisely, the nanocomposite based electrode showed Cs of 802 Fg−1 at 0.5 Ag−1 and loss just 3.8% of its initial capacitance (at 1st cycle) after 5000 cyclic tests. Furthermore, the nanocomposite electrode lost around 14% of its initial capacitance on increasing the current density from 0.5 to 5 Ag−1 that reveals its novel rate capability. The observed superior electrochemical aptitude of the fabricated nanocomposite is credited to the layered nanoarchitecture of the Co(OH)2 and CNTs matrix. The CNTs-matrix, because of their lower properties, performs multiple roles to improve the supercapacitive performance of the whole composite. Firstly, they accelerate the charge transfer within the nanocomposite matrix due to its higher electrical conductivity. Secondly, they facilitate mass transport due to its hollow structure. Thirdly, they sandwich between the layers of Co(OH)2 and suppress the stacking process. Fourthly, the added CNTs itself act as a capacitive supplement and further improve the specific capacitance of the nanocomposite. Finally, CNTs buffers the whole nanocomposite against the volume expansion during the continuous cyclic tests. The electrochemical and structural stability of Co(OH)2/CNTs sample was also evaluated by EIS and PXRD characterizations after electrochemical tests. The acquired result showed that fabricated nanocomposite has great potential for advanced energy storage applications.
Crystal surface and reflector optimization for the SiPM-based dual-ended readout TOF-DOI PET detector
Authors: Kang Han Gyu , Yamaya Taiga , Han Young Been , Song Seong Hyun , Ko Guen Bae , Lee Jae Sung , Hong Seong Jong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are now widely used for positron emission tomography (PET) applications because of their high gain and low noise characteristics. The PET image quality has been improved with the advancement of time-of-flight (TOF) and depth-of-interaction (DOI) measurement techniques. For brain-dedicated PET systems, both TOF and DOI information are beneficial for enhancing the reconstructed PET image quality. In a previous study, we proposed SiPM-based dual-ended readout PET detectors that used a mean time method to achieve coincidence timing resolution (CTR) of 349 ps and DOI resolution of 2.9 mm. However, the coincidence timing resolution (CTR) was worse than 300 ps since the crystal surface and the reflector type were not optimized. This study aimed at investigating the optimal crystal surface treatment and the reflector material to achieve a sub-200 ps CTR and sub-3 mm DOI resolution with a dual-ended readout PET detector using an LYSO crystal (2.9 × 2.9 × 20 mm3). The scintillation light inside the LYSO crystal was read out by two SiPMs using the dual-ended readout method. The CTR and DOI resolution were measured with two different crystal surfaces (polished and saw-cut) and three different reflector material scenarios of ESR without grease (i.e., air coupling), ESR with optical grease and Teflon. We digitized the timing and energy signals by using a V775N TDC module (35 ps bit−1) and V965 QDC module, respectively. The combination of the saw-cut LYSO crystal and the ESR with air coupling resulted in the best CTR (188 ± 32 ps) and DOI resolution (2.9 ± 0.2 mm) with the dual-ended readout configuration. We concluded the dual-ended readout method in combination with the saw-cut crystal and the ESR reflector with air coupling can provide a sub-200 ps CTR and sub-3.0 mm DOI resolution simultaneously.
Measuring protein biomarker concentrations using antibody tagged magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Gordon-Wylie Scott W , Ness Dylan B , Shi Yipeng , Mirza Sohail K , Paulsen Keith D , Weaver John B 
Published: October 2020

AbstractUnder physiological conditions biomarker concentrations tend to rise and fall over time e.g. for inflammation.Ex vivomeasurements provide a snapshot in time of biomarker concentrations, which is useful, but limited. Approaching real time monitoring of biomarker concentration(s) using a wearable, implantable or injectablein vivosensor is therefore an appealing target. As an early step towards developing anin vivobiomarker sensor, antibody (AB) tagged magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) are used here to demonstrate thein vitromeasurement of ∼ 5 distinct biomarkers with high specificity and sensitivity. In previous work, aptamers were used to target a given biomarkerin vitroand generate magnetic clusters that exhibit a characteristic rotational signature quite different from free NPs. Here the method is expanded to detect a much wider range of biomarkers using polyclonal ABs attached to the surface of the NPs. Commercial ABs exist for a wide range of targets allowing accurate and specific concentration measurements for most significant biomarkers. We show sufficient detection sensitivity, using an in-house spectrometer to measure the rotational signatures of the NPs, to assess physiological concentrations of hormones, cytokines and other signaling molecules. Detection limits for biomarkers drawn mainly from pain and inflammation targets were: 10 pM for mouse Granzyme B (mGZM-B), 40 pM for mouse interferon-gamma (mIFN-γ), 7 pM for mouse interleukin-6 (mIL-6), 40 pM for rat interleukin-6 (rIL-6), 40 pM for mouse vascular endothelial growth factor (mVEGF) and 250 pM for rat calcitonin gene related peptide (rCGRP). Much lower detection limits are certainly possible using improved spectrometers and nanoparticles.
Activities of daily living at hospital admission and estimated survival time of older patients
Authors: Ryg Jesper , Engberg Henriette , Anru Pavithra Laxsen , Pedersen Solvejg Gram Henneberg , Jorgensen Martin Gronbech , Vinding Kirsten Laila , Masud Tahir , Andersen-Ranberg Karen 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Predicting expected survival time in acutely hospitalised older patients is a clinical challenge.

Objective
To examine if activities of daily living (ADL) assessed by Barthel-Index-100 (Barthel-Index) at hospital admission adds useful information to clinicians on expected survival time in older patients.

Methods
A nationwide population-based cohort study was used. All patients aged ≥65 years in the National Danish Geriatric Database from 2005 to 2014 were followed up until death, emigration or study termination (31 December 2015). Individual data were linked to national health registers. Barthel-Index was categorised into five-point subcategories with a separate category of Barthel-Index = 0. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to assess crude survival proportions (95% CI) and Cox regression to examine association of Barthel-Index and mortality adjusting for age, Charlson comorbidity index, medication use, BMI, marital status, prior hospitalisations and admission year.

Results
In total, 74,589 patients (63% women) aged (mean (SD)) 82.5(7.5) years with Barthel-Index (median (IQR)) 54(29-77) were included. In patients with Barthel-Index = 100-96 crude survival was 0.96(0.95-0.97) after 90-days, 0.88(0.87-0.89) after 1-year, and 0.79(0.78-0.80) after 2-years. Corresponding survival in patients with Barthel-Index = 0 was 0.49(0.47-0.51), 0.35(0.34-0.37) and 0.26(0.24-0.27). Decreasing Barthel-Index was associated with increasing mortality in the multivariable analysis. In women with Barthel-Index = 0, the mortality risk (HR (95% CI)) was 14.74(11.33-19.18) after 90-days, 8.40(7.13-9.90) after 1-year and 6.22(5.47-7.07) after 2-years using Barthel-Index = 100-96 as reference. In men, the corresponding risks were 11.36(8.81-14.66), 6.22(5.29-7.31) and 5.22(4.56-5.98).

Conclusions
ADL measured by Barthel-Index provides useful, easily accessible and independent information to clinicians on expected survival time in patients admitted to a geriatric department.
Canada Should Move Toward Adopting Harmonized Evidence-Based OELs to Consistently and Adequately Protect Workers
Authors: Barn Prabjit , Keefe Anya R , Slot Nicole , Jardine Katherine J , Ziembicki Stephanie , Telfer Joanne , Palmer Alison L , Peters Cheryl E 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Due to the way occupational exposure limits (OELs) are set in Canada, workers across the country are not equally and adequately protected from harmful workplace exposures. This disparity is illustrated in the case of exposure to diesel engine exhaust (DEE). Based on the findings of a recent pan-Canadian and international scan of OELs for DEE, we recommend that Canada overcome these current disparities by moving towards harmonized, evidence-based OELs. To achieve this, Canada should adopt a centralized framework for setting OELs that considers the most recent scientific evidence as well as feasibility of implementation in the Canadian context. We assert that harmonizing OELs across Canada would allow for expertise and resources to be consolidated and is a crucial step to ensuring that all workers are consistently protected from harmful workplace exposures.
Female ornaments: is red skin color attractive to males and related to condition in rhesus macaques?
Authors: Higham James P , Kimock Clare M , Mandalaywala Tara M , Heistermann Michael , Cascio Julie , Petersdorf Megan , Winters Sandra , Allen William L , Dubuc Constance 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSexual selection produces extravagant male traits, such as colorful ornaments, via female mate choice. More rarely, in mating systems in which males allocate mating effort between multiple females, female ornaments may evolve via male mate choice. Females of many anthropoid primates exhibit ornaments that indicate intraindividual cyclical fertility, but which have also been proposed to function as interindividual quality signals. Rhesus macaque females are one such species, exhibiting cyclical facial color variation that indicates ovulatory status, but in which the function of interindividual variation is unknown. We collected digital images of the faces of 32 rhesus macaque adult females. We assessed mating rates, and consortship by males, according to female face coloration. We also assessed whether female coloration was linked to physical (skinfold fat, body mass index) or physiological (fecal glucocorticoid metabolite [fGCM], urinary C-peptide concentrations) condition. We found that redder-faced females were mated more frequently, and consorted for longer periods by top-ranked males. Redder females had higher fGCM concentrations, perhaps related to their increased mating activity and consequent energy mobilization, and blood flow. Prior analyses have shown that female facial redness is a heritable trait, and that redder-faced females have higher annual fecundity, while other evidence suggests that color expression is likely to be a signal rather than a cue. Collectively, the available evidence suggests that female coloration has evolved at least in part via male mate choice. Its evolution as a sexually selected ornament attractive to males is probably attributable to the high female reproductive synchrony found in this species.
Atrophy and cognitive profiles in older adults with temporal lobe epilepsy are similar to mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Kaestner Erik , Reyes Anny , Chen Austin , Rao Jun , Macari Anna Christina , Choi Joon Yul , Qiu Deqiang , Hewitt Kelsey , Wang Zhong Irene , Drane Daniel L , Hermann Bruce , Busch Robyn M , Punia Vineet , McDonald Carrie R ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2020

AbstractEpilepsy incidence and prevalence peaks in older adults yet systematic studies of brain ageing and cognition in older adults with epilepsy remain limited. Here, we characterize patterns of cortical atrophy and cognitive impairment in 73 older adults with temporal lobe epilepsy (&gt;55 years) and compare these patterns to those observed in 70 healthy controls and 79 patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, the prodromal stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy were recruited from four tertiary epilepsy surgical centres; amnestic mild cognitive impairment and control subjects were obtained from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database. Whole brain and region of interest analyses were conducted between patient groups and controls, as well as between temporal lobe epilepsy patients with early-onset (age of onset &lt;50 years) and late-onset (&gt;50 years) seizures. Older adults with temporal lobe epilepsy demonstrated a similar pattern and magnitude of medial temporal lobe atrophy to amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Region of interest analyses revealed pronounced medial temporal lobe thinning in both patient groups in bilateral entorhinal, temporal pole, and fusiform regions (all P &lt; 0.05). Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy demonstrated thinner left entorhinal cortex compared to amnestic mild cognitive impairment (P = 0.02). Patients with late-onset temporal lobe epilepsy had a more consistent pattern of cortical thinning than patients with early-onset epilepsy, demonstrating decreased cortical thickness extending into the bilateral fusiform (both P &lt; 0.01). Both temporal lobe epilepsy and amnestic mild cognitive impairment groups showed significant memory and language impairment relative to healthy control subjects. However, despite similar performances in language and memory encoding, patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment demonstrated poorer delayed memory performances relative to both early and late-onset temporal lobe epilepsy. Medial temporal lobe atrophy and cognitive impairment overlap between older adults with temporal lobe epilepsy and amnestic mild cognitive impairment highlights the risks of growing old with epilepsy. Concerns regarding accelerated ageing and Alzheimer’s disease co-morbidity in older adults with temporal lobe epilepsy suggests an urgent need for translational research aimed at identifying common mechanisms and/or targeting symptoms shared across a broad neurological disease spectrum.
MicroRNA-mediated vascular intercellular communication is altered in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Zietzer Andreas , Steffen Eva , Niepmann Sven , Düsing Philip , Hosen Mohammed Rabiul , Liu Weiyi , Jamme Paul , Al-Kassou Baravan , Goody Philipp Roger , Zimmer Sebastian , Reiners Katrin S , Pfeifer Alexander , Böhm Michael , Werner Nikos , Nickenig Georg , Jansen Felix 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Aims
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). For both, CKD and CAD, the intercellular transfer of microRNAs (miRs) through extracellular vesicles (EVs) is an important factor of disease development. Whether the combination of CAD and CKD affects endothelial function through cellular crosstalk of EV-incorporated miRs is still unknown.

Methods and results
Out of 172 screened CAD patients, 31 patients with CAD + CKD were identified and matched with 31 CAD patients without CKD. Additionally, 13 controls without CAD and CKD were included. Large EVs from CAD + CKD patients contained significantly lower levels of the vasculo-protective miR-130a-3p and miR-126-3p compared to CAD patients and controls. Flow cytometric analysis of plasma-derived EVs revealed significantly higher numbers of endothelial cell-derived EVs in CAD and CAD + CKD patients compared to controls. EVs from CAD + CKD patients impaired target human coronary artery endothelial cell (HCAEC) proliferation upon incubation in vitro. Consistent with the clinical data, treatment with the uraemia toxin indoxyl sulfate (IS)-reduced miR-130a-3p levels in HCAEC-derived EVs. EVs from IS-treated donor HCAECs-reduced proliferation and re-endothelialization in EV-recipient cells and induced an anti-angiogenic gene expression profile. In a mouse-experiment, intravenous treatment with EVs from IS-treated endothelial cells significantly impaired endothelial regeneration. On the molecular level, we found that IS leads to an up-regulation of the heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (hnRNPU), which retains miR-130a-3p in the cell leading to reduced vesicular miR-130a-3p export and impaired EV-recipient cell proliferation.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that EV-miR-mediated vascular intercellular communication is altered in patients with CAD and CKD, promoting CKD-induced endothelial dysfunction.
Sex and age-specific differences in wing pointedness and wing length in blackcapsSylvia atricapillamigrating through the southern Baltic coast
Authors: Ożarowska Agnieszka , Zaniewicz Grzegorz , Meissner Włodzimierz 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe blackcap Sylvia atricapilla shows a complex migratory pattern and is a suitable species for the studies of morphological migratory syndrome, including adaptations of wing shape to different migratory performance. Obligate migrants of this species that breed in northern, central, and Eastern Europe differ by migration distance and some cover shorter distance to the wintering grounds in the southern part of Europe/North Africa or the British Isles, although others migrate to sub-Saharan Africa. Based on ˃40 years of ringing data on blackcaps captured during autumn migration in the Southern Baltic region, we studied age- and sex-related correlations in wing pointedness and wing length of obligate blackcap migrants to understand the differences in migratory behavior of this species. Even though the recoveries of blackcaps were scarce, we reported some evidence that individuals which differ in migration distance differed also in wing length. We found that wing pointedness significantly increased with an increasing wing length of migrating birds, and adults had longer and more pointed wings than juvenile birds. This indicates stronger antipredator adaptation in juvenile blackcaps than selection on flight efficiency, which is particularly important during migration. Moreover, we documented more pronounced differences in wing length between adult and juvenile males and females. Such differences in wing length may enhance a faster speed of adult male blackcaps along the spring migration route and may be adaptive when taking into account climatic effects, which favor earlier arrival from migration to the breeding grounds.
Relative clinical value of coronary computed tomography and stress echocardiography-guided management of stable chest pain patients: a propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Vamvakidou Anastasia , Danylenko Oleksandr , Pradhan Jiwan , Kelshiker Mihir , Jones Timothy , Whiteside David , Sethi Amarjit , Senior Roxy 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Aims
The European Society of Cardiology recommends coronary computed tomography (CCT) for the assessment of low-risk patients with suspected stable angina. We aimed to assess in a real-life setting the relative clinical value of stress echocardiography (SE)- and CCT-guided management in this population.

Methods and results
Patients with stable chest pain and no prior history of coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent CCT or SE as the initial investigative strategy were propensity-matched (990 patients each group-age: 59 ± 13.2 years, males: 47.9%) to account for baseline differences in cardiovascular risk factors. Inconclusive tests were 6% vs. 3% (P &lt; 0.005) in CCT vs. SE. Severe (≥70% stenosis) on CCT and inducible ischaemia on SE detected obstructive CAD by invasive coronary angiography in 63% vs. 57% patients (P = 0.33). Over the follow-up period (median 717, interquartile range 93–1069 days) more patients underwent invasive coronary angiography (21.5% vs. 7.3%, P &lt; 0.005), revascularization (7.3% vs. 3.5%, P &lt; 0.005), further functional testing 33.4% vs. 8.7% (P &lt; 0.005), but more patients were prescribed statins 8.8% vs. 3.8% (P &lt; 0.005) in the CCT vs. the SE arm, respectively. Combined all-cause mortality and acute myocardial infarction was low—CCT-2.3% and SE-3.3%—with no significant difference (P = 0.16).

Conclusion
Initial SE-guided management was similar for the detection of obstructive CAD, demonstrated better resource utilization, but was associated with reduced prescription of statins although with no difference in medium-term outcome compared to CCT in this very low-risk population. However, a randomized study with longer follow-up is needed to confirm the clinical value of our findings.
Defining the prognostic value of [15O]H2O positron emission tomography-derived myocardial ischaemic burden
Authors: van Diemen Pepijn A , Wijmenga Jan-Thijs , Driessen Roel S , Bom Michiel J , Schumacher Stefan P , Stuijfzand Wynand J , Everaars Henk , de Winter Ruben W , Raijmakers Pieter G , van de Ven Peter M , van Rossum Albert C , Danad Ibrahim , Knaapen Paul 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Aims
Myocardial ischaemic burden (IB) is used for the risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study sought to define a prognostic threshold for quantitative [15O]H2O positron emission tomography (PET)-derived IB.

Methods and results
A total of 623 patients with suspected or known CAD who underwent [15O]H2O PET perfusion imaging were included. The endpoint was a composite of death and non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI). A hyperaemic myocardial blood flow (hMBF) and myocardial flow reserve (MFR)-derived IB were determined. During a median follow-up time of 6.7 years, 62 patients experienced an endpoint. A hMBF IB of 24% and MFR IB of 28% were identified as prognostic thresholds. Patients with a high hMBF or MFR IB (above threshold) had worse outcome compared to patients with a low hMBF IB [annualized event rates (AER): 2.8% vs. 0.6%, P &lt; 0.001] or low MFR IB [AER: 2.4% vs. 0.6%, P &lt; 0.001]. Patients with a concordant high IB had the worst outcome (AER: 3.1%), whereas patients with a concordant low or discordant IB result had similar and low AERs of 0.5% and 0.9% (P = 0.953), respectively. Both thresholds were of prognostic value beyond clinical characteristics, however, only the hMBF IB threshold remained predictive when adjusted for clinical characteristics and combined use of the hMBF and MFR thresholds.

Conclusion
A hMBF IB ≥24% was a stronger predictor of adverse outcome than an MFR IB ≥28%. Nevertheless, classifying patients according to concordance of IB result allowed for the identification of low- and high-risk patients.