bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Wettability on the Impedance of Ion Transport Through Mesoporous Silica Films
Authors: Ochs Maria , Khalil Adnan , Frömling Till , Andrieu‐Brunsen Annette 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFunctionalized nanopores have attracted strong interest in different fields in which nanopore transport is essential. Detailed insights into mass transport through nanopores and its correlation to pore wall properties such as wettability are essential. The potential and challenges using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to analyze mass transport through mesoporous silica thin films with precisely adjusted wettability are discussed. The accessible area of the electrode, the charge transfer or film resistance and the diffusion coefficients of the redox probe [Ru(NH3)6]2+/3+ inside the mesopores are determined. The influence of experimental parameters such as silica film pre‐treatment is evaluated. Hydrophilic mesoporous films display comparable diffusion coefficients around 1*10–8 cm2 s–1 independently of the exact wettability. As expected, hydrophobic films do not exhibit transport due to water exclusion. The sample pre‐treatment strongly influences the transport characteristics. Incubation into aqueous KCl leads to a decrease in the resistance for all tested mesoporous films. This is ascribed to an increase in the silanol group concentration at the pore wall. Besides the insights into mass transport in mesoporous films and on how to measure EIS in such films, this study elucidates the importance of sample pre‐treatment and surface chemistry concerning mesoporous film performance.
Does direct observation happen early in a new competency‐based residency program?
Authors: Landreville Jeffrey M. , Frank Jason R. , Cheung Warren J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundA key component of competency‐based medical education is workplace‐based assessment, which includes observation (direct or indirect) of residents. Direct observation has been emphasized as an ideal form of assessment yet challenges have been identified that may limit its adoption. At present, it remains unclear how often direct and indirect observation are being used within the clinical setting. The objective of this study was to describe patterns of observation in an emergency medicine competency‐based program 2 years postimplementation.MethodsEmergency medicine residents (n = 19) recorded the type of observation they received (direct or indirect) following workplace‐based entrustable professional activity (EPA) assessments from December 15, 2019, to April 30, 2020. Assessment forms were reviewed and analyzed to describe patters of observation.ResultsAssessments were collected on all 19 eligible residents (100% participation). A total of 1,070 EPA assessments were completed during the study period, of which 798 (74.6%) had the type of observation recorded. Of these recorded observations, 546 (68.4%) were directly observed and 252 (31.6%) were indirectly observed. The length of written comments contained within assessments following direct and indirect observation did not differ significantly. There was no significant association between resident gender and observation type or resident stage of training and observation type. Certain EPA assessments showed a clear preference toward either direct or indirect observation.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report patterns of observation in a competency‐based residency program. The results suggest that direct observation can be quickly adopted as the primary means of workplace‐based assessment. Indirect observation comprised a sizeable minority of observations and may be an underrecognized contributor to workplace‐based assessment. The preference toward either direct or indirect observation for certain EPA assessments suggests that the entrustable professional activity itself may influence the type of observation.
Pathways linking activity, adiposity, and inflammation to bone mineral density in women and men from NHANES 2007 to 2010
Authors: Griffin Jacob S. , Dent Sophia C. , Berger Steph M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesAge, sedentary activity, central adiposity, and inflammation have all been independently associated with bone mineral density (BMD). We assessed how the effects of sedentary activity and central adiposity on BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck change across early to late adulthood and whether these relationships are mediated by inflammation.MethodsWe analyzed data from 7135 women and men 20 years of age and older from NHANES 2007 to 2010. Anthropometrics, sedentary activity (min/day), serum CRP (mg/dl), and BMD (gm/cm2 measured by DXA scans) at the femoral neck and lumbar spine. Data were compared by age and sex groups and through causal mediation analysis.ResultsThe effect of waist circumference on BMD was significantly mediated by serum CRP at both skeletal sites in men and at the femoral neck in women. Sedentary activity did not have a direct relationship to BMD but was mediated by waist circumference in men. Least square means differed significantly by sex and age groups with a general age‐related decline in BMD at both skeletal sites.ConclusionsWe found that central adiposity, independent of overall body size and composition as measured through BMI, has an inverse relationship with BMD that is mediated by serum CRP. In addition, the negative impact of increased sedentism acted through changes in central adiposity (waist circumference) but only in men. Although low bone density and osteoporosis are often considered degenerative diseases that primarily impact postmenopausal women, our findings show that sedentary activity and central adiposity impact bone density beginning in early adulthood in both women and men.
A Genetically Encoded Two‐Dimensional Infrared Probe for Enzyme Active‐Site Dynamics
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Jia , Han Ming‐Jie , Zhang Lu , Chen Chao , Huang Aiping , Xie Ruipei , Wang Guosheng , Zhu Jiangrui , Wang Yuchuan , Liu Xiaohong , Zhuang Wei , Li Yunliang , Wang Jiangyun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhile two‐dimensional infrared (2D‐IR) spectroscopy is uniquely suitable for monitoring femtosecond (fs) to picosecond (ps) water dynamics around static protein structures, its utility for probing enzyme active‐site dynamics is limited due to the lack of site‐specific 2D‐IR probes. We demonstrate the genetic incorporation of a novel 2D‐IR probe, m‐azido‐L‐tyrosine (N3Y) in the active‐site of DddK, an iron‐dependent enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of dimethylsulfoniopropionate to dimethylsulphide. Our results show that both the oxidation of active‐site iron to FeIII, and the addition of denaturation reagents, result in significant decrease in enzyme activity and active‐site water motion confinement. As tyrosine residues play important roles, including as general acids and bases, and electron transfer agents in many key enzymes, the genetically encoded 2D‐IR probe N3Y should be broadly applicable to investigate how the enzyme active‐site motions at the fs–ps time scale direct reaction pathways to facilitating specific chemical reactions.
Metal‐to‐Ligand Charge Transfer Induced Valence Tautomeric Forms of Non‐Innocent 2,2′‐Azobis(benzothiazole) in Ruthenium Frameworks
Authors: Singh Aditi , Panda Sanjib , Dey Sanchaita , Lahiri Goutam Kumar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe impact of metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer towards the redox noninnocence of 2,2′‐azobis(benzothiazole) (abbt) has been highlighted on coordination to {RuII(acac)2} (acac=2,4‐pentanedionato). It led to the authentication of a series of mononuclear and dinuclear complexes incorporating variable oxidation states of abbt (abbt0/.−/2−). Mononuclear 1 was identified as [RuIII(abbt.−)], a MLCT excited state of [RuII(abbt)]. Dinuclear 2 was however recognized as two discrete redox isomers: (i) radical bridged mixed‐valent meso‐[Ru2.5(μ‐abbt.−)Ru2.5] (2a) and (ii) dianionic ligand bridged isovalent meso‐[RuIII(μ‐abbt2−)RuIII] (2b), demonstrating unprecedented structural confirmation of valence tautomerism in azo‐based ligand systems. A crystal structure of [2]ClO4 validated the formation of [RuIII(μ‐abbt.−) RuIII]ClO4. Analysis of electronic structural forms of 1 and 2 in accessible redox states via spectroelectrochemistry and DFT revealed their electron reservoir feature.
Highly Curved Nanostructure‐Coated Co, N‐Doped Carbon Materials for Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Liang Zuozhong , Kong Ningning , Yang Chenxi , Zhang Wei , Zheng Haoquan , Lin Haiping , Cao Rui 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNitrogen‐doped graphene could catalyze the electrochemical reduction and evolution of oxygen, but unfortunately suffers from sluggish catalytic kinetics. Herein, for the first time, we report an onion‐like carbon coated Co, N‐doped carbon (OLC/Co‐N‐C) material, which possesses multilayers of highly curved nanostructures that form mesoporous architectures. These unique nanospheres are produced when surfactant micelles are introduced to synthesis precursors. Owing to the combined electronic effect and nanostructuring effect, our OLC/Co‐N‐C materials exhibit high bifunctional oxygen reduction/evolution reaction (ORR/OER) activity, showing a promising application in rechargeable Zn‐air batteries. Experimental results are rationalized by theoretical calculations, showing that the curvature of graphitic carbon plays a vital role in promoting activities of meta‐carbon atoms near graphitic N and ortho/meta carbon atoms close to pyridinic N.
The conservation of the endangered Mediterranean common dolphin (Delphinus delphis): Current knowledge and research priorities
Authors: Vella Adriana , Murphy Sinéad , Giménez Joan , de Stephanis Renaud , Mussi Barbara , Vella Joseph G. , Larbi Doukara Kamel , Pace Daniela Silvia 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Preservation of endangered species is now recognized as a relevant component of regional and global conservation actions achieved through the maintenance of the remaining populations in a favourable conservation status. The Mediterranean common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) is listed as an Endangered subpopulation in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, with declining numbers in some of the areas where it has been studied for numerous years. Prey depletion, fisheries bycatch, pollution, health risks, and climate change are among the recognized threats that the species is facing in the region.
The existing national, regional, and international legislation pertinent to Mediterranean countries should aid greater science–policy–management integration and support innovative research and monitoring towards effective conservation. The challenges inherent in studying the pelagic D. delphis should not preclude the use of long‐term, year‐round, multiplatform surveys, side by side with the latest molecular tools, which aid our understanding of its populations' genetic diversity, resistance to diseases, and resilience in a semi‐enclosed fast‐changing sea.
Addressing the multiplicity of problems confronting the species requires collaborative effort at all levels to share and merge resources, data, and expertise more efficiently. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the Mediterranean common dolphin, the main threats, and knowledge gaps that are priorities for addressing its conservation, while providing clear recommendations for effectively safeguarding the species and its habitat at both local and regional levels.
Placenta accreta after postpartum tubal sterilisation and Novasure® endometrial ablation
Authors: Igbokwe Nnadozie , Glackin Kevin , Kaur Harpreet 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAlthough rare, pregnancy can still occur after both tubal sterilization and endometrial ablation. The resulting pregnancy is often complicated by ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and adherent placenta. Endometrial ablation is not a contraceptive.
All‐alkoxide based deposition and properties of a multilayer La0.67Sr0.33MnO3/CoFe2O4/La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 film
Authors: Kumar P. Anil , Lashgari Koroush , Naim Katea Sarmad , Karis Olof , Jansson Kjell , Sarma D. D. , Westin Gunnar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSingle and multilayer films of La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 and CoFe2O4 were deposited by spin‐coating. The all‐alkoxide precursors allowed inorganic gel films of extreme homogeneity to be formed and converted to phase pure complex oxides at low temperatures. La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 films were made with La‐ and Ca‐methoxy‐ethoxides and Mn19O12(moe)14(moeH)10 as precursors at 800 °C. The CoFe2O4 films were obtained at extremely low 275 °C, using a new CoFe2‐methoxyethoxide precursor. The decomposition and microstructural development on heating was described by TG, TEM, XRD and IR spectroscopy. XRD showed no spurious phases and the unit‐cell dimensions coincided quite well with literature values of the targeted phases. The structural, magnetic and electronic properties of these films established their phase purity and high quality with physical properties comparable to films deposited by physical deposition methods. The magnetic and magneto transport results are presented for single, bi‐ and tri‐ layer structures. The magnetically soft La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 layer was exchange coupled to the magnetically hard CoFe2O4 layer, giving rise to interesting switching behaviour in magnetism and magneto‐transport properties.
SPECTRE—A novel dMRI visualization technique for the display of cerebral connectivity
Authors: Reisert Marco , Kaller Christoph P. , Reuter Marvin , Urbach Horst , Sajonz Bastian E. , Reinacher Peter C. , Coenen Volker A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe visualization of diffusion MRI related properties in a comprehensive way is still a challenging problem. We propose a simple visualization technique to give neuroradiologists and neurosurgeons a more direct and personalized view of relevant connectivity patterns estimated from clinically feasible diffusion MRI. The approach, named SPECTRE (Subject sPEcific brain Connectivity display in the Target REgion), is based on tract‐weighted imaging, where diffusion MRI streamlines are used to aggregate information from a different MRI contrast. Instead of using native MRI contrasts, we propose to use continuous template information as the underlying contrast for aggregation. In this respect, the SPECTRE approach is complementary to normative approaches where connectivity information is warped from the group level to subject space by anatomical registration. For the purpose of demonstration, we focus the presentation of the SPECTRE approach on the visualization of connectivity patterns in the midbrain regions at the level of subthalamic nucleus due to its importance for deep brain stimulation. The proposed SPECTRE maps are investigated with respect to plausibility, robustness, and test–retest reproducibility. Clear dependencies of reliability measures with respect to the underlying tracking algorithms are observed.
Vascular origins of low‐frequency oscillations in the cerebrospinal fluid signal in resting‐state fMRI: Interpretation using photoplethysmography
Authors: Attarpour Ahmadreza , Ward James , Chen J. Jean 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn vivo mapping of cerebrovascular oscillations in the 0.05–0.15 Hz remains difficult. Oscillations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) represent a possible avenue for noninvasively tracking these oscillations using resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI), and have been used to correct for vascular oscillations in rs‐fMRI functional connectivity. However, the relationship between low‐frequency CSF and vascular oscillations remains unclear. In this study, we investigate this relationship using fast simultaneous rs‐fMRI and photoplethysmogram (PPG), examining the 0.1 Hz PPG signal, heart‐rate variability (HRV), pulse‐intensity ratio (PIR), and the second derivative of the PPG (SDPPG). The main findings of this study are: (a) signals in different CSF regions are not equivalent in their associations with vascular and tissue rs‐fMRI signals; (b) the PPG signal is maximally coherent with the arterial and CSF signals at the cardiac frequency, but coherent with brain tissue at ~0.2 Hz; (c) PIR is maximally coherent with the CSF signal near 0.03 Hz; and (d) PPG‐related vascular oscillations only contribute to ~15% of the CSF (and arterial) signal in rs‐fMRI. These findings caution against averaging all CSF regions when extracting physiological nuisance regressors in rs‐fMRI applications, and indicate the drivers of the CSF signal are more than simply cardiac. Our study is an initial attempt at the refinement and standardization of how the CSF signal in rs‐fMRI can be used and interpreted. It also paves the way for using rs‐fMRI in the CSF as a potential tool for tracking cerebrovascular health through, for instance, the potential relationship between PIR and the CSF signal.
Insufficient Radiofrequency Ablation Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis Through N6‐Methyladenosine mRNA Methylation‐Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Su Tianhong , Huang Manling , Liao Junbin , Lin Shuibin , Yu Peng , Yang Jianhua , Cai Yuhong , Zhu Shenghua , Xu Lixia , Peng Zhenwei , Peng Sui , Chen Shuling , Kuang Ming 
Published: February 2021

Background and Aims
The dynamic N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA modification is essential for acute stress response and cancer progression. Sublethal heat stress from insufficient radiofrequency ablation (IRFA) has been confirmed to promote HCC progression; however, whether m6A machinery is involved in IRFA‐induced HCC recurrence remains open for study.

Approach and Results
Using an IRFA HCC orthotopic mouse model, we detected a higher level of m6A reader YTH N6‐methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1‐3 (YTHDF1) in the sublethal‐heat–exposed transitional zone close to the ablation center than that in the farther area. In addition, we validated the increased m6A modification and elevated YTHDF1 protein level in sublethal‐heat–treated HCC cell lines, HCC patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) mouse model, and patients’ HCC tissues. Functionally, gain‐of‐function/loss‐of‐function assays showed that YTHDF1 promotes HCC cell viability and metastasis. Knockdown of YTHDF1 drastically restrains the tumor metastasis evoked by sublethal heat treatment in tail vein injection lung metastasis and orthotopic HCC mouse models. Mechanistically, we found that sublethal heat treatment increases epidermal factor growth receptor (EGFR) m6A modification in the vicinity of the 5′ untranslated region and promotes its binding with YTHDF1, which enhances the translation of EGFR mRNA. The sublethal‐heat–induced up‐regulation of EGFR level was further confirmed in the IRFA HCC PDX mouse model and patients’ tissues. Combination of YTHDF1 silencing and EGFR inhibition suppressed the malignancies of HCC cells synergically.

Conclusions
The m6A‐YTHDF1‐EGFR axis promotes HCC progression after IRFA, supporting the rationale for targeting m6A machinery combined with EGFR inhibitors to suppress HCC metastasis after RFA.
Evaluating quality of life in frailty: applicability and clinimetric properties of the SarQoL® questionnaire
Authors: Geerinck Anton , Locquet Médéa , Bruyère Olivier , Reginster Jean‐Yves , Beaudart Charlotte 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe SarQoL® questionnaire was specifically designed to measure quality of life (QoL) in sarcopenia. Frailty and sarcopenia have areas of overlap, notably weak muscle strength and slow gait speed, which may mean that the SarQoL could provide a measure of QoL in frailty. This study aimed to evaluate the clinimetric properties of the SarQoL questionnaire in physical frailty using the Fried criteria.MethodsAnalyses were carried out on data from the Sarcopenia and Physical impairment with advancing Age study. Frailty was assessed with the Fried criteria and QoL with the SarQoL, the Short‐Form 36‐Item, and the EuroQoL 5‐Dimension (EQ‐5D) questionnaires. We evaluated discriminative power (with the Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance test), internal consistency (with Cronbach's alpha), construct validity (through hypotheses testing), test–retest reliability (with the intraclass correlation coefficient), measurement error (calculating standard error of measurement and smallest detectable change), and responsiveness (through hypotheses testing and standardized response mean).ResultsIn total, 382 participants were included for the validation and 117 for the responsiveness evaluation. They had a median age of 73 (69–79) years, took 5 (3–8) drugs, and had 4 (3–5) co‐morbidities. There were more women (n = 223; 58.4%) than men and, in total, 172 (45%) robust, 167 (44%) pre‐frail, and 43 (11%) frail participants. Discriminative power was confirmed when significantly lower (P < 0.001) overall SarQoL scores, and thus also worse QoL, were observed between robust [77.1 (64.35–85.90)], pre‐frail [62.54 (53.33–69.57)], and frail [49.99 (40.45–56.06)] participants. Six of the SarQoL domains performed likewise, with significantly lower scores according to frailty status with Domain 7 (fears) being the exception. Internal consistency was good (α = 0.866). Convergent (using Short‐Form 36‐Item and EQ‐5D) and divergent construct validity (using EQ‐5D) was confirmed. Test–retest reliability was excellent [intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.918 (0.834–0.961)], with a standard error of measurement of 3.88 and a smallest detectable change of 10.76 points. We found moderate responsiveness when five of the nine hypotheses were confirmed, coupled with a large effect size for the overall SarQoL score (corrected standardized response mean of −1.44).ConclusionsThe SarQoL questionnaire has adequate clinimetric properties for use with frail patients in clinical practice and trials and could provide data that are more appropriate and detailed than the generic questionnaires currently used.
Real‐time bowel sound analysis using newly developed device in patients undergoing gastric surgery for gastric tumor
Authors: Namikawa Tsutomu , Yamaguchi Sachi , Fujisawa Kazune , Ogawa Maho , Iwabu Jun , Munekage Masaya , Uemura Sunao , Maeda Hiromichi , Kitagawa Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Michiya , Matsuda Kenichi , Hanazaki Kazuhiro 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and AimObjective measurements are not available for determining bowel sounds. The present study sought to evaluate the efficacy of a novel bowel sound monitoring system for perioperative use in patients undergoing gastric surgery.MethodsThe study enrolled 14 patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer at Kochi Medical School from 2017 to 2018. Preoperative and postoperative bowel sounds were recorded using a newly developed real‐time analysis system in the operating theater and recovery room. Clinical information and bowel sound count data were obtained to compare preoperative and postoperative measures.ResultsThe median preoperative and postoperative bowel sound counts across all patients were 1.4 and 2.5 counts per minute (cpm), respectively. In patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy, the postoperative bowel sound count was significantly higher than that recorded preoperatively (2.3 vs. 1.6 cpm, P = 0.005). The findings also revealed a significant negative correlation between postoperative bowel sound count and operation time (r = −0.714, P = 0.003).ConclusionsThe real‐time bowel sound analysis system tested herein presents a promising diagnostic tool to quantitatively evaluate bowel movements associated with surgery. Our results suggested a need for shorter operation times for gastric procedures with respect to peristalsis recovery and supported the use of minimally invasive surgery.