bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 patients with increasing age experience differential time to initial medical care and severity of symptoms
Authors: Mancilla-Galindo J. , Kammar-García A. , Martínez-Esteban A. , Meza-Comparán H. D. , Mancilla-Ramírez J. , Galindo-Sevilla N. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
We conducted a retrospective observational study in patients with laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) who received medical care in 688 COVID-19 ambulatory units and hospitals in Mexico City between 24 February 2020 and 24 December 2020, to study if the elderly seek medical care later than younger patients and their severity of symptoms at initial medical evaluation. Patients were categorised into eight groups (<20, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79 and ≥80 years). Symptoms at initial evaluation were classified according to a previously validated classification into respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms. Comparisons between time from symptom onset to medical care for every age category were performed through variance analyses. Logistic regression models were applied to determine the risk of presenting symptoms of severity according to age, and mortality risk according to delays in medical care. In total, 286 020 patients were included (mean age: 42.8, s.d.: 16.8 years; 50.4% were women). Mean time from symptom onset to medical care was 4.04 (s.d.: 3.6) days and increased with older age categories (P < 0.0001). Mortality risk increased by 6.4% for each day of delay in medical care from symptom onset. The risk of presenting with the symptoms of severity was greater with increasing age categories. In conclusion, COVID-19 patients with increasing ages tend to seek medical care later, with higher rates of symptoms of severity at initial presentation in both ambulatory units and hospitals.
Dominance of Wildfires Impact on Air Quality Exceedances During the 2020 Record‐Breaking Wildfire Season in the United States
Authors: Li Yunyao , Tong Daniel , Ma Siqi , Zhang Xiaoyang , Kondragunta Shobha , Li Fangjun , Saylor Rick 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe western United States experienced a record‐breaking wildfire season in 2020. This study quantifies the contribution of wildfire emissions to the exceedances of health‐based National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for fine particles (PM2.5) by comparing two CMAQ simulations, with and without wildfire emissions. During August to October 2020, western wildfires contributed 23% of surface PM2.5 in the contiguous US (CONUS), with a larger contribution in Pacific Coast (43%) and Mountain Region (42%). Consequently, wildfires were the primary contributor to the 3,720 observed exceedances. The wildfire influence peaked on September 14th, 2020, when 273 exceedances were recorded and wildfire emissions contributed 41%, 81%, and 72% to surface PM2.5 concentrations in the CONUS, Pacific Coast, and Mountain Region, respectively. Our finding highlights the predominating influence of wildfires on air quality, and potentially human health, that is expected to grow with increasing fire activities, while anthropogenic emissions decrease.
Prognostic value of baseline imaging and clinical features in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Öcal Osman , Ingrisch Michael , Ümütlü Muzaffer Reha , Peynircioglu Bora , Loewe Christian , van Delden Otto , Vandecaveye Vincent , Gebauer Bernhard , Zech Christoph J. , Sengel Christian , Bargellini Irene , Iezzi Roberto , Benito Alberto , Pech Maciej , Malfertheiner Peter , Ricke Jens , Seidensticker Max 
Published: October 2021

Summary
Aims
To investigate the prognostic value of baseline imaging features for overall survival (OS) and liver decompensation (LD) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Design
Patients with advanced HCC from the SORAMIC trial were evaluated in this post hoc analysis. Several radiological imaging features were collected from baseline computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging, besides clinical values. The prognostic value of these features for OS and LD (grade 2 bilirubin increase) was quantified with univariate Cox proportional hazard models and multivariate Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression.

Results
Three hundred and seventy-six patients were included in this study. The treatment arm was not correlated with OS. LASSO showed satellite lesions, atypical HCC, peritumoral arterial enhancement, larger tumour size, higher albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score, liver–spleen ratio <1.5, ascites, pleural effusion and higher bilirubin values were predictors of worse OS, and higher relative liver enhancement, smooth margin and capsule were associated with better OS. LASSO analysis for LD showed satellite lesions, peritumoral hypointensity in hepatobiliary phase, high ALBI score, higher bilirubin values and ascites were predictors of LD, while randomisation to sorafenib arm was associated with lower LD.

Conclusions
Imaging features showing aggressive tumour biology and poor liver function, in addition to clinical parameters, can serve as imaging biomarkers for OS and LD in patients receiving sorafenib and selective internal radiation therapy for HCC.
Gd-admixed (Lu,Gd)AlO3 single crystals: breakthrough in heavy perovskite scintillators
Authors: Pokorný Martin , Babin Vladimir , Beitlerová Alena , Jurek Karel , Polák Jan , Houžvička Jindřich , Pánek Dalibor , Parkman Tomáš , Vaněček Vojtěch , Nikl Martin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe report a breakthrough concept for a bulk single crystal as a heavy aluminum perovskite scintillator, where due to bandgap engineering by a balanced Gd admixture in a Lu cation sublattice, the scintillation performance dramatically increases. In an optimized composition of (Lu, Gd)AlO3:Ce (LuGdAP:Ce), the light yield approaches 21,000 phot/MeV, which is close to that of classical but much less dense YAP:Ce and 50% higher than the best LuYAP:Ce reported in the literature. Moreover, contrary to LuYAP:Ce, the LuGdAP host maintains a high effective atomic number close to that of LuAP:Ce (Zeff = 64.9), which is comparable to commercial LSO:Ce. An enormous decrease in afterglow on the millisecond time scale and acceleration in the rise time of the scintillation response further increase the application potential of the LuGdAP host. The related acceleration of the transfer stage in the scintillation mechanism due to diminishing electron trap depths is proven by thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL). Furthermore, we quantitatively characterize and model the energy transfer processes that are responsible for the change in the photoluminescence and scintillation decay kinetics of Ce3+ in the LuGdAP matrix. Such an innovative (Lu, Gd)AP:Ce scintillator will become competitive for use in applications that require heavy, fast, and high light yield bulk scintillators.
Association of snR190 snoRNA chaperone with early pre-60S particles is regulated by the RNA helicase Dbp7 in yeast
Authors: Jaafar Mariam , Contreras Julia , Dominique Carine , Martín-Villanueva Sara , Capeyrou Régine , Vitali Patrice , Rodríguez-Galán Olga , Velasco Carmen , Humbert Odile , Watkins Nicholas J. , Villalobo Eduardo , Bohnsack Katherine E. , Bohnsack Markus T. , Henry Yves , Merhi Raghida Abou , de la Cruz Jesús , Henras Anthony K. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSynthesis of eukaryotic ribosomes involves the assembly and maturation of precursor particles (pre-ribosomal particles) containing ribosomal RNA (rRNA) precursors, ribosomal proteins (RPs) and aplethoraof assembly factors (AFs). Formation of the earliest precursors of the 60S ribosomal subunit (pre-60S r-particle) is among the least understood stages of ribosome biogenesis. It involves the Npa1 complex, a protein module suggested to play a key role in the early structuring of the pre-rRNA. Npa1 displays genetic interactions with the DExD-box protein Dbp7 and interacts physically with the snR190 box C/D snoRNA. We show here that snR190 functions as a snoRNA chaperone, which likely cooperates with the Npa1 complex to initiate compaction of the pre-rRNA in early pre-60S r-particles. We further show that Dbp7 regulates the dynamic base-pairing between snR190 and the pre-rRNA within the earliest pre-60S r-particles, thereby participating in structuring the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) of the large ribosomal subunit.
The RNA helicase Dbp7 promotes domain V/VI compaction and stabilization of inter-domain interactions during early 60S assembly
Authors: Aquino Gerald Ryan R. , Hackert Philipp , Krogh Nicolai , Pan Kuan-Ting , Jaafar Mariam , Henras Anthony K. , Nielsen Henrik , Urlaub Henning , Bohnsack Katherine E. , Bohnsack Markus T. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractEarly pre-60S ribosomal particles are poorly characterized, highly dynamic complexes that undergo extensive rRNA folding and compaction concomitant with assembly of ribosomal proteins and exchange of assembly factors. Pre-60S particles contain numerous RNA helicases, which are likely regulators of accurate and efficient formation of appropriate rRNA structures. Here we reveal binding of the RNA helicase Dbp7 to domain V/VI of early pre-60S particles in yeast and show that in the absence of this protein, dissociation of the Npa1 scaffolding complex, release of the snR190 folding chaperone, recruitment of the A3 cluster factors and binding of the ribosomal protein uL3 are impaired. uL3 is critical for formation of the peptidyltransferase center (PTC) and is responsible for stabilizing interactions between the 5′ and 3′ ends of the 25S, an essential pre-requisite for subsequent pre-60S maturation events. Highlighting the importance of pre-ribosome remodeling by Dbp7, our data suggest that in the absence of Dbp7 or its catalytic activity, early pre-ribosomal particles are targeted for degradation.
Ultra-selective molecular-sieving gas separation membranes enabled by multi-covalent-crosslinking of microporous polymer blends
Authors: Chen Xiuling , Fan Yanfang , Wu Lei , Zhang Linzhou , Guan Dong , Ma Canghai , Li Nanwen 
Published: October 2021

AbstractHigh-performance membranes exceeding the conventional permeability-selectivity upper bound are attractive for advanced gas separations. In the context microporous polymers have gained increasing attention owing to their exceptional permeability, which, however, demonstrate a moderate selectivity unfavorable for separating similarly sized gas mixtures. Here we report an approach to designing polymeric molecular sieve membranes via multi-covalent-crosslinking of blended bromomethyl polymer of intrinsic microporosity and Tröger’s base, enabling simultaneously high permeability and selectivity. Ultra-selective gas separation is achieved via adjusting reaction temperature, reaction time and the oxygen concentration with occurrences of polymer chain scission, rearrangement and thermal oxidative crosslinking reaction. Upon a thermal treatment at 300 °C for 5 h, membranes exhibit an O2/N2, CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 selectivity as high as 11.1, 154.5 and 813.6, respectively, transcending the state-of-art upper bounds. The design strategy represents a generalizable approach to creating molecular-sieving polymer membranes with enormous potentials for high-performance separation processes.
Generation of hydroxyl radical-activatable ratiometric near-infrared bimodal probes for early monitoring of tumor response to therapy
Authors: Wu Luyan , Ishigaki Yusuke , Zeng Wenhui , Harimoto Takashi , Yin Baoli , Chen Yinghan , Liao Shiyi , Liu Yongchun , Sun Yidan , Zhang Xiaobo , Liu Ying , Liang Yong , Sun Pengfei , Suzuki Takanori , Song Guosheng , Fan Quli , Ye Deju 
Published: October 2021

AbstractTumor response to radiotherapy or ferroptosis is closely related to hydroxyl radical (•OH) production. Noninvasive imaging of •OH fluctuation in tumors can allow early monitoring of response to therapy, but is challenging. Here, we report the optimization of a diene electrochromic material (1-Br-Et) as a •OH-responsive chromophore, and use it to develop a near-infrared ratiometric fluorescent and photoacoustic (FL/PA) bimodal probe for in vivo imaging of •OH. The probe displays a large FL ratio between 780 and 1113 nm (FL780/FL1113), but a small PA ratio between 755 and 905 nm (PA755/PA905). Oxidation of 1-Br-Et by •OH decreases the FL780/FL1113while concurrently increasing the PA755/PA905, allowing the reliable monitoring of •OH production in tumors undergoing erastin-induced ferroptosis or radiotherapy.
AtomSets as a hierarchical transfer learning framework for small and large materials datasets
Authors: Chen Chi , Ong Shyue Ping 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPredicting properties from a material’s composition or structure is of great interest for materials design. Deep learning has recently garnered considerable interest in materials predictive tasks with low model errors when dealing with large materials data. However, deep learning models suffer in the small data regime that is common in materials science. Here we develop the AtomSets framework, which utilizes universal compositional and structural descriptors extracted from pre-trained graph network deep learning models with standard multi-layer perceptrons to achieve consistently high model accuracy for both small compositional data (<400) and large structural data (>130,000). The AtomSets models show lower errors than the graph network models at small data limits and other non-deep-learning models at large data limits. They also transfer better in a simulated materials discovery process where the targeted materials have property values out of the training data limits. The models require minimal domain knowledge inputs and are free from feature engineering. The presented AtomSets model framework can potentially accelerate machine learning-assisted materials design and discovery with less data restriction.
A recombinant measles virus vaccine strongly reduces SHIV viremia and virus reservoir establishment in macaques
Authors: Nzounza Patrycja , Martin Grégoire , Dereuddre-Bosquet Nathalie , Najburg Valérie , Gosse Leslie , Ruffié Claude , Combredet Chantal , Petitdemange Caroline , Souquère Sylvie , Schlecht-Louf Géraldine , Moog Christiane , Pierron Gérard , Le Grand Roger , Heidmann Thierry , Tangy Frédéric 
Published: October 2021

AbstractReplicative vectors derived from live-attenuated measles virus (MV) carrying additional non-measles vaccine antigens have long demonstrated safety and immunogenicity in humans despite pre-existing immunity to measles. Here, we report the vaccination of cynomolgus macaques with MV replicative vectors expressing simian-human immunodeficiency virus Gag, Env, and Nef antigens (MV-SHIV Wt) either wild type or mutated in the immunosuppressive (IS) domains of Nef and Env antigens (MV-SHIV Mt). We found that the inactivation of Nef and Env IS domains by targeted mutations led to the induction of significantly enhanced post-prime cellular immune responses. After repeated challenges with low doses of SHIV-SF162p3, vaccinees were protected against high viremia, resulting in a 2-Log reduction in peak viremia, accelerated viral clearance, and a decrease -even complete protection for nearly half of the monkeys- in reservoir cell infection. This study demonstrates the potential of a replicative viral vector derived from the safe and widely used measles vaccine in the development of a future human vaccine against HIV-1.
The impact of on-premises piped water supply on fecal contamination pathways in rural Zambia
Authors: Winter James C. , Darmstadt Gary L. , Boehm Alexandria B. , Davis Jennifer 
Published: October 2021

AbstractReliable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services is a critical component of child health and development. However, as piped water systems with taps conveniently close to households are rare in rural, sub-Saharan Africa, there is limited evidence of their impact. We conducted a quasi-experimental study in four rural villages of southern Zambia between April 2018 and May 2019 in which we measured the impact of installing on-premises piped water systems on fecal contamination of stored water and caregivers’ hands. Gaining access to piped water was associated with a 0.5 log10 reduction of E. coli concentration in drinking water (p < 0.05) but no changes in hand contamination. The piped water systems in this study reduced the median distance to a safe drinking water source by over 90%, but we measured only small improvements in microbiological outcomes and no changes in the duration of self-reported, in-home water storage. These findings emphasize the need for future impact assessments of piped water systems to measure a comprehensive set of indicators directly linked to human well-being such as time savings.
Gravity compensation and optimal control of actuated multibody system dynamics
Authors: Nekoo Saeed Rafee , Acosta José Ángel , Ollero Anibal 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis work investigates the gravity compensation topic, from a control perspective. The gravity could be levelled by a compensating mechanical system or in the control law, such as proportional derivative (PD) plus gravity, sliding mode control, or computed torque method. The gravity compensation term is missing in linear and nonlinear optimal control, in both continuous‐ and discrete‐time domains. The equilibrium point of the control system is usually zero and this makes it impossible to perform regulation when the desired condition is not set at origin or in other cases, where the gravity vector is not zero at the equilibrium point. The system needs a steady‐state input signal to compensate for the gravity in those conditions. The stability proof of the gravity compensated control law based on nonlinear optimal control and the corresponding deviation from optimality, with proof, are introduced in this work. The same concept exists in discrete‐time control since it uses analog to digital conversion of the system and that includes the gravity vector of the system. The simulation results highlight two important cases, a robotic manipulator and a tilted‐rotor hexacopter, as an application to the claimed theoretical statements.
Lithium Batteries Cooling by Phase Change Material Partially Filled with Metal Foam
Authors: Buonomo Bernardo , d’Alesio Fabio , Manca Oronzio , Menale Ferdinando , Nardini Sergio 
Published: October 2021

Electric cars can be a turning point for climate problems. One of the main problems of electric cars is the thermal control of the batteries, since below and above a certain temperature range, the vehicle’s range decreases abruptly, creating inconveniences to the owners of these cars.
The thermal control of lithium batteries for electric cars must take into account both the problems of thermal rise due to the operation of the battery itself, and the climatic conditions outside the vehicle that negatively affect the performance of the car, reducing both the autonomy and the battery life. In this study, a thermal control system based on a phase change material (PCM) partially filled with metallic foam is investigated to evaluate its possible use in the cooling of lithium batteries. A two-dimensional model is considered to numerically study thermal control with different chargedischarge cycles. The metal foam partially fills the PCM. The governing equations, written assuming the local thermal equilibrium for the metal foam, are solved by the finite volume method using the ANSYS Fluent commercial code. Different cases are simulated for different values of the external convective heat transfer coefficient. The results, carried out for metal foams and PCM, are given in terms of temperature and liquid fraction. In addition, some comparisons with pure PCM and fully foam filled PCM are provided within the thermal control system to show the advantages of the composite thermal control system with PCM inside the metal foam.
Streamers Variability Investigation of a Radio-Frequency Corona Discharge in an Optical Access Engine at Different Speeds and Loads
Authors: Ricci Federico , Martinelli Roberto , Petrucci Luca , Discepoli Gabriele , Grimaldi Carlo Nazareno , Papi Stefano 
Published: October 2021

Engine research community interest in the Radio-Frequency corona-based ignition systems is currently gaining in importance mainly due to their capability to ensure robust combustion at challenging operating conditions such as very lean mixture and/or high EGR dilution. The benefits of Corona low-temperature plasma foster the early flame development thanks to combustion precursors production and to a more energetic and volumetric discharge, resulting in a larger amount of involved mixture. The corona discharge generates ionizing waves, named streamers, whose temporal and spatial variability in orientation, length and branching can affect the combustion onset and, therefore, the engine cycle-to-cycle variability.
In this work, the discharge natural luminosity of a RF corona igniter, characterized by four tips electrodes, was recorded in an optically accessible engine via high-speed camera detection. A preliminary statistical analysis of the spatial and temporal streamer variability was performed by operating in motored conditions. Four different engine speeds and two different loads were explored in order to deeply investigate the streamer behaviour at diverse engine operating conditions.
A comparison between a motored and a lean operating condition is also proposed to analyse, at a specific engine speed, the mixture influence on the streamers propagation before the start of the combustion.
Low to very high temperature thermal energy recycling – 3 case studies
Authors: Høeg Arne , Tveit Tor-Martin 
Published: October 2021

In this paper we present three case studies of the installation of a stirling-cycle high temperature heat pump applied to recycling thermal energy including steam generation.
Many industries have heat demand at temperatures above 100°C and often the preferred energy carrier is steam. The optimal integration of a heat pump can be determined by investigating the thermal need of the process with pinch technology. For many industries, the pinch temperature is too high for conventional heat pumps. We present a heat pump solution that can recycle thermal energy and deliver this to a heat source up to 200°C, as hot water or steam. The heat pump can be integrated in a thermodynamic efficient way placing the sink and source in-between the pinch temperature. The working medium is a gas throughout the process cycle, with no evaporation or condensation. Thus, the process can auto-adjust to temperature variations and achieve very high efficiencies compared to the Carnot heat pump cycle. The coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pump vary with the sink/source temperatures as the temperature fraction varies. Another important feature is that the medium has both a global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP) of zero. The thermodynamics of the heat pump is explained in more detail in the introduction section.
The first installation is at a dairy plant on the west coast of Norway. In this installation, the heat pump provides cooling at 0-5°C and converts this heat into hot water at 120°C. The second installation is also at a dairy in Norway. Here the heat pump cools the ammonia from the cooling compressors at about 25-30°C and converts the heat to hot water at 110C°. The third installation is at a beverage plant on the west coast of Norway. Here the heat pump is providing cooling to compressors and other equipment. The final temperature of the heat source varies from 20-70°C. The heat is converted into steam at 168°C. In the case study sections, the installations are discussed in more details, together with the performance and a discussion of the experiences with the technology.