bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Very high upper critical fields and enhanced critical current densities in Nb3Sn superconductors based on Nb–Ta–Zr alloys and internal oxidation
Authors: Buta F , Bonura M , Matera D , Bovone G , Ballarino A , Hopkins S C , Bordini B , Chaud X , Senatore C 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The inhibition of Nb3Sn grain growth in the presence of ZrO2 nanoparticles appears to be one of the most promising method for pushing the critical current densities of Nb3Sn superconducting wires to levels that meet the requirements set for the Future Circular Collider. We have investigated the effect of ZrO2 nanoparticles formed by the internal oxidation of Zr on the superconducting properties and microstructure of Nb3Sn formed from Nb-1 wt%Zr, Nb-7.5 wt%Ta, Nb-7.5 wt%Ta-1 wt%Zr and Nb-7.5 wt%Ta-2 wt%Zr alloys. A monofilamentary wire configuration was used, with a 0.22 mm outer diameter Nb-alloy tube containing a core of powdered metal oxide (SnO2, CuO or MoO3) as oxygen source and successive deposits of Cu, Sn and Cu on the outer surface. As determined from inductive measurements, the layer critical current densities of the samples based on Nb alloys with internally oxidized Zr were superior to those based on Nb-7.5 wt%Ta. The samples based on Nb-7.5 wt%Ta-1 wt%Zr and Nb-7.5 wt%Ta-2 wt%Zr showed higher critical current densities at high magnetic fields (above 10–15 T), and upper critical fields exceeding 28.5 T at 4.2 K (99% normal state resistivity criterion). A record value of 29.2 T of the upper critical field at 4.2 K was obtained on samples based on Nb-7.5 wt%Ta-2 wt%Zr. Hypotheses are proposed and discussed for explaining this unexpected increase of the upper critical field, by considering the possible effects of non-oxidized Zr on the superconducting properties of Nb3Sn and of the oxidized Zr on the formation and microchemistry of Nb3Sn. Regardless of sample type the Nb3Sn grains observed in our samples have an aspect ratio of 1.5–1.7. When compared in the short axis direction, the mean distance between grain boundary intercepts (lineal intercept method) is ∼40% smaller in the samples with internally oxidized Zr than in the reference samples based on Nb-7.5 wt%Ta. In the long axis direction the reduction is of 20%–30%.
An experimental technique to simulate and measure leakages in twin-screw compressor
Authors: Patel Hitesh H , Lakhera Vikas J 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The phenomenon of leakages through various clearances in the twin-screw compressor and its accurate prediction affect its design and performance. The blowhole leakage within the twin-screw compressor is estimated by previous researchers using the convergent nozzle equation, which has certain idealized assumptions and hence has a scope of improvement considering the actual phenomena taking place within the screw compressor. The mathematical model presented in this study takes into account, the shape of a gap and its geometric dimensions, the parameters before and after the gap, the gas friction and the local resistance at entry and exit. An iterative model is used to calculate the leakage rate through the blowhole cross-sections at different pressure differences. The analytical results for the leakage using the mathematical models are verified experimentally by simulating the leakages through the circular cross section convergent nozzles of different sizes at different pressure differences. The experimental study along with analytical deduction suggests suitable multiplier to estimate the blowhole leakages within ±7.2%. This methodology may be extended to estimate the other types of leakages occurring dynamically within the screw compressor and fluid flow systems.
Conventional and unconventional ionic phenomena in tunable soft materials made of liquid crystals and nanoparticles
Authors: Garbovskiy Yuriy 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA great variety of tunable multifunctional materials can be produced by combining nanoparticles and liquid crystals. Typically, the tunability of such soft nanocomposites is achieved via external electric fields resulting in the field-induced reorientation of liquid crystals. This reorientation can be altered by ions normally present in liquid crystals in small quantities. In addition, nanomaterials dispersed in liquid crystals can also affect the behavior of ions. Therefore, an understanding of ionic phenomena in liquid crystals doped with nanoparticles is essential for future advances in liquid crystal-aided nanoscience and nanotechnology. This paper provides an overview of the ionic effects observed in liquid crystals doped with nanomaterials. An introduction to liquid crystals is followed by a brief overview of nanomaterials in liquid crystals. After giving a basic description of ions in liquid crystals and experimental methods to measure them, a wide range of ionic phenomena in liquid crystals doped with different types of nanomaterials is discussed. After that, both existing and emerging applications of tunable soft materials made of liquid crystals and nanodopants are presented with an emphasis on the role of ionic effects in such systems. Finally, the discussion of unsolved problems and future research directions completes the review.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in early stage of Alzheimer’s and non-Alzheimer’s dementia, and the risk of progression to severe dementia
Authors: Liew Tau Ming 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) in early dementia have been suggested to predict a higher risk of dementia progression. However, the literature is not yet clear whether the risk is similar across Alzheimer's dementia (AD) and non-Alzheimer's dementia (non-AD), as well as across different NPSs. This study examined the association between NPSs in early dementia and the risk of progression to severe dementia, specifically in AD and non-AD, as well as across various NPSs.

Method
This cohort study included 7,594 participants who were ≥65 years and had early dementia (global Clinical Dementia Rating [CDR] = 1). Participants completed Neuropsychiatric-Inventory–Questionnaire at baseline and were followed-up almost annually for progression to severe dementia (global CDR = 3) (median follow-up = 3.5 years; interquartile range = 2.1–5.9 years). Cox regression was used to examine progression risk, stratified by AD and non-AD.

Results
The presence of NPSs was associated with risk of progression to severe dementia, but primarily in AD (HR 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–1.6) and not in non-AD (HR 0.9, 95% CI: 0.5–1.5). When comparing across various NPSs, seven NPSs in AD were associated with disease progression, and they were depression, anxiety, apathy, delusions, hallucinations, irritability and motor disturbance (HR 1.2–1.6). In contrast, only hallucinations and delusions were associated with disease progression in non-AD (HR 1.7–1.9).

Conclusions
NPSs in early dementia—especially among individuals with AD—can be useful prognostic markers of disease progression. They may inform discussion on advanced care planning and prompt clinical review to incorporate evidence-based interventions that may address disease progression.
Viral Host Range database, an online tool for recording, analyzing and disseminating virus–host interactions
Authors: Lamy-Besnier Quentin , Brancotte Bryan , Ménager Hervé , Debarbieux Laurent 
Published: February 2021

Abstrtact

Motivation
Viruses are ubiquitous in the living world, and their ability to infect more than one host defines their host range. However, information about which virus infects which host, and about which host is infected by which virus, is not readily available.

Results
We developed a web-based tool called the Viral Host Range database to record, analyze and disseminate experimental host range data for viruses infecting archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes.

Availability and implementation
The ViralHostRangeDB application is available from https://viralhostrangedb.pasteur.cloud. Its source code is freely available from the Gitlab instance of Institut Pasteur (https://gitlab.pasteur.fr/hub/viralhostrangedb).
Interpoint-ranking sign covariance for the test of independence
Authors: Moon Haeun , Chen Kehui 
Published: February 2021

Summary
We generalize the sign covariance introduced by Bergsma & Dassios (2014) to multivariate random variables and beyond. The new interpoint-ranking sign covariance is applicable to general types of random objects as long as a meaningful similarity measure can be defined, and it is shown to be zero if and only if the two random variables are independent. The test statistic is a $U$-statistic, whose large-sample behaviour guarantees that the proposed test is consistent against general types of alternatives. Numerical experiments and data analyses demonstrate the superior empirical performance of the proposed method.
Plasma Metabolomic Profiling of Patients Recovered From Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) With Pulmonary Sequelae 3 Months After Discharge
Authors: Xu Juanjuan , Zhou Mei , Luo Ping , Yin Zhengrong , Wang Sufei , Liao Tingting , Yang Fan , Wang Zhen , Yang Dan , Peng Yi , Geng Wei , Li Yunyun , Zhang Hui , Jin Yang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may help to discover therapeutic targets.

Methods
To determine the metabolomic profile of circulating plasma from COVID-19 survivors with pulmonary sequelae 3 months after discharge, a random, outcome-stratified case-control sample was analyzed. We enrolled 103 recovered COVID-19 patients as well as 27 healthy donors, and performed pulmonary function tests, computerized tomography (CT) scans, laboratory examinations, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results
Plasma metabolite profiles of COVID-19 survivors with abnormal pulmonary function were different from those of healthy donors or subjects with normal pulmonary function. These alterations were associated with disease severity and mainly involved amino acid and glycerophospholipid metabolic pathways. Furthermore, increased levels of triacylglycerols, phosphatidylcholines, prostaglandin E2, arginine, and decreased levels of betain and adenosine were associated with pulmonary CO diffusing capacity and total lung capacity. The global plasma metabolomic profile differed between subjects with abnormal and normal pulmonary function.

Conclusions
Further metabolite-based analysis may help to identify the mechanisms underlying pulmonary dysfunction in COVID-19 survivors, and provide potential therapeutic targets in the future.
Low Immune Activation in Early Pregnancy Is Associated With Preterm But Not Small-for-gestational-age Delivery in Women Infected With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy in Pregnancy: A Prematurity Immunology in HIV-infected Mothers and their Infants Study (PIMS) Case-control Study in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Mdletshe Nontlantla , Thobakgale Christina , Malaba Thokozile R , Madlala Hlengiwe , Myer Landon , Muema Daniel M , Mogeni Polycarp , Gray Clive M , Altfeld Marcus , Newell Marie-Louise , Ndung’u Thumbi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Mechanisms underlying an association between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy with risk of preterm delivery (PTD) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) remain unclear. We explored the association between cellular immune activation and PTD or SGA in women with HIV initiating ART during or before pregnancy.

Methods
Women with HIV enrolled at median 15 weeks’ gestation, were analyzed for immune markers, and matched on ART initiation timing (15 women initiated pre- and 15 during pregnancy). There were 30 PTD (delivery &lt;37 weeks), 30 SGA (weight for age ≤10th percentile) cases, and 30 controls (term, weight for gestational age &gt;25th percentile) as outcomes. Lymphocytes, monocytes, and dendritic cell populations and their activation status or functionality were enumerated by flow cytometry.

Results
PTD cases initiating ART in pregnancy showed decreased CD8+ T cell, monocyte, and dendritic cell activation; increased classical (CD14+CD16–) and intermediate (CD14+CD16+) monocyte frequencies; and decreased inflammatory monocytes (CD14dimCD16+) compared with SGA cases and term controls (all P &lt; .05). Allowing for baseline viral load, the immune markers remained significantly associated with PTD but only in women initiating ART in pregnancy. Lower monocyte activation was predictive of PTD. TLR ligand-induced interferon-α and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β levels in monocytes were significantly lower in PTD women initiating ART in pregnancy.

Conclusion
Low immune activation, skewing toward anti-inflammatory monocytes, and lower monocyte cytokine production in response to TLR ligand stimulation were associated with PTD but not SGA among women initiating ART in, but not before, pregnancy, suggesting immune anergy to microbial stimulation as a possible underlying mechanism for PTD in women initiating ART in pregnancy.
Characteristics and Factors Associated With Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection, Hospitalization, and Mortality Across Race and Ethnicity
Authors: Dai Chengzhen L , Kornilov Sergey A , Roper Ryan T , Cohen-Cline Hannah , Jade Kathleen , Smith Brett , Heath James R , Diaz George , Goldman Jason D , Magis Andrew T , Hadlock Jennifer J 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Data on the characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients disaggregated by race/ethnicity remains limited. We evaluated the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients across racial/ethnic groups and assessed their associations with COVID-19 outcomes.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study examined 629 953 patients tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a large health system spanning California, Oregon, and Washington between March 1 and December 31, 2020. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were obtained from electronic health records. Odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 hospitalization, and in-hospital death were assessed with multivariate logistic regression.

Results
A total of 570 298 patients with known race/ethnicity were tested for SARS-CoV-2, of whom 27.8% were non-White minorities: 54 645 individuals tested positive, with minorities representing 50.1%. Hispanics represented 34.3% of infections but only 13.4% of tests. Although generally younger than White patients, Hispanics had higher rates of diabetes but fewer other comorbidities. A total of 8536 patients were hospitalized and 1246 died, of whom 56.1% and 54.4% were non-White, respectively. Racial/ethnic distributions of outcomes across the health system tracked with state-level statistics. Increased odds of testing positive and hospitalization were associated with all minority races/ethnicities. Hispanic patients also exhibited increased morbidity, and Hispanic race/ethnicity was associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–1.70).

Conclusion
Major healthcare disparities were evident, especially among Hispanics who tested positive at a higher rate, required excess hospitalization and mechanical ventilation, and had higher odds of in-hospital mortality despite younger age. Targeted, culturally responsive interventions and equitable vaccine development and distribution are needed to address the increased risk of poorer COVID-19 outcomes among minority populations.
Intravenous to Oral Switch in Complicated Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia Without Endovascular Infection: A Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Kouijzer Ilse J E , van Leerdam Eline J , Gompelman Michelle , Tuinte Renee A M , Aarntzen Erik H J G , Berrevoets Marvin A H , Maat Ianthe , Bleeker-Rovers Chantal P , van Crevel Reinout , ten Oever Jaap 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this retrospective cohort study, selected patients with disseminated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, but without endovascular infection on echocardiography and 18F-FDG-PET/CT, were free of relapse after IV-oral switch. Mortality was low and similar to patients who received prolonged intravenous treatment. IV-oral switch was associated with a shorter length of hospital stay.
Clinical Accuracy and Impact of Plasma Cell-Free DNA Fungal Polymerase Chain Reaction Panel for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Fungal Infection
Authors: Senchyna Fiona , Hogan Catherine A , Murugesan Kanagavel , Moreno Angel , Ho Dora Y , Subramanian Aruna , Schwenk Hayden T , Budvytiene Indre , Costa Helio A , Gombar Saurabh , Banaei Niaz 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is a growing cause of morbidity and mortality in oncology and transplant patients. Diagnosis of IFI is often delayed due to need for invasive biopsy and low sensitivity of conventional diagnostic methods. Fungal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) detection in plasma is a novel testing modality for the noninvasive diagnosis of IFI.

Methods
A novel bioinformatic pipeline was created to interrogate fungal genomes and identify multicopy sequences for cfDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting. A real-time PCR panel was developed for 12 genera and species most commonly causing IFI. Sensitivity and specificity of the fungal PCR panel were determined using plasma samples from patients with IFI and non-IFI controls. Clinical impact of the fungal PCR panel was evaluated prospectively based on the treating team’s interpretation of the results.

Results
Overall, the sensitivity and specificity were 56.5% (65/115; 95% confidence interval [CI], 47.4–65.2) and 99.5% (2064/2075; 95% CI, 99.0–99.7), respectively. In the subset of patients with an optimized plasma volume (2 mL), sensitivity was 69.6% (48/69; 95% CI, 57.9–79.2). Sensitivity was 91.7% (11/12; 95% CI, 62.5–100) for detection of Mucorales agents, 56.3% (9/16; 95% CI, 33.2–76.9) for Aspergillus species, and 84.6% (11/13; 95% CI, 56.5–96.9) for Candida albicans. In a prospective evaluation of 226 patients with suspected IFI, cfDNA testing was positive in 47 (20.8%) patients and resulted in a positive impact on clinical management in 20 of 47 (42.6%).

Conclusions
The fungal cfDNA PCR panel offers a noninvasive approach to early diagnosis of IFI, providing actionable results for personalized care.
Short- and long-term mortality after deep sternal wound infection following cardiac surgery: experiences from SWEDEHEART
Authors: Kaspersen Alexander Emil , Nielsen Susanne J , Orrason Andri Wilberg , Petursdottir Astridur , Sigurdsson Martin Ingi , Jeppsson Anders , Gudbjartsson Tomas 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is a serious complication after open-heart surgery. We investigated the association between DSWI and short- and long-term all-cause mortality in a large well-defined nationwide population.

METHODS
A retrospective, nationwide cohort study, which included 114676 consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and/or valve surgery from 1997 to 2015 in Sweden. Short- and long-term mortality was compared between DSWI patients and non-DSWI patients using propensity score inverse probability weighting adjustment based on patient characteristics and comorbidities. Median follow-up was 8.0 years (range 0–18.9).

RESULTS
Altogether, 1516 patients (1.3%) developed DSWI, most commonly in patients undergoing combined CABG and valve surgery (2.1%). DSWI patients were older and had more disease burden than non-DSWI patients. The unadjusted cumulative mortality was higher in the DSWI group compared with the non-DSWI group at 90 days (7.9% vs 3.0%, P &lt; 0.001) and at 1 year (12.8% vs 4.5%, P &lt; 0.001). The adjusted absolute difference in risk of death was 2.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.8–3.9] at 90 days and 4.7% (95% CI: 2.6–6.7) at 1 year. DSWI was independently associated with 90-day [adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.89 (95% CI: 1.38–2.59)], 1-year [aRR 2.13 (95% CI: 1.68–2.71)] and long-term all-cause mortality [adjusted hazard ratio 1.56 (95% CI: 1.30–1.88)].

CONCLUSIONS
Both short- and long-term mortality risks are higher in DSWI patients compared to non-DSWI patients. These results stress the importance of preventing these infections and careful postoperative monitoring of DSWI patients.
Carotid versus femoral access for transcatheter aortic valve replacement: comparable results in the current era
Authors: Marie Basile , David Charles Henri , Guimbretière Guillaume , Foucher Yohann , Buschiazzo Antoine , Letocart Vincent , Manigold Thibaut , Plessis Julien , Jaafar Philippe , Morin Hélène , Rozec Bertrand , Roussel Jean Christian , Sénage Thomas 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The carotid approach for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been shown to be feasible and safe. The goal of this study was to compare the 30-day outcomes of trans-carotid (TC) and transfemoral (TF) TAVR.

METHODS
This retrospective study enrolled 500 consecutive patients treated by TC-TAVR (n = 100) or TF-TAVR (n = 400) with percutaneous closure between January 2018 and January 2020 at the Nantes University Hospital. The primary end-point was the occurrence of cardiovascular death and cerebrovascular events at 30 days.

RESULTS
The mean age was 79.9 ± 8.1 in the TC group and 81.3 ± 6.9 (P = 0.069) in the TF group. The TC group had more men (69% vs 50.5%; P = 0.001) and more patients with peripheral vascular disease (86% vs 14.8%; P &lt; 0.0001). Cardiac characteristics were similar between the groups, and the EuroSCORE II was 3.8 ± 2.6% vs 4.6 ± 6.0%, respectively (P = 0.443). The 30-day mortality was 2% in the TC group versus 1% in the TF group (P = 0.345). TC-TAVR was not associated with an increased risk of stroke (2% vs 2.5%; P = 0.999) or major vascular complications (2% vs 4%; P = 0.548). More permanent pacemakers were implanted in the TF group (14.9% vs 5.6%; P = 0.015), and no moderate or severe aortic regurgitation was observed in the TC group (0 vs 3.3%; P = 0.08). TC-TAVR was not associated with an increased risk of mortality or stroke at 30 days (odds ratio 1.32; 95% confidence interval 0.42–4.21; P = 0.63) in the multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS
No statistically significant differences between TC-TAVR and TF-TAVR were observed; therefore, TC-TAVR should be the first alternative in patients with anatomical contraindications to the femoral route.
Beyond alcohol oxidase: the methylotrophic yeast Komagataella phaffii utilizes methanol also with its native alcohol dehydrogenase Adh2
Authors: Zavec Domen , Troyer Christina , Maresch Daniel , Altmann Friedrich , Hann Stephan , Gasser Brigitte , Mattanovich Diethard 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
Methylotrophic yeasts are considered to use alcohol oxidases to assimilate methanol, different to bacteria which employ alcohol dehydrogenases with better energy conservation. The yeast Komagataella phaffii carries two genes coding for alcohol oxidase, AOX1 and AOX2. The deletion of the AOX1 leads to the MutS phenotype and the deletion of AOX1 and AOX2 to the Mut– phenotype. The Mut– phenotype is commonly regarded as unable to utilize methanol. In contrast to the literature, we found that the Mut– strain can consume methanol. This ability was based on the promiscuous activity of alcohol dehydrogenase Adh2, an enzyme ubiquitously found in yeast and normally responsible for ethanol consumption and production. Using 13C labeled methanol as substrate we could show that to the largest part methanol is dissimilated to CO2 and a small part is incorporated into metabolites, the biomass, and the secreted recombinant protein. Overexpression of the ADH2 gene in K. phaffii Mut– increased both the specific methanol uptake rate and recombinant protein production, even though the strain was still unable to grow. These findings imply that thermodynamic and kinetic constraints of the dehydrogenase reaction facilitated the evolution towards alcohol oxidase-based methanol metabolism in yeast.