bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Discontinuation of Nusinersen Treatment in Long-Standing SMA3
Authors: Hiebeler Miriam , Abicht Angela , Reilich Peter , Walter Maggie C. 
Published: March 2021

Background: Spinal muscular atrophy is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease leading to ongoing degeneration of anterior horn cells in the spinal cord. Nusinersen is the first approved treatment for the condition, an intrathecally administered antisense oligonucleotide. It modulates pre-RNA splicing of the SMN2 gene and increases full-length SMN protein expression, thereby increasing SMN protein levels. The benefit of Nusinersen for patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 3 (SMA3) has recently been shown in several real-world cohorts. Objective: We aim to elucidate not only the effect of therapy with Nusinersen, but the development of the disease course after discontinuation of treatment. To our knowledge, there are so far no reports on the effects of Nusinersen discontinuation. Methods: We report on a 45-year-old female patient with genetically confirmed SMA3 and a disease duration of 40 years prior to treatment onset. Results: The patient was non-ambulantory, best motor function at treatment onset was holding arms with support, reflected in MRC of 3/5 in upper limbs. After having received Nusinersen for 11 months without complications, the patient showed improvement in motor functions, as measured by hand grip measurement (HGS), Hammersmith Functional Rating Scale Expanded (HFMSE), and Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM). Due to worsening of a pre-existing anxiety disorder, treatment was discontinued after six injections. Sixteen months later, progression of the disease became evident with worsening of HFMSE and RULM scores, while hand strength remained stable. Conclusion: Treatment with Nusinersen in SMA3 improves motor function in longstanding disease even in clinically advanced stages; however, after discontinuation of treatment, further progression mirroring the natural history of the disease is anticipated.
Stellate Ganglion Block for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and Anxiety
Authors: Li Yan , Loshak Hannah 
Published: March 2021

The evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness of stellate ganglion block for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder was mixed. A randomized controlled trial included in a systematic review did not detect significant differences in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in the stellate ganglion block versus sham groups, while another randomized controlled trial did detect significantly greater improvements in symptoms between these groups. Furthermore, the second randomized controlled trial detected significantly greater improvements in depression, anxiety, and distress, but not in pain and mental and physical functioning for participants receiving stellate ganglion block compared to sham.
Authors of the randomized controlled trial included in the systematic review did not detect significant differences in rates of adverse events between groups. Of the 6 adverse events reported in the second randomized controlled trial, 3 were deemed related to stellate ganglion block treatment (injection site pain, self-resolving bradycardia, and temporary laryngeal irritation); the statistical analysis was not reported.
Authors of 1 evidence-based guideline were unable to provide recommendations for or against the use of stellate ganglion block for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder because of insufficient evidence.
No relevant literature or guidelines regarding the clinical effectiveness or use of stellate ganglion block for the treatment of depression or anxiety were identified.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on working students: Results from the Labour Force Survey and the student lifestyle survey
Authors: Tsurugano Shinobu , Nishikitani Mariko , Inoue Mariko , Yano Eiji 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objective
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused devastating damage to employment globally, particularly among the non-standard workforce. The objective of this study was to identify the effects of the pandemic on the employment status and lives of working students in Japan.

Methods
The Labour Force Survey (January 2019 to May 2020) was used to examine changes in students’ work situations. In addition, to investigate the economic and health conditions of university students during the pandemic, the Student Lifestyle Survey was conducted in late May 2020. This survey asked students at a national university in Tokyo about recent changes in their studies, work, and lives.

Results
The number of working students reported in the Labour Force Survey has declined sharply since March 2020, falling by 780,000 (46%) in April. According to a survey of university students’ living conditions, 37% were concerned about living expenses and tuition fees, and a higher percentage of students who were aware of financial insecurity had poor self-rated health.

Conclusion
Nearly half of working students have lost their jobs during the pandemic in Japan, which has affected their lives, studies, and health. There is a need to monitor the impact of economic insecurity on students’ studies and health over time, and to expand the safety net for disadvantaged students.
Complex Optical Index of HgTe Nanocrystal Infrared Thin Films and Its Use for Short Wave Infrared Photodiode Design
Authors: Rastogi Prachi , Chu Audrey , Dang Tung Huu , Prado Yoann , Gréboval Charlie , Qu Junling , Dabard Corentin , Khalili Adrien , Dandeu Erwan , Fix Baptiste , Xu Xiang Zhen , Ithurria Sandrine , Vincent Gregory , Gallas Bruno , Lhuillier Emmanuel 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe limited investigation of the optical properties of HgTe nanocrystal (NC) thin films has become a bottleneck for the electromagnetic design of devices. Using broadband ellipsometry, the refractive index (n) and the extinction coefficient (k) are determined for a series of HgTe NC films relevant to infrared sensing applications. Electromagnetic simulations reveal that the n value of HgTe NC thin films can conveniently be approximated by its mean spectral value n = 2.35 ± 0.15. This complex optical index is then used to design a diode with i) a reduced amount of Hg containing material (thin film < 150 nm) and ii) a thickness of the device better‐matched with the carrier diffusion length. It is demonstrated that introducing an aluminum grating onto the transparent conductive electrode leads to an enhanced absorption while reinforcing the work‐function difference between the two electrodes. Broadband (≈1 µm), non‐polarized, and strong absorption up to 100% is designed. This leads to a responsivity of 0.2 A W−1 and a detectivity of 2 × 1010 Jones for 2 µm cut‐off wavelength at room‐temperature, while the time response is as short as 110 ns.
LaSiP3 and LaSi2P6: Two Excellent Rare‐Earth Pnictides with Strong SHG Responses as Mid‐ and Far‐Infrared Nonlinear Optical Crystals
Authors: Sun Yingshuang , Chen Jindong , Yang Shunda , Li Bingxuan , Chai Guoliang , Lin Chensheng , Luo Min , Ye Ning 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTwo rare‐earth pnictide‐based infrared (IR) nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals, LaSiP3 and LaSi2P6, are successfully synthesized by metal salt flux method, which are the first two cases for rare‐earth pnictides as IR NLO crystals. LaSiP3 (Pna21) features 2D structure consisting of alternately stacked SiP4 tetrahedra layers and isolated PP chains. LaSi2P6 (Cmc21) has a 3D structure composed of two types of SiP4 tetrahedra layers and diversiform phosphorous polyanions. Particularly, LaSi2P6 exhibits the largest second‐order NLO coefficient (d33 = 98.5 pm V−1) among the known IR NLO phosphides. Besides, LaSiP3 and LaSi2P6 both can achieve phase matching, cover wide IR transparent regions, and own large birefringence (0.24 and 0.25 @2050 nm for LaSiP3 and LaSi2P6, respectively). The studies on LaSiP3 and LaSi2P indicate that they are potentially applied in the middle‐ and far‐IR regions. In addition, more importantly, the theoretical calculations uncover the second‐harmonic‐generation enhancement mechanisms for PP bonds in different forms, which highlight that either PP chains or phosphorous polyanions will be excellent NLO‐active units for constructing high‐performance IR NLO crystals.
Asymmetric [3+2] Annulations of Thioaurone and Aurone Derivatives for the Construction of Spiroheterocycles
Authors: Liu Bao‐Xin , Yan Ru‐Jie , Li Xiao‐Xun , Du Wei , Chen Ying‐Chun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAurones and their analogues are convenient two‐atom units for the rapid construction of valuable spiroheterocycles. Here, we demonstrate that the Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates of isatins can be efficiently assembled with thioaurones, aurones, or even methyleneindolinones in a highly asymmetric [3+2] annulation manner, affording a broad spectrum of densely functionalized spiro‐benzothiophene, ‐benzofuran and bisspirooxindole frameworks in high yields with good to excellent stereoselectivity.
Effect of the Ethanol/BTC Ratio on the Methane Uptake of Mechanochemically Synthesized MOF‐199
Authors: Kim Manuela Leticia , Barrera Deicy , Kimura Mutsumi , Hinestroza Juan P. , Sapag Karim , Otal Eugenio Hernán 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe report on a detailed textural analysis of mechanochemically synthesized MOF‐199 including N2 adsorption‐desorption and CO2 adsorption isotherms data at 77 K and 273 K (up to atmospheric pressure), respectively, and CH4 adsorption data at 298 K (up to 35 bar). We used the isotherm adsorption data to determine the micropore volume of the MOF‐199 structures, to establish their methane uptake capacity and to understand how these properties depended on the Ethanol/BTC ratio used during the synthesis. The maximum methane uptake capacity for our specimens was recorded at 130 v/v at 35 bars. These results open an avenue for a better understanding of alternative manufacturing processes of MOF structures for gas storage applications.
Spray Deposition of Supercapacitor Electrodes using Environmentally Friendly Aqueous Activated Graphene and Activated Carbon Dispersions for Industrial Implementation
Authors: Boulanger Nicolas , Skrypnychuk Vasyl , Nordenström Andreas , Moreno‐Fernández Gelines , Granados‐Moreno Miguel , Carriazo Daniel , Mysyk Roman , Bracciale Gaetan , Bondavalli Paolo , Talyzin Alexandr V. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA spray gun machine was used to deposit high‐surface‐area supercapacitor electrodes using green non‐toxic aqueous dispersions based on different kinds of high specific surface area nanostructured carbon materials: activated graphene (a‐rGO) and activated carbon (AC). Tuning the spray conditions and dispersion formulation allowed us to achieve good adhesion to stainless‐steel current collectors in combination with high surface area and a satisfactory mechanical stability of the electrodes. The specific surface area of approximately 2000 m2/g was measured directly on a‐rGO and AC electrodes showing only around a 20 % decrease compared to the precursor powder materials. The performance of the electrodes deposited on stainless‐steel and aluminum current collectors was tested in supercapacitor devices using three electrolytes. The electrodes were tested in an “as‐deposited” state and after post‐deposition annealing at 200 °C. The spray deposition method and post‐deposition annealing are completely compatible with roll‐to‐roll industrial production methods. The a‐rGO demonstrated superior performance compared to AC in supercapacitor electrodes with gravimetric capacitance, energy, and power density parameters, which exceed commercially available analogues. The formulation of the dispersions used in this study is environmentally friendly, as it is based on only on water as a solvent and commercially available non‐toxic additives (graphene oxide, fumed silica, and carbon nanotubes).
Exploration of Ligand‐receptor Binding and Mechanisms for Alginate Reduction and Phenotype Reversion by Mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Burns Felicia N. , Alila Mercy A. , Zheng Hewen , Patil Pankaj D. , Ibanez Arizza Chiara S. , Luk Yan‐Yeung 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBacteria in general can develop a wide range of phenotypes under different conditions and external stresses. The phenotypes that reside in biofilms, overproduce exopolymers, and show increased motility often exhibit drug tolerance and drug persistence. In this work, we describe a class of small molecules that delay and inhibit the overproduction of alginate by a non‐swarming mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among these molecules, selected benzophenone‐derived alkyl disaccharides cause the mucoid bacteria to swarm on hydrated soft agar gel and revert the mucoid to a nonmucoid phenotype. The sessile (biofilm) and motile (swarming) phenotypes are controlled by opposing signaling pathways with high and low intracellular levels of bis‐(3’,5’)‐cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (cdG), respectively. As our molecules control several of these phenotypes, we explored a protein receptor, pilin of the pili appendages, that is consistent with controlling these bioactivities and signaling pathways. To test this binding hypothesis, we developed a bacterial motility‐enabled binding assay that uses the interfacial properties of hydrated gels and bacterial motility to conduct label‐free ligand‐receptor binding studies. The structure‐activity correlation and receptor identification reveal a plausible mechanism for reverting mucoid to nonmucoid phenotypes by binding pili appendages with ligands capable of sequestering and neutralizing reactive oxygen species.
Evaluation of particle swarm optimization techniques applied to maximum power point tracking in photovoltaic systems
Authors: Díaz Martínez David , Trujillo Codorniu Rafael , Giral Roberto , Vázquez Seisdedos Luis 
Published: March 2021

SummaryEven with significant progresses in the maximum power point (MPP) research area, the necessity to improve the existing methods becomes mandatory to increase the energy conversion efficiency. Since the power–voltage (P‐V) characteristic curve of photovoltaic (PV) arrays has multiple peaks under partially shaded (PS) conditions, the conventional MPP tracking (MPPT) control methods have the difficult challenge of locate the global MPP (GMPP) among many local MPPs (LMPPs). In recent years, numerous research papers have been focused on techniques to efficiently track the GMPP and alleviate the partial shading effects. One of the most popular evolutionary search technique is particle swarm optimization (PSO) that provides high tracking speed and the ability operate under different environmental conditions. For solving some conventional PSO technique common weaknesses, several modifications and improvements have emerged in the past years. This paper provides a comparative and comprehensive review of some relevant PSO‐based methods taking into account the effects of important key issues such as particles initialization criteria, search space, convergence speed, initial parameters, performance with and without partial shading, and efficiency. The simulation results are validated under numerous test conditions using MATLAB code and Simulink package.
Calculated plasma volume status and outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Shimura Tetsuro , Yamamoto Masanori , Yamaguchi Ryo , Adachi Yuya , Sago Mitsuru , Tsunaki Tatsuya , Kagase Ai , Koyama Yutaka , Otsuka Toshiaki , Yashima Fumiaki , Tada Norio , Naganuma Toru , Yamawaki Masahiro , Yamanaka Futoshi , Shirai Shinichi , Mizutani Kazuki , Tabata Minoru , Ueno Hiroshi , Takagi Kensuke , Watanabe Yusuke , Hayashida Kentaro ,   OCEAN‐TAVI investigators
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsThis study investigated the prognostic value of plasma volume status (PVS) in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).Methods and resultsPlasma volume status was calculated in 2588 patients who underwent TAVR using data from the Japanese multicentre registry. All‐cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization (HFH) within 2 years of TAVR were compared among the PVS quartiles (Q1, PVS < 5.5%; Q2, PVS 5.5–13.5%; Q3, PVS 13.5–21.0%; and Q4, PVS ≥ 21.0%). Subgroups were stratified by the PVS cut‐off value combined with the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class as follows: low PVS with NYHA I/II (n = 959), low PVS with NYHA III/IV (n = 845), high PVS with NYHA I/II (n = 308), and high PVS with NYHA III/IV (n = 476). The cumulative all‐cause mortality and HFH within 2 years of TAVR significantly increased with increasing PVS quartiles [8.5%, 16.8%, 19.2%, and 27.0% (P < 0.001) and 5.8%, 8.7%, 10.3%, and 12.9% (P < 0.001), respectively]. The high‐PVS group regardless of the NYHA class had a higher all‐cause mortality and HFH [9.6%, 18.2%, 24.5%, and 30.4% (P < 0.001) and 6.1%, 10.4%, 14.1%, and 11.3% (P < 0.001)]. In a Cox regression multivariate analysis, the PVS values of Q3 and Q4 had independently increased all‐cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR), 1.50 and 1.64 (P = 0.017 and P = 0.008), respectively], and Q4 had independently increased HFH (HR, 1.98, P = 0.005). The low PVS with NYHA III/IV, high PVS with NYHA I/II, and high PVS with NYHA III/IV also had significantly increased all‐cause mortality [HR, 1.45, 1.73, and 1.86 (P = 0.006, P = 0.002, and P < 0.001), respectively] and HFH [HR, 1.52, 2.21, and 1.70 (P = 0.049, P = 0.002, and P = 0.031), respectively].ConclusionsPlasma volume status is useful for predicting all‐cause mortality and HFH after TAVR.
A perspective on machine learning methods in turbulence modeling
Authors: Beck Andrea , Kurz Marius 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis work presents a review of the current state of research in data‐driven turbulence closure modeling. It offers a perspective on the challenges and open issues but also on the advantages and promises of machine learning (ML) methods applied to parameter estimation, model identification, closure term reconstruction, and beyond, mostly from the perspective of large Eddy simulation and related techniques. We stress that consistency of the training data, the model, the underlying physics, and the discretization is a key issue that needs to be considered for a successful ML‐augmented modeling strategy. In order to make the discussion useful for non‐experts in either field, we introduce both the modeling problem in turbulence as well as the prominent ML paradigms and methods in a concise and self‐consistent manner. In this study, we present a survey of the current data‐driven model concepts and methods, highlight important developments, and put them into the context of the discussed challenges.
Functional correlates of motor control impairments in multiple sclerosis: A 7 Tesla task functional MRI study
Authors: Strik Myrte , Shanahan Camille J. , van der Walt Anneke , Boonstra Frederique M. C. , Glarin Rebecca , Galea Mary P. , Kilpatrick Trevor J. , Geurts Jeroen J. G. , Cleary Jon O. , Schoonheim Menno M. , Kolbe Scott C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUpper and lower limb impairments are common in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), yet difficult to clinically identify in early stages of disease progression. Tasks involving complex motor control can potentially reveal more subtle deficits in early stages, and can be performed during functional MRI (fMRI) acquisition, to investigate underlying neural mechanisms, providing markers for early motor progression. We investigated brain activation during visually guided force matching of hand or foot in 28 minimally disabled pwMS (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) < 4 and pyramidal and cerebellar Kurtzke Functional Systems Scores ≤ 2) and 17 healthy controls (HC) using ultra‐high field 7‐Tesla fMRI, allowing us to visualise sensorimotor network activity in high detail. Task activations and performance (tracking lag and error) were compared between groups, and correlations were performed. PwMS showed delayed (+124 s, p = .002) and more erroneous (+0.15 N, p = .001) lower limb tracking, together with lower cerebellar, occipital and superior parietal cortical activation compared to HC. Lower activity within these regions correlated with worse EDSS (p = .034), lower force error (p = .006) and higher lesion load (p < .05). Despite no differences in upper limb task performance, pwMS displayed lower inferior occipital cortical activation. These results demonstrate that ultra‐high field fMRI during complex hand and foot tracking can identify subtle impairments in lower limb movements and upper and lower limb brain activity, and differentiates upper and lower limb impairments in minimally disabled pwMS.
MHD stagnation point flow of a Maxwell nanofluid over a shrinking sheet (multiple solution)
Authors: Khan Muhammad Naveed , Nadeem Sohail 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn the current study, a realistic approach is used to investigate the MHD stagnation point flow of a Maxwell nanofluid past a shrinking sheet with a chemical reaction. First, the flow model is made non dimensionalized via an appropriate transformation. The non dimensionalized equations are numerically tackled by adopting the bvp4c technique. It is also analyzed that the dual solutions are obtained for a particular choice of shrinking parameter. A detailed analysis of the impact of several parameters on the velocity field, temperature distribution, and concentration distribution is carried out graphically. The computed result shows that the first solution significantly increases for higher values of the magnetic parameter, whereas the second solution decreases. Furthermore, it is noted that the first and second solutions decreases for the relaxation parameter. The physical quantities are observed graphically. It is exhibited that the Nusselt number shows a decreasing behavior for the both solutions via relaxation parameter.
Analysis of A1‐type and A2‐type β‐casein in Maiwa Yak and Pien‐niu milk by HPLC‐high‐resolution MS and tandem MS
Authors: Chen Yutian , Ren Yiping , Wang Lili , Huang Zhongping 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this study, a peptide‐based method employing ultra high performance liquid chromatography electrostatic field orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was developed for quantification of A1‐type and A2‐type β‐casein in milk from Yak, cows, and their offspring of crosses, Pien‐niu. The specific peptides of A1‐type and A2‐type β‐casein were screened and confirmed by protein software after analysis of high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The multiple reaction monitoring method was established based on the qualitative results, and isotope‐label peptides were used as internal standards. The linear correlation coefficients of this method were >0.99. The relative standard deviations of repeatability test were 0.2‐3.6%. The recovery rate ranged from 93.3 to 114.4% with relative standard deviations <6% at three different spiking levels. The method was applied to analyze 45 milk samples from different species. The results showed that β‐casein in Yak and Pien‐niu milk was about 30% higher than that in cow milk. Furthermore, the β‐casein in the Yak milk only contains A2‐type β‐casein. A1‐type and A2‐type β‐casein coexist in most samples of Pien‐niu and cow milk, a few samples contain only one type of β‐casein. These results provide further understanding in nutritional value of milk from Yak and Pien‐niu.