bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Effect of Boron Nitride and Carbon Domains in Boron Carbide Nitride Nanotube Supported Single‐Atom Catalysts for Efficient Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Liu Tianyong , Dang Qian , Zhou Xunhui , Li Jin , Ge Zhen , Che Hang , Tang Shaobin , Luo Yi , Jiang Jun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDeveloping the low‐cost and efficient single‐atom catalysts (SACs) for nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is of great importance while remains as a great challenge. The catalytic activity, selectivity and durability are all fundamentally related to the elaborate coordination environment of SACs. Using first‐principles calculations, we investigated the SACs with single transition metal (TM) atom supported on defective boron carbide nitride nanotubes (BCNTs) as NRR electrocatalysts. Our results suggest that boron‐vacancy defects on BCNTs can strongly immobilize TM atoms with large enough binding energy and high thermal/structural stability. Importantly, the synergistic effect of boron nitride (BN) and carbon domains comes up with the modifications of the charge polarization of single‐TM‐atom active site and the electronic properties of material, which has been proven to be the essential key to promote N2 adsorption, activation, and reduction. Specifically, six SACs (namely V, Mn, Fe, Mo, Ru, and W atoms embedded into defective BCNTs) can be used as promising candidates for NRR electrocatalysts as their NRR activity is higher than the state‐of‐the art Ru(0001) catalyst. In particular, single Mo atom supported on defective BCNTs with large tube diameter possesses the highest NRR activity while suppressing the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction, with a low limiting potential of −0.62 V via associative distal path. This work suggests new opportunities for driving NH3 production by carbon‐based single‐atom electrocatalysts under ambient conditions.
Probing Multiconfigurational States by Spectroscopy: The Cerium XAS L3‐edge Puzzle
Authors: Sergentu Dumitru‐Claudiu , Booth Corwin H. , Autschbach Jochen 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe Ce L3 edge XAS spectra of CeO2 and cerocene [Ce(C8H8)2] were calculated with relativistic ab‐initio multireference wavefunction approaches capable of reproducing the observed spectra accurately. The study aims to resolve the decades‐long puzzle regarding the relationship between the number and relative intensities of the XAS peaks and the 4f electron occupation in the ground state (GS) versus the core‐excited states (ESs). CeO2 and cerocene exemplify the different roles of covalent bonding and wavefunction configurational composition in the observed intensity patterns. Good agreement is found between the calculated GS 4f‐shell occupations and the value derived from XAS measurements using peak areas (nf). The identity of the two‐peaked Ce L3 edge is fully rationalized from the perspective of the relaxed wavefunctions for the GS and core ESs. The states underlying the different peaks differ from each other in a surprisingly simple way that can be associated with 4f1 vs. 4f0 sub‐configurations. Furthermore, part of one of the cerocene spectral peaks is associated with 4f2 sub‐configurations. The pattern therefore reveals excited states that can be interpreted in terms of Ce IV and III oxidation numbers, as long assumed, with Ce II states additionally appearing in the cerocene spectrum. While this work demonstrates the rough accuracy of the conventional approach to determining nf from Ce L3‐edge XAS, limitations are highlighted in terms of the ultimate accuracy of this approach and the potential of observing new types of excited states. The need to determine the sources of nf by calculations, is stressed.
Epidemiology of adult congenital heart disease among the general population in Kuwait
Authors: Ashkanani Hasan , Mohiyaldeen Idrees , ElShenawy Hazem , Alanbaei Muath 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundAdult congenital heart disease (ACHD) is a highly underrepresented entity in medical literature, especially in the middle‐eastern region.HypothesisThis study is the first to assess the prevalence of adult congenital heart disease among the population of Kuwait.MethodsAfter a retrospective register review of patients in Kuwait being followed up in the chest diseases hospital was conducted, patients who fit the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Using the American College of Cardiology Task Force 1 of the 32nd Bethesda conference classification of the severity of ACHD, the patients were classified into those with simple, moderate, and complex congenital heart diseases. The age and gender of the patients, as well as the type repair performed, and the residual cardiac findings were recorded to assess the association between the complexity and residuals. Associations were assessed using STATA 15.ResultsA total of 611 patients were evaluated over a period of 18 months. The youngest participant was 20 years of age, and the oldest participant was 88 years old. Male participants with moderate congenital heart disease class were more common in our study population. Patients with complex congenital heart disease have more residual cardiac lesion than the moderate or simple groups. Almost (70%) of patients with complex cardiac anomalies have undergone either partial or complete repair. The most prevalent cardiac defect was atrial septal defect (21.5%). Tetralogy of Fallot was the most prevalent defect in the moderate group, representing (13%) of the group. The most prevalent anomaly in the complex group was double outlet right ventricle (DORV) representing (15.38%).ConclusionAdult Congenital heart disease is a growing entity of heart disease due to advanced repair techniques. This population requires registries to document cases and assign specialists for the management and care of this special group of patients.Highlights
First database of adult congenital heart disease in Kuwait.
The most prevalent heart defect was ASD in Kuwait.
TOF was the most prevalent defect in the moderate group; and DORV was the most prevalent in the complex group.
Patients with moderate ACHD tended to have a more complete repair than those in the complex group.
An energy‐efficient clustering and cross‐layer‐based opportunistic routing protocol (CORP) for wireless sensor network
Authors: Shanmugam Ramalingam , Kaliaperumal Baskaran 
Published: February 2021

SummaryEnergy‐efficient data collection is a significant research challenge in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). One of the essential approaches to improve WSN performance is clustering, routing, and denoising technique. Cluster head (CH) selection is an essential issue in WSN. The present work proposes cross‐layer‐based opportunistic routing protocol (CORP) for WSN. The proposed CORP approach has been used to find an optimal traversal path, which reduces computation time and energy consumption as well as improves data delivery reliability. For optimal clustering, K‐medoid with adaptive Harris hawk optimization algorithm (AHHO) has been utilized for clustering the sensor nodes. Quality of service (QoS) impact, energy status criteria, distance, and sensor nodes position have been considered as key factors. These factors can influence the selection of CH in WSN. Moreover, the CH selection method can minimize traffic and energy saving. For efficient data collection, a hybrid Variable Weighted stacked Autoencoder with adaptive sunflower optimization (VWAE‐ASFO) denoising technique has been intended for reducing the data error rate. Initially, in the data collection phase, the variable weighted stacked autoencoder senses the data and collects all the data from the network. Adaptive sunflower optimization algorithm (ASFO) updates the weight of VWAE to minimize the data error and model complexity. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed CORP approach enhances QoS performance metrics such as energy consumption, packet delivery ratio, packet delay, network lifetime, throughput, jitter, buffer occupancy, and packet loss ratio. When the performance of the proposed approach is compared with the existing algorithms such as HEED, TCBDGA, FRLDG, MOBFO‐EER, and FEEC‐IIR, the proposed approach outperforms them.
The comparison of the histopathological results of the thyroid fine‐needle aspiration biopsies in the 795 patients with thyroidectomy
Authors: Yildirim Emine , Akbas Pelin , Erdogan Kivilcim Orhun , Bektas Sibel , Gumuskaya Perihan Ozkan , Er Ahmet Muzaffer , Paltura Ceki 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative fine‐needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) by the postthyroidectomy pathology results.MethodSeven hundred and ninety‐five patients with FNAB and following thyroid operations which have been performed between April 2008 and December 2019 were included in this study. By comparing the results of the FNAB and final pathologies, the specificity, sensitivity, FNR, false positivity ratio (FPR), accuracy and also the effect of nodule diameter on these have been evaluated. In Bethesda III subgroup according to FNAB, we investigated the malignancy rates and in whom this risk has been increased more.ResultsIn our study, the sensitivity of FNAB is 73.40%, the specificity is 95.33%, the accuracy is 91.81%, FNR is 26.60% and FPR is 4.67%. In the patients with nodules ≥4 cm and < 4 cm respectively, we calculated the sensitivity 20.0% vs 79.76%, specificity 95.73% vs 95.19%, accuracy 89.82% vs 92.78%, FNR 80.0% vs 20.24%, FPR 4.27% vs 4.8%.ConclusionThyroid FNAB is an easy procedure with a high specificity and sensitivity. Nevertheless, when the nodule diameter was ≥4 cm, increased FNR and decreased sensitivity should be kept in mind while evaluating the patients.
Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor trifluoromethoxyphenyl‐3‐(1‐propionylpiperidin‐4‐yl)urea prevents hyperalgesia through regulating NLRC4 inflammasome‐related pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory signaling pathways in the lipopolysaccharide‐induced pain mouse model
Authors: Cagli Ali , Senol Sefika Pinar , Temiz‐Resitoglu Meryem , Guden Demet Sinem , Sari Ayse Nihal , Sahan‐Firat Seyhan , Tunctan Bahar 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEpoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) have anti‐inflammatory effects and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibition might be a useful therapeutic approach to manage inflammatory disorders. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether nucleotide‐binding and oligomerization domain‐like receptor (NLR) C4 inflammasome‐related pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory signaling pathways in the central nervous system (CNS) participates in the effect of trifluoromethoxyphenyl‐3‐(1‐propionylpiperidin‐4‐yl)urea (TPPU), a potent sEH inhibitor, to prevent hyperalgesia in the LPS‐induced pain mouse model. The latency of pain within 30 s was measured by the hot plate test in male mice injected with saline, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (10 mg/kg), and/or TPPU (0.3, 0.5, or 1 mg/kg) after 6 h. Hyperalgesia induced by LPS was associated with decreased 14,15‐dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid and interleukin (IL)‐1β levels and enhanced expression of NLRC4, apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC), caspase‐1 p20, IL‐1β, and caspase‐11 p20 in the brains and spinal cords of the animals. Besides the increased expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) subunits (gp91phox and p47phox) and nitrotyrosine, a decrease in NLRC3, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and neuronal NOS (nNOS) expression was also observed in the tissues of LPS‐treated mice. TPPU at 0.5 mg/kg dose prevented the changes induced by LPS. Likely, decreased activity of pro‐inflammatory NLRC4/ASC/pro‐caspase‐1 and caspase‐11 inflammasomes and NOX in addition to enhanced levels of anti‐inflammatory EETs and expression of NLRC3, iNOS, and nNOS in the CNS of mice participates in the protective effect of TPPU against LPS‐induced hyperalgesia.
Taking the heat out of British Jurassic septarian concretions
Authors: Paxton Richmal B. , Dennis Paul F. , Marca Alina D. , Hendry James P. , Hudson John D. , Andrews Julian E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSeptarian carbonate concretions in marine mudrocks contain calcite cements that should represent evolving conditions from ambient temperature, shallow subsurface environments to warmer, burial diagenetic conditions. Clumped isotope results from British Middle and Upper Jurassic concretions indicate that most concretion body calcites formed at temperatures between 9 ± 5°C and 18 ± 5°C from marine pore waters with δ18O values between 0.2 ± 1.1‰ and −2.2 ± 1.1‰VSMOW. Early diagenetic, brown, fibrous calcite fracture cements mostly formed at temperatures between 15 ± 5°C and 19 ± 5°C, again from marine‐derived pore fluids with δ18O compositions between −0.5 ± 1.1‰ and 0.3 ± 1.2‰VSMOW. Two of these cements showed evolution to warmer temperatures and more evolved pore fluids with growth, indicating transition to deeper burial conditions. Later diagenetic, sparry calcite cements gave more variable temperatures but all indicated involvement of meteoric pore fluids. The highest clumped isotope temperature (43 ± 6°C) is within error of the 50°C regional maximum burial temperature estimate. These results are consistent with published geological and stable isotope constraints on the formation of Jurassic septarian concretions and highlight their potential as robust archives of marine benthic palaeotemperatures. Some of these results differ from clumped isotope data in an earlier study that reported higher temperatures for concretion body and early diagenetic fibrous cement fringes probably due to methodological differences.
Evaluating population connectivity and targeting conservation action for an endangered cat
Authors: Lehnen Sarah E. , Sternberg Mitch A. , Swarts Hilary M. , Sesnie Steven E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDispersal of animals among populations helps to increase genetic variability and population viability. The endangered ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) in south Texas persists in two small populations separated by 30 km and cutoff from populations in northeastern Mexico. Despite the relatively short distance separating the two south Texas populations, movement between them has been limited, leading researchers to believe landscape connectivity is poor in the region. We developed habitat suitability maps using remote sensing and GPS‐collared ocelots and ran connectivity analyses to assess current habitat linkages, important areas for conservation, and areas where connectivity could be improved through habitat restoration. First, we developed a resource selection function using random forest models and GPS data from ten ocelots collared at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge combined with spatial layers derived from LiDAR and remotely sensed imagery. We then used these results as the basis for a cost surface layer. Using this layer, we examined habitat connectivity using least‐cost and circuit theory methods. We evaluated linkages by cost of movement, identified areas important for maintaining existing connectivity, and ranked areas where restoration would have the greatest benefit to connectivity. We found that core habitats within the two populations were relatively well connected but connectivity between the two populations was poor. By identifying areas currently important for connectivity and areas with the greatest benefit to ocelots if restored, these results will help inform land acquisition and restoration planning to improve ocelot conservation in south Texas.
An omnivorous mesopredator modifies predation of omnivore‐dispersed seeds
Authors: Bartel Savannah L. , Orrock John L. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPost‐dispersal seed predation is an important determinant of plant recruitment. Although many plant species are dispersed following consumption by omnivorous vertebrates, the potential for these dispersal agents to indirectly affect seed fate by modifying seed predator behavior is poorly understood. We evaluated the hypothesis that the scat of an omnivorous vertebrate (coyote,Canis latrans), which is also a rodent predator, would reduce seed predation by rodent granivores. We also hypothesized that scat would lead to increased removal by arthropod seed predators by providing a resource that attracts ants and other arthropods. We examined the role of omnivore deposition on seed predation of two animal‐dispersed species that differed in size: LargerPrunus serotinaseeds are attacked only by rodents, whereas smallerRubus allegheniensisseeds are attacked by arthropods and rodents. Using an experiment that manipulated the presence of coyote scat and access by different granivore guilds, we found that scat reduced the total number of seeds removed from full‐access depots by 12%, but it increased the total number of seeds removed from arthropod‐only depots by 43%. Rodent removal ofP. serotinaseeds was 21% lower in the presence of scat. Scat composition was also important in affecting rodent seed predation, with seed predation 50% lower in the presence of meat‐rich scat compared with mixed or fruit‐rich scat. Arthropod removal ofR. allegheniensisseeds was 43% higher in the presence of scat.Prunus serotinaseeds were generally removed at greater rates thanR. allegheniensisseeds in full‐access trays; however, scat reduced this difference in removal rates from 37% moreP. serotinaseeds removed to 18% moreP. serotinaseeds removed. These findings illuminate a new pathway through which omnivores may influence plant populations by modifying post‐dispersal seed predation by arthropods and rodents. Moreover, our results indicate that the ultimate effect of vertebrate omnivores on seed survival in a given region may depend upon omnivore diet, dominant seed predator guilds, and differences in granivore seed preference.
Characteristics and prognostic value of right ventricular (dys)function in patients with non‐ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy assessed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Becker Marthe A.J. , van der Lingen Anne‐Lotte C.J. , Wubben Marc , van de Ven Peter M. , van Rossum Albert C. , Cornel Jan H. , Allaart Cornelis P. , Germans Tjeerd 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsIn non‐ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), concomitant right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is frequently observed. This study sought to determine the correlation of RV dysfunction with several cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging characteristics in patients with DCM, and the prognostic value of RV dysfunction on all‐cause mortality and ventricular arrhythmias (VA) was evaluated.Methods and resultsConsecutive patients with DCM and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction (ejection fraction < 50%) on CMR were included retrospectively. Left atrial (LA), LV, and RV volumes and function were quantified. RV systolic dysfunction was defined as RVEF<45%. The presence and pattern of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on CMR were assessed visually. Septal midwall LGE was defined as midmyocardial stripe‐like or patchy hyperenhancement in the septal segments, and the extent was quantified using the full width at half maximum method. Primary endpoint was a composite of all‐cause mortality and VA, including resuscitated cardiac arrest, sustained VA, and appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy. Secondary endpoints were time to all‐cause mortality alone and time to VA alone. A total of 216 DCM patients were included (42% female, age 58 ± 14 years). Mean RVEF was 46 ± 12%, and RV dysfunction was present in 38%. RVEF was moderately correlated with LA dilation (LA minimal volume ρ = −0.38, P < 0.001) and strongly correlated with LA and LV dysfunction (LA emptying fraction r = 0.58, P < 0.001 and LVEF ρ = 0.52, P < 0.001). Septal midwall LGE was more often observed in patients with RV dysfunction compared with patients with preserved RV function (respectively 40% vs. 26%, P = 0.04). No correlation was found between RVEF and the extent of septal midwall LGE (ρ = −0.12, P = 0.34). During a median follow‐up of 2.2 years [IQR 1.6–2.8], 30 patients experienced the primary endpoint. RV dysfunction was significantly associated with shorter time to the composite primary endpoint (HR 3.19 [95% CI 1.49–6.84], P < 0.01) and to the secondary endpoint of VA alone (HR 6.48 [95% CI 1.83–22.98], P < 0.01). There was a trend towards increased mortality when RV dysfunction was present (HR 2.54 [95% CI 0.99–6.57], P = 0.05).ConclusionsRight ventricular dysfunction was predominantly observed in patients with DCM with advanced heart failure and pronounced myocardial remodelling, defined as increased LV and LA dilation and dysfunction and the presence of septal midwall LGE on CMR. During follow‐up, RV dysfunction was associated with shorter time to all‐cause mortality and ventricular arrhythmic events.
The effect of experimental pain on the excitability of the corticospinal tract in humans: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rohel Antoine , Bouffard Jason , Patricio Philippe , Mavromatis Nicolas , Billot Maxime , Roy Jean‐Sébastien , Bouyer Laurent , Mercier Catherine , Masse‐Alarie Hugo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and objectivePain influences motor control. Previous reviews observed that pain reduces the excitability of corticospinal projections to muscles tested with transcranial magnetic stimulation. However, the independent effect of the type of pain models (tonic, phasic), pain location and tissues targeted (e.g. muscle, skin) remains unexplored. The objective of this review was to determine the influence of experimental pain and of different methodological factors on the corticospinal excitability.Databases and data treatmentThree electronic databases were searched: Embase, Pubmed and Web of Science. Meta‐analyses were conducted in three consecutive steps to reduce methodological variability: (a) all studies; (b) same pain location; (c) same tissues, pain location and muscle state. Strength of evidence was assessed for each analysis performed.ResultsForty studies were included in the review and 26 in the meta‐analysis as it focused only on studies using tonic pain. Overall, there was conflicting/moderate evidence of a diminution of corticospinal excitability during and after tonic pain. When considering only pain location, tonic hand and face pain induced a reduction in corticospinal excitability (limited evidence). Both muscle and cutaneous hand pain reduced corticospinal excitability (limited/conflicting evidence). Similar results were observed for phasic pain (limited evidence).ConclusionsOur results confirm the inhibitory effect of pain on corticospinal excitability for both tonic and phasic pain. This reduction was specific to hand and face pain. Also, both cutaneous and muscle hand pain reduced excitability. The strength of evidence remains limited/conflicting. More high‐quality studies are needed to confirm our conclusions.SignificanceThis study adds evidence on the effect of specific factors on the modulation of corticospinal excitability during/after experimental pain. The reduction in corticospinal excitability was driven by hand and face pain. We confirmed previous results that muscle pain reduces corticospinal excitability and provided evidence of a similar effect for cutaneous pain. Both models may inform on the influence of different types of pain on motor control. Future studies are needed to determine the origin of the effect of pain.