bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microcavity-Like Exciton-Polaritons can be the Primary Photoexcitation in Bare Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Rao Akshay , Pandya Raj , Chen Richard , Gu Qifei , Sung Jooyoug , Schnedermann Christoph , Ojambati Oluwafemi , Chikkaraddy Rohit , Gorman Jeffrey , Jacucci Gianni , Onelli Olimpia , Willhammar Tom , Johnstone Duncan , Collins Sean , Midgley Paul , Auras Florian , Baikie Tomi , Jayaprakash Rahul , Mathevet Fabrice , Soucek Richard , Du Mathew , Alvertis Antonios , Ashoka Arjun , Vignolini Silvia , Lidzey David , Baumberg Jeremy , Friend Richard , Barisien Thierry , Legrand Laurent , Chin Alex , Yuen-Zhou Joel , Saikin Semion , Kukura Philipp , Musser Andrew 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Exciton-polaritons (EPs) are quasiparticles formed by the hybridization of excitons with light modes. As organic semiconductors sustain stable excitons at room-temperature, these materials are being actively studied for room temperature polaritonic devices1–3. This is typically in the form of cavity-based systems, where molecules are confined between metallic or dielectric mirrors 4–6 or in a plasmonic gap 7,8. In such systems strong light-matter coupling gives rise to polariton splittings on the order of 200 to 300 meV 6. A wide range of phenomena have been demonstrated in cavity-polariton systems including super-fluidity9, precisely controlled chemical reactions10 and long-range energy propagation11. Here, using a range of chemically diverse model organic systems we show that interactions between excitons and moderately confined photonic states within the (thin) film can lead to the formation of EPs, with a defined lifetime, even in the absence of external cavities. We demonstrate the presence of EPs via angular dependent splittings in reflectivity spectra on the order of 30 meV and collective emission from ~5 ×107 coupled molecules. Additionally, we show that at room temperature these EPs can transport energy up to ~270 nm at velocities of ~5 ×106 m s-1. This propagation velocity and distance is sensitive to, and can be tuned by, the refractive index of the external environment. However, although sensitive to the nanoscale morphology the formation of the exciton-polariton states is a general phenomenon, independent of underlying materials chemistry, with the principal material requirements being a high oscillator strength per unit volume and low disorder. These results and design rules will enable the harnessing of EP effects for a new application in optoelectronics, light harvesting 9,12,13 and cavity controlled chemistry without the limiting requirement of an external cavity.
Geographic Confounding in Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Abdellaoui Abdel , Verweij Karin , Nivard Michel G 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Gene-environment correlations can bias associations between genetic variants and complex traits in genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Here, we control for geographic sources of gene-environment correlation in GWASs on 56 complex traits (N = 69,772–271,457). Controlling for geographic region significantly decreases heritability signals for SES-related traits, most strongly for educational attainment and income, indicating that socio-economic differences between regions induce gene-environment correlations that become part of the polygenic signal. For most other complex traits investigated, genetic correlations with educational attainment and income are significantly reduced, most significantly for traits related to BMI, sedentary behavior, and substance use. Controlling for current address has greater impact on the polygenic signal than birth place, suggesting both active and passive sources of gene-environment correlations. Our results show that societal sources of social stratification that extend beyond families introduce regional-level gene-environment correlations that affect GWAS results.
Mercury’s Ring Current: MESSENGER Observations and Test-Particle Simulations
Authors: Zhao Jiutong , Zong Qiugang , Yue Chao , Sun Weijie , Zhang Hui , Zhou Xuzhi , Le Guan , Rankin Robert , Slavin James , Raines JIM , Wei Yong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Energetic protons can carry a longitudinal electric current via their gradient and curvature drift around a planet and form a current system known as the ring current. The ring current has been observed in the intrinsic magnetosphere of Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn. However, there is still lacking evidence of ring current in Mercury’s magnetosphere, which contains significantly weaker and oppressive “dipolar” magnetic field and the charged particles are thought able to efficiently escape the magnetosphere through magnetopause shadowing and/or directly hitting the surface. Here we present the first observational evidence of Mercury ring current with the measurement of MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER). The ring current is bifurcated under moderate solar wind forcing, which is caused by the off-equatorial magnetic minima on the noon side and tends to vanish during weak solar wind forcing. This morphology is validated by a test-particle simulation with a Mercury’s dynamic magnetic field model. The total energy stored in the ring current exceeds 5x1010 J during active times, indicating that magnetic storms may also occur in Mercury’s magnetosphere.
Ubiquitous Organic Molecule-based Free-standing Nanowires with Ultra-high Aspect Ratios
Authors: Kamiya Koshi , Kamiya Kazuto , Nobuoka Masaki , Sakaguchi Shugo , Sakurai Tsuneaki , Idesaki Akira , Koshikawa Hiroshi , Sugimoto Masaki , Lakshmi G.B.V.S. , Avasthi D.K. , Seki Shu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The critical dimension of semiconductor devices is approaching the single-nm regime, and a variety of practical devices of this scale are targeted for production this decade. Planar structures of nano-devices are still the center of fabrication techniques, which limit further integration of devices into a chip. Extension into 3D space is a promising strategy for future device integration; however, the steep increase in the number of surfaces and their interaction in 3D nanospace make it hard to integrate nanostructures with aspect ratios over ~ 10. We report herein a unique technique to produce uniform free-standing 1D nanostructures with extremely high aspect ratios over 100, borrowing from technology developed for cancer radiotherapy with high-energy charged particles. Along the straight trajectory of particles penetrating the condensed phase of a variety of sublimable organic molecules, 1D nanowires were formed with single-nm thickness and perfectly controlled length. An all-dry process was developed to isolate the nanowire plexus, and hetero-junction structures could be facilely built into the nanowires by the new technique. Coaxial extension of nanowires by a chemical process allowed us to freely design the nanowires both in axial and radial directions.
Cerebralcare Granule® enhances memantine hydrochloride efficacy in APP/PS1 mice by ameliorating amyloid pathology and cognitive functions
Authors: Qiao Ou , Zhang Xinyu , Zhang Yi , Ji Haixia , Li Zhi , Han Xiaoying , Wang Wenzhe , Li Xia , Wang Juan , Liu Changxiao , Gao Wenyuan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory deficits and cognitive decline. Current drugs can only relieve symptoms, but cannot really cure AD. Cerebralcare granule® (CG) is a Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) containing a variety of biologically active compounds. In our previous studies, CG has shown a beneficial effect on memory impairment in mice caused by D-galactose. However, whether CG can be used as a complementary medicine for the treatment of AD remains unexplored. Here, we use a combination of CG and memantine hydrochloride (Mm) to treat Alzheimer-like pathology and investigate the effects and mechanisms in vivo.
Methods

The histology of brain was examined with Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Golgi staining and Thioflavin S staining. ELISA was applied to assess the expression levels or activities of CAT, SOD, GSH-Px, MDA, alanine aminotr-ansferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL) in serum, as well as the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the mice brain. Western blotting was used to assess the expression of β-secretase (BACE1), amyloid precursor protein (APP), APPβ, APPα, synaptophysin (SYN), growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43), and postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95).
Results

In the present study, the combination group (CG + Mm) significantly attenuated Alzheimer-like behavior without adverse effects in APP/PS1 mice, indicating its high degree of safety and efficacy after long-term treatment. CG + Mm reduced AD pathological biomarker Aβ plaque accumulation by inhibiting BACE1 and APP expression, while Mm has no similar effect. Besides, the combination group markedly inhibited the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the hippocampus, as well as activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in serum. By contrast, the combination group improved synaptic dysfunction by enhancing SYN, PSD95, and GAP43 expression.
Conclusions

Taken together, these data supported the notion that CG might ameliorate the cognitive impairment through multiple pathways, suggesting that CG could play a role as complementary medicine to increase anti-AD effect of chemical drugs by reducing Aβ deposition, neuroinflammation, oxidative damage, and improving synaptic.
Tensile Mechanical Properties of Natural Fibre Composites – A Statistical Approach
Authors: LAOUICI Hamdi , Benkhelladi Asma , Bouchoucha Ali 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The main objective and the originality of this work are to create a hybrid-natural fibre composite by the RMS method. Hybrid composites are manufactured by combining two or more dissimilar kinds of fibre in a single matrix. In the first section, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using a Box-Behnken experimental design and the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) are applied to investigate the effects of the type of fibres, chemical treatment, volume fraction and treatment time on the mechanical properties (ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus) in the tensile quasi-static loading when used two resins namely, epoxy and polyester. In the studied range, statistical analysis of the results showed that selected variables had a significant effect on the mechanical properties, except the treatment time that has a very weak significance effect on the mechanical properties. Then, to maximize the mechanical properties, the optimal conditions coded by RSM were found: the type of fibres (X 1 ) of [-0.28 and -0.33], the chemical treatment (X 2 ) of -1, the volume fraction of fibre (X 3 ) of 1 and the treatment duration (X 4 ) of [-0.97 and -1] for epoxy resin matrix. Similarly, when used the polyester resin matrix; the type of fibres (X 1 ) of -0.26, the chemical treatment (X 2 ) of -1, the volume fraction (X 3 ) of 0.99 and the sinking time (X 4 ) of [-0.94 and -0.93]. The obtained optimum parameters were confirmed experimentally in the second section
Lipogenic Potency of Individual Perfluorinated Alkyl Acids (PFAAs) and Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) Mixtures at Human Blood-Based Exposure Levels on Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Cells
Authors: Xie Yuling , Berntsen H.F. , Zimmer K.E. , Ropstad E. , Verhaegen S. , Connolly L. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background In recent decades, the incidence of metabolic disorders has increased internationally. This increase has been linked to exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) but little is known about the metabolic effects of realistic human exposure mixtures at relevant concentrations. Objectives In this study we tested if POPs, representing real life exposure profiles and concentrations, were able to disrupt development and functions of adipose tissue in a direct way. Methods The lipogenic potency of a POP mixture modelled on levels found in human blood as detected in the Scandinavian population was assessed. The Total mixture comprises 29 compounds divided over three groups: chlorinated (Cl), brominated (Br), and perfluorinated compounds (PFAA). Individual PFAA chemicals, the Total mixture, and sub-mixtures (Cl, Br, PFAA, Cl + Br, Cl + PFAA, and Br + PFAA) at five (× 1/10, × 1, × 50, × 100, and × 500) human blood levels were tested in an optimised high content analysis (HCA) 3T3-L1 adipogenesis assay. Results Individual PFAAs; perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) promoted lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. The Total mixture, and the Cl, PFAA, Cl + Br, and Cl + PFAA sub-mixtures, promoted adipogenic differentiation and lipid accumulation. Increased lipid accumulation promoted adipose tissue expansion. Conclusions To the authors knowledge, this is the first in vitro bioassay study assessing the adipogenic effects of POP mixtures modelled on real-life human exposure levels. The findings highlight that such exposures may alter adipose tissue development and function, thus potentially playing a role in the globally increasing escalation of metabolic disorders.
Chitosan-Graft-Poly(N-Tert-Butylacrylamide) Copolymer: Synthesis, Characterization and Optimization of Tetracycline Removal Using RSM
Authors: Tanyol Mehtap , Torğut Gülben 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In present study, graft copolymer was synthesized by free radical method using N-tertiary butylacrylamide monomer on chitosan which is an environment friendly polymer. The chemical structure and the surface morphology of the newly synthesized graft copolymer were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Thermal behavior was analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). To investigate the applicability of chitosan-graft-poly(N‑tert‑butylacrylamide) graft copolymer, it was used as an adsorbent for rapidly removal of tetracycline from aqueous solution. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for the optimization of the study conditions such as adsorbent dosage (0.01–0.04 g), reaction time (10–90 minutes), and initial tetracycline concentration (10–100 mg 100 mL− 1). The effects of these conditions on tetracycline uptake capacity were examined by RSM and the results were statistically analyzed. The RSM results showed that maximum tetracycline uptake capacity (104.81 mg g− 1) was achieved at the adsorbent dose of 0.03 mg 100 mL− 1, reaction time of 51.12 minutes, and initial tetracycline concentration of 97.99 mg L− 1. ANOVA analysis based on central composite design combined with RSM showed good agreement between experimental values and quadratic model estimates, thus resulting in 0.9118 R2 for tetracycline uptake. The findings demonstrated chitosan-graft-poly(N‑tert‑butylacrylamide) copolymer is an effective adsorbent for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.
The Safety, Efficacy, and Tolerability of Microbial Ecosystem Therapeutic-2 in People With Major Depressive Disorder and/or Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Phase 1, Open-Label Study
Authors: Meyyappan Arthi Chinna , Forth Evan , Milev Roumen 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Recent studies have investigated the potential of treatments that modify the gut microbiome, such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotics, in individuals with psychiatric illnesses. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a novel gut microbiome therapeutic, Microbial Ecosystem Therapuetic-2 (MET-2), in people with depression and anxiety. Methods: In this phase 1, open-label trial, twelve adults diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and/or Generalized Anxiety Disorder were recruited. Participants consumed orally once daily an encapsulated microbial therapeutic, containing 40 strains of bacteria purified and lab-grown from a single healthy donor stool, for 8 weeks. Participants were assessed biweekly using clinical scales and questionnaires in order to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of the therapeutic. Results: The therapeutic was found to be generally safe and tolerable, with limited adverse events and side effects, and no serious adverse events. Of the twelve individuals included in this study, nine responded to treatment (50% improvement in MADRS and/or GAD-7 scores from baseline to week 8 visit). Over the course of 10 weeks MET-2 significantly decreased mean MADRS and GAD-7 scores, MADRS [F (5, 55) = 8.784, p<0.0001 and GAD-7 F (5,55) = 9.638, p<0.0001]. Conclusion: The findings of this study are the first to provide evidence for the role of microbial ecosystem therapy in treating depression and anxiety. However, a double-blind, randomized controlled trial with a larger sample size is needed for more conclusive results. Trial Registration: This study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04052451) on 09/08/2019.
Analysis of Alprostadil Injection in Real-World Usage and a Review of Literatures
Authors: Yan Jingchao , Shen Jianwen , Li Ling , Huang Taomin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background：The irrational use of medicines has become a major problem worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than half of all medicines are prescribed, dispensed, or sold inappropriately, and advised the pursuit of the responsible use of medicines.In China regulations require that a pharmacist must audit the prescription.Alprostadil injection is a vasodilator and an inhibitor of platelet aggregation There is no obvious or clear indication for its use in the ear, nose and throat (ENT) Department. It came to our notice that in our hospital, alprostadil injection has been prescribed in the ENT Outpatient Department to treat some diseases. Aim: This utilization review on the use of alprostadil injection was carried out in the ear, nose and throat (ENT) Outpatient Department of our hospital to determine its utilization patterns and promote its rational use. Methods: A prescription survey was conducted, and detailed demographic information, including the patient’s age, gender, diagnosis and so on, were recorded in an Excel spreadsheet. The rationality for these prescriptions were retrospectively evaluated.Results: Based on the evaluation results, all alprostadil injections were found to be used off label in the Otolaryngology Department. Furthermore, 98.3% of the prescriptions were for the treatment of sudden hearing loss, 1.1% of the prescriptions for the diagnosis of hypoacusis were considered empirical and should have been more specific, and 0.6% of the prescriptions were for the treatment of Ménière’s disease and large vestibular aqueduct syndrome. There were various dosage regimens for alprostadil injection in clinical practice. However, there was no statistically significant difference in dosage between the different age groups. Moreover, most of the alprostadil injections were given by IV bolus, while 12.2% of patients received this by intravenous drip.Conclusion: The present review indicated that improvements should be made in the quality of prescriptions for alprostadil injection in the Otolaryngology Outpatient Department. Furthermore, there is no strong evidence to support the use of high doses. Future audits of such use may be combined with an awareness campaign to reduce and discourage the irrational use of off label medications.
Impact of the First COVID-19 wWave on Surgical Training in Flanders: Are we Losing Competence?
Authors: Brouwers Jonas , Leyn Paul De , Depypere Lieven 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously impacted the healthcare system and residency programs worldwide. Surgical residents were redeployed to COVID-19 units whereas education and scientific didactics were reduced. The aim of this study is to identify the impact of COVID-19 on Flemish surgical residents’ education, personal life and volume of performed surgeries.METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective survey on educational and personal impact during the first COVID-19 wave was administered anonymously to all surgical residents in Flanders. A quantitative comparison of performed surgeries during this period and the same period a year earlier was conducted. RESULTS: 193 surgical residents (46%) completed the survey. 63% of residents were no longer admitted to multidisciplinary oncologic meetings and 107 (55%) residents had no longer any scientific meetings at all. 46% of the residents indicated more than 50% reduction in time in the operating theater. 31% of residents was involved in care for COVID-19 positive surgical patients. 78% of the residents experienced a negative impact on their surgical training and 41% experienced a negative influence on their private situation. Performed surgical cases during the COVID-19 period were on average 40% less for second, third- and fourth-year residents.CONCLUSION: Surgical residents perceived a high negative impact on personal and professional lives during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Flanders. Education and training programs were cancelled and volume of performed surgeries decreased tremendously. Policymakers and surgical program coordinators should ensure surgical education during further evolution of this and future pandemics.
Brass Wire Forming By Friction Stir Back Extrusion: Numerical Modeling and Experiment
Authors: Akbari Mostafa , Asadi Parviz 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Friction stir back extrusion (FSBE) is used to produce brass wires and then, Numerical modeling is developed to simulate the FSBE of brass based on the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian technique (CEL) and verified by experiments. Next, the effects of FSBE parameters such as tool rotational and plunging speed on the strain and temperature distributions, microstructure, and patterns of material flow are studied. The results show that, the highest temperature and strain occurs near the tool/workpiece interface, but in a further distance from the tool axis. Additionally, in the cross section of a FSBE wire, the microstructure is finer in the periphery of the sample. A higher rotational speed or a lower plunging speed results in a coarser microstructure. The material flow pattern during the process is conical helix, and does not change meaningfully by the process parameters. The points at the further distance from the tool axis, along with an upward movement, experience an inward spiral movement which is amplified by higher rotational speed. However, the materials very near the tool axis almost take an upward movement and endure a very lower strain.