bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NaYF4-based upconverting nanoparticles with optimized phosphonate coatings for chemical stability and viability of human endothelial cells
Authors: Lisjak Darja , Vozlič Maša , Kostiv Uliana , Horák Daniel , Majaron Boris , Kralj Slavko , Zajc Irena , Žiberna Lovro , Ponikvar-Svet Maja 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The increasing interest in upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) in biodiagnostics and therapy fuels the development of biocompatible UCNPs platforms. UCNPs are typically nanocrystallites of rare-earth fluorides codoped with Yb3+ and Er3+ or Tm3+. The most studied UCNPs are based on NaYF4 but are not chemically stable in water. They dissolve significantly in the presence of phosphates. To prevent any adverse effects on the UCNPs induced by cellular phosphates, the surfaces of UCNPs must be made chemically inert and stable by suitable coatings. We studied the effect of various phosphonate coatings on chemical stability and in vitro cytotoxicity of the Yb3+,Er3+-codoped NaYF4 UCNPs in human endothelial cells obtained from cellular line Ea.hy926. Cell viability of endothelial cells was determined using the resazurin-based assay after the short-term (15 min), and long-term (24 h and 48 h) incubations with UCNPs dispersed in cell-culture medium. The coatings were obtained from tertaphosphonic acid (EDTMP), sodium alendronate and poly(ethylene glycol)-neridronate. Regardless of the coating conditions, 1 − 2 nm-thick amorphous surface layers were observed on the UCNPs with transmission electron microscopy. The upconversion fluorescence was measured in the dispersions of all UCNPs. Surafce quenching in aqueous suspensions of the UCNPs was reduced by the coatings. The dissolution degree of the UCNPs was determined from the concentration of dissolved fluoride measured with ion-selective electrode after the ageing of UCNPs in water, physiological buffer (i.e., phosphate-buffered saline—PBS) and cell-culture medium. The phosphonate coatings prepared at 80 °C significantly suppressed the dissolution of UCNPs in PBS while only minor dissolution of bare and coated UCNPs was measured in water and cell-culture medium. The viability of human endothelial cells was significantly reduced when incubated with UCNPs, but it increased with the improved chemical stability of UCNPs by the phosphonate coatings with negligible cytotoxicity when coated with EDTMP at 80 °C.
Wound healing properties of a fibrin-based dermal replacement scaffold
Authors: Brown Stuart J , Surti Farhana , Sibbons Paul , Hook Lilian 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
When serious cutaneous injury occurs, the innate wound healing process attempts to restore the skin’s appearance and function. Wound healing outcome is affected by factors such as contraction, revascularisation, regeneration versus fibrosis and re-epithelialisation and is also strongly influenced by the pattern and extent of damage to the dermal layer. Dermal replacement scaffolds have been designed to substitute for lost tissue, provide a structure to promote dermal regeneration, and aid skin grafting, resulting in a superior healing outcome. In this study the wound healing properties of a novel fibrin-alginate dermal scaffold were assessed in the porcine wound healing model and also compared to two widely used dermal scaffolds and grafting alone. The fibrin-alginate scaffold, unlike the other scaffolds tested, is not used in combination with an overlying skin graft. Fibrin scaffold treated wounds showed increased, sustained superficial blood flow and reduced contraction during early healing while showing comparable wound closure, re-epithelialisation and final wound outcome to other treatments. The increase in early wound vascularisation coupled with a decrease in contraction and no requirement for a skin graft suggest that the fibrin-based scaffold could provide an effective, distinctive treatment option to improve healing outcomes in human patients.
Analysis of anomalous transport based on radial fractional diffusion equation
Authors: WU Kaibang , WEI Lai , WANG Zhengxiong 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Anomalous transport in magnetically confined plasmas is investigated by radial fractional transport equations. It is shown that for fractional transport models, hollow density profiles are formed and uphill transports can be observed regardless of whether the fractional diffusion coefficients (FDCs) are radially dependent or not. When a radially dependent FDC

D

α

r

<
1

is imposed, compared with the case under

D

α

r

=
1.0
,

it is observed that the position of the peak of the density profile is closer to the core. Further, it is found that when FDCs at the positions of source injections increase, the peak values of density profiles decrease. The non-local effect becomes significant as the order of fractional derivative

α
→
1

and causes the uphill transport. However, as

α
→
2
,

the fractional diffusion model returns to the standard model governed by Fick’s law.
Interaction between energetic-ions and internal kink modes in a weak shear tokamak plasma
Authors: ZHU Xiaolong , WANG Feng , CHEN Wei , WANG Zhengxiong 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Based on the conventional tokamak HL-2A-like parameters and profiles, the linear properties and the nonlinear dynamics of non-resonant kink mode (NRK) and non-resonant fishbone instability (NRFB) in reversed shear tokamak plasmas are investigated by using the global hybrid kinetic-magnetohydrodynamic nonlinear code M3D-K. This work mainly focuses on the effect of passing energetic-ions on the NRK and NRFB instabilities, which is different from the previous works. It is demonstrated that the NRFB can be destabilized by the passing energetic-ions when the energetic-ion beta β
h exceeds a critical value. The transition from NRK to NRFB occurs when the energetic-ion beta β
h increases to above a critical value. The resonance condition responsible for the excitation of NRFB is interestingly found to be satisfied at ω
t + ω
p ≈ ω, where ω
t is the toroidal motion frequency, ω
p is the poloidal motion frequency and ω is the mode frequency. The nonlinear evolutions of NRFB’s mode structures and Poincaré plots are also analyzed in this work and it is found that the NRFB can induce evident energetic-ion loss/redistribution, which can degrade the performance of the plasmas. These findings are conducive to understanding the mechanisms of NRFB induced energetic-ion loss/redistribution through nonlinear wave-particle interaction.
Analytical study on discharge process of multiphase air-core pulsed alternators
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wen Xuhui , Li Wenchao , Wei Jialin , Zhang Xiaofeng , Wang Youlong 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This paper has investigated the discharge process of a four-phase air-core pulsed alternator. A mathematical model of the short-circuit current, relating to firing angles of discharge thyristors and taking the current coupling and field current attenuation into account, is established. Compared with the conventional trial-and-error method and existing phase peak current model, the proposed model has considered the attenuation trend of the field current in the discharge process and derived the intuitive expression of the resultant short-circuit current. Firstly, the state equation model of a four-phase air-core pulsed alternator is established. Meanwhile, the simulation comparison indicates that the results of the state equation model are close to the finite-element model. Then, the segmented formula of resultant short-circuit current is derived based on the voltage equations of the armature winding circuits and the approximate attenuation coefficient of the field current. Finally, the segmented formula is verified with the finite-element method, and some preliminary experiments for field windings are carried out. The results show that this method can well describe the decay trend of field current and discharge current. It is helpful for selecting firing angles to generate the desired current amplitude and waveform in the future.
American poetry’s two characteristics
Authors: Caplan David 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
“American poetry’s two characteristics” explains the two characteristics which mark American poetry. On the one hand, several of its major figures promoted American poetry as essentially different from any other nation’s. Although the reasons they offer vary, they typically claim that American experience demands a different kind of expression. Such poets advocate for novelty, for a break with what is perceived to be outmoded and foreign. On the other hand, American poetry might be more rightly called profoundly transnational. American poetry often welcomes techniques, styles, and traditions originating from outside it. The two characteristics do not exist separately from each other. Rather, they work in a productive dialectic, inspiring both individual accomplishment and the broader field. Examples include Anne Bradstreet, Elizabeth Bishop, Wallace Stevens, and Langston Hughes.
Cognitive Benefits of Learning Additional Languages in Old Adulthood? Insights from an Intensive Longitudinal Intervention Study
Authors: Kliesch Maria , Pfenninger Simone E , Wieling Martijn , Stark Elisabeth , Meyer Martin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Second language (L2) learning has been promoted as a promising intervention to stave off age-related cognitive decline. While previous studies based on mean trends showed inconclusive results, this study is the first to investigate nonlinear cognitive trajectories across a 30-week training period. German-speaking older participants (aged 64–75 years) enrolled for a Spanish course, strategy game training (active control) or movie screenings (passive control). We assessed cognitive performance in working memory, alertness, divided attention, and verbal fluency on a weekly basis. Trajectories were modeled using Generalized Additive Mixed Models to account for temporally limited transfer effects and intra-individual variation in cognitive performance. Our results provide no evidence of cognitive improvement differing between the Spanish and either of the control groups during any phase of the training period. We did, however, observe an effect of baseline cognition, such that individuals with low cognitive baselines increased their performance more in the L2 group than comparable individuals in the control groups. We discuss these findings against the backdrop of the cognitive training literature and Complex Dynamic Systems Theory.
Cold winters have morph-specific effects on natal dispersal distance in a wild raptor
Authors: Passarotto Arianna , Morosinotto Chiara , Brommer Jon E , Aaltonen Esa , Ahola Kari , Karstinen Teuvo , Karell Patrik 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Dispersal is a key process with crucial implications in spatial distribution, density, and genetic structure of species’ populations. Dispersal strategies can vary according to both individual and environmental features, but putative phenotype-by-environment interactions have rarely been accounted for. Melanin-based color polymorphism is a phenotypic trait associated with specific behavioral and physiological profiles and is, therefore, a good candidate trait to study dispersal tactics in different environments. Here, using a 40 years dataset of a population of color polymorphic tawny owls (Strix aluco), we investigated natal dispersal distance of recruiting gray and pheomelanic reddish-brown (hereafter brown) color morphs in relation to post-fledging winter temperature and individual characteristics. Because morphs are differently sensitive to cold winters, we predicted that morphs’ natal dispersal distances vary according to winter conditions. Winter temperature did not affect the proportion of brown (or gray) among recruits. We found that dispersal distances correlate with winter temperature in an opposite manner in the two morphs. Although the gray morph undertakes larger movements in harsher conditions, likely because it copes better with winter severity, the brown morph disperses shorter distances when winters are harsher. We discuss this morph-specific natal dispersal pattern in the context of competition for territories between morphs and in terms of costs and benefits of these alternative strategies. Our results stress the importance of considering the interaction between phenotype and environment to fully disentangle dispersal movement patterns and provide further evidence that climate affects the behavior and local distribution of this species.
An enhanced cascade-based deep forest model for drug combination prediction
Authors: Lin Weiping , Wu Lianlian , Zhang Yixin , Wen Yuqi , Yan Bowei , Dai Chong , Liu Kunhong , He Song , Bo Xiaochen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Combination therapy has shown an obvious curative effect on complex diseases, whereas the search space of drug combinations is too large to be validated experimentally even with high-throughput screens. With the increase of the number of drugs, artificial intelligence techniques, especially machine learning methods, have become applicable for the discovery of synergistic drug combinations to significantly reduce the experimental workload. In this study, in order to predict novel synergistic drug combinations in various cancer cell lines, the cell line-specific drug-induced gene expression profile (GP) is added as a new feature type to capture the cellular response of drugs and reveal the biological mechanism of synergistic effect. Then, an enhanced cascade-based deep forest regressor (EC-DFR) is innovatively presented to apply the new small-scale drug combination dataset involving chemical, physical and biological (GP) properties of drugs and cells. Verified by the dataset, EC-DFR outperforms two state-of-the-art deep neural network-based methods and several advanced classical machine learning algorithms. Biological experimental validation performed subsequently on a set of previously untested drug combinations further confirms the performance of EC-DFR. What is more prominent is that EC-DFR can distinguish the most important features, making it more interpretable. By evaluating the contribution of each feature type, GP feature contributes 82.40%, showing the cellular responses of drugs may play crucial roles in synergism prediction. The analysis based on the top contributing genes in GP further demonstrates some potential relationships between the transcriptomic levels of key genes under drug regulation and the synergism of drug combinations.
Antibiotic prophylaxis for acute cholecystectomy: PEANUTS II multicentre randomized non-inferiority clinical trial
Authors: van Braak Willemieke G. , Ponten Jeroen E. H. , Loozen Charlotte S. , Schots Judith P. M. , van Geloven Anna A. W. , Donkervoort Sandra C. , Nieuwenhuijzen Grard A. P. , Besselink Marc G. , van Heek Tjarda N. T. , de Reuver Philip R. , Vlaminckx Bart , Kelder Johannes C. , Knibbe Catherijne A. J. , van Santvoort Hjalmar C. , Boerma Djamila 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Guidelines recommending antibiotic prophylaxis at emergency cholecystectomy for cholecystitis were based on low-quality evidence. The aim of this trial was to demonstrate that omitting antibiotics is not inferior to their prophylactic use.

Methods
This multicentre, randomized, open-label, non-inferiority clinical trial randomly assigned adults with mild-to-moderate acute calculous cholecystitis (immediate cholecystectomy indicated) to 2 g cefazolin administered before incision or no antibiotic prophylaxis. The primary endpoint was a composite of all postoperative infectious complications in the first 30 days after surgery. Secondary endpoints included all individual components of the primary endpoint, other morbidity, and duration of hospital stay.

Results
Sixteen of 226 patients (7.1 per cent) in the single-dose prophylaxis group and 29 of 231 (12.6 per cent) in the no-prophylaxis group developed postoperative infectious complications (absolute difference 5.5 (95 per cent c.i. −0.4 to 11.3) per cent). With a non-inferiority margin of 10 per cent, non-inferiority of no prophylaxis was not proven. The number of surgical-site infections was significantly higher in the no-prophylaxis group (5.3 versus 12.1 per cent; P = 0.010). No differences were observed in the number of other complications, or duration of hospital stay.

Conclusion
Omitting antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Delta Outbreak Among Fully Vaccinated Nursing Home Residents Likely Initiated by a Fully Vaccinated Staff Member – Connecticut, July–August 2021
Authors: Bart Stephen M , Harizaj Adora , Pearson Claire L , Conteh Tiara , Grogan Erin , Downing Randy , Kirking Hannah L , Tate Jacqueline E , Jernigan John A , Leung Vivian 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
During July–August 2021, a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak involving 21 residents (all fully vaccinated) and 10 staff (9 fully vaccinated) occurred in a Connecticut nursing home. The outbreak was likely initiated by a fully vaccinated staff member and propagated by fully vaccinated persons. Prior COVID-19 was protective among vaccinated residents.
Reassessing Ireland’s economic development through the lens of sustainable development
Authors: Mcgrath Luke , Hynes Stephen , Mchale John 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
After a century of Irish independence, this study constructs long run Genuine Savings estimates, a leading economic indicator of sustainable development, to reassess Irish economic history from the vantage of sustainable development. The main difference uncovered surrounds the post-1950 period where Ireland failed to achieve economic convergence and was considered an economic failure in growth terms. From a sustainability perspective, Ireland may have been an overachiever during a “great transition” of sustainable development driven by improved institutions and policies. The findings show the value of the sustainable development perspective in shedding new light on a country’s development experience.
The neglected members of the family: non-BRCAmutations in the Fanconi anemia/BRCA pathway and reproduction
Authors: Vanni Valeria Stella , Campo Giovanni , Cioffi Raffaella , Papaleo Enrico , Salonia Andrea , Viganò Paola , Lambertini Matteo , Candiani Massimo , Meirow Dror , Orvieto Raoul 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDBReast CAncer (BRCA) genes are extensively studied in the context of fertility and reproductive aging. BRCA proteins are part of the DNA repair Fanconi anemia (FA)/BRCA pathway, in which more than 20 proteins are implicated. According to which gene is mutated and which interactions are lost owing to the mutation, carriers and patients with monoallelic or biallelic FA/BRCA mutations exhibit very different phenotypes, from overt FA to cancer predisposition or no pathological implications. The effect of the so far neglected non-BRCA FA mutations on fertility also deserves consideration.OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALEAs improved treatments allow a longer life expectancy in patients with biallelic FA mutations and overt FA, infertility is emerging as a predominant feature. We thus reviewed the mechanisms for such a manifestation, as well as whether they also occur in monoallelic carriers of FA non-BRCA mutations.SEARCH METHODSElectronic databases PUBMED, EMBASE and CENTRAL were searched using the following term: ‘fanconi’ OR ‘FANC’ OR ‘AND’ ‘fertility’ OR ‘pregnancy’ OR ‘ovarian reserve’ OR ‘spermatogenesis’ OR ‘hypogonadism’. All pertinent reports in the English-language literature were retrieved until May 2021 and the reference lists were systematically searched in order to identify any potential additional studies.OUTCOMESBiallelic FA mutations causing overt FA disease are associated with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) occurring in the fourth decade in women and with primary non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) in men. Hypogonadism in FA patients seems mainly associated with a defect in primordial germ cell proliferation in fetal life. In recent small, exploratory whole-exome sequencing studies, biallelic clinically occult mutations in the FA complementation group A (Fanca) and M (Fancm) genes were found in otherwise healthy patients with isolated NOA or POI, and also monoallelic carrier status for a loss-of-function mutation in Fanca has been implicated as a possible cause for POI. In those patients with known monoallelic FA mutations undergoing pre-implantation genetic testing, poor assisted reproduction outcomes are reported. However, the mechanisms underlying the repeated failures and the high miscarriage rates observed are not fully known.WIDER IMPLICATIONSThe so far ‘neglected’ members of the FA/BRCA family will likely emerge as a relevant focus of investigation in the genetics of reproduction. Several (rather than a single) non-BRCA genes might be implicated. State-of-the-art methods, such as whole-genome/exome sequencing, and further exploratory studies are required to understand the prevalence and mechanisms for occult FA mutations in infertility and recurrent miscarriage.
Analysis of local qualitative cancer patient experience alongside the 2019 results of the UK National Cancer Patient Experience Survey
Authors: Dalby Melanie , Hill Alison , Nabhani-Gebara Shereen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objectives
This study analyses data from local qualitative interviewing about what matters most to patients with information from the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (NCPES) to formulate an accurate improvement plan. This study seeks to provide a deeper analysis of the results of the 2019 NCPES.

Methods
Qualitative data were collected through a focus group, telephone and virtual interviews from patients in North East London. Ten questions from the NCPES were asked. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using an NVivo framework matrix. The results were analysed considering the 2019 National Cancer Patient Experience report.

Key findings
In total, 17 patients and 4 carers participated. The interview answers provided a more in-depth response when compared with the NCPES results, allowing for a deeper understanding of patient experience. This provided an insightful understanding of what matters most to our patients.

Conclusions
The NCPES results are not always reflective of the patient population. Limitations of the survey make it hard for healthcare providers to develop accurate improvement plans. It is important to use other data sources such as qualitative interviewing alongside the NCPES. The data collated during this study have been used to identify themes and deliverables for achievable and sustainable improvements to be made.