bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isoprenylated Flavonoids as Cav3.1 Low Voltage-Gated Ca2+ Channel Inhibitors from Salvia digitaloides
Authors: Zhao Jian-Jun , Li Song-Yu , Xia Fan , Hu Ya-Li , Nian Yin , Xu Gang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSaldigones A–C (1, 3, 4), three new isoprenylated flavonoids with diverse flavanone, pterocarpan, and isoflavanone architectures, were characterized from the roots of Salvia digitaloides, together with a known isoprenylated flavanone (2). Notably, it’s the first report of isoprenylated flavonoids from Salvia species. The structures of these isolates were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. All of the compounds were evaluated for their activities on Cav3.1 low voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (LVGCC), of which 2 strongly and dose-dependently inhibited Cav3.1 peak current.
Graphic Abstract
Substantial thermoelectric enhancement achieved by manipulating the band structure and dislocations in Ag and La co-doped SnTe
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Zhang Zhongwei , Liu Chengyan , Gao Jie , Ye Zhenyuan , Chen Chunguang , Peng Ying , Bai Xiaobo , Miao Lei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEco-friendly SnTe based thermoelectric materials are intensively studied recently as candidates to replace PbTe; yet the thermoelectric performance of SnTe is suppressed by its intrinsically high carrier concentration and high thermal conductivity. In this work, we confirm that the Ag and La co-doping can be applied to simultaneously enhance the power factor and reduce the thermal conductivity, contributing to a final promotion of figure of merit. On one hand, the carrier concentration and band offset between valence bands are concurrently reduced, promoting the power factor to a highest value of ∼2436 µW·m−1·K−2 at 873 K. On the other hand, lots of dislocations (∼3.16×107 mm−2) associated with impurity precipitates are generated, resulting in the decline of thermal conductivity to a minimum value of 1.87 W·m−1·K−1 at 873 K. As a result, a substantial thermoelectric performance enhancement up to zT ≈ 1.0 at 873 K is obtained for the sample Sn0.94Ag0.09La0.05Te, which is twice that of the pristine SnTe (zT ≈ 0.49 at 873 K). This strategy of synergistic manipulation of electronic band and microstructures via introducing rare earth elements could be applied to other systems to improve thermoelectric performance.
A posteriori error estimates for a multi-scale finite-element method
Authors: Ahmed Blal Khallih , Allam Brahim , Mghazli Zoubida 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe are interested in the discretization of a diffusion problem with highly oscillating coefficient, by a multi-scale finite-element method (MsFEM). The objective of this method is to capture the multi-scale structure of the solution via local basis functions which contain the essential information on small scales. In this paper, we perform an a posteriori analysis of this discretization. The main result consists of building error indicators with respect to both small and large meshes used in this method. We present a numerical test in which the experiments are in good coherency with the results of analysis.
Experimental investigation of granular friction behaviors during reciprocating sliding
Authors: Zhang Xuejie , Sun Wei , Wang Wei , Liu Kun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractGranular friction behaviors are crucial for understanding the ubiquitous packing and flow phenomena in nature and industrial production. In this study, a customized experimental apparatus that can simultaneously measure the time history of normal and tangential forces on the inside-shearing unit is employed to investigate the granular friction behaviors during a linear reciprocating sliding process. It is observed that the evolution behaviors of two normal forces distributed separately on the shearing unit can qualitatively reflect the effects of the force chain network. During the half-loop of the reciprocating sliding, the total normal force, which indicates the load-bearing capacity of the granular system, experiences the following typical stages: decreases abruptly and stabilizes momentarily, further decreases significantly to the minimum, gradually increases to the maximum, and then remains stable. These stages are associated closely with the relaxation, collapse, reconstruction, and stabilization of the force chain, respectively. Interestingly, the coefficient of friction (COF) can reach a stable value rapidly within the initial sliding stage and subsequently remain constant. The average COF within stable ranges decreases significantly with the external load G in the power-function form, G−0.5. Meanwhile, the COF increases slightly with the sliding velocity. Finally, a complete illustration of the dependences of the granular COF on the external load and sliding velocity is provided. Our study contributes to granular friction research by providing an innovative experimental approach for directly measuring the COF and implicitly correlating the evolution of the force chain network.
Stackelberg Game-Based Radio Resource Management Algorithm in an Urban Rail Transit Communication System
Authors: Shao Yingxia , Jiang Hailin , Zhao Hongli 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTrain-to-wayside (T2W) and train-to-train (T2T) communication modes may coexist in future train-centric communication-based train control (CBTC) systems. The feasibility of T2T communication in urban rail transit is analyzed first. Referring to the device-to-device (D2D) communication scenario in the general cellular network, this paper establishes a radio resource optimization model for the coexistence of train-to-train communication and train-to-wayside communication. With the aim of more efficient scheduling of radio time-frequency resources in the dedicated frequency band, we propose a Stackelberg game-based radio resource management algorithm based on the consideration of different service priorities of trains. The analysis and simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively guarantee the performance of the system and improve the reliability of the CBTC system.
An Unusual Presentation of Pyelonephritis: Is It COVID-19 Related?
Authors: van ‘t Hof L. J. , Pellikaan L. , Soonawala D. , Roshani H. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn severe cases of COVID-19, late complications such as coagulopathy and organ injury are increasingly described. In milder cases of the disease, the exact time frame and causal path of late-onset complications have not yet been determined. Although direct and indirect renal injury by SARS-CoV-2 has been confirmed, hemorrhagic renal infection or coagulative problems in the urinary tract have not yet been described. This case report describes a 35-year-old female without relevant medical history who, five days after having recovered from infection with SARS-CoV-2, had an unusual course of acute pyelonephritis of the right kidney and persistent fever under targeted antibiotic treatment. A hemorrhagic ureteral obstruction and severe swollen renal parenchyma preceded the onset of fever and was related to the developing pyelonephritis. Sudden thrombotic venous occlusion in the right eye appeared during admission. Symmetrical paresthesia in the limbs in combination with severe lower back pain and gastro-intestinal complaints also occurred and remained unexplained despite thorough investigation. We present the unusual combination of culture-confirmed bacterial hemorrhagic pyelonephritis with a blood clot in the proximal right ureter, complicated by retinal vein thrombosis, in a patient who had recovered from SARS-CoV-2-infection five days before presentation. The case is suspect of a COVID-19-related etiology.
SLM Simulation and MonteCarlo Path Tracing for Computer-Generated Holograms
Authors: Magallón Juan , Blesa Alfonso , Serón Francisco 
Published: April 2021

AbstractComputer holography is a growing research field that must pay attention to two main issues concerning computing effort: the visualization of a 3D virtual scene with photo-realistic quality and the bottleneck related to hologram digitizalition and visualization limits. This work shows a computational approach based on a Monte Carlo path-tracing algorithm, which accounts for both geometrical and physical phenomena involved in hologram generation, and, therefore, makes a feasible estimation of computing time costs. As these holograms also require yet unavailable visualization devices, their behavior needs to be simulated by computer techniques.
Measurements and Approximations for Submicron‐Aerosol Size Distribution Functions
Authors: Chkhetiani O. G. , Gledzer E. B. , Vazaeva N. V. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractResults of field measurements taken in the near‐Caspian (2002, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016 years) and near‐Aral sea (1998) deserts under the conditions of weak winds (almost in the absence of saltation processes) and strong heating of the land surface are given. These results show that the fine mineral dust aerosol (0.1–1 m) considerably contributes to the total aerosol content of the atmospheric surface layer under such conditions. The scaling of daytime mean size distribution at a height of 2 m is approximated by dependence , where changes from 4 to 6 for different years of measurements, in contrary to the law for fraction m. Different compositions of aerosol particles at m and m, including multicomponent fractions (less than m) may result in different probabilities of their integration and disintegration. It is hypothesized that the equilibrium distribution of submicron aerosol is a result of sequential disintegration of aerosol particles with a possibility for their reintegration. The simplest distribution approximations are given based on the Kolmogorov direct differential equation which is usually used in considering the Poisson distributions in equations for queuing systems.
Investigation of a Neutral “Tongue” Observed by GOLD During the Geomagnetic Storm on May 11, 2019
Authors: Cai Xuguang , Burns Alan G. , Wang Wenbin , Qian Liying , Solomon Stanley C. , Eastes Richard W. , McClintock William E. , Laskar F. I. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration Global‐scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) mission observed a unique structure of thermospheric column density ratio of O to N2 (∑O/N2) during a geomagnetic storm on day of year (DOY) 130 (May 10) to DOY 132 in 2019. The percentage difference of ∑O/N2 between the storm time (DOY 131) and the quiet time (DOY 128) had a relatively enhanced ∑O/N2 region sandwiched by two depleted regions over North America and the Atlantic Ocean in the Northern Hemisphere. This enhanced ∑O/N2 region is called the neutral tongue here. The National Center for Atmospheric Research Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model also predicted a similar ∑O/N2 structure with the same spatial and temporal evolution as that seen in the GOLD observations on DOY 131. Model diagnostic analysis revealed that the neutral tongue was formed when the neutral wind in the region changed from mostly equatorward to poleward, which transported the ∑O/N2 rich air from lower latitudes into this longitude section, forming the neutral tongue. The neutral tongue separated a large depletion region formed earlier into two smaller depleted regions, one on each side of the neutral tongue.
Investigating the Relationship Between Peak Snow‐Water Equivalent and Snow Timing Indices in the Western United States and Alaska
Authors: Heldmyer A. , Livneh B. , Molotch N. , Rajagopalan B. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractUnderstanding the distribution of snow‐water equivalent (SWE) is crucial for the prediction of water resources in the western United States. Backward running SWE reconstructions use satellite‐observed, binary snow presence imagery to reconstruct SWE mass estimates. This approach relies on the connection between snow timing and peak SWE, yet few studies have directly examined this relationship. Here, we investigate the strength and spatiotemporal variation in this relationship across the western United States and Alaska. Within the SNOTEL network (n = 611 sites), we find that most variance in peak SWE is explained (median R2 = 0.64, σ = 0.18) by, in order of explanatory skill, the timing of snow disappearance, onset, and cover duration, with variation in skill primarily related to climate conditions—like winter storm size and storm frequency—rather than topographical setting. We expand this analysis with a diagnostic model of peak SWE driven by remotely sensed snow timing indices applied to five hydrologically important regions in the western United States and Alaska. Uncertainties arising between blending point and 500 m grid‐scale observations were found to influence model SWE bias, but a robust correlation (median R = 0.88) with observations persisted across all tested thresholds. Overall, this supports the viability of snow timing information for quantifying spatial patterns of peak SWE (mean R2 = 0.76, percent bias = 3.6%) over the past two decades. These findings carry important implications for the development of SWE reanalysis products and for the evaluation of climate and hydrologic models.
Comparison of therapeutic effects of combination therapy with prednisolone and tacrolimus or azathioprine on progressive interstitial pneumonia with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Kiboshi Takao , Kotani Takuya , Konma Junichi , Makino Hidehiko , Matsuda Shogo , Suzuka Takayasu , Wada Yumiko , Shiba Hideyuki , Hata Kenichiro , Shoda Takeshi , Takeuchi Tohru 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Objectives
We retrospectively compared the therapeutic effects of combination therapy with prednisolone (PSL) and oral tacrolimus (TAC) or azathioprine (AZA) on progressive interstitial pneumonia with systemic sclerosis (SSc-PIP).

Methods
The effects of PSL (0.2–0.5 mg/kg/day) and TAC (3 mg/day) or AZA (1–2 mg/kg/day) therapies (n = 18) were evaluated for short (12 months) and long (36 months or more) periods.

Results
In the short period, IP improved in 6 and 5 patients and was stable in 12 and 13 patients in the TAC and AZA groups, respectively. In the long period, 11 patients were followed up in the TAC group and 12 in the AZA group. IP improved in 4 and 2 patients and was stable in seven and nine in the TAC and AZA groups, respectively. The rates of evolution of total fibrosis score, and those corrected by disease duration for the long period, in the TAC group were significantly lower than those in the AZA group (p = .017 and .025, respectively).

Conclusion
The inhibitory effect of PSL and TAC combination therapy on the progression of fibrosis in SSc-PIP may be superior to that of PSL and AZA in the long period.
Theoretical uncertainties on the extraction of in-medium NN cross sections by different Pauli blocking algorithms *
Authors: Chen Xiang , Zhang Yingxun , Li Zhuxia 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Three typical Pauli blocking algorithms in quantum molecular dynamics type models are investigated in the nuclear matter, the nucleus, and heavy ion collisions. In nuclear matter, the blocking ratios obtained with the three algorithms are underestimated by 13%-25% compared to the corresponding analytical values. For a finite nucleus, spurious collisions occur around the surface of the nucleus owing to the defects of the Pauli blocking algorithms. In the simulations of heavy ion collisions, the uncertainty of stopping power arising from the different Pauli blocking algorithms is less than 5%. Furthermore, the in-medium effects of nucleon-nucleon (NN) cross sections on the nuclear stopping power are discussed. Our results show that the transport model calculations with free NN cross sections result in the stopping power decreasing with beam energy when the beam energy is less than 300 MeV/u. To increase or decrease the values of the stopping power, the transport model calculations need enhanced or suppressed model dependent in-medium NN cross sections that are expected to be smaller than the true in-medium NN cross sections.
Thromboelastography utilization for dabigatran reversal in a patient with acute kidney injury
Authors: Gilbert Brian W , Ott M Jacob , Philip George J 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Purpose
This case report describes utilization of thromboelastography (TEG) in the setting of an acute major bleed in a patient on dabigatran who had concomitant acute kidney injury.

Summary
An 80-year-old female presented to the emergency department after a fall with complaints of pain in her knee, shoulder, and hip. Her medical history was significant for coronary artery disease, for which she took clopidogrel 75 mg daily, and atrial fibrillation, for which she took dabigatran 150 mg twice daily. The physical exam was remarkable for pain within the shoulder, hip, and knee, which had swelling and ecchymosis that extended into the right thigh. Given the possibility of compartment syndrome with multiple possible etiologies of coagulopathy, TEG and computed tomography angiography (CTa) of the right lower extremity were performed. The initial TEG showed prolonged R time and activated clotting time, indicating clotting factor dysfunction with no additional coagulopathy noted, including antiplatelet effects. On the basis of the TEG and CTa findings, it was decided to reverse dabigatran with 5 grams of idarucizumab. Approximately 1 hour after administration of idarucizumab, the patient was taken to interventional radiology where a limited angiogram of the right lower extremity showed no active extravasation. Because of the patient’s renal dysfunction and the possibility of rebound hypercoaguability, repeat TEG tests were ordered at 4 and 8 hours after the initial reversal to ensure clearance of idarucizumab-dabigatran complexes. The repeat TEG values showed complete reversal of the initial coagulopathy noted. During the admission, the patient required no blood transfusions or surgical interventions and all her initial laboratory results improved.

Conclusion
Serial TEG testing was successful at managing multiple coagulopathies in a patient at risk for trauma-induced compartment syndrome.
Strategies used to meet the challenges of mass COVID-19 vaccination by the pharmacy department in a large academic medical center
Authors: Li Quan , Norman Sarah , Guthrie Pauline , Gachoya Julianna , Sebakijje Justin , Leftridge Zetta , Willis Cynthia G , Kishore Anil , Breakenridge Margaret , Spence Clyde 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Purpose
Highly effective coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have brought hope for ending the pandemic. Unprecedented mass vaccination started first among healthcare workers. The aim of this report is to describe key strategies undertaken by a large hospital pharmacy department to meet the challenges of preparing a large quantity of COVID-19 vaccine doses in a short period of time.

Summary
MedStar Washington Hospital Center (MWHC) was in the first group of hospitals in Washington, DC, to receive Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in December 2020. The pharmacy department faced challenges including stringent vaccine storage requirements, a need for specific equipment and workflow, limited funding, and staffing constraints. The pharmacy department’s senior leaders defined pharmacy responsibilities, budgeted for equipment, participated in vaccination center design, and instructed pharmacy informatics personnel. The vaccine coordinators were appointed to oversee all vaccination-related operations. An ultra–low temperature freezer was installed 2 weeks before arrival of the first shipment of vaccine. All pharmacy order entry tools and operating procedures were standardized, and staff training and schedules were finalized by December 15. The first dose of the vaccine was administered on December 16 at the vaccination center. Pharmacy staff members dispensed the vaccine doses and monitored patients. By January 6, 2021, MWHC had vaccinated 3,812 employees with their first vaccine dose, with an average of 228 doses administered daily.

Conclusion
Key strategies such as systemic coordination, early preparation, detailed planning, operating procedure development, and staff education and engagement proved successful in facilitating preparation of thousands of COVID-19 vaccine doses for hospital employees within a short period of time.
Comparison of online learning designs during the COVID-19 pandemic within bioinformatics courses in higher education
Authors: Abrahamsson Sanna , Dávila López Marcela 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Motivation
Due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, new strategies had to be adopted to move from classroom-based education to online education, in a very short time. The lack of time to set up these strategies, hindered a proper design of online instructions and delivery of knowledge. Bioinformatics-related training and other onsite practical education, tend to rely on extensive practice, where students and instructors have a face-to-face interaction to improve the learning outcome. For these courses to maintain their high quality when adapted as online courses, different designs need to be tested and the students’ perceptions need to be heard.

Results
This study focuses on short bioinformatics-related courses for graduate students at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, which were originally developed for onsite training. Once adapted as online courses, several modifications in their design were tested to obtain the best fitting learning strategy for the students. To improve the online learning experience, we propose a combination of: (i) short synchronized sessions, (ii) extended time for own and group practical work, (iii) recorded live lectures and (iv) increased opportunities for feedback in several formats.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A new-onset pulmonary artery stenosis in a young man: case report
Authors: Vanni Francesco , Scheggi Valentina , Marchionni Niccolò , Stefàno Pier Luigi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Poorly differentiated and undifferentiated sarcomas are the most common primary tumours of the pulmonary arteries. They usually affect large-calibre vessels and present with predominantly intraluminal growth. Dyspnoea, cough, chest pain, and haemoptysis are the most common presenting symptoms. Clinical and imaging manifestations can mimic pulmonary embolisms and correct diagnosis may require multimodal imaging. The overall prognosis is poor; however, early diagnosis and complete surgical resection seem to improve the prognosis.

Case summary
A 31-year-old male was admitted to our department after a pre-syncopal episode associated with dyspnoea of recent onset. Echocardiography showed a mass with irregular borders attached to the pulmonary artery trunk, almost obliterating its lumen and determining a flow acceleration with a peak velocity and gradient, respectively, of 3.8 m/s and 60 mmHg. At cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan, the mass had inhomogeneous contrast impregnation and an intense 18-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake, both findings are highly suggestive of an angiosarcoma of the pulmonary artery. Biopsy specimens were taken through bronchoscopy but the material was insufficient for diagnosis. The patient decided to continue treatment in another hospital, where he died a few months later.

Discussion
The presence of a unique mass involving the main trunk of the pulmonary artery or proximal branches associated with rapidly progressive dyspnoea in a patient at low risk for pulmonary embolism should raise the suspicion of primary sarcoma of the pulmonary artery. There are no guidelines for the treatment. Surgery and neo/adjuvant chemotherapy are reported in literature but burdened by bias and concerning a small number of cases.