bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organic superstructure microwires with hierarchical spatial organisation
Authors: Zhuo Ming-Peng , He Guang-Peng , Wang Xue-Dong , Liao Liang-Sheng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRationally designing and precisely constructing the dimensions, configurations and compositions of organic nanomaterials are key issues in material chemistry. Nevertheless, the precise synthesis of organic heterostructure nanomaterials remains challenging owing to the difficulty of manipulating the homogeneous/heterogeneous-nucleation process and the complex epitaxial relationships of combinations of dissimilar materials. Herein, we propose a hierarchical epitaxial-growth approach with the combination of longitudinal and horizontal epitaxial-growth modes for the design and synthesis of a variety of organic superstructure microwires with accurate spatial organisation by regulating the heterogeneous-nucleation crystallisation process. The lattice-matched longitudinal and horizontal epitaxial-growth modes are separately employed to construct the primary organic core/shell and segmented heterostructure microwires. Significantly, these primary organic core/shell and segmented microwires are further applied to construct the core/shell-segmented and segmented-core/shell type’s organic superstructure microwires through the implementation of multiple spatial epitaxial-growth modes. This strategy can be generalised to all organic microwires with tailored multiple substructures, which affords an avenue to manipulate their physical/chemical features for various applications.
Spin-ice physics in cadmium cyanide
Authors: Coates Chloe S. , Baise Mia , Schmutzler Adrian , Simonov Arkadiy , Makepeace Joshua W. , Seel Andrew G. , Smith Ronald I. , Playford Helen Y. , Keen David A. , Siegel Renée , Senker Jürgen , Slater Ben , Goodwin Andrew L. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSpin-ices are frustrated magnets that support a particularly rich variety of emergent physics. Typically, it is the interplay of magnetic dipole interactions, spin anisotropy, and geometric frustration on the pyrochlore lattice that drives spin-ice formation. The relevant physics occurs at temperatures commensurate with the magnetic interaction strength, which for most systems is 1–5 K. Here, we show that non-magnetic cadmium cyanide, Cd(CN)2, exhibits analogous behaviour to magnetic spin-ices, but does so on a temperature scale that is nearly two orders of magnitude greater. The electric dipole moments of cyanide ions in Cd(CN)2 assume the role of magnetic pseudospins, with the difference in energy scale reflecting the increased strength of electric vs magnetic dipolar interactions. As a result, spin-ice physics influences the structural behaviour of Cd(CN)2 even at room temperature.
Democratising deep learning for microscopy with ZeroCostDL4Mic
Authors: von Chamier Lucas , Laine Romain F. , Jukkala Johanna , Spahn Christoph , Krentzel Daniel , Nehme Elias , Lerche Martina , Hernández-Pérez Sara , Mattila Pieta K. , Karinou Eleni , Holden Séamus , Solak Ahmet Can , Krull Alexander , Buchholz Tim-Oliver , Jones Martin L. , Royer Loïc A. , Leterrier Christophe , Shechtman Yoav , Jug Florian , Heilemann Mike , Jacquemet Guillaume , Henriques Ricardo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDeep Learning (DL) methods are powerful analytical tools for microscopy and can outperform conventional image processing pipelines. Despite the enthusiasm and innovations fuelled by DL technology, the need to access powerful and compatible resources to train DL networks leads to an accessibility barrier that novice users often find difficult to overcome. Here, we present ZeroCostDL4Mic, an entry-level platform simplifying DL access by leveraging the free, cloud-based computational resources of Google Colab. ZeroCostDL4Mic allows researchers with no coding expertise to train and apply key DL networks to perform tasks including segmentation (using U-Net and StarDist), object detection (using YOLOv2), denoising (using CARE and Noise2Void), super-resolution microscopy (using Deep-STORM), and image-to-image translation (using Label-free prediction - fnet, pix2pix and CycleGAN). Importantly, we provide suitable quantitative tools for each network to evaluate model performance, allowing model optimisation. We demonstrate the application of the platform to study multiple biological processes.
Tuning local chemistry of P2 layered-oxide cathode for high energy and long cycles of sodium-ion battery
Authors: Wang Chenchen , Liu Luojia , Zhao Shuo , Liu Yanchen , Yang Yubo , Yu Haijun , Lee Suwon , Lee Gi-Hyeok , Kang Yong-Mook , Liu Rong , Li Fujun , Chen Jun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLayered transition-metal oxides have attracted intensive interest for cathode materials of sodium-ion batteries. However, they are hindered by the limited capacity and inferior phase transition due to the gliding of transition-metal layers upon Na+ extraction and insertion in the cathode materials. Here, we report that the large-sized K+ is riveted in the prismatic Na+ sites of P2-Na0.612K0.056MnO2 to enable more thermodynamically favorable Na+ vacancies. The Mn-O bonds are reinforced to reduce phase transition during charge and discharge. 0.901 Na+ per formula are reversibly extracted and inserted, in which only the two-phase transition of P2 ↔ P’2 occurs at low voltages. It exhibits the highest specific capacity of 240.5 mAh g−1 and energy density of 654 Wh kg−1 based on the redox of Mn3+/Mn4+, and a capacity retention of 98.2% after 100 cycles. This investigation will shed lights on the tuneable chemical environments of transition-metal oxides for advanced cathode materials and promote the development of sodium-ion batteries.
Primary and secondary clarithromycin resistance in Helicobacter pylori and mathematical modeling of the role of macrolides
Authors: Kocsmár Éva , Buzás György Miklós , Szirtes Ildikó , Kocsmár Ildikó , Kramer Zsófia , Szijártó Attila , Fadgyas-Freyler Petra , Szénás Kató , Rugge Massimo , Fassan Matteo , Kiss András , Schaff Zsuzsa , Röst Gergely , Lotz Gábor 
Published: April 2021

AbstractClarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic widely used for eradication ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection, and thus resistance to this antibiotic is a major cause of treatment failure. Here, we present the results of a retrospective observational study of clarithromycin resistance (Cla-res) in 4744H. pylori-infected patients from Central Hungary. We use immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization on fixed gastric tissue samples to determineH. pyloriinfection and to infer Cla-res status, respectively. We correlate this information with macrolide dispensing data for the same patients (available through a prescription database) and develop a mathematical model of the population dynamics of Cla-resH. pyloriinfections. Cla-res is found in 5.5% of macrolide-naive patients (primary Cla-res), with no significant sex difference. The model predicts that this primary Cla-res originates from transmission of resistant bacteria in 98.7% of cases, and derives from spontaneous mutations in the other 1.3%. We find an age-dependent preponderance of female patients among secondary (macrolide-exposed) clarithromycin-resistant infections, predominantly associated with prior use of macrolides for non-eradication purposes. Our results shed light into the sources of primary resistant cases, and indicate that the growth rate of Cla-res prevalence would likely decrease if macrolides were no longer used for purposes other thanH. pylorieradication.
Meta-analysis of HIV-1 vaccine elicited mucosal antibodies in humans
Authors: Seaton Kelly E. , Deal Aaron , Han Xue , Li Shuying S. , Clayton Ashley , Heptinstall Jack , Duerr Ann , Allen Mary A. , Shen Xiaoying , Sawant Sheetal , Yates Nicole L. , Spearman Paul , Churchyard Gavin , Goepfert Paul A. , Maenza Janine , Gray Glenda , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Polakowski Laura , Robinson Harriet L. , Grant Shannon , Randhawa April K. , Huang Ying , Morgan Cecilia , Grunenberg Nicole , Karuna Shelly , Gilbert Peter B. , McElrath M. Juliana , Huang Yunda , Tomaras Georgia D. ,   NIAID HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) 076, 088, 086, 096, 097, 205 Study Teams
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe studied mucosal immune responses in six HIV-1 vaccine trials investigating different envelope (Env)-containing immunogens. Regimens were classified into four categories: DNA/vector, DNA/vector plus protein, protein alone, and vector alone. We measured HIV-1-specific IgG and IgA in secretions from cervical (n = 111) and rectal swabs (n = 154), saliva (n = 141), and seminal plasma (n = 124) and compared to corresponding blood levels. Protein-containing regimens had up to 100% response rates and the highest Env-specific IgG response rates. DNA/vector groups elicited mucosal Env-specific IgG response rates of up to 67% that varied across specimen types. Little to no mucosal IgA responses were observed. Overall, gp41- and gp140-specific antibodies dominated gp120 mucosal responses. In one trial, prior vaccination with a protein-containing immunogen maintained durability of cervical and rectal IgG for up to 17 years. Mucosal IgG responses were boosted after revaccination. These findings highlight a role for protein immunization in eliciting HIV-1-specific mucosal antibodies and the ability of HIV-1 vaccines to elicit durable HIV-1-specific mucosal IgG.
New results with regard to the Flora bust controversy: radiocarbon dating suggests nineteenth century origin
Authors: Reiche Ina , Beck Lucile , Caffy Ingrid 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMany works of art have been attributed to Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519), the great artist-scientist-engineer of the Italian Renaissance; however, art historians have struggled to find definitive proof to connect Leonardo to these art pieces. The Flora wax bust in the Bode Museum, Berlin, was attributed to Leonardo because her face resembles several Leonardo portraits, but this attribution has the subject of intense debate since the bust’s acquisition in 1909. Using new chemical analyses and absolute 14C dating, we are able to resolve the question of authenticity. We show that the Flora wax bust is made primarily of spermaceti which was extracted from sperm whales. Therefore, 14C dating must consider the Marine Reservoir Effect. We have generated a new calibration method and dated the bust to the 19th c. This proves that the bust was not produced during the Renaissance, and thus cannot be attributed to da Vinci, and illustrates that 14C dating can be applied to unusual materials.
Optimising assessment of dark adaptation data using time to event analysis
Authors: Higgins Bethany E. , Montesano Giovanni , Binns Alison M. , Crabb David P. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn age-related macular degeneration (AMD) research, dark adaptation has been found to be a promising functional measurement. In more severe cases of AMD, dark adaptation cannot always be recorded within a maximum allowed time for the test (~ 20–30 min). These data are recorded either as censored data-points (data capped at the maximum test time) or as an estimated recovery time based on the trend observed from the data recorded within the maximum recording time. Therefore, dark adaptation data can have unusual attributes that may not be handled by standard statistical techniques. Here we show time-to-event analysis is a more powerful method for analysis of rod-intercept time data in measuring dark adaptation. For example, at 80% power (at α = 0.05) sample sizes were estimated to be 20 and 61 with uncapped (uncensored) and capped (censored) data using a standard t-test; these values improved to 12 and 38 when using the proposed time-to-event analysis. Our method can accommodate both skewed data and censored data points and offers the advantage of significantly reducing sample sizes when planning studies where this functional test is an outcome measure. The latter is important because designing trials and studies more efficiently equates to newer treatments likely being examined more efficiently.
Soil gas probes for monitoring trace gas messengers of microbial activity
Authors: Roscioli Joseph R. , Meredith Laura K. , Shorter Joanne H. , Gil-Loaiza Juliana , Volkmann Till H. M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSoil microbes vigorously produce and consume gases that reflect active soil biogeochemical processes. Soil gas measurements are therefore a powerful tool to monitor microbial activity. Yet, the majority of soil gases lack non-disruptive subsurface measurement methods at spatiotemporal scales relevant to microbial processes and soil structure. To address this need, we developed a soil gas sampling system that uses novel diffusive soil probes and sample transfer approaches for high-resolution sampling from discrete subsurface regions. Probe sampling requires transferring soil gas samples to above-ground gas analyzers where concentrations and isotopologues are measured. Obtaining representative soil gas samples has historically required balancing disruption to soil gas composition with measurement frequency and analyzer volume demand. These considerations have limited attempts to quantify trace gas spatial concentration gradients and heterogeneity at scales relevant to the soil microbiome. Here, we describe our new flexible diffusive probe sampling system integrated with a modified, reduced volume trace gas analyzer and demonstrate its application for subsurface monitoring of biogeochemical cycling of nitrous oxide (N2O) and its site-specific isotopologues, methane, carbon dioxide, and nitric oxide in controlled soil columns. The sampling system observed reproducible responses of soil gas concentrations to manipulations of soil nutrients and redox state, providing a new window into the microbial response to these key environmental forcings. Using site-specific N2O isotopologues as indicators of microbial processes, we constrain the dynamics of in situ microbial activity. Unlocking trace gas messengers of microbial activity will complement -omics approaches, challenge subsurface models, and improve understanding of soil heterogeneity to disentangle interactive processes in the subsurface biome.
Nanotechnology-based approaches for targeting and delivery of drugs via Hexakis (m-PE) macrocycles
Authors: Pasban Samaneh , Raissi Heidar 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHexakis (m-phenylene ethynylene) (m-PE) macrocycles, with aromatic backbones and multiple hydrogen-bonding side chains, had a very high propensity to self-assemble via H-bond and π–π stacking interactions to form nanotubular structures with defined inner pores. Such stacking of rigid macrocycles is leading to novel applications that enable the researchers to explored mass transport in the sub-nanometer scale. Herein, we performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations to examine the drug delivery performance of the hexakis dimer as a novel carrier for doxorubicin (DOX) agent in the chloroform and water solvents. Based on the DFT results, it is found that the adsorption of DOX on the carrier surface is typically physisorption with the adsorption strength values of − 115.14 and − 83.37 kJ/mol in outside and inside complexes, respectively, and so that the essence of the drug remains intact. The negative values of the binding energies for all complexes indicate the stability of the drug molecule inside and outside the carrier's cavities. The energy decomposition analysis (EDA) has also been performed and shown that the dispersion interaction has an essential role in stabilizing the drug-hexakis dimer complexes. To further explore the electronic properties of dox, the partial density of states (PDOS and TDOS) are calculated. The atom in molecules (AIM) and Becke surface (BS) methods are also analyzed to provide an inside view of the nature and strength of the H-bonding interactions in complexes. The obtained results indicate that in all studied complexes, H-bond formation is the driving force in the stabilization of these structures, and also chloroform solvent is more favorable than the water solution. Overall, our findings offer insightful information on the efficient utilization of hexakis dimer as drug delivery systems to deliver anti-cancer drugs.
Waist-to-height ratio and metabolic phenotype compared to the Matsuda index for the prediction of insulin resistance
Authors: Lechner Katharina , Lechner Benjamin , Crispin Alexander , Schwarz Peter E. H. , von Bibra Helene 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCurrent screening algorithms for type 2 diabetes (T2D) rely on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and/or HbA1c. This fails to identify a sizeable subgroup of individuals in early stages of metabolic dysregulation who are at high risk for developing diabetes or cardiovascular disease. The Matsuda index, a combination of parameters derived from a fasting and postprandial insulin assay, is an early biomarker for metabolic dysregulation (i.e. insulin resistance/compensatory hyperinsulinemia). The aim of this analysis was to compare four widely available anthropometric and biochemical markers indicative of this condition [waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), hypertriglyceridemic-waist phenotype (HTW), triglycerides-to-HDL-C ratio (TG/HDL-C) and FPG] to the Matsuda index. This cross-sectional analysis included 2231 individuals with normal fasting glucose (NFG, n = 1333), impaired fasting glucose (IFG, n = 599) and T2D (n = 299) from an outpatient diabetes clinic in Germany and thus extended a prior analysis from our group done on the first two subgroups. We analyzed correlations of the Matsuda index with WHtR, HTW, TG/HDL-C and FPG and their predictive accuracies by correlation and logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristics. In the entire group and in NFG, IFG and T2D, the best associations were observed between the Matsuda index and the WHtR (r = − 0.458), followed by HTW phenotype (r = − 0.438). As for prediction accuracy, WHtR was superior to HTW, TG/HDL-C and FPG in the entire group (AUC 0.801) and NFG, IFG and T2D. A multivariable risk score for the prediction of insulin resistance was tested and demonstrated an area under the ROC curve of 0.765 for WHtR and its interaction with sex as predictor controlled by age and sex. The predictive power increased to 0.845 when FPG and TG/HDL-C were included. Using as a comparator the Matsuda index, WHtR, compared to HTW, TG/HDL-C and FPG, showed the best predictive value for detecting metabolic dysregulation. We conclude that WHtR, a widely available anthropometric index, could refine phenotypic screening for insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia. This may ameliorate early identification of individuals who are candidates for appropriate therapeutic interventions aimed at addressing the twin epidemic of metabolic and cardiovascular disease in settings where more extended testing such as insulin assays are not feasible.
Ultrasonic actuation of a fine-needle improves biopsy yield
Authors: Perra Emanuele , Lampsijärvi Eetu , Barreto Gonçalo , Arif Muhammad , Puranen Tuomas , Hæggström Edward , Pritzker Kenneth P. H. , Nieminen Heikki J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDespite the ubiquitous use over the past 150 years, the functions of the current medical needle are facilitated only by mechanical shear and cutting by the needle tip, i.e. the lancet. In this study, we demonstrate how nonlinear ultrasonics (NLU) extends the functionality of the medical needle far beyond its present capability. The NLU actions were found to be localized to the proximity of the needle tip, the SonoLancet, but the effects extend to several millimeters from the physical needle boundary. The observed nonlinear phenomena, transient cavitation, fluid streams, translation of micro- and nanoparticles and atomization, were quantitatively characterized. In the fine-needle biopsy application, the SonoLancet contributed to obtaining tissue cores with an increase in tissue yield by 3–6× in different tissue types compared to conventional needle biopsy technique using the same 21G needle. In conclusion, the SonoLancet could be of interest to several other medical applications, including drug or gene delivery, cell modulation, and minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Mortality and socio-economic outcomes among patients hospitalized for stroke and diabetes in the US: a recent analysis from the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Tabbalat Aya , Dargham Soha , Al Suwaidi Jassim , Aboulsoud Samar , Al Jerdi Salman , Abi Khalil Charbel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe prevalence and incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) are increasing worldwide. We aim to assess mortality and socio-economic outcomes among patients hospitalized for stroke and diabetes in the US and evaluate their recent trends. We examined: in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LoS), and overall hospital charges in diabetic patients over 18 years old who were hospitalized with a stroke from 2005 to 2014, included in the National Inpatient Sample. In those patients, the mean (SD) age slightly decreased from 70 (13) years to 69 (13) years (p-trend < 0.001). Interestingly, although incident cases of stroke amongst DM patients increased from 17.4 to 20.0 /100,000 US adults (p-trend < 0.001), age-adjusted mortality for those with hemorrhagic strokes decreased from 24.3% to 19.6%, and also decreased from 3.23% to 2.48% for those with ischemic strokes (p-trend < 0.01 for both), but remained unchanged in TIAs patients. As expected, the average total charges per hospital stay almost doubled over the ten-year period, increasing from 15 970 to 31 018 USD/stay (adjusted for inflation). Nonetheless, median (IQR) LoS slightly decreased from 4 (2–6) to 3 (2–6) days (p-trend < 0.001). In total, our data show that, from 2005 to 2014, the incidence of stroke among the diabetes patient population are gradually increasing, in-hospital mortality is steadily decreasing, along with average LoS. Admission costs were up almost twofold during the same period.
Clinical utility of ANA-ELISA vs ANA-immunofluorescence in connective tissue diseases
Authors: Alsaed Omar Suhail , Alamlih Laith Ishaq , Al-Radideh Omar , Chandra Prem , Alemadi Samar , Al-Allaf Abdul-Wahab 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe investigated the performance of ANA-ELISA for CTDs screening and diagnosis and comparing it to the conventional ANA-IIF. ANA-ELISA is a solid-phase immune assay includes 17 ANA-targeted recombinant antigens; dsDNA, Sm-D, Rib-P, PCNA, U1-RNP (70, A, C), SS-A/Ro (52 and 60), SS-B/La, Centromere B, Scl-70, Fibrillarin, RNA Polymerase III, Jo-1, Mi-2, and PM-Scl. During the period between March till December 2016 all requests for ANA from primary, secondary, and tertiary care centers were processed with both techniques; ANA-IIF and ANA-ELISA. The electronic medical record of these patients was reviewed looking for CTD diagnosis documented by the Senior rheumatologist. SPSS 22 is used for analysis. Between March and December 2016, a total of 12,439 ANA tests were requested. 1457 patients were assessed by the rheumatologist and included in the analysis. At a cut-off ratio ≥ 1.0 for ANA-ELISA and a dilutional titre ≥ 1:80 for ANA-IIF, the sensitivity of ANA-IIF and ANA-ELISA for all CTDs were 63.3% vs 74.8% respectively. For the SLE it was 64.3% vs 76.9%, Sjogren’s Syndrome was 50% vs 76.9% respectively. The overall specificity of ANA-ELISA was 89.05%, which was slightly better than ANA-IIF 86.72%. The clinical performance of ANA-ELISA for CTDs screening showed better sensitivity and specificity as compared to the conventional ANA-IIF in our cohort.