bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced performance of a Li‐ion rechargeable battery at low temperatures: Use of 3,3,3‐trifluoropropyl acetate as an electrolyte additive
Authors: Nagano Hiroki , Kim Hackho , Ikeda Suguru , Miyoshi Seiji , Watanabe Motonori , Ishihara Tatsumi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe addition of 3,3,3‐trifluoropropyl acetate (TFPA) to electrolyte in a Li‐ion rechargeable battery (LIB) provides a means for increasing the discharge performance at low temperatures as a result of the formation of a superior solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the graphite anode. For instance, the addition of 2 wt% TFPA to the electrolyte significantly increased the cycle stability and the discharge capacities at low temperatures (‐10°C) even at current rates of 3 C. The SEI films formed on the graphite anodes were characterized by electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques and by computational analysis. Although the formation of LiF on the anode has been recognized, present research revealed that the decomposition of TFPA on the anode surface resulted in the formation of an SEI layer consisting predominantly of organic fluorides. This layer suppressed the decomposition of the electrolyte resulting in a decreased anode impedance and an increase in cycle stability and discharge capacity at low temperatures.
Performance analysis for IRS‐aided communication systems with composite fading/shadowing direct link and discrete phase shifts
Authors: Waqar Omer 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntelligent reflecting surface (IRS) is an emerging technology and serves as a key component of any smart radio environment. In this article, we consider an IRS that assists communication of a direct link between a single‐antenna transmitter and a receiver. It is assumed that a direct link experiences composite fading/shadowing and is modeled by Generalized‐Kdistribution. Moreover, IRS has line‐of‐sight (LoS) paths, therefore, Rician distribution is used to characterize the fading for these paths. We also consider phase errors that exist due to discrete number of phase shifts. We derive an approximation for the end‐to‐end signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) which shows that an amplitude of the direct link is increased by a positive offset because of the presence of IRS. Based on this SNR approximation, a new statistical framework that includes cumulative distribution function (CDF), probability density function (PDF), and moment generating function (MGF) is developed. Leveraging this statistical framework, we derive new and accurate closed‐form approximations for the outage probability, average error probability, ergodic capacity and generalized moments. It is shown that the considered IRS‐aided system (IAS) achieves much better performance even with a few numbers of phase shifts as compared to other baseline systems. Simulations are also provided which verify the tightness of our derived approximations.
Professional development in the Swedish police organization: Police officers' learning pathways
Authors: Kohlström Kirsi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractProfessional development is important for the improvement of professional work. Particularly relevant to the concept of professional development is an occupation's character and the organizational arrangements for activities endorsing employees' professional development. In this article, police officers' professional development in the Swedish police organization is explored by analyzing officers' learning pathways and their experiences of crucial conditions that contribute to their professional development. Content analysis of interviews with six female and seven male police officers is conducted. The results show that diverging police responsibilities give rise to either self‐directed or information‐oriented learning pathways. Three aspects (i.e., the formal educational arrangement, the facilitation of learning by managers, and scheduled time for workplace learning) are seen as crucial conditions that endorse police officers' professional development in diverging ways due to the assigned responsibilities. These findings show that police officers' professional development is endorsed with differing strategic management patterns that affect the kinds of professional development activities that support different police positions.
Human health risk assessment in PM10-bound trace elements, seasonal patterns, and source apportionment study in a critically polluted coking coalfield area of India
Authors: Singh Amarjeet , Singh Gurdeep 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Jharia Coalfield (JCF) has been affected by coalmine fire and subsidence problems for several years. The emission of particulate pollutants is due to the history of unscientific and unregulated coal mining in the JCF area. In the present study (conducted in the year 2019), seasonal variations, possible causes, and human health hazards of particulate matter (PM10)-bound trace metals like Cd, Cu, Fe, Cr, Ni, Mn, Co, Pb, Zn, and As were estimated. The mean concentration of PM10 (418 ± 67 µg/m3) exceeded the limit of NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standards India, 2009) by a factor of 4.18. PM10-bound trace metal concentrations were found in the order of Fe &gt; Mn &gt; Cu &gt; Zn &gt; Cr &gt; Pb &gt; Co &gt; Ni &gt; Cd &gt; As. The maximum trace metal concentrations of all the metals studied were observed at the mining areas of JCF affected by coalmine fire. Human health carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks in children and adults were estimated through exposure pathways, ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation. The cancer risk was evaluated as excess cancer risk (ECR). Noncancer risk estimates were evaluated as the hazard index (HI) and the hazard quotient (HQ). The HI and HQ values for Cr, Cu, Cd, As, and Pb at coalmine-fire-affected areas were observed to be higher than the value of safe dose (≤1), showing a possible noncarcinogenic risk to the inhabitants as a result of multielemental toxicity. The ECR values (&gt;10−6) in JCF areas suggested a carcinogenic risk to the populace of the area, owing to inhalation of PM10-linked Cd. Active mine fire (related to mining activities), higher transportation load, and resuspended particulate matter from road transportation were identified as the possible causes of the estimated risks based on principal component analysis and Pearson correlation analyses. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:469–478. © 2021 SETAC
KEY POINTS
Spatiotemporal variations of trace metal concentrations are present in coal mining areas of Jharia Coalfield. Adults were more prone to the carcinogenic risks posed by the element Cd. Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and As had noncancer risk due to multielemental exposure. Mine fire, mining activities, and vehicular load were the main sources of pollutants in the coalfield area.
Neutrophil extracellular traps induce thrombogenicity in severe carotid stenosis
Authors: Zhang Shihua , Guo Mengfan , Liu Qianzi , Liu Jingfeng , Cui Yankun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundSevere carotid stenosis is a common cause of stroke. In addition, previous clinical studies revealed that patients symptomatic of carotid stenosis suffer from increased episodes of stroke compared with their asymptomatic counterparts. However, the mechanism underlying these differences in the recurrence of stroke remains unclear.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to evaluate the levels of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the plasma of patients with severe carotid stenosis and investigate whether NETs induced procoagulant activity (PCA) in severe carotid stenosis. The study also sought to investigate the interactions between platelets or endothelial cells (ECs) and NETs.MethodsThe levels of NETs in plasma were quantified using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, NETting neutrophils and neutrophil‐platelet aggregates were detected through flow cytometry. On the other hand, the morphology of NETs formation and endothelial cells were analyzed through confocal microscopy. Finally, the procoagulant activity (PCA) of NETs and endothelial cells were assessed through ELISA and fibrin formation.ResultsPatients with symptomatic carotid stenosis patients had significantly higher levels of NETs markers compared with their asymptomatic counterparts and healthy subjects. In addition, increased levels of neutrophil‐platelet aggregates induced the generation of NETs in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. Moreover, NETs contributed to PCA through tissue factor (TF), in patients with carotid stenosis. Furthermore, NETs disrupted the endothelial barrier and converted endothelial cells (ECs) into PCA to enhance the PCA in patients with carotid stenosis.ConclusionsThe current study revealed differences in the levels of NETs in the plasma of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients suffering from carotid stenosis. The study also uncovered the interaction between NETs and thrombogenicity in carotid stenosis. Therefore, inhibiting NETs may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for recurring stroke in severe carotid stenosis.
Preservation of testicular tissue after enucleation of pediatric mature teratoma: A case series of 7 testes in 6 children
Authors: Kanematsu Akihiro , Yamamoto Shingo 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionA standard protocol for testis‐sparing surgery for pediatric benign testicular tumors has not been established to date.Case reportWe treated 7 teratomas in 6 patients aged 12 years of younger. For 2 noncystic lesions, the spermatic cord was exposed via the transinguinal approach and clamped until the establishment of an intraoperative pathological diagnosis. The other 5 tumors in 4 infant patients were all preoperatively diagnosed with cystic teratoma, and we essentially exposed the testis directly via the scrotal approach and enucleated the tumor without clamping the cord. In every case, adequate amount of normal testicular tissue was preserved, without any local recurrence with 3‐year minimum follow‐up.ConclusionsAn unclamped enucleation of testicular tumor via the transscrotal approach, which is contraindicated in most testicular tumors, can be a treatment choice exclusively for preoperatively diagnosed mature cystic teratoma in infants.
Exposure to ethylparaben and propylparaben interfere with embryo implantation by compromising endometrial decidualization in early pregnant mice
Authors: Wang Dan , Li Weike , Yang Chengshun , Chen Xuemei , Liu Xueqing , He Junlin , Tong Chao , Peng Chuan , Ding Yubin , Geng Yanqing , Cao Xianqing , Li Fangfang , Gao Rufei , Wang Yingxiong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEthylparaben (EtP) and propylparaben (PrP) are common preservatives and well‐known endocrine‐disrupting chemicals. Studies have demonstrated that they can reduce female fertility, but the underlying mechanism, especially that on embryo implantation, is still poorly understood. Endometrial decidualization is a critical event for embryo implantation. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of EtP/PrP on endometrial decidualization. Pregnant mice were dosed daily by oral gavage with EtP at 0, 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg or with PrP at 0, 625, 1250 and 2500 mg/kg from Day 1 of pregnancy until sacrifice. The results showed that the rate of pregnant mice with impaired embryo implantation, whose number of implantation sites was less than 7, was significantly increased after exposure to 1600 mg/kg EtP or 2500 mg/kg PrP. Further study found that the expression of endometrial decidualization markers HOXA10, MMP9 and PR was significantly downregulated in 1600 mg/kg EtP group and 2500 mg/kg PrP group. Notably, serum oestrogen and progesterone levels were significantly increased, whereas the expression of uterine oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptor was decreased following 1600 mg/kg EtP or 2500 mg/kg PrP exposure. In the breeding test, fewer offspring were found after females were exposed to 1600 mg/kg EtP or 2500 mg/kg PrP in early pregnancy. This demonstrated that exposure to EtP/PrP interfered with embryo implantation by compromising endometrial decidualization in early‐stage pregnant mice. Disorders of reproductive hormones and hormone receptor signals could be responsible for impaired decidualization. This study broadened the understanding on the biological safety of EtP and PrP.
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane: Toxicological effects on marine biota and human concerns
Authors: da Silva Anne C. P. , Santos Bianca A. M. C. , Castro Helena C. , Rodrigues Carlos R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC) (CAS number: 5466‐77‐3) and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (BMDM) (CAS number: 70356‐09‐1) are important sunscreens. However, frequent application of large amounts of these compounds may reflect serious environmental impact, once it enters the environment through indirect release via wastewater treatment or immediate release during water activities. In this article, we reviewed the toxicological effects of EHMC and BMDM on aquatic ecosystems and the human consequences. According to the literature, EHMC and BMDM have been detected in water samples and sediments worldwide. Consequently, these compounds are also present in several marine organisms like fish, invertebrates, coral reefs, marine mammals, and other species, due to its bioaccumulation potential. Studies show that these chemicals are capable of damaging the aquatic beings in different ways. Further, bioaccumulation studies have shown that EHMC biomagnifies through trophic levels, which makes human seafood consumption a concern because the higher position in the trophic chain, the more elevate levels of ultraviolet (UV) filters are detected, and it is established that EHMC present adverse effects on the human organism. In contrast, there are no studies on the BMDM bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential. Different strategies can be adopted to avoid the damage caused by sunscreens in the environment and human organism. Two of them include the use of natural photoprotectors, such as polyphenols, in association with UV filters in sunscreens and the development of new and safer UV filters. Overall, this review shows the importance of studying the impacts of sunscreens in nature and developing safer sunscreens and formulations to safeguard marine fauna, ecosystems, and humans.
Protective effects of sciadopitysin against methylglyoxal‐induced degeneration in neuronal SK‐N‐MC cells
Authors: Suh Kwang Sik , Chon Suk , Jung Woon Won , Choi Eun Mi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) causes metabolic dysfunction and neuronal cell damage. Methylglyoxal (MG) is a major glycating agent that reacts with basic residues present in proteins and promotes the formation of AGEs. Sciadopitysin, a type of biflavonoid, exerts protective effects against neuronal cell damage; however, the underlying mechanisms have not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of sciadopitysin against MG‐mediated cytotoxicity in SK‐N‐MC neuroblastoma cells. Our results demonstrated that pretreatment of SK‐N‐MC cells with sciadopitysin improved the cell viability that was inhibited by MG and inhibited the apoptosis induced by MG. Sciadopitysin attenuated intracellular Ca2+, NOX4 levels, oxidative stress, and MG‐protein adduct levels, and increased nuclear Nrf2 and glyoxalase 1 levels in the presence of MG. These results suggest that sciadopitysin exerts neuroprotective effects against MG‐induced death of human SK‐N‐MC cells via its antioxidative action. This study highlights sciadopitysin as a promising candidate for antioxidant therapy and designing natural drugs against AGE‐induced neurodegenerative disorders.
Raman confocal microscopy and biophysics multiparametric characterization of the skin barrier evolution with age
Authors: Rigal Aline , Michael‐Jubeli Rime , Nkengne Alex , Baillet‐Guffroy Arlette , Bigouret Armelle , Tfayli Ali 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSkin aging is a multifactorial phenomenon that involves alterations at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels. Our aim was to carry out a multiparametric biophysical and Raman characterization of skin barrier between individuals of different age groups (<24 and >70 years old). Our results showed a significant decrease of lipids to proteins ratio overall the thickness of the stratum corneum and higher lateral packing in the outer part of the SC for elderly. This can explain the decrease in trans epidermal water loss measured values rather than only SC thickening. Both age groups showed similar water content at SC surface while elderly presented higher water content in deep SC and viable epidermis. Mechanical measurements showed a decrease in the elasticity and an increase in the fatigability with age and were correlated with partially bound water. Highest correlation and anti‐correlation values were observed for the deepest part of the SC and the viable epidermis.
New developments in the GDIS simulation package: Integration of VASP and USPEX
Authors: Okadome Valencia Hubert , Wang Busheng , Frapper Gilles , Rohl Andrew Lloyd 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA popular first principles simulation code, the Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package (VASP), and a crystal structure prediction (CSP) package, the Universal Structure Predictor: Evolutionary Xtallography (USPEX) have been integrated into the GDIS visualization software. The aim of this integration is to provide users with a unique and simple interface through which most of the steps of a typical crystal optimization or prediction work. This involved, for the latter, not only setting up a CSP calculation with complete support for the latest version of USPEX, but also displaying the many structure results by linking each structure geometry and its energy via interactive graphics. For the optimization part, any structure displayed by GDIS can now be the starting point for VASP calculations, with support for its most commonly used parameters. Atomic and electronic structures can be displayed as well as dynamic properties such as total energy, force, volume, and pressure for each ionic step. It is not only possible to start calculations from the GDIS visualization software, using an in‐place task manager, but a running calculation can also be followed, allowing a greater control of the simulation process. The GDIS software is available under the GNU public license in its second version.
Integrating serum microRNAs and electronic health records improved the diagnosis of tuberculosis
Authors: Gao Shu‐Hui , Chen Chun‐Guang , Zhuang Chun‐Bo , Zeng Yu‐Ling , Zeng Zhen‐Zhen , Wen Pei‐Hao , Yu Yong‐Min , Ming Liang , Zhao Jun‐Wei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundTo verify the differential expression of miR‐30c and miR‐142‐3p between tuberculosis patients and healthy controls and to investigate the performance of microRNA (miRNA) and subsequently models for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB).MethodsWe followed up 460 subjects suspected of TB, and finally enrolled 132 patients, including 60 TB patients, 24 non‐TB disease controls (TB‐DCs), and 48 healthy controls (HCs). The differential expression of miR‐30c and miR‐142‐3p in serum samples of the TB patients, TB‐DCs, and HCs were identified by reverse transcription–quantitative real‐time PCR. Diagnostic models were developed by analyzing the characteristics of miRNA and electronic health records (EHRs). These models evaluated by the area under the curves (AUC) and calibration curves were presented as nomograms.ResultsThere were differential expression of miR‐30c and miR‐142‐3p between TB patients and HCs (p < 0.05). Individual miRNA has a limited diagnostic value for TB. However, diagnostic performance has been both significantly improved when we integrated miR‐142‐3p and ordinary EHRs to develop two models for the diagnosis of tuberculosis. The AUC of the model for distinguishing tuberculosis patients from healthy controls has increased from 0.75 (95% CI: 0.66–0.84) to 0.96 (95% CI: 0.92–0.99) and the model for distinguishing tuberculosis patients from non‐TB disease controls has increased from 0.67 (95% CI: 0.55–0.79) to 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89–0.99).ConclusionsIntegrating serum miR‐142‐3p and EHRs is a good strategy for improving TB diagnosis.
Interpreting ambiguous emotional information: Convergence among interpretation bias measures and unique relations with depression severity
Authors: O'Connor Cliodhna E. , Everaert Jonas , Fitzgerald Amanda 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to examine the convergence among interpretation bias measures and their associations with depressive symptom severity. Research into interpretation biases employs measures of interpretation bias interchangeably, however, little is known about the relationship between these measures. Participants (N = 82 unselected undergraduate students; 59 female) completed four computer‐based interpretation bias tasks in a cross‐sectional design study. Indirect measures, based on participants' reaction times, were not correlated with each other and had poor split‐half reliability. Direct measures were more strongly correlated with depressive symptoms than indirect measures, but only the Scrambled Sentences Task explained a reliable unique portion of the variance in depressive symptoms. Interpretation bias tasks may not measure the same cognitive process and may differ in the extent to which they are a cognitive marker of depression‐linked interpretation bias. These findings help to improve the measurement of and theory underlying interpretation bias and depressive symptoms.
Small molecule‐mediated modulation of ubiquitination and neddylation improves HSC function ex vivo
Authors: Albayrak Esra , Uslu Merve , Akgol Sezer , Tuysuz Emre Can , Kocabas Fatih 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are particularly characterized by their quiescence and self‐renewal. Cell cycle regulators tightly control quiescence and self‐renewal capacity. Studies suggest that modulation of ubiquitination and neddylation could contribute to HSC function via cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs). S‐phase kinase‐associated protein 2 (SKP2) is responsible for ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis of CDKIs. Here, we modulated overall neddylation and SKP2‐associated ubiquitination in HSCs by using SKP2‐C25, an SKP2 inhibitor, and MLN4924 (Pevonedistat) as an inhibitor of the NEDD8 system. Treatments of SKP2‐C25 and MLN4924 increased both murine and human stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) compartments. This is associated with the improved quiescence of murine HSC by upregulation of p27 and p57 CDKIs. A colony‐forming unit assay showed an enhanced in vitro self‐renewal potential post inhibition of ubiquitination and neddylation. In addition, MLN4924 triggered the mobilization of bone marrow HSPCs to peripheral blood. Intriguingly, MLN4924 treatment could decrease the proliferation of murine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells or endothelial cells. These findings shed light on the contribution of SKP2, and associated ubiquitination and neddylation in HSC maintenance, self‐renewal, and expansion.
Signed analogue of line graphs and their smallest eigenvalues
Authors: Gavrilyuk Alexander L. , Munemasa Akihiro , Sano Yoshio , Taniguchi Tetsuji 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this article, we show that every connected signed graph with smallest eigenvalue strictly greater than and large enough minimum degree is switching equivalent to a complete graph. This is a signed analogue of a theorem of Hoffman. The proof is based on what we call Hoffman's limit theorem which we formulate for Hermitian matrices, and also the extension of the concept of Hoffman graph and line graph for the setting of signed graphs.