bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital printing of a novel electrode for stable flexible organic solar cells with a power conversion efficiency of 8.5%
Authors: Wageh S. , Raïssi Mahfoudh , Berthelot Thomas , Laurent Matthieu , Rousseau Didier , Abusorrah Abdullah M. , Al-Hartomy Omar A. , Al-Ghamdi Ahmed A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPoly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) mixed with single-wall nanotubes (SWNTs) (10:1) and doped with (0.1 M) perchloric acid (HClO4) in a solution-processed film, working as an excellent thin transparent conducting film (TCF) in organic solar cells, was investigated. This new electrode structure can be an outstanding substitute for conventional indium tin oxide (ITO) for applications in flexible solar cells due to the potential of attaining high transparency with enhanced conductivity, good flexibility, and good durability via a low-cost process over a large area. In addition, solution-processed vanadium oxide (VOx) doped with a small amount of PEDOT-PSS(PH1000) can be applied as a hole transport layer (HTL) for achieving high efficiency and stability. From these viewpoints, we investigate the benefit of using printed SWNTs-PEDOT-PSS doped with HClO4 as a transparent conducting electrode in a flexible organic solar cell. Additionally, we applied a VOx-PEDOT-PSS thin film as a hole transporting layer and a blend of PTB7 (polythieno[3,4-b] thiophene/benzodithiophene): PC71BM (phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester) as an active layer in devices. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were applied as an electron transport layer and Ag was used as the top electrode. The proposed solar cell structure showed an enhancement in short-circuit current, power conversion efficiency, and stability relative to a conventional cell based on ITO. This result suggests a great carrier injection throughout the interfacial layer, high conductivity and transparency, as well as firm adherence for the new electrode.
Tumor heterogeneity evaluated by computed tomography detects muscle-invasive upper tract urothelial carcinoma that is associated with inflammatory tumor microenvironment
Authors: Goto Keisuke , Honda Yukiko , Ikeda Kenichiro , Takemoto Kenshiro , Higaki Toru , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Kobatake Kohei , Nakamura Yuko , Sekino Yohei , Inoue Shogo , Awai Kazuo , Yasui Wataru , Teishima Jun 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTo detect muscle-invasive upper tract urothelial carcinoma, we evaluated the internal texture of the tumor using texture analysis of computed tomography images in 86 cases of upper tract urothelial carcinoma. The internal texture of the tumor was evaluated as the value of computed tomography attenuation number of the unenhanced image, and the median, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis were calculated. Each parameter was compared with clinicopathological factors, and their associations with postoperative prognosis were investigated. Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the histological and molecular mechanisms of the inflammatory tumor microenvironment. The histogram of computed tomography attenuation number in non-muscle invasive tumor was single-peaked, whereas muscle invasive tumor showed a multi-peaked shape. In the parameters obtained by texture analysis, standard deviation was significantly associated with pathological stage (p < 0.0001), tumor grade (p = 0.0053), lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.0078) and concomitant carcinoma in situ (p = 0.0177) along with recurrence-free (p = 0.0191) and overall survival (p = 0.0184). The standard deviation value correlated with the amount of stromal components (p < 0.0001) and number of tumor-infiltrating macrophages (p < 0.0001). In addition, higher expression of high mobility group box 1 was found in heterogeneous tumor. Tumor heterogeneity evaluated by texture analysis was associated with muscle-invasive upper tract urothelial carcinoma and represented an inflammatory tumor microenvironment and useful as the clinical assessment to differentiate muscle invasive tumor.
In vitro protein digestibility and biochemical characteristics of soaked, boiled and fermented soybeans
Authors: Ketnawa Sunantha , Ogawa Yukiharu 
Published: July 2021

AbstractProtein digestibility of soybean obtained from the main manufacturing steps for natto, such as soaking (soaked soybeans ‘S’), boiling (boiled soybeans ‘B’), and fermentation (fermented soybeans ‘F’), was examined in this study. Biochemical indices for the processed soybeans from each manufacturing step and those digested fractions by simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion were also evaluated. The result showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the protein digestibility of B (48.71 ± 0.04%) and F (50.21 ± 0.45%) compared to that of S (20.58 ± 0.25%), accompanying the accumulation of small protein sub-fractions and essential amino acids. Besides, antioxidant activity indices of all digested fractions increased around two to fourfold at the end of the simulated digestion. F showed a consistently increasing trend when the digestion stage progressed and maximum values overall at the final digestion stage. Soybeans from fermentation step showed higher protein digestibility and indispensable amino acids as well as potential bioactivities than those from boiling and soaking step. The results demonstrated that manufacturing steps improved nutritional values of soybean protein, such as bioavailability of amino acids and certain bioactivities.
Analysis of diagnostic delay and its influencing factors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dai Zhongshang , Ma Yiming , Zhan Zijie , Chen Ping , Chen Yan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTo explore the status of diagnostic delay and to clarify its potentially influencing factors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Chinese tertiary hospital between July 2019 and February 2020. A total of 408 eligible outpatients with COPD were recruited, and relevant data were collected in the form of questionnaires. Diagnostic delay was compared among different characteristics using the Wilcoxon test and Kruskal–Wallis H test. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to determine the factors related to diagnostic delay. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) duration of diagnostic delay was 230 (50–720) days. The proportions of COPD patients who chose tertiary, secondary, and first-level hospitals for the first visit were 53.7%, 29.9%, and 16.4%, respectively. Additionally, the proportions of patients who underwent pulmonary function tests for the first visit in tertiary, secondary, and first-level hospitals were 74.0%, 24.6%, and 1.5% (p < 0.001), respectively. In terms of characteristics related to diagnostic delay, there was a significant difference in residence, resident manner, COPD assessment test (CAT) score, modified Medical British Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, age, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) % predicted, and years of education (all p < 0.01). Linear regression analysis showed that significant predictors of diagnostic delay included FEV1% predicted (p < 0.05), resident manner (p < 0.001), and years of education (p < 0.01). Our study indicates that varying degrees of diagnostic delay may exist in patients with COPD. Measures are needed to intervene in the potential factors associated with diagnostic delay.
Coseismic fault-slip distribution of the 2019 Ridgecrest Mw6.4 and Mw7.1 earthquakes
Authors: Gao Yang , Duan HuRong , Zhang YongZhi , Chen JiaYing , Jian HeTing , Wu Rui , Yin WenHao 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe 2019 Ridgecrest, California seismic sequence, including an Mw6.4 foreshock and Mw7.1 mainshock, represent the largest regional seismic events within the past 20 years. To obtain accurate coseismic fault-slip distribution, we used precise positioning data of small earthquakes from January 2019 to October 2020 to determine the dip parameters of the eight fault geometry, and used the Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data processed by Xu et al. (Seismol Res Lett 91(4):1979–1985, 2020) at UCSD to constrain inversion of the fault-slip distribution of both earthquakes. The results showed that all faults were sinistral strike-slips with minor dip-slip components, exception for dextral strike-slip fault F2. Fault-slip mainly occurred at depths of 0–12 km, with a maximum slip of 3.0 m. The F1 fault contained two slip peaks located at 2 km of fault S4 and 6 km of fault S5 depth, the latter being located directly above the Mw7.1hypocenter. Two slip peaks with maximum slip of 1.5 m located 8 and 20 km from the SW endpoint of the F2 fault were also identified, and the latter corresponds to the Mw6.4 earthquake. We also analyzed the influence of different inversion parameters on the fault slip distribution, and found that the slip momentum smoothing condition was more suitable for the inversion of the earthquakes slip distribution than the stress-drop smoothing condition.
Trans-sacral bar osteosynthesis provides low mortality and high mobility in patients with fragility fractures of the pelvis
Authors: Wagner Daniel , Kisilak Miha , Porcheron Geoffrey , Krämer Sven , Mehling Isabella , Hofmann Alexander , Rommens Pol M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOperative treatment of osteoporosis-associated fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) and the sacrum is advocated with immobilizing or longstanding pain, fracture progression and displacement. We analyzed clinical outcomes regarding mobility, quality of life, and mortality of patients with FFP treated with trans-sacral bar (TB) osteosynthesis through S1. Demographics, clinical data, and operation-related data of patients with an FFP treated with TB were acquired from chart review. We assessed mortality, quality of life (EQ-5D), mobility, and residential status at follow-up. Seventy-nine females and six males with a median age of 78.0 years (IQR 73–84) were included, median follow-up was 3.2 years. Medical complications during hospitalization occurred in 28%. Operative revision was carried out in 15% of patients. One-year survival was 90.4%, this was associated with shorter preoperative and total length of stay in hospital (p 0.006 and 0.025, respectively). At follow-up, 85% lived at home and 82% walked with or without walking aid. Higher EQ-5D was reached with higher mobility status and living at home (p < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). TB osteosynthesis is an adequate and reliable method for fixation of FFP in the posterior pelvic ring to ensure timely mobilization. Shorter preoperative and total length of stay had lower mortality rates, advocating a standardized management protocol to limit time delay to operative therapy. Patients treated with TB osteosynthesis had low 1-year mortality of less than 10%.
Pain sensitivity increases with sleep disturbance under predictable chronic mild stress in mice
Authors: Dalanon Junhel , Chikahisa Sachiko , Shiuchi Tetsuya , Shimizu Noriyuki , Chavan Parimal , Suzuki Yoshitaka , Okura Kazuo , Séi Hiroyoshi , Matsuka Yoshizo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractEven though it has been well documented that stress can lead to the development of sleep disorders and the intensification of pain, their relationships have not been fully understood. The present study was aimed at investigating the effects of predictable chronic mild stress (PCMS) on sleep–wake states and pain threshold, using the PCMS rearing conditions of mesh wire (MW) and water (W) for 21 days. Exposure to PCMS decreased the amount of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep during the dark phase. Moreover, the chronicity of PCMS decreased slow-wave activity (SWA) during NREM sleep in the MW and W groups in both the light and dark phases. Mechanical and aversively hot thermal hyperalgesia were more intensified in the PCMS groups than the control. Higher plasma corticosterone levels were seen in mice subjected to PCMS, whereas TNF-α expression was found higher in the hypothalamus in the W and the trigeminal ganglion in the MW group. The W group had higher expression levels of IL-6 in the thalamus as well. The PCMS paradigm decreased SWA and may have intensified mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. The current study also suggests that rearing under PCMS may cause impaired sleep quality and heightened pain sensation to painful mechanical and aversively hot thermal stimuli.
Mortality among patients with sepsis associated with a bispectral electroencephalography (BSEEG) score
Authors: Yamanashi Takehiko , Marra Pedro S. , Crutchley Kaitlyn J. , Wahba Nadia E. , Malicoat Johnny R. , Sullivan Eleanor J. , Akers Cade C. , Nicholson Catherine A. , Herrmann Felipe M. , Karam Matthew D. , Noiseux Nicolas O. , Kaneko Koichi , Shinozaki Eri , Iwata Masaaki , Cho Hyunkeun Ryan , Lee Sangil , Shinozaki Gen 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe have previously developed a bispectral electroencephalography (BSEEG) device, which was shown to be effective in detecting delirium and predicting patient outcomes. In this study we aimed to apply the BSEEG approach for a sepsis. This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a single center. Sepsis-positive cases were identified based on retrospective chart review. EEG raw data and calculated BSEEG scores were obtained in the previous studies. The relationship between BSEEG scores and sepsis was analyzed, as well as the relationship among sepsis, BSEEG score, and mortality. Data were analyzed from 628 patients. The BSEEG score from the first encounter (1st BSEEG) showed a significant difference between patients with and without sepsis (p = 0.0062), although AUC was very small indicating that it is not suitable for detection purpose. Sepsis patients with high BSEEG scores showed the highest mortality, and non-sepsis patients with low BSEEG scores showed the lowest mortality. Mortality of non-sepsis patients with high BSEEG scores was as bad as that of sepsis patients with low BSEEG scores. Even adjusting for age, gender, comorbidity, and sepsis status, BSEEG remained a significant predictor of mortality (p = 0.008). These data are demonstrating its usefulness as a potential tool for identification of patients at high risk and management of sepsis.
Effect of nonuniform perpendicular anisotropy in ferromagnetic resonance spectra in magnetic nanorings
Authors: Saavedra E. , Riveros A. , Palma J. L. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe high frequency dynamic behaviors of magnetic nanorings with variable anisotropy along their radius have been studied using micromagnetic simulations. The dynamic susceptibility spectrum and spatial localization of the ferromagnetic resonance modes are investigated by varying anisotropy gradients in nanorings of 200 nm of external radius, with different internal radii. Both the resonant frequencies and the number of peaks depend on the lower energy magnetization configuration which in turn is a function of anisotropy gradients. Besides, it is shown that the effects of the anisotropy gradient are relevant even for the narrowest ring of 10 nm wide. The idea of controlling frequencies by modifying the anisotropy gradients of the system suggests the possibility of using these nanostructures in potential magnetic controllable frequency devices.
MicroRNA-378a-3p is overexpressed in psoriasis and modulates cell cycle arrest in keratinocytes via targeting BMP2 gene
Authors: Soonthornchai Wipasiri , Tangtanatakul Pattarin , Meesilpavikkai Kornvalee , Dalm Virgil , Kueanjinda Patipark , Wongpiyabovorn Jongkonnee 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPsoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease driven by dysregulations at the cellular, genomic and genetic levels. MicroRNAs are key mediators of gene expression regulation. However, how microRNAs control the pathogenesis of psoriasis is still unclear. Here, we reported a significant up-regulation of miR-378a-3p (miR-378a) in skin biopsies from active psoriatic lesions while it was down-regulated after treatment with methotrexate or narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy. Using the keratinocyte in vitro model, we showed that miR-378a disturbed the cell cycle progression, causing cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. Transcriptomic analysis of keratinocytes with miR-378a overexpression and depletion revealed several important biological mechanisms related to inflammation and tight junction. Target mRNA transcript assessed by luciferase assay identified bone morphogenetic protein 2 as a novel target gene of miR-378a. These findings offer a mechanistic model where miR-378a contributes to the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
The effects of sleep deprivation on the processing of emotional facial expressions in young adults with and without ADHD
Authors: Cohen Ami , Asraf Kfir , Saveliev Ivgeny , Dan Orrie , Haimov Iris 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe ability to recognize emotions from facial expressions is essential to the development of complex social cognition behaviors, and impairments in this ability are associated with poor social competence. This study aimed to examine the effects of sleep deprivation on the processing of emotional facial expressions and nonfacial stimuli in young adults with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thirty-five men (mean age 25.4) with (n = 19) and without (n = 16) ADHD participated in the study. During the five days preceding the experimental session, the participants were required to sleep at least seven hours per night (23:00/24:00–7:00/9:00) and their sleep was monitored via actigraphy. On the morning of the experimental session, the participants completed a 4-stimulus visual oddball task combining facial and nonfacial stimuli, and repeated it after 25 h of sustained wakefulness. At baseline, both study groups had poorer performance in response to facial rather than non-facial target stimuli on all indices of the oddball task, with no differences between the groups. Following sleep deprivation, rates of omission errors, commission errors and reaction time variability increased significantly in the ADHD group but not in the control group. Time and target type (face/non-face) did not have an interactive effect on any indices of the oddball task. Young adults with ADHD are more sensitive to the negative effects of sleep deprivation on attentional processes, including those related to the processing of emotional facial expressions. As poor sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness are common in individuals with ADHD, it is feasible that poor sleep quality and quantity play an important role in cognitive functioning deficits, including the processing of emotional facial expressions that are associated with ADHD.
Herbicidal properties of antihypertensive drugs: calcium channel blockers
Authors: Abdullah Hannan Safiyyah Tan Sian Hui , Chia Poh Wai , Omar Dzolkhifli , Chuah Tse Seng 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHerbicide resistance is a worldwide problem in weed control. This prompts researchers to look for new modes of action to slow down the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds. This research aims to determine the herbicidal action of thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines derivatives, which are well known as antihypertensive drugs. The phytotoxic effects of ten compounds were investigated using leaf disc discoloration test and seed germination bioassay. At concentrations of 125 to 250 mg/L, the 5-(3-Fluoro-phenyl)-7-methyl-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (c) was highly active against Oldenlandia verticillata and Eleusine indica. At application rates of 1.25 to 2.5 kg ai/ha, formulated c demonstrated selective post-emergence and pre-emergence herbicidal activity against O. verticillata, E. indica and Cyperus iria. In the crop tolerance test, formulated c outperformed the commercial herbicide diuron, with aerobic Oryza sativa being the most tolerant, followed by Zea mays, and Brassica rapa. The addition of calcium chloride partially nullified compound c's inhibitory effects on weed shoot growth, indicating that it has potential as a calcium channel blocker. Compound c acted by triggering electrolyte leakage without affecting photosystem II. These findings imply that c could be explored further as a template for developing new herbicides with novel modes of action.
Serine proteases profiles of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis clinical isolates with distinct susceptibilities to antimony
Authors: Zabala-Peñafiel Anabel , Dias-Lopes Geovane , Cysne-Finkelstein Léa , Conceição-Silva Fátima , Miranda Luciana de Freitas Campos , Fagundes Aline , Schubach Armando de Oliveira , Fernandes Pimentel Maria Inês , Souza-Silva Franklin , Machado Lucas de Almeida , Alves Carlos Roberto 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGlucantime (SbV) is the first-line treatment against American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis. Resistance cases to this drug have been reported and related to host characteristics and parasite phenotypes. In this study, 12 Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis isolates from patients that presented clinical cure (Responders—R) and relapse or therapeutic failure (Non-responders—NR) after treatment with antimony, were analyzed. These parasites were assessed by in vitro susceptibility to SbIII and SbV, serine proteases activity measured with substrate (z-FR-AMC) and specific inhibitors (TLCK, AEBSF and PMSF). In vitro susceptibility of axenic amastigotes to SbIII showed a significant difference between R and NR groups. The protease assays showed that TLCK inhibited almost 100% of activity in both axenic amastigotes and promastigotes while AEBSF inhibited around 70%, and PMSF showed lower inhibition of some isolates. Principal component and clustering analysis performed with these data yielded one homogeneous cluster with only NR isolates and three heterogeneous clusters with R and NR isolates. Additionally, differential expression of subtilisins (LbrM.13.0860 and LbrM.28.2570) and TXNPx (LbrM.15.1080) was evaluated in promastigotes and axenic amastigotes from both groups. The results showed a higher expression of LbrM.13.0860 and LbrM.15.1080 genes in axenic amastigotes, while LbrM.28.2570 gene had the lowest expression in all isolates, regardless of the parasite form. The data presented here show a phenotypic heterogeneity among the parasites, suggesting that exploration of in vitro phenotypes based on SbIII and serine proteases profiles can aid in the characterization of L. (V.) braziliensis clinical isolates.
Reciprocal interaction between SIRT6 and APC/C regulates genomic stability
Authors: Wang Helin , Feng Kangze , Wang Qingtao , Deng Haiteng 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSIRT6 is an NAD+-dependent deacetylase that plays an important role in mitosis fidelity and genome stability. In the present study, we found that SIRT6 overexpression leads to mitosis defects and aneuploidy. We identified SIRT6 as a novel substrate of anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), which is a master regulator of mitosis. Both CDH1 and CDC20, co-activators of APC/C, mediated SIRT6 degradation via the ubiquitination-proteasome pathway. Reciprocally, SIRT6 also deacetylated CDH1 at lysine K135 and promoted its degradation, resulting in an increase in APC/C-CDH1-targeted substrates, dysfunction in centrosome amplification, and chromosome instability. Our findings demonstrate the importance of SIRT6 for genome integrity during mitotic progression and reveal how SIRT6 and APC/C cooperate to drive mitosis.