bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomimetic Tympanic Membrane Replacement Made by Melt Electrowriting
Authors: von Witzleben Max , Stoppe Thomas , Ahlfeld Tilman , Bernhardt Anne , Polk Marie‐Luise , Bornitz Matthias , Neudert Marcus , Gelinsky Michael 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe tympanic membrane (TM) transfers sound waves from the air into mechanical motion for the ossicular chain. This requires a high sensitivity to small dynamic pressure changes and resistance to large quasi‐static pressure differences. The TM achieves this by providing a layered structure of about 100µm in thickness, a low flexural stiffness, and a high tensile strength. Chronically infected middle ears require reconstruction of a large area of the TM. However, current clinical treatment can cause a reduction in hearing. With the novel additive manufacturing technique of melt electrowriting (MEW), it is for the first time possible to fabricate highly organized and biodegradable membranes within the dimensions of the TM. Scaffold designs of various fiber composition are analyzed mechanically and acoustically. It can be demonstrated that by customizing fiber orientation, fiber diameter, and number of layers the desired properties of the TM can be met. An applied thin collagen layer seals the micropores of the MEW‐printed membrane while keeping the favorable mechanical and acoustical characteristics. The determined properties are beneficial for implantation, closely match those of the human TM, and support the growth of a neo‐epithelial layer. This proves the possibilities to create a biomimimetic TM replacement using MEW.
Functionalized Elastomers for Intrinsically Soft and Biointegrated Electronics
Authors: Shim Hyung Joon , Sunwoo Sung‐Hyuk , Kim Yeongjun , Koo Ja Hoon , Kim Dae‐Hyeong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractElastomers are suitable materials for constructing a conformal interface with soft and curvilinear biological tissue due to their intrinsically deformable mechanical properties. Intrinsically soft electronic devices whose mechanical properties are comparable to human tissue can be fabricated using suitably functionalized elastomers. This article reviews recent progress in functionalized elastomers and their application to intrinsically soft and biointegrated electronics. Elastomers can be functionalized by adding appropriate fillers, either nanoscale materials or polymers. Conducting or semiconducting elastomers synthesized and/or processed with these materials can be applied to the fabrication of soft biointegrated electronic devices. For facile integration of soft electronics with the human body, additional functionalization strategies can be employed to improve adhesive or autonomous healing properties. Recently, device components for intrinsically soft and biointegrated electronics, including sensors, stimulators, power supply devices, displays, and transistors, have been developed. Herein, representative examples of these fully elastomeric device components are discussed. Finally, the remaining challenges and future outlooks for the field are presented.
Preparation of Stretchable Nanofibrous Sheets with Sacrificial Coaxial Electrospinning for Treatment of Traumatic Muscle Injury
Authors: Pham‐Nguyen Oanh‐Vu , Son Young Ju , Kwon Tae‐wan , Kim Junhyung , Jung Yun Chan , Park Jong Bae , Kang Byung‐Jae , Yoo Hyuk Sang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTraumatic muscle injury with massive loss of muscle volume requires intramuscular implantation of proper scaffolds for fast and successful recovery. Although many artificial scaffolds effectively accelerate formation and maturation of myotubes, limited studies are showing the therapeutic effect of artificial scaffolds in animal models with massive muscle injury. In this study, improved myotube differentiation is approved on stepwise stretched gelatin nanofibers and applied to damaged muscle recovery in an animal model. The gelatin nanofibers are fabricated by a two‐step process composed of co‐axial electrospinning of poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) and gelatin and subsequent removal of the outer shells. When stepwise stretching is applied to the myoblasts on gelatin nanofibers for five days, enhanced myotube formation and polarized elongation are observed. Animal models with volumetric loss at quadriceps femoris muscles (>50%) are transplanted with the myotubes cultivated on thin and flexible gelatin nanofiber. Treated animals more efficiently recover exercising functions of the leg when myotubes and the gelatin nanofiber are co‐implanted at the injury sites. This result suggests that mechanically stimulated myotubes on gelatin nanofiber is therapeutically feasible for the robust recovery of volumetric muscle loss.
Unprecedented Fluorophore Photostability Enabled by Low‐Loss Organic Hyperbolic Materials
Authors: Lee Yeon Ui , Li Shilong , Bopp Steven Edward , Zhao Junxiang , Nie Zhaoyu , Posner Clara , Yang Sui , Zhang Xiang , Zhang Jin , Liu Zhaowei 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe dynamics of photons in fluorescent molecules plays a key role in fluorescence imaging, optical sensing, organic photovoltaics, and displays. Photobleaching is an irreversible photodegradation process of fluorophores, representing a fundamental limitation in relevant optical applications. Chemical reagents are used to suppress the photobleaching rate but with exceptionally high specificity for each type of fluorophore. Here, using organic hyperbolic materials (OHMs), an optical platform to achieve unprecedented fluorophore photostability without any chemical specificity is demonstrated. A more than 500‐fold lengthening of the photobleaching lifetime and a 230‐fold increase in the total emitted photon counts are observed simultaneously. These exceptional improvements solely come from the low‐loss hyperbolic dispersion of OHM films and the large resultant Purcell effect in the visible spectral range. The demonstrated OHM platform may open up a new paradigm in nanophotonics and organic plasmonics for super‐resolution imaging and the engineering of light–matter interactions at the nanoscale.
Nanoparticle‐Assembled Vacuolated Coacervates Control Macromolecule Spatiotemporal Distribution to Provide a Stable Segregated Cell Microenvironment
Authors: Zhao Pengchao , Yang Boguang , Xu Xiayi , Lai Nathanael Chun‐Him , Li Rui , Yang Xuefeng , Bian Liming 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMembraneless coacervate compartments in the intracellular and pericellular space mediate critical cellular functions. Developing synthetic coacervates that emulate the morphological, physical, and functional complexity of these natural coacervates is challenging but highly desirable. Herein, a generalizable nanoparticle assembly (NPA) strategy is developed, which is applicable to interactive core–shell nanoparticles with different chemical makeups, to fabricate vacuolated coacervates. The obtained NPA coacervates contain stable internal vacuoles to provide segregated microcompartments, which can mediate the spatially heterogeneous distribution of diverse macromolecules via restricted diffusion. It is further shown that the vacuolated NPA coacervates can harbor and retain macromolecular medium supplements to regulate the functions of cells encapsulated in vacuoles. Furthermore, the restricted macromolecule diffusion can be abolished on demand via the triggered coacervate–hydrogel transition, thereby altering the exposure of encapsulated cells to environmental factors. It is believed that the NPA strategy provides new insights into the design principles of hierarchical coacervates that hold promising potential for a wide array of biomedical applications.
Extrinsic Influences on Photoluminescence Spectral Lineshape in Thin Films
Authors: Dyson Matthew J. , van der Pol Tom P. A. , Meskers Stefan C. J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAccurate determination of the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of molecules is crucial in many areas including molecular diagnostics, genome analysis, and organic electronics. However, interpretation of experimental spectra from thin films can be complicated by phenomena extrinsic to the site of photon emission such as optical interference and self‐absorption. In this study, the alteration of fluorescence spectral lineshape is modeled from a thin film due to extrinsic factors as function of film thickness, incident angle, bandgap, and Stokes shift. The method is experimentally verified for thin (<400 nm) layers of molecular semiconductors on quartz substrates. Finally, a chart is provided for estimating the magnitude of the error due to extrinsic factors in the bandshape of fluorescence spectra from thin films. This demonstrates that the 0‐0/0‐1 intensity ratio, an indicator of the nature of excitonic coupling, is especially sensitive to possibly unconsidered influence from extrinsic effects.
Induction of Bone Formation by 3D Biologically Active Scaffolds Containing RGD‐NPs, BMP2, and NtMPCs
Authors: Kim Hye Jin , Hong Suk Jun , Lee Sujin , Park Jong Min , Park Ji‐In , Park Ji Sun , Shim Sung Han , Park Keun‐Hong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIt is demonstrated that nuclear transfer embryonic stem cells (NT‐ESCs) can be transformed into mesenchymal progenitor cells (NtMPCs) via culture under appropriate conditions and it is proposed that NtMPCs can be used for bone regeneration instead of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). In a 2‐dimensional culture, NtMPCs undergo chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation more readily than BMSCs upon culture in appropriate media. However, the osteogenic differentiation ability of NtMPCs is lower than that of BMSCs. 3‐dimensional (3D) biologically active scaffolds (BAs) comprising poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres are constructed to improve osteogenic differentiation. To generate BAs, nanoparticles containing an l‐Arginyl‐Glycyl‐l‐Aspartic acid (RGD) sequence (RGD‐NPs) and dexamethasone (DEX), a drug used to control differentiation and inflammation, are simultaneously encapsulated by PLGA to form particles measuring 150–250 µm. After that, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) is immobilized on the surface of polyethylenimine (PEI)‐coated microspheres via formation of ionic bonds between O‐sulfate and N‐sulfate in heparin with lysine/arginine residues of BMP2. Gene expression profiling is performed via QuantSeq 3′ mRNA‐sequencing in mice transplanted with BAs containing NtMPCs and BMSCs. Expression of the osteogenic differentiation‐related genes collagen Type I Alpha 2 (COL1A2), Homeobox protein MSX‐2 (MSX2), Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) is 2–3‐fold higher in mice transplanted with BAs containing NtMPCs than in mice transplanted with BAs containing BMSCs.
Participatory survey design of a workforce health needs assessment for correctional supervisors
Authors: Dugan Alicia G. , Namazi Sara , Cavallari Jennifer M. , Rinker Robert D. , Preston Julius C. , Steele Vincent L. , Cherniack Martin G. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe correctional workforce experiences persistent health problems, and interventions designed with worker participation show favorable outcomes. However, participatory intervention research often leaves workers out of the health needs assessment, the basis of interventions subsequently developed. This omission risks failure to detect factors contributing to the health and is less likely to result in primary prevention interventions.MethodsPartnering with a correctional supervisors' union, we followed Schulz and colleagues' community‐based participatory research (CBPR) methods for participatory survey design and used Healthy Workplace Participatory Program (HWPP) tools to develop a tailored survey to assess workforce health and contributing factors. Utilizing the HWPP Focus Group Guide, we generated key themes to adapt the HWPP All Employee Survey, a generic workforce health assessment, to become thorough and contextually‐relevant for correctional supervisors.ResultsContent analysis of focus group data revealed 12 priority health concerns and contributors, including organizational culture, masculinity, work‐family conflict, family support, trauma, positive job aspects, health literacy and efficacy, health/risk behaviors, sleep, obesity, and prioritizing work and income over health. Twenty‐six measures were added to the generic survey, mainly health‐related antecedents including knowledge, attitudes, norms, and motivation.ConclusionFindings yielded new insights about supervisors' lived experiences of work and health, and resulted in a customized workforce survey. CBPR methods and HWPP tools allowed us to identify health issues that we would not have detected with conventional methods, and provide opportunities for interventions that address root causes of poor health. We share challenges faced and lessons learned using CBPR with the correctional workforce.
Variants in KIF2A cause broad clinical presentation; the computational structural analysis of a novel variant in a patient with a cortical dysplasia, complex, with other brain malformations 3
Authors: Hatano Maiko , Fukushima Hiroko , Ohto Tatsuyuki , Ueno Yuichi , Saeki Saki , Enokizono Takashi , Tanaka Ryuta , Tanaka Mai , Imagawa Kazuo , Kanai Yu , Kato Mitsuhiro , Shiraku Hiroshi , Suzuki Hisato , Uehara Tomoko , Takenouchi Toshiki , Kosaki Kenjiro , Takada Hidetoshi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCortical dysplasia, complex, with other brain malformations 3 (CDCBM3) is a rare autosomal dominant syndrome caused by Kinesin family Member 2A (KIF2A) gene mutation. Patients with CDCBM3 exhibit posterior dominant agyria/pachygyria with severe motor dysfunction. Here, we report an 8‐year‐old boy with CDCBM3 showing a typical, but relatively mild, clinical presentation of CDCBM3 features. Whole‐exome sequencing identified a heterozygous mutation of NM_001098511.2:c.1298C>A [p.(Ser433Tyr)]. To our knowledge, the mutation has never been reported previously. The variant was located distal to the nucleotide binding domain (NBD), in which previously‐reported variants in CDCBM3 patients have been located. The computational structural analysis showed the p.433 forms the pocket with NBD. Variants in KIF2A have been reported in the NBD for CDCBM3, in the kinesin motor 3 domain, but not in the NBD in epilepsy, and outside of the kinesin motor domain in autism spectrum syndrome, respectively. Our patient has a variant, that is not in the NBD but at the pocket with the NBD, resulting in a clinical features of CDCBM3 with mild symptoms. The clinical findings of patients with KIF2A variants appear restricted to the central nervous system and facial anomalies. We can call this spectrum “KIF2A syndrome” with variable severity.
Holistic information research: From rhetoric to paradigm
Authors: Polkinghorne Sarah , Given Lisa M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMany researchers in library and information science have claimed that studies that are holistic are critical to understanding various phenomena. On closer examination, however, the term “holistic” is used mainly as a rhetorical device in the literature, rather than as one that embraces the epistemological tenets of a holistic paradigm, and applies these to research design. This paper examines this rhetorical use, and explores what it would mean, and why it would matter, to adopt substantively holistic approaches to research. We review relevant literature in library and information science to position past uses of holistic and compare these to the conceptual intentions of holism. We also outline the concept of holism, itself, with a focus on methodological and ontological holism, which can most deeply inform research design in our discipline. Greater methodological diversity, including much wider adoption of interpretivist and critical approaches, can address the concerns underlying the use of holistic rhetoric. We illustrate this central conceptual argument with a roadmap illustrating holistic considerations throughout the research process. The paper demonstrates that it is possible to shift away from predominantly rhetorical use of holistic, toward paradigmatically holistic research, which will provide for richer analyses of critical phenomena in the discipline.
Acceleration of the high‐energy protons in an active galactic nuclei
Authors: Istomin Yakov , Gunya Alexey 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe process of stationary acceleration of protons by an electric field in the electromagnetic field of active galactic nuclei, including the regions of the magnetosphere of a supermassive black hole and a relativistic jet, is considered. The process of collisionless acceleration of the proton as a component of ultrahigh‐energy cosmic rays is assumed. It is shown that during acceleration to the maximum energy γmax the main part of the energy is achieved by a proton in the magnetosphere up to in the region of the light cylinder. Further achievement of the maximum energy γmax occurs in the jet region, where, depending on the parameters of the amplitudes of the electric and magnetic fields, various acceleration regimes are possible.
General relativistic formulas for mass and spin of a Kerr black hole in terms of redshifts and orbital parameters
Authors: Herrera–Aguilar Alfredo , Lizardo–Castro Raúl , Nucamendi Ulises 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe derive closed formulas for the mass M and spin a parameters of a Kerr black hole in terms of a minimal quantity of observational data: the red‐/blue‐shifts of photons emitted by massive particles (stars) moving on geodesics around the black hole and their respective orbital radius. It turns out that for a single star orbiting the black hole, we need a minimal set of four observational measurements to analytically determine both parameters. Indeed, given a set of two (three) stars revolving around the black hole, these formulas involve just eight (twelve) observational data.
Predicting manganese and iron precipitation in drinking water biofilters
Authors: Earle Martin R. , Breda Inês L. , Stoddart Amina K. , Gagnon Graham A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractManganese is removed from drinking water because of aesthetic, health, and corrosion concerns. Like iron, manganese removal in biofilters depends on homogeneous, heterogeneous, and biological processes. This study aims to add further understanding to the importance of homogeneous processes for manganese removal in drinking water biofilters. Data collected from 10 groundwater biofilters across filter depth were analyzed using Pourbaix diagrams and thermodynamic modelling software (PHREEQC). Both methods predicted that iron would precipitate in all samples, but the predictions differed for manganese. The software approach provided a more precise look into the minerals predicted to form by homogeneous oxidation, allowing for deeper interpretation of biofilter oxidation–reduction (redox) conditions. Results suggest that multiple manganese removal mechanisms occur across biofilters, but homogeneous manganese oxidation may be essential to meet new Canadian guidelines. Utilities operating manganese removing biofilters should measure redox conditions to determine if changing biofilter pretreatment could decrease effluent manganese concentrations.Article Impact StatementResults of this study suggest that homogeneous manganese oxidation may be important for achieving the low effluent concentrations required by Canadian guidelines.
Radial versus femoral access for coronary interventions: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Chiarito Mauro , Cao Davide , Nicolas Johny , Roumeliotis Anastasios , Power David , Chandiramani Rishi , Sartori Samantha , Camaj Anton , Goel Ridhima , Claessen Bimmer E. , Stefanini Giulio G. , Mehran Roxana , Dangas George 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveIt is still debated if benefits associated with radial versus femoral access for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are due to the access site selection itself, operator expertise or other underlying mechanisms.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, and meeting abstracts for randomized trials comparing radial versus femoral access site for coronary angiography and PCI. Primary safety endpoint was major bleeding. Coprimary efficacy endpoints were stroke and myocardial infarction (MI). This study is registered with PROSPERO.ResultsWe identified 31 trials (30,096 patients, PCI performed in 21,225 patients). Radial compared to femoral access was associated with a significant risk reduction in major bleeding (OR 0.53, 95%CI 0.42–0.66, I2 = 3.3%). Findings were consistent regardless of clinical characteristics or whether coronary angiography was performed with or without PCI. The benefit of radial access was significantly increased in studies published before 2010 and in patients with chronic coronary syndrome. Risk for stroke (OR 1.11, 95%CI 0.76–1.64, I2 = 0%) and MI (OR 0.90, 95%CI 0.79–1.04, I2 = 0%) were comparable between the groups. Risk for mortality and vascular complications were significantly lower with radial than femoral access.ConclusionIn patients undergoing coronary angiography and PCI, radial access is associated with a significant risk reduction in bleeding, vascular complications, and mortality compared to femoral access. The risk of stroke or MI were comparable in patients with radial or femoral access.
Use of a novel implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator multisensor algorithm for heart failure monitoring in a COVID‐19 patient: A case report
Authors: Bontempi Luca , Cerini Manuel , Salghetti Francesca , Fabbricatore Davide , Nozza Clara , Campari Monica , Valsecchi Sergio , Curnis Antonio 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe report the case of a patient implanted with an implantable defibrillator endowed with a multisensor algorithm for heart failure monitoring. Automatic measurement of multiple clinical variables allowed to detect impending heart failure decompensation and showed its ability to facilitate differential diagnosis in the context of the current COVID‐19 pandemic.
The utility of intraoperative nerve monitoring in secondary and tertiary Hyperparathyroid surgery
Authors: Dudley Samuel , Nezakatgoo Nosratollah , Rist Tyler M. , Klug Theodore , Shires Courtney B. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectivesRecurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is a well‐known complication of parathyroid surgery. Despite ample data, there is still uncertainty about the role of intraoperative monitoring (IONM) in mitigating RLN damage.Study DesignA retrospective review.MethodsWe included all patients presenting for total, subtotal, or completion parathyroidectomy at a tertiary referral hospital from 2013 to 2018. Information about demographics, previous neck surgery, perioperative data, pathology, and possible RLN injury was collected. Two groups were formed for analysis: IONM vs. nonmonitored (NM).Results105 patients underwent 107 surgeries with IONM utilized in 71 cases. The groups were similar in demographics, but significantly differed (all P < 0.05) in preincision parathyroid hormone level (IONM = 2091.44 vs NM = 1334.87), surgery type (IONM = 62.9% vs NM = 27.8% subtotal), and surgery length in minutes (IONM = 155.21 vs NM = 182.22). We observed six cases (6/71 = 8.45%) of persistent RLN complaints (three or more weeks postoperatively) and four cases (4/71 = 5.63%) of temporary complaints with the use of IONM compared with only one temporary complaint (1/36 = 2.78%) in unmonitored procedures (P = 0.129).ConclusionsThese results suggest that the use of IONM does not provide a protective effect on the RLN in patients with secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism undergoing total, subtotal, or completion parathyroidectomy. Prospective, randomized studies with pre‐ and postoperative flexible laryngoscopy are needed to explore the use of IONM in this patient population further.