bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polydopamine/Ethylenediamine Nanoparticles Embedding a Photosynthetic Bacterial Reaction Center for Efficient Photocurrent Generation
Authors: Buscemi Gabriella , Vona Danilo , Ragni Roberta , Comparelli Roberto , Trotta Massimo , Milano Francesco , Farinola Gianluca Maria 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPhotoactive biohybrid soft nanoparticles are obtained by embedding the Rhodobacter sphaeroides Reaction Center (RC) in polydopamine (PDA) suspended aggregates and treating them with ethylenediamine (EDA). Such PDA:EDA@RC nanoparticles are investigated for photocurrent generation in photoelectrochemical cells, which are able to convert sunlight into electrical energy. The photosynthetic protein retains its structural and functional integrity in the nanostructures and the PDA:EDA@RC nanoparticles exhibit better water dispersity, improved light collection ability, and higher photocurrent generation compared to the PDA@RC precursors, where the reaction center is embedded in pure PDA. The hybrid soft nanoparticles incorporating the RC bacterial photoenzyme show charge separated state generation comparable to that of the pristine enzyme in solution, overcoming the main limitation of RC encapsulation in pure PDA, which is the polymer low light transmission ability. As a consequence, photocurrents obtained by RC within the PDA:EDA environment are almost doubled with respect to the PDA@RC. The biohybrid composites described here represent an interesting example of effective functional nanostructures for sunlight photoconversion based on a biological component addressed in a tunable biocompatible polymer composite, also showing the potential of fine chemical tailoring of polydopamine biointerfaces.
Metal‐Based Flexible Transparent Electrodes: Challenges and Recent Advances
Authors: Lu Xi , Zhang Yaokang , Zheng Zijian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFlexible transparent electrodes (FTEs) with high optical transmittance, low sheet resistance, and high flexibility are critical and indispensable components of emerging flexible optoelectronic devices. Indium tin oxide (ITO), the major transparent conductive material used for optoelectronics nowadays, is not suitable for flexible applications because of its brittleness. In the past decade, researchers have developed a wide variety of new transparent conductive materials to replace ITO, among which metal‐based FTEs (m‐FTEs) including ultrathin metal films, metal nanowire networks, and metal meshes appear to be particularly promising. In this review, the authors summarize the major challenges of each type of metal‐based transparent materials and highlight the corresponding research strategies and remarkable achievements in recent years. In the following, the possibility of scalable production of such m‐FTEs from the perspective of the material choice and fabrication technology is discussed. Finally, the remaining challenges and the perspective of m‐FTEs are discussed.
Multifunctional Utilization of Pitch‐Coated Carbon Fibers in Lithium‐Based Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Ghosh Shuvajit , Bhattacharjee Udita , Patchaiyappan Sivaraman , Nanda Jagjit , Dudney Nancy J. , Martha Surendra K. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis work reports carbon fibers as an electrode material and current collector for dual‐carbon and lithium‐ion batteries. Fully graphitic and semigraphitic carbon fibers undergo anion intercalation beyond 4.5 V versus Li/Li+. Symmetric dual‐carbon full cells using a pitch‐coated fully graphitic carbon fiber mat as both cathode and anode delivers an energy‐density of 276 and 322 Wh kg−1 at 342 W kg−1 power density in the voltage range of 3.0–5.0 and 3.0–5.2 V, respectively. On the other hand, nongraphitic carbon fibers do not exhibit anion intercalation up to 5.2 V and can be used as a current collector. They also possess a larger number of Li+ storage sites in their randomly oriented microstructure when used as an anode. A lithium‐ion full cell with double carbon‐coated C‐LiFePO4 loaded on nongraphitic carbon fiber as a cathode and pitch‐coated nongraphitic carbon fiber as an anode exhibits 202.6 and 75.2 Wh kg−1 energy density at power densities of 46.75 W kg−1 and 11.7 kW kg−1, respectively in 2.0–3.5 V range. This pitch‐coated carbon fiber‐based battery configuration eliminates the need for metal foils and costly fluorinated binders, lowers overall weight of the cell, and is capable of sustaining mechanical stress and thermal shock.
The first adolescent case of Fraser syndrome 3, with a novel nonsense variant in GRIP1
Authors: Koprulu Mine , Kumare Aneeta , Bibi Anisa , Malik Sajid , Tolun Aslıhan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFraser syndrome is characterized by cryptophthalmos, syndactyly and other autopod defects, and abnormalities of the respiratory and urogenital tracts. Biallelic variants in GRIP1 can cause Fraser syndrome 3 (FRASRS3), and five unrelated FRASRS3 cases have been reported to date. Four cases are fetuses with homozygous truncating variants. The remaining case is an almost 9‐year‐old Turkish girl compound heterozygous for a truncation variant and a possibly frame‐shift intragenic deletion. We present a 15.5‐year old Pakistani boy with homozygous truncating variant c.1774C>T (p.Gln592Ter). Of the hallmarks of the disease, the boy has cryptophthalmia, midface retrusion, very low anterior hairline, hair growth on temples extending to the supraorbital line and also on alae nasi, agenesis of right kidney, and cutaneous syndactyly of fingers and toes but no symptoms in any other organs, including lungs, anorectal system, genitalia, and umbilical system. This case is the oldest known individual with FRASRS3, and our findings show that a homozygous GRIP1 truncating variant can manifest with a non‐lethal phenotype than in the reported cases with such variants, expanding the phenotypic and mutational spectrum of GRIP1.
Plasma hydrogen sulfide: A biomarker of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Authors: Disbrow Elizabeth , Stokes Karen Y. , Ledbetter Christina , Patterson James , Kelley Roger , Pardue Sibile , Reekes Tyler , Larmeu Lana , Batra Vinita , Yuan Shuai , Cvek Urska , Trutschl Marjan , Kilgore Phillip , Alexander J. Steven , Kevil Christopher G. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhile heart disease remains a common cause of mortality, cerebrovascular disease also increases with age, and has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). We have described hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a signaling molecule important in vascular homeostasis, as a biomarker of cardiovascular disease. We hypothesize that plasma H2S and its metabolites also relate to vascular and cognitive dysfunction in ADRD. We used analytical biochemical methods to measure plasma H2S metabolites and MRI to evaluate indicators of microvascular disease in ADRD. Levels of total H2S and specific metabolites were increased in ADRD versus controls. Cognition and microvascular disease indices were correlated with H2S levels. Total plasma sulfide was the strongest indicator of ADRD, and partially drove the relationship between cognitive dysfunction and white matter lesion volume, an indicator of microvascular disease. Our findings show that H2S is dysregulated in dementia, providing a potential biomarker for diagnosis and intervention.
Spatially Selective Imaging of Cell–Matrix and Cell–Cell Junctions by Electrochemiluminescence
Authors: Ding Hao , Zhou Ping , Fu Wenxuan , Ding Lurong , Guo Weiliang , Su Bin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCell junctions are protein structures located at specific cell membrane domains that determine key processes in multicellular development. Here we report spatially selective imaging of cell junctions by electrochemiluminescence (ECL) microscopy. By regulating the concentrations of luminophore and/or co‐reactant, the thickness of ECL layer can be controlled to match with the spatial location of different cell junctions. At a low concentration of luminophore, ECL generation is confined to the electrode surface, thus revealing only cell–matrix adhesions at the bottom of cells. While at a high concentration of luminophore, the ECL layer can be remarkably extended by decreasing the co‐reactant concentration, thus allowing the sequential imaging of cell–matrix and cell–cell junctions at the bottom and near the apical surface of cells, respectively. This strategy not only provides new insights into the ECL mechanisms but also promises wide applications of ECL microscopy in bioimaging.
Synthetic Homogeneous Glycoforms of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike Receptor‐Binding Domain Reveals Different Binding Profiles of Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Ye Farong , Zhao Jie , Xu Peng , Liu Xinliang , Yu Jing , Shangguan Wei , Liu Jiazhi , Luo Xiaosheng , Li Cheng , Ying Tianlei , Wang Jing , Yu Biao , Wang Ping 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSARS‐CoV‐2 attaches to its host receptor, angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), via the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein. The RBD glycoprotein is a critical target for the development of neutralizing antibodies and vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2. However, the high heterogeneity of RBD glycoforms may lead to an incomplete neutralization effect and impact the immunogenic integrity of RBD‐based vaccines. Investigating the role of different carbohydrate domains is of paramount importance. Unfortunately, there is no viable method for preparing RBD glycoproteins with structurally defined glycans. Herein we describe a highly efficient and scalable strategy for the preparation of six glycosylated RBDs bearing defined structure glycoforms at T323, N331, and N343. A combination of modern oligosaccharide, peptide synthesis and recombinant protein engineering provides a robust route to decipher carbohydrate structure‐function relationships.
Team‐Based Ultrasound Objective Structured Practice Examination (OSPE) in the Anatomy Course
Authors: Weiskittel Taylor M. , Lachman Nirusha , Bhagra Anjali , Andersen Kylie , St. Jeor Jeff , Pawlina Wojciech 
Published: March 2021

The clinical use of ultrasound has dramatically increased, necessitating early ultrasound education and the development of new tools in ultrasound training and assessment. The goal of this study was to devise a novel low‐resource examination that tested the anatomical knowledge and technical skill of early undergraduate medical students in a gross anatomy course. The team‐based ultrasound objective structured practice examination (OSPE) was created as a method for assessing practical ultrasound competencies, anatomical knowledge, and non‐technical skills such as teamwork and professionalism. The examination utilized a rotation of students through four team roles as they scanned different areas of the body. This station‐based examination required four models and four instructors, and tested ultrasound skills in the heart, abdominal vessels, abdominal organs, and neck regions. A Likert scale survey assessed student attitudes toward the examination. Survey data from participants (n = 46) were examined along with OSPE examination grades (n = 52). Mean and standard deviations were calculated for examination items and survey responses. Student grades were high in both technical (96.5%). and professional (96.5%) competencies with structure identification scoring the lowest (93.8%). There were no statistical differences between performances in each of the body regions being scanned. The survey showed that students deemed the examination to be fair and effective. In addition, students agreed that the examination motivated them to practice ultrasound. The team‐based OSPE was found to be an efficient and student‐favored method for evaluating integrated ultrasound competencies, anatomical knowledge, team‐work, and professional attributes.
Waist circumference and a body shape index and prostate cancer risk and mortality
Authors: Jochems Sylvia H. J. , Wood Angela M. , Häggström Christel , Orho‐Melander Marju , Stattin Pär , Stocks Tanja 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe recently found a negative association between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of localised prostate cancer (PCa), no association with advanced PCa, and a positive association with PCa‐specific mortality. In a 15% subpopulation of that study, we here investigated the measures of abdominal adiposity including waist circumference (WC) and A Body Shape Index (ABSI) in relation to PCa risk and mortality. We used data from 58,457 men from four Swedish cohorts to assess WC and ABSI in relation to PCa risk according to cancer risk category, including localised asymptomatic and symptomatic PCa and advanced PCa, and PCa‐specific mortality. Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During, on average, 10 years of follow‐up, 3290 men were diagnosed with PCa and 387 died of PCa. WC was negatively associated with the risk of total PCa (HR per 10 cm, 0.95; 95% CI 0.92–0.99), localised PCa (HR per 10 cm, 0.93, 95% CI 0.88–0.96) and localised asymptomatic PCa cases detected through a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) test (HR per 10 cm, 0.87, 95% CI 0.81–0.94). WC was not associated with the risk of advanced PCa (HR per 10 cm, 1.02, 95% CI 0.93–1.14) or with PCa‐specific mortality (HR per 10 cm, 1.04, 95% CI 0.92–1.19). ABSI showed no associations with the risk of PCa or PCa‐specific mortality. While the negative association between WC and the risk of localised PCa was partially driven by PSA‐detected PCa cases, no association was found between abdominal adiposity and clinically manifest PCa in our population.
Screening for cancers with a good prognosis: The case of testicular germ cell cancer
Authors: Heijnsdijk Eveline A. M. , Supit Steven J. , Looijenga Leendert H. J. , de Koning Harry J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundTo determine, using testicular germ cell cancer screening as an example, whether screening can also be effective for cancers with a good prognosis.MethodsBased on the Dutch incidence, stage distribution, and survival and mortality data of testicular germ cell cancer, we developed a microsimulation model. This model simulates screening scenarios varying in screening age, interval, self‐examination or screening by the general practitioner (GP), and screening of a defined high‐risk group (cryptorchidism). For each scenario, the number of clinically and screen‐detected cancers by stage, referrals, testicular germ cell cancer deaths, and life‐years gained were projected.ResultsAnnual self‐examination from age 20 to 30 years resulted in 767 cancers detected per 100,000 men followed over life‐time, of which 123 (16%) by screening. In this scenario, 19.2 men died from the disease, 4.7 (20%) less than without screening, and 230 life‐years were gained. Around 14,000 visits to the GP and 2080 visits to an urologist were required. This scenario resulted in the most favorable ratio between extra visits to the GP or urologist and deaths prevented (1418 and 116 respectively). Monthly screening, or screening until age 40 resulted in less favorable ratios. Self‐examination by only the high‐risk population prevented 1.0 death per 100,00 men in the general population. In all scenarios, 46–50 life‐years were gained for each testicular germ cell cancer death prevented.ConclusionDespite the good prognosis, self‐examination at young ages for testicular germ cell cancer could be considered.
G‐Quadruplex Formation in a Putative Coding Region of White Spot Syndrome Virus: Structural and Thermodynamic Aspects
Authors: Vianney Yoanes Maria , Purwanto Maria Goretti M. , Weisz Klaus 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhite spot disease (WSD) is one of the most devastating viral infections of crustaceans caused by the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). A conserved sequence WSSV131 in the DNA genome of WSSV was found to fold into a polymorphic G‐quadruplex structure. Supported by two mutant sequences with single G→T substitutions in the third G4 tract of WSSV131, circular dichroism and NMR spectroscopic analyses demonstrate folding of the wild‐type sequence into a three‐tetrad parallel topology comprising three propeller loops with a major 1 : 3 : 1 and a minor 1 : 2 : 2 loop length arrangement. A thermodynamic analysis of quadruplex formation by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicates a thermodynamically more stable 1 : 3 : 1 loop isomer. DSC also revealed the formation of additional highly stable multimeric species with populations depending on potassium ion concentration.
Persistent increase of β‐hCG level after salpingectomy in tubal pregnancy: Good or bad news?
Authors: Pinto Ribeiro Pedro Cristiano , Amann Niklas , Alba Alejandre Irene , Kost Bernd , Mahner Sven , Kaltofen Till 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHeterotopic pregnancy is a rare event in natural conception (1:30000). We describe a case of a 36‐year‐old nulliparous. She presented to our department in the 4 + 6 gestational week with two simultaneous pregnancies intrauterine and extrauterine. Here, we compare treatment options and ultrasound findings to help examiners avoid inadequate therapeutic approaches.
ModraDoc006, an oral docetaxel formulation in combination with ritonavir (ModraDoc006/r), in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer patients: A phase Ib study
Authors: Vermunt Marit A. C. , Robbrecht Debbie G. J. , Devriese Lot A. , Janssen Julie M. , Thijssen Bas , Keessen Marianne , van Eijk Maarten , Kessels Rob , Eskens Ferry A. L. M. , Beijnen Jos H. , Mehra Niven , Bergman Andries M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundModraDoc006 is an oral formulation of docetaxel, which is co‐administered with the cytochrome P450 3A4 and P‐glycoprotein inhibitor ritonavir (r): ModraDoc006/r. Weekly treatment with ModraDoc006/r had been evaluated in phase I trials in patients with different types of advanced solid tumors, but up to this point in time not in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).AimWe assessed safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of ModraDoc006/r to establish the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) in patients with mCRPC.MethodsmCRPC patients, treatment naïve or following abiraterone or enzalutamide treatment, were included. Dose‐escalation of ModraDoc006/r was based on safety and docetaxel PK. Antitumor activity was assessed by serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and radiological evaluation.ResultsCohort 1 (n = 5) received once weekly ModraDoc006 30 mg with ritonavir 100 mg in the morning, and ModraDoc006 20 mg with ritonavir 100 mg in the evening (30‐20/100‐100). The mean docetaxel area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (mAUC0‐inf) was 461 ng/mL × h with 1 dose limiting toxicity (DLT); grade 3 alanine transferase increase. In cohort 2 (n = 6, ModraDoc006/r 30‐20/200‐200), the mAUC0‐inf was 1687 ng/mL × h with 2 DLTs; grade 3 diarrhea and mucositis. In cohort 3A (n = 6, ModraDoc006/r 30‐20/200‐100), the mAUC0‐inf was 1517 ng/mL × h with 1 DLT; grade 3 diarrhea. In cohort 3B (n = 3, ModraDoc006/r 20‐20/200‐100), the mAUC0‐inf was 558 ng/mL × h without DLTs. The mAUC0‐inf exceeded estimated exposures of intravenous docetaxel in cohort 2 and 3A, was lower in cohort 1 and was in range in cohort 3B. PSA decreases of >50% occurred in 6/10 evaluable patients throughout the various cohorts. In five radiological evaluable patients, two confirmed partial responses were observed.ConclusionThe RP2D was established at weekly ModraDoc006/r 30‐20/200‐100. Observed PSA and radiological responses suggest promising clinical activity. These results have led to an ongoing randomized Phase 2b study, comparing weekly ModraDoc006/r with 3‐weekly IV docetaxel in patients with mCRPC.
Excitation of plasma wakefields by intense ultra‐relativistic proton beam
Authors: Karmakar Mithun , Patel Bhavesh , Chakrabarti Nikhil , Sengupta Sudip 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe report here an exact analytical travelling wave solution for a non‐linear electron plasma wave excited by an intense ultra‐relativistic proton beam. It demonstrates the underlying physics of longitudinal electric field characteristics of the excited wake wave formed behind the drive beam. The results are further supplemented by a fully relativistic particle‐in‐cell code OSIRIS in two‐dimensional geometry. The investigation is further extended by providing an analytical description of the wake wave excited by an equi‐spaced train of small proton bunches with the inclusion of the non‐relativistic plasma ion dynamics. Our results show that the amplitude of the wake field does not grow indefinitely with the increase in the number of proton bunches. On the contrary, it saturates to a definitive limit.
Piping plovers demonstrate regional differences in nesting habitat selection patterns along the U.S. Atlantic coast
Authors: Zeigler Sara L. , Gutierrez Benjamin T. , Hecht Anne , Plant Nathaniel G. , Sturdivant Emily J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHabitat studies that encompass a large portion of a species’ geographic distribution can explain characteristics that are either consistent or variable, further informing inference from more localized studies and improving management successes throughout the range. We identified landscape characteristics at Piping Plover nests at 21 sites distributed from Massachusetts to North Carolina and compared habitat selection patterns among the three designated U.S. recovery units (New England, New York–New Jersey, and Southern). Geomorphic setting, substrate type, and vegetation type and density were determined in situ at 928 Piping Plover nests (hereafter, used resource units) and 641 random points (available resource units). Elevation, beach width, Euclidean distance to ocean shoreline, and least‐cost path distance to low‐energy shorelines with moist substrates (commonly used as foraging habitat) were associated with used and available resource units using remotely sensed spatial data. We evaluated multivariate differences in habitat selection patterns by comparing recovery unit‐specific Bayesian networks. We then further explored individual variables that drove disparities among Bayesian networks using resource selection ratios for categorical variables and Welch’s unequal variances t‐tests for continuous variables. We found that relationships among variables and their connections to habitat selection were similar among recovery units, as seen in commonalities in Bayesian network structures. Furthermore, nesting Piping Plovers consistently selected mixed sand and shell, gravel, or cobble substrates as well as areas with sparse or no vegetation, irrespective of recovery unit. However, we observed significant differences among recovery units in the elevations, distances to ocean, and distances to low‐energy shorelines of used resource units. Birds also exhibited increased selectivity for overwash habitats and for areas with access to low‐energy shorelines along a latitudinal gradient from north to south. These results have important implications for conservation and management, including assessment of shoreline stabilization and habitat restoration planning as well as forecasting effects of climate change.