bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local anisotropy in mineralized fibrocartilage and subchondral bone beneath the tendon-bone interface
Authors: Tits Alexandra , Plougonven Erwan , Blouin Stéphane , Hartmann Markus A. , Kaux Jean-François , Drion Pierre , Fernandez Justin , van Lenthe G. Harry , Ruffoni Davide 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe enthesis allows the insertion of tendon into bone thanks to several remarkable strategies. This complex and clinically relevant location often features a thin layer of fibrocartilage sandwiched between tendon and bone to cope with a highly heterogeneous mechanical environment. The main purpose of this study was to investigate whether mineralized fibrocartilage and bone close to the enthesis show distinctive three-dimensional microstructural features, possibly to enable load transfer from tendon to bone. As a model, the Achilles tendon-calcaneus bone system of adult rats was investigated with histology, backscattered electron imaging and micro-computed tomography. The microstructural porosity of bone and mineralized fibrocartilage in different locations including enthesis fibrocartilage, periosteal fibrocartilage and bone away from the enthesis was characterized. We showed that calcaneus bone presents a dedicated protrusion of low porosity where the tendon inserts. A spatially resolved analysis of the trabecular network suggests that such protrusion may promote force flow from the tendon to the plantar ligament, while partially relieving the trabecular bone from such a task. Focusing on the tuberosity, highly specific microstructural aspects were highlighted. Firstly, the interface between mineralized and unmineralized fibrocartilage showed the highest roughness at the tuberosity, possibly to increase failure resistance of a region carrying large stresses. Secondly, fibrochondrocyte lacunae inside mineralized fibrocartilage, in analogy with osteocyte lacunae in bone, had a predominant alignment at the enthesis and a rather random organization away from it. Finally, the network of subchondral channels inside the tuberosity was highly anisotropic when compared to contiguous regions. This dual anisotropy of subchondral channels and cell lacunae at the insertion may reflect the alignment of the underlying collagen network. Our findings suggest that the microstructure of fibrocartilage may be linked with the loading environment. Future studies should characterize those microstructural aspects in aged and or diseased conditions to elucidate the poorly understood role of bone and fibrocartilage in enthesis-related pathologies.
Exploring rare cellular activity in more than one million cells by a transscale scope
Authors: Ichimura T. , Kakizuka T. , Horikawa K. , Seiriki K. , Kasai A. , Hashimoto H. , Fujita K. , Watanabe T. M. , Nagai T. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn many phenomena of biological systems, not a majority, but a minority of cells act on the entire multicellular system causing drastic changes in the system properties. To understand the mechanisms underlying such phenomena, it is essential to observe the spatiotemporal dynamics of a huge population of cells at sub-cellular resolution, which is difficult with conventional tools such as microscopy and flow cytometry. Here, we describe an imaging system named AMATERAS that enables optical imaging with an over-one-centimeter field-of-view and a-few-micrometer spatial resolution. This trans-scale-scope has a simple configuration, composed of a low-power lens for machine vision and a hundred-megapixel image sensor. We demonstrated its high cell-throughput, capable of simultaneously observing more than one million cells. We applied it to dynamic imaging of calcium ions in HeLa cells and cyclic-adenosine-monophosphate in Dictyostelium discoideum, and successfully detected less than 0.01% of rare cells and observed multicellular events induced by these cells.
Age-related macular degeneration and premorbid allergic diseases: a population-based case–control study
Authors: Shen Yi-Chen , Hsia Ning-Yi , Wu Wan-Hua , Lin Cheng-Li , Shen Te-Chun , Huang Wei-Chien 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEvidence indicates that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is associated with the prior presence of allergic diseases; however, large-scale studies in the literature are limited. A case–control study was conducted to describe the relationship between premorbid allergic diseases and AMD using Taiwan’s National Health Insurance database. Eligibility criteria for inclusion of new adult AMD cases from 2000 to 2013 were set up. We defined the year of diagnosis as the index year. Age-, gender-, index year- matched controls who were drawn from the same database. The case control ratio was 1:4. For all participants, all premorbid conditions staring 1996 to index year were documented. Binary logistic regression was used to describe factors related to AMD occurrence. The AMD group consisted of 10,911 patients, and the comparison group consisted of 43,644 individuals. Patients with AMD showed significant associations with premorbid allergic diseases (aOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.47–1.61), specifically with allergic conjunctivitis (aOR 2.07, 95% CI 1.94–2.20), allergic rhinitis (aOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.25–1.39), asthma (aOR 0.99, 95% CI 0.93–1.06), and atopic dermatitis (aOR 1.04, 95% CI 0.94–1.17). Further analyses indicated that patients with more concurrent allergic diseases have higher associations with AMD than those with fewer concurrent diseases. Patients with more annual medical visits for their allergic diseases also showed higher associations with AMD than those with fewer visits. AMD is significantly associated with premorbid allergic diseases. The underlying mechanisms must be further investigated.
A genetic sum score of effect alleles associated with serum lipid concentrations interacts with educational attainment
Authors: Emmel Carina , Frank Mirjam , Dragano Nico , Nöthen Markus M. , Erbel Raimund , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Schmidt Börge 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and total cholesterol (TC) levels are influenced by both genes and the environment. The aim was to investigate whether education and income as indicators of socioeconomic position (SEP) interact with lipid-increasing genetic effect allele scores (GES) in a population-based cohort. Using baseline data of 4516 study participants, age- and sex-adjusted linear regression models were fitted to investigate associations between GES and lipids stratified by SEP as well as including GES×SEP interaction terms. In the highest education group compared to the lowest stronger effects per GES standard deviation were observed for HDL-C (2.96 mg/dl [95%-CI: 2.19, 3.83] vs. 2.45 mg/dl [95%-CI: 1.12, 3.72]), LDL-C (6.57 mg/dl [95%-CI: 4.73, 8.37] vs. 2.66 mg/dl [95%-CI: −0.50, 5.76]) and TC (8.06 mg/dl [95%-CI: 6.14, 9.98] vs. 4.37 mg/dl [95%-CI: 0.94, 7.80]). Using the highest education group as reference, interaction terms showed indication of GES by low education interaction for LDL-C (ßGES×Education: −3.87; 95%-CI: −7.47, −0.32), which was slightly attenuated after controlling for GESLDL-C×Diabetes interaction (ßGES×Education: −3.42; 95%-CI: −6.98, 0.18). The present study showed stronger genetic effects on LDL-C in higher SEP groups and gave indication for a GESLDL-C×Education interaction, demonstrating the relevance of SEP for the expression of genetic health risks.
Prognostic role of neoplastic markers in Takotsubo syndrome
Authors: Santoro Francesco , Zimotti Tecla , Mallardi Adriana , Leopizzi Alessandra , Vitale Enrica , Tarantino Nicola , Ferraretti Armando , Solimando Antonio Giovanni , Racanelli Vito , Iacoviello Massimo , Cannone Michele , Di Biase Matteo , Brunetti Natale Daniele 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTakotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute heart failure syndrome with significant rates of in and out-of-hospital mayor cardiac adverse events (MACE). To evaluate the possible role of neoplastic biomarkers [CA-15.3, CA-19.9 and Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)] as prognostic marker at short- and long-term follow-up in subjects with TTS. Ninety consecutive subjects with TTS were enrolled and followed for a median of 3 years. Circulating levels of CA-15.3, CA-19.9 and CEA were evaluated at admission, after 72 h and at discharge. Incidence of MACE during hospitalization and follow-up were recorded. Forty-three (46%) patients experienced MACE during hospitalization. These patients had increased admission levels of CEA (4.3 ± 6.2 vs. 2.2 ± 1.5 ng/mL, p = 0.03). CEA levels were higher in subjects with in-hospital MACE. At long term follow-up, CEA and CA-19.9 levels were associated with increased risk of death (log rank p < 0.01, HR = 5.3, 95% CI 1.9–14.8, HR = 7.8 95% CI 2.4–25.1, respectively, p < 0.01). At multivariable analysis levels higher than median of CEA, CA-19.9 or both were independent predictors of death at long term (Log-Rank p < 0.01). Having both CEA and CA-19.9 levels above median (> 2 ng/mL, > 8 UI/mL respectively) was associated with an increased risk of mortality of 11.8 (95% CI 2.6–52.5, p = 0.001) at follow up. Increased CEA and CA-19.9 serum levels are associated with higher risk of death at long-term follow up in patients with TTS. CEA serum levels are correlated with in-hospital MACE.
Targeting ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway by the seedless black Vitis vinifera polyphenols in CCl4-intoxicated kidney, lung, brain, and spleen in rats
Authors: Habashy Noha H. , Kodous Ahmad S. , Abu-Serie Marwa M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCarbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is an abundant environmental pollutant that can generate free radicals and induce oxidative stress in different human and animal organs like the kidney, lung, brain, and spleen, causing toxicity. The present study evaluated the alleviative mechanism of the isolated polyphenolic fraction from seedless (pulp and skin) black Vitis vinifera (VVPF) on systemic oxidative and necroinflammatory stress in CCl4-intoxicated rats. Here, we found that the administration of VVPF to CCl4-intoxicated rats for ten days was obviously ameliorated the CCl4-induced systemic elevation in ROS, NO and TBARS levels, as well as MPO activity. Also, it upregulated the cellular activities of the enzymatic (SOD, and GPx) and non-enzymatic (TAC and GSH) antioxidants. Furthermore, the gene expression of the ROS-related necroinflammatory mediators (NF-κB, iNOS, COX-2, and TNF-α) in the kidney, brain, and spleen, as well as IL-1β, and IL-8 in the lung were greatly restored. The histopathological studies confirmed these biochemical results and showed a noticeable enhancing effect in the architecture of the studied organs after VVPF intake. Thus, this study indicated that VVPF had an alleviative effect on CCl4-induced necroinflammation and oxidative stress in rat kidney, lung, brain, and spleen via controlling the ROS/NF-κB pathway.
Telemonitoring of daily activities compared to the six-minute walk test further completes the puzzle of oximetry-guided interventions
Authors: Santos Catarina Duarte , Santos Ana Filipe , das Neves Rui César , Ribeiro Ruy M. , Rodrigues Fátima , Caneiras Cátia , Spruit Martijn A. , Bárbara Cristina 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPulmonary rehabilitation is based on a thorough patient assessment, including peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate (HR) at rest and on exertion. To understand whether exercise-field tests identify patients who desaturate (SpO2 < 90%) during physical activities, this study compared the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and daily-life telemonitoring. Cross-sectional study including 100 patients referred for pulmonary rehabilitation. The 6MWT was performed in hospital with continuous assessment of SpO2, HR, walked distance and calculated metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs). Patients were also evaluated in real-life by SMARTREAB telemonitoring, a combined oximetry-accelerometery with remote continuous assessment of SpO2, HR and METs. SMARTREAB telemonitoring identified 24% more desaturators compared with the 6MWT. Moreover, there were significant mean differences between 6MWT and SMARTREAB in lowest SpO2 of 7.2 ± 8.4% (P < 0.0005), in peak HR of − 9.3 ± 15.5% (P < 0.0005) and also in activity intensity of − 0.3 ± 0.8 METs (P < 0.0005). The 6MWT underestimates the proportion of patients with exercise-induced oxygen desaturation compared to real-life telemonitoring. These results help defining oximetry-guided interventions, such as telemedicine algorithms, oxygen therapy titration and regular physical activity assessment in pulmonary rehabilitation.
Retrospective analysis of predictive factors for lymph node metastasis in superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ruan Rongwei , Chen Shengsen , Tao Yali , Yu Jiangping , Zhou Danping , Cui Zhao , Shen Qiwen , Wang Shi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to identify the risk factors of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and use these factors to establish a prediction model. We retrospectively analyzed the data from training set (n = 280) and validation set (n = 240) underwent radical esophagectomy between March 2005 and April 2018. Our results of univariate and multivariate analyses showed that tumor size, tumor invasion depth, tumor differentiation and lymphovascular invasion were significantly correlated with LNM. Incorporating these 4 variables above, model A achieved AUC of 0.765 and 0.770 in predicting LNM in the training and validation sets, respectively. Adding macroscopic type to the model A did not appreciably change the AUC but led to statistically significant improvements in both the integrated discrimination improvement and net reclassification improvement. Finally, a nomogram was constructed by using these five variables and showed good concordance indexes of 0.765 and 0.770 in the training and validation sets, and the calibration curves had good fitting degree. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram was clinically useful in both sets. It is possible to predict the status of LNM using this nomogram score system, which can aid the selection of an appropriate treatment plan.
Highly selective visible-light-triggered CO2 fixation to cyclic carbonates under mild conditions using TiO2/multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) grafted with Pt or Pd nanoparticles
Authors: Elgohary Elzahraa Ahmed , Mohamed Yasser Mahmoud A. , Rabie Samira Taha , Salih Said Abdelrahman , Fekry Amany Mohamed , El Nazer Hossam A. 
Published: August 2021

Visible light-induced CO2 fixation to cyclic carbonates catalyzed by Pd//TiO2/MWCNT photocatalyst.
Two-dimensional intermetallic PtBi/Pt core/shell nanoplates overcome tumor hypoxia for enhanced cancer therapy
Authors: Liu Yongchun , Li Xinhao , Shi Yu , Wang Youjuan , Zhao Xiaojing , Gong Xiangyang , Cai Ren , Song Guosheng , Chen Mei , Zhang Xiaobing 
Published: August 2021

Two-dimensional intermetallic PtBi/Pt nanoplates were designed as a therapeutic nanoplatform to in situ generate oxygen, and thereby overcome tumor hypoxia for boosting photothermal/radiotherapy.
New analytical algorithm for calculating the end leakage magnetic field of a 300Mvar synchronous condenser under no‐load condition
Authors: Zhu Erhang , Liang Yanping , Han Xiao , Bian Xu , Wang Chenguang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAiming at the complexity of end structures in the end region of large synchronous machines, it is difficult to obtain an analytical method for the end leakage magnetic field. In order to solve such a problem, a new analytical algorithm (NAA) considering the influence of the rotor end shaft and air gap is proposed. The mirror image of the rotor end current with the core end plane and the rotor shaft cylinder as mirror surfaces is studied. The air‐gap effect is considered by the equivalent air‐gap current, and the equivalent air‐gap current equation of synchronous machines in the polar coordinate system is derived. Then, a 300Mvar synchronous condenser (SC) is proposed for the first time in China as an example; according to the Biot–Savart law and the superposition principle, the end leakage magnetic field of the SC under no‐load condition is calculated, and the influence of different shaft structures on the end leakage magnetic field is analysed. Finally, the calculation results are compared with the 3‐D finite element method, which verifies the accuracy of the NAA.
Impact of H2 gas on the properties of MoS2 thin films deposited by sulfurization of Mo thin films
Authors: Pradhan Diana , Gartia Anurag , Ghosh Surya Prakash , Sahoo Kiran Kumar , Bose Gouranga , Kar Jyoti Prakash 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMoS2 has gained tremendous interest due to its highlighting electronic and optoelectronic properties. In this work, an attempt has been made to develop a CMOS compatible process for the fabrication of a MoS2 thin film. In the first step, molybdenum (Mo) thin film was deposited on silicon substrate by RF magnetron sputtering. In the second step, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) was used for the synthesis of MoS2 using a custom‐designed dual zone tubular furnace. The impact of hydrogen (H2) on the CVD growth of MoS2 thin film was studied with the mixture of H2 and argon (Ar) gas in 1:10 ratio. AFM and FESEM images revealed a uniform and smooth growth of MoS2 films using H2 as a reducing gas. Raman characteristics peaks, observed at 386 cm−1 and 408 cm−1, have confirmed the formation of MoS2 film, which corresponds to the hexagonal coordination (2H). The intensity of photoluminescence peak of MoS2 thin film is found to be increased with hydrogen treatment. Moreover, the impact of H2 gas was systematically studied on the electrical properties and a reduction in the carrier concentration of MoS2 was observed with a flow of 20 sccm H2. A detailed study on the impact of H2 gas and MoS2/Si heterojunction properties were also performed.
Digital filter‐based grid synchronization for autonomous microgrids
Authors: Elyasichamazkoti Farhad , Aminifar Farrokh , Davarpanah Mahdi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHaving a robust and accurate grid synchronization unit for distributed generators (DGs) has been accentuated due to rapidly growing integration of inverter‐based DGs to the autonomous microgrids. Although most of the synchronization methods are based on the phased locked loops (PLL) technique, digital filters could result in more salient dynamic performance in non‐ideal sinusoidal situations. This paper presents a novel digital filter as a grid synchronization method that overcomes the flaws of conventional PLLs under harmonic distorted and unbalanced cases as well as large delay of window‐based digital filters. For the sake of computational advantages, the proposed method is executed in two distinct offline and online stages. In the offline stage, the second‐order Taylor series expansion approximation of the bandpass oscillatory signal calculates the state‐transition matrices and state vectors. Then, by applying the concept of Kalman filter, the state vectors are updated in the online calculation section much easier and faster compared to all‐online approach. Compared to the existing methods, the proposed method generates a dynamic response with less settling time, more accuracy, and immunity against harmonic distortion, imbalances, and noise.
Efficient measurement of power tower based on tilt photography with unmanned aerial vehicle and laser scanning
Authors: Xia Bin , Li Zixin , Huang Jianying , Zeng Kaijun , Pang Shiqiang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA 3D laser scanning system can achieve the precision of millimetre level in deformation examination of a power line tower; however, it suffers from the high cost of equipment and difficult onsite installation. The Tilt Photography with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TP‐UAV) is a relatively lower cost system that offers a more convenient way of 3D measurement; however, with a trade‐off of lower measurement accuracy. In order to take advantage of both technologies and improve the measurement accuracy of the TP‐UAV system, in this research, a 3D laser scanning system is applied as a calibration means for the TP‐UAV to explore the possibility of rapid measurement of the deformation in transmission facilities. A data representation model is proposed for the calibration of the parameters of the TP‐UAV system to make use of the accuracy of the 3D laser scanning, and the systematic error of the TP‐UAV system can be corrected to improve the measurement accuracy by 35%.
Local H I filaments driven by a small-scale dynamo
Authors: Kalberla P. M. W. , Kerp J. , Haud U. 
Published: August 2021

Context. H I filaments are closely related to dusty magnetized structures that are observable in the far infrared (FIR). Recently it was proposed that the coherence of oriented H I structures in velocity traces the line of sight magnetic field tangling.
Aims. We study the velocity-dependent coherence between FIR emission at 857 GHz and H I on angular scales of 18′.
Methods. We use HI4PI H I data and Planck FIR data and apply the Hessian operator to extract filaments. For coherence, we require that local orientation angles θ in the FIR at 857 GHz along the filaments be correlated with the H I.
Results. We find some correlation for H I column densities at |vLSR| < 50 km s−1, but a tight agreement between FIR and H I orientation angles θ exists only in narrow velocity intervals of 1 km s−1. Accordingly, we assign velocities to FIR filaments. Along the line of sight these H I structures show a high degree of the local alignment with θ, as well as in velocity space. Interpreting these aligned structures in analogy to the polarization of dust emission defines an H I polarization. We observe polarization fractions of up to 80%, with averages of 30%. Orientation angles θ along the filaments, projected perpendicular to the line of sight, are fluctuating systematically and allow a characteristic distribution of filament curvatures to be determined.
Conclusions. Local H I and FIR filaments identified by the Hessian analysis are coherent structures with well-defined radial velocities. H I structures are also organized along the line of sight with a high degree of coherence. The observed bending of these structures in the plane of the sky is consistent with models for magnetic field curvatures induced by a Galactic small-scale turbulent dynamo.
Phase-resolved hard X-ray emission of the high-mass binary LS 5039: a spectral hardening above 50 keV detected with INTEGRAL
Authors: Falanga M. , Bykov A. M. , Li Z. , Krassilchtchikov A. M. , Petrov A. E. , Bozzo E. 
Published: August 2021

Aims.LS 5039 is an enigmatic high-mass gamma-ray binary which hosts a powerful O6.5V companion, but the nature of the compact object is still to be established using multi-wavelength observations.Methods.We analyzed phase-resolved multi-instrument spectra of nonthermal emission from LS 5039 in order to produce reliable spectral models, which can be further employed to select between various scenarios and theoretical models of the binary.Results.The combined phase-resolved hard X-ray and MeV-range gamma-ray spectra obtained withXMM-Newton, Suzaku,NuSTAR, INTEGRAL, and COMPTEL indicate a meaningful spectral hardening above 50 keV. The spectral break observed in both major phases of the binary may indicate the presence of an upturn in the spectrum of accelerated leptons which could originate from the interaction of wind from the O6.5V companion star with the relativistic outflow from a yet unidentified compact object.