bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the End-of-Life Professional Caregiver Survey
Authors: Garcia Ana Cláudia Mesquita , Damasceno Spineli Vivian Marina Calixto , Eduardo Aline Helena Appoloni , Meireles Everson , Moreira de Barros Guilherme Antonio , Lazenby Mark
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt, and psychometrically evaluate the Brazilian version of the “End-of-Life Professional Caregiver Survey” (BR-EPCS).

Method

This is an observational cross-sectional study. The sample was composed of 285 Brazilian healthcare professionals who work or worked in the palliative care area. A minimum number of 280 participants were established, following the recommendation of 10 subjects for each instrument item. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer — Quality of Life Group Translation Procedure protocol was used for the translation and the cultural adaptation. For the precise/reliable evaluation of factors measured by the BR-EPCS, Cronbach's alpha (α) and composite reliability coefficients were used. The factorial analyses were made by means of the exploratory structural equation modeling methods and confirmatory factor analysis. We have conducted a multiple linear regression analysis to evaluate the sociodemographic variables' capabilities in the result prediction measured by BR-EPCS factors.

Results

The factorial analysis showed the relevance of two factors: Factor 1 — “Given care effectiveness” (18 items; Cronbach's α = 0.94; Composite Reliability = 0.95) and Factor 2 — “Mourning and ethical and cultural values” (10 items; Cronbach's α = 0.89; Composite Reliability = 0.88). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the working time, sex, palliative care training, and its own advance directives are predictors of the constructs assessed by the BR-EPCS.

Significance of results

The BR-EPCS is a reliable, valid, and culturally appropriate tool to identify the educational needs of healthcare professionals who work with palliative care. This instrument can be used for educational and research reasons.
CME: Extrapulmonale Tuberkulose
Authors: Arpagaus Armon , Weisser Maja
Published: November 2019

Zusammenfassung. Eine Tuberkulose manifestiert sich normalerweise pulmonal, kann jedoch in jedes Organ disseminieren. Die häufigsten Manifestationsorte einer extrapulmonalen Tuberkulose sind Lymphknoten, die Pleura und die Knochen. Die Wahrscheinlichkeit der Dissemination einer Tuberkulose erhöht sich bei einem immunsupprimierten Patienten, z.B. durch HIV oder einen TNF-alpha-Inhibitor. Die Diagnose einer extrapulmonalen Tuberkulose ist schwierig. Oft ist eine invasive Herangehensweise zur Probengewinnung nötig, um den Tuberkuloseerreger M. tuberculosis durch Mikroskopie, Kultur, Mikrobiologie (z.B. Xpert® MTB/RIF) oder Histologie nachzuweisen. Die Behandlung einer extrapulmonalen Tuberkulose folgt den Richtlinien der Therapie einer pulmonalen Tuberkulose mit einer zweimonatigen antibiotischen Vierfachtherapie (Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Ethambuthol und Pyrazinamid), gefolgt von einer viermonatigen antibiotischen Zweifachtherapie (Rifampicin und Isoniazid). Die Dauer der antibiotischen Behandlung ist bei einer tuberkulösen Meningitis auf ein Jahr und bei einer skelettalen Dissemination auf sechs bis neun Monate verlängert. Kortikosteroide sind bei einer tuberkulösen Meningoenzephalitis und Perimyokarditis empfohlen.
Communities Thrive with Thriving Earth
Authors: Howley Korena
Published: November 2019

As AGU celebrates 100 years, its Thriving Earth Exchange is setting a foundation for the future, partnering with community leaders to bring scientific solutions to pressing local issues.
BATF3 is sufficient for the induction of Il9 expression and can compensate for BATF during Th9 cell differentiation
Authors: Lee Woo Ho , Jang Sung Woong , Kim Hyeong Su , Kim So Hee , Heo Jung In , Kim Ga Eul , Lee Gap Ryol
Published: November 2019

Th9 cells preferentially produce IL-9 and participate in allergic responses and asthma. Differentiation of Th9 cells is induced by IL-4 and TGF-β, and then the cells are amplified by OX40 signals. The transcription factors PU.1, IRF4, and BATF are required for Th9 differentiation. BATF3 is an AP-1 family transcription factor that is highly homologous to BATF; however, its role in Th9 cells is poorly defined. Here, we show that OX40 signaling induced the expression ofBatf3and that its overexpression in the presence or absence of OX40 signaling increased the expression of IL-9 in Th9 cells. BATF3 physically interacted with IRF4 and was bound to theIl9locus. A transient reporter assay revealed that the BATF3–IRF4 complex inducedIl9promoter activity. BATF3 rescuedIl9expression and restored the capacity to induce the airway inflammation inBatfKO Th9 cells. Thus, BATF3 itself is sufficient for the induction of Th9 cell differentiation and can substitute for BATF during Th9 cell differentiation.
The iron load of lipocalin-2 (LCN-2) defines its pro-tumour function in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Rehwald Claudia , Schnetz Matthias , Urbschat Anja , Mertens Christina , Meier Julia K. , Bauer Rebekka , Baer Patrick , Winslow Sofia , Roos Frederik C. , Zwicker Klaus , Huard Arnaud , Weigert Andreas , Brüne Bernhard , Jung Michaela
Published: November 2019

Background

We aimed at clarifying the role of lipocalin-2 (LCN-2) in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Since LCN-2 was recently identified as a novel iron transporter, we explored its iron load as a decisive factor in conferring its biological function.

Methods

LCN-2 expression was analysed at the mRNA and protein level by using immunohistochemistry, RNAscope® and qRT-PCR in patients diagnosed with clear-cell renal cell carcinoma compared with adjacent healthy tissue. We measured LCN-2-bound iron by atomic absorption spectrometry from patient-derived samples and applied functional assays by using ccRCC cell lines, primary cells, and 3D tumour spheroids to verify the role of the LCN-2 iron load in tumour progression.

Results

LCN-2 was associated with poor patient survival and LCN-2 mRNA clustered in high- and low-expressing ccRCC patients. LCN-2 protein was found overexpressed in tumour compared with adjacent healthy tissue, whereby LCN-2 was iron loaded. In vitro, the iron load determines the biological function of LCN-2. Iron-loaded LCN-2 showed pro-tumour functions, whereas iron-free LCN-2 produced adverse effects.

Conclusions

We provide new insights into the pro-tumour function of LCN-2. LCN-2 donates iron to cells to promote migration and matrix adhesion. Since the iron load of LCN-2 determines its pro-tumour characteristics, targeting either its iron load or its receptor interaction might represent new therapeutic options.
CircRNA-5692 inhibits the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by sponging miR-328-5p to enhance DAB2IP expression
Authors: Liu Zhenguo , Yu Yaqun , Huang Zebing , Kong Yi , Hu Xingwang , Xiao Wei , Quan Jun , Fan Xuegong
Published: November 2019

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), one kind of noncoding RNAs, can interact with miRNA and transcription factors to regulate gene expression. However, little is known on which circRNA is crucial for the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CircRNA expression profile was analyzed by a microarray. Regulatory gene targets were predicted by bioinformatics analysis and validated by luciferase assay. Their expression was determined by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. DNA methylation was determined by methylation-specific PCR. Gene knockdown and overexpression were mediated by lentivirus-mediated shRNA and transfection with plasmids for cDNA expression, respectively. MTT assay, wound-healing assay, transwell invasion assay, and flow cytometry were used to determine malignant behaviors of HCC cells. HCC xenograft mouse model was used to determine the in vivo effects of circRNA-5692. CircRNA-5692 expression was downregulated in HCC tissues, and circRNA-5692 overexpression attenuated the malignant behaviors of HCC cells. Bioinformatics predicted that circRNA-5692 interacted with miR-328-5p, which targeted the DAB2IP mRNA. Actually, miR-328-5p promoted the malignant behaviors of HCC cells, while DAB2IP had opposite effects. Moreover, circRNA-5692 overexpression inhibited the growth of xenograft HCC tumors in vivo by decreasing miR-328-5p expression to enhance DAB2IP expression. In conclusion, the circRNA-5692–miR-328-5p–DAB2IP regulatory pathway inhibits the progression of HCC. Our findings may provide potential new targets for the diagnosis and therapy of HCC.
MKL1 promotes endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and liver fibrosis by activating TWIST1 transcription
Authors: Li Zilong , Chen Baoyu , Dong Wenhui , Kong Ming , Fan Zhiwen , Yu Liming , Wu Dongmei , Lu Jun , Xu Yong
Published: November 2019

Excessive fibrogenic response in the liver disrupts normal hepatic anatomy and function heralding such end-stage liver diseases as hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. Sinusoidal endothelial cells contribute to myofibroblast activation and liver fibrosis by undergoing endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). The underlying mechanism remains poorly defined. Here we report that inhibition or endothelial-specific deletion of MKL1, a transcriptional modulator, attenuated liver fibrosis in mice. MKL1 inhibition or deletion suppressed EndMT induced by TGF-β. Mechanistically, MKL1 was recruited to the promoter region of TWIST1, a master regulator of EndMT, and activated TWIST1 transcription in a STAT3-dependent manner. A small-molecule STAT3 inhibitor (C188-9) alleviated EndMT in cultured cells and bile duct ligation (BDL) induced liver fibrosis in mice. Finally, direct inhibition of TWIST1 by a small-molecule compound harmine was paralleled by blockade of EndMT in cultured cells and liver fibrosis in mice. In conclusion, our data unveil a novel mechanism underlying EndMT and liver fibrosis and highlight the possibility of targeting the STAT3-MKL1-TWIST1 axis in the intervention of aberrant liver fibrogenesis.
GraphTyper2 enables population-scale genotyping of structural variation using pangenome graphs
Authors: Eggertsson Hannes P. , Kristmundsdottir Snaedis , Beyter Doruk , Jonsson Hakon , Skuladottir Astros , Hardarson Marteinn T. , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Stefansson Kari , Halldorsson Bjarni V. , Melsted Pall
Published: November 2019

Analysis of sequence diversity in the human genome is fundamental for genetic studies. Structural variants (SVs) are frequently omitted in sequence analysis studies, although each has a relatively large impact on the genome. Here, we present GraphTyper2, which uses pangenome graphs to genotype SVs and small variants using short-reads. Comparison to the syndip benchmark dataset shows that our SV genotyping is sensitive and variant segregation in families demonstrates the accuracy of our approach. We demonstrate that incorporating public assembly data into our pipeline greatly improves sensitivity, particularly for large insertions. We validate 6,812 SVs on average per genome using long-read data of 41 Icelanders. We show that GraphTyper2 can simultaneously genotype tens of thousands of whole-genomes by characterizing 60 million small variants and half a million SVs in 49,962 Icelanders, including 80 thousand SVs with high-confidence.
Solid-to-liquid phase transitions of sub-nanometer clusters enhance chemical transformation
Authors: Sun Juan-Juan , Cheng Jun
Published: November 2019

Understanding the nature of active sites is crucial in heterogeneous catalysis, and dynamic changes of catalyst structures during reaction turnover have brought into focus the dynamic nature of active sites. However, much less is known on how the structural dynamics couples with elementary reactions. Here we report an anomalous decrease in reaction free energies and barriers on dynamical sub-nanometer Au clusters. We calculate temperature dependence of free energies using ab initio molecular dynamics, and find significant entropic effects due to solid-to-liquid phase transitions of the Au clusters induced by adsorption of different states along the reaction coordinate. This finding demonstrates that catalyst dynamics can play an important role in catalyst activity.
An oceanic perspective on Greenland’s recent freshwater discharge since 1850
Authors: Perner Kerstin , Moros Matthias , Otterå Odd Helge , Blanz Thomas , Schneider Ralph R. , Jansen Eystein
Published: November 2019

Instrumental data evidence an accelerating freshwater release from Arctic sea ice export and the Greenland Ice Sheet over the past three decades causing cooling and freshening in the subpolar North Atlantic region. However, evaluating the observed acceleration on a historical oceanic and climatic perspective remains challenging given the short available instrumental time series. Here we provide a marine perspective on the freshwater releases to the ocean since 1850 as reflected in the northern limb of the Subpolar Gyre. Our reconstructions suggest that the recent acceleration tracks back to the 1940s/50s and is unprecedented since 1850. The melting, initiated by the 1920s natural rise in solar irradiance, accelerated in response to a combined effect of natural and anthropogenic forcing factors. We find that Greenland’s freshwater discharge has contributed to a nutrient-driven fertilization of the upper ocean and consequently increased the marine primary productivity since the 1940s/50s.
Disassociation of Vitamin D’s Calcemic Activity and Non-calcemic Genomic Activity and Individual Responsiveness: A Randomized Controlled Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Shirvani Arash , Kalajian Tyler Arek , Song Anjeli , Holick Michael F.
Published: November 2019

The aims of this randomized controlled double-blind clinical trial were to assess the impact of vitamin D supplementation on calcium metabolism and non-calcemic broad gene expression by relating them to the individual’s responsiveness to varying doses of vitamin D3. Thirty healthy adults were randomized to receive 600, 4,000 or 10,000 IU/d of vitamin D3 for 6 months. Circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25(OH)D, calcium and peripheral white blood cells broad gene expression were evaluated. We observed a dose-dependent increase in 25(OH)D concentrations, decreased PTH and no change in serum calcium. A plateau in PTH levels was achieved at 16 weeks in the 4000 and 10,000 IU/d groups. There was a dose-dependent 25(OH)D alteration in broad gene expression with 162, 320 and 1289 genes up- or down-regulated in their white blood cells, respectively. Our results clearly indicated that there is an individual’s responsiveness on broad gene expression to varying doses of vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 supplementation at 10,000 IU/d produced genomic alterations several fold higher than 4,000 IU/d even without further changes in PTH levels. Our findings may help explain why there are some inconsistency in the results of different vitamin D’s clinical trials.
Machine learning-based dynamic mortality prediction after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Raj Rahul , Luostarinen Teemu , Pursiainen Eetu , Posti Jussi P. , Takala Riikka S. K. , Bendel Stepani , Konttila Teijo , Korja Miikka
Published: November 2019

Our aim was to create simple and largely scalable machine learning-based algorithms that could predict mortality in a real-time fashion during intensive care after traumatic brain injury. We performed an observational multicenter study including adult TBI patients that were monitored for intracranial pressure (ICP) for at least 24 h in three ICUs. We used machine learning-based logistic regression modeling to create two algorithms (based on ICP, mean arterial pressure [MAP], cerebral perfusion pressure [CPP] and Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS]) to predict 30-day mortality. We used a stratified cross-validation technique for internal validation. Of 472 included patients, 92 patients (19%) died within 30 days. Following cross-validation, the ICP-MAP-CPP algorithm’s area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) increased from 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60–0.74) on day 1 to 0.81 (95% CI 0.75–0.87) on day 5. The ICP-MAP-CPP-GCS algorithm’s AUC increased from 0.72 (95% CI 0.64–0.78) on day 1 to 0.84 (95% CI 0.78–0.90) on day 5. Algorithm misclassification was seen among patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy. In conclusion, we present a new concept of dynamic prognostication for patients with TBI treated in the ICU. Our simple algorithms, based on only three and four main variables, discriminated between survivors and non-survivors with accuracies up to 81% and 84%. These open-sourced simple algorithms can likely be further developed, also in low and middle-income countries.
Surface Chemistry Dependence on Aluminum Doping in Ni-rich LiNi0.8Co0.2−yAlyO2 Cathodes
Authors: Lebens-Higgins Zachary W. , Halat David M. , Faenza Nicholas V. , Wahila Matthew J. , Mascheck Manfred , Wiell Tomas , Eriksson Susanna K. , Palmgren Paul , Rodriguez Jose , Badway Fadwa , Pereira Nathalie , Amatucci Glenn G. , Lee Tien-Lin , Grey Clare P. , Piper Louis F. J.
Published: November 2019

Aluminum is a common dopant across oxide cathodes for improving the bulk and cathode-electrolyte interface (CEI) stability. Aluminum in the bulk is known to enhance structural and thermal stability, yet the exact influence of aluminum at the CEI remains unclear. To address this, we utilized a combination of X-ray photoelectron and absorption spectroscopy to identify aluminum surface environments and extent of transition metal reduction for Ni-rich LiNi0.8Co0.2−yAlyO2 (0%, 5%, or 20% Al) layered oxide cathodes tested at 4.75 V under thermal stress (60 °C). For these tests, we compared the conventional LiPF6 salt with the more thermally stable LiBF4 salt. The CEI layers are inherently different between these two electrolyte salts, particularly for the highest level of Al-doping (20%) where a thicker (thinner) CEI layer is found for LiPF6 (LiBF4). Focusing on the aluminum environment, we reveal the type of surface aluminum species are dependent on the electrolyte salt, as Al-O-F- and Al-F-like species form when using LiPF6 and LiBF4, respectively. In both cases, we find cathode-electrolyte reactions drive the formation of a protective Al-F-like barrier at the CEI in Al-doped oxide cathodes.
Spatial light modulator aided noninvasive imaging through scattering layers
Authors: Mukherjee Saswata , Vijayakumar A. , Rosen Joseph
Published: November 2019

We propose and demonstrate a new imaging technique to noninvasively see through scattering layers with the aid of a spatial light modulator (SLM). A relay system projects the incoherent light pattern emitting from the scattering layer onto the SLM. Two coded phase masks are displayed, one after another, on the SLM to modulate the projected scattered field and the two corresponding intensity patterns are recorded by a digital camera. The above procedure helps to achieve two goals. Firstly, since the coded phase masks are digitally synthesized, the point spread function of the imaging system can be engineered such that the image retrieval becomes more reliable. Secondly, the two recorded intensity patterns are subtracted one from the other and by that the background noise of the recovered image is minimized. The above two advantages along with a modified phase retrieval algorithm enable a relatively easier and accurate convergence to the image of the covered object.
Gas-Source CVD Growth of Atomic Layered WS2 from WF6 and H2S Precursors with High Grain Size Uniformity
Authors: Okada Mitsuhiro , Okada Naoya , Chang Wen-Hsin , Endo Takahiko , Ando Atsushi , Shimizu Tetsuo , Kubo Toshitaka , Miyata Yasumitsu , Irisawa Toshifumi
Published: November 2019

Two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenides have attracted a considerable amount of attention because of their potential for post-silicon device applications, as well as for exploring fundamental physics in an ideal 2D system. We tested the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) of WS2 using the gaseous precursors WF6 and H2S, augmented by the Na-assistance method. When Na was present during growth, the process created triangle-shaped WS2 crystals that were 10 μm in size and exhibited semiconducting characteristics. By contrast, the Na-free growth of WS2 resulted in a continuous film with metallic behaviour. These results clearly demonstrate that alkali-metal assistance is valid even in applications of gas-source CVD without oxygen-containing species, where intermediates comprising Na, W, and S can play an important role. We observed that the WS2 crystals grown by gas-source CVD exhibited a narrow size distribution when compared with crystals grown by conventional solid-source CVD, indicating that the crystal nucleation occurred almost simultaneously across the substrate, and that uniform lateral growth was dominant afterwards. This phenomenon was attributed to the suppression of inhomogeneous nucleation through the fast and uniform diffusion of the gas-phase precursors, supported by the Na-assisted suppression of the fast reactions between WF6 and H2S.
Scaling behaviour in music and cortical dynamics interplay to mediate music listening pleasure
Authors: Teixeira Borges Ana Filipa , Irrmischer Mona , Brockmeier Thomas , Smit Dirk J. A. , Mansvelder Huibert D. , Linkenkaer-Hansen Klaus
Published: November 2019

The pleasure of music listening regulates daily behaviour and promotes rehabilitation in healthcare. Human behaviour emerges from the modulation of spontaneous timely coordinated neuronal networks. Too little is known about the physical properties and neurophysiological underpinnings of music to understand its perception, its health benefit and to deploy personalized or standardized music-therapy. Prior studies revealed how macroscopic neuronal and music patterns scale with frequency according to a 1/fαrelationship, where a is the scaling exponent. Here, we examine how this hallmark in music and neuronal dynamics relate to pleasure. Using electroencephalography, electrocardiography and behavioural data in healthy subjects, we show that music listening decreases the scaling exponent of neuronal activity and—in temporal areas—this change is linked to pleasure. Default-state scaling exponents of the most pleased individuals were higher and approached those found in music loudness fluctuations. Furthermore, the scaling in selective regions and timescales and the average heart rate were largely proportional to the scaling of the melody. The scaling behaviour of heartbeat and neuronal fluctuations were associated during music listening. Our results point to a 1/fresonancebetween brain and music and a temporal rescaling of neuronal activity in the temporal cortex as mechanisms underlying music appreciation.
Evolutionary patterns of chimeric retrogenes in Oryza species
Authors: Zhou Yanli , Zhang Chengjun
Published: November 2019

Chimeric retroposition is a process by which RNA is reverse transcribed and the resulting cDNA is integrated into the genome along with flanking sequences. This process plays essential roles and drives genome evolution. Although the origination rates of chimeric retrogenes are high in plant genomes, the evolutionary patterns of the retrogenes and their parental genes are relatively uncharacterised in the rice genome. In this study, we evaluated the substitution ratio of 24 retrogenes and their parental genes to clarify their evolutionary patterns. The results indicated that seven gene pairs were under positive selection. Additionally, soon after new chimeric retrogenes were formed, they rapidly evolved. However, an unexpected pattern was also revealed. Specifically, after an undefined period following the formation of new chimeric retrogenes, the parental genes, rather than the new chimeric retrogenes, rapidly evolved under positive selection. We also observed that one retro chimeric gene (RCG3) was highly expressed in infected calli, whereas its parental gene was not. Finally, a comparison of our Ka/Ks analysis with that of other species indicated that the proportion of genes under positive selection is greater for chimeric retrogenes than for non-chimeric retrogenes in the rice genome.
Novel patient risk factors and validation of a difficulty scoring system in laparoscopic repeat hepatectomy
Authors: Okamura Yukiyasu , Yamamoto Yusuke , Sugiura Teiichi , Ito Takaaki , Ashida Ryo , Ohgi Katsuhisa , Uesaka Katsuhiko
Published: November 2019

The indications for laparoscopic liver resection have expanded; however, the safety and benefits of laparoscopic repeat hepatectomy (LRH) remain unclear. We retrospectively reviewed data from 137 patients who underwent partial hepatectomy or left lateral sectionectomy without thoracotomy. We compared patients’ clinical factors using a difficulty scoring system for LRH. We defined factors associated with blood loss volumes in the 75th percentile or above as risk factors for bleeding in open repeat hepatectomy, and determined whether these factors were useful for LRH risk assessment. Open repeat hepatectomy and LRH was performed in 96 and 41 patients, respectively. Four of 41 (9.8%) patients undergoing LRH were converted to laparotomy. Blood loss volume was significantly greater in the intermediate-risk group than in the low-risk group (P = 0.046). Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of tumours located adjacent and caudal or dorsal to the primary tumour site was an independent risk factor for bleeding in LRH (odds ratio 3.21, 95% confidence interval 1.16–8.88, P = 0.024). Our study validated the usefulness of a difficulty scoring system, identified patient factors that predicted the difficulty of LRH, and presented a novel difficulty scoring system for LRH based on an existing difficulty scoring system.
Changes in and significance of platelet function and parameters in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Zheng Xiaolan , Wu Wenchao , Zhang Yi , Wu Gang
Published: November 2019

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic febrile, inflammatory vascular disease of unknown etiology. The coronary artery abnormality (CAA) caused by KD has become the most commonly acquired heart disease in children. Initial treatment of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can reduce the incidence of CAA. Thrombocytosis is common during the course of KD, but changes in and significances of platelet function and parameters are unclear. In this study, we enrolled 120 patients, including 40 patients with KD, 40 febrile controls, and 40 afebrile controls. The platelet function was assessed using the platelet function analyzer (PFA)-200. Platelet parameters, including platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet hematocrit (PCT) were measured. In the febrile period, the PDW and MPV were lower in KD patients (P < 0.05). The platelet function did not change significantly during the febrile period of KD but weakened in the defervescence phase. No significant differences between the CAA and normal groups, and between IVIG resistance and response groups. The diagnostic cutoff value of the PDW level for predicting KD was 10.85 fL with a sensitivity of 55% and a specificity of 77.5% (area under curve (AUC) = 0.690, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.574–0.806, P < 0.01). Besides, the MPV level was 9.55 fL with sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 70% (AUC = 0.733, 95%CI: 0.620–0.846, P < 0.001). This is the first longitudinal study of platelet function changes in KD patients using PFA-200. Besides, lower PDW and MPV may be available markers for early diagnosis of KD.
TH17 cells expressing CD146 are significantly increased in patients with Systemic sclerosis
Authors: Gabsi Amira , Heim Xavier , Dlala Akram , Gati Asma , Sakhri Haifa , Abidi Ahmed , Amri Sonia , Neili Bilel , Leroyer Aurelie S. , Bertaud Alexandrine , Smiti Khanfir Monia , Said Fatma , Houman Mohamed Habib , Granel Brigitte , Blot-Chabaud Marcel , Bardin Nathalie , Marrakchi Raja
Published: November 2019

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by vascular damage, excessive fibrosis and abnormal T cells immune-regulation. CD146 is an adhesion molecule essentially expressed in the vascular system, but also on TH17 lymphocytes. In view of the recently described role of CD146 in SSc, we hypothesized an involvement of CD146 positive TH17 cells in this disease. Compared to healthy controls, we showed that both soluble form of CD146 (sCD146), and IL17A levels were increased in patients with SSc with a positive correlation between both factors. A significant increase in TH17 cells attested by an increase of RORγT, IL17A mRNA and CD4+ IL17A+ cell was observed in patients with SSc. Interestingly, the percentage of TH17 cells expressing CD146 was higher in patients with SSc and inversely correlated with pulmonary fibrosis. In vitro experiments showed an augmentation of the percentage of TH17 cells expressing CD146 after cell treatment with sCD146, suggesting that, in patients the increase of this sub-population could be the consequence of the sCD146 increase in serum. In conclusion, TH17 cells expressing CD146 could represent a new component of the adaptive immune response, opening the way for the generation of new tools for the management of SSc.
Extraction of polyphenols and synthesis of new activated carbon from spent coffee grounds
Authors: Ramón-Gonçalves Marina , Alcaraz Lorena , Pérez-Ferreras Susana , León-González María Eugenia , Rosales-Conrado Noelia , López Félix A.
Published: November 2019

A valorization process of spent coffee grounds (SCG) was studied. Thus, a two-stage process, the first stage of polyphenols extraction and synthesis of a carbonaceous precursor and a subsequent stage of obtaining activated carbon (AC) by means of a carbonization process from the precursor of the previous stage, was performed. The extraction was carried out with a hydro-alcoholic solution in a pressure reactor, modifying time, temperature and different mixtures EtOH:H2O. To optimize the polyphenols extraction, a two-level factorial experimental design with three replicates at the central point was used. The best results were obtained by using a temperature of 80 °C during 30 min with a mixture of EtOH:H2O 50:50 (v/v). Caffeine and chlorogenic acid were the most abundant compounds in the analysed extracts, ranging from 0.09 to 4.8 mg∙g−1 and 0.06 to 9.7 mg∙g−1, respectively. Similarly, an experimental design was realized in order to analyze the influence of different variables in the AC obtained process (reaction time, temperature and KOH:precursor ratio). The best results were 1 h, 850 °C, and a mixture of 2.5:1. The obtained activated carbons exhibit a great specific surface (between 1600 m2∙g−1 and 2330 m2∙g−1) with a microporous surface. Finally, the adsorption capacity of the activated carbons was evaluated by methylene blue adsorption.
Rapid MALDI-TOF MS identification of commercial truffles
Authors: El Karkouri Khalid , Couderc Carine , Decloquement Philippe , Abeille Annick , Raoult Didier
Published: November 2019

Truffles are edible mushrooms with similar morphological characteristics, that make it difficult to distinguish between highly prized truffles (such as the Périgord black T. melanosporum) and inexpensive truffles (such as the Asian Black T. indicum). These biological and economic features have led to several misidentifications and/or fraudulent profit in the truffle markets. In this paper, we investigate Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) biotyping to identify 34 commercial fresh truffles from Europe and Asia. The MALDI-TOF MS clustering rapidly distinguished seven Tuber species identified by ITS phylogenetic analysis. The tasty T. melanosporum was clearly differentiated from the Chinese and less expensive truffles. These cheaper mushrooms were marketed as T. indicum but corresponded to a mix of three species. In total, the method confirmed misidentifications in 26% of commercial specimens. Several unknown blind-coded truffles were rapidly identified, with scores >= 2, using the Bruker Biotyper algorithm against MS databases. This study demonstrates that MALDI-TOF MS is a reliable, rapid and cheaper new tool compared with molecular methods for the identification of truffle species and could be used to control frauds in the truffle markets. It could also be useful for the certification of truffle-inoculated seedlings and/or diversity in forest ecosystems.
Acute Kidney Injury in the Outpatient Setting Associates with Risk of End-Stage Renal Disease and Death in Patients with CKD
Authors: Yeh Hung-Chieh , Ting I.-Wen , Huang Han-Chun , Chiang Hsiu-Yin , Kuo Chin-Chi
Published: November 2019

Current acute kidney injury (AKI) diagnostic criteria are restricted to the inpatient setting. We proposed a new AKI diagnostic algorithm for the outpatient setting and evaluate whether outpatient AKI (AKIOPT) modifies the disease course among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) enrolled in the national predialysis registry. AKIOPT was detected when a 50% increase in serum creatinine level or 35% decline in eGFR was observed in the 180-day period prior to enrollment in the predialysis care program. Outcomes were progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and all-cause mortality. Association analyses were performed using multiple Cox regression and coarsened exact matching (CEM) analysis. Among 6,046 patients, 31.5% (1,905 patients) had developed AKIOPT within the 180-day period before enrollment. The adjusted hazard ratios of the 1-year and overall risk of ESRD among patients with preceding AKIOPT compared with those without AKIOPT were 2.61 (95% CI: 2.15–3.18) and 1.97 (1.72–2.26), respectively. For 1-year and overall risk of all-cause mortality, patients with AKIOPT had respectively a 141% (95% CI: 89–209%) and 84% (56–117%) higher risk than those without AKIOPT. This statistical inference remained robust in CEM analysis. We also discovered a complete reversal in the eGFR slope before and after the AKIOPT from −10.61 ± 0.32 to 0.25 ± 0.30 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year; however, the loss of kidney function is not recovered. The new AKIOPT diagnostic algorithm provides prognostic insight in patients with CKD.
Author Correction: Measuring light scattering and absorption in corals with Inverse Spectroscopic Optical Coherence Tomography (ISOCT): a new tool for non-invasive monitoring
Authors: Spicer G. L. C. , Eid A. , Wangpraseurt D. , Swain T. D. , Winkelmann J. A. , Yi J. , Kühl M. , Marcelino L. A. , Backman V.
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Determination of benzophenone and related compounds in plastic packaged baby food by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Medina-Pérez N. I. , Arrizabalaga-Larrañaga A. , Seró R. , Moyano E.
Published: November 2019

Benzophenone and its derivatives (BPs) are commonly used as photoinitiators in UV-inks and as additives in plastic food packaging.
Nanogel hybrid assembly for exosome intracellular delivery: effects on endocytosis and fusion by exosome surface polymer engineering
Authors: Sawada Shin-ichi , Sato Yuko T. , Kawasaki Riku , Yasuoka Jun-ichi , Mizuta Ryosuke , Sasaki Yoshihiro , Akiyoshi Kazunari
Published: November 2019

Surface polymer engineering was applied with a carrier of exosomes, namely, the amphiphilic cationic CHP (cCHP) nanogel, to improve the delivery of exosome content by forming complexes with the exosomes.
Highly dense Sr0.95Sm0.0125Dy0.0125□0.025Ti0.90Nb0.10O3±δ/ZrO2 composite preparation directly through spark plasma sintering and its thermoelectric properties
Authors: Bakhshi Hamed , Sarraf-Mamoory Rasoul , Yourdkhani Amin , AbdelNabi Ahmed Ali , Mozharivskyj Yurij
Published: November 2019

The Sr0.95Sm0.0125Dy0.0125□0.025Ti0.90Nb0.10O3±δ/ZrO2 composite was directly prepared through spark plasma sintering.
Therapeutic effects of noni fruit water extract and polysaccharide on oxidative stress and inflammation in mice under high-fat diet
Authors: Yang Xiaobing , Lin Chunrui , Cai Shuang , Li Wenzhi , Tang Jian , Wu Xiaoyong
Published: November 2019

This study aims to compare the therapeutic effects of noni fruit water extract (NFW) and noni fruit polysaccharide (NFP) on oxidative stress and inflammation in mice under high-fat diet.
A small molecule drug conjugate (SMDC) of DUPA and a duocarmycin built on the solid phase
Authors: Beekman Andrew Michael , Cominetti Marco M. D. , Cartwright Oliver Charles , Boger Dale L. , Searcey Mark
Published: November 2019

A SMDC is delivered to GCPII, an important cancer target. The payload is released by enzymes overexpressed in cancer cell lines. The SMDC relies on GCPII expression for efficacy.
Bio-derived yellow porous TiO2: the lithiation induced activation of an oxygen-vacancy dominated TiO2 lattice evoking a large boost in lithium storage performance
Authors: Sun Lanju , Liu Wei , Wu Ruitao , Cui Yongpeng , Zhang Yuan , Du Yongxu , Liu Shuai , Liu Shuang , Wang Huanlei
Published: November 2019

Yellow TiO2 with hierarchical porosity evokes an activation process during cycling to achieve an apparent boost of the electrochemical performance.
Selection and preliminary application of a single stranded DNA aptamer targeting colorectal cancer serum
Authors: Li Kun , Qi Liqing , Gao LiMing , Shi Ming , Li Jian , Liu ZhiWei , Zhao Lu
Published: November 2019

Aptamer Seq-2 with high affinity and selectivity was screened against colorectal cancer serum directly for clinical application.
Facile synthesis of functionalized polyglycidyl methacrylate-magnetic nanocomposites for enhanced uranium sorption
Authors: Galhoum Ahmed A.
Published: November 2019

Designing and fabricating nanocomposite magnetic sorbents (with more accessible active sites for achieving high sorption capacities, selectivity and rapid kinetics) has become an impending challenge in the removal of radionuclides.
Double cascade dressed MOSFET from doped Eu3+and Pr3+ in a host YPO4
Authors: Fan Huanrong , Imran Al , Raza Faizan , ahmed Irfan , Amjad Kamran , Li Peng , Zhang Yanpeng
Published: November 2019

By changing different parameters of single and double lasers, we observed the dressed energy level transition from single to multi-level with a single laser. Each sample responded based on their ions' structure and phase symmetry in the host YPO crystal.
Manipulating molecules with strong coupling: harvesting triplet excitons in organic exciton microcavities
Authors: Polak Daniel , Jayaprakash Rahul , Lyons Thomas P. , Martínez-Martínez Luis Á. , Leventis Anastasia , Fallon Kealan J. , Coulthard Harriet , Bossanyi David G. , Georgiou Kyriacos , Petty, II Anthony J. , Anthony John , Bronstein Hugo , Yuen-Zhou Joel , Tartakovskii Alexander I. , Clark Jenny , Musser Andrew J.
Published: November 2019

Exciton-polaritons are quasiparticles with mixed photon and exciton character with the potential to modify chemical properties of materials. Here, they are used to provide dark, high-spin triplet-pair states a new pathway to emit light.
An ultrasmall Ru2P nanoparticles–reduced graphene oxide hybrid: an efficient electrocatalyst for NH3 synthesis under ambient conditions
Authors: Zhao Runbo , Liu Chuangwei , Zhang Xiaoxue , Zhu Xiaojuan , Wei Peipei , Ji Lei , Guo Yanbao , Gao Shuyan , Luo Yonglan , Wang Zhiming , Sun Xuping
Published: November 2019

A Ru2P–reduced graphene oxide hybrid acts as a superior catalyst for electrochemical N2 fixation in 0.1 M HCl, achieving a large NH3 yield of 32.8 μg h−1mgcat.−1 and a high faradaic efficiency of 13.04%−0.05 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode.
A high-efficiency solar desalination evaporator composite of corn stalk, Mcnts and TiO2: ultra-fast capillary water moisture transportation and porous bio-tissue multi-layer filtration
Authors: Sun Zhuangzhi , Li Wenzong , Song Wenlong , Zhang Laichang , Wang Zuankai
Published: November 2019

Natural low-cost corn stalks as high-efficiency solar steam generators is developed, and the constructed solar evaporation device can generate 4.3–5.8 kg m−2 on the sunny days and 3.0–3.9 kg m−2 on the cloudy days.
Shuttle confinement of lithium polysulfides in borocarbonitride nanotubes with enhanced performance for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Yang Mingzhi , Shi Dong , Sun Xiucai , Li Yanlu , Liang Zhenyan , Zhang Lei , Shao Yongliang , Wu Yongzhong , Hao Xiaopeng
Published: November 2019

Borocarbonitride nanotubes show efficient physical and chemical anchoring and conversion of lithium polysulfides, ensuring the enhanced electrochemical performance in lithium–sulfur batteries.
Weak temperature-dependent hole injection and electron–hole recombination at the CH3NH3PbI3/NiO heterojunction: a time-domain ab initio study
Authors: He Jinlu , Fang Wei-Hai , Long Run
Published: November 2019

Weak temperature-dependent photoexcitation charge carrier dynamics in the CH3NH3PbI3/NiO heterojunction.
Mitochondria-targeted tetrahedral DNA nanostructures for doxorubicin delivery and enhancement of apoptosis
Authors: Yan Jianqin , Chen Jun , Zhang Nan , Yang Yidi , Zhu Wangwei , Li Li , He Bin
Published: November 2019

d-(KLAKLAK)2-and Cy5-modified tetrahedral DNA nanostructures for imaging-guided mitochondria-targeted drug delivery
A structural study of p-type A–D–A oligothiophenes: effects of regioregular alkyl sidechains on annealing processes and photovoltaic performances
Authors: Lee Calvin J. , Jradi Fadi M. , Mitchell Valerie D. , White Jonathan , McNeill Christopher R. , Subbiah Jegadesan , Marder Seth , Jones David J.
Published: November 2019

Structure–property studies of p-type oligothiophene-based materials linking sidechain substituents, photovoltaic performance and thin-film morphology leading to key design guidelines.
Constellation coordination and pilot reuse for multi‐cell large‐scale MIMO systems
Authors: Xu Fangmin , Wang Haiquan , Wang Honggang , Cao Haiyan
Published: November 2019

To alleviate pilot contamination for multi‐cell large‐scale multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems, here the authors propose a constellation coordination scheme according to a constellation coordination constraint (CC constraint) on the large‐scale fading factors. In fact, a detailed analysis of the uplink process introduces the CC constraint, which reveals that if the CC constraint cannot be satisfied, the error probability will be larger than a threshold. Otherwise, the error probability goes to zero if both the number of antennas at the base station and signal‐to‐noise ratio go to infinity. Furthermore, by modelling the location of users as a Poisson point process, the authors derive a safe area threshold according to the CC constraint, through which an adaptive pilot reuse is proposed. In this scheme, users outside the dynamic safe area threshold are allowed to reuse the pilot, while other users are not allowed. Simulation results show that the CC scheme alleviates the pilot contamination effectively and the proposed pilot reuse scheme based on the safe area threshold improves the uplink achievable rate of the system significantly.
Performance analysis of downlink NOMA over η–µ and κ–µ fading channels
Authors: Sharma Priyank , Kumar Atul , Bansal Matadeen
Published: November 2019

Non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is recognised as an improved multiple access technique as compared with OMA technique to fulfil the requirements of fifth‐generation wireless communication systems. In this study, the outage probability and sum‐rate analysis of downlink multi‐user NOMA system over the generalised fading channels, i.e. η–µ and κ–µ, are presented. Specifically, the outage probability of NOMA is analysed with fixed target rate and OMA rate. The mathematical expressions for the outage probability and sum rate with a fixed set of power allocation coefficients are derived and verified through the simulation results. The impact of system parameters such as number of users, power allocation coefficients, fading parameters etc. on the performance of NOMA system is investigated. NOMA with given fixed target rate offers better outage performance as compared with OMA. However, NOMA with OMA rate offers better outage performance for the near user only. The sum rate and near user rate of NOMA improves with signal‐to‐noise ratio; however, the far user rate does not follow the same trend.
Physical layer security performance analysis of the time reversal transmission system
Authors: Lei Weijia , Yang Miaomiao , Yao Li , Lei Hongjiang
Published: November 2019

Thanks to its characteristics of temporal compression and spatial focusing, the time reversal (TR) transmission system has the intrinsic capability of anti‐eavesdropping. This study analyses the physical layer security performance of the TR transmission system. The probability density functions and cumulative distribution functions of the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the legitimate user and eavesdropper are given. On this basis, the theoretical expressions of the ergodic capacities of the legitimate channel and the wiretap channel, and the achievable ergodic secrecy rate are derived. The bit error rates of the legitimate user and eavesdropper for binary phase‐shift keying modulation are given too. The correctness of the theoretical derivation is verified by simulation. For the legitimate user, the signal power increases as the number of paths increases, which indicates a higher diversity gain can be obtained, and the inter‐symbol interference power decreases as the up‐sampling factor increases. So, the signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio (SINR) of the received signal can be significantly improved by appropriately reducing the spectral efficiency. However, the received signal's SINR of the eavesdropper cannot be promoted obviously. That is to say, compared with the eavesdropper, the legitimate user can achieve a higher rate and a lower BER, so secure transmission can be realised.
400 GHz electromagnetic radiation sources based on IMPATT diodes
Authors: Karushkin Nikolay , Smirnova Elizaveta , Chelyshev Leonid
Published: November 2019

The results of research on the creation and development of microwave radiation sources in the long-wave part of the terahertz range (100-400 GHz) using double-drift impact avalanche and transit-time diodes (IMPATT diodes) are presented. Minimum contour losses and maximum output power of low impedance IMPATT diodes are achieved in the oscillatory system on the open radial transmission feeder. Equivalent circuits of generators are considered, and electrophysical parameters of IMPATT structures are given. Schemes of designs of microwave radiation sources and their main parameters are given.
X-band transceiver module with a function of internal verification of receiving and transmitting channels
Authors: Karasev Maksim , Dalinger Alexander , Shatsky Sergei , Shchyogolev Sergei , Adiatulin Andrey , Zavyalov Dmitriy , Barskov Sergei
Published: November 2019

The block diagram of the operability test of the receiving and transmitting channels as part of the transceiver module is described. The principle of operation of units verifying the operability of the receiving and transmitting channels is considered. The results of work of the developed circuit are analyzed.
Conditioning of digitally modulated signals backscattered from a tag to a reader
Authors: Smirnov Oleg , Bogatyrev Evgeniy , Smolskiy Sergey
Published: November 2019

Results of modeling of the signal passing through equivalent circuits with the time-varying parameter are given in this paper. Parameters of such circuits correspond to the reflection coefficient, which is necessary for modulation of the backscattered signal in the tag-to-reader line. The main idea of this research is developing a general description of conditioning of digitally modulated signals backscattered from a tag to a reader.
Analysis of factors affecting the operation of the communication system with nonorthogonal multiple access
Authors: Rogozhnikov Eugeniy , Kryukov Yakov , Pokamestov Dmitriy , Dmitriev Edgar , Abenov Renat
Published: November 2019

NOMA is a group of non-orthogonal multiple access methods [1]. In this article, we talk about the Power Domain (Division) NOMA method. It is a non-orthogonal multiple access method with channel separation by power [2]. NOMA compaction uses controlled inter-channel interference, which is removed in the receiver when channel separation using special algorithms. PD-NOMA can be used in conjunction with various types of modulation, including OFDM.