bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Ampholyte Dissociation Constants on Protein Separation in On-Chip Isoelectric Focusing
Authors: Shim Jaesool , Dutta Prashanta , Ivory Cornelius F.
Published: April 2020

Numerical simulations are presented for ampholyte-based isoelectric focusing in 2D microgeometries. In this study, model proteins are focused in the presence of 25 biprotic ampholytes under an applied electric field. Each protein is considered as a simple polypeptide having ten charge
states, while the biprotic ampholytes are selected to generate a shallow pH range of 6 to 9. Straight and contraction-expansion microchannels are considered here, and a nominal electric field of 300 V/cm is maintained for separation of proteins. Six distinct values of ΔpKs between
1 and 3.5 are investigated for ampholytes to form pH profiles in a 1 cm long microchannel. Simulation results show that relatively larger values of ΔpK (ΔpK > 3 are required to form stepless pH profiles in the system. The peak heights and differential resolutions
of focused proteins are much higher for lower values of ΔpK for which a stepped pH profile is evident. For each protein, the time it takes for the two edges of a peak to merge increases linearly with ΔpK, while the focusing time goes up exponentially with increasing
ΔpK. Both merging and focusing times of protein are higher for contraction-expansion microchannel than those of straight microchannel. For a particular value of ΔpK, the contracted "Zoom" region of contraction-expansion channel is able to form more tightly focused
bands than the expanded region.
Refractive Index Controlled Plasmon Tuning of Au Nanoparticles in SiO2-ZrO2 Film Matrices
Authors: De Sucheta , Medda Samar Kumar , De Goutam
Published: April 2020

Au-plasmon tuning has been accomplished by controlling the refractive index (n) of the embedding film matrix. The refractive index of the film matrices were controlled by changing the molar ratios of low (SiO2) and high index (ZrO2) components following
sol–gel reactions. Thus, Au nanoparticles doped films were prepared from SiO2-ZrO2 inorganic–organic hybrid sols of variable molar ratios containing HAuCl4 following the dip-coating method. The film samples deposited on glass substrates were obtained
after drying, UV-treatment, and subsequent heat-treatment at 500 °C in air. The nominal mol ratios of SiO2:ZrO2 were 1:0, 1:1, 1:2.3, and 1:4. 3 equivalent mol% Au–97% total oxide (SiO2 + ZrO2) was maintained in the final heat-treated films.
FTIR studies confirmed good homogeneity of Si-Zr network in the Zr-containing films. The UV-treatment has been introduced to facilitate the decomposition of HAuCl4 in the hybrid matrix prior to the heat-treatment step. The main Au-plasmon peak, in the case of a SiO2 host
(SiO2:ZrO2 = 1:0, n = 1.410), observed at about 546 nm, gradually red-shifted to 592 nm upon increasing the ZrO2 content (SiO2:ZrO2 = 1:4, n = 1.847). Transmission electron microscopy of the final heat-treated (500 °C)
films showed existence of plate-like (triangular and hexagonal) Au nanoparticles (25–50 nm) along with relatively smaller nanoparticles of about 10 nm in size. X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that the Au nanoparticles have a (111) orientation.
Utilization of Bacteriophages as Molecular Label
Authors: Weckmann Andreas , Egler Christian
Published: April 2020

We proof that nanomaterials can be successfully marked with relatively small amounts of purified bacteriophages acting as a molecular bar code label. Bacteriophages are DNA protected by a proteinous hull. The DNA fraction of the bacteriophages particle offers a nearly unlimited potential
to encode information into the label. The information included in the molecular label can be read using PCR driven amplification. We show, how bacteriophage particles are easily applied to label a nanoscaled bulk material e.g., multi walled carbon nanotubes.
Simultaneous Synthesis and Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles in Cuttlebone-Derived Organic Matrix: A "Green" Pathway for Gold Nanocomposite
Authors: Jia Xueping , Qian Weiping
Published: April 2020

We demonstrate herein a "green" pathway for the formation of a gold nanocomposite using the cuttlebone-derived organic matrix. The gold nanocomposite is achieved through the first exposure of the organic matrix to HAuCl4 solution at room temperature and its subsequent heating
at 80 °C. The process results in the formation of a macro porous gold nanocomposite consisting of gold nanoparticles embedded in the cuttlebone-derived organic matrix background, which shows the characteristic plasma absorption of gold nanostructures. UV-vis-IR spectrophotometer and transmission
electron microscope (TEM) were used to characterize the gold nanocomposite and trace the formation process. A highlight of the research is that we adopted a nontoxic and renewable reagent of cuttlebone-derived organic matrix, which functioned as the reducing reagent, stabilizer and scaffold
for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles.
Carbon Nanotubes Bridges Spanning Across Metal Electrode Tips
Authors: Katz D. , Lopez D. , Kornblit A. , Grebel H.
Published: April 2020

Systematically growing carbon nanotubes at exact locations within an optoelectronic circuit is a long sought goal. Here we electrically and optically characterize individual CNT bridges spanning across pre-fabricated and addressable metal tips.
Synthesis of Undoped and Manganese-Doped HgTe Nanoparticles Using [Hg(TeCH2CH2NMe2)2] as a Single Source Precursor
Authors: Kedarnath Gotluru , Dey Sandip , Jain Vimal K. , Dey Gautam K. , Kadam Ramakant M.
Published: April 2020

The Reaction of [HgCl2(tmeda)] with NaTeCH2CH2NMe2 gave a mercury tellurolate, [Hg(TeCH2CH2·NMe2)2] (1) as a yellow crystalline solid, which was characterized by elemental analysis,
UV-vis, mass and NMR (1H, 13C, 125Te, 199Hg) spectroscopy. Thermolysis of 1 in hexadecylamine (HDA) at 90 °C in the absence and presence of Mn(OAc)2·4H2O gave undoped and Mn-doped HgTe nanoparticles which were
characterized by XRD, EDAX, TEM, EPR and magnetic measurements. These particles could be synthesized with mean particle size of 6–7 nm (from TEM). Manganese substitution at Hg site in HgTe lead to a linear decrease in lattice parameter with increasing concentration of Mn. Magnetization
measurements showed ferromagnetic ordering at room temperature with very small coercive field (Hc, 50 Oe) for Hg0.973Mn0.027 Te sample. This sample also exhibited distinct ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) in the EPR spectrum.
Characterization of Electrokinetic Properties of Nanofluids
Authors: Murshed S. M. Sohel , Leong Kai Choong , Yang Chun
Published: April 2020

The effects of pH value, surfactant, and electrolyte concentration on zeta potential, particle agglomeration, and thermal conductivity of nanofluids are investigated. The zeta potential of TiO2 (15 nm) nanoparticles in deionized water of different pH values was measured and
the iso-electric point was found to be between 4.9 and 5.2. Addition of surfactant in the base fluid increases the zeta potential and thus increases the effective thermal conductivity of nanofluids. The results show that the higher the electrolyte concentration, the smaller the particle zeta
potential, which results in increased agglomeration of particles. The enhanced thermal conductivity of TiO2/deionized water-based nanofluids was found to decrease with increasing pH value or electrolyte concentration. At 0.2 volume percentage of TiO2 nanoparticles, the
decrease of thermal conductivity of nanofluids was within 2% when the pH value or electrolyte concentration was increased from 3.4 to 9 or 0.01 mM to 10 mM, respectively. The hydrodynamic diameter of agglomerated nanoparticles in base fluid was also measured and found to increase with increasing
electrolyte concentration.
Amino Functionalization of Graphite Nanoplatelet
Authors: Geng Yan , Li Jing , Wang Shu Jun , Kim Jang Kyo
Published: April 2020

Graphite nanoplatelet has been widely used as a low-cost filler for conducting polymer nanocomposites. To improve the compatibility and interfacial interactions with polymer matrix, graphite nanoplatelets were surface treated by two amino-functionalization agents which were triethylenetetramine
and ammonium bicarbonate. Two different dispersion techniques, including ultrasonication and magnetic stirring, were applied to further promote the functionalization process. Several characterization tools were employed to determine the surface chemistry of graphite nanoplatelets before and
after functionalization, as well as to characterize the effects of ultrasonication on the aspect ratio of graphite nanoplatelets. Amine and amide functional groups were identified to be present on the functionalized graphite nanoplatelets. The triethylenetetramine treated graphite nanoplatelets
surface exhibited much higher nitrogen content along with more prominent functional groups than the ammonium bicarbonate treated one. This result is consistent with the higher relative intensities of D bands in Raman spectra as a reflection of a greater degree of disorder for the triethylenetetramine
treated graphite nanoplatelets. The suspension stability of graphite nanoplatelets dispersion was significantly improved after functionalization, in particular for the triethylenetetramine treated one.
The Relationship Between Internalization of Magnetic Nanoparticles and Changes of Cellular Optical Scatter Signal
Authors: Xia Jingguang , Zhang Song , Zhang Yu , Ma Ming , Xu Kang , Tang Meng , Gu Ning
Published: April 2020

Carboxylmethyl starch sodium-coated magnetic nanoparticles (CMS@MNs) with average size of 10 nm were synthesized by chemical coprecipitation. Cellular iron content showed that CMS@MNs could be efficiently uptaken by human hepatoma cells. TEM image showed that clusters
consisting of nanoparticles were enclosed within sub-micrometric endosomes and one cell contained several such endosomes. After incubation with the nanoparticles, a phenomenon appeared that the intensity of cellular side scatter signal (SSC) obtained by flow cytometry at 488 nm argon laser
increased. It was demonstrated that the increase of SSC signal was induced by a cell itself, and mainly caused by the nanoparticles both adsorbed on the membrane and internalized into cytoplasm. Although without inducing cell death the treatments with the nanoparticles could lead to increased
permeability of cell membrane to propidium iodide. Results implied a potential that flow cytometry might be used as a tool to rapidly evaluate and select cells with high magnetic labeling and high viability in cellular transplant.
Ultra Long SiCN Nanowires and SiCN/SiO2 Nanocables: Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrical Property
Authors: Cai K. F. , Huang L. Y. , Zhang A. X. , Yin J. L. , Liu H.
Published: April 2020

SiCN nanowires are synthesized by pyrolysis of hexamethyldisilazane (HMDSN) using ferrocene as a catalyst precursor at 1200 °C in a flowing argon atmosphere on the surface of mullite substrate, polycrystalline alumina wafer and quartz tube. In oxygen-contained argon atmosphere,
SiCN/SiO2 nanocables are synthesized. The as-synthesized products are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The lengths of the
nanowires and nanocables are in the millimeter range. The diameter of the SiCN nanowires grown on mullite substrate and alumina wafer ranges from about 10–70 nm, while that of the nanowires grown on quartz tube surface is in the range of around 7–10 nm. The diameters of the SiCN/SiO2
nanocables are relatively large. A vapor-liquid-solid growth mechanism of the nanostructures is proposed. The electrical resistivity of a single SiCN/SiO2 nanocable is reported for the first time.
A New Blue, Green and Red Upconversion Emission Nanophosphor: BaZrO3:Er,Yb
Authors: Diaz-Torres L. A. , Salas P. , Perez-Huerta J. S. , Angeles-Chavez C. , De la Rosa E.
Published: April 2020

Strong Blue, green, and red upconversion emission of Er3+ in nanocrystalline BaZrO3:(Yb3+Er3+) is observed. Powder samples were obtained by a facile hydrothermal process at 100 °C. The as synthesized nanocrystallites preserve a stable
cubic perovskite phase under subsequent annealing treatment up to 1000 °C. No other phase or segregation of other compounds was detected. Crystallites sizes were around 115 nm and well faceted. Under IR excitation in the range between 900 and 1050 nm the Er3+ blue emission was
almost not present in single Er3+ doped BaZrO3, whereas it became easily observable when Yb3+ was added as codopant. Besides, both green and red upconversion emission or upconverted signal of Er3+ are enhanced by around three orders of magnitude
in comparison with the single Er3+ doped BaZrO3. The strong blue emission presents dependence on both excitation power and excitation wavelength. This is the first time that upconversion emission is observed in BaZrO3. A possible mechanism for the upconversion
process that leads to the observed blue, green and red emissions under NIR excitation is suggested based on the experimental results.
Photoluminescence of Self-Trapped Excitons in Boron Nitride Nanotubes
Authors: Williams R. T. , Ucer K. B. , Carroll D. L. , Berzina B. , Trinkler L. , Korsak V. , Krutohvostov R.
Published: April 2020

The excitation energy dependence and temperature dependence of photoluminescence from boron nitride nanotubes and hexagonal BN powder samples are reported. The results are discussed within a model attributing the broad 3.2 eV luminescence from these samples to self-trapped excitons
in the low-dimensional structures of BN nanotubes and of nano-arch surface reconstructions on h-BN sheet edge faces in powder. An empirical model accounting for the unusual combination of excitation and temperature dependence of photoluminescence seen in these measurements is suggested. For
the model to be consistent with the hypothesis of self-trapped excitons on BN nanotubes, it may be necessary to show that the cores of multiwall nanotubes are selectively probed by light tuned below the h-BN exciton.
Growth of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Nebulized Spray Pyrolysis of a Natural Precursor: Alpha-Pinene
Authors: Lara-Romero J. , Alonso-Núñez G. , Jiménez-Sandoval S. , Avalos-Borja M.
Published: April 2020

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were prepared by spray-pyrolysis of alpha-pinene, a botanical hydrocarbon, and ferrocene as catalyst at 900 °C. The MWCNT were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and Raman
spectroscopy. The microscopy studies show the formation of carbon nanotubes with diameters between 20 and 30 nm and length greater than one hundred microns. Nanoparticles were detected outside and inside the nanotubes and were identify as metallic iron and iron carbide, respectively. Raman
spectroscopy reveals that the alpha-pinene grown carbon nanotubes are graphitized showing both the D and G bands at 1335 cm−1 and 1585 cm−1 respectively.
Effect of Yb Doping on the Afterglow and Thermoluminescent Properties of ZnO Nanophosphors
Authors: Pal U. , Meléndrez R. , Chernov V. , Barboza-Flores M.
Published: April 2020

ZnO nanophosphors prepared by a glycol mediated chemical synthesis exhibit afterglow (AG) and thermoluminescence (TL) after excitation with beta rays. These properties, which are of great interest in dose assessment of ionizing radiation fields, could be appreciably modified by Yb doping.
Concentration of 1, 2 and 5% diminished the AG and TL efficiency and modified the TL glow curve shape significantly. However, the 5% Yb doping concentration reduced the AG and TL fading behavior, improving the use of ZnO:Yb (5%) as potential TL ionizing radiation dosimeter.
Red to Green Upconversion in Er3+-Doped BaTiO3 Nanorods
Authors: Alencar Márcio A. R. C. , Maciel Glauco S. , de Araújo Cid B. , Patra Amitava
Published: April 2020

We investigated the frequency upconversion (UC) process in BaTiO3:Er3+ nanocrystals for excitation wavelengths in the range 638 to 660 nm. Green upconversion emissions at 526 and 547 nm corresponding to 2H11/2 → 4I15/2
and 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 to transitions of the Er3+ were observed. The excitation spectrum for UC emissions presented three bands, due to ground state and excited state absorption of Er3+ ions. The UC intensity as a function
of the laser power was investigated and it was found this a two-photon absorption process.
Risk Factors for Postoperative Events in Patients on Antiplatelet Therapy Undergoing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery
Authors: Cheng Yujing , Liu Xiaoli , Zhao Yingxin , Sun Yan , Zhang Dai , Liu Fang , Ma Yue , Zhou Yujie
Published: April 2020

This retrospective study assessed the risk factors for adverse events following off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Records (between 2013 and 2017) were reviewed for patients who discontinued DAPT (clopidogrel 75 mg and aspirin 100 mg) ≤5 days before off-pump CABG. The primary outcome was the incidence of a Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 4 major event. Factors associated with bleeding events and perioperative myocardial ischemia were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. The incidence of major bleeding events was 17.6% in 2012 patients. Adjusted multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of postoperative bleeding increased when DAPT was discontinued <3 days before surgery (day 2: adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-2.64; day 1: adjusted OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.49-3.77; day 0: adjusted OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.53-3.92). The adjusted risk of mortality (OR: 13.14, 95% CI: 4.55-37.94) was increased with bleeding complications. In subgroup analysis, perioperative myocardial ischemia was related to increased blood loss (adjusted OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02-1.18). Aspirin and clopidogrel should optimally be discontinued >3 days before CABG to reduce the risk of bleeding complications, myocardial ischemia, and death.
Culture du viol et poil castrateur : Tamar, fille de David, dans le traité Sanhédrin 21a du Talmud de Babylone
Authors: Létourneau Anne
Published: April 2020

Dans cet article, l’autrice analyse l’interprétation du viol incestueux de Tamar par son demi-frère Amnon (2 S 13,1–22) proposée dans le traité Sanhédrin 21a du Talmud de Babylone. Rabbi Yitzhak suggère de comprendre le dégoût ressenti par Amnon pour Tamar, qu’il vient de violer, à la lumière de l’événement qui lui fait immédiatement suite : un poil pubien de la jeune femme se serait enroulé autour du sexe de l’agresseur, le castrant. Cet article est l’occasion de réfléchir à la représentation du viol et de sa victime dans le texte biblique, mais surtout dans le traité Sanhédrin 21a (TB). L’autrice explore la caractérisation de la Tamar talmudique, en particulier l’« étrangeté » signifiée notamment à travers le lien intertextuel forgé par les rabbins entre Dt 21,10–14 et 2 S 13,1–22 et l’« agressive » pilosité de la princesse. Enfin, elle examine la pertinence de la catégorie de « culture du viol » pour penser la représentation du corps de la Tamar talmudique, un corps d’emblée jugé coupable.
The Price of Collaboration: How Authoritarian States Retain Control
Authors: Piotrowska Barbara Maria
Published: April 2020

How does access to foreign or independent media affect the operation of a state security apparatus? This article answers this question concentrating on two characteristics of the informant network of the East German Stasi: the number of informants and their “price.” Exposure to West German TV (WGTV) had the potential to decrease the supply of informants and increase the demand for them, pushing up the value of the payments the informants received, but leaving their quantity theoretically ambiguous. I verify this reasoning using a rare original data set of Stasi informants. Results show that informants were given approximately 70 East German marks worth of rewards more per year in the areas that had access to WGTV, as compared with areas with no reception—ironically an amount roughly equivalent to the cost of an annual East German TV subscription. These findings demonstrate how an authoritarian state can counteract the potentially destabilizing effect of foreign media.
Evaluation of a Collagen-Reactive Monomer with Advanced Bonding Durability
Authors: Yu F. , Luo M.L. , Xu R.C. , Huang L. , Zhou W. , Li J. , Tay F.R. , Niu L.N. , Chen J.H.
Published: April 2020

This study evaluated the use of a new collagen-reactive monomer (CRM), isocyanate-terminated urethane methacrylate precursor, which has covalent affinity to dental collagen, in the formation of dentin-resin bonds and compared it with 2 other dental adhesives. Dentin specimens were bonded with either the CRM-based adhesive (CBA), One-Step (OS; Bisco, Inc.), or a negative adhesive (NA) control and subjected to 24-h storage in water, thermocycling to simulate 1-y clinical function, or a matrix metalloproteinase–mediated aging process. We tested the microtensile bond strength (µTBS), characterized the bonding interface with an atomic force microscope, conducted micro-Raman analysis, and performed leakage tests and in situ zymography. CBA and OS exhibited comparable bonding strength after 24 h ( P > 0.05); however, there was a sharp decrease in µTBS after aging for all except CBA ( P < 0.001). Raman spectra results indicated increased collagen crosslinking and chemical reaction between the adhesive and collagen in the CBA group. CBA achieved high-quality hybridization with collagen, improving mechanical properties and integrity, and decreased the enzyme-mediated degradation of the bonding interface by inhibiting collagenolytic activity. With the promising bonding durability of coapplied CBA, CRM may be the first dental adhesive to provide strong and long-lasting resin-dental collagen bonding without the additional conditioning step. The use of CBA results in high-quality hybrid layers that protect the resin-dentin interface from harmful biological and chemical activities commonly occurring in the oral environment.
Immigrants, inclusion, and the role of hard work: Exploring anti-immigrant attitudes among young people in Britain
Authors: Keating Avril , Janmaat Jan Germen
Published: April 2020

Previous research on youth attitudes towards immigration has tended to focus on explaining why young people are more accepting of immigrants than their elders. In this article, therefore, we focus on the young people that are opposed to immigration. First, we use nationally representative survey data from young adults in England to highlight that a substantial minority hold negative attitudes towards immigrants. In the second half of the article, we then turn to qualitative data (in-depth interviews) to explore how young people talk about and justify holding these negative attitudes. Both the qualitative and the quantitative data suggest that anti-immigrant attitudes among young people are linked to the perception that immigrants pose an economic and cultural threat, and to the spread of culturalised forms of citizenship. What the qualitative data also reveal, however, is how these distinct discourses reinforce one another and how they intersect with other types of prejudice. We will argue that the idea of Hard Work is central to understanding anti-immigrant attitudes, as this has become a deeply-embedded cultural norm that is being used to include and exclude (immigrants and others), and to distinguish between who is deserving of membership of British society and who is not.
Confidence intervals for the difference between two relative risks
Authors: Sampson Joshua N , Gail Mitchell H
Published: April 2020

We provide methods to estimate the confidence interval for the difference between two relative risks. Letting p0, p1, and p2 be the probabilities of an event in three groups (i.e. control, treatment 1, treatment 2), our methods estimate a confidence interval for r =  p1/ p0 −  p2/ p0. We highlight that our methods can handle small sample sizes, covariates, and study populations from multiple strata. We specifically developed these methods for vaccine trials to estimate the difference between two vaccine efficacies, where VE1 = 1 −  p1/ p0, VE2 = 1 −  p2/ p0 and r = VE2 − VE1. We showcase our methods by using interim data from one of these trials to suggest that one dose of the human papillomavirus vaccine may be as efficacious as two doses of the vaccine.
The impact of socioeconomic deprivation on the uptake of colorectal cancer screening in London
Authors: Lal Nikhil , Singh Harpreet KSI , Majeed Azeem , Pawa Nikhil
Published: April 2020

Objective

Screening programmes based on the faecal occult blood test (FOBT) can reduce mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC). However, a significant variation exists in uptake of the test within the UK. Disproportionate uptake risks increasing inequity during staging at diagnosis and survival from CRC. This study aims to evaluate the impact of socioeconomic deprivation on the uptake of CRC screening (FOBT) in London.

Methods

A retrospective review of the “Vanguard RM Informatics” database was performed to identify eligible individuals for CRC screening across all general practices across London over 30 months (2014–2017). The postcodes of the general practices were used to obtain the deprivation data via the “Indices of Deprivation” database. A Spearman’s rho correlation was performed to quantify the impact of the deprivation variables on FOBT uptake.

Results

Overall, 697,402 individuals were eligible for screening across 1359 London general practices, within 5 Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs); 48.4% (range: 13%–74%) participated in CRC screening with the lowest participation rates in North West (46%) and North East (47%) London CCGs. All indices of deprivation had a significant correlation with the uptake of FOBT ( p < 0.01).

Conclusion

This is the largest study across London to date demonstrating a significant positive correlation between deprivation indices and FOBT uptake, highlighting areas of particular risk. Further studies are imperative to quantify the impact of deprivation on CRC morbidity and mortality, together with focused strategies to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in screening in these high risk areas.
Optimisation of acoustic emission wavestreaming for structural health monitoring
Authors: McCrory John P , Pearson Matthew R , Pullin Rhys , Holford Karen M
Published: April 2020

Structural health monitoring has gained wide appeal for applications with high inspection costs, such as aircraft and wind turbines. As the structures and materials used in these industries evolve, so too must the technologies used to monitor them. Acoustic emission is a passive method of detecting damage which lends itself well to structural health monitoring. One form of acoustic emission monitoring, known as wavestreaming, involves intermittently recording data for set periods of time and using the sequential recordings to detect changes in the state of the structure. However, at present, there is no standard method for selecting appropriate wavestream recording parameters, such as their length or their interval of collection. This article investigates a method of optimising acoustic emission wavestreaming for structural health monitoring purposes by introducing the novel concept of adjoining consecutive discrete acoustic emission hit signals to create synthetic wavestreams. To this end, a pre-notched 492 mm × 67.5 mm × 20 mm, 300M grade steel cantilever specimen was subject to cyclic loading and both acoustic emission hit data and conventional wavestreams were collected as a crack grew in the notched region; crack growth activity was also monitored using digital image correlation for comparison. To demonstrate the proposed optimisation process, four sets of synthetic wavestreams were created from the hit data, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 s in length, and compared with the 1.5-s-long conventional wavestreams. The activity of the peak frequency and frequency centroid bands of interest within the conventional and synthetic wavestreams were examined to determine whether or not cracking activity could be inferred through them. Across comparisons of all data, it was found that the 0.5-s-long synthetic wavestreams contained enough information to identify the same trends as the conventional wavestreams for this application; thus, the use of synthetic wavestreams as a tool for selecting an appropriate wavestream recording length was demonstrated.
Current options for characterizing, sorting, and recycling polymeric waste
Authors: da Silva Daniel José , Wiebeck Hélio
Published: April 2020

Several researches and technologies on polymer recycling have been driven and justified by the uncontrolled and crescent polymer waste generation in the world. Herein, a critical and concise review on the recent and well-established recycling practices for polymer waste is presented, taking into account not only thermoplastics (or plastics) but also thermosets and elastomers. Moreover, sorting and characterization techniques for polymer waste recycling are detailed and their importance is discussed. An in-depth analysis of the literature indicated that novel and advanced recycling methods for polymeric waste (PW) present difficulties to be applied in the industrial sector, mainly the scientific innovations in the chemical recycling area. In the current scenario, new challenges for the recycling sector are linked to highly contaminated PW from electrical, electronic, and medical products.
Machine Learning-Based Adherence Detection of Type 2 Diabetes Patients on Once-Daily Basal Insulin Injections
Authors: Thyde Daniel N. , Mohebbi Ali , Bengtsson Henrik , Jensen Morten Lind , Mørup Morten
Published: April 2020

Background:

Lack of treatment adherence can lead to life-threatening health complications for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Recent improvements and availability in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology have enabled various possibilities to monitor diabetes treatment. Detection of missed once-daily basal insulin injections can be used to provide feedback to patients, thus improving their diabetes management. In this study, we explore how machine learning (ML) based on CGM data can be used for detecting adherence to once-daily basal insulin injections.

Methods:

In-silico CGM data were generated to simulate a cohort of T2D patients on once-daily insulin injection (Tresiba®). Deep learning methods within ML based on automatic feature extraction including convolutional neural networks were explored and compared with simple feature-engineered ML classification models for adherence detection. It was further investigated whether fused expert-dependent and automatically learned features could improve performance, resulting in a comparison of six different detection models. Adherence was detected throughout each day with an increasing amount of CGM data available.

Results:

The adherence detection accuracy improved as more CGM data became available on the day of classification. The three classification models based on expert-engineered features obtained mean accuracies of 78.6%, 78.2%, and 78.3%. The classification model based purely on learned features obtained a mean accuracy of 79.7%. The two classification models fusing expert-engineered and learned features obtained mean accuracies of 79.7% and 79.8%. All the mentioned results were obtained 16 hours after time of injection.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that adherence detection based on CGM data is feasible. Even though our study based on in-silico data indicates only slightly improved performance of more complex models, the question remains whether advanced models would outperform the simple in a real-world setting. Thus, future studies on adherence monitoring using real CGM data are relevant.
European guidelines on chronic mesenteric ischaemia – joint United European Gastroenterology, European Association for Gastroenterology, Endoscopy and Nutrition, European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology, Netherlands Association of Hepatogastroenterologists, Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology, Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe, and Dutch Mesenteric Ischemia Study group clinical guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with chronic mesenteric ischaemia
Authors: Terlouw Luke G , Moelker Adriaan , Abrahamsen Jan , Acosta Stefan , Bakker Olaf J , Baumgartner Iris , Boyer Louis , Corcos Olivier , van Dijk Louisa JD , Duran Mansur , Geelkerken Robert H , Illuminati Giulio , Jackson Ralph W , Kärkkäinen Jussi M , Kolkman Jeroen J , Lönn Lars , Mazzei Maria A , Nuzzo Alexandre , Pecoraro Felice , Raupach Jan , Verhagen Hence JM , Zech Christoph J , van Noord Desirée , Bruno Marco J
Published: April 2020

Chronic mesenteric ischaemia is a severe and incapacitating disease, causing complaints of post‐prandial pain, fear of eating and weight loss. Even though chronic mesenteric ischaemia may progress to acute mesenteric ischaemia, chronic mesenteric ischaemia remains an underappreciated and undertreated disease entity. Probable explanations are the lack of knowledge and awareness among physicians and the lack of a gold standard diagnostic test. The underappreciation of this disease results in diagnostic delays, underdiagnosis and undertreating of patients with chronic mesenteric ischaemia, potentially resulting in fatal acute mesenteric ischaemia. This guideline provides a comprehensive overview and repository of the current evidence and multidisciplinary expert agreement on pertinent issues regarding diagnosis and treatment, and provides guidance in the multidisciplinary field of chronic mesenteric ischaemia.
Understanding Reporting of Type II Workplace Violence Among Home Health Care Nurses
Authors: Byon Ha Do , Liu Xiaoyue , Crandall Mary , Lipscomb Jane
Published: April 2020

Background: Home health care nurses (HHNs) work alone in patients’ homes. They experience high rates of Type II (client/patient-on-worker) workplace violence (WPV); however, little is known about the extent and factors of their reporting. Methods: A convenience sample of employees aged 18 years and older and working as an HHN or management staff were recruited from a U.S. nonprofit home health care agency. To describe the extent of reporting of WPV events, an HHN survey was conducted. To identify the barriers and facilitators to reporting, two HHN focus groups were conducted, and management key informant interviews were employed. Findings: We recruited 18 HHNs and five management staff into the study. Almost all HHNs reported to management the most serious forms of violence they experienced, and that HHNs reported WPV when they perceived that reporting was beneficial (alerting other nurses and management) and supported by management staff. However, they were unwilling to report when it was perceived as disadvantageous (reliving the trauma), discouraged (by a norm that experiencing violence is a part of the job), unachievable (unstandardized reporting process), and ambiguous (uncertain of what is reportable). Management staff perceived a lack of standardized reporting processes as a barrier when responding to HHNs’ reporting. Conclusion/Application to Practice: High reporting was related to strong support from management. Policies and procedures should clearly define WPV, the threshold for reporting, how to report, and how management will respond to the reports.
Biological and clinical significance of dysplastic hematopoiesis in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Maia Catarina , Puig Noemi , Cedena Maria-Teresa , Goicoechea Ibai , Valdes-Mas Rafael , Vazquez Iria , Chillon Maria-Carmen , Aguirre Paula , Sarvide Sarai , Gracia-Aznárez Francisco Javier , Alkorta Gorka , Calasanz Maria-Jose , Garcia-Sanz Ramon , Gonzalez Marcos , Gutierrez Norma C. , Martinez-Lopez Joaquin , Perez José J. , Merino Juana , Moreno Cristina , Burgos Leire , Alignani Diego , Botta Cirino , Prosper Felipe , Matarraz Sergio , Orfao Alberto , Oriol Albert , Teruel Ana-Isabel , de Paz Raquel , de Arriba Felipe , Hernandez Miguel T. , Palomera Luis , Martinez Rafael , Rosiñol Laura , Mateos Maria-Victoria , Lahuerta Juan-Jose , Blade Joan , San Miguel Jesus F. , Paiva Bruno
Published: April 2020

Risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is significantly increased in both multiple myeloma (MM) and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, suggesting that it is therapy independent. However, the incidence and sequelae of dysplastic hematopoiesis at diagnosis are unknown. Here, we used multidimensional flow cytometry (MFC) to prospectively screen for the presence of MDS-associated phenotypic alterations (MDS-PA) in the bone marrow of 285 patients with MM enrolled in the PETHEMA/GEM2012MENOS65 trial (#NCT01916252). We investigated the clinical significance of monocytic MDS-PA in a larger series of 1252 patients enrolled in 4 PETHEMA/GEM protocols. At diagnosis, 33 (11.6%) of 285 cases displayed MDS-PA. Bulk and single-cell–targeted sequencing of MDS recurrently mutated genes in CD34+ progenitors (and dysplastic lineages) from 67 patients revealed clonal hematopoiesis in 13 (50%) of 26 cases with MDS-PA vs 9 (22%) of 41 without MDS-PA; TET2 and NRAS were the most frequently mutated genes. Dynamics of MDS-PA at diagnosis and after autologous transplant were evaluated in 86 of 285 patients and showed that in most cases (69 of 86 [80%]), MDS-PA either persisted or remained absent in patients with or without MDS-PA at diagnosis, respectively. Noteworthy, MDS-associated mutations infrequently emerged after high-dose therapy. Based on MFC profiling, patients with MDS-PA have altered hematopoiesis and T regulatory cell distribution in the tumor microenvironment. Importantly, the presence of monocytic MDS-PA at diagnosis anticipated greater risk of hematologic toxicity and was independently associated with inferior progression-free survival (hazard ratio, 1.5; P = .02) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.7; P = .01). This study reveals the biological and clinical significance of dysplastic hematopoiesis in newly diagnosed MM, which can be screened with moderate sensitivity using cost-effective MFC.
Predicting the future for DLBCL
Authors: Cheson Bruce D.
Published: April 2020

In this month’s CME article, Vercellino and colleagues report results of a secondary analysis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients in the REMARC trial who had baseline positron emission tomography scans, thereby demonstrating that metabolic tumor volume combined with performance status allowed risk stratification of patients before treatment and predicted survival independent of response to chemoimmunotherapy.
Something old, something new…
Authors: Stevens Scott M.
Published: April 2020

Recurrent ipsilateral deep vein thrombosis has major clinical ramifications, but is often difficult to distinguish from residual clot by ultrasound. van Dam et al demonstrated that magnetic resonance direct thrombus imaging can accurately distinguish the two, with a low risk of venous thromboembolism recurrence after a negative study.
Operon-based approach for the inference of rRNA and tRNA evolutionary histories in bacteria
Authors: Pawliszak Tomasz , Chua Meghan , Leung Carson K. , Tremblay-Savard Olivier
Published: April 2020

Background

In bacterial genomes, rRNA and tRNA genes are often organized into operons, i.e. segments of closely located genes that share a single promoter and are transcribed as a single unit. Analyzing how these genes and operons evolve can help us understand what are the most common evolutionary events affecting them and give us a better picture of ancestral codon usage and protein synthesis.

Results

We introduce , a new approach for the inference of evolutionary histories of rRNA and tRNA genes in bacteria, which is based on the identification of orthologous operons. Since operons can move around in the genome but are rarely transformed (e.g. rarely broken into different parts), this approach allows for a better inference of orthologous genes in genomes that have been affected by many rearrangements, which in turn helps with the inference of more realistic evolutionary scenarios and ancestors.

Conclusions

From our comparisons of with other gene order alignment programs using simulated data, we have found that infers evolutionary events and ancestral gene orders more accurately than other methods based on alignments. An analysis of 12 Bacillus genomes also showed that performs just as well as other programs at building ancestral histories in a minimal amount of events.
Modern human changes in regulatory regions implicated in cortical development
Authors: Moriano Juan , Boeckx Cedric
Published: April 2020

Background

Recent paleogenomic studies have highlighted a very small set of proteins carrying modern human-specific missense changes in comparison to our closest extinct relatives. Despite being frequently alluded to as highly relevant, species-specific differences in regulatory regions remain understudied. Here, we integrate data from paleogenomics, chromatin modification and physical interaction, and single-cell gene expression of neural progenitor cells to identify derived regulatory changes in the modern human lineage in comparison to Neanderthals/Denisovans. We report a set of genes whose enhancers and/or promoters harbor modern human single nucleotide changes and are active at early stages of cortical development.

Results

We identified 212 genes controlled by regulatory regions harboring modern human changes where Neanderthals/Denisovans carry the ancestral allele. These regulatory regions significantly overlap with putative modern human positively-selected regions and schizophrenia-related genetic loci. Among the 212 genes, we identified a substantial proportion of genes related to transcriptional regulation and, specifically, an enrichment for the SETD1A histone methyltransferase complex, known to regulate WNT signaling for the generation and proliferation of intermediate progenitor cells.

Conclusions

This study complements previous research focused on protein-coding changes distinguishing our species from Neanderthals/Denisovans and highlights chromatin regulation as a functional category so far overlooked in modern human evolution studies. We present a set of candidates that will help to illuminate the investigation of modern human-specific ontogenetic trajectories.
Thalidomide with blockade of co-stimulatory molecules prolongs the survival of alloantigen-primed mice with cardiac allografts
Authors: Zhu Maoshu , Ma Yunhan , Tan Kai , Zhang Liyi , Wang Zhaowei , Li Yongsheng , Chen Yingyu , Guo Junjun , Yan Guoliang , Qi Zhongquan
Published: April 2020

Background

Miscellaneous memory cell populations that exist before organ transplantation are crucial barriers to transplantation. In the present study, we used a skin-primed heart transplantation model in mouse to evaluate the abilities of Thalidomide (TD), alone or in combination with co-stimulatory blockade, using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against memory T cells and alloantibodies to prolong the second cardiac survival.

Results

In the skin-primed heart transplantation model, TD combined with mAbs significantly prolonged the second cardiac survival, accompanied by inhibition of memory CD8+ T cells. This combined treatment enhanced the CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells ratio in the spleen, restrained the infiltration of lymphocytes into the allograft, and suppressed the allo-response of spleen T cells in the recipient. The levels of allo-antibodies also decreased in the recipient serum. In addition, we detected low levels of the constitutions of the lytic machinery of cytotoxic cells, which cause allograft damage.

Conclusions

Our study indicated a potential synergistic action of TD in combination with with mAbs to suppress the function of memory T cells and increase the survival of second allografts in alloantigen-primed mice.
Comparison of methods for the detection of in vitro synergy in multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Gaudereto Juliana Januario , Neto Lauro Vieira Perdigão , Leite Gleice Cristina , Espinoza Evelyn Patricia Sanchez , Martins Roberta Cristina Ruedas , Villas Boa Prado Gladys , Rossi Flavia , Guimarães Thais , Levin Anna Sara , Costa Silvia Figueiredo
Published: April 2020

Background

The use of combined antibiotic therapy has become an option for infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. The time-kill (TK) assay is considered the gold standard method for the evaluation of in vitro synergy, but it is a time-consuming and expensive method.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate two methods for testing in vitro antimicrobial combinations: the disk diffusion method through disk approximation (DA) and the agar gradient diffusion method via the MIC:MIC ratio. The TK assay was included as the gold standard. MDR Gram-negative clinical isolates (n = 62; 28 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 20 Acinetobacter baumannii, and 14 Serratia marcescens) were submitted to TK, DA, and MIC:MIC ratio synergy methods.

Results

Overall, the agreement between the DA and TK assays ranged from 20 to 93%. The isolates of A. baumannii showed variable results of synergism according to TK, and the calculated agreement was statistically significant in this species against fosfomycin with meropenem including colistin-resistant isolates. The MIC:MIC ratiometric agreed from 35 to 71% with TK assays. The kappa test showed good agreement for the combination of colistin with amikacin (K = 0.58; P = 0.04) among the colistin-resistant A. baumannii isolates.

Conclusions

The DA and MIC:MIC ratiometric methods are easier to perform and might be a more viable tool for clinical microbiology laboratories.
Aggravated endothelial endocrine dysfunction and intimal thickening of renal artery in high-fat diet-induced obese pigs following renal denervation
Authors: Su Enyong , Zhao Linwei , Yang Xiaohang , Zhu Binbin , Liu Yahui , Zhao Wen , Wang Xianpei , Qi Datun , Zhu Lijie , Gao Chuanyu
Published: April 2020

Background

Renal denervation (RDN) targeting the sympathetic nerves in the renal arterial adventitia as a treatment of resistant hypertension can cause endothelial injury and vascular wall injury. This study aims to evaluate the risk of atherosclerosis induced by RDN in renal arteries.

Methods

A total of 15 minipigs were randomly assigned to 3 groups: (1) control group, (2) sham group, and (3) RDN group (n = 5 per group). All pigs were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 months after appropriate treatment. The degree of intimal thickening of renal artery and the conversion of endothelin 1 (ET-1) receptors were evaluated by histological staining. Western blot was used to assess the expression of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis signaling pathway, ET-1 and its receptors, NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) proteins, and the activation of NF-kappa B (NF-κB).

Results

The histological staining results suggested that compared to the sham treatment, RDN led to significant intimal thickening and significantly promoted the production of endothelin B receptor (ETBR) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Western blotting analysis indicated that RDN significantly suppressed the expression of AMPK/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway proteins, and decreased the production of NO, and increased the expression of endothelin system proteins including endothelin-1 (ET-1), endothelin converting enzyme 1 (ECE1), endothelin A receptor (ETAR) and ETBR; and upregulated the expression of NOX2 and 4-HNE proteins and enhanced the activation of NF-kappa B (NF-κB) when compared with the sham treatment (all p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the control and sham groups (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

RDN aggravated endothelial endocrine dysfunction and intimal thickening, and increased the risk of atherosclerosis in renal arteries of HFD-fed pigs.