bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consensus Paper. Cerebellar Reserve: From Cerebellar Physiology to Cerebellar Disorders
Authors: Mitoma H. , Buffo A. , Gelfo F. , Guell X. , Fucà E. , Kakei S. , Lee J. , Manto M. , Petrosini L. , Shaikh A.G. , Schmahmann J.D.
Published: December 2019

Cerebellar reserve refers to the capacity of the cerebellum to compensate for tissue damage or loss of function resulting from many different etiologies. When the inciting event produces acute focal damage (e.g., stroke, trauma), impaired cerebellar function may be compensated for by other cerebellar areas or by extracerebellar structures (i.e., structural cerebellar reserve). In contrast, when pathological changes compromise cerebellar neuronal integrity gradually leading to cell death (e.g., metabolic and immune-mediated cerebellar ataxias, neurodegenerative ataxias), it is possible that the affected area itself can compensate for the slowly evolving cerebellar lesion (i.e., functional cerebellar reserve). Here, we examine cerebellar reserve from the perspective of the three cornerstones of clinical ataxiology: control of ocular movements, coordination of voluntary axial and appendicular movements, and cognitive functions. Current evidence indicates that cerebellar reserve is potentiated by environmental enrichment through the mechanisms of autophagy and synaptogenesis, suggesting that cerebellar reserve is not rigid or fixed, but exhibits plasticity potentiated by experience. These conclusions have therapeutic implications. During the period when cerebellar reserve is preserved, treatments should be directed at stopping disease progression and/or limiting the pathological process. Simultaneously, cerebellar reserve may be potentiated using multiple approaches. Potentiation of cerebellar reserve may lead to compensation and restoration of function in the setting of cerebellar diseases, and also in disorders primarily of the cerebral hemispheres by enhancing cerebellar mechanisms of action. It therefore appears that cerebellar reserve, and the underlying plasticity of cerebellar microcircuitry that enables it, may be of critical neurobiological importance to a wide range of neurological/neuropsychiatric conditions.
Severe Asthma and Biological Therapy: When, Which, and for Whom
Authors: Rogliani Paola , Calzetta Luigino , Matera Maria Gabriella , Laitano Rossella , Ritondo Beatrice Ludovica , Hanania Nicola A. , Cazzola Mario
Published: December 2019

Asthma is a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that affects approximately 300 million people worldwide. About 5–10% of all asthmatics suffer from severe or uncontrolled asthma, associated with increased mortality and hospitalization, reduced quality of life, and increased health care costs. In recent years, new treatments have become available, and different asthma phenotypes characterized by specific biomarkers have been identified. Biological drugs are currently indicated for patients with severe asthma that is not controlled with recommended treatments. They are mostly directed against inflammatory molecules of the type 2 inflammatory pathway and are effective at reducing exacerbations, maintaining control over asthma symptoms, and reducing systemic steroid use, which is associated with well-known adverse events. Although biological drugs for severe asthma have had a major impact on the management of the disease, there is still a need for head-to-head comparison studies of biologics and to identify new biomarkers for asthma diagnosis, prognosis, and response to treatment. Identifying novel biomarkers could facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies that are precisely tailored to each patient’s requirements.
Identification of fatigue damage evaluation using entropy of acoustic emission waveform
Authors: Tanvir Farhan , Sattar Tariq , Mba David , Edwards Graham
Published: December 2019

Acoustic emission (AE) is a passive nondestructive testing (NDT) technique which is employed to identify critical damage in structures before failure can occur. Currently, AE monitoring is carried out by calculating the features of the signal received by the AE sensor. User-defined acquisition settings (i.e., timing and threshold) significantly affect many traditional AE features such as count, energy, centroid frequency, rise time and duration. In AE monitoring, AE features are strongly related to the damage sources. Therefore, AE features that are calculated due to inaccurate user-defined acquisition settings can result in inaccurately classified damage sources. This work presents a new feature of the signal based on the measure of randomness calculated using second-order Renyi’s entropy. The new feature is computed from its discrete amplitude distribution making it independent of acquisition settings. This can reduce the need for human judgement in measuring the feature of the signal. To investigate the effectiveness of the presented feature, fatigue testing is conducted on an un-notched steel sample with simultaneous AE monitoring. Digital image correlation (DIC) is measured alongside AE monitoring to correlate both monitoring methods with material damage. The results suggest that the new feature is sensitive in identifying critical damages in the material.
Frames and Actors: Translating Talent Management Strategy to Latin America
Authors: Beamond Maria Teresa , Farndale Elaine , Härtel Charmine E. J.
Published: December 2019

Multinational enterprises (MNEs) transfer their corporate strategies to subsidiaries globally, and in so doing, embark on a translation process. Despite the prevalence of MNEs and their investments in emerging economies, little is known about how local factors affect key actors when translating corporate talent management (CTM) strategies to these regions. This study draws from the translation and talent management literatures to explore the travel of ideas in the context of CTM. Relevant frames (narratives that emerge around actions) and actors are proposed and explored empirically in a qualitative study of 76 employees across an Australian mining MNE with subsidiaries located in Latin America. The findings support extant literature as well as uncovering new frames (categorized in external or corporate, and internal or local) and actors (including non-managerial) as part of the translation process. The findings suggest the need to balance talent management strategies between corporate and subsidiaries by being aware of internal and external frames including in both urban and rural locations. This understanding provides further clarification of the global versus local paradox faced by MNEs. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
The Effects of World War I on the Chinese Textile Industry: Was the World’s Trouble China’s Opportunity?
Authors: Liu Cong
Published: December 2019

This paper uses an unexpected trade disruption due to World War I to study how a temporary reduction of imports affects the entry of industrial firms. I construct a new transportation network to capture counties’ exposure to this trade shock and compile panel data to examine the impact on China’s manufactured textile industry. I find that counties with greater prewar exposure to international trade experienced more firm entry after the war. The effect was delayed because the war simultaneously hindered machinery imports. Better access to finance also contributed to firm entry after the trade shock.
The network approach to psychopathology: a review of the literature 2008–2018 and an agenda for future research
Authors: Robinaugh Donald J. , Hoekstra Ria H. A. , Toner Emma R. , Borsboom Denny
Published: December 2019

The network approach to psychopathology posits that mental disorders can be conceptualized and studied as causal systems of mutually reinforcing symptoms. This approach, first posited in 2008, has grown substantially over the past decade and is now a full-fledged area of psychiatric research. In this article, we provide an overview and critical analysis of 363 articles produced in the first decade of this research program, with a focus on key theoretical, methodological, and empirical contributions. In addition, we turn our attention to the next decade of the network approach and propose critical avenues for future research in each of these domains. We argue that this program of research will be best served by working toward two overarching aims: (a) the identification of robust empirical phenomena and (b) the development of formal theories that can explain those phenomena. We recommend specific steps forward within this broad framework and argue that these steps are necessary if the network approach is to develop into a progressive program of research capable of producing a cumulative body of knowledge about how specific mental disorders operate as causal systems.
Sexual minority status, social adversity and risk for psychotic disorders-results from the GROUP study
Authors: Post D. , Veling W. ,   GROUP investigators
Published: December 2019

Background

Lesbian, bisexual, or gay individuals (LBGs) have an increased risk for mental health problems compared to heterosexuals, but this association has sparsely been investigated for psychotic disorders. The aim of this study was: (1) to examine whether LBG sexual orientation is more prevalent in individuals with a non-affective psychotic disorder (NAPD) than in people without a psychotic disorder; and if so, (2) to explore possible mediating pathways.

Methods

Sexual orientation was assessed in the 6-year follow-up assessment of the Dutch Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis study (GROUP), a case–control study with 1547 participants (582 patients with psychotic disorder, 604 siblings, and 361 controls). Binary logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the risk of patients with a psychotic disorder being LBG, compared to siblings and controls. Perceived discrimination, history of bullying, childhood trauma (CT), and sexual identity disclosure were investigated as potential mediating variables.

Results

The proportion of individuals with LBG orientation was 6.8% in patients (n = 40), 4.3% in siblings (n = 26), and 2.5% in controls (n = 10). The age- and gender-adjusted odds ratio of LBG for patients was 1.57 (95% CI 1.08–2.27; p = 0.019), compared to siblings and controls. Discrimination, bullying, and CT all partially mediated this association.

Conclusions

Adverse social experiences related to sexual minority status may increase the risk for NAPD. Sexual identity, behavior, and difficulties need more attention in everyday clinical practice.
Neurocognitive heterogeneity in patients with bipolar disorder and their unaffected relatives: associations with emotional cognition
Authors: Kjærstad Hanne Lie , Eikeseth Fillip Ferreira , Vinberg Maj , Kessing Lars Vedel , Miskowiak Kamilla
Published: December 2019

Background

Recent evidence suggests that neurocognitive impairments in remitted patients with bipolar disorder (BD) are heterogeneous. Our study aims to replicate recent findings of neurocognitive subgroups, and further explore whether these are related to impairments in affective cognition, in a large sample of remitted patients recently diagnosed with BD and their unaffected relatives compared to healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

Hierarchal cluster analysis was conducted using neurocognitive data from remitted patients with BD (n = 158). Relatives of patients with BD (n = 52) were categorised into groups consistent with their affected relative's cluster assignment. The neurocognitive clusters of patients with BD and relatives, respectively, were compared with HCs (n = 110) in neurocognition and affective cognition (i.e. emotion processing and regulation).

Results

Three discrete neurocognitive clusters were identified in patients with BD: a globally impaired (23.4%), a selectively impaired (31.0%) and a cognitively intact cluster (45.6%). The neurocognitive subgroups differed in affective cognition, with patients categorised as globally impaired exhibited most impairments in facial expression recognition and emotion regulation in social scenarios. First-degree relatives of cognitively impaired patients displayed impaired facial expression recognition but no impairments in non-emotional cognition.

Conclusions

In a clinical sample of remitted patients recently diagnosed with BD 54.4% had either global or selective cognitive impairment, replicating results of previous studies in patients with longer illness duration. The results suggest that patterns of neurocognition are associated with differential impairments in affective cognition. Aberrant affective cognition in relatives of patients categorised as neurocognitively impaired indicates an inherited risk for BD.
Fearlessness and low social affiliation as unique developmental precursors of callous-unemotional behaviors in preschoolers
Authors: Waller Rebecca , Wagner Nicholas J. , Flom Megan , Ganiban Jody , Saudino Kimberly J.
Published: December 2019

Background

Early callous-unemotional (CU) behaviors identify children at risk for severe and persistent aggression and antisocial behavior. Recent work suggests that fearlessness and low social affiliation are implicated in the etiology of CU behaviors, although more research is needed to clarify these etiological pathways, as well as the role of parenting.

Method

Using a sample of preschoolers (N = 620), we examined pathways between observed fear in response to social and non-social stimuli and observed social affiliation during social interactions at age 3 and increases child CU behaviors and oppositional-defiant behaviors from ages 3 to 5. To elucidate the role of parenting in exacerbating or buffering the relationships between low fear and social affiliation and CU behaviors, we tested whether parental harshness or low warmth moderated these pathways.

Results

Fearlessness and low social affiliation uniquely predicted increases in CU behaviors, but not oppositional-defiant behaviors, from ages 3 to 5. Moreover, there was evidence for differential moderation of the fear pathway by harsh parenting, such that harsh parenting predicted increases in CU behaviors in fearless children but increases in oppositional-defiant behaviors in fearful children.

Conclusions

Fearlessness and low social affiliation contribute to the development of CU behaviors. Harsh parenting can exacerbate the risky fearlessness pathway. Preventative interventions aimed at reducing risk for CU behaviors and persistent aggression and antisocial behavior should target socioaffiliative processes and provide parents with strategies and training to manage and scaffold rule-compliant behavior when children show low fearful arousal.
A FLUID LIMIT FOR PROCESSOR-SHARING QUEUES WEIGHTED BY FUNCTIONS OF REMAINING AMOUNTS OF SERVICE
Authors: Lu Yingdong
Published: December 2019

We study a single server queue under a processor-sharing type of scheduling policy, where the weights for determining the sharing are given by functions of each job's remaining service (processing) amount, and obtain a fluid limit for the scaled measure-valued system descriptors.
Pathological Worry in Portugal: The Portuguese Version of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ)
Authors: Jiménez-Ros Antonia María , Carmona-Márquez José , Pascual Luís Miguel
Published: December 2019

Worry is a common phenomenon with people who anticipate and want to be prepared for future events. Pathological worry, however, is not limited to anticipating potentially dangerous events, but it is applied to small daily events, too. This kind of worry is perceived as uncontrollable, and it is strongly associated with catastrophism. The Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) was developed to assess pathological worry. Despite its excellent psychometric characteristics, its internal structure is still controversial. The combination of regular and reversed items and certain methodological considerations may account for the discrepancies in the results of previous investigations. With the aim to analyze worry in Portugal and the psychometric properties of the PSWQ, for the present study, methodological options were considered in order to minimize previous problems. A sample of 558 Portuguese community participants took part in this study. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were performed with two independent random subsamples. The results showed the unidimensionality of PSWQ and the psychometric adequacy of both the full, 16-item version and a reduced, 11-item version (without reversed scored items). Normative data are presented, the suitability of both versions is discussed, and the authors conclude by encouraging the use of the reduced, 11-item version of the PSWQ in applied settings.
Evaluation of weed control in acetyl coA carboxylase-resistant rice with mixtures of quizalofop and auxinic herbicides
Authors: Sanders Tameka L. , Bond Jason A. , Lawrence Benjamin H. , Golden Bobby R. , Allen Thomas W. , Bararpour Taghi
Published: December 2019

Rice with enhanced tolerance to herbicides that inhibit acetyl coA carboxylase (ACCase) allows POST application of quizalofop, an ACCase-inhibiting herbicide. Two concurrent field studies were conducted in 2017 and 2018 near Stoneville, MS, to evaluate control of grass (Grass Study) and broadleaf (Broadleaf Study) weeds with sequential applications of quizalofop alone and in mixtures with auxinic herbicides applied in the first or second application. Sequential treatments of quizalofop were applied at 119 g ai ha−1 alone and in mixtures with labeled rates of auxinic herbicides to rice at the two- to three-leaf (EPOST) or four-leaf to one-tiller (LPOST) growth stages. In the Grass Study, no differences in rice injury or control of volunteer rice (‘CL151’ and ‘Rex’) were detected 14 and 28 d after last application (DA-LPOST). Barnyardgrass control at 14 and 28 DA-LPOST with quizalofop applied alone or with auxinic herbicides EPOST was ≥93% for all auxinic herbicide treatments except penoxsulam plus triclopyr. Barnyardgrass control was ≥96% with quizalofop applied alone and with auxinic herbicides LPOST. In the Broadleaf Study, quizalofop plus florpyrauxifen-benzyl controlled more Palmer amaranth 14 DA-LPOST than other mixtures with auxinic herbicides, and control with this treatment was greater EPOST compared with LPOST. Hemp sesbania control 14 DA-LPOST was ≤90% with quizalofop plus quinclorac LPOST, orthosulfamuron plus quinclorac LPOST, and triclopyr EPOST or LPOST. All mixtures except quinclorac and orthosulfamuron plus quinclorac LPOST controlled ivyleaf morningglory ≥91% 14 DA-LPOST. Florpyrauxifen-benzyl or triclopyr were required for volunteer soybean control >63% 14 DA-LPOST. To optimize barnyardgrass control and rice yield, penoxsulam plus triclopyr and orthosulfamuron plus quinclorac should not be mixed with quizalofop. Quizalofop mixtures with auxinic herbicides are safe and effective for controlling barnyardgrass, volunteer rice, and broadleaf weeds in ACCase-resistant rice, and the choice of herbicide mixture could be adjusted based on weed spectrum in the treated field.
A Multiion, Flux‐Corrected Transport Based Hydrodynamic Model for the Plasmasphere Refilling Problem
Authors: Chatterjee K. , Schunk R. W.
Published: December 2019

The objective of this paper is the application of a newly developed flux‐corrected transport based hydrodynamic solution methodology to the plasmasphere refilling problem following a geomagnetic storm. The flux‐corrected transport method is extremely well‐suited to the solution of nonlinear partial differential equations with shocks and discontinuities. In this solution methodology, every ion species is modeled as two separate fluids originating from the northern and southern hemispheres. We present refilling results that include three ion (H+, He+, and O+) species and two neutrals (H and O). We believe that with additional modifications, the model can be adapted to the solution of other ionosphere‐magnetosphere coupling problems.
Evolution of Pitch Angle‐Distributed Megaelectron Volt Electrons During Each Phase of the Geomagnetic Storm
Authors: Pandya Megha , Bhaskara Veenadhari , Ebihara Yusuke , Kanekal Shrikanth G. , Baker Daniel N.
Published: December 2019

Using Relativistic Electron Proton Telescope measurements onboard Van Allen Probes, the evolution of electron pitch angle distributions (PADs) during the different phases of magnetic storms is studied. Electron fluxes are sorted in terms of storm phase,
value, energy, and magnetic local time (MLT) sectors for 55 magnetic storms from October 2012 through May 2017. To understand the potential mechanisms for the evolution of electron PADs, we fit PADs to a sinusoidal function
, where
is the equatorial pitch angle and n is a real number. The major inferences from our study are (i) at L
5, the prestorm electron PADs are nearly isotropic (n
0), which evolves differently in different MLT sectors during the main phase subsequently recovering back to nearly isotropic distribution type during the storm recovery phase; (ii) for
 
 3.4 MeV, the main phase electron PADs become more pancake like on the dayside with high n values (>3), while it becomes more flattop to butterfly like on the nightside, (iii) at L = 5, magnetic field strength during the storm main phase enhances during the daytime and decreases during the nighttime. (iv) Conversely, at L 
3, the electron PADs neither respond significantly to the different phase of the magnetic storm nor reflect any MLT dependence. (v) Main phase, electron fluxes with
 <4.2 MeV shows a persistent 90° maximum PAD with n ranging between 0 and 2, while for
 
 4.2 MeV the distribution appears flattop and butterfly like. Our study shows that the relativistic electron PADs depend upon the geomagnetic storm phase and possible underlying mechanisms are discussed in this paper.
Shear Velocity Inversion Using Multimodal Dispersion Curves From Ambient Seismic Noise Data of USArray Transportable Array
Authors: Wu Gao‐xiong , Pan Lei , Wang Jian‐nan , Chen Xiaofei
Published: December 2019

We utilize an array method called the frequency‐Bessel transformation method to extract the multimodal dispersion curves of Rayleigh waves from ambient seismic noise data recorded by the USArray Transportable Array. We observe as many as five overtones' dispersion curves of Rayleigh waves in the Midwestern United States, and four and three overtones' dispersion curves, respectively, in the U.S. Great Plain area and Northeastern United States. We employ a quasi‐Newton method to invert the multimodal dispersion curves for the shear velocity. We find that the sensitivity of overtones to deeper structures is higher than that of fundamental mode in the same frequency range. The utilization of overtones significantly improved the non‐uniqueness and convergence of the inversions, which make the final inversion results robust and reliable. Our inversion results for S wave velocity (Vs) model in the studied areas exhibit some differences compared with Shen and Ritzwoller's model (2016, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JB012887). The Vs falls abruptly in the lower crust (21–33 km) in the U.S. Great Plain area and Northeastern U.S. areas. A high‐velocity zone is observable in depth of 50–60 km in the U.S. Great Plain area and Midwestern United States, and all three models show larger Vs values below 50 km than those of Shen and Ritzwoller (2016).
Backward Probability Model for Identifying Multiple Contaminant Source Zones Under Transient Variably Saturated Flow Conditions
Authors: Hwang Hyoun‐Tae , Jeen Sung‐Wook , Kaown Dugin , Lee Seong‐Sun , Sudicky Edward A. , Steinmoeller Derek T. , Lee Kang‐Kun
Published: December 2019

Groundwater contamination is one of the major concerns to public health and water resource management. Identification of contamination sources is essential for designing cost‐effective groundwater remediation systems and minimizing risks of further contamination. Various numerical approaches have been applied to reconstruct spatiotemporal distributions of contaminant sources. Due to difficulties in obtaining source information, the backward probability model is computationally efficient; however, its applications have largely been limited to relatively simple problems such as two‐dimensional or simplified three‐dimensional steady‐state saturated flow conditions with a single contaminant source. More importantly, the traditional backward probability model requires some a priori knowledge on the suspected source locations or source release times to quantify source area location probabilities. Here we improve the capability of the backward probability model for solving real‐world problems by implementing it into a three‐dimensional transient variably saturated flow model. To evaluate the applicability of the model, we apply it combined with the shift‐average method to a field‐scale problem for identifying multiple contaminant sources occurring in the vadose zone that release contaminants to the saturated zone through infiltration. Compared with the suspected potential sources reported through a site characterization study, the enhanced backward probability model reasonably captures most of the reported potential sources under various hydrologic/hydrogeological/dispersion conditions, which demonstrates that the approach developed here can overcome limitations of the backward probability theory previously reported in the literature.
Spatial Heterogeneity Enables Higher Root Water Uptake in Dry Soil but Protracts Water Stress After Transpiration Decline: A Numerical Study
Authors: von Jeetze Patrick José , Zarebanadkouki Mohsen , Carminati Andrea
Published: December 2019

A common assumption in models of water flow from soil to root is that the soil can be described in terms of its representative or effective behavior. Microscale heterogeneity and structure are thereby replaced by effective descriptions, and their role in flow processes at the root‐soil interface is neglected. Here the aim was to explore whether a detailed characterization of the microscale heterogeneity at the scale of a single root impacts the relation between flow rate and pressure gradient. Numerical simulations of water flow toward a root surface were carried out in a two‐dimensional domain with a randomized configuration of spatially variable unsaturated hydraulic conductivities and varying boundary conditions, that is, increasing and decreasing root water uptake rates. By employing Matheron's method, the soil hydraulic properties were varied, while the effective hydraulic conductivity (corresponding to the geometric mean) remained unchanged. Results show that domains with a uniform conductivity could not capture important features of water flow and pressure distribution in spatially variable domains. Specifically, increasing heterogeneity at the root‐soil interface allowed to sustain higher root water uptake rates but caused a slower recovery in xylem suction after transpiration ceased. The significance of this is that, under critical conditions, when pressure gradients and flow rates are high, microscale heterogeneity may become an important determinant and should not be neglected in adequate descriptions of water flow from soil to root in dry soil.
Thermogelling chitosan-based polymers for the treatment of oral mucosa ulcers
Authors: Luo Zheng , Xue Kun , Zhang Xikui , Lim Jason Y. C. , Lai Xiyu , Young David James , Zhang Zhong-Xing , Wu Yun-Long , Loh Xian Jun
Published: December 2019

Aqueous chitosan-based polymer solution formed thermogel upon injection to accelerate the recovery of oral mucosa-related ulcers with desired properties.
There is nothing wrong with being soft: using sulfur ligands to increase axiality in a Dy(iii) single-ion magnet
Authors: Canaj Angelos B. , Dey Sourav , Céspedes Oscar , Wilson Claire , Rajaraman Gopalan , Murrie Mark
Published: December 2019

Sulfur co-ligands boost axiality in Dy(iii); computational studies show higher energy barriers when compared to oxygen co-ligands and suggest further improvements by moving to selenium or tellurium co-ligands.
Direct photochemical cross-coupling between aliphatic acids and BF3K salts
Authors: Sun Zhuming , Tang Bingqing , Liu Kevin K.-C. , Zhu Hugh Y.
Published: December 2019

We describe a novel photoredox hetero-coupling reaction of two C (sp3) radicals from aliphatic acids or BF3K salts.
The influence of adjacent Al atoms on the hydrothermal stability of H-SSZ-13: a first-principles study
Authors: Shi Lu , Yang Jiaqiang , Shen Gurong , Zhao Yunkun , Chen Rong , Shen Meiqing , Wen Yanwei , Shan Bin
Published: December 2019

The origin of the hydrothermal stability of H-SSZ-13 is due to the distribution of adjacent Al atoms.
Mechanistic diversity in acetophenone transfer hydrogenation catalyzed by ruthenium iminophosphonamide complexes
Authors: Kalsin Alexander M. , Peganova Tatyana A. , Sinopalnikova Iana S. , Fedyanin Ivan V. , Belkova Natalia V. , Deydier Eric , Poli Rinaldo
Published: December 2019

The electron donating power of the R′ substituents in arene ruthenium iminophosphonamide complexes, [(Arene)RuCl{R2P(NR′)2}] (1), controls the mechanism for the acetophenone transfer hydrogenation in isopropanol.
Consumption of a green tea extract–curcumin drink decreases blood urea nitrogen and redox iron in β-thalassemia patients
Authors: Koonyosying Pimpisid , Tantiworawit Adisak , Hantrakool Sasinee , Utama-ang Niramon , Cresswell Michael , Fucharoen Suthat , Porter John B. , Srichairatanakool Somdet
Published: December 2019

The most important cause of death in β-thalassemia major patients is organ dysfunction due to iron deposits.
Effect of high hydrostatic pressure extraction on biological activities of stinging nettle extracts
Authors: Moreira Sílvia A. , Silva Sara , Costa Eduardo M. , Saraiva Jorge A. , Pintado Manuela
Published: December 2019

Ethanolic extracts obtained at 200 MPa presented higher phenolic compound concentration and better results concerning all biological activities and also showed potential for DNA protection with no pro-oxidant activity and no cytotoxicity.
A cytochrome c-urea functionalized dipeptide conjugate: an efficient HBD framework to synthesize 4H-pyransviaone-pot multicomponent reaction
Authors: Saini Sanjeev , Mayank  , Kaur Navneet , Singh Narinder
Published: December 2019

This work is focused on the development of an efficient and green protocol for the one-pot multicomponent synthesis of a series of 4H-pyran derivatives.
TiO2 exposure alters transition metal ion quota in Rhodococcus ruber GIN-1
Authors: Gallo Annastassia D , Zierden Mark R , Profitt Lauren A , Jones Kayleigh E , Bonafide Christopher P , Valentine Ann M
Published: December 2019

After exposure to micron-sized TiO2 particles, anatase and/or rutile, Rhodococcus ruber GIN-1 accumulates an increased concentration (2.2 ± 0.2 mg kg−1) of mobilized Ti into its biomass with concomitant decreases in cellular biometals Fe, Zn, and possibly Mn, while levels of Cu and Al are unaffected.
The biosynthesis of a graphene oxide-based zinc oxide nanocomposite using Dalbergia latifolia leaf extract and its biological applications
Authors: Nagaraj Elavarasan , Shanmugam Prakash , Karuppannan Kokila , Chinnasamy Thirunavukkarasu , Venugopal Sujatha
Published: December 2019

ZnO/GO nanocomposites were synthesized and their antibacterial activities assessed against various pathogens. They are potential antibacterial materials and significant anticancer activity against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line compared to the A549 lung cancer cell line.
High photocatalytic activity of rutile TiO2–BiOBr composites via an in situ synthesis approach
Authors: Li Xiangji , Han Bin , Wang Xiaofeng , Bai Peiming , Sun Leiming , Hao Qi , Yu Kaifeng , Liang Ce
Published: December 2019

The rutile TiO2–BiOBr composites had achieved via an in situ synthesis approach, and exhibited the same photocatalytic effect as anatase TiO2–BiOBr composites.
Antenna-coupled vacuum channel nano-diode with high quantum efficiency
Authors: Zhou Shenghan , Chen Ke , Guo Xiangdong , Cole Matthew Thomas , Wu Yu , Li Zhenjun , Zhang Shunping , Li Chi , Dai Qing
Published: December 2019

Vacuum channel diodes have the potential to serve as a platform for converting free-space electromagnetic radiation into electronic signals within ultrafast timescales.
Combined wet lithography and fractional precipitation as a tool for fabrication of spatially controlled nanostructures of poly(3-hexylthiophene) ordered aggregates
Authors: Di Silvio Lorena , Lunedei Eugenio , Gentili Denis , Barbalinardo Marianna , Manet Ilse , Milita Silvia , Liscio Fabiola , Fraleoni-Morgera Alessandro , Cavallini Massimiliano
Published: December 2019

Herein, we propose an easy and practical method for the fabrication of highly ordered supramolecular structures combining fractional precipitation and wet lithography.
Enantioselective catalytic synthesis of α-aryl-α-SCF3-β2,2-amino acids
Authors: Eitzinger Andreas , Brière Jean-François , Cahard Dominique , Waser Mario
Published: December 2019

Novel α-trifluoromethylthiolated-β2,2-amino acids were obtained in high enantiopurities under chiral phase-transfer catalysis.
Stereoselective assembly of 3,4-epoxypyrrolines via nucleophilic addition induced domino cyclization of 6-halo-1-oxa-4-azahexatrienes
Authors: Smetanin Ilia A. , Agafonova Anastasiya V. , Rostovskii Nikolai V. , Khlebnikov Alexander F. , Yufit Dmitry S. , Novikov Mikhail S.
Published: December 2019

A highly convergent assembly of 3,4-epoxypyrroline derivatives from azirines, diazo compounds and amines is developed based on the domino cyclization of 6-halo-1-oxa-4-azahexatrienes.
A model-based comparison of Ru and Ni catalysts for the Sabatier reaction
Authors: Moioli Emanuele , Züttel Andreas
Published: December 2019

The differences between Ru- and Ni-based catalysts for the Sabatier reactor are assessed on the basis of appropriate kinetic models and reactor designs.
Towards an efficient anode material for Li-ion batteries: understanding the conversion mechanism of nickel hydroxy chloride with Li- ions
Authors: Lim Sae Hoon , Park Gi Dae , Jung Dae Soo , Lee Jong-Heun , Kang Yun Chan
Published: December 2019

Nickel hydroxy chloride was studied as an efficient material for lithium ion batteries. Ni(OH)Cl showed high capacity, good cycle stability, and great rate capability through the formation of Ni(OH)2/NiCl2 nanocomposite heterointerfaces.
Stabilizing n-type hetero-junctions for NiOx based inverted planar perovskite solar cells with an efficiency of 21.6%
Authors: Chen Wei , Pang Guotao , Zhou Yecheng , Sun Yizhe , Liu Fang-Zhou , Chen Rui , Chen Shuming , Djurišić Aleksandra B. , He Zhubing
Published: December 2019

We demonstrate a substantial suppression of interfacial trap states in inverted PSCs via CdZnSeS QDs, leading to a large efficiency improvement.
Toward a realistic macroscopic parametrization of space plasmas with regularized κ-distributions
Authors: Lazar M. , Scherer K. , Fichtner H. , Pierrard V.
Published: December 2019

So-called κ-distributions are widely invoked in the analysis of nonequilibrium plasmas from space, although a general macroscopic parametrization as known for Maxwellian plasmas near thermal equilibrium is prevented by the diverging moments of order l ≥ 2κ − 1. To overcome this critical limitation, recently novel regularized κ-distributions (RK) have been introduced, including various anisotropic models with well-defined moments for any value of κ >  0. In this paper, we present an evaluation of the pressure and heat flux of electron populations, as provided by moments of isotropic and anisotropic RKs for conditions typically encountered in the solar wind. We obtained finite values even for low values of κ <  3/2, for which the pressure and heat flux moments of standard κ-distributions are not defined. These results were also contrasted with the macroscopic parameters obtained for Maxwellian populations, which show a significant underestimation especially if an important suprathermal population is present (e.g., for κ <  2), but ignored. Despite the collisionless nature of solar wind plasma, a realistic characterization as a fluid becomes thus possible, retaining all nonthermal features of plasma particles.
Distraction Lengthening of First Metacarpal in Traumatic Thumb Amputations
Authors: Saleem Abid , Sharma Ramesh Kumar , Kumar Parmod
Published: December 2019

Introduction Based on the level of the thumb loss, phalangization, toe-to-thumb transfer, pollicization, and distraction callotasis of the first metacarpal are the various options available for reconstruction. The aims of the study were to observe the length gained in the distraction process, duration of treatment required, functional recovery in the form of pinch strength, sensations, and patient satisfaction.

Patients and Methods It was a prospective study of 10 patients of thumb amputation, conducted from January 2014 to July 2015. The patients’ age, mode of injury, level of amputation, and advantages and disadvantages of distraction callotasis were evaluated.

Results The most common etiology of thumb loss was domestic accidents while working with a chaff cutter. The total duration of treatment was 124 (93–165) days and the mean gain in length was 25 (20–28) mm. The pinch strength increased from a mean of 0.91 to 2.06 kg, i.e., a 44.17% improvement from preoperative pinch strength. All of our patients retained their sensations of the reconstructed thumb post distraction.

Conclusions Among many options for thumb reconstruction, distraction callotasis is a simple and safer option in the selective group of patients who are not keen on toe-to-thumb transfer which provide a significant improvement. The longer duration of treatment is the disadvantage associated with the need for proper counselling beforehand.
Imaging Features and Clinical Decision Analysis of 110 Cases of Intrapulmonary Lymph Nodes
Authors: Liu Zixu , Du Minjun , Li Xingkai , Ju Shaolong , Gao Yushun
Published: December 2019

Objective Through the summary and analysis of large samples, the characteristic imaging manifestations of intrapulmonary lymph nodes (IPLNs) were quantified, and two corresponding rating tables were developed. These rating tables could be used to distinguish the IPLNs from primary lung cancer, so as to improve the diagnostic accuracy and help clinicians make correct judgments and decisions.

Methods A total of 82 patients with 110 IPLNs and 35 patients with primary lung cancer lesions were collected from June 2017 to December 2018. All lesions were solid nodules of less than 12 mm in diameter, which were confirmed by pathology. Observation indicators included location, size, shape, density, border and internal vacuoles of nodules, linear high-density shadow around the nodules, distance from the pleura, pleural indentation, and so on.

Results There were statistically significant differences in the location, size, shape, internal vacuole of the nodules, and distance from the pleura (p < 0.05). The diagnostic scoring table of the nature of solid nodules and the malignant risk table were drawn. The nodule corresponding to Level A was most likely the primary lung cancer, and surgical resection was recommended. The nodule corresponding to Level C was most likely IPLNs, and it was better to receive no treatment currently. The positive predictive value was 81% (23/28), the negative predictive value was 97% (89/92), the sensitivity was 63% (23/35), and the specificity was 81% (89/110).

Conclusion For the pulmonary solid nodules of less than 12 mm in diameter and unknown nature, the evaluation in accordance with the Score Table and the Risk Level Table of this study can be more accurate and faster than the original judgment, which will help clinicians in diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Synthesis and Performance of (E)-3-Phenyl-2-(thiophen-2-yl)acrylonitrile-Based Small-Molecule Semiconductors
Authors: Li Dizao , Wang Qiang , Wang Liping , Zhang Weifeng , Yu Gui
Published: December 2019

Based on diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) and (E)-3-phenyl-2-(thiophen-2-yl)acrylonitrile (BVCNT)-linked conjugated backbones, three donor–acceptor type conjugated organic small-molecule compounds DPP-BVCNT, DPP-2FBVCNT, and DPP-3FBVCNT were designed and synthesized. Among them, the 2-decyltetradecyl side chain on the DPP acceptor unit was used to ensure the solubility of the material. The fluorine (F) atoms combined with the nitrile on the BVCNT donor unit were used to adjust electronic structures and charge carrier transport properties of the conjugated system. All the three small molecules exhibited good solution dispersibility and thermal stability, providing an important guarantee for the solution processing and annealing optimization of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). The top-gate-bottom-contact OFET devices based on these compounds showed good ambipolar or p-type performances. The relationship between molecular structures and OFET performances indicated that the F-substitution and its position significantly affected their charge carrier transport properties. The F-substitution could remarkably change the performance from p-type to ambipolar especially for the outer-side-F-substituted compound DPP-2FBVCNT, which showed the best OFET performances with the maximum hole/electron mobilities of 0.023/0.220 cm2 V−1 s−1. These results provided a promising idea for developing small-molecule OFET materials with good solution processability, good thermal stability, and high ambipolar performances.
The Central Role of Fibrinolytic Response in Trauma-Induced Coagulopathy: A Hematologist's Perspective
Authors: Kwaan Hau C.
Published: December 2019

Severe trauma is the leading cause of death globally. Though improved resuscitation, particularly early initiation, has reduced the 24-hour mortality rate, the overall morbidity and 30-day mortality remain high mostly due to massive hemorrhage and head injury in the early stages and sepsis and multiorgan failure later on. With recent clinical trials of antifibrinolytic treatment with tranexamic acid, and with the observations that fibrinolytic activity varies widely among the injured patients, the role of the fibrinolytic system in trauma has become a major focus of investigations in trauma-induced coagulopathy. Most of the body's response to trauma involves the endothelium, tissue factor release, and platelet activation. In addition, there are inflammatory and immune responses. All these events directly or indirectly affect the fibrinolytic system. A full understanding of these mechanisms has translational implications on the management of these patients. In this article, the multifaceted responses of fibrinolysis following injury are reviewed.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation: An Alliterative Wordplay or Potentially Valuable Therapeutic Interventions?
Authors: Langer Florian , Favaloro Emmanuel J. , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: December 2019

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a relatively rare but life-threatening condition, the outcome of which depends largely on timely and accurate therapeutic management. Inhibiting the activation of blood coagulation is an effective option for limiting the burden of diffuse intravascular thrombosis for attenuating consumption of clotting factors and platelets and ultimately preventing massive bleeding. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are a relatively new generation of drugs that specifically inhibit activated factors II (thrombin) and X, thus providing effective anticoagulation while concomitantly limiting the hemorrhagic risk compared with other conventional anticoagulant agents. The peculiar mechanism of action would hence at least theoretically support their usage in patients with DIC, especially in those with a more pronounced thrombotic phenotype. A comprehensive literature search on the use of DOACs in patients with intravascular coagulopathies currently yielded only 15 documents, all case reports, totaling 21 patients (dabigatran, n = 5; rivaroxaban, n = 13; apixaban, n = 3; edoxaban, n = 0). Taken together, the current literature data suggest that these drugs may have low prophylaxis efficacy and thereby their indication for preventing DIC in high-risk patients may be limited. Nevertheless, DOACs seem at least therapeutically equivalent to heparin in some forms of DIC, especially in those with prevalent thrombotic phenotype, while having more favorable oral administration. The inherent risk of hemorrhages from heparin injection is also shared by DOACs; therefore, their use in DIC patients with a prevalent bleeding phenotype will probably remain unwarranted. Major caution should also be used in patients with impaired drug metabolism, especially those progressing toward liver or renal failure or receiving aggressive antimicrobial treatment. Where potentially indicated, further clinical trials should be planned to test the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs in patients with different types or forms of DIC.
A Case of Very Early Stent Restenosis Following DES Implantation
Authors: Ch Shravan Kumar , M. Naveen Kumar , Kanumuri Sudhakar
Published: December 2019

Intracoronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) is more common with bare metal stents. With the introduction of drug-eluting stents (DESs), the incidence of ISR has markedly decreased. Here, we report a case of unusual very early stent restenosis in a patient who presented with unstable angina 15 days after percutaneous coronary intervention with sirolimus-eluting DES. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was done to know the pathophysiology of the very early stent stenosis and the possibilities of the rare findings of this OCT are discussed.
Atomic interactions between Si and Mn during eutectoid transformation in high-carbon pearlitic steel
Authors: Huang Linghui , Zhang Rui , Zhou Xuefeng , Tu Yiyou , Jiang Jianqing
Published: December 2019

The atomic interactions between Si and Mn during eutectoid transformation in high-carbon pearlitic steel were investigated. Atom probe tomography and first-principles calculations were applied to evaluate and analyze the atomic interactions at the ferrite/cementite interface. In the initial stage of eutectoid transformation, enrichment of Si and Mn occurred at the ferrite and cementite sides, respectively, of the interface. This interfacial segregation phenomenon gradually diminished as the transformation proceeded. Calculations of the cohesive energy and formation energy revealed a clear enhancement in the chemical bonding and stability of the pearlite system when the Si atom was moved from the ferrite layer to the cementite layer and the Mn atom was moved in the opposite direction. The interfacial segregation of the Mn and Si atoms was mainly responsible for the insufficient diffusion and high hybridization degree of Fe, Mn, Si, and C atoms. Furthermore, the partitioning ratio of Mn in high-Si steel was greater than that in low-Si steel, leading to greater partitioning of Mn into the cementite phase. Calculations of the electronic structure revealed that the enrichment of Si in the ferrite phase promoted the partitioning of Mn into the cementite phase owing to the strong repulsive force between Mn and Si at the pearlitic interface.
Coherent Riemannian-geometric description of Hamiltonian order and chaos with Jacobi metric
Authors: Di Cairano Loris , Gori Matteo , Pettini Marco
Published: December 2019

By identifying Hamiltonian flows with geodesic flows of suitably chosen Riemannian manifolds, it is possible to explain the origin of chaos in classical Newtonian dynamics and to quantify its strength. There are several possibilities to geometrize Newtonian dynamics under the action of conservative potentials and the hitherto investigated ones provide consistent results. However, it has been recently argued that endowing configuration space with the Jacobi metric is inappropriate to consistently describe the stability/instability properties of Newtonian dynamics because of the nonaffine parametrization of the arc-length with physical time. On the contrary, in the present paper, it is shown that there is no such inconsistency and that the observed instabilities in the case of integrable systems using the Jacobi metric are artifacts.