bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart microgel-metal hybrid particles of PNIPAM-co-PAA@AgAu: synthesis, characterizations and modulated catalytic activity
Authors: Bhol Prachi , Mohanty Priti S
Published: October 2020

Smart pH and thermoresponsive, poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide co acrylic acid) (PNIPAM-co-PAA) microgel particles are used as microreactors to prepare hybrids of gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (PNIPAM-co-PAA@AgAu) using a facile two steps in situ approach. These hybrid particles are characterized using the transmission electron microscope (TEM), UV–VIS spectrometer, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). TEM directly confirms the successful loading of metal nanoparticles onto microgels and the hybrid particles have a narrow size distribution. UV–VIS spectroscopy at different concentration ratios of silver/gold chloride strongly reveals the presence of plasmon peaks of both silver and gold between 10% to 25% of gold chloride concentration. DLS studies demonstrate that these hybrid microgels exhibit both pH and thermoresponsive properties comparatively with a lesser swelling than the pure microgels without loaded nanoparticles. Further, the catalytic activities of PNIPAM-co-PAA@AgAu hybrids are studied through a reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP)-to-4-aminophenol (4-AP) in the presence of sodium borohydride at different pH. Interestingly, these hybrid particles exhibit modulating catalytic activity with variation in pH. The reduction kinetics decreases with increasing pH and the corresponding apparent rate constant exhibits two linear regimes with one at pH below pKa and another at pH above pKa of acrylic acid. This pH-modulated catalytic behavior of PNIPAM-co-PAA@AgAu hybrids is discussed based on pH-induced swelling/deswelling transition, the core–shell nature of microgel particles, and its intrinsic interplay with the diffusion of nitrophenols within the microgel network. Finally, our results are compared and discussed in the context of previously studied catalytic activities in different polymer-metal hybrids.
The view of TK-SVM on the phase hierarchy in the classical kagome Heisenberg antiferromagnet
Authors: Greitemann Jonas , Liu Ke , Pollet Lode
Published: October 2020

We illustrate how the tensorial kernel support vector machine (TK-SVM) can probe the hidden multipolar orders and emergent local constraint in the classical kagome Heisenberg antiferromagnet. We show that TK-SVM learns the finite-temperature phase diagram in an unsupervised way. Moreover, in virtue of its strong interpretability, it identifies the tensorial quadrupolar and octupolar orders, which define a biaxial D
3h
spin nematic, and the local constraint that underlies the selection of coplanar states. We then discuss the disorder hierarchy of the phases, which can be inferred from both the analytical order parameters and an SVM bias parameter. For completeness we mention that the machine also picks up the leading

3

×

3

correlations in the dipolar channel at very low temperature, which are however weak compared to the quadrupolar and octupolar orders. Our work shows how TK-SVM can facilitate and speed up the analysis of classical frustrated magnets.
Far-field heat and angular momentum radiation of the Haldane model
Authors: Zhang Yong-Mei , Wang Jian-Sheng
Published: October 2020

We investigate the radiation of energy and angular momentum from 2D topological systems with broken inversion symmetry and time reversal symmetry. A general theory of far-field radiation is developed using the linear response of 2D materials to the thermal fluctuation of electric currents. Applying the theory to the Haldane model, we verify that the heat radiation complies with Planck’s law only at low temperature and deviates from it as temperature becomes high. In contrast to normal metals, angular momentum radiation is possible for this system and exhibits saturation as temperature increases. Parameters crucial to the radiation are investigated and optimized. This research enlightens the possibility of transposing the quantum information to the angular momentum degree of freedom.
Rolling bearing remaining useful life prediction via weight tracking relevance vector machine
Authors: Tang Jian , Zheng Guanhui , He Dong , Ding Xiaoxi , Huang Wenbin , Shao Yimin , Wang Liming
Published: October 2020

The application scenarios of rotating machinery are becoming increasingly complicated due to the rapid development of the manufacturing industry. The remaining useful life (RUL) prediction of rolling bearings has gradually been considered in many industry fields for ensuring the safety and reliability of whole systems. As an effective way to analyze data, the relevance vector machine (RVM) approach holds great potential for RUL prediction. However, the redundant features of rolling bearing vibration signals can easily lead to overfitting and low accuracy of the RVM model for RUL prediction. To conquer these issues, inspired by the idea of the boosting algorithm and ensemble learning, this paper proposes a new RVM model, called the weight-tracking relevance vector machine (WTRVM). Within the proposed WTRVM model, an adaptive sequential optimal feature selection method is designed to avoid overfitting by selecting the best features. The error between the prediction value of the RVM model and the true value is counted for the RVM model training and weight tracking. The most accurate model can be obtained when all selected features have been trained. Finally, the proposed WTRVM algorithm is experimentally demonstrated to be effective for the RUL prediction of rolling bearings.
Towards free-standing graphane: atomic hydrogen and deuterium bonding to nano-porous graphene
Authors: Abdelnabi Mahmoud Mohamed Saad , Blundo Elena , Betti Maria Grazia , Cavoto Gianluca , Placidi Ernesto , Polimeni Antonio , Ruocco Alessandro , Hu Kailong , Ito Yoshikazu , Mariani Carlo
Published: October 2020

Graphane is formed by bonding hydrogen (and deuterium) atoms to carbon atoms in the graphene mesh, with modification from the pure planar sp2 bonding towards an sp3 configuration. Atomic hydrogen (H) and deuterium (D) bonding with C atoms in fully free-standing nano porous graphene (NPG) is achieved, by exploiting low-energy proton (or deuteron) non-destructive irradiation, with unprecedented minimal introduction of defects, as determined by Raman spectroscopy and by the C 1s core level lineshape analysis. Evidence of the H- (or D-) NPG bond formation is obtained by bringing to light the emergence of a H- (or D-) related sp3-distorted component in the C 1s core level, clear fingerprint of H–C (or D–C) covalent bonding. The H (or D) bonding with the C atoms of free-standing graphene reaches more than 1/4 (or 1/3) at% coverage. This non-destructive H-NPG (or D-NPG) chemisorption is very stable at high temperatures up to about 800 K, as monitored by Raman and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, with complete healing and restoring of clean graphene above 920 K. The excellent chemical and temperature stability of H- (and D-) NPG opens the way not only towards the formation of semiconducting graphane on large-scale samples, but also to stable graphene functionalisation enabling futuristic applications in advanced detectors for the β-spectrum analysis.
Spectral control via multi-species effects in PW-class laser-ion acceleration
Authors: Huebl Axel , Rehwald Martin , Obst-Huebl Lieselotte , Ziegler Tim , Garten Marco , Widera René , Zeil Karl , Cowan Thomas E , Bussmann Michael , Schramm Ulrich , Kluge Thomas
Published: October 2020

Laser-ion acceleration with ultra-short pulse, petawatt-class lasers is dominated by non-thermal, intra-pulse plasma dynamics. The presence of multiple ion species or multiple charge states in targets leads to characteristic modulations and even mono-energetic features, depending on the choice of target material. As spectral signatures of generated ion beams are frequently used to characterize underlying acceleration mechanisms, thermal, multi-fluid descriptions require revision for predictive capabilities and control in next-generation particle beam sources. We present an analytical model with explicit inter-species interactions, supported by extensive ab initio simulations. This enables us to derive important ensemble properties from the spectral distribution resulting from these multi-species effects for arbitrary mixtures. We further propose a potential experimental implementation with a novel cryogenic target, delivering jets with variable mixtures of hydrogen and deuterium. Free from contaminants and without strong influence of hardly controllable processes such as ionization dynamics, this would allow a systematic realization of our predictions for the multi-species effect.
Promising near-infrared plasmonic biosensor employed for specific detection of SARS-CoV-2 and its spike glycoprotein
Authors: Peng Xiao , Zhou Yingxin , Nie Kaixuan , Zhou Feifan , Yuan Yufeng , Song Jun , Qu Junle
Published: October 2020

Timely and accurately identification of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can greatly contribute to monitoring and controlling the global pandemic. This study gained theoretical insight into a novel phase-modulation plasmonic biosensor working in the near-infrared (NIR) regime, which can be employed for sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 and its spike (S) glycoprotein. The proposed plasmonic biosensor was created by integrating two-dimensional (2D) Van der Waals heterostructures, including tellurene and carboxyl-functionalized molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) layers, with transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) film. Excellent biosensing performance can be achieved under the excitation of 1550 nm by optimizing the thickness of ITO film and tellurene-MoS2 heterostructures. For a sensing interface refractive index change as low as 0.0012 RIU (RIU, refractive index unit), the optimized plasmonic configuration of 121 nm ITO film/three-layer tellurene/ten-layer MoS2-COOH can produce the highest detection sensitivity of 8.4069 × 104 degree/RIU. More importantly, MoS2–COOH layer can capture angiotensin-converting enzyme II, which is an ideal adsorption site for specifically binding SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein. Then, an excellent linear detection range for S glycoprotein and SARS-CoV-2 specimens is ∼0–301.67 nM and ∼0–67.8762 nM, respectively. This study thus offers an alternative strategy for rapidly performing novel coronavirus diagnosis in clinical applications.
Orbital angular momentum superposition states in transmission
electron microscopy and bichromatic multiphoton ionization
Authors: Eickhoff K , Rathje C , Köhnke D , Kerbstadt S , Englert L , Bayer T , Schäfer S , Wollenhaupt M
Published: October 2020

The coherent control of electron beams and ultrafast electron wave packet
dynamics have attracted significant attention in electron microscopy as well as
in atomic physics. In order to unify the conceptual pictures developed in both
fields, we demonstrate the generation and manipulation of tailored electron
orbital angular momentum (OAM) superposition states either by employing
customized holographic diffraction masks in a transmission electron microscope
or by atomic multiphoton ionization utilizing pulse-shaper generated
carrier-envelope phase stable bichromatic ultrashort laser pulses. Both
techniques follow similar physical mechanisms based on Fourier synthesis of
quantum mechanical superposition states allowing the preparation of a broad set
of electron states with uncommon symmetries. We describe both approaches in a
unified picture based on an advanced spatial and
spectral double slit and point out important analogies. In
addition, we analyze the topological charge and discuss the control mechanisms
of the free-electron OAM superposition states. Their generation and manipulation
by phase tailoring in transmission electron microscopy and atomic multiphoton
ionization is illustrated on a 7-fold rotationally symmetric electron density
distribution.
Thermal destabilization of self-bound ultradilute quantum droplets
Authors: Wang Jia , Hu Hui , Liu Xia-Ji
Published: October 2020

We theoretically investigate the temperature effect in a Bose–Bose mixture with attractive inter-species interactions, in the regime where a self-bound ultradilute quantum droplet forms due to the subtle balance between the attractive mean-field force and the repulsive force provided by Lee–Huang–Yang quantum fluctuations. We find that in contrast to quantum fluctuations, thermal fluctuations destabilize the droplet state and completely destroy it above a threshold temperature. We show that the threshold temperature is determined by the intra-species interaction energy. For a three-dimensional Bose–Bose mixture, the threshold temperature is less than one-tenth of the Bose–Einstein condensation temperature under the typical experimental conditions. With increasing temperature, the droplet’s equilibrium density gradually decreases and can be reduced by several tens of percent upon reaching the threshold temperature. We also consider a one-dimensional quantum droplet and find a similar destabilization effect due to thermal fluctuations. The threshold temperature in one dimension is roughly set by the binding energy of the inter-species dimer. The pronounced thermal instability of a self-bound quantum droplet predicted in our work could be examined in future experiments, by measuring the temperature dependence of its central density and observing its sudden disappearance at the threshold temperature.
Full-orbit simulation of fast ion loss under resonant magnetic perturbations in the EAST tokamak
Authors: He K. , Sun Y. , Wan B.N. , Gu S. , Jia M. , Hu Y.
Published: October 2020

A new full-orbit Monte Carlo code (SOFT) has been developed and used to investigate how resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) affects the loss of neutral beam injection ions in EAST. Benefiting from the calculation of real orbits in cylindrical coordinates, the simulation can take into account the first wall and provide a more realistic evaluation of the losses than previous results. The two co-current beams in EAST are chosen for the study. Depending on the spectrum used, losses can be significantly enhanced by low-n (n ≤ 2) RMPs. From the quantity perspective, the prompt loss and the resonant loss are the two loss channels of concern. The former is mainly related to the ion source, while the latter is closely related to RMP and quantitatively more dominant. It is found that both linear and non-linear resonances play an important role, which is consistent with previous results. The inclusion of plasma response, to a large extent, heals the magnetic topology, but does not necessarily lead to a better confinement of fast ions. Detailed analyses reveal the significant loss of passing ions in the presence of the response, which highlights the importance of the non-resonant components. A better understanding of the loss channels and their relation to the RMP spectrum helps to avoid the detrimental effects and to provide support for goals like phase-space engineering.
Long-term nitrogen retention and transit time distribution in agricultural catchments in western France
Authors: Dupas Rémi , Ehrhardt Sophie , Musolff Andreas , Fovet Ophélie , Durand Patrick
Published: October 2020

Elevated nitrogen (N) concentrations have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems worldwide, calling for effective management practices. However, catchment-scale annual mass-balance estimates often exhibit N deficits and time lags between the trajectory of net N inputs and that of N riverine export. Here, we analyzed 40-year time series of N surplus and nitrate-N loads in 16 mesoscale catchments (104–10 135 km2) of a temperate agricultural region, with the aim to (1) investigate the fate of the ‘missing N’, either still in transit through the soil—vadose zone—groundwater continuum or removed via denitrification, and (2) estimate the transit time distribution of N by convoluting the input signal with a lognormal model. We found that apparent N retention, the ‘missing N’, ranged from 45%–88% of then N net input, and that topsoil N accumulation alone accounted for ca. two-thirds of this retention. The mode of the nitrate-N transit time distribution ranged from 2–14 years and was negatively correlated with the estimated retention. Apparent retention was controlled primarily by average runoff, while the transit time mode was controlled in part by lithology. We conclude that the fate of the soil ‘biogeochemical legacy’, which represents much of the catchment-scale ‘missing N’, is in our hands, since the N accumulated in soils can still be recycled in agroecosystems.
A short perspective on a COVID-19 clinical study: ‘diagnosis of COVID-19 by RT-PCR using exhale breath condensate samples’
Authors: Sawano Makoto , Takeshita Kyousuke , Ohno Hideaki , Oka Hideaki
Published: October 2020

Diagnosis of SARS-COV-2 infection (COVID-19) is currently based on detection of the viral RNA in nasopharyngeal swab samples by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). However, sampling via nasopharyngeal swabs frequently provokes sneezing or coughing, which results in increased risk of the viral dissemination and environmental contamination. Furthermore, the sensitivity associated with the PCR tests s limited to 60%–70%, which is mainly attributable to technical deficiency in sampling. Given that the disease is transmitted via exhaled aerosol and droplets, and that the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is the established modality for sampling exhaled aerosol, detection of the viral RNA in EBC is a promising approach for safe and efficient diagnosis of the disease. Subjects are those patients who are diagnosed with COVID-19 by positive nasopharyngeal swab PCR test and admitted to Saitama Medical Center, Japan. EBC samples will be collected using an R-tube® or R-tubeVent® device. Collected EBC samples will be introduced into a nucleic acid purifier. The purified nucleic acids will undergo amplification through RT-PCR for detection and quantification of SARS-COV-2 RNA. To date we have collected eight samples from seven subjects. Among them, two samples from two subjects tested positive for SARS-COV-2 RNA by the RT-PCR. Reflecting the second wave of COVID-19 prevalence in Japan, new admissions of COVID-19 patients to the Saitama Medical Center are increasing, and we are expecting to collect at least 50 EBC samples from 25 patients before the end of this year.
Raman peak shifts by applied magnetic field in InSb/Al
x
In1−x
Sb superlattices
Authors: Chikumpa Matasit , Zon  , Thainoi Supachok , Kiravittaya Suwit , Tandaechanurat Aniwat , Nuntawong Noppadon , Sopitpan Suwat , Yordsri Visittapong , Thanachayanont Chanchana , Kanjanachuchai Songphol , Ratanathammaphan Somchai , Panyakeow Somsak
Published: October 2020

InSb/Al
x
ln1−x
Sb superlattices (SLs) are grown by molecular beam epitaxy on (001) InSb substrate and Raman scattering spectroscopy of the samples under magnetic field is investigated. Al contents in AlInSb of the samples are varied. All samples are characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering spectroscopy. The Raman spectroscopy is done by using excitation laser with 633 nm wavelength and 2 μm beam spot under applied magnetic field from 0 to 170 mT. Both TO and LO Raman peaks from InSb are detected from all samples. There are Raman peak shift of both TO and LO by applied magnetic field. Stronger magnetic effect is found in LO than TO phonon modes. We attribute this effect to the symmetry breaking of the InSb/AlInSb interfaces since the observed roughness of the top InSb layer can qualitatively correlate with the shift.
Solidification microstructure and phase transition of La-Nd-Fe alloys
Authors: Su D , Yang K C , Rong M H , Cheng X , Wei Q , Yao Q R , Wang J , Rao G H , Zhou H Y
Published: October 2020

The solidification microstructure and phase transition of ten La-Nd-Fe alloys were studied experimentally by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). Phase compositions and phase transition temperatures of La-Nd-Fe alloys were measured and the formed phases were identified. The solidification behavior of La-Nd-Fe alloys was analyzed based on the experimental results of both solidification microstructure and phase transitions with the reported Nd-Fe, La-Fe and La-Nd sub-binary phase diagrams. The results indicated that the solidification processes of all La-Nd-Fe alloys begin with the precipitation of primary phase fcc(γ-Fe) and then follow by the formation of bcc(α-Fe) and/or Fe17Nd2 phases through different peritectic reactions. The solidification microstructure of three Fe65La29Nd6, Fe65La25Nd10 and Fe65La22Nd13 alloys presents three-phase microstructure with bcc(α-Fe), Fe17Nd2 and fcc(La,Nd) phases, while that of three Fe65La19Nd16, Fe65La9Nd26 and Fe65La15.5Nd19.5 alloys shows three-phase microstructure with bcc(α-Fe), Fe17Nd2 and dhcp(La,Nd) phases. The two-phase micorstructure with Fe17Nd2 and dhcp(La,Nd) ohases was formed in the solidification microstructure of four Fe65La12Nd23, Fe65La6.5Nd28.5, Fe65La4Nd31 and Fe65La1.5Nd33.5 alloys. Moreover, no stable ternary intermetallic compound was found in the present experiments. The solidification microstructure and phase transition of La-Nd-Fe alloys would provide a basis for the design of La-Nd-Fe-B magnetic alloys.
Comparative study of ZnMgO/GaAs and ZnMgO/Si solar cells
Authors: Zhang Wei , Tang Naiyun
Published: October 2020

Because ZnO can be used as transparent conductive oxide or as an anti-reflective coating in the field of transparent electronics, ZnO/Si solar cells using ZnO as the emitter material have received widespread attention. Compared with Si, GaAs has a wider band gap, which makes its spectral response and solar spectrum match better than Si, so ZnO/GaAs solar cells have higher power conversion efficiency. However, during the manufacturing process of heterojunctions, it is inevitable that dangling bonds and defects will be generated at the interface, which increase the interface recombination and reduce the performance of solar cells. Based on this, in this study, three methods to reduce the interface recombination of ZnO/GaAs solar cells are proposed: doping Mg in ZnO, increasing the carrier concentration of ZnO, and reducing the interface defects between ZnO and GaAs. The results show that these three methods effectively improve the performance of ZnO/GaAs solar cells. After comparing the results with ZnMgO/Si solar cells, it is found that the performance of ZnMgO/GaAs solar cells is much higher than that of ZnMgO/Si solar cells.
The association of weight change and all-cause mortality in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alharbi Tagrid A , Paudel Susan , Gasevic Danijela , Ryan Joanne , Freak-Poli Rosanne , Owen Alice J
Published: October 2020

Objective

there may be age-related differences in the impact of weight change on health. This study systematically reviewed the evidence on the relationship between weight change and all-cause mortality in adults aged 65 years and older.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched from inception to 11 June 2020, PROSPERO CRD 42019142268. We included observational studies reporting on the association between weight change and all-cause mortality in older community-dwelling adults. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate pooled hazard ratios and scored based on the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality guidelines.

Results

a total of 30 studies, including 1,219,279 participants with 69,255 deaths, demonstrated that weight loss was associated with a 59% increase in mortality risk (hazard ratio (HR): 1.59; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45–1.74; P < 0.001). Twenty-seven studies that reported outcomes for weight gain (1,210,116 participants with 65,481 deaths) indicated that weight gain was associated with a 10% increase in all-cause mortality (HR: 1.10; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.17; P = 0.01). Four studies investigated weight fluctuation (2,283 events among 6,901 participants), which was associated with a 63% increased mortality risk (HR: 1.66; 95%CI: 1.28, 2.15). No evidence of publication bias was observed (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

for community-dwelling older adults, weight changes (weight loss, gain or weight fluctuation) are associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality risk relative to stable weight. Further research is needed to determine whether these associations vary depending upon initial weight, and whether or not the weight loss/gain was intentional.
Age, Period and Cohort Effects On Alcohol Consumption In Estonia, 1996–2018
Authors: Baburin Aleksei , Reile Rainer , Veideman Tatjana , Leinsalu Mall
Published: October 2020

Aims

To analyse the independent effects of age, period and cohort on estimated daily alcohol consumption in Estonia.

Methods

This study used data from nationally representative repeated cross-sectional surveys from 1996 to 2018 and included 11,717 men and 16,513 women aged 16–64 years in total. The dependent variables were consumption of total alcohol and consumption by types of beverages (beer, wine and strong liquor) presented as average daily consumption in grams of absolute alcohol. Mixed-effects negative binomial models stratified by sex were used for age–period–cohort analysis.

Results

Alcohol consumption was highest at ages 20–29 years for both men and women and declined in older ages. Significant period effects were found indicating that total alcohol consumption and consumption of different types of beverages had increased significantly since the 1990s for both men and women. Cohort trends differed for men and women. Men born in the 1990–2000s had significantly lower daily consumption compared to earlier cohorts, whereas the opposite was found for women.

Conclusion

While age-related patterns of alcohol consumption are aligned with life course stages, alcohol use has increased over the study period. Although the total daily consumption among men is nearly four times higher than among women, the cohort trends suggest convergence of alcohol consumption patterns for men and women.
Shifty evidence and shifty books
Authors: Beddor Bob
Published: October 2020

Are all epistemic notions – including evidence and rational credence – sensitive to practical considerations? A number of philosophers have argued that the answer must be ‘No’, since otherwise rational agents would be susceptible to diachronic Dutch books (Greco 2013, Rubin 2015, Schroeder 2018). After unpacking this challenge, I show how it can be resisted by appealing to an analogy between shifting stakes and memory loss. The upshot: pervasive epistemic shiftiness may be tenable after all .
Plant functional types determine how close postfire seedlings are from their parents in a species-rich shrubland
Authors: Lamont Byron B , Witkowski Ed T F
Published: October 2020

Background and Aims

Fine-scale spatial patterns of the seedlings of co-occurring species reveal the relative success of reproduction and dispersal and may help interpret coexistence patterns of adult plants. To understand whether postfire community dynamics are controlled by mathematical, biological or environmental factors, we documented seedling–adult (putative parent) distances for a range of co-occurring species. We hypothesized that nearest-seedling-to-adult distances should be a function of the distance between the closest conspecific seedlings, closest inter-adult distances and seedling-to-parent ratios, and also that these should scale up in a consistent way from all individuals, to within and between species and finally between functional types (FTs).

Methods

We assessed seedling–adult, seedling–seedling and adult–adult distances for 19 co-occurring shrub species 10 months after fire in a species-rich shrubland in south-western Australia. Species were categorized into 2 × 2 FTs: those that are killed by fire [non-(re)sprouters] vs. those that survive (resprouters) in nine taxonomically matched pairs, and those that disperse their seeds prefire (geosporous) vs. those that disperse their seeds postfire (serotinous).

Key Results

For the total data set and means for all species, seedling–adult distance was essentially a mathematical phenomenon, and correlated positively with seedling–seedling distance and adult–adult distance, and inversely with seedlings per adult. Among the four FTs, seedling–adult distance was shortest for geosporous non-sprouters and widest for serotinous resprouters. Why adults that produce few seedlings (resprouters) should be further away from them defies a simple mathematical or biological explanation at present. Ecologically, however, it is adaptive: the closest seedling was usually under the (now incinerated) parent crown of non-sprouters whereas those of resprouters were on average four times further away.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the value of recognizing four reproductive syndromes within fire-prone vegetation, and shows how these are characterized by marked differences in their seedling–adult spatial relations that serve to enhance biodiversity of the community.
Drug response in association with pharmacogenomics and pharmacomicrobiomics: towards a better personalized medicine
Authors: Hassan Radia , Allali Imane , Agamah Francis E , Elsheikh Samar S M , Thomford Nicholas E , Dandara Collet , Chimusa Emile R
Published: October 2020

Researchers have long been presented with the challenge imposed by the role of genetic heterogeneity in drug response. For many years, Pharmacogenomics and pharmacomicrobiomics has been investigating the influence of an individual’s genetic background to drug response and disposition. More recently, the human gut microbiome has proven to play a crucial role in the way patients respond to different therapeutic drugs and it has been shown that by understanding the composition of the human microbiome, we can improve the drug efficacy and effectively identify drug targets. However, our knowledge on the effect of host genetics on specific gut microbes related to variation in drug metabolizing enzymes, the drug remains limited and therefore limits the application of joint host–microbiome genome-wide association studies.

In this paper, we provide a historical overview of the complex interactions between the host, human microbiome and drugs. While discussing applications, challenges and opportunities of these studies, we draw attention to the critical need for inclusion of diverse populations and the development of an innovative and combined pharmacogenomics and pharmacomicrobiomics approach, that may provide an important basis in personalized medicine.
Floral development of theOrnithocephalusclade (Oncidiinae, Orchidaceae): the origin of the tabula infrastigmatica, gynostemium appendices and labellar callus
Authors: Royer Carla A , Toscano de Brito A L V , Stützel Thomas , Smidt Eric C , Nunes Elaine L P
Published: October 2020

The Ornithocephalus clade comprises small epiphytes distributed in 12 genera and c. 120 species. Their flowers have complex structures, the homologies of which are difficult to interpret. Through ontogenetic studies, we identified the origins of the tabula infrastigmatica, floral appendages located in the gynostemium and the labellar callus. Using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), we analysed flowers at various developmental stages from representatives of three genera: Ornithocephalus (two species), Phymatidium (two species) and Zygostates (three species). The tabula infrastigmatica of Phymatidium results from the fusion of the lateral carpels and staminodes, with different degrees of synorganization across species and can be considered a plesiomorphic characteristic within the clade. Contradicting hypotheses of a staminodial origin, the auricles present in this genus derive from the gynostemium. In Zygostates, the lateral appendices derive from staminodes and can show different development degrees, whereas in Ornithocephaus that character has been lost. We corroborate the view that the labellum is a single organ derived from the median petal and the labellar callus is derived from it.
Digitally quantified CD8+ cells: the best candidate marker for an immune cell score in non-small cell lung cancer?
Authors: Kilvaer Thomas K , Paulsen Erna-Elise , Andersen Sigve , Rakaee Mehrdad , Bremnes Roy M , Busund Lill-Tove Rasmussen , Donnem Tom
Published: October 2020

The TNM classification is well established as a state-of-the-art prognostic and treatment-decision-making tool for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, incorporation of biological data may hone the TNM system. This article focuses on choosing and incorporating subsets of tissue-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), detected by specific immunohistochemistry and automatically quantified by open source software, into a TNM-Immune cell score (TNM-I) for NSCLC. We use common markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20 and CD45RO) of TILs to identify TIL subsets in tissue micro-arrays comprising tumor tissue from 553 patients resected for primary NSCLC. The number of TILs is automatically quantified using open source software (QuPath). Their prognostic efficacy, alone and within a TNM-I model, is evaluated in all patients and histological subgroups. Compared with previous manual semi-quantitative scoring of TILs in the same cohort, the present digital quantification proved superior. As a proof-of-concept, we construct a TNM-I, using TNM categories and the CD8+ TIL density. The TNM-I is an independent prognosticator of favorable diagnosis in both the overall cohort and in the main histological subgroups. In conclusion, CD8+ TIL density is the most promising candidate marker for a TNM-I in NSCLC. The prognostic efficacy of the CD8+ TIL density is strongest in lung squamous cell carcinomas, whereas both CD8+ TILs and CD20+ TILs, or a combination of these, may be candidates for a TNM-I in lung adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, based on the presented results, digital quantification is the preferred method for scoring TILs in the future.
Gaining Back What Is Lost: Recovering the Sense of Smell in Mild to Moderate Patients After COVID-19
Authors: Iannuzzi Lucia , Salzo Anna Eugenia , Angarano Gioacchino , Palmieri Vincenzo Ostilio , Portincasa Piero , Saracino Annalisa , Gelardi Matteo , Dibattista Michele , Quaranta Nicola
Published: October 2020

The purpose of our cohort study was to quantify olfactory deficits in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients using Sniffin’ Sticks and a pre-post design to evaluate olfactory recovery. Thirty adult patients with laboratory-confirmed mild to moderate forms of COVID-19 underwent a quantitative olfactory test performed with the Sniffin’ Sticks test (SST; Burghardt, Wedel, Germany), considering olfactory threshold (T), odor discrimination (D), and odor identification (I). Results were presented as a composite TDI score (range 1–48) that used to define functional anosmia (TDI ≤ 16.5), hyposmia (16.5 < TDI < 30.5), or functionally normal ability to smell (TDI ≥ 30.5). Patients also self-evaluated their olfactory function by rating their ability to smell on a visual analogue scale (Visual Analog Scale rating) and answering a validated Italian questionnaire (Hyposmia Rating Scale). Patients were tested during hospitalization and about 2 months after symptoms onset. During the hospitalization, the overall TDI score indicated that our cohort had impairments in their olfactory ability (10% was diagnosed with anosmia and more than 50% were hyposmic). Almost all patients showed a significant improvement at around 1 month following the first test and for all the parts of the SST except for odor identification. None of the subjects at 1 month was still diagnosed with anosmia. We also quantified the improvement in the TDI score based on initial diagnosis. Anosmic subjects showed a greater improvement than hyposmic and normosmic subjects. In conclusion, within a month time window and 2 months after symptoms’ onset, in our cohort of patients we observed a substantial improvement in the olfactory abilities.
In Vitro Activity of Imipenem/Relebactam Against Enterobacteriaceae Isolates Obtained from Intra-abdominal, Respiratory Tract, and Urinary Tract Infections in China: Study for Monitoring Antimicrobial Resistance Trends (SMART), 2015–2018
Authors: Yang Qiwen , Zhang Hui , Yu Yunsong , Kong Haishen , Duan Qiong , Wang Yong , Zhang Shufang , Sun Ziyong , Liao Kang , Gu Li , Jiang Xiaofeng , Wu Anhua , Huang Wenxiang , Shan Bin , Kang Mei , Hu Fupin , Yu Hua , Zhang Weijuan , Xu Yingchun
Published: October 2020

Background

Considering the increasing incidence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in China, this study aimed to establish the in vitro effectiveness of imipenem/relebactam (IMI/REL) on clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates derived from intra-abdominal infections (IAIs), respiratory tract infections (RTIs), and urinary tract infections (UTIs) in China between 2015 and 2018.

Methods

In total, 8781 Enterobacteriaceae isolates from IAI, RTI, and UTI samples were collected from 22 hospitals across 7 geographic regions of China. Susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs was tested using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute broth microdilution and breakpoints, and IMI/REL activity was assessed using United States Food and Drug Administration guidelines.

Results

In 2015–2018, the most frequently identified Enterobacteriaceae species was Escherichia coli (n = 4676 [53.3%]), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 2949 [33.6%]) and Enterobacter cloacae (n = 542 [6.2%]). The Enterobacteriaceae isolates showed 95.2% overall susceptibility to IMI/REL, of which the susceptibility rates in isolates from IAI, RTI, and UTI were 95.8%, 91.4%, and 96.6%, respectively. Overall, the susceptibilities of both intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU Enterobacteriaceae isolates to colistin were 92.9%, followed by IMI/REL (90.7% [95.9%]) and amikacin (83.3% [92.3%]). In addition, IMI/REL restored 66.3% susceptibility in imipenem-nonsusceptible Enterobacteriaceae.

Conclusions

Given their high in vitro susceptibility, Enterobacteriaceae infections in China should be considered for IMI/REL treatment, especially with isolates that are not susceptible to carbapenems.
Uneven geographies of economic recovery and the stickiness of individual displacement
Authors: Monastiriotis Vassilis , Gordon Ian R , Laliotis Ioannis
Published: October 2020

How far do economic recoveries help those whose employment potential was most affected in times of crisis to clamber back—and under what regional conditions? We examine this issue drawing on individuals’ employment histories from the UK Household Longitudinal Study. We find that—with the notable exception of the London economy—loss of occupational status is ‘sticky’, with evidence of limited ‘bouncing back’ for those ‘bumped down’ the occupational ladder during the crisis. London’s exceptionalism is consistent with expected metropolitan advantages (denser/larger labour markets), but we find no evidence of a broader North–South divide, while comparisons across regions outside London reveal no significant associations with general indicators of the form/intensity of economic recovery.
Esophageal defect repair by artificial scaffolds: a systematic review of experimental studies and proportional meta-analysis
Authors: Schizas Dimitrios , Frountzas Maximos , Sgouromallis Emmanouil , Spartalis Eleftherios , Mylonas Konstantinos S , Papaioannou Theodore G , Dimitroulis Dimitrios , Nikiteas Nikolaos
Published: October 2020

Background

The traditional technique of gastrointestinal reconstruction of the esophagus after esophagectomy presents plenty of complications. Hence, tissue engineering has been introduced as an effective artificial alternative with potentially fewer complications. Three types of esophageal scaffolds have been used in experimental studies so far. The aim of our meta-analysis is to present the postoperative outcomes after esophageal replacement with artificial scaffolds and the investigation of possible factors that affect these outcomes.

Methods

The present proportional meta-analysis was designed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews guidelines. We searched Medline, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL, and Google Scholar databases from inception until February 2020.

Results

Overall, 32 studies were included that recruited 587 animals. The pooled morbidity after esophageal scaffold implantation was 53.4% (95% CI = 36.6–70.0%). The pooled survival interval was 111.1 days (95% CI = 65.5–156.8 days). Graft stenosis (46%), postoperative dysphagia (15%), and anastomotic leak (12%) were the most common complications after esophageal scaffold implantation. Animals that underwent an implantation of an artificial scaffold in the thoracic part of their esophagus presented higher survival rates than animals that underwent scaffold implantation in the cervical or abdominal part of their esophagus (P < 0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively).

Conclusion

Tissue engineering seems to offer an effective alternative for the repair of esophageal defects in animal models. Nevertheless, issues like graft stenosis and lack of motility of the esophageal scaffolds need to be addressed in future experimental studies before scaffolds can be tested in human trials.
How to approach adult patients with asymptomatic esophageal eosinophilia
Authors: Schreiner Philipp , Biedermann Luc , Greuter Thomas , Wright Benjamin L , Straumann Alex
Published: October 2020

As the awareness among gastroenterologists regarding endoscopic features suggesting eosinophilic esophagitis is increasing, individuals without symptoms of esophageal dysfunction are increasingly being found to have esophageal eosinophilia on biopsies performed during upper gastrointestinal endoscopies. However, the course of disease and the management of these asymptomatic individuals with esophageal eosinophilia remain elusive.

In this review, we propose a definition of asymptomatic individuals with esophageal eosinophilia and discuss the prevalence, risk factors, and course of disease of this specific patient group. Furthermore, we have established a diagnostic and therapeutic pathway based on the most recent available data.
Prevalence and Outcomes of COVID-19 Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease—A Danish Prospective Population-based Cohort Study
Authors: Attauabi Mohamed , Poulsen Anja , Theede Klaus , Pedersen Natalia , Larsen Lone , Jess Tine , Rosager Hansen Malte , Verner-Andersen Marianne Kajbæk , V Haderslev Kent , Berg Lødrup Anders , Molazahi Akbar , Neumann Anders , Wase Abdel , Seidelin Jakob Benedict , Burisch Johan
Published: October 2020

Background and Aims

As no population-based study has investigated the susceptibility and disease course of COVID-19 among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD], we aimed to investigate this topic in a population-based setting.

Methods

Two cohorts were investigated. First, a nationwide cohort of all IBD patients diagnosed with COVID-19 was prospectively followed to investigate the disease courses of both diseases. Second, within a population-based cohort of 2.6 million Danish citizens, we identified all individuals tested for SARS-CoV-2 to determine the occurrence of COVID-19 among patients with and without IBD and other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases [IMIDs].

Results

Between January 28, 2020 and June 2, 2020, a total of 76 IBD patients with COVID-19 were identified in the national cohort and prospectively followed for 35 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 25–51). A large proportion [n = 19: 25%] required a COVID-19-related hospitalisation for 7 days [IQR: 2–8.5] which was associated with being 65 years or older (odds ratio [OR] = 23].80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.32–89.63, p <0.01) and presence of any non-IMID comorbidity [OR = 8.12, 95% CI 2.55–25.87, p <0.01], but not use of immunomodulators [p = 0.52] or biologic therapies [p = 0.14]. In the population-based study, 8476 of 231 601 [3.7%] residents tested positive for SARS-CoV-2; however, the occurrence was significantly lower among patients with IBD [62 of the 2486 patients = 2.5%, p <0.01] and other IMIDs [531 of 16 492 patients = 3.2%, p <0.01] as compared with patients without IMIDs.

Conclusions

Patients with IMIDs, including IBD, had a significantly lower susceptibility to COVID-19 than patients without IMIDs, and neither immunosuppressive therapies nor IBD activity were associated with the disease course of COVID-19.
Radiofrequency ablation: technological trends, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Habibi Mohammadali , Berger Ronald D , Calkins Hugh
Published: October 2020

More than three decades have passed since utilization of radiofrequency (RF) ablation in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Although several limitations and challenges still exist, with improvements in catheter designs and delivery of energy the way we do RF ablation now is much safer and more efficient. This review article aims to give an overview on historical advances on RF ablation and challenges in performing safe and efficient ablation.
High-degree atrioventricular block in COVID-19 hospitalized patients
Authors: Dagher Lilas , Wanna Bassam , Mikdadi Ghiath , Young Monique , Sohns Christian , Marrouche Nassir F
Published: October 2020

Aims

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has shown the potential to significantly affect the cardiovascular system. Cardiac arrhythmias are commonly reported complications in COVID-19 hospitalized patients.

Methods and results

While tachyarrhythmias seem most common, we describe four cases of COVID-19 patients who developed a transient high-degree atrioventricular (AV) block during the course of their hospitalization. All four patients who developed a high-degree AV block during their hospitalization with COVID-19 did not require permanent pacing.

Conclusion

Similarly to most AV blocks associated with infectious organisms and given its transient nature, this case series suggests that conservative management strategies should be preferred in COVID-19 patients who develop complete heart block.
Antidepressant Use Partially Mediates the Association Between Depression and Risk of Falls and Fall Injuries Among Older Adults
Authors: Lohman Matthew C , Fairchild Amanda J , Merchant Anwar T
Published: October 2020

Background

The association between depression and fall risk in older adults is recognized, yet the mechanisms underlying this association are unclear. This study estimated the mediating role of antidepressant use in the association between depression and falls and fall injuries.

Methods

Longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (2004–2006) were linked with medication data from the Prescription Drug Study (2005). The sample included community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 with data on depression and medication use (n = 3565). Depression was measured using 2 independent survey tools: Composite International Diagnostic Interview for depression short form and an 8-item version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale. We used causal mediation analysis to estimate and compare the direct and indirect (mediated by antidepressant use) effects of depression on falls and fall injuries.

Results

Individuals with major depressive disorder were significantly more likely to experience a fall (OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.41, 2.62) and a fall injury (OR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.55) over 2 years. Indirect effect estimates showed that antidepressant medication use accounted for approximately 19% and 18% of the association between major depressive disorder and falls and fall injuries, respectively. Results were similar when using an alternative depression measure and when considering only selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants.

Conclusions

Antidepressant use explains a significant proportion, but not a majority, of the association between depression and greater fall risk. Treatment benefits of antidepressants should be considered with, and may outweigh, concerns about increased risk of falls associated with antidepressant use.