bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic profiling shows pre‐existing mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to muscle loss in a model of ICU‐acquired weakness
Authors: Kemp Paul R. , Paul Richard , Hinken Aaron C. , Neil David , Russell Alan , Griffiths Mark J.
Published: July 2020

Background

Surgery can lead to significant muscle loss, which increases recovery time and associates with increased mortality. Muscle loss is not uniform, with some patients losing significant muscle mass and others losing relatively little, and is likely to be accompanied by marked changes in circulating metabolites and proteins. Determining these changes may help understand the variability and identify novel therapeutic approaches or markers of muscle wasting.

Methods

To determine the association between muscle loss and circulating metabolites, we studied 20 male patients (median age, 70.5, interquartile range, 62.5–75) undergoing aortic surgery. Muscle mass was determined before and 7 days after surgery and blood samples were taken before surgery, and 1, 3, and 7 days after surgery. The circulating metabolome and proteome were determined using commercial services (Metabolon and SomaLogic).

Results

Ten patients lost more than 10% of the cross‐sectional area of the rectus femoris (RFCSA) and were defined as wasting. Metabolomic analysis showed that 557 circulating metabolites were altered following surgery (q < 0.05) in the whole cohort and 104 differed between wasting and non‐wasting patients (q < 0.05). Weighted genome co‐expression network analysis, identified clusters of metabolites, both before and after surgery, that associated with muscle mass and function (r = −0.72, p = 6 × 10−4 with RFCSA on Day 0, P = 3 × 10−4 with RFCSA on Day 7 and r = −0.73, P = 5 × 10−4 with hand‐grip strength on Day 7). These clusters were mainly composed of acyl carnitines and dicarboxylates indicating that pre‐existing mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to muscle loss following surgery. Surgery elevated cortisol to the same extent in wasting and non‐wasting patients, but the cortisol:cortisone ratio was higher in the wasting patients (Day 3 P = 0.043 and Day 7 P = 0.016). Wasting patients also showed a greater increase in circulating nucleotides 3 days after surgery. Comparison of the metabolome with inflammatory markers identified by SOMAscan® showed that pre‐surgical mitochondrial dysfunction was associated with growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF‐15) (r = 0.79, P = 2 × 10−4) and that GDF‐15, interleukin (IL)‐8), C‐C motif chemokine 23 (CCL‐23), and IL‐15 receptor subunit alpha (IL‐15RA) contributed to metabolic changes in response to surgery.

Conclusions

We show that pre‐existing mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced cortisol inactivation contribute to muscle loss following surgery. The data also implicate GDF‐15 and IL‐15RA in mitochondrial dysfunction.
Delineating the neurological phenotype in children with defects in the ECHS1 or HIBCH gene
Authors: Marti‐Sanchez Laura , Baide‐Mairena Heidy , Marcé‐Grau Anna , Pons Roser , Skouma Anastasia , López‐Laso Eduardo , Sigatullina Maria , Rizzo Cristiano , Semeraro Michela , Martinelli Diego , Carrozzo Rosalba , Dionisi‐Vici Carlo , González‐Gutiérrez‐Solana Luis , Correa‐Vela Marta , Ortigoza‐Escobar Juan Dario , Sánchez‐Montañez Ángel , Vazquez Élida , Delgado Ignacio , Aguilera‐Albesa Sergio , Yoldi María Eugenia , Ribes Antonia , Tort Frederic , Pollini Luca , Galosi Serena , Leuzzi Vincenzo , Tolve Manuela , Pérez‐Gay Laura , Aldamiz‐Echevarría Luis , Del Toro Mireia , Arranz Antonio , Roelens Filip , Urreizti Roser , Artuch Rafael , Macaya Alfons , Pérez‐Dueñas Belén
Published: July 2020

The neurological phenotype of 3‐hydroxyisobutyryl‐CoA hydrolase (HIBCH) and short‐chain enoyl‐CoA hydratase (SCEH) defects is expanding and natural history studies are necessary to improve clinical management. From 42 patients with Leigh syndrome studied by massive parallel sequencing, we identified five patients with SCEH and HIBCH deficiency. Fourteen additional patients were recruited through collaborations with other centres. In total, we analysed the neurological features and mutation spectrum in 19 new SCEH/HIBCH patients. For natural history studies and phenotype to genotype associations we also included 70 previously reported patients. The 19 newly identified cases presented with Leigh syndrome (SCEH, n = 11; HIBCH, n = 6) and paroxysmal dystonia (SCEH, n = 2). Basal ganglia lesions (18 patients) were associated with small cysts in the putamen/pallidum in half of the cases, a characteristic hallmark for diagnosis. Eighteen pathogenic variants were identified, 11 were novel. Among all 89 cases, we observed a longer survival in HIBCH compared to SCEH patients, and in HIBCH patients carrying homozygous mutations on the protein surface compared to those with variants inside/near the catalytic region. The SCEH p.(Ala173Val) change was associated with a milder form of paroxysmal dystonia triggered by increased energy demands. In a child harbouring SCEH p.(Ala173Val) and the novel p.(Leu123Phe) change, an 83.6% reduction of the protein was observed in fibroblasts. The SCEH and HIBCH defects in the catabolic valine pathway were a frequent cause of Leigh syndrome in our cohort. We identified phenotype and genotype associations that may help predict outcome and improve clinical management.
Treponema denticola stimulates Oncostatin M cytokine release and de novo synthesis in neutrophils and macrophages
Authors: Jones Megan M , Vanyo Stephen T , Ibraheem Wael , Maddi Abhiram , Visser Michelle B
Published: July 2020

Oncostatin M (OSM) is a pleiotropic cytokine elevated in a number of inflammatory conditions including periodontal disease. OSM is produced by a variety of immune cells and has diverse functionality such as regulation of metabolic processes, cell differentiation, and the inflammatory response to bacterial pathogens. The oral cavity is under constant immune surveillance including complementary neutrophil and macrophage populations, due to a persistent symbiotic bacterial presence. Periodontal disease is characterized by a dysbiotic bacterial community, with an abundance of Treponema denticola. Despite strong associations with severe periodontal disease, the source and mechanism of the release of OSM have not been defined in the oral cavity. We show that OSM protein is elevated in the gingival epithelium and immune cell infiltrate during periodontal disease. Furthermore, salivary and oral neutrophil OSM is elevated in correlation with the presence of T. denticola. In an air pouch infection model, T. denticola stimulated higher levels of OSM than the oral pathogen Porphorymonas gingivalis, despite differential recruitment of innate immune cells suggesting T. denticola has distinct properties to elevate OSM levels. OSM release and transcription were increased in isolated human blood, oral neutrophils, or macrophages exposed to T. denticola in vitro as measured by ELISA, qPCR, and microscopy. Using transcription, translation, and actin polymerization inhibition, we found that T. denticola stimulates both OSM release through degranulation and de novo synthesis in neutrophils and also OSM release and synthesis in macrophages. Differential induction of OSM by T. denticola may promote clinical periodontal disease.
An optimized step‐by‐step protocol for isolation of nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and end plate cells from the mouse intervertebral discs and subsequent preparation of high‐quality intact total RNA
Authors: Piprode Vikrant , Mohanty Sarthak , Bonavita Raffaella , Loh Sarah , Anbazhagan Rajakumar , Saini Chandan , Pinelli Robert , Pricop Paul , Dahia Chitra L.
Published: July 2020

Intervertebral disc degeneration is the most significant, and least understood, cause of chronic back pain, affecting almost one in seven individuals at some point of time. Each intervertebral disc has three components; central nucleus pulposus (NP), concentric layers of annulus fibrosus (AF), and a pair of end plate (EP) that connects the disc to the vertebral bodies. Understanding the molecular and cellular basis of intervertebral disc growth, health, and aging will generate significant information for developing therapeutic approaches. Rapid and efficient preparations of homogeneous and pure cells are crucial for meaningful and rigorous downstream analysis at the cellular, molecular, and biochemical level. Cross‐sample contamination may influence the interpretation of the results. In addition to altering gene expression, slow or delayed isolation procedures will also cause the degradation of cells and biomolecules that create a bias in the outcomes of the study. The mouse model system is extensively used to understand the intervertebral disc biology. Here we describe two protocols: (a) for efficient isolation of pure NP, AF, and EP cells from mouse lumbar intervertebral disc. We validated the purity of the NP and AF cells using ShhCre/+; R26mT/mG/+ dual‐fluorescent reporter mice where all NP cells are GPF+ve, and by the sensitive approach of qPCR analysis using TaqMan probes for Shh, and Brachyury as NP‐specific markers, Tenomodulin as AF‐specific marker, and Osteocalcin as bone‐specific marker. (b) For isolation of high‐quality intact RNA with RIN of 9.3 to 10 from disc cells. These methods will be useful for the rigorous analysis of NP and AF cells, and improve our understanding of intervertebral disc biology.
An efficient strategy based on liquid‐liquid extraction and pH‐zone‐refining counter‐current chromatography for selective enrichment, separation, and purification of alkaloids and organic Acids from natural products
Authors: Yu Ping , Ma Jianbin , Du Yurong , Wang Qiqi , Chen Chengbiao , Bai Xianghui , He Liangliang , Zou Denglang
Published: July 2020

This study presents an efficient strategy based on liquid‐liquid extraction and pH‐zone‐refining counter‐current chromatography for selective enrichment, separation, and purification of alkaloids and organic acids from natural products. First, an acid or base modified two‐phase solvent system with maximum or minimum partition coefficient was developed for the liquid‐liquid extraction of the crude extract. As a result, alkaloids or organic acids could be selectively enriched in the upper or lower phase. Then pH‐zone‐refining counter‐current chromatography was employed to separate and purify the selectively enriched alkaloids or organic acids efficiently. The selective enrichment and separation of five bufadienolide from toad venom of Bufo marinus was used as an example to show the advantage of this strategy. As a result, 759 mg of selectively enriched bufadienolide was obtained from 2 g of crude extract and the total content of five targets was increased from 14.64 to 83%. A total of 31 mg of marinobufagin‐3‐adipoyl‐l‐arginine, 42 mg of telocinobufagin‐3‐pimeloyl‐l‐arginine, 51 mg of telocinobufagin‐3‐suberoyl‐l‐arginine, 132 mg of marinobufagin‐3‐suberoyl‐l‐arginine, and 57 mg of bufalin‐3‐suberoyl‐l‐arginine were all simultaneously separated from 500 mg of selectively enriched sample, with the purity of 92.4, 97.5, 90.3, 92.1, and 92.8%, respectively.
Endoscopic trans gluteal minimal‐invasive approach for nerve liberation (ENTRAMI technique) in case of pudendal and/or cluneal neuralgia by entrapment: One‐year follow‐up
Authors: Jottard Katleen , Bruyninx Luc , Bonnet Pierre , De Wachter Stefan
Published: July 2020

Background

Chronic neuropathic perineal pain syndrome is a collective term that encompasses several diagnoses. In patients where the neuropathic pain syndrome is caused by pudendal or cluneal nerve entrapment, surgical release can be proposed if other measures have failed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients suffering from pudendal and/or cluneal nerve entrapment at 1 year after this minimal invasive surgery, which is based on the open trans gluteal approach who has proven its efficacy compared to medical treatment in a randomized control trial.

Methods

Patients eligible for inclusion had chronic perineal neuropathic pain for at least 3 months in the area served by the pudendal and/or cluneal nerve, refractory to conservative measurements. Patients met all five of the Nantes criteria.

Results

Fifteen patients underwent the ENTRAMI technique. At 1 year after surgery, overall reduction of the average maximal Numeric Pain rating Scale (NPRS‐score) was from 9 (range, 7‐10) at baseline to 5 (range, 0‐10; P‐value <.05). At 1 year 73% of patients declared to have a “good treatment response” (patient global impression of change [PGIC] >30%) and optimal treatment response (PGIC ≥90%) was found in 40% (P‐value <.05). No complications were recorded.

Conclusion

This study clearly shows that the technique is feasible with promising long‐term results in a difficult to manage patient group.
The Relationship between the Initial Anti‐factor Xa Measurement and the Duration of Direct Oral Anticoagulant Influence in Patients Transitioning to Heparin
Authors: Plum Michelle D. , Hedrick John N. , Hockman Rebecca , Bazydlo Lindsay , Palkimas Surabhi
Published: July 2020

Background

Anticoagulation monitoring during transition from direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) to heparin infusions is a significant challenge. Factor Xa inhibitors influence the heparin calibrated antifactor Xa assay. The University of Virginia (UVA) Medical Center utilized a corrected antifactor Xa assay (c‐AXA) during this transition period, which removes DOAC‐mediated antifactor Xa activity (d‐AXA) and reflects heparin‐specific activity. Currently, the duration of this influence is not well described.

Study Objective

This study had two aims: to determine if the initial d‐AXA is predictive of the duration of DOAC influence and to further characterize this influence among different patient populations.

Methods

This retrospective study included adult patients admitted to UVA Medical Center between September 2016 and March 2017, with c‐AXA measurements, who received apixaban or rivaroxaban within 48 hours before heparin initiation. A Pearson correlation test, Kaplan–Meier Survival Analysis, and multivariate linear regression were used to assess the relationship between initial d‐AXA and duration of influence.

Results

Sixty‐eight patients met inclusion criteria and were maintained on either apixaban (85%) or rivaroxaban (15%) before heparin initiation. The initial d‐AXA ranged from 0.11 to 3.27 IU/ml. The mean duration of influence was 69.3 ± 46.2 hours, with a median duration of 62.7 hours. No strong correlation was identified between initial d‐AXA and duration of influence (R2 = 0.124). Presence of interacting medications significantly increased duration of influence (p=0.012). No significant difference in duration of influence existed between patients with normal renal function and those with dynamic renal function (p=0.84), or with body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 kg/m2 (p=0.16).

Conclusions

The initial d‐AXA was not predictive of duration of influence in patients transitioning from DOACs to heparin infusion; however, the median duration of influence suggests influence may be present for longer than currently stated in the literature, especially in those taking interacting medications.
Studies of electric, dielectric properties, and conduction mechanism of {(C2H10N2)(MnCl (NCS)2)2}n polymer
Authors: Karoui Sahel , Chouaib Hassen , Kamoun Slaheddine
Published: July 2020

Dielectric and electrical properties correlated with the structure analysis have been studied for new crystalline polymer {(C2H10N2)(MnCl (NCS)2)2}n. The frequency and temperature dependence of dielectric constant (ε′), dielectric loss (ε″) and loss tangent (tanδ) in the temperature range 308‐348 K and frequency range 20 to 2 MHz have been made for {(C2H10N2)(MnCl (NCS)2)2}n. The Z′ and Z″ versus frequency plots are well fitted to an equivalent circuit model. The analysis of Nyquist plots is well fitted to an equivalent circuit consisting of series of combination of grains and grain boundary elements. The spectra follow the Arrhenius law with two activation energy the first in the region of temperatures before 332 K (Region I) and the second in the region after 332 K (Region II). An agreement between the experimental and theoretical results is discussed, and it is suggested that the ac conductivity can be explained by the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) and nonoverlapping small polaron tunneling model (NSPT) in regions I and II, respectively. The AC conduction mechanism is governed by the correlated barrier‐hopping (CBH) with WM (Region I) = 270 meV and a tunneling distance of 4.5 Å, whereas it becomes a small polaron tunneling mechanism (SPTM) mechanism with a WH (Region II) = 153 meV. The imaginary part of the electrical modulus formalism obeys the Kohlrausch‐Williams‐Watt (KWW) model. The theoretical Kohlrausch exponent (βKWW) confirms the existence of the transition phase on the new crystalline polymer in the vicinity of the 332 K as deduced by the DC and the AC conduction parameters. Thus, the near values of activation energies obtained from the impedance and modulus spectra confirm that the transport is through an ion hopping mechanism.
Evidence that π‐ligand exchange reactions of chalcogen iranium ions proceed via Hückel pseudocoarctate transition states
Authors: Brydon Samuel C. , da Silva Gabriel , White Jonathan M.
Published: July 2020

Despite numerous computational and experimental studies on the π‐ligand exchange reactions of chalcogen iranium ions, a classification of the reaction class has yet to be made. The characteristics of the transition states presented thus far suggested a coarctate nature with two bonds breaking and forming simultaneously at the chalcogen centre. The change in barrier height, depending on the nature of the chalcogen and the alkene, was initially attributed as a shift in the degree of aromaticity moving from pseudocoarctate to coarctate reactions. However, this paper suggests that all 12 reactions under consideration are pseudocoarctate with a Hückel number of delocalised π electrons based on comprehensive studies of the orbital interactions and magnetic properties both at the transition state and along the reaction path. The change in barrier height was largely driven by the electrophilicity of the chalcogen and the strain present in the three‐membered ring rather than a shift in the degree of aromaticity.
Shaped‐Charge Jet‐Initiation of Covered RDX‐Based Aluminized Explosives and Effect of Temperature
Authors: Zhao Pin , Chen Lang , Yang Kun , Xiao Yiwen , Zhang Kaining , Lu Jianying , Wu Junying
Published: July 2020

Understanding the shaped‐charge jet‐initiation mechanism of covered explosives and the effect of explosive temperature is important for ammunition safety. We devised a method of using a shaped‐charge jet‐penetrating cover to shock‐initiate heated explosives. This method achieves uniform temperature control of explosives via heating the upper and lower ends and preserves heat on the side of the explosive charge. We experimentally tested the method on hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX)‐based aluminized explosives (61 wt.% RDX, 30 wt.% Al, 9 wt.% binder) at different temperatures and cover thicknesses. The jet‐penetration behavior and explosive detonation‐wave growth were observed via X‐ray photography, and the effect of explosive temperature on jet initiation was analyzed. A numerical model of the shaped‐charge jet‐initiating explosive was set up by considering the temperature change of the explosive and analyzing the detonation‐wave growth and initiation thresholds of different explosive temperatures under jet shock initiation. Under a thin cover, the explosive showed prompt impact initiation by the jet; the initiation occurred very near to the explosive surface. However, for a thick cover, the explosion was initiated by a bow wave formed at a certain distance from the upper surface of the explosive, and a retonation wave was observed. The temperature of RDX‐based aluminized explosives affects the two jet‐initiation mechanisms. The shock sensitivity of the explosives to the jet decreased with increasing temperature, but the shock sensitivity increased when the temperature exceeded a certain value. A simulation method was established that can be used to predict shaped‐charge jet initiation at different explosive temperatures. We obtained the relationship between the cover thickness and run‐to‐detonation distance under jet shock initiation, which provides a theoretical basis for safety analysis and evaluation of a warhead charge that is attacked by a shaped‐charge jet.
Combustion Behavior of the Inorganic Nitrates‐Based Compositions Part I
Authors: Denisyuk Anatoly P. , Duy Tuan Nguyen , Sizov Vladimir A.
Published: July 2020

Combustion behavior of inorganic nitrates (KNO3, NaNO3, CsNO3, Ba(NO3)2, Sr(NO3)2, Pb(NO3)2, and NH4NO3) based energetic materials in wide range of pressure (0.1–18 MPa) was studied. Samples have the same binder and differ in combustion temperature due to a change of oxidizer excess ratio (α). It is shown that compositions differ in the burning rate, in its dependence on pressure. The extreme dependence of burning rate on α is established. The combustion temperature of the samples was experimentally determined.
The Structural, Optical, and Electrical Characterization of Ti/n‐InP Schottky Diodes with Graphene Oxide Interlayer Deposited by Spray Pyrolysis Method
Authors: Cimilli Çatır Fulya Esra
Published: July 2020

Ti/GO/n‐InP Schottky barrier diode (SBD) is obtained by growing graphene oxide (GO) film on n/InP semiconductor using easy and economical spray pyrolysis method. The effect of GO as the interfacial layer on device performance of Ti/GO/n‐InP SBD is investigated in detail. The optical absorbance spectra show that bandgap energy of the GO film is 3.57 eV. The optical transmittance value of 79.5% is in consistent with the absorbance spectra of GO film. The barrier heights (BHs) that are estimated for the Ti/GO/n‐InP SBD vary from 0.263 to 0.980 eV (I–V) and 1.328 to 1.006 eV (C–V) from the I–V and C–V measurements in the temperature range of 100–400 K. The contradiction between the BHs from the I–V and C–V characteristics is discussed. The mean BH values are found to be Φb01 = 0.98 eV (250–400 K) and Φb02 = 0.73 eV (100–250 K) from the Φb0–1/2kT plot. From the modified Richardson plots based on a Gaussian distribution of BH, Φb01 = 0.93 (250–400 K) and Φb02 = 0.69 eV (100–250 K) and A* is calculated to be 12.44 and 12.73 A cm−2 K−2, respectively. The I–V–T and C–V–T measurements demonstrate that carrier transport mechanism of Ti/GO/n‐InP is well explained by thermionic emission (TE) mechanism with a double Gaussian distribution of the Schottky barrier heights (SBHs).
Unified mode‐dependent average dwell time stability criteria for discrete‐time switched systems
Authors: Liu Can , Mao Xiang , Zhang Hongbin
Published: July 2020

In this article, a unified mode‐dependent average dwell time (MDADT) stability result is investigated, which could be applied to switched systems with an arbitrary combination of stable and unstable subsystems. Combined with MDADT analysis method, we classified subsystems into two categories: switching stable subsystems and switching unstable subsystems. State divergence caused by switching unstable subsystems could be compensated by activating switching stable subsystems for a sufficiently long time. Based on the above considerations, a new globally exponentially stability condition was proposed for discrete‐time switched linear systems. Under the premise of not resolving the LMIs, the MDADT boundary of the new stability condition is allowed to be readjusted according to the actual switching signal. Furthermore, the new stability result is a generalization of the previous one, which is more suitable for the case of more unstable subsystems. Some simulation results are given to show the advantages of the theoretic results obtained.
Coupling high‐resolution monitoring and modelling to verify restoration‐based temperature improvements
Authors: Hall Austin , Chiu Yung‐Chia , Selker John S.
Published: July 2020

Rivers are dynamic, complex integrators of their environment, which makes verification of the beneficial outcomes of restoration challenging. Thermal regime is central to habitat suitability and is often a focus in planning and evaluating the impact of restoration and climate resilience. Among these concerns, high summer stream temperature has frequently been identified as a limiting factor for salmon, steelhead, and trout. Our objective was to demonstrate the utility of combining high resolution thermal observation and modelling to evaluate restoration designed to mitigate stream thermal processes. This was demonstrated on the Middle Fork of the John Day River which is a critically impacted salmonid fishery in northeast Oregon, USA. We employed distributed temperature sensing and energy‐balance modelling to define the thermal regime. Restoration was predicted to result in a 0.7°C reduction of peak daily stream temperatures while increasing night temperatures by 0.9°C. This combined modelling and monitoring approach suggests that the 2012 restoration offered relief for native fish species stressed by excessive stream temperatures. This powerful combination of technology can be used in many projects to make optimal use of restoration investments to achieve durable and quantifiable improvements in habitat.
Influence of mechanized timber harvesting on soil compaction in northern hardwood forests
Authors: Puhlick Joshua J. , Fernandez Ivan J.
Published: July 2020

Evaluating and refining methods to minimize soil compaction during timber harvesting is important for maintaining soil health and long‐term forest productivity. This is especially important when harvesting methods change over time. In this study, a hybrid harvesting method was used with the trees cut by one machine, in‐forest processing of trees by other machines, and transporting the wood to the roadside by a forwarder on silt loam soils during the summer months. Two methods for sampling soils with mixed horizons in logging trails were developed to determine the baseline values of soil bulk density for long‐term monitoring and to compare soils from nonmixed B horizons with those of B horizons from nontrafficked areas. For both methods, paired soil samples, in and outside of logging trails, were collected to determine the difference in bulk density between trails and nontrafficked areas. Soil compaction in trails was greatest where the soils adjacent to trails had low bulk densities and for locations that were closest to landings. These results are important in the context of climate change, as more summer logging is expected to occur in areas traditionally cut in the winter because of longer frost‐free periods and more winter precipitation occurring as rain. More logging during the expanding snow‐free season could translate to a greater degree of compaction and longer soil recovery times over a larger portion of the forested landscape.
Supercritical Fluid Oxidation Methodology on a‐IZAO Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Liu Qi , Li Lei , Zhang Jiaona , Zhang Ziwei , Chang Kuanchang
Published: July 2020

A novel oxidation treatment of low‐temperature supercritical fluids is proposed in the research, which is able to improve the comprehensive performance of the a‐IGZO thin‐film transistors (TFTs) under low temperature. After the treatment, the subthreshold swing (SS) of the device is reduced from 0.44 V/dec to 0.24 V/dec. Meanwhile, the mobility and Ion/Ioff current ratio of the device are increased from 4.70 cm2/Vs to 8.53 cm2/Vs and 5.43x106 to 1.23x108, respectively. Through the material analysis including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray photoelectron shows that the supercritical treatment improves the oxidation level of a‐IGZO layer and dielectric layer, and passivates the defects in the dielectric layer.
A Defect Defense Approach of Integrated Database Based on Over‐Etched Defect
Authors: Yang Cheng Yu , Zhou Xingdong
Published: July 2020

The aluminum line overetched defect might be called as undercut、PR Hole, etc by different manufacturers. The defect of this case study mainly shows a hole found on the aluminum line after stripper process but there is no any tracable symptom before the ending of dry etch process. That is, it seems no means to prevent or to found the root cause.

A defect defense approach via cleanroom air quality database based integrated with TFT manufacturing processes、air sampling、characteristics of manufacturing chemicals、cleanroom circulation and air flow pattern is proposed to demostrate how to figure out the root cause of aluminum line overetched defect, which found after stripper.

Via the aid of proposed approach, the analysis shows the defect arises from the cross contamination between photo、PVD and stripper process and the cross contamination comes from manufacturing layout、cleanroom circulation and air flow pattern.
Study on Flip‐Chip Structure of GaN‐Based Micro‐LED
Authors: Feng Yang , Liu Chuanbiao , Cheng Zhuo , Liu Zhaojun
Published: July 2020

In this study, we introduce the development of LED flip‐chip structure, compare the characteristics. Light‐emitting efficiency and integration methods of flip‐chip structure and horizontal structure, and explain the characteristics of flip‐chip structure. The final conclusion shows that the flip‐chip structure is most suitable for Micro‐LED.
Research on Large Aperture Liquid Crystal Lens
Authors: Huang Wen , Li Peng , Li Siming , Li Qing
Published: July 2020

We demonstrated a modal control liquid crystal lens which can be controlled by amplitude and frequency of voltage to tune the focal length. By simulating the influence of the parameters on the potential distribution of the liquid crystal lens, the structural design parameters are optimized. The modal control liquid crystal lens with aperture size as 8mm, a driving voltage as 5Vrms and a focal length ranging from 0.56m to infinity by adjusting the frequency. It has the potential application of large aperture liquid crystal lens in optical devices.
The impact of Gate Loading on Image Quality for large & middle size AM‐OLED display devices
Authors: Guobo Yang , Haijun Qiu , Weiyun Huang , Yuqing Yang , Yue Long , Yao Huang , Xiping Li , Yuanyou Qiu , Kaipeng Sun , Zhuolin Jiang , Chao Zeng
Published: July 2020

This paper is aimed to study the effect on large and middle size AMOLED display device by gate loading. We discovered the reason for color shift Mura at low grey level through a series of DOE and simulation, and present several efficient solutions. Also we provide the formula of luminance and chromatic coordinate to estimate the Mura level, that can be generalized.
Low Temperature Deposition of High‐Quality Silicon Oxynitride (SiON) for OLED Encapsulation via Conventional PECVD
Authors: Miao Yang , Qian Jiajia , Li Jinchuan , Yang Zhongguo , Du Yanying , Chu Jinxing , Wang Min , Cao Weiran
Published: July 2020

Thin film encapsulation (TFE) was an efficient way to guarantee the reliability of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). To passivate the moisture penetration, the TFE barriers should have low water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). In this study, high quality SiON barrier with good passivability was achieved by adjusting the deposition pressure and power of plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). We successfully achieve a SiON film with few dangling bonds and defects, which showed a WVTR of 1.07×10−4 gm−2d−1 at the thickness of 750 nm.
ZIF‐8 Catalysed Efficient Synthesis of Dicyano Alkyl Quinoline Derivatives in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Parimi Usharani , Nannapaneni Madhavi
Published: July 2020

A facile ZIF‐8 catalyzed method has been developed for the synthesis of dicyano alkylquinoline derivatives from malononitrile, aldehydes and substituted quinaldines in an aqueous medium. This protocol offers simple, and mild reaction conditions for the preparation of alkyl quinolines in higher yields.
Engineering Ultrathin MoS2 Nanosheets on CoxP/Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanocubes for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Chen Danyang , Zhou Hu , Xiao Jinghao , Yuan Aihua
Published: July 2020

Designing core‐shell heterostructures is essential for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this study, ultrathin MoS2 sheets are uniformly anchored on CoxP/nitrogen dual‐doped carbon nanocubes (CoxP/NC) through a template sacrificial method followed by a hydrothermal reaction. The resultant hybrid CoxP/NC@MoS2 possesses a core‐shell structure and superior catalytic activity to individual counterparts. The hybrid catalyst needs a low overpotential of 148 mV to drive the current density of 10 mA cm−2, together with an extremely small Tafel slope of 33 mV dec−1 and outstanding stability in acidic media. Most importantly, the best catalytic activity is achieved by coupling MoS2 nanosheets with the matrix CoxP/NC rather than Co/NC. The remarkably high HER activity of CoxP/NC@MoS2 mainly benefits from the core‐shell feature and strong synergistic interaction between CoxP/NC and MoS2. The present study inspires a continuous exploration of engineering MoS2 nanosheets on nanostructured metal phosphides for electrochemical applications.
Graphitic Carbon Nitride/Copper‐Iron Oxide Composite for Effective Fenton Degradation of Ciprofloxacin at Near‐Neutral pH
Authors: Ding Qiqi , Khan Wasim U. , Lam Frank L. Y. , Zhang Yongqing , Zhao Shuaifei , Yip Alex C. K. , Hu Xijun
Published: July 2020

In this work, graphitic carbon nitride/copper‐iron oxide (CN@CIO) composites were prepared via in‐situ thermal condensation of dicyandiamide onto CIO. The activity of the as‐prepared catalyst to degrade ciprofloxacin (CIP) was investigated systematically in the dark Fenton reaction. With the increase in the copper content in the CN@CIO composites, the CIP removal efficiency gradually improved and reached a maximum with CN@CIO4, in which the molar loading ratio of Cu to Fe was 0.242. Additionally, the effects of the experimental conditions on CIP oxidation were studied by altering several key reaction parameters, including the catalyst amount, reaction temperature, and initial concentrations of CIP and H2O2. Under the optimum condition, almost complete degradation was achieved within 1 h. It was demonstrated that CIP oxidation by CN@CIO follows the pseudo second‐order reaction model. Overall, the fabricated CN@CIO composite holds great potential for refractory organic removal and deserves in‐depth investigation.
Enactment of a Translingual Approach to Writing
Authors: Sun Yachao , Lan Ge
Published: July 2020

With increasing interest in a translingual approach to writing studies, a considerable amount of empirical research has been conducted to investigate how this approach can affect writing practice and pedagogy. This article reports on 42 empirical studies on a translingual approach to writing and discusses the approach’s implications for teaching writing in English as an additional language (EAL). The results reveal that a translingual approach has been enacted in various contexts with diverse writer groups and for different research foci. The findings show that a translingual approach that advocates for writer agency, languages other than English as resources rather than impediments, heterogeneity as the norm in the classroom, and a challenge to English monolingualism (1) brings more ideological discussions to the teaching of EAL writing, (2) enriches written feedback studies with more negotiation of unconventional language use, and (3) facilitates EAL writing instruction and learning through viewing oral genres as resources for written genres. Nevertheless, the findings also indicate the need for caution (such as balancing language norms and deviations rather than resisting the norms and crossing rather than flattening language differences) in adopting a translingual approach to EAL writing.
Relevance of Kampo in emergency and critical care medicine
Authors: Nakae Hajime , Irie Yasuhito
Published: July 2020

We demonstrate that traditional Japanese medicine, Kampo treatments, are effective in emergency and critical care. There are two ways to use Kampo medicine; using mechanism‐based Kampo as Western medicine and applying Kampo theory, especially the theory of qi, bloodTM1, and fluidTM1. For example, shakuyakukanzoto rapidly controls myalgia and is used to treat tetanus‐induced convulsions. Goreisan is used for fluidTM1 disturbance as well as the treatment of vertigo and acute gastroenteritis. Hematoma is considered a form of oketsu or static bloodTM1; therefore, formulations that are useful for treating static bloodTM1 such as jidabokuippo can be applied in its treatment. The quality of acute treatment strategies may improve by utilizing every available medical resource and practice such as Western medicine and Kampo.
Immobilized algae‐based treatment of herbicide‐contaminated groundwater
Authors: Mollamohammada Sara , Aly Hassan Ashraf , Dahab Mohamed
Published: July 2020

Scenedesmus species, immobilized on alginate gel, was found effective in removing nitrate, atrazine, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, oxadiazon, and triallate from groundwater in a continuous flow reactor. The laboratory‐scale experiments with synthetic groundwater, made of 8.8 mg/L NO3‐N and 90 µg/L atrazine, were performed at a hydraulic retention time of 7 days and the temperatures of 20 and 35°C. The highest uptake of nitrate and atrazine was observed at 20°C (97% and 70%, respectively). When tested in actual groundwater, 92% of nitrate, 100% of magnesium, 99.9% of phosphorus, and 92% of zinc were successfully removed at the end of 29 days’ treatment operations. The algal beads removed 100% of oxadiazon and triallate in the first 10 days, but some of the herbicides diffused back into the solution toward the end of the treatment process.

Practitioner points

Immobilized algae–alginate beads can remove nitrate, atrazine, oxadiazon, and triallate from groundwater in continuous flow reactor.

The uptake rate of nitrate and atrazine is higher in room temperature (20°C).

Same algae beads could be reused for herbicide uptake for the average of 10 days.

The immobilized system is a natural sustainable alternative that can be used in groundwater pump and treat.
From infection to healing: The use of plant viruses in bioactive hydrogels
Authors: Dickmeis Christina , Kauth Louisa , Commandeur Ulrich
Published: July 2020

Plant viruses show great diversity in shape and size, but each species forms unique nucleoprotein particles that are symmetrical and monodisperse. The genetically programed structure of plant viruses allows them to be modified by genetic engineering, bioconjugation, or encapsulation to form virus nanoparticles (VNPs) that are suitable for a broad range of applications. Plant VNPs can be used to present foreign proteins or epitopes, to construct inorganic hybrid materials, or to carry molecular cargos, allowing their utilization as imaging reagents, immunomodulators, therapeutics, nanoreactors, and biosensors. The medical applications of plant viruses benefit from their inability to infect and replicate in human cells. The structural properties of plant viruses also make them useful as components of hydrogels for tissue engineering. Hydrogels are three‐dimensional networks composed of hydrophilic polymers that can absorb large amounts of water. They are used as supports for tissue regeneration, as reservoirs for controlled drug release, and are found in contact lenses, many wound healing materials, and hygiene products. They are also useful in ecological applications such as wastewater treatment. Hydrogel‐based matrices are structurally similar to the native extracellular matrix (ECM) and provide a scaffold for the attachment of cells. To fully replicate the functions of the ECM it is necessary to augment hydrogels with biological cues that regulate cellular interactions. This can be achieved by incorporating functionalized VNPs displaying ligands that influence the mechanical characteristics of hydrogels and their biological properties, promoting the survival, proliferation, migration, and differentiation of embedded cells.

This article is categorized under:

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus‐Based Structures

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement
Predictive Policing in 2025: A Scenario
Authors: Macnish Kevin , Wright David , Jiya Tilimbe
Published: July 2020

Law enforcement authorities (LEAs) have begun using artificial intelligence and predictive policing applications that are likely to raise ethical, data protection, social, political and economic issues. This paper describes application of a new scenario methodology for identifying issues that emerging technologies are likely to raise in a future six or seven years hence, but that deserve policymakers’ attention now. It often takes policymakers that long to develop a new policy, consult with stakeholders and implement the policy. Thus, policymakers need a structured, but concise framework in order to understand the issues and their various implications. At the same time, they also prefer policies that have stakeholder support. These considerations led the University of Twente in the Netherlands and the UK’s Trilateral Research to develop the scenario that follows. It is structured with several headings that policymakers need to consider in order to move toward a desired future and avoidance of an undesired future.
Non-perturbative approaches to the quantum Seiberg-Witten curve
Authors: Grassi Alba , Gu Jie , Mariño Marcos
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We study various non-perturbative approaches to the quantization of the Seiberg-Witten curve of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2, SU(2) super Yang-Mills theory, which is closely related to the modified Mathieu operator. The first approach is based on the quantum WKB periods and their resurgent properties. We show that these properties are encoded in the TBA equations of Gaiotto-Moore-Neitzke determined by the BPS spectrum of the theory, and we relate the Borel-resummed quantum periods to instanton calculus. In addition, we use the TS/ST correspondence to obtain a closed formula for the Fredholm determinant of the modified Mathieu operator. Finally, by using blowup equations, we explain the connection between this operator and the τ function of Painlevé III.
Elektrokonvulsionstherapie in der Schwangerschaft: Fallbericht und interdisziplinäre Behandlungsvorschläge
Authors: Zilles-Wegner David , Trost Sarah , Walliser Karoline , Saager Leif , Horn Sebastian , Ernst Mareike
Published: July 2020

Hintergrund

Psychische Störungen in der Schwangerschaft sind häufig. Besonders bei schweren affektiven oder psychotischen Störungen mit Notwendigkeit eines raschen Ansprechens kann eine Elektrokonvulsionstherapie (EKT) indiziert sein. Dazu vorliegende Übersichtsartikel unterscheiden sich methodisch stark, was zu unterschiedlichen Schlussfolgerungen hinsichtlich der Anwendung der EKT bei Schwangerschaft führt.

Ziel der Arbeit

Darstellung eines neuen klinischen Falls sowie interdisziplinärer Behandlungsvorschläge zur sicheren Anwendung der EKT bei Schwangerschaft.

Methoden

Fallbericht und selektive Literaturübersicht unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der existierenden systematischen Reviews.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Die aktuelle Kasuistik zeigt die potenziell hohe Wirksamkeit sowie die für Mutter und Fetus sichere Anwendung der EKT während der Schwangerschaft. Die in der Literatur beschriebenen unerwünschten Ereignisse entsprechen qualitativ weitgehend den Risiken bei schwerer psychischer Störung in der Schwangerschaft. Zur besseren Nutzen-Risiko-Abwägung wären größere Fall-Kontroll-Studien wünschenswert. Bei sorgfältiger Indikationsstellung, guter interdisziplinärer Abstimmung und Beachtung der Besonderheiten in der praktischen Durchführung ist die EKT auch in der Schwangerschaft eine sinnvolle Behandlungsoption.
The fatigue performance of titanium alloys joined via the powder interlayer bonding method
Authors: Davies P. , Johal A. , Davies H. , Marchisio S.
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the fatigue performance of two forged variations of α + β titanium alloys, namely Ti-6Al-4V (Ti-6-4) and Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo (Ti-6-2-4-6) joined via the powder interlayer bonding (PIB) process. Both alloys were bonded at relevant temperatures in the specific alloy’s α + β region. Modifications to the microstructure during the bonding process where it recrystalised into a bi-modal structure, resulted in improved low cycle fatigue (LCF) response for the Ti-6-4 alloy. This improvement is seen throughout the fatigue curve when compared to the LCF performance of the as received Ti-6-4 material. The improvement in LCF performance resulting from the microstructure transformation overcomes any reduction in performance that can be attributed to retained porosity after the bonding cycle. While the HCF performance of the Ti-6-2-4-6 alloy joined via the PIB process fell below that of the as received β-forged billet material, the fatigue performance compares well with previous HCF results for welded material. Unlike the Ti-6-4 alloy, the β-forged Ti-6-2-4-6 alloy does not benefit from the transformation of its microstructure throughout the bond region.
Microbially competent 3D skin: a test system that reveals insight into host–microbe interactions and their potential toxicological impact
Authors: Lemoine Lisa , Dieckmann Ralf , Al Dahouk Sascha , Vincze Szilvia , Luch Andreas , Tralau Tewes
Published: July 2020

The skin`s microbiome is predominantly commensalic, harbouring a metabolic potential far exceeding that of its host. While there is clear evidence that bacteria-dependent metabolism of pollutants modulates the toxicity for the host there is still a lack of models for investigating causality of microbiome-associated pathophysiology or toxicity. We now report on a biologically characterised microbial–skin tissue co-culture that allows studying microbe–host interactions for extended periods of time in situ. The system is based on a commercially available 3D skin model. In a proof-of-concept, this model was colonised with single and mixed cultures of two selected skin commensals. Two different methods were used to quantify the bacteria on the surface of the skin models. While Micrococcus luteus established a stable microbial–skin tissue co-culture, Pseudomonas oleovorans maintained slow continuous growth over the 8-day cultivation period. A detailed skin transcriptome analysis showed bacterial colonisation leading to up to 3318 significant changes. Additionally, FACS, ELISA and Western blot analyses were carried out to analyse secretion of cytokines and growth factors. Changes found in colonised skin varied depending on the bacterial species used and comprised immunomodulatory functions, such as secretion of IL-1α/β, Il-6, antimicrobial peptides and increased gene transcription of IL-10 and TLR2. The colonisation also influenced the secretion of growth factors such as VFGFA and FGF2. Notably, many of these changes have already previously been associated with the presence of skin commensals. Concomitantly, the model gained first insights on the microbiome’s influence on skin xenobiotic metabolism (i.e., CYP1A1, CYP1B1 and CYP2D6) and olfactory receptor expression. The system provides urgently needed experimental access for assessing the toxicological impact of microbiome-associated xenobiotic metabolism in situ.