bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid and specific duplex detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus genes by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Potluri Phani R. , Rajendran Vinoth Kumar , Sunna Anwar , Wang Yuling
Published: January 2020

A highly specific method for rapid detection of MRSA genes has been proposed by combining surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy nanotags and magnetic isolation, which shows great potential for accurate identification of MRSA at an early-diagnosis stage.
A smartphone-based fiber-optic aptasensor for label-free detection of Plasmodium falciparum glutamate dehydrogenase
Authors: Sanjay Manoharan , Singh Naveen K. , Ngashangva Lightson , Goswami Pranab
Published: January 2020

A novel smartphone-based, multi-channel, optic fiber platform for quantitative detection of Plasmodium falciparum glutamate dehydrogenase (PfGDH) has been explored in this study.
Sialic acid-conjugate modified liposomes targeting neutrophils for improved tumour therapy
Authors: Li Cong , Qiu Qiujun , Liu Min , Liu Xinrong , Hu Ling , Luo Xiang , Lai Chaoyang , Zhao Dan , Zhang Hongxia , Gao Xin , Deng Yihui , Song Yanzhi
Published: January 2020

The application of SA-modified liposomes to target activated PBNs in the blood to improve the therapeutic efficiency of tumor treatment.
A new series of lanthanide-based complexes with a bis(hydroxy)benzoxaborolone ligand: synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic and optical properties
Authors: Abdallah Ahmad , Puget Marin , Daiguebonne Carole , Suffren Yan , Calvez Guillaume , Bernot Kevin , Guillou Olivier
Published: January 2020

Reactions, under hydrothermal conditions, between lanthanide chlorides and the sodium salt of 2-carboxyphenylboronic acid lead to a series of lanthanide-based complexes with general chemical formula [Ln2(C7H5O2)4(C7O4H6B)2·4H2O] with Ln = Eu–Dy.
Dynamic compressibility and third-order optical nonlinearities in carbon/metal-based nanofluids
Authors: García-Beltrán Geselle , Mercado-Zúñiga Cecilia , Torres-SanMiguel Christopher René , Trejo-Valdez Martín , Villalpando Isaela , Torres-Torres Carlos
Published: January 2020

The influence of optical nonlinearities on the mechanical properties exhibited by nanofluids containing carbon nanotubes decorated with platinum nanoparticles was analyzed.
First-principles studies on α-Fe2O3 surface slabs and mechanistic elucidation of a g-C3N4/α-Fe2O3 heterojunction
Authors: Bandaru Sateesh , Saranya Govindarajan , Liu Wei Wei , English Niall J.
Published: January 2020

First-principles calculations were carried out to explore the surface energies and electronic properties of α-Fe2O3 surface slabs. Further, to enhance the photocatalytic activity of Fe2O3, an alternative effective strategy was to examine Fe2O3-based heterostructures.
Coated sulfated zirconia/SAPO-34 for the direct conversion of CO2to light olefins
Authors: Ramirez Adrian , Dutta Chowdhury Abhishek , Caglayan Mustafa , Rodriguez-Gomez Alberto , Wehbe Nimer , Abou-Hamad Edy , Gevers Lieven , Ould-Chikh Samy , Gascon Jorge
Published: January 2020

The conversion of CO2to light olefinsviabifunctional catalysts (i.e.metal oxides/zeolites) is a promising approach to tackle CO2emissions and, at the same time, reduce fossil-fuel dependence by closing the carbon cycle.
Homoleptic trimethylsilylchalcogenolato zincates [Zn(ESiMe3)3]− and stannanides [Sn(ESiMe3)3]− (E = S, Se): precursors in solution-based low-temperature binary metal chalcogenide and Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) synthesis
Authors: Guschlbauer Jannick , Vollgraff Tobias , Sundermeyer Jörg
Published: January 2020

Organic cation salts with homoleptic zincate and stannanide anions, Ph4P [Zn(ESiMe3)3] (E = S (1a), Se (1b)) and Cat [Sn(ESiMe3)3] (Cat = Ph4P+ (E = S (2a-Ph4P); Cat = PPN+ (E = S 2a-Ph4P, Se (2a)) are presented and structurally characterized.
High-efficiency electrochemical hydrodeoxygenation of bio-phenols to hydrocarbon fuels by a superacid-noble metal particle dual-catalyst system
Authors: Liu Wei , You Wenqin , Gong Yutao , Deng Yulin
Published: January 2020

Super effective hydrogenation and deoxygenation are achieved by a synergistic approach using polyoxometalate and suspended nano-catalyst particles.
Click chemistry-based imaging to study the tissue distribution of the curcumin–protein complex in mice
Authors: Zhou Jingyi , Wang Weicang , Zhang Jianan , Du Zheyuan , Yang Haixia , Zhang Guodong
Published: January 2020

Using click chemistry-based fluorescence imaging, here we show that curcumin, a bioactive dietary compound with a thiol-reactive α,β-unsaturated carbonyl moiety, can covalently modify protein thiols in colon and liver tissues in mice.
Formation of the non-classical interhalide anion [I2Cl]− in methyl-bambus[6]uril cavity
Authors: Cicolani Renato S. , de Oliveira-Filho Antonio G. S. , de L. Batista Ana Paula , Demets Grégoire Jean-François
Published: January 2020

Methyl-bambus[6]uril may form a variety of inclusion compounds, especially with anionic species. Uncommon interhalide species may be produced in its cavity.
Mastering bioactive coatings of metal oxide nanoparticles and surfaces through phosphonate dendrons
Authors: Nguyen Dinh-Vu , Hugoni Ludivine , Filippi Miriam , Perton Francis , Shi Da , Voirin Emilie , Power Laura , Cotin Geoffrey , Krafft Marie-Pierre , Scherberich Arnaud , Lavalle Philippe , Begin-Colin Sylvie , Felder-Flesch Delphine
Published: January 2020

Dendritic phosphonates are versatile coatings of several nanomaterials for health applications ranging from implants to nanoparticles and microbubbles.
The elaboration of multifunctional hollow core–shell Fe3O4@PDA@TiO2architecture with dual magnetic- and photo-responsive performance
Authors: Chen Guopeng , Zhang Guofeng , Yang Fuchao
Published: January 2020

Fe3O4@PDA@TiO2microspheres with a core–shell structure can be applied to magnetic recycling and photocatalytic degradation.
The first zwitterionic cocrystal of indomethacin with amino acid showing optimized physicochemical properties as well as accelerated absorption and slowed elimination in vivo
Authors: Wang Ling-Yang , Yu Yue-Ming , Jiang Fu-Bin , Li Yan-Tuan , Wu Zhi-Yong , Yan Cui-Wei
Published: January 2020

The first zwitterionic cocrystal of indomethacin (INC) with proline (PL) with optimized in vitro/in vivo properties was prepared and characterized.
A novel T-C3N and seawater desalination
Authors: Zhou Jia-Qi , Li Lei , Fu Cong , Wang Jian , Fu Peng , Kong Chui-Peng , Bai Fu-Quan , Eglitis Roberts I. , Zhang Hong-Xing , Jia Ran
Published: January 2020

A novel stable carbonitride, T-C3N, is theoretically predicted and verified. The monolayer T-C3N possesses great potential in seawater desalination.
Simulated revelation of the adsorption behaviours of acetylcholinesterase on charged self-assembled monolayers
Authors: Yang Shengjiang , Liu Jie , Zheng He , Zhong Jinyi , Zhou Jian
Published: January 2020

Electrostatically driven enzyme orientation leads to different enzyme activities and electron transfer rates on different charged surfaces.
Effect of TiO2-nanoparticles on copper toxicity to bacteria: role of bacterial surface
Authors: Li Xiaomin , Ma Qingquan , Liu Tong , Dong Zhaomin , Fan Wenhong
Published: January 2020

Different surface characteristics of bacteria, for example, S-layer or exopolysaccharides, might lead to different effects of nanomaterials on metal toxicity.
Fabrication of a composite anion exchange membrane with aligned ion channels for a high-performance non-aqueous vanadium redox flow battery
Authors: Kim Jae-Hun , Ryu Seungbo , Maurya Sandip , Lee Ju-Young , Sung Ki-Won , Lee Jae-Suk , Moon Seung-Hyeon
Published: January 2020

Fabrication of high-conductivity ion exchange membranes (IEMs) is crucial to improve the performance of non-aqueous vanadium redox flow batteries (NAVRFBs).
Liubao Insect tea polyphenols prevent HCl/ethanol induced gastric damage through its antioxidant ability in mice
Authors: Zhang Jing , Lu De-Yun , Yuan Ying , Chen Jingxia , Yi Sha , Chen Benchou , Zhao Xin
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to study the preventive effects of polyphenols extracted from Liubao Insect tea on gastric injury.
Synthesis of the pentasaccharide repeating unit of the O-antigen from Enterobacter cloacae C4115 containing the rare α-d-FucNAc
Authors: Chaudhury Aritra , Mukhopadhyay Balaram
Published: January 2020

Pentasaccharide repeating unit of the O-antigen of Enterobacter cloacae C4115 is accomplished through rational protecting group manipulations. For the synthesis of α-d-FucNAc, it was established that the methoxymethyl (MOM) group is advantageous over the earlier reported tetrahydro pyran (THP) protection.
Non-redox doping boosts oxygen evolution electrocatalysis on hematite
Authors: Nguyën Huu Chuong , Garcés-Pineda Felipe Andrés , de Fez-Febré Mabel , Galán-Mascarós José Ramón , López Núria
Published: January 2020

The distinct beneficial effect of Zn-doping on the OER alkaline activity of Fe-based catalysts points towards an alternative and faster two-site mechanism.
Phase behavior of ABC cyclic terpolymer melts: a simulation study
Authors: Wu Jiaping , Wang Zheng , Yin Yuhua , Jiang Run , Li Baohui
Published: January 2020

A ternary phase diagram is constructed, and 11 types of structures are identified and compared with those from star terpolymers.
Achieving high room-temperature thermoelectric performance in cubic AgCuTe
Authors: Jiang Jing , Zhu Hangtian , Niu Yi , Zhu Qing , Song Shaowei , Zhou Ting , Wang Chao , Ren Zhifeng
Published: January 2020

Average ZT of near unity provides a competitive thermoelectric conversion efficiency of ∼12% at low temperature difference of 400 K.
Nitrogen electroreduction performance of transition metal dimers embedded into N-doped graphene: a theoretical prediction
Authors: Li Hongyan , Zhao Zhifeng , Cai Qinghai , Yin Lichang , Zhao Jingxiang
Published: January 2020

By means of comprehensive density functional theory computations, the FeRh dimer embedded in N-doped graphene was screened as a quite promising electrocatalyst with dual-atom centered sites for ammonia synthesis from N2 fixation.
Molecularly designed N, S co-doped carbon nanowalls decorated on graphene as a highly efficient sulfur reservoir for Li–S batteries: a supramolecular strategy
Authors: Sun Jinmeng , Liu Yuhang , Du Hongfang , He Song , Liu Lei , Fu Zhenqian , Xie Linghai , Ai Wei , Huang Wei
Published: January 2020

A supramolecular strategy has been successfully employed to molecularly design and synthesize N, S co-doped carbon nanowalls decorated graphene, which provides strong adsorption and fast conversion of polysulfide for long-cycle life Li–S batteries.
A sustained zero-order release carrier for long-acting, peakless basal insulin therapy
Authors: Wang Yuanpeng , Fu Mian , Wang Zuwei , Zhu X. X. , Guan Ying , Zhang Yongjun
Published: January 2020

A new drug carrier, which mimics physiologic basal insulin, and secretes and releases insulin at a constant rate, was designed.
A zipped-up tunable metal coordinated cationic polymer for nanomedicine
Authors: Mao Jianming , Wang Jianwei , Tang Guping , Chu Paul K. , Bai Hongzhen
Published: January 2020

The zipped-up polymer MCCP shows applications in diverse aspects of nanomedicine with tunability.
Self-healing composite hydrogel with antibacterial and reversible restorability conductive properties
Authors: Ginting Mimpin , Pasaribu Subur P. , Masmur Indra , Kaban Jamaran , Hestina
Published: January 2020

Self-healable PAA/PPy–Fe composite hydrogels have been simply synthesized in one step and utilized for antibacterial and electrical conductivity application.
The role of adipose tissue senescence in obesity- and ageing-related metabolic disorders
Authors: Liu Zhuohao , Wu Kelvin K.L. , Jiang Xue , Xu Aimin , Cheng Kenneth K.Y.
Published: January 2020

Adipose tissue as the largest energy reservoir and endocrine organ is essential for maintenance of systemic glucose, lipid and energy homeostasis, but these metabolic functions decline with ageing and obesity. Adipose tissue senescence is one of the common features in obesity and ageing. Although cellular senescence is a defensive mechanism preventing tumorigenesis, its occurrence in adipose tissue causatively induces defective adipogenesis, inflammation, aberrant adipocytokines production and insulin resistance, leading to adipose tissue dysfunction. In addition to these paracrine effects, adipose tissue senescence also triggers systemic inflammation and senescence as well as insulin resistance in the distal metabolic organs, resulting in Type 2 diabetes and other premature physiological declines. Multiple cell types including mature adipocytes, immune cells, endothelial cells and progenitor cells gradually senesce at different levels in different fat depots with ageing and obesity, highlighting the heterogeneity and complexity of adipose tissue senescence. In this review, we discuss the causes and consequences of adipose tissue senescence, and the major cell types responsible for adipose tissue senescence in ageing and obesity. In addition, we summarize the pharmacological approaches and lifestyle intervention targeting adipose tissue senescence for the treatment of obesity- and ageing-related metabolic diseases.
Property‐based shadow detection and removal method for licence plate image
Authors: Gao Fei , Xu Yunjing , Ge Yisu , Lu Shufang , Zhang Yuanming
Published: January 2020

Shadow detection and removal is a classic research in the field of image processing. This work aims to address the problem of shadow detection and removal for licence plate. The shadow detection and removal method based on inherent properties of licence plate is presented in this study. First, an S–V‐channel‐property‐based shadow detection algorithm is investigated to extract the background‐shaded area of licence plate. Afterwards, a shadow edge location algorithm is proposed to detect the complete shadow edge. Then, the shadow is removed on H, S, and V channels with different strategies, respectively. Also, a filter‐based median filtering algorithm is employed to remove the pseudo‐edge. Finally, the proposed method is verified through comparing with other generic shadow detection and removal methods quantitatively and qualitatively.
Empirical wavelet transform‐based fog removal via dark channel prior
Authors: Sarkar Manas , Sarkar Priyanka Rakshit , Mondal Ujjwal , Nandi Debashis
Published: January 2020

Haze and fog removing from videos and images has got massive concentration in the field of video and image processing because videos and images are severely affected by fog in tracking and surveillance system, object detection. Different defogging techniques proposed so far are based on polarisation, colour‐line model, anisotropic diffusion, dark channel prior (DCP) etc. However, these methods are unable to produce output image with desirable quality in the presence of dense fog and sky region. In this study, the authors have proposed a novel fog removal technique where DCP is applied on the low‐frequency component of empirical wavelet transformation coefficients of the foggy input image. They apply unsharp masking on wavelet coefficients of the embedded wavelet transformed image for improving the sharpness of the output image. Later contrast limited adaptive histogram equalisation technique is used as a post‐processing task to the inverse transformed image for producing the sharp and high contrast output. Finally, the colour and intensity of the contrast‐enhanced image are uplifted through S‐channel and V‐channel gain adjustment. The proposed method provides significant improvement to the overall quality of the output image compared to contemporary techniques. The quantitative and qualitative measurements confirm the claims.
Efficient symmetric image encryption by using a novel 2D chaotic system
Authors: Huang Huiqing , Yang Shouzhi , Ye Ruisong
Published: January 2020

The authors know that a common and effective way to protect digital images security are to encrypt these images into white noise image. In this study, the authors have designed a new two‐dimensional (2D) chaotic system which is derived from two existing one‐dimensional (1D) chaotic maps. The simulation results show that the new 2D chaotic system is able to produce many 2D chaotic maps by selecting different 1D chaotic maps, and which have the wider chaotic ranges and more complex chaotic behaviours compared with the existing 1D chaotic maps. In order to investigate its applications, using the proposed 2D chaotic maps, the authors design a novel image encryption algorithm. First of all, the original image is scrambled by using the chaotic sequences which are generated by new 2D chaotic maps, Arnold transform and Hilbert curve. Then the scrambled image is confused and diffused by chaotic sequences. Finally, the performance of the proposed encryption algorithm is simulated and the experimental results show that the validity and reliability of the proposed algorithm is validated.
Deep detector classifier (DeepDC) for moving objects segmentation and classification in video surveillance
Authors: Ammar Sirine , Bouwmans Thierry , Zaghden Nizar , Neji Mahmoud
Published: January 2020

In this study, the authors present a new approach to segment and classify moving objects in video sequences by combining an unsupervised anomaly discovery framework called DeepSphere and generative adversarial networks. The proposed deep detector classifier employs and validates DeepSphere, which aims mainly to identify the anomalous cases in the spatial and temporal context in order to perform foreground objects segmentation. For post‐processing, some morphological operations are considered to better segment and extract the desired objects. Finally, they take advantage of the power of generative models, which recognise the problem of semi‐supervised learning as a specific missing data imputation task in order to classify the segmented objects. They evaluate the method with multiple datasets and the results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approach, which achieves superior performance over the state‐of‐the‐art methods having the capabilities of segmenting and classifying moving objects from videos surveillance.
Printed broadband Quasi‐Yagi antenna with monopole elements
Authors: Chaudhari Amar D. , Ray Kamla Prasan
Published: January 2020

A new configuration of a Printed Quasi‐Yagi Antenna (PQYA) with monopole elements has been proposed for broadband operation, in this study. This three elements printed Yagi antenna consists of a fed monopole on one side of the dielectric substrate, whereas, the parasitic elements of a reflector and a director are on the other side on the ground plane. The presence of the ground plane effectively makes these monopoles function as dipoles, making it a compact three‐element Yagi antenna. This compact PQYA, with simple microstrip line feed, yields broad bandwidth (BW) of 53.3% from 1.5 to 2.59 GHz for |S11| ≤ –10 dB with a gain of 4.65 dBi throughout the impedance BW in the end‐fire radiation pattern. Additionally, it has front to back ratio>10 dB and cross‐polarisation level <20 dB along the end‐fire direction. Theoretical and measured characteristics of the proposed antenna are presented, which are in agreement.
Measuring straightness errors of slender shafts based on coded references and geometric constraints
Authors: Hao Fei , Shi Jinfei , Meng Chao , Gao Haitao , Zhu Songqing
Published: January 2020

The coded references and geometric constraints based method is suggested to solve the inconsistency problem of measurement range and accuracy for slender shafts. First, a slender shaft is divided into segments. Images of each segment along with a coded and calibrated reference are taken at two object distances. The code of the reference is obtained using the template match technique. Consequently, the coordinates of the feature points of the reference are solved. Thus, the external parameters of the camera are calculated. A mathematical model of the diameter, centre coordinate and external parameters is established based on the pinhole imaging principle. The problem that only one image cannot extract the centre coordinate is solved, as is the pseudo‐diameter problem. A coordinate transformation model for these feature points is established and the sectional measurement results are associated by using the model. Experiments are carried out on lead screws; the measuring uncertainty of the experimental system is 0.007 mm, which is 12.9% higher than that of a coordinate measuring machine. The systematic error of the experimental system is 0.01754 mm. It is proved that the suggested method can stably and reliably measure the straightness errors of slender shafts with high accuracy.
Experimental Challenge to Heavy Element Synthesis under Explosive Burning on Neutron Stars
Authors: Kubono Shigeru
Published: January 2020

Binary stellar systems that involve a neutron star or two neutron stars make interesting phenomena, X-ray bursts and kilo-novae, respectively, which involve explosive burning either in the proton-rich environment or in the neutron-rich environment. These are very important problems for nuclear astrophysics. First, the current effort for the explosive hydrogen burning, the rapid proton capture (rp) process which would take place on a neutron star surface in X-ray burst is discussed together with a new X-ray observation that suggests the rp-process termination at around A = 100. The observation of the afterglow of the binary neutron star merger appears to be the kilo-nova predicted in the last decade in nuclear astrophysics, and to be the great success of the field. However, the detailed study of the kilo-nova by the r-process should be a great challenge for full understanding heavy element synthesis and the neutron star merger. Nuclear physics problems are discussed for the kilonova.
The PANDORA project: an experimental setup for measuring in-plasma β-decays of astrophysical interest
Authors: Mascali David , Busso Maurizio , Mengoni Alberto , Amaducci Simone , Giuseppe Castro , Celona Luigi , Cosentino Gianluigi , Cristallo Sergio , Finocchiaro Paolo , Galata Alessio , Gammino Santo , Massimi Cristian , Maggiore Mario , Mauro Giorgio , Maria Mazzaglia , Naselli Eugenia , Odorici Fabrizio , Palmerini Sara , Santonocito Domenico , Giuseppe Torrisi
Published: January 2020

Experiments performed on Storage Rings have shown that lifetimes of beta-radionuclides can change dramatically as a function of theionization state. PANDORA (Plasmas for Astrophysics, Nuclear Decay Observation and Radiation for Archaeometry) aims at measuring, for the first time, nuclear β-decay rates in stellar-like conditions, especially for radionuclides involved in nuclear-astrophysics processes (BBN, s- processing, CosmoChronometers, Early Solar System formation). Compact magnetic plasma traps, where plasmas reach density ne~10n-1014 cm-3, and temperature Te~0.1-30 keV, are suitable for such studies. The decay rates can be measured as a function of the charge state distribution of the inplasma ions. The collaboration is now designing the plasma trap able to reach the needed plasma densities, temperatures and charge states distributions. A first list of radioisotopes, including tens of physics cases of potential interest is now available. Possible physics cases include, among the others, 2°4Tl, 63Ni, 6°Co, 171Tm, 147Pm, 85Kr, 176Lu and the pairs 187Re-187Os and 87Sr-87Rb, which play a crucial role as cosmo-clock. Physics cases are now under evaluation in terms of lifetime measurements feasibility in a plasma trap.
Silicon Carbide detectors: a concrete perspective for nuclear-astrophysics experiments
Authors: Tudisco Salvatore ,   for SiCILIA Collaboration
Published: January 2020

Silicon Carbide, also known as carborundum, is one of the most interesting materials for the production of detection systems. This contribution presents an overview of the results of SiCILIA activities, an R&D totally funded by INFN. Detector manufacturing and the generalperformance are discussed.
Short introduction to the physics of neutron stars
Authors: Vidaña Isaac
Published: January 2020

Here we briefly review several aspects of the physics of neutron stars.In particular, we shortly describe the different types of telescopes employed in their observation, the many astrophysical manifestations of these objects and the measurement of observables such as their masses and radii. A brief summary of their composition, structure equations and equation of state is also presented.
Primordial Nucleosynthesis with a background magnetic field
Authors: Luo Yudong , Kajino Toshitaka , Kusakabe Motohiko , A Famiano Michael
Published: January 2020

We present our recent detailed calculation of the impacts from a background magnetic field on Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN). Namely, the magnetic field impacts on the electron-positron thermodynamics, time temper-ature relation and the screening potential of the early Universe. Most interest-ingly, we investigated the electron-positron relativistic screening potential with the background magnetic field, such potential might lead to a non trivial effect on the electron capture reaction which could finally affect the neutron to proton ratio.
Asymptotic normalization coefficient for α+d →6Li from the peripheral direct capture d(α,γ)6reaction and the astrophysicalSfactor at Big Bang energies
Authors: Tursunmakhatov K.I. , Yarmukhamedov R. , Igamov S.B.
Published: January 2020

The results of the analysis of the new experimental astrophysical S factors Sexp24(E)[D. Trezzi, et al.,Astropart. Phys.89, 57 (2017)] and those measured earlier [R. G. Robertson, et al.,Phys. Rev. Lett.47, 1867 (1981)] for the nuclear-astrophysicald(α,γ)6Li reaction directly measured at extremely low energiesE, are presented. New estimates and their uncertainties have been obtained for values of the asymptotic normalization coefficient forα + γ →6Li and for the direct astrophysicalSfactors at Big Bang energies.
Establishing Reference Cardiorespiratory Fitness Parameters in
Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Salisbury Dereck , Yu Fang
Published: January 2020

Evidence is growing for aerobic exercise training as a viable means to
attenuate cognitive losses associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The
mechanism of action for aerobic exercise’s cognitive benefits is
likely enhanced cardiorespiratory fitness and its response to incremental
aerobic exercise have been incompletely evaluated in Alzheimer’s
disease. The aim of this analysis was to establish cardiorespiratory fitness
reference values in older adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s
disease using a cardiopulmonary graded exercise testing. Ninety-seven
community-dwelling older adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s
disease underwent a symptom limited cardiopulmonary graded exercise test on
a cycle ergometer. Differences between sexes and between Alzheimer’s
disease participants with and without diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases
were assessed by independent T-tests. Peak oxygen consumption was
10–20% lower than those achieved by similar clinical
populations on treadmill tests. As expected, males produced significantly
higher peak oxygen consumption compared to females
(p =0 .02). However, the presence of concurrent
cardiovascular disease did not result in statistically significant lower
peak oxygen consumption compared to those without cardiovascular disease.
These data provide a frame of reference for metabolic, cardiovascular, and
ventilatory function during cardiopulmonary graded exercise testing
performed on cycle ergometer in older adults with mild to moderate
Alzheimer’s disease.
Bidens pilosa (Black Jack) Standardized Extract Ameliorates Acute TNBS-induced Intestinal Inflammation in Rats
Authors: Quaglio Ana E.V. , Cruz Vinicius M. , Almeida-Junior Luiz D. , Costa Celso A.R.A. , Di Stasi Luiz C.
Published: January 2020

Bidens pilosa is an herb popularly used to treat inflammation, hemorrhoids, fever, and gastric ulcers with reported pharmacological activities and chemical composition that sustain its selection as a potential intestinal anti-inflammatory product. Based on this, we examined the effects of a B. pilosa fatty acid-standardized supercritical preparation on the intestinal inflammatory process induced by trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid in rats, using either preventative or curative treatments. We also investigated the safety of plant extract by acute and sub-chronic toxicological analysis. The intestinal anti-inflammatory activity was related to modulation of the immune response, increasing IL-10 production and reducing IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α level, the oxidative stress, and the MUC production in the inflamed colon. Optic, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis supported the beneficial effects promoted by B. pilosa, which were closely related to downregulation of heparanase, Hsp70, Mapk 3, and NF-κB signaling and with the presence of long-chain fatty acids in extract. Our data suggest that B. pilosa supercritical preparation is a chemically standardized preparation potentially useful as complementary intestinal anti-inflammatory agent to treat inflammatory bowel disease.
Blonanserin patch vs. Other Antipsychotics for Acute Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review of Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Phase 3 Trials in Japan
Authors: Kishi Taro , Yoshimura Reiji , Matsuda Yuki , Sakuma Kenji , Iwata Nakao
Published: January 2020

Introduction The use of the blonanserin patch (BLO-P) for schizophrenia treatment was approved in Japan in 2019. This systematic review of trials in Japan assessed the efficacy and safety profile of BLO-P compared with other antipsychotics.

Methods The systematic review included 6-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trials in Japan that included patients with acute schizophrenia. Pooled data for patients receiving BLO-P 40 and 80 mg/day (BLO-P40+80) were compared with pooled data for patients receiving asenapine 10 and 20 mg/day (ASE10+20) and data for those receiving brexpiprazole 2 mg/day (BRE2) and paliperidone extended-release 6 mg/day (PAL-ER6).

Results All the investigated treatments were superior to placebo in reducing the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score; the Hedges’ g values (95% confidence interval) for BLO-P40+80, ASE10+20, BRE2, and PAL-ER6 were−0.40 (−0.58,−0.22),−0.61 (−0.79,−0.42),−0.33 (−0.60,−0.07), and−0.69 (−0.93,−0.45), respectively. There were differences among the antipsychotics in the incidence of various individual adverse events.

Discussion BLO-P40+80 may have a good efficacy/safety/tolerability profile for the treatment of patients with acute schizophrenia.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pancreatic walled-off necrosis using 20-mm versus 15-mm lumen-apposing metal stents: an international, multicenter, case-matched study
Authors: Parsa Nasim , Nieto Jose M. , Powers Patrick , Mitsuhashi Shuji , Abdelqader Abdelhai , Hadzinakos George , Anderloni Andrea A. , Fugazza Alessandro , James Theodore W. , Arlt Alexander , Ellrichmann Mark , Aparicio Jose Ramon , Trindade Arvind J. , Stevens Tyler K. , Chahal Prabhleen , Shah Shawn L. , Messallam Ahmed A. , Lang Gabriel , Fejleh M. Phillip , Benias Petros C. , Sejpal Divyesh V. , Jones Jason , Mir Fahad Faisal , Aghaie Meybodi Mohamad , Ichkhanian Yervant , Vosoughi Kia , Novikov Aleksey A. , Irani Shayan S. , Pawa Rishi , Ahmed Ali M. , Sedarat Alireza , Hsueh William , Hampe Jochen , Sharaiha Reem Z. , Berzin Tyler M. , Willingham Field F. , Kushnir Vladimir M. , Brewer Gutierrez Olaya I. , Ngamruengphong Saowanee , Huggett Matthew T. , Baron Todd H. , Repici Alessandro , Adler Douglas G. , Nasr John T. , Kowalski Thomas E. , Kumbhari Vivek , Singh Vikesh K. , Khashab Mouen A.
Published: January 2020

Backgrounds Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided placement of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) has gained popularity for the treatment of pancreatic walled-off necrosis (WON). We compared the 20-mm and 15-mm LAMSs for the treatment of symptomatic WON in terms of clinical success and adverse events.

Methods We conducted a retrospective, case-matched study of 306 adults at 22 tertiary centers from 04/2014 to 10/2018. A total of 102 patients with symptomatic WON who underwent drainage with 20-mm LAMS (cases) and 204 patients who underwent drainage with 15-mm LAMS (controls) were matched by age, sex, and drainage approach. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to compare clinical success (resolution of WON on follow-up imaging without reintervention) and adverse events (according to American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy criteria).

Results Clinical success was achieved in 92.2 % of patients with 20-mm LAMS and 91.7 % of patients with 15-mm LAMS (odds ratio 0.92; P = 0.91). Patients with 20-mm LAMS underwent fewer direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) sessions (mean 1.3 vs. 2.1; P < 0.001), despite having larger WON collections (transverse axis 118.2 vs. 101.9 mm, P = 0.003; anteroposterior axis 95.9 vs. 80.1 mm, P = 0.01). There was no difference in overall adverse events (21.6 % vs. 15.2 %; P = 0.72) and bleeding events (4.9 % vs. 3.4 %; P = 0.54) between the 20-mm and 15-mm LAMS groups, respectively.

Conclusions The 20-mm LAMS showed comparable clinical success and safety profile to the 15-mm LAMS, with the need for fewer DEN sessions for WON resolution.
Current Concepts in the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Histoplasmosis Syndromes
Authors: Azar Marwan M. , Loyd James L. , Relich Ryan F. , Wheat L. Joseph , Hage Chadi A.
Published: January 2020

Histoplasmosis is a global disease endemic to regions of all six inhabited continents. The areas of highest endemicity lie within the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys of North America and parts of Central and South America. As a result of climate change and anthropogenic land utilization, the conditions suitable for Histoplasma capsulatum are changing, leading to a corresponding change in epidemiology. The clinical manifestations of histoplasmosis are protean, variably resembling other common conditions such as community-acquired pneumonia, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, Crohn's disease, or malignancy. Making a successful diagnosis is contingent on a thorough understanding of epidemiology, common clinical presentations, and best testing practices for histoplasmosis. While most subclinical or self-limited diseases do not require treatment in immunocompetent patients, all immunocompromised patients and those with progressive disseminated disease or chronic pulmonary disease should be treated. Liposomal amphotericin B is the preferred agent for severe or disseminated disease, while itraconazole is adequate for milder cases and “step-down” therapy following response to amphotericin B. In this review, we discuss the current evidence-based approaches to the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of histoplasmosis.
Modelling the Effects of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Transection, Medial Meniscal Release and Triple Tibial Osteotomy on Stability of the Canine Stifle Joint
Authors: Jensen Tanja V. , Kristiansen Signe S. , Buelund Lene E. , Miles James E.
Published: January 2020

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the ex vivo effects of sequential cranial cruciate ligament transection (CCLx), medial meniscal release (MMR) and triple tibial osteotomy (TTO) on canine stifle stability compared with the intact state, across a wide range of joint angles.

Study Design Nine right hind limb preparations were instrumented to provide constant quadriceps and gastrocnemius loads in a 3:1 ratio, and extended from full flexion during fluoroscopic recording. Recordings were repeated after each of CCLx, MMR and TTO. Fluoroscopic landmarks were used to calculate tibial subluxation and patellar ligament angle.

Results Medial meniscal release resulted in additional cranial tibial subluxation compared with CCLx. Triple tibial osteotomy restored stifle stability up to a joint angle of 125 degrees. The presence of the crossover angle could be inferred from the patellar ligament angle and subluxation curves.

Conclusion Our results suggest that in the cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifle, the crossover angle at which loading shifts between the caudal and cranial cruciate ligaments is dependent on both loading and integrity of the medial meniscus. Triple tibial osteotomy improves stifle stability over a wide range of joint angles under a quadricep to gastrocnemius loading ratio of 3:1 by converting cranial tibial thrust to caudal tibial thrust, due to TTO increasing the amount of joint extension required to reach the crossover angle.
Novel Use of a Social-Media-Based Survey to Detect Regional Differences in Management of Monochorionic–Diamniotic Twins
Authors: Pluym Ilina D. , Paek Bettina , Walker Martin , Liu Hui , Kwan Lorna , Rao Rashmi , Scibetta Emily , Afshar Yalda , Holliman Kerry , Wong Thalia , Platt Lawrence D. , Han Christina S.
Published: January 2020

Objective This study aims to evaluate the utility of social media to distribute a patient survey on differences in management and outcomes of monochorionic–diamniotic (MCDA) pregnancies.

Study Design A cross-sectional survey was posted to an English-language MCDA twins patient-centered support group within the social media site, Facebook from April 2, 2018 to June 26, 2018. Subjects were recruited through a technique called “snowballing,” whereby individuals shared the survey to assist with recruiting. Patient reported data were analyzed using Chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis's tests to explore characteristics associated with surveillance and outcomes as related to region and provider type.

Results Over 3 months, the post “reached” 14,288 Facebook users, among which 5,653 (40%) clicked on the post. A total of 2,357 respondents with MCDA pregnancies completed the survey. Total 1,928 (82%) were from the United States (US) and 419 (18%) from other countries. Total 85% of patients had co-management with maternal–fetal medicine (MFM), more in the US compared with the rest of the world (87 vs. 74%, p < 0.01). MFM involvement led to increased adherence to biweekly ultrasounds (91 vs. 65%, p < 0.01), diagnosis of monochorionicity by 12 weeks (74 vs. 69%, p < 0.01) and better education about twin–twin transfusion syndrome (90 vs. 66%, p < 0.01). Pregnancies with MFM involvement had a higher take-home baby rate for both babies (92 vs. 89%, p < 0.01) or for at least one baby (98 vs. 93%, p < 0.01) compared with those without MFM involvement.

Conclusion A survey distributed via social media can be effective in evaluating real-life management and outcomes of an uncommon obstetrical diagnosis. This survey elucidates wide international variation in adherence to guidelines, management, and outcomes.
Non-Aspergillus Hyaline Molds: Emerging Causes of Sino-Pulmonary Fungal Infections and Other Invasive Mycoses
Authors: Jacobs Samantha E. , Wengenack Nancy L. , Walsh Thomas J.
Published: January 2020

Hyaline molds, widely distributed in nature, are an important and increasing cause of invasive fungal infections in humans, likely due to an expanding population of immunosuppressed hosts, increases in antifungal resistance, and improvements in laboratory diagnostics. Sinopulmonary disease and disseminated infection are common manifestations in neutropenic patients and transplant recipients, whereas, catheter-related and localized soft tissue infections predominate in immunocompetent hosts. These organisms are not reliably differentiated based on their morphology in tissue; rather, efforts should be made to establish a microbiologic diagnosis via culture or molecular-based methods to guide antifungal management and inform prognosis. Herein, we review the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of these opportunistic pathogens known to cause hyalohyphomycoses: Scedosporium spp., Lomentospora prolificans, Fusarium spp., Scopulariopsis spp., Arthrographis kalrae, Trichoderma spp., Acremonium spp., Paecilomyces variotii, Purpureocillium lilacinum, and Penicillium species.
Robotic-Assisted versus Manual Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: Contemporary Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Early Functional Outcomes
Authors: Gaudiani Michael A. , Samuel Linsen T. , Kamath Atul F. , Courtney P. Maxwell , Lee Gwo-Chin
Published: January 2020

Robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (RA-UKA) aims to improve accuracy of component placement. Studies have shown improvement in radiographic positioning/alignment with RA-UKA but have not addressed clinical outcome measures (COMs). The purpose of this study was to determine if RA-UKA is associated with improved early revision rates and functional outcome scores (FOS) compared with manual UKA. A systematic review of all English language articles from 1999 to 2019 on RA-UKA using Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases identified 277 studies. Seven (three randomized controlled trials) met inclusion criteria. Revision rates/FOS were aggregated for RA-UKA and manual UKA; a forest plot was constructed utilizing inverse variance/Mantel–Haenszel fixed-effects meta-analysis. The seven articles included a total of 363 RA-UKA patients and 425 manual UKA patients. Mean age was 66 ± 3.5 and 65 ± 4.0 years, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.8 ± 2.1 and 27.1 ± 1.5 kg/m2, respectively. Mean follow-up was 25.5 months (4.5–48) and 29.1 months (4.5–48) for RA-UKA and manual UKA, respectively. At latest follow-up, RA-UKA patients showed a 26% ± 12 improvement in COMs versus 24% ± 12 improvement for manual UKA patients (p = 0.6). The revision rate was 3% for both groups (p = 0.8); however, a meta-analysis of RCTs showed no difference. Robotic and manual UKAs offer comparable improvements in pain, FOS, and revision rates. The effects of follow-up duration, ceiling effects of COMs, and surgeon experience remain unknown. Future studies comparing robotic versus manual UKAs with longer term follow-up may inform further benefits of each, with respect to component durability, alignment, and functional improvement.
Oral Anticoagulation in the Elderly and Frail
Authors: Bauersachs Rupert M. , Herold Joerg
Published: January 2020

The proportion of elderly patients will increase substantially over the next decades, and both atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are more common in the elderly. Age is a risk factor not only for stroke and thromboembolism but also for bleeding, particularly in frail patients, in whom numerous pathophysiological changes occur that alter drug kinetics and toxicity of standard doses of oral anticoagulants (OACs). AF trials showed that the relative benefits of direct OACs (DOACs) also applied to elderly patients, and due to their higher risk this translates into a higher absolute risk reduction compared with vitamin K antagonists, suggesting that DOACs are the better choice. All DOACs—at varying extent—are eliminated via the kidney and it is crucial to evaluate renal function at initiation and during follow-up, especially for dabigatran. The fear of falls is a common reason against OAC. However, there is still a benefit with OAC, particularly with DOACs given the lower risk of intracranial hemorrhage. Polypharmacy represents a common challenge, nevertheless DOACs and warfarin were classified as beneficial. Nonetheless, attempts should be undertaken to reduce comedication, and drug–drug interactions should be assessed. Coadministration of platelet inhibitors increases bleeding risk and should be avoided. In conclusion, elderly and frail patients requiring anticoagulation for AF or VTE are at higher risk of adverse outcomes, but also have a higher absolute benefit from OAC. Important practical aspects to improve efficacy and safety in this challenging population are summarized in this overview.
Dissipation mechanisms of tuning fork vibrations in superfluid 3He–4He solutions
Authors: Rudavskii E. Ya. , Chagovets V. K. , Sheshin G. A. , Vrakina V. A.
Published: January 2020

The amplitude–frequency characteristics of tuning forks immersed in superfluid 3He–4He solutions were measured in the temperature range of 0.1–2.5 K. The tuning fork resonance frequency and the resonance width were measured as functions of temperature for 5% and 15% concentrations of 3He and, for comparison, for pure 4He. The experimental results for the key dissipation mechanisms, that is, viscous friction and first and second-sound emission of a tuning fork, were analyzed. For separation and evaluation of the contributions of viscous damping and first and second-sound waves, “closed” (in a factory capsule) and “open” (without a capsule) tuning forks were used. The resonance width, which is a measure of dissipation of tuning fork vibrations, was found to be higher in solutions than in pure 4He, and to increase with increasing 3He concentration. It was shown that the existing analytical expression for the contribution of viscous friction provides a good description of the experimental data for 4He only in the hydrodynamic region. For the solutions, the viscosity contribution is consistent with the experiment only at high temperatures (above 1.4 K). For the “open” tuning fork, the contribution of the first-sound is consistent with the calculation results only for 4He, whereas for the solutions, the calculated values are underestimated compared to the experiment. The possible contribution of the second-sound to the dissipation of the tuning fork vibrations in solutions was estimated using experiments with the “closed” tuning fork. This contribution was found to vary non-monotonically with a maximum at temperatures of ≈ 0.6–0.8 K. The ratio of the tuning fork energy loss due to the thermal diffusion wave versus the loss due to the radiation flux of the second-sound wave in superfluid solutions was calculated using literature data with an accuracy of 10–3–10–4.
Connection between the charge density waves and the superconducting state in the two-Fluid model of superconductivity in HTSC
Authors: Amelin I. I.
Published: January 2020

The two-fluid model of superconductivity is used to analyze the physical properties of various HTSCs as a function of different SC gap locations Δ and Δ1 along the energy spectra. In this model, upon doping with oxygen, the charge density waves (CDW) in CuO2 planes, formed in the oxygen anion system, are transformed into local electron pairs (LEPs) by Cu ion oscillations at T*. At Tc < T* the LEPs create a SC state and a gap Δ1. In addition, there is a restructuring of the p- and d-bands. The band gap ΔE decreases. At ΔE ∼ Δ1 the decaying LEPs are transferred from the occupied states of the oxygen anion p-band to the free d-subband of the Cu ions due to thermal excitation. The SC state and the d-type gap Δ in the d-subband can be associated with antiferromagnetic (AF) fluctuations. In tunneling experiments without oxygen anions and oscillating Cu ions, the LEPs undergo strong Coulomb electron repulsion. Therefore, the LEPs and, accordingly, Δ1 will be strongly distorted. This is in contrast to the slight change in the Cooper pairs of conventional superconductors in similar experiments. It seems that the LEPs are transitioning into another state, which can be referred to as the CDW state with a pseudogap Σ. It is also necessary to take into account minor changes in the electron pairs and the second gap Δ created by antiferromagnetic fluctuations.