bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A patient with respiratory toxigenic diphtheria in Greece after more than 30 years
Authors: Georgakopoulou T. , Tryfinopoulou K. , Doudoulakakis A. , Nikolaou F. , Magaziotou I. , Flountzi A. , Fry N. K. , Litt D. J , Damala M. , Spiliopoulou I. , Liatsi-Douvitsa E. , Lebessi E. , Panayiotakopoulos G. , Tsolia M. , Saroglou G. , Theodoridou M. , Tsiodras S. , Efstratiou A.
Published: October 2020

The introduction of treatment and systematic vaccination has significantly reduced diphtheria mortality; however, toxigenic strains continue to circulate worldwide. The emergence of an indigenous diphtheria case with fatal outcome in Greece, after 30 years, raised challenges for laboratory confirmation, clinical and public health management. Toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae was isolated from an incompletely vaccinated 8-year-old boy with underlying conditions. The child passed away due to respiratory distress syndrome, before the administration of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT). All close contacts in family, school and hospital settings were investigated. Pharyngeal swabs were obtained to determine asymptomatic carriage. Chemoprophylaxis was given for 7 days to all close contacts and a booster dose to those incompletely vaccinated. Testing revealed a classmate, belonging to a subpopulation group (Roma), and incompletely vaccinated, as an asymptomatic carrier with an indistinguishable toxigenic strain (same novel multilocus sequence type, designated ST698). This case highlights the role of asymptomatic carriage, as the entry of toxigenic strains into susceptible populations can put individuals and their environment at risk. Maintenance of high-level epidemiological and microbiological surveillance, implementation of systematic vaccination in children and adults with primary and booster doses, availability of a DAT stockpile, and allowing timely administration are the cornerstone to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Rights, Democracy, and Islamist Women's Activism in Tunisia and Egypt
Authors: Mhajne Anwar , Brandt Rasmus
Published: October 2020

In the early days after the revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia, Islamist movements and parties appeared to be the winners of the political transformation. This opened new opportunities for activism and political participation for Islamist men and women. The political organizing of the Egyptian Muslim Sisterhood and Ennahda women in Tunisia before, during, and after the Arab Spring provides a significant case for addressing the gap in the literature on Islamist women's political organizing and agency. Moreover, it addresses the lack of scholarly attention to the Muslim Sisterhood and Ennahda women and the agency they manifest in their sociopolitical activism. Relying on primary and secondary interviews with these activists, this article traces the framing strategies, activism, and roles of Islamist women in Egypt and Tunisia. In both cases, we argue that government repression and backlash against Islamist movements is a shared experience and a central topic of identification for Islamist women. Islamist women in Tunisia and Egypt became more visible in the aftermath of the uprisings and reached into decision-making bodies such as a parliament when their countries were on the path toward democracy. Women from the two groups highlight democracy, freedom, human rights, and women's rights to frame their activism.
The Persnickety Pervasiveness of Rating Enhancement in Personality	Assessment
Authors: Stachowski Alicia A. , Kulas John T.
Published: October 2020

Abstract. The current paper explores whether self and observer reports of personality are properly viewed through a contrasting lens (as opposed to a more consonant framework). Specifically, we challenge the assumption that self-reports are more susceptible to certain forms of response bias than are informant reports. We do so by examining whether selves and observers are similarly or differently drawn to socially desirable and/or normative influences in personality assessment. Targets rated their own personalities and recommended another person to also do so along shared sets of items diversely contaminated with socially desirable content. The recommended informant then invited a third individual to additionally make ratings of the original target. Profile correlations, analysis of variances (ANOVAs), and simple patterns of agreement/disagreement consistently converged on a strong normative effect paralleling item desirability, with all three rater types exhibiting a tendency to reject socially undesirable descriptors while also endorsing desirable indicators. These tendencies were, in fact, more prominent for informants than they were for self-raters. In their entirety, our results provide a note of caution regarding the strategy of using non-self informants as a comforting comparative benchmark within psychological measurement applications.
Clinical and epidemiological analysis of basosquamous carcinoma: results of the multicenter study
Authors: Ciążyńska Magdalena , Sławińska Martyna , Kamińska-Winciorek Grażyna , Lange Dariusz , Lewandowski Bogumił , Reich Adam , Pabianek Marta , Szczepaniak Katarzyna , Hankiewicz Adam , Ułańska Małgorzata , Morawiec Jan , Błasińska-Morawiec Maria , Morawiec Zbigniew , Piekarski Janusz , Brodowski Robert , Zaryczańska Anna , Sobjanek Michał , Owczarek Witold , Słowińska Monika , Wróbel Katarzyna , Bieniek Andrzej , Woźniacka Anna , Skibińska Małgorzata , Narbutt Joanna , Niemczyk Wojciech , Ciążyński Karol , Lesiak Aleksandra
Published: October 2020

Basosquamous carcinoma (BSC) is a rare non-melanoma skin cancer that shares the characteristic features of both basal and squamous cell carcinomas (BCC, SCC). Our research enables better characterization of BSC in comparison to high-risk subtypes of BCC and SCC. Paper includes a retrospective analysis of BSC cases regarding sex, age, number of tumors and anatomical distribution in comparison to BCC and SCC evaluating the differences and defining the implications. Histologically confirmed carcinomas recorded between 1999 and 2019 were studied. 181 diagnosed BSC cases were identified, making this study the largest cohorts of BSC patients reported worldwide. Most cases were reported on head and neck. Analysis of facial anatomic distribution shows that most commonly affected sites were the nose (43%) and the cheek (25%). The age at excision of metatypical BCC was higher than those of low-risk BCC (P < 0.05), however similar to high-risk BCC (P = 0.20). We revisited that the concept of BSC is the most similar to high-risk subtypes of BCC. Patients with diagnosed BSC have higher risk of second nonmelanoma skin cancer. Therefore, the frequency of follow-up examination should be adjusted to the individual risk of another skin cancer.
Stress erythropoiesis in atherogenic mice
Authors: Sánchez Ángela , Orizaola Marta C. , Rodríguez-Muñoz Diego , Aranda Ana , Castrillo Antonio , Alemany Susana
Published: October 2020

Bone marrow erythropoiesis is mainly homeostatic and a demand of oxygen in tissues activates stress erythropoiesis in the spleen. Here, we show an increase in the number of circulating erythrocytes in apolipoprotein E−/− mice fed a Western high-fat diet, with similar number of circulating leukocytes and CD41+ events (platelets). Atherogenic conditions increase spleen erythropoiesis with no variations of this cell lineage in the bone marrow. Spleens from atherogenic mice show augmented number of late-stage erythroblasts and biased differentiation of progenitor cells towards the erythroid cell lineage, with an increase of CD71+CD41CD34−CD117+Sca1−Lin− cells (erythroid-primed megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors), which is consistent with the way in which atherogenesis modifies the expression of pro-erythroid and pro-megakaryocytic genes in megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors. These data explain the transiently improved response to an acute severe hemolytic anemia insult found in atherogenic mice in comparison to control mice, as well as the higher burst-forming unit-erythroid and colony forming unit-erythroid capacity of splenocytes from atherogenic mice. In conclusion, our work demonstrates that, along with the well stablished enhancement of monocytosis during atherogenesis, stress erythropoiesis in apolipoprotein E−/− mice fed a Western high fat diet results in increased numbers of circulating red blood cells.
Human milk microbiota in sub-acute lactational mastitis induces inflammation and undergoes changes in composition, diversity and load
Authors: Boix-Amorós Alba , Hernández-Aguilar Maria Teresa , Artacho Alejandro , Collado Maria Carmen , Mira Alex
Published: October 2020

Sub-acute mastitis (SAM) is a prevalent disease among lactating women, being one of the main reasons for early weaning. Although the etiology and diagnosis of acute mastitis (AM) is well established, little is known about the underlying mechanisms causing SAM. We collected human milk samples from healthy and SAM-suffering mothers, during the course of mastitis and after symptoms disappeared. Total (DNA-based) and active (RNA-based) microbiota were analysed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and qPCR. Furthermore, mammary epithelial cell lines were exposed to milk pellets, and levels of the pro-inflammatory interleukin IL8 were measured. Bacterial load was significantly higher in the mastitis samples and decreased after clinical symptoms disappeared. Bacterial diversity was lower in SAM milk samples, and differences in bacterial composition and activity were also found. Contrary to AM, the same bacterial species were found in samples from healthy and SAM mothers, although at different proportions, indicating a dysbiotic ecological shift. Finally, mammary epithelial cell exposure to SAM milk pellets showed an over-production of IL8. Our work therefore supports that SAM has a bacterial origin, with increased bacterial loads, reduced diversity and altered composition, which partly recovered after treatment, suggesting a polymicrobial and variable etiology.
The effect of the electric trapping field on state-selective loading of molecules into rf ion traps
Authors: Blackburn Laura , Keller Matthias
Published: October 2020

Trapped molecular ions in pure rovibronic states are desirable in experiments ranging from cold chemistry to searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. Resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionisation (REMPI) can be used to prepare molecular ions in specific internal states with high fidelities. However, in the presence of electric fields, ionisation spectra exhibit frequency shifts and the ionisation thresholds are broadened. For this reason, REMPI studies are normally conducted in low and highly homogeneous electric fields, whereas the operating principle of rf ion traps requires electric fields that vary in space and time. In order to investigate the impact of this on the state-selectivity of REMPI in ion traps, we have simulated the expected broadening of the ionisation threshold under various operating conditions of a typical linear Paul trap. In many cases, the width of the ionisation threshold exceeds the separation between rotational energy levels, preventing state-selective ionisation. Careful choice of the trapping and laser parameters during loading can reduce this broadening, enabling state-selective ionisation in some instances. Where this strategy is not sufficient, the broadening can be reduced further by rapidly switching the trapping voltages off and on again during loading. This has been demonstrated experimentally for a Coulomb crystal of$$^{40}\hbox {Ca}^+$$40Ca+ions without descrystallising it.
Analysis of molecular diversity within single cyanobacterial colonies from environmental samples
Authors: Muñoz-Martín M. Ángeles , Berrendero Gómez Esther , Perona Elvira , Mateo Pilar
Published: October 2020

Attached or floating macroscopic cyanobacteria can be found in shallow waters and can be easily hand-collected, but their identification is often challenging due to their high morphological variability. In addition, many members of environmental samples lose their morphological adaptations under controlled conditions, making the integration of analyses of field populations and derived isolated cultures necessary in order to evaluate phenotypic plasticity for identification purposes. Therefore, in this study, twenty-nine macroscopic field samples were analyzed by Illumina sequencing and parallel optical microscopy. Some colonies showed the typical morphological characteristics of Rivularia biasolettiana, and others showed those of Rivularia haematites. However, other Rivularia-like colonies showed ambiguous morphologies, and some of them showed the phenotypic features of the new genus Cyanomargarita, which is virtually indistinguishable from Rivularia in the field. In all of the colonies, phylotype composition was highly heterogeneous, with abundances varying depending on the analyzed sample. Some colonies were dominated (97–99%) by a single phylotype, while in others, the percentage of the dominant phylotype decreased to approximately 50–60%. Surprisingly, the same dominant phylotype was found in R. biasolettiana and R. haematites colonies. The relationships between environmental and/or biological factors and morphological variability in these colonies are discussed.
Magnetic resonance imaging based 3-dimensional printed breast surgical guide for breast-conserving surgery in ductal carcinoma in situ: a clinical trial
Authors: Wu Zhen-Yu , Alzuhair Aisha , Kim Heejeong , Lee Jong Won , Chung Il Yong , Kim Jisun , Lee Sae Byul , Son Byung Ho , Gong Gyungyub , Kim Hak Hee , Seo Joon Beom , Ahn Sei Hyun , Kim Namkug , Ko BeomSeok
Published: October 2020

Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is performed in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) because of the small size of the tumor. It is essential to know the quantitative extent of the tumor before performing this precise partial resection surgery. A three-dimensional printed (3DP) breast surgical guide (BSG) was developed using information obtained from supine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 3D printing technology and it was used for treating patients with breast cancer. Here, we report our experience with the application of the BSG for patients with DCIS. Patients with breast cancer who underwent BCS from July 2017 to February 2019 were included in this study. The patients underwent partial resection with a supine-MRI based 3DP-BSG. A total of 102 BCS using 3DP-BSG were conducted, and 11 cases were DCIS. The patients’ median age was 56 years (range, 38–69 years). The mean tumor diameter was 1.3 ± 0.9 cm. The median surgical time was 70 min (range, 40–88 min). All patients had tumor-free resection margins. The median distance from the tumor to the margin was 11 mm (range, 2–35 mm). Direct demarcation of the tumor extent in the breast and a pain-free procedure are the advantages of using 3DP-BSG in patients with DCIS.

Trial registration: Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) Identifier Number: KCT0002375, KCT0003043.
An allosteric interaction controls the activation mechanism of SHP2 tyrosine phosphatase
Authors: Anselmi Massimiliano , Hub Jochen S.
Published: October 2020

SHP2 is a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) involved in multiple signaling pathways. Mutations of SHP2 can result in Noonan syndrome or pediatric malignancies. Inhibition of wild-type SHP2 represents a novel strategy against several cancers. SHP2 is activated by binding of a phosphopeptide to the N-SH2 domain of SHP2, thereby favoring dissociation of the N-SH2 domain and exposing the active site on the PTP domain. The conformational transitions controlling ligand affinity and PTP dissociation remain poorly understood. Using molecular simulations, we revealed an allosteric interaction restraining the N-SH2 domain into a SHP2-activating and a stabilizing state. Only ligands selecting for the activating N-SH2 conformation, depending on ligand sequence and binding mode, are effective activators. We validate the model of SHP2 activation by rationalizing modified basal activity and responsiveness to ligand stimulation of several N-SH2 variants. This study provides mechanistic insight into SHP2 activation and may open routes for SHP2 regulation.
Endogenous zinc nanoparticles in the rat olfactory epithelium are functionally significant
Authors: Singletary Melissa , Lau June W. , Hagerty Samantha , Pustovyy Oleg , Globa Ludmila , Vodyanoy Vitaly
Published: October 2020

The role of zinc in neurobiology is rapidly expanding. Zinc is especially essential in olfactory neurobiology. Naturally occurring zinc nanoparticles were detected in olfactory and nasal respiratory epithelia and cilia in animals. The addition of these nanoparticles to a mixture of odorants, including ethyl butyrate, eugenol, and carvone, considerably increased the electrical responses of the olfactory sensory receptors. Studies of these nanoparticles by ransmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction revealed metal elemental crystalline zinc nanoparticles 2–4 nm in diameter. These particles did not contain oxidized zinc. The enhancement of the odorant responses induced by the endogenous zinc nanoparticles appears to be similar to the amplification produced by engineered zinc nanoparticles. Zinc nanoparticles produce no odor response but increase odor response if mixed with an odorant. These effects are dose-dependent and reversible. Some other metal nanoparticles, such as copper, silver, gold, and platinum, do not have the effects observed in the case of zinc nanoparticles. The olfactory enhancement was observed in young and mature mouse olfactory epithelium cultures, in the dissected olfactory epithelium of rodents, and in live conscious dogs. The physiological significance of the detected endogenous metal nanoparticles in an animal tissue has been demonstrated for the first time. Overall, our results may advance the understanding of the initial events in olfaction.
Electrostatic shock acceleration of ions in near-critical-density plasma driven by a femtosecond petawatt laser
Authors: Singh Prashant Kumar , Pathak Vishwa Bandhu , Shin Jung Hun , Choi Il Woo , Nakajima Kazuhisa , Lee Seong Ku , Sung Jae Hee , Lee Hwang Woon , Rhee Yong Joo , Aniculaesei Constantin , Kim Chul Min , Pae Ki Hong , Cho Myung Hoon , Hojbota Calin , Lee Seong Geun , Mollica Florian , Malka Victor , Ryu Chang-Mo , Kim Hyung Taek , Nam Chang Hee
Published: October 2020

With the recent advances in ultrahigh intensity lasers, exotic astrophysical phenomena can be investigated in laboratory environments. Collisionless shock in a plasma, prevalent in astrophysical events, is produced when a strong electric or electromagnetic force induces a shock structure in a time scale shorter than the collision time of charged particles. A near-critical-density (NCD) plasma, generated with an intense femtosecond laser, can be utilized to excite a collisionless shock due to its efficient and rapid energy absorption. We present electrostatic shock acceleration (ESA) in experiments performed with a high-density helium gas jet, containing a small fraction of hydrogen, irradiated with a 30 fs, petawatt laser. The onset of ESA exhibited a strong dependence on plasma density, consistent with the result of particle-in-cell simulations on relativistic plasma dynamics. The mass-dependent ESA in the NCD plasma, confirmed by the preferential reflection of only protons with two times the shock velocity, opens a new possibility of selective acceleration of ions by electrostatic shock.
Singlet fission for quantum information and quantum computing: the parallel JDE model
Authors: Smyser Kori E. , Eaves Joel D.
Published: October 2020

Singlet fission is a photoconversion process that generates a doubly excited, maximally spin entangled pair state. This state has applications to quantum information and computing that are only beginning to be realized. In this article, we construct and analyze a spin-exciton hamiltonian to describe the dynamics of the two-triplet state. We find the selection rules that connect the doubly excited, spin-singlet state to the manifold of quintet states and comment on the mechanism and conditions for the transition into formally independent triplets. For adjacent dimers that are oriented and immobilized in an inert host, singlet fission can be strongly state-selective. We make predictions for electron paramagnetic resonance experiments and analyze experimental data from recent literature. Our results give conditions for which magnetic resonance pulses can drive transitions between optically polarized magnetic sublevels of the two-exciton states, making it possible to realize quantum gates at room temperature in these systems.
Design, synthesis and evaluation of a tripodal receptor for phosphatidylinositol phosphates
Authors: Reeh Katharina , Summers Peter A. , Gould Ian R. , Woscholski Rudiger , Vilar Ramon
Published: October 2020

Phosphatidylinositol phosphates (PIPs) are membrane phospholipids that play crucial roles in a wide range of cellular processes. Their function is dictated by the number and positions of the phosphate groups in the inositol ring (with seven different PIPs being active in the cell). Therefore, there is significant interest in developing small-molecule receptors that can bind selectively to these species and in doing so affect their cellular function or be the basis for molecular probes. However, to date there are very few examples of such molecular receptors. Towards this aim, herein we report a novel tripodal molecule that acts as receptor for mono- and bis-phosphorylated PIPs in a cell free environment. To assess their affinity to PIPs we have developed a new cell free assay based on the ability of the receptor to prevent alkaline phosphatase from hydrolysing these substrates. The new receptor displays selectivity towards two out of the seven PIPs, namely PI(3)P and PI(3,4)P2. To rationalise these results, a DFT computational study was performed which corroborated the experimental results and provided insight into the host–guest binding mode.
Dynamic transcriptional response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells to copper
Authors: Oc Sebnem , Eraslan Serpil , Kirdar Betul
Published: October 2020

Copper is a crucial trace element for all living systems and any deficiency in copper homeostasis leads to the development of severe diseases in humans. The observation of extensive evolutionary conservation in copper homeostatic systems between human and Saccharomyces cerevisiae made this organism a suitable model organism for elucidating molecular mechanisms of copper transport and homeostasis. In this study, the dynamic transcriptional response of both the reference strain and homozygous deletion mutant strain of CCC2, which encodes a Cu2+-transporting P-type ATPase, were investigated following the introduction of copper impulse to reach a copper concentration which was shown to improve the respiration capacity of CCC2 deletion mutants. The analysis of data by using different clustering algorithms revealed significantly affected processes and pathways in response to a switch from copper deficient environment to elevated copper levels. Sulfur compound, methionine and cysteine biosynthetic processes were identified as significantly affected processes for the first time in this study. Stress response, cellular response to DNA damage, iron ion homeostasis, ubiquitin dependent proteolysis, autophagy and regulation of macroautophagy, DNA repair and replication, as well as organization of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV, mitochondrial organization and translation were identified as significantly affected processes in only CCC2 deleted strain. The integration of the transcriptomic data with regulome revealed the differences in the extensive re-wiring of dynamic transcriptional organization and regulation in these strains.
Significance of heme oxygenase-1(HMOX1) gene on fetal hemoglobin induction in sickle cell anemia patients
Authors: Hariharan Priya , Chavan Vrushali , Nadkarni Anita
Published: October 2020

Though the patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) inherit same genetic mutation, they show considerable phenotypic heterogeneity. It has been observed that patients with elevated fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels have a relatively mild clinical course. There is sparse literature on the association of higher HbF levels leading to reduction in the oxidative stress in SCA patients. Hence in this study, the significance between theHMOX1gene polymorphisms and the HbF levels has been studied. Preliminary screening was carried out. Genotyping of 3 variants in theHMOX1gene was performed in 90 SCA patients and 50 healthy controls by PCR–RFLP, GeneScan and direct DNA sequencing. It was observed that SCA patients with higher HbF levels, showed improved hematological indices with an inverse effect on HbS levels. The TT genotype of rs2071746 (A→T) polymorphism was found to be associated with elevated HbF levels (P: 0.012). Also, the long form (> 25 GT repeats) of rs3074372 (GT)n repeats was found to be linked with increased HbF levels. We could not find any association of rs2071749 (A→G) polymorphism with the HbF levels. As, the sickle cell anemia patients show significant oxidative stress due to hemolysis, the study of polymorphisms in theHMOX1gene may act as a potential independent marker for elevated HbF levels.
Functional interaction between Ghrelin and GLP-1 regulates feeding through the vagal afferent system
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Waise T. M. Zaved , Toshinai Koji , Tsuchimochi Wakaba , Naznin Farhana , Islam Md Nurul , Tanida Ryota , Sakoda Hideyuki , Nakazato Masamitsu
Published: October 2020

The gastrointestinal tract transmits feeding-regulatory signals to the brain via neuronal and hormonal pathways. Here we studied the interaction between the orexigenic gastric peptide, ghrelin, and the anorectic intestinal peptide, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), in terms of feeding regulation via the vagal afferents. GLP-1 preadministration 30 min before ghrelin administration to rats and mice abolished ghrelin-induced food intake, while ghrelin preadministration abolished the anorectic effect of GLP-1. Ghrelin preadministration suppressed GLP-1-induced Fos expression in the nodose ganglia (NG). Electrophysiological assessment confirmed that the initially administered peptide abolished the vagal afferent electrical alteration induced by the subsequently administered peptide. Both the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) and the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) are co-localised in a major proportion of NG neurons that innervate the stomach. In these Ghsr+Glp1r+ neurons, ghrelin preadministration abolished the GLP-1-induced calcium response. Ghrelin generated a hyperpolarising current and GLP-1 generated a depolarising current in isolated NG neurons in a patch-clamp experiment. Ghrelin and GLP-1 potently influenced each other in terms of vagally mediated feeding regulation. This peptidergic interaction allows for fine control of the electrophysiological properties of NG neurons.
Patterns and predictors of thromboembolic events among patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Abdel-Razeq Hikmat , Mustafa Rawan , Sharaf Baha’ , Al-Tell Abdallah , Braik Dina , Ashouri Khaled , Omari Zaid , Mansour Razan , Qarqash Jamil , Shaqboua Hanin , Jaradat Saba , Al-Qasem Kholoud , Bater Rayan
Published: October 2020

Patients with gastric cancer are at higher risk for venous thromboembolic events (VTE). Majority of such patients are treated in ambulatory settings where thromboprophylaxis is not routinely offered. In this study, we report on VTE rates and search for predictors that may help identify patients at higher risk to justify VTE-prophylaxis in ambulatory settings. Patients with pathologically-confirmed gastric adenocarcinoma were retrospectively reviewed for VTE detected by imaging studies. Clinical and pathological features known to increase the risk of VTE were studied. Khorana risk assessment model was applied on patients receiving chemotherapy. A total of 671 patients; median age 55 years, were recruited. VTE were diagnosed in 150 (22.4%) patients, including 42 (28.0%) pulmonary embolism and 18 (12.0%) upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Majority (> 80%) developed VTE while in ambulatory settings and none had been on thromboprophylaxis. Rate was higher (27.1%) among 365 patients with metastatic compared to 16.7% among 306 patients with nonmetastatic disease, p = 0.001. Patients with metastatic disease who received multiple lines of chemotherapy (n = 85) had significantly higher rate of VTE compared to those who received a single line; 48.2% versus 19.4%, p < 0.001. Among the whole group, Khorana risk score, age, gender, smoking and obesity had no impact on VTE rates. Patients with metastatic gastric cancer, especially when treated with multiple lines of chemotherapy, are at a significantly higher risk of VTE. Khorana risk score had no impact on VTE rates. Thromboprophylaxis in ambulatory patients with metastatic gastric cancer worth studying.
Author Correction: DNA-based identification of predators of the corallivorous Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris) from fish faeces and gut contents
Authors: Kroon Frederieke J. , Lefèvre Carine D. , Doyle Jason R. , Patel Frances , Milton Grant , Severati Andrea , Kenway Matt , Johansson Charlotte L. , Schnebert Simon , Thomas-Hall Peter , Bonin Mary C. , Cameron Darren S. , Westcott David A.
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Electrothermal transport induced material reconfiguration and performance degradation of CVD-grown monolayer MoS2 transistors
Authors: Ansh  , Kumar Jeevesh , Sheoran Gaurav , Shrivastava Mayank
Published: October 2020

Device and material reliability of 2-dimensional materials, especially CVD-grown MoS2, has remained un-addressed since 2011 when the first TMDC transistor was reported. For its potential application in next generation electronics, it is imperative to update our understanding of mechanisms through which MoS2 transistors’ performance degrades under long-term electrical stress. We report, for CVD-grown monolayer MoS2, results on temporal degradation of material and device performance under electrical stress. Both low and high field regimes of operation are explored at different temperatures, gate bias and stress cycles. During low field operation, current is found to saturate after hundreds of seconds of operation with the current decay time constant being a function of temperature and stress cycle. High field operation, especially at low temperature, leads to impact ionization assisted material and device degradation. It is found that high field operation at low temperature results in amorphization of the channel and is verified by device and kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) analyses. In general, a prolonged room temperature operation of CVD-grown MoS2 transistors lead to degraded gate control, higher OFF state current and negative shift in threshold voltage (VT). This is further verified, through micro-Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy, which suggest that a steady state DC electrical stress leads to the formation of localized low resistance regions in the channel and a subsequent loss of transistor characteristics. Our findings unveil unique mechanism by which CVD MoS2 undergoes material degradation under electrical stress and subsequent breakdown of transistor behavior. Such an understanding of material and device reliability helps in determining the safe operating regime from device as well as circuit perspective.
Catalytic Use of Potassium Compounds in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Liu Yu-Feng , Guan Bing-Tao
Published: October 2020

Potassium salts are widely distributed both on the land and in the sea. Potassium ions play important roles in diverse cellular functions in all living organisms including plants, animals, and humans. Potassium-bearing minerals and salts are widely used as fertilizers and raw materials in agriculture and the chemical industries. In addition, potassium-bearing bases including KOH and KOtBu have been frequently used as bases or catalysts in C–C bond formations in organic synthesis. Significant advances have been made in the past decades in the catalytic application of potassium compounds in the synthesis of various organic molecules. The present chapter provides an overview on recent developments in the catalytic use of potassium species in organic synthesis. According to the reaction types, the chapter is divided into seven sections including: alkene isomerization; hydroamination; hydrophosphination; hydrosilylation; hydrogenation; C–H bond alkylation; radical chemistry. These reactions mediated by potassium-containing bases rely on the “base” character of these species rather than the intrinsic features of “potassium”; these potassium catalysts are considered here as “organometallic compounds”. This chapter focuses on reactions in which potassium catalysts were shown to display much better activity than their sodium and lithium analogues.
Recent Advances in the Stoichiometric Chemistry of Magnesium Complexes
Authors: Stasch Andreas
Published: October 2020

This chapter provides an overview of recent advances in the chemistry of molecular magnesium complexes. Details on synthesis, structures, properties and reactivity of several magnesium-containing compound classes are covered that showcase principles, advantages and challenges of stoichiometric magnesium chemistry and build some ties to catalytic approaches. New developments with Turbo-Grignard reagents, Turbo-Hauser bases, magnesate complexes, magnesium(II) hydride complexes, dimagnesium(I) complexes and complexes with magnesium–metal or magnesium–metalloid bonds are described, followed by a brief outlook. The sections will show commonly used organic substituents, stabilising ligand classes and some reaction conditions required for the chemistry with magnesium complexes.
Recent Developments in Titanium Chemistry Towards Organic Synthesis — Stoichiometric Transformations and Catalysis
Authors: Foschi F. , Gade L. H.
Published: October 2020

Given the wide range of synthetic applications involving titanium complexes, some general reactive patterns which are representative for many relevant transformations can be identified. The present chapter will focus on the role of organometallic titanacycles and titanium vinylidene complexes, which are key intermediates in many current applications of titanium reagents in synthetic chemistry.
Manganese Catalysis
Authors: Kuninobu Y. , Sueki S. , Kaplaneris N. , Ackermann L.
Published: October 2020

In this chapter, we summarize the manganese-catalysed transformations developed over the last 20 years. Because manganese is the third most abundant transition metal according to the Clarke number, the price is cheaper than that of almost any other transition metal. Therefore, the development of synthetic organic reactions using manganese catalysts is highly important and desired. In addition, several reactions, which are specific to manganese catalysts, have also been reported. This chapter describes (1) oxidation reactions (epoxidation of alkenes, C–H oxidation, and dehydrogenation); (2) reduction (of alkenes and heterocycles, alkynes, carbonyl compounds, imine derivatives, nitriles and amides, CO2 and CO, and alcohols); (3) carbon–carbon bond formation (addition to unsaturated molecules and cross-coupling reactions); (4) C–H activation (addition to C–C multiple bonds, substitutive C–H functionalization, C–H alkylation, C–H arylation, C–N bond forming reactions, and domino C–H activation reactions); and (5) others (cyclization, annulation, addition to olefins, coupling reaction, C–C bond cleavage, and various others).
Open Shell Iron Catalysis: Mechanistic Challenges, Approaches and Pitfalls
Authors: Neate Peter G. N. , Neidig Michael L.
Published: October 2020

Iron-catalysed reactions have seen extensive focus and development in recent years, due in part to increasing focus on sustainable methodologies. However, a significant challenge to this continued development is a lack of fundamental understanding of the active species and reaction pathways that govern reactivity in iron-catalysed systems. This chapter highlights the challenges in studying open shell iron catalysis as well as techniques that can be effectively used to achieve the desired molecular level insight. While these have provided substantial insight into what has long been regarded as a “black box”, both the strengths and limitations of these techniques are presented alongside highlights of potential pitfalls using recent literature examples.
Accessing Low Oxidation-state Iron Catalysts; Iron-catalysed Reductive Functionalisation
Authors: Greenhalgh M. D. , Thomas S. P.
Published: October 2020

The use of iron catalysis in synthetic chemistry has increased significantly in recent years. The low toxicity, low environmental impact and high abundance of iron makes it a perfect framework for catalysis, particularly in health related and dispersive (non-recycled) technologies. The iron-catalysed reductive functionalisation of alkenes and alkynes requires the use of low oxidation-state iron (pre-)catalysts. This chapter describes general strategies that have been developed to access these catalysts from bench-stable precursors, with each method exemplified through selected hydrofunctionalisation reactions.
Recent Aluminium Chemistry – From Al(III) Catalysis to Significant Stoichiometric Al(I) Reactivity
Authors: Qin B. , Schneider U.
Published: October 2020

The use of aluminium(III) and aluminium(I) species in synthetic organic and organometallic chemistry has been reviewed. Aluminium(III) catalysts have been identified as effective π- and σ-Lewis acids. In addition, a substituent and/or (chiral) ligand at the Al(III) center have been demonstrated to enable cooperative (asymmetric) catalysis, following reaction patterns such as insertion/migration, σ-bond metathesis, and formal C–H bond or C–C bond activation. Aluminium(I) compounds have been shown to display their significant potential as a Lewis base, an ambiphilic reagent, or a reductant. Finally (reversible) oxidative addition and reductive elimination processes in the context of C–H bond and C–C bond cleavage have been summarised.
Catalysis by Silicon Species
Authors: Sugiura M. , Kotani S. , Nakajima M.
Published: October 2020

Because silicon is abundant in the Earth's crust and its compounds are considered less toxic, using silicon compounds as catalysts has been attractive for organic chemists. However, despite its high potential silicon catalysis had been limited to conventional tetravalent silicon Lewis acids such as Me3SiOTf. Recent discoveries of highly active silylium ion and neutral silicon catalysts have now been accelerating the development of silicon catalysis. This chapter summarises the progress of conventional and new silicon-based catalysts.
Recent Advances in Asymmetric Catalysis by Chiral Phosphines
Authors: Wei Y. , Shi M.
Published: October 2020

Chiral tertiary phosphines are versatile Lewis base catalysts capable of promoting a wide range of asymmetric reactions. In particular, recently designed chiral phosphines based on the concept of bifunctionality and multifunctionality have been demonstrated to be effective catalysts for various types of asymmetric reactions such as (aza)-MBH reactions, cycloadditions, nucleophilic additions, etc. This chapter summarises the recent advances in this field and highlights selected significant achievements.
Predissociation spectra of the 35Cl−(H2) complex and its isotopologue 35Cl−(D2)
Authors: Lara-Moreno Miguel , Halvick Philippe , Stoecklin Thierry
Published: October 2020

Comparison of the calculated predissociation spectra with the experimental spectrum shows that only the ortho form of Cl−(H2) contributes to the spectrum.
Oxidized divinyl oligoacene-bridged diruthenium complexes: bridged localized radical characters and reduced aromaticity in bridge cores
Authors: Ou Ya-Ping , Zhang Jing , Hu Yuxuan , Yin Jun , Chi Chunyan , Liu Sheng Hua
Published: October 2020

A series of bimetallic ruthenium vinyl complexes 1–5 bridged by oligoacenes were synthesized and characterized in this study.
Sodium transition metal oxides: the preferred cathode choice for future sodium-ion batteries?
Authors: Liu Qiannan , Hu Zhe , Li Weijie , Zou Chao , Jin Huile , Wang Shun , Chou Shulei , Dou Shi-Xue
Published: October 2020

This work provides guidance on controlling anionic redox activity and finding novel high-capacity transition metal oxide cathodes for sodium-ion batteries.
Practical and scalable synthesis of orthogonally protected-2-substituted chiral piperazines
Authors: Chamakuri Srinivas , Shah Manuj M. , Yang David C. H. , Santini Conrad , Young Damian W.
Published: October 2020

A synthetic route to orthogonally protected, enantiomerically pure 2-substituted piperazines is described.
Spread parameters of the borerXylotrechus Arvicola(Olivier) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in a ‘Tempranillo’ vineyard in La Rioja (Spain): A long-term study
Authors: Ocete Rafael , Armendáriz Ignacio , Ocete Carlos A. , Maistrello Lara , Valle José M. , Rodríguez Álvaro , Usategui Leire
Published: October 2020

Xylotrechus arvicola(Olivier) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a polyphagous xylophagous beetle that is becoming a pest of increasing importance for vineyards in Spain, also because of the wood fungi developing in the galleries excavated by its larvae, which cause a progressive decline of the affected grapevines, until death. Between 1993 and 2015, a survey of the infestation caused byX. arvicolaand the symptoms caused by pathogenic wood fungi was performed in a ‘Tempranillo’ variety vineyard in La Rioja region (Spain). Maps showing the overtime spread of the borer and the diffusion of symptoms of grapevine decline andEutypadieback were obtained. Results indicated that the borer colonization began in the centre of the plot, followed by the first symptoms caused by the wood fungi a few years later. The statistical analysis showed that the evolution of infestation is characterized by a linear increase of new holes whereas the pattern of their allocation in the vines follows a bimodal distribution which, to some extent, can be simulated by a Poisson’s model. Based on these observations, a methodology to estimate the state of the infestation over time is proposed. The procedure - based on a linear regression of the average number of holes per vine over a set of years - can be applied in a relatively simple way and provides the probability for a grapevine to have a certain number of exit holes in a definite year with a mean error of around 5%.
High to Low pellet cladding gap heat transfer modeling methodology in an uncertainty quantification framework for a PWR Rod Ejection Accident with best estimate coupling
Authors: Delipei Gregory Kyriakos , Garnier Josselin , Le Pallec Jean-Charles , Normand Benoit
Published: October 2020

High to Low modeling approaches can alleviate the computationally expensive fuel modeling in nuclear reactor’s transient uncertainty quantification. This is especially the case for Rod Ejection Accident (REA) in Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) were strong multi-physics interactions occur. In this work, we develop and propose a pellet cladding gap heat transfer (Hgap) High to Low modeling methodology for a PWR REA in an uncertainty quantification framework. The methodology involves the calibration of a simplified Hgap model based on high fidelity simulations with the fuel-thermomechanics code ALCYONE1. The calibrated model is then introduced into the CEA developed CORPUS Best Estimate (BE) multi-physics coupling between APOLLO3® and FLICA4. This creates an Improved Best Estimate (IBE) coupling that is then used for an uncertainty quantification study. The results indicate that with IBE the distance to boiling crisis uncertainty is decreased from 57% to 42%. This is reflected to the decrease of the sensitivity of Hgap. In the BE coupling Hgap was responsible for 50% of the output variance while in IBE it is close to 0. These results show the potential gain of High to Low approaches for Hgap modeling in REA uncertainty analyses.
A stochastic time-delayed model for the effectiveness of Moroccan COVID-19 deconfinement strategy
Authors: Zine Houssine , Boukhouima Adnane , Lotfi El Mehdi , Mahrouf Marouane , Torres Delfim F.M. , Yousfi Noura
Published: October 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a great threat to public health and the economy worldwide. Currently, COVID-19 evolves in many countries to a second stage, characterized by the need for the liberation of the economy and relaxation of the human psychological effects. To this end, numerous countries decided to implement adequate deconfinement strategies. After the first prolongation of the established confinement, Morocco moves to the deconfinement stage on May 20, 2020. The relevant question concerns the impact on the COVID-19 propagation by considering an additional degree of realism related to stochastic noises due to the effectiveness level of the adapted measures. In this paper, we propose a delayed stochastic mathematical model to predict the epidemiological trend of COVID-19 in Morocco after the deconfinement. To ensure the well-posedness of the model, we prove the existence and uniqueness of a positive solution. Based on the large number theorem for martingales, we discuss the extinction of the disease under an appropriate threshold parameter. Moreover, numerical simulations are performed in order to test the efficiency of the deconfinement strategies chosen by the Moroccan authorities to help the policy makers and public health administration to make suitable decisions in the near future.
Hygiene in der Anästhesie in Zeiten der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie
Authors: Schulz-Stübner Sebastian , Kunitz Oliver
Published: October 2020

Unter den Bedingungen der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie und der Unsicherheit hinsichtlich der vielen Entscheidungen zugrunde liegenden Daten darf die Basishygiene in der medizinischen Versorgung auch bei Ressourcenengpass nicht vernachlässigt werden. SARS-CoV-2-spezifische Schutzmaßnahmen sind entsprechend einer Risikoanalyse durchzuführen, wobei die Dynamik der Pandemie und lokale Gegebenheiten zu berücksichtigen sind.
Low-Degree Tibial Slope Angle Prevents Component Overhang by Enlarging the Lateral Plateau Surface Area in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Simsek Mehmet Emin , Akkaya Mustafa , Gursoy Safa , Kaya Özgür , Bozkurt Murat
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to investigate whether overhang or underhang around the tibial component that occurs during the placement of tibial baseplates was affected by different slope angles of the tibial plateau and determine the changes in the lateral and medial plateau diameters while changing the slope angle in total knee arthroplasty. Three-dimensional tibia models were reconstructed using the computed tomography scans of 120 tibial dry bones. Tibial plateau slope cuts were performed with 9, 7, 5, 3, and 0 degrees of slope angles 2-mm below the subchondral bone in the deepest point of the medial plateau. Total, lateral, and medial tibial plateau areas and overhang/underhang rates were measured at each cut level. Digital implantations of the asymmetric and symmetric tibial baseplates were made on the tibial plateau with each slope angles. Following the implantations, the slope angle that prevents overhang or underhang at the bone border and the slope angle that has more surface area was identified. A significant increase was noted in the total tibial surface area, lateral plateau surface area, and lateral anteroposterior distance, whereas the slope cut angles were changed from 9 to 0 degrees in both gender groups. It was found that the amount of posteromedial underhang and posterolateral overhang increased in both the asymmetric and symmetric tibial baseplates when the slope angle was changed from 0 to 9 degrees. Although the mediolateral diameter did not change after the proximal tibia cuts at different slope angles, the surface area and anteroposterior diameter of the lateral plateau could change, leading to increased lateral plateau area. Although prosthesis designs are highly compatible with the tibial surface area, it should be noted that the component overhangs, especially beyond the posterolateral edge, it can be prevented by changing the slope cut angle in males and females.