bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Performance by Interface Engineering in Ternary g‐C3N4/TiO2/PbTiO3 Films
Authors: Wang Shun , Zheng Fengang , Weng Yuyan , Yuan Guoliang , Fang Liang , You Lu
Published: April 2020

Polycrystalline ferroelectric PbTiO3 (PTO) films deposited on transparent fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) glass have been proved to be a photocathode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. However, the hitherto reported PEC performances remain inferior to meet the requirements for practical applications. Herein, it is reported that a compact TiO2 (TO) buffer layer, inserted between PTO and g‐C3N4 (CN), improves significantly its PEC performance. The optimal CN/TO/PTO film shows a photocathodic current density of −68.5 µA cm−2 at 0 V versus Ag/AgCl electrode under 100 mW cm−2 Xe‐lamp illumination, which is 4.5 and 2 times higher than that of pristine PTO and CN/PTO films. The performance improvement can be attributed to the following reasons: one is the improved light harvesting ability owing to TO and CN, and the other is that TO functions as a buffer layer to build a type II and a Z‐scheme interfaces between PTO, TO, and CN to promote charge carrier transfer and separation. Last but not the least, the ternary photoelectrode also shows tunable PEC performance by ferroelectric polarization switching.
Malignant uveal melanoma with metastatic recurrence to the pancreas: A case report
Authors: Weng Wei‐Chun , Tsai Tzung‐Jiun , Chen Wen‐Chi , Cheng Jin‐Shiung , Sun Wei‐Chih
Published: April 2020

Metastatic pancreatic cancers are uncommon. The most common primary origins are renal, lung, breast, and colon cancer, with sarcoma and melanoma observed less commonly. Distinguishing a primary pancreatic cancer from a metastasis can be difficult based on various non‐invasive imaging studies but is crucial to assure appropriate management. We reported a rare case of malignant uveal melanoma (UM) with metastatic recurrence to pancreas diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided (EUS) fine‐needle aspiration (FNA). Under best supportive care, the patient eventually died of disease progression with multiple liver and brain metastases. Prognosis remains poor for patients with metastatic UM owing to no significantly effective treatment. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the possibility of malignant UM metastasizing to intra‐abdominal organs even after primary resection.
Birth during the moderate weather seasons is associated with early onset of type 1 diabetes in the Mediterranean area
Authors: Adar Adi , Shalitin Shlomit , Eyal Ori , Loewenthal Neta , Pinhas‐Hamiel Orit , Zuckerman Levin Nehama , Dally‐Gottfried Orna , Landau Zohar , Zung Amnon , Levy‐Khademi Floris , Zangen David , Tenenbaum‐Rakover Yardena , Rachmiel Marianna
Published: April 2020

Aim

To assess the association of seasonal and perinatal parameters with early age of type 1 diabetes (T1D) onset.

Methods

A cross‐sectional review of all medical records of T1D patients born between the years 1990 and 2005, and diagnosed before/by the age of 10 years, from 13 university‐affiliated paediatric medical centres in Israel, was performed. Data included: gender, ethnicity, seasons of birth and disease onset, birth gestational age and weight, and autoimmune diseases of the probands and their first‐degree family members. Statistical analysis included the Chi‐square test or Mann‐Whitney test, as appropriate and multivariate regression analysis.

Results

Enrolled were 1571 T1D patients at a median age of T1D onset 6.9 years (IQR 4.4,8.4); 336 of them presented before 4 years of age. The median age of this group was 2.5 years (IQR 1.7,3.2), and of the 1235 patients who presented after 4 years of age, median presentation age was 7.5 years (IQR 6.1,8.8). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that a more recent birth year; OR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.02‐1.1, P = 0.003, and birth during the moderate weather months (September, October, March, and April) were significantly associated with younger age at T1D onset; OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.17‐2.4, P = 0.005.

Conclusions

Our novel finding demonstrates the association between younger than 4 years old age at presentation and birth during moderate weather months. The results also support previous reports, that there is a slight increase in the annual incidence of T1D in the youngest age groups.
Genome‐wide association study identifies an early onset pancreatic cancer risk locus
Authors: Campa Daniele , Gentiluomo Manuel , Obazee Ofure , Ballerini Alba , Vodickova Ludmila , Hegyi Péter , Soucek Pavel , Brenner Hermann , Milanetto Anna Caterina , Landi Stefano , Gao Xin , Bozzato Dania , Capurso Gabriele , Tavano Francesca , Vashist Yogesh , Hackert Thilo , Bambi Franco , Bursi Simona , Oliverius Martin , Gioffreda Domenica , Schöttker Ben , Ivanauskas Audrius , Mohelnikova‐Duchonova Beatrice , Darvasi Erika , Pezzilli Raffaele , Małecka‐Panas Ewa , Strobel Oliver , Gazouli Maria , Katzke Verena , Szentesi Andrea , Cavestro Giulia Martina , Farkas Gyula , Izbicki Jakob R. , Moz Stefania , Archibugi Livia , Hlavac Viktor , Vincze Áron , Talar‐Wojnarowska Renata , Rusev Borislav , Kupcinskas Juozas , Greenhalf Bill , Dijk Frederike , Giese Nathalia , Boggi Ugo , Andriulli Angelo , Busch Olivier R , Vanella Giuseppe , Vodicka Pavel , Nentwich Michael , Lawlor Rita T. , Theodoropoulos George E , Jamroziak Krzysztof , Zuppardo Raffaella Alessia , Moletta Lucia , Ginocchi Laura , Kaaks Rudolf , Neoptolemos John P , Lucchesi Maurizio , Canzian Federico
Published: April 2020

Early onset pancreatic cancer (EOPC) is a rare disease with a very high mortality rate. Almost nothing is known on the genetic susceptibility of EOPC, therefore, we performed a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) to identify novel genetic variants specific for patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) at younger ages. In the first phase, conducted on 821 cases with age of onset ≤60 years, of whom 198 with age of onset ≤50, and 3227 controls from PanScan I‐II, we observed four SNPs (rs7155613, rs2328991, rs4891017 and rs12610094) showing an association with EOPC risk (P < 1 × 10−4). We replicated these SNPs in the PANcreatic Disease ReseArch (PANDoRA) consortium and used additional in silico data from PanScan III and PanC4. Among these four variants rs2328991 was significant in an independent set of 855 cases with age of onset ≤60 years, of whom 265 with age of onset ≤50, and 4142 controls from the PANDoRA consortium while in the in silico data, we observed no statistically significant association. However, the resulting meta‐analysis supported the association (P = 1.15 × 10−4). In conclusion, we propose a novel variant rs2328991 to be involved in EOPC risk. Even though it was not possible to find a mechanistic link between the variant and the function, the association is supported by a solid statistical significance obtained in the largest study on EOPC genetics present so far in the literature.
Promoting Cognitive Complexity in Counselor Education: Constructivist and Phenomenological Practices
Authors: Wilkinson Brett D. , Saltis Michelle , Dewell John A.
Published: April 2020

The authors examine how the cognitive complexity domains of differentiation and integration are uniquely cultivated by constructivist and phenomenological teaching practices, respectively. Implications are explored in terms of reflective practices and proposed phenomenological activities that support concept deconstruction and empathy development as a means to grow integrative complexity.
The Role of Social Capital in Resiliency: Disaster Recovery in Puerto Rico
Authors: Delilah Roque Anais , Pijawka David , Wutich Amber
Published: April 2020

The disasters that occurred during the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season not only became an economic burden for federal and local governments but also for those who had their houses damaged and lived without electricity, water, and related necessities 1 year after. In the case of Hurricane María in Puerto Rico, ineffective oversight of the large‐scale humanitarian crisis also contributed to long‐term delays in recovery efforts. This paper explores how barrios (small legal divisions) can use social capital to recover and potentially increase resilience before after a disaster. By looking at two rural barrios in Puerto Rico, the study presents how the communities' actions pre‐and‐post‐Hurricane María assisted the residents in coping and reducing vulnerability. The study conducted semi‐structured interviews with community leaders to assess the communities' capacities in their organizations, emergency management, collaborations, and ongoing efforts to mitigate future shocks. A thematic analysis for each site described three key dimensions of social capital (bonding, bridging, and linking) that these communities leveraged to enhance resiliency. Findings show that social capital facilitated recovery efforts and enhanced resiliency through shared values, network expansion, new partnerships, and a desire to make their communities more robust and less vulnerable to upcoming environmental disturbances.
Dependence of the Physical Properties on the Cation Ordering in the New Ternary Phosphide ZnCu2P8
Authors: Nuss Jürgen , Wedig Ulrich , Philippi Kai , Takagi Hidenori
Published: April 2020

: The air‐stable phosphide, ZnCu2P8, was synthesized from its elements in gram amounts. It crystallizes in the Cu2.5In0.5P8 structure type [C2/c, Z = 4, a = 1110.8(2) pm, b = 964.7(2) pm, c = 752.7(1) pm, β = 110.027(3)°], and is the first ternary phosphide in the system Zn/Cu/P. Its crystal structure consists of two‐dimensional, layered polyphosphide‐anions, separated by tetrahedrally‐coordinated cations. 135 symmetry independent configurations, each with a different and specific Zn2+ and Cu+ arrangement, where explored with density functional methods. Whereby, each of the 135 cation ordering pattern has a diverse bandgap, and the total energies vary in the range of 1 eV. As several configurations with low energy are close in energy, an intrinsic disorder is discussed as origin of the promising low lattice thermal conductivity, observed.
Low-loss metasurface optics down to the deep ultraviolet region
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Divitt Shawn , Fan Qingbin , Zhu Wenqi , Agrawal Amit , Lu Yanqing , Xu Ting , Lezec Henri J.
Published: April 2020

Shrinking conventional optical systems to chip-scale dimensions will benefit custom applications in imaging, displaying, sensing, spectroscopy, and metrology. Towards this goal, metasurfaces—planar arrays of subwavelength electromagnetic structures that collectively mimic the functionality of thicker conventional optical elements—have been exploited at frequencies ranging from the microwave range up to the visible range. Here, we demonstrate high-performance metasurface optical components that operate at ultraviolet wavelengths, including wavelengths down to the record-short deep ultraviolet range, and perform representative wavefront shaping functions, namely, high-numerical-aperture lensing, accelerating beam generation, and hologram projection. The constituent nanostructured elements of the metasurfaces are formed of hafnium oxide—a loss-less, high-refractive-index dielectric material deposited using low-temperature atomic layer deposition and patterned using high-aspect-ratio Damascene lithography. This study opens the way towards low-form factor, multifunctional ultraviolet nanophotonic platforms based on flat optical components, enabling diverse applications including lithography, imaging, spectroscopy, and quantum information processing.
Sharing of hand kinematic synergies across subjects in daily living activities
Authors: Gracia-Ibáñez Verónica , Sancho-Bru Joaquín L. , Vergara Margarita , Jarque-Bou Néstor J. , Roda-Sales Alba
Published: April 2020

The motor system is hypothesised to use kinematic synergies to simplify hand control. Recent studies suggest that there is a large set of synergies, sparse in degrees of freedom, shared across subjects, so that each subject performs each action with a sparse combination of synergies. Identifying how synergies are shared across subjects can help in prostheses design, in clinical decision-making or in rehabilitation. Subject-specific synergies of healthy subjects performing a wide number of representative daily living activities were obtained through principal component analysis. To make synergies comparable between subjects and tasks, the hand kinematics data were scaled using normative range of motion data. To obtain synergies sparse in degrees of freedom a rotation method that maximizes the sum of the variances of the squared loadings was applied. Resulting synergies were clustered and each cluster was characterized by a core synergy and different indexes (prevalence, relevance for function and within-cluster synergy similarity), substantiating the sparsity of synergies. The first two core synergies represent finger flexion and were present in all subjects. The remaining core synergies represent coordination of the thumb joints, thumb-index joints, palmar arching or fingers adduction, and were employed by subjects in different combinations, thus revealing different subject-specific strategies.
Influence of Chronic Ethanol Consumption on Apoptosis and Autophagy Following Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Male Mice
Authors: Li Chun , Li Jiyu , Xu Guodong , Sun Hong
Published: April 2020

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of permanent disability and death worldwide. Apoptosis and autophagy are two key elements involved in ischemic brain damage. Ethanol is a commonly used and abused chemical substance that affects the prognosis of ischemic stroke. We determined the influence of chronic ethanol consumption on apoptosis and autophagy following transient focal cerebral ischemia. Male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into three groups and gavage fed with 0.7 and 2.8 g/kg/day ethanol or volume-matched water daily for 8 weeks. DNA fragmentation, TUNEL-positive neurons, cleaved caspase-3-positive neurons, translocation of mitochondrial cytochrome C and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), LC3B-positive neurons, and expression of LC3B, Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 in peri-infarct cortex were evaluated at 24 hours of reperfusion after a 90-minute unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury was significantly improved in the 0.7 g/kg/d ethanol group but worsened in the 2.8 g/kg/d ethanol group. DNA fragmentation was significantly increased at 24 hours of reperfusion in all groups. However, the magnitude of the increase was significantly less in the 0.7 g/kg/d ethanol group. In addition, both cleaved caspase-3-positive neurons and TUNEL-positive neurons were significantly less in 0.7 g/kg/d ethanol group. Furthermore, translocation of mitochondrial cytochrome C and AIF was significantly alleviated in the 0.7 g/kg/d ethanol group. On the other hand, baseline expression of LC3B was significantly reduced in the 2.8 g/kg/d ethanol group. Post-ischemic expression of LC3B and LC3B-positive neurons were significantly attenuated in both 0.7 and 2.8 g/kg/d ethanol groups. Moreover, although post-ischemic expression of Beclin-1 was not altered in the ethanol groups, post-ischemic expression of Bcl-2 was significantly greater in both 0.7 and 2.8 g/kg/d ethanol groups. Our findings suggest that light ethanol consumption may protect against cerebral I/R injury by suppressing post-ischemic apoptosis, whereas heavy ethanol consumption may exacerbate cerebral I/R injury by suppressing autophagy.
Effect of sulfate removal in a high sulfate volumetric loading micro-aerobic bio-reactor and study of subsequent bio-sulfur adsorption by iron-modified activated carbon
Authors: Liu Ziyu , Xue Rong , Ma Yunqian , Zang Lihua , Zhuang Jiasheng , Lu Guangsong
Published: April 2020

Removal of sulfide from a micro-aerobic bio-reactor was studied at 10 000 mg L−1 chemical oxygen demand (COD) of inlet water, with the sulfate volumetric loading 0.75, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kg (m−3 d−1), respectively.
Synthesis and molecular structure of model silica-supported tungsten oxide catalysts for oxidative coupling of methane (OCM)
Authors: Kiani Daniyal , Sourav Sagar , Wachs Israel E. , Baltrusaitis Jonas
Published: April 2020

Catalysts with only dispersed phase Na–WO4 sites where Na/W < 2 are slightly less active but significantly more C2 selective than the traditional Na2WO4/SiO2 catalysts that contain a crystalline phase where Na/W = 2.
Effects of temperature and polyols on the ciprofloxacin hydrochloride-mediated micellization of sodium dodecyl sulfate
Authors: Mahbub Shamim , Akter Sayma , Luthfunnessa  , Akter Parul , Hoque Md. Anamul , Rub Malik Abdul , Kumar Dileep , Alghamdi Yousef G. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Džudžević-Čančar Hurija
Published: April 2020

A conductivity method was used to see effects of a ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CFH)/CFH + polyols (organic compounds with multiple hydroxyl groups (glucose and fructose)) on aggregation phenomenon of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at 298.15–318.15 K.
Functionalization and antioxidant activity of polyaniline–fullerene hybrid nanomaterials: a theoretical investigation
Authors: Thong Nguyen Minh , Vo Quan V. , Le Huyen Trinh , Van Bay Mai , Dung Nguyen Nho , Thu Thao Pham Thi , Nam Pham Cam
Published: April 2020

Functionalized fullerene is one of the most advantageous nanotechnologies to develop novel materials for potential biomedical applications.
Small organic molecules with tailored structures: initiators in the transition-metal-free C–H arylation of unactivated arenes
Authors: Liu Zhenghui , Wang Peng , Chen Yu , Yan Zhenzhong , Chen Suqing , Chen Wenjun , Mu Tiancheng
Published: April 2020

A small organic molecule was tailored for the efficient synthesis of biphenyl and its derivatives from aryl iodides.
Biochar prepared from maize straw and molasses fermentation wastewater: application for soil improvement
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Liu Yongze , Feng Li , Xu Yirong , Du Ziwen , Zhang Liqiu
Published: April 2020

A novel method was applied to improve biochar properties and its soil application by introducing molasses fermentation wastewater into a maize straw pyrolysis process.
An approach to new chiral bicyclic imines and amines via Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction
Authors: Iwanejko Jakub , Sowiński Mateusz , Wojaczyńska Elżbieta , Olszewski Tomasz K. , Górecki Marcin
Published: April 2020

New chiral cyclic imines and enamines were prepared via HWE reaction, with selectivity dependent on the carbonyl substrate.
Antidepressiva in der Behandlung chronischer Schmerzen
Authors: Hoffmann Stefanie
Published: April 2020

Chronische Schmerzen treten in Deutschland mit einer Punktprävalenz von 17 % häufig auf und können nur im Rahmen eines bio-psychosozialen Erklärungsmodells verstanden werden. Eine medikamentöse Therapie sollte daher, im Sinne einer multimodalen Schmerztherapie, in Kombination mit weiteren therapeutischen Maßnahmen eingesetzt werden. Neben klassischen Analgetika werden auch sogenannte Koanalgetika (u. a. Antidepressiva) eingesetzt. Obwohl psychische Komorbiditäten bei chronischen Schmerzpatienten häufig sind, beruht die Wirksamkeit von Antidepressiva bei chronischen Schmerzen nicht nur auf ihrer stimmungsstabilisierenden Wirkweise. Neue Erkenntnisse über pathophysiologische Vorgänge zeigen, dass die Beeinflussung neuronaler Netzwerke, in denen chronische Schmerzen codiert werden, für die Wirkweise von Antidepressiva relevant ist. Am besten analgetisch wirksam gelten unter den Antidepressiva die trizyklischen Substanzen. Als Hauptindikationsgebiet sind neuropathische Schmerzen anzusehen. Patienten sollten im Sinne einer partizipativen Entscheidungsfindung intensiv aufgeklärt und realistische Therapieziele festgelegt werden.
Geschlechtersensibles Denken erweitert die Sichtweise und eröffnet neue Perspektiven
Authors: Seeland Ute
Published: April 2020

Chronische Erkrankungen wie Diabetes mellitus werden in der Typ-2-Form oft erst im höheren Alter symptomatisch, meist in Form von mikro- oder makrovaskulären Komplikationen. Die Diagnostik durch Nüchternblutzuckermessung bei Männern und Glukosetoleranztest bei Frauen sollte jedoch viel früher stattfinden. Die Tatsache, dass der gestörte Glukosestoffwechsel – sei es durch die nachlassende Funktion der Inselzellen des Pankreas oder/und durch eine zunehmende Insulinresistenz – nicht kurativ zu behandeln ist, stellt Ärzt/-innen und Patient/-innen vor eine besondere Herausforderung. Symptome wie vermehrtes Durstgefühl und Pollakisurie unterscheiden sich oft nicht zwischen Frauen und Männern, der Umgang mit der Krankheit kann aber individuell sehr unterschiedlich sein 1. Grundkenntnisse zu Geschlechterunterschieden in der Pathophysiologie erklären unterschiedliche Blutzuckerprofile. So manche Reaktion von Patient/-innen hinsichtlich der Compliance erscheint dann verständlicher. Gezieltes Nachfragen nach Symptomen der Hypoglykämie und die Aufklärung über die Zusammenhänge führen zu einer stabileren Stoffwechsellage.
Pharmakotherapie in der Akut- und Notfallpsychiatrie
Authors: Liebe Claus
Published: April 2020

Psychiatrische Notfälle sind auch im Klinikalltag häufig, die pharmakologische Behandlung erfolgt auf der syndromalen Ebene, daneben haben nicht-pharmakologische Strategien einen hohen Stellenwert. Notfallpsychopharmaka sollten für die Verwendung in der jeweiligen Indikation zugelassen und sicher in der Anwendung sein. Sie zeichnen sich durch hohe Wirkwahrscheinlichkeit, sichere Applikationsform sowie geringe Wirklatenz aus. Präparate mit kurzer Halbwertszeit, guter Steuerbarkeit sowie keinem oder einem nur geringen Interaktionsrisiko sind empfohlen. Die Medikamente sollten über ein günstiges kardiales und respiratorisches Risikoprofil verfügen. Bevorzugt kommen Benzodiazepine und Antipsychotika zum Einsatz, wobei die im Klinikalltag gängigsten Substanzen in diesem Beitrag dargestellt werden. Neben der individuellen klinischen Erfahrung sind fundierte Fachkenntnisse zu psychiatrischen Notfällen, den Symptomen und den verwendeten Medikamenten eine gute Grundlage für eine differenzierte und sichere Therapie. Einen ausführlichen Überblick hierzu bietet die aktuelle S2k-Leitlinie „Notfallpsychiatrie“.
On the redistribution of charge in La0.7Sr0.3CrO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 multilayer thin films
Authors: Penn Aubrey N. , Koohfar Sanaz , Kumah Divine P. , LeBeau James M.
Published: April 2020

The atomic and electronic structures of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO)/La0.7Sr0.3CrO3 (LSCO) multilayer thin films are investigated using aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) imaging and spectroscopy. Atomic resolution high angle annular dark-field reveals that LSMO layers have an expanded out-of-plane lattice parameter compared to compressed LSCO layers, contrasting with x-ray diffraction measurements. The expansion is found to result from preferential oxygen vacancy formation in LSMO during STEM sample preparation as determined by electron energy-loss spectroscopy. The La/Sr atom column intensity is also found to oscillate by about 4% between the LSMO and LSCO layers, indicative of La/Sr concentration variation. Using energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy in combination with image simulations, we confirm the La/Sr inhomogeneity and elucidate the origin of charge redistribution within the multilayer. These results illuminate the sensitivity of the technique to subtle structural, chemical, and electronic features that can arise to compensate charge imbalances in complex oxide heterostructures.
Tunable optical conductivities of ultrathin black phosphorus film in the visible to mid-infrared regime
Authors: Han F. W. , Yu B. R. , Zhao C. X.
Published: April 2020

We theoretically study the band structure and photoelectric properties of few-layered black phosphorus based on recent experimental findings [G. W. Zhang et al., Nat. Commun. 8, 14071 (2017)]. According to the experimental findings, it was shown that absorption peaks associated with optical transitions have been observed. For theoretical study, we apply the low-energy k·p method to study the band structure of multi-layer black phosphorus. The optical conductivities σx(ω) and σy(ω) are calculated when the polarized radiation field is applied along the x (armchair)- and y (zigzag)-directions, respectively. Contributions to optical transition from different subbands are considered in the optical conductivity spectrum. Calculation results show that with an increase in the layer number of multi-layer black phosphorus, the band gap becomes small and the subbands evolve into quasi-continuous bands at last. The optical conductivities vary sensitively with changing thickness, doping level, and light polarization.
On complex wave structures related to the nonlinear long–short wave interaction system: Analytical and numerical techniques
Authors: Yue C. , Elmoasry A. , Khater M. M. A. , Osman M. S. , Attia R. A. M. , Lu D. , Elazab Nasser S.
Published: April 2020

This article presents a survey on the exact and numerical solutions of the nonlinear long–short wave interaction system. The system performs an optical domain, which does not alter during multiplication according to a ticklish equipoise between nonlinear and linear influences in elastic surrounding (the medium that can alter the figure due to the existence of a deforming strength and comes back to its original shape in the absence of this force). The wave in this medium is obtained by vibrations that are the outcomes of the acoustic power. The modified auxiliary equation and the quintic B-spline approaches are investigated in our model to obtain a bundle of solutions to discuss new physical behaviors for this model. Moreover, the stability property is discussed for the analytical solutions via the properties related to the Hamiltonian system to show the range of the ability of solutions to be used in the applications of the model. These novel properties are explained by different types of figures. Finally, the convergence and the absolute error between the obtained solutions are discussed in a table.
Thermoregulation and shivering responses in elite alpine skiers
Authors: Alhammoud Marine , Oksa Juha , Morel Baptiste , Hansen Clint , Chastan David , Racinais Sebastien
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to characterise the thermoregulatory responses of elite alpine skiers. Core (gastro‐intestinal) and skin temperatures were recorded continuously from 4 national team skiers representing 18 training‐sessions for a total of 83 ski runs (average ambient temperature 1.9°C). Shivering responses were estimated from quadriceps and hamstrings EMG recordings during 77 chairlifts. Temperature responses were also obtained from 6 accompanying staffs representing 16 training‐sessions (passive in 10 cases, following the skiers in 6 cases). Core temperature of the skiers (P < .001) but not the staff (P = .103) increased during training and was higher in skiers than staff after one‐third of the training session (P < .006). Conversely, average skin temperature of the skiers decreased during training (P < .001) and was lower in skiers than staff for the second half of the training. Muscle activity during chairlifts remained below 1% and there was no meaningful shivering. Muscle activity decreased whilst mean and median power frequency increased during the chairlift (P < .020). Muscle activity was also lower during the last lift than the first one whilst mean and median power frequency were higher (P < .020). In conclusion, skin temperature decreased during Slalom and Giant Slalom in elite alpine skiers, likely due to the limited insulative capacity of the racing suit and the high velocity increasing convective heat loss. Conversely, core temperature increased during the training session suggesting that the metabolic heat production was larger than the convective heat loss, and was also sufficient to maintain homeostasis without shivering.
Non-invasive prediction of tissue Doppler-derived E/e′ ratio using lung Doppler signals
Authors: Benjamin Mina M , Bianco Christopher , Caccamo Marco , Sokos George , Kagiyama Nobuyuki , Shrestha Sirish , Verzosa Grace , Sengupta Partho P
Published: April 2020

Aims

Lung Doppler signals (LDS) represent the radial movement of small pulmonary blood vessel walls, caused by pulse waves of cardiac origin. We sought to investigate the accuracy and prognostic value of LDS as a predictor of mitral valve early diastolic flow to annular velocity ratio (E/e′), in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

Methods and results

We prospectively enrolled patients with ADHF (n = 99, mean age 65 ± 15 years, 61% males) who underwent echocardiographic and simultaneous LDS evaluation at hospital admission. Patients with hospital stay over 72 h underwent a repeat echocardiogram and LDS assessment before discharge. Patients were followed for the occurrence of short-term all-cause mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalization. Predicted E/e′ from LDS correlated with echocardiographic E/e′ at admission and discharge (r = 0.67 and 0.83; P < 0.001 for both), respectively. Patients were dichotomized into two groups by the median predicted-E/e′. A high predicted-E/e′ was associated with age, hypertension, anaemia, history of HF with preserved ejection fraction (EF), and chronic kidney disease. Over a median follow-up period of 7 months, 22 (22.2%) patients died and 23 (23.2%) patients were rehospitalized for HF. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a significantly lower event-free survival in high predicted-E/e′ group HF patients with reduced EF (P = 0.0247). No significant differences were observed in HF rehospitalization rates between the two groups.

Conclusion

In this single-centre prospective study of patients with ADHF, LDS predicted echocardiographic E/e′ measurements and showed prognostic value in predicting all-cause mortality in HF patients with a reduced EF.
Characterization of the genetic environment of blaKPC in Escherichia coli isolates from hospitals in China
Authors: Yang Xuejing , Qi Yan , Li Guoping , Wang Yuying , Lou Zhengqing , Jiang Yan
Published: April 2020

Carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae members has become a major challenge, and the genetic environment of blaKPC, encoding Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases, has not been fully clarified in China. In this study, we aimed to explore the genetic environment of blaKPC in 25 carbapenem-resistant E. coli isolates from hospitals in Hangzhou Province, China. Antimicrobial susceptibility against 22 common antimicrobial agents was tested. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was performed for screening of the resistent genes, such as blaKPC, blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaNDM, qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, aac(6’)-Ib, armA and rmtB. The genetic environment of blaKPC were determinedin one isolate. blaKPC was detected by PCR in all the clinical E. coli isolates. There were no strains carrying blaNDM, qnrA and armA. The genetic environment of blaKPC showed that blaKPC dissemination is plasmid mediated and that it is located in the Tn3–Tn4401 transposon complex. Encoding of blaKPC-2 was responsible for carbapenem resistance in the 25 E. coli isolates. The genetic environment of blaKPC was characterized by the Tn3–Tn4401 complex. Our findings may provide a theoretical basis for clinical drug-resistance monitoring, anti-infection treatment and hospital infection control.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Colorectal Cancer Findings on Colonic Evaluation After CT-Confirmed Acute Diverticulitis
Authors: Koo Chee Hoe , Chang Jasmine H.E. , Syn Nicholas L. , Wee Ian J.Y. , Mathew Ronnie
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND:

CT findings of acute diverticulitis can overlap with features of malignancy, and current guidelines recommend colonic evaluation after acute diverticulitis. However, the benefits of routine colonic evaluation have been questioned.

OBJECTIVE:

We review 30 studies, composed of 29,348 subjects, to evaluate the role of routine colonic evaluation after CT-proven acute diverticulitis.

DATA SOURCES:

Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles published up to July 2018 to identify all relevant articles.

STUDY SELECTION:

A combination of both Medical Subject Headings and non-Medical Subject Headings key terms using Boolean operators were used on Medline, including colonic neoplasms, colorectal cancer, colon cancer, colonic cancer, colonoscopy, and diverticulitis. Any randomized or nonrandomized, English-language article that specifically analyzed incidence of colorectal cancer after performing colonoscopy in patients with previous diverticulitis was included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

The desired outcome was to evaluate for incidence of colonic malignancy in cases of acute colonic diverticulitis. Subgroup analyses for incidence of malignancy in uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis, and Asian population studies were also performed.

RESULTS:

Findings of colonic malignancy occurred in 1.67% (95% CI, 1.24–2.14) of patients with CT-diagnosed diverticulitis. The risk of malignancy in cases with uncomplicated diverticulitis was 1.22% (95% CI, 0.63–1.97) as compared with 6.14% (95% CI, 3.20–9.82) in cases with complicated diverticulitis, with a relative risk of 5.033 (95% CI, 3.194–7.930; p < 0.001).

LIMITATIONS:

Significant variability in design and methodology of the individual studies contributed to the heterogeneity of this study, but these were addressed by using the random-effects model analysis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Colonic evaluation is worth considering for patients with diverticulitis because of the small but serious risk of underlying malignancy. The risk of malignancy is higher for patients of advanced age and with complicated diverticulitis.
Sodium Fluorescein as an Optical Label to Evaluate Subretinal Injection
Authors: Simunovic Matthew P. , Osaadon Perach , Too Lay Khoon
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

There is renewed interest in subretinal drug delivery as the result of novel and emerging treatments for retinal diseases, including retinal gene therapy. However, our knowledge of the distribution of subretinally delivered drugs is incomplete; herein, we describe a qualitative and quantitative means of surveying the early intraocular distribution of subretinally delivered drugs using dilute sodium fluorescein (NaFl).

Methods:

Sodium fluorescein 10% was serially diluted and mixed with a solution containing tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) at a final concentration of 0.1 mg/mL NaFl and 0.5 mg/mL of tPA. Because this solution was to be used in the context of subretinal tPA injection in the treatment of subretinal hemorrhage, fluorophotometry with, and without, the presence of human whole blood was performed to derive a formula to calculate the concentration of NaFl based on the fluorescence of aspirated intraocular fluid. Videos of subretinal tissue plasminogen activator surgery in a case are presented as a qualitative demonstration of the technique and vitreous cavity fluid collected at case completion underwent fluorophotometry to estimate the loss of therapeutic solution.

Results:

Although the presence of hemoglobin in blood suppresses fluorescence of NaFl, we demonstrate that centrifuging admixtures of blood with NaFl negates the optical effects of blood and yields identical fluorescence versus concentration plots to those of NaFl solution alone. We also demonstrate that NaFl at 0.1 mg/mL can be readily used to qualitatively assess drug losses before, during, and after subretinal injection. Furthermore, we describe how it may be used to quantitatively estimate the total loss of therapeutic solution during subretinal injection using fluorophotometry on aspirated fluid from the vitreous cavity (loss estimated as 4% in the case presented).

Conclusion:

Sodium fluorescein at a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL can be used to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the fate of subretinally injected drugs during subretinal injection surgery.
Impact of coronary calcification on outcomes after ABSORB scaffold implantation: insights from the GABI-R registry
Authors: Hemetsberger Rayyan , Abdelghani Mohammad , Mankerious Nader , Allali Abdelhakim , Toelg Ralph , Gori Tommaso , Achenbach Stephan , Riemer Thomas , Mehilli Julinda , Nef Holger M. , Naber Christoph , Wöhrle Jochen , Zahn Ralf , Kastner Johannes , Schmermund Axel , Hamm Christian , Münzel Thomas , Richardt Gert
Published: April 2020

Objective

To investigate the outcomes after bioresorbable scaffold (BRS) implantation in calcified coronary lesions. In calcified coronary lesions, durable metallic drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation is associated with worse clinical outcomes compared to noncalcified lesions. Although not recommended, BRSs were frequently implanted in calcified lesions in clinical practice. Their outcome is not well investigated.

Methods

Between November 2013 and January 2016, 3326 patients were enrolled in the German-Austrian ABSORB ReglstRy (GABI-R). Lesion calcification severity was classified into no (n = 1144), mild (n = 1306), and moderate-to-severe (n = 690) calcification.

Results

Patients with calcification were older (none: 59.1 ± 11.2 vs. mild: 61.6 ± 10.9 vs. moderate to severe: 62.4 ± 10.5 years, P < 0.001), had more diabetes (19.1 vs. 20.8 vs. 23.9%, P = 0.015), and more often had previous myocardial infarction (MI) (19.3 vs. 23.1 vs. 25.4%, P = 0.002). Despite a higher rate of postdilatations (P < 0.001), lesions with calcification had more residual stenosis (2.05 ± 9.36% vs. 3.11 ± 9.36% vs. 3.89 ± 9.39%, P < 0.001). Consequently, procedural success was achieved in 97.7 vs. 96.2 vs. 93.6% of cases in none, mild, and moderate-to-severe calcification (P < 0.001). At 24 months, cardiac death (0.3 vs. 0.7 vs. 1.6%, P = 0.009) was higher with increasing calcification. However, no significant between-group difference was observed in the incidence of target vessel MI, target vessel revascularization, or target lesion failure. The rate of probable scaffold thrombosis was significantly higher with increasing calcification.

Conclusion

In GABI-R, ABSORB scaffolds in calcified lesions required more postdilation, led to more residual stenosis, but did not portend increased target lesion revascularization over 2 years. Nevertheless, coronary calcification severity emerged as a cardiovascular risk marker and was predictive of cardiovascular mortality. Clinicaltrial.gov NCT02066623.
Analgesia in acute ischemic chest pain
Authors: Yan Wenjiang , Yang Shaozhong , Chen Liang , Yang Jingjing
Published: April 2020

Analgesics, particularly opioids, have been routinely used in the emergency treatment of ischemic chest pain for a long time. In the past two decades; however, several studies have raised the possibility of the harmful effects of opioid administration. In 2014, the American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) changed the guidelines regarding the use of opioids from class IC to class IIb for non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome. And in 2015, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines incidentally noted the side effects of opioids. In ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, both ESC and AHA/ACCF still recommend the use of opioids. Given the need for adequate pain relief in ischemic chest pain in the emergency setting, it is necessary to understand the adverse effects of analgesia, while still providing sufficiently potent options for analgesia. The primary purpose of this review is to quantify the effects of analgesics commonly used in the prehospital and emergency department in patients with ischemic chest pain.
Involving local communities for effective citizen science: Determining game species' reproductive status to assess hunting effects in tropical forests
Authors: El Bizri Hani R. , Fa Julia E. , Lemos Lísley P. , Campos‐Silva João V. , Vasconcelos Neto Carlos F. A. , Valsecchi João , Mayor Pedro
Published: April 2020

Involving communities in sustainable wildlife management in tropical forests can ensure food security and livelihoods of millions of forest dwellers that depend on wild meat, and also safeguard hunted species. Mathematical models have been developed to assess hunting sustainability; but these require empirical information on reproductive parameters of the prey species, often challenging to obtain.

Here, we suggest that if local people can accurately identify the reproductive status of hunted animals in the field, these data could fill the existing knowledge gap regarding species' life‐history traits and enable better assessments of hunting impacts.

We first tested whether local people in 15 rural communities in three Amazonian sites could accurately diagnose, before and after training, the pregnancy status of hunted pacas Cuniculus paca, which we use as our model. We then applied the results from these tests to correct reproductive status data of hunted specimens, voluntarily collected over 17 years (2002–2018) as part of a citizen-science project in one of our study sites. We ran generalized additive models to contrast these corrected reproductive rates with those obtained from the direct analysis of genitalia by researchers, and with indices describing game extraction levels (catch‐per‐unit‐effort, CPUE, and age structure of hunted individuals).

Before training, interviewees correctly diagnosed pregnancy in 72.5% of tests, but after training, interviewees accurately diagnosed pregnancy in 88.2% of tests, with high improvements especially for earlier pregnancy stages. Monthly pregnancy rates determined by hunters and by researchers were similar. Reported annual pregnancy rates were negatively correlated with CPUE, and positively correlated with the percentage of immatures in the hunted population, in accordance with an expected density‐dependent response to variations in hunting levels.

Synthesis and applications. We show that the voluntary diagnosis of game species' reproductive status by local people is a feasible method to obtain accurate life‐history parameters for hunted tropical species, and to assess hunting effects on game populations. Given that almost half of the protected areas in the world are co‐managed by local people, our results confirm the potential of integrating local communities in citizen-science initiatives to ensure faster, low‐cost and more accurate data collection for wildlife management.
Cook's Endeavour, ship of discovery or ship of distemper: an assessment after 250 years
Authors: Short Bruce H.
Published: April 2020

The 250‐year anniversary of Cook's landfall at Botany Bay on 28 April 1770, approximately half way through a global circumnavigation, was an extraordinary maritime undertaking. An enterprise of astronomy, cartography, cultural–botanical documentation and revelation achieved without a death from infectious disease and only 10 mild cases of scurvy in a ship's company of 95 men. The subsequent homeward journey was far less endurable, marked by shipwreck, unforeseen prolonged delays and fatal epidemics of flux and malaria. Mild scurvy within a handful of souls in a crew experimenting with several putative antiscorbutics, yet at voyage's end the precise treatment of scurvy remained enigmatic.
A case of upper lip necrosis after cosmetic injection of hyaluronic acid soft‐tissue filler—Does capillary infarction play a role in the development of vascular compromise, and what are the implications?
Authors: Hirsch Peter , Infanger Manfred , Kraus Armin
Published: April 2020

Facial rejuvenation with injectable filler substances is a frequently applied outpatient procedure. However, light, moderate, and even severe complications may occur. A case of tissue necrosis at the upper lip after injection of highly cross‐linked hyaluronic acid together with the following salvage procedure is presented here. We discuss this complication with respect to relevant anatomy and physicochemical properties of the filler substance and review the recommendations given in literature for decreasing the likelihood of such an adverse event.
Social Relationships and Loneliness in Late Adulthood: Disparities by Sexual Orientation
Authors: Hsieh Ning , Liu Hui
Published: April 2020

Objective

This is the first national study to examine disparities in loneliness and social relationships by sexual orientation in late adulthood in the United States.

Background

Prior studies have shown that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals often struggle with social relationships across the life course, likely because of stigma related to sexual orientation. However, little is known about whether loneliness is more prevalent among LGB people than among other groups in late adulthood, and if so, which relationships contribute to the loneliness gap.

Method

We analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of older adults from the 2015–2016 National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (N = 3,567) to examine the disparity in loneliness by sexual orientation and identify links between this disparity and multiple dimensions of social relationships, including partner, family, friend, and community relationships.

Results

Older LGB adults were significantly lonelier than their heterosexual counterparts, primarily due to a lower likelihood of having a partner and, to a lesser extent, lower levels of family support and greater friend strain. While they were also disadvantaged in the size of close family and frequency of community participation, these factors were less relevant to their loneliness. Overall, the conventionally defined inner layers of relationships (partnership and family) contributed more to the loneliness disparity than the outer layers of relationships (friends and community).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that strengthening the partnerships and family relationships of sexual minorities is essential to reducing the loneliness gap.
Polyploidization events shaped the transcription factor repertoires in legumes (Fabaceae)
Authors: Moharana Kanhu C. , Venancio Thiago M.
Published: April 2020

Transcription factors (TFs) are essential for plant growth and development. Several legumes (e.g. soybean) are rich sources of protein and oil and have great economic importance. Here we report a phylogenomic analysis of TF families in legumes and their potential association with important traits (e.g. nitrogen fixation). We used TF DNA‐binding domains to systematically screen the genomes of 15 leguminous and five non‐leguminous species. Transcription factor orthologous groups (OGs) were used to estimate OG sizes in ancestral nodes using a gene birth–death model, which allowed the identification of lineage‐specific expansions. The OG analysis and rate of synonymous substitutions show that major TF expansions are strongly associated with whole‐genome duplication (WGD) events in the legume (approximately 58 million years ago) and Glycine (approximately 13 million years ago) lineages, which account for a large fraction of the Phaseolus vulgaris and Glycine max TF repertoires. Of the 3407 G. max TFs, 1808 and 676 have homeologs within single syntenic regions in Phaseolus vulgaris and Vitis vinifera, respectively. We found a trend for TFs expanded in legumes to be preferentially transcribed in roots and nodules, supporting their recruitment early in the evolution of nodulation in the legume clade. Some families also showed count differences between G. max and the wild soybean Glycine soja, including genes located within important quantitative trait loci. Our findings strongly support the roles of two WGDs in shaping the TF repertoires in the legume and Glycine lineages, and these are probably related to important aspects of legume and soybean biology.
Deep flaws in a mercury regulatory analysis
Authors: Aldy Joseph , Kotchen Matthew , Evans Mary , Fowlie Meredith , Levinson Arik , Palmer Karen
Published: April 2020

The U.S. EPA ignores scientific evidence, economic best practice, and its own guidance