bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PP445 Mapping The Trend Of The Da Vinci Surgical System Use In China
Authors: Zhao Jin , Zhong Min , Hu Min
Published: December 2020

Introduction

A robotically assisted surgical system, the da Vinci surgical system (DVSS), is a sophisticated surgical platform equipped with immersive 3D visualization and dexterous articulating endoscopic instruments. Surgeons can intuitively control the surgical system to perform delicate surgical tasks. Robotic surgery has gained popularity globally ever since its birth and was approved to market by the China Food and Drug Administration in 2006. This study aims to map the current use of DVSSs in mainland China and the trends from 2009 to 2019.

Methods

A full-sample survey of all hospitals equipped with DVSSs was conducted in mainland China, collecting data on hospitals and surgical departments using DVSSs, operation volume, and time of installation. Disease classification was standardized to obtain DVSS use in each department. EXCEL software was used for logging and cleaning the data. The analysis focused on descriptive analysis to map trends of DVSS use in China and present geographical and department distribution.

Results

The DVSSs installed have grown from seven in 2009 to 135 in 2019. By the end of 2019, twenty-eight provinces in China have been equipped with the DVSSs, among which eighty-seven in the eastern regions, twenty-seven in the central regions, and twenty-one in the western regions. The annual volume of operations grew from 339 in 2009 to 38,991 in 2019, at an annual rate of 60.7 percent. The average workload conducted by a single robot is much higher than that of their counterparts in other countries. The largest share of the volume is in department of urology (48%), followed by general surgery (25%) and thoracic surgery (13%).

Conclusions

The use of DVSSs in China has been growing rapidly and extensively, with certain differences between geographical regions and surgical departments. We need to further explore the factors affecting its use and operation efficiency and to evaluate the effectiveness as well as cost-effectiveness in real-world clinical practice to inform public policies on application of DVSS, for example, license and insurance.
PP455 Cost-effectiveness Of Ixazomib-Based Regimen Compared With Bortezomib-Based Regimen In Chinese Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Pei , Li Jing , Yang Yang , Liu Peng
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), a common hematological malignancy, remains a great challenge in China, partially due to the limited accessibility to novel agents and inadequate public health insurance coverage. Ixazomib, a novel oral proteasome inhibitor (PI), was approved by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) for RRMM in 2018. While bortezomib, a traditional PI, is the recommended agent in the clinical guideline for MM. Here, we compared their costs and effectiveness.

Methods

RRMM patients who has received an ixazomib-based regimen (at least 2 cycles) were analyzed. Using a propensity score matching method, we generated a control group of RRMM patients who received the bortezomib-based regimen. The criteria included the number of treatment lines, age, and the revised international staging system stage (R-ISS) which representing the disease stage for myeloma, and paired at a ratio of 1:2 (allowing one control to match multiples). The difference in hospitalization stay, grade 3/4 adverse events rates, overall response rate (ORR), mortality during treatment, and treatment costs was then compared.

Results

Nineteen patients received ixazomib and twenty-seven that received bortezomib were included. The ixazomib-group demonstrated a shorter hospital stay (9 days versus 27 days, p < 0.001), lower grade 3–4 adverse events rates (42.1% versus 55.6%, p < 0.001), higher ORR (63.2% versus 48.1%, p = 0.228), and lower mortality rate during treatment (0% versus 7.4%, p = 0.169) than that of bortezomib-group. The ixazomib group had lower total costs (127,620CNY versus 156,424CNY [18,033USD versus 22,103USD], p > 0.05), lower drug costs (98,376CNY versus 103,307CNY [13,901USD versus 14,598USD], p > 0.05), and the lower costs of supportive treatment (5,507CNY versus 14,701 CNY [778USD versus 2,077USD], p < 0.001). Only in terms of self-funded costs, the bortezomib-based regimen was significantly lower (37,127CNY versus 11,521CNY [5,246USD versus 1,628USD], p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Compared with the bortezomib-based regimen, the ixazomib-based regimen has better therapeutic effects on MM patients while saving costs. Hence, it may be preferable for use in the treatment of RRMM in China.
PP538 Burden Of Disease For Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Combining Dyslipidemia In China
Authors: Zhang Mengran , Li Hongchao , Ma Aixia , Chen Pingyu
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Prevalence of dyslipidemia in Chinese adults is increasing rapidly. Dyslipidemia is one of the most important risk factors for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which represents a serious disease burden to the country. However, there is no published research on the costs of Chinese patients diagnosed with AMI combining dyslipidemia. This study aimed to report key findings of the disease burden in China, including direct medical costs and direct non-medical costs.

Methods

Six hospitals from different geographic areas were selected in China for data collection. Patients who were hospitalized due to AMI combining dyslipidemia from January 1 2016 to December 31 2016 in the six sites were enrolled. Direct medical costs including inpatient and outpatient costs were extracted through electronic medical records; medical costs occurred in other healthcare institutions and direct non-medical costs were collected by a face-to-face questionnaire survey. Results were analyzed with descriptive statistics.

Results

Data of 900 patients were analyzed. There were more males (78.40%) than females. The mean age was 62.1 (SD: 11.5). The times of inpatient and outpatient per year were 0.57 and 8.67, respectively. Medium direct medical costs and medium direct non-medical costs were 31,440 RMB (Interquartile range (IQR): 21,533–48,202) (4,443 USD: 3043–6812) and 665 RMB (IQR: 351–1328) (94 USD: 50–188), respectively; while corresponding medium indirect costs per year were 659 RMB (IQR: 226–1579) (93 USD: 32–223).

Conclusions

This is the first study comprehensively analyzing the disease burden of patients diagnosed with AMI combining dyslipidemia in China. The results suggested that the medical cost of this population is still high. Hospitalization cost accounted for 81 percent of the total cost, which was around 1.3 times of the annual per capita disposable income over the same period. Therefore, the importance of providing effective clinical management as well as dyslipidemia prevention and control intervention should be highlighted, especially for middle-aged and elderly males with dyslipidemia.
In search of architectural magazines
Authors: Parnell Stephen , Sawyer Mark
Published: December 2020

This article develops a theoretical framework for the relationship between the architectural magazine and architecture, understood as a profession, a discipline, and a culture. By developing David Abrahamson’s idea of ‘magazine exceptionalism’ from the field of magazines studies, it offers a definition of what constitutes an architectural magazine, arguing that to be architectural, a magazine must be a site of architectural production, as either a validator in the field of architecture or as an architectural project in its own right.
Projected effects on salt purchases following implementation of a national salt reduction policy in South Africa
Authors: Ndanuko Rhoda N , Shahid Maria , Jones Alexandra , Harris Terry , Maboreke Joel , Walker Adele , Raubenheimer David , Simpson Stephen J , Neal Bruce , Wu Jason HY , Peters Sanne AE , Woodward Mark
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To assess the contribution of different food groups to total salt purchases and to evaluate the estimated reduction in salt purchases if mandatory maximum salt limits in South African legislation were being complied with.

Design:

This study conducted a cross-sectional analysis of purchasing data from Discovery Vitality members. Data were linked to the South African FoodSwitch database to determine the salt content of each food product purchased. Food category and total annual salt purchases were determined by summing salt content (kg) per each unit purchased across a whole year. Reductions in annual salt purchases were estimated by applying legislated maximum limits to product salt content.

Setting:

South Africa.

Participants:

The study utilised purchasing data from 344 161 households, members of Discovery Vitality, collected for a whole year between January and December 2018.

Results:

Vitality members purchased R12·8 billion worth of food products in 2018, representing 9562 products from which 264 583 kg of salt was purchased. The main contributors to salt purchases were bread and bakery products (23·3 %); meat and meat products (19 %); dairy (12·2 %); sauces, dressings, spreads and dips (11·8 %); and convenience foods (8·7 %). The projected total quantity of salt that would be purchased after implementation of the salt legislation was 250 346 kg, a reduction of 5·4 % from 2018 levels.

Conclusions:

A projected reduction in salt purchases of 5·4 % from 2018 levels suggests that meeting the mandatory maximum salt limits in South Africa will make a meaningful contribution to reducing salt purchases.
Pre-pregnancy BMI is associated with offspring body composition in adulthood before adiposity-related disorders: a retrospective cohort
Authors: Eshriqui Ilana , Valente Angélica Marques Martins , Folchetti Luciana Dias , de Almeida-Pititto Bianca , Ferreira Sandra Roberta G
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To investigate the association between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and offspring body composition in adulthood.

Design:

Retrospective cohort. Undergraduates of nutrition or nutritionists were recruited at the baseline of the Nutritionists’ Health Study between 2014 and 2017. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and current life aspects were self-reported through online questionnaires. Three body compartments were dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-determined. The following variables were obtained: body fat (%), fat mass index (FMI) (kg/m2), android-to-gynoid fat ratio, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) (cm3), appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) (kg/m2), total bone and femur mineral content (g) and density (g/cm2). Linear regression adjusted according to directed acyclic graphs recommendation was performed.

Setting:

São Paulo, Brazil.

Participants:

Healthy non-pregnant women (aged 20–45 years) (n 150).

Results:

Median age and BMI were 22 years (IQR = 20, 29) and 22·3 kg/m2 (IQR = 20·4, 25·3), respectively. Pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 was reported by 14·7 % of mothers. In fully adjusted models, maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with their daughters’ body fat % (β = 0·31; 95 % CI 0·0004, 0·63), FMI (β = 0·17; 95 % CI 0·03, 0·30), android-to-gynoid ratio (β = 0·01; 95 % CI 0·004, 0·02) and VAT (β = 0·09; 95 % CI 0·02, 0·16), but not with total bone density (β = 0·001; 95 % CI –0·003, 0·006) and content (β = 7·13; 95 % CI –4·19, 18·46). Direct association with ASMI was also detected, but lost statistical significance when participants whose mothers were underweight were excluded.

Conclusions:

Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was directly associated with offspring general and visceral adiposity but seems not to be associated with bone mass. Results reinforce importance of avoiding excess of maternal adiposity, as an attempt to break the vicious cycle of obesity transmission.
The global politics paradigm: guide to the future or only the recent past?
Authors: Keohane Robert O.
Published: December 2020

Michael Zürn's A Theory of Global Governance is a major theoretical statement. The first section of this essay summarizes Zürn's argument, pointing out that his Global Politics Paradigm views contestation as generated endogenously from the dilemmas and contradictions of reflexive authority relationships. Authoritative international institutions, he maintains, have difficulty maintaining their legitimacy in a world suffused with democratic values. The second section systematically compares Zürn's Global Politics Paradigm with both Realism and Cooperation Theory, arguing that the three paradigms have different scope conditions and are therefore as much complementary as competitive. The third section questions the relevance of Zürn's argument to contemporary reality. Great power conflict and authoritarian populism in formerly democratic countries generate existential threats to multilateralism and global institutions that are more serious than Zürn's legitimacy deficits.
Unsettling times for human rights: remarks on ‘The politics of rights’
Authors: Welsh Jennifer M.
Published: December 2020

This commentary focuses on Kratochwil's observation about the gap between the pervasiveness of human rights language and its susceptibility to perverse effects and abuse. After demonstrating that Kratochwil shares much of the contemporary skepticism about the alleged foundations and legitimacy of human rights, the comment elaborates on his claims that human rights were and are particularistic and that ‘rights talk’ produces unintended consequences for the individuals whose autonomy was meant to flourish. He questions but ultimately does not answer whether the broader anthropocentric ethos that underpins Western societies, and legal systems, may one day be superseded by ‘non-rightist’ approaches.
Estimating Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Peat Combustion in Wildfires on Indonesian Peatlands, and Their Uncertainty
Authors: Rodríguez Vásquez M. J. , Benoist A. , Roda J.‐M. , Fortin M.
Published: December 2020

Peatlands play an important role as carbon pools, storing a third of the world's soil carbon. However, peatlands in Southeast Asia have suffered from depletion due to economic pressure and the demand for natural resources, often caused by land use changes and fires. Usually, land preparation requires drainage and fires, resulting in major greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere. In this work, we propose a general equation to estimate GHG emissions from fires on peatlands. The contribution of each parameter to the variance of the estimated GHG emissions was also evaluated. We used Monte Carlo simulation, meta‐analyses, and an analytical expression of variance. GHG emissions of a single fire episode were estimated at 842 Mg ha−1 CO2 eq. with a standard deviation of 466 Mg ha−1 CO2 eq. The parameter contributing most to variance was the depth of burn, at 94.2%, followed by bulk density, at 5.5%, and emission factors, at 0.3%. Our estimated GHG emissions were close to the amount estimated from the default values provided by the IPCC, strengthening confidence in the IPCC methodology. When the depth of burn was assessed by remote sensing, the parameter that most contributed to variance became the fire‐damaged area, followed by the depth of burn. The contribution of each parameter to variance, as estimated in this study, made it possible to prioritize the effort in uncertainty reduction. Combining Monte Carlo simulation and an analytical expression of variance could be a promising way of obtaining more reliable confidence intervals.
A Mechanism‐Based Model for the Impact Response of Quartz
Authors: Zeng Qinglei , McCauley J. W. , Ramesh K. T.
Published: December 2020

The mechanical response of geomaterials to extreme dynamic conditions is essential to understanding planetary impacts, other geological and seismic events, and underground explosions. In this study, we present a multimechanism constitutive model to describe the dynamic response of polycrystalline quartz (e.g., nonporous quartzite), and implement it using a large scale computational analysis to simulate impact events. The active deformation mechanisms within quartz under dynamic loading consist of amorphization, fracture and granular flow. All of these mechanisms are integrated within the model in terms of their competition, evolution, and interaction during a complex loading history. A generalized amorphization model is introduced within a thermodynamically consistent framework on the basis of earlier work in Zeng et al. (2019a, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmps.2019.06.012), and accounts for the kinematics of finite deformation inside amorphization bands and the distinct physical properties of the amorphous phase. Fracture in the form of microcracking emanating from internal defects is also considered. Once the material is fully fragmented, the behavior transitions to granular flow. After determining the model parameters for polycrystalline quartz, we illustrate the model response using a representative volume element, where the competition of mechanisms is revealed under several typical loadings. Plate impact experiments and dynamic compression on a polycrystalline quartz foil are then simulated. The simulation results are compared with experiments to prove the predictive capability of the model in capturing the key features of quartz during impact events.
Atlantic Ocean Ventilation Changes Across the Last Deglaciation and Their Carbon Cycle Implications
Authors: Skinner L. C. , Freeman E. , Hodell D. , Waelbroeck C. , Vazquez Riveiros N. , Scrivner A. E.
Published: December 2020

Changes in ocean ventilation, controlled by both overturning rates and air‐sea gas exchange, are thought to have played a central role in atmospheric CO2 rise across the last deglaciation. Here, we constrain the nature of Atlantic Ocean ventilation changes over the last deglaciation using radiocarbon and stable carbon isotopes from two depth transects in the Atlantic basin. Our findings broadly cohere with the established pattern of deglacial Atlantic overturning change, and underline the existence of active northern sourced deep‐water export at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). We find that the western Atlantic was less affected by incursions of southern‐sourced deep water, as compared to the eastern Atlantic, despite both sides of the basin being strongly influenced by the air‐sea equilibration of both northern and southern deep‐water end‐members. Ventilation at least as strong as modern is observed throughout the Atlantic during the Bølling‐Allerød (BA), implying a “flushing” of the entire Atlantic water column that we attribute to the combined effects of Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) reinvigoration and increased air‐sea equilibration of southern sourced deep‐water. This ventilation “overshoot” may have counteracted a natural atmospheric CO2 decline during interstadial conditions, helping to make the BA a “point of no return” in the deglacial process. While the collected data emphasize a predominantly indirect AMOC contribution to deglacial atmospheric CO2 rise, via far field impacts on convection in the Southern Ocean and/or North Pacific during Heinrich Stadial 1 and the Younger Dryas, the potential role of the AMOC in centennial CO2 pulses emerges as an important target for future work.
A system for probing Casimir energy corrections to the condensation energy
Authors: Pérez-Morelo Diego , Stange Alexander , Lally Richard W. , Barrett Lawrence K. , Imboden Matthias , Som Abhishek , Campbell David K. , Aksyuk Vladimir A. , Bishop David J.
Published: December 2020

In this article, we present a nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) designed to detect changes in the Casimir energy. The Casimir effect is a result of the appearance of quantum fluctuations in an electromagnetic vacuum. Previous experiments have used nano- or microscale parallel plate capacitors to detect the Casimir force by measuring the small attractive force these fluctuations exert between the two surfaces. In this new set of experiments, we aim to directly detect the shifts in the Casimir energy in a vacuum due to the presence of the metallic parallel plates, one of which is a superconductor. A change in the Casimir energy of this configuration is predicted to shift the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) because of the interaction between it and the superconducting condensation energy. In our experiment, we take a superconducting film, carefully measure its transition temperature, bring a conducting plate close to the film, create a Casimir cavity, and then measure the transition temperature again. The expected shifts are smaller than the normal shifts one sees in cycling superconducting films to cryogenic temperatures, so using a NEMS resonator in situ is the only practical way to obtain accurate, reproducible data. Using a thin Pb film and opposing Au surface, we observe no shift in Tc >12 µK down to a minimum spacing of ~70 nm at zero applied magnetic field.
Self-cleaning semiconductor heterojunction substrate: ultrasensitive detection and photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants for environmental remediation
Authors: Hu Mingyue , Quan Yingnan , Yang Shuo , Su Rui , Liu Huilian , Gao Ming , Chen Lei , Yang Jinghai
Published: December 2020

Emerging technologies in the field of environmental remediation are becoming increasingly significant owing to the increasing demand for eliminating significant amounts of pollution in water, soil, and air. We designed and synthesized MoS2/Fe2O3 heterojunction nanocomposites (NCs) as multifunctional materials that are easily separated and reused. The trace detection performance of the prepared sample was examined using bisphenol A (BPA) as the probe molecule, with limits of detection as low as 10−9 M; this detection limit is the lowest among all reported semiconductor substrates. BPA was subjected to rapid photocatalytic degradation by MoS2/Fe2O3 NCs under ultraviolet irradiation. The highly recyclable MoS2/Fe2O3 NCs exhibited photo-Fenton catalytic activity for BPA and good detection ability when reused as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate after catalysis. The SERS and photocatalysis mechanisms were proposed while considering the effects of the Z-scheme charge-transfer paths, three-dimensional flower-like structures, and dipole–dipole coupling. Moreover, the prepared MoS2/Fe2O3 NCs were successfully applied in the detection of BPA in real lake water and milk samples. Herein, we present insights into the development of MoS2/Fe2O3 materials, which can be used as multifunctional materials in chemical sensors and in photocatalytic wastewater treatments for the removal of recalcitrant organic pollutants.
Smartphone-powered iontophoresis-microneedle array patch for controlled transdermal delivery
Authors: Yang Jingbo , Li Yanjun , Ye Rui , Zheng Ying , Li Xiangling , Chen Yuzhen , Xie Xi , Jiang Lelun
Published: December 2020

The incidence rate of diabetes has been increasing every year in nearly all nations and regions. The traditional control of diabetes using transdermal insulin delivery by metal needles is generally associated with pain and potential infections. While microneedle arrays (MAs) have emerged as painless delivery techniques, the integration of MA systems with electronic devices to precisely control drug delivery has rarely been realized. In this study, we developed an iontophoresis-microneedle array patch (IMAP) powered by a portable smartphone for the active and controllable transdermal delivery of insulin. The IMAP in situ integrates iontophoresis and charged nanovesicles into one patch, achieving a one-step drug administration strategy of “penetration, diffusion and iontophoresis”. The MA of the IMAP is first pressed on the skin to create microholes and then is retracted, followed by the iontophoresis delivery of insulin-loaded nanovesicles through these microholes in an electrically controlled manner. This method has synergistically and remarkably enhanced controlled insulin delivery. The amount of insulin can be effectively regulated by the IMAP by applying different current intensities. This in vivo study has demonstrated that the IMAP effectively delivers insulin and produces robust hypoglycemic effects in a type-1 diabetic rat model, with more advanced controllability and efficiency than delivery by a pristine microneedle or iontophoresis. The IMAP system shows high potential for diabetes therapy and the capacity to provide active as well as long-term glycemic regulation without medical staff care.
A cross-species interaction with a symbiotic commensal enables cell-density-dependent growth and in vivo virulence of an oral pathogen
Authors: Hoare Anilei , Wang Hui , Meethil Archana , Abusleme Loreto , Hong Bo-Young , Moutsopoulos Niki M , Marsh Philip D , Hajishengallis George , Diaz Patricia I
Published: December 2020

Recent studies describe in detail the shifts in composition of human-associated polymicrobial communities from health to disease. However, the specific processes that drive the colonization and overgrowth of pathogens within these communities remain incompletely understood. We used in vitro culture systems and a disease-relevant mouse model to show that population size, which determines the availability of an endogenous diffusible small molecule, limits the growth, colonization, and in vivo virulence of the human oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. This bacterial pathogen overcomes the requirement for an endogenous cue by utilizing a cell-density dependent, growth-promoting, soluble molecule provided by the symbiotic early colonizer Veillonella parvula, but not produced by other commensals tested. Our work shows that exchange of cell-density-dependent diffusible cues between specific early and late colonizing species in a polymicrobial community drives microbial successions, pathogen colonization and disease development, representing a target process for manipulation of the microbiome towards the healthy state.
The association between ADHD and physical health: a co-twin control study
Authors: Pan Pei-Yin , Bölte Sven
Published: December 2020

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been associated with increased risk for physical comorbidity. This study used a twin cohort to investigate the association between physical diseases and phenotypic variations of ADHD. A twin cohort enriched for ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions were analysed. The Attention Problems subscale of the Child Behavior Checklist/Adult Behavior Checklist (CBCL/ABCL-AP) was used to measure the participants’ severity of ADHD symptoms. Physical health issues were obtained with a validated questionnaire and were tested in relation to ADHD symptom severity in a co-twin control model. Neurological problems were significantly associated with a diagnosis of ADHD. A conditional model for the analysis of within-twin pair effects revealed an inverse association between digestive problems and the severity of ADHD symptoms, after adjusting for co-existing autism spectrum disorder and ADHD medications. Our findings suggest that individuals with ADHD are susceptible to neurological problems, why a thorough neurological check-up is indicated in clinical practice for this population. In addition, health conditions of digestive system could be considered as a non-shared environmental factor for behavioral phenotypes in ADHD. It supports the possible role of gut-brain axis in the underpinnings of ADHD symptoms, at least for a subgroup of individuals with certain genetic predisposition.
Mendelian randomization and experimental IUGR reveal the adverse effect of low birth weight on lung structure and function
Authors: Kuiper-Makris Celien , Zanetti Daniela , Vohlen Christina , Fahle Luise , Müller Marion , Odenthal Margarete , Felderhoff-Müser Ursula , Dötsch Jörg , Alejandre Alcazar Miguel A.
Published: December 2020

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and low birth weigth (LBW) are risk factors for neonatal chronic lung disease. However, maternal and fetal genetic factors and the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the relationship between LBW and lung function with Mendelian randomisation analyses and studied angiogenesis in a low protein diet rat model of IUGR. Our data indicate a possible association between LBW and reduced FEV1 (p = 5.69E−18, MR-PRESSO) and FVC (6.02E-22, MR-PRESSO). Complimentary, we demonstrated two-phased perinatal programming after IUGR. The intrauterine phase (embryonic day 21) is earmarked by a reduction of endothelial cell markers (e.g. CD31) as well as mRNA expression of angiogenic factors (e.g., Vegfa, Flt1, Klf4). Protein analysis identified an activation of anti-angiogenic mTOR effectors. In the postnatal phase, lung capillaries (< 20 µm) were significantly reduced, expression of CD31 and VE-Cadherin were unaffected, whereas SMAD1/5/8 signaling and Klf4 protein were increased (p < 0.01). Moreover, elevated proteolytic activity of MMP2 and MMP9 was linked to a 50% reduction of lung elastic fibres. In conclusion, we show a possible link of LBW in humans and reduced lung function in adulthood. Experimental IUGR identifies an intrauterine phase with inhibition of angiogenic signaling, and a postnatal phase with proteolytic activity and reduced elastic fibres.
Combined lentiviral- and RNA-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 delivery for efficient and traceable gene editing in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Yudovich David , Bäckström Alexandra , Schmiderer Ludwig , Žemaitis Kristijonas , Subramaniam Agatheeswaran , Larsson Jonas
Published: December 2020

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a versatile tool for functional genomics and forward genetic screens in mammalian cells. However, it has been challenging to deliver the CRISPR components to sensitive cell types, such as primary human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), partly due to lentiviral transduction of Cas9 being extremely inefficient in these cells. Here, to overcome these hurdles, we developed a combinatorial system using stable lentiviral delivery of single guide RNA (sgRNA) followed by transient transfection of Cas9 mRNA by electroporation in human cord blood-derived CD34+ HSPCs. We further applied an optimized sgRNA structure, that significantly improved editing efficiency in this context, and we obtained knockout levels reaching 90% for the cell surface proteins CD45 and CD44 in sgRNA transduced HSPCs. Our combinatorial CRISPR/Cas9 delivery approach had no negative influence on CD34 expression or colony forming capacity in vitro compared to non-treated HSPCs. Furthermore, gene edited HSPCs showed intact in vivo reconstitution capacity following transplantation to immunodeficient mice. Taken together, we developed a paradigm for combinatorial CRISPR/Cas9 delivery that enables efficient and traceable gene editing in primary human HSPCs, and is compatible with high functionality both in vitro and in vivo.
3D printed smart silk wearable sensors
Authors: Chu Tianshu , Wang Huili , Qiu Yumeng , Luo Haoxi , He Bingfang , Wu Bin , Gao Bingbing
Published: December 2020

A silk wearable patch with electronic and microfluidics systems was fabricated by 3D printing methods. The self-healing and flexible patch was used as a sensitive biochemical and physiological wearable sensor.
Uncommon thioether-modified metal–organic frameworks with unique selective CO2sorption and efficient catalytic conversion
Authors: Wang Wen-Juan , Liu Jiao , Yan Yang-Tian , Yang Xiao-Li , Zhang Wen-Yan , Yang Guo-Ping , Wang Yao-Yu
Published: December 2020

Two novel 3D MOFs were synthesized successfully. In particular, MOF1was found to selectively adsorb CO2from the mixture of CH4/CO2and perform as an excellent recyclable catalyst to fix CO2into cyclic carbonate.
Fragment dissolved molecular dynamics: a systematic and efficient method to locate binding sites
Authors: Privat Cristian , Granadino-Roldán José M. , Bonet Jordi , Santos Tomas Maria , Perez Juan J. , Rubio-Martinez Jaime
Published: December 2020

Introducing many copies of a ligand to search binding sites: A new approach to speed up the fragment based drug discovery (FBDD) process.
Local self-interaction correction method with a simple scaling factor
Authors: Romero Selim , Yamamoto Yoh , Baruah Tunna , Zope Rajendra R.
Published: December 2020

The local self-interaction correction method with a simple scaling factor performs better than the Perdew-Zunger self-interaction correction method and also provides a good description of the binding energies of weakly bonded water clusters.
Locating Fe dopants in catalytic PtPd nanoparticles on γ-alumina using X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Eikeland Espen Z. , Silva Hugo , Jørgensen Lasse R. , Beyer Jonas , Ina Toshiaki , Hellstern Henrik L. , Kallesøe Christian , Christensen Leif H. , Iversen Bo B.
Published: December 2020

Adding Fe to the PtPd nanocatalyst increases propene activity by forming more metallic Pt and PdO during synthesis and increasing Pt–Pd bond formation upon aging.
Unravelling the K-promotion effect in highly active and stable Fe5C2 nanoparticles for catalytic linear α-olefin production
Authors: Lee Jin Hee , Lee Hack-Keun , Kim Kwangsoo , Rhim Geun Bae , Youn Min Hye , Jeong Heondo , Park Jong Hyeok , Chun Dong Hyun , Kim Byung-Hyun , Park Ji Chan
Published: December 2020

The K-doped Fe5C2@C/NPC nanocatalyst shows excellent performance with high selectivity and productivity for catalytic linear α-olefin production.
Optimization and kinetic modeling of Trametes maxima IIPLC-32 laccase and application in recalcitrant dye decolorization
Authors: Suman Sunil Kumar , Malhotra Manisha , Khichi Shailendra Singh , Ghosh Sanjoy , Jain Suman Lata
Published: December 2020

Enhanced laccase production by the Trametes maxima fungus and its use for decolorization of the textile dye RBBR.
Controllable polymeric pseudo-crown ether fluorescent sensors: responsiveness and selective detection of metal ions
Authors: Zhao Le , Jia Yong-Guang , Wang Song-Meng , Yang Yi , Liu Ling-Yan , Chang Wei-Xing , Li Jing
Published: December 2020

A series of responsive polymeric fluorescent sensors were fabricated by post-grafting pyrene and poly(ethylene glycol) onto the backbone of a pseudo-crown ether containing cyclopolymers, and showed good selective recognition toward metal ions.
A nickel ion-incorporating zinc-mesoporous metal organic framework thin film nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode for electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol in alkaline media
Authors: Pashazadeh Ali , Habibi Biuck
Published: December 2020

In this work, we have successfully synthesized a nickel ion-incorporating zinc-mesoporous metal–organic framework thin films (Zn-mMOFTFs) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE), Ni/Zn-mMOFTFs/GCE, for electrooxidation of methanol in alkaline solution.
Multichannel transport in conjugated polymers based on through-space conjugated naphthalene
Authors: Li Meijing , Zhang Xinxin , Zhen Shijie , Xu Jingkun
Published: December 2020

The introduction of through-space transport channels is beneficial for improving the redox activity and stability of electropolymerized polymers.
Superradiative plasmonic nanoantenna biosensors enable sensitive immunoassay using the naked eye
Authors: Xiong Yang , Fu Tong , Zhang Daxiao , Zhang Shunping , Xu Hongxing
Published: December 2020

A biosensor for simple and sensitive biomarker detection based on the strong light scattering (brightness) of superradiative plasmonic nanoantennas.
Self-driven microstructural evolution of Au@Pd core–shell nanoparticles for greatly enhanced catalytic performance during methanol electrooxidation
Authors: Liu Yaxing , Li Weiyin , Zhao Guizhe , Qin Gang , Li Yuexia , Liu Yaqing
Published: December 2020

An Au/Pd mixed shell was formed in Au@Pd core–shell during successive CV cycles for MOR, which can reduce the binding strength of CO on Pd active site and promote the production of ˙OH radicals on exposed Au atoms to accelerate adsorbates oxidation.
The role of ligands in atomically precise nanocluster-catalyzed CO2 electrochemical reduction
Authors: Li Site , Nagarajan Anantha Venkataraman , Li Yingwei , Kauffman Douglas R. , Mpourmpakis Giannis , Jin Rongchao
Published: December 2020

S/Se atoms at the metal–ligand interface can play an important role in determining the overall electrocatalytic performance of Au nanoclusters.
Trace mild acid-catalysed Z → E isomerization of norbornene-fused stilbene derivatives: intelligent chiral molecular photoswitches with controllable self-recovery
Authors: Hao Taotao , Yang Yongsheng , Liang Wenting , Fan Chunying , Wang Xin , Wu Wanhua , Chen Xiaochuan , Fu Haiyan , Chen Hua , Yang Cheng
Published: December 2020

Quantitative Z → E isomerization was catalyzed by trace mild acids to offer molecular switches orthogonally controllable by acid and light.
All-fiber acousto-electric energy harvester from magnesium salt-modulated PVDF nanofiber
Authors: Mahanty Biswajit , Ghosh Sujoy Kumar , Jana Santanu , Roy Krittish , Sarkar Subrata , Mandal Dipankar
Published: December 2020

An all-fiber acoustoelectric nanogenerator is fabricated by the Mg salt reinforced PVDF nanofibers as an active layer and interlocked conducting micro-fiber-based electrode for converting mechanical and acoustic energies into useful electrical power.
Hammerstein–Wiener identification of industrial plants: A pressure control valve case study
Authors: Esmaeilani Leili , Ghaisari Jafar , Bagherzadeh Mohammad Ali
Published: December 2020

Hammerstein–Wiener (H–W) identification problem is investigated under practical considerations for industrial plants. The main consideration in these cases is inability to apply arbitrary input signals. An algorithm is proposed to identify H–W model for industrial systems, in the presence of noise and disturbance. The identification problem is changed into a constrained optimisation problem and is solved by minimising the non‐linear functions modelling error. To improve the efficiency of the proposed method, the known information about non‐linear functions are used. To make the proposed method applicable for general systems with hard non‐linearities, non‐linear functions are described by some ordered pairs. A pressure control valve that is used for anti‐surge protection of an air compressor in the second refinery of South Pars Gas Complex is considered as the case study to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Seventy‐five percent of the gathered data during the time is used for identification and the remaining 25% is used for verification of the resulted model. Verification of the obtained H–W model showed that accuracy of the identified model is more than 95%.
Sparse representation based intraframe and semi‐intraframe video coding schemes for low bitrates
Authors: Irannejad Maziar , Mahdavi‐Nasab Homayoun
Published: December 2020

This paper proposes some extensions of the successful sparse coding of still images to intraframe and semi‐intraframe video coding. The presented frameworks apply the efficient K‐singular value decomposition and recursive least squares dictionary learning methods for sparse representation of videos to study their coding performances. In the proposed semi‐intraframe schemes, namely, SISC1 and SISC2, only frame‐blocks with more than a threshold deviation from the blocks of the previous frame are transmitted/coded. This reduces the required bitrate and prevents the sparse coding of similar blocks, leading to more efficient video coding methods. The results show that the dictionary learning‐based intraframe coding improves the rate‐distortion performance of the conventional Motion‐JPEG and Motion‐JPEG2000 at low bitrates for more than about 3 and 0.5 dB of PSNR on average (for 0.2–1 bpp compression), respectively. The proposed methods outperform the basic dictionary learning‐based coding, especially for slower changing videos, generally, with more than 3 dB superiority on average over the tested bitrates. These schemes even present superior performance than the HEVC in the intramode for the complex textured or cluttered scenes. The proposed SISC2 method also saves up to about 50% of the sparse coding computational cost by preventing the coding of more similar frame‐blocks.
Prozesse erfolgreich verändern
Authors: Wiechert Niklas , Büscher Andreas
Published: December 2020

Voraussetzung für eine gute und sichere Versorgung von Patienten ist eine gut strukturierte und transparente Behandlung unter Einbeziehung von evidenzbasiertem Wissen. Dabei helfen Leitlinien und Standards, deren Umsetzung von entsprechend ausgebildeten Pflegekräften in den Kliniken begleitet wird. Am Beispiel der Leitlinie „Vermeidung der perioperativen Hypothermie“ beschreiben die Autoren, wie eine solche Implementierung gelingt.
C2-gem-Aryldifluoromethylation of Quinoline N-Oxides with Potassium 2,2-Diﬂuoro-2-arylacetates under Transition-Metal-Free Conditions
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Min , Gao Yanhui , Li Laiqiang , Wang Lei
Published: December 2020

A simple protocol for C2-gem-aryldifluoromethylation of quinoline N-oxides with potassium 2,2-diﬂuoro-2-arylacetates has been developed, affording C2-gem-aryldifluoromethylated quinoline N-oxides bearing different functional groups in moderate to good yields. Moreover, experimental studies reveal that this reaction is likely to proceed through a radical pathway.
Enantioselective Radical Functionalization of Imines and Iminium Intermediates via Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Hong-Hao , Yu Shouyun , Zhao Jia-Jia
Published: December 2020

Visible-light photoredox catalysis has recently emerged as a powerful tool for the development of new and valuable chemical transformations under mild conditions. Visible-light promoted enantioselective radical transformations of imines and iminium intermediates provide new opportunities for the asymmetric synthesis of amines and the asymmetric β-functionalization of unsaturated carbonyl compounds. In this review, recent advances on the catalytic asymmetric radical functionalization of imines and iminium intermediates are summarized.

1 Introduction

2 Enantioselective Radical Functionalization of Imines

2.1 Asymmetric Reduction

2.2 Asymmetric Cyclization

2.3 Asymmetric Addition

2.4 Asymmetric Radical–Radical Coupling

3 Enantioselective Radical Functionalization of Iminium Ions

3.1 Asymmetric Radical Alkylation

3.2 Asymmetric Radical Acylation

4 Conclusion
Therapeutic Impact of Deep Balloon-assisted Small Bowel Enteroscopy on Red Blood Cell Transfusion
Authors: Kalra Amandeep S. , Walker Andrew J. , Benson Mark E. , Guda Nalini M. , Soni Anurag , Misha Mehak , Gopal Deepak V.
Published: December 2020

Objective Evaluate impact of balloon-assisted deep small bowel enteroscopy on red blood cell transfusion requirement in patients with obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.

Methods Retrospective study of patients, who underwent balloon-assisted deep enteroscopy with double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) at two tertiary care academic centers (University of Wisconsin and Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center) over a 55-month consecutive period. Sixty-nine patients with reliable blood transfusion records were identified during this time period. DBE was preceded by small bowel capsule endoscopy (CE) within 1 year in 38 cases. Transfusion requirements 6 months prior and postintervention were measured to see if DBE had any impact on the need for blood transfusions.

Results Sixty-nine patients (25 females and 44 males) were included. Mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 63 ± 17 years. Wilcoxon signed rank test statistics were used to find the difference in the rate of blood transfusion. There was a statistically significant decrease in rate of packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion post DBE and endoscopic therapy with coagulation (p < 0.001). Argon plasma coagulation was used to ablate all arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) except in one (subepithelial lesion). Those that required > 5 units pRBC transfusions pre-DBE had the most benefit.

Conclusions Our study demonstrates that transfusion requirements are significantly reduced in those undergoing therapy with DBE and coagulation for obscure GI bleed.
The impact of metallic contacts on spin-polarized photocurrents in topological insulator Bi2Se3 nanowires
Authors: Meyer N. , Geishendorf K. , Walowski J. , Thomas A. , Münzenberg M.
Published: December 2020

Recently, a quantum phase, the topological insulator, has been vividly investigated in a variety of materials. Its unique band structure allows for optical generation and control of spin-polarized currents based on the circular photogalvanic effect. In this paper, we generate and distinguish the different photocurrent contributions via the polarization of the driving light wave. We discuss the helicity-dependent spin-polarized current and the polarization-independent thermoelectric current as spatially resolved maps, focusing on the influence of the topological insulator/metallic contact interface. We observe for both current contributions a significant enhancement of the current values at the topological insulator/metallic contact interface. In the case of the thermoelectric current, the enhancement is localized at the center of the interface. The spin-polarized current reaches two extrema per contact, which differ by their sign and are localized nearby the contact edges. We discuss the general behavior of the thermovoltage as a three-material Seebeck effect and explain the enhanced values by the acceleration of the photoelectrons generated in the space charge region of the topological insulator/metallic contact interface. Furthermore, we interpret the temperature gradient together with the spin Nernst effect as a possible origin for the enhancement and spatial distribution of the spin-polarized current.
Quasi-stationary states of game-driven systems: A dynamical approach
Authors: Denisov Sergey , Vershinina Olga , Thingna Juzar , Hänggi Peter , Ivanchenko Mikhail
Published: December 2020

Evolutionary game theory is a framework to formalize the evolution of collectives (“populations”) of competing agents that are playing a game and, after every round, update their strategies to maximize individual payoffs. There are two complementary approaches to modeling evolution of player populations. The first addresses essentially finite populations by implementing the apparatus of Markov chains. The second assumes that the populations are infinite and operates with a system of mean-field deterministic differential equations. By using a model of two antagonistic populations, which are playing a game with stationary or periodically varying payoffs, we demonstrate that it exhibits metastable dynamics that is reducible neither to an immediate transition to a fixation (extinction of all but one strategy in a finite-size population) nor to the mean-field picture. In the case of stationary payoffs, this dynamics can be captured with a system of stochastic differential equations and interpreted as a stochastic Hopf bifurcation. In the case of varying payoffs, the metastable dynamics is much more complex than the dynamics of the means.
A technique to measure spin-dependent trapping events at the metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor interface: Near zero field spin-dependent charge pumping
Authors: Anders M. A. , Lenahan P. M. , Harmon N. J. , Flatté M. E.
Published: December 2020

We discuss a new technique to measure spin-dependent trapping events at the metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) channel/gate dielectric interface. We call this technique near zero field spin-dependent charge pumping (NZF SDCP). It is based on a powerful MOSFET interface trap characterization measurement called charge pumping and related to an electrically detected magnetic resonance (EDMR) technique called SDCP. NZF SDCP and EDMR SDCP measurements are made on 4H-SiC MOSFETs, and we find that the introduction of nitrogen to the MOSFET interface can have a profound impact on the NZF SDCP response, which suggests that NZF SDCP may be useful to get atomic scale information about MOSFET interfaces such as defect identification. We also find that the NZF SDCP amplitude appears to saturate as a function of charge pumping frequency in most cases but not all. We make model calculations to explain this behavior. We also find that the NZF SDCP spectrum broadens with increasing charge pumping frequency, which may be an inherent NZF SDCP phenomenon. We hypothesize that NZF SDCP may also allow for experimental exploration of some magnetoresistance theories regarding interaction times between charge carriers and traps.