bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enabling wastewater treatment process automation: leveraging innovations in real-time sensing, data analysis, and online controls
Authors: Zhang Wenjin , Tooker Nicholas B. , Mueller Amy V.
Published: September 2020

The primary mandate of wastewater treatment facilities is the limitation of pollutant discharges, however both tightening of permit limits and unique challenges associated with improving sustainability (i.e., resource recovery) demand innovation.
Circulating miR-27a-3p as a candidate for a biomarker of whole grain diets for lipid metabolism
Authors: Liu Jinxin , Li Yan , Xue Lamei , Fan Mingcong , Nie Chenzhipeng , Wang Yu , Zhang Hui , Qian Haifeng , Wang Li
Published: September 2020

Circulating miR-27a-3p was involved in the process of lipid synthesis under the dietary patterns of whole grain diets, and the expression of miR-27a-3p was decreased in serum, while it was elevated both in liver and ileum.
Amelioration effects ofCirsium japonicumvar.maackiiextract/fractions on amyloid beta25–35-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells and identification of the main bioactive compound
Authors: Kim Min Jeong , Kim Ji-Hyun , Kim Ji Hyun , Lee Sanghyun , Cho Eun Ju
Published: September 2020

Amyloid beta (Aβ) is a neurotoxic peptide, and the accumulation of Aβ in the brain is the major characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
l-Theanine affects intestinal mucosal immunity by regulating short-chain fatty acid metabolism under dietary fiber feeding
Authors: Xu Wei , Lin Ling , Liu An , Zhang Tuo , Zhang Sheng , Li Yinhua , Chen Jinhua , Gong Zhihua , Liu Zhonghua , Xiao Wenjun
Published: September 2020

LTA regulates SCFA metabolism and improves intestinal mucosal immunity by improving cholesterol synthesis in the liver and inhibiting gluconeogenesis in the colon.
Discovery of anthocyanins from cranberry extract as pancreatic lipase inhibitors using a combined approach of ultrafiltration, molecular simulation and spectroscopy
Authors: Xie Lianghua , Xie Jiahong , Xu Yang , Chen Wei
Published: September 2020

Ultrafiltration in combination with molecular simulation and a spectroscopic approach was identified as an effective strategy to screen pancreatic lipase inhibitors from anthocyanin-rich sources.
Effects of dietary gamma-aminobutyric acid supplementation on amino acid profile, intestinal immunity, and microbiota in ETEC-challenged piglets
Authors: Chen Shuai , Wu Xin , Xia Yaoyao , Wang Meiwei , Liao Simeng , Li Fengna , Yin Jie , Ren Wenkai , Tan Bie , Yin Yulong
Published: September 2020

GABA improves growth performance, regulates the serum amino acid profile, intestinal immunity, and gut microbiota in ETEC-challenged piglets.
Influence of a cholesterol-lowering strain Lactobacillus plantarum LP3 isolated from traditional fermented yak milk on gut bacterial microbiota and metabolome of rats fed with a high-fat diet
Authors: Ding Zitong , Hani Anum , Li Wenyuan , Gao Li'e , Ke Wencan , Guo Xusheng
Published: September 2020

L. plantarum LP3 isolated from traditinal fermented Tibetan yak milk has been identified as a potential probiotic candidate strain with high cholesterol-lowering activity.
BCN monolayer for high capacity Al-based dual-ion batteries
Authors: Saini Hariom , Das Sandeep , Pathak Biswarup
Published: September 2020

BCN monolayer as a suitable low-dimensional cathode material for Al-based dual-ion batteries.
A salt-out strategy for purification of amphiphilic polymer-coated quantum dots
Authors: Chen Zhi-Liang , Lin Yi , Zhu Chun-Nan , Zhang Zhi-Ling , Pang Dai-Wen
Published: September 2020

A purification strategy is presented that the OPA micelles are precipitated selectively in an OPA–QD solution by adding NaCl.
Defective phosphorene as an anode material for high-performance Li-, Na-, and K-ion batteries: a first-principles study
Authors: Atashzar Seyyed Mahdi , Javadian Soheila , Gharibi Hussein , Rezaei Zahra
Published: September 2020

Enhancement of the adsorption, diffusion, and storage capacity of alkali metals (Li, Na, and K) in a defective phosphorene monolayer.
Simultaneous mapping of nanoscale topography and surface potential of charged surfaces by scanning ion conductance microscopy
Authors: Chen Feng , Panday Namuna , Li Xiaoshuang , Ma Tao , Guo Jing , Wang Xuewen , Kos Lidia , Hu Ke , Gu Ning , He Jin
Published: September 2020

Simultaneous mapping of nanoscale topography and surface potential of soft, rough and heterogeneously charged surfaces under physiological conditions.
Facile synthesis of ultrahigh fluorescence N,S-self-doped carbon nanodots and their multiple applications for H2S sensing, bioimaging in live cells and zebrafish, and anti-counterfeiting
Authors: Du Fangfang , Guo Zhonghui , Cheng Zhe , Kremer Marius , Shuang Shaomin , Liu Yang , Dong Chuan
Published: September 2020

Illustration of the synthesis of N,S-self-doped CNDs and their multiple applications for H2S sensor, bioimaging in live cells and zebrafish, and anticounterfeiting.
Electron counting and bonding patterns in assemblies of three and more silver-rich superatoms
Authors: Gam Franck , Liu C. W. , Kahlal Samia , Saillard Jean-Yves
Published: September 2020

Making stable supermolecules isolobal to simple molecules.
The synthetic strategies for single atomic site catalysts based on metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Jiang Jingjing , Jiang Peng , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: September 2020

Various strategies for synthesizing single atomic site catalysts based on metal–organic frameworks are summarized and discussed.
Scope of the DMC mediated glycosylation of unprotected sugars with phenols in aqueous solution
Authors: Qiu Xin , Fairbanks Antony J.
Published: September 2020

Activation of reducing sugars in aqueous solution using DMC and triethylamine in the presence of phenols allows direct stereoselective conversion to the corresponding 1,2-trans aryl glycosides without the need for any protecting groups.
Synthesis of an STnThr analogue, structurally based on a TnThr antigen mimetic
Authors: Papi Francesco , Pâris Arnaud , Lafite Pierre , Daniellou Richard , Nativi Cristina
Published: September 2020

The monosaccharide Tn and the disaccharide STn are tumor antigens with similar structures and common biosynthetic pathways.
Fundamental aspects of heterogeneous Ziegler–Natta olefin polymerization catalysis: an experimental and computational overview
Authors: Kumawat Jugal , Gupta Virendra Kumar
Published: September 2020

Using an internal/external donor containing MgCl2-supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst is one of the important processes for polyolefin production.
The effects of stacking mode and thickness on the frictional behaviour of multilayer silicene
Authors: Qian Chen , Wang Jiugen
Published: September 2020

Herein, we investigate the frictional behaviour of multilayer silicene as a function of stacking mode and thickness by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation.
Enzymatic synthesis and electrochemical characterization of sodium 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate-doped PEDOT/MWCNT composite
Authors: Vasil'eva Irina S. , Shumakovich Galina P. , Khlupova Maria E. , Vasiliev Roman B. , Emets Viktor V. , Bogdanovskaya Vera A. , Morozova Olga V. , Yaropolov Alexander I.
Published: September 2020

The use of redox active NSQ as a dopant of PEDOT dramatically increases the specific capacitance and cyclic stability of enzymatically synthesized PEDOT–NSQ/MWCNT composite.
Dry reforming of methane over nickel supported on Nd–ceria: enhancement of the catalytic properties and coke resistance
Authors: Lara-García Hugo A. , Araiza Daniel G. , Méndez-Galván Melissa , Tehuacanero-Cuapa Samuel , Gómez-Cortés Antonio , Díaz Gabriela
Published: September 2020

The Nd-doped CeO2 support enhances the reactivity of the catalysts, selectivity toward hydrogen and stability by improving coke deposition resistance.
Characterizing the interaction between methyl ferulate and human serum albumin by saturation transfer difference NMR
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Sun Qiaomei , Gan Na , Zhai Yuanming , Xiang Hongzhao , Li Hui
Published: September 2020

STD-NMR technique characterized the recognition mechanism of methyl ferulate and human serum albumin qualitatively and quantitatively.
The cation–anion co-exchange in CsPb1−xFex(Br1−yCly)3 nanocrystals prepared using a hot injection method
Authors: Hu Yue , Zhang Yuxin , Yang Chaoqun , Li Ji , Wang Li
Published: September 2020

All inorganic perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have wide practical applications for their remarkable optoelectronic properties.
Photothermal conversion of SiO2@Au nanoparticles mediated by surface morphology of gold cluster layer
Authors: Yang Lulu , Yan Zhibin , Yang Lu , Yang Jianxin , Jin Mingliang , Xing Xiaobo , Zhou Guofu , Shui Lingling
Published: September 2020

We manipulate the surface morphology of gold clusters on SiO2@Au nanoparticle and found that macroscopic photothermal conversions of different nanoparticle dispersions are significantly affected by nanoscale differences of gold cluster morphologies.
Ultrafine Pt nanoparticles supported on a dendrimer containing thiol groups: an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of benzimidazoles and benzothiazoles from benzyl alcohol derivatives in water
Authors: Nori Zahra Zamani , Landarani-Isfahani Amir , Bahadori Mehrnaz , Moghadam Majid , Mirkhani Valiollah , Tangestaninejad Shahram , Mohammadpoor-Baltork Iraj
Published: September 2020

A new heterogeneous reusable catalyst containing ultrafine Pt nanoparticles was synthesized and applied for the synthesis of benzimidazoles and benzothiazoles in water as a green solvent.
Asymmetric allylic substitution–isomerization to axially chiral enamides via hydrogen-bonding assisted central-to-axial chirality transfer
Authors: Sun Chao , Qi Xiaotian , Min Xiao-Long , Bai Xue-Dan , Liu Peng , He Ying
Published: September 2020

Axially chiral enamides bearing a N–C axis have been recently studied and were proposed to be valuable chiral building blocks, but a stereoselective synthesis has not been achieved.
Light control of RTK activity: from technology development to translational research
Authors: Leopold Anna V. , Verkhusha Vladislav V.
Published: September 2020

Optogenetical and optochemical approaches can be used to control RTK signalling instead of growth factors, antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors.
Selective active site placement in Lewis acid zeolites and implications for catalysis of oxygenated compounds
Authors: Rodríguez-Fernández Aída , Di Iorio John R. , Paris Cecilia , Boronat Mercedes , Corma Avelino , Román-Leshkov Yuriy , Moliner Manuel
Published: September 2020

The selective incorporation of isolated framework Lewis acid sites in specific crystallographic positions in high-silica zeolites was achieved successfully by applying a rationalized post-synthetic grafting methodology.
Late stage C–H functionalization via chalcogen and pnictogen salts
Authors: Kelly Christopher B. , Padilla-Salinas Rosaura
Published: September 2020

Three unrelated cationic groups, which can replace C–H bonds late stage, have been identified as progenitors to various functional groups. This review discusses the chemistry of these salts and their potential application in medicinal chemistry.
Merging C(sp3)–H activation with DNA-encoding
Authors: Fan Zhoulong , Zhao Shuai , Liu Tao , Shen Peng-Xiang , Cui Zi-Ning , Zhuang Zhe , Shao Qian , Chen Jason S. , Ratnayake Anokha S. , Flanagan Mark E. , Kölmel Dominik K. , Piotrowski David W. , Richardson Paul , Yu Jin-Quan
Published: September 2020

DNA-compatible C(sp3)–H activation reactions of aliphatic carboxylic acids, amides, and ketones were developed for efficient access to DEL synthesis.
Chiral Fe(ii) complex catalyzed enantioselective [1,3] O-to-C rearrangement of alkyl vinyl ethers and synthesis of chromanols and beyond
Authors: Wang Lifeng , Zhou Pengfei , Lin Qianchi , Dong Shunxi , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: September 2020

A chiral N,N′-dioxide/Fe(OTf)2 complex catalyzed enantioselective [1,3] O-to-C rearrangement of racemic alkyl vinyl ethers was described.
CO2 methanation over Ni–Al and Co–Al LDH-derived catalysts: the role of basicity
Authors: Lima Dirléia dos Santos , Dias Yan Resing , Perez-Lopez Oscar W.
Published: September 2020

The high basicity and enhanced reducibility of Ni–Al favored the CO2 adsorption, achieving 90% CO2 conversion and 100% CH4 selectivity.
The benzyl viologen radical cation: an effective n-dopant for poly(naphthalenediimide-bithiophene)
Authors: Dexter Tam Teck Lip , Lin Ting Ting , Omer Mohamed I. , Wang Xizu , Xu Jianwei
Published: September 2020

n-Doping of poly(naphthalenediimide-bithiophene) was demonstrated using benzyl viologen radical cation.
Selective organic transformation over a self-assembled all-solid-state Z-scheme core–shell photoredox system
Authors: Lin Xin , Xu Shuai , Wei Zhi-Quan , Hou Shuo , Mo Qiao-Ling , Fu Xiao-Yan , Xiao Fang-Xing
Published: September 2020

An all-solid-state Z-scheme photoredox system was elaborately designed over core–shell multilayered heterostructures for multifarious photoredox organic transformation under visible light.
A highly efficient and safe gene delivery platform based on polyelectrolyte core–shell nanoparticles for hard-to-transfect clinically relevant cell types
Authors: Tarakanchikova Yana , Muslimov Albert , Sergeev Igor , Lepik Kirill , Yolshin Nikita , Goncharenko Alexander , Vasilyev Kirill , Eliseev Igor , Bukatin Anton , Sergeev Vladislav , Pavlov Sergey , Popov Alexey , Meglinski Igor , Afanasiev Boris , Parakhonskiy Bogdan , Sukhorukov Gleb , Gorin Dmitry
Published: September 2020

The polyelectrolyte nanocarriers’ based on nanosized vaterite particles as a novel tool for genetic material delivery into the clinically relevant cell types and potential application of described technology in gene therapy approaches.
Optimization and utilization of single chain metallocatanionic vesicles for antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) againstE. coli
Authors: Sharma Bunty , Kaur Gurpreet , Chaudhary Ganga Ram
Published: September 2020

The current study describes the utility of metallocatanionic vesicles in photodynamic therapy againstE. coli.
Bismuth telluride–copper telluride nanocomposites from heterostructured building blocks
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Yu , Calcabrini Mariano , Xing Congcong , Han Xu , Arbiol Jordi , Cadavid Doris , Ibáñez Maria , Cabot Andreu
Published: September 2020

Appropriately designed Bi2Te3–Cu2−xTe nanocomposites allow an improvement of over 50% of the thermoelectric figure of merit of Bi2Te3.
Donor and acceptor interlock by a planar indolo[3,2,1-jk]carbazole for a suppressed non-radiative mechanism in thermally activated delayed fluorescent emitters
Authors: Patil Vilas Venunath , Park Yun Hwan , Lee Kyung Hyung , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: September 2020

In this work, we report a novel molecular structure of the thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters with the donor–acceptor structure interlocked by a planar indolo[3,2,1-jk]carbazole (ICz) unit to suppress a non-radiative mechanism.
Long non-coding RNA PSMA3-AS1 enhances cell proliferation, migration and invasion by regulating miR-302a-3p/RAB22A in glioma
Authors: Zhou Li-li , Zhang Meng , Zhang Yan-zhen , Sun Mei-fen
Published: September 2020

Glioma is the most prevalent solid tumor in the central nervous system (CNS). Recently, it has been indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) substantially adjust the development of a variety of human cancers. In the present study, it was found and verified via microarray analysis that lncRNA PSMA3-AS1 exhibited a high expression in glioma tissues and cell lines. Then CCK-8, 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, plate clone assay, Transwell assay, Western blotting and nude mouse model were adopted to verify PSMA3-AS1’s effects on glioma. Knockdown of PSMA3-AS1 inhibited the migration, proliferation and invasion of glioma cells in vivo and in vitro. Besides, PSMA3-AS1 bound to miR-302a-3p directly reduced the expression of miR-302a-3p, thus functioning as an endogenous sponge confirmed by luciferase reporter assay and bioinformatics analysis. PSMA3-AS1 knockdown remarkably enhanced the role of miR-302a-3p overexpression in cell behaviors in glioma. Moreover, these assays also confirmed that RAB22A was a target of miR-302a-3p. In this research, therefore, the PSMA3-AS1/miR-302a-3p/RAB22A pathway regulatory axis may be revealed in the pathogenesis of glioma, and PSMA3-AS1 can be used as an underlying target for the treatment and prognosis of glioma.
Preprocedural circulating galectin-3 and the risk of mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Hong-liang , Song Guang-yuan , Zhao Jie , Wang Yu-bin , Wang Mo-yang , Xu Yan-lu , Wang Bin-cheng , Niu Guan-nan , Liu Zhi-hong , Wu Yong-jian
Published: September 2020

Background: Galectin-3 may predict mortality for patients with aortic stenosis (AS) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, the results were inconsistent. We aimed to evaluate the association between baseline galectin and mortality after TAVR in a meta-analysis.

Methods: Related follow-up studies were obtained by systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane’s Library, and Embase databases. Both the fixed- and the random-effect models were used for the meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the influences of study characteristics on the outcome.

Results: Five prospective cohort studies with 854 patients were included, with a follow-up period between 1 and 1.9 years. Patients with higher baseline circulating galectin-3 had an increased risk of all-cause mortality after TAVR (random-effects model: risk ratio [RR]: 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–2.23, P=0.002; fixed-effects model: RR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.19–2.20, P=0.002; I2 = 4%). Adjustment of estimated glomerular filtration rate (RR: 1.73, P=0.02) or B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal pro-BNP (RR: 1.83, P=0.02) did not significantly affect the result. A trend of stronger association between higher baseline circulating galectin-3 and increased risk of all-cause mortality after TAVR was observed in studies with an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay (ELFA) (RR: 3.04, P=0.003) compared with those with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (RR: 1.42, P=0.04; P for subgroup difference =0.06).

Conclusion: Higher circulating galectin-3 before the procedure may predict all-cause mortality of AS patients after TAVR.
Design of electroencephalogram authentication access control to smart car
Authors: Chen Yuhua , Yin Jinghai
Published: September 2020

In recent years, with the development of intelligent vehicles, the demand for security will be bigger and bigger. One of the most important solutions is the use of new biometric technology. At present, there are still some areas to be improved on biometric technology. For example, diseases will destroy some biological characteristics, some detection methods are too slow, many detection methods do not need living detection, and so on. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a new biometric tool for living identification. In this Letter, a kind of identity authentication system based on the EEG signal is presented. The overall goal of this research is to design a new authentication method and develop the corresponding application. Therefore, the authors carried out a series of EEG experiments, and analysed and discussed the experimental results. Based on these results, they build and present an access control system based on the uniqueness of their EEG signals to be capable of authenticating access control to the car. The accuracy of the authentication system is >87.3%.
TDCOSMO
Authors: Gilman D. , Birrer S. , Treu T.
Published: September 2020

Time delay cosmography uses the arrival time delays between images in strong gravitational lenses to measure cosmological parameters, in particular the Hubble constantH0. The lens models used in time delay cosmography omit dark matter subhalos and line-of-sight halos because their effects are assumed to be negligible. We explicitly quantify this assumption by analyzing mock lens systems that include full populations of dark matter subhalos and line-of-sight halos, applying the same modeling assumptions used in the literature to inferH0. We base the mock lenses on six quadruply imaged quasars that have delivered measurements of the Hubble constant, and quantify the additional uncertainties and/or bias on a lens-by-lens basis. We show that omitting dark substructure does not bias inferences ofH0. However, perturbations from substructure contribute an additional source of random uncertainty in the inferred value ofH0that scales as the square root of the lensing volume divided by the longest time delay. This additional source of uncertainty, for which we provide a fitting function, ranges from 0.7 − 2.4%. It may need to be incorporated in the error budget as the precision of cosmographic inferences from single lenses improves, and it sets a precision limit on inferences from single lenses.
Prophylactic hemoclips in prevention of delayed post-polypectomy bleeding for ≥ 1 cm colorectal polyps: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kamal Faisal , Khan Muhammad A. , Khan Salman , Marella Hemnishil K. , Nelson Tamara , Khan Zubair , Ahmad Dina , Tombazzi Claudio , Ismail Mohammad K. , Howden Colin W.
Published: September 2020

Background and aim Studies evaluating the role of prophylactic hemoclips (HC) in prevention of delayed post-polypectomy bleeding (DPPB) have reported conflicting results. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the role of prophylactic HC placement in prevention of DPPB for polyps ≥ 1 cm in size.

Methods We reviewed several databases to identify RCTs evaluating the role of HC in prevention of DPPB. The outcomes assessed included prevention of DPPB with polyps 1 to 1.9 cm, ≥ 2 cm, any polyp ≥ 1 cm, proximal colon polyps, distal colon polyps, and perforation. We analyzed data using a fixed effect model and reported summary pooled risk ratios (RR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). We assessed heterogeneity with the I2 statistic.

Results We included nine RCTs with 4550 patients. For polyps ≥ 2 cm, there was a statistically significantly lower risk of DPPB with use of HC; RR 0.55, 95 % CI 0.36, 0.86. There was also a statistically significantly lower risk for proximal colon polyps ≥ 2 cm; RR 0.41 (0.24, 0.70) but no significant difference for distal polyps; RR 1.23 (0.45, 3.32). There was also no significant difference in risk for polyps 1 to 1.9 cm; RR 1.07 (0.59, 1.97). There was no significant reduction in risk of perforation with HC use for any polyp size.

Conclusions Prophylactic HC placement is effective in prevention of DPPB from proximal colon polyps ≥ 2 cm, but of no significant benefit for polyps 1 to 1.9 cm in size or for distal colon polyps ≥ 2 cm.
Shuntpunktion
Authors: Spindler Beate
Published: September 2020

Dialyseshunts werden weltweit am häufigsten mit Stahlkanülen punktiert. Pflegepersonal in der Dialyse besitzen Kenntnisse über Dialysekanülen und große Fertigkeiten in der Punktion von Dialyseshunts. Der Shuntkatheter („fistula catheter“), umgangssprachlich als Plastikkanüle bezeichnet, stellt eine wichtige Variante zu herkömmlichen Punktionskanülen dar. Indikationen sind eine gelenknahe Punktion, unruhige Patienten oder tief liegende Shuntvenen. Für die sichere Anwendung von Shuntkathetern sind ausreichend theoretisches Wissen und praktische Kenntnisse erforderlich.
Hintergründe und Konsequenzen des PICS auf der Intensivstation
Authors: Kaiser Samira
Published: September 2020

Das Post Intensive Care Syndrome bezeichnet eine Beeinträchtigung der physischen, psychischen und kognitiven Gesundheit nach dem Aufenthalt auf einer Intensivstation. Mögliche Ursachen sind zum Beispiel Schlafmangel, Lärm oder Schmerzen, die durch die Intensivstation entstehen. Doch spezifische Interventionen können ein PICS verhindern oder zumindest vermindern. Den Pflegefachpersonen kommt dabei eine besondere Rolle zu: Sie haben entscheidenden Einfluss auf das Langzeit-Outcome des Patienten. – Mit ihrer Facharbeit belegte Samira Kaiser den 1. Platz beim intensiv-Pflegepreis 2018.
Risk factors associated with bleeding after prophylactic endoscopic variceal ligation in cirrhosis
Authors: Drolz Andreas , Schramm Christoph , Seiz Oliver , Groth Stefan , Vettorazzi Eik , Horvatits Thomas , Wehmeyer Malte H. , Schramm Christoph , Goeser Tobias , Roesch Thomas , Lohse Ansgar W. , Kluwe Johannes
Published: September 2020

Background Prophylactic endoscopic variceal band ligation (EVL) is frequently performed in patients with liver cirrhosis. The aim of our study was to identify factors associated with early upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in cirrhosis patients after prophylactic EVL.

Methods 787 nonemergency EVLs performed in 444 patients in two German University medical centers were analyzed retrospectively.

Results Within 30 days after EVL, 38 UGIBs were observed (4.8 % of all procedures). Bilirubin levels (hazard ratio [HR] 1.5, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.2–2.0 for a 2-fold increase) and presence of varices grade III/IV according to Paquet (HR 2.6, 95 %CI 1.3–5.0 compared with absence or smaller sized varices) were independently associated with UGIB following EVL. International normalized ratio (INR) was associated with bleeding events in the univariate analysis but did not reach statistical significance after adjustment for bilirubin and presence of varices grade III/IV (HR 1.2, 95 %CI 0.9–1.6 for an increase by 0.25). There was no statistically significant association between platelet count or fibrinogen levels and UGIB. Substitution of coagulation products did not affect incidence of bleeding after EVL, which also applied to patients with “coagulopathy” (INR > 1.5 and/or platelet count < 50 × 109/L). No association between proton pump inhibitor therapy and post-EVL UGIB was observed.

Conclusions EVL is a safe procedure and immediate bleeding complications are rare. Serum bilirubin levels and size of varices, rather than coagulation indices, are associated with UGIB after EVL. Our data do not support the preventive substitution of blood or coagulation products.
Clinical Profile and Outcome of Pediatric Tetanus at a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Mondkar Shruti A. , Tullu Milind S. , Deshmukh Chandrahas T. , SrinivasaRangan Ramya , Agrawal Mukesh
Published: September 2020

The aims and objectives of this study were to study clinical profile and factors affecting mortality in tetanus. This was a retrospective study of 25 tetanus patients (aged 6 months–12 years) admitted to pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary center (over 3 years). In this study, 25 tetanus cases (mean age 6.6 years) were analyzed; 16 were males and 9 were females. Incubation period ranged from 2 to 30 days (mean 8.2 days), period of onset from 11 to 120 hours (mean 42.8 hours), and duration of spasms from 4 to 26 days (mean 14 days). The commonest portal of entry was posttrauma (52%), followed by otogenic (40%). Eighteen patients had moderate and 7 had severe tetanus. Fifteen were unimmunized and 10 were partially immunized. The commonest complaints were trismus and spasms (100%), hypertonia (72%), fever (60%), dysphagia (48%), and neck stiffness (44%). Eight patients required primary tracheostomy and 11 required primary endotracheal intubation. Complications encountered were pneumonia (58%), conjunctivitis (41%), gastrointestinal bleed (37.5%), urinary infection (33%), acute kidney injury (AKI) following rhabdomyolysis (33%), sepsis (29%), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (25%), bedsores (25%), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (20%). Oral diazepam was most commonly used, followed by midazolam, vecuronium, and magnesium sulfate. Mortality rate was 32% (five moderate and three severe cases died). Short period of onset (less than 48 hours), AKI following rhabdomyolysis, sepsis, DIC, ARDS, and inotrope need were significantly associated with higher mortality. It is concluded that the commonest portal of entry was posttrauma. None of the patients was completely immunized. Short period of onset, AKI, sepsis, DIC, ARDS, and inotrope need predicted a higher mortality.
The Vascular Basis of the Pronator Quadratus Muscle Flap and Its Use in Clinical Cases
Authors: Thomas Binu P. , Kiran Sasi P. , Tang Maolin , Geddes Christopher R. , Morris Steven F.
Published: September 2020

Background Pronator quadratus (PQ) is a deeply situated muscle in the forearm which may occasionally be utilized for soft-tissue reconstruction. The purpose of this anatomical and clinical study was to confirm vascular supply of PQ muscle (PQM) in order to optimize its transfer and confirm its utility in clinical situations.

Methods In Part A of the anatomical study, fresh human cadavers (n = 7) were prepared with an intra-arterial injection of lead oxide and gelatin solution, and PQM and neurovascular pedicle were dissected (n = 14). In the anatomical study Part B, isolated limbs of embalmed human cadavers (n = 12) were injected with India ink-gelatin mixture and PQ were dissected.

Results PQ is a type II muscle flap, with one major pedicle, the anterior interosseous (AI) vessels and two minor pedicles from the radial and ulnar vessels. The mean dimensions of the muscle were 5.5 × 5.0 × 1.0 cm3, mean pedicle length was 9.6 cm, and the mean diameter of the artery and the vein was 2.3 mm and 2.8 mm, respectively. The dorsal cutaneous perforating branch (DPB) of the artery supplied the skin over the dorsal forearm and wrist. This branch also anastomosed with the 1, 2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery (ICSRA).

Conclusion This study confirms the potential utility and vascular basis of the PQM flap and its associated cutaneous paddle.

In the clinical part, two patients with nonhealing wounds exposing the median nerve and flexor tendons in the distal forearm were treated using the PQM flap with good results.
Providing Support for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Health Care Professionals: A Bereavement Debriefing Program
Authors: Hawes Katheleen , Goldstein Justin , Vessella Sharon , Tucker Richard , Lechner Beatrice E.
Published: September 2020

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate formal bereavement debriefing sessions after infant death on neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) staff.

Study Design Prospective mixed methods study. Pre- and postbereavement debriefing intervention surveys were sent to clinical staff. Evaluation surveys were distributed to participants after each debriefing session. Notes on themes were taken during each session.

Results More staff attended sessions (p < 0.0001) and attended more sessions (p < 0.0001) during the postdebriefing intervention epoch compared with the predebriefing epoch. Stress levels associated with the death of a patient whose family the care provider have developed a close relationship with decreased (p = 0.0123). An increased number of debriefing session participants was associated with infant age at the time of death (p = 0.03). Themes were (1) family and provider relationships, (2) evaluation of the death, (3) team cohesion, (4) caring for one another, and (5) emotional impact.

Conclusion Bereavement debriefings for NICU staff reduced the stress of caring for dying infants and contributed to staff well-being.

Key Points
X-ray transform on Sobolev spaces
Authors: Sharafutdinov Vladimir A
Published: September 2020

The x-ray transform I integrates a function f on

R

n

over lines:

(

I
f

)

(

x
,
ξ

)

=
∫

−
∞

∞

f

(

x
+
t
ξ

)

d
t

. The range characterization of the x-ray transform on the Schwartz space is well known, the main ingredient of the characterization is some system of second order differential equations that are called John’s equations. The Reshetnyak formula equates the norm

‖
f

‖

H

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to some special norm of If, it was also known before. We prove a new version of the Reshetnyak formula that involves first order derivatives of If with respect to the ξ-variable. On using the latter formula, we obtain the range characterization of the x-ray transform on Sobolev spaces.
Nanoscale patterning at the Si/SiO2/graphene interface by focused He+ beam
Authors: Böttcher Artur , Schwaiger Ruth , Pazdera Tobias M , Exner Daniela , Hauns Jakob , Strelnikov Dmitry , Lebedkin Sergei , Gröger Roland , Esch Friedrich , Lechner Barbara A J , Kappes Manfred M
Published: September 2020

We have studied the capability of He+ focused ion beam (He+-FIB) patterning to fabricate defect arrays on the Si/SiO2/Graphene interface using a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman imaging to probe damage zones. In general, an amorphized ‘blister’ region of cylindrical symmetry results upon exposing the surface to the stationary focused He+ beam. The topography of the amorphized region depends strongly on the ion dose, DS
, (ranging from 103 to 107ions/spot) with craters and holes observed at higher doses. Furthermore, the surface morphology depends on the distance between adjacent irradiated spots, LS
. Increasing the dose leads to (enhanced) subsurface amorphization and a local height increase relative to the unexposed regions. At the highest areal ion dose, the average height of a patterned area also increases as ∼1/LS
. Correspondingly, in optical micrographs, the µm2-sized patterned surface regions change appearance. These phenomena can be explained by implantation of the He+ ions into the subsurface layers, formation of helium nanobubbles, expansion and modification of the dielectric constant of the patterned material. The corresponding modifications of the terminating graphene monolayer have been monitored by micro Raman imaging. At low ion doses, DS
, the graphene becomes modified by carbon atom defects which perturb the 2D lattice (as indicated by increasing D/G Raman mode ratio). Additional x-ray photoionization spectroscopy (XPS) measurements allow us to infer that for moderate ion doses, scattering of He+ ions by the subsurface results in the oxidation of the graphene network. For largest doses and smallest LS
values, the He+ beam activates extensive Si/SiO2/C bond rearrangement and a multicomponent material possibly comprising SiC and silicon oxycarbides, SiOC, is observed. We also infer parameter ranges for He+-FIB patterning defect arrays of potential use for pinning transition metal nanoparticles in model studies of heterogeneous catalysis.
Virtual reality simulation of epiretinal stimulation highlights the relevance of the visual angle in prosthetic vision
Authors: Thorn Jacob Thomas , Migliorini Enrico , Ghezzi Diego
Published: September 2020

Objective. Retinal prostheses hold the potential for artificial vision in blind patients suffering from outer retinal dystrophies. The optimal number, density and coverage of the electrodes that a retinal prosthesis should have to provide adequate artificial vision in daily activities is still an open question and an important design parameter needed to develop better implants. Approach. To address this question, we investigated the interaction between the visual angle, the pixel number and the pixel density without being limited by a small electrode count. We implemented prosthetic vision in a virtual reality environment in order to simulate the real-life experience of using a retinal prosthesis. We designed four different tasks simulating: object recognition, word reading, perception of a descending step and crossing a street. Main results. The results of our study showed that in all the tasks the visual angle played the most significant role in improving the performance of the participant. Significance. The design of new retinal prostheses should take into account the relevance of the restored visual angle to provide a helpful and valuable visual aid to profoundly or totally blind patients.
Retreating winter and strengthening autumn Mediterranean influence on extreme precipitation in the Southwestern Alps over the last 60 years
Authors: Blanchet Juliette , Creutin Jean-Dominique , Blanc Antoine
Published: September 2020

This article analyzes the large-scale circulations producing daily precipitation extremes in the Southwestern Alps and their trends from 1958 to 2017. We consider a high-resolution precipitation data set of 1 × 1 km2 and the weather patterns associated to the precipitation seasonal maxima at each grid point. The high-resolution allows us to analyze in details the atmospheric influences triggering seasonal maxima. Four influences are considered—the Atlantic influence, the Mediterranean influence, the northeast circulation and the Anticyclonic situation. We show that influences on maxima are very well organized in space but their organization depends on the season. Maxima are very mainly triggered by two types of influences in the region—the Atlantic influence and the Mediterranean influence. Trends in weather patterns producing maxima are also organized in space, with opposite trends for the Atlantic and the Mediterranean influences. The Mediterranean influence retreated very significantly over the period in winter and spring, while the Atlantic influence significantly extended further south. In autumn the Mediterranean influence strengthened where it was already dominant.
Fluence and wavelength dependent ultrafast differential transmission dynamics in graphene
Authors: Gatamov Rustam , Baydin Andrey , Krzyzanowska Halina , Tolk Norman
Published: September 2020

We performed degenerate pump-probe transmission measurements of graphene supported on glass for a range of pump fluences that enable us to observe both positive and negative deferential transmission dynamics. Our results show that at an intermediate pump fluence, where a transition from negative to positive response occurs, the differential transmission dynamics is an order of magnitude faster than at higher and lower pump fluences. This effect can be explained by equal contributions of inter- and intraband transitions with opposite signs to the transient optical conductivity of graphene at an intermediate pump fluence. Moreover, the intermediate threshold pump fluence is shown to increase with decreasing probe energy, which is in agreement with the theoretical model. Furthermore, we show that the relaxation time of the electronic temperature increases monotonically over the range of fluences studied. In perspective, this work is of importance to graphene-based opto-electronic applications such as light modulators.
Finite element analysis of load-carrying capacity of single lap joints bonded with epoxy/nanoalumina adhesives
Authors: Bharti Anurag , Gupta Sunil Kumar , Shukla Dharmendra Kumar
Published: September 2020

Influence of alumina nanoparticles in the epoxy adhesive on the load-carrying capacity of single lap joints was investigated using the finite element method. Nanocomposite adhesives were modelled by reinforcing randomly distributed spherical shaped (at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 wt.%) and rod-shaped (at 0.5 and 1.0 wt.%) alumina nanoparticles in the epoxy. 2D finite element was used to discretise the domain of single lap joint comprising nanocomposite adhesives. The load-carrying capacity of single lap joints bonded with nanocomposite adhesive comprising 1.5 wt.% of nanospheres and 1.0 wt.% of nanorods was 58% and 51% more than that of joints with neat adhesive, respectively. The distribution of von-Mises stress, shear stress and peel stress at adherend/adhesive layer interface along the overlap length of the joint was analysed.
Mortality of older patients with dementia after surgery for chronic subdural hematoma: a nationwide study
Authors: Tommiska Pihla , Korja Miikka , Siironen Jari , Kaprio Jaakko , Raj Rahul
Published: September 2020

Background

dementia is associated with an excess risk of death but mortality after chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) evacuation in older people with dementia is unknown. We assessed the association between dementia and 1-year case-fatality in older persons undergoing CSDH evacuation.

Methods

we conducted a nationwide Finnish cohort study including all older persons (≥60 years) undergoing CSDH evacuation during 1997–2014 (referred to as cases). We identified controls, without a diagnosis of CSDH, that were matched for age, sex and year of first hospitalisation with a new dementia diagnosis. We identified cases and controls with a pre-existing diagnosis of dementia. Outcome was 12-month mortality. Mortality was compared in case-only and case–control analyses.

Results

of 7,621 included cases, 885 (12%) had a pre-existing diagnosis of dementia. The proportion of cases increased from 9.7% in 1997–2002 to 12.2% in 2012–2014 (P = 0.038 for trend). In the case-analysis, dementia independently associated with 1-year case-fatality (dementia vs. no dementia odds ratio [OR] 1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26–1.78). Sensitivity analysis suggested the association to be strongest for those 60–69 years old (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.59–6.47). In the case–control matched analysis, 1-year mortality was 26% in the dementia CSDH surgery group compared to 16% in the dementia non-CSDH controls (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

dementia is a significant risk factor for 1-year mortality after CSDH surgery in older people. The proportion of older CSDH patients having a pre-existing diagnosis of dementia is increasing. Thus, there is a need for improved evidence regarding the indications and benefits of CSDH evacuation among older persons.
Even when the seasons change our allometry stays the same. A Commentary on: ‘Corner’s rules pass the test of time: little effect of phenology on leaf-shoot and other scaling relationships’
Authors: Smith Duncan D
Published: September 2020

This article comments on:

Alex Fajardo, Juan P. Mora and Etienne Robert, Corner’s rules pass the test of time: little effect of phenology on leaf–shoot and other scaling relationships, Annals of Botany, Volume 126, Issue 7, 25 November 2020, Pages 1129–1139, https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcaa124
Wind intensity affects fine root morphological traits with consequences for plant-soil feedback effects
Authors: Werger Luise , Bergmann Joana , Weber Ewald , Heinze Johannes
Published: September 2020

Wind influences the development, architecture and morphology of plant roots and may modify subsequent interactions between plants and soil (plant–soil feedbacks—PSFs). However, information on wind effects on fine root morphology is scarce and the extent to which wind changes plant–soil interactions remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of two wind intensity levels by manipulating surrounding vegetation height in a grassland PSF field experiment. We grew four common plant species (two grasses and two non-leguminous forbs) with soil biota either previously conditioned by these or other species and tested the effect of wind on root:shoot ratio, fine root morphological traits as well as the outcome for PSFs. Wind intensity did not affect biomass allocation (i.e. root:shoot ratio) in any species. However, fine-root morphology of all species changed under high wind intensity. High wind intensity increased specific root length and surface area and decreased root tissue density, especially in the two grasses. Similarly, the direction of PSFs changed under high wind intensity in all four species, but differences in biomass production on the different soils between high and low wind intensity were marginal and most pronounced when comparing grasses with forbs. Because soils did not differ in plant-available nor total nutrient content, the results suggest that wind-induced changes in root morphology have the potential to influence plant–soil interactions. Linking wind-induced changes in fine-root morphology to effects on PSF improves our understanding of plant–soil interactions under changing environmental conditions.
Finding orthologous gene blocks in bacteria: the computational hardness of the problem and novel methods to address it
Authors: Nguyen Huy N , Markin Alexey , Friedberg Iddo , Eulenstein Oliver
Published: September 2020

Motivation

The evolution of complexity is one of the most fascinating and challenging problems in modern biology, and tracing the evolution of complex traits is an open problem. In bacteria, operons and gene blocks provide a model of tractable evolutionary complexity at the genomic level. Gene blocks are structures of co-located genes with related functions, and operons are gene blocks whose genes are co-transcribed on a single mRNA molecule. The genes in operons and gene blocks typically work together in the same system or molecular complex. Previously, we proposed a method that explains the evolution of orthologous gene blocks (orthoblocks) as a combination of a small set of events that take place in vertical evolution from common ancestors. A heuristic method was proposed to solve this problem. However, no study was done to identify the complexity of the problem.

Results

Here, we establish that finding the homologous gene block problem is NP-hard and APX-hard. We have developed a greedy algorithm that runs in polynomial time and guarantees an O(ln⁡n) approximation. In addition, we formalize our problem as an integer linear program problem and solve it using the PuLP package and the standard CPLEX algorithm. Our exploration of several candidate operons reveals that our new method provides more optimal results than the results from the heuristic approach, and is significantly faster.

Availability and implementation

The software and data accompanying this paper are available under the GPLv3 and CC0 license respectively on: https://github.com/nguyenngochuy91/Relevant-Operon.
PathFinder: Bayesian inference of clone migration histories in cancer
Authors: Kumar Sudhir , Chroni Antonia , Tamura Koichiro , Sanderford Maxwell , Oladeinde Olumide , Aly Vivian , Vu Tracy , Miura Sayaka
Published: September 2020

Metastases cause a vast majority of cancer morbidity and mortality. Metastatic clones are formed by dispersal of cancer cells to secondary tissues, and are not medically detected or visible until later stages of cancer development. Clone phylogenies within patients provide a means of tracing the otherwise inaccessible dynamic history of migrations of cancer cells.

Here, we present a new Bayesian approach, PathFinder, for reconstructing the routes of cancer cell migrations. PathFinder uses the clone phylogeny, the number of mutational differences among clones, and the information on the presence and absence of observed clones in primary and metastatic tumors. By analyzing simulated datasets, we found that PathFinder performes well in reconstructing clone migrations from the primary tumor to new metastases as well as between metastases. It was more challenging to trace migrations from metastases back to primary tumors. We found that a vast majority of errors can be corrected by sampling more clones per tumor, and by increasing the number of genetic variants assayed per clone. We also identified situations in which phylogenetic approaches alone are not sufficient to reconstruct migration routes.

In conclusion, we anticipate that the use of PathFinder will enable a more reliable inference of migration histories and their posterior probabilities, which is required to assess the relative preponderance of seeding of new metastasis by clones from primary tumors and/or existing metastases.

Availability and implementation

PathFinder is available on the web at https://github.com/SayakaMiura/PathFinder.