bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of weaning age and housing conditions on phenotypic differences in mice
Authors: Bailoo Jeremy D. , Voelkl Bernhard , Varholick Justin , Novak Janja , Murphy Eimear , Rosso Marianna , Palme Rupert , Würbel Hanno
Published: July 2020

Poor reproducibility is considered a serious problem in laboratory animal research, with important scientific, economic, and ethical implications. One possible source of conflicting findings in laboratory animal research are environmental differences between animal facilities combined with rigorous environmental standardization within studies. Due to phenotypic plasticity, study-specific differences in environmental conditions during development can induce differences in the animals’ responsiveness to experimental treatments, thereby contributing to poor reproducibility of experimental results. Here, we studied how variation in weaning age (14–30 days) and housing conditions (single versus group housing) affects the phenotype of SWISS mice as measured by a range of behavioral and physiological outcome variables. Weaning age, housing conditions, and their interaction had little effect on the development of stereotypies, as well as on body weight, glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations, and behavior in the elevated plus-maze and open field test. These results are surprising and partly in conflict with previously published findings, especially with respect to the effects of early weaning. Our results thus question the external validity of previous findings and call for further research to identify the sources of variation between replicate studies and study designs that produce robust and reproducible experimental results.
Phenotypic effects of paralogous ribosomal proteins bL31A and bL31B in E. coli
Authors: Lilleorg Silva , Reier Kaspar , Volõnkin Pavel , Remme Jaanus , Liiv Aivar
Published: July 2020

Ribosomes are essential macromolecular complexes conducting protein biosynthesis in all domains of life. Cells can have heterogeneous ribosomes, i.e. ribosomes with various ribosomal RNA and ribosomal protein (r-protein) composition. However, the functional importance of heterogeneous ribosomes has remained elusive. One of the possible sources for ribosome heterogeneity is provided by paralogous r-proteins. In E. coli, ribosomal protein bL31 has two paralogs: bL31A encoded by rpmE and bL31B encoded by ykgM. This study investigates phenotypic effects of these ribosomal protein paralogs using bacterial strains expressing only bL31A or bL31B. We show that bL31A confers higher fitness to E. coli under lower temperatures. In addition, bL31A and bL31B have different effects on translation reading frame maintenance and apparent translation processivity in vivo as demonstrated by dual luciferase assay. In general, this study demonstrates that ribosomal protein paralog composition (bL31A versus bL31B) can affect cell growth and translation outcome.
Author Correction: Graphene Plasmonic Fractal Metamaterials for Broadband Photodetectors
Authors: De Nicola Francesco , Purayil Nikhil Santh Puthiya , Miŝeikis Vaidotas , Spirito Davide , Tomadin Andrea , Coletti Camilla , Polini Marco , Krahne Roman , Pellegrini Vittorio
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Parkinson’s disease and bacteriophages as its overlooked contributors
Authors: Tetz George , Brown Stuart M. , Hao Yuhan , Tetz Victor
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Publisher Correction: A disulfide constrains the ToxR periplasmic domain structure, altering its interactions with ToxS and bile-salts
Authors: Midgett Charles R. , Swindell Rachel A. , Pellegrini Maria , Kull F. Jon
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Computers as Scientists
Authors: Allen Timothy E. H.
Published: July 2020

The role of computers in science has changed dramatically because of the increase in computational power, accessible platforms for data storage and use, and the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning. This chapter addresses a number of important questions regarding the role of computers in science and presents some relevant examples.
How Do Machines Learn?
Authors: Allen Timothy E. H.
Published: July 2020

A key question in machine learning is how learning is accomplished. Humans learn through experience in our lives, and it would be extremely beneficial to have machines that can do the same thing. Therefore, we should try to develop them, especially as machines are far better at some tasks than humans, such as large-scale mathematical calculations and high-capacity data storage. But how to find a way to make a machine learn? This is an entirely different problem, which this chapter addresses.
MedChemInformatics: An Introduction to Machine Learning for Drug Discovery
Authors: Roberts Matthew G. , Lawrence Rae
Published: July 2020

This chapter is written for medicinal chemists who are not necessarily experts in computational chemistry or mathematics but are interested in boosting their understanding of Machine Learning – let's call these scientists “MedChemInformaticians” and their field “MedChemInformatics.” Here, we provide an introduction to cheminformatics and the commonly used Machine Learning approaches in drug discovery projects. It is hoped that by the end of this chapter, the reader will have sufficient understanding of the methods that commonly appear in literature-reported models and awareness of the intricacies, values, and limitations of each approach.
Machine Learning for Chemical Synthesis
Authors: Haywood Alexe L. , Redshaw Joseph , Gaertner Thomas , Taylor Adam , Mason Andy M. , Hirst Jonathan D.
Published: July 2020

The synthesis of new molecules is essential for progress in various sectors within the chemical industry and academia. Medicinal and materials chemistry are two examples. Searching through vast regions of chemical space for routes to new molecules is a time-consuming process carried out by expert synthetic chemists. The use of machine learning and artificial intelligence for synthetic chemistry is rapidly expanding, the aim being to reduce the timelines of chemical syntheses. Tools, which predict products of chemical reactions and design retrosynthetic routes, are attracting particular attention. Emerging computer-aided synthesis design (CASD) programs are not intended to replace synthetic chemists but to aid them in everyday decision making. The incorporation of condition optimisation and reaction performance is highly desirable. Combining such tools with an automated synthesis testing module holds much promise for the future of reaction condition optimisation. To achieve the desired progress in, and acceptance of CASD, there are a few challenges that need to be addressed.
Machine Learning Techniques Applied to a Complex Polymerization Process
Authors: Curteanu Silvia
Published: July 2020

This chapter discusses the use of machine learning in modeling and optimizing free radical polymerization processes. Artificial neural networks, static and dynamic, with various configurations, used individually or aggregated in stack, are presented in different types of applications: direct and inverse modeling, soft sensors, or optimal control. A particular aspect is represented by neuro-evolution, by combining neural networks with evolutionary algorithms (genetic algorithms and differential evolution), with applications in determining optimal neural models or in optimizing chemical processes. In most cases, the selected examples, many of which are the author's own contributions, show the gradual improvement in performance of the applied method. Polymerization processes were chosen as case studies as they have complicated phenomenology, which gives rise to significant modeling difficulties. Machine learning techniques, which are capable of overcoming many of these disadvantages, provide satisfactory results.
Machine Learning Applications in Chemical Engineering
Authors: Yan Y. , Borhani T. N. , Clough P. T.
Published: July 2020

Chemical engineering is not often a field associated with artificial intelligence or machine learning, but there is a great deal of untapped potential ready to be harnessed. A chemical engineer is someone who can utilise chemistry and the underlying laws of engineering to design, control, and operate a process to produce something at scale; this ‘something’ could be anything from shampoo to hydrogen. A process plant will always be modelled before construction, it will have a control programme written for it, and when it operates several parameters will be measured to assess its performance; artificial intelligence can have an impact in all of these areas. In this chapter, we explore how the world of artificial intelligence is gradually being incorporated into chemical engineering and the potential benefits (and risks) that this brings with it.
Autonomous Science: Big Data Tools for Small Data Problems in Chemistry
Authors: Geiger Andreas C. , Cao Ziyi , Song Zhengtian , Ulcickas James R. W. , Simpson Garth J.
Published: July 2020

Machine learning tools are emerging to support autonomous science, in which critical decision-making on experimental design is conducted by algorithms rather than by human intervention. This shift from automation to autonomation is enabled by rapid advances in data science and deep neural networks, which provide new strategies for mining the ever-increasing volumes of data produced by modern instrumentation. However, a large number of measurements are intrinsically incompatible with high-throughput analyses, limited by time, the availability of materials, or the measurement architecture itself. Counter-intuitively, strategies developed for big-data challenges have the potential for major impacts in such data-limited problems. Two strategies for leveraging “big data” tools for small data challenges form the central theme of this chapter. In the first, advances in autonomous design of experiments are reviewed, in which algorithms select in real-time the next most informative experiments to perform based on results from previous measurements. Autonomous science enables maximization of confidence in scientific decision-making while simultaneously minimizing the number of measurements required to achieve that confidence. In the second, recent advances in adversarial strategies are reviewed for improving chemical decision-making with limited data. Adversarial attacks can help identify weak-points in classification and dimension reduction approaches that naturally arise in data-sparse training. Once identified, generative adversarial approaches provide a framework for “shoring up” those weak points by optimally leveraging the underlying probability distributions describing the input data. These illustrative examples highlight the rapidly evolving landscape of chemical measurement science enabled by machine learning.
Machine Learning for Heterogeneous Catalysis: Global Neural Network Potential from Construction to Applications
Authors: Ma Sicong , Kang Pei-Lin , Shang Cheng , Liu Zhi-Pan
Published: July 2020

While the potential energy surface (PES) determines the physicochemical properties of matter, chemical system surfaces are often too complex to solve even with modern computing facilities. Heterogeneous catalysis, being widely utilized in industry, calls for new techniques and methods to resolve the active site structure and reaction intermediates at the atomic scale. In this chapter, we provide an overview of recent theoretical progress on large-scale atomistic simulation via the machine learning global neural network (G-NN) potential developed by our research group in recent years, focusing on methodology and representative applications in heterogeneous catalysis. The combination of global optimization and machine learning provides a convenient and automated way to generate the transferable and robust G-NN potential, which can be utilized to reveal new chemistry from unknown regions of the PES at an affordable computational cost. The predictive power of the G-NN potential is demonstrated in several examples, where the method is applied to explore the material crystal phases and the structure of supported catalysts, to follow surface structure evolution under high-pressure hydrogen and to determine the ternary oxide phase diagram. Limitations and future directions of the G-NN potential method are also discussed.
A Few Guiding Principles for Practical Applications of Machine Learning to Chemistry and Materials
Authors: Shankar S. , Zare R. N.
Published: July 2020

We describe five specific guiding principles for applications of machine learning (ML) to problems in chemistry and material sciences, using data from both experiments and simulations. The principles are the following: 1. Use ML for interpolation but with care for extrapolation; 2. Ensure consistency between sources of data and the targeted application; 3. Correlation is not causation; 4. Optimize information extraction when using ML; 5. Combine different methods, including experiments, theory, and computing to provide a larger window of applications. These principles were developed based on the applications that the authors have been actively involved in, in both industrial and academic settings. Each of these guiding principles is illustrated, using examples from biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, or material science. Examples include Mendeleev's periodic table, estimation of interface adhesion in semiconductor materials, measurements in chemical analysis for cancer chemistry, singularities in evolutionary biology, and the development of faster quantum chemistry methods. The use of specific examples, in turn, will help illustrate the basic premise behind each of the principles. We believe that these unique perspectives highlight potential fallacies in applying these techniques broadly to all problems in natural sciences and engineering, without appropriate bounding of accuracy and precision, especially in areas related to the chemical and materials sciences.
Approaching optimal hole transport layers by an organic monomolecular strategy for efficient inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Li Wang , Liu Hui , Liu Changwen , Kong Weiguang , Chen Hong , Wang Weijun , Zhang Haichao , Zhang Xian , Cheng Chun
Published: July 2020

We report a universal monomolecular layer-hole transport layer (ML-HTL) strategy, employing MLs of widely used organic hole transport materials to construct HTLs. A fill factor of 81.86% and champion PCE of 20.58% were achieved with a hydrophobic small molecule ML-HTL.
In situ study of the synthesis of thorite (ThSiO4) under environmental representative conditions
Authors: Estevenon Paul , Causse Jeremy , Szenknect Stephanie , Welcomme Eleonore , Mesbah Adel , Moisy Philippe , Poinssot Christophe , Dacheux Nicolas
Published: July 2020

In-situ SWAXS measurements attested that thorite synthesis was possible at quite low temperature, moving from colloidal state at low reaction time to crystalline phase at infinite reaction time.
Maternal supplementation of organic selenium during gestation improves sows and offspring antioxidant capacity and inflammatory status and promotes embryo survival
Authors: Mou Daolin , Ding Dajiang , Yan Hui , Qin Binting , Dong Yanpeng , Li Zhen , Che Lianqiang , Fang Zhengfeng , Xu Shengyu , Lin Yan , Zhuo Yong , Li Jian , Huang Chao , Zou Yuanfeng , Li Lixia , Briens Mickael , Wu De , Feng Bin
Published: July 2020

Maternal supplementation of HMSeBA during pregnancy improved antioxidant capacities and reduced inflammation level in mater, placenta, and fetus.
Ionic silver-infused peroxidase-like metal–organic frameworks as versatile “antibiotic” for enhanced bacterial elimination
Authors: Zhang Wentao , Ren Xinyi , Shi Shuo , Li Min , Liu Lizhi , Han Ximei , Zhu Wenxin , Yue Tianli , Sun Jing , Wang Jianlong
Published: July 2020

A biocompatible ionic silver-metal organic framework composite with intrinsic peroxidase-like activity is successfully constructed for combating bacterial infection.
Histone methyltransferase G9a inhibitor-loaded redox-responsive nanoparticles for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma therapy
Authors: Wang Jie-Qin , Wang Li-Ying , Li Shi-Jin , Tong Tong , Wang Li , Huang Chen-Song , Xu Qiong-Cong , Huang Xi-Tai , Li Jian-Hui , Wu Jun , Zhao Wei , Yin Xiao-Yu
Published: July 2020

To overcome glutathione-induced malignant potential of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), redox-responsive nanoparticles based on glutathione depletion strategy were used to deliver histone methyltransferase G9a inhibitor for PDAC therapy.
Subnano-transformation of molybdenum carbide to oxycarbide
Authors: Wakizaka Masanori , Atqa Augie , Chun Wang-Jae , Imaoka Takane , Yamamoto Kimihisa
Published: July 2020

This work represents a new concept of the size dependence for phase transformation around sub-nanoscale.
E,Z-Selectivity in the reductive cross-coupling of two benzaldehydes to stilbenes under substrate control
Authors: D'Imperio Nicolas , Arkhypchuk Anna I. , Ott Sascha
Published: July 2020

Depending on the order of addition, two differently substituted benzaldehydes can selectively be coupled to either E- or Z-stilbene.
Chemical fingerprinting of polyvinyl acetate and polycarbonate using electron energy-loss spectroscopy
Authors: Pal Ruchi , Bourgeois Laure , Weyland Matthew , Sikder Arun K. , Saito Kei , Funston Alison M. , Bellare Jayesh R.
Published: July 2020

This work demonstrates that the high sensitivity of EELS can be used to identify the changes in the chemical structure of polymeric materials.
Tailoring polymer dispersity by mixing chain transfer agents in PET-RAFT polymerization
Authors: Parkatzidis Kostas , Truong Nghia P. , Antonopoulou Maria Nefeli , Whitfield Richard , Konkolewicz Dominik , Anastasaki Athina
Published: July 2020

Here we report a simple and versatile batch methodology to tailor polymer dispersity utilizing PET-RAFT polymerization.
Tuning the hydroxyl functionality of block copolymer worm gels modulates their thermoresponsive behavior
Authors: Romero-Azogil Lucia , Penfold Nicholas J. W. , Armes Steven P.
Published: July 2020

Partial replacement of a hydroxyl-functional steric stabilizer with a poly(ethylene glycol)-based stabilizer modulates the thermoresponsive behavior of block copolymer worm gels prepared via aqueous polymerization-induced self-assembly.
Selective signalling of alcohols by a molecular lattice and mechanism of single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations
Authors: Costa José Sánchez , Rodríguez-Jiménez Santiago , Craig Gavin A. , Barth Benjamin , Beavers Christine M. , Teat Simon J. , Gagnon Kevin J. , Barrios Leoní A. , Roubeau Olivier , Aromí Guillem
Published: July 2020

A molecular material undergoes spin-switching as it exchanges MeOH, EtOH or nPrOH with acetone from the lattice. The subsequent thermal single-crystal-to-single-crystal desorption of nPrOH is followed by single crystal X-ray diffraction snapshots.
Iron catalyzed ketoalkylation and ketoalkylation/etherification of styrenes initiated by selective C–C bond cleavage
Authors: Suo Meng-Ting , Yang Shuo , Yang Jun-Cheng , Liu Ze-Yu , Zhang Jun-Jie , Guo Li-Na
Published: July 2020

A mild and efficient iron-catalyzed ketoalkyl-Heck-type coupling initiated by radical C–C bond cleavage is described. Furthermore, this concise catalytic system was also applicable for the three-component ketoalkylation/etherification of styrenes.
A new soft-matter material with old chemistry: Passerini multicomponent polymerization-induced assembly of AIE-active double-helical polymers with rapid visible-light degradability
Authors: Liu Jupen , Luo Zhonglong , Yu Le , Zhang Ping , Wei Hongqiu , Yu You
Published: July 2020

Passerini multicomponent polymerization-induced assembly is reported to design a water-soluble, AIE-active, double-helical polymer with reversible multi-responsiveness to external stimuli and rapid visible-light degradability.
Selective synthesis and structural transformation between a molecular ring-in-ring architecture and an abnormal trefoil knot
Authors: Dang Li-Long , Gao Xiang , Lin Yue-Jian , Jin Guo-Xin
Published: July 2020

The chemical reactivity of Ag+ ions and solvent effects induce reversible structural transformations between an abnormal trefoil knot, a tetranuclear macrocycle and a ring-in-ring architecture.
Molecular assemblers: molecular machines performing chemical synthesis
Authors: Herges Rainer
Published: July 2020

Molecular assemblers were proposed by K. Eric Drexler in 1986, based on the ideas of R. Feynman.
Surface plasmon resonance imaging of the heterogeneous electric double-layer distribution and its change dynamics
Authors: Luo Xueyi , Deng Shijie , Wang Peng
Published: July 2020

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging method for monitoring the electric double-layer (EDL) change dynamics in real-time and map the lateral EDL distribution on heterogeneous electrode/electrolyte interface.
Effect of a π-linker of push–pull D–π–A donor molecules on the performance of organic photodetectors
Authors: Lim Hong Chul , Choi Min-Soo , Chae Sangmin , Kim Hyo Jung , Kim Jang-Joo , Hong Jong-In
Published: July 2020

The BHJ OPDs based on H3 donor molecule with amorphous morphology exhibited high external quantum efficiency of 64% at 530 nm, a low Jd value of 1.8 × 10−8, and a high Jph value of 9.6 × 10−3 A cm−2 at −3 V bias.
Prolactin may serve as a regulator to promote vocal fold wound healing
Authors: Wang Haizhou , Li Xueyan , Lu Jieyu , Jones Paul , Xu Wen
Published: July 2020

Reduced prolactin (PRL) has been shown to delay wound healing with a limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Here, we aim to explore the role of PRL in the repair of vocal fold (VF) injury. A microarray was used to detect the expressed levels of PRL in rat VF tissue at 1, 4, and 8 weeks after VF injury compared with normal uninjured rats. Then, a systematic bioinformatics analysis has been conducted to explore the literature-based biology network and signaling pathways involved in the repair of VF injury. The expression of PRL was significantly decreased in all VF injury groups (week 1, 4, and 8) compared with the control group (F stats = 280.34; P=4.88e-14), with no significant difference among the three VF injury groups (F stats = 1.97; P=0.18). Wounding has been shown to interfere with both PRL-promoting and inhibiting pathways that were involved in wound healing, including 11 PRL inhibitors and 6 PRL promoters. Our results reveal decreased PRL expression levels in VF injury, which is not in favor of the wound healing. The pathways identified may help in understanding the role of PRL as a treatment target for VF wound healing.
Bioinformatics analysis of potential core genes for glioblastoma
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yang Xin , Zhu Xiao-Lin , Hao Jia-Qi , Bai Hao , Xiao You-Chao , Wang Zhuang-Zhuang , Hao Chun-Yan , Duan Hu-Bin
Published: July 2020

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) has a high degree of malignancy, aggressiveness and recurrence rate. However, there are limited options available for the treatment of GBM, and they often result in poor prognosis and unsatisfactory outcomes.

Materials and methods: In order to identify potential core genes in GBM that may provide new therapeutic insights, we analyzed three gene chips (GSE2223, GSE4290 and GSE50161) screened from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) from the tissues of GBM and normal brain were screened using GEO2R. To determine the functional annotation and pathway of DEG, Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were conducted using DAVID database. Protein interactions of DEG were visualized using PPI network on Cytoscape software. Next, 10 Hub nodes were screened from the differentially expressed network using MCC algorithm on CytoHubba software and subsequently identified as Hub genes. Finally, the relationship between Hub genes and the prognosis of GBM patients was described using GEPIA2 survival analysis web tool.

Results: A total of 37 up-regulated and 187 down-regulated genes were identified through microarray analysis. Amongst the 10 Hub genes selected, SV2B appeared to be the only gene associated with poor prognosis in glioblastoma based on the survival analysis.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that high expression of SV2B is associated with poor prognosis in GBM patients. Whether SV2B can be used as a new therapeutic target for GBM requires further validation.
Automatic hotspots detection based on UAV infrared images for large‐scale PV plant
Authors: Nie Junfei , Luo Ting , Li Hui
Published: July 2020

Owing to the significantly installed capacity of solar energy during the past decades, the operation and maintenance of the large photovoltaic power station is a big challenge, as the manual inspection is labour‐intensive and expensive. This Letter presents a solution for the intelligent inspection of the hotspot with the unmanned aerial vehicle in the large‐scale photovoltaic plant. First, a traditional image processing method is presented to eliminate the noise and crop the infrared image, which can make the defected feature more obvious. Then, the module is extracted by the line segments detection. Finally, considering the great advance in the realm of the computer vision, a deep‐learning‐based method for automatic hotspot detection is proposed for locating the hotspot with the data augmentation. The deep‐learning‐based model can extract the hotspot feature by the training process in the data set. In the end, the performance of the method proposed is extensively evaluated and the numerical results prove the accuracy and precision of the model.
Astrochemical relevance of VUV ionization of large PAH cations
Authors: Wenzel G. , Joblin C. , Giuliani A. , Rodriguez Castillo S. , Mulas G. , Ji M. , Sabbah H. , Quiroga S. , Peña D. , Nahon L.
Published: July 2020

Context. As part of interstellar dust, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are processed by an interaction with vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photons emitted by hot stars. This interaction leads to the emission of not only the well-known aromatic infrared bands, but also electrons, which can significantly contribute to the heating of the interstellar gas.

Aims. Our aim is to investigate the impact of molecular size on the photoionization properties of cationic PAHs.

Methods. Trapped PAH cations of sizes between 30 and 48 carbon atoms were submitted to VUV photons in the range of 9–20 eV from the DESIRS beamline at the synchrotron SOLEIL. All resulting photoproducts including dications and fragment cations were mass-analyzed and recorded as a function of photon energy.

Results. Photoionization is found to be predominant over dissociation at all energies, which differs from the conclusions of an earlier study on smaller PAHs. The photoionization branching ratio reaches 0.98 at 20 eV for the largest studied PAH. The photoionization threshold is observed to be between 9.1 and 10.2 eV, in agreement with the evolution of the ionization potential with size. Ionization cross sections were indirectly obtained and photoionization yields extracted from their ratio with theoretical photoabsorption cross sections, which were calculated using time-dependent density functional theory. An analytical function was derived to calculate this yield for a given molecular size.

Conclusions. Large PAH cations could be efficiently ionized in H I regions and contribute to the heating of the gas by the photoelectric effect. Also, at the border of or in H II regions, PAHs could be exposed to photons of energy higher than 13.6 eV. Our work provides recipes to be used in astronomical models to quantify these points.
High-impact Routines to Ameliorate Trunk and Lower Limbs Flexibility in Women
Authors: De Nardi Massimo , Facheris Carlo , Ruggeri Piero , La Torre Antonio , Codella Roberto
Published: July 2020

Several types of routines and methods have been experimented to gain neuro/muscular advantages, in terms of overall range of motion, in athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of different routines on trunk- and lower limbs flexibility in a sample of young women. In a randomized-crossover fashion, eleven subjects underwent to: hamstrings stretching [S]; hamstrings stretching plus whole-body vibration [S+WBV]; partial-body cryotherapy [Cryo]; rest [Control]. Standing hamstrings stretch performance and sit-and-reach amplitude resulted to be improved with [S+WBV] compared to all other protocols (p<0.05). [Cryo] ameliorated the active knee extension performance with respect to all other interventions (p<0.05). These flexibility improvements were obtained without a loss in the trunk position sense proprioception. These results represent the first evidence that a single session of either vibration or cryotherapy can ameliorate flexibility without losing the trunk position sense proprioception in young women.
Gefühlt steif heißt nicht objektiv steif – Myth-Busters: die verspannte Nackenmuskulatur
Authors: Dieterich Angela
Published: July 2020

Nackenmuskeln von Patienten mit chronischen Nackenschmerzen – meist sind es Patientinnen – sind steifer als die von Menschen ohne Schmerzen. Das ist das Gefühl vieler Therapeuten und Patienten. Doch ist das wirklich so? Die Patienten wünschen sich eine Massage und sind erleichtert, wenn der Therapeut in die Muskulatur greift. Dieser verfolgt das Ziel, den schmerzhaft erhöhten Tonus der Nackenmuskeln zu senken, oder? Ein Blick in die Tiefen der Muskulatur.
Den Stumpf optimalvorbereiten – Amputationen Teil 1: Akutversorgung nach der Operation
Authors: Brandt Hanna
Published: July 2020

Patienten nach einer Amputation am Bein zu behandeln ist nicht für jeden Therapeuten Alltag. Unsere dreiteilige Serie frischt Ihr Wissen über Theorie und Nachversorgung auf. Teil 1 befasst sich mit der frühen postoperativen Phase und der optimalen Stumpfversorgung.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection with additional radiotherapy in the treatment of T1a esophageal squamous cell cancer: randomized controlled Trial
Authors: Zhang Yuhang , Liu Ling , Wang Qiming , Guo Linjie , Ye Liansong , Zeng Hongze , Zeng Xianhui , Yuan Xianglei , Li Yan , Zhang Yuyan , Zhou Elinor , Hu Bing
Published: July 2020

Background Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is effective for treating T1a early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, occasional recurrences are inevitable. This trial was designed to clarify the efficacy of combining ESD with additional radiotherapy in the treatment of T1a ESCC.

Methods Between January 2015 and September 2018, patients with early ESCC (T1aN0M0) following ESD were randomly assigned (1:1) to the radiotherapy group or non-radiotherapy group. Patients in the radiotherapy group received a median radiation dose of 59.4 Gy within 2 months after ESD. In the non-radiotherapy group, patients underwent regular follow-up only. Recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival, overall survival, and complications were evaluated.

Results 70 patients completed the per-protocol treatment. Three patients in the non-radiotherapy group experienced intraluminal mucosal recurrence compared with none in the radiotherapy group. No local lymph node or distant metastases occurred in either group. The 3-year cumulative recurrence-free survival was 100 % in the radiotherapy group and 85.3 % in the non-radiotherapy group (P = 0.04; hazard ratio 0.08, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.01 – 0.86). However, there was no significant difference in RFS between the treatments within the T1a invasion subgroups (P > 0.05). No patient died in either group. Mucosal defects of more than three-quarters of the esophageal circumference were positively correlated with stenosis (P < 0.01; odds ratio 23.26, 95 %CI 4.04 – 133.86). No severe radiation toxicities were recorded.

Conclusions Radiotherapy after ESD might be a safe and effective optional therapeutic strategy to prevent recurrence of T1a ESCC.
A Sequential Approach to the Management of Ostial Coronary Lesions via the Modified Flower Petal Technique
Authors: Ermis Emrah , Ucar Hakan , Allahverdiyev Samir , Yildirim Erkan
Published: July 2020

There is still no consensus on the optimal technique for performing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ostial coronary lesions, due to potential complications. The modified flower petal technique is one of the techniques to management of ostial lesions. It seems suitable technique in terms of covering the coronary ostium well. In this report, we discuss a patient who underwent PCI with sequential modified flower petal technique, first to the left anterior descending artery ostial lesion, and then to the circumflex artery (CXA) upon the ostium of CXA was affected after the procedure following coronary angiography.
Treatment of Permanent Junctional Reciprocating Tachycardia in a Preterm Neonate: Case Report
Authors: Ilhan Ozkan , Hakan Nilay , Kayilioglu Hulya , Kirli Ulviye , Karacan Mehmet , Olgun Hasim
Published: July 2020

Permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia (PJRT) is most often observed in infants and children and can lead to incessant tachycardia. PJRT is usually refractory to medical treatment. Tachycardia may infrequently occur in the fetus in which case fetal tachycardia transplacental treatment should be started immediately. Term delivery is recommended for fetuses with tachycardia in the absence of significant clinical compromise to avoid complications of preterm birth. Herein, a 36-week preterm neonate presented with PJRT. He had tachycardia in the fetal period and was treated with digoxin, amiodaron, and esmolol therapy after birth without undergoing the catheter ablation procedure.
Scaphoid Fractures below the Age of 10: Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Tataria Rachana , Ting Jeannette , Jester Andrea , Lindau Tommy R. , Oestreich Kerstin
Published: July 2020

Background Scaphoid fractures are relatively uncommon in children, especially below the age of 10 due to the ossification of the scaphoid bone, which starts around 4 to 6 years of age and continues until 13 to 15 years of age, where pediatric scaphoid fractures peak. This makes the diagnoses challenging in this age group.

Methods The primary aim of this study was to analyze prospectively collected data in managing scaphoid fractures. All cases in children up to the age of 10 years, treated in a tertiary pediatric hand and upper limb from January 2014 to June 2018 were included. Parameters studied were patient demographics, clinical presentation, mechanism of injury, investigations, type of fracture, associated injuries, treatment offered, outcomes and complications. The secondary aim was to review the literature due to the limited knowledge about these fractures in these low age groups.

Results A total of 23 patients with documented scaphoid fractures in children up to the age of 10 years were found. Final diagnosis in all these patients was done with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The mean age was 9.8 years, with female preponderance. Scaphoid waist was the most common location. Five patients had associated fractures of the capitate and one patient had associated second metacarpal base fracture. All patients were managed nonoperatively. The average time of immobilization was 6.6 weeks (range: 4–10 weeks). A majority of patients had minor symptoms after the fracture, most likely due to the immobilization time.

Conclusion Scaphoid fractures are rare in the pediatric population up to the age of 10. MRI is most often needed to confirm diagnosis. Nonoperative management of most scaphoid fractures in this age group is safe and feasible with no significant long-term morbidity. Surgical management of scaphoid fractures might be required in very selected cases.

Level of Evidence This is a Level IV study.
A Comparison of Diagnostic Accuracy of Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence in MDCT and MRI, and Coexistence with Tegmen Tympani Dehiscence
Authors: Inal Mikail , Bayar Muluk Nuray , Şahan Mehmet H. , Asal Neşe , Şimşek Gökçe , Arıkan Osman K.
Published: July 2020

Objective Tegmen tympani dehiscence in temporal multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and superior semicircular canal dehiscence may be seen together. We investigated superior semicircular canal dehiscence in temporal MDCT and temporal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods In this retrospective study, 127 temporal MRI and MDCT scans of the same patients were reviewed. In all, 48.8% (n = 62) of cases were male, and 51.2% (n = 65) of cases were female. Superior semicircular canal dehiscence and superior semicircular canal-temporal lobe distance were evaluated by both MDCT and MRI. Tegmen tympani dehiscence was evaluated by MDCT.

Results Superior semicircular canal dehiscence was detected in 14 cases (5.5%) by temporal MDCT and 15 cases (5.9%) by temporal MRI. In 13 cases (5.1%), it was detected by both MDCT and MRI. In one case (0.4%), it was detected by only temporal MDCT, and in two cases (0.8%), it was detected by only temporal MRI. Median superior semicircular canal-to-temporal distance was 0.66 mm in both males and females in temporal MDCT and temporal MRI. In both temporal MDCT and temporal MRI, as superior semicircular canal-to-temporal lobe distance increased, the presence of superior semicircular canal dehiscence in temporal MDCT and temporal MRI decreased. Tegmen tympani dehiscence was detected in eight cases (6.3%) on the right side and six cases (4.7%) on the left side. The presence of tegmen tympani dehiscence in temporal MDCT and the presence of superior semicircular dehiscence in MDCT and MRI increased.

Conclusion Superior semicircular canal dehiscence was detected by both MDCT and MRI. Due to the accuracy of the MRI method to detect superior semicircular dehiscence, we recommend using MRI instead of MDCT to diagnose superior semicircular canal dehiscence. Moreover, there is no radiation exposure from MRI.
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Experience and Results of Thoracoscopic Repair from a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Pandey Vaibhav , Gopal Saroj C.
Published: July 2020

Introduction Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is one of the most common congenital anomalies encountered by pediatric surgeons. With the advances in the pediatric minimal access surgery, its role in the repair of CDH has also increased. We have been using thoracoscopy for the repair for CDH since 2015. We herein report our experience of CDH repair in newborns.

Materials and Methods A retrospective review was conducted from July 2015 to December 2019 in the Department of Pediatric surgery after ethical approval from the institutional review board and included all the children with CDH who underwent thoracoscopic repair. The case records were used to assess the demographic details, type of defect, and early and late postoperative complications of thoracoscopy in CDH.

Results Thoracoscopic repair was attempted in 29 patients of CDH. Eight (27.5%) patients converted to open procedure and were excluded from the study. Primary closure of the diaphragmatic defect was performed in 90.4% (19) patients. Also, 9.5% (2) children required mesh repair. There was no intraoperative death. Postoperative ventilation was required in 57.1% (12) children. The mean time on the ventilator was 3.03 ± 0.9 days. The mean age of children requiring postoperative ventilation was less compared with children who were extubated in the postoperative period (p = 0.032). The median follow-up in our study was 12 months and 28.5% of patients developed recurrence of the diaphragmatic hernia. All the children underwent laparotomy and repair of the diaphragmatic defect.

Conclusion Thoracoscopic repair is a safe and effective option for the repair of CDH in children performed by surgeons with significant procedure experience.
Accurate manipulation of single skyrmion by probe ring
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Xiaokun , Zhou Kan , Huang Qiao , Wang Yan , Zhang Xuyang , Zhang Baoshan , Tang Dongming , Yang Yi
Published: July 2020

Magnetic skyrmions, a new type of information carriers, are extensively investigated for their potential applications in next-generation data storage and computing. In this work, we propose a mechanical probe ring to implement the accurate manipulation of a single skyrmion by a voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy effect, which is analogous to the manipulation of atoms using a scanning tunneling microscope. Combined with the observation process, we can use the probe to move skyrmions accurately in real time. We investigate the effects of various factors on the performance by micromagnetic simulations in order to give a guide for the design and application of this probe. We prove that this method can manipulate not only ferromagnetic skyrmions but also antiferromagnetic skyrmions, which is significant for the study of physical properties and electronic applications of those particle-like spin textures.
Effects of a triangular guide rib on flow and heat transfer in a turbulent jet impingement on an asymmetric concave surface
Authors: Hadipour Amirhosein , Rajabi Zargarabadi Mehran , Mohammadpour Javad
Published: July 2020

In this study, a triangular guide rib (TGR) is designed with the aim of enhancing the heat transfer rate by accelerating a jet impinging downward on an asymmetric concave surface with curvature radii of 8 cm (Cr = 0.15) and 12 cm (Cr = 0.1). An infrared thermometer camera is employed to measure the temperature distribution in the steady-state condition. Predicted Nusselt number profiles by the renormalization group k–ε turbulent model go well with the experimental data. An equilateral triangular rib with each side measuring 12 mm (D/2) is placed in the stagnation region to investigate the effects of the TGR on flow and heat transfer of the asymmetric concave surface. This investigation is carried out for three different Reynolds numbers: 23 000, 35 000, and 50 000. The acceleration of the impinging jet due to the TGR creates a horseshoe-shape in the zone of high Nusselt number values. Numerical results show that the TGR provides higher averaged Nusselt numbers compared to a smooth concave surface.
Machine learning prediction of self-diffusion in Lennard-Jones fluids
Authors: Allers Joshua P. , Harvey Jacob A. , Garzon Fernando H. , Alam Todd M.
Published: July 2020

Different machine learning (ML) methods were explored for the prediction of self-diffusion in Lennard-Jones (LJ) fluids. Using a database of diffusion constants obtained from the molecular dynamics simulation literature, multiple Random Forest (RF) and Artificial Neural Net (ANN) regression models were developed and characterized. The role and improved performance of feature engineering coupled to the RF model development was also addressed. The performance of these different ML models was evaluated by comparing the prediction error to an existing empirical relationship used to describe LJ fluid diffusion. It was found that the ANN regression models provided superior prediction of diffusion in comparison to the existing empirical relationships.
Photoisomerization-coupled electron transfer
Authors: Sowa Jakub K. , Weiss Emily A. , Seideman Tamar
Published: July 2020

Photochromic molecular structures constitute a unique platform for constructing molecular switches, sensors, and memory devices. One of their most promising applications is as light-switchable electron acceptor or donor units. Here, we investigate a previously unexplored process that we postulate may occur in such systems: an ultrafast electron transfer triggered by a simultaneous photoisomerization of the donor or the acceptor moiety. We propose a theoretical model for this phenomenon and, with the aid of density functional theory calculations, apply it to the case of a dihydropyrene-type photochromic molecular donor. By considering the wavepacket dynamics and the photoisomerization yield, we show that the two processes involved, electron transfer and photoisomerization, are in general inseparable and need to be treated in a unified manner. We finish by discussing how the efficiency of photoisomerization-coupled electron transfer can be controlled experimentally.
Scaling relations in shear electroconvective vortices
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhou Yueting , Shi Pengpeng
Published: July 2020

This paper is devoted to the quantitative understanding of the electroosmotic slip velocity, which is the most essential physical quantity of shear electroconvective (SEC) microfluidics. It is well known that SEC instability caused by the electroosmotic slip velocity is triggered near the permselective membranes. Here, we present for the first time the unifying scaling relations of the electroosmotic slip velocity and overlimiting transport in SEC flow under the moderate voltage. The interplaying effects of the salt flux gradient and voltage result in a slip velocity that loses the pressure flow effect. Determined by both the applied potential and the electrolyte physical properties, the slip velocity is shown to scale as V4/3κ2/3, which deviates significantly from the relation of V2 reported in classical theory [I. Rubinstein and B. Zaltzman, “Equilibrium electroconvective instability,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 114(11), 114502 (2015)]. Since the convection flux and the electromigration flux reached an asymptotic equilibrium, a universal scaling κVPe1/3 was obtained for the overlimiting transport. Detailed direct numerical simulations in conjunction with existing experimental data [R. Kwak et al., “Shear flow of an electrically charged fluid by ion concentration polarization: Scaling laws for electroconvective vortices,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 114501 (2013)] corroborate this novel scaling. Our theory provides a unified view and a perfect interpretation of the existing SEC microfluidics.
Sellmeier circuits: A unifying view on optical and plasma dispersion fitting formulas
Authors: Ballato Arthur , Ballato John
Published: July 2020

The Sellmeier equation, ubiquitous in optics for characterizing an optical material's refractive index (n) as a function of wavelength (λ), is recast as an electrical immittance and realized in a circuit form. The circuit is shown to be identical to that widely used to portray piezoelectric resonators. This analogy further is shown to harmonize certain features common to both as well as to connect seemingly disparate applied physical phenomena including Lyddane–Sachs–Teller, Debye, Drude, plasma, and Lorentz–Zener effects.
Regional Animal Feed Action Plan for East Africa: why, what, for whom, how used and benefits
Authors: Opio P. , Makkar H.P.S. , Tibbo M. , Ahmed S. , Sebsibe A. , Osman A.M. , Olesambu E. , Ferrand C. , Munyua S.
Published: July 2020

Livestock are a crucial source of food, employment, and income for much of East Africa’s rural population. The sector contributes substantially to export revenues, national GDPs, and thus the region’s broader socioeconomic development. Livestock production and related value chains, can be the foundation of resilience and sustainable development for pastoral, agro-pastoral, and mixed crop livestock systems in East Africa.  Yet, livestock face a wide range of challenges, particularly in terms of ensuring sustainable access to and use of water and feeds for livestock. Inadequate availability and supply of quality feed and water critically limit the efficiency of livestock in terms of production, reproduction, animal health and welfare, human health, and the economic benefits derived from livestock-based livelihoods in the region. Countries in East Africa identified lack of animal feed policy, strategy, and institutional framework to support the animal feed sector as a major constraint hindering subsector growth, livestock productivity, resilience, and trade. In order to address this, the first Animal Feed Action Plan was developed for East Africa through a consultative and participatory process. The Action Plan captures experiences and lessons learned by a wide spectrum of stakeholders. It provides a means to collectively address some of the constraints in accessing and using animal feed and provides a guided approach to establish partnership by countries, communities, the private sector, and stakeholders to enhance sustainable production of quality livestock and products. The Action Plan is believed to set a good example for other regions to develop their feed action plan.