bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-branch Convolutional Neural Network for Identification of Small Non-coding RNA genomic loci
Authors: Georgakilas Georgios K. , Grioni Andrea , Liakos Konstantinos G. , Chalupova Eliska , Plessas Fotis C. , Alexiou Panagiotis
Published: June 2020

Genomic regions that encode small RNA genes exhibit characteristic patterns in their sequence, secondary structure, and evolutionary conservation. Convolutional Neural Networks are a family of algorithms that can classify data based on learned patterns. Here we present MuStARD an application of Convolutional Neural Networks that can learn patterns associated with user-defined sets of genomic regions, and scan large genomic areas for novel regions exhibiting similar characteristics. We demonstrate that MuStARD is a generic method that can be trained on different classes of human small RNA genomic loci, without need for domain specific knowledge, due to the automated feature and background selection processes built into the model. We also demonstrate the ability of MuStARD for inter-species identification of functional elements by predicting mouse small RNAs (pre-miRNAs and snoRNAs) using models trained on the human genome. MuStARD can be used to filter small RNA-Seq datasets for identification of novel small RNA loci, intra- and inter- species, as demonstrated in three use cases of human, mouse, and fly pre-miRNA prediction. MuStARD is easy to deploy and extend to a variety of genomic classification questions. Code and trained models are freely available at gitlab.com/RBP_Bioinformatics/mustard.
Foot characteristics during walking in 6–14- year-old children
Authors: Kasović Mario , Štefan Lovro , Zvonár Martin
Published: June 2020

The main purpose of the study was to establish foot characteristics during walking in children. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 1 284 primary-school students aged 6–14 years (714 boys and 570 girls) randomly selected from five schools in the city of Brno, Czech Republic. Children walked across a pressure platform (EMED-xl; NovelGmbH, Munich, Germany) to collect the data for both left and right foot during three trials. After the procedure, the software generated several foot characteristic variables: (1) force-time integral, (2) pressure-time integral, (3) contact area, (4) contact time, (5) peak pressure and (6) average pressure for the total foot. Curves for the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th percentiles were calculated using the Lambda, Mu and Sigma (LMS) Chartmaker software. Our results showed that boys had longer force-time integral, higher contact area and contact time values, and higher peak plantar pressure, while no significant differences in pressure-time integral and average plantar pressure between sexes were observed. Older boys and girls had higher values in all measured variables. Our results provide for the first-time sex- and age-specific foot characteristics during walking in 6–14-year-old children.
Dispersive effects in imaging polarimetry based on a wire-grid polarizer
Authors: Im Seongmin , Moon Gwiyeong , Kim Donghyun
Published: June 2020

We explore effects of light dispersion by a wire-grid polarizer (WGP) in imaging polarimetry. The dispersive characteristics of a WGP, combined with off-axis scene incidence, cause significant non-uniformity. The normalized performance measure of contrast due to dispersion of WGP exceeded 0.84 for transmittance and 0.90 for extinction ratio (maximum non-uniformity at 1 and 0 for uniform performance). Dispersion also produces a lateral spread in the imaging plane, which may induce spectral image misregistration. Without higher-order excitation, the misregistration can be at the least a few pixels long in the detector. In the presence of higher-order modes, the dispersive misregistration can be severe and critical for polarized scene extraction. The results emphasize the need for an imaging polarimeter to be designed to manage the dispersive effects.
Author Correction: Crosstalk between proteins expression and lysine acetylation in response to patulin stress in Rhodotorula mucilaginosa
Authors: Zheng Xiangfeng , Yang Qiya , Zhao Lina , Apaliya Maurice Tibiru , Zhang Xiaoyun , Zhang Hongyin
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Revised phylogeny and historical biogeography of the cosmopolitan aquatic plant genus Typha (Typhaceae)
Authors: Zhou Beibei , Tu Tieyao , Kong Fanjiao , Wen Jun , Xu Xinwei
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: S-nitrosoglutathione inhibits adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by S-nitrosation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β
Authors: Mussbacher Marion , Stessel Heike , Pirker Teresa , Gorren Antonius C. F. , Mayer Bernd , Schrammel Astrid
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Hyperpolarization of the subthalamic nucleus alleviates hyperkinetic movement disorders
Authors: Tai Chun-Hwei , Pan Ming-Kai , Tseng Sheng-Hong , Wang Tien-Rei , Kuo Chung-Chin
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
pH universal Ru@N-doped carbon catalyst for efficient and fast hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zheng Baocheng , Ma Li , Li Bing , Chen Dong , Li Xueliang , He Jianbo , Xie Jianhui , Robert Marc , Lau Tai-Chu
Published: June 2020

An efficient and robust hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst of Ru nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon was obtained by using Bu4N[Ru(N)Cl4] and Na4EDTA as precursors. It exhibits excellent catalytic activity in alkaline solutions and good performance in acidic media.
Single molecule protein stabilisation translates to macromolecular mechanics of a protein network
Authors: Hughes Matt D. G. , Cussons Sophie , Mahmoudi Najet , Brockwell David J. , Dougan Lorna
Published: June 2020

Folded globular proteins are attractive building blocks for biomaterials as their robust structures carry out diverse biological functions. These biomaterials are ideal to study the translation of molecular properties to multi-molecular assemblies.
Recent advancements in microfluidics that integrate electrical sensors for whole blood analysis
Authors: Kuan Da-Han , Huang Nien-Tsu
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we review recent advancements in microfluidics that integrate electrical sensors for whole blood analysis. Besides summarizing the features of related work, we also discuss potential challenges that need to be addressed.
Preparation of a size selective nanocomposite through temperature assisted co-assembly of gelatin and pluronic F127 for passive targeting of doxorubicin
Authors: Das Ram Pada , Singh Beena Gobind , Kunwar Amit
Published: June 2020

The study demonstrates the importance of the weight ratio of F127 and gelatin in forming size selective nanoconjugate through a thermal relaxation approach and its potential as an efficient drug delivery system of doxorubicin with reduced side effects.
Manganese-catalysed transfer hydrogenation of esters
Authors: Oates Conor L. , Widegren Magnus B. , Clarke Matthew L.
Published: June 2020

A manganese complex of a tridentate P,N,N ligand can catalyse the reduction of esters using ethanol as the reductant.
Imines as acceptors and donors in N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalysis
Authors: Das Tamal Kanti , Biju Akkattu T.
Published: June 2020

The application of imines as electrophiles (acceptors) or as a source of nucleophiles (donors) in N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis for the synthesis of various nitrogen heterocycles and functionalized amines is presented.
Synthesis, structure and optimized field emission properties of highly oriented ZnO/Pt core–shell nanorods on a Zn substrate
Authors: Ma L. A. , Lai W. Z. , Wei Z. H. , Chen Y. B. , Sun L. , Ye X. Y. , Chen H. X. , Wang Q. T.
Published: June 2020

The current density of as-fabricated Pt15/ZnO NR emitters was about 1900 times that of the bare ZnO emitters.
Effects of inter-crystalline space on the adsorption of ethane and CO2 in silicalite: implications for enhanced adsorption
Authors: Gautam Siddharth , Cole David R.
Published: June 2020

Monte Carlo simulations reveal the effects of inter-crystalline space on the adsorption of ethane and CO2 in silicalite
EXAFS wavelet transform analysis of Cu-MOR zeolites for the direct methane to methanol conversion
Authors: Martini Andrea , Signorile Matteo , Negri Chiara , Kvande Karoline , Lomachenko Kirill A. , Svelle Stian , Beato Pablo , Berlier Gloria , Borfecchia Elisa , Bordiga Silvia
Published: June 2020

An innovative approach in EXAFS analysis and fitting using wavelet transforms reveals local structure and nuclearity of Cu-species in zeolites.
Molecular-scale engineering of the charge-transfer excited states in non-covalently bound Zn–porphyrin and carbon fullerene based donor–acceptor complex
Authors: Ahmed Raka , Manna Arun K.
Published: June 2020

Tailoring charge-transfer through selective pyrrole ring hydrogenation in a novel Zn–porphyrin and PCBM based donor–acceptor complex has been investigated using quantum chemical computations.
First-principles investigation of ScX2 (X = Cl, Br, or I) monolayers for flexible spintronic and electronic applications
Authors: Chen Wenzhou , Chen Xiaobing , Wu Yuzhen , Liu Guishan , Pan Hui
Published: June 2020

The promising two-dimensional ScX2 monolayer candidates for flexible spintronics applications.
Role of B site ions in bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis: a structure–property correlation study on doped Ca2Fe2O5 brownmillerites
Authors: Thundiyil Shibin , Vinod C. P. , Kurungot Sreekumar , Devi R. Nandini
Published: June 2020

Evaluation of activity descriptors for electrochemical bifunctional oxygen catalysis in transition metal doped Ca2Fe2O5 brownmillerite oxide.
Hierarchically aligned nano silver/chitosan–PVA hydrogel for point-of-use water disinfection: contact-active mechanism revealed
Authors: Dhiman Navneet Kaur , Agnihotri Shekhar
Published: June 2020

Mechanically robust Ag/CS–PVA hydrogel displayed 100% disinfection efficacy against biomedical/natural contaminants through contact-active mechanism with ∼74 ppb Ag release.
Insight into the size effect of Pd nanoparticles on the catalytic reduction of nitrite in water over Pd/C catalysts
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Lu Jinsuo , Zhang Bing , Shi Wenxin , Guo Yuan , Cui Fuyi
Published: June 2020

Nitrite catalytic reduction over Pd nanocatalyst is a size sensitive reaction in terms of both activity and selectivity.
Autoperforation of two-dimensional materials to generate colloidal state machines capable of locomotion
Authors: Liu Albert Tianxiang , Yang Jing Fan , LeMar Lexy N. , Zhang Ge , Pervan Ana , Murphey Todd D. , Strano Michael S.
Published: June 2020

Micro-array printing, inversion moulding and electrodeposition are used to pattern catalytic Pt-layers on graphene-encapsulated microparticles, enabling their locomotion in H2O2.
Correction: Long-term repeatability improvement of quantitative LIBS using a two-point standardization method
Authors: Hao Zhongqi , Liu Li , Shen Meng , Zhou Ran , Li Jiaming , Guo Lianbo , Li Xiangyou , Lu Yongfeng , Zeng Xiaoyan
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘Long-term repeatability improvement of quantitative LIBS using a two-point standardization method’ by Zhongqi Hao et al., J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2018, 33, 1564–1570, DOI: 10.1039/C8JA00148K.
Correction: Determination of yttrium in titanium alloys using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy assisted with laser-induced fluorescence
Authors: Shen M. , Li C. M. , Na D. , Hao Z. Q. , Li X. Y. , Guo L. B. , Lu Y. F. , Zeng X. Y.
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘Determination of yttrium in titanium alloys using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy assisted with laser-induced fluorescence’ by M. Shen et al., J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2018, 33, 658–662, DOI: 10.1039/C8JA00005K.
Correction: Evaluation of the self-absorption reduction of minor elements in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy assisted with laser-stimulated absorption
Authors: Li Jiaming , Tang Yun , Hao Zhongqi , Zhao Nan , Yang Xinyan , Yu Huiwu , Guo Lianbo , Li Xiangyou , Zeng Xiaoyan , Lu Yongfeng
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘Evaluation of the self-absorption reduction of minor elements in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy assisted with laser-stimulated absorption’ by Jiaming Li et al., J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2017, 32, 2189–2193, DOI: 10.1039/C7JA00199A.
Correction: Investigation of the self-absorption effect using spatially resolved laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Yi Rongxing , Guo Lianbo , Li Changmao , Yang Xinyan , Li Jiaming , Li Xiangyou , Zeng Xiaoyan , Lu Yongfeng
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘Investigation of the self-absorption effect using spatially resolved laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy’ by Rongxing Yi et al., J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2016, 31, 961–967, DOI: 10.1039/C5JA00500K.
Correction: Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy using laser pulses delivered by optical fibers for analyzing Mn and Ti elements in pig iron
Authors: Zeng Qingdong , Guo Lianbo , Li Xiangyou , He Chao , Shen Meng , Li Kuohu , Duan Jun , Zeng Xiaoyan , Lu Yongfeng
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy using laser pulses delivered by optical fibers for analyzing Mn and Ti elements in pig iron’ by Qingdong Zeng et al., J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2015, 30, 403–409, DOI: 10.1039/C4JA00462K.
Correction: Quantitative analysis of phosphorus in steel using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in air atmosphere
Authors: Li Chang Mao , Zou Zhi Min , Yang Xin Yan , Hao Zhong Qi , Guo Lian Bo , Li Xiang You , Lu Yong Feng , Zeng Xiao Yan
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘Quantitative analysis of phosphorus in steel using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in air atmosphere’ by Chang Mao Li et al., J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2014, 29, 1432–1437, DOI: 10.1039/C4JA00036F.
Correction: Sensitivity improvement in the detection of V and Mn elements in steel using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy with ring-magnet confinement
Authors: Hao Zhongqi , Guo Lianbo , Li Changmao , Shen Meng , Zou Xiaoheng , Li Xiangyou , Lu Yongfeng , Zeng Xiaoyan
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘Sensitivity improvement in the detection of V and Mn elements in steel using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy with ring-magnet confinement’ by Zhongqi Hao et al., J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2014, 29, 2309–2314, DOI: 10.1039/C4JA00144C.
Correction: The pH effect on the detection of heavy metals in wastewater by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy coupled with a phase transformation method
Authors: Ma Shixiang , Tang Yun , Ma Yuyang , Dong Daming , Guo Lianbo , Zhu Haihong , Liu Jianguo , Lu Yongfeng
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘The pH effect on the detection of heavy metals in wastewater by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy coupled with a phase transformation method’ by Shixiang Ma et al., J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2020, 35, 198–203, DOI: 10.1039/C9JA00349E.
Correction: Accuracy improvement of iron ore analysis using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy with a hybrid sparse partial least squares and least-squares support vector machine model
Authors: Guo Y. M. , Guo L. B. , Hao Z. Q. , Tang Y. , Ma S. X. , Zeng Q. D. , Tang S. S. , Li X. Y. , Lu Y. F. , Zeng X. Y.
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘Accuracy improvement of iron ore analysis using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy with a hybrid sparse partial least squares and least-squares support vector machine model’ by Y. M. Guo et al., J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2018, 33, 1330–1335, DOI: 10.1039/C8JA00119G.
Correction: Interference correction for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy using a deconvolution algorithm
Authors: Liu Kun , Zhou Ran , Zhang Wen , Tang Zhiyang , Yan Jiujiang , Lv Ming , Li Xiangyou , Lu Yongfeng , Zeng Xiaoyan
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘Interference correction for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy using a deconvolution algorithm’ by Kun Liu et al., J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2020, 35, 762–766, DOI: 10.1039/C9JA00383E.
Correction: Micro-destructive analysis with high sensitivity using double-pulse resonant laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Tang Zhiyang , Zhou Ran , Hao Zhongqi , Ma Shixiang , Zhang Wen , Liu Kun , Li Xiangyou , Zeng Xiaoyan , Lu Yongfeng
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘Micro-destructive analysis with high sensitivity using double-pulse resonant laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy’ by Zhiyang Tang et al., J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2019, 34, 1198–1204, DOI: 10.1039/C9JA00072K.
Asymmetric zinc porphyrin derivatives bearing three pseudo-pyrimidine meso-position substituents and their photosensitization for H2 evolution
Authors: Zeng Peng , Zheng Ya , Chen Shengtao , Liu Haoran , Li Renjie , Peng Tianyou
Published: June 2020

ZnPy-6 has lower steric hindrance than ZnPy-5 when the N atoms of the pseudo-pyrimidines combine with g-C3N4 and AA, and thus it exhibits better photosensitization.
Acid-labile polysaccharide prodrug via lapatinib-sensitizing effect substantially prevented metastasis and postoperative recurrence of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Sui Junhui , Zhao Mingda , Yang Yuedi , Guo Zhihao , Ma Mengcheng , Xu Zhiyi , Liang Jie , Sun Yong , Fan Yujiang , Zhang Xingdong
Published: June 2020

Co-delivery of lapatinib and Dox by polysaccharide prodrug prevented metastasis and recurrence of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) that is usually insensitive to endocrine and molecular targeted therapy.
Investigating the growth of hyperbranched polymers by self-condensing vinyl RAFT copolymerization from the surface of upconversion nanoparticles
Authors: Kavand Alireza , Blanck Christian , Przybilla Frédéric , Mély Yves , Anton Nicolas , Vandamme Thierry , Serra Christophe A. , Chan-Seng Delphine
Published: June 2020

The growth of hyperbranched polymers by self-condensing vinyl polymerization under RAFT conditions from the surface of upconversion nanoparticles is hindered by steric hinderance, but also increased termination and transfer reactions.
Boundary‐aware vehicle tracking upon UAV
Authors: Han Yuqi , Wang Hongshuo , Zhang Zengshuo , Wang Wenzheng
Published: June 2020

Discriminative correlation filters (DCFs) have recently achieved competitive performance in visual tracking benchmarks. However, such trackers perform poorly when the target undergoes occlusion, viewpoint variation or other challenging attributes. To tackle these issues, in this Letter, the authors combine the fast DCF trackers with the precise deep learning methods to eliminate the accumulating drift for the vehicle tracking based on unmanned aerial vehicle platform. Specifically, the authors employ the tracking result of the DCF tracker as the input of the boundary regressing network. After judging the existence of the target in the input patch, the proposed network would estimate the boundary of the target vehicle. Furthermore, the output would be updated to the tracking template, aiming at eliminating the accumulation errors and achieving a long‐term tracking. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is validated through experimental comparison on widely used tracking benchmark data sets.
Reconfigurable hybrid matrix‐based power divider with variable power‐dividing ratios and frequencies
Authors: Kim J. , Yang J.‐R. , Oh J.
Published: June 2020

In this Letter, the authors present a reconfigurable power divider using a hybrid matrix with variable impedance tuners. The proposed hybrid matrix‐based power divider with varactor‐tuned impedance tuners (VTITs) can simultaneously obtain variable power‐dividing ratios at the centre frequency and variable operating frequencies for the 3 dB coupling states. The VTITs, consisting of a transmission line, an inductor, and a varactor located between the line and the inductor, are connected in parallel between two hybrid couplers for high impedance variation. Measured results demonstrate that the power‐dividing ratio of the proposed divider varies from −14.3 to 13.3 dB with a return loss above 20 dB and the isolation above 20 dB at a centre frequency of 2.45 GHz. Moreover, it achieves an insertion loss of 0.7–1.45 dB and a phase variation of less than 8° across the variable power‐dividing ratio at the centre frequency. The frequency‐tuning range for the 3 dB coupling states is 750 MHz with a small phase variation of 5°.
Molecular gas in CLASH brightest cluster galaxies at z ∼ 0.2 – 0.9
Authors: Castignani G. , Pandey-Pommier M. , Hamer S. L. , Combes F. , Salomé P. , Freundlich J. , Jablonka P.
Published: June 2020

Brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs) are excellent laboratories for the study of galaxy evolution in dense Mpc-scale environments. We used the IRAM-30 m to observe, in CO(1→0), CO(2→1), CO(3→2), or CO(4→3), 18 BCGs at z ∼ 0.2 − 0.9 drawn from the Cluster Lensing And Supernova survey with Hubble (CLASH) survey. Our sample includes RX1532, which is our primary target as it is among the BCGs with the highest star formation rate (SFR ≳100 M⊙ yr−1) in the CLASH sample. We unambiguously detected both CO(1→0) and CO(3→2) in RX1532, yielding a large reservoir of molecular gas, MH2 = (8.7 ± 1.1)×1010 M⊙, and a high level of excitation, r31 = 0.75 ± 0.12. A morphological analysis of the Hubble Space Telescope I-band image of RX1532 reveals the presence of clumpy substructures both within and outside the half-light radius re = (11.6 ± 0.3) kpc, similarly to those found independently both in ultraviolet and in Hα in previous works. We tentatively detected CO(1→0) or CO(2→1) in four other BCGs, with molecular gas reservoirs in the range of MH2 = 2 × 1010 − 11 M⊙. For the remaining 13 BCGs, we set robust upper limits of MH2/M⋆ ≲ 0.1, which are among the lowest molecular-gas-to-stellar-mass ratios found for distant ellipticals and BCGs. In comparison with distant cluster galaxies observed in CO, our study shows that RX1532 (MH2/M⋆ = 0.40 ± 0.05) belongs to the rare population of star-forming and gas-rich BCGs in the distant universe. By using the available X-ray based estimates of the central intra-cluster medium entropy, we show that the detection of large reservoirs of molecular gas MH2 ≳ 1010 M⊙ in distant BCGs is possible when the two conditions are met: (i) high SFR and (ii) low central entropy, which favors the condensation and the inflow of gas onto the BCGs themselves, similarly to what has been previously found for some local BCGs.
Staggered explicit-implicit time-discretization for elastodynamics with dissipative internal variables
Authors: Roubíček Tomáš , Tsogka Chrysoula
Published: June 2020

An extension of the two-step staggered time discretization of linear elastodynamics in stress-velocity form to systems involving internal variables subjected to a possibly non-linear dissipative evolution is proposed. The original scheme is thus enhanced by another step for the internal variables which, in general, is implicit, although even this step might be explicit if no spatial gradients of the internal variables are involved. Using an abstract Banach-space formulation,a prioriestimates and convergence are proved under a CFL condition. The developed three-step scheme finds applications in various problems of continuum mechanics at small strain. Here, we consider in particular plasticity, viscoelasticity (creep), diffusion in poroelastic media, and damage.
C-BORD : les conteneurs de fret maritimeau peigne fin neutronique
Authors: Pérot Bertrand , Sannié Guillaume ,   CEA, en collaboration avec Alix Sardet, Cédric Carasco, Jean-Philippe Poli et Arnaud Grivet Sébert du CEA
Published: June 2020

L’inspection des conteneurs de fret maritime est un enjeu
critique pour le commerce et la protection des personnes
afin de détecter rapidement les matières dangereuses
ou illicites (sources radioactives, drogues, etc.) éventuellement
transportées. Le projet C-BORD (Effective Container Inspection
at BORDer Control Points), piloté par le CEA dans le cadre
du programme Horizon 2020, aide les douanes européennes
à relever ce défi logistique et technique en combinant plusieurs
méthodes d’analyses non-intrusives.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Trends among Pathogens Isolated from Blood: A 6-Year Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in East Sikkim, India
Authors: Yangzom Tsering , Tsering Dechen Chomu , Kar Sumit , Kapil Jyotsna
Published: June 2020

Background Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are one of the frequent nosocomial infections among hospitalized patients. To understand the local epidemiology and evolving antimicrobial drug resistance of blood-borne pathogens, we analyzed the distribution and antibiotic sensitivity profile of organisms causing BSI in our hospital-based study.

Materials and Methods We reviewed retrospective data of laboratory-confirmed BSIs, from January 2013 to December 2018. Causative organisms and their antibiotic susceptibility profile of primary and secondary BSI reports were determined from BacT/Alert and Vitek systems findings (bioMérieux). A 6-year multidrug resistance indexing was done to document the resistance pattern of the commonly isolated organisms.

Results A total of 1,340 (10.2%) BSIs were reported from 13,091 blood cultures. Organisms were frequently isolated from the younger population (≤20 years), especially from ages < 1 year (20.8% of total BSIs). Majority of pathogens were bacterial (97.1%) whereas 2.9% were fungal in origin. Monomicrobial growth was recorded in over 98% of BSIs. Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria isolated were 518 (39.8%) and 783 (60.2%), respectively. Commonly isolated organisms were coagulase-negative Staphylococci (29.4%), Escherichia coli (19.8%), Klebsiella species (13.5%), Salmonella species (9.4%), and Staphylococcus aureus (7.5%). Multidrug-resistance index was observed highest in Acinetobacter species followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and S. aureus.

Conclusion Overall, there has been a gradual decline in the reporting of BSI. However, infections by gram-negative bacilli and multidrug-resistant organisms remain persistently high. Ages < 20 years were the vulnerable group, with infants < 1 year contributing to the maximum number of BSI cases caused by both bacteria and fungi. Therefore, additional methods are required to study the origin and causation of these infections, particularly among vulnerable patients.
Short Telomeres: Cause and Consequence in Liver Disease
Authors: Penrice Daniel D. , Simonetto Douglas A.
Published: June 2020

Short telomere syndrome is a genetically inherited syndrome resulting in premature telomere shortening. This premature shortening of telomeres can result in hematologic, pulmonary, vascular, gastrointestinal, and hepatic manifestations of disease. Identifying patients with short telomere syndrome can be a clinical challenge due to the multitude of potential manifestations and lack of widely available diagnostic tests. In this review, we will highlight hepatic manifestations of short telomere syndrome with a focus on diagnosis, testing, and potential treatments.
Clinical Management of Critical COVID-19 Patients: Insights from the Literature and “On the Field” Experience
Authors: Alessandri Francesco , Bilotta Federico , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Ruberto Franco , Araimo Fabio , Imperiale Carmela , Pugliese Francesco ,   for the PolU COVID-19 Team
Published: June 2020

The recent outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a health emergency all over the world. Several health care professionals are currently putting their best efforts to deal with this situation. The aim of this review is to report insights from the literature and “on the field” experience in clinical management of critical COVID-19 patients. Respiratory support varies from high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) to noninvasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, often associated with nitric oxide, prone position, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Experienced specialists have to manage the airways minimizing any contamination and virus spread. The hemodynamic management of critical COVID-19 patients requires not only an accurate fluid strategy, but also an appropriate use of vasopressors and inotropes. Various adjuvant treatments have been proposed: antiviral drugs, immunomodulators, anticoagulants, antibiotics, and nutrition.
Functioning Free Muscle Transfer for Brachial Plexus Injury: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis Comparing Functional Outcomes of Intercostal Nerve and Spinal Accessory Nerve Grafts
Authors: Oliver Jeremie D. , Beal Chase , Graham Emily M. , Santosa Katherine B. , Hu Michael S.
Published: June 2020

Background The aim of this study was to compare postoperative elbow flexion outcomes in patients receiving functioning free muscle transplantation (FFMT) innervated by either intercostal nerve (ICN) or spinal accessory nerve (SAN) grafts.

Methods A comprehensive systematic review on FFMT for brachial plexus reconstruction was conducted utilizing Medline/PubMed database. Analysis was designed to compare functional outcomes between (1) nerve graft type (ICN vs. SAN) and (2) different free muscle graft types to biceps tendon (gracilis vs. rectus femoris vs. latissimus dorsi).

Results A total of 312 FFMTs innervated by ICNs (169) or the SAN (143) are featured in 10 case series. The mean patient age was 28 years. Patients had a mean injury to surgery time of 31.5 months and an average follow-up time of 39.1 months with 18 patients lost to follow-up. Muscles utilized included the gracilis (275), rectus femoris (28), and latissimus dorsi (8). After excluding those lost to follow-up or failures due to vascular compromise, the mean success rates of FFMTs innervated by ICNs and SAN were 64.1 and 65.4%, respectively.

Conclusion This analysis did not identify any difference in outcomes between FFMTs via ICN grafts and those innervated by SAN grafts in restoring elbow flexion in traumatic brachial plexus injury patients.
Current Status of Computed Tomography in Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pneumonia
Authors: Madhusudhan Kumble Seetharama , Srivastava Deep Narayan
Published: June 2020

Abstarct

The novel coronavirus disease, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), has developed into a pandemic affecting more than three million people worldwide. It predominantly affects the respiratory system and patients present with fever, dry cough, dyspnea, and myalgia. The confirmatory diagnostic test is real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction on blood or respiratory samples. Imaging with computed tomography, although not routinely recommended, may not only assist in making a diagnosis but also in assessing disease progression, assessing complications, and in prognostication. This review describes the objectives, techniques, imaging features, and reporting of computed tomography findings of SARS-CoV2 pneumonia.
Health System Response to COVID-19 Epidemic in India
Authors: Ramachandran Prema , Kalaivani Krishnamurthy
Published: June 2020

Abstarct

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, detected first in China in December 2019, is now rapidly spreading across the world. India responded by drawing up National Containment Plan for COVID-19 that envisaged screening of people for COVID-19 for early detection of infection, providing community, primary health care-centered management for those with mild infection, tertiary care for those with severe infection, and health education to the population to reduce person-to-person transmission of infection. To minimize the spread of infection from other countries, all travelers were screened and quarantined; in the third week of March, India imposed ban on all international travel. To prevent person-to-person spread, congregation of people for commercial, educational, entertainment, sports, religious, and other social activities was banned. To minimize intracity, interstate, and urban rural spread, India imposed nationwide lockdown on 25th March 2020. The lockdown flattened the epidemic curve and provided needed time for the country to reorganize the health system, so that it can provide needed care for the increasing number of COVID-19 patients at all levels of health care. National guidelines for screening of people for severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 infection, quarantine, and home isolation and care of infected people were drawn up and implemented. Health education on methods by which person-to-person transmission of infection can be minimized has been provided using all media of communication. Global comparison shows that currently India has low infection rates, low fatality rates per 1,00,000, and high recovery rates. There are ongoing research studies to document the course and outcome of COVID-19 in India. Clinical trials of potential drugs for treatment of severe infections and vaccines for preventing infection in the high-risk groups are underway. A COVID-19 disease surveillance program is underway to track the infection rates and bring appropriate midcourse corrections in interventions. In the coming months, the people and health system will not only have to evolve a sustainable strategy to provide needed care for COVID-19 cases but also ensure that all other health care programs are implemented and patients with other illnesses get optimal care too.
Discrepancies in Electrolyte Measurements by Direct and Indirect Ion Selective Electrodes due to Interferences by Proteins and Lipids
Authors: Chopra Parul , Datta Sudip Kumar
Published: June 2020

Objectives We aim to report the simultaneous effect of different protein and lipid concentrations on sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) measurement by direct and indirect ion selective electrodes (dISE and iISE) in patient samples.

Materials and Methods Na+ and K+ were measured in 195 serum samples received in the laboratory using iISE by Roche Modular P800 autoanalyzer and using dISE by XI-921 ver. 6.0 Caretium electrolyte analyzer. Serum total protein (TP), cholesterol (Chol), and triglycerides (TG) were measured using conventional photometric methods on Roche Modular P800 autoanalyzer. Differences for each pair of results for Na+ (Diff_Na+ = [Na+ dISE–Na+ iISE]) and K+ (Diff_K+ = [K+ dISE–K+ iISE]) were calculated. Patient subgroups with high, normal, or low TP (< 5, 5–7.9, or ≥ 8 g/dL), Chol (< 150, 150–299, or ≥300 mg/dL), or TG (< 150, 150–299, or ≥300 mg/dL) were compared using analysis of variance. Note that 95% confidence interval of Diff_Na+ and Diff_K+ were calculated to see the number of samples showing clinically significant differences.

Results Diff_Na+ (p = 0.007) and Diff_K+ (p = 0.002) were found significant between samples with normal and high TP. However, effect of TG was not significant. Chol concentration affected Diff_Na+ significantly between low versus normal (p = 0.002), and high versus normal (p = 0.031) Chol groups. Diff_K+ was significant (p = 0.009) between low versus normal Chol. Clinically relevant disagreement of ≥|5| mmol/L for Na+ was observed in high percentage of samples including all subcategories; however, for K+ only 3.6% of the total samples showed disagreement of ≥ |0.5| mmol/L. A multivariate regression equation based on fit regression model was also derived.

Conclusion Summarily, interchangeable use of electrolyte results from dISE and iISE is not advisable, especially in a setting of hyperproteinemia (≥8 g/dL) or hypercholesterolemia (≥300 mg/dL); more so for Na+.
New families of non-parity-time-symmetric complex potentials with all-real spectra
Authors: Bagchi Bijan , Yang Jianke
Published: June 2020

New families of non-parity-time-symmetric complex potentials with all-real spectra are derived by the supersymmetry method and the pseudo-Hermiticity method. With the supersymmetry method, we find families of non-parity-time-symmetric complex partner potentials, which share the same spectrum as base potentials with known real spectra, such as the (complex) Wadati potentials. Different from previous supersymmetry derivations of potentials with real spectra, our derivation does not utilize discrete eigenmodes of base potentials. As a result, our partner potentials feature explicit analytical expressions, which contain free functions. With the pseudo-Hermiticity method, we derive a new class of non-parity-time-symmetric complex potentials with free functions and constants, whose eigenvalues appear as conjugate pairs. This eigenvalue symmetry forces the spectrum to be all-real for a wide range of choices of these functions and constants in the potential. Tuning these free functions and constants, phase transition can also be induced, where conjugate pairs of complex eigenvalues emerge in the spectrum.
Identification of chimera using machine learning
Authors: Ganaie M. A. , Ghosh Saptarshi , Mendola Naveen , Tanveer M. , Jalan Sarika
Published: June 2020

Chimera state refers to the coexistence of coherent and non-coherent phases in identically coupled dynamical units found in various complex dynamical systems. Identification of chimera, on one hand, is essential due to its applicability in various areas including neuroscience and, on the other hand, is challenging due to its widely varied appearance in different systems and the peculiar nature of its profile. Therefore, a simple yet universal method for its identification remains an open problem. Here, we present a very distinctive approach using machine learning techniques to characterize different dynamical phases and identify the chimera state from given spatial profiles generated using various different models. The experimental results show that the performance of the classification algorithms varies for different dynamical models. The machine learning algorithms, namely, random forest, oblique random forest based on Tikhonov, axis-parallel split, and null space regularization achieved more than 96% accuracy for the Kuramoto model. For the logistic maps, random forest and Tikhonov regularization based oblique random forest showed more than 90% accuracy, and for the Hénon map model, random forest, null space, and axis-parallel split regularization based oblique random forest achieved more than 80% accuracy. The oblique random forest with null space regularization achieved consistent performance (more than 83% accuracy) across different dynamical models while the auto-encoder based random vector functional link neural network showed relatively lower performance. This work provides a direction for employing machine learning techniques to identify dynamical patterns arising in coupled non-linear units on large-scale and for characterizing complex spatiotemporal patterns in real-world systems for various applications.
Enhancing qubit connectivity in spin-based quantum computers
Authors: Lim Alane
Published: June 2020

Researchers have developed a way to couple two electron spins over long distances, which could in the future enable more versatile quantum computers.
P-block metal-based (Sn, In, Bi, Pb) electrocatalysts for selective reduction of CO2 to formate
Authors: Yang Zhenni , Oropeza Freddy E. , Zhang Kelvin H. L.
Published: June 2020

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 to fuels and chemical feedstocks using renewable electricity provides a promising approach toward artificial carbon recycling to address the global challenges in energy and sustainability. The most crucial step for this technique is to develop efficient electrocatalysts capable of reducing CO2 to valuable hydrocarbon products at a low overpotential with high selectivity and stability. In this article, we present a review on the recent developments and understanding of p-block post-transition metal (e.g., Sn, In, Pb, and Bi) based electrocatalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction. This group of electrocatalysts shows particularly high selectivity for reduction of CO2 to formate or formic acid. Our main focus will be on the fundamental understanding of surface chemistry, active sites, reaction mechanism, and structure–activity relationships. Strategies to enhance the activity including morphology control, nanostructuring, defect engineering, doping, and alloying to modulate the electronic structure will also be briefly discussed. Finally, we summarize the existing challenges and present perspectives for the future development of this exciting field.
A compact, high resolution energy, and emittance diagnostic for electron beams using active plasma lenses
Authors: Barber S. K. , Bin J. H. , Gonsalves A. J. , Isono F. , van Tilborg J. , Steinke S. , Nakamura K. , Zingale A. , Czapla N. A. , Schumacher D. , Schroeder C. B. , Geddes C. G. R. , Leemans W. P. , Esarey E.
Published: June 2020

High-resolution (sub-%), single-shot energy distribution, and emittance measurements of GeV-class electron beams generated by laser plasma accelerators (LPAs) have been enabled through the use of an active plasma lens combined with relatively short dipole magnets. This setup, with only 60 cm between the LPA source and the final diagnostic screen, was facilitated through the use of a replenishable ∼20–40 nm thick liquid crystal plasma mirror to separate remnant laser radiation from the electron beam without emittance degradation. As LPAs capable of generating GeV-class electron beams at cm-scale distances become increasingly ubiquitous, there is a need to supplement these compact accelerators with equally compact diagnostics.
Separation and alignment of chiral active particles in a rotational magnetic field
Authors: Lin Fu-jun , Liao Jing-jing , Ai Bao-quan
Published: June 2020

We propose a method for the chiral separation and alignment of active paramagnetic particles in a two-dimensional square box with periodic boundary conditions. In a rotational magnetic field, the dynamic behavior of magnetized particles is strongly determined by the competition between the magnetic interaction and differing chirality. By suitably tailoring the parameters, active particles with different chirality can be aggregated into different clusters and separated. However, when either the magnetic interaction or chirality difference is dominant, the particles are prone to mixing. In addition, the external rotational magnetic field plays a decisive role in aligning particles. The numerical results show that there exists an optimal strength and rotation frequency of the magnetic field, as well as a rotational diffusion coefficient, self-propulsion velocity, and packing fraction, at which the separation coefficient takes its maximal value. The proposed method can be exploited to separate naturally occurring chiral active particles.
Binary gas mixture outflow into vacuum through an orifice
Authors: Bykov N. Y. , Zakharov V. V.
Published: June 2020

The results of a numerical study of a binary gas mixture outflow from a source with specified stagnation parameters into vacuum through a round orifice are presented. Silver and helium atoms (with a mass ratio of 26.95) are selected as a mixture species. The near free-molecular, transitional, and near-continuum regimes of the flow are considered with the direct simulation Monte Carlo method used for the computations. The results of simulations show that the rarefaction degree and the mole composition of the mixture have a significant impact on the spatial variation of flow parameters and the flow rates through the orifice. At all degrees of rarefaction, the variation in the dimensionless flow rate (related to the free-molecular flow rate) of the mixture is a non-monotonic function of the mole fraction of the species with a maximum/minimum (for the mass/particle flux). The presence of a light carrier gas (helium) leads to the acceleration, axial focusing, and increase in the flow rate of the heavy species (silver). The velocity slip of light and heavy species is observed at all degrees of rarefaction under consideration. The effect of the increasing density of heavy species near the orifice plane is revealed. The spatial variation of mole fractions of species on the degree of rarefaction is studied. The results of the study are compared to available analytical and experimental data, and the simulation results of pure gas outflow obtained by other authors.
Effect of Couette component on the stability of Poiseuille flow of a Bingham fluid–porous system: Modal and non-modal approaches
Authors: Sengupta Sourav , De Sirshendu
Published: June 2020

In this study, both modal and non-modal stability analyses are attempted in case of Couette–Poiseuille flow of a Bingham fluid overlying a porous layer. Such a flow configuration is widely encountered in the geophysical context in case of oil drilling. The solution of the modal problem yields no unstable eigenvalue, similar to the flow of a viscoplastic fluid in a non-porous channel configuration. Thus, non-modal analysis is performed to throw light on the short-time characteristics. The primary goal is to unveil the complex interplay between the upper plate velocity (Couette component) and the parameters characterizing the porous layer in dictating the flow transition characteristics. The current study is possibly the first attempt at investigating the effect of the Couette flow on the stability of a fluid–porous system for any kind of non-Newtonian fluid and reveals marked departure from the results reported in the literature for a similar flow configuration involving Newtonian rheology. The reason for the deviation is attributed to the role of yield stress, quantified by the Bingham number, and its complex interaction with the Couette number and porous layer parameters (depth, permeability, anisotropy, inhomogeneity, etc.). The relative interaction between fluid and porous modes in an environment of non-linear viscosity variation (owing to the rheology of the viscoplastic fluid), coupled with enhanced shearing (imparted by the Couette component), is found to demonstrate unique, non-monotonic flow transition characteristics. The possible physical mechanism governing short-time (non-modal) amplifications via interaction between the mean shear flow and the perturbation waves is also explored in detail.
Electron diffraction of CS2 nanoclusters embedded in superfluid helium droplets
Authors: Zhang Jie , Bradford Stephen D. , Kong Wei , Zhang Chengzhu , Xue Lan
Published: June 2020

We report experimental results from electron diffraction of CS2 nanoclusters embedded in superfluid helium droplets. From detailed measurements of the sizes of doped droplets, we can model the doping statistics under different experimental conditions, thereby obtaining the range of cluster sizes of CS2. Using a least squares fitting procedure, we can then determine the structures and contributions of dimers, trimers, and tetramers embedded in small droplets. While dimers prefer a stable gas phase structure, trimers and tetramers seem to forgo the highly symmetric gas phase structures and prefer compact cuts from the crystalline structure of CS2. In larger droplets containing more than 12 CS2 monomers, the diffraction profile is consistent with a three-dimensional nanostructure of bulk CS2. This work demonstrates the feasibility of electron diffraction for in situ monitoring of nanocluster formation in superfluid helium droplets.
Field-free switching of magnetic tunnel junctions driven by spin–orbit torques at sub-ns timescales
Authors: Krizakova Viola , Garello Kevin , Grimaldi Eva , Kar Gouri Sankar , Gambardella Pietro
Published: June 2020

We report time-resolved measurements of magnetization switching by spin–orbit torques in the absence of an external magnetic field in perpendicularly magnetized magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). Field-free switching is enabled by the dipolar field of an in-plane magnetized layer integrated above the MTJ stack, the orientation of which determines the switching polarity. Real-time single-shot measurements provide direct evidence of magnetization reversal and switching distributions. Close to the critical switching voltage, we observe stochastic reversal events due to a finite incubation delay preceding the magnetization reversal. Upon increasing the pulse amplitude to twice the critical voltage, the reversal becomes quasi-deterministic, leading to reliable bipolar switching at sub-ns timescales in zero external field. We further investigate the switching probability as a function of dc bias of the MTJ and external magnetic field, providing insight into the parameters that determine the critical switching voltage.