bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum chymase levels correlate with severe dengue warning signs and clinical fluid accumulation in hospitalized pediatric patients
Authors: Rathore Abhay P. S. , Senanayake Manouri , Athapathu Arjuna Salinda , Gunasena Sunethra , Karunaratna Irantha , Leong Wei Yee , Lim Ting , Mantri Chinmay Kumar , Wilder-Smith Annelies , St. John Ashley L.
Published: July 2020

Dengue induces a spectrum of severity in humans from the milder dengue fever to severe disease, or dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Chymase is a candidate biomarker that may aid dengue prognosis. This prospective study aimed to identify whether warning signs of severe dengue, including hypovolemia and fluid accumulation, were associated with elevated chymase. Serum chymase levels were quantified prospectively and longitudinally in hospitalized pediatric dengue patients in Sri Lanka. Warning signs were determined based on daily clinical assessments, laboratory tests and ultrasound findings. Chymase was significantly elevated during the acute phase of disease in DHF or Severe dengue, defined by either the 1997 or 2009 WHO diagnosis guidelines, and persisted longer in the most severe patients. Chymase levels were higher in patients with narrow pulse pressure and clinical warning signs such as severe leakage, fluid accumulation, pleural effusion, gall-bladder wall thickening and rapid haematocrit rise concurrent with thrombocytopenia. No association between chymase and liver enlargement was observed. This study confirms that serum chymase levels are associated with DHF/Severe dengue disease in hospitalized pediatric patients. Chymase levels correlate with warning signs of vascular dysfunction highlighting the possible functional role of chymase in vascular leakage during dengue.
Macrophagic myofasciitis and subcutaneous pseudolymphoma caused by aluminium adjuvants
Authors: Kim Hyunhee , Lim Ka Young , Kang Jeongwan , Park Jin Woo , Park Sung-Hye
Published: July 2020

Aluminium hydroxide is a well-known adjuvant used in vaccines. Although it can enhance an adaptive immune response to a co-administered antigen, it causes adverse effects, including macrophagic myofasciitis (MMF), subcutaneous pseudolymphoma, and drug hypersensitivity. The object of this study is to demonstrate pediatric cases of aluminium hydroxide-induced diseases focusing on its rarity, under-recognition, and distinctive pathology. Seven child patients with biopsy-proven MMF were retrieved from the Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) pathology archives from 2015 to 2019. The medical records and immunisation history were reviewed, and a full pathological muscle examination was carried out. The mean age was 1.7 years (8.9–40 months), who had records of vaccination against hepatitis B, hepatitis A, and tetanus toxoid on the quadriceps muscle. The chief complaints were muscle weakness (n = 6), delayed motor milestones (n = 6), instability, dysarthria, and involuntary movement (n = 1), swallowing difficulty (n = 1), high myopia (n = 1), and palpable subcutaneous nodules with skin papules (n = 1). Muscle biopsy showed MMF (n = 6) and pseudolymphoma (n = 1) with pathognomic basophilic large macrophage infiltration, which had distinctive spiculated inclusions on electron microscopy. The intracytoplasmic aluminium was positive for PAS and Morin stains. Distinctive pathology and ultrastructure suggested an association with aluminium hydroxide-containing vaccines. To avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment, we must further investigate this uncommon condition, and pharmaceutical companies should attempt to formulate better adjuvants that do not cause such adverse effects.
Paper spray mass spectrometry utilizing Teslin® substrate for rapid detection of lipid metabolite changes during COVID-19 infection
Authors: De Silva Imesha W. , Nayek Subhayu , Singh Vijay , Reddy Jay , Granger John K. , Verbeck Guido F.
Published: July 2020

Development of an identification methodology with PS-MS as a sensitive and rapid technique to obtain vastly different chemical changes in COVID-19 infection.
Ratiometric detection and imaging of hydrogen sulfide in mitochondria based on a cyanine/naphthalimide hybrid fluorescent probe
Authors: Liu Jing , Liu Xiangjun , Lu Shanshan , Zhang Lingling , Feng Le , Zhong Shilong , Zhang Nan , Bing Tao , Shangguan Dihua
Published: July 2020

A novel fluorescent probe (L1) for ratiometric detection and imaging of H2S in mitochondria was developed by combining a H2S-sensitive naphthalimide fluorophore and a mitochondria targeting cyanine fluorophore.
Clustered nanobody–drug conjugates for targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Wu Tiantian , Liu Manman , Huang Hai , Sheng Yaping , Xiao Haihua , Liu Yangzhong
Published: July 2020

A novel clustered nanobody–drug conjugate is constructed by a site-specific ligation of a nanobody to dendrimeric-lysine, which enhances drug efficacy and reduces side-effects.
Precise tetrafunctional streptavidin bioconjugates towards multifaceted drug delivery systems
Authors: Xu Dongdong , Heck Astrid Johanna , Kuan Seah Ling , Weil Tanja , Wegner Seraphine V.
Published: July 2020

A stoichiometrically precise tetrafunctional streptavidin conjugate brings together multiple functionalities for imaging, correct localization and therapeutic activity to achieve efficient and specific drug delivery.
Selective strain-promoted azide–alkyne cycloadditions through transient protection of bicyclo[6.1.0]nonynes with silver or gold
Authors: Adachi Keisuke , Meguro Tomohiro , Sakata Yuki , Igawa Kazunobu , Tomooka Katsuhiko , Hosoya Takamitsu , Yoshida Suguru
Published: July 2020

Complexation of bicyclo[6.1.0]nonynes (BCNs) with silver or gold results in protection from a click reaction with azides. The protection enables selective strain-promoted azide–alkyne cycloadditions of diynes keeping the BCN moiety unreacted.
Fast energy minimization of the CCDC drug-subset structures by molecule-in-cluster computations allows independent structure validation and model completion
Authors: Dittrich Birger , Chan Stephen , Wiggin Seth , Stevens Joanna S. , Pidcock Elna
Published: July 2020

Optimizing structures with computations on clusters of molecules permits generation of structure-specific restraints for refinement and structure validation.
Preparation of cobalt crystals with various morphologies and the catalytic performance of platinum-on-cobalt crystal for the selective hydrogenation of nitrobenzene
Authors: Pei An , Ruan Luna , Fu Huan , Liu Jun , Zeng Li , Zhang Huan , Hua Jingrong , Zhu Lihua , Chen Bing Hui
Published: July 2020

The Pt/Co-No catalyst exhibited the best catalytic property (yield to aniline-95.8%) due to high Pt dispersion and nano-synergy effect between Pt- and Co-related species.
Optical properties of photodynamic therapy drugs in different environments: the paradigmatic case of temoporfin
Authors: Aslanoglu Busenur , Yakavets Ilya , Zorin Vladimir , Lassalle Henri-Pierre , Ingrosso Francesca , Monari Antonio , Catak Saron
Published: July 2020

Computational tools have been used to study the photophysical and photochemical features of photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT) – a minimally invasive, less aggressive alternative for cancer treatment.
The specific features of phononic and magnetic subsystems of type-VII clathrate EuNi2P4
Authors: Novikov V. V. , Bud’ko S. L. , Matovnikov A. V. , Mitroshenkov N. V. , Pilipenko K. S. , Konoplin N. A. , Plokhikh I. V. , Pfitzner A. , Shevelkov A. V.
Published: July 2020

EuNi2P4 clathrate with a Eu2+ guest embedded into a Ni–P framework, was synthesized by a two-stage synthesis, confirmed to crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Fddd, unit cell parameters a = 5.1829(1) Å, b = 9.4765(1) Å, and c = 18.9900(1) Å.
Production of aromatics from biomass by computer-aided selection of the zeolite catalyst
Authors: Margarit Vicente J. , Gallego Eva M. , Paris Cecilia , Boronat Mercedes , Moliner Manuel , Corma Avelino
Published: July 2020

DS-ITQ-2 has been proposed as catalyst for the Diels–Alder (DA) reaction between 2,5-dimethylfuran and ethylene to producep-xylene based on the fact that the organic molecule employed for its synthesis mimics the DA intermediate cycloadduct.
Molecules derived from the extremes of life: a decade later
Authors: Wilson Zoe E. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: July 2020

Extremophiles continue to capture attention. This update highlights the structures of novel molecules isolated from extremophilic and extreme-tolerant microorganisms in the last decade.
The Link Between Language and Spelling: What Speech-Language Pathologists and Teachers Need to Know
Authors: Moxam Carol
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working within the pediatric field will find themselves working with school-age children and consequently collaborating with teaching staff. Knowledge of the links between language, speech, and literacy can support and inform successful collaboration between the SLP and the teacher and their shared goal of facilitating the school-age child in accessing the curriculum. To facilitate and develop the collaborative working practices of SLPs working with school-age children and teaching staff, it is helpful, to both parties, to develop and extend their explicit understanding of the link between language, speech, and spelling.

Method

In this tutorial, I describe how verbal and written speech and language skills are inextricably linked and key to spelling development and progress. I will (a) discuss the complexities of spelling in the English language; (b) describe the links between language, speech, and spelling; and (c) propose a linguistically informed approach to spelling intervention.

Conclusion

SLPs have expertise in the key speech and language domains such as phonology, morphology, and semantics and are therefore well placed to play an important role in supporting learners in making links between these domains in relation to spelling development and intervention.
Pulsating chromosphere of classical Cepheids
Authors: Hocdé V. , Nardetto N. , Borgniet S. , Lagadec E. , Kervella P. , Mérand A. , Evans N. , Gillet D. , Mathias Ph. , Chiavassa A. , Gallenne A. , Breuval L. , Javanmardi B.
Published: July 2020

Context. It has recently been shown that the infrared (IR) emission of Cepheids, constant over the pulsation cycle, might be due to a pulsating shell of ionized gas with a radius of about 15% of that of the star radius, which could be attributed to the chromospheric activity of Cepheids.

Aims. The aim of this paper is to investigate the dynamical structure of the chromosphere of Cepheids along the pulsation cycle and to quantify its size.

Methods. We present Hα and calcium near-infrared triplet (Ca IR) profile variations using high-resolution spectroscopy with the UVES spectrograph of a sample of 24 Cepheids with a good period coverage from ≈3 to 60 days. After a qualitative analysis of the spectral line profiles, we quantified the Van Hoof effect (velocity gradient between the Hα and Ca IR) as a function of the period of the Cepheids. We then used the Schwarzschild mechanism (a line doubling due to a shock wave) to quantify the size of the chromosphere.

Results. We find a significant Van Hoof effect for Cepheids with a period larger than P = 10 days. In particular, Hα lines are delayed with a velocity gradient up to Δv ≈ 30 km s−1 compared to Ca IR. By studying the shocks, we find that the size of the chromosphere of long-period Cepheids is of at least ≈50% of the stellar radius, which is consistent at first order with the size of the shell made of ionized gas previously found from the analysis of IR excess. Last, for most of the long-period Cepheids in the sample, we report a motionless absorption feature in the Hα line that we attribute to a circumstellar envelope that surrounds the chromosphere.

Conclusions. Analyzing the Ca IR lines of Cepheids is of importance to potentially unbias the period–luminosity relation from their IR excess, particularly in the context of forthcoming observations of radial velocity measurements from the Radial Velocity Spectrometer on board Gaia, which could be sensitive to their chromosphere.
Multiple early Eocene carbon isotope excursions associated with environmental changes in the Dieppe-Hampshire Basin (NW Europe)
Authors: Garel Sylvain , Dupuis Christian , Quesnel Florence , Jacob Jérémy , Yans Johan , Magioncalda Roberto , Fléhoc Christine , Schnyder Johann
Published: July 2020

The early Eocene experienced a series of short-lived global warming events, known as hyperthermals, associated with negative carbon isotope excursions (CIE). The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM or ETM-1) and Eocene Thermal Maximum 2 (ETM-2) are the two main events of this Epoch, both marked by massive sea-floor carbonate dissolution. Their timing, amplitude and impacts are rather well documented, but CIEs with lower amplitudes also associated with carbonate dissolution are still poorly studied (e.g.events E1 to H1), especially in the terrestrial realm where hiatus/disconformities and various sedimentary rates in a single succession may complicate the assignation to global isotopic events. Here we present a new high-resolution multi-proxy study on the terrestrial, lagoonal and shallow marine late Paleocene-early Eocene succession from two sites of the Cap d’Ailly area in the Dieppe-Hampshire Basin (Normandy, France). Carbon isotope data (δ13C) on bulk organic matter and higher-plant derivedn-alkanes, and K-Ar ages on authigenic glauconite were determined to provide a stratigraphic framework. Palynofacies, distribution and hydrogen isotope values (δ2H) of higher-plant derivedn-alkanes allowed us to unravel paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic changes. In coastal sediments of the Cap d’Ailly area, δ13C values revealed two main negative CIEs, from base to top CIE1 and CIE2, and 3 less pronounced negative excursions older than the NP11 nannofossil biozone. While the CIE1 is clearly linked with the PETM initiation, the CIE2 could either correspond to 1) a second excursion within the PETM interval caused by strong local environmental changes or 2) a global carbon isotopic event that occurred between the PETM and ETM-2. Paleoenvironmental data indicated that both main CIEs were associated with dramatic changes such as eutrophication, algal and/or dinoflagellate blooms along with paleohydrological variations and an increase in seasonality. They revealed that the intervals immediately below these CIEs are also marked by environmental and climatic changes. Thus, this study shows either 1) a PETM marked by at least two distinct intervals of strong environmental and climatic changes or 2) at least one “minor” CIE: E1, E2, F or G, was associated with strong environmental and climatic changes similar to those that occurred during the PETM.
Eine Fallstudie: Spiegelt die Sonografie das klinische Assessment wider?
Authors: Franettovich Smith Melinda M. , Mendis M. Dilani , Sexton Margot J. , Lavell Sharni , Lemcke Shane , Hides Julie A.
Published: July 2020

Muskelverletzungen treten in Ballsportarten häufig auf, so auch im Australian Rules Football. Doch wie bestimmt der Physiotherapeut zusammen mit dem verletzten Spieler den richtigen Zeitpunkt für den Return to Game? Könnte Sonografie bei dieser Entscheidung unterstützen? Ein Forschungsteam aus Australien ging dieser Frage nach.
MDT spart Kosten bei der Versorgung von LBP
Authors: Vielitz Arne
Published: July 2020

Donelson R, Spratt K, McClellan WS et al. The Cost Impact of a Quality-assured Mechanical Assessment in Primary Low Back Pain Care. Man Manip Ther 2019; 27: 277–286. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2019.1613008
Bei der Schmerzedukation gibt es nicht „die eine“ Metapher
Authors: Vielitz Arne
Published: July 2020

Louw A, Puentedura EJ, Diener I et al. Pain Neuroscience Education: Which Pain Neuroscience Education Metaphor Worked Best? S Afr J Physiother 2019; 75: 1329. doi: 10.4102/sajp.v75i1.1329
Annulations with Butenolides and Phthalides: New Entries to Isocoumarins, 3,4-Dihydroisocoumarins, and Benzofurans
Authors: Kraus George A. , Wang Shuai
Published: July 2020

The reactions of the anions of butenolides and substituted phthalides with sorbate esters and mono-epoxy sorbate esters furnish isocoumarins, 3,4-dihydroisocoumarins, and benzofurans. The yields range from 41% to 71%.
Successful Heart Transplantation after Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation of Donors
Authors: Mehdiani Arash , Immohr Moritz Benjamin , Sipahi Nihat Firat , Boettger Charlotte , Dalyanoglu Hannan , Scheiber Daniel , Westenfeld Ralf , Aubin Hug , Lichtenberg Artur , Boeken Udo , Akhyari Payam
Published: July 2020

Background Heart transplantation (HTx) is the best therapy for end-stage heart failure. Unfortunately, death on the waiting list remains a problem. Decreasing the number of rejected organs could increase the donor pool.

Methods A total of 144 patients underwent HTx at our department between 2010 and 2019. Of them, 27 patients received organs of donors with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) prior to organ donation (donor CPR) and were compared with patients who received organs without CPR (control; n = 117).

Results We did not observe any disadvantage in the outcome of the donor CPR group compared with the control group. Postoperative morbidity and 1-year survival (control: 72%; donor CPR: 82%; p = 0.35) did not show any differences. We found no impact of the CPR time as well as the duration between CPR and organ donation, but we found an improved survival rate for donors suffering from anoxic brain injury compared with cerebral injury (p = 0.04).

Conclusions Donor organs should not be rejected for HTx due to resuscitation prior to donation. The need for CPR does not affect the graft function after HTx in both short- and mid-term outcomes. We encourage the use of these organs to increase the donor pool and preserve good results.
ABO Blood Group System and the Association with Cardiovascular Risk Factors between Men and Women with Cardiovascular Diseases—A Comparative Study
Authors: Katna Rachana , Rao Ch Srinivasa , M. Aswin Kumar , Fatima Farheen , Taranikanti Madhuri
Published: July 2020

Objectives The present study was designed to explore the relation between ABO blood group and cardiovascular risk factors in the patients attending tertiary care hospital in South India.

Materials and Methods One hundred nine patients, each male and female with different cardiovascular diseases, were included in the study and their ABO blood groups were analyzed with the cardiovascular risk factors. A detailed history was taken from all the patients regarding cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and lipidemic. Total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and serum triglycerides were determined for assessing lipidemia. Blood grouping was done using standard tube technique. Red cell and serum grouping was performed and results documented. Association between ABO blood groups and cardiovascular risk factors was done using chi-square test and Spearman’s correlation.

Results The distribution of ABO blood groups shows that blood group O (41.28%) was more common in patients followed by group B (29.36%), group A (19.27%), and group AB (10.09%). One-hundred six cases (97.2%) were Rh D positive. A statistically significant difference was observed between gender and total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and BMI with p value <0.05. In the study population, distribution of major cardiovascular risk factors, especially diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia, with ABO blood groups shows that there was no significant difference observed between blood groups and these cardiovascular risk factors. However, statistical significance was there between blood group O and hypertension (p = 0.03).

Conclusion There was no significant difference between the blood groups and the major cardiovascular risk factors were diabetes and lipids, but there was an association between blood group O and hypertension.
Klinikunternehmen: Auf-/Absteiger des Monats
Authors: Schmidt Hartmut
Published: July 2020

Börsenexperte Hartmut Schmidt analysiert für kma die Jahresabschlüsse ausgewählter Kliniken
Der Markt: Auf Systemsuche
Authors: Kohrs Jens
Published: July 2020

Mauerblümchen-Dasein oder Differenzierungs-Chance – der Markt der Krankenhausverpflegung ist speziell. Es wird viel gefordert und möglichst wenig gezahlt. Caterer tun sich mit dem Geschäft auch deshalb schwer und können ihre Marktanteile nicht ausbauen. Trotzdem ist einiges in Bewegung in deutschen Klinikküchen.
Klinikfinanzen Nach Corona: Mühsame Rückkehr in den Regelbetrieb
Authors: Rößing Sabine
Published: July 2020

Die Corona-Pandemie hat die wirtschaftliche Lage der deutschen Krankenhäuser verschlechtert. Zu den Erlösausfällen durch zurückgestellte Behandlungen und leere Betten addieren sich hohe Beschaffungskosten für Schutzausrüstung und Geräte. Für die kommenden Quartale drohen schlechte Nachrichten.
Digitalisierung: In fünf Schritten zum digitalen Facility-Management
Authors: Neumann Eva , Neumann Oswald
Published: July 2020

Eine Digitalisierungsstrategie ist in der Krankenhausbranche unabdingbar. Optimierungspotentiale und Kosteneinsparmöglichkeiten durch digitale Prozesse sind allerdings nicht nur auf Diagnostik und Therapie beschränkt. Auch ein sinnvoll strukturiertes digitales Facility Management birgt entscheidende Vorteile.
25 Jahre Övkt: „Ohne Technik läuft im Krankenhaus nichts“ ...
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: July 2020

... erklärt der Gründer, langjährige Präsident und mittlerweile Past-Präsident des Österreichischen Verbandes der KrankenhaustechnikerInnen (ÖVKT), Detlef Mostler, anlässlich des 25. Jubiläums des Berufsverbandes selbstbewusst. „Selten wurde die Bedeutung der Technik für den Krankenhausbetrieb so deutlich wie angesichts der Corona-Krise“, ergänzt der aktuelle Präsident, Martin Krammer. „Schnell und kompetent haben wir den erforderlichen Sonderbetrieb ermöglicht.
Amorphous boron nitride for vacuum-ultraviolet photodetection
Authors: Li Yuqiang , Guo Jianmiao , Zheng Wei , Huang Feng
Published: July 2020

Boron nitride (BN) has attracted substantial attention in the fields of vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) photodetection owing to its ultra-wide bandgap and high optical absorption coefficient. However, in practical application, boron nitride crystals cannot satisfy current requirements in size and quality. In this work, we prepared an amorphous sp2 bonding BN film by magnetron sputtering with boron as the growth source at a low temperature (500 °C). No harsh conditions of high temperature and pressure are required, but the purity and uniformity of the film can be ensured by this method. Based on such a film, a VUV photodetector (PD) with metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) structure is further constructed, which exhibits an extremely low dark current (∼10−14 A), a high photo-to-dark ratio (∼103), and an excellent spectrum selectivity of VUV band. The improvement of PD's performance benefits from the pure and compact composition of the grown BN film. These results indicate that the growing amorphous BN film at a low temperature by reactive magnetron sputtering is a feasible method for preparing high-performance BN VUV photodetectors.
Suppressed resistance drift from short range order of amorphous GeTe ultrathin films
Authors: Ma Ping , Tong Hao , Xu Ming , Cheng Xiaomin , Miao Xiangshui
Published: July 2020

The nanosize confined effect is believed to contribute to improving the resistance drift in nanophase change devices. However, the smaller dimension of device designs is limited by plane lithography techniques. Phase change memory with a confined thickness of ultrathin GeTe layers is fabricated to overcome the limit of current plane lithography. Those memory cells composed of two-dimensional materials present a suppressed resistance drift in their amorphous phase. The drift exponent ν is reduced to 0.05 for 3 nm GeTe layers. Combined with Raman spectroscopy and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, the structural relaxation process is described as the decay of tetrahedral-bonded sites. Tetrahedrons in ultrathin films are more stable than those in bulk materials. The local motifs of amorphous GeTe ultrathin films are covalently bonded and highly ordered in a short range. The majority of highly ordered tetrahedral clusters prevents spontaneous structural relaxation and leads to high stability in amorphous states, which helps to stop intrinsic fluctuations in physical properties of SET and RESET states, without an extra processing cost.
Understanding the effect of confinement in scanning spreading resistance microscopy measurements
Authors: Pandey Komal , Paredis Kristof , Robson Alexander J. , Vandervorst Wilfried
Published: July 2020

Scanning spreading resistance microscopy (SSRM) is a powerful technique for quantitative two-and three-dimensional carrier profiling of semiconductor devices with sub-nm spatial resolution. However, considering the sub-10 nm dimensions of advanced devices and the introduction of three-dimensional architectures like fin field effect transistor (FinFET) and nanowires, the measured spreading resistance is easily impacted by parasitic series resistances present in the system. The limited amount of material, the presence of multiple interfaces, and confined current paths may increase the total resistance measured by SSRM beyond the expected spreading resistance, which can ultimately lead to an inaccurate carrier quantification. Here, we report a simulation assisted experimental study to identify the different parameters affecting the SSRM measurements in confined volumes. Experimentally, the two-dimensional current confinement is obtained by progressively thinning down uniformly doped blanket silicon on insulator wafers using scalpel SSRM. The concomitant SSRM provides detailed electrical information as a function of depth up to oxide interface. We show that the resistance is most affected by the interface traps in case of a heterogeneous sample, followed by the intrinsic resistance of the current carrying paths. Furthermore, we show that accurate carrier quantification is ensured for typical back contact distances of 1 μm if the region of interest is at least nine times larger than the probe radius.
InAs nano-ridges and thin films grown on (001) silicon substrates
Authors: Yan Zhao , Han Yu , Lau Kei May
Published: July 2020

Monolithic integration of InAs related devices on (001) Si platforms offers potential to extend integrated Si photonics to the mid-infrared (MIR). Here, we systematically studied the hetero-epitaxial growth of in-plane InAs nano-ridges and coalesced thin films on CMOS-standard (001) Si wafers. We started with the growth and optimization of in-plane InAs nano-ridges inside nano-scale Si trenches and developed a three-step growth procedure with a reduced growth rate to obtain uniform InAs nano-ridges with excellent crystalline qualities. We then developed a coalescence process for the optimized InAs nano-ridges to evolve into high quality continuous thin films. In the parametric growth study, we found that a low coalescence rate results in the formation of large InAs islands, while a high coalescence rate promotes the creation of uniform InAs thin films. These InAs/Si templates could serve as virtual substrates for the growth of light emitters and detectors in MIR Si photonics.
Conformal gradient-index phononic crystal lens for ultrasonic wave focusing in pipe-like structures
Authors: Danawe Hrishikesh , Okudan Gorkem , Ozevin Didem , Tol Serife
Published: July 2020

We explore a conformal gradient-index phononic crystal lens integrated within a pipe to amplify guided wave modes toward improved ultrasonic inspection of pipelines. The proposed conformal lens is composed of an array of cylindrical steel stubs attached to the outer surface of a steel pipe, which are tailored according to the hyperbolic secant profile of refractive index in the circumferential direction of the pipe. Hence, the ultrasonic guided wave energy is focused in the axial direction of the pipe and amplified at the focal point of the lens. Refractive indices are calculated using dispersion curves obtained from the finite element simulations of the stubbed unit cells, and the curved lens is designed for the second longitudinal wave mode of the pipe, which is commonly used in guided wave testing. The proposed lens design is implemented on a steel pipe, which is typically used in the distribution networks utilized in cities, and simultaneous focusing of longitudinal wave modes in a broad frequency range is verified through both numerical models and experimental measurements.
A criterion for uniform approximability of individual functions by solutions of second-order homogeneous elliptic equations with constant complex coefficients
Authors: Mazalov M. Ya.
Published: July 2020

A natural counterpart of Vitushkin’s criterion is obtained in the problem of uniform approximation of functions by solutions of second-order homogeneous elliptic equations with constant complex coefficient on compact subsets of

,

. It is stated in terms of a single (scalar) capacity connected with the leading coefficient of the Laurent series. The scheme of approximation uses methods in the theory of singular integrals and, in particular, constructions of certain special Lipschitz surfaces and Carleson measures.

Bibliography: 23 titles.
Lipocalin-2 counteracts metabolic dysregulation in obesity and diabetes
Authors: Mosialou Ioanna , Shikhel Steven , Luo Na , Petropoulou Peristera Ioanna , Panitsas Konstantinos , Bisikirska Brygida , Rothman Nyanza J. , Tenta Roxane , Cariou Bertrand , Wargny Matthieu , Sornay-Rendu Elisabeth , Nickolas Thomas , Rubin Mishaela , Confavreux Cyrille B. , Kousteni Stavroula
Published: July 2020

Regulation of food intake is a recently identified endocrine function of bone that is mediated by Lipocalin-2 (LCN2). Osteoblast-secreted LCN2 suppresses appetite and decreases fat mass while improving glucose metabolism. We now show that serum LCN2 levels correlate with insulin levels and β-cell function, indices of healthy glucose metabolism, in obese mice and obese, prediabetic women. However, LCN2 serum levels also correlate with body mass index and insulin resistance in the same individuals and are increased in obese mice. To dissect this apparent discrepancy, we modulated LCN2 levels in mice. Silencing Lcn2 expression worsens metabolic dysfunction in genetic and diet-induced obese mice. Conversely, increasing circulating LCN2 levels improves metabolic parameters and promotes β-cell function in mouse models of β-cell failure acting as a growth factor necessary for β-cell adaptation to higher metabolic load. These results indicate that LCN2 up-regulation is a protective mechanism to counteract obesity-induced glucose intolerance by decreasing food intake and promoting adaptive β-cell proliferation.
Tissue-resident memory T cell reactivation by diverse antigen-presenting cells imparts distinct functional responses
Authors: Low Jun Siong , Farsakoglu Yagmur , Amezcua Vesely Maria Carolina , Sefik Esen , Kelly Joseph B. , Harman Christian C.D. , Jackson Ruaidhri , Shyer Justin A. , Jiang Xiaodong , Cauley Linda S. , Flavell Richard A. , Kaech Susan M.
Published: July 2020

CD8+ tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM cells) are poised at the portals of infection and provide long-term protective immunity. Despite their critical roles, the precise mechanics governing TRM cell reactivation in situ are unknown. Using a TCR-transgenic Nur77-GFP reporter to distinguish “antigen-specific” from “bystander” reactivation, we demonstrate that lung CD8+ TRM cells are reactivated more quickly, yet less efficiently, than their counterparts in the draining LNs (TLN cells). Global profiling of reactivated memory T cells revealed tissue-defined and temporally regulated recall response programs. Unlike the reactivation of CD8+ TLN cells, which is strictly dependent on CD11c+XCR1+ APCs, numerous antigen-presenting partners, both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic, were sufficient to reactivate lung CD8+ TRM cells, but the quality of TRM cell functional responses depended on the identity of the APCs. Together, this work uncovers fundamental differences in the activation kinetics, mechanics, and effector responses between CD8+ memory T cells in peripheral vs. lymphoid organs, revealing a novel tissue-specific paradigm for the reactivation of memory CD8+ T cells.
SOAT1 promotes mevalonate pathway dependency in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Oni Tobiloba E. , Biffi Giulia , Baker Lindsey A. , Hao Yuan , Tonelli Claudia , Somerville Tim D.D. , Deschênes Astrid , Belleau Pascal , Hwang Chang-il , Sánchez-Rivera Francisco J. , Cox Hilary , Brosnan Erin , Doshi Abhishek , Lumia Rebecca P. , Khaledi Kimia , Park Youngkyu , Trotman Lloyd C. , Lowe Scott W. , Krasnitz Alexander , Vakoc Christopher R. , Tuveson David A.
Published: July 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a dismal prognosis, and new therapies are needed. Altered metabolism is a cancer vulnerability, and several metabolic pathways have been shown to promote PDAC. However, the changes in cholesterol metabolism and their role during PDAC progression remain largely unknown. Here we used organoid and mouse models to determine the drivers of altered cholesterol metabolism in PDAC and the consequences of its disruption on tumor progression. We identified sterol O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1) as a key player in sustaining the mevalonate pathway by converting cholesterol to inert cholesterol esters, thereby preventing the negative feedback elicited by unesterified cholesterol. Genetic targeting of Soat1 impairs cell proliferation in vitro and tumor progression in vivo and reveals a mevalonate pathway dependency in p53 mutant PDAC cells that have undergone p53 loss of heterozygosity (LOH). In contrast, pancreatic organoids lacking p53 mutation and p53 LOH are insensitive to SOAT1 loss, indicating a potential therapeutic window for inhibiting SOAT1 in PDAC.
Longevity and replenishment of human liver-resident memory T cells and mononuclear phagocytes
Authors: Pallett Laura J. , Burton Alice R. , Amin Oliver E. , Rodriguez-Tajes Sergio , Patel Amit A. , Zakeri Nekisa , Jeffery-Smith Anna , Swadling Leo , Schmidt Nathalie M. , Baiges Anna , Gander Amir , Yu Dominic , Nasralla David , Froghi Farid , Iype Satheesh , Davidson Brian R. , Thorburn Douglas , Yona Simon , Forns Xavier , Maini Mala K.
Published: July 2020

The human liver contains specialized subsets of mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs) and T cells, but whether these have definitive features of tissue residence (long-term retention, lack of egress) and/or can be replenished from the circulation remains unclear. Here we addressed these questions using HLA-mismatched liver allografts to discriminate the liver-resident (donor) from the infiltrating (recipient) immune composition. Allografts were rapidly infiltrated by recipient leukocytes, which recapitulated the liver myeloid and lymphoid composition, and underwent partial reprogramming with acquisition of CD68/CD206 on MNPs and CD69/CD103 on T cells. The small residual pool of donor cells persisting in allografts for over a decade contained CX3CR1hi/CD163hi/CD206hi Kupffer cells (KCs) and CXCR3hi tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM). CD8+ TRM were found in the local lymph nodes but were not detected egressing into the hepatic vein. Our findings inform organ transplantation and hepatic immunotherapy, revealing remarkably long-lived populations of KCs and TRM in human liver, which can be additionally supplemented by their circulating counterparts.
Cerebral cavernous malformations are driven by ADAMTS5 proteolysis of versican
Authors: Hong Courtney C. , Tang Alan T. , Detter Matthew R. , Choi Jaesung P. , Wang Rui , Yang Xi , Guerrero Andrea A. , Wittig Carl F. , Hobson Nicholas , Girard Romuald , Lightle Rhonda , Moore Thomas , Shenkar Robert , Polster Sean P. , Goddard Lauren M. , Ren Aileen A. , Leu N. Adrian , Sterling Stephanie , Yang Jisheng , Li Li , Chen Mei , Mericko-Ishizuka Patricia , Dow Lukas E. , Watanabe Hideto , Schwaninger Markus , Min Wang , Marchuk Douglas A. , Zheng Xiangjian , Awad Issam A. , Kahn Mark L.
Published: July 2020

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) form following loss of the CCM protein complex in brain endothelial cells due to increased endothelial MEKK3 signaling and KLF2/4 transcription factor expression, but the downstream events that drive lesion formation remain undefined. Recent studies have revealed that CCM lesions expand by incorporating neighboring wild-type endothelial cells, indicative of a cell nonautonomous mechanism. Here we find that endothelial loss of ADAMTS5 reduced CCM formation in the neonatal mouse model. Conversely, endothelial gain of ADAMTS5 conferred early lesion genesis in the absence of increased KLF2/4 expression and synergized with KRIT1 loss of function to create large malformations. Lowering versican expression reduced CCM burden, indicating that versican is the relevant ADAMTS5 substrate and that lesion formation requires proteolysis but not loss of this extracellular matrix protein. These findings identify endothelial secretion of ADAMTS5 and cleavage of versican as downstream mechanisms of CCM pathogenesis and provide a basis for the participation of wild-type endothelial cells in lesion formation.
Polyamine block of MthK potassium channels
Authors: Nimigean Crina M.
Published: July 2020

Polyamines can modulate membrane excitability by blocking ion flux through ion channels. Suma et al. determined the location of the binding site for polyamines inside a model potassium channel pore.
Controllable surface contact resistance in solution-processed thin-film transistors due to dimension modification
Authors: Mondal Sandip
Published: July 2020

The solution-processed thin-film transistors (TFTs) have become the core requirement for the flexible and transparent electronics industry since they are fabricated using cost-effective techniques. However, the fabrication of low-dimensional TFTs by the solution-processing technique is still a challenge due to the surface contact resistance (ρ
c). The current study introduces a controllable ρ
c involving the effect of dimensions (channel width/length = W/L) on TFTs. The ρ
c was measured to be 2.04 × 109
µm VA−1 when the channel length (L) of the TFT was 40 µm. A substantial drop in the surface contact resistance to 1.8 × 108
µm VA−1 was found with L = 5 µm. Thus, a 91% control on ρ
c was obtained when L reduced to 40 µm from 5 µm. Such a controllable ρ
c was observed with respect to different dimensions of the TFTs. Indeed, an extreme control was obtained in the drain saturation current from 8 µA to 0.8 µA with respect to variation in dimension (W/L) from 15 to 2.5.
Chip-based superconducting traps for levitation of micrometer-sized particles in the Meissner state
Authors: Latorre Martí Gutierrez , Hofer Joachim , Rudolph Matthias , Wieczorek Witlef
Published: July 2020

We present a detailed analysis of two chip-based superconducting trap architectures capable of levitating micrometer-sized superconducting particles in the Meissner state. These architectures are suitable for performing novel quantum experiments with more massive particles or for force and acceleration sensors of unprecedented sensitivity. We focus in our work on a chip-based anti-Helmholtz coil-type trap (AHC) and a planar double-loop (DL) trap. We demonstrate their fabrication from superconducting Nb films and the fabrication of superconducting particles from Nb or Pb. We apply finite element modeling (FEM) to analyze these two trap architectures in detail with respect to trap stability and frequency. Crucially, in FEM we account for the complete three-dimensional geometry of the traps, finite magnetic field penetration into the levitated superconducting particle, demagnetizing effects, and flux quantization. We can, thus, analyze trap properties beyond assumptions made in analytical models. We find that realistic AHC traps yield trap frequencies well above 10 kHz for levitation of micrometer-sized particles and can be fabricated with a three-layer process, while DL traps enable trap frequencies below 1 kHz and are simpler to fabricate in a single-layer process. Our numerical results guide future experiments aiming at levitating micrometer-sized particles in the Meissner state with chip-based superconducting traps. The modeling we use is also applicable in other scenarios using superconductors in the Meissner state, such as for designing superconducting magnetic shields or for calculating filling factors in superconducting resonators.
Kinetochore proteins suppress neuronal microtubule dynamics and promote dendrite regeneration
Authors: Hertzler James I. , Simonovitch Samantha I. , Albertson Richard M. , Weiner Alexis T. , Nye Derek M. R. , Rolls Melissa M.
Published: July 2020

Kinetochores are quintessential mitotic structures that monitor microtubule connections to chromosomes. Here, it is shown that kinetochore proteins are required in mature neurons for normal regeneration of injured dendrites. At the subcellular level they control microtubule nucleation, specifically in dendrites.
Inner core anisotropy measured using new ultra-polar PKIKP paths
Authors: Brett Henry , Deuss Arwen
Published: July 2020

We measure the seismic anisotropy of the inner core using PKPbc-PKPdf and PKPab-PKPdf differential traveltimes, as a function of the angle ζ between the Earth’s rotation axis and the ray path in the inner core. Previous research relied heavily on body waves originating in the South Sandwich Islands (SSI) and travelling to seismic stations in Alaska to sample inner core velocities with low ζ (polar paths). These SSI polar paths are problematic because they have anomalous travel time anomalies, there are no ultra-polar SSI paths with ζ < 20° and they only cover a small part of the inner core. Here we improve constraints on inner core anisotropy using recently installed seismic stations at high latitudes, especially in the Antarctic, allowing us to measure ultra-polar paths with ζ ranging from 20°–5°. Our new data show that the SSI’s polar events are fast but still within the range of velocities measured from ray paths originating elsewhere. We further investigate the effect of mantle structure on our data set finding that the SSI data are particularly affected by fast velocities underneath the SSI originating from the subducted South Georgia slab, which is currently located just above the core mantle boundary. This fast velocity region results in mantle structure being misinterpreted as inner core structure and we correct for this using a P-wave tomographic model. We also analyse the effect of velocity changes on the ray paths within the inner core and find that faster velocities significantly change the ray path resulting in the ray travelling deeper into the inner core and spending more time in the inner core. To remove this effect, we propose a simple but effective method to correct each event-station pair for the velocity-dependent ray path changes in the inner core, producing a more reliable fractional traveltime measurement. Combining the new ultra-polar data with mantle and ray path corrections results in a more reliable inner core anisotropy measurement and an overall measured anisotropy of 1.9–2.3 per cent for the whole inner core. This is lower than previous body wave studies (3 per cent anisotropy) and in better agreement with the value of inner core anisotropy measured by normal modes (2 per cent anisotropy). We also identify regional variation of anisotropic structure in the top 500 km of the inner core, which appears to be more complex than simple hemispherical variations. These regional variations are independent of the SSI data and are still present when these data are excluded. We also find a potential innermost inner core with a radius of 690 km and stronger anisotropy.
ResFinder 4.0 for predictions of phenotypes from genotypes
Authors: Bortolaia Valeria , Kaas Rolf S , Ruppe Etienne , Roberts Marilyn C , Schwarz Stefan , Cattoir Vincent , Philippon Alain , Allesoe Rosa L , Rebelo Ana Rita , Florensa Alfred Ferrer , Fagelhauer Linda , Chakraborty Trinad , Neumann Bernd , Werner Guido , Bender Jennifer K , Stingl Kerstin , Nguyen Minh , Coppens Jasmine , Xavier Basil Britto , Malhotra-Kumar Surbhi , Westh Henrik , Pinholt Mette , Anjum Muna F , Duggett Nicholas A , Kempf Isabelle , Nykäsenoja Suvi , Olkkola Satu , Wieczorek Kinga , Amaro Ana , Clemente Lurdes , Mossong Joël , Losch Serge , Ragimbeau Catherine , Lund Ole , Aarestrup Frank M
Published: July 2020

Objectives

WGS-based antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is as reliable as phenotypic AST for several antimicrobial/bacterial species combinations. However, routine use of WGS-based AST is hindered by the need for bioinformatics skills and knowledge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants to operate the vast majority of tools developed to date. By leveraging on ResFinder and PointFinder, two freely accessible tools that can also assist users without bioinformatics skills, we aimed at increasing their speed and providing an easily interpretable antibiogram as output.

Methods

The ResFinder code was re-written to process raw reads and use Kmer-based alignment. The existing ResFinder and PointFinder databases were revised and expanded. Additional databases were developed including a genotype-to-phenotype key associating each AMR determinant with a phenotype at the antimicrobial compound level, and species-specific panels for in silico antibiograms. ResFinder 4.0 was validated using Escherichia coli (n = 584), Salmonella spp. (n = 1081), Campylobacter jejuni (n = 239), Enterococcus faecium (n = 106), Enterococcus faecalis (n = 50) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 163) exhibiting different AST profiles, and from different human and animal sources and geographical origins.

Results

Genotype–phenotype concordance was ≥95% for 46/51 and 25/32 of the antimicrobial/species combinations evaluated for Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. When genotype–phenotype concordance was <95%, discrepancies were mainly linked to criteria for interpretation of phenotypic tests and suboptimal sequence quality, and not to ResFinder 4.0 performance.

Conclusions

WGS-based AST using ResFinder 4.0 provides in silico antibiograms as reliable as those obtained by phenotypic AST at least for the bacterial species/antimicrobial agents of major public health relevance considered.
Evaluation of histological specimens obtained by two types of EBUS-TBNA needles: a comparative study
Authors: Uchimura Keigo , Yamasaki Kei , Sasada Shinji , Hara Sachika , Tachiwada Takashi , Kawanami Toshinori , Kisohara Akira , Yatera Kazuhiro
Published: July 2020

Background

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration is a standard method for obtaining specimens of mediastinal and hilar lesions. Several types of needles of various sizes and materials are available. This study aimed to compare the quality of specimens collected using two needles, cobalt chromium and stainless steel for endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration.

Methods

This retrospective study included data of patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA with a 22-gauge needle made from either stainless steel (41 lesions, 121 punctures) or cobalt chromium (47 lesions, 145 punctures). Histological data per puncture, diagnostic yield per lesion, procedure time and complication rates were compared.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups in the baseline characteristics of the patients or lesions or in the complication rates. The rate of diagnostic histological specimens in each sample (71.0% vs. 58.7%, P = 0.039), fewer samples with cartilage alone (1.4% vs. 6.6%, P = 0.047) and fewer samples containing cartilage (7.6% vs. 16.5%, P = 0.034) were seen in the cobalt chromium needle group than in the stainless steel needle group. In both groups, the rate of specimens that only contained blood clots in each sample and diagnostic yield per lesion were similar, but the procedure time was significantly shorter (22 min vs. 26 min, P = 0.007) in the cobalt chromium needle group.

Conclusion

Compared with stainless steel needles, cobalt chromium needle for EBUS-TBNA showed lower cartilage contamination and a higher ratio of obtaining diagnostic specimens in each sample. Bronchoscopists should consider using the optimal needle gauges and materials for collecting adequate specimens.