bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Adsorption of Benzoic Acid on Single Walled Carbon Nanotube Bundles
Authors: Li Shifan , De Silva Thushani , Arsano Iskinder , Gallaba Dinuka , Karunanithy Robinson , Wasala Milinda , Zhang Xianfeng , Sivakumar Poopalasingam , Migone Aldo , Tsige Mesfin , Ma Xingmao , Talapatra Saikat
Published: June 2020

Removal of harmful chemicals from water is paramount to environmental cleanliness and safety. As such, need for materials that will serve this purpose is in the forefront of environmental research that pertains to water purification. Here we show that bundles of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), synthesized by direct thermal decomposition of ferrocene (Fe(C5H5)2), can remove emerging contaminants like benzoic acid from water with high efficiencies. Experimental adsorption isotherm studies indicate that the sorption capacity of benzoic acid on these carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be as high as 375 mg/g, which is significantly higher (in some cases an order of magnitude) than those reported previously for other adsorbents of benzoic acid such as activated carbon cloth, modified bentonite and commercially available graphitized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). Our Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation studies of experimental scenarios provided major insights related to this process of adsorption. The MD simulations indicate that, high binding energy sites present in SWNT bundles are majorly responsible for their enhanced adsorptive behavior compared to isolated MWNTs. These findings indicate that SWNT materials can be developed as scalable materials for efficient removal of environmental contaminants as well as for other sorption-based applications.
Acidification of Cytoplasm in Escherichia coli Provides a Strategy to Cope with Stress and Facilitates Development of Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Reyes-Fernández Esmeralda Z. , Schuldiner Shimon
Published: June 2020

Awareness of the problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has escalated, and drug-resistant infections are named among the most urgent issues facing clinicians today. Bacteria can acquire resistance to antibiotics by a variety of mechanisms that, at times, involve changes in their metabolic status, thus altering diverse biochemical reactions, many of them pH-dependent. In this work, we found that modulation of the cytoplasmic pH (pHi) of Escherichia coli provides a thus far unexplored strategy to support resistance. We show here that the acidification of the cytoplasmic pH is a previously unrecognized consequence of the activation of the marRAB operon. The acidification itself contributes to the full implementation of the resistance phenotype. We measured the pHi of two resistant strains, developed in our laboratory, that carry mutations in marR that activate the marRAB operon. The pHi of both strains is lower than that of the wild type strain. Inactivation of the marRAB response in both strains weakens resistance, and pHi increases back to wild type levels. Likewise, we showed that exposure of wild type cells to weak acids that caused acidification of the cytoplasm induced a resistant phenotype, independent of the marRAB response. We speculate that the decrease of the cytoplasmic pH brought about by activation of the marRAB response provides a signaling mechanism that modifies metabolic pathways and serves to cope with stress and to lower metabolic costs.
Explorative study of serum biomarkers of liver failure after liver resection
Authors: Yoon Kyung Chul , Kwon Hyung Do , Jo Hye-Sung , Choi Yoon Young , Seok Jin-I , Kang Yujin , Lee Do Yup , Kim Dong-Sik
Published: June 2020

Conventional biochemical markers have limited usefulness in the prediction of early liver dysfunction. We, therefore, tried to find more useful liver failure biomarkers after liver resection that are highly sensitive to internal and external challenges in the biological system with a focus on liver metabolites. Twenty pigs were divided into the following 3 groups: sham operation group (n = 6), 70% hepatectomy group (n = 7) as a safety margin of resection model, and 90% hepatectomy group (n = 7) as a liver failure model. Blood sampling was performed preoperatively and at 1, 6, 14, 30, 38, and 48 hours after surgery, and 129 primary metabolites were profiled. Orthogonal projection to latent structures-discriminant analysis revealed that, unlike in the 70% hepatectomy and sham operation groups, central carbon metabolism was the most significant factor in the 90% hepatectomy group. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to develop a predictive model for mortality risk following hepatectomy. The recommended variables were malic acid, methionine, tryptophan, glucose, and γ-aminobutyric acid. Area under the curve of the linear combination of five metabolites was 0.993 (95% confidence interval: 0.927–1.000, sensitivity: 100.0, specificity: 94.87). We proposed robust biomarker panels that can accurately predict mortality risk associated with hepatectomy.
Ghrelin inhibits autonomic response to gastric distension in rats by acting on vagal pathway
Authors: Meleine Mathieu , Mounien Lourdes , Atmani Karim , Ouelaa Wassila , Bôle-Feysot Christine , Guérin Charlène , Depoortere Inge , Gourcerol Guillaume
Published: June 2020

Ghrelin is the only orexigenic peptide currently known and a potent prokinetic by promoting gastric motility but novel insights suggest that its role extends beyond satiety regulation. Whereas ghrelin was shown to provide somatic and colonic antinociception, its impact on gastric sensitivity is unknown even though stomach is a major ghrelin secreting tissue. Autonomic response to gastric mechanosensitivity was estimated by measuring blood pressure variation as a surrogate marker in response to gastric distension (GD) before and after ghrelin (or vehicle) administration. Involvement of spinal and vagal pathways in the ghrelin effect was studied by performing celiac ganglionectomy and subdiaphragmatic vagotomy respectively and by evaluating the expression of phosphorylated extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in dorsal root and nodose ganglia. Finally the phenotype of Ghrelin receptor expressing neurons within the nodose ganglia was determined by in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence. Ghrelin reduced blood pressure variation in response to GD except in vagotomized rats. Phosphorylated-ERK1/2 levels indicated that ghrelin reduced neuronal activation induced by GD in nodose ganglion. The effect of ghrelin on gastric mechanosensitivity was abolished by pre-treatment with antagonist [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 (0.3 mg/kg i.v.). Immunofluorescence staining highlights the colocalization of Ghrelin receptor with ASIC3 and TRPV1 within gastric neurons of nodose ganglion. Ghrelin administration reduced autonomic response to gastric distension. This effect likely involved the Ghrelin receptor and vagal pathways.
Structure determination of the HgcAB complex using metagenome sequence data: insights into microbial mercury methylation
Authors: Cooper Connor J. , Zheng Kaiyuan , Rush Katherine W. , Johs Alexander , Sanders Brian C. , Pavlopoulos Georgios A. , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Podar Mircea , Ovchinnikov Sergey , Ragsdale Stephen W. , Parks Jerry M.
Published: June 2020

Bacteria and archaea possessing the hgcAB gene pair methylate inorganic mercury (Hg) to form highly toxic methylmercury. HgcA consists of a corrinoid binding domain and a transmembrane domain, and HgcB is a dicluster ferredoxin. However, their detailed structure and function have not been thoroughly characterized. We modeled the HgcAB complex by combining metagenome sequence data mining, coevolution analysis, and Rosetta structure calculations. In addition, we overexpressed HgcA and HgcB in Escherichia coli, confirmed spectroscopically that they bind cobalamin and [4Fe-4S] clusters, respectively, and incorporated these cofactors into the structural model. Surprisingly, the two domains of HgcA do not interact with each other, but HgcB forms extensive contacts with both domains. The model suggests that conserved cysteines in HgcB are involved in shuttling HgII, methylmercury, or both. These findings refine our understanding of the mechanism of Hg methylation and expand the known repertoire of corrinoid methyltransferases in nature.
Highly reusable nanoporous silver sheet for sensitive SERS detection of pesticides
Authors: Chi Huanyu , Wang Congcheng , Wang Zhien , Zhu Hongni , Mesias Vince St. Dollente , Dai Xin , Chen Qing , Liu Wei , Huang Jinqing
Published: June 2020

Reusing nanoporous Ag sheets 20 times after simple ultrasonic cleaning for sensitive SERS detection of organochlorine pesticides.
Evaluation of different strategies for determination of selenomethionine (SeMet) in selenized yeast by asymmetrical flow field flow fractionation coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (AF4-ICP-MS)
Authors: Alcântara Daniel B. , Nascimento Ronaldo F. , Lopes Gisele S. , Grinberg Patricia
Published: June 2020

This manuscript exemplifies the prospective use of asymmetrical flow field flow fractionation (AF4) coupled to ICP-MS as a simple tool for chemical speciation of selemethionine in selenized yeast.
A novel HPLC-DAD method for simultaneous determination of alfuzosin and solifenacin along with their official impurities inducedviaa stress stability study; investigation of their degradation kinetics
Authors: Tantawy Mahmoud A. , Weshahy Soheir A. , Wadie Mina , Rezk Mamdouh R.
Published: June 2020

A stability-indicating HPLC method for simultaneous determination of alfuzosin, solifenacin and their official impurities accompanied by investigation of their degradation kinetics.
Oxidised charcoal: an efficient support for NiFe layered double hydroxide to improve electrochemical oxygen evolution
Authors: Saha Jony , Kumar Ashok , PM Anjana , Jakhad Vikash
Published: June 2020

NiFeLDH/oxidised charcoal showed excellent activity in the oxygen evolution reaction with an overpotential of 240 mV at 10 mA cm−2, which is ∼115 mV less than that of NiFeLDH.
Unraveling the enhancement mechanisms of H2S sensing on a SnO2surface: anab initioperspective
Authors: Liu Yuting , Xu Chao , Gu Feng Long
Published: June 2020

Calculation results reveal a thorough and extensive understanding of the gas-sensing mechanisms during the absorption of H2S onto a doped-SnO2surface.
Flipped regiospecificity in L434F mutant of 8-lipoxygenase
Authors: Mishra Vipin Kumar , Mishra Sabyashachi
Published: June 2020

Conformational change of Phe434 controls regio- and stereospecificity of L434F lipoxygenase catalysis.
Use of scavenger agents in heterogeneous photocatalysis: truths, half-truths, and misinterpretations
Authors: Schneider Jéssica Tamara , Firak Daniele Scheres , Ribeiro Ronny Rocha , Peralta-Zamora Patricio
Published: June 2020

The use of scavenger agents must be thoughtfully considered in mechanistic investigations of heterogeneous photocatalysis since atypical radicals are produced.
Passivation and activation of La0.6Sr0.4FeO3 thin film electrodes
Authors: Tripković Đorđije , Küngas Rainer , Mogensen Mogens Bjerg , Hendriksen Peter Vang
Published: June 2020

Thin La0.6Sr0.4FeO3 electrodes were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electrical conductivity relaxation below 600 °C. A simple water treatment was used to recover the oxygen exchange activity of the aged electrodes.
Correction: Atomistic QM/MM simulations of the strength of covalent interfaces in carbon nanotube–polymer composites
Authors: Gołębiowski Jacek R. , Kermode James R. , Haynes Peter D. , Mostofi Arash A.
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘Atomistic QM/MM simulations of the strength of covalent interfaces in carbon nanotube–polymer composites’ by Jacek R. Gołębiowski et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2020, 22, 12007–12014, DOI: 10.1039/d0cp01841d.
A scalable top-down strategy toward practical metrics of Ni–Zn aqueous batteries with total energy densities of 165 W h kg−1 and 506 W h L−1
Authors: Zhou Wanhai , Zhu Ding , He Jian , Li Jinchi , Chen Hui , Chen Yungui , Chao Dongliang
Published: June 2020

The bias of Ni–Zn batteries between practical applications with gravimetrical limits and scientific research with volumetrical shortages has been corrected.
Engineered nanoselenium supplemented fish diet: toxicity comparison with ionic selenium and stability against particle dissolution, aggregation and release
Authors: Abdolahpur Monikh Fazel , Chupani Latifeh , Smerkova Kristyna , Bosker Thijs , Cizar Petr , Krzyzanek Vladislav , Richtera Lukas , Franek Roman , Zuskova Eliska , Skoupy Radim , Darbha Gopala Krishna , Vijver Martina , Valsami-Jones Eugenia , Peijnenburg Willie
Published: June 2020

Transformation of nutrients to their nano-form, such as selenium (Se) engineered nanonutrients (Se-ENNs), is expected to enhance the absorption of the nutrients into fish and increase the efficiency of the feed.
Lentinan-functionalized selenium nanosystems with high permeability infiltrate solid tumors by enhancing transcellular transport
Authors: Yang Fan , Huang Jiarun , Liu Hongxing , Lin Weiqiang , Li Xiaoling , Zhu Xueqiong , Chen Tianfeng
Published: June 2020

Herein, we synthesize stable selenium nanoparticles with transcellular transport capability for the penetration and treatment of solid tumor. This study proposes an inventive strategy for in-depth drug delivery and clinical treatment of solid tumors.
Half-hedgehog spin textures in sub-100 nm soft magnetic nanodots
Authors: Berganza Eider , Jaafar Miriam , Fernandez-Roldan Jose A. , Goiriena-Goikoetxea Maite , Pablo-Navarro Javier , García-Arribas Alfredo , Guslienko Konstantin , Magén César , De Teresa José M. , Chubykalo-Fesenko Oksana , Asenjo Agustina
Published: June 2020

Permalloy hemispherical nanodots are able to host three-dimensional chiral structures (half-hedgehog spin textures) with non-zero topological charge at room temperature and in absence of DMI interaction.
A MoS2@SnS heterostructure for sodium-ion storage with enhanced kinetics
Authors: Lin Yemao , Guo Xiaodong , Hu Mingjun , Liu Bin , Dong Yucheng , Wang Xin , Li Neng , Wang Hong-En
Published: June 2020

A MoS2@SnS heterostructure can serve as an advanced anode for sodium-ion batteries with enhanced reaction kinetics.
Ni or FeO nanocrystal-integrated hollow (solid) N-doped carbon nanospheres: preparation, characterization and electrochemical properties
Authors: Liang Yucang , Oettinger Jonathan David , Zhang Peng , Xu Bin
Published: June 2020

N-Doped carbon nano(micro)spheres have been rationally designed, successfully synthesized and used as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, showing excellent lithium storage properties and superior reversibility.
Highly efficient and stable transparent electromagnetic interference shielding films based on silver nanowires
Authors: Zhu Xingzhong , Xu Juan , Qin Feng , Yan Zhiyang , Guo Aoqi , Kan Caixia
Published: June 2020

A stable transparent electromagnetic interference shielding film is realized based on silver nanowires by integrating a polymer layer.
Carrier polarity modulation of molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) for phototransistor and switching photodiode applications
Authors: Aftab Sikandar , Samiya  , Rabia  , Yousuf Saqlain , Khan Muhammad Usman , Khawar Rafia , Younus Ayesha , Manzoor Mumtaz , Iqbal Muhammad Waqas , Iqbal Muhammad Zahir
Published: June 2020

p–n Diodes showed a sound self-biased photovoltaic behavior upon light illumination and also achieved VOC switching behavior at the p–n diode state by switching on and off the light.
Self-assembly of amphiphilic copolymers containing polysaccharide: PISA versus nanoprecipitation, and the temperature effect
Authors: Ikkene Djallal , Arteni Ana Andreea , Ouldali Malika , Six Jean-Luc , Ferji Khalid
Published: June 2020

The self-assembly methods and the temperature have a considerable impact on the morphology of the resulting nanoobjects in the case of amphiphilic glycopolymers.
Redefining the chemistry of super-macroporous materials: when dendritic molecules meet polymer cryogels
Authors: García Schejtman Sergio D. , Marzini Irranca Santiago , Alvarez Igarzabal Cecilia I. , Martinelli Marisa
Published: June 2020

Dendritic cryogels modify the functionality and properties against conventional cryogels and improve the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) adsorption.
Janus dimers from tunable phase separation and reactivity ratios
Authors: Tian Lei , Li Bei , Li Xue , Zhang Qiuyu
Published: June 2020

Janus dimers, as a typical species of anisotropic material, are useful for both theoretical simulations and practical applications.
Radical-dominated reaction of CO–NO on a CaFe2O4 surface in sintering flue gas recirculation
Authors: Li Chaoqun , Han Qingzhen , Zhu Tingyu , Xu Wenqing
Published: June 2020

A combination of calculation and experiment was used to study the catalytic reduction behavior between NO and CO on the surface of CaFe2O4 in the flue gas cycle.
Synthesis, micellar structures and emission mechanisms of an AIE and DDED-featured fluorescent pH- and thermo-meter
Authors: Guo He , Cheng Xiaomeng , Li Hongping , Li Jun , Wei Jinjin , Feng Chongyang
Published: June 2020

A nanoprobe in water features pH- and thermal-responsive micellar/clustering structures, deprotonation-driven emission decay (DDED) and aggregation-induced emission (AIE).
A faster and more effective chrome tanning process assisted by microwave
Authors: Zhang Jinwei , Chen Wuyong
Published: June 2020

In leather manufacturing, microwave usually has the ability to strengthen the combination between collagen and chemicals and make the corresponding procedures faster and more effective.
Reactions of an anionic chelate phosphane/borata-alkene ligand with [Rh(nbd)Cl]2, [Rh(CO)2Cl]2 and [Ir(cod)Cl]2
Authors: Watanabe Kohei , Ueno Atsushi , Tao Xin , Škoch Karel , Jie Xiaoming , Vagin Sergei , Rieger Bernhard , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Letzel Matthias C. , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard
Published: June 2020

Borata-alkenes can serve as anionic olefin equivalent ligands in transition metal chemistry. A chelate ligand of this type is described and used for metal coordination.
Total synthesis of crotophorbolone
Authors: Yu Tianzi , Sun Ying , Tu Canhui , Chen Ting , Fu Shaomin , Liu Bo
Published: June 2020

Convergent total synthesis of crotophorbolone was accomplished in 18 longest linear steps. Observation of unexpected thermodynamic stability of a cis,trans-5/7/6 tricycle would benefit synthetic design of tigliane- and daphnane-related diterpenoids.
A neutral porous organic polymer host for the recognition of anionic dyes in water
Authors: Ong Whitney S. Y. , Smaldone Ronald A. , Dodani Sheel C.
Published: June 2020

Using the principles of supramolecular design, we demonstrate that a urea-functionalized porous organic polymer can recognize anionic dyes in water.
Detachment of giant liposomes – coupling of receptor mobility and membrane shape
Authors: Witt Hannes , Vache Marian , Cordes Andrea , Janshoff Andreas
Published: June 2020

We combine detachment experiments of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) and membrane coated glass beads with theoretical considerations to study the impact of receptor mobility of adhesive glycolipids.
Electrochemical deposition and thermoelectric characterisation of a semiconducting 2-D metal–organic framework thin film
Authors: de Lourdes Gonzalez-Juarez Maria , Flores Eduardo , Martin-Gonzalez Marisol , Nandhakumar Iris , Bradshaw Darren
Published: June 2020

The anodic electrochemical synthesis of a Cu3(HHTP)2 thin film and its thermoelectric properties are reported for the first time.
Single crystal growth of monoisotopic hexagonal boron nitride from a Fe–Cr flux
Authors: Li Jiahan , Elias Christine , Ye Gaihua , Evans Dylan , Liu Song , He Rui , Cassabois Guillaume , Gil Bernard , Valvin Pierre , Liu Bin , Edgar James H.
Published: June 2020

High-quality monoisotopic hBN were synthesized using Fe-Cr flux. Boron and nitrogen were dissolved at a high temperature, then hBN single crystals were precipitated during cooling process.
MMSE‐based transmission method for wireless powered communication networks
Authors: Xie Shaoguo , Zhu Lvfu
Published: June 2020

In this study, the authors consider the user rate optimisation for wireless powered communication networks (WPCNs). To improve the user rate, a novel minimum mean square error (MMSE)‐based transmission method is proposed for WPCNs. For maximising the user rate, a user rate optimisation problem with MMSE constraints in the uplink transmission is formulated, which is considered as a convex optimisation problem. Considering the uplink power allocation, downlink energy beamforming, and the time ratio between uplink and downlink durations, a novel Newton iterative algorithm is proposed to obtain the optimal solution of the optimisation problem. Furthermore, the computational complexity of the MMSE‐based method is illustrated by theoretical analysis. Simulation results show that the MMSE‐based method can effectively improve the user rate compared to the zero‐forcing suboptimal method and time division multiple access‐energy harvesting method. Moreover, simulation results also show that the experimental runtime tends to coincide with the theoretical runtime in the MMSE‐based method.
Integrated control method for constant output voltage and maximum efficiency tracking of bilateral LCL compensation ICPT system
Authors: Xia Chenyang , Li Xinyu , Sun Qiqi , Liao Zhijuan , Wu Xiaojie
Published: June 2020

Inductive coupled power transfer (ICPT) systems are now more desired to provide constant output voltage with the highest efficiency, which will be affected by source (input voltage) and load (load resistance) conditions. To address this issue, an integrated control method is proposed in this study, which is realised by using the active impedance matching technology based on the buck ‐boost circuit on the load side and the robust H ∞ control technology on the inverter side. This control scheme allows both two technologies to be applied simultaneously and independently operated. The bilateral inductor ‐capacitor ‐inductor ICPT compensation system is used here to test the proposed method, which is representative, and it is also applicable to other typical compensation topologies and has a certain universality. Finally, an experimental platform is established. Experimental results show that the system can achieve 24 V constant output voltage and 84.53% efficiency tracking under the condition of simultaneous 20% input voltage disturbance and 50% load change, which shows the effectiveness of the proposed integrated control method.
New design of a linear double‐sided printed dipole array based on bat algorithm for interference suppression in the first sidelobe direction
Authors: Truong Luong Xuan , Vu‐Bang Giang Truong , Tuan Tran Minh
Published: June 2020

This study proposes a design of a double‐sided printed dipole (DSPD) antenna array with a low first sidelobe level (FSLL) for interference suppression. The proposed array consists of ten DSPD antennas based on the Rogers RO4003C substrate (ɛr = 3.55). The FSLL has been compressed by imposing a single null at the centre of the first sidelobe. The excitation power distribution of the array has been calculated by using the bat algorithm with the amplitude‐only control technique and has been implemented by a series‐fed network. A back reflector, which is based on an FR4 substrate (ɛr = 4.4), has been used to improve the maximum gain. The simulation results show that the FSLL can be reduced with a null deep level (NDL) of −40 dB in the E‐plane at the frequency of 3.5 GHz, while the maximum gain of the array is around 17.7 dBi, and the bandwidth is 600 MHz (3.3–3.9 GHz) with −10 dB of S11. A prototype of the proposed DSPD antenna array has been fabricated and measured. A good agreement can be achieved between simulation and measurement results.
Rapid late-time X-ray brightening of the tidal disruption event OGLE16aaa
Authors: Kajava Jari J. E. , Giustini Margherita , Saxton Richard D. , Miniutti Giovanni
Published: June 2020

Stars that pass too close to a super-massive black hole may be disrupted by strong tidal forces. OGLE16aaa is one such tidal disruption event (TDE) which rapidly brightened and peaked in the optical/UV bands in early 2016 and subsequently decayed over the rest of the year. OGLE16aaa was detected in an XMM-Newton X-ray observation on June 9, 2016 with a flux slightly below the Swift/XRT upper limits obtained during the optical light curve peak. Between June 16–21, 2016, Swift/XRT also detected OGLE16aaa and based on the stacked spectrum, we could infer that the X-ray luminosity had jumped up by more than a factor of ten in just one week. No brightening signal was seen in the simultaneous optical/UV data to cause the X-ray luminosity to exceed the optical/UV one. A further XMM-Newton observation on November 30, 2016 showed that almost a year after the optical/UV peak, the X-ray emission was still at an elevated level, while the optical/UV flux decay had already leveled off to values comparable to those of the host galaxy. In all X-ray observations, the spectra were nicely modeled with a 50–70 eV thermal component with no intrinsic absorption, with a weak X-ray tail seen only in the November 30 XMM-Newton observation. The late-time X-ray behavior of OGLE16aaa strongly resembles the tidal disruption events ASASSN-15oi and AT2019azh. We were able to pinpoint the time delay between the initial optical TDE onset and the X-ray brightening to 182 ± 5 days, which may possibly represent the timescale between the initial circularization of the disrupted star around the super-massive black hole and the subsequent delayed accretion. Alternatively, the delayed X-ray brightening could be related to a rapid clearing of a thick envelope that covers the central X-ray engine during the first six months.
La production des aciers inoxydables: Histoire de son développement et des procédés de fabrication. Partie II. Évolutions de l’élaboration des aciers inoxydables au four électrique à arc. La tentation de la fonte au chrome et la production d’aciers inoxydables dans l’usine intégrée
Authors: Saleil Jean , Mantel Marc , Le Coze Jean
Published: June 2020

La production d’aciers inoxydables à bas carbone a nécessité la mise au point de procédés d’affinage complexes, depuis (i) la décarburation (affinage oxydant) initialement dans le seul four à arc, jusqu’aux méthodes (ii) d’affinage sous vide (VOD) puis avec dilution à l’argon (AOD). Les tentatives d’affinage de la fonte au chrome ont nécessité d’adapter des convertisseurs d’affinage à l’oxygène en usage dans les aciers non alliés (Kaldo, convertisseurs à soufflage par le fond), mais c’est le procédé AOD qui a eu le dernier mot. Des exigences qualitatives particulièrement sévères ont nécessité la mise au point de procédés spécifiques : refusion ESR (propreté inclusionnaire), VOD poussé (très basses teneurs en C et N) ; refusion sous pression (PESR pour les nuances fortement renitrurées), métallurgie des poudres. Des filières modernes de production d’aciers inoxydables en produits plats dans des usines intégrées se sont aussi greffées sur la chaîne traditionnelle de traitement de la fonte (haut-fourneau, convertisseur, coulée continue, train à bandes).
Mourir de peur ? Rétrospective au temps du COVID-19
Authors: Moulin Anne-Marie
Published: June 2020

Un proverbe allemand du XIVesiècle disait que la peste s’attaque à ceux qui ont le plus peur. Est-ce la peur du virus qui tue ou le virus ? Des observateurs étrangers1 s’étonnent que le confinement jusqu’ici ait été dans l’ensemble respecté en France sans révoltes véritables. Les héritiers de la Révolution française ont admis une restriction sans précédent de leurs libertés et se sont soumis à la décision du confinement. La peur du virus inconnu, invisible et sournois, qui a frappé la population, mais aussi la peur de l’autorité et des contrôles, celle de l’Autre et celle de l’étranger possibles porteurs, sont probablement pour beaucoup dans cette résignation. Mais cette peur n’est-elle pas en soi délétère, comme semble nous le montrer une rétrospective sur les épidémies passées ?
Integer and constraint programming approaches for providing optimality to the bandwidth multicoloring problem
Authors: Dias Bruno , de Freitas Rosiane , Maculan Nelson , Michelon Philippe
Published: June 2020

In this paper, constraint and integer programming techniques are applied to solving bandwidth coloring problems, in the sense of proving optimality or finding better feasible solutions for benchmark instances from the literature. The Bandwidth Coloring Problem (BCP) is a generalization of the classic vertex coloring problem (VCP), where, given a graph, its vertices must be colored such that not only adjacent ones do not share the same color, but also their colors must be separated by a minimum given value. BCP is further generalized to the Bandwidth Multicoloring Problem (BMCP), where each vertex can receive more than one different color, also subject to separation constraints. BMCP is used to model the Minimum Span Channel Assignment Problem (MS-CAP), which arises in the planning of telecommunication networks. Research on algorithmic strategies to solve these problems focus mainly on heuristic approaches and the performance of such methods is tested on artificial and real scenarios benchmarks, such as GEOM, Philadelphia and Helsinki sets. We achieve optimal solutions or provide better upper bounds for these well-known instances, We also compare the effects of multicoloring demands on the performance of each exact solution approach, based on empirical analysis.
Comparative Study of the Effect of Macrolide Antibiotics
Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, and Azithromycin on the ERG1 Gene Expression in
H9c2 Cardiomyoblast Cells
Authors: Hajimirzaei Nima , Khalili Nazila Pour , Boroumand Behshad , Safari Fatemeh , Pourhosseini Armin , Judi-Chelan Reza , Tavakoli Fatemeh
Published: June 2020

Macrolides are clinically well-established class of antibiotics. Macrolides
induce cardiotoxicity by blocking ether-a-go-go–related gene
(ERG) potassium channels in cardiac myocytes. The aim of this study was to
compare the effects of erythromycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin on cell
viability and expression of ERG1 gene in H9c2 cells. Cell viability and ERG1
gene expression of H9c2 cells in 3 different concentrations, 1, 10 and
25 µg/ml, after 48 and 72 h were determined by
MTT test and Real time-PCR method respectively. After 48 h, the growth
of H9c2 cells treated with erythromycin, clarithromycin and Azithromycin (except
two doses) were inhibited significantly compared to control group
(p<0.05). All three groups of antibiotics showed toxic effects on cells
after 72 h in all concentrations. Azithromycin-inhibiting effects were
significantly higher than two other groups after 72 h of treatment. The
expression of ERG1 gene increased in all three groups of antibiotics by
increasing the concentration and duration of treatment. Azithromycin had the
most pronounced effect on ERG1 expression in 48 and 72 h. This study
indicated that these macrolides affect ERG1 expression due to their potential
cardiac adverse effects. Further investigations are required to understand the
exact mechanism of cardiotoxicity associated with macrolides.
The Battle against COVID 19 Pandemic: What we Need to Know Before we
“Test Fire” Ivermectin
Authors: Banerjee Kushal , Nandy Manab , Dalai Chanchal Kumar , Ahmed Shah Newaz
Published: June 2020

The world is faced with the dire challenge of finding an effective treatment
against the rampaging COVID 19 pandemic. Amidst the crisis, reports of in
vitro inhibitory activity of ivermectin, an approved anthelmintic, against
the causative SARSCoV2 virus, have generated lot of optimism. In this
article, we have fished and compiled the needed information on the drug,
that will help readers and prospective investigators in having a quick
overview. Though the primordial biological action of the drug is allosteric
modulation of helminthic ion channel receptor, its in vitro activity against
both RNA and DNA viruses is known for almost a decade. In the past two
years, efficacy study in animal models of pseudorabies and zika virus was
found to be favourable and unfavourable respectively. Only one clinical
study evaluated the drug in dengue virus infection without any clinical
efficacy. However, the proposed mechanism of drug action, by inhibiting the
importin family of nucleus-cytoplasmic transporters along with favourable
pharmacokinetics, warrants exploration of its role in COVID 19 through
safely conducted clinical trials. Being an available and affordable drug,
enlisted in WHO List of Essential Medicine, and a long track record of
clinical safety, the drug is already in clinical trials the world over. As
the pandemic continues to ravage human civilisation with unabated intensity,
the world eagerly waits for a ray of hope emanating from the outcome of the
ongoing trials with ivermectin as well as other drugs.
Thermo-Mineral Baths in the First Half XIX Century: The Case of
Ludwig Van Beethoven
Authors: Berezutsky Vladimir , Berezutska Maryna
Published: June 2020

Background The great German composer Ludwig van Beethoven suffered almost
all his life from progressive deafness and diseases of the digestive system. The
state of his health strongly influenced his work. Balneotherapy is the only
aspect of Beethoven’s disease history that has not yet been thoroughly
studied. While water treatment in the first half of the XIX century was the most
important part of the therapeutic arsenal of doctors and was actively used in
the treatment of Beethoven.

Objectives To study the use of thermo-mineral baths in the treatment of
Ludwig van Beethoven in the first half of the XIX century.

Methods Scopus, WebOfScience, MedLine and PubMed databases, electronic
archives were searched without time restriction for information on the use of
thermo-mineral baths in European spa resorts in the first half of the
19th century. An analysis was also made of Beethoven’s
letters and the work of his most respected biographers in order to identify
information about thermal-mineral baths in his treatment.

Results Since 1796, Beethoven suffered chronic enterocolitis and
progressive hearing impairment, since 1820 portalcirrhosis of the liver.
Thermo-mineral baths were the main part of Beethovens treatment from 1799 until
his death in 1827.

Conclusions The Beethoven’s physicians appointed him a treatment
that corresponded to the advanced achievements of balneology of the first half
of the 19th century. The composer spent annually at spa resorts up to
6 months, water treatment became part of his life. Beethoven until the last days
of his life sincerely believed in the healing power of thermo-mineral baths.
Application of Modified Tailed Microcoil in Preoperative Localization of Small Pulmonary Nodules: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Sun Saisai , Liu Kaichao , Gao Xiang , Ren Binhui , Sun Lei , Xu Lin
Published: June 2020

Background The localization of small pulmonary nodules (SPNs) during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is challenging thoracic surgeon, especially in patients with severe pleural adhesion or visceral pleura pigmentation due to low success rate and future conversion to thoracotomy. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety between modified microcoil and methylene blue in preoperative localization of small nodules, particularly patients with severe pleural adhesion or visceral pleura pigmentation.

Materials and Methods From January 2018 to February 2019 in our institute, 342 patients who underwent computed tomography-guided localization of SPN were recruited in this retrospective cohort study and divided into the modified microcoil group (n = 239) and the methylene blue group (n = 103) according to the localization method. Clinical characteristics and perioperative complications were collected to analyze.

Results All SPNs were successfully marked in both groups. Location-related complications, the duration of localization procedure, and the length of hospital stay were not different between the two groups. The operation time of modified microcoil and the duration of removal of nodule in operation were both shorter than the methylene blue (p = 0.014 and p = 0.047). The analysis stratified by gender showed that similar results were found in male patients (p = 0.01 and p = 0.00), while in female patients, no significant difference was found. Additionally, in senior patients (older than 60 years), the operation time in modified microcoil groups was less than methylene blue group (p = 0.024).

Conclusion Compared with methylene blue, modified microcoil achieved a shorter operation time of removal of nodule in VATS, especially for patients with pleural adhesion and the pigmentation of the lung surface as well as the male patients and the patients older than 60 years.
Redefining Second Stage of Labor: Number of Pushing Contractions
Authors: Bok Serin M. , Carmona Gabriela E. Pena , Crawford Jake , Eskander Ramy , Desai Mina , Ross Michael G.
Published: June 2020

Introduction Despite time standards for second stage labor, “delayed pushing,” uterine contraction frequency, and alternate contraction pushing may alter the effective maternal effort. We sought to quantify the number of pushing contractions needed for a spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) among primipara and multipara patients.

Methods Deliveries at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in 2017 were selected for SVD of singleton, term newborns. The first 100 primipara and 100 multipara deliveries were analyzed and monitor tracings quantified for pushing contractions.

Results Significantly more pushing contractions were required by primiparas versus multiparas (17.3 ± 1.7 vs. 5.5 ± 0.7; p < 0.001) in accord with a longer second stage (86.7 ± 7.8 vs. 27.2 ± 4.9 min; p < 0.001) and epidural was associated with greater number of pushing contractions among both primipara (18.5 ± 1.8 vs. 10.8 ± 0.8) and multipara women (6.1 ± 0.8 vs. 4.1 ± 0.3). Newborn weight (<3000, 3000–3500, >3500 g) demonstrated a trend for increased pushing contractions among primipara (16.9, 16.5, 19.8 pushes, respectively) though not multiparas.

Conclusion Although correlated with the absolute duration of the second stage, the number of pushing contractions eliminates ambiguities of “delayed pushing,” pushing every-other, and frequency of contractions. Examination of larger databases and patients with second stage “arrest disorders” may provide pushing contraction criteria predictive of SVD and prevention of morbidity.
The Influence of Preeclampsia, Advanced Maternal Age and Maternal Obesity in Neonatal Outcomes Among Women with Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Nunes Joana Sousa , Ladeiras Rita , Machado Luísa , Coelho Diana , Duarte Carla , Furtado José Manuel
Published: June 2020

Objective The present study aims to analyze adverse fetal or neonatal outcomes in women with gestational diabetes, including fetal death, preterm deliveries, birthweight, neonatal morbidity and mortality, as well as the synergic effect of concomitant pregnancy risk factors and poor obstetric outcomes, as advanced maternal age, maternal obesity and pre-eclampsia in their worsening.

Methods The present cohort retrospective study included all pregnant women with gestational diabetes, with surveillance and childbirth at the Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira during the years of 2017 and 2018. The data were collected from the medical electronic records registered in health informatic programs Sclinico and Obscare, and statistical simple and multivariate analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics.

Results The study participants included 301 pregnant women that contributed to 7.36% of the total institution childbirths of the same years, in a total of 300 live births. It was analyzed the influence of pre-eclampsia coexistence in neonatal morbidity (p = 0.004), in the occurrence of newborns of low and very low birthweight (p < 0.01) and in preterm deliveries (p < 0.01). The influence of maternal obesity (p = 0.270; p = 0.992; p = 0.684) and of advanced maternal age in these 3 outcomes was also analyzed (p = 0,806; p = 0.879; p = 0.985).Using a multivariate analysis, the only models with statistic significance to predict the three neonatal outcomes included only pre-eclampsia (p = 0.04; p < 0.01; p < 0.01).

Conclusion Only coexistence of pre-eclampsia showed an association with adverse neonatal outcomes (neonatal morbidity, newborns of low and very low birthweight and preterm deliveries) and can be used as a predictor of them in women with gestational diabetes.
Characterization of Placental Infection by Zika Virus in Humans: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Venceslau Emanuella Meneses , Guida José Paulo , Amaral Eliana , Modena José Luis Proença , Costa Maria Laura
Published: June 2020

Objective The aim of the current review is to present a systematic evaluation of reported human placental findings in cases of zika virus (ZIKV) infection.

Data sources We reviewed the EMBASE, PUBMED, and SCIELO databases until June 2019, without language restrictions.

Selection of studies The search terms placenta AND zika virus were used. The inclusion criteria of the studies were studies that reported placental findings in humans. Experimental studies, reviews, notes or editorials were excluded. A total of 436 studies were retrieved; after duplicate exclusion, 243 articles had their titles screened, and 128 had their abstract read; of those, 32 were included in the final analysis (18 case reports, 10 case series, and 4 cohorts)

Data collection We collected data concerning the author, year of publication, study design, number of participants, number of placental samples, onset of symptoms, perinatal outcomes, and main findings on histological analysis.

Data synthesis The placental pathologic findings were described as mild and nonspecific, similar to those of other placental infections, including chronic placentitis, chronic villitis, increased Hofbauer cells, irregular fibrin deposits, increased mononuclear cells in the villus stroma, villous immaturity, edema, hypervascularization, stromal fibrosis, calcification, and focal necrosis of syncytiotrophoblasts.

Conclusion Zika infection presents unspecific placental findings, similar to other infections in the toxoplasmosis, other agents, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes (TORCH)group. Characterizing and standardizing placental findings after zika virus infection is key to understanding the mechanisms of congenital diseases.
Primary Dysmenorrhea: Assessment and Treatment
Authors: Guimarães Inês , Póvoa Ana Margarida
Published: June 2020

Primary dysmenorrhea is defined as menstrual pain in the absence of pelvic disease. It is characterized by overproduction of prostaglandins by the endometrium, causing uterine hypercontractility that results in uterine muscle ischemia, hypoxia, and, subsequently, pain. It is the most common gynecological illness in women in their reproductive years and one of the most frequent causes of pelvic pain; however, it is underdiagnosed, undertreated, and even undervalued by women themselves, who accept it as part of the menstrual cycle. It has major implications for quality of life, such as limitation of daily activities and psychological stress, being one of the main causes of school and work absenteeism. Its diagnosis is essentially clinical, based on the clinical history and normal physical examination. It is important to exclude secondary causes of dysmenorrhea. The treatment may have different approaches (pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical), but the first line of treatment is the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and, in cases of women who want contraception, the use of hormonal contraceptives. Alternative treatments, such as topical heat, lifestyle modification, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, dietary supplements, acupuncture, and acupressure, may be an option in cases of conventional treatments' contraindication. Surgical treatment is only indicated in rare cases of women with severe dysmenorrhea refractory to treatment.
Cesarean-section Rates in Brazil from 2014 to 2016: Cross-sectional Analysis Using the Robson Classification
Authors: Knobel Roxana , Lopes Thiago Jose Pinheiro , Menezes Mariane de Oliveira , Andreucci Carla Betina , Gieburowski Juliana Toledo , Takemoto Maira Libertad Soligo
Published: June 2020

Objective To obtain cesarean-section (CS) rates according to the Robson Group Classification in five different regions of Brazil.

Methods A descriptive epidemiological study using data from secondary birth records from the Computer Science Department of the Brazilian Unified Health System (Datasus, in Portuguese) between January 1st, 2014, and December 31st, 2016, including all live births in Brazil.

Results The overall rate of CS was of 56%. The sample was divided into 11 groups, and vaginal births were more frequent in groups 1 (53.6%), 3 (80.0%) and 4 (55.1%). The highest CS rates were found in groups 5 (85.7%), 6 (89.5%), 7 (85.2%) and 9 (97.0%). The overall CS rate per region varied from 46.2% in the North to 62.1% in the Midwest. Group 5 was the largest obstetric population in the South, Southeast and Midwest, and group 3 was the largest in the North and Northeast. Group 5 contributed the most to the overall CS rate, accounting for 30.8% of CSs.

Conclusion Over half of the births in Brazil were cesarean sections. The Midwest had the highest CS rates, while the North had the lowest. The largest obstetric population in the North and in the Northeast was composed of women in group 3, while in the South, Southeast and Midwest it was group 5. Among all regions, the largest contribution to the overall CS rate was from group 5.
Use of GnRH Analogues in the Reduction of Submucous Fibroid for Surgical Hysteroscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Corrêa Thayane Delazari , Caetano Isabela Maciel , Saraiva Pedro Henrique Tannure , Noviello Maurício Bechara , Santos Filho Admário Silva
Published: June 2020

Objective Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRH-a) have been used preoperatively before hysteroscopic myomectomy to decrease the size and vascularization of the myomas, but evidence to support this practice is weak. Our objective was to analyze the use of GnRH-a in the reduction of submucous fibroid as a facilitator for surgical hysteroscopy from published clinical trials.

Data sources Studies from electronic databases (Pubmed, Scielo, EMBASE, Scopus, PROSPERO), published between 1980 and December 2018. The keywords used were fibroid, GnRH analogue, submucous, histeroscopy, histeroscopic resection and their correspondents in Portuguese.

Study selection The inclusion criteria were controlled trials that evaluated the GnRH-a treatment before hysteroscopic resection of submucous myomas. Four clinical trials were included in the meta-analysis.

Data collection Two review authors extracted the data without modification of the original data, using the agreed form. We resolved discrepancies through discussion or, if required, we consulted a third person.

Data synthesis The present meta-analysis included a total of 213 women and showed no statistically significant differences in the use of GnRH-a compared with the control group for complete resection of submucous myoma (relative risk [RR]: 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80–1.11); operative time (mean difference [MD]: - 3.81; 95%CI : - 3.81–2.13); fluid absorption (MD: - 65.90; 95%CI: - 9.75–2.13); or complications (RR 0.92; 95%CI: 0.18–4.82).

Conclusion The present review did not support the routine preoperative use of GnRH-a prior to hysteroscopic myomectomy. However, it is not possible to determine its inferiority when compared with the other methods due to the heterogeneity of existing studies and the small sample size.