bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of cardiac rehabilitation referral, enrolment and completion after acute myocardial infarction: an exploratory study
Authors: Brouwers R. W. M. , Houben V. J. G. , Kraal J. J. , Spee R. F. , Kemps H. M. C.
Published: October 2020

Background

Despite proven clinical benefits, only a minority of patients complete outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The main purpose of this study was to evaluate to what extent and at which time patients drop out of CR, and to assess which patient-related characteristics can predict dropout.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study, we selected patients who had been hospitalised with an AMI in our centre in 2015 or 2016. Patients were selected pseudonymously based on reimbursement codes in the electronic health record. We extracted baseline characteristics and data on CR referral, enrolment and completion for each patient. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess which characteristics predicted referral and dropout.

Results

The 666 patients included were predominantly male (66%), with a mean age of 69.0 years. Of the 640 eligible patients, 201 (31%) were not referred for CR. Enrolment after referral was 94%. Nonreferral was independently associated with older age, female sex, traveling distance, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI; as compared with STEMI), no coronary revascularisation and prior manifestations of coronary artery disease. Of the 414 enrolled patients, 24% did not complete their CR programmes (i.e. dropped out). Older age and worse exercise capacity at baseline were independently associated with dropout. The ability of the multiple regression models to predict nonreferral and noncompletion was good to fair, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.86 and 0.71, respectively.

Conclusion

The main reason for not participating in or not completing CR after AMI was nonreferral. To optimise CR utilisation, improvement of referral rates should be prioritised.
Healthcare Professional and Service User Perspectives on Formal Educational Programmes for Children and Young People with Cancer in the UK
Authors: McInally Wendy , Campbell Karen
Published: October 2020

Caring for children and young people with cancer requires specific knowledge, skills and experience to deliver the complex care regimes both within the hospital or community environment. This study explored the educational gaps in caring for children and young people with cancer. To address this, a mixed methodology approach was adopted in two phases. Phase one was a questionnaire circulated to healthcare professional members (n = 850) of the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group and Managed Service Network, Scotland. Response rate (n = 121) (14%) was achieved. In phase two of the study, a focus groups (n = 4) was conducted with young people in Scotland through the Managed Service Network. This was to gain a critical understanding from service user perspective and what they deemed as important to their overall care delivery. Phase one: healthcare professional results reported that 76% (n = 93) were aware of education; 69% (n = 84) found that knowledge supported practice development, but only 45% (n = 55) finding current education provision useful. The top education topics identified to be lacking in educational availability were communication, psychological support, dealing with young people, supportive care, diagnosis and treatment and challenges to learning. Several participants 64% (n = 78) suggested that funding and time was a barrier, and that there was a lack of provision. Phase two: Findings from the focus group (n = 4) thematic analysis identified five key themes. Service users expected professionals to be knowledgeable and trained, but when talking about experiencing care, gave insights into the gaps in their care. Findings suggest that formal cancer education is required.
Toughness properties at multi-layer laser beam welding of high-strength steels
Authors: Volpp Joerg , Jonsén Pär , Ramasamy Anandkumar , Kalfsbeek Bert
Published: October 2020

The material characteristics of high toughness and high strength in steel are usually not available at the same time. However, it would be an advantage if high-strength steels would show high impact toughness also at lower temperatures for applications in critical surroundings. In this paper, an approach of multi-layer welding of high-strength steel is presented in order to increase the weld-metal toughness using wire material in combination with thermal cycle modifications. Promising interlocking microstructures were found after multiple tempering of the previously applied structure at homogeneously distributed material in the weld seam. It was found that short thermal cycles during laser processing lead to insufficient time for carbon diffusion, which leads to remaining ferrite structures in contrast to the prediction of welding transformation diagrams. The additionally applied heating cycles during multi-layer laser welding induce the formation of interlocking microstructures that help to increase the weld seam toughness.
The asylum‐process, bicultural identity and depression among unaccompanied young refugees☆
Authors: Oppedal Brit , Ramberg Visnja , Røysamb Espen
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The overall aim of the present study was to expand our knowledge about depression among unaccompanied refugee minors in the years after they were granted protection in Norway. Predictors were contextual variables in terms of the asylum‐process, acculturation variables in terms of bicultural identity, and demographic information such as residence‐time.

Method

Register data and cross‐sectional self‐report questionnaire data were collected from 895 unaccompanied young refugees (UYRs). They originated in 31 different countries, the majority was from Afghanistan, 82.4% were boys, and average residence‐time was 2.5 years.

Results

The length of the asylum‐process was not associated with depression while heritage identity and residence‐time were. Moderating analyses showed that an over‐time steady decrease in depression was present for UYRs with a strong heritage identity. The prevalence of depression symptoms dropped from an initial 40%–14% among youth with 10 years of residence. Majority identity had neither direct nor indirect effects on depression.

Conclusion

To optimize the psychosocial support offered to unaccompanied refugee minors during transition to stable resettlement, we need more substantial information about the aspects of the asylum‐seeking process that increase the risk for mental health problems among them. In the years following resettlement, a strong heritage, but not majority identity was associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. The findings are discussed in relation to structural barriers to bicultural identity formation and integration embedded in the way psychosocial support and education for these youths are structured, and implication for future research.
Bronchoalveolar lavage-based COVID-19 testing in patients with cancer
Authors: Abid Muhammad Bilal , Chhabra Saurabh , Buchan Blake , Graham Mary Beth , Abedin Sameem , Thapa Bicky , D’Souza Anita , George Ben , Hamadani Mehdi
Published: October 2020

Objective/Background:

A few case reports in the setting of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19) and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays for common respiratory pathogens have shown a higher yield of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples than upper airway specimens in immunocompromised patients.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted reviewing patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at the Medical College of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, WI, USA) between March 13, 2020 and June 11, 2020. All patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 via real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), through a nasopharyngeal or a bronchoscopy specimen.

Results:

During the study period, 53 bronchoscopy procedures were performed at the institution, of which five patients tested positive for COVID-19. Of the five patients, three underwent BAL testing based on high clinical suspicion for COVID-19 after the nasopharyngeal (NP) swab(s) was negative. All three patients had underlying cancers and had lymphopenia for a considerable duration prior to being diagnosed with COVID-19. Two patients had better outcomes that could be attributed to earlier BAL specimen testing resulting in timely medical intervention.

Conclusion:

This study underscores the need for early lower respiratory tract sampling, whenever possible, in patients with cancer and prolonged lymphopenia. High clinical suspicion ought to supersede false-negative NP reverse transcriptase–PCR as early bronchoscopic evaluation in cancer patients, who are either receiving active treatment or are immunosuppressed, can allow timely institution of efficacious treatment, enrollment into clinical trials, as well as effective infection control. In the apt clinical setting in patients with cancer, presumptive treatment may also be considered to minimize exposure to healthcare providers and proceduralists.
Imagining Zimbabwe as home: ethnicity, violence and migration
Authors: Ndlovu Duduzile S.
Published: October 2020

Migration debates tend to focus on the numbers of people moving, whether they are economic migrants or asylum seekers, deserving or not of protection. This categorization usually rests on national identity, necessitating simplified one-dimensional representations. Ndlovu uses a case study of Zimbabwean migrants memorializing Gukurahundi in Johannesburg to highlight the ways in which migration narratives can be more complex and how they may shift over time. She presents Gukurahundi and the formation of the MDC in Zimbabwe, along with xenophobic violence in South Africa, as examples of the ways that the meanings of national and ethnic identities are contested by the migrants and influenced by political events across time and space.
Enclaves of Privilege: Access and Opportunity for Students with Disabilities in Urban K-8 Schools
Authors: Ashby Christine , White Julia M , Ferri Beth , Li Siqi , Ashby Lauren
Published: October 2020

Middle grades education has been the object of efforts to remediate US education to address an array of social problems. Districts have sought out K-8 models to create smaller learning communities, require fewer school transitions, and allow sustained student connections. This paper offers a historical analysis of K-8 schools, drawing on statistical and spatial methods and a DisCrit intersectional lens to illustrate how creating K-8 schools produced enclaves of privilege in one urban school district. K-8 schools in our target district became whiter and wealthier than district averages. Students with disabilities attending K-8 schools tended to be placed in more inclusive classrooms, where they were more likely to be integrated alongside nondisabled peers than counterparts attending traditional middle schools. We consider how the configuration of K-8 schools, which could be considered an administrative decision to better serve students, has obscured interworkings of power and privilege.
Tok stori as pedagogy: an approach to school leadership education in Solomon Islands
Authors: Sanga Kabini , Reynolds Martyn , Houma Stanley , Maebuta Jack
Published: October 2020

Abstract Tok stori is a Melanesian form of dialogical engagement. Although it has been generally associated with informal activities, this article points to the potential of tok stori as a pedagogical or teaching process. Set in a school leadership programme spread across the Solomon Islands, the discussion illustrates the value of approaching the education of school leaders through their own experiences and in a manner to which they are accustomed. Data are drawn from the stories of programme mentors. Of particular relevance are the relational implications of tok stori as these frame learning, the kinds of learning facilitated by tok stori, gender and the restricted nature of some knowledge, and the openness of tok stori to encourage and promote learning beyond the initial scope of a programme. Although tok stori can be informal, the data suggest that effective professional learning can take place through tok stori as pedagogy. As one amongst a number of traditional oral forms across the region and beyond, the claims made for tok stori in this context provide further support for the inclusion of Indigenous approaches to development work in and beyond Solomon Islands. This is important if development aid is to move to a new level of efficacy.
An elongate hadrosaurid forelimb with biological traces informs the biogeography of the Lambeosaurinae
Authors: Brownstein Chase Doran , Bissell Immanuel
Published: October 2020

Although the fossil record of the Late Cretaceous eastern North American landmass Appalachia is poor compared to that from the American West, it includes material from surprisingly aberrant terrestrial vertebrates that may represent relictual forms persisting in relative isolation until the end of the Mesozoic. One intriguing question is to what extent eastern and western North American faunas interspersed following the closure of the Western Interior Seaway during the Maastrichtian Stage of the Late Cretaceous ca. 70 Ma. Isolated remains from the Atlantic Coastal Plain in New Jersey have been preliminarily identified as the bones of crested lambeosaurine hadrosaurids, a derived clade known from the Cretaceous of Asia, western North America, and Europe, but have not been formally described. We describe the partial forelimb of a large hadrosaurid from the late Maastrichtian New Egypt Formation of New Jersey. The ulna preserves multiple deep scores identifiable as shark feeding marks, and both bones show ovoid and circular marks attributable to invertebrates. This forelimb is very similar to another partial antebrachium from the same area that shows evidence of septic arthritis. Both these specimens and a complete humerus from the same unit are closely comparable to the lower forelimbs of lambeosaurines among hadrosaurid dinosaurs. Although the absence of lambeosaurine synapomorphies observable on the New Egypt Formation forelimbs precludes their definite referral to Lambeosaurinae, they show that a morphotype of large hadrosauromorph with distinctly elongate forelimbs existed in the latest Maastrichtian of eastern North America and allow for a revision of the latest Cretaceous biogeography of crested herbivorous dinosaurs.
Paying for end of life care in the UK
Authors: Stubbs John , Adetunji Jacob
Published: October 2020

To live to a ripe old age, untroubled by health problems, physical or mental, is an almost universal aspiration. But most people are not so lucky and will likely be in care homes for their final years, with varying levels of disease, disability and dementia. Kinley et al [1] maintain that over a fifth of the population of developed countries die in care homes. Moreover, the financial cost of this end of life care, which is the focus of this paper, can be daunting and require much planning [2]. It was reported in 2017 that, in the UK, care home costs are rising up to twice as fast as inflation [3]. Consequently the question arises about the long term affordability of such care to those having to fund it, a question that ever more people both nationally and globally are having to confront.
John Horton Conway FRS
Authors: Ryba Alex
Published: October 2020

John Horton Conway lived to discover the Mathematics behind problems, always working to isolate a pure, essential kernel of truth. He loved to communicate these simple truths to others, often changing the way they thought. Everything John touched turned to Mathematics, and to very beautiful Mathematics. John was generous with his mathematical riches; he gave them to everyone that showed interest — whether at the coffee house, at the sushi restaurant, or in Mathematics departments. He was a magnet for all mathematicians, and he welcomed all who came to him. John would find a way to start with some simple calculation, a game or puzzle and turn it into whatever he wanted to explain. John often chose problems about games and recreational topics, but the insights he derived changed our understanding of several very serious branches of Mathematics.
Modelling learning in youth archery
Authors: Skorczewski Tyler
Published: October 2020

The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) began in Kentucky, USA in 2002 and has rapidly expanded to thousands of students around the United States. The program teaches archery in physical education classes and organises tournaments for student archers in elementary school and high school. The program goals include improving student motivation, attention, behaviour, attendance and focus, as well as introducing students to an outdoor skill with the hope that this may increase attention to wildlife conservation efforts in the future.
Cretaceous–Paleogene plant extinction and recovery in Patagonia
Authors: Stiles Elena , Wilf Peter , Iglesias Ari , Gandolfo María A. , Cúneo N. Rubén
Published: October 2020

The Cretaceous–Paleogene (K/Pg) extinction appears to have been geographically heterogeneous for some organismal groups. Southern Hemisphere K/Pg palynological records have shown lower extinction and faster recovery than in the Northern Hemisphere, but no comparable, well-constrained Southern Hemisphere macrofloras spanning this interval had been available. Here, macrofloral turnover patterns are addressed for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere, using more than 3500 dicot leaves from the latest Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) and the earliest Paleocene (Danian) of Argentine Patagonia. A maximum ca. 90% macrofloral extinction and ca. 45% drop in rarefied species richness is estimated across the K/Pg, consistent with substantial species-level extinction and previously observed extirpation of host-specialized leaf mines. However, prior palynological and taxonomic studies indicate low turnover of higher taxa and persistence of general floral composition in the same sections. High species extinction, decreased species richness, and homogeneous Danian macrofloras across time and facies resemble patterns often observed in North America, but there are several notable differences. When compared with boundary-spanning macrofloras at similar absolute paleolatitudes (ca. 50°S or 50°N) from the Williston Basin (WB) in the Dakotas, both Maastrichtian and Danian Patagonian species richnesses are higher, extending a history of elevated South American diversity into the Maastrichtian. Despite high species turnover, our analyses also reveal continuity and expansion of leaf morphospace, including an increase in lobed and toothed species unlike the Danian WB. Thus, both Patagonian and WB K/Pg macrofloras support a significant extinction event, but they may also reflect geographically heterogeneous diversity, extinction, and recovery patterns warranting future study.
FURTHER REMARKS ON ELEMENTARY RADICALS AND ASSOCIATED FILTERS OF IDEALS
Authors: COJUHARI E. P. , GARDNER B. J.
Published: October 2020

Ryabukhin showed that there is a correspondence between elementary radical classes of rings and certain filters of ideals of the free ring on one generator, analogous to the Gabriel correspondence between torsion classes of left unital modules and certain filters of left ideals of the coefficient ring. This correspondence is further explored here. All possibilities for the intersection of the ideals in a filter are catalogued, and the connections between filters and other ways of describing elementary radical classes are investigated. Some generalisations to nonassociative rings and groups are also presented.
Optimal areas and climate change effects on dragon fruit cultivation in Mesoamerica
Authors: Sosa Victoria , Guevara Roger , Gutiérrez-Rodríguez Brandon E. , Ruiz-Domínguez Catalina
Published: October 2020

Climbing cacti with edible fruits have been proposed as new dryland fruit crops because their high water-use efficiency reduces water requirement. One lineage of climbers in the cactus family, theHylocereusgroup ofSelenicereus, includes several species that produce edible fruits and is currently cultivated around the world. Fruits are known as pitahayas, pitayas or dragon fruit. Here, by means of ecological niche-based modelling and analytical hierarchical modelling, the optimal areas for cultivating the three main species of this group in Mesoamerica –Selenicereus costaricensis,Selenicereus ocamponisandSelenicereus undatus– are identified. Data on distribution, physiological requirement and host preferences are taken into account to carry out ecological modelling for current and future scenarios of climate and determine its impact on cultivation. Two MIROC climatic future models, one optimistic (ssp216) and a pessimistic (ssp585) were selected and 554 records from Mexico and Central America were gathered. For all three species, temperature and precipitation seasonality, and solar radiation were the most significant variables in the niche modelling. In addition, forS. undatusthe most important hosts, three species of mesquite legume trees were significant to forecast suitable areas for planting. Large areas on the Pacific side from Sinaloa to Costa Rica were predicted as favourable for cultivating the studied three species. Future scenarios of climate change predicted increase of suitable areas for two species and in particular forS. undatusthe increment was the largest. Therefore, dragon fruits are corroborated as promising fruits in view of climate change.
Tackling 21st Century Geoscience Problems with Machine Learning
Authors: Curtis Andrew , O'Malley Daniel , Beroza Gregory , Johnson Paul , Li Elita , Haber Eldad
Published: October 2020

A new cross-journal special collection invites contributions on how machine learning can be used for solid Earth observation, modeling and understanding.
Combined pigment and metatranscriptomic analysis reveals highly synchronized diel patterns of phenotypic light response across domains in the open oligotrophic ocean
Authors: Becker Kevin W , Harke Matthew J , Mende Daniel R , Muratore Daniel , Weitz Joshua S , DeLong Edward F , Dyhrman Sonya T , Van Mooy Benjamin A S
Published: October 2020

Sunlight is the most important environmental control on diel fluctuations in phytoplankton activity, and understanding diel microbial processes is essential to the study of oceanic biogeochemical cycles. Yet, little is known about the in situ temporal dynamics of phytoplankton metabolic activities and their coordination across different populations. We investigated diel orchestration of phytoplankton activity in photosynthesis, photoacclimation, and photoprotection by analyzing pigment and quinone distributions in combination with metatranscriptomes in surface waters of the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG). We found diel cycles in pigment abundances resulting from the balance of their synthesis and consumption. These dynamics suggest that night represents a metabolic recovery phase, refilling cellular pigment stores, while photosystems are remodeled towards photoprotection during daytime. Transcript levels of genes involved in photosynthesis and pigment metabolism had synchronized diel expression patterns among all taxa, reflecting the driving force light imparts upon photosynthetic organisms in the ocean, while other environmental factors drive niche differentiation. For instance, observed decoupling of diel oscillations in transcripts and related pigments indicates that pigment abundances are modulated by environmental factors extending beyond gene expression/regulation reinforcing the need to combine metatranscriptomics with proteomics and metabolomics to fully understand the timing of these critical processes in situ.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: LINC00355 induces gastric cancer proliferation and invasion through promoting ubiquitination of P53
Authors: Zhao Wenjing , Jin Yan , Wu Peng , Yang Jian , Chen Yuanyuan , Yang Qianlu , Huo Xinying , Li Juxue , De Wei , Chen Jinfei , Yang Fen
Published: October 2020

Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been reported to play critical roles in gastric cancer, but true biomarkers remain unknown. In this study, we found a new lncRNA LINC00355 that was involved in malignant progression of gastric cancer (GC) and further revealed its role and mechanism. Differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified through bioinformatics, and qRT-PCR was used to validate the expression of LINC00355 in gastric cancer tissues and cells. The biological role of LINC00355 in GC was detected by gene overexpression and knockdown experiments. Subcellular fractionation, qRT-PCR, and FISH were performed to detect the subcellular localization. Co-IP and western blotting were used to study the ubiquitination-mediated regulation of P53 and the expression of the E3 ligases RAD18 and UBE3C. The results showed that LINC00355 was significantly increased in gastric cancer cell lines and patient tissues and closely correlated with late stages, distant metastasis, and poor prognosis of patients. High expression of LINC00355 promoted the proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistic studies found that LINC00355 that mainly located in the nucleus, acting as a transcriptional activator, promoted transcription of RAD18 and UBE3C, which both bind to P53 and mediate the ubiquitination and degradation of P53. Furthermore, LINC00355 overexpression enhanced the ubiquitination process, and LINC00355 knockdown alleviated it. These results indicated that LINC00355 induces gastric cancer cell proliferation and invasion by promoting transcription of RAD18 and UBE3C, which mediates ubiquitination of P53 and thereby plays a critical role in survival and tumorigenicity of gastric cancer cells. LINC00355 may represent a new mechanism for GC progression and provide a potential marker for GC diagnosis and treatment.
Publisher Correction: Uncovering Sub-Structure and Genomic Profiles in Across-Countries Subpopulations of Angus Cattle
Authors: Cardoso Diercles Francisco , Fernandes Júnior Gerardo Alves , Scalez Daiane Cristina Becker , Alves Anderson Antonio Carvalho , Magalhães Ana Fabrícia Braga , Bresolin Tiago , Ventura Ricardo Vieira , Li Changxi , Oliveira Márcia Cristina de Sena , Porto-Neto Laercio Ribeiro , Carvalheiro Roberto , de Oliveira Henrique Nunes , Tonhati Humberto , Albuquerque Lucia Galvão
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Gold, silver or bronze: circadian variation strongly affects performance in Olympic athletes
Authors: Lok R. , Zerbini G. , Gordijn M. C. M. , Beersma D. G. M. , Hut R. A.
Published: October 2020

The circadian system affects physiological, psychological, and molecular mechanisms in the body, resulting in varying physical performance over the day. The timing and relative size of these effects are important for optimizing sport performance. In this study, Olympic swim times (from 2004 to 2016) were used to determine time-of-day and circadian effects under maximal motivational conditions. Data of athletes who made it to the finals (N = 144, 72 female) were included and normalized on individual levels based on the average swim times over race types (heat, semifinal, and final) per individual for each stroke, distance and Olympic venue. Normalized swim times were analyzed with a linear mixed model and a sine fitted model. Swim performance was better during finals as compared to semi-finals and heats. Performance was strongly affected by time-of-day, showing fastest swim times in the late afternoon around 17:12 h, indicating 0.32% improved performance relative to 08:00 h. This study reveals clear effects of time-of-day on physical performance in Olympic athletes. The time-of-day effect is large, and exceeds the time difference between gold and silver medal in 40%, silver and bronze medal in 64%, and bronze or no medal in 61% of the finals.
Non-enzymatic sensor for determination of glucose based on PtNi nanoparticles decorated graphene
Authors: Li Risheng , Deng Xu , Xia Longfei
Published: October 2020

Diabetes has become a universal epidemic in recent years. Herein, the monitoring of glucose in blood is of importance in clinical applications. In this work, PtNi alloy nanoparticles homogeneously dispersed on graphene (PtNi alloy-graphene) was synthesized as a highly effective electrode material for glucose detection. Based on the modified PtNi alloy-graphene/glass carbon (PtNi alloy-graphene/GC) electrode, it is found that the PtNi alloy-graphene/GC electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic performance on glucose oxidation. Furthermore, the results from amperometric current–time curve show a good linear range of 0.5–15 mM with the limit of detection of 16 uM (S/N = 3) and a high sensitivity of 24.03 uAmM−1 cm−2. On account of the good selectivity and durability, the modified electrode was successfully applied on glucose detection in blood serum samples.
Spatial analysis of hepatobiliary abnormalities in a population at high-risk of cholangiocarcinoma in Thailand
Authors: Thinkhamrop Kavin , Suwannatrai Apiporn T. , Chamadol Nittaya , Khuntikeo Narong , Thinkhamrop Bandit , Sarakarn Pongdech , Gray Darren J. , Wangdi Kinley , Clements Archie C. A. , Kelly Matthew
Published: October 2020

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a serious health challenge with low survival prognosis. The liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini, plays a role in the aetiology of CCA, through hepatobiliary abnormalities: liver mass (LM), bile duct dilation, and periductal fibrosis (PDF). A population-based CCA screening program, the Cholangiocarcinoma Screening and Care Program, operates in Northeast Thailand. Hepatobiliary abnormalities were identified through ultrasonography. A multivariate zero-inflated, Poisson regression model measured associations between hepatobiliary abnormalities and covariates including age, sex, distance to water resource, and history of O. viverrini infection. Geographic distribution was described using Bayesian spatial analysis methods. Hepatobiliary abnormality prevalence was 38.7%; highest in males aged > 60 years (39.8%). PDF was most prevalent (20.1% of males). The Standardized Morbidity Ratio (SMR) for hepatobiliary abnormalities was highest in the lower and upper parts of the Northeast region. Hepatobiliary abnormalities specifically associated with CCA were also more common in males and those aged over 60 years and distributed along the Chi, Mun, and Songkram Rivers. Our findings demonstrated a high risk of hepatobiliary disorders in Northeast Thailand, likely associated with infection caused by O. viverrini. Screening for CCA and improvement of healthcare facilities to provide better treatment for CCA patients should be prioritized in these high-risk areas.
Smoking cessation increases levels of osteocalcin and uncarboxylated osteocalcin in human sera
Authors: Kiyota Yasuhiro , Muramatsu Hiroyasu , Sato Yuiko , Kobayashi Tami , Miyamoto Kana , Iwamoto Takuji , Matsumoto Morio , Nakamura Masaya , Tateno Hiroki , Sato Kazuki , Miyamoto Takeshi
Published: October 2020

Smoking is thought to be a risk factor for osteoporosis development; however, the consequences of stopping smoking for bone homeostasis remain unknown. Here we conducted two separate human studies and show that bone mineral density was significantly lower in smokers than in non-smokers. The first was an observational study of pre- and post-menopausal healthy female smokers and non-smokers; the second included 139 current smokers determined to stop smoking. In the second study, levels of bone formation markers such as osteocalcin and uncarboxylated osteocalcin significantly increased after successful smoking cessation, as verified by significantly reduced levels of serum cotinine, a nicotine metabolite. Moreover, nicotine administration to mice reduced bone mineral density and significantly increased the number of osteoclasts in bone. Reduced bone mass phenotypes seen in nicotine-treated mice were significantly increased following nicotine withdrawal, an outcome accompanied by significantly reduced serum levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, a bone resorption marker. Taken together, our findings suggest that bone homeostasis is perturbed but can be rescued by smoking cessation.
Laser wakefield accelerated electron beams and betatron radiation from multijet gas targets
Authors: Tomkus Vidmantas , Girdauskas Valdas , Dudutis Juozas , Gečys Paulius , Stankevič Valdemar , Račiukaitis Gediminas , Gallardo González Isabel , Guénot Diego , Svensson Jonas Björklund , Persson Anders , Lundh Olle
Published: October 2020

Laser Plasma Wakefield Accelerated (LWFA) electron beams and efficiency of betatron X-ray sources is studied using laser micromachined supersonic gas jet nozzle arrays. Separate sections of the target are used for the injection, acceleration and enhancement of electron oscillation. In this report, we present the results of LWFA and X-ray generation using dynamic gas density grid built by shock-waves of colliding jets. The experiment was done with the 40 TW, 35 fs laser at the Lund Laser Centre. Electron energies of 30–150 MeV and 1.0 × 108–5.5 × 108 photons per shot of betatron radiation have been measured. The implementation of the betatron source with separate regions of LWFA and plasma density grid raised the efficiency of X-ray generation and increased the number of photons per shot by a factor of 2–3 relative to a single-jet gas target source.
The specific metabolome profiling of patients infected by SARS-COV-2 supports the key role of tryptophan-nicotinamide pathway and cytosine metabolism
Authors: Blasco H. , Bessy C. , Plantier L. , Lefevre A. , Piver E. , Bernard L. , Marlet J. , Stefic K. , Benz-de Bretagne Isabelle , Cannet P. , Lumbu H. , Morel T. , Boulard P. , Andres C. R. , Vourc’h P. , Hérault O. , Guillon A. , Emond P.
Published: October 2020

The biological mechanisms involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection are only partially understood. Thus we explored the plasma metabolome of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 to search for diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers and to improve the knowledge of metabolic disturbance in this infection. We analyzed the plasma metabolome of 55 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and 45 controls by LC-HRMS at the time of viral diagnosis (D0). We first evaluated the ability to predict the diagnosis from the metabotype at D0 in an independent population. Next, we assessed the feasibility of predicting the disease evolution at the 7th and 15th day. Plasma metabolome allowed us to generate a discriminant multivariate model to predict the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 in an independent population (accuracy > 74%, sensitivity, specificity > 75%). We identified the role of the cytosine and tryptophan-nicotinamide pathways in this discrimination. However, metabolomic exploration modestly explained the disease evolution. Here, we present the first metabolomic study in SARS-CoV-2 patients which showed a high reliable prediction of early diagnosis. We have highlighted the role of the tryptophan-nicotinamide pathway clearly linked to inflammatory signals and microbiota, and the involvement of cytosine, previously described as a coordinator of cell metabolism in SARS-CoV-2. These findings could open new therapeutic perspectives as indirect targets.
Author Correction: Substantial blue carbon in overlooked Australian kelp forests
Authors: Filbee-Dexter Karen , Wernberg Thomas
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase regulates light-induced phase advance of the central circadian rhythm in mice
Authors: Kawaguchi Chihiro , Shintani Norihito , Hayata-Takano Atsuko , Hatanaka Michiyoshi , Kuromi Ai , Nakamura Reiko , Yamano Yui , Shintani Yusuke , Nagai Katsuya , Tsuchiya Soken , Sugimoto Yukihiko , Ichikawa Atsushi , Okuno Yasushi , Urade Yoshihiro , Hirai Hiroyuki , Nagata Kin-ya , Nakamura Masataka , Narumiya Shuh , Nakazawa Takanobu , Kasai Atsushi , Ago Yukio , Takuma Kazuhiro , Baba Akemichi , Hashimoto Hitoshi
Published: October 2020

We previously showed that mice lacking pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) exhibit attenuated light-induced phase shift. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we performed gene expression analysis of laser capture microdissected suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCNs) and found that lipocalin-type prostaglandin (PG) D synthase (L-PGDS) is involved in the impaired response to light stimulation in the late subjective night in PACAP-deficient mice. L-PGDS-deficient mice also showed impaired light-induced phase advance, but normal phase delay and nonvisual light responses. Then, we examined the receptors involved in the response and observed that mice deficient for type 2 PGD2 receptor DP2/CRTH2 (chemoattractant receptor homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells) show impaired light-induced phase advance. Concordant results were observed using the selective DP2/CRTH2 antagonist CAY10471. These results indicate that L-PGDS is involved in a mechanism of light-induced phase advance via DP2/CRTH2 signaling.
Unraveling the energetic significance of chemical events in enzyme catalysis via machine-learning based regression approach
Authors: Song Zilin , Zhou Hongyu , Tian Hao , Wang Xinlei , Tao Peng
Published: October 2020

The bacterial enzyme class of β-lactamases are involved in benzylpenicillin acylation reactions, which are currently being revisited using hybrid quantum mechanical molecular mechanical (QM/MM) chain-of-states pathway optimizations. Minimum energy pathways are sampled by reoptimizing pathway geometry under different representative protein environments obtained through constrained molecular dynamics simulations. Predictive potential energy surface models in the reaction space are trained with machine-learning regression techniques. Herein, using TEM-1/benzylpenicillin acylation reaction as the model system, we introduce two model-independent criteria for delineating the energetic contributions and correlations in the predicted reaction space. Both methods are demonstrated to effectively quantify the energetic contribution of each chemical process and identify the rate limiting step of enzymatic reaction with high degrees of freedom. The consistency of the current workflow is tested under seven levels of quantum chemistry theory and three non-linear machine-learning regression models. The proposed approaches are validated to provide qualitative compliance with experimental mutagenesis studies.
A theoretical mechanistic study of IrIII/CuI-metallaphotoredox catalyzed asymmetric radical decarboxylative cyanation
Authors: Liang Yujie , Sun Guangyan , Su Zhongmin , Guan Wei
Published: October 2020

The radical mechanism and origin of the high enantioselectivity of the photoredox-mediated IrIII/CuI dual-catalyzed asymmetric decarboxylative cyanation have been theoretically disclosed.
Multicenter electron-sharing σ-bonding in the AgFe(CO)4−complex
Authors: Liu Zhiling , Bai Yan , Li Ya , He Jing , Lin Qingyang , Hou Lina , Wu Hai-Shun , Zhang Fuqiang , Jia Jianfeng , Xie Hua , Tang Zichao
Published: October 2020

For the AgFe(CO)4−anion, the silver atom is covalently bonded to the anionic tetracarbonyl-iron, an isolobal analogue of the methyl radical,viaa peculiar decentralized electron-sharing σ bond.
Two compatible polymer donors contribute synergistically for ternary organic solar cells with 17.53% efficiency
Authors: An Qiaoshi , Wang Junwei , Ma Xiaoling , Gao Jinhua , Hu Zhenghao , Liu Bin , Sun Huiliang , Guo Xugang , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhang Fujun
Published: October 2020

The optimized ternary organic solar cells achieve a PCE of 17.53% by synergizing two well-matched polymer donors.
In vitroandin vivosigma 1 receptor imaging studies in different disease states
Authors: Agha Hebaalla , McCurdy Christopher R.
Published: October 2020

Molecular imaging studies have paved the road for the development of successful σ1R ligands currently in clinical trials.
Peptide-based topical agents and intravenous hemostat for rapid hemostasis
Authors: Ghosh Snehasish , Tripathi Archana , Gayen Paramita , Sinha Roy Rituparna
Published: October 2020

These article features about peptide based topical and intravenous hemostat.
Systematic synthesis of novel phosphoglycolipid analogues as potential agonists of GPR55
Authors: Abe Junpei , Guy Adam T. , Ding Feiqing , Greimel Peter , Hirabayashi Yoshio , Kamiguchi Hiroyuki , Ito Yukishige
Published: October 2020

In order to develop novel agonists of GPR55, we carried out the systematic synthesis of lysophosphatidyl glucoside (LPGlc) analogues having squaryldiamide as a surrogate of phosphodiester, by means of consecutive amidation of diethyl squarate.
Exploring molecular reorientations in amorphous and recrystallized felodipine at the microscopic level
Authors: Pajzderska A. , Jenczyk J. , Embs J. P. , Wąsicki J.
Published: October 2020

Molecular reorientations were studied in amorphous, partially and fully recrystallized felodipine using a set of experimental methods: high-resolution solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), relaxometry NMR and quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS).
Identifyingin silicohow microstructural changes in cellular fruit affect the drying kinetics
Authors: Prawiranto Kevin , Carmeliet Jan , Defraeye Thijs
Published: October 2020

Cross section of cubical apple tissue that is being dehydrated (left) shows the part which is still fresh and which has been dehydrated.
Insights into the Li incorporation effect in Ni/Co-free P2-type Na0.6Mn0.8Cu0.2O2 for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Fan Jing-Jing , Dai Peng , Shi Chen-Guang , Song Cun , Wu Lina , Wen Yanfen , Huang Ling , Sun Shi-Gang
Published: October 2020

Li substitution of Mn was investigated in Ni/Co-free P2-type Na0.6Cu0.2Mn0.8O2 composites. A dual effect of alleviated crystallographic changes and stabilized interphase was observed in Li-substituted electrode by using in situ EIS and in situ XRD.
Light-driven assembly of biocompatible fluorescent chitosan hydrogels with self-healing ability
Authors: Guaresti Olatz , Crocker Leander , Palomares Teodoro , Alonso-Varona Ana , Eceiza Arantxa , Fruk Ljiljana , Gabilondo Nagore
Published: October 2020

Nitrile imine-mediated tetrazole-ene cycloaddition (NITEC) was successfully used to cross-link complementary tetrazole and maleimide chitosan derivatives into hydrogel networks using irradiation.
Rationally designed piezoelectric charge polarity at interfaces for largely improving photodiode performance by piezo-phototronic effects
Authors: Li Fangpei , Peng Wenbo , Pan Zijian , He Yongning
Published: October 2020

The coupling effect at the two piezoelectric semiconductor interface can be designed to largely improve device photoresponse performances.
FeCl2/MoS2/FeCl2 van der Waals junction for spintronic applications
Authors: Feng Yulin , Wu Xuming , Hu Lei , Gao Guoying
Published: October 2020

The structure, current, TMR and k∥-resolved transmission spectra of the 1T-FeCl2-based junction.
Ingenious fabrication of metal–organic framework/graphene oxide composites as aptasensors with superior electrochemical recognition capability
Authors: Zhu Qian-Qian , Zhang Han-Wen , Yuan Rongrong , He Hongming
Published: October 2020

A MOF/GO-based electrochemical biosensor is successfully fabricated for monitoring ATP even in various real samples.
Trade‐off between power extraction maximisation and fatigue reduction in wind farms via second‐order sliding mode control and min–max optimisation
Authors: Capello Elisa , Wada Takayuki , Punta Elisabetta , Fujisaki Yasumasa
Published: October 2020

In the last 10 years, with the increase of renewable energies, great attention is devoted to operation and maintenance of wind turbines and wind farms, which are the fundamental objectives to be guaranteed by the design of control systems. This study proposes a trade‐off approach between fatigue reduction and power extraction for wind farm scenarios. The focus of this approach is to reduce maintenance costs for fatigue loads. This issue is solved by an optimisation problem, in which the maximum fatigue load among the turbines in the wind farm is minimised, then pitch angle and tip‐speed ratio are given as reference points for each turbine in the wind farm. Furthermore, the super‐twisting sliding mode algorithm is used for the rotor speed control and it shows that the turbines work at the optimised operating points. Moreover, the sliding mode controller produces continuous torques and improves the wind turbine performance by enhancing energy capture and reducing dynamic loads. The effectiveness of the method is illustrated through simulations of two wind farm scenarios. The results obtained with the proposed approach are compared with the case when each turbine in the wind farm tracks the maximum power operating point.
Reduced component, buck–boost converter for plug‐in electric vehicles with a current sensing‐based efficient NLCC technique
Authors: Mishra Anjanee Kumar , Singh Ankit Kumar , Kim Taehyung
Published: October 2020

This work proposes a cost effective with a compact power electronic interface for plug‐in electric vehicles (PEVs), which has the ability to achieve the all modes of vehicle operation, including plug‐in charging, propulsion (PR) and regenerative braking (RB) for on‐board applications. The proposed converter for PEVs has minimum component count as well as step‐up and step‐down operation ability depending upon the system requirement. The capability of the proposed converter to work in both the modes allows wide range of battery parameters selection, efficient DC‐link voltage regulation and offers more flexibility in RB. Moreover, a current sensing based (without voltage sensor) non‐linear carrier control (NLCC) technique for power factor correction has also developed in this work. This control scheme improves the reliability and stability of system by reducing the feedback circuitry. A prototype of the proposed charging system is established and analysed to an authenticate the effectiveness of developed system under steady state and dynamic conditions.
MMLSTOGI based control for suppression of current harmonics in PV‐tied grid
Authors: Pal Kanwar , Naqvi Syed Bilal Qaiser , Singh Bhim , Kandpal Tara C.
Published: October 2020

In a photovoltaic array (PVA) tied grid system, PVA and the grid are connected at AC bus (ACB) to feed the power to the grid and the load connected locally at the ACB. The photovoltaic energy conversion system (PVECS) requires an improved dynamic controller to control the grid voltage harmonics under variable solar power and nonlinear unbalanced load conditions. The conventional filtering controllers are unable to remove the sub‐harmonics and DC‐offset in the input signal. Moreover, their attenuation for the dominant lower order harmonics is unsatisfactory for unbalanced loading conditions and highly nonlinear loads. A MMLSTOGI (mixed multi‐level second and third order generalized integrator) based control is used in this work. It effectively mitigates the dominant lower‐order harmonics and the DC‐offset of load currents and extracts their in‐phase and quadrature‐phase fundamental components (FCs). The PVA is connected at ACB through interfacing voltage source converter (VSC). The DC‐link voltage is ascertained by generating its reference value using an incremental conductance (InC) based maximum power point tracking. The PVA power is feed‐forwarded in the control to enhance the dynamics of the system. The control is validated on a developed model in MATLAB SIMULINK background, and using a developed prototype.