bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
South Africa’s journey towards open access publishing
Authors: Bawa Ahmed C.
Published: June 2020

South Africa’s journey into open access publishing is not new, but it has received renewed energy and vigour. The current dominant commercial model of scholarly publishing undermines the production and dissemination of knowledge in science systems such as South Africa’s, first through a hopelessly inequitable higher education and science system with large disparities amongst institutions and because of the increasing unaffordability of the current subscription-based model. This is a description of the approach being adopted to address one part of the quest towards open access scholarly publishing.
MicroRNA-27a targets Sfrp1 to induce renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy by activating Wnt/β-Catenin signalling
Authors: Shi MingJun , Tian PingPing , Liu ZhongQiang , Zhang Fan , Zhang YingYing , Qu LingLing , Liu XingMei , Wang YuanYuan , Zhou XingCheng , Xiao Ying , Guo Bing
Published: June 2020

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) commonly causes end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Increasing evidence indicates that abnormal miRNA expression is tightly associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This work aimed to investigate whether miR-27a can promote the occurrence of renal fibrosis in DN by suppressing the expression of secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (Sfrp1) to activate Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Therefore, we assessed the expression levels of miR-27a, Sfrp1, Wnt signalling components, and extracellular matrix (ECM)-related molecules in vitro and in vivo. Sfrp1 was significantly down-regulated in a high-glucose environment, while miR-27a levels were markedly increased. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-27a down-regulated Sfrp1 by binding to the 3′ untranslated region directly. Further, NRK-52E cells under high-glucose conditions underwent transfection with miR-27a mimic or the corresponding negative control, miR-27a inhibitor or the corresponding negative control, si-Sfrp1, or combined miR-27a inhibitor and si-Sfrp1. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence were performed to assess the relative expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin signalling and ECM components. The mRNA levels of Sfrp1, miR-27a, and ECM-related molecules were also detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). We found that miR-27a inhibitor inactivated Wnt/β-catenin signalling and reduced ECM deposition. Conversely, Wnt/β-catenin signalling was activated, while ECM deposition was increased after transfection with si-Sfrp1. Interestingly, miR-27a inhibitor attenuated the effects of si-Sfrp1. We concluded that miR-27a down-regulated Sfrp1 and activated Wnt/β-catenin signalling to promote renal fibrosis.
MiR-141-3p overexpression suppresses the malignancy of osteosarcoma by targeting FUS to degrade LDHB
Authors: Wang Lei
Published: June 2020

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a common malignant bone cancer. Lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) has been revealed to act as a tumor promoter in several cancers. It is also revealed to be correlated with poor prognosis in OS, but its molecular mechanism in OS remains veiled. Our work illustrated that LDHB was overexpressed in OS tissues and cells, and it could enhance cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in OS. Subsequently, it was confirmed that fused in sarcoma (FUS) could bind with LDHB to positively regulate the stability of LDHB messenger RNA (mRNA). Besides, FUS expression was revealed to be elevated in OS tissues and positively correlate with LDHB expression. Furthermore, miR-141-3p, down-regulated in OS cells, was identified as the upstream regulator of FUS in OS cells. Besides, miR-141-3p overexpression decreased mRNA and protein levels of FUS and LDHB. More importantly, overexpression of miR-141-3p could impair FUS overexpression-mediated promotion on LDHB mRNA stability and expression. Finally, rescue assays indicated that miR-141-3p regulated OS cells cellular process via regulating LDHB. In sum, miR-141-3p targets FUS to degrade LDHB, thereby attenuating the malignancy of OS cells.
Error‐compensated time integrator in 28‐nm CMOS technology
Authors: Ji Xincun , Wang Youhua , Shen Mengqi , Guo Yufeng
Published: June 2020

A time‐difference integrator is proposed to compensate for the time error caused by leakage current in gated delay‐buffer cells. The proposed time integrator, consisting of two back‐to‐back connected time‐difference adders, which are composed of two gated delay‐buffer cells. The input time signals and accumulated output are periodically swapped into the time adder to neutralise the timing offset. Implemented in a 28‐nm CMOS process, the time integrator achieves a gain of 27.39 dB with a 317 kHz 30 ps peak‐to‐peak sinusoidal input, and consumes 110.3 μW with a 50 MHz sampling rate from a 0.9 V supply.
Ernesto und der böse Wolf – Katathym Imaginative Gruppenpsychotherapie
Authors: Linke-Stillger Ulrike
Published: June 2020

Katathym Imaginative Psychotherapie in der Gruppe (G-KIP) ist eine anerkannte tiefenpsychologische Behandlungsmethode. Sie wurde in den 1970er Jahren von Therapeuten der Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Katathymes Bilderleben entwickelt und verfeinert. Ihre Besonderheiten werden im Folgenden erläutert.
Impact of enhanced personal protective equipment on colonoscopy performance during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Teh Kevin Kim Jun , Tay Shu Wen , Chen Kaina , Koh Samantha Jingyun , Wong Yu Jun , Kwek Andrew Boon Eu , Li James Weiquan , Fock Kwong Ming , Teo Eng Kiong , Ang Tiing Leong , Tan Malcolm Teck Kiang
Published: June 2020

Background and study aims Using personal protective equipment (PPE) can reduce risk of disease transmission. During the COVID-19 pandemic, enhanced PPE (EPPE) is recommended when performing endoscopy. We aimed to evaluate the impact of EPPE on colonoscopy performance when compared to standard PPE (SPPE).

Patients and methods A review of electronic medical records and endoscopy reports of consecutive patients who underwent colonoscopy during two similar one-month time periods (in 2019 and during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020) was performed. SPPE was used in 2019 and EPPE was used in 2020. Patient clinical data and procedure-related information were captured and analyzed. The primary outcomes were time to cecum (TTC) and total procedure time. Secondary outcomes were adenoma detection rate (ADR), polyp detection rate (PDR) and cecal intubation rate (CIR). Statistical analysis was performed using STATA v16.1.

Results Two hundred and forty-seven colonoscopy procedures were analyzed. Baseline demographics and indications for colonoscopy of patients in both groups were similar. There were no significant differences in median TTC (10.0 vs 10.0 min, P = 0.524) or total procedure time (22.5 vs 23.0 min, P = 0.946) between colonoscopy performed in SPPE and EPPE. The ADR, PDR and CIR were also similar.

Conclusion Our findings suggest that use of EPPE does not affect colonoscopy performance.
Endoscopic removal and replacement of the same lumen-apposing metal stent for multiple endoscopic necrosectomy sessions
Authors: Gulati Rishabh , Rustagi Tarun
Published: June 2020

Background This study evaluated the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of removal and replacement of a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) to facilitate direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN).

Methods Endoscopic ultrasound-guided LAMS placement for walled-off necrosis (WON) was performed. During subsequent endoscopy, the LAMS was removed, DEN was performed, and the same LAMS was redeployed across the transmural tract.

Results 140 LAMS were placed for drainage (43 pseudocysts, 97 WON) from 10/1/2016 to 11/15/2019, and 40 patients (mean age 43.9 [SD 15.4] years; 70 % males; mean WON size 10.9 [SD 4.9] × 8.7 [SD 3.8] cm) underwent removal and replacement of the same LAMS for multiple DEN sessions. LAMS was successfully replaced across the transmural tract during all 81 DEN sessions. Complete resolution was achieved after a median of 2 DEN sessions (range 1–7; mean 2.4 [SD 1.5]), with stent retrieval after a mean of 64.1 (SD 31.6) days after initial placement. No stent damage, tissue ingrowth, or major bleeding occurred.

Conclusions Removal and replacement of LAMS during multiple necrosectomies is feasible, safe, and facilitates DEN.
Manganese-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative/Deoxygenative Coupling of Alcohols
Authors: Liu Qiang , Wang Yujie
Published: June 2020

Valorization of biomass has become an area of intense focus because of the diminishing reserves of crude oil and the ongoing problem of climate change. The principal strategies for the utilization of biomass as a feedstock are (i) to produce biofuels for the transportation sector and (ii) to produce organic commodity chemicals. In this respect, we have developed a serious of manganese-catalyzed dehydrogenative/deoxygenative coupling reactions of lower alcohols, obtainable from oxygen-rich lignocellulosic biomass, to deliver advanced liquid fuels and valuable chemicals.

1 Introduction

2 Manganese-Catalyzed Upgrading of Ethanol to Butan-1-ol

3 Manganese-Catalyzed Selective Upgrading of Ethanol with Methanol to Isobutanol

4 Manganese-Catalyzed Acceptorless Dehydrogenative Coupling of Alcohols with Hydroxides to Give Carboxylates

5 Manganese-Catalyzed Dual-Deoxygenative Coupling of Primary Alcohols with 2-Arylethanols

6 Conclusion
Dorsal Support System Fixed to Volar Plate in Distal Articular Radius Fractures
Authors: Miró José Ignacio , Galán Adolfo , Guerado Enrique
Published: June 2020

Despite the development of new dorsal low-profile, locked plates to treat distal radius fractures with articular patterns that require a dorsal support, many published series revealed complications associated with such devices. In this paper, we present three cases of comminuted fractures and dorsal die punch fragment treated by osteosynthesis using volar plate and dorsal support screw with double washer fixed to the plate through a mini dorsal approach and, from a volar position, a cup inserted in one of the distal holes of the plate to which a screw and two 7- and 13-mm washers are threaded from the back. This technique is an alternative to other fixation methods, and it may lead to similar functional outcomes and reduce the complications associated with the use of dorsal plates to treat these fractures.
Arthroscopic Repair of Dorsal Radiocarpal Ligament Tear – Report of Three Cases
Authors: Pereira Catarina Neto , Pedro Inês , Nunes Carla Ricardo
Published: June 2020

The dorsal radiocarpal ligament (DRCL) is a dorsal capsular ligament with a significant role in carpal stability. We should consider the arthroscopic repair of the DRCL in cases of isolated DRCL tear or when the DCRL tear is the only clinically evident injury. Arthroscopic view of the DRCL tear is better through the volar radial portal. The purpose of the present article is to describe three cases of uncommon DRCL tear in patients with chronical dorsal wrist pain that were treated by arthroscopic repair. This condition can easily be unrecognized by the orthopedic surgeon if it is not specifically searched for. Good results are expected following the arthroscopic repair of an isolated DRCL tear; however, the contribution of the DRCL to the final outcome in combined repairs is difficult to isolate.
Distal Articular Fractures of the Humerus: Surgical Approach with Dynamic Elbow external Fixator
Authors: Aita Marcio Aurelio , de Oliveira Ricardo Kaempf , Ikeuti Douglas Hideki , Ruggiero Gustavo Mantovani , de Carvalho Fernando Luvizoto , Rodrigues Fabio Lucas
Published: June 2020

Purpose To measure clinical and radiographic outcomes using external fixation in distal humeral fractures.

Methods A total of 10 elderly patients, with a mean age of 71 (range 64–84 years) years old, with unstable distal humeral fractures were treated by percutaneous reduction and fixation with an articulated external fixator. The patients were assessed on range of elbow motion, patient disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH), and pain visual analog scale (VAS) and radiographic evaluation at 12 months.

Results The mean range of motion was 134° of flexion, extension was of - 5°. All of the elbows were clinically stable. The mean VAS was 2.2, and the mean DASH score was 14.3. Radiographic analysis showed satisfactory reduction and consolidation. All of the patients showed congruence of concentric humerus-ulnar and radius and no patient had joint stiffness or posttraumatic arthritis of the elbow. Regarding complications, we observed a patient who presented with pain in the location of the ulnar pin, which was resolved with the removal of the pin. After two months, another patient had pneumonia and died. The follow-up was of 15.44 months.

Conclusions A radiographic analysis of the patients showed fracture healing with joint congruity. In the functional clinical aspect, it was noted that patients had functional range of motion

Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV
Arthroscopic Treatment of Scaphoid Pseudoarthrosis without Bone Graft: Is it Really Feasible?
Authors: Caloia Martin F. , Scotti Diego González , Fernández Diego L.
Published: June 2020

Introduction The current management of scaphoid pseudoarthrosis remains controversial, with a failure rate of up to 40% and no “gold standard” treatment. Based on innovative concepts about the osteogenic potential of cells from scaphoid pseudoarthrosis, encouraging results from increased vascularization by radial and ulnar metaphyseal decompression for Kienböck disease therapy and the advantages of minimal surgical trauma provided by percutaneous and arthroscopic techniques, we analyzed prospective outcomes from scaphoid pseudoarthrosis arthroscopic treatment with no bone graft (ATSPsWBG) to determine its feasibility.

Materials and Methods Eighty-four non-union scaphoid prospectively treated for ATSPsWBG were evaluated. Patients had, on average, 32.42 years old. The dominant limb was affected in 77.5% of the cases (65 patients). Mean time from injury to surgical intervention was 20.57 months. Twenty-three fractures were initially treated conservatively with orthopedic cast for an average period of 6.3 weeks, including 17 already immobilized at the time of the visit. All patients were grouped according to the classification proposed by the authors (MC & DF), which is based on perioperative studies.

Results Bone consolidation was obtained in 77 cases (91.66%) and documented by computed tomography (CT) scans. Seven cases presented no bone consolidation 9 months after the procedure, and four cases required a new surgery. In cystic pseudoarthrosis, the bone defect was filled with a new bone growth even when the cyst exceeded 10 mm. Single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scans revealed an unique pattern, documenting the biological effect of metaphyseal decompression, which is characterized by increased nonspecific irrigation of the radial column. Average postoperative pain assessed using the visual analog scale was 1.04 (range, 0 to 2). Average postoperative functional range was 65.3° for extension (range, 46° to 88°), 69.2° for flexion (range, 55° to 88°), 10.7° for radial deviation (range, 5° to 20°) and 26° for ulnar deviation (range, 20° to 37°). Average Mayo Clinic score was 95.

Conclusion The arthroscopic treatment of scaphoid pseudoarthrosis with no bone graft is recommended in young to middle-aged, non-smokers patients with no scaphoid consolidation, with hemorrhagic peteqchiae (arthroscopic Green’s Sign) at the arthroscopic evaluation and in which a CT scan excluded the presence of an excessive sclerosis focus or revealed a very small proximal bone fragment not suitable for screw placement for stable internal fixation. Our experience proved that this is a reproducible and feasible technique.

Level of Evidence IV
Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Miranda Margarida Areias Marques , Mota Pedro , Cardoso Pedro , Pereira Alexandre , Oliveira Vânia
Published: June 2020

Merkel Cell Carcinoma is a rare type of aggressive and often fatal neuroendocrine tumor of the skin.

We report a clinical case of a 56-year-old female with a Merkel cell carcinoma on the left hand, without distant metastasis, treated with surgical excision of the lesion and radiotherapy.

Based on this clinical case a research and review of the literature on this rare neoplasia was carried out.
Prevention of Panton-Valentine Toxin-Mediated Leucocyte Destruction Depending on the Ultra-Diluted Staphylococcinum Potency Gradient
Authors: Goswami Pritam , Ghosh Sayak , Ali Sk Swaif , Basu Anamika , Khanra Joydeep , Ghosh Shubhamoy , Das Satadal
Published: June 2020

Background Panton-Valentine toxin (PVT) is an important pathological marker of staphylococcal infection mediated by functional as well as morphological damage of the phagocytic cells. Human body being an ecological niche for the bacteria shows higher affinity toward staphylococcal infection. A steady escalation in mortality and morbidity associated with antibiotic resistance in gram-positive infections is an emerging threat all over the globe; thus, it is important to find out an alternative strategy that can diminish the virulence and pathogenicity of the bacteria. Staphylococcin is a colicin-type chemical secreted by Staphylococcus aureus helps to prevent growth of organisms other than its progenitor. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of homoeopathic medicine Staphylococcinum against staphylococcal PVT at different potencies (6CH, 12CH, 30CH and 200CH).

Materials and Methods Different potencies of Staphylococcinum were administered in a leucocyte buffy coat preparation infected with staphylococcal suspension (0.5 McFarland's standard) along with control with alcohol. They were kept in incubator for 2 hours and then centrifuged at 1200 rpm for 5 minutes. Smears prepared on slides with centrifuged deposits stained by Preston and Morrell's modified Gram's method of staining and evaluated under the microscope.

Results It was observed that there was extensive destruction of leukocytes in control and 6CH potency, while the degree of destruction decreased markedly from 12CH to 200CH. At 200CH potency, leukocytes were almost normal, which clearly indicate the preventive action of Staphylococcinum against PVT. The mean percentages of intact leucocytes were 0.73, 0.93, 10.00, 27.67 and 65.00 in control, 6CH, 12CH, 30CH and 200CH potencies, respectively.

Conclusion The finding may help in the use of this medicine in moribund patients in cases of disseminated S. aureus infection as there is no known side effect of the medicine. However, in vivo study is necessary before such use in those cases.
Racial Disparity in Postpartum Readmission due to Hypertension among Women with Pregnancy-Associated Hypertension
Authors: Chornock Rebecca , Iqbal Sara N. , Kawakita Tetsuya
Published: June 2020

Objective Postpartum hypertension is a leading cause of readmission in the postpartum period. We aimed to examine the prevalence of racial/ethnic differences in postpartum readmission due to hypertension in women with antepartum pregnancy-associated hypertension.

Study Design This was a multi-institutional retrospective cohort study of all women with antepartum pregnancy-associated hypertension diagnosed prior to initial discharge from January 2009 to December 2016. Antepartum pregnancy-associated hypertension, such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia (with or without severe features), hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme, low platelet (HELLP) syndrome, and eclampsia was diagnosed based on American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Task Force definitions. Women with chronic hypertension and superimposed preeclampsia were excluded. Our primary outcome was postpartum readmission defined as a readmission due to severe hypertension within 6 weeks of postpartum. Risk factors including maternal age, gestational age at admission, insurance, race/ethnicity (self-reported), type of antepartum pregnancy-associated hypertension, marital status, body mass index (kg/m2), diabetes (gestational or pregestational), use of antihypertensive medications, mode of delivery, and postpartum day 1 systolic blood pressure levels were examined. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results Of 4,317 women with pregnancy-associated hypertension before initial discharge, 66 (1.5%) had postpartum readmission due to hypertension. Risk factors associated with postpartum readmission due to hypertension included older maternal age (aOR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.20–1.73 for every 5 year increase) and non-Hispanic black race (aOR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.16–3.87).

Conclusion In women with pregnancy-associated hypertension before initial discharge, non-Hispanic black women were at increased odds of postpartum readmission due to hypertension compared with non-Hispanic white women.
Proposal of Research Model for the Detection of COVID-19 among Asymptomatic Carriers
Authors: Rajendra Santosh Arvind Babu , Krishnamurthy Kandamaran , Baddam Venkat Ramana Reddy
Published: June 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic and rapidly progressing infectious disease that represents a global health care emergency due to severe acute respiratory syndrome. Rapid tests detect antigen or antibody presence, which is useful for patient care and for assisting in disease surveillance and epidemiological research. The complicating aspect of the COVID-19 spread may be due to asymptomatic individuals. Unfortunately, asymptomatic individuals are not detected in the early stages of infection, which could help to prevent community spread. The present paper shares an opinion through the proposal of a research model for detecting COVID-19 among asymptomatic carriers.
Trends in the Surgical Treatment of Articular Cartilage Lesions in the United States from 2007 to 2016
Authors: DeFroda Steven F. , Bokshan Steven L. , Yang Daniel S. , Daniels Alan H. , Owens Brett D.
Published: June 2020

Management of cartilage lesions of the knee can be complex, time consuming, and controversial, especially without a widely agreed upon “gold-standard” management. The PearlDiver database (www.pearldiverinc.com, Fort Wayne, IN) was queried for surgical management of cartilage lesions specified by Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes: 29877, chondroplasty; 29879, microfracture/drilling; 29866, arthroscopic osteochondral autograft; 29867, arthroscopic osteochondral allograft; 27412, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI); 27415, open osteochondral allograft; or 27416, open osteochondral autograft. Procedures were categorized as palliative (chondroplasty), microfracture/drilling, or restorative (arthroscopic osteochondral autograft; arthroscopic osteochondral allograft; ACI; open osteochondral allograft; or open osteochondral autograft). Linear regression was performed to determine the significance of yearly trend across each procedure.

From 2007 to 2016, a total of 35,506 surgical procedures were performed. The average yearly incidence was 7.8 per 10,000 patients. Overall, palliative techniques (chondroplasty) were more common (1.8:1 ratio for chondroplasty to microfracture and 34:1 ratio chondroplasty to restoration procedure). There was a trend of decreasing incidence of palliative procedures seen by a significant decrease in the ratio of palliative to microfracture/restorative procedures of 0.2512 each year from 2007 to 2016 (p < 0.001). This decrease followed a linear trend (R
2 = 0.9123). In 2013, the number and incidence of the palliative procedures declined below that of microfracture procedures, with microfracture being most common from 2013 to 2016. Palliative chondroplasty was no longer the most commonly performed procedure for cartilage lesions in the United States from 2007 to 2016, as more surgeons opted for microfracture procedures instead. Restorative procedures (ACI, osteochondral autograft transfer system) remained unchanged over the study period, in accordance with the sports medicine literature; however, early functional outcomes studies do show the equivalency and in some cases superiority compared with microfracture. This is Level III study.
Effects of Neonatal Caffeine Administration on Vessel Reactivity in Adult Mice
Authors: Singh Ajay Pratap , Chandrasekharan Praveen , Gugino Sylvia , Berkelhamer Sara , Wang Huamei , Nielsen Lori , Kumar Vasantha H. S.
Published: June 2020

Objective The effects of neonatal caffeine therapy in adults born preterm are uncertain. We studied the impact of neonatal caffeine on systemic blood pressure, vessel reactivity, and response to stress in adult mice.

Study Design Mice pups were randomized to caffeine (20 mg/kg/d) or saline by intraperitoneal injection for 10 days after birth. We performed tail-cuff BP (8/12 weeks), urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and fecal corticosterone (14 weeks), and vessel reactivity in aortic rings (16 weeks) in adult mice.

Results No differences were noted in systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures between the two groups at 8 and 12 weeks of age. However, norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction was substantially higher in aortic rings in CAF-treated male mice. More significant vasodilator responses to nitric oxide donors in aortic rings in female mice may suggest gender-specific effects of caffeine. Female mice exposed to caffeine had significantly lower body weight over-time. Caffeine-treated male mice had substantially higher fecal corticosterone and urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine at 14 weeks, suggestive of chronic stress.

Conclusion We conclude sex-specific vulnerability to the heightened vascular tone of the aorta in male mice following neonatal caffeine therapy. Altered vessel reactivity and chronic stress in the presence of other risk factors may predispose to the development of systemic hypertension in adults born preterm.
Survival, Morbidities, and Developmental Outcomes among Low Birth Weight Infants with Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Puia-Dumitrescu Mihai , Sullivan Laura N. , Tanaka David , Fisher Kimberley , Pittman Rick , Kumar Karan R. , Malcolm William F. , Gustafson Kathryn E. , Lodge Andrew J. , Goldberg Ronald N. , Hornik Christoph P.
Published: June 2020

Objective Prematurity and low birth weight (LBW) are risk factors for increased morbidity and mortality in infants with congenital heart defects (CHDs). We sought to describe survival, inhospital morbidities, and 2-year neurodevelopmental follow-up in LBW infants with CHD.

Study Design We included infants with birth weight (BW) <2,500 g diagnosed with CHD (except isolated patent ductus arteriosus) admitted January 2013 to March 2016 to a single level-IV academic neonatal intensive care unit. We reported CHD prevalence by BW and gestational age; selected in-hospital morbidities and mortality by infant BW, CHD type, and surgical intervention; and developmental outcomes by Bayley's scales of infant and toddler development, third edition (BSID-III) scores at age 2 years.

Results Among 420 infants with CHD, 28 (7%) underwent cardiac surgery. Median (25th and 75th percentiles) gestational age was 30 (range: 27–33) weeks and BW was 1,258 (range: 870–1,853) g. There were 134 of 420 (32%) extremely LBW (<1,000 g) infants, 82 of 420 (20%) were small for gestational age, and 51 of 420 (12%) multiples. Most common diagnosis: atrial septal defect (260/420, 62%), followed by congenital anomaly of the pulmonary valve (75/420, 18%). Most common surgical procedure: pulmonary artery banding (5/28, 18%), followed by the tetralogy of Fallot corrective repair (4/28, 14%). Survival to discharge was 88% overall and lower among extremely LBW (<1,000 g, 81%) infants and infants undergoing surgery (79%). Comorbidities were common (35%); retinopathy of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia were most prevalent. BSID-III scores were available on 148 of 176 (84%); any scores <85 were noted in 73 of 148 (49%), with language being most commonly affected.

Conclusion Among LBW infants with congenital heart disease, hospital mortality varied by BW and cardiac diagnosis.

Key Points
Effect of Vasopressin on Systemic and Pulmonary Hemodynamics in Neonates
Authors: Budniok Thomas , ElSayed Yasser , Louis Deepak
Published: June 2020

Objective Despite its increasing use in neonates, the literature on the use of vasopressin (VP) in neonates is limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the systemic and pulmonary effects of VP in neonates and to assess its safety among them.

Study Design This retrospective study enrolled all neonates in two level III neonatal intensive care units in Winnipeg, Manitoba, who had received VP therapy between 2011 and 2016. Infants with congenital malformations/chromosomal disorders were excluded. The changes in cardiovascular and pulmonary parameters were collected from patient charts. The primary outcome was the mean blood pressure (MBP) post-VP initiation. Secondary outcomes included systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), vasoactive inotropic score (VIS), pH, urine output, lactate, base deficit (BD), mean airway pressure (MAP), and oxygen requirement.

Results A total of 33 episodes from 26 neonates were analyzed. The postnatal age at VP initiation was 14 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 4–25), and the median starting dose was 0.3 mU/kg/min (IQR: 0.2–0.5). MBP improved significantly after VP initiation from 28 to 39 mm Hg 24 hours after VP initiation (p < 0.001). Similar changes are observed with SBP and DBP. VIS declined from 15 to 6 at 24 hours, while pH, lactate, BD, and oxygen requirement improved significantly. While urine output marginally improved, there were no changes to MAP 24 hours post-VP initiation. Hyponatremia was observed in 21 episodes (64%) and severe hyponatremia in 7 episodes (33%).

Conclusion VP appears to be a promising rescue therapy in catecholamine resistant shock or refractory pulmonary hypertension in neonates.
Nonlinear topological photonics
Authors: Smirnova Daria , Leykam Daniel , Chong Yidong , Kivshar Yuri
Published: June 2020

Rapidly growing demands for fast information processing have launched a race for creating compact and highly efficient optical devices that can reliably transmit signals without losses. Recently discovered topological phases of light provide novel opportunities for photonic devices robust against scattering losses and disorder. Combining these topological photonic structures with nonlinear effects will unlock advanced functionalities such as magnet-free nonreciprocity and active tunability. Here, we introduce the emerging field of nonlinear topological photonics and highlight the recent developments in bridging the physics of topological phases with nonlinear optics. This includes the design of novel photonic platforms which combine topological phases of light with appreciable nonlinear response, self-interaction effects leading to edge solitons in topological photonic lattices, frequency conversion, active photonic structures exhibiting lasing from topologically protected modes, and many-body quantum topological phases of light. We also chart future research directions discussing device applications such as mode stabilization in lasers, parametric amplifiers protected against feedback, and ultrafast optical switches employing topological waveguides.
Hybrid CMOS-PCM temperature sensor
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Suri Manan
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we propose a hybrid CMOS and phase-change memory (PCM)-relaxation-oscillator based circuit for temperature-sensing applications. Unlike conventional CMOS temperature sensors based on ring- or relaxation-oscillators, the proposed sensor does not require any curvature calibration technique for linearity improvement of the thermal response. The presented system explores the temperature dependence of Ovonic-threshold-switching voltage (Vth) and DC OFF state resistance (ROFF) of a PCM device. The proposed temperature sensor exhibits a resolution of ∼0.04 °C (for the 0 °C to 80 °C temperature range) with 0.51 nJ energy consumption per conversion in simulations.
Characterizing the behavior of current pulses in corona discharge
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: June 2020

The pulse stage of corona discharge, which can lead to the dangerous degradation of insulation in power systems, is closely examined in relation to the applied voltage and the gas pressure.
An analytic asymmetric-piston model for the impact of mode-1 shell asymmetry on ICF implosions
Authors: Hurricane O. A. , Casey D. T. , Landen O. , Kritcher A. L. , Nora R. , Patel P. K. , Gaffney J. A. , Humbird K. D. , Field J. E. , Kruse M. K. G. , Peterson J. L. , Spears B. K.
Published: June 2020

For many years, low mode asymmetry in inertially confined fusion (ICF) implosions has been recognized as a potential performance limiting factor, but analysis has been limited to using simulations and searching for data correlations. Herein, an analytically solvable model based upon the simple picture of an asymmetric piston is presented. Asymmetry of the shell driving the implosion, as opposed to asymmetry in the hot-spot, is key to the model. The model provides a unifying framework for the action of mode-1 shell asymmetry and the resulting connections between various diagnostic signatures. A key variable in the model is the shell asymmetry fraction, f, which is related to the areal density variation of the shell surrounding the hot-spot. It is shown that f is simply related to the observed hot-spot mode-1 velocity and to the concept of residual energy in an implosion. The model presented in this paper yields explicit expressions for the hot-spot diameter, stagnation pressure, hot-spot energy, inertial confinement-time, Lawson parameter, hot-spot temperature, and fusion yield under the action of mode-1 asymmetry. Agreement is found between the theory scalings when compared to ICF implosion data from the National Ignition Facility and to large ensembles of detailed simulations, making the theory a useful tool for interpreting data. The theory provides a basis for setting tolerable limits on asymmetry.
Estimating the thermal insulating performance of multi-component refractory ceramic systems based on a machine learning surrogate model framework
Authors: Santos D. P. , Pelissari P. I. B. G. B. , de Mello R. F. , Pandolfelli V. C.
Published: June 2020

Predicting the insulating thermal behavior of a multi-component refractory ceramic system could be a difficult task, which can be tackled using the finite element (FE) method to solve the partial differential equations of the heat transfer problem, thus calculating the temperature profiles throughout the system in any given period. Nevertheless, using FE can still be very time-consuming when analyzing the thermal performance of insulating systems in some scenarios. This paper proposes a framework based on a machine learning surrogate model to significantly reduce the required computation time for estimating the thermal performance of several multi-component insulating systems. Based on an electric resistance furnace case study, the framework estimated the feasibility and the final temperature of nearly 1.9×105 insulating candidates’ arrangements with reasonable accuracy by simulating only an initial sample of 2.8% of them via FE. The framework accuracy was evaluated by varying the initial sample size from ≈0.9% to 8% of total combinations, indicating that 3%–5% is the optimal range in the case study. Finally, the proposed framework was compared to the evolutionary screening procedure, a previously proposed method for selecting insulating materials for furnace linings, from which it was concluded that the machine learning framework provides better control over the number of required FE simulations, provides faster optimization of its hyperparameters, and enables the designers to estimate the thermal performance of the entire search space with small errors on temperature prediction.
Surfactant-free, UV-curable core–shell microcapsules in a hydrophilic PDMS microfluidic device
Authors: Teo Adrian J. T. , Malekpour-galogahi Fariba , Sreejith Kamalalayam Rajan , Takei Takayuki , Nguyen Nam-Trung
Published: June 2020

We demonstrate a method to create surfactant-free core–shell microcapsules in a hydrophilic polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic device. An ultraviolet light curable polymer was used to encapsulate an oil core. These microcapsules ensure contamination-free compartmentation of the core material without any surfactant, while maintaining the monodispersed generation at a rate of 100 microcapsules per second. The device fabrication process is greatly simplified without the alignment of microchannels and hydrophobic/hydrophilic surface treatment. After drying, physically shaking the collection chamber can crack the capsule to release the liquid core material. Such solid microcapsules with a liquid core are ideal for the storage and delivery of oil-based materials in skincare products or reagents for biochemical assays.
Scaling laws and dynamics of hashtags on Twitter
Authors: Chen Hongjia H. , Alexander Tristram J. , Oliveira Diego F. M. , Altmann Eduardo G.
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we quantify the statistical properties and dynamics of the frequency of hashtag use on Twitter. Hashtags are special words used in social media to attract attention and to organize content. Looking at the collection of all hashtags used in a period of time, we identify the scaling laws underpinning the hashtag frequency distribution (Zipf’s law), the number of unique hashtags as a function of sample size (Heaps’ law), and the fluctuations around expected values (Taylor’s law). While these scaling laws appear to be universal, in the sense that similar exponents are observed irrespective of when the sample is gathered, the volume and the nature of the hashtags depend strongly on time, with the appearance of bursts at the minute scale, fat-tailed noise, and long-range correlations. We quantify this dynamics by computing the Jensen–Shannon divergence between hashtag distributions obtained τ times apart and we find that the speed of change decays roughly as 1/τ. Our findings are based on the analysis of 3.5×109 hashtags used between 2015 and 2016.
Texture evolution in nanocrystalline Cu under shock compression
Authors: Hu S. C. , Huang J. W. , Zhong Z. Y. , Zhang Y. Y. , Cai Y. , Luo S. N.
Published: June 2020

We investigate with large-scale molecular dynamics simulations texture evolution in nanocrystalline Cu under planar shock wave loading. Five representative initial textures are explored under varying impact strengths. On the basis of Euler angles, we perform orientation mapping and texture analysis, including orientation distribution functions, pole figures, and inverse pole figures. Shock compression induces a weak but apparent ⟨110⟩ textures in nanocrystalline Cu initially with no texture, and a ⟨100⟩ fiber texture, and an incomplete weak ⟨110⟩ texture in nanocrystalline Cu initially with a {100}⟨100⟩ recrystallization texture; such texture changes can be attributed to deformation twinning and dislocation slip and traced back to grains initially with ⟨100⟩. A ⟨100⟩ texture and a {100}⟨100⟩ cube texture component are induced via twinning in nanocrystalline Cu initially with the ⟨111⟩ and β fiber textures, respectively, and can be traced back to grains initially with ⟨111⟩.
Effect of thermal annealing on the morphology of sol–gel processed barium strontium titanate thin films: Consequences on electrical properties
Authors: Mansour C. , Benwadih M. , Chahine G. A. , Revenant C.
Published: June 2020

The link between the morphology and the electrical properties of the sol–gel processed Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 thin films is investigated. Previous studies have not fully explained the differences in growth morphology as a function of the elaboration conditions. The thin films were investigated by Grazing Incidence Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (GISAXS), x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. More precisely, prototype films were studied as a function of the annealing temperature: at low temperatures (140 °C–200 °C) by in situ GISAXS and at high temperatures (600 °C–800 °C) by ex situ GISAXS. At ∼150 °C, self-organized domains with a preferential distance of approximately 14 nm are formed. At high annealing temperatures, the growing domains become either nanoparticles or pores with a preferential distance of approximately 85 nm at 600 °C. This growth evolution is successfully explained by a general model based on convection and evaporation. With thermal annealing, the characteristic lengths parallel to the surface increase due to convection and the characteristic lengths perpendicular to the surface decrease due to evaporation. In addition, two types of annealing were investigated at 700 °C. For annealing after each other layer, a growth with vertically shifted particles occurs with no ferroelectric behavior. On the contrary, for annealing after each deposited layer, a columnar growth occurs and a ferroelectric hysteresis loop is obtained. The ferroelectricity of the sol–gel barium strontium titanate thin films is definitely linked to the complete removal of organic constituents leading to columnar growth.
Lateral domain wall oscillations in IMA/PMA bilayered nano-strips driven by a perpendicular current: A type of domain wall based oscillators
Authors: Yuan X. , Lu Z. , Li S. , Xiong R.
Published: June 2020

Spin transfer torque-driven dynamic properties of spins in a bilayered nano-strip system composed of a layer with in-plane magnetic anisotropy (IMA) and a layer with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) were studied using a micro-magnetic simulation method. It is demonstrated that a domain wall (DW) can nucleate in the IMA layer at the end of the nano-strips and propagate with a large speed toward the other end under a perpendicular current. With DW annihilation and nucleation at either end of the nano-strips, their back and forth motion induces a magnetization oscillation whose amplitude and frequency can be easily manipulated by the current density, the dimensions and material of the nano-strip, and a perpendicularly applied magnetic field. Considering that the oscillation amplitude can be greatly amplified by the simultaneous oscillations of a large number of nano-strips in an array and the simple structure of the each element, this kind of IMA/PMA bilayered nano-strip may have important applications in magnetic nano-oscillators.
Forecasting of extreme flood events using different satellite precipitation products and wavelet-based machine learning methods
Authors: Yeditha Pavan Kumar , Kasi Venkatesh , Rathinasamy Maheswaran , Agarwal Ankit
Published: June 2020

An accurate and timely forecast of extreme events can mitigate negative impacts and enhance preparedness. Real-time forecasting of extreme flood events with longer lead times is difficult for regions with sparse rain gauges, and in such situations, satellite precipitation could be a better alternative. Machine learning methods have shown promising results for flood forecasting with minimum variables indicating the underlying nonlinear complex hydrologic system. Integration of machine learning methods in extreme event forecasting motivates us to develop reliable flood forecasting models that are simple, accurate, and applicable in data scare regions. In this study, we develop a forecasting method using the satellite precipitation product and wavelet-based machine learning models. We test the proposed approach in the flood-prone Vamsadhara river basin, India. The validation results show that the proposed method is promising and has the potential to forecast extreme flood events with longer lead times in comparison with the other benchmark models.
Planar nBn type-II superlattice mid-wavelength infrared photodetectors using zinc ion-implantation
Authors: Dehzangi Arash , Wu Donghai , McClintock Ryan , Li Jiakai , Razeghi Manijeh
Published: June 2020

In this Letter, we report the demonstration of zinc ion-implantation to realize planar mid-wavelength infrared photodetectors based on type-II InAs/InAs1−xSbx superlattices. At 77 K, the photodetectors exhibit a peak responsivity of 0.68 A/W at 3.35 μm, corresponding to a quantum efficiency of 23.5% under Vb = −80 mV, without anti-reflection coating; these photodetectors have a 100% cutoff wavelength of 4.28 μm. With an R0 × A value of 1.53 × 104 Ω cm2 and a dark current density of 1.23 × 10−6 A/cm2 under an applied bias of −80 mV at 77 K, the photodetectors exhibit a specific detectivity of 9.12 × 1011 cm·Hz1/2/W.
Spectral features of colloidal solutions of elongated gold nanoparticles produced by laser ablation in aqueous solutions
Authors: Zhil’nikova M.I. , Shafeev G.A. , Barmina E.V. , Kalachev Yu.L. , Uvarov O.V.
Published: June 2020

The extinction spectra of colloidal solutions of gold nanoparticles produced by laser ablation in water and aqueous solutions of salts using two near-IR lasers with pulse durations of 200 ns and 1 ps are experimentally investigated. The extinction spectrum of the particles formed by ablation in aqueous solutions is characterised by enhanced optical density in the red and IR regions. This feature is due to the formation of elongated gold nanoparticles, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The surface images of a gold target subjected to multipulse laser ablation exhibit micron and submicron structures.
Soft X-ray and EUV emission spectra of beryllium plasma produced by neodymium-glass laser radiation with broad frequency and angular spectra
Authors: Sahakyan A.T. , Andreev S.N. , Kologrivov A.A. , Kondratenko T.T. , Puzyrev V.N. , Starodub A.N. , Tolstikhina I.Yu. , Fronya A.A. , Yakushev O.F.
Published: June 2020

We present the results of an experimental study of soft X-ray (SXR) and extreme ultraviolet emission spectra of the plasma produced by exposing a plane solid beryllium target to laser radiation with broad frequency and angular spectra. SXR lines up to 1s – 9p of Be IV as well as the plasma continuum are recorded for a laser focal-spot intensity of 5.3 × 1013 W cm−2. To model the SXR beryllium plasma spectra, simulations are carried out using the INDHAUS programme and the FLYCHK code in the framework of local thermodynamic equilibrium model, which agree nicely with experimentally obtained results.
Control of atomic Bose – Einstein condensate with interferometric feedback probing
Authors: Tomilin V.A. , Il’ichov L.V.
Published: June 2020

We consider the problem of decoherence in a Bose – Einstein condensate (BEC) of noninteracting atoms during interferometric probing with a classical monochromatic external field. The condensate is located in one of the arms of the Mach – Zehnder interferometer, while part of the radiation from the interferometer output is fed back to the input, thereby closing the coherent feedback loop. A more general setting of the problem is also considered, in which the condensate is located in a system of interferometers ‘nested’ into each other, while part of the output radiation of each of them is also fed back to its input, closing the so-called multiloop feedback. The possibility of effective control of decoherence rates of various matrix elements is shown. The application of feedback of the proposed type to BEC in a double-well potential is investigated. It is found that this feedback allows efficient control of the distribution of atoms between the wells.
Trapping and detection of single rubidium atoms in an optical dipole trap using a long-focus objective lens
Authors: Beterov I.I. , Yakshina E.A. , Tretyakov D.B. , Entin V.M. , Singh U. , Kudlaev Ya.V. , Mityanin K.Yu. , Panov K.A. , Al’yanova N.V. , Ryabtsev I.I.
Published: June 2020

The trapping of single atoms in optical dipole traps is widely used in experiments on the implementation of quantum processors based on neutral atoms, and studying interatomic interactions. Typically, such experiments employ lenses with a large numerical aperture (NA > 0.5), highly sensitive EMCCD cameras, or photon counters. In this work, we demonstrate trapping and detection of single rubidium atoms using a long-focus objective lens with a numerical aperture NA = 0.172 and a FLir Tau CNV sCMOS camera.