bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Author Correction: Pectin as an Extraordinary Natural Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitor
Authors: Xu Shurui , Fan Shuanshi , Fang Songtian , Lang Xuemei , Wang Yanhong , Chen Jun
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Significantly Enhanced Energy Storage Density by Modulating the Aspect Ratio of BaTiO3 Nanofibers
Authors: Zhang Dou , Zhou Xuefan , Roscow James , Zhou Kechao , Wang Lu , Luo Hang , Bowen Chris R.
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
The effect of endurance training on levels of LINC complex proteins in skeletal muscle fibers of STZ-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Bostani Mehdi , Rahmati Masoud , Mard Seyyed Ali
Published: May 2020

The changes of the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex have been studied in many muscular abnormality conditions; however, the effects of diabetes and physical activities on it have still remained to be defined. Therefore, the purpose of the this study was to evaluate the impacts of a six-week endurance training on the levels of SUN1 and Nesprin-1 proteins in Soleus and EDL muscles from diabetic wistar rats. A total number of 48 male Wistar rats (10 weeks, 200-250 gr) were randomly divided into healthy control (HC, N = 12), healthy trained (HT, N = 12), diabetic control (DC, N = 12), and diabetic trained (DT, N = 12) groups. Diabetes was also induced by a single intraperitoneally injection of streptozocin (45 mg/kg). The training groups ran a treadmill for five consecutive days within six weeks. The levels of the SUN1 and the Nesprin-1 proteins were further determined via ELISA method. The induction of diabetes had significantly decreased the levels of Nesprin-1 protein in the soleus and EDL muscles but it had no effects on the SUN1 in these muscles. As well, the findings revealed that six weeks of endurance training had significantly increased the levels of Nesprin-1 in DT and HT groups in the soleus as well as the EDL muscles; however, it had no impacts on the SUN1 in these muscles. The muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and myonuclei also decreased in diabetic control rats in both studied muscles. The training further augmented these parameters in both studied muscles in HT and DT groups. The present study provides new evidence that diabetes changes Nesprin-1 protein levels in skeletal muscle and endurance exercise training can modify it.
Soil heavy metal contamination assessment in the Hun-Taizi River watershed, China
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Miao , Li Chunlin
Published: May 2020

The Hun-Taizi River watershed includes the main part of the Liaoning central urban agglomeration, which contains six cities with an 80-year industrial history. A total of 272 samples were collected from different land use areas within the study area to estimate the concentration levels, spatial distributions and potential sources of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) with a geographic information system (GIS), principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Only the concentration of Cd was over the national standard value (GB 15618–2018). However, the heavy metal concentrations at 24.54%, 71.43%, 63.37%, 85.71, 70.33%, 53.11%, and 72.16% of the sampling points were higher than the local soil background values for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn, respectively, which were used as standard values in this study. The maximal values of Cd (16.61 times higher than the background value) and Hg (12.18 times higher than the background value) had high concentrations, while Cd was present in the study area at higher values than in some other basins in China. Cd was the primary pollutant in the study area due to its concentration and potential ecological risk contribution. The results of the potential ecological risk index (RI) calculation showed that the overall heavy metal pollution level of the soil was considerably high. Three groups of heavy metals with similar distributions and sources were identified through PCA. The results of the CCA showed that the distribution of mines was the strongest factor affecting the distributions of Ni, As, Zn, Pb, and Cd. However, Cu was strongly influenced by the distance to the nearest river. These findings can provide scientific support for critical planning and strategies for soil pollution control and removal to support the sustainable development of the study area.
Photochemical mechanism of DEACM uncaging: a combined time-resolved spectroscopic and computational study
Authors: Hamerla C. , Neumann C. , Falahati K. , von Cosel J. , van Wilderen L. J. G. W. , Niraghatam M. S. , Kern-Michler D. , Mielke N. , Reinfelds M. , Rodrigues-Correia A. , Heckel A. , Bredenbeck J. , Burghardt I.
Published: May 2020

Combined spectroscopic and computational studies elucidate excited-state photocleavage in DEACM cages, explaining vastly different time scales for different leaving groups.
Paper-based sorptive phases for microextraction and sensing
Authors: Díaz-Liñán M. C. , García-Valverde M. T. , Lucena R. , Cárdenas S. , López-Lorente A. I.
Published: May 2020

The potential of paper as a substrate for the development of sorptive phases with applicability in microextraction and sensing is reviewed.
C-14 powered dye-sensitized betavoltaic cells
Authors: Hwang Yunju , Park Young Ho , Kim Hong Soo , Kim Dae Hee , Ali Shahzad , Sorcar Saurav , Flores Monica Claire , Hoffmann Michael R. , In Su-Il
Published: May 2020

A dye-sensitized betavoltaic cell is developed for the first time, which utilizes radioisotopic carbon, composed of nano-sized quantum dots, and ruthenium-based dye sensitized TiO2 as electrodes.
Photo-patterned multi-domain multi-component hybrid hydrogels
Authors: Cornwell Daniel J. , Smith David K.
Published: May 2020

This paper explores multi-component gelation systems containing two low-molecular-weight gelators, one polymer gelator and three different triggers.
C(sp3)–H arylation to construct all-syn cyclobutane-based heterobicyclic systems: a novel fragment collection
Authors: Osberger Thomas J. , Kidd Sarah L. , King Thomas A. , Spring David R.
Published: May 2020

A Pd-catalysed C–H arylation strategy to generate cyclobutane-based, all-syn heterobicyclic fragments is described. This resulted in a virtual collection of 90 novel compounds with superior complexity and properties compared to existing collections.
Coincident measurement of photo-ion circular dichroism and photo-electron circular dichroism
Authors: Lehmann Carl Stefan , Weitzel Karl-Michael
Published: May 2020

Photo-ion circular dichroism (PICD) and photo-electron circular dichroism (PECD) have been measured for the first time simultaneously in a coincidence experiment detecting the chirality of R- and S-Methyloxirane.
Interfacial properties of binary mixtures of simple fluids and their relation to the phase diagram
Authors: Stephan Simon , Hasse Hans
Published: May 2020

Enrichment at vapour–liquid interfaces can be interpreted as a wetting transition in the vicinity of a three phase equilibrium.
Recent catalytic routes for the preparation and the upgrading of biomass derived furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Xu C. , Paone E. , Rodríguez-Padrón D. , Luque R. , Mauriello F.
Published: May 2020

This review presents recent advances in the production of biomass derived furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and in their catalytic conversion into chemicals and fuelsviatransfer hydrogenation, photocatalytic and electrocatalytic processes.
One-dimensional TiO2 nanotube array photoanode for a microfluidic all-vanadium photoelectrochemical cell for solar energy storage
Authors: Lin Yingying , Feng Hao , Chen Rong , Zhang Biao , An Liang
Published: May 2020

In this work, a highly efficient TiO2 nanotube array photoanode prepared by anodizing treatment of titanium foil is developed for an all-vanadium photoelectrochemical cell with a miniaturized design for solar energy storage.
Molecular behaviour of methanol and dimethyl ether in H-ZSM-5 catalysts as a function of Si/Al ratio: a quasielastic neutron scattering study
Authors: Omojola Toyin , Silverwood Ian P. , O'Malley Alexander J.
Published: May 2020

Qualitative and quantitative differences are found in methanol and dimethyl ether mobility in H-ZSM-5 catalysts of varying Si/Al ratios (Brønsted acid site concentrations) using quasielastic neutron scattering.
Designing CO2 reduction electrode materials by morphology and interface engineering
Authors: Pan Fuping , Yang Yang
Published: May 2020

This review discusses how morphology and interface engineering promote electrocatalytic CO2 reduction, providing general design principles to fabricate advanced electrode catalysts.
A multifaceted role of a mobile bismuth promoter in alcohol amination over cobalt catalysts
Authors: Niu Feng , Bahri Mounib , Ersen Ovidiu , Yan Zhen , Kusema Bright T. , Khodakov Andrei Y. , Ordomsky Vitaly V.
Published: May 2020

Bi as a mobile metal promoter on the surface of Co leads to multiple effects with enhancement of activity, selectivity and stability due to easy reduction, removal of strongly adsorbed species and suppression of amine coupling reactions.
Plasma-assisted nitrogen doping in Ni–Co–P hollow nanocubes for efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis
Authors: Luo Qiaomei , Zhao Yiwei , Qi Yuyang , Xin Hongqiang , Wang Chen , Chen Guanjun , Sun Jun , Liu Mingxia , Xu Kewei , Ma Fei
Published: May 2020

Plasma-assisted nitrogen doped Ni–Co–P hollow nanocubes were fabricated. Both theoretical and experimental results proved the enhancement of catalytic activity for HER, owing to the synergistic effects of versatile hollow structure and N doping.
Flexible and tensile microporous polymer fibers for wavelength-tunable random lasing
Authors: Ta Van Duong , Saxena Dhruv , Caixeiro Soraya , Sapienza Riccardo
Published: May 2020

Flexible and tensile wavelength-tunable micrometer-sized random lasers in the form of microporous polymer fiber are demonstrated.
A ligand-induced homojunction between aluminum-based superatomic clusters
Authors: Bista Dinesh , Chauhan Vikas , Sengupta Turbasu , Reber Arthur C. , Khanna Shiv N.
Published: May 2020

Charge donating ligands can induce a significant energy level shift across a homojunction between aluminum-based superatomic clusters.
Recent progress in transition metal selenide electrocatalysts for water splitting
Authors: Xia Xinyuan , Wang Lujing , Sui Ning , Colvin Vicki L. , Yu William W.
Published: May 2020

Transition metal selenides have promising electrocatalytic activity on both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions.
Diastereoselective construction of the benzannulated spiroketal core of chaetoquadrins enabled by a regiodivergent cascade
Authors: Shi Lili , Wang Sasa , Huo Luqiong , Gao Minli , Zhang Wenge , Lu Xiuxiang , Qiu Shengxiang , Liu Hongxin , Tan Haibo
Published: May 2020

A remarkable acid-mediated methodology for the regiodivergent construction of a biologically interesting tricyclic benzannulated-spiroketal skeleton with diastereomeric specificity was uncovered to efficiently access analogs of chaetoquadrins .
Affinity purification of multifunctional oligomeric ligands synthesizedviacontrolled radical polymerization
Authors: Hoshino Yu , Shimohara Shinnosuke , Wada Yusuke , Nakamoto Masahiko , Miura Yoshiko
Published: May 2020

Abiotic oligomeric ligands with a strong affinity for a target peptide sequence were isolated by affinity purification from a pool of 30-mer acrylic random ter-oligomers that were synthesizedviaa controlled radical polymerization process.
Surface-fragmenting hyperbranched copolymers with hydrolysis-generating zwitterions for antifouling coatings
Authors: Mei Liqin , Ai Xiaoqing , Ma Chunfeng , Zhang Guangzhao
Published: May 2020

Surface-fragmenting hyperbranched copolymers with hydrolysis-generating zwitterions have been developed, which exhibit excellent antifouling ability.
Enabling nanopore technology for sensing individual amino acids by a derivatization strategy
Authors: Wei Xiaojun , Ma Dumei , Jing Lihong , Wang Leon Y. , Wang Xiaoqin , Zhang Zehui , Lenhart Brian J. , Yin Yingwu , Wang Qian , Liu Chang
Published: May 2020

A derivatization strategy was demonstrated for reliable identification of individual amino acids using an α-hemolysin nanopore.
Highly efficient near-infrared BODIPY phototherapeutic nanoparticles for cancer treatment
Authors: Zhang Yuandong , Yang Zhiyu , Zheng Xiaohua , Chen Li , Xie Zhigang
Published: May 2020

A highly efficient NIR BODIPY nano-photosensitizer constructed by multi-intersection effects provides beneficial guidance for photodynamic and photothermal therapy.
Highly conductive porous graphene film with excellent folding resilience for exceptional electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Lai Dengguo , Chen Xiaoxiao , Wang Gang , Xu Xinhai , Wang Yin
Published: May 2020

The porous graphene film is ultrathin, lightweight and highly conductive, and exhibits excellent folding endurance and superior EMI shielding performance.
Realizing broadband sub-wavelength focusing and a high intensity enhancement with a space-time synergetic modulated acoustic prison
Authors: Ma Fuyin , Chen Jianyu , Wu Jiu Hui , Jia Han
Published: May 2020

We experimentally demonstrate broadband sub-wavelength focusing and a high sound intensity enhancement using an acoustic prison.
Overexpression of Cosmc suppresses cell migration and invasion in different subtypes of breast cancer cells via Tn and T glycans
Authors: Liu Jun , Xu Feng , Li Jie , Jiang Hongchuan
Published: May 2020

Objectives: The high mortality of breast cancer (BC) is associated with the strong metastatic properties of primary breast tumor cells. The present study was conducted in order to clarify the effect of Cosmc on the growth and metastasis of BC cell lines of different molecular types, which may be implicated in the regulation of Tn and T glycans.

Methods: BC cell lines with different molecular types were transduced with shRNA targeting Cosmc or, Cosmc overexpression plasmid in order to explore the role of Cosmc in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. The protein levels of Tn, T, Cosmc, proliferation-related factors (Ki67 and PCNA) and apoptosis-related factors (Bax and Bad) in BC cell lines were determined by Western blot analyses. Finally, the role of Cosmc was substantiated through in vivo experiments.

Results: Cosmc was down-regulated in different subtypes of BC cell lines compared with normal control cells. Overexpression of Cosmc suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion, yet promoted the apoptosis of BC cells, as reflected by in vitro experiments. Additionally, in vivo tumor xenografts in nude mice showed that ectopic overexpression of Cosmc inhibited the tumor growth of BC cells. Consequently, the levels of proliferation-related factors and Tn antigen were decreased, while those of apoptosis-related factors and T antigen were increased in BC cells. This observation was confirmed in vivo in xenograft tumors.

Conclusion: Collectively, up-regulation of Cosmc potentially impedes BC growth and metastasis by modulating the balance between Tn and T glycans.
Common variants in LTBP3 gene contributed to the risk of hip osteoarthritis in Han Chinese population
Authors: Zhao Tianyun , Zhao Junji , Ma Chi , Wei Jie , Wei Bo , Liu Jibin
Published: May 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic joint disease affected by environmental and genetic factors. The LTBP3 gene may be involved in the occurrence and development of OA by regulating TGF-β activity and the TGF-β signaling pathway. A total of 2780 study subjects, including 884 hip OA cases and 1896 controls, were recruited. Nine tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within the LTBP3 gene region were selected for genotyping. Genetic association analyses were performed at both the genotypic and allelic levels. GTEx data were extracted to investigate the functional consequence of significant SNPs. SNP rs10896015 was significantly associated with the risk of hip OA at both the genotypic (P=0.0019) and allelic levels (P=0.0009). The A allele of this SNP was significantly associated with a decreased risk of HOA (OR [95%CI] = 0.79 [0.69–0.91]). This SNP was also significantly associated with the clinical severity of hip OA. SNP rs10896015 could affect the gene expression of 11 genes, including LTBP3, in multiple human tissues based on GTEx data. We obtained evidence for a genetic association between the LTBP3 gene and hip OA susceptibility and clinical severity based on Chinese Han populations. Our findings replicated the association signals reported by a recent genome-wide association study and deepen the basic understanding of osteoarthritis pathology.
Vitamin D–vitamin D receptor system down-regulates expression of uncoupling proteins in brown adipocyte through interaction with Hairless protein
Authors: Wang Pei-qi , Pan Dao-xiang , Hu Chun-qiu , Zhu Yu-lin , Liu Xiao-jing
Published: May 2020

Our previous study showed that feeding mice with vitamin D deficiency diet markedly alleviated high-fat-diet-induced overweight, hyperinsulinemia, and hepatic lipid accumulation. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency up-regulated the expression of uncoupling protein 3 (Ucp3) in white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). The present study aimed to further investigate the effects of vitamin D and vitamin D receptor (Vdr) on Ucp1–3 (Ucps) expression in brown adipocyte and the mechanism involved in it. Rat primary brown adipocytes were separated and purified. The effects of the 1,25(OH)2D3 (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3; the hormonal form of vitamin D) and Vdr system on Ucps expression in brown adipocytes were investigated in basal condition and activated condition by isoproterenol (ISO) and triiodothyronine (T3). Ucps expression levels were significantly down-regulated by 1,25(OH)2D3 in the activated brown adipocyte. Vdr silencing reversed the down-regulation of Ucps by 1,25(OH)2D3, whereas Vdr overexpression strengthened the down-regulation effects. Hairless protein did express in brown adipocyte and was localized in cell nuclei. 1,25(OH)2D3 increased Hairless protein expression in the cell nuclei. Hairless (Hr) silencing notably elevated Ucps expression in activated condition induced by ISO and T3. Moreover, immunoprecipitation results revealed that Vdr could interact with Hairless, which might contribute to decreasing expression of Vdr target gene Ucps. These data suggest that vitamin D suppresses expression of Ucps in brown adipocyte in a Vdr-dependent manner and the corepressor Hairless protein probably plays a role in the down-regulation.
Resolution of drug-resistant hypertension by adrenal vein sampling-guided adrenalectomy: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Torresan Francesca , Rossitto Giacomo , Bisogni Valeria , Lerco Silvia , Maiolino Giuseppe , Cesari Maurizio , Zhu Rui , Iacobone Maurizio , Seccia Teresa Maria , Rossi Gian Paolo
Published: May 2020

Drug-resistant hypertension (RH) is a very high-risk condition involving many hypertensive patients, in whom primary aldosteronism (PA) is commonly overlooked. Hence, we aimed at determining if (1) adrenal vein sampling (AVS) can identify PA in RH patients, who are challenging because of receiving multiple interfering drugs; (2) AVS-guided adrenalectomy can resolve high blood pressure (BP) resistance to treatment in these patients.

Based on a pilot study we selected from 1016 consecutive patients referred to our Centre for ‘difficult-to-treat’ hypertension those with RH, for an observational prospective cohort study. We excluded those non-adherent to treatment (by therapeutic drug monitoring) and those with pseudo-RH (by 24-h BP monitoring), which left 110 patients who met the European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension (ESC/ESH) 2013 definition for RH. Of these patients, 77 were submitted to AVS, who showed unilateral PA in 27 (mean age 55 years; male/female 19/8). Therefore, these patients underwent AVS-guided laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy, which resolved RH in all: 20% were clinically cured in that they no longer needed any antihypertensive treatment; 96% were biochemically cured. Systolic and diastolic BP fell from 165/100 ± 26/14 mmHg at baseline, to 132/84 ± 14/9 mmHg at 6 months after surgery (P<10−4 for both) notwithstanding the fall of number and defined daily dose (DDD) of antihypertensive drugs required to achieve BP control (P<10−4 for both). A prominent regression of cardiac and renal damage was also observed.

Thus, the present study shows the feasibility of identifying PA by AVS in RH patients, and of resolving high BP resistance to treatment in these patients by AVS-guided adrenalectomy.
Quantitative Redox Biology of Exercise
Authors: Nikolaidis Michalis G. , Margaritelis Nikos V. , Matsakas Antonios
Published: May 2020

Biology is rich in claims that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are involved
in every biological process and disease. However, many quantitative aspects of
redox biology remain elusive. The important quantitative parameters you need to
address the feasibility of redox reactions in vivo are: rate of formation and
consumption of a reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, half-life, diffusibility
and membrane permeability. In the first part, we explain the basic chemical
kinetics concepts and algebraic equations required to perform “street
fighting” quantitative analysis. In the second part, we provide key
numbers to help thinking about sizes, concentrations, rates and other important
quantities that describe the major oxidants (superoxide, hydrogen peroxide,
nitric oxide) and antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione). In the third
part, we present the quantitative effect of exercise on superoxide, hydrogen
peroxide and nitric oxide concentration in mitochondria and whole muscle and
calculate how much hydrogen peroxide concentration needs to increase to
transduce signalling. By taking into consideration the quantitative aspects of
redox biology we can: i) refine the broad understanding of this research area,
ii) design better future studies and facilitate comparisons among studies, and
iii) define more efficiently the “borders” between cellular
signaling and stress.
Attributes of Physical Activity and Gut Microbiome in Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tzemah Shahar Roy , Koren Omry , Matarasso Sarah , Shochat Tamar , Magzal Faiga , Agmon Maayan
Published: May 2020

Growing evidence shows the contribution of physical activity interventions to the gut microbiome. However, specific physical activity characteristics that can modify the gut microbiome are unknown. This review’s aim was to explore the contribution of physical activity intervention characteristics on human gut microbiome composition, in terms of diversity, specific bacterial groups, and associated gut microbiome metabolites. A literature search in PubMed; Cochrane Library; CINAHL-EBSCO; SCOPUS; Web of Science; ClinicalTrials.gov; PROSPERO; and ProQuest. Five studies met the inclusion criteria of a physical activity intervention duration of at least five weeks, with any description of the type or dose used. All included studies reported an endurance training; two studies used endurance and an additional muscle-strengthening training regimen. All studies reported using a dietary intervention control. Reported gut microbiome α-diversity changes were non-significant, β-diversity changes were mixed (three studies reported an increase, two reported non-significant changes). All studies reported significant changes in the abundances of specific bacterial/archaea groups and bacteria-related metabolites following interventions. In conclusion, physical activity (regardless of specific characteristics) has significant contribution to gut microbiome composition and associated metabolites. There are no current recommendations for physical activity to promote gut microbiome composition. Future studies should focus on the contribution of current recommended physical activity dose to gut microbiome composition.
Clinical Prediction Scores for Pediatric Appendicitis
Authors: Gudjonsdottir Johanna , Marklund Emma , Hagander Lars , Salö Martin
Published: May 2020

Introduction The rate of misdiagnosis of appendicitis in children is a challenge and clinical prediction scores could be part of the solution. However, the pediatric appendicitis score (PAS) and the Alvarado score have shown disappointing diagnostic accuracy in pediatric validation studies, while the appendicitis inflammatory response (AIR) score and the novel pediatric appendicitis risk calculator (pARC) have not yet been validated thoroughly. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate these four prediction scores prospectively in children with suspected appendicitis.

Materials and Methods A prospective study was conducted over a 2-year period. All patients <15 years with suspected appendicitis were eligible for inclusion. The four prediction scores were compared regarding predictive values, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves, decision curve analysis, and clinical outcome.

Results Of the 318 patients included, 151 (47 %) patients had appendicitis. The AIR score and the pARC had substantially higher specificity and positive predictive value, and lower rate of false positives (7% and 2%), than the PAS and Alvarado score (36 and 28%, p < 0.001). Across the different gender and age groups, the AIR score and the pARC generally had fewer false positives than the PAS and Alvarado score. There were no significant differences in sensitivity, negative predictive values, rates of missed appendicitis, or ROC curve analysis. In decision curve analysis, the AIR score and the pARC outperformed the PAS and Alvarado score at most threshold probabilities.

Conclusion The AIR score and the pARC are superior to the PAS and Alvarado score in diagnosing children with suspected appendicitis.
Resident Operative Vaginal Delivery Volume after Educational Curriculum Implementation
Authors: Becker David A. , Blanchard Christina T. , Szychowski Jeff M. , Rogers Sharee L. , Brumfield Cynthia G. , Subramaniam Akila
Published: May 2020

Objective The percentage of operative vaginal deliveries (OVDs) in the United States has sharply declined. In May 2016, our institution's obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) residency program implemented a twice-yearly OVD curriculum consisting of didactics and simulation. We sought to evaluate the impact of this curriculum.

Study Design We performed a retrospective cohort study of all deliveries at our institution from July 2011 to May 2018. Deliveries were evaluated quarterly for the pre- (July 2011–April 2016) and postcurriculum (July 2016–May 2018) periods. Forceps-assisted vaginal delivery (FAVD), vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery (VAVD), and total OVD percentages, and the ratio of forceps to vacuums were calculated. Pre- and postcurriculum percentages were compared using Wilcoxon's rank-sum test. Cubic regression curves were fit to quarterly percentages to illustrate trends over time.

Results The quarterly OVD percentage was unchanged following curriculum implementation (mean 3.2% [Q1–Q3: 2.6–3.5%] pre- vs. 3.1% [2.5–3.8%] post-, p > 0.99). The FAVD percentage was increased (1.2% [0.8–1.5%] vs. 2.0% [1.4–2.6%], p = 0.027) and the VAVD percentage was decreased (2.0% [1.6–2.2%] vs. 1.2% [0.9–1.3%], p < 0.001). This was accompanied by an increase in the ratio of FAVD to VAVD (0.6 [0.4–0.8] vs. 1.7 [1.3–2.2], p < 0.001). FAVD percentage (3.1%) was higher in the last quarter than any other quarter in the 7-year study period, and total OVD percentage (3.9%) was higher in 2018 than any other calendar year.

Conclusion The implementation of an OVD curriculum in our OB/GYN residency program resulted in an increase in the percentage of FAVD and the ratio of FAVD to VAVD.

Key Points
Risk of Bleeding with Exposure to Warfarin and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Villa Zapata Lorenzo , Hansten Philip D. , Panic Jennifer , Horn John R. , Boyce Richard D. , Gephart Sheila , Subbian Vignesh , Romero Andrew , Malone Daniel C.
Published: May 2020

Background Warfarin use can trigger the occurrence of bleeding independently or as a result of a drug–drug interaction when used in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Objectives This article examines the risk of bleeding in individuals exposed to concomitant warfarin and NSAID compared with those taking warfarin alone (Prospero Registry ID 145237).

Methods PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. The primary outcome of interest was gastrointestinal bleeding and general bleeding. Summary effects were calculated to estimate average treatment effect using random effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and I
2. Risk of bias was also assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality bias assessment tool.

Results A total of 651 studies were identified, of which 11 studies met inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. The odds ratio (OR) for gastrointestinal bleeding when exposed to warfarin and an NSAID was 1.98 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.55–2.53). The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding was also significantly elevated with exposure to a COX-2 inhibitor and warfarin relative to warfarin alone (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.46–2.46). There was an increased risk of general bleeding with the combination of warfarin with NSAIDs (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.18–2.12) or COX-2 inhibitors (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 0.86–2.78) compared with warfarin alone.

Conclusion Risk of bleeding is significantly increased among persons taking warfarin and a NSAID or COX-2 inhibitor together as compared with taking warfarin alone. It is important to caution patients about taking these medications in combination.
Anatomic Assessment of the Limits of an Endoscopically Assisted Retrolabyrinthine Approach to the Internal Auditory Canal
Authors: Muelleman Thomas J. , Maxwell Anne K. , Peng Kevin A. , Brackmann Derald E. , Lekovic Gregory P. , Mehta Gautam U.
Published: May 2020

Objective Data regarding the surgical advantages and anatomic constraints of a hearing-preserving endoscopic-assisted retrolabyrinthine approach to the IAC are scarce. This study aimed to define the minimum amount of retrosigmoid dural exposure necessary for endoscopic exposure of the IAC and the surgical freedom of motion afforded by this approach.

Methods Presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approaches were performed on fresh cadaveric heads. The IAC was exposed under endoscopic guidance. The retrosigmoid posterior fossa dura was decompressed until the fundus of the IAC was exposed. Surgical freedom of motion at the fundus was calculated after both retrolabyrinthine and translabyrinthine approaches.

Results The IAC was entirely exposed in nine specimens with a median length of 12 mm (range: 10–13 mm). Complete IAC exposure could be achieved with 1 cm of retrosigmoid dural exposure in eight of nine mastoids. For the retrolabyrinthine approach, the median anterior–posterior surgical freedom was 13 degrees (range: 6–23 degrees) compared with 46 degrees (range: 36–53 degrees) for the translabyrinthine approach (p = 0.014). For the retrolabyrinthine approach, the median superior–inferior surgical freedom was 40 degrees (range 33–46 degrees) compared with 47 degrees (range: 42–51 degrees) for the translabyrinthine approach (p = 0.022).

Conclusion Using endoscopic assistance, the retrolabyrinthine approach can expose the entire IAC. We recommend at least 1.5 cm of retrosigmoid posterior fossa dura exposure for this approach. Although this strategy provides significantly less instrument freedom of motion in both the horizontal and vertical axes than the translabyrinthine approach, it may be appropriate for carefully selected patients with intact hearing and small-to–medium sized tumors involving the IAC.
The Postpartum Hemorrhage Patient Safety Bundle Implementation at a Single Institution: Successes, Failures, and Lessons Learned
Authors: Duzyj Christina M. , Boyle Carla , Mahoney Kathleen , Johnson Anna Rose , Ogot Grace , Ayers Charletta
Published: May 2020

Objective In 2015, a multidisciplinary consensus bundle of recommendations for the anticipation and management of postpartum hemorrhage was published. Our goal was to evaluate the successes and failures of our institutional bundle implementation process.

Study Design An interdisciplinary committee was created to facilitate bundle implementation. All components of the bundle were addressed with cross-disciplinary teaching between stakeholders on the obstetrics units. Tools were built in the electronic medical record to facilitate bundle components of risk stratification, quantitative blood loss calculation, and stage-based hemorrhage management. Bundle components were individually evaluated for acceptability and sustainability. Overall rates of hemorrhage and transfusion from the periods 1 year before and after bundle implementation were also evaluated.

Results Readiness bundle components were successfully implemented, although simulation drills demonstrated limited sustainability. Recognition components were mixed: risk stratification was successfully and sustainably implemented while quantitative blood loss met resistance and was ultimately discontinued as it did not clinically perform superiorly to estimated blood loss. Among response and reporting elements, patient level support and team debriefing were noted as particular deficiencies in our program.

Conclusion The postpartum hemorrhage patient safety bundle provided concrete individual elements, which overall improved the success of a stratified program implementation. Multiple deficiencies in acceptability and sustainability were uncovered during our process, particularly concerns about quantitative blood loss implementation and team communication skills.

Key Points
A machine learning-based model to estimate the density of nanofluids of nitrides in ethylene glycol
Authors: Sahaluddin Mirza , Alade Ibrahim Olanrewaju , Oyedeji Mojeed Opeyemi , Aliyu Umar Sa'ad
Published: May 2020

The density of nanofluids is an important thermophysical property whose value is required to evaluate various heat-transfer parameters such as the Reynolds number, the Nusselt number, pressure loss, and the Darcy friction factor. The determination of these parameters is central to the design of many heat-transfer applications. Notably, the density of nanofluids has received relatively little research attention compared with other thermophysical properties. The present study thus focuses on the development of a support vector regression model to estimate the densities of aluminum nitride, titanium nitride, and silicon nitride nanoparticles dispersed in ethylene glycol solution. As inputs, the proposed model uses the mass fraction, temperature, nanoparticle size, and the molecular weight of the nanoparticles. The proposed model predicts the nanofluid densities with high accuracy, as determined by a correlation coefficient of 99.87% and an absolute average relative deviation of 0.0701. To further highlight the accuracy of the proposed model, we compare its results with those of the model of Pak and Cho. The Pak and Cho results deviate considerably from the experimental data except at 298 K. Overall, the proposed support vector regression model is much more accurate than the Pak and Cho model. We thus conclude that the machine learning approach is more reliable for obtaining rapid estimates of the density of nanofluids.
Front propagation steered by a high-wavenumber modulation: Theory and experiments
Authors: Alfaro-Bittner K. , Castillo-Pinto C. , Clerc M. G. , González-Cortés G. , Jara-Schulz G. , Rojas R. G.
Published: May 2020

Homogeneously driven dynamical systems exhibit multistability. Depending on the initial conditions, fronts present a rich dynamical behavior between equilibria. Qualitatively, this phenomenology is persistent under spatially modulated forcing. However, the understanding of equilibria and front dynamics organization is not fully established. Here, we investigate these phenomena in the high-wavenumber limit. Based on a model that describes the reorientation transition of a liquid crystal light valve with spatially modulated optical forcing and the homogenization method, equilibria and fronts as a function of forcing parameters are studied. The forcing induces patterns coexisting with the uniform state in regions where the system without forcing is monostable. The front dynamics is characterized theoretically and numerically. Experimental results verify these phenomena and the law describing bistability, showing quite good agreement.
Experimental and numerical study of effect of secondary surfaces fixed over rectangular vortex generator with an overview of dynamic mode decomposition
Authors: Kashyap Uddip , Pawar Ashish P. , Sarkar Sandip , Saha Sandip K.
Published: May 2020

Addition of a vortex generator (VG) to the heated surface creates longitudinal vortices in the flow; however, it induces drag. Surface modification of the VG may play a role in the thermal performance of the system. Therefore, flow and thermal behavior are studied for a secondary surface (SS) attached to the primary surface of a rectangular VG, which is placed inside a rectangular channel using air at Re = 5000. The VG with the SS is compared with a conventional rectangular VG having volume constant. With the addition of SS, the flow behind the VG greatly shears the produced primary vortex (P), which results in stretching. Stretching increases the angular momentum of the vortex with the decrease in the span of the produced vortices. The interaction between the co-rotating vortices P and high pressure side horse-shoe vortex (Hp) shows that the higher strain field induced by the vortex P shears away the vortex Hp. The vortex P developed under the influence of SS induces a higher degree of tilting toward the heated surface with low propagation speed. Finally, the dynamic decomposition of the vortices in the channel reveals that the vortex P appears to be dominant.
Contribution of cryogenic thermal cycling to the atomic dynamics in a La-based bulk metallic glass with different initial states
Authors: Xiao H. B. , Wang X. D. , Zhang P. , Cao X. Z. , Chen Y. , Le T. , Cao Q. P. , Zhang D. X. , Jiang J. Z.
Published: May 2020

Structural rejuvenation in metallic glasses (MGs) induced by cryogenic thermal cycling has been intensively studied. However, the effect of thermal cycling on the atomic dynamics in MGs is still missing. In this work, we present a systematic study on the atomic dynamics in a La-based MG affected by sub-Tg annealing and thermal cycling. We find that the thermal cycling has little effect on the atomic dynamics in both as-cast and annealed MGs although it could significantly increase the free volume and change mechanical properties of the as-cast MG sample. In contrast, both the structure and mechanical properties of the well-relaxed sample are almost unchanged by thermal cycling. The increased open volume, mainly in the form of atomic vacancies, does not greatly promote the atomic dynamics in the as-cast MG sample, indicating that the free volume induced by thermal cycling is not the key factor in stimulating the β-relaxation and the boson peak in the studied MG.
Multiscale characterization of the joint bonded by Cu@Ag core@shell nanoparticles
Authors: Tu Y. , Zhu P. L. , Li G. , Ouyang Q. L. , Chang H. , Zhou F. R. , Shimizu Y. , Inoue K. , Nagai Y. , Sun R. , Wong C. P.
Published: May 2020

The bimetallic Cu@Ag nanoparticle (NP)-based Cu–Cu bonding method is reported to be plausible in electronic packaging, whereas the microstructure and elemental distribution of the joint, which determine the bonding quality, were not well investigated yet. In this work, comprehensive characterization techniques are used to demonstrate the microstructure and elemental information of the joint. Microstructure analysis exhibits a eutectic structure with a low porosity of 2.5%, which is achieved by NP sintering. Twin structures in both the Cu-rich and Ag-rich phases are confirmed, where (111) is the twin mirror plane. Particularly, atom probe tomography analysis accurately demonstrates that the concentration of Cu in the Ag-rich phase is 1.51% and vice versa, 0.45%; this indicates sufficient atom exchange for achieving high-quality bonding. This investigation improves the understanding of the elemental behavior during the core@shell NP bonding process and provides important information for pushing this bonding method toward practical application.
Orientation of Janus particles under thermal fields: The role of internal mass anisotropy
Authors: Olarte-Plata Juan D. , Bresme Fernando
Published: May 2020

Janus particles (JPs) are a special kind of colloids that incorporate two hemispheres with distinct physical properties. These particles feature a complex phase behavior, and they can be propelled with light by heating them anisotropically when one of the hemispheres is metallic. It has been shown that JPs can be oriented by a homogeneous thermal field. We show using multiscale simulations and theory that the internal mass gradient of the JPs can enhance and even reverse the relative orientation of the particle with the thermal field. This effect is due to a coupling of the internal anisotropy of the particle with the heat flux. Our results help rationalize previous experimental observations and open a route to control the behavior of JPs by exploiting the synergy of particle–fluid interactions and particle internal mass composition.
High-contrast imaging of 180° ferroelectric domains by optical microscopy using ferroelectric liquid crystals
Authors: Nataf Guillaume. F. , Guennou Mael , Scalia Giusy , Moya Xavier , Wilkinson Tim D. , Lagerwall Jan P. F.
Published: May 2020

Ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs) couple the direction of their spontaneous electric polarization to the direction of tilt of their optic axis. Consequently, reversal of the electric polarization by an electric field gives rise to an immediate and lasting optical response when an appropriately aligned FLC is observed between crossed polarizers, with one field direction yielding a dark image and the opposite direction yielding a bright image. Here, this peculiar electro-optic response is used to image, with high optical contrast, 180° ferroelectric domains in a crystalline substrate of magnesium-doped lithium niobate. The lithium niobate substrate contains a few domains with upward electric polarization surrounded by regions with downward electric polarization. In contrast to a reference non-chiral liquid crystal that is unable to show ferroelectric behavior due to its high symmetry, the FLC, which is used as a thin film confined between the lithium niobate substrate and an inert aligning substrate, reveals ferroelectric domains as well as their boundaries, with strong black and white contrast. The results show that FLCs can be used for non-destructive readout of domains in underlying ferroelectrics, with potential applications in, e.g., photonic devices and non-volatile ferroelectric memories.
SiCxNy-based resistive and threshold switching by using single precursor plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition
Authors: Hsu Yu-Lin , Chang Yao-Feng , Chung Wei-Min , Chen Ying-Chen , Lin Chao-Cheng , Leu Jihperng
Published: May 2020

In this work, SiCxNy-based resistive switching memory by using a single precursor for the back end of line (BEOL) integration has been investigated. SiCxNy films were deposited on the aluminum (Al) substrates using plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) method. The effects of SiCxNy chemical structure with respect to resistive switching characteristics have been studied, and the results suggest that the resistive switching mechanism is dominated by the interfacial Schottky junction with SiCxNy composition. This work not only demonstrates a PEALD method in fabricating SiCxNy-based electronics active devices but also provides additional insights into the interaction between the electrical and chemical structures in bi-functional resistive switching or threshold switching behavior. A demonstrated PEALD tool with simple single-precursor for SiCxNy deposition shows excellent feasibility to be used as functional memory and selector devices, further giving the potential pathway for advanced BEOL process integration.
What should primary care look like after the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Duckett Stephen
Published: May 2020

The response to COVID-19 transformed primary care: new telehealth items were added to the Medicare Benefits Schedule, and their use quickly escalated, general practices and community health centres developed new ways of working and patients embraced the changes. As new coronavirus infections plummet and governments contemplate lifting spatial distancing restrictions, attention should turn to the transition out of pandemic mode. Some good things happened during the pandemic, including the rapid introduction of the new telehealth items. The post-pandemic health system should learn from the COVID-19 changes and create a new normal.
Algal neurotoxin biosynthesis repurposes the terpene cyclase structural fold into an
N
-prenyltransferase
Authors: Chekan Jonathan R. , McKinnie Shaun M. K. , Noel Joseph P. , Moore Bradley S.
Published: May 2020

Prenylation is a common biological reaction in all domains of life wherein prenyl diphosphate donors transfer prenyl groups onto small molecules as well as large proteins. The enzymes that catalyze these reactions are structurally distinct from ubiquitous terpene cyclases that, instead, assemble terpenes via intramolecular rearrangements of a single substrate. Herein, we report the structure and molecular details of a new family of prenyltransferases from marine algae that repurposes the terpene cyclase structural fold for the
N
-prenylation of glutamic acid during the biosynthesis of the potent neurochemicals domoic acid and kainic acid. We solved the X-ray crystal structure of the prenyltransferase found in domoic acid biosynthesis, DabA, and show distinct active site binding modifications that remodel the canonical magnesium (Mg
2+
)-binding motif found in terpene cyclases. We then applied our structural knowledge of DabA and a homologous enzyme from the kainic acid biosynthetic pathway, KabA, to reengineer their isoprene donor specificities (geranyl diphosphate [GPP] versus dimethylallyl diphosphate [DMAPP]) with a single amino acid change. While diatom DabA and seaweed KabA enzymes share a common evolutionary lineage, they are distinct from all other terpene cyclases, suggesting a very distant ancestor to the larger terpene synthase family.
Alleviation of drought stress and the physiological mechanisms in Citrus cultivar (Huangguogan) treated with methyl jasmonate
Authors: Xiong Bo , Wang Yuan , Zhang Yue , Ma Mengmeng , Gao Yifei , Zhou Zhiyang , Wang Bozhi , Wang Tie , Lv Xiulan , Wang Xun , Wang Jin , Deng Honghong , Wang Zhihui
Published: May 2020

The role of exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) in alleviating drought stress was investigated on Huangguogan. Except for intercellular CO2 concentration, MeJA had little effect on net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate under drought stress. Compared with drought stress, MeJA significantly alleviated the decrease of chlorophyll content. However, chlorophyll a/b ratio was significantly increased. MeJA significantly increased proline and soluble sugar contents, significantly decreased the O2  −· and H2O2 levels, and increased SOD and POD activities. In addition, the MDA content of drought stress was the highest of all treatments. MeJA significantly reduced MDA content in drought-stressed Huangguogan leaves. Although the Ascorbic acid (AsA) contents of 500 and 1000 mg L−1 MeJA treatments were lower than that of 250 mg L−1 MeJA, but all concentration of MeJA treatments delayed the decline of AsA content. Therefore, MeJA could induce drought stress tolerance by increasing the osmotic adjustment substances and antioxidant activities.