bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lutetium coating of nanoparticles by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Moret Josette L. T. M. , Griffiths Matthew B. E. , Frijns Jeannine E. B. M. , Terpstra Baukje E. , Wolterbeek Hubert T. , Barry Seán T. , Denkova Antonia G. , van Ommen J. Ruud
Published: February 2020

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a versatile gas phase coating technique that allows coating of complex structured materials, as well as high-surface area materials such as nanoparticles. In this work, ALD is used to deposit a lutetium oxide layer on TiO2 nanoparticles (P25) in a fluidized bed reactor to produce particles for nuclear medical applications. Two precursors were tested: the commercially available Lu(TMHD)3 and the custom-made Lu(HMDS)3. Using Lu(TMHD)3, a lutetium loading up to 15 wt. % could be obtained, while using Lu(HMDS)3, only 0.16 wt. % Lu could be deposited due to decomposition of the precursor. Furthermore, it was observed that vibration-assisted fluidization allows for better fluidization of the nanoparticles and hence a higher degree of coating.
Practical guides for x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: Analysis of polymers
Authors: Easton Christopher D. , Kinnear Calum , McArthur Sally L. , Gengenbach Thomas R.
Published: February 2020

XPS is widely used to identify and quantify the elements present at the surface of polymeric materials. The energy distribution of photoelectrons emitted from these elements contains information about their chemical state, potentially allowing the analyst to identify and quantify specific functional groups. These functional groups may originate from the synthesis and processing of the polymers, from postsynthetic modifications such as surface grafting, or indeed may be unrelated to the polymer (additives and contaminants). Extracting reliable and meaningful information from XPS data is not trivial and relies on careful and appropriate experimentation, including experimental design, sample preparation, data collection, data processing, and data interpretation. Here, the authors outline some of these challenges when performing XPS analysis of polymers and provide practical examples to follow. This guide will cover all relevant aspects over the course of a typical experiment, including tips and considerations when designing the experiment, sample preparation, charge neutralization, x-ray induced sample damage, depth profiling, data analysis and interpretation, and, finally, reporting of results. Many of these topics are more widely applicable to insulating organic materials, and the recommendations of this guide will help to ensure that data is collected and interpreted using current best practices.
The Move Your Way Campaign: Encouraging Contemplators and Families to Meet the Recommendations From the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
Authors: Bevington Frances , Piercy Katrina L. , Olscamp Kate , Hilfiker Sandra W. , Fisher Dena G. , Barnett Elizabeth Y.
Published: February 2020

Background: The Move Your Way campaign, developed by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, aims to improve Americans’ adherence to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. This article describes the research that informed the campaign’s products, messaging, and strategy. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used to understand participants’ preferences for physical activity messages and information seeking. Two rounds (round 1 [n = 95] and round 2 [n = 73]) of focus groups and an online survey (n = 2050) were conducted with adult physical activity contemplators. A third round (n = 84) of focus groups was conducted with children, teens, and parents of young children. Results: Adults, parents, teens, and children preferred messages that reflected diverse examples of activities; most participants disliked “one-size-fits-all” recommendations. Adults and parents preferred messages that emphasized specific health benefits over generic messages about overall health. Although some participants preferred getting physical activity information from digital search tools and social media platforms, many preferred getting this information from family members and friends. Conclusion: The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion translated these findings into 3 themes used for Move Your Way implementation: (1) leverage social and community connections, (2) emphasize representation through inclusion and diversity, and (3) customize physical activity recommendations to make them more achievable.
Reversible EMT and MET mediate amnion remodeling during pregnancy and labor
Authors: Richardson Lauren S. , Taylor Robert N. , Menon Ramkumar
Published: February 2020

Balanced EMT and MET maintain amnion integrity during pregnancy, and increased EMT is associated with labor.
Surveillance of Omadacycline Activity Tested against Clinical Isolates from the United States and Europe: Report from the SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program, 2016 to 2018
Authors: Pfaller Michael A. , Huband Michael D. , Shortridge Dee , Flamm Robert K.
Published: February 2020

Omadacycline is a broad-spectrum aminomethylcycline approved in October 2018 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections and community-acquired pneumonia as both an oral and intravenous once-daily formulation. In this report, the activities of omadacycline and comparators were tested against 49,000 nonduplicate bacterial isolates collected prospectively during 2016 to 2018 from medical centers in Europe (24,500 isolates, 40 medical centers [19 countries]) and the United States (24,500 isolates, 33 medical centers [23 states and all 9 U.
Genome Sequence of
Flavobacteriaceae
Strain W22, Isolated from a Tree Hole Mosquito Habitat
Authors: Chen Shicheng , Walker Edward D.
Published: February 2020

The bacterium
Flavobacteriaceae
strain W22 was isolated from the water column of a tree hole larval habitat of the mosquito
Aedes triseriatus
. The draft genome contained 3,796,379 bp, a G+C content of 35.4%, and several genes encoding enzymes functioning in polysaccharide degradation, gliding motility, and the type IX protein secretion system (T9SS).
Draft Genome Sequences of Campylobacter jejuni Strains Isolated from Poultry
Authors: Wagle Basanta R. , Marasini Daya , Upadhyaya Indu , Shrestha Sandip , Arsi Komala , Donoghue Annie M. , Carbonero Franck , Donoghue Dan J. , Maas Kendra , Upadhyay Abhinav
Published: February 2020

Four wild-type
Campylobacter jejuni
strains isolated from the cecal contents of broiler chickens were sequenced. The average genome size was 1,622,170 bp, with 1,667 to 1,761 coding sequences and 47 to 51 RNAs. Multiple genes encoding motility, intestinal colonization, toxin production, stress tolerance, and multidrug resistance were present in all the strains.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain LMG 1272, an Atypical White Line Reaction Producer
Authors: Salari Farzaneh , Zare-Mirakabad Fatemeh , Alavi Mohammad Hossein , Girard Léa , Ghafari Mahya , De Mot René , Rokni-Zadeh Hassan
Published: February 2020

The draft genome sequence of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
LMG 1272, isolated from mushroom, is reported here. This strain triggers formation of a precipitate (“white line”) when cocultured with
Pseudomonas tolaasii
. However, LMG 1272 lacks the capacity to produce a cyclic lipopeptide that is typically associated with white line formation, suggesting the involvement of a different diffusible factor.
Necrotising enterocolitis in a newborn infant treated with octreotide for chylous effusion: is octreotide safe?
Authors: Chandran Suresh , Agarwal Arpan , Llanora Genevieve Villablanca , Chua Mei Chien
Published: February 2020

Octreotide is a somatostatin analogue used for treating congenital chylothorax and congenital hyperinsulinism in infants. By increasing splanchnic arteriolar resistance and decreasing gastrointestinal blood flow, octreotide indirectly reduces lymphatic flow in chylous effusions.

Splanchnic ischaemia following octreotide predisposes infants to necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). Although NEC occurrence in infants treated with octreotide for hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia has been reported widely, its incidence in infants with chylothroax is low. We describe a case of congenital chylothorax in a preterm infant who had poor response to thoracentesis. Although octreotide initiation lead to resolution of chylothorax, he developed NEC. Cessation of octreotide and medical management resulted in rapid resolution of NEC. Since octreotide is generally used as the first-line treatment for chylous effusion, the risk of NEC should be considered, especially when the dosage is increased. Infants on octreotide should be closely observed for early signs and symptoms of NEC to avert surgical emergency.
Unintentional overdose of hyoscine hydrobromide in a young child
Authors: Xuereb Gerd , Calleja Thomas , Borg Janine , Pace David
Published: February 2020

A 4-year-old girl presented with confusion, ataxia and hallucinations 3 hours after an accidental overdose of 108 μg per kg of hyoscine hydrobromide (Kwells Kids). She was hypotensive and tachycardic at presentation. Investigations revealed QTc prolongation on ECG. The girl was admitted for observation overnight and was noted to have persistent visual and auditory hallucinations, which resolved without treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an overdose of hyoscine hydrobromide at such a young age. Clinicians should be aware that unintentional ingestions in this age group may present with psychiatric manifestations. Hyoscine hydrobromide is easily accessible and available over the counter. It has serious consequences in overdose. Its packaging and appearance are attractive to young children making it susceptible to unintentional ingestions. We argue that its container should be altered to be more childproof.
Microsporidial stromal keratitis: characterisation of clinical features, ultrastructural study by electron microscopy and efficacy of different surgical modalities
Authors: Huang Hsin-Yu , Wu Cheng-Lin , Lin Sheng-Hsiang , Lin Wei-Chen , Huang Fu-Chin , Hung Jia-Horung , Tseng Sung-Huei
Published: February 2020

Aims

To report the clinical manifestations, ultrastructure and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic lamellar
keratectomy (TLK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for microsporidial stromal keratitis (MSK).

Methods

Fourteen MSK cases between 2009 and 2018 were recruited. Each patient’s clinical presentation, light microscopy, histopathology, PCR and electron microscopy (EM) of corneal samples were reviewed.

Results

The patients were 70.0±4.7 years old (average follow-up, 4.5 years). Time from symptoms to presentation was 10.6±13.0 weeks. The corneal manifestations were highly variable. Corneal scrapings revealed Gram stain positivity in 12 cases (85.7%) and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain positivity in 9 (64.3%). Histopathology revealed spores in all specimens, while sequencing of small subunit rRNA-based PCR products identified Vittaforma corneae in 82% of patients. EM demonstrated various forms of microsporidial sporoplasm in corneal keratocytes. All patients were treated with topical antimicrobial agents or combined with oral antiparasitic medications for >3 weeks. As all patients were refractory to medical therapy, they ultimately underwent surgical intervention (TLK in 7, PK in 6 and 1 received TLK first, followed by PK). Postoperatively, the infection was resolved in 78.6% of the patients. Nevertheless, a high recurrence rate (21.4%) was noted during 3-year follow-up, with only two patients retained a final visual acuity ≥20/100.

Conclusion

MSK usually presents with a non-specific corneal infiltration refractory to antimicrobial therapy. The diagnosis relies on light microscopic examinations on corneal scrapings and histopathological analyses. Surgical intervention is warranted by limiting the infection; however, it was associated with an overall poor outcome.
Anterior chamber particles are associated with reduction of intraocular pressure after selective laser trabeculoplasty
Authors: Kulikov Alexei N , Maltsev Dmitrii S , Kazak Alina A , Burnasheva Maria A
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To study the correlation between intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and the number of hyper-reflective particles appearing in the anterior chamber following selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT).

Material and methods

In this prospective interventional study, we included primary open-angle glaucoma patients. All participants received a standardised SLT session, which consisted of 100 pulses of 0.9 mJ over 360°. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (4×4 mm volume scan, 101 horizontal cross-sectional scans) and applanation tonometry were performed before SLT and 15 min, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after. Particles were counted on cross-sectional scans using a standardised algorithm.

Results

In this study, we included 25 patients (25 eyes), 14 males and 11 females, with a mean age of 68.9±10.5 and baseline IOP of 21.4±4.5 mm Hg. IOP at month 1 and month 3 after SLT was 18.0±4.0 and 17.4±3.3 mm Hg, respectively. The mean number of anterior chamber particles before and 15 min after SLT was 0.62±0.2 and 7.1±2.0 particles/mm2, respectively (p=0.036). There was a statistically significant correlation between the mean number of anterior chamber particles 15 min after SLT and IOP reduction at 1 month (r=0.62, p=0.03) and 3 months (r=0.71, p=0.01).

Conclusion

The number of the anterior chamber particles graded using anterior segment optical coherence tomography after the procedure correlates with the IOP-lowering effect of SLT.
Selective laser trabeculoplasty versus medication for open-angle glaucoma: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials
Authors: Chi Sheng Chu , Kang Yi-No , Hwang De-Kuang , Liu Catherine Jui-ling
Published: February 2020

Background

The only widely accepted, effective treatment for open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is to reduce the intraocular pressure (IOP), with medical therapy being the typical first-line therapy. Notably, an alternative therapy is selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), which is safe and effective in lowering the IOP. Nonetheless, whether SLT could replace medication as the first-line therapy for OAG is still under debate.

Methods

Studies involving randomised controlled trials conducted before August 2019 that compared the efficacy of SLT-related and medication-only treatments for OAG were selected from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) methodology was employed to rate the quality of the body of evidence.

Results

1229 patients in eight trials were included. The overall results revealed no significant differences between SLT-related and medication-only treatments regarding the IOP reduction (mean difference (MD): 0.18, 95% CI −0.72 to 1.07, p=0.70, I2=73%) and the success rate of IOP control (risk ratio: 1.02, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.04, p=0.74, I2=0%). The SLT-related therapy group required significantly fewer medications compared with the medication-only group (MD: −1.06, 95% CI −1.16 to −0.96, p<0.0000, I2=5%). A quantitative analysis was not performed concerning adverse events and quality of life because of the limited data available.

Conclusion

SLT is safe and has a lower incidence of ocular side effects. SLT can be the choice of first-line therapy for OAG. However, clinicians should consider the cost-effectiveness, as well as the patient’s characteristics, before deciding on the therapeutic option.
Efficacy and safety evaluation of benzalkonium chloride preserved eye-drops compared with alternatively preserved and preservative-free eye-drops in the treatment of glaucoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hedengran Anne , Steensberg Alvilda T , Virgili Gianni , Azuara-Blanco Augusto , Kolko Miriam
Published: February 2020

Background/aims

This systematic review compared the efficacy and safety of benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-preserved eye-drops with alternatively preserved (AP) and preservative-free (PF) eye-drops.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched for randomised controlled trials in June and October 2019. Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were made by two independent reviewers using the Cochrane Handbook. Studies on prostaglandin analogue or beta-blocker eye-drops and patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension were included. Primary outcome was change in intraocular pressure (IOP). Secondary outcomes were safety measures as assessed in original study.

Results

Of 433 articles screened, 16 studies were included. IOP meta-analysis was conducted on 13 studies (4201 patients) ranging from 15 days to 6 months. No significant differences between BAK versus PF and AP were identified (95% CI −0.00 to 0.30 mm Hg, p=0.05). Meta-analyses revealed no differences between BAK versus AP and PF with regards to conjunctival hyperaemia (risk ratio (RR) 1.05, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.22, 3800 patients, 9 studies), ocular hyperaemia (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.78, 2268 patients, 5 studies), total ocular adverse events (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.20, 1906 patients, 5 studies) or tear break-up time (mean difference 0.89, 95% CI −0.03 to 1.81, 130 patients, 3 studies). Diverse reporting on safety measures made comparison challenging. Risk of bias was assessed as high or unclear in many relevant domains, suggesting potential selective reporting or under-reporting.

Conclusion

No clinically significant differences on efficacy or safety could be determined between BAK versus AP and PF. However, there were substantial uncertainties on safety.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019139692
The St Thomas’ Hospital Emergency Department Homeless Health Initiative: improving the quality, safety and equity of healthcare provided for homeless patients attending the ED
Authors: Gallaher Charles , Herrmann Simone , Hunter Laura , Wilkins Alex
Published: February 2020

We carried out a quality improvement (QI) project (QIP), aiming to improve the quality, safety and equity of healthcare provided for homeless patients attending the emergency department (ED). We used QI methodology to identify areas for improvement, and introduced and modified interventions over four Plan, Do, Study, Act cycles. We launched a departmental ‘Homeless Health Initiative’ (HHI), the chief intervention being the provision of ‘Homeless Health Boxes’ in the ED, which contained a ‘Safe Discharge Checklist for Homeless Patients’, maps to specialist homeless general practitioner surgeries and homeless day centres, information on other inclusion health services, copies of a local rough sleepers’ magazine and oral hygiene supplies. Voluntary Homeless Link Nurses and a number of informal ‘Homeless Health Champions’ were appointed. The HHI was embedded in departmental awareness through regular presentations to staff and incorporation into the induction programme for new doctors. Staff satisfaction, in terms of how satisfied staff members were with the care they were able to provide for homeless patients in the ED on a 0–10 scale, improved modestly over the course of the QIP from median 6/10 to median 7/10. The number of staff who were severely dissatisfied with the care they were able to provide for homeless patients improved more markedly: first quartile staff satisfaction improved from 3.875/10 to 6.125/10. Staff compliance with the checklist was poor, with full compliance observed in only 15% of cases by the end of the QIP. An HHI is a cheap and worthwhile QI project, with the potential to significantly improve the quality, safety and equity of healthcare provided for homeless patients, while improving staff satisfaction concurrently. Similar initiatives should be considered in any ED which sees a significant number of homeless patients.
Association of clinically important traumatic brain injury and Glasgow Coma Scale scores in children with head injury
Authors: Kochar Amit , Borland Meredith L , Phillips Natalie , Dalton Sarah , Cheek John Alexander , Furyk Jeremy , Neutze Jocelyn , Lyttle Mark D , Hearps Stephen , Dalziel Stuart , Bressan Silvia , Oakley Ed , Babl Franz E
Published: February 2020

Objective

Head injury (HI) is a common presentation to emergency departments (EDs). The risk of clinically important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI) is low. We describe the relationship between Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores at presentation and risk of ciTBI.

Methods

Planned secondary analysis of a prospective observational study of children<18 years who presented with HIs of any severity at 10 Australian/New Zealand centres. We reviewed all cases of ciTBI, with ORs (Odds Ratio) and their 95% CIs (Confidence Interval) calculated for risk of ciTBI based on GCS score. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to determine the ability of total GCS score to discriminate ciTBI, mortality and need for neurosurgery.

Results

Of 20 137 evaluable patients with HI, 280 (1.3%) sustained a ciTBI. 82 (29.3%) patients underwent neurosurgery and 13 (4.6%) died. The odds of ciTBI increased steadily with falling GCS. Compared with GCS 15, odds of ciTBI was 17.5 (95% CI 12.4 to 24.6) times higher for GCS 14, and 484.5 (95% CI 289.8 to 809.7) times higher for GCS 3. The area under the ROC curve for the association between GCS and ciTBI was 0.79 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.82), for GCS and mortality 0.91 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.99) and for GCS and neurosurgery 0.88 (95% CI 0.83 to 0.92).

Conclusions

Outside clinical decision rules, decreasing levels of GCS are an important indicator for increasing risk of ciTBI, neurosurgery and death. The level of GCS should drive clinician decision-making in terms of urgency of neurosurgical consultation and possible transfer to a higher level of care.
Southern Chinese populations harbour non-nucleatum Fusobacteria possessing homologues of the colorectal cancer-associated FadA virulence factor
Authors: Yeoh Yun Kit , Chen Zigui , Wong Martin C S , Hui Mamie , Yu Jun , Ng Siew C , Sung Joseph J Y , Chan Francis K L , Chan Paul K S
Published: February 2020

Objective

Fusobacteria are not common nor relatively abundant in non-colorectal cancer (CRC) populations, however, we identified multiple Fusobacterium taxa nearly absent in western and rural populations to be comparatively more prevalent and relatively abundant in southern Chinese populations. We investigated whether these represented known or novel lineages in the Fusobacterium genus, and assessed their genomes for features implicated in development of cancer.

Methods

Prevalence and relative abundances of fusobacterial species were calculated from 3157 CRC and non-CRC gut metagenomes representing 16 populations from various biogeographies. Microbial genomes were assembled and compared with existing reference genomes to assess novel fusobacterial diversity. Phylogenetic distribution of virulence genes implicated in CRC was investigated.

Results

Irrespective of CRC disease status, southern Chinese populations harboured increased prevalence (maximum 39% vs 7%) and relative abundances (average 0.4% vs 0.04% of gut community) of multiple recognised and novel fusobacterial taxa phylogenetically distinct from Fusobacterium nucleatum. Genomes assembled from southern Chinese gut metagenomes increased existing fusobacterial diversity by 14.3%. Homologues of the FadA adhesin linked to CRC were consistently detected in several monophyletic lineages sister to and inclusive of F. varium and F. ulcerans, but not F. mortiferum. We also detected increased prevalence and relative abundances of F. varium in CRC compared with non-CRC cohorts, which together with distribution of FadA homologues supports a possible association with gut disease.

Conclusion

The proportion of fusobacteria in guts of southern Chinese populations are higher compared with several western and rural populations in line with the notion of environment/biogeography driving human gut microbiome composition. Several non-nucleatum taxa possess FadA homologues and were enriched in CRC cohorts; whether this imposes a risk in developing CRC and other gut diseases deserves further investigation.
Contribution of de novo and inherited rare CNVs to very preterm birth
Authors: Wong Hilary S , Wadon Megan , Evans Alexandra , Kirov George , Modi Neena , O'Donovan Michael C , Thapar Anita
Published: February 2020

Background

The genomic contribution to adverse health sequelae in babies born very preterm (<32 weeks’ gestation) is unknown. We conducted an investigation of rare CNVs in infants born very preterm as part of a study to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a larger, well-powered genome-wide investigation in the UK, with follow-up using linked National Health Service records and DNA storage for additional research.

Methods

We studied 488 parent–offspring trios. We performed genotyping using Illumina Infinium OmniExpress Arrays. CNV calling and quality control (QC) were undertaken using published protocols. We examined de novo CNVs in infants and the rate of known pathogenic variants in infants, mothers and fathers and compared these with published comparator data. We defined rare pathogenic CNVs as those consistently reported to be associated with clinical phenotypes.

Results

We identified 14 de novo CNVs, representing a mutation rate of 2.9%, compared with 2.1% reported in control populations. The median size of these CNV was much higher than in comparator data (717 kb vs 255 kb). The rate of pathogenic CNVs was 4.3% in infants, 2.7% in mothers and 2% in fathers, compared with 2.3% in UK Biobank participants.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the rate of de novo CNVs, especially rare pathogenic CNVs, could be elevated in those born very preterm. However, we will need to conduct a much larger study to corroborate this conclusion.
Cigarette smokers’ concurrent use of smokeless tobacco: dual use patterns and nicotine exposure
Authors: Felicione Nicholas J , Ozga-Hess Jenny E , Ferguson Stuart G , Dino Geri , Kuhn Summer , Haliwa Ilana , Blank Melissa D
Published: February 2020

Background

The concurrent use of cigarettes with other tobacco products, such as smokeless tobacco (SLT), is increasingly common. Extant work with cigarette smokers who also use SLT is based heavily on retrospective reports and between-group comparisons. The purpose of this study was to assess prospectively the patterns of dual users’ product use and nicotine exposure on days when cigarettes were smoked exclusively (single use) versus concurrently with SLT (dual use).

Design

Forty-six dual cigarette-SLT users recorded their product use in real time via ecological momentary assessment for a 2-week longitudinal design. They responded to questions about situational factors (eg, location, mood) using this same diary, and collected saliva samples each night for later cotinine measurement. At the end of this 2-week period, users reported on their reasons for and beliefs about SLT use.

Results

Cotinine levels were significantly higher on dual versus single use days (mean±SEM=374.48±41.08 ng/mL vs 300.17±28.13 ng/mL, respectively; p<0.01), and the number of cigarettes logged was higher on dual versus single use days (11.13±0.98 vs 9.13±1.11, respectively; p<0.01). Product use was distinguished by situational factors, with the strongest predictor being location of use. Moreover, the most common reason for initiating (56.52%) and continuing (67.39%) SLT use was to circumvent indoor smoking restrictions.

Conclusions

Results support the idea of product supplementation rather than replacement among this convenience sample of dual users. For smokers whose primary motivation for SLT use involves situations where they would otherwise be tobacco free, the potential benefits of clean indoor air laws may be diminished.
Universality at work – the local sine-Gordon model, lattice fermions, and quantum circuits
Authors: Anthore Anne , Kennes Dante M. , Boulat Edouard , Andergassen Sabine , Pierre Frédéric , Meden Volker
Published: February 2020

We review the intriguing many-body physics resulting out of the interplay of a single, local impurity and the two-particle interaction in a one-dimensional Fermi system. Even if the underlying homogeneous correlated system is taken to be metallic, this interplay leads to an emergent quantum phase transition between metallic and insulating states. We show that the zero temperature critical point and the universal low-energy physics associated to it, is realized in two different models, the field theoretical local sine-Gordon model and spinless fermions on a lattice with nearest-neighbor hopping and two-particle interaction, as well as in an experimental setup consisting of a highly tunable quantum circuit. Despite the different high-energy physics of the three systems the universal low-energy scaling curves of the conductance as a function of temperature agree up to a very high precision without any free parameter. Overall this provides a convincing example of how emergent universality in complex systems originating from a common underlying quantum critical point establishes a bridge between different fields of physics. In our case between field theory, quantum many-body theory of correlated Fermi systems, and experimental circuit quantum electrodynamics.
Relaxation mechanism and conductivity studies of lead-free ceramics: Fe1/2(NaLi)1/4TiO3
Authors: Barik Subrat Kumar , Ulla A. R. Atique
Published: February 2020

A single-phase lead-free ferroelectric compound, Fe[Formula: see text](NaLi)[Formula: see text]TiO3, is found at room temperature. The solid state reaction technique helps to process the sample at the calcination and sintering temperatures of 900 and 950[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]C for 4 h respectively. The desired phase and crystal structure formation of the prepared sample are confirmed by analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD) data and are found to be in orthorhombic structure. The correlation among phase formation and physical properties has been established by using complex impedance spectroscopy (CIS) method over a wide range of frequencies (from 100 Hz to 1 MHz) and different temperatures (25–280[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]C). The overlap depressed semicircular arcs represent the association of grain and grain boundary effects in the material. Activation energy [Formula: see text] is noted to be 1 eV for the prepared sample. The frequency dependent ac conductivity is followed by Jonscher’s universal power law. DC conductivity versus temperature graph also indicates the negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) behavior of the material.
Using Bayesian Network to Estimate the Value of Decisions within the Context of Value-Based Software Engineering: A Multiple Case Study
Authors: Mendes Emilia , Freitas Vitor , Perkusich Mirko , Nunes João , Ramos Felipe , Costa Alexandre , Saraiva Renata , Freire Arthur
Published: February 2020

Context: Companies must make a paradigm shift in which both short- and long-term value aspects are employed to guide their decision-making. Such need is pressing in innovative industries, such as ICT, and is the core of Value-based Software Engineering (VBSE).

Objective: This paper details three case studies where value estimation models using Bayesian Network (BN) were built and validated. These estimation models were based upon value-based decisions made by key stakeholders in the contexts of feature selection, test cases execution prioritization, and user interfaces design selection.

Methods: All three case studies were carried out according to a Framework called VALUE — improVing decision-mAking reLating to software-intensive prodUcts and sErvices development. This framework includes a mixed-methods approach, comprising several steps to build and validate company-specific value estimation models. Such a building process uses as input data key stakeholders’ decisions (gathered using the Value tool), plus additional input from key stakeholders.

Results: Three value estimation BN models were built and validated, and the feedback received from the participating stakeholders was very positive.

Conclusions: We detail the building and validation of three value estimation BN models, using a combination of data from past decision-making meetings and also input from key stakeholders.
A FRACTAL VARIATIONAL PRINCIPLE FOR THE TELEGRAPH EQUATION WITH FRACTAL DERIVATIVES
Authors: WANG KANG-LE , Yao SHAO-WEN , LIU YAN-PING , ZHANG LI-NA
Published: February 2020

A fractal modification of the telegraph equation with fractal derivatives is given, and its variational principle is established by the semi-inverse method. The two-scale transform method and He’s homotopy perturbation method are successfully adopted to solve the fractal equation.
MULTIFRACTAL OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVEFORM AND SPECTRUM ABOUT COAL ROCK SAMPLES SUBJECTED TO UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION
Authors: QIU LIMING , SONG DAZHAO , HE XUEQIU , WANG ENYUAN , LI ZHENLEI , YIN SHAN , WEI MENGHAN , LIU YANG
Published: February 2020

During coal and rock loading, a significantly large number of electromagnetic signals are generated as a result of fracture appearance and crack expansion. The generation of electromagnetic signal is the comprehensive embodiment of the coal rock failure behavior. Therefore, the generated signals contain complex and rich messages that can reflect the damage process and degree of coal and rock. In this work, the multifractal theory is applied to analyze the nonlinear characteristics of the electromagnetic wave and its spectrum induced during coal rock, which present good correlation with failure process. The failure process of coal rock is non-uniform, non-continuous and nonlinear, during which, there is a good synchronization and correlation between the electromagnetic pulses and the stress drop, rather than the stress. Both waveform and its spectrum of electromagnetic signal have multifractal characteristics, the larger the fracture scale is, the more significant the multifractal characteristic of electromagnetic signal is, and the multifractal characteristic of electromagnetic signal from coal is higher than that from sandstone. The difference of fracture energy and size can be represented by the maximum of the multifractal dimension [Formula: see text] of the electromagnetic wave and its spectrum during coal rock failure. In the electromagnetic spectrum, small signals are always dominant, and the dominant frequency is only a few isolated points. What is more, with the increase of fracture size, the difference between the dominant frequency and the non-dominant frequency is gradually enhanced.
MULTIPLE EXACT SOLUTIONS OF THE GENERALIZED TIME FRACTIONAL FOAM DRAINAGE EQUATION
Authors: SHI DANDAN , ZHANG YUFENG , LIU WENHAO
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we investigate the exact solutions of the generalized time fractional foam drainage equation. The Lie-group scaling transformation method and improved [Formula: see text]-expansion method are adopted here. The equation describes the evolution of the vertical density profile of a foam under gravity. New exact solutions and maple diagrams of the generalized time fractional foam drainage equation can help us better understand the physical phenomena.
EFFICACY OF ERIGO TILT-TABLE AND CONVENTIONAL PHYSIOTHERAPY ON REHABILITATION OUTCOME WITHIN HAEMORRHAGIC AND ISCHEMIC STROKE PATIENTS
Authors: Yadav Ramakant , Kumar Suraj , Afrin Aafreen
Published: February 2020

Background: Stroke, either haemorrhagic or ischemic in nature, has the ability to culminate in devastating clinical outcomes thus effective rehabilitation is needed. Objective: To analyze the efficacy of Erigo tilt-table over conventional physiotherapy between ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke patients. Methods: A total of 110 haemorrhagic and ischemic stroke patients (age [Formula: see text] years, [Formula: see text] days after stroke) were assigned randomly into four groups, haemorrhagic conventional physiotherapy group ([Formula: see text]), haemorrhagic Erigo tilt-table group ([Formula: see text]), ischemic conventional physiotherapy group ([Formula: see text]) and ischemic Erigo tilt-table group ([Formula: see text]). The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Mini Mental Scale Examination (MMSE), Modified Ashworth Scale, Quality of Life (QOL) and muscle strength outcomes were assessed at baseline, after the intervention (30th) and on 90th day of follow up. Results: In haemorrhagic Subjects, Erigo tilt-table patients had significant improvement ([Formula: see text]) in outcome variables NIHSS, Ashworth, QOL, absolute upper and lower limb strength except for MMS as compared to Conventional Physiotherapy Group. Whereas in ischemic Subjects, there was no statistically significant difference between both groups([Formula: see text]) on 30th as well as on 90th day comparison. Conclusions: Erigo tilt-table training are found to be effective than conventional physiotherapy in haemorrhagic stroke whereas in ischemic stroke both the interventions are equally effective.
The Frank–Lieb approach to sharp Sobolev inequalities
Authors: Case Jeffrey S.
Published: February 2020

Frank and Lieb gave a new, rearrangement-free, proof of the sharp Hardy–Littlewood–Sobolev inequalities by exploiting their conformal covariance. Using this they gave new proofs of sharp Sobolev inequalities for the embeddings [Formula: see text]. We show that their argument gives a direct proof of the latter inequalities without passing through Hardy–Littlewood–Sobolev inequalities, and, moreover, a new proof of a sharp fully nonlinear Sobolev inequality involving the [Formula: see text]-curvature. Our argument relies on nice commutator identities deduced using the Fefferman–Graham ambient metric.
Systemic Risk and Trading Strategy Based on Correlation-Based Networks in Stock Markets
Authors: Yu Jia-Wei , Huang Qin-Qin , Guo Yong-Han , Jiang Zhi-Qiang , Xie Wen-Jie
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we construct five systemic risk indicators and test their performances based on four different datasets. It is observed that the five indicators can accurately indicate the increment of systemic risks during the periods of sub-prime crisis and European debt crisis. Trading strategies based on the risk indicators are further designed to test the warning ability of future price drops. The backtests reveal that trading based on the five indicators provides satisfied excess returns when the trading costs are included. Our results provide insights to find new network-based risk indicators to early warn the systemic risks in financial markets.
Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 deficiency increases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species emission and induces mitochondrial protease Omi/HtrA2 in skeletal muscle
Authors: Wakabayashi Yuka , Tamura Yuki , Kouzaki Karina , Kikuchi Naoki , Hiranuma Kenji , Menuki Kunitaka , Tajima Takafumi , Yamanaka Yoshiaki , Sakai Akinori , Nakayama Keiichi I. , Kawamoto Toshihiro , Kitagawa Kyoko , Nakazato Koichi
Published: February 2020

Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is an enzyme involved in redox homeostasis as well as the detoxification process in alcohol metabolism. Nearly 8% of the world’s population have an inactivating mutation in the ALDH2 gene. However, the expression patterns and specific functions of ALDH2 in skeletal muscles are still unclear. Herein, we report that ALDH2 is expressed in skeletal muscle and is localized to the mitochondrial fraction. Oxidative muscles had a higher amount of ALDH2 protein than glycolytic muscles. We next comprehensively investigated whether ALDH2 knockout in mice induces mitochondrial adaptations in gastrocnemius muscle (for example, content, enzymatic activity, respiratory function, supercomplex formation, and functional networking). We found that ALDH2 deficiency resulted in partial mitochondrial dysfunction in gastrocnemius muscle because it increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) emission (2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein and MitoSOX oxidation rate during respiration) and the frequency of regional mitochondrial depolarization. Moreover, we determined whether ALDH2 deficiency and the related mitochondrial dysfunction trigger mitochondrial stress and quality control responses in gastrocnemius muscle (for example, mitophagy markers, dynamics, and the unfolded protein response). We found that ALDH2 deficiency upregulated the mitochondrial serine protease Omi/HtrA2 (a marker of the activation of a branch of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response). In summary, ALDH2 deficiency leads to greater mitochondrial ROS production, but homeostasis can be maintained via an appropriate stress response.
Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection Presenting with Hyperbilirubinemia and Splenomegaly in a Term Infant with Trisomy 21
Authors: Wilson Kate , Ellsworth Lindsay , Pesch Megan H.
Published: February 2020

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) is very common, yet the presentation can be varied, making the diagnosis challenging. However, early diagnosis for treatment with medication in symptomatic cases within the first month of life is critical. Hyperbilirubinemia and splenomegaly are less common manifestations at birth and may be overlooked in the setting of other symptoms, especially in a critically ill neonate. We present a case of a term infant with trisomy 21 who presented with isolated hyperbilirubinemia and splenomegaly and was later diagnosed with congenital CMV.
Fixed-Point Theorem for Multivalued Quasi-Contraction Maps in a V-Fuzzy Metric Space
Authors: Sookoo Matthew Brijesh , Gunakala Sreedhara Rao
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we introduce the concept of a set-valued or multivalued quasi-contraction mapping in V-fuzzy metric spaces. Using this new concept, a fixed-point theorem is established. We also provide an example verifying and illustrating the fixed-point theorem in action.
A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis on a Disease in TCM: Astragalus Injection for Gathering Qi Depression
Authors: Ha Yanxiang , Huang Po , Yan Yumeng , Xu Xiaolong , Li Bo , Guo Yuhong , Liu Qingquan
Published: February 2020

Zong Qi depression is a disease recorded in the literature of Chinese traditional medicine for a long time. In recent years, the theory of Zong Qi depression has been more and more applied to the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases. Astragalus is the most important drug used to treat the depression of Zong Qi. Meanwhile, Astragalus injection is also widely used in a variety of diseases in accordance with the manifestations of Zong Qi subsidence. However, there is a lack of systematic review or meta‐analysis of the clinical effect of Astragalus injection in the treatment of Zong Qi subsidence. Therefore, we searched for diseases characterized by symptoms of Zong Qi subsidence (including heart failure, respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and acute lung injury) and evaluated the effect of Astragalus injection in these diseases with mortality and distance of a 6‐minute walking test. The results showed that the mortality of patients with subsidence of Zong Qi decreased in 1 month (OR, 0.26 [0.12, 0.61], 95% CI, P = 0.002) and 1 year (OR, 0.38 [0.20, 0.69], 95% CI, P = 0.002) after using Astragalus injection. The distance of 6‐minute walking test after 7 (MD, 91.60 [6.89, 176.31], 95% CI, P = 0.03), 14 (MD, 22.62 [13.80, 31.43], 95% CI, P < 0.00001), and 28 days (MD, 108.31 [30.02, 186.59], 95% CI, P = 0.007) of using Astragalus injection also increased. Therefore, we believe that Astragalus injection has a certain therapeutic effect on the depression of Zong Qi.
Sociodemographic and Clinical Variables of Depression among Patients with Epilepsy in a Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Madandola Nasir Olamide , Sale Shehu , Adebisi Adebayo Sunday , Obembe Ayodele , Salihu Auwal S. , Bakare Abdulfatai Tomori , Danjuma Ishak Abioda
Published: February 2020

Background. Depression is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Its occurrence in patients living with epilepsy is not just common but also a serious comorbidity. Patients tend to suffer if the depressive disorder is undetected and thus untreated. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of depressive disorder in patients with epilepsy. Also, the sociodemographic and clinical factors that are associated with the development of depression in people living with epilepsy were examined. Materials and Method. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of participants living with epilepsy and receiving care at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. Participants were recruited consecutively as they come for follow-up care. A sociodemographic/clinical questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire version 28 (GHQ-28) were first administered to participants followed by the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). The descriptive statistics were generated and analyzed. Logistic regression was also done to determine the predictors of depression in the study participants. All test of probability was set at p<0.05. Results. A total of 400 participants with epilepsy were examined with GHQ-28 and CIDI. Out of the GHQ-28 examined individuals, 71 people (17.8%) met criteria for caseness while 35 participants (8.8%) were depressed when assessed with CIDI. The predictors of depressive illness in participants living with epilepsy were GHQ caseness (p≤0.001), minority ethnic group (p=0.006), and a positive family history of mental illness (p=0.021). Conclusion. Depression is common in people with epilepsy. Physicians should actively assess individuals with epilepsy for symptoms of depression. Special attention should be paid to patients with a family history of epilepsy and those from minority ethnic groups.
Effects of pH and Salinity on the Hydrothermal Transport of Tungsten: Insights from In Situ Raman Spectroscopic Characterization of K2WO4-NaCl-HCl-CO2 Solutions at Temperatures up to 400°C
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Qiu Ye , Chou I-Ming , Zhang Rongqing , Li Guanglai , Zhong Richen
Published: February 2020

In situ Raman spectra of aqueous K2WO4-HCl, K2WO4-HCl-NaCl, and K2WO4-CO2-NaCl solutions were collected at elevated temperature (T, 100–400°C) and constant pressure (P) of 30 MPa. The stretching vibration band of the W=O bond (v1) was analyzed to reveal the species of tungsten (W) responsible for the hydrothermal transport of W during mineralization. Results showed that monomeric tungstates with v1(W=O) bands at ~930 and 950 cm-1 are the dominant W species in weakly alkaline (room temperature, pH=7.7) to near-neutral (room temperature, pH=7.2) solutions under the investigated T‐P conditions. Overall, the stability of polymeric tungstate species with v1(W=O) bands at ~965–995 cm-1 decreases with rising temperature and was not detected at ≥300°C in moderately acidic solution (room temperature, pH=4.9). However, increased fluid acidity and salinity obviously enlarged the temperature stability field of polymeric tungstate species. In highly acidic solution (room temperature, pH=1.4), polymeric tungstates are the only stable W species even at 400°C. In the presence of 1.9 mol/kg NaCl, polymeric tungstate(s) can persist to at least 350°C in moderately acidic solution. Considering that 300–350°C is the major W-mineralizing T range and W-mineralizing fluid is generally characterized by a moderately acidic nature, we propose that, in addition to monomeric tungstates, polymeric tungstates can also be important W species in some natural geological fluids that are responsible for the mineralization of W. Future studies of the W mineralization mechanism should take this issue into account.