bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vasodilation secondary to exposure to galvanic currents
Authors: R. Margalef , F. Minaya Muñoz , F. Valera Garrido , MM Santafe
Published: December 2019

Background The action of galvanic currents (GC) includes the generation of vasoactive substances such as, for example the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor, VEGFR-2.

Aim To evaluate modifications in blood flow by action of the galvanic current.

Material and Methods The experiments have been performed in Swiss male mice (45-50 days old). The experiments were performed at controlled temperature and light settings. The hypodermis of the skin in the cranial area was used. The procedures were as follows: 1) A portion of skin was sectioned and lifted to obtain a control image; 2) the needle (Physio Invasiva 0.30 × 40mm) was placed over the surface of the skull and covered with skin; 3) treatment was applied using 3 mA, during 3 seconds and three applications (Physio Invasiva Prim); 4) the skin was immediately lifted once again and 3h later to obtain experimental images. In the case of the controls, process 1-4 was repeated, however without applying current. The images were binarized (Digimizer 4.6.1. MedCalc Software) and the area occupied by the vessels of the same surface for each image.

Results In mice treated using the GC protocol 3mA, 3 seconds and 3 applications, an increase of 38.53% ± 0.006 was obtained immediately after the application of the GC. However, at three hours, this variation disappears (% of variation: 4.03 ± 0.01), recovering control values. In the control experiments there was no modification.

Conclusions Galvanic currents provoke an immediate and transitory vasodilation in mid to small caliber vessels. An immediate and transitory vasodilation has two consequences: the arrival of cells responsible for the inflammatory reaction is accelerated (an essential and necessary step for the regeneration of tissues) and lavage of nociceptive substances is facilitated, which supports an analgesic effect.
Nonfullerene Small-Molecule Acceptors with Extended Optical Absorption Based on the “Spliced” Strategy for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Zhou Di , Liu Zhilin , Zhu Dangqiang , Yuan Xiyue , Bao Xichang , Yang Renqiang
Published: December 2019

How to broaden the optical absorption of photovoltaic materials is one of the key issues in the design of high-performance organic solar cells. Nowadays, the sunlight of 400–550 nm wavelength range is not effectively utilized for most small-molecule nonfullerene acceptors. In this work, we proposed the “spliced” strategy of combining the acceptor–donor–acceptor type narrow band-gap small molecules and wide-band-gap perylene diimide (PDI) moieties via a flexible alkyl chain linkage, which could give the superposition effect of the absorption spectra, and three small-molecule acceptors (S1, S2, and S3) were designed based on various end-capping groups with different electron withdrawing abilities. Encouragingly, the as-constructed molecules can well make use of 400–550 nm sunlight with two independent absorption regions. Meanwhile, the aggregation of S1 with a highly planar end-capping group was dominated by both the PDI unit and main skeleton, while S2 and S3 exhibited PDI-controlled aggregation. When fabricated into organic solar cells, S1-based devices achieved a superior efficiency of 3.41% in comparison with those of the other two. The poor photovoltaic performance could be attributed to severe PDI aggregation, which can hinder the charge transfer through the main skeletons. This work could provide a new perspective to modulate optical absorption through the spliced strategy.
Image-based feedback control of a magnetic catheter to enhance the path-following capability of the position and orientation at its distal part
Authors: Kim N. , Lee W. , Jung E. , Kim J. , Park J. , Jang G.
Published: December 2019

We have proposed a novel image-based feedback control method to enhance the path-following capability for position and orientation of a magnetic catheter at its distal part. The proposed control method uses only a navigation status of the magnetic catheter for manipulation without utilizing complex analytical models. By comparing the positions of two markers of the magnetic catheter relative to a predefined path, we classify the navigation status of the magnetic catheter into four cases and determine the external magnetic field and feeding velocity according to a proposed control algorithm. Finally, we conduct a path-following experiment in an environment with multiple branches to verify the improved position and minimization of the orientation error regarding the path-following capability of the proposed control method.
Vortex state study of superconducting Fe(Te, Se) thin films deposited on SrTiO3 substrate by pulsed laser deposition technique
Authors: Kumar Rohit , Mitra A. , Varma G. D.
Published: December 2019

Superconducting thin films of two thicknesses have been fabricated on (100) oriented SrTiO3 (STO) substrates using the target of composition Fe1.05Te0.50Se0.50 by pulsed laser deposition technique. The structural and transport properties of the fabricated thin films have been investigated and the results indicate the enhancement in the superconducting properties with increasing thickness of the thin films. The onset of the superconducting transition temperature of the grown thin films of thicknesses ∼78 nm and ∼177 nm are ∼12.10 and 12.62 K at 0 T magnetic field, respectively. To estimate the upper critical fields HC2(0), thermally activated energy (TAE) and vortex phase diagram, the magnetoresistance measurements have been performed in the magnetic field range of 0 - 8 T. HC2(0) have been calculated by Ginzburg Landau (GL) theory and Werthamer-Helfand-Hohenberg model by taking the criterion of 90%, 50% and 10% of normal state resistivity and the corresponding GL coherence lengths have also been calculated. In the present work, the TAE has been estimated by conventional Arrhenius relation and modified thermally activated flux flow (TAFF) theory. The power law dependence of TAE, shows prominently the possible planer defects in the system. From the modified TAFF model, the values of fitting parameter ‘q’ suggests the 3 dimensional behaviour of the vortices for both the grown thin films. The vortex phase diagram study reveals the transition from the vortex liquid to vortex glass state.
Shape-controlled MnO nanoparticles as T1 MRI contrast agents
Authors: Banerjee A. , Zeng W. , Taheri M. , Blasiak B. , Tomanek B. , Trudel S.
Published: December 2019

Magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive imaging method that offers high-resolution, high quality in vivo visualization for medical diagnostics. Magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) containing Mn2+ offer an attractive alternative to Gd-based molecular contrast agents for T1 MRI. In this work, we show that highly anisotropic MnO NPs can be generated from a single precursor using simple synthetic protocols. These anisotropic morphologies offer better contrast augmentation when compared to spherical MnO NPs of similar sizes.
Macroscopic magnetization tunneling in the Josephson φ junction
Authors: Kim Gwang-Hee
Published: December 2019

We consider quantum tunneling of the magnetic moment controlled by the bias current and the magnetic field along the general direction in the Josephson φ0 junction. Different forms of the energy barriers can be generated by the magnitude and direction of the current and the magnetic field. Employing the instanton technique, we present the analytic formulas of the tunneling rate in the uniaxial and nonuniaxial symmetries, and discuss that the Josephson junction is ideally suited for the study of the magnetic tunneling.
Experimental photodetector dynamically switches working modes for high performance
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: December 2019

Using the insulator-to-metal transition of vanadium oxide stacked in a heterojunction with tungsten diselenide provides path forward for high detectivity, highly responsive detectors.
Female and male costs of reproduction must be equal in dioecious Cape plant genus Leucadendron (Proteaceae)
Authors: Midgley Jeremy J. , West Adam G. , Cramer Michael D.
Published: December 2019

The Cape Leucadendron genus is dioecious, with extreme vegetative dimorphism displayed in some species – females having much larger leaves and fewer branches than males – whereas other species are monomorphic. Leucadendron is ecologically diverse, with some species with canopy stored seeds (serotiny) and others with soil stored seeds. These features mean that the Cape Leucadendron is an ideal genus to study the costs of reproduction for the different sexes in plants, and to determine whether vegetative dimorphism could be due to unequal costs. Here we use the unique aspects of the fire-prone Cape environment in which leucadendrons occur to show that the costs of sex must be equal between the sexes. Leucadendron populations are single aged because they only recruit after fires that kill all adults. Therefore, because the sexes have the same lifespans, they must have the same lifetime extent of vegetative versus reproductive allocation. Also, ecologically similar hermaphrodite Proteaceae co-exist with dioecious taxa. To co-occur, dioecious and hermaphrodite taxa must have the same mean post-fire fitness. This implies that dioecious females must have double the reproductive output that a co-occurring hermaphrodite has. This is only possible if the costs of reproduction are the same for the sexes and that the sexes use the same resources for reproduction. Finally, because males and female co-occur, they must be competitively equivalent to maintain natal sex ratios. These three factors suggest male and female allocate equivalently and therefore that vegetative sexual dimorphism is unlikely to be due to differences in allocation.
Recovery of Pindan vegetation on seismic lines
Authors: Dawson Stuart J. , Adams Peter J. , Waddington Kris I. , Moseby Katherine E. , Fleming Patricia A.
Published: December 2019

Exploration for oil and gas resources requiring the clearing of seismic lines has been occurring in central and northern Australia for many years. For example, seismic surveys have been conducted in the West Kimberley region of Western Australia since the 1960s. Despite this being a widespread practice, the recovery of vegetation on seismic lines has not been well studied. To better understand vegetation recovery in the West Kimberley, we conducted vegetation surveys on recovering seismic lines cleared using a raised-blade technique, from ∼two months to 4.9 years post-clearing, and compared them to paired control plots. Generally, the vegetation structure and community composition on seismic lines recovered quickly, with no discernible difference between control and seismic plots that were cleared more than 6 months prior. Some individual vegetation characteristics (e.g. understorey density and overstorey cover) recovered slowly, whereas other characteristics such as the number of individual grasses, recovered quickly. Vegetation recovery was confounded by the time since fire, which accounted for differences in vegetation structure at 1–2 years and 3–4 years since clearing. The fast recovery rate observed suggests that raised-blade clearing may not present a lasting impact on Pindan vegetation in the West Kimberley.
Forest-tree population genomics.
Authors: Meilan R. , Kirst M.
Published: December 2019

This chapter focuses on the use of genomic information to characterize forest tree population diversity, the relationship among populations, and the detection of loci that contribute to their adaptation. Other aspects related to population genetics of tree species, such as geographic variation, population evolution, and gene conservation have been reviewed in detail elsewhere.
Small Area Estimation and Hotspot Identification of Opioid use Disorder among Military Veterans Living in the Southern United States
Authors: Albright David L. , McDaniel Justin , Kertesz Stefan , Seal David , Prather Katie , English Thomas , Laha-Walsh Kirsten
Published: December 2019

Background

The purpose of this study was to estimate opioid use disorder prevalence rates at the county level among veterans in Alabama and to determine hotspots of said rates.

Methods

By combining data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and the American Community Survey, we developed a mixed-effects generalized linear model of opioid use disorder and modeled probabilities onto veteran-specific population counts at the county level in Alabama.

Results

The average model-based estimate for opioid use disorder prevalence among veterans in Alabama from 2015 to 2017 was 0.79% ( SD = 0.16), with a minimum of 0.52% (i.e., Lowndes county, Alabama) and a maximum of 1.10% (Dale county, Alabama). Hotspot analysis revealed a significant cluster of “high-high” veteran opioid use disorder prevalence in neighboring Marion, Winston, and Cullman counties.

Conclusions

The application of the statistical technique presented in this study can provide feasible, cost-effective, and practical county-level prevalence estimates of veteran-specific opioid use disorder and should be widely applied by states and counties so that they can more accurately and efficiently allocate resources to caring for veterans with an opioid use disorder.
Comparison on calibration factor measurement of power sensor
Authors: Danacı E , Celep M , Tuncel O , Aljawan A H , Alboraih I , Aldawood K S
Published: December 2019

This comparison covers the measurement of calibration factors (CF) of power sensors and was carried out where SASO NMCC and TUBITAK UME participated, on the frame of GULFMET.

Calibration factors are used for characterization of RF power sensors. RF power sensors are used to measure RF power, and is an important mean to achieve traceability of RF power measurements. This bilateral comparison was performed by measuring a power sensor at frequencies of 10 MHz, 50 MHz, 1 GHz, 4 GHz, 8 GHz, 12 GHz, 15 GHz, and 18 GHz, at a power level of 0 dBm.

TÜBİTAK UME was acting as the pilot laboratory. The travelling standard was provided by SASO NMCC. TUBITAK UME was responsible for monitoring standard performance during the circulation and the evaluation and reporting of the comparison results.

The comparison was carried out in accordance with the CCEM Guidelines for Planning, Organizing, Conducting and Reporting Key, Supplementary and Pilot Comparisons.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCEM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Germanium quantum dot infrared photodetectors addressed by self-aligned silicon nanowire electrodes
Authors: Zhao Yaolong , Li Lingfei , Liu Shuaishuai , Wang Junzhuan , Xu Jun , Shi Yi , Chen Kunji , Roca i Cabarrocas Pere , Yu Linwei
Published: December 2019

Germanium quantum dots (GeQDs), addressed by self-aligned and epitaxial silicon nanowires (SiNWs) as electrodes, represent the most fundamental and the smallest units that can be integrated into Si optoelectronics for 1550 nm wavelength detection. In this work, individual GeQD photodetectors have been fabricated based on a low temperature self-condensation of uniform amorphous Si (a-Si)/a-Ge bilayers at 300 °C, led by rolling indium (In) droplets. Remarkably, the diameter of the GeQD nodes can be independently controlled to achieve wider GeQDs for maximizing infrared absorption with narrower SiNW electrodes to ensure a high quality Ge/Si hetero-epitaxial connection. Importantly, these hetero GeQD/SiNW photodetectors can be deployed into predesigned locations for scalable device fabrication. The photodetectors demonstrate a responsivity of 1.5 mA W−1 and a photoconductive gain exceeding 102 to the communication wavelength signals, which are related to the beneficial type-II Ge/Si alignment, gradient Ge/Si epitaxial transition and a larger QD/NW diameter ratio. These results indicate a new approach to batch-fabricate and integrate GeQDs for ultra-compact Si-compatible photodetection and imaging applications.
Deep learning for physical processes: incorporating prior scientific knowledge*
Authors: de Bézenac Emmanuel , Pajot Arthur , Gallinari Patrick
Published: December 2019

We consider the use of deep learning methods for modeling complex phenomena like those occurring in natural physical processes. With the large amount of data gathered on these phenomena the data intensive paradigm could begin to challenge more traditional approaches elaborated over the years in fields like maths or physics. However, despite considerable successes in a variety of application domains, the machine learning field is not yet ready to handle the level of complexity required by such problems. Using an example application, namely sea surface temperature prediction, we show how general background knowledge gained from the physics could be used as a guideline for designing efficient deep learning models. In order to motivate the approach and to assess its generality we demonstrate a formal link between the solution of a class of differential equations underlying a large family of physical phenomena and the proposed model. Experiments and comparison with series of baselines including a state of the art numerical approach is then provided.
On the information bottleneck theory of deep learning*
Authors: Saxe Andrew M , Bansal Yamini , Dapello Joel , Advani Madhu , Kolchinsky Artemy , Tracey Brendan D , Cox David D
Published: December 2019

The practical successes of deep neural networks have not been matched by theoretical progress that satisfyingly explains their behavior. In this work, we study the information bottleneck (IB) theory of deep learning, which makes three specific claims: first, that deep networks undergo two distinct phases consisting of an initial fitting phase and a subsequent compression phase; second, that the compression phase is causally related to the excellent generalization performance of deep networks; and third, that the compression phase occurs due to the diffusion-like behavior of stochastic gradient descent. Here we show that none of these claims hold true in the general case, and instead reflect assumptions made to compute a finite mutual information metric in deterministic networks. When computed using simple binning, we demonstrate through a combination of analytical results and simulation that the information plane trajectory observed in prior work is predominantly a function of the neural nonlinearity employed: double-sided saturating nonlinearities like yield a compression phase as neural activations enter the saturation regime, but linear activation functions and single-sided saturating nonlinearities like the widely used ReLU in fact do not. Moreover, we find that there is no evident causal connection between compression and generalization: networks that do not compress are still capable of generalization, and vice versa. Next, we show that the compression phase, when it exists, does not arise from stochasticity in training by demonstrating that we can replicate the IB findings using full batch gradient descent rather than stochastic gradient descent. Finally, we show that when an input domain consists of a subset of task-relevant and task-irrelevant information, hidden representations do compress the task-irrelevant information, although the overall information about the input may monotonically increase with training time, and that this compression happens concurrently with the fitting process rather than during a subsequent compression period.
Measurement of the pick holders position on the side surface of the cutting head of a mining machine with the use of stereoscopic vision
Authors: Jagieła–Zając A , Cheluszka P
Published: December 2019

The efficiency of rock cutting with mining machines is largely determined by the arrangement of picks, i.e. the number and their arrangement on the working unit of the mining machine. Not only the correct selection of the pick system for given conditions at the design stage is important, but also ensuring compliance with the design of the finished product. Strives, among others therefore, for robotisation of the process of manufacturing cutting heads/drums. From the point of view of the robotisation of the pick holders welding process, it is necessary to assess in real time the position of the pick holders relative to the side surface of the cutting head body. A convenient way is to use contactless measurement methods based on vision systems. The article presents a method of determining the position of pick holders relative to the side surface of the cutting head body of a roadheader, during their positioning, using a 3D vision system. Data processing was carried out in the Matlab software using the libraries of the Computer Vision Toolbox. A mathematical model describing the transformation of images recorded by cameras has been presented. On the basis of this model, the distribution of distances between the pick holder base points and the side surface of the cutting head was determined for a given pick holder setting. The developed measurement method was tested on an experimental stand built in the Laboratory of robotics of the Department of Mining Mechanization and Robotisation at the Silesian University of Technology.
Automatic analysis of video content in the process of monitoring of industrial facilities
Authors: Jura M
Published: December 2019

In order to automate the monitoring process, a review of methods of object detection in pictures or video content has been carried out. The methods have been analyzed in terms of their application in the software design, which will be implemented for monitoring with the use of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). The selected methods have been chosen to create prototype software for finding video frames depicting a specific object and archiving the results in relation to this object.
Assessment of durability of load-carrying and leveling ropes in selected shafts of underground mines
Authors: Stawowiak M , Żołnierz M , Rożenek Z
Published: December 2019

The article presents the problem of durability of load-bearing and compensating ropes operated in selected shafts of underground mines. The basic causes of wear of hoisting ropes are described, methods for assessing the wear of wire ropes are given, and criteria for assessing the durability of hoisting ropes are presented. The authors also presented selected results from elongations of lift ropes. The article ends with conclusions resulting from the conducted research.
Tests of flame-proof properties of supply-control system for a mining floor-loader
Authors: Lesiak K
Published: December 2019

Tests of flame-proof properties of supply-control box for a floor-loader operating in underground mine workings, where methane and/or flammable dust explosion hazard occurs are presented. The tests included, among others, a determination of the explosion pressure, the enclosure strength to the pressure and the test of non-transfer of internal explosion. The tests enabled to localized the components, which required some improvements regarding their mechanical strength but also confirmed safety of the final design. The enclosure of the supply-control equipment of a floor-loader is designed within the HYDKOM 75 project co-financed by the National Centre for Research and Development.
The use of innovative solutions improving selected energy or environmental indices of hydrostatic drives
Authors: Domagała Z , Kędzia K , Stosiak M
Published: December 2019

This paper consists of three parts. The first part presents an exemplary application of a state-of-the-art proportional directional valve in hydrostatic gear starting. It is shown that through a proper directional valve control algorithm one can shape the pressure during the starting of the gear, reducing in this way the accompanying system noise. The second part describes the digital fluid power (DFP) technology. Its main advantage is the system’s simple design. One type of valve in 2 or 3 different sizes is sufficient to perform all the functions. In comparison with the often-used proportional valve, such a valve (called a binary valve), is characterized by simple circuitry, the absence of a position sensor, greater tolerance and lower sensitivity to impurities. An exemplary implementation of the DFP system as an additional drive in an off-road vehicle is presented. The third part describes the kinetostatic method for determining hydraulic system control parameters in order to increase the energy or environmental performance of the machine through the stabilization of the primary energy source and the selection of proper recuperation system components.
Utilisation safety of integrated control systems for longwall and road mining complexes.
Authors: Figiel A
Published: December 2019

Basing on the experience of the certification body in the field of evaluation of integrated control systems for longwall and road mining complexes, as part of the procedure for their authorisation for use in mines, in this article the applicable requirements for these systems have been reviewed (chapter 2), issues important from the safety point of view taken into account by the KOMAG Institute of Mining Technology Division of Attestation Tests Certifying Body in the process of their evaluation have been identified (chapter 3), and measures the fulfilment of which will increase the level of safety in the use of mining and longwall mining complexes in underground mining have been proposed (chapter 4). Issues addressed in this article bear importance for all underground mines, in which the deposit exploitation and excavation is performed using the longwall and road mining complexes.
Synergistic augmentation of polypropylene composites by hybrid morphology polyaniline particles for antistatic packaging applications
Authors: Gill Yasir Qayyum , Ehsan Hira , Irfan Muhammad Shafiq , Saeed Farhan , Shakoor Abdul
Published: December 2019

In current study polyaniline filled polypropylene (PP/PAni) conductive composites were prepared by a novel premixing technique followed by melt mixing. The PP/PAni composites were also compatibilized by addition of polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride. Polyaniline was prepared by using ammonium per sulphate and ferric chloride as single oxidants. Effects of oxidizing agents (of polyaniline) on composites were studied by morphological, electrical and mechanical properties on composites. FTIR analysis was also carried out to study the nature of interactions and possible bonding between polyaniline and polypropylene matrix. Thermal analysis was carried out to study the thermal stability of composites. Morphological analysis revealed that the proposed premixing technique was quite successful in depositing polyaniline to polypropylene matrix. This analysis was also supported by the results of electrical conductivity where formation of conductive pathways were observed by addition of polyaniline thus converting insulating nature of polypropylene to a semiconducting one.
Role of graphene nanoplatelets and carbon fiber on mechanical properties of PA66/thermoplastic copolyester elastomer composites
Authors: Suresha B , Hemanth G , Hemanth R , Lalla N P
Published: December 2019

In this work, the effect of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the physico-mechnaical properties of short carbon fiber (SCF) reinforced polyamide 66/thermoplastic copolyester elastomer composites was investigated. The composites were fabricated with extrusion followed by injection molding method. The host matrix, fiber plus host matrix and graphene nanoplatelets loaded hybrid composites were examined for density, hardness, tensile, flexural and impact properties according to the governing ASTM standard. Fiber reinforcement decreased void content to < 1 % but GNPs were able to keep void content under limits. Hardness and impact strength augmented with 2 wt. % graphene nanoplatelets loading, owing to superficial dispersion developing the relationship between the hardness and impact strength. Graphene nanoplatelets loading benefitted the tensile property. However, the same has a deteriorating effect on flexural strength. Flexural modulus increases until 2 wt. %. Improvement in mechanical properties upon GNPs loading is very feeble when compared to the enhancement with SCFs loading to the host. Upon comparing the properties, it was observed that 2 wt. % of graphene nanoplatelets performed admirably and was recognized as an optimum filler loading. Morphology of fractured surfaces was studied by analyzing the scanning electron microscope images to understand the various features and mechanisms.
CoFe2O4–Fe3O4bimagnetic heterostructure: a versatile core-shell nanoparticle with magnetically recoverable photocatalytic and self heating properties
Authors: Borgohain C , Borah J P
Published: December 2019

CoFe2O4–Fe3O4(Fe/Co = 2.3, 2.75 & 3.5) core-shell magnetic nanocomposite (MNC) was successfully prepared by combined sonochemical and reverse co-precipitation method using cost effective and readily available precursor. The structure, morphology, thermal, optical and magnetic properties of the MNC was extensively studied and the product was found suitable for use as an environmentally safe recyclable photocatalyst for pollution control. The self-heating properties of the MNC was also investigated for magnetic hyperthermia application. The studies of Infrared (IR) and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy confirmed the synthesis and formation of the bimagnetic heterostructure. The x-ray Diffraction studies and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed the formation of subnanometer clusters (<10 nm) in the asprepared samples. The results of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)/Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) analysis of the as prepared samples showed transformation of intermediate Fe-phases to Fe3O4during sample heating at 420 °C. This transformation accompanied structural changes in the asprepared sample that led to the formation of the coreshell structure which was observed in the TEM images of the annealed sample with Fe/Co ratio (x = 3.5). The magnetization-hysteresis (M-H) studies was done on the asprepared and annealed samples using the Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The VSM studies showed significant improvement of magnetization and coercivity in the annealed samples making it suitable for re-usability in photocatalytic reaction and magnetic hyperthermia application. The degradation of phenolphthalein (a non-biodegradable organic chemical) in the presence of UV light irradiation was used as a reference reaction to confirm the photocatalytic properties of the CoFe2O4–Fe3O4MNC, which could be well isolated from the media at the end of degradation, by applying an external magnetic field and reused. The nanocomposite was also investigated for magnetic hyperthermia using induction heating properties and the result infer that it is also a promising material for hyperthermia application.
Gene transfer across species boundaries in bryophytes: evidence from major life cycle stages in Homalothecium lutescens and H. sericeum
Authors: Sawangproh W , Hedenäs L , Lang A S , Hansson B , Cronberg N
Published: December 2019

Background and Aims

The mosses Homalothecium lutescens and H. sericeum are genetically, morphologically and ecologically differentiated; mixed populations sometimes occur. In sympatric populations, intermediate character states among gametophytes and sporophytes have been observed, suggesting hybridization and introgression in such populations.

Methods

We determined genotypes using bi-allelic co-dominant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, specific to either H. lutescens or H. sericeum, to estimate the degree of genetic mixing in 449 moss samples collected from seven sympatric and five allopatric populations on the island of Öland, south Sweden. The samples represented three generations: haploid maternal gametophytes; diploid sporophytes; and haploid sporelings.

Key Results

Admixture analyses of SNP genotypes identified a majority as pure H. lutescens or H. sericeum, but 76 samples were identified as mildly admixed (17 %) and 17 samples (3.8 %) as strongly admixed. Admixed samples were represented in all three generations in several populations. Hybridization and introgression were bidirectional.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that admixed genomes are transferred between the generations, so that the populations behave as true hybrid zones. Earlier studies of sympatric bryophyte populations with admixed individuals have not been able to show that admixed alleles are transferred beyond the first generation. The presence of true hybrid zones has strong evolutionary implications because genetic material transferred across species boundaries can be directly exposed to selection in the long-lived haploid generation of the bryophyte life cycle, and contribute to local adaptation, long-term survival and speciation.
Benchmarking immunoinformatic tools for the analysis of antibody repertoire sequences
Authors: Smakaj Erand , Babrak Lmar , Ohlin Mats , Shugay Mikhail , Briney Bryan , Tosoni Deniz , Galli Christopher , Grobelsek Vendi , D’Angelo Igor , Olson Branden , Reddy Sai , Greiff Victor , Trück Johannes , Marquez Susanna , Lees William , Miho Enkelejda
Published: December 2019

Antibody repertoires reveal insights into the biology of the adaptive immune system and empower diagnostics and therapeutics. There are currently multiple tools available for the annotation of antibody sequences. All downstream analyses such as choosing lead drug candidates depend on the correct annotation of these sequences; however, a thorough comparison of the performance of these tools has not been investigated. Here, we benchmark the performance of commonly used immunoinformatic tools, i.e. IMGT/HighV-QUEST, IgBLAST and MiXCR, in terms of reproducibility of annotation output, accuracy and speed using simulated and experimental high-throughput sequencing datasets.

We analyzed changes in IMGT reference germline database in the last 10 years in order to assess the reproducibility of the annotation output. We found that only 73/183 (40%) V, D and J human genes were shared between the reference germline sets used by the tools. We found that the annotation results differed between tools. In terms of alignment accuracy, MiXCR had the highest average frequency of gene mishits, 0.02 mishit frequency and IgBLAST the lowest, 0.004 mishit frequency. Reproducibility in the output of complementarity determining three regions (CDR3 amino acids) ranged from 4.3% to 77.6% with preprocessed data. In addition, run time of the tools was assessed: MiXCR was the fastest tool for number of sequences processed per unit of time. These results indicate that immunoinformatic analyses greatly depend on the choice of bioinformatics tool. Our results support informed decision-making to immunoinformaticians based on repertoire composition and sequencing platforms.

Availability and implementation

All tools utilized in the paper are free for academic use.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Phenotypic analysis of aposematic conoderine weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Conoderinae) supports the existence of three large mimicry complexes
Authors: Anzaldo Salvatore S , Wilson Joseph S , Franz Nico M
Published: December 2019

The Conoderinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are one of the most distinctive Neotropical weevil groups in behaviour and appearance, attracting numerous hypotheses regarding the evolution and function of widespread apparent mimetic convergence. Conoderines have a poorly documented natural history, and a large fraction of the diversity of the group remains undescribed, presenting challenges to their study. In this analysis, 128 species of conoderine weevils previously or herein hypothesized to belong to three mimicry complexes are analysed in the first quantitative test of conoderine mimicry. Fifteen continuous and categorical characters describing the size, shape and coloration of these weevils were analysed using non-metric multidimensional scaling while statistically testing the resulting clusters in ordination space. Three similar, putatively mimetic complexes are recognized: (1) the ‘red-eyed fly’ complex of weevils, which are hypothesized to be evasively mimetic on various species of red-eyed flies; (2) the ‘striped/spotted’ complex, composed of weevils with a brightly coloured pronotum and red to white elytral stripes or spots; and (3) the ‘shiny blue’ complex of species with iridescent blue to blue–green pronotal scales. Each of these groups covers a wide geographical distribution and has evolved independently in multiple genera, although the red-eyed fly complex appears to be both the most species rich and widely distributed phylogenetically. Groupings were found to be statistically significant, although variation within each group suggests that the similarity in appearance of species in each group could be attributable to independent convergence on different, but phenotypically similar, models. Several avenues for future research on conoderine mimicry are discussed.
Reinterpreting the phylogenetic position, systematics and distribution of the Raddia-Sucrea lineage (Poaceae, Olyrinae), with a new monotypic and endangered herbaceous bamboo genus from Brazil
Authors: Oliveira R Patrícia , Silva Christian , Welker Cassiano A D , Dórea Marcos Da C , Oliveira Iasmin L C , Vieira João P S , Leite Kelly R B , Clark Lynn G
Published: December 2019

Herbaceous bamboos (tribe Olyreae) are typical components of Neotropical forests, with a great diversity in Brazil. Olyreae comprise three subtribes, of which Olyrinae are the most heterogeneous, with 19 genera widely distributed in Brazilian biomes but also occurring in Mexico, Central America and northern and western South America. One of the lineages of this group is composed of the genera Raddia and Sucrea, the relationships of which were recently studied. Although Raddia was clearly monophyletic, the three Sucrea spp. displayed incongruence between the plastid and nuclear genomes. In the present study, we increased taxon sampling and included additional DNA regions [ITS, rpl32–trnL, trnD–trnT and trnS–(psbZ)–trnG] and used macro- and micromorphological characters to investigate the relationships in this group. The analyses involved maximum parsimony, Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood estimation methods. The three species traditionally assigned to Sucrea are confined to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and represent two lineages, one sister to Raddia and composed of S. monophylla (the type species) and S. maculata, with open panicles, microechinate-areolate pollen and a distribution from Bahia to Rio de Janeiro states. The other lineage, sister to Raddia + Sucrea, is composed of an unusual species with contracted panicles, microechinate-rugulate pollen and conspicuous tuberous roots; this is endemic to Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo states. This species, traditionally known as S. sampaiana, is here transferred to the new genus Brasilochloa (as B. sampaiana). It is a rare lineage, currently endangered with extinction, as is the case for a number of herbaceous bamboos occurring in the Atlantic Forest.
Morphometric network differences in ageing versus Alzheimer’s disease dementia
Authors: Pichet Binette Alexa , Gonneaud Julie , Vogel Jacob W , La Joie Renaud , Rosa-Neto Pedro , Collins D Louis , Poirier Judes , Breitner John C S , Villeneuve Sylvia , Vachon-Presseau Etienne ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative,   the PREVENT-AD Research Group
Published: December 2019

Age being the main risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, it is particularly challenging to disentangle structural changes related to normal brain ageing from those specific to Alzheimer’s disease. Most studies aiming to make this distinction focused on older adults only and on a priori anatomical regions. Drawing on a large, multi-cohort dataset ranging from young adults (n = 468; age range 18–35 years), to older adults with intact cognition (n = 431; age range 55–90 years) and with Alzheimer’s disease (n = 50 with late mild cognitive impairment and 71 with Alzheimer’s dementia, age range 56–88 years), we investigated grey matter organization and volume differences in ageing and Alzheimer’s disease. Using independent component analysis on all participants’ structural MRI, we first derived morphometric networks and extracted grey matter volume in each network. We also derived a measure of whole-brain grey matter pattern organization by correlating grey matter volume in all networks across all participants from the same cohort. We used logistic regressions and receiver operating characteristic analyses to evaluate how well grey matter volume in each network and whole-brain pattern could discriminate between ageing and Alzheimer’s disease. Because increased heterogeneity is often reported as one of the main features characterizing brain ageing, we also evaluated interindividual heterogeneity within morphometric networks and across the whole-brain organization in ageing and Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, to investigate the clinical validity of the different grey matter features, we evaluated whether grey matter volume or whole-brain pattern was related to clinical progression in cognitively normal older adults. Ageing and Alzheimer’s disease contributed additive effects on grey matter volume in nearly all networks, except frontal lobe networks, where differences in grey matter were more specific to ageing. While no networks specifically discriminated Alzheimer’s disease from ageing, heterogeneity in grey matter volumes across morphometric networks and in the whole-brain grey matter pattern characterized individuals with cognitive impairments. Preservation of the whole-brain grey matter pattern was also related to lower risk of developing cognitive impairment, more so than grey matter volume. These results suggest both ageing and Alzheimer’s disease involve widespread atrophy, but that the clinical expression of Alzheimer’s disease is uniquely associated with disruption of morphometric organization.
Association between heart failure and perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery
Authors: Smilowitz Nathaniel R , Banco Darcy , Katz Stuart D , Beckman Joshua A , Berger Jeffery S
Published: December 2019

Aims

Heart failure (HF) affects ∼5.7 million US adults and many of these patients develop non-cardiac disease that requires surgery. The aim of this study was to determine perioperative outcomes associated with HF in a large cohort of patients undergoing in-hospital non-cardiac surgery.

Methods and results

Adults ≥18 years old undergoing non-cardiac surgery between 2012 and 2014 were identified using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample. Patients with HF were identified by ICD-9 diagnosis codes. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between HF and outcomes. A total of 21 560 996 surgical hospitalizations were identified, of which 1 063 405 (4.9%) had a diagnosis of HF. Among hospitalizations with HF, 4.7% had acute HF, 11.3% had acute on chronic HF, 27.8% had chronic HF, and 56.2% had an indeterminate diagnosis code that did not specify temporality. In-hospital perioperative mortality was more common among patients with any diagnosis of HF compared to those without HF [4.8% vs. 0.78%, P < 0.001; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.09–2.22], and the association between HF and mortality was greatest at small and non-teaching hospitals. Acute HF without chronic HF was associated with 8.0% mortality. Among patients with a chronic HF diagnosis, perioperative mortality was greater in those with acute on chronic HF compared to chronic HF alone (7.8% vs. 3.9%, P < 0.001; aOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.67–1.90).

Conclusion

In patients hospitalized for non-cardiac surgery, HF was common and was associated with increased risk of perioperative mortality. The greatest risks were in patients with acute HF.
International consensus on natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) for gastric cancer (2019)
Authors: Guan Xu , Liu Zheng , Parvaiz Amjad , Longo Antonio , Saklani Avanish , Shafik Ali A , Cai Jian-Chun , Ternent Charles , Chen Lin , Kayaalp Cuneyt , Sumer Fatih , Nogueira Fernanda , Gao Feng , Han Fang-Hai , He Qing-Si , Chun Ho-Kyung , Huang Chang-Ming , Huang Hai-Yang , Huang Rui , Jiang Zhi-Wei , Khan Jim S , da Joaquim Manuel , Pereira Costa , Nunoo-Mensah Joseph W , Son Jung Tack , Kang Liang , Uehara Keisuke , Lan Ping , Li Le-Ping , Liang Han , Liu Bing-Rong , Liu Juan , Ma Dan , Shen Ming-Yin , Islam Mohammad Rashidul , Samalavicius Narimantas Evaldas , Pan Kai , Tsarkov Petr , Qin Xin-Yu , Escalante Ricardo , Efetov Sergey , Jeong Seung Kyu , Lee Suk-Hwan , Sun Dong-Hui , Sun Li , Garmanova Tatiana , Tian Yan-Tao , Wang Gui-Yu , Wang Guo-Jun , Wang Guo-Rong , Wang Xiao-Qiang , Chen William Tzu-Liang , Yong Lee Woo , Yan Su , Yang Zu-Li , Yu Gang , Yu Pei-Wu , Zhao Dan , Zhong Yun-Shi , Wang Jian-Ping , Wang Xi-Shan
Published: December 2019

At present, natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) has attracted more and more attention worldwide, because of its great advantages including minimal cutaneous trauma and post-operative pain, fast post-operative recovery, short hospital stay, and positive psychological impact. However, NOSES for the treatment of gastric cancer (GC) is still in its infancy, and there is great potential to improve its theoretical system and clinical practice. Especially, several key points including oncological outcomes, bacteriological concerns, indication selection, and standardized surgical procedures are raised with this innovative technique. Therefore, it is necessary to achieve an international consensus to regulate the implementation of GC-NOSES, which is of great significance for healthy and orderly development of NOSES worldwide.
Predictors of Functional Decline in Nursing Home Residents: The Shelter Project
Authors: Fedecostante Massimiliano , Onder Graziano , Eusebi Paolo , Dell’Aquila Giuseppina , Zengarini Elisa , Carrieri Barbara , Manes Gravina Ester , Falsiroli Cinzia , Corsonello Andrea , Luzi Riccardo , Lattanzio Fabrizia , Bernabei Roberto , Cherubini Antonio
Published: December 2019

Background

The aim of our study was to identify independent predictors of functional decline in older nursing home (NH) residents, taking into account both resident and facility characteristics.

Methods

Longitudinal observational study involving 1,760 older (≥65 y) residents of NH participating in the SHELTER* study (57 NH in eight countries). All residents underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment using the interRAI LTCF. Functional decline was defined as an increase of at least one point in the MDS Long Form ADL scale during a 1 year follow-up. Facility and country effects were taken into account.

Results

During the study period 891 (50.6%), NH residents experienced ADL decline. Residents experiencing ADL decline were older, had lower disability at baseline, were more frequently affected by severe dementia and by urinary incontinence, and used more antipsychotics. In the mixed-effect logistic regression model, factors independently associated with a higher risk of functional decline were dementia and urinary incontinence, whereas the presence of a geriatrician was a protective factor.

Conclusions

Both resident and facility characteristics are associated with the risk of functional decline in NH residents. Increasing the quality of healthcare by involving a geriatrician in residents’ care might be an important strategy to improve the outcome of this vulnerable population.