bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EUS-guided fine-needle core liver biopsy with a modified one-pass, one-actuation wet suction technique comparing two types of EUS core needles
Authors: Nieto Jose , Dawod Enad , Deshmukh Ameya , Penn Eli , Adler Douglas , Saab Sammy
Published: June 2020

Background and study aims We compared the diagnostic yield and specimen adequacy in EUS-guided parenchymal biopsies between two types of EUS 19 G core needles.

Patients and methods This is a retrospective study of 420 patients at two tertiary medical centers in Florida with unexplained abnormal liver associated tests were referred for EUS evaluation of biliary obstruction and pancreatic pathology. EUS-guided liver biopsy (EUS-LB) was performed at the same session after biliary obstruction was excluded. We compared intact specimen length (ISL), total specimen length (TSL), complete portal triads (CPT) and adverse events (AE). Welch’s T and Tukey tests were used for ISL, TSL and CPT.

Results A total of 210 patients underwent EUS-LB using a Franseen needle, 210 patients using a fork-tip needle. Median patient age was 52 years (15.63) and 238 (56.7 %) were female. The fork-tip needle had a mean ISL of 2.7 (1.1 SD) cm, TSL of 6 cm (2.1 SD), and mean 19.5 CPT (8.5 SD) Abdominal pain occurred in 35 patients (17 %) post-procedure and was managed with supportive care. Two patients required intravenous (IV) narcotic administration. Subcapsular hematomas occurred in 1 (0.5 %) patients. The Franseen needle had a mean ISL of 3.1 cm (1.3 SD), TSL of 6.5 cm (2.6 SD), and mean of 24 CPT (8.8 SD). Abdominal pain occurred in four patients (2 %) post-procedure, which resolved in all patients after IV narcotic administration. Subcapsular hematomas occurred in 1 (0.5 %) and bile leak in 1(0.4 %) patients.

Conclusions Use of the Franseen needle resulted in better liver core samples than that obtained with a fork-tip needle.
Liebe Leserin, lieber Leser
Authors: Kanzow Thomas
Published: June 2020

Zu Beginn der Corona-Krise habe ich meine Balint-Gruppe abgesagt mit der
Begründung, dass ich Jedem das Grübeln – Gruppe: ob ja, ob
nein – und eine eigene Entscheidung abnehmen wollte. Als ich die Praxis
wieder eröffnet hatte, habe ich ein Blatt mit einem Händewaschritual
an die Praxistür geheftet. Nicht, dass ich glaube, dass dieses Vorgehen
irgendetwas mit Blick auf die Infektionsgefahr bewirken wird, aber das Ritual bettet
Formen des Umganges miteinander – denn Selbstverständliches ist
erschüttert.
Werner König zum 85. Geburtstag
Authors: Otten Heide
Published: June 2020

Lieber Werner König,

es ist lange her, dass wir uns 1991 auf der Harztagung der Deutschen
Balintgesellschaft in Hahnenklee das erste Mal begegnet sind. Eigentlich war es
schon zuvor in Stockholm auf dem Internationalen Balintkongress, aber dort haben wir
uns nur von Ferne gesehen.
Improved detection of colorectal adenomas by high-quality colon cleansing
Authors: Hassan Cesare , Manning Jonathan , Álvarez González Marco Antonio , Sharma Prateek , Epstein Michael , Bisschops Raf
Published: June 2020

Background and study aims Reliable adenoma detection requires “adequate” bowel preparation. The adenoma detection rate (ADR) was assessed in patients with high-quality (stool-free) cleansing versus adequate cleansing.

Patients and methods This study was a post-hoc combined analysis of three randomized trials individually powered for cleansing quality assessment. Treatment-independent ADR was assessed versus colon cleansing quality by central readers using the Harefield Cleansing Scale (HCS) and the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS). The number needed to treat (NNT) to find an additional patient with at least one adenoma was calculated for high-quality versus adequate-quality cleansing.

Results A total of 1749 patients were included. ADR increased with high-quality versus adequate-quality cleansing: HCS grade A versus B, 39 % (94/242) versus 27 % (336/1229); NNT = 8.7; P < 0.001. ADR also increased with high-quality versus uniform adequate segmental cleansing scores: HCS grade A versus uniform segmental scores 2, 39 % (94/242) versus 26 % (97/379); NNT = 7.5; P < 0.001. ADR increased with top-quality versus adequate segmental cleansing scores: HCS uniform segmental scores 4 versus 2, 54 % (21/39) versus 26 % (97/379); NNT = 3.6; P < 0.001. ADR increased with BBPS 9 versus 6, 43 % (71/166) versus 26 % (247/950); NNT = 6.0; P < 0.001. Right colon ADR increased with top-quality versus adequate cleansing: HCS 4 versus 2, 20 % (25/122) versus 11 % (121/1117); NNT = 10.4; P < 0.001 and BBPS 3 versus 2, 15 % (42/284) versus 11 % (130/1192); NNT = 25.8; P = 0.033.

Conclusions High-quality colon cleansing improves adenoma detection, and it should be a priority for bowel preparations for colonoscopy.
Vitaminmangel bei Palliativpatienten – Kann Substitution die Lebensqualität verbessern?
Authors: Vollbracht Claudia , Friesecke Iris
Published: June 2020

Wichtiges Anliegen der Palliativmedizin sind Linderung der Symptome und Verbesserung der Lebensqualität (QOL). Studien beobachten, dass sich die QOL von Patienten im letzten Lebensjahr noch nicht ausreichend verbessert hat. Häufig sind Beschwerden im Palliativbereich wie Schmerzen, Schwäche, Müdigkeit und Depression auch gleichzeitig bekannte Mangelsymptome bestimmter Vitamine. Es ist vorstellbar, dass Vitaminmangelsymptome im Symptomenkomplex Schwerstkranker möglicherweise unerkannt bleiben. Das Risiko für Vitaminmangelzustände ist im Palliativbereich nicht ausreichend untersucht. Im Rahmen einer Masterarbeit wurde die Vitaminversorgung exemplarisch bei 31 stationären Palliativpatienten untersucht. Alle Untersuchten in dieser Studiengruppe (75 % Krebs- und 25 % Nicht-Krebs-Patienten) wiesen defizitäre Konzentrationen von mindestens einem Vitamin auf, 68 % hatten gleichzeitig einen Mangel an mehreren Vitaminen. Dieser Unterversorgung sollte therapeutisch mehr Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt werden, denn die Behandlung von Mangelsymptomen ist kostengünstig und sehr gut verträglich. Der Fallbericht eines Patienten mit M. Parkinson und früher palliativmedizinischer Versorgung demonstriert die Umsetzungsmöglichkeiten in der Praxis.
Ökopsychosomatik – Naturerfahrung in der Präventiv- und Komplementärmedizin
Authors: Arvay Clemens G.
Published: June 2020

Die Ökopsychosomatik beschreibt die Wirkung von stofflichen sowie nicht-stofflichen Stimulanzien aus Ökosystemen auf die psychische und somatische Gesundheit des Menschen. Sie erforscht die pathogenen und salutogenen Umwelt- und Natureinflüsse, um die daraus gewonnen Erkenntnisse für die öffentliche Gesundheit sowie für die Therapie von Krankheitszuständen nutzbar zu machen. Im ökopsychosomatischen Paradigma wird der menschliche Organismus als eingebunden in einen evolutionsbedingten Funktionskreis mit seinen natürlichen Lebensräumen betrachtet. Der Mensch ist Teil der Biodiversität. Nicht nur Umweltschadstoffe wirken sich ungünstig auf Gesundheit und Genesungsaussichten aus, sondern auch die Durchbrechung des Funktionskreises durch Trennung von den Einflüssen intakter Ökosysteme. Die „Waldmedizin“ ist als evidenzbasiertes Beispiel der angewandten Ökopsychosomatik zu betrachten. Der Artikel gibt einen Überblick über das interdisziplinäre Feld der Ökopsychosomatik.
Gesundheitliche Aspekte an Bord von Luftfahrzeugen
Authors: Schmitz Jan , Adams Niels-Benjamin
Published: June 2020

Jedes Jahr reisen fast 4 Mrd. Menschen mit kommerziell betriebenen Flugzeugen durch die Welt. Statistisch ereignet sich pro 20 000 Passagiere ein medizinischer Zwischenfall an Bord eines Luftfahrzeugs. Medizinisches Personal sieht sich mit veränderten Umgebungsbedingungen, Unterschieden der medizinischen Ressourcen und Patienten mit steigendem Lebensalter und Komorbiditäten konfrontiert. Die Prävention von Infektionen wird einen besonderen Stellenwert einnehmen. Es gibt keine einheitliche Datenerhebung zu medizinischen Notfällen in Flugzeugen. Die häufigsten Symptome sind gastrointestinale Erkrankungen (ca. 33 %), Kreislaufkollaps (ca. 33 %), das akute Koronarsyndrom (ca. 8 %), zerebrale Krampfanfälle (ca. 6 %), Schlaganfälle (2 %) sowie Kopfschmerzen. Der medizinische Notfall über den Wolken stellt alle Beteiligten vor große Herausforderungen, sodass es weiterer Forschung, erweiterter Trainings für das Kabinenpersonal und Mediziner sowie einer landesübergreifend einheitlichen Bestückung des (erweiterten) Notfallequipments bedarf.
Was hält die Balintgruppen-Arbeit im
„Innersten“ zusammen – Gedanken zur emotionalen
Attraktivität und zum Gruppenprozess
Authors: Zimmermann Wolfram
Published: June 2020

Der Gegenstand der vorliegenden Darstellungen bezieht sich zunächst
auf die in den letzten Jahren in einer kontinuierlich arbeitenden
Balintgruppe von verschiedenen TeilnehmerInnen vermutete abnehmende
„emotionale Attraktivität“ der Balintarbeit,
besonders auch in der jüngeren Generation von Ärzten. Zum
Anderen geht es um die dadurch aktivierten perspektivischen
Überlegungen zur praktischen Förderung eines wieder
nachhaltig wirksamen „inneren emotionalen Fundaments“ und
damit einer besser erlebbaren Attraktivität der Balintgruppen-Arbeit
sowohl vor Ort und auf Tagungen. Es wird dabei verdeutlicht, welche
elementare persönliche Bedeutung die Balintgruppenarbeit ganz
besonders für die individuelle berufliche emotional-affektive
Entlastung, Psychohygiene und damit die Psychoprophylaxe gegen Formen des
gefährliches „burn-out-Syndroms“ besitzt. Es werden
des Weiteren inhaltliche Aspekte einer intrinsischen Motivation
herausgearbeitet, die für Folgendes wesentlich erscheinen:
Für die Etablierung eines primär individuell ansprechenden,
innerlich bindenden emotionalen Erlebens der Balintgruppen-Arbeit und damit
ihrer emotionalen Attraktivität bei den oft jüngeren
TeilnehmerInnen. Dabei wurde unter Bezugnahme auf in der Literatur
vorliegende psycho- und gruppendynamische Modellvorstellungen [2,9,10] der
wesentliche Prozessverlauf im Rahmen solcher Balintgruppen-Arbeit in sechs
eng miteinander verzahnten Phasen skizziert. Es wurde verdeutlicht, an
welchen markanten sensiblen Stellen im Prozessverlauf die eingangs genannten
Zielstellungen besonders markant tangiert werden. Ein Fazit betont die
heutigen prinzipiellen Chancen zur Förderung individueller
emotionaler Attraktivität der Balintgruppen-Arbeit durch ein mehr
nachhaltiges emotionales Erleben eines inneren Fundamentes dieser
psychohygienisch so elementar bedeutsamen Gruppenarbeit.
ESPEN-Expertenerklärungen und praktischer Leitfaden für das Ernährungsmanagement von Patienten mit SARS-CoV-2-Infektion
Authors: Barazzoni Rocco , Bischoff Stephan C. , Breda Joao , Wickramasinghe Kremlin , Krznaric Zeljko , Nitzan Dorit , Pirlich Matthias , Singer Pierre ,   unterstützt vom ESPEN Council
Published: June 2020

Die COVID-19-Pandemie stellt Patienten und Gesundheitssysteme weltweit vor außergewöhnliche Herausforderungen und Bedrohungen. Akute Atemwegserkrankungen, die eine intensivmedizinische Therapie erfordern, sind eine Hauptursache für Morbidität und Mortalität bei COVID-19-Patienten. Es wird berichtet, dass immungeschwächten Personen, zu denen ältere Menschen, polymorbide Patienten sowie unterernährte Personen im Allgemeinen gehören, eine schlechtere Prognose und eine höhere Mortalität droht. Intensivmedizinische Behandlung, Polymorbidität und höheres Alter sind mit einem hohen Risiko für Unter- und Mangelernährung assoziiert, was per se einen relevanten Risikofaktor für eine höhere Morbidität und Mortalität bei chronischen und akuten Erkrankungen darstellt. Wichtig ist auch, dass längere Aufenthalte auf Intensivstation, wie sie für die Stabilisierung von COVID-19-Patienten häufiger erforderlich sind, und längere Aufenthalte auf der Intensivstation per se Unter- und Mangelernährung verursachen oder verschlechtern. Dabei kommt es auch zu schweren Verlusten von Skelettmuskelmasse und -funktion und folglich zur Behinderung, zu eingeschränkter Lebensqualität sowie zusätzlicher Morbidität. Prävention, Diagnostik und Therapie von Unter- und Mangelernährung sollten daher routinemäßig bei der Behandlung von COVID-19-Patienten berücksichtigt werden. Im vorliegenden Dokument möchte die Europäische Gesellschaft für klinische Ernährung und Stoffwechsel (ESPEN) anhand von 10 praktischen Empfehlungen präzise Vorschläge für das Ernährungsmanagement von COVID-19-Patienten anbieten. Die praktischen Anleitungen betreffen Patienten auf Intensivstation und Personen mit höherem Alter und Polymorbidität, die mit Mangelernährung und deren negativen Auswirkungen auf das Überleben assoziiert sind.
Syntheses of Enantiopure 1,2-Ethylenediamines with Tethered Secondary Amines of the Formula H2NCH2CH[(CH2)
n
NHMe]NH2 (n = 1–4) from α-Amino Acids: New Agents for Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Gladysz John A. , Kabes Connor Q. , Gunn Jack H. , Selbst Maximilian A. , Lucas Reagan F.
Published: June 2020

Tris(hydrochloride) adducts of the title compounds­ are prepared from the inexpensive α-amino acids H2N(C=O)CH2CH(NH2)CO2H, HO(C=O)(CH2)
n′CH(NH2)CO2H (n′ = 1, 2), and H2N(CH2)4CH(NH2)CO2H, respectively (steps/overall yield = 5/32%, 7/30%, 7/33%, 5/38%). The NH2 group that is remote from the secondary amine is installed via BH3 reduction of an amide [–(C=O)NR2] derived­ from an α-amino carboxylic acid. The MeNHCH2 units are introduced by BH3 reductions of alkyl carbamate [RO(C=O)NHCH2–; R = Et, t-Bu] or amide [MeHN(C=O)–] moieties.
An Aberrant Line on CT Head: The Mendosal Suture
Authors: Ruparelia Jigish , Patidar Rajnish , Gosal Jaskaran Singh , Garg Mayank , Bhaskar Suryanarayanan , Jha Deepak Kumar
Published: June 2020

A knowledge of variant anatomy is important in clinical practice. The skull bones have several normal anatomical variations, especially in the occipital bone. Accessory sutures have been described in newborns and young children.

In this study, we discussed radiological findings of an accessory occipital suture in a 14-year-old child who had presented with mastoiditis and brain abscess. We further describe this “mendosal suture,” and its pathophysiology and clinical implications. It is important to bear this entity in mind to avoid misdiagnosing this as a fracture. The use of CT scans and 3D CT using volume rendering technique (VRT) helps in detection and correct diagnosis.
Design of a novel photosensitive phantom for the accurate calibration of the temporal response of electroencephalography systems
Authors: Wang Yongxiang , Markham Charles , Deegan Catherine
Published: June 2020

This paper describes a novel method to measure the temporal latency of electroencephalography (EEG) systems using a customized photosensitive phantom. The system was evaluated with three different EEG devices, a medical grade (g.Tec), a consumer grade (Emotiv), and a low-cost device (Arduino SpikerShield). The temporal latencies of the three EEG devices were measured. The proposed method can be easily adapted to assess other EEG devices. The measurements obtained in this experiment provided concrete data for future experiments where accurate timing data are critical.
A redefined energy functional to prevent mass loss in phase-field methods
Authors: Kwakkel M. , Fernandino M. , Dorao C. A.
Published: June 2020

Phase-field modeling has gained considerable attention for the study of two-phase systems. The method consists of introducing a field that can represent the state of matter or the atomic species concentration. In this way, the fields identify locally the phase present at a given point and also the location of interfaces. However, a well-known limitation of phase-field methods is (enclosed) mass loss and bulk diffusion, which has motivated numerous approaches in order to counteract these issues. In this work, it is shown that both issues can be attributed to a nonphysical term originating from the definition of the energy functional, which causes mass change by mean curvature. Therefore, a redefined energy functional is presented, which ensures a proper energy balance. While avoiding the nonphysical bulk diffusion, it achieves conservation of (enclosed) mass as well. Furthermore, overall system dynamics remain comparable to the classic energy functional. The redefined energy potential is still able to model spinodal decomposition, while it matches sharp interface results better when applied to a two-phase system.
Non-invasive optical focusing inside strongly scattering media with linear fluorescence
Authors: Li Dayan , Sahoo Sujit Kumar , Lam Huy Quoc , Wang Dong , Dang Cuong
Published: June 2020

Non-invasive optical focusing inside scattering media is still a big challenge because inhomogeneous media scatter incoming photons for focusing and outgoing photons for observation. Various approaches, utilizing non-linear fluorescence or ultrasound, have been reported to address this difficulty. However, implementation of these methods is complicated and highly expensive, as ultrafast laser systems or photo-acoustic equipment must be employed. Here, we demonstrate a wavefront shaping technique to achieve non-invasive focusing inside scattering media using only a linear fluorescent signal. The contrast and mean of incoherent speckles, produced by the linear fluorescence, are utilized as feedback signals to optimize the input wavefront. While increasing speckle contrast makes the focus tighter and increasing the speckle mean enhances the intensity, fine-tuning the contribution of these two factors in our two-step optimization is essential. An optimal wavefront is found to achieve simultaneously both a micrometer focal spot size (down to 20 μm diameter) and high intensity (more than a 100-fold enhancement) inside the scattering media. Our method promises a route in life science toward focusing, imaging, or manipulating deep into biological tissues with linear fluorescent agents.
Reducing network size and improving prediction stability of reservoir computing
Authors: Haluszczynski Alexander , Aumeier Jonas , Herteux Joschka , Räth Christoph
Published: June 2020

Reservoir computing is a very promising approach for the prediction of complex nonlinear dynamical systems. Besides capturing the exact short-term trajectories of nonlinear systems, it has also proved to reproduce its characteristic long-term properties very accurately. However, predictions do not always work equivalently well. It has been shown that both short- and long-term predictions vary significantly among different random realizations of the reservoir. In order to gain an understanding on when reservoir computing works best, we investigate some differential properties of the respective realization of the reservoir in a systematic way. We find that removing nodes that correspond to the largest weights in the output regression matrix reduces outliers and improves overall prediction quality. Moreover, this allows to effectively reduce the network size and, therefore, increase computational efficiency. In addition, we use a nonlinear scaling factor in the hyperbolic tangent of the activation function. This adjusts the response of the activation function to the range of values of the input variables of the nodes. As a consequence, this reduces the number of outliers significantly and increases both the short- and long-term prediction quality for the nonlinear systems investigated in this study. Our results demonstrate that a large optimization potential lies in the systematical refinement of the differential reservoir properties for a given dataset.
Spontaneous thermocapillary motion of condensation droplets
Authors: Zhu Ji-Long , Shi Wan-Yuan , Wang Tian-Shi , Feng Lin
Published: June 2020

The spontaneous movements of condensate droplets on either superhydrophobic surfaces or homogenous slippery surfaces are generally driven by capillary forces. It is difficult to shift a millidroplet without using, e.g., a wettability gradient or asymmetric bump. Its motion direction is not related to the surface temperature of the substrate, although the condensation strongly depends on the surface temperature. This Letter reports a self-excited thermocapillary motion during condensation on a heterogeneous slippery liquid-infused porous surface without an externally imposed tangential temperature gradient, where the droplet moves directionally toward cold areas on the surface. The spontaneous thermocapillary motion is driven by the thermocapillary force originating from the local nonuniform temperature distribution on the surface, which is several orders of magnitude larger than the capillary force for a millidroplet. Even a millidroplet could move on such a heterogeneous surface and move upward against the gravity on an inclined surface. In addition to the spontaneous motion directly related to the temperature of the cooling substrate, the dropwise condensation rate may be significantly increased up to two times compared to that of a homogenous slippery surface.
Monatomic hydrogen diffusion in β-Ga2O3
Authors: Nickel N. H. , Geilert K.
Published: June 2020

The nature of hydrogen migration in β-Ga2O3 was investigated with respect to molecular or monatomic diffusion. For this purpose, β-Ga2O3 samples were grown by plasma-assisted pulsed laser deposition in which H and D were spatially separated. The samples were characterized using secondary-ion-mass spectrometry and hydrogen effusion measurements. The combination of these methods provides clear evidence for monatomic H and D diffusion in β-Ga2O3.
Selection of contact materials to p-type halide perovskite by electronegativity matching
Authors: Long Ruiying , Li Binghan , Mi Qixi
Published: June 2020

The performance of perovskite optoelectronic devices depends critically on the contact between the active layer and charge transport materials. To reveal the mechanism of barrier formation on perovskite surfaces, we studied Schottky junctions between various metals and a p-type perovskite CsSnBr3. By constructing slab models of the junction interface and aligning atomic core levels, the contacts between Au/CsSnBr3 and graphite/CsSnBr3 were found to be ohmic, but various other metals produced Schottky junctions with CsSnBr3. These calculation results, supported by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, suggest that the barrier height of a metal/CsSnBr3 junction is a linear function of the metal’s electronegativity, rather than its work function. By introducing the concept of effective electronegativity for compounds, this trend was extended to a general rule that a suitable transport material should have an effective electronegativity to match that of the perovskite.
Fragmentation dynamics of Ar4He1000 upon electron impact ionization: Competition between ion ejection and trapping
Authors: Halberstadt Nadine , Bonhommeau David A.
Published: June 2020

The fragmentation upon electron impact ionization of Ar4He1000 is investigated by means of mixed quantum–classical dynamics simulations. The Ar4+ dopant dynamics is described by a surface hopping method coupled with a diatomics-in-molecules model to properly take into account the multiple Ar4+ electronic surfaces and possible transitions between them. Helium atoms are treated individually using zero-point averaged dynamics, a method based on the building of an effective He–He potential. Fast electronic relaxation is observed from less than 2 ps to ∼30 ps, depending on initial conditions. The main fragments observed are Ar2+Heq and Ar3+Heq (q ≤ 1000), with a strong contribution of the bare Ar2+ ion, and neither Ar+ nor Ar+Heq fragments are found. The smaller fragments (q ≤ 50) are found to mostly come from ion ejection, whereas larger fragments (q > 500) originate from long-term ion trapping. Although the structure of the trapped Ar2+ ions is the same as in the gas phase, trapped Ar3+ and Ar4+ are rather slightly bound Ar2+⋯Ar and Ar2+⋯Ar⋯Ar structures (i.e., an Ar2+ core with one or two argon atoms roaming within the droplet). These loose structures can undergo geminate recombination and release Ar3+Heq or Ar4+Heq (q ≤ 50) in the gas phase and/or induce strong helium droplet evaporation. Finally, the translational energy of the fragment center of mass was found to be suitable to provide a clear signature of the broad variety of processes at play in our simulations.
Rigid body dynamics of diamagnetically levitating graphite resonators
Authors: Chen Xianfeng , Keşkekler Ata , Alijani Farbod , Steeneken Peter G.
Published: June 2020

Diamagnetic levitation is a promising technique for realizing resonant sensors and energy harvesters since it offers thermal and mechanical isolation from the environment at zero power. To advance the application of diamagnetically levitating resonators, it is important to characterize their dynamics in the presence of both magnetic and gravitational fields. Here we experimentally actuate and measure rigid body modes of a diamagnetically levitating graphite plate. We numerically calculate the magnetic field and determine the influence of magnetic force on the resonance frequencies of the levitating plate. By analyzing damping mechanisms, we conclude that eddy current damping dominates dissipation in mm-sized plates. We use finite element simulations to model eddy current damping and find close agreement with experimental results. We also study the size-dependent Q-factors (Qs) of diamagnetically levitating plates and show that Qs above 100 million are theoretically attainable by reducing the size of the diamagnetic resonator down to microscale, making these systems of interest for next generation low-noise resonant sensors and oscillators.
Hybrid structure responsible for improved thermoelectric performance of Sn-incorporated Cu3SbSe4 with a second phase CuSe
Authors: Min Lei , Xia Yafen , Ying Pengzhan , Cui Jiaolin
Published: June 2020

In this work, we design and synthesize a hybrid structure consisting of Sn-incorporated Cu3SbSe4 and a second phase CuSe, that is, (Cu3Sb1 − xSnxSe4)(CuSe)y (x = 0–0.04, y = 0.3–0.08), and explore the role of each phase on the improvement of the thermoelectric (TE) performance. In the Cu3Sb1 − xSnxSe4 phase, the element Sn residing at the Sb site provides p-type holes while at the same time increasing the point defects and crystal structure distortion. The presence of the second phase CuSe, which is in situ formed within the Cu3Sb1 − xSnxSe4 matrix, not only improves the electrical conductivity but also increases the phonon scattering on the phase boundaries. As a result, the hybrid structure allows the improvement in TE performance with the highest ZT value of 0.37 at ∼600 K for the samples at x = 0.02–0.03 and y = 0.11–0.09, which is about 42% higher than that of pristine Cu3SbSe4. This work reveals us a new method of improving TE performance, that is, through organizing a hybrid structure in Cu3SbSe4-based composites.
Photoacoustic imaging through a cortical bone replica with anisotropic elasticity
Authors: Shepherd J. , Renaud G. , Clouzet P. , van Wijk K.
Published: June 2020

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is an emerging modality, which combines the high optical absorption contrast of biological chromophores with centimeter imaging depths and sub-millimeter resolution of ultrasonic (US) waves. However, PA imaging through cortical bone remains an unmet challenge. Cortical bone is an anisotropic medium, which is not accurately modeled using existing PA image reconstruction methods. In this Letter, we address the PA source localization problem for imaging through a cortical bone-mimicking layer. Our approach accounts for both refraction and elastic anisotropy to accurately reconstruct US and PA images in the presence of a cortical bone replica. We demonstrate our technique using a PA and US experiment, where we image a 700 μm diameter target beneath a cortical bone-mimicking plate. Pulse-echo US experiment is used to estimate the wavespeed in each layer and create an anatomical image of the bone replica, and the PA source is reconstructed using the wavespeed model defined with US. We compute the thickness of the plate with less than 1% error, whereas isotropic assumptions overestimate the thickness by 20% or more. Incorporating both refraction and anisotropy accurately localizes the target with PA and US at the true depth, whereas isotropic assumptions blur the lateral dimension and mislocate the target depth by 1.5–4 mm.
Niobium Dayem nano-bridge Josephson gate-controlled transistors
Authors: De Simoni G. , Puglia C. , Giazotto F.
Published: June 2020

We report on the realization of Nb-based all-metallic Dayem nano-bridge gate-controlled transistors (Nb-GCTs). These Josephson devices operate up to a temperature of ∼3 K and exhibit full suppression of the supercurrent thanks to the application of a control gate voltage. The dependence of the kinetic inductance and of the transconductance on gate voltage promises a performance already on par with so far realized metallic Josephson transistors and leads us to foresee the implementation of a superconducting digital logic based on the Nb-GCT. We conclude by showing the practical realization of a scheme implementing an all-metallic gate-tunable half-wave rectifier to be used for either superconducting electronics or photon detection applications.
A review of recent developments in the pharmacological prevention and treatment of endocrinopathic laminitis
Authors: de Laat M. A. , Sillence M. N.
Published: June 2020

Despite the prevalence of endocrinopathic laminitis, the pharmacologic options for preventing and treating the disease are severely limited. The present review aims to discuss the spectrum of potential therapeutic agents for the condition, ranging from early experimental compounds to agents nearing registration. There are different pharmacologic targets for, and approaches to, managing laminitis. Reducing hyperinsulinaemia is central to diminishing endocrinopathic laminitis risk, and a detailed understanding of the pathophysiology of insulin dysregulation is necessary to identify pathways that can be targeted to minimise post-prandial insulin secretion and action. This area of research is advancing rapidly, with several exciting prospects, such as sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors, on the horizon for the treatment of equine metabolic dysfunction. Drugs that directly target the lamellae and aim to reduce the damage inflicted on the lamellae as part of this condition, are not yet available. Although progress in this area of laminitis therapy is slower, improved understanding of the events that lead to lamellar failure has enabled the investigation of novel drugs that aim to prevent laminitis at the site of the lesion. Finally, a brief review is included of the directions being taken in the management of the chronic and acute pain that accompanies laminitis. Medications for relieving the pain associated with laminitis are currently the most-prescribed drugs for the disease, and range from simple, affordable and thoroughly tested options, such as phenylbutazone, to newer, less-understood applications such as paracetamol and gabapentin. In the future, endocrinopathic laminitis management plans will likely take a multi-faceted approach that still hinge on effective dietary management and exercise, but also include drugs that address foot pathology, pain and underlying endocrine disturbances.
Introduced cats eating a continental fauna: invertebrate consumption by feral cats (Felis catus) in Australia
Authors: Woolley Leigh-Ann , Murphy Brett P. , Geyle Hayley M. , Legge Sarah M. , Palmer Russell A. , Dickman Chris R. , Doherty Tim S. , Edwards Glenn P. , Riley Joanna , Turpin Jeff M. , Woinarski John C. Z.
Published: June 2020

Abstract ContextRecent global concern over invertebrate declines has drawn attention to the causes and consequences of this loss of biodiversity. Feral cats, Felis catus, pose a major threat to many vertebrate species in Australia, but their effect on invertebrates has not previously been assessed. AimsThe objectives of our study were to (1) assess the frequency of occurrence (FOO) of invertebrates in feral cat diets across Australia and the environmental and geographic factors associated with this variation, (2) estimate the number of invertebrates consumed by feral cats annually and the spatial variation of this consumption, and (3) interpret the conservation implications of these results. MethodsFrom 87 Australian cat-diet studies, we modelled the factors associated with variation in invertebrate FOO in feral cat-diet samples. We used these modelled relationships to predict the number of invertebrates consumed by feral cats in largely natural and highly modified environments. Key resultsIn largely natural environments, the mean invertebrate FOO in feral cat dietary samples was 39% (95% CI: 31–43.5%), with Orthoptera being the most frequently recorded order, at 30.3% (95% CI: 21.2–38.3%). The highest invertebrate FOO occurred in lower-rainfall areas with a lower mean annual temperature, and in areas of greater tree cover. Mean annual invertebrate consumption by feral cats in largely natural environments was estimated to be 769 million individuals (95% CI: 422–1763 million) and in modified environments (with mean FOO of 27.8%) 317 million invertebrates year−1, giving a total estimate of 1086 million invertebrates year−1 consumed by feral cats across the continent. ConclusionsThe number of invertebrates consumed by feral cats in Australia is greater than estimates for vertebrate taxa, although the biomass (and, hence, importance for cat diet) of invertebrates taken would be appreciably less. The impact of predation by cats on invertebrates is difficult to assess because of the lack of invertebrate population and distribution estimates, but cats may pose a threat to some large-bodied narrowly restricted invertebrate species. ImplicationsFurther empirical studies of local and continental invertebrate diversity, distribution and population trends are required to adequately contextualise the conservation threat posed by feral cats to invertebrates across Australia.
Auditory representation of learned sound sequences in motor regions of the macaque brain
Authors: Archakov Denis , DeWitt Iain , Kuśmierek Paweł , Ortiz-Rios Michael , Cameron Daniel , Cui Ding , Morin Elyse L. , VanMeter John W. , Sams Mikko , Jääskeläinen Iiro P. , Rauschecker Josef P.
Published: June 2020

Human speech production requires the ability to couple motor actions with their auditory consequences. Nonhuman primates might not have speech because they lack this ability. To address this question, we trained macaques to perform an auditory–motor task producing sound sequences via hand presses on a newly designed device (“monkey piano”). Catch trials were interspersed to ascertain the monkeys were listening to the sounds they produced. Functional MRI was then used to map brain activity while the animals listened attentively to the sound sequences they had learned to produce and to two control sequences, which were either completely unfamiliar or familiar through passive exposure only. All sounds activated auditory midbrain and cortex, but listening to the sequences that were learned by self-production additionally activated the putamen and the hand and arm regions of motor cortex. These results indicate that, in principle, monkeys are capable of forming internal models linking sound perception and production in motor regions of the brain, so this ability is not special to speech in humans. However, the coupling of sounds and actions in nonhuman primates (and the availability of an internal model supporting it) seems not to extend to the upper vocal tract, that is, the supralaryngeal articulators, which are key for the production of speech sounds in humans. The origin of speech may have required the evolution of a “command apparatus” similar to the control of the hand, which was crucial for the evolution of tool use.
Macrophage metabolic reprogramming presents a therapeutic target in lupus nephritis
Authors: Jing Chenzhi , Castro-Dopico Tomas , Richoz Nathan , Tuong Zewen K. , Ferdinand John R. , Lok Laurence S. C. , Loudon Kevin W. , Banham Gemma D. , Mathews Rebeccah J. , Cader Zaeem , Fitzpatrick Susan , Bashant Kathleen R. , Kaplan Mariana J. , Kaser Arthur , Johnson Randall S. , Murphy Michael P. , Siegel Richard M. , Clatworthy Menna R.
Published: June 2020

IgG antibodies cause inflammation and organ damage in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We investigated the metabolic profile of macrophages isolated from inflamed tissues in immune complex (IC)-associated diseases, including SLE and rheumatoid arthritis, and following IgG Fcγ receptor cross-linking. We found that human and mouse macrophages undergo a switch to glycolysis in response to IgG IC stimulation, mirroring macrophage metabolic changes in inflamed tissue in vivo. This metabolic reprogramming was required to generate a number of proinflammatory mediators, including IL-1β, and was dependent on mTOR and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)1α. Inhibition of glycolysis, or genetic depletion of HIF1α, attenuated IgG IC-induced activation of macrophages in vitro, including primary human kidney macrophages. In vivo, glycolysis inhibition led to a reduction in kidney macrophage IL-1β and reduced neutrophil recruitment in a murine model of antibody-mediated nephritis. Together, our data reveal the molecular mechanisms underpinning FcγR-mediated metabolic reprogramming in macrophages and suggest a therapeutic strategy for autoantibody-induced inflammation, including lupus nephritis.
Superresolution imaging reveals spatiotemporal propagation of human replication foci mediated by CTCF-organized chromatin structures
Authors: Su Qian Peter , Zhao Ziqing Winston , Meng Luming , Ding Miao , Zhang Weiwei , Li Yongzheng , Liu Mengzhu , Li Rongqin , Gao Yi-Qin , Xie Xiaoliang Sunney , Sun Yujie
Published: June 2020

Mammalian DNA replication is initiated at numerous replication origins, which are clustered into thousands of replication domains (RDs) across the genome. However, it remains unclear whether the replication origins within each RD are activated stochastically or preferentially near certain chromatin features. To understand how DNA replication in single human cells is regulated at the sub-RD level, we directly visualized and quantitatively characterized the spatiotemporal organization, morphology, and in situ epigenetic signatures of individual replication foci (RFi) across S-phase at superresolution using stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy. Importantly, we revealed a hierarchical radial pattern of RFi propagation dynamics that reverses directionality from early to late S-phase and is diminished upon caffeine treatment or CTCF knockdown. Together with simulation and bioinformatic analyses, our findings point to a “CTCF-organized REplication Propagation” (CoREP) model, which suggests a nonrandom selection mechanism for replication activation at the sub-RD level during early S-phase, mediated by CTCF-organized chromatin structures. Collectively, these findings offer critical insights into the key involvement of local epigenetic environment in coordinating DNA replication across the genome and have broad implications for our conceptualization of the role of multiscale chromatin architecture in regulating diverse cell nuclear dynamics in space and time.
Atomic-scale electronic structure of the cuprate pair density wave state coexisting with superconductivity
Authors: Choubey Peayush , Joo Sang Hyun , Fujita K. , Du Zengyi , Edkins S. D. , Hamidian M. H. , Eisaki H. , Uchida S. , Mackenzie A. P. , Lee Jinho , Davis J. C. Séamus , Hirschfeld P. J.
Published: June 2020

Significance

By making a variety of quantitative comparisons between electronic visualization experiments and a theory describing coexisting pair density wave and superconductive states in cuprates, we find striking correspondence throughout. Our model can thus explain the microscopic origins of many key atomic-scale phenomena of the cuprate broken-symmetry state. These observations are consistent with the possibility that a short-range pair density wave (PDW) state coexists with superconductivity below a critical hole density in Bi
2
Sr
2
CaCu
2
O
8
, that the charge density wave modulations in cuprates are a consequence of the PDW state, that the cuprate pseudogap is the antinodal gap of the PDW, and that the critical point in the cuprate phase diagram occurs due to disappearance of the PDW.
Structure of the RECK CC domain, an evolutionary anomaly
Authors: Chang Tao-Hsin , Hsieh Fu-Lien , Smallwood Philip M. , Gabelli Sandra B. , Nathans Jeremy
Published: June 2020

Five small protein domains, the CC-domains, at the N terminus of the RECK protein, play essential roles in signaling by WNT7A and WNT7B in the context of central nervous system angiogenesis and blood–brain barrier formation and maintenance. We have determined the structure of CC domain 4 (CC4) at 1.65-Å resolution and find that it folds into a compact four-helix bundle with three disulfide bonds. The CC4 structure, together with homology modeling of CC1, reveals the surface locations of critical residues that were shown in previous mutagenesis studies to mediate GPR124 binding and WNT7A/WNT7B recognition and signaling. Surprisingly, sequence and structural homology searches reveal no other cell-surface or secreted domains in vertebrates that resemble the CC domain, a pattern that is in striking contrast to other ancient and similarly sized domains, such as Epidermal Growth Factor, Fibronectin Type 3, Immunoglobulin, and Thrombospondin type 1 domains, which are collectively present in hundreds of proteins.
Alcohol and Educational Inequalities: Hazardous Drinking Prevalence and All-Cause Mortality by Hazardous Drinking Group in People Aged 50 and Older in Europe
Authors: Trias-Llimós Sergi , Bosque-Prous Marina , Obradors-Rial Nuria , Teixidó-Compañó Ester , Belza Maria José , Janssen Fanny , Espelt Albert
Published: June 2020

Background

We examined educational inequalities in hazardous drinking prevalence among individuals aged 50 or more in 14 European countries, and explored educational inequalities in mortality in hazardous drinkers in European regions.

Methods

We analyzed data from waves 4, 5 and 6 of the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). We estimated age-standardized hazardous drinking prevalence, and prevalence ratios (PR) of hazardous drinking by country and educational level using Poisson regression models with robust variance. We estimated the relative index of inequality (RII) for all-cause mortality among hazardous drinkers and non-hazardous drinkers using Cox proportional hazards regression models and for each region (North, South, East and West).

Results

In men, educational inequalities in hazardous drinking were not observed (PRmedium = 1.09 [95%CI: 0.98–1.21] and PRhigh = 0.99 [95%CI: 0.88–1.10], ref. low), while in they were observed in women, having the highest hazardous drinking prevalence in the highest educational levels (PRmedium = 1.28 [95%CI: 1.15–1.42] and PRhigh = 1.53 [95%CI: 1.36–1.72]). Overall, the Relative Index of Inequality (RII) in all-cause mortality among hazardous drinkers was 1.12 [95%CI: 1.03–1.22] among men and 1.10 [95%CI: 0.97–1.25] among women. Educational inequalities among hazardous drinkers were observed in Eastern Europe for both men (RIIhazardous = 1.21 [95%CI: 1.01–1.45]) and women (RIIhazardous = 1.46 [95%CI: 1.13–1.87]). Educational inequalities in mortality among non-hazardous drinkers were observed in Southern, Western and Eastern Europe among men, and in Eastern Europe among women.

Conclusions

Higher educational attainment is positively associated with hazardous drinking prevalence among women, but not among men in most of the analyzed European countries. Clear educational inequalities in mortality among hazardous drinkers were only observed in Eastern Europe. Further research on the associations between alcohol use and inequalities in all-cause mortality in different regions is needed.
miR‐23a‐3p‐abundant small extracellular vesicles released from Gelma/nanoclay hydrogel for cartilage regeneration
Authors: Hu Hongxing , Dong Lanlan , Bu Ziheng , Shen Yifan , Luo Jian , Zhang Hang , Zhao Shichang , Lv Fang , Liu Zhongtang
Published: June 2020

Articular cartilage has limited self‐regenerative capacity and the therapeutic methods for cartilage defects are still dissatisfactory in clinic. Recent studies showed that exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells promoted chondrogenesis by delivering bioactive substances to the recipient cells, indicating exosomes might be a novel method for repairing cartilage defect. Herein, we investigated the role and mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells derived small extracellular vesicles (hUC‐MSCs‐sEVs) on cartilage regeneration. In vitro results showed that hUC‐MSCs‐sEVs promoted the migration, proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes and human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). MiRNA microarray showed that miR‐23a‐3p was the most highly expressed among the various miRNAs contained in hUC‐MSCs‐sEVs. Our data revealed that hUC‐MSCs‐sEVs promoted cartilage regeneration by transferring miR‐23a‐3p to suppress the level of PTEN and elevate expression of AKT. Moreover, we fabricated Gelatin methacrylate (Gelma)/nanoclay hydrogel (Gel‐nano) for sustained release of sEVs, which was biocompatible and exhibited excellent mechanical property. In vivo results showed that hUC‐MSCs‐sEVs containing Gelma/nanoclay hydrogel (Gel‐nano‐sEVs) effectively promoted cartilage regeneration. These results indicated that Gel‐nano‐sEVs have a promising capacity to stimulate chondrogenesis and heal cartilage defects, and also provided valuable data for understanding the role and mechanism of hUC‐MSCs‐sEVs in cartilage regeneration.
Application of gamma irradiation on Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) for use in asphaltic concrete mixtures as aggregates replacement
Authors: Usman A , Sutanto M H , Napiah M , Zoorob S E , Khan M I , Ibrahim M B
Published: June 2020

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is one of the most commonly available kinds of plastic present in the municipal solid waste and it is a non-biodegradable semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer, studied as polyester material. This paper intends to assess impacts of using PET (regular and irradiated) as aggregate that would replace by volume of equal size (10.00-5.00mm) in asphalt blend on the engineering properties of dense graded asphaltic concrete. The volumetric and mechanical properties of the blends incorporating different percent of PET (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20) were determined. In all mixtures, 5.0% optimum bitumen content was utilized. The outcome revealed that aggregate substitution of 10% (equivalent to 2.4% by weight of total mix) with irradiated PET result in optimum Marshall Stability and flow value of 3.6mm. It also showed that mixes with irradiated PET at 100kGy radiation dose have Marshall Stability values higher than mixes with same contents of regular PET. The finding also shows that the addition of PET and utilization of gamma radiation has a critical constructive outcome on the properties of asphalt concrete mixes as the stability increases for mixes with irradiated PET when compared with mixes with regular PET (RPET).