bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and functional microbial diversity along a eutrophication gradient of interconnected lakes undergoing anthropopressure
Authors: Kiersztyn Bartosz , Chróst Ryszard , Kaliński Tomasz , Siuda Waldemar , Bukowska Aleksandra , Kowalczyk Grzegorz , Grabowska Karolina
Published: July 2019

We present the results of an analysis of the 16S rRNA-based taxonomical structure of bacteria together with an analysis of carbon source utilization ability using EcoPlate (Biolog, USA) metabolic fingerprinting assessment against the backdrop of physicochemical parameters in fifteen interconnected lakes. The lakes exhibit a wide spectrum of trophic gradients and undergo different intensities of anthropopressure. Sequences of V3–V4 16S rRNA genes binned by taxonomic assignment to family indicated that bacterial communities in the highly eutrophicated lakes were distinctly different from the bacterial communities in the meso-eutrophic lakes (ANOSIM r = 0.99, p = 0.0002) and were characterized by higher richness and more diverse taxonomical structure. Representatives of the Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Planctomycetes, Verrucomicrobia, Bacteroides phyla predominated. In most cases their relative abundance was significantly correlated with lake trophic state. We found no similar clear relationship of community-level physiological profiling with lake trophic state. However, we found some significant links between the taxonomic and metabolic structure of the microbes in the studied lakes (Mantel’s correlation r = 0.22, p = 0.006). The carbon source utilization ability of the studied microorganisms was affected not only by the taxonomic groups present in the lakes but also by various characteristics like a high PO43− concentration inhibiting the utilization of phosphorylated carbon.
Antioxidative capacity is highly associated with the storage property of tuberous roots in different sweetpotato cultivars
Authors: Tang Jun , Wang Si-Qi , Hu Kang-Di , Huang Zhong-Qin , Li Yan-Hong , Han Zhuo , Chen Xiao-Yan , Hu Lan-Ying , Yao Gai-Fang , Zhang Hua
Published: July 2019

The activities and gene expression of antioxidative enzymes and the ROS content were analyzed in two typical storage-tolerant cultivars (Xushu 32 and Shangshu 19) and another two storage-sensitive cultivars (Yanshu 25 and Sushu 16) to explore the association between the storage capacity of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) and ROS scavenging capability. The storage roots of the storage-tolerant cultivars maintained higher activities and expression levels of antioxidative enzymes, including ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD); lower activity and expression of lipoxygenase (LOX); and lower accumulation of ROS metabolites compared with the storage-sensitive cultivars. The antioxidative capability and ROS parameters of leaves were positively correlated with those of storage roots. Our results provide valuable insight for evaluating the storability of sweetpotato cultivars by analyzing the capabilities of the antioxidative system and the contents of ROS metabolites.
The influence of motor preparation on the processing of action-relevant visual features
Authors: Job Xavier , Golemme Mara , Bhattacharya Joydeep , Cappelletti Marinella , de Fockert Jan , van Velzen Jose
Published: July 2019

Action preparation can facilitate performance in tasks of visual perception, for instance by speeding up responses to action-relevant stimulus features. However, it is unknown whether this facilitation reflects an influence on early perceptual processing, or instead post-perceptual processes. In three experiments, a combination of psychophysics and electroencephalography was used to investigate whether visual features are influenced by action preparation at the perceptual level. Participants were cued to prepare oriented reach-to-grasp actions before discriminating target stimuli oriented in the same direction as the prepared grasping action (congruent) or not (incongruent). As expected, stimuli were discriminated faster if their orientation was congruent, compared to incongruent, with the prepared action. However, action-congruency had no influence on perceptual sensitivity, regardless of cue-target interval and discrimination difficulty. The reaction time effect was not accompanied by modulations of early visual-evoked potentials. Instead, beta-band (13–30 Hz) synchronization over sensorimotor brain regions was influenced by action preparation, indicative of improved response preparation. Together, the results suggest that action preparation may not modulate early visual processing of orientation, but likely influences higher order response or decision related processing. While early effects of action on spatial perception are well documented, separate mechanisms appear to govern non-spatial feature selection.
Pyrosequencing versus methylation-specific PCR for assessment of MGMT methylation in tumor and blood samples of glioblastoma patients
Authors: Estival Anna , Sanz Carolina , Ramirez Jose-Luis , Velarde Jose Maria , Domenech Marta , Carrato Cristina , de las Peñas Ramón , Gil-Gil Miguel , Sepúlveda Juan , Armengol Roser , Cardiel Isaac , Berrocal Alfonso , Luque Raquel , Herrero Ana , Balana Carmen
Published: July 2019

Circulating biomarkers in blood may provide an interesting alternative to risky tissue biopsies in the diagnosis and follow-up of glioblastoma patients. We have assessed MGMT methylation status in blood and tissue samples from unresected glioblastoma patients who had been included in the randomized GENOM-009 trial. Paired blood and tissue samples were assessed by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and pyrosequencing (PYR). After establishing the minimum PYR cut-off that could yield a significant difference in overall survival, we assessed the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value (NPV) of the analyses. Methylation could be detected in cfDNA by both MSP and PYR but with low concordance with results in tissue. Sensitivity was low for both methods (31% and 38%, respectively), while specificity was higher for MSP in blood than for PYR in plasma (96% vs 76%) and NPV was similar (56 vs 57%). Concordance of results in tissue by MSP and PYR was 84.3% (P < 0.001) and correlated with outcome. We conclude that detection of cfDNA in the blood of glioblastoma patients can be an alternative when tumor tissue is not available but methods for the detection of cfDNA in blood must improve before it can replace analysis in tumor tissue.
Photodynamic Antimicrobial Polymers
Authors: McCoy Colin P. , Moore Jessica V. , Wylie Matthew P.
Published: July 2019

Photodynamic antimicrobial polymers are materials that exert an antimicrobial effect when irradiated with a specific light source. This light-triggered activity is considered advantageous, as it allows fine control of the antimicrobial effect, minimising the possible adverse effects and propagation of antimicrobial resistance commonly associated with overexposure to antimicrobial agents. Extensive research has been conducted on incorporation of photosensitisers into or onto polymeric supports to produce potent photodynamic antimicrobial materials. Photosensitisers are agents that generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) when illuminated with visible light in the presence of oxygen. The ability of these generated ROS to eradicate a wide range of microorganisms has led to the incorporation of photosensitisers into a range of polymers, with a vast array of potential applications explored. This chapter focuses on photosensitiser-incorporated polymers, with consideration of the factors that can be altered to optimise antimicrobial activity. This is followed by a detailed discussion on current research and the development of these unique materials for the production of light-activated antimicrobial biomedical devices or for anti-infective surfaces in clinical settings.
Antimicrobial Activities of Fatty Acids and their Derivatives
Authors: Kanjilal Sanjit , Kaki Shiva Shanker
Published: July 2019

Microbes are well known for their harmful as well as beneficial roles in living organisms. It is the harmful effect that needs special attention, due to the occurrence of several microbial-related human diseases. Research communities around the world have worked extensively to isolate and/or synthesize antimicrobial agents to treat such diseases. All these works have resulted in myriad antimicrobial agents to treat human beings, which gave a sense of relief to earlier generations. But the emergence of drug-resistant microbes over a period of time has led the research community to once again look for new and alternative natural antimicrobial agents. Fatty acids, which are ubiquitous in nature, assume significance due to their mild and broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, easy availability and extremely low toxicity. Research work carried out in the last several decades on antimicrobial fatty acids opens up the opportunities for their application in pharma, food and the cosmetics industry. These safe natural renewable compounds can be used in treating specific infections where the application of conventional antibiotics either failed or is not desirable. The present chapter summarizes antimicrobial activity of fatty acids and their derivatives, target organisms and the proposed mode of actions.
Calcium phosphate nanocarriers for drug delivery to tumors: imaging, therapy and theranostics
Authors: Huang Dan , He Bin , Mi Peng
Published: July 2019

This paper has reviewed the recent advances in the development of CaP nanocarriers and their applications in tumor diagnosis, gene delivery, drug delivery and theranostics and finally discussed the perspectives.
The ionic liquid [C4mpy][Tf2N] induces bound-like structure in the intrinsically disordered protein FlgM
Authors: Carter Erin E. , Heyert Alexanndra J. , De Souza Mattheus , Baker Joseph L. , Lindberg Gerrick E.
Published: July 2019

The ionic liquid 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide is shown to induce secondary structure similar to a bioactive state in the protein FlgM.
Mn 2p resonant X-ray emission clarifies the redox reaction and charge-transfer effects in LiMn2O4
Authors: Asakura Daisuke , Nanba Yusuke , Hosono Eiji , Okubo Masashi , Niwa Hideharu , Kiuchi Hisao , Miyawaki Jun , Harada Yoshihisa
Published: July 2019

High-energy-resolution soft X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) was applied to understand the changes in the electronic structure of LiMn2O4 upon Li-ion extraction/insertion.
Intrinsically low thermal conductivity of bismuth oxychalcogenides originating from interlayer coupling
Authors: Song Hong-Yue , Ge Xu-Jin , Shang Man-Yu , Zhang Jia , Lü Jing-Tao
Published: July 2019

Strong interlayer anharmonic coupling leads to intrinsically low thermal conductivity of bismuth oxychalcogenides.
Methylthio BODIPY as a standard triplet photosensitizer for singlet oxygen production: a photophysical study
Authors: Prieto-Montero Ruth , Sola-Llano Rebeca , Montero Raul , Longarte Asier , Arbeloa Teresa , López-Arbeloa Iñigo , Martínez-Martínez Virginia , Lacombe Sylvie
Published: July 2019

The detailed triplet and singlet state characterization of 3,5-dimethyl-2,6-diiodo-8-thiomethyl-pyrromethene (MeSBDP), a promising standard sensitizer for singlet oxygen production.
Modeling of the phase transition inside graphene nanobubbles filled with ethane
Authors: Iakovlev Evgeny , Zhilyaev Petr , Akhatov Iskander
Published: July 2019

A liquid–gas phase transition of ethane inside graphene nanobubbles below the critical temperature leads to a ‘forbidden range’ of radii, in which no stable bubbles exist.
Platinum(ii) complexes showing high cytotoxicity toward A2780 ovarian carcinoma cells
Authors: Choroba Katarzyna , Machura Barbara , Raposo Luis R. , Małecki Jan G. , Kula Slawomir , Pająk Michał , Erfurt Karol , Maroń Anna M. , Fernandes Alexandra R.
Published: July 2019

2,6-Bis(thiazol-2-yl)pyridines functionalized with 9-anthryl (L1), 9-phenanthryl (L2), and 1-pyrenyl (L3) groups were used for the preparation of [Pt(Ln)Cl]CF3SO3 (1–3) with high cytotoxic activity against ovarian cancer cells.
Vertical transport and sinks of perfluoroalkyl substances in the global open ocean
Authors: González-Gaya Belén , Casal Paulo , Jurado Elena , Dachs Jordi , Jiménez Begoña
Published: July 2019

PFAS concentrations in the deep chlorophyll maximum depth in the tropical oceans and simultaneous estimates of vertical fluxes by eddy diffusivity are reported. Potential biotic/abiotic processes affecting PFAS fate in the ocean are discussed.
Aptamer–gold nanoparticle conjugates for the colorimetric detection of arboviruses and vector mosquito species
Authors: Bosak Alexander , Saraf Nileshi , Willenberg Alicia , Kwan Michael W. C. , Alto Barry W. , Jackson George W. , Batchelor Robert H. , Nguyen-Huu Truong D. , Sankarapani Vinoth , Parks Griffith D. , Seal Sudipta , Willenberg Bradley Jay
Published: July 2019

Colorimetric detection of arboviruses and vector mosquito species. (A) Aptamer-gold nanoparticle conjugates, (B) mosquito salivary protein, (C) Zika envelope protein, (D) visible color change, (E) imbibed diagnostic and (F) diagnostic cards.
Cloning, expression and characterization of a novel fructosyltransferase from Aspergillus niger and its application in the synthesis of fructooligosaccharides
Authors: Mao Shuhong , Liu Yanna , Yang Juanjuan , Ma Xiaoyu , Zeng Fang , Zhang Zhaohui , Wang Shan , Han Haichao , Qin Hui-Min , Lu Fuping
Published: July 2019

Fructosyltransferases have been used in the industrial production of fructooligosaccharides (FOS).
Vertically sheathing laminar flow-based immunoassay using simultaneous diffusion-driven immune reactions
Authors: Kurmashev Amanzhol , Kwon Seyong , Park Je-Kyun , Kang Joo H.
Published: July 2019

Simultaneous infusion of primary and secondary antibodies of different diffusivity into vertical laminar flows enables the improved immune reactions.
Structural versatility of the quasi-aromatic Möbius type zinc(ii)-pseudohalide complexes – experimental and theoretical investigations
Authors: Mitoraj Mariusz P. , Afkhami Farhad Akbari , Mahmoudi Ghodrat , Khandar Ali Akbar , Gurbanov Atash V. , Zubkov Fedor I. , Waterman Rory , Babashkina Maria G. , Szczepanik Dariusz W. , Jena Himanshu S. , Safin Damir A.
Published: July 2019

Interplay between various types of non-covalent interactions allowed for isolation of rare examples of Zn(ii) based quasi-aromatic Möbius type species.
Dimension-shifting multifunctional biocompatible nanocomposites
Authors: Chen Weiquan , Chen Xiaozhu , Liang Yongshi , Lai Jianfeng , Xia Liye , Wen Lu , Chen Gang
Published: July 2019

A facile method to prepare dimension-shifting biocompatible multifunctional nanocomposites is described.
Maximally stiffening composites require maximally coupled rather than maximally entangled polymer species
Authors: Michieletto Davide , Fitzpatrick Robert , Robertson-Anderson Rae M.
Published: July 2019

We couple Molecular Dynamics simulations with optical tweezers microrheology to discover that DNA–actin composites display maximal stiffening when the two species have similar number of entanglements and not when entanglements are maximized.
Lamellar columnar liquid-crystalline mesophases as a 2D platform for anhydrous proton conduction
Authors: Cuerva Cristián , Campo José A. , Cano Mercedes , Schmidt Rainer
Published: July 2019

The fluid properties in the mesophase favour the dissociation of the pyrazole proton, and the metallomesogens behave as water-free proton conductors.
Sparse‐based direction finding in MIMO radar with mutual coupling
Authors: Chen Peng , Cao Zhenxin , Chen Zhimin , Jin Yi , Zhu Can
Published: July 2019

In this study, an estimation problem for target directions in the multiple‐input and multiple‐output (MIMO) radar system with unknown mutual coupling is considered. To exploit the target sparsity in the spatial domain, a compressed sensing‐based method using multiple measure vectors is proposed to reconstruct the sparse targets and estimate the target directions and scattering coefficients. Additionally, we also propose an iterative method to estimate the mutual coupling matrices after obtaining the target information, where the sub‐gradients are derived theoretically to update the mutual coupling matrices. Simulation results show that compared with the exiting methods, the better estimation performance for both target directions and mutual coupling matrices can be achieved by the proposed method.
Adaptive target detection against spatially correlated compound‐Gaussian clutter with multivariate inverse Gaussian texture
Authors: Zhang Xiaolin , Yan Liang , Liu Quanhua
Published: July 2019

To improve the detection performance in the presence of target‐steering vector mismatches, a novel robust adaptive matched filter (AMF) detector for compound Gaussian clutter is proposed. First, the multivariate inverse Gaussian distribution is first introduced to compound Gaussian clutter model. Second, the texture value is estimated with maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimator in spatial domain, which has a closed form and is not affected by the target's steering vector mismatch. A robust AMF detector is derived based on this estimation. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed detector can achieve better performance in the presence of target‐steering vector mismatches.
Exploiting persymmetry for JDL‐STAP
Authors: Wang Sha , Shi Bo , Hao Chengpeng , Liu Minggang , Xu Da
Published: July 2019

Joint domain localisation (JDL) is a popular reduced‐dimension space‐time adaptive processing (STAP) technique for clutter suppression in an air‐borne radar system. Here, the authors develop an improved JDL method by exploiting persymmetric covariance matrix, referred to as persymmetric joint domain localisation (Per‐JDL), in order to make maximum use of training samples and further improve the STAP performance under small training data support. The proposed algorithm is verified to be efficient in training‐limited scenarios by simulation results.
Beam‐shape loss for multiple‐beam digital array radars
Authors: Yao Yuan , Wu Guangxin
Published: July 2019

This study considers beam‐shape loss (BSL) for pencil‐beam digital array radars (DARs), when multiple simultaneous receive beams are formed to cover the volume illuminated by each transmit beam. A general and valid computation procedure for the BSL is derived, and curves of BSL versus average detection probability and transmit beam spacing are given, for various kinds of receive beam arrangements and target types. The results show that the BSL for multiple‐beam mode is commonly less than that for single‐beam mode. The computation procedure and results are extensions of conventional ones for single‐beam scanning radars and would be useful for range calculation and optimum beam spacing determination for modern multiple‐beam DARs.
The Gaia-ESO survey: Calibrating a relationship between age and the [C/N] abundance ratio with open clusters
Authors: Casali G. , Magrini L. , Tognelli E. , Jackson R. , Jeffries R. D. , Lagarde N. , Tautvaišienė G. , Masseron T. , Degl’Innocenti S. , Prada Moroni P. G. , Kordopatis G. , Pancino E. , Randich S. , Feltzing S. , Sahlholdt C. , Spina L. , Friel E. , Roccatagliata V. , Sanna N. , Bragaglia A. , Drazdauskas A. , Mikolaitis Š. , Minkevičiūtė R. , Stonkutė E. , Chorniy Y. , Bagdonas V. , Jimenez-Esteban F. , Martell S. , Van der Swaelmen M. , Gilmore G. , Vallenari A. , Bensby T. , Koposov S. E. , Korn A. , Worley C. , Smiljanic R. , Bergemann M. , Carraro G. , Damiani F. , Prisinzano L. , Bonito R. , Franciosini E. , Gonneau A. , Hourihane A. , Jofre P. , Lewis J. , Morbidelli L. , Sacco G. , Sousa S. G. , Zaggia S. , Lanzafame A. C. , Heiter U. , Frasca A. , Bayo A.
Published: July 2019

Context. In the era of large high-resolution spectroscopic surveys such as Gaia-ESO and APOGEE, high-quality spectra can contribute to our understanding of the Galactic chemical evolution by providing abundances of elements that belong to the different nucleosynthesis channels, and also by providing constraints to one of the most elusive astrophysical quantities: stellar age.

Aims. Some abundance ratios, such as [C/N], have been proven to be excellent indicators of stellar ages. We aim at providing an empirical relationship between stellar ages and [C/N] using open star clusters, observed by the Gaia-ESO and APOGEE surveys, as calibrators.

Methods. We used stellar parameters and abundances from the Gaia-ESO Survey and APOGEE Survey of the Galactic field and open cluster stars. Ages of star clusters were retrieved from the literature sources and validated using a common set of isochrones. We used the same isochrones to determine for each age and metallicity the surface gravity at which the first dredge-up and red giant branch bump occur. We studied the effect of extra-mixing processes in our sample of giant stars, and we derived the mean [C/N] in evolved stars, including only stars without evidence of extra mixing. By combining the Gaia-ESO and APOGEE samples of open clusters, we derived a linear relationship between [C/N] and (logarithmic) cluster ages.

Results. We apply our relationship to selected giant field stars in the Gaia-ESO and APOGEE surveys. We find an age separation between thin- and thick-disc stars and age trends within their populations, with an increasing age towards lower metallicity populations.

Conclusions. With this empirical relationship, we are able to provide an age estimate for giant stars in which C and N abundances are measured. For giant stars, the isochrone fitting method is indeed less sensitive than for dwarf stars at the turn-off. Our method can therefore be considered as an additional tool to give an independent estimate of the age of giant stars. The uncertainties in their ages is similar to those obtained using isochrone fitting for dwarf stars.
Detection of Startle-Type Epileptic Seizures using Machine Learning Technique
Authors: Balakrishnan Pushpa , Hemalatha S. , Keshav Dinesh Nayak Shroff
Published: July 2019

Background Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by seizures and can lead to life-threatening consequences. The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a diagnostic test used to analyze brain activity in various neurological conditions including epilepsy and interpreted by the clinician for appropriate diagnosis. However, the process of EEG analysis for diagnosis can be automated using machine learning algorithms (MLAs) to aid the clinician. The objective of the study was to test different algorithms that could be used for the detection of seizures.

Materials and Methods Video EEG (vEEG) was collected from subjects diagnosed to have episodes of seizures. The epilepsy dataset thus obtained was subjected to empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and the signal was decomposed into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). The first five levels of decomposition were considered for analysis as per the established protocol. Statistical features such as interquartile range (IQR), entropy, and mean absolute deviation (MAD) were extracted from these IMFs.

Results In this study, different MLAs such as nearest neighbor (NN), naïve Bayes (NB), and support vector machines (SVMs) were used to distinguish between normal (interictal) and abnormal (ictal) states. The demonstrated accuracy rates were 97.32% for NN, 99.02% for NB, and 93.75% for SVM.

Conclusion Based on this accuracy and sensitivity, it may be posited that the NB classifier provides significantly better results for the detection of abnormal signals indicating that MLA can detect the seizure with better accuracy.
Rivaroxaban versus Aspirin in Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism: A Meta-Analysis of 9 Randomized Controlled Trials comprising 7,656 Patients
Authors: Xie Jian , Jiang Mingyang , Lin Yunni , Deng Huachu , Xie Xiaoyong , Li Lang
Published: July 2019

Aim This article evaluates the preventive effects of rivaroxaban versus aspirin on venous thromboembolism (VTE) through meta-analysis of recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods RCTs were retrieved from medical literature databases. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to compare the primary and safety endpoints.

Results In total, 9 trials (11 trial comparisons) were retrieved which contained 7,656 patients. Among these patients, 4,383 patients (57.2%) received rivaroxaban, whereas 3,273 patients (42.8%) received aspirin. Compared with aspirin, rivaroxaban significantly reduced VTE (1.3% vs. 3.5%) (RR: 0.36, 95% CI, 0.26–0.48, I
2 = 27.9%), but significantly increased nonmajor bleeding (11.5% vs. 7.5%) (RR: 1.28, 95% CI, 1.13–1.44, I
2 = 38.6%). There were no significant differences in the all-cause mortality (0.3% vs. 0.3%) (RR: 0.75, 95% CI, 0.35–1.61, I
2 = 32.0%) and major bleeding (0.3% vs. 0.4%) (RR: 0.81, 95% CI, 0.42–1.55, I
2 = 33.7%) between the two groups.

Conclusion This meta-analysis indicated that rivaroxaban can significantly reduce the incidence of VTE when compared with aspirin. The preventive effect of rivaroxaban on VTE was more potent than that of aspirin. However, rivaroxaban had some negative side effects to patients such as nonmajor bleeding compared to aspirin.
Objective Selection Criteria between ALT and Radial Forearm Flap in Oral Soft Tissues Reconstruction
Authors: Benanti Elisa , Starnoni Marta , Spaggiari Antonio , Pinelli Massimo , De Santis Giorgio
Published: July 2019

Different locoregional and free flaps were described for oral soft tissues reconstruction after oncological resections; however, free flaps remain the first choice. Among free flaps, the radial forearm flap (RFF) and the anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALT) are preferred the most. The lack of standardization of the flap choice leaves the selection to the surgeon's experience. The purpose of our observational study is to provide an algorithm to support the flap choice for the reconstruction of oral soft tissues. Sixty patients with squamous cell carcinoma of oral soft tissues were enrolled in our study. All the patients underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure the three-dimensional size of the tumor. During the follow-up, the patients were evaluated by using the University of Washington-Quality of Life Questionnaire. The questionnaire score was better for small tumors and worse for large tumors in both functional and relational fields. We observed that most of the overlapping results were obtained for small defects and the choice of RFF, as well as for large defects and the use of ALT. We observed that in the preoperative time, it is possible to select which flap between radial forearm and ALT is more appropriate for oral soft tissues defects reconstruction, according to the size of the tumor evaluated by MRI. We propose a decisional algorithm that suggests the type of flap to use between ALT and RFF.
Quality Initiative Using Theory of Change and Visual Analytics to Improve Controlled Substance Documentation Discrepancies in the Operating Room
Authors: Dolan Jenny E. , Lonsdale Hannah , Ahumada Luis M. , Patel Amish , Samuel Jibin , Jalali Ali , Peck Jacquelin , DeRosa JoAnn C. , Rehman Mohamed , Varughese Anna M. , Fernandez Allison M.
Published: July 2019

Background Discrepancies in controlled substance documentation are common and can lead to legal and regulatory repercussions. We introduced a visual analytics dashboard to assist in a quality improvement project to reduce the discrepancies in controlled substance documentation in the operating room (OR) of our free-standing pediatric hospital.

Methods Visual analytics were applied to collected documentation discrepancy audit data and were used to track progress of the project, to motivate the OR team, and in analyzing where further improvements could be made. This was part of a seven-step improvement plan based on the Theory of Change with a logic model framework approach.

Results The introduction of the visual analytics dashboard contributed a 24% improvement in controlled substance documentation discrepancy. The project overall reduced documentation errors by 71% over the studied period.

Conclusion We used visual analytics to simultaneously analyze, monitor, and interpret vast amounts of data and present them in an appealing format. In conjunction with quality-improvement principles, this led to a significant improvement in controlled substance documentation discrepancies.
Neonatal Jaundice: The Other Side of the Coin in the Development of Allergy
Authors: Safar Heba , Elsary Asmaa Y.
Published: July 2019

Objective The current study aims to assess the association between different characteristics of neonatal jaundice and common types of allergic diseases in childhood (as bronchial asthma, acute urticaria, and allergic rhinitis).

Study Design A case-control study is conducted on 300 allergic children and 300 healthy children as a control group at Fayoum University Hospital. The study was conducted over a span of 2 years, from May 2016 to May 2018. Bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and acute urticaria diagnoses were based on physician clinical examination using specific guidelines for each. For the data regarding children's demographic and maternal characteristics, a structured questionnaire was used. Regarding neonatal jaundice, data were collected from the patients' hospital records.

Results Children with neonatal jaundice are more likely to develop allergy with 57% higher than neonates without jaundice. Early onset jaundice and treatment by phototherapy have statistically significant association with the development of allergic diseases.

Conclusion Different aspects of neonatal jaundice are associated with the development of common allergic diseases in children.
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: State of the Art in Translating Experimental Research to the Bedside
Authors: Antounians Lina , Figueira Rebeca Lopes , Sbragia Lourenço , Zani Augusto
Published: July 2019

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a devastating disease that still carries a high mortality and morbidity rate. Poor outcomes for fetuses and infants with CDH are mainly related to pulmonary hypoplasia (PH) and pulmonary vascular remodeling that leads to pulmonary hypertension (PHTN). Over the last five decades, research efforts have focused on modeling CDH not only to study the pathophysiology of the diaphragmatic defect, pulmonary hypoplasia, and pulmonary hypertension, but also to identify therapies that would promote lung growth and maturation, and correct vascular remodeling. As CDH is a multifactorial condition whose etiology remains unknown, there is not a single model of CDH, rather several ones that replicate different aspects of this disease. While small animals like the mouse and the rat have mainly been used to uncover biological pathways underlying the diaphragmatic defect and poor lung growth, larger animals like the lamb and the rabbit models have been instrumental for pursuing medical and surgical interventions. Overall, the use of animal models has indeed advanced our knowledge on CDH and helped us test innovative therapeutic options. For example, the lamb model of CDH has been the paradigm for testing fetal surgical procedures, including tracheal occlusion, which has been translated to clinical use. In this review, we outline the induction protocols of CDH in animals with the use of chemicals, dietary changes, genetic alterations, and surgical maneuvers, and we describe the studies that have translated experimental results to the bedside.
The Metabolites of the Dietary Flavonoid Quercetin Possess Potent Antithrombotic Activity, and Interact with Aspirin to Enhance Antiplatelet Effects
Authors: Stainer Alexander R. , Sasikumar Parvathy , Bye Alexander P. , Unsworth Amanda J. , Holbrook Lisa M. , Tindall Marcus , Lovegrove Julie A. , Gibbins Jonathan M.
Published: July 2019

Quercetin, a dietary flavonoid, has been reported to possess antiplatelet activity. However, its extensive metabolism following ingestion has resulted in difficulty elucidating precise mechanisms of action. In this study, we aimed to characterize the antiplatelet mechanisms of two methylated metabolites of quercetin—isorhamnetin and tamarixetin—and explore potential interactions with aspirin. Isorhamnetin and tamarixetin inhibited human platelet aggregation, and suppressed activatory processes including granule secretion, integrin αIIbβ3 function, calcium mobilization, and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk)/linker for activation of T cells (LAT) phosphorylation downstream of glycoprotein VI with similar potency to quercetin. All three flavonoids attenuated thrombus formation in an in vitro microfluidic model, and isoquercetin, a 3-O-glucoside of quercetin, inhibited thrombosis in a murine laser injury model. Isorhamnetin, tamarixetin, and quercetin enhanced the antiplatelet effects of aspirin more-than-additively in a plate-based aggregometry assay, reducing aspirin IC50 values by an order of magnitude, with this synergy maintained in a whole blood test of platelet function. Our data provide mechanistic evidence for the antiplatelet activity of two quercetin metabolites, isorhamnetin and tamarixetin, and suggest a potential antithrombotic role for these flavonoids. In combination with their interactions with aspirin, this may represent a novel avenue of investigation for the development of new antithrombotic strategies and management of current therapies.
Intrapartum Group B Streptococcus Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Penicillin Allergic Pregnant Women
Authors: Desravines Nerlyne , Venkatesh Kartik K. , Hopkins Austin , Waldron Jamie , Grant Megan , McGuire Colleen , Boggess Kim A.
Published: July 2019

Objectives To estimate the prevalence of and identify modifiable risk factors for alternative antibiotics for group B Streptococcus (GBS) prophylaxis in penicillin-allergic women.

Methods Retrospective cohort study of pregnant women within a health care network from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2017. Included women were GBS colonized, delivered at ≥ 37 weeks' gestation, and reported penicillin/cephalosporin allergy. The primary outcome was the use of alternate antibiotics GBS prophylaxis, defined per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as antibiotics other than penicillin, ampicillin, or cefazolin.

Results We identified 190 GBS-colonized pregnant women self-reporting a penicillin/cephalosporin allergy; 5% reported anaphylaxis, 44% high-risk symptoms (isolated hives, shortness of breath, swelling, or vomiting), and 51% low-risk symptoms (isolated rash, itching, or nausea). Two-thirds (63%) had alternative antibiotic prophylaxis. In adjusted analyses, nonwhite race (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.42; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–4.94) and high-risk allergic reaction (aOR: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.30–4.49) were associated with higher odds of alternative antibiotics prophylaxis compared with low-risk allergic reaction. Low-risk allergic reaction group was less likely to receive alternative antibiotic prophylaxis (aOR: 0.36; 95 CI%: 0.19–0.66).

Conclusion Alternative antibiotic use for GBS prophylaxis is frequent with penicillin/cephalosporin allergies. Efforts to confirm allergy and perform penicillin hypersensitivity testing may increase compliance with guidelines for antibiotic administration.
Hybrid catalyst with monoclinic MoTe2 and platinum for efficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: Seok Jinbong , Lee Jun-Ho , Bae Dongyeon , Ji Byungdo , Son Young-Woo , Lee Young Hee , Yang Heejun , Cho Suyeon
Published: July 2019

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are considered as promising catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) owing to their abundant active sites such as atomic vacancies and step edges. Moreover, TMDs have polymorphism, which has stimulated extensive studies on tuning of surface electronic structures for an active HER. The polymorphism in TMDs provides an opportunity for new hybrid catalysts with TMDs and other catalytic metals via surface engineering that can create a novel functional surface of the catalytic electrode for the active HER. Here, we report a hybrid catalyst with monoclinic MoTe2 and platinum (Pt) for the HER. Pt atoms were chemically bound to the surface of monoclinic MoTe2 that has an atomically distorted lattice structure, which produces a distinct Pt-Te alloy layer. The Pt/MoTe2 hybrid catalyst exhibits an active HER with a Tafel slope of 22 mV per decade and an exchange current density of 1.0 mA/cm2, which are the best values among those reported for TMD-based catalysts. The use of minimum amount of Pt on atomically distorted metallic TMDs realizes rich catalytic active sites on large basal planes for efficient hydrogen production.
Valence band offsets for ALD SiO2 and Al2O3 on (InxGa1−x)2O3 for x = 0.25–0.74
Authors: Fares Chaker , Kneiß Max , von Wenckstern Holger , Grundmann Marius , Tadjer Marko , Ren Fan , Lambers Eric , Pearton S. J.
Published: July 2019

The incorporation of In2O3 into Ga2O3 allows for tailoring of the bandgap over a wide range in (InxGa1−x)2O3, and this material is emerging as a candidate in transparent electrodes on optoelectronic devices, heterostructure transistors, photodetectors, and gas sensors. We have measured the band alignments for atomic layer deposited SiO2 and Al2O3 over the composition range x = 0.25–0.74 for (InxGa1−x)2O3 grown by pulsed laser deposition. The valence band offsets from 1.95 to 2.30 eV for SiO2 and 0.88 to 1.23 eV for Al2O3 over this composition range. The bandgaps of (InxGa1−x)2O3 spanned from 4.55 to 4.05 for x = 0.74–0.25. This led to nested band alignments for SiO2 and Al2O3 for the entire composition range of (InxGa1−x)2O3 investigated.
Steric microstructure of mixed-species biofilm formed by interaction between Lactobacillus plantarum ML11-11 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Hirayama Satoru , Nojima Natsumi , Furukawa Soichi , Ogihara Hirokazu , Morinaga Yasushi
Published: July 2019

The mixed-species biofilm of Lactobacillus plantarum ML11-11 (LAB) and yeast had a double-layered structure with the ground layer composed of LAB cells, and the upper layer composed of coaggregates of LAB and yeast cells. The ability of LAB to adhere to both, the solid surface and the yeast cells, enabled the formation and maintenance of the biofilm as an ecosystem for LAB and yeast.
The Perpetration of Violence and the Experience of Trauma: Exploring Predictors of PTSD Symptoms in Male Violent Offenders
Authors: Ternes Marguerite , Cooper Barry S. , Griesel Dorothee
Published: July 2019

Incarcerated offenders are more likely to experience Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and associated symptoms than the general population. PTSD may develop from a variety of events, including being a victim of violence, witnessing violence, or from committing a violent offense. This study examined symptoms and predictors of PTSD in 150 male violent offenders. Participants recalled acts of reactive and instrumental violence, poorly recalled violence, and subjectively disturbing events (e.g., victim of violence), and rated each event for symptoms of PTSD using the Impact of Events Scale (IES). Subjectively disturbing events were associated with higher IES scores than the acts of violence. Hierarchical linear modeling showed that more recent events were associated with a greater number of trauma symptoms and peritraumatic dissociation was positively associated with trauma symptoms. As well, trauma symptoms were more likely to develop if the victim was a family member or a friend, as compared to a stranger or acquaintance. These results support the need for trauma-informed assessment and treatment for offenders. Knowing more about the predictors of trauma symptoms is a first step in effectively treating PTSD in this population.
Plug flow reactor model of the plasma chemical conversion of CO2
Authors: Kotov V , Koelman P M J
Published: July 2019

A 1D plug flow model suitable for describing the CO2 conversion into CO in microwave plasma reactors is proposed. The model is applied together with the Antwerp data set for the CO2 reaction kinetics to calculate parameter scans for a realistic experimental set up. The energy re-distribution pathways in the model calculations are analyzed. The analysis shows that despite the input power being initially deposited mainly into vibrational states the fast vibrational-translational (VT) transfer leads to dissociation of CO2 predominantly via the thermal quenching mechanism. Solutions with mitigated VT-losses can be obtained by increasing the specific input power–power per unit volume. In this regime the energy efficiency starts to be constrained by reverse processes.
Optimal common resource in majorization-based resource theories
Authors: Bosyk G M , Bellomo G , Holik F , Freytes H , Sergioli G
Published: July 2019

We address the problem of finding the optimal common resource for an arbitrary family of target states in quantum resource theories based on majorization, that is, theories whose conversion law between resources is determined by a majorization relationship, such as it happens with entanglement, coherence or purity. We provide a conclusive answer to this problem by appealing to the completeness property of the majorization lattice. We give a proof of this property that relies heavily on the more geometric construction provided by the Lorenz curves, which allows to explicitly obtain the corresponding infimum and supremum. Our framework includes the case of possibly non-denumerable sets of target states (i.e. targets sets described by continuous parameters). In addition, we show that a notion of approximate majorization, which has recently found application in quantum thermodynamics, is in close relation with the completeness of this lattice. Finally, we provide some examples of optimal common resources within the resource theory of quantum coherence.
Impact Metformin and Insulin Therapy on Parathyroid Hormone and 25 (OH) Vitamin D in Diabetic Post-menopausal Iraqi Women
Authors: Roomi Ali B. , AL-Salih Raid M. H. , Ali Saher A.
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of insulin therapy and metformin on parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25 (OH) Vitamin D and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) in diabetic post-menopausal women. In this case-control study, 200 individuals were divided into 4 groups each group containing 50 patients, (CG) group were healthy post-menopausal, (OP) group were post-menopausal with osteoporosis (OP), (T2D insulin) group were post-menopausal with diabetic and treated insulin once daily and (T2D-metformin) group were post-menopausal with diabetic and treated metformin (500 mg) twice daily. The results revealed that serum for fasting blood glucose (F.B.G), hemostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMO-RI), 25(OH) Vitamin D, and ALP demonstrated a significant different in (T2D-insulin and T2D-metformin) group comparison with (OP) group. Whereas, the serum PTH, and total calcium was a significant reduce in (T2D-insulin and T2D-metformin) group comparison with (OP) group. Furthermore, the inorganic phosphate non-significant decrees in (T2D-insulin and T2D-metformin) group comparison with (OP) group. The final concluded that insulin therapy increases bone turnover biomarkers more than metformin therapy.
Association of irisin hormone with some physiological and inflammatory parameters of type 1 diabetic mellitus (TIDM) patiens in Thi-Qar province, Iraq
Authors: Al-Badry Saad H. , Al-Fartosi Khalid G.
Published: July 2019

The current study aimed to verify of irisin concentration in TIDM and the scan the association the irisin value with the physiological inflammatory parameters.The study included 60 individuals diagnosed in newly onset TIDM and 35 healthy individuals as acontrol group. IL-6 and C-reactive protein(CRP) concentration was calculated. Serum irisin level in addition to inflammatory factors were evaluated by ELISA kit.The results explained a sagnifecant increased at (P ≤ 0.05) in level of fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1C and irisin level in type I patients compared with the controlgroup, (7.95±2.024vs94±0.47mmol/dl, 6.91±1.094vs28±0.56mmol/dl, 33.38±7.ng/mlvs27.24±4.50ng/ml. respectively). So the results showed significantly decreased of BMI, C-peptide, Insulin and HOMO-IR level (p≤ 0.05) in GI contrast with control grouping (19.04±0.71 vs22.62±1.19, 0.21±0.02 vs 6.11±0.50, 0.19±0.04 vs 24.99±0.73, 0.06 ±0.02 vs5.49 ± 0.53 respectively). Investigation of lipid profile the results explained there was non-significant decreased of cholesterol (p≤ 0.05) in GI contrast with group’s control, but there was significant decreased of Tg, and HDL levels in GI contrast with group’s control, on the other hand the results showed a significant increase (p≤ 0.05) of LDL level in GI compared with control group(3.78±0.46vs3.96±0.46, 1.55±0.21 vs1.62±0.37, 1.02±0.15 vs1.52±0.37, 2.45±0.58 vs 2.11±0.45 respectively). The results of inflammatory parameters explained there was a significant increased (p≤ 0.05) of IL-6 and CRP levels in patients compared with control group (21.0±5.25vs12.79±0.93, 3.14±1.16 vs2.37±0.69 respectively) (Table 1). In TIDM grouped, iris in value showed negative association with (HbA1c) value (r=- 0.353, p<0.001), glucose (r=-0.290) and HOMO-IR(r=-0.232), cholesterol (r=-0.133), Tg, (r=-0.071-) and LDL(r=-0.163), So the correlation analysis explained a positive correlation with insulin level(r=0.055), C.peptide(r=0.105), HDL(r=0.229-), BMI(r=.115), IL-6(r=0.067), and CRP(r=0.171).
Simulation and Control of Photovoltaic Panel Using Nonlinear Autoregressive Moving Average (NARMA Controller)
Authors: Harb Najd Ahmed , Sari Filiz
Published: July 2019

Recently, the photovoltaics (PVs) is considers as one of important renewable energy systems. Generally, The PVs cell is detecting the solar radiation and converted it into a power electric DC current. In this paper, the PV has designed to produce power electrical of certain power and it has given that power with standard temperatures conditions designed at (1000 W/m2, 25 °C) for temperature and solar radiation. In case of increase or decrease in the temperature values and solar radiation the power value will be reduced. Besides, the control systems has utilized to control the power value that effected by the radiation and temperature of the PV system. An artificial neural network (ANN) technique which is nonlinear autoregressive moving average (NARMA) has used to the purpose of get the high efficiency and controlling the maximum power point (MPP) at different conditions of radiation and temperature. This control will be carried out by applying a PV model using the equivalent circuit of the PV. MATLAB-based modelling will be used for simulation and compared between results before and after using NARMA controller.
Multi-Forked Microstrip Patch Antenna for Broadband Application
Authors: Godaymi Al-Tumah Wa’il A. , Shaaban Raed M. , Tahir Akeel S. , Ahmed Zeki A.
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a new design simulation of multi-forked microstrip patch antenna is presented. The proposed antenna design consists of rectangular patch structure loaded multi-slotted forked as a novel shaped of the patch, with Arlon AD320A (tm) dielectric. The coaxial probe feed technique and microstrip edge feed are used as a direct feed. The composite effect of integrating these multi-shapes forked patches techniques introducing the new multi-slotted patch. The best results of the proposed antennas were a wide impedance bandwidth which is 114% at 10.31 GHz resonance frequency for the microstrip line feed approach and maximum achievable gain is 6.3 dB for the coaxial probe feed approach. The simulated results of return loss, radiation patterns, and voltage standing wave ratio are obtained by using the finite element HFSS 13.0 software