bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphotropic phase boundary-like properties in a ferroelectric-paraelectric nanocomposite
Authors: Liu Yao , Xu Zhuo , Liu Lijun , Li Fei
Published: September 2019

High dielectric and piezoelectric properties of solid-solution ferroelectrics around a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) have attracted considerable attention in the last 60 years. Previous studies on MPB generally focused on a phase boundary between two ferroelectric phases, attributing enhanced dielectric/piezoelectric response to both intrinsic and extrinsic contribution. However, contribution from interfacial effects among the regions with different ferroelectric phases has not been fully considered. Therefore, it is valuable to study dielectric/piezoelectric responses in a ferroelectric-paraelectric system, where interfaces among different polar states may have a strong influence on the averaged free energy profile. In this paper, the piezoelectric response of a ferroelectric-paraelectric nanocomposite, i.e., the xSrTiO3-(1−x)BaTiO3 system, is systematically studied. By phase-field simulations, domain evolution of the xST-(1−x)BT composite poled along the [001] and [011] axis is presented with respect to the applied electric field. The piezoelectric strain coefficient of the xSrTiO3-(1−x)BaTiO3 composites is found to first increase and then decrease with increasing the parameter x, which is similar to that observed in ferroelectric solid solutions with a MPB. Finally, the temperature-dependent piezoelectric responses of the composites are also simulated, where a compromise between the room-temperature piezoelectricity and the thermal stability is observed. This work may benefit the design of the ferroelectric-paraelectric composite.
Investigation of plasmon-induced transparency and reflection in patterned graphene metamaterial
Authors: Liu Zhimin , Gao Enduo , Li Hongjian , Xu Hui , Zhang Zhenbin , Zhang Xiao , Luo Xin , Zhou Fengqi
Published: September 2019

Plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) and plasmon-induced reflectance (PIR) are explored in a patterned graphene metamaterial using finite-difference time-domain numerical simulations and coupled-mode-theory calculations, and both PIT and PIR phenomena can be tailored dynamically by adjusting the Fermi level of graphene. Surprisingly, the group index of the proposed structure can be increased abruptly to 630, indicating ultraslow light can be achieved. Furthermore, the reflectance of the PIR can reach 70%. Therefore, the proposed structure provides a solid foundation for the realization of excellent slow-light devices, reflectors, and modulators.
Modeling of yield estimation for DNA strand breaks based on Monte Carlo simulations of electron track structure in liquid water
Authors: Matsuya Yusuke , Kai Takeshi , Yoshii Yuji , Yachi Yoshie , Naijo Shingo , Date Hiroyuki , Sato Tatsuhiko
Published: September 2019

DNA strand breaks are induced in cells mainly composed of liquid water along ionizing radiation tracks. For estimating DNA strand break yields, track structures for electrons in liquid water in Monte Carlo simulations are of great importance; however, detailed simulations to obtain both energy deposition and free radical reaction to DNA are time-consuming processes. Here, we present a simple model for estimating yields of single- and double-strand breaks (SSB, DSB, and DSB/SSB ratio) based only on spatial patterns of inelastic interactions (i.e., ionization and electronic excitation) generated by electrons, which are evaluated by the track structure mode of Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System without analyzing the production and diffusion of free radicals. In the present model, the number of events per track and that of a pair composed of two events within 3.4 nm (10 base pairs) were stochastically sampled for calculating SSB and DSB yields. The results calculated by this model agree well with other simulations and experimental data on the DSB yield and the DSB/SSB ratio for monoenergetic electron irradiation. This model also demonstrates the relative biological effectiveness at the DSB endpoint for various photon irradiations, indicating that the spatial pattern composed of ionization and electronic excitation without physicochemical and chemical stages is sufficient to obtain the impact of electrons on the initial DNA strand break induction.
Crystallization kinetics and role of stress in Al induced layer exchange crystallization process of amorphous SiGe thin film on glass
Authors: Sain Twisha , Singh Ch. Kishan , Ilango S. , Mathews T.
Published: September 2019

The present study reports Al induced crystallization of amorphous (a)-SiGe in the Al-Ge-Si ternary system with the a-SiGe/Al bilayer structure on glass at low temperature ∼350 °C. The origin of the Al induced layer exchange (ALILE) mechanism that occurs in the a-SiGe/Al system is investigated by studying the crystallization kinetics as well as the evolution of stress in the Al layer during the crystallization process. The growth kinetics was analyzed using Avrami's theory of phase transformation as the crystallization occurs under isothermal condition. It shows that initial growth of the polycrystalline (poly)-SiGe phase follows a 3D mode, characterized by n ∼ 3, where n is the Avrami constant. It then switched over to a 2D mode through an intermediate explosive growth as the crystallization fraction increases. The stress was evaluated using X-ray diffraction analysis based on multi-hkl sin2 ψ formalism. A corroboration of the growth kinetics with stress analysis shows that nucleation and growth of the poly-SiGe phase inside the Al layer at 350 °C leads to buildup of compressive strain in the Al layer. The increase in strain energy due to compression in the Al layer at elevated temperature is the driving force that initiates the layer exchange process.
Local stress enhanced photocurrent of visible light photo-detection in Cs2AgBiBr6 single crystal
Authors: Li Tong , Wang Jing , Gao Ziyan , Lv Peng , Yang Yuben , Wu Junsheng , Hong Jiawang , Wang Xueyun , Zhou Yanwen
Published: September 2019

Halide perovskites have attracted worldwide attention in recent years due to their fundamental scientific importance and practical applications in energy harvesting fields. However, its toxicity and instability are hindering the commercial applications of halide perovskite-based devices. Recently discovered inorganic lead-free Cs2AgBiBr6 double perovskite exhibits excellent optical and electronic properties and can be considered as a candidate for photovoltaic devices. In this work, we report the photoelectric performance of the Cs2AgBiBr6 single crystal as a photodetector both macro- and microscopically. By utilizing a nanoscale probe as a top electrode, it is discovered that the photogenerated carriers are effectively collected, as in the case of macroscopic electrodes. More importantly, the photocurrent is enhanced as the applied nanoscale mechanical load increases, which indicates that the local bandgap of the Cs2AgBiBr6 single crystal decreases with the increased nanoscale stress, showing similar tendency with the first-principles calculation result. The reported finding establishes a strategy to enhance the performance of photodetectors, which will be a great help in improving the performance of future optoelectronic devices and energy harvesting devices at the nanoscale.
3D atomic-scale investigation of carbon segregation in phosphorus co-implanted silicon
Authors: Dumas P. , Duguay S. , Borrel J. , Gauthier A. , Ghegin E. , Blavette D.
Published: September 2019

Dopant diffusion and structural defects are investigated in a carbon-phosphorus implanted silicon. End-of-range defects maturation and phosphorus diffusion are inhibited. A direct imaging of carbon segregation to dislocation loops is given by atom probe tomography. Segregation energies of carbon atoms to these defects are estimated to be about 0.37 eV. The comparison between observed and derived cluster radii indicates a quick decrease in the self-interstitial supersaturation during the nucleation step of carbon precipitation. Carbon clusters are likely to be the precursors of a metastable phase, which is not the expected SiC phase.
Consensus building on trust in government
Authors: Macedo Higgins Joyce Vanessa De , Khani Zahra
Published: September 2019

This study contrasts the effects of news media to those of neighborhood in building consensus regarding trust in
government. Consensus building is a consequence of agenda setting at a societal level. It conducts a secondary data analysis from
an online survey with a panel of 983 older Texans from November/December 2015. We found significant correlation between trust and
following the news, accessing TV news, using digital media, online news and newspapers. We found that news media in general and
online news increased consensus both within education and location; radio and television increased consensus for education and
digital media for income. Our spatial auto-correlation test found a minimal tendency of similar values of trust to be clustered.
We cannot infer that neighborhood contributes in the formation of trust. We found evidence, in a case study of older Texans, that
the news media may bring us closer together than next-door neighbors
A method to verify sections of arc during intrafraction portal dosimetry for prostate VMAT
Authors: Bedford James L , Hanson Ian M
Published: September 2019

This study investigates the use of a running sum of images during segment-resolved intrafraction portal dosimetry for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), so as to alert the operator to an error before it becomes irremediable. At the time of treatment planning, predicted portal images were created for each segment of the VMAT arc, and at the time of delivery, intrafraction monitoring software polled the portal imager to read new images as they became available. The predicted and measured images were compared and displayed on a segment basis. In particular, a running sum of images from ten segments (a ‘section’) was investigated, with mean absolute difference between predicted and measured images being quantified. Images for 13 prostate patients were used to identify appropriate tolerance values for this statistic. Errors in monitor units of 2%–10%, field size of 2–10 mm, field position of 2–10 mm and path length of 10–50 mm were deliberately introduced into the treatment plans and delivered to a water-equivalent phantom and the sensitivity of the method to these errors was investigated. Gross errors were also considered for one case. The patient images show considerable variability from segment to segment, but when using a section of the arc the variability is reduced, so that the maximum value of mean absolute difference between predicted and measured images is reduced to below 12%, after excluding the first 10% of segments. This tolerance level is also found to be applicable for delivery of the plans to a water-equivalent phantom. Using this as a tolerance level for the error plans, a 10% increase in monitor units is detected, 4 mm increase or shift in multileaf collimator settings can be detected, and an air gap of dimensions 40 mm  ×  50 mm is detected. Gross errors can also be detected instantly after the first 10% of segments. The running difference between predicted and measured images over ten segments is able to identify errors at specific regions of the arc, as well as in the overall treatment.
Theoretical study on order–disorder phase transition of CH3NH3PbCl3
*
Authors: Chang Jing , Jiang Zhen-Yi , Song Qi , Chen Lei , Lin Yan-Min , Zhou Bo
Published: September 2019

Order–disorder phase transitions for CH3NH3PbCl3 are studied with density functional theory. Our calculations show that the disorder is manifested in two aspects in the cubic phase, namely, the disorder of orientation and rotation of organic groups. Organic groups of [CH3] and [NH3] in cubic crystals can easily rotate around its C
3 axis. At the same time, [CH3NH3]+ organic groups can also orient to different spatial directions due to the weak interactions between organic group and inorganic frame. Our results show that its possible phase transition path starts from the deviation of organic groups from the crystal c-axis. Its structural transition changes from disordered cubic phase to hydrogen-only disordered tetragonal structure in the process of decreasing symmetry. The disordered high temperature cubic phase can be expressed as a statistical average of substructures we rebuilt. The electrostatic repulsive force between adjacent organic groups triggers out the formation of low temperature phase on cooling.
Topological properties in ABA trilayer graphene under the irradiation of light*
Authors: Chen Liang
Published: September 2019

We study ABA trilayer graphene under irradiation of a circularly polarized light. In high-frequency regime, the effective low-energy Hamiltonian is obtained based on the Floquet theory. With increasing circularly polarized light intensity, the band structure shows a band gap closing and reopening, which happen twice. The process of the band gap closing and reopening is accompanied with a topological phase transition. We investigate the Chern numbers and the anomalous Hall conductivities to confirm the topological phase transition. The interplay between light-induced circularity-dependent effective potential and effective sublattice potential is discussed.
Moduli of continuity for the Lyapunov exponents of random 𝐺𝐿(2)-cocycles
Authors: Tall El Hadji , Viana Marcelo
Published: September 2019

The Lyapunov exponents of i.i.d. random

G
L

(
2
)

\mathrm {GL}(2)

-cocycles are Hölder continuous functions of the underlying probability distribution at each point with a simple Lyapunov spectrum. Moreover, they are log-Hölder continuous at every point.
Corrigendum to “Morse structures on open books”
Authors: Gay David , Licata Joan
Published: September 2019

This corrigendum corrects the Legendrian front Reidemeister moves announced in the original paper. Specifically, the move K3 given in the original paper preserves the direction the cusp is traversed, while the direction is reversed in the corrected move.
The CAF-1 complex couples Hippo pathway target gene expression and DNA replication
Authors: Yee William B. , Delaney Patrick M. , Vanderzalm Pamela J. , Ramachandran Srinivas , Fehon Richard G.
Published: September 2019

The Hippo signaling pathway regulates tissue growth and organ development in many animals, including humans. Pathway activity leads to inactivation of Yorkie (Yki), a transcriptional coactivator that drives expression of growth-promoting genes. In addition, Yki has been shown to recruit chromatin modifiers that enhance chromatin accessibility and thereby enhance Yki function. Here, we asked whether changes in chromatin accessibility that occur during DNA replication could also affect Yki function. We found that depletion of the chromatin assembly complex-1 (CAF-1) complex, a histone chaperone that is required for nucleosome assembly after DNA replication, in the wing imaginal epithelium leads to increased Hippo pathway target gene expression but does not affect expression of other genes. Yki shows greater association with target sites when CAF-1 is depleted and misregulation of target gene expression is Yki-dependent, suggesting that nucleosome assembly competes with Yki for pathway targets post-DNA replication. Consistent with this idea, increased target gene expression is DNA replication dependent and newly replicated chromatin at target sites shows marked nucleosome depletion when CAF-1 function is reduced. These observations suggest a connection between cell cycle progression and Hippo pathway target expression, providing insights into functions of the Hippo pathway in normal and abnormal tissue growth.
Regular Exercise Participation Contributes to Better Proteostasis, Inflammatory Profile, and Vasoactive Profile in Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Teixeira Manuel , Gouveia Marisol , Duarte Ana , Ferreira Miriam , Simões Maria I , Conceição Maria , Silva Gladys , Magalhães Sandra , Ferreira Rita , Nunes Alexandra , Vieira Sandra I , Ribeiro Fernando
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Physical exercise is a well-established strategy to control blood pressure. Nonetheless, its effects on protein homeostasis in individuals with hypertension are not clearly defined.

AIMS

Evaluate proteostasis, quality of life, and inflammation, oxidative stress, and vasoactive biomarkers in adults with hypertension regarding reported exercise habits.

METHODS

Twenty individuals were recruited in a health-care centre, 10 regular exercisers (age: 68.3 ± 4.2 years) and 10 age-matched individuals without regular exercise participation (age: 67.7 ± 5.1 years). Proteostasis and the levels of ubiquitin, heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2), tissue inhibitor of MMP-2 (TIMP-2), connexin 43 (Cx43) and extracellular superoxide dismutase-3 (SOD-3) were assessed in plasma using immunoblotting techniques (western blot or slot blot) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Quality of life was assessed using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) version 2.0 questionnaire.

RESULTS

Significant higher levels of interleukin (IL)-6 (P = 0.014), eNOS (P = 0.011), Cx43 (P = 0.020), TIMP-2 (P = 0.038), and SOD-3 (P = 0.001), with a fold increase of 1.5, 1.2, 2.1, 1.3, and 1.2, respectively, were found in the exercise group. The overall quality of life (60.1 ± 4.3 vs. 53.2 ± 5.9, P = 0.009), as well as mental health domain (59.4 ± 7.9 vs. 50.7 ± 7.2, P = 0.024) were significantly higher in the exercise group. Multivariate analysis by FTIR showed that the age-matched group is characterized by peaks related with antiparallel β-sheet, whereas exercise group is characterized by peaks related to random coils, β-sheet, and α-helix.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with regular exercise participation showed better proteostasis, quality of life, inflammatory profile, antioxidant defenses, and eNOS levels.
Short-term thermal acclimation of dark respiration is greater in non-photosynthetic than in photosynthetic tissues
Authors: Smith Nicholas G , Li Guoyong , Dukes Jeffrey S
Published: September 2019

Thermal acclimation of plant respiration is highly relevant to climate projections; when included in models, it reduces the future rate of atmospheric CO2 rise. Although all living plant tissues respire, few studies have examined differences in acclimation among tissues, and leaf responses have received greater attention than stems and roots. Here, we examine the short-term temperature acclimation of leaf, stem and root respiration within individuals of eight disparate species acclimated to five temperatures, ranging from 15 to 35 °C. To assess acclimation, we measured instantaneous tissue temperature response curves (14–50 °C) on each individual following a 7-day acclimation period. In leaves and photosynthetic stems, the acclimation temperature had little effect on the instantaneous tissue temperature response of respiration, indicating little to no thermal acclimation in these tissues. However, respiration did acclimate in non-photosynthetic tissues; respiratory rates measured at the acclimation temperature were similar across the different acclimation temperatures. Respiratory demand of photosynthetic tissue increased with acclimation temperature as a result of increased photosynthetic demands, resulting in rates measured at the acclimation temperature that increased with increasing acclimation temperature. In non-photosynthetic tissue, the homeostatic response of respiration suggests that acclimation temperature had little influence on respiratory demand. Our results indicate that respiratory temperature acclimation differs by tissue type and that this difference is the consequence of the coupling between photosynthesis and respiration in photosynthetic, but not non-photosynthetic tissue. These insights provide an avenue for improving the representation of respiratory temperature acclimation in large-scale models.
Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons Regarding Informed Consent
Authors: Hagopian Chelsea O , Ades Teresa B , Hagopian Thomas M , Wolfswinkel Erik M , Stevens W Grant
Published: September 2019

Background

Best practice for informed consent in aesthetic plastic surgery is a process of shared decision-making, yet evidence strongly suggests this is not commonly reflected in practice nor is it supported by traditional informed consent documents (ICD). Falsely held beliefs by clinicians about shared decision-making may contribute to its lack of adoption.

Objective

The authors sought to understand the baseline attitudes, beliefs, and practices of informed consent among board-certified plastic surgeons with a primarily aesthetics practice.

Methods

A 15-question online survey was emailed to active members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Items included demographics, Likert scales, free-text, acceptability, and 1 question seeking consensus on general information all patients must understand before any surgery.

Results

This survey yielded a 13% response rate with a 52% completion rate across 10 countries and 31 US states. A total of 69% were very or extremely confident that ICD contain evidence-based information, but 63% were not at all or not so confident in ICD effectiveness of prompting patients to teach-back essential information. A total of 50% believed surgical ICD should be reviewed annually. Eighty-six percent reported assistance with patient education during informed consent. Members of professional plastic surgery societies should be a source of evidence for content (free-text). A total of 64% were somewhat to very satisfied with the survey and 84% will probably to definitely participate in future related surveys.

Conclusions

The findings echo concerns in the literature that ICD are focused on disclosure instead of patient understanding. There is notable concern regarding information overload and retention but less regarding the quality and completeness of information. Current culture suggests key clinician stakeholders are amenable to change.
Norms Are What Machines Make of Them: Autonomous Weapons Systems and the Normative Implications of Human-Machine Interactions
Authors: Huelss Hendrik
Published: September 2019

The emergence of autonomous weapons systems (AWS) is increasingly in the academic and public focus. Research largely focuses on the legal and ethical implications of AWS as a new weapons category set to revolutionize the use of force. However, the debate on AWS neglects the question of what introducing these weapons systems could mean for how decisions are made. Pursuing this from a theoretical-conceptual perspective, the article critically analyzes what impact AWS can have on norms as standards of appropriate action. The article draws on the Foucauldian “apparatus of security” to develop a concept that accommodates the role of security technologies for the conceptualization of norms guiding the use of force. It discusses to what extent a technologically mediated construction of a normal reality emerges in the interplay of machinic and human agency and how this leads to the development of norms. The article argues that AWS provide a specific construction of reality in their operation and thereby define procedural norms that tend to replace the deliberative, normative-political decision on when, how, and why to use force. The article is a theoretical-conceptual contribution to the question of why AWS matter and why we should further consider the implications of new arrangements of human-machine interactions in IR.
Primary CNS Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma: Importance of Epigenetic and Transcriptomic Assays for Accurate Diagnosis
Authors: Jour George , Serrano Jonathan , Koelsche Christian , Jones David T W , von Deimling Andreas , Allen Jeffrey , Snuderl Matija
Published: September 2019

We present the case of a 22-year-old woman who developed increasing headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Imaging identified a 3 × 3 cm heterogeneously enhancing cystic mass in the posterior III ventricular/pineal region. Pathology review of the initial lesion revealed a highly malignant spindle cell neoplasm composed of round to mostly oval elongated cells with relatively small amounts of cytoplasm arranged in sheets and fascicles with focal storiform pattern. Whole genome methylation analysis through unsupervised clustering with data generated from other primary intracranial tumors and peripheral sarcomas was performed at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and classified the tumor with the group of alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas (ARMS). Further RNA sequencing revealed an in frame PAX3 (EX 7)-NCOA2 (EX12) fusion confirming the diagnosis. This is the first evidence of occurrence of PAX3-NCOA2 in primary CNS ARMS.
Cell Senescence and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease in the Brains of People Aged 80 Years and Older
Authors: Norton Emma J , Bridges Leslie R , Kenyon Lawrence C , Esiri Margaret M , Bennett Dorothy C , Hainsworth Atticus H
Published: September 2019

Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) in penetrating arteries is a major cause of age-related morbidity. Cellular senescence is a molecular process targeted by novel senolytic drugs. We quantified senescence in penetrating arteries and tested whether myocyte senescence was associated with cSVD. We immunolabeled subcortical white matter of older persons (age 80–96 years, n = 60) with minimal AD, using antibodies to 2 established senescence markers (H3K9me3, γH2AX) and a myocyte marker (hSMM). Within the walls of penetrating arteries (20–300 µm), we quantified senescence-associated heterochromatic foci (SAHF)-positive nuclei, cell density (nuclei/µm2), and sclerotic index (SI). Senescent-appearing mural cells were present in small arteries of all cases. cSVD cases exhibited a lower proportion of senescent-appearing cells and lower area fraction (AF%) of SAHF-positive nuclei compared to controls (p = 0.014, 0.016, respectively). cSVD severity and SI both correlated negatively with AF% (p = 0.013, 0.002, respectively). Mural cell density was lower (p < 0.001) and SI higher (p < 0.001) in cSVD, relative to controls. In conclusion, senescent myocyte-like cells were universal in penetrating arteries of an AD-free cohort aged 80 years and older. Senescent-appearing nuclei were more common in persons aged 80 years and older without cSVD compared to cSVD cases, indicating caution in senolytic drug prescribing. Myocyte senescence and cSVD may represent alternative vessel fates in the aging human brain.
Rural Social Work in China
Authors: Ku Hok Bun , Huadong Qi , Heqing Zhang
Published: September 2019

In this article, “China” refers to “mainland China.” Social work as academic discipline was first introduced to China’s most important universities, such as Yenching University, in the 1920s. However, social work, like other social science disciplines, was labeled as “bourgeois pseudo-science” and removed from Chinese universities in the 1950s, based on the idea that there were no social problems in socialist China, and thus no need for social work education. After the introduction of the Open Door and Economic Reform policy in 1978, social science disciplines were gradually reestablished in universities in mainland China beginning in the late 1980s, after a lapse of over thirty years. China’s rapid social and economic transformation has created different social problems since the late 1970s. As a measure to alleviate emerging social problems, the return of social work programs was advocated by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and by leading academics, who saw the need to develop professional social workers to handle the increasingly complex social problems arising from rapid social and economic transitions. Thus, the Chinese government reintroduced social work education programs to the universities in the late 1980s, for the clear political mission of establishing social stability and a harmonious society. Peking University was the first higher educational institute to launch a social work program at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in 1988. Gradually, other universities and cadre training colleges in China followed its lead. In China in 2018, there were 348 undergraduate social work programs and 150 master’s of social work (MSW) programs. In China’s specific context, rural social work is one of the major subfields of social work. As social work was developed in the Western urban context, when it was reintroduced to China, some of the Chinese social work educators were aware of the differences in cultural and societal context between China and the West. They emphasized the indigenization of social work in China, and rural social work was regarded as the major component of this effort. They also thought social development and poverty alleviation should be a major factor. For example, Professor Wang Sibin, a leading social work scholar from Peking University, opined that social development and poverty alleviation should be the primary focus of social work education in China, and that individualized practice should only constitute a supplementary and secondary role in the social work curriculum. This is the context and direction of rural social work development in China since it was reconstructed in the 1980s. However, even today, rural social work is underdeveloped in terms of academic research and publication. Most of the bibliographies are in Chinese, and very few academic papers have been published in English in the area of rural social work in China. Nonetheless, in this bibliography, priority will be given to English academic papers. Only important and high-quality Chinese articles will be cited.
Lesion of intergeniculate leaflet GABAergic neurons attenuates sleep in mice exposed to light
Authors: Shi Huan-Ying , Xu Wei , Guo Han , Dong Hui , Qu Wei-Min , Huang Zhi-Li
Published: September 2019

Light has immediate effects on sleep in rodents, but the neural pathways underlying the effect remain to be elucidated. The intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) containing GABAergic neurons receives direct retinal inputs. We hypothesized that IGL GABAergic neurons may mediate light-induced sleep. EEG/electromyogram recording, immunohistochemistry, electrophysiology, optogenetics, fiber photometry, behavioral tests, and cell-specific destruction were employed to investigate the role of IGL GABAergic neurons in the regulation of acute light-induced sleep. Here, EEG/electromyogram recordings revealed that acute light exposure during the nocturnal active phase in mice induced a significant increase in non-rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement sleep compared with controls. Immunohistochemistry showed that acute light exposure for 2 hours in the active phase induced an increase in c-Fos expression in the IGL, whereas lights-off in the rest phase inhibited it. Patch clamp coupled with optogenetics demonstrated that retinal ganglion cells had monosynaptic functional connections to IGL GABAergic neurons. Calcium activity by fiber photometry in freely behaving mice showed that light exposure increased the activity of IGL GABAergic neurons. Furthermore, lesion of IGL GABAergic neurons by caspase-3 virus significantly attenuated the sleep-promoting effect of light exposure during active phases. Collectively, these results clearly indicated that the IGL is one of key nuclei mediating light-induced sleep in mice.
Genome Resource for the Huanglongbing Causal Agent ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ Strain AHCA17 from Citrus Root Tissue in California, USA
Authors: Cai Weili , Nunziata Schyler , Costanzo Stefano , Kumagai Lucita , Rascoe John , Stulberg Michael J.
Published: September 2019

‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ is the unculturable causative agent of citrus huanglongbing disease. Here, we report the first citrus root metagenome sequence containing the draft genome of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ strain AHCA17, obtained from a pummelo tree in California. The assembled genome was 1.2 Mbp and resulted in 37 contigs (N50 = 158.7 kbp) containing 1,057 predicted open reading frames and 45 RNA-coding genes. This draft genome will provide a valuable resource in further study of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ genome diversity and pathogen epidemiology.
Uric acid induced the phenotype transition of vascular endothelial cells via induction of oxidative stress and glycocalyx shedding
Authors: Ko Jiyeon , Kang Hyun‐Jung , Kim Dal‐Ah , Kim Mi‐Jin , Ryu Eun‐Sun , Lee Shina , Ryu Jung‐Hwa , Roncal Carlos , Johnson Richard J. , Kang Duk‐Hee
Published: September 2019

Recent data suggested a causative role of uric acid (UA) in the development of renal disease, in which endothelial dysfunction is regarded as the key mechanism. Endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) and shedding of the glycocalyx are early changes of endothelial dysfunction. We investigated whether UA induced EndoMT in HUVECs and an animal model of hyperuricemia fed with 2% oxonic acid for 4 wk. UA induced EndoMT in HUVECs with a generation of reactive oxygen species via the activation of membranous NADPH oxidase (from 15 min) and mitochondria (from 6 h) along with glycocalyx shedding (from 6 h), which were blocked by probenecid. GM6001, an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase, alleviated UA‐induced glycocalyx shedding and EndoMT. Antioxidants including N‐acetyl cysteine, apocynin, and mitotempo ameliorated EndoMT; however, they did not change glycocalyx shedding in HUVECs. In the kidney of hyperuricemic rats, endothelial staining in peritubular capillaries (PTCs) was substantially decreased with a de novo expression of α‐smooth muscle actin in PTCs. Plasma level of syndecan‐1 was increased in hyperuricemic rats, which was ameliorated by allopurinol. UA caused a phenotypic transition of endothelial cells via induction of oxidative stress with glycocalyx shedding, which could be one of the mechanisms of UA‐induced endothelial dysfunction and kidney disease.—Ko, J., Kang, H.‐J., Kim, D.‐A., Kim, M.‐J., Ryu, E.‐S., Lee, S., Ryu, J.‐H., Roncal, C., Johnson, R. J., Kang, D.‐H. Uric acid induced the phenotype transition of vascular endothelial cells via induction of oxidative stress and glycocalyx shedding. FASEB J. 33, 13334–13345 (2019). www.fasebj.org
A Reliability Analysis of Entrustment-Derived Workplace-Based Assessments
Authors: Kelleher Matthew , Kinnear Benjamin , Sall Dana , Schumacher Daniel , Schauer Daniel P. , Warm Eric J. , Kelcey Ben
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To examine the reliability and attributable facets of variance within an entrustment-derived workplace-based assessment system.

Method

Faculty at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center internal medicine residency program (a 3-year program) assessed residents using discrete workplace-based skills called observable practice activities (OPAs) rated on an entrustment scale. Ratings from July 2012 to December 2016 were analyzed using applications of generalizability theory (G-theory) and decision study framework. Given the limitations of G-theory applications with entrustment ratings (the assumption that mean ratings are stable over time), a series of time-specific G-theory analyses and an overall longitudinal G-theory analysis were conducted to detail the reliability of ratings and sources of variance.

Results

During the study period, 166,686 OPA entrustment ratings were given by 395 faculty members to 253 different residents. Raters were the largest identified source of variance in both the time-specific and overall longitudinal G-theory analyses (37% and 23%, respectively). Residents were the second largest identified source of variation in the time-specific G-theory analyses (19%). Reliability was approximately 0.40 for a typical month of assessment (27 different OPAs, 2 raters, and 1–2 rotations) and 0.63 for the full sequence of ratings over 36 months. A decision study showed doubling the number of raters and assessments each month could improve the reliability over 36 months to 0.76.

Conclusions

Ratings from the full 36 months of the examined program of assessment showed fair reliability. Increasing the number of raters and assessments per month could improve reliability, highlighting the need for multiple observations by multiple faculty raters.
Late-onset Crohn’s disease: a comparison of disease behaviour and therapy with younger adult patients: the Italian Group for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease ‘AGED’ study
Authors: Viola Anna , Monterubbianesi Rita , Scalisi Giuseppe , Furfaro Federica , Rea Matilde , Saibeni Simone , Aratari Annalisa , Bringiotti Roberto , Casella Giovanni , Cantoro Laura , Frankovic Iris , Calella Francesca , Pugliese Daniela , Orlando Stefania , Samperi Leonardo , Cappello Maria , Mocci Giammarco , Manetti Natalia , Annese Vito , Privitera Antonino C. , Inserra Gaetano , Caprioli Flavio , D’Incà Renata , Principi Mariabeatrice , Papi Claudio , Castiglione Fabiana , Danese Silvio , Ardizzone Sandro , Bossa Fabrizio , Kohn Anna , Manguso Francesco , Alibrandi Angela , Fiorino Gionata , Armuzzi Alessandro , Fries Walter
Published: September 2019

Background:

Disease phenotype and outcome of late-onset Crohn’s disease are still poorly defined.

Methods:

In this Italian nationwide multicentre retrospective study, patients diagnosed ≥65 years (late-onset) were compared with young adult-onset with 16–39 years and adult-onset Crohn’s disease 40–64 years. Data were collected for 3 years following diagnosis.

Results:

A total of 631 patients (late-onset 153, adult-onset 161, young adult-onset 317) were included. Colonic disease was more frequent in late-onset (P < 0005), stenosing behaviour was more frequent than in adult-onset (P < 0003), but fistulising disease was uncommon. Surgery rates were not different between the three age groups. Systemic steroids were prescribed more frequently in young adult-onset in the first year, but low bioavailability steroids were used more frequently in late-onset in the first 2 years after diagnosis (P < 0.036, P < 0.041, respectively). The use of immunomodulators and anti-TNF’s even in patients with more complicated disease, that is, B2 or B3 behaviour (Montreal classification), remained significantly inferior (P < 0.0001) in late-onset compared to young adult-onset. Age at diagnosis, Charlson comorbidity index, and steroid used in the first year were negatively associated with the use of immunomodulators and biologics. Comorbidities, related medications and hospitalizations were more frequent in late-onset. Polypharmacy was present in 56% of elderly Crohn’s disease patients.

Conclusion:

Thirty-two percent of late-onset Crohn’s disease presented with complicated disease behaviour. Despite a comparable use of steroids and surgery, immunomodulators and biologics were used in a small number of patients.
Medical cannabis for inflammatory bowel disease: real-life experience of mode of consumption and assessment of side-effects
Authors: Naftali Timna , Bar-Lev Schleider Lihi , Sklerovsky Benjaminov Fabiana , Lish Ido , Konikoff Fred M. , Ringel Yehuda
Published: September 2019

Objective

Use of medical cannabis for improving symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease is increasing. However, reports on long-term outcomes are lacking. This prospective, observational study assessed the effects of licensed cannabis use among patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods

Dose and mode of consumption, adverse events, use of other medications, and long-term effects were evaluated among 127 patients with inflammatory bowel disease using legalized medical cannabis. Blood count, albumin, and C-reactive protein were assessed before, 1 month, and at least 1 year after medical cannabis therapy was initiated. Questionnaires on disease activity, patient function, and signs of addiction were completed by patients and by a significant family member to assess its effects.

Results

The average dose used was 31 ± 15 g/month. The average Harvey-Bradshaw index improved from 14 ± 6.7 to 7 ± 4.7 (P < 0.001) during a median follow-up of 44 months (interquartile range, 24–56 months). There was a slight, but statistically significant, average weight gain of 2 kg within 1 year of cannabis use. The need for other medications was significantly reduced. Employment among patients increased from 65 to 74% (P < 0.05). We conclude that the majority of inflammatory bowel disease patients using cannabis are satisfied with a dose of 30 g/month. We did not observe negative effects of cannabis use on the patients’ social or occupational status.

Conclusions

Cannabis use by inflammatory bowel disease patients can induce clinical improvement and is associated with reduced use of medication and slight weight gain. Most patients respond well to a dose of 30 g/month, or 21 mg Δ9-tetra- hydrocannabinol (THC) and 170 mg Cannabidiol (CBD) per day.
Insulin Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Aschner Pablo
Published: September 2019

Background:

Since the discovery of insulin, it was the only drug available for the treatment of diabetes until the development of sulfonylureas and biguanides 50 years later. But even with the availability of oral glucose-lowering drugs, insulin supplementation was often needed to achieve good glucose control in type 2 diabetes. Insulin NPH became the basal insulin therapy of choice and adding NPH to metformin and/or sulfonylureas became the standard of care until basal insulin analogs were developed and new glucose-lowering drugs became available.

Areas of Uncertainty:

The advantages in cost-benefit of insulin analogs and their combination with new glucose-lowering drugs are still a matter of debate. There is no general agreement on how to avoid inertia by prescribing insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes when really needed, as reflected by the diversity of recommendations in the current clinical practice guidelines.

Data Sources:

When necessary for this review, a systematic search of the evidence was done in PubMed and Cochrane databases.

Therapeutic Advances:

Adding new oral glucose-lowering drugs to insulin such as DPP-4 inhibitors lead to a modest HbA1c reduction without weight gain and no increase in hypoglycemia. When SGLT-2 inhibitors are added instead, there is a slightly higher HbA1c reduction, but with body weight and blood pressure reduction. The downside is the increase in genital tract infections. GLP-1 receptor agonists have become the best alternative when basal insulin fails, particularly using fixed ratio combinations. Rapid-acting insulins via the inhaled route may also become an alternative for insulin supplementation and/or intensification. “Smart insulins” are under investigation and may become available for clinical use in the near future.

Conclusions:

Aggressive weight loss strategies together with the new glucose-lowering drugs which do not cause hypoglycemia nor weight gain should limit the number of patients with type 2 diabetes needing insulin. Nevertheless, because of therapeutic inertia and the progressive nature of the disease, many need at least a basal insulin supplementation and insulin analogs are the best choice as they become more affordable. Fixed ratio combinations with GLP1 receptor agonists are a good choice for intensification of insulin therapy.
Thromboprophylaxis Management in Surgical Patients: The Efficacy of a Protocol in the Electronic Prescription Program
Authors: Ribed Almudena , de Lorenzo-Pinto Ana , Lallana-Sainz Elena , Llorente-Parrado Cesar , Chana-Rodríguez Francisco , Sanjurjo-Sáez Maria
Published: September 2019

Background and Objective:

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) continues to be a problem in surgical patients, but thromboprophylactic measures are not always implemented. This study aimed to evaluate thromboprophylaxis practice in surgical patients at our institution by assessing appropriateness during admission and discharge; 60-day clinical outcomes are analyzed, and finally further interventions are discussed for continued improvement.

Methods:

A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in patients undergoing orthopedic and abdominal surgical procedures. Initially, the institution protocol was updated and embedded in the Computerized Physician Order Entry system. We then assessed prospective adequacy of thromboprophylaxis as per established in the protocol. The primary endpoint was thromboprophylaxis initiation and, secondarily, the quality of related prescriptions during hospitalization and at discharge.

Results:

A total of 114 patients were included in the study. According to VTE risk, thromboprophylaxis was initiated in 85.1% of the patients as needed during hospitalization and 94.8% at discharge. The following inadequacies versus the protocol were found: no duration information in the discharge summary (32.5%), incorrect postsurgical administration time of pharmacological prophylaxis (15.8%), omission of mechanical prophylaxis (13.7%), misdosing (9.6%), and omission of pharmacological prophylaxis (2.6%). No VTE events occurred 60 days postdischarge.

Conclusion:

The electronic protocol was an effective tool, as evidenced by the fact that thromboprophylaxis was initiated in the majority of surgical patients in our institution during hospitalization and at discharge. Still, some aspects leave room for improvement (duration, dosing, and timing), and further measures such as implementation of Electronic Medication Administration Records and new functionalities in the Clinical Decision Support systems are proposed.
Diminished food-related motivation in adult rats treated with methamphetamine during adolescence
Authors: Lee Jung Ho , Kim Dong Goo
Published: September 2019

Drug use among adolescents continues to be an area of concern because of the possibility of long-lasting physical and mental changes. The aim of this study was to determine whether methamphetamine exposure during adolescence results in long-lasting neurobehavioral alterations in adulthood. Sprague–Dawley rats were injected with methamphetamine (4 mg/kg/day) during postnatal days 28–37. Once rats reached postnatal days 150, they were placed in standard operant chambers, where they were trained to respond to a lever for sucrose pellets, the experimental reinforcement. Methamphetamine exposure during adolescence did not result in a noteworthy impairment in the development of the correct lever touch response in the autoshaped learning test with 4 seconds delayed reinforcement. These rats were also tested for the motivation to obtain sucrose pellets under a progressive ratio schedule of the reinforcement on postnatal days 170. Decreased lever-pressing response was noted in male rats exposed to methamphetamine during adolescence, but not in female rats. These results indicate that methamphetamine exposure during adolescence results in a decrease in the motivation for a natural reinforcer later in adulthood, particularly in male rats. From our data, we suggest that male brains are less capable of facilitating recovery than female brains after methamphetamine-induced perturbation of brain function during the adolescent period.