bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biologically active Camellia oleifera protein nanoparticles for improving the tumor microenvironment and drug delivery
Authors: Qian Xiaoping , Shen Tinghui , Zhang Xiaoke , Wang Chongzhi , Cai Weibo , Cheng Rongshi , Jiang Xiqun
Published: June 2020

Biologically active Camellia oleifera protein nanoparticles can lower tumor interstitial fluid pressure and solid stress, improving the therapeutic response.
Redox-switchable ring-opening polymerization by tridentate ONN-type titanium and zirconium catalysts
Authors: Doerr Alicia M. , Burroughs Justin M. , Legaux Nicholas M. , Long Brian K.
Published: June 2020

A study designed to ascertain the impact that ligand symmetry, number of redox-active moieties, and identity of the active metal center have on the catalytic ring-opening polymerization performance of redox-switchable catalysts.
Selective homo- and cross-desilacoupling of aryl and benzyl primary silanes catalyzed by a barium complex
Authors: Liu Zhizhou , Shi Xianghui , Cheng Jianhua
Published: June 2020

The selective catalytic desilacoupling of primary arylsilanes with primary benzylsilane or arylsilanes was achieved by barium complex [(TpAd,iPr)Ba(CH2C6H4NMe2-o)].
Tracking the formation of new brominated disinfection by-products during the seawater desalination process
Authors: Powers Leanne C. , Conway Annaleise , Mitchelmore Carys L. , Fleischacker Stephen J. , Harir Mourad , Westerman Danielle C. , Croué Jean Philippe , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Richardson Susan D. , Gonsior Michael
Published: June 2020

Ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry revealed substantial dissolved organic matter changes and the formation of numerous bromine-containing disinfection by-products during the seawater desalination process.
Milk protein complexation enhances post prandial vitamin D3 absorption in rats
Authors: Lindahl Ida Emilie I. , Danielsen Marianne , Dalsgaard Trine K. , Rejnmark Lars , Bollen Peter , Bertram Hanne Christine
Published: June 2020

This study investigated the effect of complexation with whey and casein protein, respectively, on post prandial absorption of vitamin D3.
The effect of deposition conditions on the properties of Zr-carbide, Zr-nitride and Zr-carbonitride coatings – a review
Authors: Ul-Hamid Anwar
Published: June 2020

The morphology of Zr-carbonitride films formed at Zr/(C + N) ratios ≥2.9.
Facile synthesis of a dual-phase CsPbBr3–CsPb2Br5 single crystal and its photoelectric performance
Authors: Lin Congjian , Liu Lai , Xu Jinzhuo , Fang Feier , Jiang Ke , Liu Zexiang , Wang Ye , Chen Fuming , Yao Huizhen
Published: June 2020

Dual-phase CsPbBr3–CsPb2Br5 single crystal microsheets were synthesized by a simple method based on the coffee ring effect.
Bottom-up device fabrication via the seeded growth of polymer-based nanowires
Authors: El-Zubir Osama , Kynaston Emily L. , Gwyther Jessica , Nazemi Ali , Gould Oliver E. C. , Whittell George R. , Horrocks Benjamin. R. , Manners Ian , Houlton Andrew
Published: June 2020

Living crystallisation-driven self-assembly facilitates the bottom-up assembly of electronic devices.
A knot-linker planarity control strategy for constructing highly crystalline cationic covalent organic frameworks: decoding the effect of crystallinity on adsorption performance
Authors: Da Hong-Ju , Yang Cheng-Xiong , Qian Hai-Long , Yan Xiu-Ping
Published: June 2020

A knot-linker planarity control strategy was developed to construct highly crystalline cationic covalent organic frameworks with C3-symmetric guanidine units for fast removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol with high adsorption capacity.
Local synergetic collaboration between Pd and local tetrahedral symmetric Ni oxide enables ultra-high-performance CO2 thermal methanation
Authors: Yan Che , Wang Chia-Hsin , Lin Moore , Bhalothia Dinesh , Yang Shou-Shiun , Fan Gang-Jei , Wang Jia-Lin , Chan Ting-Shan , Wang Yao-lin , Tu Xin , Dai Sheng , Wang Kuan-Wen , He Jr-Hau , Chen Tsan-Yao
Published: June 2020

Tetrahedral symmetric NiO2 and Pd respectively facilitate H2 splitting and CO2 to CO reduction and thus enable an ultra-high CH4 production yield performance in the epitaxial interfaces in the bimetallic NiO2@Pd NPs.
Zinc ion trapping in a cellulose hydrogel as a solid electrolyte for a safe and flexible supercapacitor
Authors: Yang Lvye , Song Lian , Feng Yi , Cao Mengjue , Zhang Pengcheng , Zhang Xiong-Fei , Yao Jianfeng
Published: June 2020

High concentrated ZnCl2 is trapped in a biodegradable cellulose hydrogel as electrolyte for a flexible zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitor (ZHS). Such ZHS has a wide electrochemical potential window and extremely high energy/power density.
An ultrasound activated oxygen generation nanosystem specifically alleviates myocardial hypoxemia and promotes cell survival following acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Fu Huini , Fu Jingke , Ma Sicong , Wang Hui , Lv Shuzhi , Hao Yongqiang
Published: June 2020

An ultrasound-activated oxygen generation nanosystem was developed to significantly reduce the myocardial infarction size as well as promote the cell survival and proliferation of cardiac cells after acute myocardial infarction.
Remarkable effect of π-skeleton conformation in finitely conjugated polymer semiconductors
Authors: Chen Zhihui , Zhang Weifeng , Zhou Yankai , Wei Xuyang , Li Chenyu , Wang Liping , Yu Gui
Published: June 2020

The remarkable effect of π-skeleton conformation in finitely conjugated polymers based on tetrafluoroethylene units was studied.
Solution processed perovskite incorporated tandem photovoltaics: developments, manufacturing, and challenges
Authors: Jayawardena K. D. G. I. , Silva S. M. , Misra R. K.
Published: June 2020

We discuss the emerging perovskite incorporated tandem solar technology and high-throughput printing methods for this technology.
Side-chain engineering of PEDOT derivatives as dopant-free hole-transporting materials for efficient and stable n–i–p structured perovskite solar cells
Authors: Han Siyuan , Jiang Xiaoqing , Yu Ze , Wan Xiaojing , Zang Jiadong , Zhang Caiyun , Rui Hailong , Yang Xichuan , Hagfeldt Anders , Sun Licheng
Published: June 2020

We report three PEDOT derivatives, namely P6, P10, and P14, by tailoring the length of the alkyl side-chains, and apply them as dopant-free HTMs in mesoscopic n–i–p structured PSCs. The devices with P10 afford the best efficiency of 16.2% together with excellent ambient stability.
Nearly flat nodal surface states in pseudo-one-dimensional molybdenum monochalcogenides X(MoS)3(X = K, Rb, and Cs)
Authors: Yang Tie , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: June 2020

The compounds X(MoS)3exhibit ideal nodal surface states in terms of nearly flat energy variation close to the Fermi energy with a large linear dispersion.
Hedgehog signaling activation required for glypican-6-mediated regulation of invasion, migration, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of gastric cancer cells
Authors: Zeng Chen , Yan Ran , Yang Guanghua , Xiang Sen , Zhao Fuli
Published: June 2020

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and one of the most aggressive cancers in China. Glypican 6 is highly expressed in gastric adenocarcinoma and may act as a diagnostic and prognostic marker; however, the functional importance and molecular mechanism of glypican 6 in GC remains unclear. In the current study, we aimed to reveal the function and mechanism of glypican 6 in two GC cell lines: MKN-45 and SGC-7901. We found higher expression of glypican 6 in MKN-45 and SGC-7901 cells than in cells from the normal gastric mucosa epithelial cell line GES-1. Glypican 6 knockdown suppressed MKN-45 and SGC-7901 cell proliferation. A Transwell assay confirmed that glypican 6 silencing inhibited the migration and invasiveness of MKN-45 and SGC-7901 cells. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were determined by western blotting, and the results showed reduced Vimentin expression and elevated E-cadherin expression in glypican 6 short interfering RNA (siRNA) transfected MKN-45 and SGC-7901 cells. However, glypican 6 overexpression in GES-1 cells showed no significant promotion on GES-1 cells proliferation and migration. Further studies confirmed that glypican 6 siRNA regulated Hedgehog and Gli1 signaling and participated in the function of glypican 6 on MKN-45 and SGC-7901 cell migration and invasion. Our findings suggest that decreased glypican 6 expression inhibits the migration and invasion ability of GC cells.
Listening Effort in Native and Nonnative English-Speaking Children Using Low Linguistic Single- and Dual-Task Paradigms
Authors: Oosthuizen Ilze , Picou Erin M. , Pottas Lidia , Myburgh Hermanus Carel , Swanepoel De Wet
Published: June 2020

Purpose

It is not clear if behavioral indices of listening effort are sensitive to changes in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for young children (7–12 years old) from multilingual backgrounds. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of SNR on listening effort in multilingual school-aged children (native English, nonnative English) as measured with a single- and a dual-task paradigm with low-linguistic speech stimuli (digits). The study also aimed to explore age effects on digit triplet recognition and response times (RTs).

Method

Sixty children with normal hearing participated, 30 per language group. Participants completed single and dual tasks in three SNRs (quiet, −10 dB, and −15 dB). Speech stimuli for both tasks were digit triplets. Verbal RTs were the listening effort measure during the single-task paradigm. A visual monitoring task was the secondary task during the dual-task paradigm.

Results

Significant effects of SNR on RTs were evident during both single- and dual-task paradigms. As expected, language background did not affect the pattern of RTs. The data also demonstrate a maturation effect for triplet recognition during both tasks and for RTs during the dual-task only.

Conclusions

Both single- and dual-task paradigms were sensitive to changes in SNR for school-aged children between 7 and 12 years of age. Language background (English as native language vs. English as nonnative language) had no significant effect on triplet recognition or RTs, demonstrating practical utility of low-linguistic stimuli for testing children from multilingual backgrounds.
Thecoperitoneal Shunt Migration through Anus–A Rare Presentation
Authors: Ambekar Sudheer , Vekariya Mayank
Published: June 2020

The thecoperitoneal (TP) shunt is a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion technique. It is a commonly used technique in many neurosurgical conditions, and many complications are associated with it. This is a case of TP shunt migration through the anus. It is an uncommon and rare presentation of one of the complications associated with the TP shunt. Caregivers should keep this in mind about this complication, as it leads to devastating complications like meningitis and suffering for the patient.
The effect of cultural transmission on shared sign language persistence
Authors: Mudd Katie , de Vos Connie , de Boer Bart
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we revisit a mathematical model of sign language persistence by Aoki and Feldman (Theor Popul Biol 39(3):358–372, 1991), which investigates the evolution of genes causing deafness, affected by an assortative mating parameter, and the cultural transmission of sign language. To assess their model, we reimplement it as an agent-based simulation to be able to easily represent structured relationships in a finite population. We study the persistence of shared sign languages, a categorization of sign languages, which are typically shared by deaf and hearing members of a small community with a high incidence of hereditary deafness (Nyst, 2012. Shared sign languages. Sign language: An international handbook, pp. 552–574). We observe how shared sign language persistence is affected by hearing signers, marriage patterns, and various modes of sign language transmission: vertical, horizontal, oblique, and grandparental transmission. In contrast to Aoki and Feldman’s (Theor Popul Biol 9(3):358–372, 1991) finding that modes of transmission other than vertical are negligible, in the agent-based model we find that adding modes of transmission helps to ensure shared sign language persistence. A better understanding of sign language persistence has relevance for processes of cultural evolution, (sign language) linguistics, and language endangerment.
Measurement of induced currents in radio frequency magnetic fields based on near field antenna perturbations
Authors: Jennings J. M. , Kar A. , Vaidyanathan R.
Published: June 2020

A measurement system is developed utilizing electromagnetic compatibility test equipment for the study of induced current in conductive materials subjected to radio frequency (RF) magnetic field strengths similar to the 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) B1 magnetic field at ∼65 MHz. The intent of developing such a system was to produce μT range RF magnetic fields in the laboratory to facilitate characterization of induction in conductive materials with modified surface electromagnetic properties to address unintended eddy current issues like Joule heating caused by implanted devices during MRI. A Helmholtz coil (HHC) is used as the RF magnetic field source, and the radiated field is monitored using a receiving loop antenna positioned coaxially outside the HHC. The measurement system operates in continuous wave and pulsed wave modes. Analytical models of the system were derived, which calculate the spatial distribution of RF magnetic flux and the induced current within a coaxially located sample in the transmission path between the HHC and receiving (R/C) loop from output voltage measurements at a single coaxial position. Induced currents were evaluated at multiple flux densities and at different frequencies, showing direct proportionality over the flux densities tested. Induced current results recorded in samples of different sizes and electrical conductivities (ranging from 0.1 to 5.8 × 107 (Ω m)−1 produced changes, matching trends predicted by conductive, closed-loop antenna theory. Induced currents were also used with simultaneous temperature rise measurements to characterize the effective surface conductivity for wire with non-uniform properties at 65 MHz.
Potential low powered smart window coating using a stoichiometrically downgraded vanadium oxide thin film structure
Authors: Behera Makhes K. , Williams Leslie C. , Pradhan Sangram K. , Bahoura Messaoud
Published: June 2020

With a metal to insulator transition (MIT) temperature of ∼68 °C to 70 °C, which is close to room temperature (RT), vanadium oxide (VO2) has piqued interest in research communities for several applications, such as Mott-transistors and smart windows. This unique characteristic and multi-faceted application of VO2 makes it ideal for several fields, from consumer electronics to defense applications. However, despite this advantage over several other materials, VO2 has some serious shortcomings. In this paper, we attempt to address these issues, such as higher than RT transition temperature, metastability of the material, and its need for a separate heater layer to trigger the MIT, by using a stoichiometrically downgraded multi-layered structure that can both demonstrate the MIT property and serve as an embedded heater layer. This eliminates the need to use a system with a different material such as aluminum-doped zinc oxide. By using the multi-layered structure, we were able to achieve a transition temperature of ∼48 °C, which is ∼22 °C lower than the transition temperature of bulk VO2 films. We also noted a reduction of over 50% in transmission in the infra-red region by application of less than 15 V, as well as an enhancement of ∼10% in the visible region transmission beyond the MIT temperature, which demonstrates the potential of this structure to be used as an energy-efficient smart window device.
A reconfigurable frequency selective structure using plasma arrays
Authors: Jiang Tao , Hou Zhongyu
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a novel structure composed of frequency selective surface and plasma arrays is proposed to control the propagation of the free space electromagnetic wave in the X band of the microwave spectrum. Plasma is hard to be used for controlling the propagation of microwave due to its electron density, electron temperature, spatial volume, and distribution continuity, which are too rigorous to be satisfied for most plasma generation methodologies. The idea of this paper lies in that the impedance characteristics of the plasmas could be effectively tuned by periodic structures so that the wave propagation tuning effects of plasmas could be activated under conditions of restricted dimensions of (0.27–0.41)λ0, where the plasma arrays are shown not to be effective alone. The system is described based on transmission line approximation, and the characteristic lumped units have been analyzed using experimental data fitting. It is argued that the properties and the methodology discussed in this paper could be applied in the design of artificial microwave media, especially in the field of active absorbing frequency selective surfaces.
Acceleration of PET-based industrial internal defect image reconstruction using FPGA
Authors: Yao Min , Lin Qichen , Zhao Min , Guo Ruipeng
Published: June 2020

Positron emission tomography (PET) can be used to measure the internal defects of industrial parts. However, PET requires a long execution time of image reconstruction, which hinders its practical usage in industrial measurements. A novel parallel scheme based on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) is proposed in this study to accelerate PET image reconstruction. A fast maximum-likelihood expectation–maximization iteration reconstruction algorithm with prior estimation is implemented on the FPGA. This method can achieve satisfactory PET images with limited iteration times. The resources in the FPGA are divided into several groups, and each group supports the image reconstruction for a single sinogram. Thus, several sinograms can be processed in parallel. Two internal defect detection experiments are conducted to apply the proposed method to industrial measurements. Results show that the inner structure can be detected, whereas the inner defects can be visualized. A group of 104 slice images is reconstructed in parallel on FPGAs, and the final 3D PET image of the inner defects is acquired in 10 s.
Neutron scattering for structural biology
Authors: Hoogerheide David P. , Forsyth V. Trevor , Brown Katherine A.
Published: June 2020

Modern neutron sources illuminate the complex functions of living systems.
Sequence and word frequency
Authors: Barlow Michael
Published: June 2020

It is well-established that the linear ordering of words in a sentence is influenced by a variety of factors that are typically labelled as grammatical, discourse or cognitive constraints. The aim of the present study is to determine whether frequency effects are visible in the sequencing of words in a sentence. In other words, do “more frequently used units tend to be placed before less frequently used units” (Fenk-Oczlon 2001: 443)? Using a corpus of newspaper articles, we examine the frequency of words in different positions in sentences. That is, using data from thousands of sentences, we investigate the median value for the frequency or rank of words in first position in a sentence, compared with second position, and so on. We find that there is a frequency effect in English: the first element in a sentence has the highest frequency and last element in a sentence has the lowest frequency, with the middle of sentences having a more or less flat frequency profile. We also find that the overall shape of the frequency profile for sentences is rather consistent even when sentence length is taken into account.
Narrative viewpoint and subjective construal across languages
Authors: Lu Wei-lun
Published: June 2020

The present study explores the viewpointing function of word order inversion and associated stylistic strategies across languages, comparing English-Chinese multiple parallel texts as illustration. In particular, I investigate whether the cognitive strategy of inverting the word order to create a subjective construal is similar in both languages, to what extent, and if the languages differ, what systematic contingency plans there are. To answer the question, I examined selected excerpts with inversion written in English and their multiple translations in Mandarin Chinese, to see how the subjective construals in the English originals are rendered. I find that in addition to inversion, the English samples exhibit a zoom-in effect through use of punctuation, the participial clause, and an ad hoc schema of [some] – [X] with the middle three instantiations sharing an identical phonological schema. The identical phonological schema and the shared narrative viewpoint makes the three instantiations iconic. In comparison, the Chinese renditions employ the presentative construction and a focus particle to approximate the character-based viewpoint, but the zoom-in effect is not present in any of the Chinese versions. Another important difference is the generally longer iconic part in the Chinese versions, due to the productivity of four-character templates at the phonological pole in Mandarin Chinese.
Emphatic italics and the information structure of a prose text
Authors: Lukl Jiří
Published: June 2020

The emphatic function of italics has largely been ignored by linguists despite the value its understanding clearly has for written discourse studies. This paper aims to fill this gap. It is inspired by the types of relationship between the degrees of communicative dynamism and the degrees of prosodic prominence which the theory of functional sentence perspective has established for spoken language and applies them to written communication. At the same time, it maintains the distinction between the two modes of communication and suggests that it is only through covert prosody that any real parallels may be sought. The study uses two versions of a small corpus of written fiction. In the first version the original emphatic italics are preserved. In this instance the author’s intended covert prosody is partially accessible to the reader. The second version is one from which emphatic italics were removed. In this case the reader can only rely on their own covert prosody for interpretation. The versions were analyzed separately, and the analyses were then compared. Three relational types between the plain and italicized versions are identified: typographically amplifying, typographically revaluating, and typographically disambiguating. The paper concludes by suggesting some further avenues of research.
Role of social interaction abroad in the L2 acquisition of sociolinguistic variation
Authors: Denbaum Nofiya
Published: June 2020

Previous studies have concluded that second language learners (L2Ls) are capable of acquiring sociolinguistic variation. Since previous studies have found conflicting evidence on the effect that social interaction abroad has on the acquisition of sociolinguistic variation, the present study addresses this gap by including measures of this individual difference. Participants consist of students from a large US university who participate in a 6-week study abroad program in Santiago, Dominican Republic, compared to an at-home group. Participants completed a Study Abroad Social Interaction Questionnaire (SASIQ) and written contextualized tasks. The main purpose of the study is to examine whether students approach local norms of subject expression after studying abroad and what role social interaction abroad has in the acquisition process.
Proposing a tripartite intensifier system
Authors: Kanwit Matthew , Terán Virginia
Published: June 2020

Tripartite systems demonstrate how a dominant form coexists with other variants without any falling into disuse, as each occupies a particular space (Kapatsinski, 2009). Intensifiers reveal language change through rapid variability and recycling in popularity (Tagliamonte, 2008), as seen in variationist analyses of Spanish intensification via bien and muy (Brown & Cortés-Torres, 2013).

We consider an additional variant (i.e., re) and determine to what extent we can classify Argentinean intensifiers as a tripartite system. In a contextualized task which manipulated adjective quality, verb type, and animacy, 136 speakers from Buenos Aires and Tucumán selected their preferred intensifier. Mixed-effects regressions indicated re is constrained linguistically and socially, and that it occupies a different, specialized space from bien, while muy pervades cross-contextually.
Adequate contextual explicitation in translation
Authors: Hirsch Galia
Published: June 2020

On the face of it, it appears that the explicitation of contextual knowledge is consistent withToury’s (1995)norm of acceptability rather than his norm of adequacy. This is because this type of explicitation, which seeks to bridge the gap in readers’ contextual knowledge, enhances readability and is directed towards the target audience. However, in this article I argue that the use of this type of explicitation actually demonstrates an awareness of the importance of adhering to the source text, and may thus be aligned with adequacy norms. To support the argument, I show that this type of explicitation seems to be more prevalent than ever before, using as an example a recent translation of a story by O. Henry into Hebrew, in the context of Hebrew translated literature generally moving towards the norm of adequacy (Zoran 1990;Weissbrod 1992;Ben-Shahar 1994). This highlights the complexity of the relation between increased explicitness and the notions of adequacy and acceptability.
Triple knockdown of CDC37, HSP90‐alpha and HSP90‐beta diminishes extracellular vesicles‐driven malignancy events and macrophage M2 polarization in oral cancer
Authors: Ono Kisho , Sogawa Chiharu , Kawai Hotaka , Tran Manh Tien , Taha Eman A. , Lu Yanyin , Oo May Wathone , Okusha Yuka , Okamura Hirohiko , Ibaragi Soichiro , Takigawa Masaharu , Kozaki Ken‐Ichi , Nagatsuka Hitoshi , Sasaki Akira , Okamoto Kuniaki , Calderwood Stuart K. , Eguchi Takanori
Published: June 2020

Evidence has been accumulating to indicate that extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, released by cancer cells can foster tumour progression. The molecular chaperones – CDC37, HSP90α and HSP90β play key roles in cancer progression including epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), although their contribution to EVs‐mediated cell–cell communication in tumour microenvironment has not been thoroughly examined. Here we show that triple depletion of the chaperone trio attenuates numerous cancer malignancy events exerted through EV release. Metastatic oral cancer‐derived EVs (MEV) were enriched with HSP90α HSP90β and cancer‐initiating cell marker CD326/EpCAM. Depletion of these chaperones individually induced compensatory increases in the other chaperones, whereas triple siRNA targeting of these molecules markedly diminished the levels of the chaperone trio and attenuated EMT. MEV were potent agents in initiating EMT in normal epithelial cells, a process that was attenuated by the triple chaperone depletion. The migration, invasion, and in vitro tumour initiation of oral cancer cells were significantly promoted by MEV, while triple depletion of CDC37/HSP90α/β reversed these MEV‐driven malignancy events. In metastatic oral cancer patient‐derived tumours, HSP90β was significantly accumulated in infiltrating tumour‐associated macrophages (TAM) as compared to lower grade oral cancer cases. HSP90‐enriched MEV‐induced TAM polarization to an M2 phenotype, a transition known to support cancer progression, whereas the triple chaperone depletion attenuated this effect. Mechanistically, the triple chaperone depletion in metastatic oral cancer cells effectively reduced MEV transmission into macrophages. Hence, siRNA‐mediated knockdown of the chaperone trio (CDC37/HSP90α/HSP90β) could potentially be a novel therapeutic strategy to attenuate several EV‐driven malignancy events in the tumour microenvironment.

Abbreviations

CDC37: cell division control 37; EMT: epithelial‐mesenchymal transmission; EV: extracellular vesicles; HNSCC: head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; HSP90: heat shock protein 90; TAM: tumour‐associated macrophage
Finite element simulation of friction and adhesion attributed contact of bio-inspired gecko-mimetic PDMS micro-flaps with SiO2 spherical surface
Authors: Skondras-Giousios D , Karkalos N E , Markopoulos A P
Published: June 2020

The remarkable tribological attributes of the gecko feet have grown much interest in the field of biomimetic tribology over the past two decades. It has been shown that the complexity of friction and adhesion phenomena made it difficult to transfer these exceptional properties into fully functional smart, dry, micro patterned adhesives. The latter, combined with the relative lack of literature on computational oriented studies on these phenomena, is the motive of the current work. Here, a 2D time-dependent finite element model of friction and adhesion attributed contact of polydimethysiloxane (PDMS) micro flaps with a smooth SiO2 spherical surface is presented. The model is tested through simulations concerning changes in the disc curvature, the flap density, as well as different disc mounting heights, representing the effect of preload. Furthermore, the effect of tribological parameters of adhesion and friction coefficient is discussed. Finally, the effect of the use of two hyperelastic material models was examined.
Generating Weyl nodes in non-centrosymmetric cubic crystal structures
Authors: Goikoetxea Joseba , Bravo-Abad Jorge , Merino Jaime
Published: June 2020

Weyl nodes are band degeneracy points with relativistic dispersion and topological properties arising in certain three-dimensional periodic systems with broken parity-time symmetry. Despite their fundamental importance, the intrinsic accidental nature of Weyl nodes makes the general endeavor of finding them a challenging task. In this work, we show how Weyl nodes can be generated in cubic crystal structures with a single orbital per site based on a systematic approach that combines a tight-binding analysis with general principles which can be applied to both fermionic and bosonic systems. The cubic Weyl systems generated here preserve time-reversal symmetry but break inversion symmetry hosting the minimum four Weyl points allowed. Laser assisted hopping techniques on cubic optical lattices can allow the artificial generation of such Weyl semimetals. Magnetic oscillation experiments can be used to probe the Weyl orbits along the Fermi arcs on opposite sides of the sample connected through the bulk Weyl nodes.
Surgical Correction of Upper Eyelid Ectropion Presenting Dry Eye Symptoms
Authors: Cho In Chang , Kim Beom-Jun , You Hi-Jin , Tark Woo Hyun
Published: June 2020

Background

Upper eyelid ectropion occurs as a post-blepharoplasty complication or involution change, and it causes dry eye symptoms that cannot be resolved with conservative management.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to describe the authors’ surgical technique of anatomical correction of upper eyelid ectropion, including tarsal scoring incision.

Methods

The technique involves the following 4 steps: (1) adhesiolysis at the preaponeurotic layer; (2) undermining and redraping of the pretarsal flap in a pretarsal plane; (3) optional, partial thickness tarsal scoring incision over the central two-thirds; and (4) downward repositioning of the pretarsal flap and lower fixation to the tarsus. Outcomes were assessed based on the position of eyelid margin and the improvement of the dry eye symptoms.

Results

A retrospective review of 54 cases of patients who underwent ectropion correction, including tarsal scoring incision, was performed. The eyelid margin was well positioned in 51 patients (94.4%). Of the 32 patients involved in the study assessed with the 7-point Patient Global Impression of Improvement, 29 (90.6%) reported the resolution of dry eye symptoms. Furthermore, in the 22 patients assessed with the Ocular Surface Disease Index, the mean score significantly decreased from 43.2 ± 24.1 before surgery to 29.8 ± 23.3 (P = 0.006) after surgery.

Conclusions

The combination of partial-thickness tarsal plate scoring and lower flap redraping surgical techniques resolved the upper eyelid ectropion, reducing the dry eye symptoms.

Level of Evidence: 4
A Sensitive Rapid and Environmentally Friendly UHPLC Assay Method for the Determination of Thymoquinone in Plasma Samples and Its Analytical Application
Authors: Alkharfy Khalid M , Jan Basit L , Raish Mohammad , Haq Nazrul , Ahmad Ajaz
Published: June 2020

A precise, swift and environmental-friendly reverse phase ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic assay for the determination of thymoquinone (TQ) in plasma samples using thymol (TM) as an internal standard was developed and validated. The method used a high strength silica C18 1.7 μm column (100 × 2.1 mm) with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of a blend of methanol and 20 mM potassium dihydrogen ortho-phosphate (90:10 v/v; pH of 4.2). The selected eluent provided a short run time (≤2 min), better peak symmetry, lower limit of quantification of 10 ng/mL and satisfactory values of other chromatographic parameters including resolution (Rs = 1), capacity factor (k = 21.5 and 14.5 for TQ and TM, respectively), selectivity (α = 1.482) and number of theoretical plates (N = 1653 and 784 for TQ and TM, respectively). The method was efficiently applied to a pharmacokinetic study of TQ following an intraperitoneal administration of 2 mg/kg in mice. The concentrations of TQ in plasma were measurable up to 12 h with Cmax of 404.08 ± 28.91 ng/mL, T1/2 of 2.31 ± 0.10 h and area under plasma concentration-time curve of 1527.00 ± 46.61 ng/mL × h.
The Facts About Vaccine Safety
Authors: Meissner H Cody , Plotkin Stanley A
Published: June 2020

The Vaccine Compensation System evaluates true and false associations between vaccination and adverse events. The data from the system enable the calculation of the risk of serious adverse events per million doses given of each vaccine.
Transcatheter closure of complex iatrogenic ventricular septal defect: a case report
Authors: Barioli Alberto , Cardaioli Francesco , Pavei Andrea , Tarantini Giuseppe
Published: June 2020

Background

Iatrogenic membranous ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are rare complications of cardiothoracic surgery, such as septal myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Transcatheter closure is considered an appealing alternative to surgery, given the increased mortality associated with repeated surgical procedures, but reports are extremely limited.

Case summary

We herein report the case of a 63-year-old woman with HOCM who underwent successful percutaneous closure of an iatrogenic VSD after septal myectomy. Two percutaneous techniques are discussed, namely the ‘muscular anchoring’ and the ‘buddy wire delivery’, aimed at increasing support and providing stability to the system during percutaneous intervention.

Discussion

Transcatheter closure represents an attractive minimally invasive approach for the management of symptomatic iatrogenic VSDs. The new techniques described could help operators to cross tortuous and tunnelled defects and to deploy closure devices in case of complex VSD anatomy.
Minimally invasive versus sternotomy mitral valve surgery when initiating a minimally invasive programme
Authors: Kastengren Mikael , Svenarud Peter , Källner Göran , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Liska Jan , Gran Isak , Dalén Magnus
Published: June 2020

OBJECTIVES

An increasing number of mitral valve operations are performed using minimally invasive procedures. The initiation of a minimally invasive mitral valve surgery programme constitutes a unique opportunity to study outcome differences in patients with similar characteristics operated on through a sternotomy versus a minimally invasive procedure. The goal of this study was to compare short-term outcomes of patients undergoing mitral valve surgery before versus those having surgery after the introduction of a minimally invasive programme.

METHODS

The single-centre study included mitral valve procedures performed through a sternotomy or with a minimally invasive approach between January 2012 and May 2019. Propensity score matching was performed to reduce selection bias.

RESULTS

A total of 605 patients (294 sternotomy, 311 minimally invasive) who underwent mitral valve surgery were included in the analysis. Propensity score matching resulted in 251 matched pairs. In the propensity score-matched analysis, minimally invasive procedures had longer extracorporeal circulation duration (149 ± 52 vs 133 ± 57 min; P = 0.001) but shorter aortic occlusion duration (97 ± 36 vs 105 ± 40 min, P = 0.03). Minimally invasive procedures were associated with a lower incidence of reoperation for bleeding (2.4% vs 7.2%; P = 0.012), lower need for transfusion (19.1% vs 30.7%; P = 0.003) and shorter in-hospital stay (5.0 ± 2.7 vs 7.2 ± 4.6 days; P < 0.001). The 30-day mortality was low in both groups (0.4% vs 0.8%; P = 0.56).

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery was associated with short-term outcomes comparable to those with procedures performed through a sternotomy. Initiating a minimally invasive mitral valve programme with a limited number of surgeons and a well-executed institutional selection strategy did not confer an increased risk for adverse events.
Comparative pharmacokinetics of the three echinocandins in ICU patients
Authors: Mainas Efstratios , Apostolopoulou Olympia , Siopi Maria , Apostolidi Styliani , Neroutsos Efthymios , Mirfendereski Helene , Marchand Sandrine , Couet William , Dokoumetzidis Aris , Valsami Georgia , Sambatakou Helen , Dimopoulos George , Meletiadis Joseph
Published: June 2020

Background

We conducted a prospective study in ICU patients of two tertiary hospitals in order to determine basic pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters, associated variation and target attainment rates for anidulafungin, micafungin and caspofungin.

Methods

Serum samples from patients treated for 7 days with the standard doses of anidulafungin (N = 13), micafungin (N = 14) or caspofungin (N = 7) were analysed by validated chromatographic methods. PK parameters determined with non-compartmental analysis were correlated with demographic, laboratory and disease severity characteristics. The percentages of patients attaining drug exposures described in the summary of product characteristics (SmPC) documents and preclinical PK/PD targets for stasis were estimated.

Results

The median (range) AUC24 was 101.46 (54.95–274.15) mg·h/L for anidulafungin, 79.35 (28.00–149.30) mg·h/L for micafungin and 48.46 (19.44–103.69) mg·h/L for caspofungin. The interindividual variability of anidulafungin, micafungin and caspofungin AUC24 was 46%–58%, attributed mainly to variability in volume of distribution (V), clearance (CL) and in both V and CL, respectively. Significant correlations were found between anidulafungin AUC24 and BMI (rs = −0.670, P = 0.012) and liver enzymes (rs = 0.572–0.665, P = 0.013–0.041) and between caspofungin Cmin and transaminase levels (rs = −0.775 to −0.786, P = 0.036–0.041). Less than 50% of our patients attained the corresponding SmPC median AUC24s and none of the patients attained the PK/PD targets for Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis.

Conclusions

Anidulafungin exposure in ICU patients was comparable with that reported in non-ICU patients and in healthy volunteers. Micafungin exposure was comparable to that of other patients but ∼30% lower than that in healthy volunteers, whereas caspofungin exposure was rather low (∼50% lower than in healthy volunteers). Larger interindividual variability (50%–60%) was recorded in ICU patients compared with other groups for all three echinocandins.
Large-scale evidence generation and evaluation across a network of databases (LEGEND): assessing validity using hypertension as a case study
Authors: Schuemie Martijn J , Ryan Patrick B , Pratt Nicole , Chen RuiJun , You Seng Chan , Krumholz Harlan M , Madigan David , Hripcsak George , Suchard Marc A
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To demonstrate the application of the Large-scale Evidence Generation and Evaluation across a Network of Databases (LEGEND) principles described in our companion article to hypertension treatments and assess internal and external validity of the generated evidence.

Materials and Methods

LEGEND defines a process for high-quality observational research based on 10 guiding principles. We demonstrate how this process, here implemented through large-scale propensity score modeling, negative and positive control questions, empirical calibration, and full transparency, can be applied to compare antihypertensive drug therapies. We assess internal validity through covariate balance, confidence-interval coverage, between-database heterogeneity, and transitivity of results. We assess external validity through comparison to direct meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Results

From 21.6 million unique antihypertensive new users, we generate 6 076 775 effect size estimates for 699 872 research questions on 12 946 treatment comparisons. Through propensity score matching, we achieve balance on all baseline patient characteristics for 75% of estimates, observe 95.7% coverage in our effect-estimate 95% confidence intervals, find high between-database consistency, and achieve transitivity in 84.8% of triplet hypotheses. Compared with meta-analyses of RCTs, our results are consistent with 28 of 30 comparisons while providing narrower confidence intervals.

Conclusion

We find that these LEGEND results show high internal validity and are congruent with meta-analyses of RCTs. For these reasons we believe that evidence generated by LEGEND is of high quality and can inform medical decision-making where evidence is currently lacking. Subsequent publications will explore the clinical interpretations of this evidence.
Detection of l-Methamphetamine and l-Amphetamine as Selegiline Metabolites
Authors: Shin Ilchung , Choi Hyeyoung , Kang Seojin , Kim Jihyun , Park Yuran , Yang Wonkyung
Published: June 2020

Selegiline (SE) is a selective, irreversible monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor, used for reducing symptoms in early-stage Parkinson’s disease. The metabolites of SE include l-methamphetamine, l-amphetamine and desmethylselegiline (DSE). The stereoisomers of SE metabolites, d-methamphetamine and d-amphetamine are highly addictive psychostimulants and some of the most abused drugs in South Korea. In order to differentiate medical SE users form illicit methamphetamine abusers, it is important to distinguish between the l-isomers and d-isomers in urine samples. A 52-year-old male, seemingly under the influence of intoxication and demonstrating abnormal behavior, was reported to the police. The initial urine test using a methamphetamine detection kit demonstrated a positive result. Given the initial results, the police officer requested a further analysis of the urine sample. The urine sample was screened using headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC–MS). Both methamphetamine and amphetamine were detected, in addition to SE and DSE. To quantitate methamphetamine and amphetamine by HS-SPME-GC–MS, we performed a standard addition method due to the matrix effect of the case sample. Consistent with previous studies, our results indicated that the ratio of amphetamine to methamphetamine was 0.27, which was in the range of SE ingestion. Furthermore, we confirmed l-methamphetamine and l-amphetamine by chiral derivatization using (R)-(−)-α-methoxy-α-(trifluoromethyl) phenylacetyl chloride.
Spontaneous intraneural hematoma of the common fibular nerve due to oral anticoagulation
Authors: Schwab Stephanie , Kabbasch Christoph , Grau Stefan J
Published: June 2020

Compression syndromes affecting the common fibular nerve are common and frequently caused by direct pressure upon the fibular tip region. Here, we describe a case of a 50-year-old male presenting with sudden foot drop, which had developed spontaneously. He was on oral anticoagulants due to hereditary thrombophilia (factor-V-Leiden). Neurophysiology examination revealed a common peroneal nerve lesion at the fibular tip. T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a not further classifiable hyperintensity within the common peroneal nerve. Surgical exploration revealed a diffuse intraneural hematoma, which was not evacuated. During follow-up, the nerve function recovered almost completely. In retrospect, MRI findings indicated a hematoma supported by the history of anticoagulant medication.
Structural basis of prostate-specific membrane antigen recognition by the A9g RNA aptamer
Authors: Ptacek Jakub , Zhang Dong , Qiu Liming , Kruspe Sven , Motlova Lucia , Kolenko Petr , Novakova Zora , Shubham Shambhavi , Havlinova Barbora , Baranova Petra , Chen Shi-Jie , Zou Xiaoqin , Giangrande Paloma , Barinka Cyril
Published: June 2020

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a well-characterized tumor marker associated with prostate cancer and neovasculature of most solid tumors. PSMA-specific ligands are thus being developed to deliver imaging or therapeutic agents to cancer cells. Here, we report on a crystal structure of human PSMA in complex with A9g, a 43-bp PSMA-specific RNA aptamer, that was determined to the 2.2 Å resolution limit. The analysis of the PSMA/aptamer interface allows for identification of key interactions critical for nanomolar binding affinity and high selectivity of A9g for human PSMA. Combined with in silico modeling, site-directed mutagenesis, inhibition experiments and cell-based assays, the structure also provides an insight into structural changes of the aptamer and PSMA upon complex formation, mechanistic explanation for inhibition of the PSMA enzymatic activity by A9g as well as its ligand-selective competition with small molecules targeting the internal pocket of the enzyme. Additionally, comparison with published protein–RNA aptamer structures pointed toward more general features governing protein-aptamer interactions. Finally, our findings can be exploited for the structure-assisted design of future A9g-based derivatives with improved binding and stability characteristics.
Immunogenicity of Inactivated Varicella Zoster Vaccine in Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients and Patients With Solid or Hematologic Cancer
Authors: Boeckh Michael J , Arvin Ann M , Mullane Kathleen M , Camacho Luis H , Winston Drew J , Morrison Vicki A , Hurtado Kimberly , Durrand Hall Jessie , Pang Lei , Su Shu-Chih , Kaplan Susan S , Annunziato Paula W , Popmihajlov Zoran ,   V212 Protocol 001 Trial Group and V212 Protocol 011 Trial Group
Published: June 2020

Background

In phase 3 trials, inactivated varicella zoster virus (VZV) vaccine (ZVIN) was well tolerated and efficacious against herpes zoster (HZ) in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (auto-HSCT) recipients and patients with solid tumor malignancies receiving chemotherapy (STMc) but did not reduce HZ incidence in patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs). Here, we describe ZVIN immunogenicity from these studies.

Methods

Patients were randomized to ZVIN or placebo (4 doses). Immunogenicity was assessed by glycoprotein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (gpELISA) and VZV interferon (IFN)-γ enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay in patients receiving all 4 doses without developing HZ at the time of blood sampling.

Results

Estimated geometric mean fold rise ratios (ZVIN/placebo) by gpELISA and IFN-y ELISPOT ~28 days post–dose 4 were 2.02 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53–2.67) and 5.41 (95% CI, 3.60–8.12) in auto-HSCT recipients; 1.88 (95% CI, 1.79–1.98) and 2.10 (95% CI, 1.69–2.62) in patients with STMc; and not assessed and 2.35 (95% CI, 1.81–3.05) in patients with HM.

Conclusions

ZVIN immunogenicity was directionally consistent with clinical efficacy in auto-HSCT recipients and patients with STMc even though HZ protection and VZV immunity were not statistically correlated. Despite a lack of clinical efficacy in patients with HM, ZVIN immunogenicity was observed in this population. Immunological results did not predict vaccine efficacy in these 3 populations.

Clinical trial registration

NCT01229267, NCT01254630.