bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A two-dimensional CdO/CdS heterostructure used for visible light photocatalysis
Authors: Wang Guangzhao , Gong Linxi , Li Zongfeng , Wang Biao , Zhang Wanli , Yuan Binfang , Zhou Tingwei , Long Xiaojiang , Kuang Anlong
Published: April 2020

The type-II CdO/CdS heterostructure is a promising visible light water-splitting photocatalyst.
Ab initioinvestigation of quantum size effects on the adsorption of CO2, CO, H2O, and H2on transition-metal particles
Authors: Mendes Paulo C. D. , Ocampo-Restrepo Vivianne K. , Da Silva Juarez L. F.
Published: April 2020

Adsorption is a crucial preliminary step for the conversion of CO2, then the atomistic understanding of how substrate particle size affects this step could be a key factor to control the catalytic transformations of CO2into higher-value products.
Dissociative chemisorption of O2 on Agn and Agn−1Ir (n = 3–26) clusters: a first-principle study
Authors: Wang Chuangchuang , Yang Yongpeng , Liu Xiaojing , Li Yuanjie , Song Dandan , Tian Yun , Zhang Zhaojun , Shen Xiangjian
Published: April 2020

Lower dissociation barriers and higher reaction rates of O2 on doped Agn−1Ir clusters, and a gradually weakened dopant effect.
Induced magnetic field in sp-hybridized carbon rings: analysis of double aromaticity and antiaromaticity in cyclo[2N]carbon allotropes
Authors: Charistos Nickolas D. , Muñoz-Castro Alvaro
Published: April 2020

Two orthogonal sets of π orbitals induce concurrent (de)shielding cones demonstrating the double (anti)aromaticity of sp-hybridized carbon rings.
Synthesis of magnesium-based Janus micromotors capable of magnetic navigation and antibiotic drug incorporation
Authors: Paryab Amirhosein , Madaah Hosseini Hamid Reza , Abedini Fatemeh , Dabbagh Ali
Published: April 2020

Fe3O4 superparamagnetic nanoparticles were used in magnesium based Janus micromotors for the first time and the bactericidal activity of the micromotors reached nearly 100%.
Synchronously achieved surface Bi0 metallisation and incorporation of Bi3+/5+ ions into a W6+, N3− doped TiO2 lattice by the hydrothermal-reduction method: surface plasmonic resonance effect for efficient photocatalysis
Authors: Abraham Cisy , Gomathi Devi L.
Published: April 2020

Vectorial charge transfer mechanisms in a bicrystalline framework of Bi0 surface deposited Bi3+/5+, W6+ and N3− doped TiO2 under solar light irradiation.
Characteristics of crystalline sputtered LaFeO3 thin films as photoelectrochemical water splitting photocathodes
Authors: Son Min-Kyu , Seo Hyunwoong , Watanabe Motonori , Shiratani Masaharu , Ishihara Tatsumi
Published: April 2020

A transparent crystalline sputtered LaFeO3 photocathode with an early onset potential for stable photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Visible light-mediated ring-opening polymerization of lactones based on the excited state acidity of ESPT molecules
Authors: Zhang Xun , Hu Siping , Ma Qiang , Liao Saihu
Published: April 2020

A visible light-regulated ring-opening polymerization of lactones has been developed based on the excited state acidity of ESPT molecules.
Applying Virtual Reality to Audiovisual Speech Perception Tasks in Children
Authors: Salanger Maeve , Lewis Dawna , Vallier Timothy , McDermott Tessa , Dergan Andrew
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of using virtual reality (VR) technology in hearing research with children by comparing speech perception abilities in a typical laboratory environment and a simulated VR classroom environment.

Method

The study included 48 final participants (40 children and eight young adults). The study design utilized a speech perception task in conjunction with a localization demand in auditory-only (AO) and auditory–visual (AV) conditions. Tasks were completed in simulated classroom acoustics in both a typical laboratory environment and in a virtual classroom environment accessed using an Oculus Rift head-mounted display.

Results

Speech perception scores were higher for AV conditions over AO conditions across age groups. In addition, interaction effects of environment (i.e., laboratory environment and VR classroom environment) and visual accessibility (i.e., AV vs. AO) indicated that children's performance on the speech perception task in the VR classroom was more similar to their performance in the laboratory environment for AV tasks than it was for AO tasks. AO tasks showed improvement in speech perception scores from the laboratory to the VR classroom environment, whereas AV conditions showed little significant change.

Conclusion

These results suggest that VR head-mounted displays are a viable research tool in AV tasks for children, increasing flexibility for audiovisual testing in a typical laboratory environment.
Influence of migration models and thermal torque on planetary growth in the pebble accretion scenario
Authors: Baumann Thomas , Bitsch Bertram
Published: April 2020

Low-mass planets that are in the process of growing larger within protoplanetary disks exchange torques with the disk and change their semi-major axis accordingly. This process is called type I migration and is strongly dependent on the underlying disk structure. As a result, there are many uncertainties about planetary migration in general. In a number of simulations, the current type I migration rates lead to planets reaching the inner edge of the disk within the disk lifetime. A new kind of torque exchange between planet and disk, the thermal torque, aims to slow down inward migration via the heating torque. The heating torque may even cause planets to migrate outwards, if the planetary luminosity is large enough. Here, we study the influence on planetary migration of the thermal torque on top of previous type I models. We find that the formula of Paardekooper et al. (2011, MNRAS, 410, 293) allows for more outward migration than that of Jiménez & Masset (2017, MNRAS, 471, 4917) in most configurations, but we also find that planets evolve to very similar mass and final orbital radius using both formulae in a single planet-formation scenario, including pebble and gas accretion. Adding the thermal torque can introduce new, but small, regions of outwards migration if the accretion rates onto the planet correspond to typical solid accretion rates following the pebble accretion scenario. If the accretion rates onto the planets become very large, as could be the case in environments with large pebble fluxes (e.g., high-metallicity environments), the thermal torque can allow more efficient outward migration. However, even then, the changes for the final mass and orbital positions in our planet formation scenario are quite small. This implies that for single planet evolution scenarios, the influence of the heating torque is probably negligible.
Fragmentation analysis of 88Mo* compound nucleus in view of different decay mechanisms
Authors: Grover Neha , Thakur Bhaktima , Sharma Manoj K.
Published: April 2020

In reference to the experimental data, the decay mechanism of 88Mo* compound system formed in 48Ti+40Ca reaction is investigated at three beam energies (Ebeam = 300, 450, and 600 MeV) using the collective clusterization approach of Dynamical Cluster decay Model (DCM). The calculations are done for spherical choice of fragmentation and with the inclusion of quadrupole (β2) deformations having “optimum” orientations. According to the experimental evidence 88Mo* decays via Fusion-Evaporation (FE) and Fusion-Fission (FF) processes, thus the decay cross-sections of this hot and rotating compound system are calculated for both channels. In FF decay mode, the explicit contribution of Intermediate Mass Fragments (IMF), Heavy Mass Fragments (HMF) and fission fragments (symmetric/asymmetric) is detected within DCM framework. The calculated FE and FF decay cross-sections find nice agreement with the available experimental data. Experimentally, it has been observed that the total contribution of FE and FF decay cross-sections is less than the total reaction cross-sections possibly due to the presence of some nCN component such as deep inelastic collisions (DIC), which generally contributes above critical angular momentum (ℓcr). The possibility of DIC contribution can be addressed as a future assignment in view of diminishing pocket of interaction potential above ℓcr.
Structure of superheavy hydrogen 7H
Authors: Caamaño M. , Roger T. , Moro A. M. , Grinyer G. F. , Pancin J. , Bagchi S. , Sambi S. , Gibelin J. , Itagaki N. , Fernández–Domínguez B. , Benlliure J. , Cortina-Gil D. , Farget F. , Jacquot B. , Pérez Loureiro D. , Pietras B. , Raabe R. , Ramos D. , Rodríguez–Tajes C. , Savajols H. , Vandebrouck M.
Published: April 2020

The properties of nuclei with extreme neutron–to–proton ratios reveal the limitations of state-ofthe-art nuclear models and are key to understand nuclear forces. 7H, with six neutrons and a single proton, is the nuclear system with the most unbalanced neutron–to–proton ratio ever known, but its sheer existence and properties are still a challenge for experimental efforts and theoretical models. We report here the first measurement of the basic characteristics and structure of the ground state of 7H; they depict a system with a triton core surrounded by an extended four-neutron halo, built by neutron pairing, that decays through a unique four–neutron emission with a relatively long half-life. These properties are a prime example of new phenomena occurring in almost pure-neutron nuclear matter, beyond the binding limits of the nuclear landscape, that are yet to be described within our current models.
Influence of Respiratory Muscle Training on Patients’
Recovery after Lung Resection
Authors: Kendall Filipa , Silva Gustavo , Almeida João , Eusébio Ermelinda , Pinho Paulo , Oliveira Jose , Bastos Pedro Teixeira
Published: April 2020

This prospective experimental study aimed to compare effects of 3 different
home-based postoperative respiratory muscle training protocols –
inspiratory, expiratory and combined, in the patients’ postoperative
recovery, regarding safety and respiratory muscle function, pulmonary function,
physical fitness, physical activity (PA), dyspnoea and quality of life (QoL).
Patients were divided in four groups Usual Care (UCare), inspiratory (IMT),
expiratory (EMT) or combined muscle training (CombT) according to group
allocation. Significant treatment*time interactions were found for
maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) (p=0.014), sedentary PA (SEDPA)
(p=0.003), light PA (LIGPA) (p=0.045) and total PA
(p=0.035). Improvements were observed for MIP in CombT
(p=0.001), IMT (p=0.001), EMT (p=0.050). SEDPA reduced
in EMT (p=0.001) and IMT (p=0.006), while LIGPA increased in
both groups (p=0.001), as well as Total PA (p=0.005 and
p=0.001, respectively). In UCare, CombT, and EMT, QoL improved only for
Usual Activities. In conclusion, the addition of respiratory muscle training to
physiotherapy usual care is safe and effective to increase MIP and contribute to
improve physical activity. The CombT showed greater improvement on MIP, while
IMT compared to EMT, was more effective to improve physical activity.
Effects of Metformin and Sitagliptin Monotherapy on Expression of
Intestinal and Renal Sweet Taste Receptors and Glucose Transporters in a Rat
Model of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zhang Minchun , Feng Rilu , Yue Jiang , Qian Cheng , Yang Mei , Liu Wei , Rayner Christopher K. , Ma Jing
Published: April 2020

Disordered intestinal sweet taste receptors (STRs) are implicated in glucose
homeostasis by involving in incretin secretion and glucose absorption. However,
the effects of antidiabetic medications on STRs, downstream molecules, and
glucose transporters expression are unknown. In our study, ZDF rats
(n=24) were randomly treated by metformin (MET,
215.15 mg/kg), sitagliptin (SIT, 10.76 mg/kg),
or saline for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose and insulin levels were measured,
and HOMA-IR and QUICKI index were calculated. One week later, we detected
relative mRNA expression of T1R2/T1R3, α-gustducin, TRPM5 and
glucose transporters including SGLT1, SGLT2, and GLUT2 in the small intestine
and kidney. We found that though both metformin and sitagliptin effectively
decreased fasting blood glucose, only metformin improved HOMA-IR and QUICKI
(p<0.05). MRNA levels of STRs and sweet taste molecules in duodenum and
jejunum were not different among three groups, but those in ileum were
dramatically upregulated after SIT (vs. MET p<0.05; vs. CON
p<0.01). SGLT1 and GLUT2 in ileum were markedly increased after SIT
(p<0.01). In the kidney, expression of SGLT2 and GLUT2 were
downregulated in both SIT and MET group (p<0.05). In conclusion,
metformin and sitagliptin exerted different effects on expression of STRs and
glucose transporters in the gut and kidney. STRs, downstream molecules, and
glucose transporters in distal small intestinal were sensitively increased in
response to sitagliptin than metformin treatment. Renal glucose transporters
were downregulated after metformin and sitagliptin treatment.
α-Chymotrypsin-Induced Acetalization of Aldehydes and Ketones with Alcohols
Authors: Le Zhanggao , Xie Zongbo , Lan Jin , Jiang Guofang , Yang Jiangnan , Zhu Haibo
Published: April 2020

This is the first report of a simple and general method for acetalization­ of aldehydes via an α-chymotrypsin-induced reaction under mild conditions. A broad range of aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes have been acetalized under neutral conditions in good yields using a catalytic amount of chymotrypsin.
First Zinc Bromide Promoted Annulative Domino Reactions between Enamines and Cyclic Morita–Baylis–Hillman Alcohols: Synthesis of N,O-Ketals
Authors: Rezgui Farhat , Bouhalleb Ghalia , Meddeb Ahmed , Bourguiba Noura Fakhar , Legros Julien , Poli Giovanni
Published: April 2020

A new efficient ZnBr2-mediated annulative domino reaction between enamines and cyclic Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) alcohols is disclosed. The process involves a tandem sequence (intermolecular conjugate addition of enamines to MBH alcohols and intramolecular nucleophilic addition of the hydroxyl moiety to the transiently generated iminium ion), affording the corresponding N,O-ketals diastereoselectively in good yields.
Effect of low intensity static magnetic field on purified water in stationary condition: Ultraviolet absorbance and contact angle experimental studies
Authors: Dueñas J. A. , Weiland C. , Núñez M. A. , Ruiz-Rodriguez F. J.
Published: April 2020

This work focused its attention on the effect of a low intensity static magnetic field on purified water: more specifically, on how the ultraviolet absorbance and the surface tension of the water may be affected. It has been found that pure water, exposed to a magnetic field for periods of time, does not absorb the ultraviolet radiation in an asymptotic way but shows a local maximum at 15 min. It is also shown that the contact angle of droplets on paraffin can be reduced by up to 5° by exposing the water to a 10 mT static magnetic field.
Direct approach to determine the size setting error and size resolution of an optical particle counter
Authors: Geisler Mathias , Dirscherl Kai
Published: April 2020

In cleanroom environments, light scattering airborne particle counters are typically employed to monitor particle contamination of production lines and for general classification purposes. In addition to the amount of airborne particles, these instruments also measure the size of each registered particle. This is essential for quality assurance, as different particle sizes have various associated risks connected. Critical parameters for particle sizing are therefore an instrument’s size resolution and size setting, and these need regular calibration. The ISO standard 21501-4:2018 describes a calibration method, yet this method requires detailed technical insider knowledge. In this paper, we present an alternative method that allows direct in-use calibration of a particle counter without the need for information, which is typically only available to the instrument manufacturer. In a direct comparison, both methods perform in compliance with the requirements in ISO 21501-4:2018, although our direct approach generally yields lower uncertainties. In addition, our calibration method provides results that are closely related to the instrument’s properties during its application, contrary to the ISO method’s indirect calibration procedure that requires voltage readouts from internal terminals.
Emergent ferromagnetism with tunable perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in short-periodic SrIrO3/SrRuO3 superlattices
Authors: Zeng Zeting , Feng Jiatai , Zheng Xuan , Wang Cuihong , Liu Jingwu , Lu Zengxing , Jiang Feng-Xian , Xu Xiao-Hong , Wang Zhiming , Li Run-Wei
Published: April 2020

Interface engineering is a promising method to trigger emergent magnetic order in oxide heterostructures. Here, we report on the electrical and magnetic properties of short-periodic superlattices (SLs) (SrIrO3)n/(SrRuO3)n (n = 1–5) epitaxially grown on the (001)-oriented SrTiO3 substrate. Intriguingly, (SrIrO3)n/(SrRuO3)n superlattices show itinerant ferromagnetism with recovered Curie temperature and magnetic moment in spite of both individual components being antiferromagnetic insulators in ultrathin films (n ⩽ 3). Moreover, perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) is observed and can be tuned by the layer thickness n in the superlattices. Enhanced PMA as high as 1.6×106 erg/cm3 is obtained in the n = 1 superlattice, which is considerably higher compared to that in n = 4 and 5 SLs. Our systematic thickness-dependent studies reveal that the (SrIrO3)/(SrRuO3) interface plays a crucial role in both electrical and magnetic properties. These results indicate n as a knob to tune the PMA of superlattices, paving a way to design functional materials in transition metal oxides.
An OpenFOAM solver for multiphase and turbulent flow
Authors: Nguyen Viet-Bac , Do Quoc-Vu , Pham Van-Sang
Published: April 2020

In this work, an OpenFOAM-integrated numerical solver is developed using the Immersed Boundary Method (IBM) to model incompressible multiphase and turbulent flow over a solid obstacle. The solver combines the pressure implicit split operator algorithm with the k–ω shear stress transport (k–ω SST) model for the velocity–pressure coupling in Navier–Stokes equations and resolving turbulent flow near the obstacle surface. To improve the performance of the solver, an adaptive mesh refinement scheme is developed for efficient mesh using the IBM. The problem of penetration of multiphase flow through the immersed boundary is considered and resolved with a method of modifying the forcing term at solid cells. The solver has been validated via benchmark problems and applied in the simulation of complicated fluid flow problems.
Thermally annealed wafer-scale h-BN films grown on sapphire substrate by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Liu F. , Rong X. , Yu Y. , Wang T. , Sheng B. W. , Wei J. Q. , Liu S. F. , Yang J. J. , Bertram F. , Xu F. J. , Yang X. L. , Zhang Z. H. , Qin Z. X. , Zhang Y. T. , Shen B. , Wang X. Q.
Published: April 2020

The effect of high temperature annealing (HTA) on crystalline quality improvement of h-BN films grown on sapphire substrates has been investigated. It is found that BN grown using conventional molecular beam epitaxy is disordered due to the growth temperature below 1000 °C. By annealing at a temperature of 1700 °C, thermodynamically stable crystalline h-BN could be obtained at wafer scale, where diffusion of atoms in the as-grown BN film is enhanced and the structural defect density decreases. The crystalline h-BN has been confirmed by x-ray diffraction, Raman scattering, and atomic force microscopy measurements. This work demonstrates that HTA is a simple and effective way to achieve wafer-scale crystalline h-BN films, which have numerous potential applications in next-generation two-dimensional devices and flexible III-nitride optoelectronic devices.
Systems for accumulation, storage and release of hydrogen
Authors: Kustov Leonid M. , Kalenchuk Alexander N. , Bogdan Viktor I.
Published: April 2020

The results of studies on the hydrogen accumulation, storage and release systems differing in the type of hydrogen interaction with the material (medium) used for hydrogen storage are analyzed. Published data on the use of polycyclic hydrocarbons as the basis for hydrogen storage in a chemically bound state are summarized. Substrate-structure-dependent differences between the mechanisms of heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation reactions of mono- and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with hydrogen storage capacity > 7 mass% and dehydrogenation of corresponding polycyclic naphthenes are discussed.

The bibliography includes 188 references.
Presupposed evaluation in environmental argumentative discourse
Authors: Pounds Gabrina
Published: April 2020

Expressions of evaluation in discourse have been studied from a number of different perspectives, all highlighting the fact that evaluation may be expressed cumulatively, through a combination of different linguistic means, and pragmatically, at various levels of implicitness, which often defy precise categorization. This paper argues that, in argumentative discourse, the pragmatics of evaluation includes not only implied but alsopresupposedaspects. A case study centred on the environmental debate over the contested practice of fracking is used to identify theevaluative premisesthat lie behind the mainstancesorclaimson the issue, as expressed by different stakeholders. It is argued that this wider approach to the analysis of evaluation may be particularly suited to uncover the evaluative premises that lie at the core of different and often contradictory environmental positions and policies.
I, Trump
Authors: Reyes Antonio
Published: April 2020

This paper contextualizes Donald Trump’s political “Message” (Lempert and
Silverstein 2012) within the current anti-intellectualism phenomenon in the Post-Truth era. Trump’s Presidential
Announcement Speech marks the beginning of the Trump era, as it introduces critical traits of his persona, message and political
agenda to the general audience. From a Discourse Analysis approach, this paper considers Aristotelian modes of persuasion and the
multimodal concept of “Message” (ibid.), to contribute to the literature on Trump’s political communication by focusing on the
cult of personality and self-representation (i.e. non-politician, overachieving businessman, great leader). Trump built his
candidacy and presidency around his persona, distancing himself from the Republican Party and traditional politicians. These
strategies allowed Trump to evoke an Ethos capable of saving America. His personal fight against every enemy and threat
encapsulates a simple and ingenuous dichotomy “I vs. them” with the populist intention of completing a hyperbolic task: Make
America great again.
Arbitrariness, motivation and idioms
Authors: Bauer Laurie
Published: April 2020

This paper considers the interplay between arbitrariness and the widely-accepted ideals of one form, one meaning and compositionality. They are shown to operate in different domains, and to clash where there is idiomaticity. Idioms provide familiar forms which are not semantically relevant to the context. In effect, this creates homonymy, which goes against any trend towards pairing one form with one meaning. The conflict can be seen as tension between two more fundamental principles. Lack of motivation is considered in an Appendix on word-manufacture, where it is shown how slippery the notion of motivation can be.
From war to wealth? Land policies and the peace economy in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Grajales Jacobo
Published: April 2020

This article studies the production of economic domination after the end of the Ivorian armed conflict. It investigates the interaction between post-conflict development policies, people's expectations and fears unleashed by the end of war, and the capacity of local actors to establish external alliances. The inquiry focuses on a region located at the margins of the conflict, but at the core of post-war development schemes. In this warless land, policies implemented in the name of peace provide resources for dominant actors seeking to consolidate their position, thus reinforcing the social structures of agrarian capitalism that had been challenged during the war.
Vibrationally resolved NO dissociative excitation cross sections by electron impact
Authors: Laporta V , Tennyson J , Schneider I F
Published: April 2020

A theoretical investigation of the dissociative excitation by electron impact on the NO molecule is presented, aiming to make up for the lack of data for this process in the literature. A full set of vibrationally-resolved cross sections and corresponding rate coefficients are calculated using the local-complex-potential approach and five resonant states of NO−.
EnrichrBot: Twitter bot tracking tweets about human genes
Authors: Bartal Alon , Lachmann Alexander , Clarke Daniel J B , Seiden Allison H , Jagodnik Kathleen M , Ma’ayan Avi
Published: April 2020

Motivation

Micro-blogging with Twitter to communicate new results, discuss ideas and share techniques is becoming central. While most Twitter users are real people, the Twitter API provides the opportunity to develop Twitter bots and to analyze global trends in tweets.

Results

EnrichrBot is a bot that tracks and tweets information about human genes implementing six principal functions: (i) tweeting information about under-studied genes including non-coding lncRNAs, (ii) replying to requests for information about genes, (iii) responding to GWASbot, another bot that tweets Manhattan plots from genome-wide association study analysis of the UK Biobank, (iv) tweeting randomly selected gene sets from the Enrichr database for analysis with Enrichr, (v) responding to mentions of human genes in tweets with additional information about these genes and (vi) tweeting a weekly report about the most trending genes on Twitter.

Availability and implementation

https://twitter.com/botenrichr; source code: https://github.com/MaayanLab/EnrichrBot.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Metronidazole-associated Neurologic Events: A Nested Case-control Study
Authors: Daneman Nick , Cheng Yi , Gomes Tara , Guan Jun , Mamdani Muhammad M , Saxena Farah E , Juurlink David N
Published: April 2020

Background

Case reports have described instances of peripheral and central nervous system toxicity during treatment with metronidazole; however, no large-scale studies have examined this association.

Methods

We conducted a population-based nested case-control study of adults aged 66 years or older living in Ontario, Canada, between 1 April 2003 and 31 March 2017. Cases were individuals who attended hospital for any of cerebellar dysfunction, encephalopathy, or peripheral neuropathy within 100 days of a prescription for either metronidazole or clindamycin. We matched each case patient with up to 10 event-free control subjects who also received metronidazole or clindamycin. We used conditional logistic regression to test the association between metronidazole exposure and neurologic events, with clindamycin as the reference exposure.

Results

We identified 1212 cases with recent use of either metronidazole or clindamycin and 12 098 controls. Neurologic adverse events were associated with an increased odds of metronidazole exposure compared to clindamycin (odds ratio [OR], 1.72 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.53–1.94]), which persisted after accounting for patient demographics, comorbidities, and other medication exposures (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.43 [95% CI, 1.26–1.63]). We found a consistent association limited to either central (aOR, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.27–1.68]) or peripheral (aOR, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.02–1.76]) nervous system events. Among metronidazole recipients, the overall incidence of neurologic events at 100 days was approximately 0.25%.

Conclusions

Metronidazole is associated with an increased risk of adverse peripheral and central nervous system events relative to clindamycin. Clinicians and patients should be aware of these rare but potentially serious adverse events.
Neoadjuvant Phase II Trial of Chemoradiotherapy in Patients With Resectable and Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Thanikachalam Kannan , Damarla Vijay , Seixas Trevor , Dobrosotskaya Irina , Wollner Ira , Kwon David , Winters Kenneth , Raoufi Mohammad , Li Jia , Siddiqui Farzan , Khan Gazala
Published: April 2020

Background:

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a largely incurable cancer. Surgical resection remains the only potential option for cure. Even in surgically resectable patients, only about 10% to 20% are long-term survivors. Emerging data suggest a role for neoadjuvant therapy to target occult micrometastatic disease.

Aim:

To report our institutional experience with a novel neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) regimen in resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

Materials and Methods:

Patients were treated with 2 cycles of induction chemotherapy with FOLFOX and then received CRT with gemcitabine and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

Results:

From April 2014 to June 2017, 24 patients were enrolled. Eighteen patients were borderline resectable and 6 patients were resectable. All patients received induction chemotherapy with FOLFOX. Thirteen patients underwent pancreatectomy after CRT with a resection rate of 62%. R0 resection achieved in 11 patients (84.6%) and 2 patients had R1 resection (15.4%). For patients who underwent resection, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 31 months, 1-year PFS rate was 69.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48-0.99), and 2-year PFS rate was 51.9% (95% CI, 0.3-0.89). Median overall survival (OS) was 34.8 months (95% CI, 1.045 to infinity), 1-year OS rate was 91.7% (95% CI, 0.77-1.0), and 2-year OS rate was 75% (95% CI, 0.54-1.0). Median CA 19-9 at screening for patients who underwent surgery was 659 (range, 18 to 2154), which decreased to 146.9 (range, 18 to 462) after CRT before resection.

Conclusion:

Neoadjuvant therapy for borderline resectable and resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with CRT facilitated R0 resection in 84% patients who underwent surgery.
A New Anatomy Finding of Levator Aponeurosis and Müller Muscle at Pretarsal Plate in Asian Males
Authors: Zhang Minchen , Wu Jun , Chen Lulu , Ren Zijian , Gao Weicheng
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

To examine the fine anatomic structures between levator aponeurosis and Müller muscle in front of the tarsus.

Materials and Methods:

Postmortem specimens of 6 Chinese males (5 elderly men, aging from 68 to 86 years; 1 child, 10 years old) were used. A 3-μm thickness sagittal section of the central part of the upper eyelid was prepared, and the samples were examined microscopically by using hematoxylin–eosin, Masson trichrome, and anti-smooth muscle actin antibodies staining.

Results:

There are 2 new findings in this study, one is the posterior layer of the levator aponeurosis and the other is the extensions of Müller muscle. The posterior levator aponeurosis had different insertion patterns that approximately paralleled the extension line of the levator aponeurosis at the confluence of attachment site of the orbital septum on the levator superioris. Below the confluence, it took the form of a layered insertion, and then extended to the orbicularis oculi muscle and subcutaneous tissue rather than inserting directly into tarsus. The Müller muscle was a multilayered structure at the upper border of tarsus. The superior Müller muscle extended above the peripheral arcade, and the inferior Müller muscle tendon was attached to the surface of tarsus with an Umbrella-shaped fiber.

Conclusions:

The authors discovered that the levator aponeurosis had different insertion patterns of the posterior layers. The Müller muscle gave branches at the peripheral arcade: the anterior one crossed the peripheral arcade and extended to the tarsus, and the posterior one attached and extended to the tarsus.
Report From the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) Consultation Conference on Molecular Pathology of Urogenital Cancers
Authors: Williamson Sean R. , Gill Anthony J. , Argani Pedram , Chen Ying-Bei , Egevad Lars , Kristiansen Glen , Grignon David J. , Hes Ondrej
Published: April 2020

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) subtypes are increasingly being discerned via their molecular underpinnings. Frequently this can be correlated to histologic and immunohistochemical surrogates, such that only simple targeted molecular assays, or none at all, are needed for diagnostic confirmation. In clear cell RCC, VHL mutation and 3p loss are well known; however, other genes with emerging important roles include SETD2, BAP1, and PBRM1, among others. Papillary RCC type 2 is now known to include likely several different molecular entities, such as fumarate hydratase (FH) deficient RCC. In MIT family translocation RCC, an increasing number of gene fusions are now described. Some TFE3 fusion partners, such as NONO, GRIPAP1, RBMX, and RBM10 may show a deceptive fluorescence in situ hybridization result due to the proximity of the genes on the same chromosome. FH and succinate dehydrogenase deficient RCC have implications for patient counseling due to heritable syndromes and the aggressiveness of FH-deficient RCC. Immunohistochemistry is increasingly available and helpful for recognizing both. Emerging tumor types with strong evidence for distinct diagnostic entities include eosinophilic solid and cystic RCC and TFEB/VEGFA/6p21 amplified RCC. Other emerging entities that are less clearly understood include TCEB1 mutated RCC, RCC with ALK rearrangement, renal neoplasms with mutations of TSC2 or MTOR, and RCC with fibromuscular stroma. In metastatic RCC, the role of molecular studies is not entirely defined at present, although there may be an increasing role for genomic analysis related to specific therapy pathways, such as for tyrosine kinase or MTOR inhibitors.
18FDG PET/CT in Primary Cutaneous Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Leg Type
Authors: Dejust Sébastien , Morland David , Durot Eric , Grange Florent , Papathanassiou Dimitri
Published: April 2020

An 86-year-old woman was referred for a rare but aggressive subtype of primary cutaneous lymphoma of the right lower limb: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma leg type. Initial evaluation by whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT showed intense hypermetabolic activity of multiple cutaneous and subcutaneous nodules of the distal third of the right leg. Follow-up evaluations by 18F-FDG PET/CT showed complete response after 4 and 8 cycles of appropriate rituximab combination with polychemotherapy. Although no specific recommendations are available, our case stresses the major role of 18F-FDG PET/CT for initial extension and treatment response evaluation in clinical practice of primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma leg type.
Mindfulness related changes in grey matter: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Pernet Cyril R. , Belov Nikolai , Delorme Arnaud , Zammit Alison
Published: April 2020

Knowing target regions undergoing structural changes caused by behavioural interventions is paramount in evaluating the effectiveness of such practices. Here, using a systematic review approach, we identified 25 peer-reviewed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies demonstrating grey matter changes related to mindfulness meditation. An activation likelihood estimation (ALE) analysis (n=16) revealed the right anterior ventral insula as the only significant region with consistent effect across studies, whilst an additional functional connectivity analysis indicates that both left and right insulae, and the anterior cingulate gyrus with adjacent paracingulate gyri should also be considered in future studies. Statistical meta-analyses suggest medium to strong effect sizes from Cohen’s d ∼0.8 in the right insula to ∼1 using maxima across the whole brain. The systematic review revealed design issues with selection, information, attrition and confirmation biases, in addition to weak statistical power. In conclusion, our analyses show that mindfulness meditation practice does induce grey matter changes but also that improvements in methodology are needed to establish mindfulness as a therapeutic intervention.
Early-life exposure to perfluorinated alkyl substances modulates lipid metabolism in progression to celiac disease
Authors: Sinisalu Lisanna , Sen Partho , Salihović Samira , Virtanen Suvi M. , Hyöty Heikki , Ilonen Jorma , Toppari Jorma , Veijola Riitta , Orešič Matej , Knip Mikael , Hyötyläinen Tuulia
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVES

Celiac disease (CD) is a systemic immune-mediated disorder with increased frequency in the developed countries over the last decades implicating the potential causal role of various environmental triggers in addition to gluten. Herein, we apply determination of perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) and combine the results with the determination of bile acids (BAs) and molecular lipids, with the aim to elucidate the impact of prenatal exposure on risk of progression to CD in a prospective series of children prior the first exposure to gluten (at birth and at 3 months of age).

METHODS

We analyzed PFAS, BAs and lipidomic profiles in 76 plasma samples at birth and at 3 months of age in the Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention (DIPP) study (n=17 progressors to CD, n=16 healthy controls, HCs).

RESULTS

Plasma PFAS levels showed a significant inverse association with the age of CD diagnosis in infants who later progressed to the disease. Associations between BAs and triacylglycerols (TGs) showed different patterns already at birth in CD progressors, indicative of different absorption of lipids in these infants.

DISCUSSION

PFAS exposure may modulate lipid and BA metabolism, and the impact is different in the infants who develop CD later in life, in comparison to HCs. The results indicate more efficient uptake of PFAS in such infants. Higher PFAS exposure during prenatal and early life may accelerate the progression to CD in the genetically predisposed children.

Study Highlights

WHAT IS KNOWN

Several observational studies have implicated a role of early life environmental triggers other than gluten in the development of CD. This is supported by the findings showing dysregulation of lipids already prior to the first introduction of gluten.

WHAT IS NEW HERE

We show that prenatal exposure to perfluorinated compounds is associated with changes in the lipid metabolism, most likely through the bile acids, and that a high exposure during prenatal and early life may accelerate the progression to CD in the genetically predisposed children.

TRANSLATIONAL IMPACT

Exposure to environmental chemicals may impact the rate of progression to CD and should be assessed as a potential risk factor of CD in larger clinical cohort settings.
Anxiety, worry and perceived stress in the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, March 2020. Preliminary results
Authors: Gamonal Limcaoco Rosario Sinta , Mateos Enrique Montero , Fernández Juan Matías , Roncero Carlos
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Since the beginning of the outbreak in China, ending 2019, the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread subsequently to the rest of the world causing an on-going pandemic. The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 “a public health emergency of international concern.” Taking into consideration the lockdown and quarantine situation, a research team of doctors from the Hospital of Salamanca, decided to do an evaluation of the current emotional state on the general population with a web-based survey in English and in Spanish, which was considered a useful and fast method that could help us determine how people perceived stress and worry due to the COVID-19.

Methods

The survey included a 22 items, gathering information in 3 sections: Sociodemographic data, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) by Cohen and additional queries that assessed the current worry and change of behaviours due to this pandemic.

Results

The survey received 1091 respondents from 41 countries, from March 17 to the 1st of April, 2020. The mean age of the respondents was 43.1 (14.2) years old, and more than two thirds were women. 21.1% were health personnel. The mean of the PSS-10 score was 17.4 (6.4). Significantly higher scores were observed among women, youth, students, and among those who expressed concern and those who perceived increased susceptibility to the COVID-19. In contrast, no significant differences were observed between the health professionals and the general population. A weak correlation was observed between mean relative volume RSV of the last 28 days and the number of cases reported (rho = 0.31, p <0.001) and deaths (rho = 0.28, p <0.001).

Discussion

With these results the researchers describe an increase of affective symptoms due to the COVID-19. This pandemic is raising the anxiety levels. The findings of the study show the affective and cognitive alterations people are going through. This survey is the first attempt to measure the psychological consequences this pandemic is having, in order to be able to provide the support to confront this global issue, addressing the mental health care that will be needed.
Big fish in small tanks:Stunting in the Deccan Mahseer,Tor khudree(Sykes 1849)
Authors: Varma Vishwanath , Raghavan Rajeev , Binoy V. V.
Published: April 2020

The diminished growth and stunting of the Deccan mahseer,Tor khudree(Sykes 1849), a mega-fish, endemic to peninsular India is recorded for the first time under high-density laboratory conditions, and its implications for conservation and aquaculture discussed.
DNA Thermo-Protection Facilitates Whole Genome Sequencing of Mycobacteria Direct from Clinical Samples by the Nanopore Platform
Authors: George Sophie , Xu Yifei , Rodger Gillian , Morgan Marcus , Sanderson Nicholas D. , Hoosdally Sarah J. , Thulborn Samantha , Robinson Esther , Rathod Priti , Walker A. Sarah , Peto Timothy E. A. , Crook Derrick W. , Dingle Kate E.
Published: April 2020

Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) is the leading cause of death from bacterial infection. Improved rapid diagnosis and antimicrobial resistance determination, such as by whole genome sequencing, are required. Our aim was to develop a simple, low-cost method of preparing DNA for Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing direct from MTB positive clinical samples (without culture). Simultaneous sputum liquefaction, bacteria heat-inactivation (99°C/30min) and enrichment for Mycobacteria DNA was achieved using an equal volume of thermo-protection buffer (4M KCl, 0.05M HEPES buffer pH7.5, 0.1% DTT). The buffer emulated intracellular conditions found in hyperthermophiles, thus protecting DNA from rapid thermo-degradation, which renders it a poor template for sequencing. Initial validation employed Mycobacteria DNA (extracted or intracellular). Next, mock clinical samples (infection-negative human sputum spiked 0-105BCG cells/ml) underwent liquefaction in thermo-protection buffer and heat-inactivation. DNA was extracted and sequenced. Human DNA degraded faster than Mycobacteria DNA, resulting in target enrichment. Four replicate experiments each demonstrated detection at 101BCG cells/ml, with 31-59 MTB complex reads. Maximal genome coverage (>97% at 5x-depth) was achieved at 104BCG cells/ml; >91% coverage (1x depth) at 103BCG cells/ml. Final validation employed MTB positive clinical samples (n=20), revealed initial sample volumes ≥1ml typically yielded higher mean depth of MTB genome coverage, the overall range 0.55-81.02. A mean depth of 3 gave >96% one-fold TB genome coverage (in 15/20 clinical samples). A mean depth of 15 achieved >99% five-fold genome coverage (in 9/20 clinical samples). In summary, direct-from-sample sequencing of MTB genomes was facilitated by a low cost thermo-protection buffer.
Clustering of desmosomal cadherins by desmoplakin is essential for cell-cell adhesion
Authors: Wanuske Marie-Therès , Brantschen Dominique , Schinner Camilla , Stüdle Chiara , Walter Elias , Hiermaier Matthias , Vielmuth Franziska , Waschke Jens , Spindler Volker
Published: April 2020

Desmoplakin (Dp) localizes to desmosomes, linking clusters of desmosomal adhesion molecules to the intermediate filament cytoskeleton. Here, we generated Dp knockout (ko) cell lines of human keratinocytes to study the impact on desmosomal adhesion molecules and desmosome turnover using atomic force microscopy and superresolution imaging. In comparison to ko of another desmosomal component, plakoglobin (Pg), loss of Dp resulted in absence of desmosomes and drastically impaired cell cohesion. In Dp ko, the desmosomal adhesion molecules desmoglein 2 (Dsg2) and desmocollin 3 (Dsc3) were redistributed into small clusters in the cell membrane with no further increase in loss of intercellular adhesion by silencing of Dsg2. This suggests that extradesmosomal cadherins do not significantly contribute to cell cohesion but rather localization within desmosomes is required. Our data outline a crucial role of Dp for both desmosomal molecule clustering and mature desmosome formation and provide novel insights into the regulation of intercellular adhesion.
Industrial cryo-EM facility setup and management
Authors: Sader Kasim , Matadeen Rishi , Castro Hartmann Pablo , Halsan Tor , Schlichten Chris
Published: April 2020

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has rapidly expanded with the introduction of direct electron detectors, improved image-processing software and automated image acquisition. Its recent adoption by industry, particularly in structure-based drug design, creates new requirements in terms of reliability, reproducibility and throughput. In 2016, Thermo Fisher Scientific (then FEI) partnered with the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, the University of Cambridge Nanoscience Centre and five pharmaceutical companies [Astex Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, GSK, Sosei Heptares and Union Chimique Belge (UCB)] to form the Cambridge Pharmaceutical Cryo-EM Consortium to share the risks of exploring cryo-EM for early-stage drug discovery. The Consortium expanded with a second Themo Scientific Krios Cryo-EM at the University of Cambridge Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy. Several Consortium members have set up in-house facilities, and a full service cryo-EM facility with Krios and Glacios has been created with the Electron Bio-Imaging Centre for Industry (eBIC for Industry) at Diamond Light Source (DLS), UK. This paper will cover the lessons learned during the setting up of these facilities, including two Consortium Krios microscopes and preparation laboratories, several Glacios microscopes at Consortium member sites, and a Krios and Glacios at eBIC for Industry, regarding site evaluation and selection for high-resolution cryo-EM microscopes, the installation process, scheduling, the operation and maintenance of the microscopes and preparation laboratories, and image processing.
Understanding customer loyalty in the coffee shop industry (A survey in Jakarta, Indonesia)
Authors: Dhisasmito Prameswari Purnamadewi , Kumar Suresh
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the drivers of loyalty model in the coffee shop industry in Indonesia based on service quality, store atmosphere and price fairness mediated by customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample size used for this study was 384 customers from 16 most comfortable coffee shops in Jakarta based on Nibble's survey. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to confirm the attributes of each factor and to assess the validity and reliability, average variance extracted and composite reliability was applied. Further hypothesis testing was performed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The result shows that customer loyalty is affected by service quality – comprising 5 subdimensions: tangible, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy – and price fairness mediated by customer satisfaction. It was found that service quality plays a significant role in the coffee shop industry in Indonesia. However, the store atmosphere was found rejected.

Originality/value

This is the first study integrating service quality, store atmosphere, price fairness and customer satisfaction to study the customer loyalty model in the coffee shop industry in Jakarta.